Karlia was locked in an endless swirl of emotions.


    Her heart constantly raced anytime she saw Jared—no, Lewis Griffith in Jared''s body.


    He seemed surprised that she would be able to recognize him despite his new form, but that was simply underestimating her sensory abilities. Since their Souls were linked by her Original Magic, Karlia could tell the moment she looked at him.


    Even though the bond wasn''t as strong as a Soul Brand, the moment he appeared in front of her, she could instantly tell.


    ''I-I can''t believe this! H-he''s alive?!'' Her heart was racing at an unbelievable speed.


    Through the years—for over five centuries—she had sought ways to bring him back, yet here Lewis was, right in front of her.


    ''Oh, no! He must think I''m his enemy! I''m in the Nether Cult, and I even wanted us to kill Jared because he was troublesome!'' Her thoughts suddenly surged.


    How was she going to exin her way out of this mess?


    "Lewis, I—"


    Unfortunately, her words were interrupted by the arrival of the First Seat.


    The moment she saw him, she realized her blunder… as well as what was toe. The only reason for the Martial de toe was for Jared''s execution.


    Normally, she would have allowed it—no, even supported it. After all, Jared was one huge stumbling block that stood between her and her dream.


    However, now that she discovered Jared was Lewis, what would she do? Was she going to watch the Martial de God execute the only person she ever loved? Or was she going to save him?


    ''He''s still confused. He probably has some weird perception of me. I… I…''


    Betraying the Cult was something she never wanted to do—especially because of her goals. But, her cooperation so far only hinged on one reason. And now the reason was in front of her.


    Did it really have to take her so long to decide?


    ''NO! I''m not letting you near him!'' Her thoughts echoed, and her bloodlust began to manifest—focused only on the Martial de God.


    She knew she was courting death with her actions, but Karlia''s thoughts were only centered around one thing. That single thing was enough to conquer the fear and reverence she had for her senior.


    ''Lewis is mine!''


    *


    *


    *


    "Don''t look at Karlia that way!"


    The eyes of the subus widened the moment she heard those words from Jared/Lewis.


    ''H-he''s… not mad at me?'' Her heart thumped louder than before, and her whole body became hotter by the second.


    She could see the resolve in his eyes as he stood up for her. It was simr to the one in her eyes. For that moment alone, despite their confusion and mixed emotions, Karlia could feel the connection between the both of them restored.


    They had be one!


    "I see. So, you''ve chosen to side with each other. I don''t me you for your choice. However, do you really believe this changes anything?" The Martial de God asked, his eyes narrowed as he exchanged nces between her and the one she recognized as Lewis.


    Serah was out of the equation, but she was most likely going to be dealt with after the Martial de God was done with them.


    ''I already mad my peace with this a long time ago…'' Karlia thought to herself as she took a deep breath in.


    The Martial de God was standing right between her and her goal. And there was only one thing she could do to get back her lover.


    "... I don''t care if the world burns as a result—and the same applies to the Nether Cult!''


    >VWUUUUUUSSSSSHHHHH!!!<


    In a sh, she darted in the direction of her prey.


    The Martial de God instantly picked this up, and he swung his de to intercept her. However—


    She instantly vanished from his reach and appeared beside Lewis, and right in front of Serah. They both disyed shock, causing her to grin a little.<novelsnext>please visit </novelsnext>


    "W-whoah… what did you do?" Lewis asked, his eyes aze with curiosity.


    "It''s one of my abilities. I can teach you about it some other time."


    "Sweet!"


    They both smiled at each other, and she could feel something deep within her Soul. It was—


    ''RESONANCE!'' Her grin grew wider, and so did Lewis''s.


    It was just as she realized. Lewis and her… they were both one in thought and intentions.


    ~Let''s do this, Karlia.~ His voice appeared in her thoughts.


    ''Yeah. Try to keep up!'' She responded, her focus on the enemy in front of her.


    It was both of them against this incredible monolith.


    Karlia didn''t know the full extent of Jared''s strength, but she knew it was inferior to the Martial de God''s power. She also knew her limits, and they also fell short.


    However, she had a n.


    ''We''ll fight… for now. Once the time is right—I''ll get us out of here!''


    Facing the Martial de God and hoping to win was suicide. Fortunately, she had perfect immortality!


    "This should be an interesting battle." Their opponent muttered, pointing his de at the two of them.


    "I have always wondered if I could kill you. Now is the time to put that to the test."


    "Give it your best shot!" She yelled in excitement.


    Even though she greatly feared and respected the Martial de God, having Lewis by her side gave her all the confidence she needed.


    Somehow, she felt she could do anything as long he was by her side. It also helped that, at this very moment, she was…


    … INCREDIBLY, INDESCRIBABLY HAPPY!


    And with this profound joy, came strength!


    ''Lewis is alive! That''s all that matters!'' She strengthened her body and prepared to go all-out.


    "Give it my all, huh? I''m not sure about that." The Martial de God whispered, blue and white energy suddenly emanating from his body.


    Pressure filled the entire area, and the power he exuded was unbelievable.


    "You are right in one aspect, though. I''ll need to try harder if I want to win."


    As he spoke, his hair turned white, and his skin appeared clear and pale. His eyes glowed bright blue, and he seemed to be covered in a bright attire made of energy. In his current form, all his senses were heightened, and his power reached more frightening heights.


    This was his Martial State.


    "Now then, shall we begin?"


    With both sides prepared to give their all, the tension of battle enveloped the entire ind. Anyone who dwelled on it could instantly tell…


    … This would be a devastating sh!


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    [A/N]


    I have been looking forward to this confrontation for some time now. Hehe. Now, then, why don''t we check something out in the next chapter?