Zebu, already prepared to die, stared wide-eyed at the figure before her.
That familiar figure.
Zebu was not the only one stunned. Chiyo and the others, who had been about to join her in resisting the monsters, froze where they stood as well.
Several large ships had quietly come to a stop beside Zebu.
Apart from Chiyo, Kitsune Saiguu, and Baal, everyone aboard belonged to the Tenryou Commission.
Every one of them wore armor and held a spear, their eyes filled with the resolve to face death without fear.
They shared Zebu's determination. Even if they had to sacrifice everything, they would protect Narukami Island.
It was their home!
They would not let these monsters trample it at will!
Yet no one had expected Xiu Yuan to appear before them at the most critical moment.
Everyone stared in shock at his tall figure.
They had never imagined that Xiu Yuan would appear before them again.
Of them all, Baal was the most astonished.
Her eyes widened in disbelief, as though she could not accept what was happening before her.
"Sasa... yuri...?" Zebu asked, her voice trembling.
"Sorry I came back so late."
Xiu Yuan turned and gave them a faint smile.
But the sight that greeted them made everyone shudder. Their pupils contracted sharply, and they stood rooted to the spot.
Blood streamed down Xiu Yuan's body. His clothes were in tatters, and wounds of every size covered his unyielding frame.
There were dozens of blade wounds alone, along with several thumb-sized holes that were still bleeding.
There were burns and injuries from heavy blows as well.
Almost no part of his body remained unscathed.
Even his face bore numerous blade wounds.
The horrifying sight filled everyone with dread. They could not begin to imagine what he had endured.
Yet