Turning my attention to the fight, I see even more shadow minions arise from the essence of the demon—to the point that they are all surrounding Ze, with some of them turning their attention to us.

Cer removes his own sword and parries the attacks of the shadows—how have I not realized he was carrying one up until now? With his right hand, he maneuvers his sword to slay the shadows. At the same time, he extends his left hand to the side, telling us to stay behind him.

Thea, too, unleashes her claws, ripping at the shadows sneaking past Cer.

The enclosed space becomes overwhelmed with the essence of the demon that is seemingly infinite. As Cer and Thea tackle the incoming shadows, I'm jostled to the side, tripping and falling on the hard floor. I drag a deep breath in, trying to get to my feet, only to be knocked down again by a mist that's slithered its way past Cer.

I give a low yelp of pain as I feel a burn where the dark shadow touched my arm. Their touch... it's acidic. As the shadow comes once more toward me, I fiddle to open the pouch with the black dust. But I'm too slow, and before I can untie the end, the shadow is upon me, striking my hands.

"Agh!" I drop the pouch to the ground, red, gnarly burns forming on the back of my hand. The shadow moves to strike again, but it's cut down by a sword at the last moment. A familiar back is in front of me, wielding that marble-white sword and cutting through the shadows until they evaporate in the air.

"Thank—" I don't get to thank him because in the next second, he's gone, already on the other side of the room, fending off attacks from the main body of the demon—the one that now has doubled in height and width.

I quickly grab the pouch, though the burns look raw and angry. Slowly getting to my feet, I return to Thea's and Cer's side.

The two of them managed to drive most of the shadows away, but it seems that the main body is creating more. At this rate, he's just going to multiply ad infinitum and we're never going to get to the bottom of it. If we want to end him, we need to limit him somehow...

"I have an idea," I suddenly say, grabbing onto Cer's sleeve. "Are you as fast as him?" I nod to Ze.

"What are you thinking about?"

"What if we cage the demon in? I have the black dust from Ze. If we create a barrier around them, then maybe..."

"It will help Ze tackle them all in one place." Cer nods. "Could be worth a try."

I hand Cer the rest of the pouch, and before I can blink, he's gone.