The Union of their Wills (VI)

"Asriel! I heal you now!"

Maria materialized her necklace and began to treat my wounds. This calmness and warmth, it's a nostalgic feeling.

I see, finishing off Rowen removed the rules that acted as a force field preventing us from using our Spiritist powers.

Seriously, how many Objects did that old man have, and how was he able to keep his sanity after using so many at once? Questions that unfortunately will never be answered.

I finally managed to get my katana back inside me. So much wasted determination to power up my techniques has me tired, plus too many fights in a row without rest.

"Thanks... huh?"

From the stands I saw a silhouette sitting watching. It was Corneria's next opponent, the same guy I observed in when I first came to this city who didn't say a word. This one stood up turning around and disappearing from my sight. I had forgotten he was still here, he didn't even have any intention of helping us. But we were trapped in this place with Rowen, why didn't he help us in this fight?

"What's going on Asriel?"

"That guy, the one I met when we arrived-"

At that instant a heartbreaking sound was heard in the distance.

"Huh?"

"What was that?"

Followed, as if echoing another similar noise resounded from another direction in the distance. No, it's not echoing, it's multiple sources replicating it.

"Sounds like grunts from those beasts"

"Not only that, footsteps are also heard approaching"

It can't be. Is it because that barrier was also keeping those monsters at bay, and now that it's gone, they're taking advantage of it to enter?

"Oh no, the invaders are coming!"

"Damn, they couldn't wait for a better time"

I slowly got to my feet as best I could with Maria's help.

"Asriel! You're too wounded to keep fighting!"

"I know, but we still have to do it!"

"No! You have to rest!"

"I'm sorry, but you know that I'm right, don't you?"

She was silent. Not only are my injuries making me tired, but my eyesight and mind are blurred. Is this a consequence of overuse of determination? After all, it's not as simple as Corneria said.

At least I'll be able to summon my glove this time and expend my spiritual energy instead.

It wasn't long when a loud sound was heard in the stadium. A large elephant-like creature smashed through the wall making a huge hole. Behind it invaders began to enter one after another.

"What do we do?" asked Maria.

"Do you have the strength left to face them Zeke?"

"I'm sorry, my technique has just exhausted me. I don't think I can take on more than 3 of them"

That was to be expected. That last skill he used against Rowen was able to kill him in one hit, just like he mentioned. None of our previous attacks were even able to scratch his suit. One thing that caught my attention was that Zeke had to reveal the name of his scythe to use it, that must be a condition for such a shocking ending.

Maria has fought some creatures before, maybe together we'll manage to take care of a few of them. Although if an army of them arrive, then we won't stand a chance.

Can't we rest for a minute? Damn it! We'll have to find a way to escape. Maybe if I call Kurogane we can escape, but-.

"Don't worry, it's time to get serious" said Corneria.

When I looked in her direction she was standing with a serious look on her face. Her book was open on her left arm where the pages were turning rapidly, while with the other hand near her face as if preparing to release her magic.

The invaders were still entering the stadium and their numbers were increasing by the second. I count about 20 or 30, perhaps there are even more.

"What are you doing Corneria!? We have to run away!"

"Stay behind me. It's dangerous if you get in the way"

"..."

Not knowing what to expect, the 3 of us looked at each other and nodded without saying a word. We backed up a few meters behind her back and stood on guard, preparing for the worst.

At that instant she stretched out her right hand into the air. Time seemed to slow down.

"Galaxy World | Stardust Storm"

The space around her turned black and star-like lights appeared around her. These began to increase in size considerably until I could finally understand what it was all about. A rain of stars fell on the enemies incessantly creating a spectacle that seemed to mesmerize me with surprise and shock. One after another the lights obliterated each of the beasts without a trace.

Eventually she stopped her technique by closing the book and the atmosphere returned to normal. Seconds passed and as the cloud of dust caused by the devastating blow dissipated, the fate of our enemies was revealed. The few remains of the invaders that could be seen were scattered among several craters generated by the magic of Corneria. Slowly their bodies disintegrated and vanished like dust in the wind. Undoubtedly this is the same attack I saw in her first fight, on a larger scale that is.

Seriously? How strong is she? She made it look so easy, she probably would have been able to defeat Rowen on her own. Was she holding back this whole time? Or maybe she was being considerate by not getting us in the crossfire?

Lucky I didn't get to face her in the finals, if I did I would have died just like these monsters...

"Emmm good job Corneria, you did it so fast it was even scary" I spoke eventually to break the awkward silence.

"Y, yes" said Maria nodding her head.

She thinks the same as me. Even Zeke had a puzzled look on his face that he tried to hide, I can't hold that against him either since I feel the same way.

"Of course. I had said that you could trust me, and I am a woman of my word"

She responded by making a gesture with her hand that showed pride, even though her face was still as expressionless as usual.

Without a doubt she is the MVP of the tournament.

"Anyway, now it's over..."