The forest was in chaos.
Luz pushed himself up from the dirt, his breathing ragged. His body ached all over—he had already spent most of his energy firing the light barrage and protecting himself with the shield. His legs trembled beneath him.
He could barely stand.
Off in the distance, Ino and a group of light soldiers were leading the rescued hostages through the trees.
When they reached the border of Biringan, Ino saw Bin, standing tall and calm like always.
"Sir!" Ino shouted, running to him. "Den and the others… they're still out there! They're facing someone... someone way too strong!"
Bin's expression darkened. Without a word, he turned and sprinted into the forest.
—
Back in the battlefield, the nightmare continued.
Victor moved like a beast unleashed. He kicked Luz, the force so powerful that it sent him flying through multiple trees, smashing through trunks and crashing to the ground in a heap.
Luz let out a weak grunt. He couldn't move. His body refused.
Den and Jed rushed in, trying to flank Victor.
But they were too slow.
With one savage swing of his hammer, Victor struck them both.
Jed's katana shattered, and he hit the ground hard. His body went still—unconscious.
Den, barely standing, gasped for air. His body shook from the hit. He gritted his teeth, trying to rise, but Victor's elbow came crashing down on his back, sending him face-first into the dirt.
Den didn't move.
Victor raised his hammer. "Time to finish this."
But then—
BOOOOOM!!!
A massive light beam burst from the treeline, slamming straight into Victor's side.
The force of it sent him crashing into the trees. The beam burned across his body, scorching his chest, shoulder, and even his face.
Victor growled, steam rising from his skin. "You... brat..."
Luz lay nearby, barely conscious, his body glowing faintly. That was his final attack—he had poured everything into it.
He watched helplessly as Victor got back up.
The monstrous warrior stomped forward, rage in every step. He reached Luz and placed a heavy foot on his neck.
"You're done, kid." Victor raised his fist, ready to strike. "DIE!"
CRACK!
Chains whipped forward, wrapping around Victor's arm just in time.
Den, with the last ounce of his strength, had risen.
"No…" he gasped. "You won't touch him…"
But Victor only smirked.
He tugged the chains—and ripped them apart, metal snapping like twigs.
"Useless power," Victor spat.
He turned his attention back to Luz. The hammer lifted—
Then suddenly—
Victor froze.
His body shivered as he felt it.
A sharp presence. A fast one. Stronger than anyone he'd sensed today.
He jumped back just in time as a flash of light streaked past him.
BOOM!
The attack shattered the earth where he had been standing.
Victor looked up and grinned wide. "Finally…"
From the trees emerged a calm yet fierce figure, cloaked in white light. His eyes glowing. His aura undeniable.
Bin, the Light Descendant. The strongest among them.
"So," Victor said, licking his lips, "a worthy opponent at last."
Bin didn't respond. He raised his hand, and a halo of shadow formed around it.
"Ino!" Bin called out without turning. "Get them out of here. All of them."
Ino, who had just returned, nodded quickly.
"Yes, sir!"
he rushed over, helping Jed onto a stretcher. Two soldiers lifted Den. Another supported Luz, who whispered hoarsely, "... thank you…"
"You're safe now," Ino whispered back.
As the three warriors were carried away—
Bin stepped forward, and Victor stepped to meet him.
Two monsters.
Light vs. Brutality.