Battle of the Black Dragon Gate (10)

With Shye temporarily gone, unease settled over the cohort.

Only now did they realize how much of a pillar he had been to them.

Almost everyone—except for the two battle-crazed individuals and a certain stalwart shielder—felt the weight of the looming battle.

They weren't confident.

Even the three who remained composed weren't truly assured of victory. 

The difference was that something else held their resolve together—two driven by their love for raw combat, and the other by duty and her noble spirit.

Siegfried and Luna stepped forward, not a hint of fear on their faces.

"Hohoh, fighting a deity, huh? Not a bad way to go out, no?" 

"Hold firm, everyone. We just need to hold on for a measly ten seconds. Crowley shall do the rest."

A smile graced Shirley's lips.

What was the point of overthinking now?

They were all about to die anyway. There was no need to dwell on matters with Shye—what would happen would happen.