On the other side, Alan raised the Elemental Sword in his left hand and gripped the Lumen Sancta tightly in his right. His entire posture showed he was ready for battle.
Seeing this, Francis and the others also drew their weapons and magical artifacts, each of them determined to stand with him no matter what.
However, Alan merely swept them a glance and said firmly, "No. You all can't stay here!"
Francis's face immediately fell. "You heartless bastard! We stayed behind to help you, and now you're pushing us away? Do we mean nothing to you?"
Fort's face darkened, and he said with equal seriousness, "I… won't leave!"
Blanche didn't speak, but her determined eyes made it clear she would never abandon her companions to save her own skin.
Alan let out a soft sigh. "It's because I see you all as my brothers… that I can't watch you stay and die with me."
His voice carried helplessness, unwillingness, and a deep sense of powerlessness.
