Chapter 13: The Power of the Supporting Character

The demon, massive and cloaked in darkness, advanced relentlessly toward Emi, Aria, and Alex. Each step made the ground tremble, and its laughter echoed through the air like a tangible threat. The girls stood firm, but their magic seemed useless against the shadow enveloping the monster.


“We can’t keep this up!” Emi shouted, looking at Aria with desperation.


Both were exhausted, but giving up wasn’t an option. The hope of saving everyone rested on their shoulders. Meanwhile, Alex remained on the ground, his body weakened from the strain of maintaining his magic.


“Alex...” Emi murmured, her eyes turning once again toward the boy who could barely stay conscious.


Suddenly, something within him stirred. The sound of Emi’s voice, laced with worry, ignited a spark deep inside. He remembered why he had been fighting from the beginning—not just to help Emi, but to protect those who mattered. His bond with the girls, the sense of duty he felt as a hero… all of it gave him renewed strength.


“No... I can’t fall now...” Alex whispered to himself, raising his hand toward the sky.


The energy of his magic began to flow again, stronger than before, surrounding him in a blinding glow. As the light radiated from his body, his strength returned. The demon, sensing Alex’s magic coming back to life, turned toward him, still unaware of the magnitude of what was coming.


“Wait!” Emi shouted, realizing what Alex was about to do.


Alex closed his eyes for a moment, then with a decisive motion, raised both hands to the sky. His magic surged with a golden brilliance, radiating a pure power that extended outward to the girls.


“Emi! Aria! Be ready!” Alex shouted as the energy concentrated in his hands.


Emi and Aria stared in awe as Alex’s magic surrounded them, instantly restoring their strength. Emi felt warmth and power flood her, renewing her confidence. Aria, now fully recovered as well, smiled with gratitude.


“This... this is incredible...” Aria whispered, astonished by her sudden surge of strength.


Seeing the girls now even more powerful, the demon began to back away, its arrogance crumbling. But Alex had no intention of letting it escape. He stood up with difficulty, still breathing heavily, and aimed his hands at the monster.


“Now!” Alex commanded.


Seeing his determination, the girls launched their attacks again, this time with their full strength. Emi summoned a blinding explosion of light, while Aria channeled her wind magic into a raging storm. Their attacks merged, fusing with Alex’s energy.


The demon, stunned by the combined assault, tried to resist, but the light and wind engulfed it, trapping it within a sphere of energy.


“That’s enough!” Emi shouted.


With one final burst of magic, the trio’s combined attack pierced through the demon, obliterating it in a surge of pure energy. The ground trembled once more as the creature disintegrated, leaving behind only a trace of darkness that quickly faded.


The wind settled, and calm returned to the battlefield. Alex, though exhausted, managed a faint smile as he fell to his knees. Emi and Aria also collapsed, drained from the intensity of the fight.


“We... we did it...” Emi said with a tired smile.


Aria let herself fall to the ground as well, breathing heavily.


“I never thought I’d say this, but... thank you, Emi. And... thank you, Alex.”


Alex smiled between breaths, looking at the two girls.


“I did what I had to do... And you two were amazing.”


But before he could rest, a dark shadow loomed over them. The ground beneath their feet began to crack, and a new demonic presence emerged.


The demon leader had returned.