Rein's eyes widened as Vel, suspended high above the ground, unleashed the full force of his strike. The sky seemed to crackle with the raw energy of the attack, and the moment Vel's fist collided with the frog's massive skull, the ground itself seemed to tremble.
The impact struck like a thunderclap. A shockwave burst outward, flinging debris in all directions. The colossal frog jerked violently—its entire body launched off the ground like a massive, grotesque ball. For a moment, it hung in the air, wobbling mid-bounce, and it seemed like the sheer force might be enough to bring it crashing down for good.
Lysa's breath caught, her eyes fixed on the awe-inspiring scene before her. "So this... is the power of one of the strongest —," she murmured, her voice barely rising above the deafening rumble of the impact.
But before she could finish, the shockwave from the punch expanded outward, sweeping debris, dust, and smoke in every direction. The air felt thick with pressure, the sheer force knocking some of the nearby soldiers off their feet.
Rein, ever focused, kept his eyes trained on Vel's descent. "Is it dead?.." he muttered
And just when it looked like the beast might collapse, something in its massive form shifted.
But it didn't.
Instead, the beast's eyes snapped to Vel mid-air—and its massive tongue shot toward him like a whip.
"Vel—sama—!!" Rein shouted from below.
Thinking fast, he ripped out his swords from its sheath and hurled it into the air, spinning end over end toward Vel.
Vel reached out and caught the blade mid-fall. With a twist of his foot, wind magic surged beneath him, launching him sideways in the air. He landed briefly on the edge of a crumbled rooftop, crouched low, and leapt again—this time straight toward the monster's face.
He focused.
Spell "Azure Flame."
Blue fire engulfed the blade in his hand. The heat warped the steel, melting the edges—but Vel only grinned through the searing pain in his hand.
Then came the final blow.
In a brilliant arc, the blue fire trailed behind his blade like a comet as he slashed downward. The blade met flesh.
SHHHHNK.
The giant frog's head split cleanly, the flames cauterizing the wound as the beast gave one final, gurgling croak—then collapsed with a tremor that shook the entire district.
For a moment, the world seemed to pause.
The blue flame arc illuminated the surrounding area, casting an eerie glow across the wreckage, like the gentle light of the moon.
The massive creature's lifeless body came crashing down to the ground.
Only then the silence was broken by the hiss of dying flames and the stench of scorched monster flesh.
The blue glow of Vel's sword faded. He exhaled and stood on the monster's corpse, a lone figure atop the slain calamity—burnt hand, wind-torn coat, and eyes still burning with fury.
From below, the Silver Star party and the others watched in a mix of awe and dread.
The battle was over.
With the monster slain, the district was left in eerie stillness. The ground bore the scars of destruction—collapsed buildings, crushed streets, and smoke rising like mourning veils over a wounded city.
Survivors emerged slowly, blinking through dust and tears. Many had lost homes. Some had lost loved ones. But the nightmare was finally over.
A cheer broke out. Then another. And another—until it spread like wildfire. Relief, grief, and triumph collided in an overwhelming tide.
Silver Star, battered and bruised, finally let themselves break down. They cried. They laughed. They embraced.
Moments later, a gust of wind swept across the ruined district—followed by the arrival of Shin, Garret, and several other guild staff. They had come running, blades drawn, spells ready… but they were just a little too late.
Vel stood at the center of the ruined street, breathing hard. His clothes were torn, one glove half-burnt, and the faint embers of magic still curled off his body.
Garret strode up, arms crossed, still catching his breath. "You really couldn't wait for us?" he asked, eyeing the aftermath. "Show-off."
"I was going to," Vel said. "But then someone kept shouting my name."
Shin narrowed his eyes. "I was shouting because you forgot your silver sword. Again."
"…Oh, right," Vel muttered, then let out a dry scoff as he turned away.
Then Rein and the others arrived, worn from battle but their eyes filled with awe.
Rein said with excitement. "That power… it was incredible. I never imagined—"
"That was incredible," Sylvi whispered.
"You were… majestic out there," Lysa said, awe softening her voice as she watched Vel with wide eyes.
Rein stepped forward, a hand on his chest. "Thank you, Vel-sama. Truly. We wouldn't have made it without you."
Vel gave an awkward grin as he held out the remains. "Uh… here. Sorry about your sword…"
Rein took the hilt carefully—only the grip was left, the blade was completely melted.
"…This was reinforced steel," he said, staring at the ruined hilt in disbelief. "It was forged to cut through metal like butter…"
"Guess it couldn't withstand Vel's magic," Garret snorted.
"I'll have the Guild compensate you," Shin sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. Then he turned to Vel, voice dangerously calm.
"And the amount will come out of your snack fund for the next two months."
"Wait—Shin, no, please!" Vel panicked, reaching for him. "Not the snacks!"
But Shin was already walking away.
Laughter followed. Garret chuckled. The Silver Star team smiled despite their injuries.
Even Rein let out a dry laugh. Amidst the wreckage and smoke, they stood together—not just as survivors, but as comrades.
And for now… the nightmare had ended.