Chapter 17: Attempted Assassination of the Saintess (Conclusion)
Boomm!
The clash between master-level fighters echoed, as the knight commander, Marcus, fought against the attackers' captain, Calez. Marcus's sword flashed, slicing through the wind, its blade enveloped in a golden aura.
Calez dodged to the side, allowing Marcus's sword to pass his body. Then, with a swift movement, he leaped into the air and lunged at Marcus with his dagger.
Tang!!
The sound of metal clanging was heard as Marcus parried the dagger aimed at him. Calez shifted his blade, spun in the air, and kicked the side of the sword.
He then used the momentum from the sword's body to leap backward, landing lightly. Calez stood and said, "You are strong, I admit it... But, there's no time for games!"
Marcus remained silent, assuming his stance, ready to continue the fight. Calez muttered.
[Stealth Technique: Mist of Despair.]
In that instant, he vanished from Marcus's sight. Marcus's eyes widened, and based on pure survival instinct, he slashed behind him.
Metal clashed again, but this time it was lopsided; Marcus's sword was jolted backward. Calez took the opportunity to strike his chest.
His dagger shot out at blurring speed. Marcus gritted his teeth, trying to parry, but Calez's dagger was faster. The dagger grazed Marcus's left shoulder.
"Ekhh!"
Marcus slashed with his right hand, but Calez vanished again like mist, only to reappear above Marcus's head.
'I can't let this continue!' Marcus cursed inwardly. With full strength, he unleashed his entire aura and roared:
[Light Sword Technique: Aura Blast!]
Swuuust—!!
Marcus's aura exploded with terrifying power, sending Calez flying backward. A golden aura now entirely enveloped Marcus.
Marcus immediately lunged toward where Calez fell, swinging his great sword. Calez saw him coming and tried to disappear again, but it was too late.
Marcus's sword split the air; the golden aura surrounding the blade made the air warp and vibrate. The sword struck Calez like a sledgehammer.
Booom!!
Dust scattered, obscuring the view. Then, based on instinct, Marcus shielded his head with the back of his sword.
"Tch!" Calez clicked his tongue softly.
He then jumped back ten steps. The forest that was once green was now scorched and littered with fallen trees. The stench of blood assailed their noses. Calez spoke to Marcus with a grin.
"Hey, look around you, you bastard!" he said.
Marcus stared at him coldly, then shifted his attention to his surroundings. His eyes immediately widened in disbelief.
"H-How can this be!?"
All the knights sent by the central city had been eliminated. He quickly looked toward the Saintess's carriage, but it was destroyed.
He couldn't see the Saintess anywhere! Three attackers remained, including their leader. Seeing Marcus panic, Calez's smile grew wider.
"They escaped, but two of my men are chasing them," he said. "Now, we just wait."
"Until that time comes, we will finish you off first."
"Everyone, attack him!"
The three of them attacked Marcus together. Marcus glared at them angrily, "I will wipe you all out!"
BOOOMM!!
His aura exploded even more fiercely. The three attackers also released their auras and magic to fight Marcus. Black, shadowy hands erupted from the ground, but—as Marcus slashed them with the light of his sword, the hands vanished as if they had never existed.
'No matter what happens, I must save the Saintess!'
...
POV Abel:
Two figures were running through the dense forest—it was Luna and me. Our breaths came in ragged gasps. The sound of explosions and clashing swords echoed behind us. My legs felt heavy with every step. Sweat dripped from my forehead.
"Abel! Faster!" Luna urged, pulling me.
"I'm already... Hah... fast!" I said loudly.
Luna turned her head toward me, her face covered in sweat. "Abel, keep running, or they will catch us!"
But before I could even reply—
Swoosh!
Something sped past my cheek. A black dagger plunged into the ground, letting off a plume of black smoke.
My eyes widened, "They... They're chasing us!"
Luna pulled my hand hard, strong enough to drag me along with her. But just a few steps later, two figures blocked our path.
Their aura was so foul and cold.
One of them smiled sinisterly. "Playtime is over, little mice."
Luna stood in front of me, pulling a knife from her waist. Her hand trembled, but her gaze was sharp. "I won't let you touch her!"
I clasped my hands to my chest, praying softly. Divine Light, grant me strength...
One of them stepped forward. "Too bad, but prayers won't help you in this place."
Suddenly, black shadows crept along the ground, turning into snake-like ropes that tried to wrap around our legs. Luna tried to stab them, but the shadows kept regenerating.
"Luna, step back!"
I raised both my hands, and a golden light radiated from my palms, piercing the darkness.
[Divine Blessing ★: Light of Purity!]
A blinding explosion of white-golden light erupted. The two attackers covered their faces, recoiling a few steps while hissing angrily. Their magic was in direct conflict with mine, and they felt pain throughout the parts of their bodies hit by the light.
However, I was no better; my body felt weak afterward—my breath was shallow, and my mana was quickly depleted. Luna caught me before I could fall.
"Miss Abel! Hold on!"
I tried to stand up, even though my vision was starting to blur. "I... I'm fine. We have to escape... right now."
But before we could move again, the sound of heavy footsteps approached from the right. One of the attackers who had been covering his face now laughed quietly.
"Your time is up, Saintess."
I looked toward the sound.
Three figures emerged from the thin mist; one was Calez, and the other two carried blood-dripping weapons—they must have been the ones who killed the knights earlier.
Luna tensed, her dagger raised again. I knew she was terrified, but she stood in front of me without hesitation.
I bit my lip, looking at them with determination. "If you think I will surrender... you are gravely mistaken."
I closed my eyes, allowing the light to reappear around me. But before I could utter the next spell—
CRASH!!
A loud explosion erupted from the west. The sound of cracking earth, and a strong wind swept through the entire forest. A silvery-blue light split the trees like lightning.
The attackers spontaneously turned toward the source of the sound, their faces tightening as they squinted.