Hiroaki managed to escape the enemy’s attack with Lauren’s help.
If the main body is elsewhere and attacking, it must be in a place where all our movements can be seen. Could it be up in a tree then?
He quickly scanned the treetops. However, no figure that looked like a sorcerer could be seen anywhere. Was his assumption wrong? What a troublesome enemy. It’s invisible, and attacks seem to be absorbed and returned. Moreover, if caught by the chains, their souls would be pulled out.
Philiana wiped sweat from her brow with a frustrated expression.
“I know you’re there, but I can’t afford to get carelessly close.”
“And we don’t know the full extent of your abilities either.”
Nina seemed to have cornered it to the very last moment, but couldn’t deliver the final blow. They couldn’t afford to waste more stamina here.
As they stood there, another chain flew out, this time entangling Philiana.
“Ah, damn it.”
She desperately tried to break free, but was slowly dragged into the darkness.
“Don’t go!”
Nina grabbed Philiana, resisting the pull. It seemed that dragging something heavy was difficult, as it was taking time. Elana fired a fireball towards the hole from which the chain was emerging. However, as if anticipating it, the fireball was absorbed into the darkness.
This is bad. If it’s sent back, it will hit Philiana and the others directly. But then, an idea about the enemy’s attack range suddenly crossed his mind. So far, the attacks have only been directed forward. Well, that’s natural, but what would happen if they shifted sideways in this state?
“Philiana, dodge to the side! The enemy can only attack in a straight line!”
It wasn’t certain, but if Elana’s attack was returned, it would be in a straight line. Veronica instinctively tackled Philiana.
“Kyaah!”
At the same time, Nina pulled, and Philiana’s body moved while still bound by the chain. The fireball passed right by her. Then, the black hole changed its angle towards Philiana. Could it be fixed in place and moved?
The chain began to retract again. Because she had shifted sideways earlier, Philiana’s posture had collapsed, and Nina and Veronica’s hands were no longer holding her. She planted her sword in the ground, trying to resist somehow, but the reel of the chain wouldn’t stop.
Nina frantically reached out, but the speed at which Philiana was being dragged away was faster. If this continued, there would be another victim. Quickly, quickly, they had to come up with a plan. Her breathing quickened, making it hard to breathe.
Breathing… Of course, one cannot inhale and exhale at the same time. If that’s the case, it might be possible to delay Philiana’s chains.
“Elana, shoot the fireball again.”
Elana frowned for a moment, but then immediately fired a fireball at the black hole. It was quickly absorbed along with the chain.
Alright, the enemy just absorbed Elana’s attack. Taking advantage of that opening, Hiroaki circled around to the opposite side. Now, he just needed to induce a counterattack from the enemy.
He wondered what was behind this hole. He would see.
At that moment, as if sensing his movement, the black hole shifted slightly. It seemed as though it didn’t want its back exposed. That means the enemy is behind it.
Where is it? He could tell it was close. Was it hiding in the bushes behind? What would happen if he hit it from behind while it was extending its chains? He took out his dagger and assumed a throwing posture.
Then, the black hole turned towards them. A faint orange light flickered in the depths. It’s going to fire! But at the same time, he understood something.
“Cecilia, the enemy is right behind this hole!”
Cecilia quickly approached the hole. The chain then abandoned Philiana and retreated back into the darkness. And then it disappeared.
“It vanished!”
Was the enemy the black hole itself? When he tried to attack from behind earlier, the enemy seemed to panic. It might be a spirit that can conceal itself.
They didn’t know where the attack would come from. It was too soon to relax just because Philiana was saved. Moreover, they couldn’t afford to let it escape. Sharin’s soul was still taken.
“It must still be nearby.”
“Then, close your eyes for a moment.”
Cecilia’s sword suddenly began to glow. A dazzling flash spread from it. He turned his face away. But the light wasn’t strong enough to blind them.
“There!”
With that single word, Cecilia’s sword struck something. It was unclear what it was, but it was impaled in mid-air. Was it hard? Only the tip of the sword had penetrated.
“It seems to have a physical form, not just magic. Even if it can disappear, it still has a shadow.”
When the sword was pulled out, a few drops of dark red blood fell onto the ground.
“Your weakness has been found, but do you still intend to continue?”
“…”
There was no answer from the opponent. It was probably contemplating. After a slight pause, a black hole appeared.
“Yes, that’s your answer. Then, die for the sake of your beloved Auroa.”
