Kai stared in disbelief at Arie. He glimpsed a tear as she turned back, but his mind was reeling and he didn't register it. The Academe? Gone? All the graduates and squads...impossible. What kind of massive demon horde could have gotten past their defenses--onto holy ground, no less?
"H-how?" He stammered, incredulous.
But the conversation was interrupted by the arrival of demons, pursuing them. Kai felt Arie speed up, and fumbled for the crossbow, thumping against his back with each stride. He didn't get the chance to try and aim it; Arie released him and he fell. He saw the ground rushing up towards him and then everything went red with pain.
When he came to himself again, probably seconds later, he heard gunshots. With a groan he lifted his head and looked back. Yes, it was Arie, shooting at the demons as they came on. Before he could do anything, there was a blinding blast, and he felt something pressing down on his chest, making it hard to breathe.