A dark elf sat in a prison. His cell was a massive iron box, completely sealed, with no access to light or the outside world. As he sat in the darkness, awaiting his execution, a voice echoed in his mind.

  —Tomorrow, you will be executed. You should not have exceeded your authority as Divine General, but don't worry... I can save you. After you die, you will awaken in another body. Your soul will continue to exist. You just have to swear loyalty to me, Galatea, the Outer Goddess. Be my warrior, and I promise you will have your revenge.

  The memories of the first time he had heard the goddess’s voice were still fresh in Eik's mind, and a bad feeling overtook him.

  "The goddess's orders are absolute, and I have never failed her... but why do I feel this strange sensation in my chest?" he wondered, feeling a sharp pang within.

  He shook his head, pushing the thought away.

  "It must be fear of failure. I will not fail my lady."

  The sky above Toki turned gray, and storm clouds began to cover the city. The wind blew forcefully, carrying the dust and ash from the battle.

  Before Axel, Eik stopped for a moment and looked at him attentively before speaking.

  —Human, you have stood in my way and fought decently. Tell me your name.

  Axel held his pistol firmly and responded without hesitation:

  —Axel Axpe, lieutenant of the Hirica army.

  Eik nodded slightly.

  —Good, Lieutenant Axel. I am Eik Rotidtre, former Divine General of the Celestial Tree nation. Many fae still fear my name.

  The voice of the dark elf was deep, laden with arrogance.

  —I must thank you... because of you, the Sand Woman has not yet escaped. She believes she has hope with you, which has only prolonged her misery. Now, thanks to her stubbornness, my goblins have reduced this city to ashes, and the slaughter will only worsen.

  His smile widened as he spread his arms.

  —Come with all your strength, try to kill me if you can. But I warn you... you will never find my core. You will exhaust yourself before you can touch it, and when you fall, I will make sure you die in pain.

  Axel exhaled slowly and spoke without taking his eyes off his opponent.

  —Lily, keep those damned chains away from me as long as possible. I have a plan.

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  Axel analyzed the situation.

  "Finding the mana core is impossible without trial and error. There are too many places it could be: head, chest, limbs... What is the exact spot?"

  He had no time for a meticulous analysis. But then, an idea crossed his mind.

  "Wait... yes, I do have time!"

  Axel began to move, dodging Eik's chains while pretending to look for a shooting angle. He aimed for the head but lowered the weapon. Then, he aimed for the chest, but pulled back. Finally, he aimed at the left shoulder, at the center of the scapula.

  —Eureka! —he whispered, shooting without hesitation.

  The sound of the shot echoed through the devastated city.

  Eik fell to his knees, gasping for breath. Slowly, he removed his mask, revealing his face.

  —How…? —he whispered in disbelief—. How did you know where it was? This isn’t just luck...

  Axel saw the face of the dark elf, just as he had seen it in ancient books about the races of the world.

  —I don’t see a disfigured face. You don’t seem like someone who wants to hide. Why wear a mask?

  Eik gave a bitter smile.

  —Because this body... isn’t mine. I hate this face. I can’t stand looking at myself in the mirror.

  Without further words, he launched himself at Axel again.

  The ten fingers of his hands rose, each controlling a chain. In an instant, a flurry of attacks descended upon Axel and Lily.

  Axel saw a single opportunity, fired three times, and three chains broke. He fired three more times, and another three chains fell consecutively.

  Eik was stunned.

  —Impossible... —he whispered, looking at his right hand. All his fingers had been blown off by the shots. He then looked at his other hand and saw that his thumb was also gone.

  Before he realized it, Lily was already at his side. Her sand sword descended with a clean cut.

  Eik’s left hand fell to the ground.

  The dark elf staggered back, breathing heavily, his face pale.

  Axel loaded his weapon.

  —I’m lucky this is a semi-automatic pistol and not a revolver —he murmured—. The officer shot once. I shot seven.

  He had two bullets left. Enough to finish off a monster.

  He aimed and fired at the right leg.

  —So that’s where it was, looks like that thing moves—

  Eik’s body trembled. His skin withered within seconds, turning into dry mummified flesh. Then, with a crack, his body disintegrated into dust and vanished with the wind.

  They had won.

  Axel exhaled deeply, feeling an indescribable exhaustion.

  —I saw all the options... It was trial and error. It felt like an eternity. That bastard just wouldn’t die.

  He paused, looking at his own hands.

  —The first shot confused me. I think I just grazed the mana core, and I settled for that. A big mistake. I had to make sure he died, but I didn’t. Then, when I felt the weight of the gun, I noticed I had more bullets, thought it would be easy to destroy his fingers... but still, I had to see hundreds of times where to shoot.

  He looked up at the cloudy sky, feeling the weight of his own power.

  —I’m exhausted... but I’m glad to have this blessing. I don’t know why God YH gave me this gift... but I’m grateful.

  He turned.

  —Lily? Where are you? Seems like I’ve been talking to myself all this time.

  Silence was his only answer.

  A few meters away, Maxwell appeared, carrying Lucy on his back, accompanied by his two bodyguards.

  They looked at him in amazement.

  "Has Axel always been this strong?" —Gunter and Eustace wondered.

  Lucy smiled proudly.

  —Yes! He always has been.

  Maxwell burst into joyous laughter.

  —Ha, ha! I knew you could do it, my friend!

  Soon after, Axel heard applause. The people who had remained hidden began to emerge from the rubble, thanking him and celebrating his victory. Suddenly, he felt some sand in his ear and a sharp sound, like a whisper. It was Lily’s voice, but higher-pitched.

  —Don’t worry... They’ve forgotten about me. I’ve erased my presence.

  —Enjoy all the glory, boy.