“We’re…safe?” I muttered under my breath.

A veil of white mana disappeared from the air, having left a ring of dark flames around Veldor and Alice. I knew the extent of that attack was more than I could handle but…if they got hit from that then–they wouldn't have come out of that.

The cause of their survival–Mister Ed–walked out from amongst the scattered flames. His beaming white shield was in hand, while the other hung tightly on his back. Up until then, he had been using it in a single hand, freeing the other.

My eyes widened slightly in awe. “Whoa…” Mister Ed adjusted the shield into both his hands, then took a wide stance.

It wasn't anything major but the air of the room felt different, as if it had become more serious. I got the sense that we were about to see him at his best.

“Mister Ed, look out, this guy’s…no joke.” My breathing still wasn't right, barely any of my strength remained.

Out of the corner of my eye was the flashing symbol for low health that pestered me to no end. Not only was fatigue and pain coursing through my body but nerves too. Even with Mister Ed there, I didn't see it getting much better.

In response to my warning, he raised his shield and covered most of his body behind it. With a slight nudge, he gestured that I run over to him. I was nervous to move but I didn't question it and ran.

I caught up with the others and stood behind him. I felt like a coward, using the hero as a literal shield for me as I recovered. I knew that wasn’t exactly true but it was close enough. Whatever the case, I did my part, I stalled him until the big swords arrived. It was all up to them…

“Take Alice and the Veldor and run, you three can escape while I hold him off.” Mister Ed commanded.

“We…we can’t! You can’t take him lightly Mister Ed, he’s stronger than regular monsters. You can’t defeat him with just defence!”

A hand cupped my shoulder and brought me aside for its owner to walk past. Akai’s eye caught mine and he smirked, setting my angsty demeanour to a stop.

“He won’t be alone. This beast is mine to fight, as a dragon it is my duty.”

“Akai…understood! We won’t be long so please escape when you can!” I said before I ran off.

I grabbed Alice’s hand and helped her up while Arga brought Veldor over her shoulder. The four of us ran to the massive hole in the wall where they arrived. Zephier stood at the exit signalling for us to hurry up towards him, the closer we got the more he insisted.

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Even in situations like that, he seemed to have no patience. I think that was one of the few times where his personality was excused though.

Suddenly the look in his eyes worsened into dread–the light colour of his pupils filled with darkness. His teeth locked together and he froze on the spot with his eyes focused on the object that drew closer through the air.

I turned back. A large javelin of black flames hurtled towards us and pierced through the sky of the room. It caught up to us in no time and slipped past Mister Ed–I felt the growing sting of its warmth brush against me.

My mana’s low…I can’t away–

Akai appeared in front of me with a blur of speed. With his hands at his side, he leaned forward with a deep breath and let out a monstrous wave of pure red flames. A roar.

The Dragon's Roar skill, I recognised it very well. It looked similar to mine in terms of colour, except his was much more powerful. It looked almost like a perfected version of the one I had used. As his backside grew dark under the looming shadow, I watched with starry eyes.

“He’s…a dragon,” I muttered.

I knew this already but seeing him in action--that roar--only further drove that info into my head.

His flames subsided and vanished under his breath. He kept his eye forward and cast an arm out to the side. “What are you waiting for, run!” He barked.

“R-right!”

“I’m not done with them.” The brooding voice across the room stated.

He held out both arms and summoned a flame in each. The flickering sources of light grew twice in size every second until they were too large for his own hands. They flowed out from his grasp like smoke and filled the edges of the room.

His blackened flames stuck to the walls like moss and covered our exit. I flinched back as my foot was a split-second from roasting against its heat. We were so close to getting out!

“Damn…it’s closed up! Those damn flames keep ruining everything.”

“Stop yapping, will ya’? If you got this much energy to yap then why do I gotta carry you?.” Arga moaned.

“Shut up! I can walk on my own–ugh…!” Veldor winced and grabbed his side.

“Not so tough now, are ya’?” Arga grinned.

“We’re trapped, I don't see any other way out either.” I looked around but nothing untouched by flames had a gap or opening.

“If you can’t get out of here then stay back and protect each other. He’s coming!” Akai warned them.

The flames closest to the warrior pulled off the walls, they were attracted to go back to him. The closer he came to us the more flames surrounded him. They stuck to his armour like clothes and hung over him as a cape of flames.

His eyes gleamed with evil intent, shining a deep red glow. Those monstrous eyes wouldn't part from Mister Ed…I couldn't help but wonder if something was different about him. That same look he gave him–it was similar to the one he first shot me when he was still rearing to fight me.

…!

He held out a finger and pointed to Mister Ed. “You…I sense no weakness in your eyes. Are you truly human or can I dub you strong?”

Mister Ed remained quiet for a moment, as if deep in thought. His expression soured. “You’ve said enough.”

“Agreed” Akai added. "A monster like you shouldn't be allowed to live any longer!"