Orano's voice was a gentle stream amidst the tempest of their emotions. "I came here five years ago," he began, "seeking a way out."

He recounted his journey, the countless places he had explored, the risks he had taken, the rules he had broken. "I may have dragged you into this," he admitted, "but I believe we owe each other."

Yet, his duty extended beyond them. "I cannot abandon the people who have helped me over the years," he explained. "I cannot forget the pain they've endured."

Bachi's heart ached. "If you call this cowardice, then call me a coward too," she said, her voice filled with defiance. "But please, leave."

As they turned to go, Orano offered a final message. "Say hello to my mother for me."

Tears streamed down their faces as they fled, their hearts heavy with sorrow. Nuzuki, ever the opportunist, lunged forward, aiming for a final blow.

Tatsumi intercepted the attack, their blades clashing in a desperate struggle. Nuzuki grinned. "So you had a plan all along?" he taunted. "Let's see what this Vortex is all about."

Orano gripped his sword, his resolve unwavering. "I won't let you," he vowed.

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Nuzuki's laughter echoed through the battlefield. "Still fighting, even with your friends captured?" he mocked. "You're pathetic."

His words were a cruel reminder of the dire situation. Valdis, choked by Achilles, was helpless. Rai, his hands immobilized by Neo's spell, was trapped. Neresu, ensnared by Orpheus's clones, was at their mercy.

"Now is the perfect time to give up," Nuzuki taunted, his smile widening.

Just as Nuzuki's taunts reached their peak, a powerful voice echoed across the frozen lake. "I won't let my friends be harmed!" Kono declared, his voice a thunderclap that shook the very foundation of the ice.

With a mighty blow, Kono shattered the icy surface, sending a shockwave through the enemy ranks. The dark magic woven into the ice, though formidable, could not withstand the force of his attack. Creatures and warriors alike were sent tumbling to the ground.

Valdis, Rai, and Neresu, freed from their captors, reunited with Kono. Their eyes met Tatsumi's, a silent understanding passing between them.

Kono approached Tatsumi, his tone genuine and respectful. "What's your plan?" he asked.

Tatsumi, though surprised by the unexpected camaraderie, responded with a determined nod. "We're almost there," he said. "Let's finish this."

Valdis's grin was infectious. "This is going to be fun," he declared.

Poteus, ever the strategist, analyzed the battlefield. "The enemy lines are weakened," he observed. "With the right strategy, we can push them back."

Tatsumi's gaze locked onto Nuzuki, hovering above. "Get ready," he said. "We won't back down."

A chorus of agreement erupted from the group. "Alright!" they shouted, their voices filled with determination.

As they moved forward, Orano found himself once again facing Nuzuki, their destinies intertwined in a final, brutal clash.