Ch 72: Zass the left-hand of Phobio's attack!!

As Hina pointed her finger towards Zass, her anger ignited like a blazing fire, sending ripples of power through the air. The ground trembled beneath her feet as her aura surged, a radiant glow surrounding her like a halo of divine wrath. The sky crackled with energy, echoing her fury with bursts of lightning.

"What right do you have to destroy this kingdom?" she demanded, her voice resonating with righteous indignation. The very air seemed to vibrate with the force of her words, sending shivers down the spines of those who heard them.

Zass chuckled darkly, his form wreathed in shadowy tendrils. "Will will will," he sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "The Exodus Wand is here."

With a snap of his fingers, Zass summoned forth minions from the depths of the demon world. Grotesque creatures with hideous faces emerged from the shadows, their eyes gleaming with malevolent intent. The air grew heavy with the stench of sulfur and decay, assaulting the senses of all who stood witness to the unfolding confrontation.

The clash between Hina and Zass was like a battle of titans, the very fabric of reality trembling under the weight of their power. The sound of their confrontation echoed across the kingdom, a symphony of chaos and defiance that reverberated through the land.

As Hina charged up, her divine energy swirling around her like a tempest, she summoned Regulos sword, its gleaming blade radiating with celestial power. With a determined expression, she flew towards Zass, her sword poised for attack.

"No time to lose," she declared, her voice cutting through the chaos like a clarion call.

With a swift slash, she aimed for Zass, her movements fueled by righteous fury. But as her blade connected, she realized it was only an afterimage, a mere shadow of her true target.

Zass's mocking laughter echoed through the air, his form flickering with dark amusement. "It appears your power has weakened, or perhaps you are just holding back," he taunted, his voice dripping with malice.

Hina gritted her teeth, frustration gnawing at her resolve. She knew she couldn't afford to hold back any longer. With renewed determination, she prepared to unleash the full extent of her power, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead in this epic battle for the fate of the kingdom.

As Hina charged towards Zass once more, her determination blazed like a beacon in the midst of the swirling chaos. With each step, she drew upon her martial prowess and the formidable skills honed.

With a deft flick of her wrist, she unleashed a flurry of sword techniques, the gleaming blade of Regulos sword slicing through the air with deadly precision. Each strike was met with Zass's own blades, the clash of steel ringing out like thunder in the stormy sky.

But Hina was not deterred. With a seamless transition, she seamlessly integrated martial arts into her attacks, her movements fluid and graceful. Each strike was imbued with the power of her divine energy, delivering devastating blows to her opponent.

Zass, for his part, met each assault with a mocking smirk, his movements calculated and precise. With a flick of his wrist, he deflected Hina's sword strikes with effortless ease, his own blades moving with uncanny speed and accuracy.

As Hina launched into a series of powerful kicks, each one aimed at exploiting weaknesses in Zass's defenses, she found herself momentarily taken aback. Zass's hand moved like lightning, intercepting each blow with unnerving precision.

"Is this the power of the Exodus Wand?" Zass taunted, his laughter echoing through the air like a sinister melody. "What a loser you are!"

Hina gritted her teeth, refusing to let Zass's taunts shake her resolve. With a surge of determination, she pressed on, her movements growing more ferocious with each passing moment. The clash of their weapons reverberated through the battlefield, a symphony of steel and divine energy.

But just as Hina thought she had gained the upper hand, Zass's hand shot out with blinding speed, catching her off guard. She felt a sharp blow to her side, the force of it sending her reeling backwards.

For a moment, Hina's vision swam, her breath coming in ragged gasps. But even as pain seared through her body, she refused to yield. With a fierce determination burning in her eyes, she rose to her feet, ready to continue the fight.

As Zass's hand tightened around Hina's throat, cutting off her breath, she felt a surge of panic course through her veins. His words echoed in her mind, a chilling reminder of the danger she faced.

"Stop underestimating me," Zass growled, his grip tightening with each passing moment. "Or you're going to die."

Hina struggled against his grasp, her vision growing blurry as darkness threatened to consume her. But even as her strength waned, she refused to surrender to despair. With a defiant glare, she met Zass's gaze, her eyes burning with determination.

Suddenly, with a swift motion, Zass hurled Hina to the ground with bone-crushing force. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the earth, creating a crater where she landed. Pain lanced through her body, but through sheer force of will, she pushed herself to her feet once more.

As she rose, the system's warning flashed in her mind like a beacon of insight. "Warning: It's because you used Skill Creation knowledge. It took a toll on you, creating a powerful weapon like the Lightning Javelin while fighting the demon in a vulnerable state. What a coincidence."

Hina's eyes widened in realization as the pieces fell into place. The exhaustion that had weighed upon her, the strain of wielding her powers in battle—it all made sense now. But even in the face of adversity, she refused to falter.

"Yeah, right," Hina spat defiantly, her voice filled with defiance. With renewed determination coursing through her veins, she squared her shoulders and prepared to face Zass once more. Though battered and bruised, she refused to let her spirit be broken. The battle was far from over, and she would fight until her last breath, determined to emerge victorious against the forces of darkness.

As Hina stood amidst the aftermath of her confrontation with Zass, she couldn't ignore the dull ache that pulsed through her body, a reminder of the fierce battle she had just endured. With a grimace, she gingerly touched her side, wincing at the tenderness of her bruises.

"Ahh, my body hurts a bit," she murmured to herself, her voice tinged with fatigue.

The system's voice broke through her thoughts, its tone tinged with concern. "It's because you've taken some damage," it explained. "What's gotten into you today? You're out of character. Is there a problem?"

Hina's expression darkened at the system's inquiry, a flicker of unease passing through her eyes. "No, there's nothing," she replied tersely, her words belying the turmoil swirling within her.

Though she tried to brush off the system's concern, Hina couldn't shake the sense of foreboding that lingered in the air. With Zass still lurking in the shadows, the battle was far from over, and she knew that she would need to muster every ounce of her strength and resolve to face the challenges that lay ahead.

As Zass suddenly appeared before her, his movements swift and unpredictable, Hina's instincts kicked into overdrive. With a sharp intake of breath, she shifted into a defensive stance, her muscles tensing in anticipation of the coming onslaught.

Zass wasted no time, launching a barrage of punches and kicks with blinding speed. Each strike was aimed with deadly accuracy, threatening to overwhelm Hina's defenses. She reacted with lightning-fast reflexes, her arms moving to intercept each blow, the impact reverberating through her bones.

The sound of their clash echoed through the air, a symphony of steel meeting flesh, accompanied by the grunts of exertion and the occasional chuckle of malice from Zass.

As Hina blocked each attack, she felt the force of Zass's blows testing her limits. The scent of sweat mingled with the metallic tang of blood, filling her nostrils as she fought to maintain her composure. The taste of adrenaline coated her tongue, a bitter reminder of the danger that lurked in every move.

But even as fatigue began to set in, Hina refused to yield. With gritted teeth and steely determination, she pushed herself to keep pace with Zass's relentless assault. Each block was executed with precision, her movements fueled by a primal instinct to survive.

As Zass continued his onslaught, his laughter ringing in her ears, Hina's breath came in ragged gasps. Sweat beaded on her brow, trickling down her skin in rivulets. Her muscles burned with exertion, protesting against the relentless punishment they endured.

But amidst the chaos and the pain, Hina found a spark of defiance. With a defiant glare, she met Zass's mocking gaze, her eyes ablaze with determination.

"Die, die, die," Zass taunted, his voice dripping with malice. "I won't give a damn even if you are a girl. Hahahahahha!"

Hina's breathing came in ragged gasps, each breath a struggle against the weight of exhaustion that threatened to overwhelm her. But even as she fought to catch her breath, her resolve remained unbroken.

"Come on," Zass jeered, his voice echoing through the air. "What's gotten into you?"

With a silent vow to never give up, Hina squared her shoulders and prepared to weather the storm, knowing that the true test of her strength lay in her ability to endure.

Amidst the chaotic backdrop of clashing swords and the desperate shouts of battle, Hina stood resolute, her face darkened with determination. The cacophony of war surrounded her, the sounds of steel meeting steel and the anguished cries of combat echoing through the air.

As Zass continued his relentless assault, his words cut through the chaos like a knife. "Ohh, will if you don't fight, I will end you by taking your core heart," he taunted, his voice dripping with malice.

With lightning speed, Zass's hand charged towards Hina's vulnerable heart, poised to strike a fatal blow. But just as his attack was about to land, a sudden blast of energy cut through the air, diverting his attention.

Kanade, with her Storm Breaker magic gun in hand, unleashed a barrage of shots towards Zass, her aim true and unwavering. The force of her attack forced Zass into a defensive stance, his hand instinctively rising to shield his eyes from the onslaught.

Though Zass managed to deflect some of the shots, a few found their mark, eliciting a pained grunt from the demon. Despite the searing pain, Zass refused to yield, his resolve unbroken even in the face of adversity.

With a swift motion, Flicker moved to support Benimaru, her magic enveloping him in a powerful buff. With newfound strength and agility, Benimaru swooped in to shield Hina from Zass's impending attack, his form a blur of motion as he interposed himself between them.

With a burst of speed, Benimaru scooped up Hina, his movements fluid and precise. Together, they retreated from the battlefield, seeking refuge from the relentless onslaught.

Meanwhile, the knights continued to battle the demons that had invaded the kingdom, their swords flashing in the dim light as they clashed with their monstrous foes. The air crackled with magic and the smell of burning flesh, a testament to the ferocity of the struggle unfolding before them.

As explosions rocked the battlefield and the ground trembled beneath their feet, Hina and her allies regrouped, their eyes set on the daunting task that lay ahead. Though the odds seemed insurmountable, they knew that they could not afford to falter in their quest to protect their kingdom and those they held dear. With renewed determination, they prepared to face whatever challenges awaited them, ready to fight until their last breath in defense of all they held dear.

As the chaos of battle raged around them, Benimaru's voice cut through the din, his concern evident in every word. "Goddess Princess, may I know what is your problem?" he asked, his gaze searching Hina's face for answers.

Flicker chimed in, her own worry mirroring Benimaru's. "Yeah, is there a problem?" she added, her eyes narrowed in concern.

Hina remained silent, her head bowed and her body tucked into a protective stance. The weight of the world seemed to bear down upon her, and she felt the weight of her responsibilities pressing in from all sides.

Kanade, ever perceptive, observed Hina's state and spoke up. "Looks like Hina is in no condition to fight," she remarked, her tone somber.

Benimaru nodded in agreement, his expression grave. "We must keep Hina safe," he declared, his voice firm with determination.

Outside, the panicked shouts of the people mingled with the clash of steel and the roar of demons. The kingdom was under siege, and every moment was precious.

As the hero's party prepared to face the encroaching darkness once more, Benimaru turned his attention back to Hina. With a gentle smile, he addressed her, his words carrying both reassurance and grim reality.

"We cannot guarantee that we can survive this, Hina," he said, his voice tinged with solemnity.

Hina flinched at his words, the weight of their implications settling heavily upon her shoulders. The enormity of the task before them threatened to overwhelm her, and for a moment, she felt a flicker of doubt.

But even as fear threatened to consume her, Hina refused to surrender to despair. With a steely resolve, she lifted her head and met Benimaru's gaze with unwavering determination.

"We will survive," she declared, her voice ringing out with conviction. "Together, we will overcome this darkness and emerge victorious."

With renewed resolve coursing through her veins, Hina rose to her feet, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Though the road ahead was fraught with danger and uncertainty, she knew that as long as they stood united, they would weather the storm and emerge triumphant.