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“Huff…! Rani, are you okay?!”
“Y-yeah! I-I’m sorry, I couldn’t stop you!”
“That’s not true. Thank you for saving me… hng?!”

Inglis winced as a tremendous pain pulsed throughout her body.

“—! Don’t move, I’ll heal you right away!”

Rafinha activated her healing Gift and hugged Inglis. Inglis could feel the pain easing and her injuries gradually healing. And perhaps it was just her imagination, but she even felt a slight restoration of her lost Ether—whether it was real or just an illusion, she couldn’t tell. But one thing was certain, Rafinha’s unwavering devotion filled her heart with warmth and hope.

Being injured so severely in front of Rafinha and subsequently being healed by her was a first for Inglis, and strangely, it brought her great comfort. However, she couldn’t afford to remain idle.

The Prisma was still alive and moving. Despite losing its right shoulder and left hand, and sustaining injuries all over its body, it persisted. It limped closer, slowly closing the distance between them. Perhaps it was savoring its perceived victory, taking its time to approach them.

Regardless, Inglis had to ensure Rafinha’s safety. There was a real danger of Rafinha becoming a Magic Stone Beast merely by being in the Prisma’s vicinity. Inglis had to get her away from this dangerous situation as soon as possible.

“Rani! This is bad! Get away…! The Prisma is coming!”
“What are you saying? You can’t fight with wounds like this. I’ll stick with you until the last minute…!”
“It’s already past the last minutes…! I’m asking you, please. Don’t be selfish!”
“So what if I’m selfish?!”

Inglis pleaded, but Rafinha met her gaze unwaveringly.

“So what if I’m selfish? I want to be with you until the end, Glis! I’m your Knight, you’re my Squire, this is what’s right!”
“Rani…”

Rafinha must have witnessed Inglis’ battle and sensed its finality. Hearing those words made Inglis feel even more guilty and pathetic about herself. Her own lack of power and experience was a source of shame. Yet, there was nothing she could do to change that…

“No, this isn’t the end!”

It was not Inglis who spoke. The voice was gentle yet dignified and carried a powerful presence, belonging to a young man! Clad in red armor, he descended in front of Inglis and Rafinha.

“”Big brother Rafa!!””

Remaining cautious of the Prisma’s movements, Raphael turned to face them.

“Leave the rest to me, you two! Thank you… But you’ve done enough. You fought bravely.”

Had he found his unwavering determination? Raphael appeared surprisingly composed.

“Thanks to Glis, the Prisma is severely injured! We should be able to put an end to it now!”

Two more figures descended next to Raphael. They were none other than the counterparts of Holy Knights, the Hyrule Menaces. Like Raphael, both Eris and Ripple wore calm expressions, clearly accepting the forthcoming battle.

“I have to admit, I’m genuinely surprised that you managed to push it this far. That creature is stronger than any Prisma we’ve encountered before! It’s truly unbelievable. You’re truly exceptional……and I’m grateful you’re here,” Eris wholeheartedly praised Inglis without hesitation.

“She’s right. If we had fought it from the beginning, things would have taken a turn for the worse. Thank you sincerely for your assistance. Leave the rest to us and take a well-deserved rest!” Ripple’s voice trembled slightly, though she remained mostly composed.

“Let’s do this, Lady Eris, Lady Ripple! Lend me your power!” With determination, Raphael called upon the strength of the Hyrule Menaces.

“Yes……! We will unite our strength, our hearts— and we entrust you with our power!”
“Yeah! Please, Raphael! Save this land, this country, and everyone who resides here!”
“Yes, leave it to me!”

Golden light then engulfed both Eris and Ripple. Their presence became noble, beautiful, and divine. It was a radiance that instinctively inspired awe in anyone who beheld it.

“Big brother……”

Clutching Inglis’ arm tightly, Rafinha uttered Raphael’s name with a trembling voice. She couldn’t find the right words to express herself, so she looked to Inglis for support. Yet, her eyes were brimming with tears, conveying her emotions without the need for words.

Raphael gazed at Rafinha and offered a warm smile.

“Rani… take care of Glis, alright? I promise to safeguard your future, so… please convey my regards to Father and Mother.”
“Yes, big brother Rafa…!”

Rafinha’s tears flowed uncontrollably, unable to hold back any longer.

“Glis…”

Raphael’s smile extended to Inglis as well.

“Yes, brother…”
“I’ve always felt like I’ve been chasing after you all this time. Even with the Special Grade Rune in my possession, you remain a person I can never fully comprehend… ever since you were a newborn infant. You defeated a Magic Stone Beast that I couldn’t even overcome.”
“……! You remember that!”
“Yeah… I used to think it might have been a dream, but witnessing your battles confirmed it for me. You are something far beyond my reach. And now, being able to protect you at this moment makes me feel a sense of pride… Take good care of Rani for me, okay? Knowing that she is with you puts my heart at ease.”
“Yes. As it has been, and always will be…”

Inglis smiled mischievously as she approached Raphael.

“Glis?”
“Then, big brother, let me do what I can for you…”

She studied his face, her gaze sweeping over him. Then, Inglis extended her hand and gently touched Raphael’s cheek.

“G-, Glis…?!”
“At the very least, consider it a good luck charm… Um, if you could close your eyes…”
“Eh…?! Ah, o-, okay…?!”

Raphael obediently closed his eyes, his heart racing with anticipation…

While Inglis… she suddenly delivered a powerful gut punch!

“Ughhh—?!” Raphael’s body momentarily floated in the air, his form bent like a broken straw.

And then, with a soft thud, he lost consciousness.¹

1. Mab: Saw this from miles away, but dang it Inglis, you’re cruel lol.