I stared at Elena—or whatever was wearing her face—standing amidst the mist, her expression blank. But her eyes… were empty.
"Elena…" I whispered. The word escaped softer than I'd meant it to.
Aurelia stood beside me. Her expression changed—not from fear, but from confusion. A hint of jealousy shimmered in her eyes.
"Who is she?" she asked.
"She's… someone from my old world," I answered quietly. "Someone I once… loved."
Aurelia said nothing. But her fingers tightened around her sword's hilt.
Malrik chuckled darkly from behind them. "See? His heart is already fractured—before the battle even begins."
> [Mental Status Fluctuating: Emotional Instability Detected]
[Warning: Spirit Link with Zephyros Disrupted]
"She's not herself anymore, Ace," Aurelia said. "You know that. But if you can't do it… then I will—"
"No!" I cut her off instantly.
I looked straight at Elena. Or rather, at the entity wearing her body. "If even a sliver of your soul remains… I'll save you. One more time."
I stepped forward. Elena raised her hand—a black magic arrow formed mid-air.
> [Skill: Shadow Pierce – Level ???]
The arrow launched. I barely dodged. A grazing hit struck my shoulder, and black mist seeped into my skin.
"She doesn't recognize you," Zephyros whispered. "Her soul is distorted. But… there's still a fragment within. You must reach her heart—or defeat her with your strength."
I nodded.
> [Skill Activated: "Soul Resonance" – Prototype Mode]
[Link Established Between Ace and Target Through Memories]
I dashed forward—not with my sword, but with open hands. Just before she cast a second spell, I reached out and touched her chest—right above her heart.
Flashback—
Me and Elena. In a park. Back in my old world. She was laughing, handing me ice cream.
"If you die before me, I'll be mad, okay? Don't leave me alone."
—Flashback End.
Tears streamed down Elena's cheeks. Her eyes began to tremble. But shadows still clung to her body like chains.
Malrik roared. "No! I control her! You will not—!"
> [Skill Override: "Hope Reignite"]
[Emotional Link Surpasses Dark Magic Influence]
Elena collapsed to her knees. She began to cry… then lost consciousness. The darkness around her vanished.
I caught her limp body, gently holding her. Slowly, I turned to Aurelia… who now stood with a complicated expression.
"I'm sorry," I said. "But I had to save her. I couldn't let her remain a puppet of darkness."
Aurelia was silent for a moment… then finally spoke, "I understand. But from now on… don't make me feel like I'm just a shadow of your past."
I nodded, gazing into her eyes. "You're not a shadow. You're the new light in my life."