Chapter 25: Hemisu's powers

Kanae's heart pounded with adrenaline as she faced the fearsome level 10 monster that stood before her—a towering, serpentine creature with razor-sharp fangs and scales that glimmered with an eerie hue. Its eyes locked onto Kanae, and she could feel the malevolence emanating from the beast.

"This one's no pushover, Hemisu," Kanae said, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her chest. Gripping her sword tightly, she could feel Hemisu's reassuring presence as the blade's orange stripe glowed brightly, responding to her determination.

Hemisu, in his human-like form, remained calm and composed, his eyes reflecting the same determination as Kanae's. "Indeed, Kanae. But fear not, for together we shall overcome this challenge."

With a fierce battle cry, Kanae charged forward, her footwork precise and agile. The monster lunged at her with lightning speed, but she deftly sidestepped, slashing at its scaled hide. Her blade connected with a resounding clang, and sparks flew as the blade clashed against the monster's tough exterior.

The serpent-like creature retaliated with a powerful tail swipe, but Kanae leaped into the air, flipping gracefully to evade the attack. Landing nimbly on her feet, she spun around, using the momentum to deliver a series of rapid strikes to the creature's flank. Each strike was met with fierce resistance, but Kanae's determination and skill drove her forward.

Hemisu guided her movements, his ethereal presence offering insights and anticipating the monster's attacks. As the battle raged on, Kanae and Hemisu moved in perfect harmony, their bond allowing them to anticipate each other's actions without hesitation.

With a sudden burst of energy, the monster unleashed a devastating breath attack—powerful streams of venomous fire that threatened to engulf Kanae. Reacting swiftly, she raised Hemisu, the blade glowing brighter as if in response to the imminent danger.

"Hemisu, now!" Kanae called out, her voice commanding.

In a display of magical prowess, Hemisu released a surge of energy, enveloping Kanae in a protective barrier just in time. The venomous flames crashed against the barrier, scattering harmlessly in all directions.

Kanae emerged unscathed, her resolve undeterred. She seized the opportunity and launched herself at the monster with renewed determination, her sword gleaming with the promise of victory. Strike after strike, she aimed for the creature's weak spots, exploiting every opening she could find.

As the battle reached its climax, the monster's movements grew sluggish, its fierce demeanor diminishing. Kanae knew that she had pushed the creature to its limit, but she refused to relent.

With one final, powerful blow, Kanae and Hemisu delivered a devastating strike that sliced through the monster's thick scales, penetrating its heart. The creature let out a deafening roar before collapsing to the ground, defeated.

Breathing heavily, Kanae stood triumphant over the fallen beast, her eyes meeting Hemisu's with mutual pride and respect. Together, they had faced the level 10 monster and emerged victorious—a testament to the unbreakable bond between the swordswoman and her familiar.

As they caught their breath, Kanae couldn't help but smile, her heart swelling with gratitude for Hemisu's unwavering support. The battle had been grueling, but with Hemisu by her side, she knew that no challenge would ever be insurmountable. Their journey continued, and as long as they faced the trials together, there was nothing they couldn't overcome.

"Honoured Miss? Honoured Miss??! Can you hear me?"

Kanae blinked. Her light blue eyes focused on Miao's face.

She audibly let out a groan, "Oh what? I knew it was too good to be true."

'What was?' Hemisu's cool voice made Kanae groan again. She'd rather die than reveal her sappy dream to him.

She shook her head trying not to think about the dream.

"Miao... Are you fine now?"

The pretty girl nodded her head fervently. Ed looked exhausted on the other hand. Kanae noticed this and using her compass, she pointed towards the north.

"Let's rest for a few more hours and then head over there."

"Again?! But what if..."

"It's okay. I'm here to protect you, what are you afraid of?" Kanae said smugly. Now she even had her personal glowstick.

'I am a sword.' Hemisu hissed.

'Oh right, Hemisu. What skills do you have? Apart from being a glowstick of course.'

'Do you wish for me to show you?'

Kanae replied with a yes.

As the moon bathed the night sky in a soft silver glow, Kanae found herself sitting in a quiet corner of her mind, her focus drawn to the ethereal presence of Hemisu. He stood before her, emanating an aura of ancient power, his eyes filled with a glimmering light that seemed to hold numerous secrets.

"There is so much I could reveal to you," Hemisu spoke, his voice resonating within her mind, "but you are not capable of seeing it yet."

Curiosity sparkled in Kanae's eyes as she nodded in anticipation. "Show me, Hemisu. Show me whatever you can do."

With a flick of his wrist, Hemisu summoned a ball of crackling fire, casting an orange glow upon the walls of her mind. The flames danced with a mesmerizing grace, and Kanae felt the warmth seeping into her soul.

"Elemental manipulation," Hemisu announced, the flames subsiding as he raised his other hand. Suddenly, a whirlwind enveloped him, sweeping his cloak dramatically. Leaves and petals danced in the air, creating a mesmerizing display.

"Wind and nature obey my command," Hemisu moved swiftly, and Kanae's eyes widened in wonder.

Hemisu smiled, and the surrounding environment shifted. Water trickled from his fingertips, forming a serene pool at his feet. The water shimmered with a calming aura, reflecting the moon's light.

"Water, too, flows within my grasp," Hemisu said, his voice soothing like a gentle stream.

As Kanae gazed at the pool, Hemisu's form seemed to blur and distort. In the blink of an eye, he appeared behind her, and Kanae felt a gentle touch on her shoulder.

"Shadow and light dance in harmony," Hemisu murmured, demonstrating his ability to move unseen in the veil of darkness.

Before Kanae could react, Hemisu transformed his body into an ethereal, glowing figure, illuminating her mind with a celestial radiance.

"Behold, the power of light," Hemisu declared, his form shifting between solid and spectral.

With a final flourish, Hemisu channeled his energy, creating a projection of a magnificent, mythical creature—a guardian spirit with wings spread wide, exuding majesty and strength.

"A companion from the realms beyond," Hemisu spoke, the projection dissipating as he raised his hand.

Kanae's heart raced with awe, witnessing the extent of Hemisu's powers. She couldn't help but feel glad that she had such a powerful familiar to carry her ass whenever she needed it to.

"All these abilities, Hemisu," she whispered, "you truly are an extraordinary glowstick."

Hemisu paused and the dream-like moment shattered.