The booming explosions of Magic and shocks of Energy from far behind him were clear proof of the fierce battle between Duadeng and Tula.
But Roland had no intention of looking back. He just clenched his jaw and poured all his focus into his legs, sprinting with all his might along the path Philis showed him toward the entrance to the Dark Nether Realm.
He could clearly feel the breathing of Galvis, who was slumped on his back, growing ever lighter and fainter, like a thread about to snap.
With every brief pause, every ragged gasp, Roland's heart sank a little deeper.
His keen Perception, which he now almost hated, was like the most precise ruler, mercilessly measuring the rapid drain of his dear friend's Life Energy.
'There's no time...'
A cold thought echoed in his mind.
At this rate, the Minstrel's last spark of life would be extinguished long before they reached safety.
Yet, however slim the Hope, Roland never gave up in his heart.
