Secured at what cost?

"Where's that pen of his now? And his armor has shifted colors to black?!" Todd asked, eyes scanning their foe.

Nanako responded to Todd, "I'm not sure, but I think his speed has increased also… Todd!"

Todd looked over at Nana, confused, before glancing down at his hands. They were slowly disintegrating. "What the hell… the punch must be why…"

A light bulb went off in Todd's mind. "Nana! Distract him for me, will you?!"

"Uh… I will to the best of my ability, but—"

Todd cut her off, determination etched on his face, and began sprinting toward Gisorn, still covered in a blue aura despite his body slowly disintegrating.

What could he be planning? Nana thought as she looked past Gisorn for a moment. Shockingly, what caught her sight was a book left on a display table rising from the ground, surrounded by blue torches flickering ominously.