The earth split open beneath a sky that trembled like glass under pressure. The clash of powers echoed through the battlefield, shaking Baek Mu-jin to his core.
'Stay calm,' he reminded himself. 'Find the gap.'
Dominic and Frederick's coordinated assault had cut off all chances of stopping Leopold from advancing toward Gaia's Axis—the heart of the world's balance. Though the situation seemed dire, Baek Mu-jin knew that destroying the Axis would not be simple. The barrier woven around Earth was ancient, powerful, and resilient.
'No need to rush,' he thought, steadying his breath. 'Conserve your strength. Wait for the opening.'
His eyes gleamed sharply, searching for that single, perfect moment. Yet before he could act, Frederick's cold voice broke the silence.
"I'm ready."
Baek Mu-jin's stomach dropped. Frederick's faint smile was the only warning before the mage vanished from sight.
Kugugung—!
The ground convulsed violently.
"You have to move!" Julian's warning tore through the chaos.
Theodore reacted instantly, but Dominic was already there, his rapier slicing through the air like a silver serpent.
Ssaeaeak!
Sparks scattered as steel clashed. Baek Mu-jin lunged between them, blocking Dominic's thrust.
The impact sent a tremor up his arm. The blade twisted midair like it had a will of its own, curving toward his heart.
Kwaddeuk—!
His protective aura tore with a sharp crack. He twisted his torso just in time—the blade grazed his chest instead of piercing it. Cold sweat trickled down his back.
'So this is Dominic Weber,' Baek Mu-jin realized grimly. 'The strongest of the Returnees' elites.'
Dominic's every strike was a phantom—dozens of afterimages, each one laced with deadly precision. His swordsmanship was not merely technique; it was instinct honed to perfection.
Baek Mu-jin's barrier shimmered, struggling to hold.
'If I let even one through, it's over.'
The ground split beneath him as Dominic's final strike detonated.
Kwakwang—!
Baek Mu-jin's body was flung backward, rolling across the ground. He spat blood and forced himself upright, glaring through the haze.
'He's strong. Too strong.'
Every instinct screamed danger. Even the tiniest lapse could mean death.
"You've done well," Dominic said, lowering his blade slightly. "For someone beneath the natural realm to last this long against me… impressive."
His tone was almost respectful—but his eyes burned with contempt.
"It's pointless, though. Talent means nothing against inevitability."
Baek Mu-jin didn't answer. Behind him, the earth heaved like a living creature. Frederick's spell had awakened. A massive pit yawned open, dragging everything toward it like a black hole.
Julian and Theodore struggled against the pull, but it was useless. The moment they lost footing, the earth swallowed them whole.
"It's over," Frederick declared. "With this, a new world begins."
"Wait."
Dominic paused mid-strike, frowning. Frederick had raised his hand.
"I have one question," the mage said quietly.
Even Dominic found it strange—but he knew Frederick's curiosity was endless, even in the face of death.
"Ask, then. It won't change anything."
Frederick smiled faintly. "Why did you betray us?"
Julian laughed bitterly. "Betray? No. We're just walking the right path."
"Leopold's dream isn't salvation," Theodore added, his voice calm despite the chaos. "He wants domination. A new world ruled by power alone."
Frederick's expression hardened. "And what's wrong with that? History has always been written by those strong enough to seize it."
Julian's grin turned cold. "Then you've been deceived. Leopold isn't the Emperor you think he is."
Frederick blinked. "…You mean Seong-jun?"
There was no verbal answer—only conviction shining in their eyes.
"I'll admit," Frederick said, "Lee Seong-jun is exceptional. But too unknown, too untested. Leopold is the only one capable of leading humanity."
Julian's expression darkened. "You'll regret that."
"Perhaps," Frederick said flatly. "But I'm done wasting words. Dominic—finish it."
The swordsman raised his weapon again, ready to strike.
And then—
A voice echoed, clear and sharp as crystal.
—That's enough.
Julian's lips curved into a smile. "I was wondering when you'd show up."
Frederick's eyes widened. "That voice…"
A chill crawled down his spine. "Anna Faris?"
Impossible. He had been monitoring her aura since the start. There was no trace of her anywhere near the battlefield.
"What trick is this?"
—Magic is a craft of preparation and patience, came the serene reply. If you have enough time, even impossibilities can be made real.
Frederick's scowl deepened. "You can't scare me. You're dying, dragon. Your body's rotting from the Demon King's curse."
He was wrong.
—Oh? Then it seems you haven't heard the news.
The air trembled.
Kugugugugu—!
The sky split open as a massive surge of mana poured through the rift. A figure descended, cloaked in light and power that bent the world around her.
Anna Faris.
Frederick's breath caught. "That… that's impossible."
The sheer force pressing down upon them was suffocating. The heavens and earth seemed to kneel before her.
"Run!" he shouted.
But it was far too late.
The clouds tore apart, and Anna drew in a slow, deliberate breath. Energy from the very world itself flowed into her lungs, condensing into a glowing sphere at her lips.
Frederick's voice broke into a scream. "That's—!"
—Dragon Breath.
A light brighter than the sun bloomed in her throat, and the world went white.
The weapon that once annihilated Russia—the signature of the dragon race—was unleashed once more.
As the heavens roared and the earth disintegrated beneath the tide of annihilation, the war for Gaia's Axis entered its final, devastating act.