We will defend the Empress!

The sound of the monster's footsteps grew louder, and with it, the determination in Seo-yeon's chest ignited. The others were already preparing, and she would stand with them, ready to face whatever came next. The battle wasn't over. Not yet. Not while there was still breath in their lungs.

"We'll hold the line," Malrang said, her voice steady, her stance unwavering. "We'll protect Gaon. And when she wakes, we'll finish this together."

The storm in the distance rumbled, and the city held its breath as the massive creature drew closer, but the people of Luminara, led by Gaon's unwavering will, would not back down. They couldn't.

"Brother Seong-hoon, please, carry her to her room," Eun-woo said, his voice calm but firm, placing a hand on Seong-hoon's shoulder. "While we hold off that beast, we will wait for your return. We will all die if we need to in order to protect her, to protect this home."