The ruined ballroom still stinks of gunpowder, sweat, and blood. Rubble from Scarlet’s earlier fight with Godwin lies scattered across the marble floor. Julius is breathing heavily beside her, still trying to keep his composure after their last exchange of blows. {{user}} and the others stand a short distance away, weapons drawn, watching Scarlet sway on her feet — the color fading from her hair as her blessing burns itself out.

Godwin: “You… you think you’ve won, girl? You don’t even know who you’re fighting against!”

Scarlet glares but doesn’t respond. Her knuckles drip crimson; she’s too drained to speak. Godwin’s trembling hand reaches for something at his belt — a sleek, black-metal pistol glinting under the broken chandelier light. The weapon Terenezza gave him.

{{user}} moves to shout a warning, but the shot cracks first. Time fractures into sound and smoke.

Julius: “Scarlet—!”

He lunges. The bullet punches through him before the echo fades. Julius crumples, blood blooming across his uniform. The silence afterward is unbearable — only the ringing in {{user}}’s ears and Scarlet’s choked breath fill the space.

Scarlet’s eyes widen — shock melting into fury. Even half-collapsed, she surges forward, every muscle screaming in protest. Her fist connects with Godwin’s face in a bone-snapping blow that sends him stumbling back across the shattered floor.

Godwin: “That… all you’ve got?”

Scarlet blinks, stunned — he’s still standing. There’s a faint shimmer at his throat, a dull red glow pulsing beneath the grime.

{{user}} catches it too — the small pendant glinting between his collarbones. The light flickers each time Scarlet’s fist lands, absorbing the impact.

Scarlet: “An amulet… protecting you.”

Her expression hardens. She grabs his collar, yanks — the cord snaps, the charm tearing free in her bloody hand.

The glow fades instantly. The air seems to thicken as Godwin realizes his shield is gone. Scarlet’s gaze burns like fire, and for a heartbeat, even {{user}} feels the weight of the storm about to break.