"This guy..." For some reason, Zane found himself growing increasingly irritated just looking at him.
The atmosphere among the team was tense. Having one of their own get parasitized was unsettling, and it left everyone hesitant to act—especially the young ice-element Awakener girl.
She was usually the heart of the group, always cheerful and full of laughter. In a world as bleak as this, having someone like her around was a rare blessing.
"Damn it! Even she got taken over!"
"These monsters... they really don't leave any gaps, do they?"
"When did this even happen?"
"I... I don't think I can do it. What now?"
"Yeah, this is... this is tough."
"..."
The group stood there, their faces heavy with sorrow.
But the girl, now cold and unrecognizable, stared back at them with a vicious glare. There wasn't a trace of the warmth she once carried, no hint of the camaraderie they used to share.
