Chapter 17: The Calamity of the Planet [4]

Ardyn only had a moment to look up in shock as the top of the stone statue plunged towards him. His instincts screamed at him at that very instant, but his body wouldn't listen.

He just watched in horror, knowing that he couldn't possibly dodge this crushing blow—

"Move!"

Just as the shout reached his ears, a huge fireball slammed into the falling statue just a few feet above him. The flames blasted like a missile, exploding the stones into scattered cinders and pebbles.

Ardyn jerked back as a few fiery embers rained down on his skin. He blinked quickly, shaking his head from the intense afterimage. Then his gaze settled on the familiar figure behind him, the man's dark red hair blowing in the scorched wind.

"God! It's you," Ardyn said, almost collapsing to the ground in relief. All this destruction really wasn't good for his heart.

Okay, so he did plan to save me. Damn. I thought I was gonna be a goner right there!