CHAPTER 197: CHAPTER 197- TEMPER

Kevin and Cindy landed with a flash of light, the air around them thick with smoke and the stench of blood. The roar of battle filled their ears as they looked around, the frontlines, chaos incarnate.

Kevin turned, spotting Glain standing amid the command post, his armor scorched but his expression calm as ever. "You shouldn’t have switched us," Kevin said, his tone firm. "You could’ve handled this yourself."

Glain gave a faint, weary smile. "You’re the only one I can rely on for this, Kevin."

Kevin sighed, lowering his sword slightly. "You could’ve fought that creature yourself, you know."

"I could," Glain replied, his eyes narrowing toward the distance where another surge of corrupted light erupted. "But the monster I have to face isn’t out there, it’s one only I can deal with."

Kevin stared at him for a moment, then exhaled heavily. "Fine... After all this, we’d better find Nia. And I want to hear the truth from her this time."

Glain gave a slow nod. "We will. Once this nightmare is over."

After that, Glain turned to Kevin, the chaos of the battlefield reflected in his eyes but his voice steady and commanding. "From here on, you’re in charge," he said, placing a hand on Kevin’s shoulder.

Kevin’s expression stiffened. "You’re giving me command?"

Glain nodded once. "You’ve proven yourself capable."

Kevin clenched his jaw, understanding the weight of what Glain had just entrusted to him. "Alright," he said quietly.

Glain closed his eyes for a brief moment, drawing a deep breath as emerald light began to pulse from beneath his boots. The ground answered his call. Massive roots and vines erupted from the earth, twisting and coiling around him like living serpents. With a single motion of his hand, the roots formed a platform beneath his feet and then, like a slingshot, hurled him forward.

He leapt from the top of the city’s great gate, descending through the smoky air, the wind howling past him as he aimed straight for the battlefield where Leo’s monstrous form rampaged uncontrollably. The air itself trembled when he landed, roots bursting outward to break his fall, spreading across the cracked ground in every direction.

From the command post, Kevin watched him go, jaw tight but eyes resolute. "You heard him," Kevin shouted, turning to the others. "Do your jobs and hold the line!"

One of the officers rushed up beside him. "Captain, what about Sir Luke? He’s still holding position at the front!"

Kevin turned sharply. "His condition?"

"He’s recovered enough to fight, sir!"

Kevin’s tense expression softened into a confident smirk. "Good," he said. "Tell him it’s time. We’re taking down that undead beast once and for all."

Rogan spoke calmly, his voice steady. "I’ll support you with all my strength."

Noah nodded in agreement, determination flashing in his eyes. "I’ll fight alongside you, too."

Kevin smiled faintly, admiration in his tone. "Now that’s the spirit."

Dori, ever practical, added, "I’ll help the medical team. I wasn’t much help with the shooting anyway."

Cindy, overhearing this, immediately wrapped her arms around Dori. "I want to help too," she whispered.

Rogan shook his head gently. "No, Your skills are far too valuable tracking the Chimera’s weaknesses to risk the front lines."

Cindy’s lips trembled, tears welling in her eyes. "I... I don’t want to just stand aside."

Dori placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "It’s safe here. Don’t worry."

Cindy’s gaze met Dori’s, shimmering with unshed tears. "Really?"

"Yes," Dori replied firmly.

Cindy took a deep breath, nodding. "Alright..."

Kevin’s voice cut through, calm and resolute. "Don’t worry. I’ll take care of the Chimera."

Veronica and Aya touched down beside the silent cannon with a clean, controlled landing. Veronica pushed a lock of hair behind her ear and scanned the area, eyes sharp, posture almost theatrical in its calm.

Lucy, a monstrous silhouette now, carapace glinting and eyes burning tilted her head when she saw them arrive. A thin, contemptuous smile spread across her transformed face.

"I was actually hoping you’d show up so I could finish what I started," Lucy said, voice rippling with insectile clicks beneath the words. "Revenge is sweet when served warm."

Veronica’s expression didn’t flicker. She never moved as if surprised, she moved as if expected. "Then don’t be disappointed," she replied coolly. "I’ll beat you again. Consider it practice, pack yourself a lunch."

Lucy’s grin widened, pride twisted into piety. "You don’t understand. I’m not what I was yesterday. I am a servant of a god now. I answer to something far above your petty ranks."

Veronica glanced over Lucy’s shoulder at the others, Sebas bent over a console, eyes sharp despite the fatigue, and Rea standing with a knuckle-white grip on his blade, breath short but steady. Veronica’s shoulders relaxed just a fraction.

"Relax," Veronica said, almost indulgent. "We’ve got backup stronger than your pretty little hero, yes? Better than one sentimental boy swinging a glowing toy." She gave a brief, confident nod toward Sebas.

Rea, with a tired half-sigh that was equal parts resignation and resolve, muttered, "I’ve lost track of how this is supposed to go too."

Sebas looked up, exhausted but steady. "I’m grateful you came, Miss Veronica," he said. "We need every hand that can hold a line."

Veronica straightened, chest out. "Of course. Someone had to bring the class."

Lucy bristled at being dismissed. "Don’t ignore me." She lashed out, no long buildup, just raw intent. A ripple of crackling energy burst from her chest and shot straight toward the small group.

Veronica didn’t flinch. With a single, economical motion she coated herself in a faint lattice of enchantment, an invisible armor that thrummed with power. The energy struck it and sloughed off like water on stone, sparks dancing across the barrier but without cutting through.

"Temper, temper," Veronica said lightly as the light shower faded from her gauntlet. She arched an eyebrow at Lucy. "Don’t be so angry, darling, you’ll get wrinkles faster. Age isn’t pretty on anyone, especially not on monster"

Aya flinched, voice tiny and thin. "That almost hit me—"

Sebas cut across her panic with a clipped order. "Positions. Now." He moved like a calm tide through the chaos, checking gear, adjusting comms, eyes already scanning for angles and counters. "Prepare to engage on my mark."