Stone

In the aftermath of the devastating blow, Estel's voice cut through the tension, a note of resolve amidst the chaos. "This should be it even if I still haven't fully mastered this form and am not making use of all of its abilities."

But Medusa's response was chilling, her words dripping with determination. "I can't pull my punches anymore."

With a burst of speed, she closed the distance between them, her fist finding its mark with devastating precision, tearing Estel's body asunder in a crimson explosion of gore.

Osoi's cry of anguish echoed through the night, a testament to the shock and horror of the scene unfolding before him. "ESTEL!!!"

Yet, in a display of resilience that defied comprehension, Estel's form began to reform, his body regenerating before their eyes, though now stripped of its shirt. "What a blow."

Medusa's voice, tinged with grudging admiration, spoke of a begrudging respect amidst the chaos. "I can't believe I'm saying this to a runt like you, but you might be able to win this fight now..."

Osoi's confusion was palpable as he sought answers amidst the chaos. "What... are you talking about?"

But Estel's response was cryptic, his gaze fixed on the task at hand. "Osoi, you have no idea what I am capable of."

In a startling display of transformation, a large, black, muscular tail erupted from Estel's form, its menacing presence a harbinger of untold power. "You didn't use this against me!"

Estel's explanation was swift, his words laden with the weight of forbidden knowledge. "Because I run the danger of killing you."

Osoi's disbelief was evident as he struggled to comprehend the extent of Estel's power. "What can you do again?"

Estel's voice, tinged with a hint of grim determination, spoke of a power beyond comprehension. "After activating Aimshig's true ability, I gain all of the physical attributes of horrifying creatures, beings, and people from all across the multiverse. Anything considered a genuinely horrifying monster I gain the physical powers of."

But even as Osoi grappled with the implications of Estel's revelation, Medusa's next move was swift and decisive, her spin kick aimed at his exposed form.

Estel's reflexes were quick, his grip on her foot unwavering amidst the chaos. "That strength."

His words held a hint of pride, a testament to the monstrous power coursing through his veins. "Ha- It's monstrous right?"

Yet, in a swift countermove, Medusa seized the advantage, her grip unyielding as she tore Estel's tail from his form with a savage twist.

But Estel remained unfazed, his resolve unbroken amidst the chaos. "None of this is harmful to me."

Medusa's retort was sharp, her words laden with a hint of frustration. "I can tell!"

In a desperate bid for control, Estel attempted to slam Medusa to the ground, but her agility proved too much, her form slipping from his grasp as she ascended to the safety of the treetops.

"But there is a ton of weaknesses to your ability," Medusa taunted, her voice carrying through the night like a sinister whisper.

Undeterred by her taunts, Estel's eyes glowed with an otherworldly light, a crimson beam lancing forth with deadly precision, igniting the forest around them in a fiery inferno.

In the midst of the intense confrontation, Osoi's voice cut through the tension, his tone laden with disbelief. "Heat vision?"

Medusa's response was cryptic, her words hinting at a vast knowledge beyond their understanding. "That's one of the many monsters out there. I'm not sure if it's a different person than whom I'm thinking, but somehow he knows about him. He's very limited due to his lack of knowledge on what he can do."

But Estel's confidence remained unshaken, his voice a beacon of determination amidst the uncertainty. "I am confident enough in my skills to win in this."

Yet, as Medusa's words took a darker turn, Estel's form began to falter, his strength waning as the truth dawned upon him. "But did you think of every outcome, did you think of..."

With a sudden shift, Estel's transformation reversed, his once formidable aura dwindling into nothingness. "My mana..."

Medusa's revelation sent shockwaves through their ranks, her explanation shedding light on a hidden truth. "Of course, most things from this world run off of mana."

Estel's form crumpled to his knees, his strength sapped by the revelation. "Just what did you do? I have no mana."

But Osoi's voice rang out with a glimmer of recognition, his words a whisper of understanding amidst the chaos. "I heard of that before, but I don't really know what that is..."

With patience born of centuries of wisdom, Medusa unraveled the secrets of their world, her words painting a vivid picture of their origins and powers. "One of the reasons why the Negative Point is seen as a world power is not only because of its abundance of powerful warriors, and its mythical wishing zone. The continent has a very vague yet powerful barrier around it that isn't harmful to anybody, but is primarily used to cancel spells out and protect the continent from powerful and harmful spells. Children born within the continent will be born with special and magical cells that not only give high potential for being able to learn and use magic, but the cells also divide themselves into two separate groups in your Geji, literally splitting their Geji into two sections of mana, their Positive A and Negative Z. Both of these create an invisible area of mana, but these areas both do different things. Positive A allows the user to completely cancel out spells and abilities that manipulate the user any way, but you do need to either be on an equal mana level with the person who's ability you're canceling, or stronger than them, Positive A can also bring this protection on allies and also remove protecting from enemies. Negative Z is what I just used on you, Negative Z can only be used on people who have a mana level that is at least 5 times lower than yours, Negative Z allows you to freely control the inner mana of your enemies. I knew a guy by the name of John who used this in his technique..."

But before the implications of Medusa's revelation could fully sink in, Osoi seized the opportunity to strike, his attack unleashing a surge of red electricity that crackled with untamed power. "I don't care that much about that, but thanks for telling me!"

Yet, to their shock, Medusa's form crumbled to dust, her true form revealed as she reappeared unharmed. "That wasn't her!"

Before they could react, Medusa struck with blinding speed, her kick sending Osoi crashing to the forest floor. "Why would I go on a rant while leaving myself completely open?!"

As Osoi struggled to regain his footing, Medusa's words carried a hint of sadistic glee. "I learned that one from Hinansho."

With uncertainty looming over them, Estel's voice carried a note of despair. "Will we... end up losing?"

But before they could contemplate their fate, a new challenger emerged, his voice a whisper of power amidst the chaos. "Fumeiyo No Pisutoru."

With a flash of movement, Judin appeared behind Medusa, his attack striking true. "I should have made that lethal."

Medusa's response was swift, her resolve unwavering in the face of danger. "It's you. Maybe I should start using magic."

Yet, even as Thom joined the fray, his attack sending Medusa hurtling through the trees, her defiance remained unbroken. "We'll make sure not to give you the chance to do that, Anat."

But Medusa's words carried a hint of mockery as she faced her adversaries. "Thom and Judin. They have some nerve sending two weaklings to fight somebody like me."

With determination in his voice, Thom urged Osoi to flee, his words a desperate plea for survival amidst the chaos. "Go, now!"

And as Estel lifted Arasu upon his shoulders, a silent pact of solidarity was forged, their retreat a testament to their unyielding resolve. "It doesn't matter if I am left behind—I'll carry Arasu—what matters is that you survive, Osoi!"

With their enemies closing in, Osoi and Estel fled into the darkness, their footsteps echoing through the forest as they raced against time and fate.

In the heat of the chase, Osoi's voice trembled with urgency as he struggled to keep pace with the unfolding chaos. "This is all happening too fast..."

But as Medusa surged forward, her path was intercepted by Thom's decisive action, his punch aimed true in a desperate bid to halt her advance. With uncanny agility, Medusa leapt over Thom's attack, evading his strike with ease as Judin joined the fray, his bullets raining down like a storm of lead.

Yet, despite their combined efforts, Medusa's movements were a blur of speed and precision, effortlessly outmaneuvering their onslaught as she closed in on her targets. With a swift jab, she brought Osoi and Estel to a sudden halt, their bodies frozen in place by her poisonous magic.

But Thom's spirit remained unbroken, his voice echoing with defiance as he broke free from Medusa's ensnaring magic. "RAAAH!"

With a flurry of punches, he launched himself at Medusa, each blow a testament to his unwavering resolve. But Medusa proved elusive, her movements fluid and graceful as she weaved effortlessly through his onslaught.

Meanwhile, Judin's bullets filled the air with deadly intent, yet Medusa danced between them with practiced ease, her focus unwavering as she evaded their lethal trajectory. With a swift kick, she sent Thom reeling, his body thrown back by the force of her blow.

But Medusa's assault didn't end there, her magic surging forth in a deadly display of power. "Poison Magic: Toxic Serpent!"

A massive serpent of glowing green magic erupted from her form, its corrosive touch consuming everything in its path. Thom's cries of pain filled the air as his flesh began to dissolve, his body wracked with agony as the acid ate away at his very being.

Witnessing his friend's suffering, Arasu's resolve ignited, his voice a cry of defiance amidst the chaos. "What the.. THOM!!!"

With determination burning in his eyes, Arasu broke free from Estel's grasp, his steps fueled by a fierce determination to protect those he held dear. "I'll beat her!"

But Estel's voice cut through the turmoil, his words a plea for caution amidst the fray. "Arasu. Keep out of their way while they fight! I know you want to help, but joining in on the fight only adds more pressure on them."

Yet Arasu's desperation knew no bounds, his heart consumed by the need to save his friend. "THOM IS... ABOUT TO DIE!!!"

Thom's reassurance was swift, his voice a whisper of resilience amidst the chaos. "I'm fine, Arasu."

Undeterred by Thom's words, Judin continued his relentless assault, his guns blazing as he sought to turn the tide of battle. But Medusa's movements were a symphony of grace and deadly precision, her claws finding their mark with brutal efficiency.

As Thom's blood stained the forest floor, his pain a testament to the ferocity of their enemy, Arasu's resolve hardened, his gaze fixed on the unfolding battle. "I won't let you take him!"

But amidst the chaos, Medusa's laughter echoed like a sinister melody, her eyes alight with a deadly gleam as she prepared to unleash her next attack.

In the midst of the chaos, Osoi's frustration boiled over, his voice filled with anger and desperation. "Dammit! If only I wasn't... paralyzed."

But Arasu's determination burned bright, his resolve unyielding in the face of adversity. "I can't just sit here and watch! I gotta do something!!! Kamigami No-"

But before Arasu could finish his incantation, Medusa's voice cut through the air like a razor, her spell casting a shadow over their hopes. "Black Magic: Evil Stun."

With a sudden jolt, Arasu's movements ceased, his body frozen in place by Medusa's dark magic. "He can't talk or move now!"

Osoi's disbelief was palpable, his words a whisper of shock amidst the chaos. "You didn't..."

Yet even as Judin seized the opportunity to strike, his bullet finding its mark and ensnaring Medusa in rope, Thom's strength surged forth, his arm swelling with newfound power. "Strength Magic!"

With a thunderous roar, Thom unleashed his fury upon Medusa, his blow aimed true with devastating force. But Medusa's agility proved unmatched, her swift reflexes allowing her to evade Thom's attack with uncanny ease.

In the wake of their clash, a shockwave rippled through the forest, trees uprooted and sent flying as the ground trembled beneath their feet. Yet amidst the chaos, Medusa remained unscathed, her gaze fixed upon her adversaries with a deadly calm.

But Judin refused to relent, his determination unshakeable as he unleashed a barrage of bullets upon their foe. "Don't let that surprise you Thom, let's keep going!"

With Thom's command ringing in his ears, Judin pressed forward, his shots ringing out like a symphony of destruction. Yet Medusa's agility knew no bounds, her movements fluid and graceful as she danced through the onslaught.

As Thom prepared his next move, Judin leapt into action, his strategy swift and decisive. With Thom's assistance, he launched a massive chunk of earth towards Medusa, his fireballs adding to the barrage of attacks.

But Medusa's response was swift and merciless, her movements a blur of speed as she closed in on Judin with deadly intent. With a swift motion, she unleashed a barrage of strikes, her hands slicing through the air with deadly precision.

Yet Judin's reflexes were quick, his movements fluid as he evaded her attacks with grace. And as Medusa's blows cleaved through the air, Judin danced between them, his resolve unbroken amidst the chaos of battle.

In the eerie stillness of the forest, Medusa's voice cut through the silence like a whisper of impending doom. "You're faster than I expected."

But Judin's resolve remained unshaken, his words a challenge amidst the chaos of battle. "You're not trying hard enough. I know you can do much more than that, Medusa."

Medusa's response was a mere shrug, her gaze fixed upon her adversary with an inscrutable calm. "Yea. Maybe."

With a sudden movement, Medusa vanished from sight, her presence nothing more than a fleeting shadow in the darkness.

But Judin's determination burned bright, his voice echoing with fierce determination. "I've had enough of this! Fumeiyonopisutoru Kakusei!"

In an instant, his pistols transformed into two massive bazookas, their barrels gleaming in the moonlight as Judin took aim. "If I got you in my sight, it's over. Anything caught in the scope of my bazooka explodes."

Yet Medusa's agility proved unmatched, her movements swift and elusive as she danced between the trees with effortless grace. "It only affects anything caught in its scope. As long as I stay out of your way, I should be safe."

With each passing moment, the forest erupted in explosions of sound and fury, the trees themselves reduced to splinters by the force of Judin's attacks. But as Medusa ascended into the sky, her form illuminated by the pale light of the moon, Judin found himself at a loss, his gaze searching the darkness for any sign of his elusive foe.

But Medusa's gaze was fixed upon her true target, her hollow eyes gleaming with a sinister light as she unleashed her deadly power. "Kagho. Sight Mode."

With a flicker of movement, Thom's form turned to stone, his once vibrant presence reduced to cold, lifeless stone. "He's stone now. There is no way of turning him back, unless you kill me of course, but... giggles none of you can do that!"

Judin's horror was palpable, his voice filled with disbelief and rage as he watched his comrade fall. "Thom!"

But before he could react, Medusa struck with deadly precision, her blade slicing through the air with lethal intent. With a sickening thud, Judin's head rolled to the ground, his lifeblood staining the forest floor as Medusa claimed her victory.

As Estel's cries filled the air, Medusa's gaze turned to her final adversary, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "I win."

But even as Estel prepared to face her alone, Osoi's sudden appearance shattered the illusion of victory. With eyes ablaze with newfound power, he stood before Medusa, his presence as a harbinger of impending doom. Osoi's appearance was dramatically transformed, radiating an aura of formidable strength and unearthly power. His eyes blazed with an intense, otherworldly light, reflecting the depths of his newfound abilities. A thin, long, black arrow-shaped tail protruded from his form, its tip glowing ominously in the dim light of the forest. Yet, what truly set him apart were the small, glowing black horns that adorned his head, a testament to the unfathomable depths of his newfound power. As he stood before Medusa, his figure seemed to loom larger than life, his very presence a portent of imminent danger.

As Osoi grappled with the unexpected presence of Kinrui within his mind, a tumultuous exchange unfolded, their voices echoing in the depths of his consciousness. "Oh, Kinrui," Medusa remarked, her tone laced with a hint of amusement.

But Osoi's response was firm, his resolve unyielding in the face of Kinrui influence. "I'm not Kinrui, I'm still Osoi."

Yet within the confines of his mind, Kinrui voice echoed with frustration and disbelief. "How am I not controlling you?! You just unlocked a huge bit of my power!!!"

Osoi's retort was quick, his mind racing to make sense of the newfound power coursing through his veins. "Maybe it has something to do with these horns."

But Kinrui frustration only grew, his words tinged with a sense of desperation. "What the hell is that even supposed to mean? You're using MY power, and so I should be the one in control!!!"

Yet Osoi remained steadfast, his conviction unshaken by Kinrui protests. "Maybe I... overpowered your control in this form with my own magic!"

A sense of resignation filled Kinrui voice, his acceptance of their new reality evident in his words. "I- that might be the case... DAMMIT!!! I'll return once you gain even more power!"

But Osoi couldn't shake the unease that lingered in his mind, his thoughts consumed by the implications of Kinrui presence. "Why can I only hear your voice when I'm... demonized?"

Kinrui response was cryptic, his words hinting at a deeper connection between them. "Because while you're transformed, you're infected by my mana. But from this day onward, I will forever be in your mind! You've just unlocked that part of my power."

A sense of foreboding washed over Osoi, his apprehension growing with each passing moment. "That doesn't sound good..."

Meanwhile, as the conversation unfolded within Osoi's mind, Medusa's attention remained fixed on the unfolding events. "What do you think you're doing?" she questioned, her voice tinged with curiosity.

But Osoi's response was swift and decisive, his determination burning bright as he unleashed his newfound power. "I'm going to kill him."

Medusa's response was indifferent, her dismissal of Jesse's life chilling in its callousness. "He's replaceable."

With a shared resolve, Osoi and Kinrui unleashed their combined power, their voices echoing in unison as they invoked their deadly spell. "Dark Magic: Suffer Bomb."

A sphere of dark energy coalesced in Osoi's palm, Jesse's unconscious form resting upon it like a macabre offering. With a powerful thrust, Osoi launched the attack, the sphere hurtling through the air with terrifying speed. Medusa leapt aside, narrowly avoiding the explosion that followed, the blast engulfing the forest in a maelstrom of darkness and destruction.

The tension crackled in the air as Osoi's onslaught of punches met Medusa's swift dodges and deflections. Her voice cut through the chaos like a knife, cold and calculating. "So you killed him," she remarked, her tone devoid of emotion.

Osoi's response was immediate, his fists clenched tight with rage. "Of course I am!" he retorted, his voice tinged with a dark satisfaction. "But this form turns that anger into pleasure!"

But Medusa remained unruffled, her gaze locked with Osoi's. "And you think this is enough to take me on?" she questioned, her voice dripping with scorn.

Osoi's confidence wavered for a moment, but he held firm. "It might not be right now," he admitted, "but it'll surely be enough to make you go away!"

But Medusa's next move caught him off guard, her fingers digging into his chest with a force beyond comprehension. "Holy Magic: Demonic Purge," she declared, her words ringing with power.

In an instant, Osoi felt the dark energies dissipate, his transformation undone by Medusa's divine magic. "What the..." he gasped, his voice trailing off as he reverted back to his normal state.

But Medusa wasted no time in pressing her advantage, her foot connecting with Osoi's chest with bone-crushing force. "That should keep him locked up for a bit," she remarked casually, her eyes gleaming with malice as she kicked him to the ground.

As Osoi struggled to rise, Medusa's voice cut through the silence like a blade. "How about this," she taunted, "I already killed the goblin, and the orc is next on the chopping block."

Osoi's plea was desperate, his voice barely a whisper. "Don't... touch him."

But Medusa's response was swift and merciless, her gaze narrowing as she prepared to strike once more. Before she could make a move, however, a new figure emerged from the shadows, his presence a beacon of hope in the darkness.

"It's... you..." Osoi breathed, his voice filled with awe and relief.

Denshin's arrival was like a bolt from the blue, his strength and determination evident in every line of his stance. With a single motion, he seized Medusa's hand, halting her advance before she could harm Osoi any further.

Denshin's greeting was surprisingly casual, his voice laced with an air of nonchalance. "Hi!"

But Medusa's recognition of him cut through the moment like a knife, her tone tinged with surprise and disdain. "Denshin Mottosaku! I didn't really expect you to come and save your brother from being captured," she remarked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Meanwhile, Kinrui's plea echoed in the air, his words filled with desperation and longing. "Denshin-Senpai!!! I wanna leave this body! Let me go, it's so weak~"

Denshin's response was swift and decisive, his voice firm and unwavering. "Don't ever call me Denshin-Senpai... again," he stated firmly, his gaze hardening at Kinrui's words. "Plus, I'm not here for you ding-dong! I could care less about someone as vile and terrible as you. I care about the boy, Osoi, he's more of a brother to me!"

With a powerful gesture, Denshin hurled Medusa into the sky, her form disappearing from sight as she soared out of reach.

Denshin's voice echoed through the tense air, his words laden with urgency and a hint of desperation. "Osoi is like a chance to start over! Have a younger, purer brother!"

Kinrui's reply came softly, almost drowned in the weight of the moment. "Love you too..."

Silent as a shadow, Medusa landed next to Denshin, her presence casting a palpable unease over the group.

"I didn't expect you to sound so... human and normal," she remarked, her voice tinged with incredulity. "It's almost like you're not a demon!"

Denshin's gaze hardened, his eyes locking onto Medusa's. "Are you scared of me?" he inquired, his tone measured yet filled with an underlying intensity.

Medusa's response was swift, her voice betraying a hint of trepidation. "No, it's just your power..." she trailed off, her words hanging in the air like a heavy shroud.

"Scared of it?" Denshin pressed, his voice a low rumble in the stillness that enveloped them.

Meanwhile, Osoi stirred from his place, his movements tentative yet resolute.

"I have control over the boy's body once again!" Kinrui declared, a note of triumph lacing his words.

Denshin's hand shot out, a gesture of caution amidst the brewing tension. "Woah woah woah, wait! Let me test this cool mana technique I stole!" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with excitement.

The group stood in silent anticipation as Denshin concentrated, his brow furrowing in concentration. "Shucks! It did nothing," he admitted, a hint of disappointment creeping into his tone.

Estel's voice cut through the silence like a blade, his words carrying a note of urgency. "Denshin, are you really going to play with the enemy like this? Are you not going to save him?"

Denshin's laughter echoed through the clearing, a mixture of amusement and resignation. "Ah yeah, you're right! You're not scared, you're just intimidated! Haha, but really Medusa, fuck off."

Medusa's eyes narrowed, a glint of malice flickering in their depths. "I'll gladly turn you into stone!" she threatened, her voice laced with venom.

But to her surprise, Denshin remained unaffected, his form unyielding against her gaze.

"How aren't you stone!? That's literally impossible!" Medusa exclaimed, her disbelief palpable in the air.

Denshin's response was cool and collected, his voice carrying a note of quiet confidence. "My presence is much greater than any existing law you can put on me. That should maybe give you an idea of what I can do to you."

"So, you wouldn't care if I were to... kill that petrified orc over there?" Medusa challenged, her tone daring him to defy her.

Osoi's cry cut through the tension like a knife, his voice filled with desperation. "No!"

Denshin's expression softened, a flicker of concern crossing his features. "And he's back in control now," he declared, his voice tinged with relief.

But Osoi's attention remained fixed on Medusa, his gaze pleading as he addressed her. "You can't kill him! I can't allow him to die because of me!"

Medusa's lips curled into a cruel smile, her eyes glinting with malice. "Well, if Denshin doesn't back down at once, I'll kill him," she declared, her voice dripping with menace.

"Denshin!" Osoi's voice cracked with desperation, his plea hanging in the air like a silent prayer.

"I'll just—" Denshin began, but Medusa cut him off with a chilling threat.

"And don't even think of grabbing him, I can turn whatever I turn to stone into dust, so the moment I see you vanish, I'll turn him into dust," she warned, her voice cold and unforgiving.

Denshin's shoulders sagged, a sigh escaping his lips. "She's got me there," he admitted, his tone resigned.

"How... how can I save him? How can I stop you?" Osoi's voice trembled with uncertainty, his eyes darting between Denshin and Medusa.

Medusa's smile widened, a predatory gleam in her eyes. "Join us!" she exclaimed, her voice honeyed with temptation. "You will complete our team and be one of the strongest members. You will be taught powerful and dangerous spells that no normal magic user could ever dream of learning in their lifetime."

Osoi hesitated, his mind racing with conflicting emotions. "What do you guys even do?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"We truly have good intentions, we just kinda look sketchy," Medusa replied, her tone almost apologetic. "So what do you say? Would you rather let me kill the orc, or will you join us and become one of our leaders?"

"I'm... I'm not ready for this," Osoi confessed, his voice filled with uncertainty.

"Just make the right decision, Osoi," Denshin interjected, his tone gentle yet firm. "I won't try to change your mind, but I have faith in you."

But Estel's voice cut through the tension like a knife, his words ringing with disbelief. "You are kidding, right?" he demanded, his eyes wide with shock.

Osoi's resolve wavered, his heart torn between duty and desperation. "I'll join you guys," he finally declared, his voice heavy with resignation.

Denshin's expression darkened, a shadow passing over his features. "Fine by me," he muttered, his voice tinged with bitterness.

With a resigned sigh, Denshin turned away, his form fading into the darkness like a wisp of smoke.

And so, amidst the swirling currents of fate, Osoi made his choice, sealing his fate with a single word.

Medusa's voice cut through the tension like a razor, her tone brimming with satisfaction. "Good, cool!"

Arasu's muscles tensed as he attempted to rise, only to collapse to his knees, his body drenched in a cold sweat. He was utterly stunned. Meanwhile, Estel began to stir.

"I'll make sure to take you all there in a moment," Medusa declared, her voice dripping with authority. "Don't get the idea to fight me either, I know at least one of you who I'd have no problem with killing," she added, her finger pointing accusingly at Estel.

"OSOI!!!" Arasu's angry cry reverberated through the clearing, his frustration palpable.

Osoi's voice wavered with regret as he addressed his friend. "Arasu... I'm sorry."

"No, I want to save him too!" Arasu insisted, his resolve firm.

"You... do?" Osoi's surprise was evident in his voice.

"Sitting here, watching, being completely useless and unable to act taught me one thing," Arasu declared, his tone resolute. "I can't be weak. I must be someone who can fend for themselves and others!"

With determination burning in his eyes, Arasu rose to his feet, his posture exuding newfound strength. "I don't know much about this cult thing, but I'll make sure we all make it out alive!"

Estel's expression was a mixture of resignation and defiance as he spoke. "I really care about my life, but you two can't be serious about this. Well, I might as well agree to this. It's not like I have much of a choice."

Medusa's smile was as cold as ice as she surveyed the group. "So we're set. I'll show you guys out to the base."