Kayle smiled with excitement.
The forest was right in front of them. They entered as their training indicated. An arrow without a point. François and Kayle in front, slightly to one side, Roald and Jean, between them, Lilly and behind, well hidden, Roid.
'I see, the atmosphere isn't normal. It's darker than usual, even though it's not yet pitch black. Looks like a powerful mag...az?'
-Lilly, what do you call the magic here?
-Kayle, this isn't the time.
-Just tell me, please.
-Az?
-I can't stand that name.
-Stay on guard, everyone, a powerful az is being cast here.
Perhaps this really was the work of an apostle of Knul.
I can see that. He noticed it too. This may be even more difficult than we thought.
-Kayle?
-Yes
The forest was plunged into a dense darkness that was almost palpable. You couldn't see two meters.
-Please don't die.
-What are you...
At that moment, they all felt it. François, Lilly and Kayle first, then the others. Something was happening...
-It's happening.
Kayle had felt it. A real rocket arriving at full speed. Eight arms and uncommon speed. Kayle let out a nervous laugh.
-We meet again.
The creature's coming straight for me. I don't have another chance. It's coming straight for me. I can't miss it...
But Roald rushed forward and sliced the insect with his spear.
-It works, let's keep going.
Shit, they won't even let me try.
-Let's keep moving. If anyone detects their az, let them know.
They really need to come up with another name.
-Second on the right.
-I've got it.
'Jean steps in this time. He's not fast enough to crush them with his giant hammer, but this...'
-Don't move the bug.
'Roid's got it.'
In a second, an arrow pierced the creature's head and it collapsed to the ground.
-Moving on.
-Yes, we are.
'As soon as Jean tanks, it's Roid's turn to shoot. The formation's in place. Now all we need to do is find the other two...'
-Two approaching.
It's going to be heavy. There are three...four...five....six.....merde.'
-We're not letting up.
The humanoid spiders were now marching in front of them. There was no way out; their mission was to move forward and retrieve the lost.
-Kayle.
Two creatures raced towards him at high speed. Unfortunately, Roald was already busy. Jean was already tanking one of them. Roid managed to shoot down one of them, but one remained.
-My moment of glory?
-Calice Treya.
In an instant, several balls of fire shot out at full speed in all directions. All nearby creatures were burnt to a crisp. Kayle turned to the woman responsible.
-Kayle, get down.
Kayle was quick to respond. In a second, a circle filled with symbols appeared in front of Lilly. The area lit up. The whole team was shocked. The red circle grew larger and larger under the incantations...huh..., az.
-Calice...Troura...Tersa...Luna...fira
Kayle had no regrets about ducking that day. A powerful jet of fire shot out of the circle at full speed. The powerful flames engulfed everything in their path. A huge circle spread out over several hundred meters, leaving a trail of burnt-out hollow earth. Kayle couldn't believe it. One thing was certain: any creature in the path of this az was dead.
-Shall we move on?
Lilly took a serene step forward, while the group was still in shock. Kayle couldn't take his eyes off the huge hole she'd created in the forest.
-What rank are you, Lilly?
The young woman continued on her way. The monsters had disappeared for a long time. When they returned, their speed had slowed. They were hesitant.
-Are they scared?
-Are the monsters scared?
Kayle feared many things, and seeing monsters scared of someone was on that list.
-Why haven't you said anything in a while? Did you expect me to let you die or something? Kayle, say something.
-I love you, Lilly.
-I love you too, but that doesn't make me feel any better.
-Oh?
-What is it, François?
-I can feel their az. They're over there.
Finally, we'll be able to get them back and I'll resume my training...Huh? What's happening to them?
-Burg.
-What's with that disgusting az?
-His az is coming here.
-He's...he's an apostle.
The az was threatening them, daring them to see if he'd really get close. Even Lilly was throwing up on the floor. Kayle strangely felt nothing.
What the hell? This is the moment in anime when you feel fear and anguish afflicted by a super-powered mana filled with murderous intent. Why don't I feel anything?
-Kayle, are you all right?
-I seem to be.
-Listen, Kayle. Don't do anything rash. I know it's tempting to go alone because you seem to be resisting this guy's az, but if he's really an apostle, you don't stand a chance, and neither do we. We've got to stick together.
Kayle said nothing.
-Kayle??
-I know, but we're wasting time here. I'm already going, training is useless if you're surrounded by these things and Roid can't lead an offensive alone from behind. You knew that too, François. But the only way to get out of here alive was to count on the return of the former soldier and Rack. They're out there, I'm going after them.
-Concentrate, Kayle. It's true, it was my idea all along. But Lilly is a variable that changed everything. We can go forward together and win together.
Kayle's superior gaze gave François goose bumps. Az was coming down on the group like a sledgehammer, and yet there he stood, as if nothing had happened, suggesting that they attack.
-François, as soon as you can, cover me. I'm moving forward.
-Kayle.
Oddly enough, François' fear shifted to the other side. Kayle's fiery gaze made him less stressed about the az that was coming at him. It wasn't Az emanating from him, it was just a presence worthy of a warrior. It was a bold move for the weakest of the group, but he knew Kayle didn't care. The group gradually rose to their feet.
-Kayle....
Then he remembered he had a girlfriend.
-Crap. Are you all right? Let's take a break, guys. Lilly's not feeling well.
This upset the whole group.
-Well, it's a shitty situation. This guy's az is really horrible. This is the first time the group has faced a guy of this level. We've got to stick together no matter what.
Besides, I'm thinking about it. Usually, in horror movies, they all die one by one because they're separated. What got into me?'
-How do you feel, Lilly? Right now, you're our only hope of bringing them back.
-It's okay, I can't let you go alone anyway. His az is horrible but we have to deal with it.
-It's the worst thing for an elf.
-Excuse me, but when we finish the rescue, can we rename the az to something else? Because frankly, if the az is the spell, the az is the energy, the az is the incantation, the az is everything, we're not going to make it. See what I mean?
He's got a point.
Well, there you go.
The whole group ignored Kayle's proposal, however, judging him first from top to bottom.
-We'll have to move on. Let's not break formation. Roid will just stick with us so we're not isolated. If anyone has any problems, let them know. We'll have a hard time if just one collapses. Right!
-Right!
They all gathered in a circle, put their right hands together and raised their arms to the sky. Kayle, however, was anxious.
This can't be...going well.
They advanced towards the source of the abominable az. The further they advanced, the more intense it became. Jean almost vomited, François felt nauseous. Roald struggled to stand. Lilly was trying to maintain a spell...a permanent az to keep everyone in shape, but it was drawing on her own az. Kayle was the only one moving forward serenely. The sight of his back, so small yet muscular and serene, made the others admire him.
I have no idea what lies ahead. It's getting darker by the minute. Yet there doesn't seem to be a cave entrance or anything. Az is getting closer, but I can't see anything that could...'
Suddenly, Kayle realized that no one was following him.