AGAINST ALL ODDS

“No, Cherry!”

Troy’s voice tore through the chaos as he watched her collapse. Summoning the last of his strength, he rushed forward, catching her just before she hit the ground. His heart pounded as he looked up at the one responsible—the bearer of the blade, standing over them with a wicked smile.

Troy knew exactly who he was.

But how?

He was supposed to be sealed away in the Prison Realm with his master. The barrier should have been strong enough to keep him locked away.

Troy clenched his jaw. “That was no mistake,” he said darkly, his voice edged with fury.

Then, he noticed something—everything around them had frozen in place. No movement, no sound. Time itself had stopped. The only ones unaffected were Erbia, himself, and possibly Cherry, who barely clung to life. This wasn’t Erbia’s doing, he wasn’t alone.

A slow, taunting voice echoed from the shadows.

“Erbia, can we go now? I’m tired.”

A figure emerged, stretching lazily as he let out a malicious yawn. Ace.