The Price of Victory

Seeing Gwenna collapse with a ground-shaking crash, Merill was momentarily stunned, but quickly searched for Kyle, who had leaped out of the flames.

"Kyle!"

Kyle lay on the ground. His clothes were burning, and he was still engulfed in flames.

Merill hurriedly put out the fire, but Kyle had suffered burns over his entire body and was unconscious.

"That was reckless."

Merill sheathed her sword and helped Kyle up. Shuro crawled out from beneath Gwenna, while Rett pulled his sword from Gwenna's throat, and Jini got up and joined Merill.

Merill wanted to catch her breath, but she was worried about Mia. The best course was to leave Kyle with Shuro and head out with the other two to search.

"All right, let's get out of here and go rescue Lady Mia."

Merill took Kyle by the right arm and lifted him. Jini supported Kyle's left shoulder, and together they held him up.

As Merill was about to leave the castle, Rett suddenly shoved her with both hands...