The dust settled, revealing Mater back in his cat form.
His fur was a mess and lost its usual glow and smoothness. Not far from him, the Ascendant had also lost his flaming bird form and returned to a burnt man.
He was still alive.
The Ascendant lay on the floor and laughed.
"Nice try, Heretic! Hahahaha!" The man covered his mouth like he couldn't stop himself from laughing. "But you lose."
Holy Fire slowly returned to his body as he regained his power.
"Ugh. This damn blessed champion." Mater grunted.
He was emptied. Fully. He had no power in him anymore. But it was not the end yet.
The black cat opened its mouth. The Dark Grimoire shot out of his throat. Aurora and Crow jumped out from the pages.
"You two?!" He widened his eyes.
The Ascendant forgot that Mater still had his servants.
Crow turned into a strip of shadow and dashed to the Ascendant. He drove a Nether Sphere into the heart of the man and pinned him onto the floor.
