Frozen Paths      

In an act of selflessness, Yuzuro made a split-second decision. Without a second thought, she leaped between the ice-cold blast of the Snowworm and Xin, fully aware of the risk to her own life. 

But just as she did, an unexpected twist of fate occurred.

Out of nowhere, a Basic Golem, summoned by Xin for defense, materialized with surprising speed. 

Yuzuro collided with the massive creature, her body tossed to the side like a ragdoll. 

"AaAaaGgh!" She was propelled directly toward the gaping maw of the Giant Snowworm. Her scream was drowned out by the snap of the Snowworm's jaw.

[Your companion, Hikari, has DIED!]

Xin and Midnight Duchess stood frozen. Disbelief etched across their faces at the abrupt turn of events. They surely didn't expect that last part.

"That fool," Midnight Duchess murmured under her breath. "She really died . . . and in the most foolish way."

Xin could only let out a heavy sigh. "Yuzu . . ."