" Where am I??"

It was a dark place. One without light or whatsoever, only endless voids and emptiness.

" The last thing I remember.."

She was fighting with that "thing" that suddenly came and invaded the Dungeon she resided on.

And to protect her friend. She decided to sacrifice herself.

" Well.. at least he should be okay.."

Marie smiled. " Now.. what should I do in this place?? Hmm.. maybe I should do like usual, wait for people to come.."

Who knows how many years it has been that she was always alone.

She has always ensured herself that everything was okay, but on the very inside, she was lonely.

That was also the reason why when Aurum came, she didn't waste any time and went for Aurum.

Even if she needs to pretend to be weak, and be protected, as long as she can prolong that moment even for just a second longer.

Unknown to Marie. When she thought about all the time she spent with Aurum, tears began to escape from her eyes.

It might be short, but to Marie, it was one of the happiest moments of her life.

" *Sniff..* Stupid.. Stupid Aurum.. Why did you leave me.."

She didn't know why, but she started crying. She could no longer hold back her tears and could only mutter the same words again and again.

But at this time, she suddenly found there was a great light that was coming toward her. It was so warm that unconsciously Marie raised her hand toward it, and the next moment, she found herself no longer in that dark void space.

. . . . . . . .

Back to a few moments ago.

Just when Marie was killed by that thing.

"No Marie...!"

Aurum looked at the figure of Marie with a sword coming out from her chest, full of disbelief.

His eyes began to turn red. He stared at that thing full of anger and hatred as he saw Marie's figure begin to disintegrate.

Yet, that thing didn't even flinch and just smiled back at Aurum.

" What? Do you want to take revenge? Then just do so! But you are just a weakling, and you couldn't do anything."

That thing's words were harsh, but it couldn't be nearer to the truth.

It was a fact that Marie died because he protected him, and it had left a massive impact on Aurum.

Would, once again, his weaknesses take things dear to him?

The feeling of frustration and despair filled Aurum.

But at this time, something happened.

As Aurum thought he would never see Marie again, he subtly could hear Marie's voice in his heart.

And that voice was telling him to call her.

It was so bizarre. But sometimes, people tend to cling to the little hope that they had.

Something began to change inside of Aurum, and that "thing" also noticed it.

" No, you don't!"

It rushed at Aurum with its fastest speed, yet it was a bit too late.

Aurum had already made his mind, and that weird card once again appeared on his hand, now glowed with rainbow light.

"Contract established!!"

When that happened...

Uwaaaahhh-!!

Accompanied by a heavy, somber cry, Marie's figure that was beginning to disintegrate before suddenly shone.

Particles of light enveloped Marie, and a brand new Marie appeared in front of Aurum, complete with a shining cane that made her look completely like a Magical Girl after transformation.

And now there was a link that connected the two. Marie, she has become Aurum's third Arcane Card.

And just like the usual Magical Girl's transformation, when they transform, it is usually followed by this huge explosion. And that thing was accidentally caught in that explosion, throwing it away a few meters deep into the wall.

" Marie.."

As soon as Aurum thought of that name, Marie suddenly turned her head around.

There was a bright smile on her face, which was very suitable for her appearance.

It was as if saying thank you and I'm back.

But again, there was no time to celebrate.

"Aurum, we can't waste any more time than this!"

Marie pointed to that thing that was struggling to get back up to its knees after getting hit by that explosion.

" For some reason, I felt like as time passed, my power was leaking. And it wouldn't be long until I fell a few ranks. If that happened, I don't know whether we could survive this."

Aurum felt like a bag of cold water was thrown into his happiness.

Would they really be unable to get out of this unfavorable situation?

But when he saw Marie was still smirking like she had a plan, Aurum quickly came to a realization.

' Wait.. since Marie had turned into my Arcane Card, then..'

It was at this point, Aurum felt he realized what Marie was thinking.

It was a gamble, but it was the best risk they could think of right now.

" Marie!!"

" Yes, I know!"

Brave Mode, awaken!!!

In the meantime, the boss had finally been able to regain his stature.

Shurururu..

The after impact from the last explosion was not small, and it had made its tattered body become even more tattered.

But it was surprised because when it woke up, the one in front of him was neither Aurum nor Marie.

His stature was like Aurum, but he had that shining aura that previously was exclusive to Marie.

" Who.."

" Your mom!"

BAMM!!!!!

Obviously, it was Aurum who activated the Brave mode with Marie. But there was no way that thing would expect this.

And seizing this chance, Aurum's assault began on that thing.

POW!!!

That thing teetered about unsteadily before falling to his knees.

Plop.

He tried to stand back up, but Aurum didn't give him any chance to do so.historical

Plop.

"Euh-euk.."

Aurum stood before that thing he wordlessly stared down at him for a while.

'Bastard..'

Then, while ignoring Aurum's question-filled gaze directed at it, that thing extended its hand out towards his side before he roared with a groaned voice:

" Come, my monsters, attack him!!"