Chapter 31 – A Step Back
Explosions and crashes echoed everywhere. Building debris and shards of metal littered the ground around them. Dust hung thick in the air, forming a gray haze that choked the lungs. In the middle of the chaotic battlefield, two figures stood firm, their bodies drenched in sweat and stained with blood: Sofia and Altair.
The Tyrant stood not far from them, its heavy breathing sounding like the thrum of an old engine. Its massive body appeared almost unscathed, though a few wounds from explosions and slashes marked its surface. But its strength wasn’t the most infuriating thing—it was that mocking smile. As if this was all a game. As if they were mere puppets, here solely for its amusement.
Sofia’s team and Raijin’s team had fought with all they had. But now... they could only hold the line.
Altair slammed his electric staff to the ground, sending a shockwave that pushed the Tyrant back slightly. But the reaction was brief. It quickly returned to its original stance, raising one hand as if to strike down anyone foolish enough to approach.
"This can’t go on," Altair muttered, panting. "If we stay here... everyone dies for nothing."
Sofia touched her damaged shoulder guard. Her hand trembled—not from fear, but from tension. Her body bore the strain of repeated healing magic. But she knew, one wrong move... and it would all be over.
Suddenly, Altair turned toward the remaining military soldiers behind them.
"RETREAT!!" he shouted, his voice booming louder than the earlier explosions.
But... no one moved.