359

Zellion parries a Charred’s machete, trips the attacker, and watches as Elegy drives a soul-piercing spear through the Charred, extinguishing his cinderheart. When Elegy continues stabbing into the deck in a fervor, Zellion restrains her and warns her to be careful, noting her dangerous enthusiasm.

The Dawnchaser flies off the main formation of Beacon’s fleet—four gunships guarding four tightly packed passenger ships—drawing attacks as the Cinder King’s elite speed ahead. Most enemy pilots target the gunships first instead of the transports, a tactical reprieve Zellion accepts. Rebeke, following his directions, swings Dawnchaser alongside Zeal’s gunship, which is swarmed by Charred.

Zellion and Elegy jump to Zeal’s deck, where Zellion draws the attackers’ focus with controlled strikes while Elegy’s borrowed spear tears through their souls. They quickly fell four enemies as the gunship crews remain minimal to avoid civilian casualties.

With one Charred fleeing to another vessel, Zellion and Elegy pursue, soaring across the gap to continue clearing boarders. Their teamwork—Zellion distracting and pinning, Elegy delivering soul-killing blows—keeps the attackers off the gunships, preserving the defensive screen despite the transports’ ongoing vulnerability.