Philiana and the others were overwhelmed by the enemy’s attack, left with their hands tied.
Philiana, Cecilia, Sharin, and Nina attacked, but their blades didn’t even graze the opponent. Despite wearing heavy armor, he was incredibly fast. Gradually, everyone began to breathe heavily.
“Is this the end? I thought I could enjoy myself a little longer, but it’s a shame, isn’t it, Philiana Granim?”
“No, I won’t retreat until I defeat you.”
She once again assumed a posture with her sword and moved towards the enemy. However, compared to the beginning, she was showing signs of fatigue. If things continued like this, they’d be defeated one by one. Was there any way, any good idea? But even if I charged, I’d just have my head cut off and it would be over. No, my head? It was then that I suddenly came up with a terrible plan. It was to intentionally charge and take a sword strike.
If I could just block that sword for a single moment, then anything could happen. Still, if they let go and escaped, or if I had a spare sword, it would be a pointless death. Speaking of which, what happened to Lauren? When I happened to look back, she was hiding behind a tree.
“Lauren, are you okay?”
“Y-yes, I am. But if this continues…”
Lauren also seemed to understand the current war situation. And if the four people currently fighting were defeated, only I, Pauline, and Lauren would remain. Karubene had told us to stay behind, and Piyo, Elana, and Veronica had gone to the town.
“I’ll go. Hiroaki, please throw me.”
Pauline, who was at my feet, said that while looking intently at me. Throw me? What does that mean? Unlike Elana, I can’t use Wind Magic. Just then, a heavy clang echoed from the front.
There stood Cecilia, holding her sword horizontally, receiving the enemy’s attack. She was being pushed towards the ground, unable to move. The purple flames rising from the black blade dimly illuminated Cecilia’s face.
“I’ll slowly burn you like this. Hahaha, regret being born a weak woman.”
“Let go!!”
Then, Philiana drew her sword, with the hilt at her waist, and charged in. She slashed upwards from below. The man twisted his body.
“Hah, I hate people like you the most, Philiana. Your name rubbed me the wrong way from the first time I heard it. What do you think you’re doing, pretending to be a knight just because you’re a woman? I bet you want to repay your country by becoming something great, right? It’s impossible. Didn’t you realize it when you got your first period?”
I could tell the man was grinning with a lewd smile under his black armor. Why did he have to mock them so much? I had received cold looks before for being a woman. Even though they knew that better than anyone. I glanced at Pauline. I received a strong-willed gaze and a nod in return.
I’ll throw Pauline, and in that opening, I’ll dive into the enemy’s territory. The opponent’s next move will be to attack me, or to leap backward. Either way, it will create a chance for Philiana and the others to move in.
“Lauren, attach a thread to Pauline. If it gets dangerous, pull her back quickly.”
I embraced Pauline and ran. Then, I went right in front of the enemy and threw her as hard as I could. I heard Cecilia’s voice, but I didn’t look back. Pauline’s body drew an arc, flying above the enemy’s head. The man smoothly sidestepped and avoided her. Huh? He avoided it? Damn, I hadn’t factored that in, but there was no turning back now. I continued to run, sword still at the ready.
The black dragon’s head turned towards me. The next thing I saw was purple flame, approaching from my peripheral vision. An attack from the upper left. This is bad. My sword is currently gripped tightly at my chest. It’s no use, the blade will reach my throat. Is my body naturally sensing that my death is approaching, making the world appear to move slowly? That doesn’t mean I can move any faster. I will simply die, burning the image of my neck being severed into my eyes.
It was foolish. But wouldn’t a gap be created if the enemy swung once here? As long as my life can be of some use. I closed my eyelids, not wanting to see the end.
