Battle at the Selnes Country: Earth Drill Centipede I
The warriors, including Alice and Eilish, gazed upward at the figure hovering in the air.
"He had grown stronger once again..." Eilish murmured.
"Keeping up with him is becoming increasingly difficult," Alice remarked with a wry smile.
"I hoped for some rest, but it looks like we'll have to wait until Souta and Kessa finish off that monster," Eilish said, settling against the wall and clenching her fist. She looked downward, determination etched on her face. "I must become stronger too. Breaking the Third Shackle isn't enough... Not for my brother or for him..."
Alice briefly glanced at Eilish, her eyes reflecting a mixed of emotions, before returning her attention to the radiant figure in the sky.
...
Souta remained composed, observing the clash between the two fifth-stage monsters before him.
An unfamiliar emotion swirled within him—sadness. This feeling was unlike the usual volatile emotions that spurred his desire for retribution.