Two opponents were defeated by Philiana’s attack, reigniting her fighting spirit.
Could this shield withstand an attack from a Dragon Maid? No, it would be ripped apart, shield and all. I can’t escape. Cecilia noticed me, but it was too late; the opponent was faster.
Just then, Nina leaped in as if to intercept. She circled the enraged opponent with her tail. Was she planning to tie him up? But perhaps the opponent noticed her movement, for he spread his wings and soared into the sky. Nina stretched her body upwards as if to pursue him.
“What, let go of me, you damn woman!”
Nina grabbed the flying dragon’s leg. Continuing, she wound her tail around the opponent’s body as he rose into the air. His heavy body lost its ability to fly, and entangled, they fell to the ground.
“N, n, no, ugh…”
The Dragon Maid, who had fallen to the ground, was bound tightly by the snake-like tail, as if being squeezed. No matter how much she struggled to escape, the tighter it got, the more she couldn’t breathe. Her movements gradually slowed, and finally, she stopped resisting.
After Nina loosened her tail, the limp figure of the Dragon Maid remained. Her face was pale, and it seemed she had fainted from lack of oxygen.
“Huff, huff. How do you like that? Aren’t you getting impatient, you proud thing?”
I turned my gaze towards Cedric, who had been watching quietly.
“I, I am so sorry, Lord Cedric. It is all my fault.”
“I, I can still fight.”
The two who had been sliding on the ice tried to stand up. Cedric gently stopped them.
“No, you both did well enough. Thank you, everyone. I understand. It’s no wonder you’ve survived this long. But we can’t give up here either. Colin, could you lend me your power?”
Then, a small, fairy-like being appeared beside him. It had a girl’s body and wings resembling those of a butterfly.
“Hehe, it’s finally my turn. I was so bored. Okay, Master, let’s do our best together.”
“Yeah, I’m counting on you.”
The fairy, called Colin, giggled charmingly and began to glow. The light grew larger and enveloped Cedric’s body. As his form contorted, the fairy transformed into white armor. I couldn’t help but look at Elana.
“What is this? A fairy can become armor?”
“She has made a contract with a spirit. Spirit magic is a type of magic that allows you to gain various powers by making them your familiars. Some spirits are strong on their own, while others can become armor or weapons. It is said that some can even merge and change their forms.”
So, Cedric can use spirit magic too. And the spirit’s ability is to become armor. Fully equipped, he turned to me with a refreshing expression. It was just like a superhero’s transformation scene.
“Now, I have borrowed the power of a spirit. But let me tell you in advance, neither magic nor physical attacks will affect this armor. Will you still proceed?”
Huh? What did he say? Magic nor physical attacks are ineffective? Previously, the armor Claudio wore had magic resistance, but what did it mean that it could defend against physical attacks too? Could it be extremely hard, to the point where even a sword couldn’t penetrate it?
“Hah, of course! Sharin, let’s go!”
“Yeah, let’s end this in one go.”
Nina and Sharin drew their daggers and charged at Cedric. Nina, writhing her tail, circled around and struck the opponent’s shoulder. She struck first, not giving him time to draw his sword.
But before the blade could reach him, Nina’s hand was repelled. It was as if there was a transparent barrier.
“What?! What’s going on?”
Next, Sharin launched an attack. At this point, Cedric finally drew his sword from its scabbard. Its dazzling blade pierced the darkness of the night. Even I recognized it; it was an elf’s sword. It was a size larger than the one Cecilia held.
He took a step forward and, with eyesight-defying swordsmanship, repelled Sharin. Even she, skilled in swift movements, couldn’t keep up with his speed. I couldn’t tell what had happened for a moment. By the time I realized it, Sharin had been swept up in a gale unleashed by Cedric.
“Ugh! So fast… Is this also the spirit’s power?”
“Do you understand what I’m saying now? Do you still want to continue?”
So that’s why he didn’t move an inch. It meant he was confident he could defeat all of us, even if he were alone. Not only was he immune to physical and magical attacks, but he was also skilled in both swordplay and magic. He was truly the strongest opponent I had ever met.
