Alex counted the birds that came down for them each time. Each time, 1 bird was added for each person there. Because they couldn't sense Alex in the slightest, Pearl and Scarlet's presence made 2 more birds come down during the next attack.
Pearl's 4 bodies were destroyed the last time, so he was conserving his energy. Which meant it was her turn to handle the birds.
As 12 fire birds came down toward them in an irregular pattern, Scarlet flared her Burning Spirit domain, killing them all in one go. When the birds died, she breathed in and out, taking a moment to gather herself.
"Are you okay?" Alex asked, seeing her struggle a little.
"Yes," she said. "Somewhat. I'm using the technique wrong, and it's taking a toll on me."
"Right," Alex said. "You said it's a defensive domain, and yet you're using it offensively."
