Specter looked calm and uneventful on the surface, as if nothing happened. However, Felix knew the truth. That strike was far worse than the one before—it had gone straight for his soul.

Just as he was about to summon all his soul-bound weapons and activate spells from the Phaeron Codex to counter it, someone suddenly appeared in front of him. Yes, a person—just like that.

The person had long hair flowing, no warning, no presence, and no sound. It was as if they had just teleported right in front of him, shielding him without hesitation.

"Hollow Soul? No way!" Felix gasped.

Before he could make sense of it, he heard Specter's voice crack a little as if something shocked even him. Then, the figure turned around.

"Zara?" Felix blinked in disbelief. He felt like he was dreaming. That gentle smile and that familiar face—it was unmistakably her.

"Hi, honey." The sound of her voice, calling him the way she used to, brought Felix crashing back to reality.

It finally dawned on him tha