In an instant, the pain of tearing and peeling overwhelmed Erica's soul.

Her consciousness began to waver, and even her facial features were almost squeezed together from the pain, making her look quite ferocious.

Finally, the scythe in the air gradually slashed down towards Erica's neck.

"it's over."

But just as the words fell, a flapping sound of wings suddenly came from the sky.

Almost simultaneously, it suddenly saw Erica's lips curve upwards in a smile.

This startled it instantly, and it hurriedly controlled its scythe to look at Erica.

But……

clang!

With a crisp metallic sound, an armored arm burning like hellfire emerged from the void.

He gripped the sickle tightly in his palm.

In that instant, as the surrounding relentless flames ignited, Thanatos felt an immense pressure.

Erica, who had been regained control, involuntarily detached herself again.

But she didn't fall to the ground; instead, she was caught by another arm that reached out from the void.

Upon seeing this, Thanatos tried to put away his scythe, but no matter how hard he pulled, he couldn't retract it.

Swish.

A crackling sound of flames bursting into flame rang out.

A tiny, meteor-like flame ignited in the air.

The flames, like human eyes, were fixed intently on Thanatos before them.

The immense pressure rendered it unable to move.

Finally, the flames expanded violently and burst into flames.

In mid-air, a ring of blazing fire gradually unfolded.

The wheel rings spun rapidly and expanded at an alarming rate.

Finally, a circular gate surrounded by flames appeared in this desolate space.

At that moment, Thanatos couldn't help but widen its empty eyes on its enormous face.

For within it, a crimson suit of armor, its entire body ablaze with hellfire, emerged from the gate of flowing flames.

The lava runes flowing across his body erupted with waves of scorching and relentless heat, accompanied by a merciless metallic clang.

"Indeed, it's time to end this."

A dull sound slowly rose, accompanied by the scorching heat of the flames.

He lowered his head, his eyes fixed on Erica in his arms through the flames of his helmet.

The blonde girl was not unconscious; instead, she gave him a satisfied smile.

It was as if it were being spoken to him.

Look, I did it!

The bloodstains and injuries all over her body seemed so disjointed beneath her smile.

“I saw it.”

The voice, slightly gentle, rang out through the armor:

"So, I've come to take you home."

As soon as she finished speaking, Erica realized...

It seems she can finally get some proper rest.

And so, she peacefully closed her eyes in the embrace of the armor.

The surrounding flames did not harm her in the slightest; instead, they provided her with a warm, velvety blanket of fire.

As the crimson armor appeared, a black raven, constantly flapping its wings, flew leisurely in from afar.

It stood firmly on Viktor's shoulder, lowered its head, and gently pecked at the crimson armor.

Vega was always nearby, so Victor never worried that Erica would die.

It can be said that everything is still under his control.

only……

He raised his head again, his burning, crimson gaze fixed on Thanatos's empty, illusory eye sockets.

"I think I let you off the hook last time."

The deep voice, though seemingly calm, still sounded like the roar of a raging fire, each sound striking its very soul.

"Then this time, you'll be setting off on your own."

"Or should I send you on your way?"