Reborn as the Last van Ambrose

The explosion of colliding energies subsided, revealing the devastation left in its wake. The hallway lay in ruins, walls cracked and ceiling partially collapsed. Where Yongrun and Malaxis had stood, there was now a perfect circle of blackened stone, the edges still glowing from the residual heat.

When the dust settled, a charred body in Grim's clothes lay motionless on the floor amid the debris. The body was burned so much it was only recognizable by the clothing he was wearing.

Malaxis staggered backward, his body showing signs of severe strain. Blood both red and black seeped from multiple wounds across Malaxis's body. His right arm hung limp at his side, the reattached hand barely functional. The black flames surrounding his blade had diminished to flickering embers.

"Impossible," he snarled, his voice distorted with pain and rage. "Soneone like you shouldn't have this power."

Yongrun stood firm despite his own injuries, his sword still wreathed in flames. "You've grown weak during your absence, Malaxis. The world has moved on without you."

Malaxis's gaze fell upon the charred body on the ground, recognition dawning in his eyes. "The boy..."

"Our final attack was too much for him," Yongrun said coldly. "The Ambrose bloodline grows weaker with each generation."

Before Malaxis could respond, the air beside him shimmered and tore open. A woman stepped through the rift.

"Father," she said, her gaze sweeping over the scene. "You've overextended yourself."

"Maeve," Malaxis acknowledged, his expression caught between anger and relief. "Your timing is impeccable."

Cassius tensed, his blade still ready despite his numerous wounds. "The Demon Queen," he whispered to Dongmei. "This just got worse."