Zenless Zone Zero: Morax in a New World!

Since Hare's House had become wealthy, Billy's ammunition had also become plentiful—his gear was now fully stocked.

Without another word, he drew his twin pistols from his waist and fired a full burst at the high-ranking Ethereal.

The volley had immediate effect, significantly slowing the Ethereal and giving Caesar and Clorinde an opening to strike.

In a flash, Caesar charged to the front lines, sword in one hand, shield in the other, engaging the Ethereal head-on with balanced offense and defense.

Clorinde followed up with a flurry of strikes. In mere seconds, her blade danced up and down, landing over a dozen blows.

With the combined assault of the three, even the high-ranking Ethereal struggled to withstand the pressure, forced to take the hits head-on.

Then suddenly—

The Ethereal lifted the front wheel of its motorcycle and swept it in a wide arc, forcing Clorinde and Caesar to retreat.

It lunged at Caesar again.

"I'll take the hit! Clorinde, Billy—give it everything you've got!" Caesar shouted.

Clorinde replied firmly, "Leave it to me."

Billy echoed her with a yell, "Got it, Big Sis!"

In the next instant, the Ethereal, still astride the Ether motorcycle, barreled into Caesar. The crash rang out loud as it slammed into her shield.

Its strength was overwhelming.

Even with both hands bracing her shield, Caesar was pushed back by the sheer force of the impact.

At the same time, the Ethereal slashed at her with its claws, aiming to finish her off.

But just then—

Clorinde and Billy arrived.

Before the Ethereal could land a blow, Clorinde's sword rained down like a storm, sparks of lightning crackling between her and the enemy.

Billy's firepower was just as fierce—two full bursts in seconds.

Caesar didn't stay idle either.

With both hands gripping her shield, she shoved forward and launched a counterattack.

"For the people of the Old Oilfield District! For the Motorcycle Clan Alliance! I will defeat you!"

She let out a roar, switching her shield to her left hand and gripping her sword in her right.

Putting all her strength into a powerful swing, she slashed toward the Ethereal. "Die already!"

Caesar's strength was formidable—but speed was her weakness.

Though her sword aimed straight for the Ethereal, it dodged. The blade crashed into the motorcycle instead.

With a deafening clang, the blade struck the motorcycle hard—

And to everyone's shock, it split the vehicle clean in half.

Billy lit up. "We got it?!"

"No," Caesar said quickly. "It was just the motorcycle…"

Realizing something was off, Caesar barely had time to react before the Ethereal grabbed one half of the bike and hurled it at them.

Caesar, Billy, and Clorinde scrambled to dodge.

When they turned back—

The Ethereal had already picked up the other half of the motorcycle and raised it like a weapon.

Worse still, it had absorbed the Ether energy from the vehicle—its power surged even higher.

Caesar caught her breath and raised her sword and shield once more. "Clorinde, Billy—can you still fight?"

"I'm fine, don't worry," Clorinde said with a nod.

Billy laughed. "Let's finish off this brute in one go, Big Sis!"

"Right," Caesar replied, serious and focused.

Though the Ethereal had grown stronger, it had also slowed down compared to when it was riding the motorcycle. There was no need to worry about surprise charges now—they could keep up the pressure.

And with all three of them in peak condition, they steadily overwhelmed the enemy.

If not for its absurd durability, Clorinde's blade would've already pierced through its chest.

Even she was surprised—it had been ages since she'd fought something this resilient.

Finally—

After wave upon wave of attacks, the Ethereal began to falter.

"We're almost there! Keep attacking!" Caesar shouted.

She led the charge, slashing forward—

Clorinde followed up, swinging her sword and drawing her pistol in the same motion—

Billy emptied another two bursts from his dual pistols—

Together, the three finally brought the Ethereal crashing down.

But just then—

It twisted in midair in an unnatural, contorted motion and lunged straight at Caesar.

She had no time to dodge. She raised her shield instinctively to block.

Boom!

The Ethereal slammed into her shield, dragging Caesar down with it—both of them plummeting toward the Cinder Lake.

"Big Sis, watch out!" Billy screamed.

Clorinde reached out instinctively. "Careful!"

But it was too late.

All they could do was watch as Caesar and the Ethereal fell together into the blazing lake.

...

Moments later, Clorinde and Billy rushed to the lake's edge—just in time to see the Ethereal crash into the fiery depths.

"Big Sis—!" Billy cried out, devastated.

Clorinde clenched her fists, her voice full of remorse. "I'm sorry... I was careless..."

But then—

A faint, breathless voice came from nearby, atop a rocky ledge.

"I'm here… Don't worry… I'm fine…"

Following the sound, Billy and Clorinde turned to see Caesar lying on a rock platform nearby—and finally let out a breath of relief.

She was alive.

Thank goodness.

No time to rest.

Caesar forced herself to her feet and looked toward the lake.

Ninety percent of the Cinder Lake was now covered in Ether crystals. At this rate, the whole lake would be sealed before long.

Just then—

Eous, who had been hiding safely, stepped out under Belle's control.

Seeing the lake nearly overtaken by Ether crystals, Belle sighed.

"We may have defeated Pompey's Ethereal form, but the lake is already like this… it won't burn much longer."

Billy's face was full of frustration. "It's too far... Even with bullets, I can't reach it..."

He and Clorinde both sighed at the same time and muttered the same words.

"If only he were here—he'd definitely have a way."

Belle asked quickly, "Who?"

Billy took a deep breath. "Of course—Sam Li."

Clorinde said another name. "If the Traveler were here, they could have Paimon carry the flint across."

But behind them...

Caesar had already picked up her motorcycle.

"I'll take the flint over."