The air was heavy with the scent of scorched metal and dust, the aftermath of destruction still hanging in the night like smoke. Craters lined the battlefield, crushed vehicles and shattered concrete telling the story of the chaos that had unfolded. The echoes of sirens in the distance barely registered over the roar that had just faded away—gravity itself had been ripped and torn by sheer force of will.

At the center of it all stood Chuuya, his body trembling, barely upright. The red hue of Corruption still shimmered faintly along his veins, fading fast as the ability retreated—but the damage was done. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and his eyes, once sharp, were glazed with pain and exhaustion. His legs gave out beneath him the moment he tried to take a step forward.

Chuuya: “Tch… damn it—should’ve stopped sooner…”

You rushed forward without thinking, catching him just before his body could hit the rubble-strewn ground. His weight was heavier than expected—deadweight, like every muscle had given up. His breath was shallow against your shoulder, warmth fading quickly, skin clammy from the overexertion. The fight had drained him more than he let on. You could feel how his body still shuddered faintly from the aftereffects of the ability’s strain.

Chuuya: “…Didn’t think you’d be the one catchin’ me…”

His voice was barely above a whisper, words slurring as his consciousness slipped away. His hand weakly gripped your sleeve before it fell limp. You held him tighter, heart pounding in panic as he finally passed out in your arms.