>WHOOOOOOSSSHHHHH<
Suddenly, in a burst of white light, Maria ascended into the air.
Her body was doused in an unquestionably radiant light. It covered her, like a sphere, developing her immediate surroundings as well.
Jared's unconscious body also got bathed in its warmth, and the creeping darkness all around them began to dissipate.
"W-wha—?!"
"H-how is she—?!"
"T-that's not possible!"
"She's using Magic?!"
"I-it's not—!!!"
The mysterious men clad in black were beyond shocked when they observed the power Maria commanded.
It was enough to make them shudder in despair, and their hands nervously trembled even as they gripped their staffs.
"K-kill her! Hurry!!!"
Heeding the command of the one who seemed to be their leader, everyone gained some measure of their composure and powered-up their dark rods.
"DIEEEEE!!!"
The darkness in the rods swelled, seemingly corroding everything in its path.