XIV. A night to remember

In a sudden and swift motion, Celesty reacted instinctively, quickly equipping herself with her trusty sword. 

As she did so, a powerful surge of mana erupted from within her, surrounding her and emanating a vibrant aura. 

Not only did her physical appearance change, but her eyes also took on a glowing intensity, reflecting the immense power coursing through her being. 

The sheer force of her emotions combined with her. The sheer force of her emotions combined with her abilities created a momentous impact that resonated throughout the air.

The atmosphere immediately reacted to her presence, the temperature dropping significantly as gusts of wind whipped around us with great velocity.

As she charges towards me with incredible speed, I instinctively invoke a teleportation spell, whisking both of us away from the crowd and unintentionally brought us in the vast expanse of the night sky. 

We descended rapidly, buffeted by the chilling winds, while the ethereal glow of the moon illuminates our descent. 

Faced with the imminent threat of being impaled by her sword, I manage to conjure a protective incantation just in the nick of time. 

Seizing the opportunity, I create distance between us as we plunge into the cold embrace of tranquil lake below. In my panicked state, my mind races to think of a suitable destination to teleport us to safety, but given our considerable distance from the mansion, it dawns on me that this hasty teleportation only managed to transport us a short distance away from the grand Castle where the ball had taken place.

*SPLAASH*

During me desperate attempt to regain my energy after plunging into the water, I exerted my utmost effort. 

As I vigorously swarm towards the shore, I grappled with the discomfort of my drenched and sodden clothes, my waterlogged boots, and the annoyance of wearing sopping wet socks.

Unexpectedly, Celesty was already right before me while I crawled on all fours amidst the rocky terrain at the water's edge.

"AH!" I got lunged in the air as she kicked me with her foot. 

I was caught off guard and thrown into the air when she forcefully kicked me with her foot.

I soared over the water's surface with the agility of a skipping stone, generating ripples with each bound.

My limbs flailed uncontrollably in the air as I hurtled forward, until abruptly colliding with a small island nestled in the heart of the lake.

The impact halted my momentum, stemming from the powerful kick with which I had propelled myself. Immobile from the injuries sustained, my clothes were in disarray, torn by the rushing wind during my mid-air traversal.

In the aftermath, it became evident that my left foot had suffered a complete dislocation, causing considerable pain.

"AHH!" I let out a loud cry of agony.

Utilizing the ignition ring once again, I swiftly performed a potent spell to restore my health and recovered from my injury.

However my mana reserves were rapidly dwindling, making it impossible for me to engage in combat with the exceptionally agile opponent before me.

I had to channel my thoughts and devise a strategy to overcome the situation at hand.

Celesty starts sprinting across the lake surface towards me, effortlessly walking as if defying the laws of physics.

Her abilities far surpass mine, leaving me feeling Inadequate. Knowing that time is running out and I must act quickly, using my Ignition ring on the brink of exhaustion. 

Sensing urgency, I activated a defensive spell known as a chrono-sphere, a technique derived from the art of time manipulation.

A protective bubble that immobilizes everything within it, allowing only the user to navigate freely. The duration can be extended by utilizing enhancer accessories such as an ignition ring.

Just as Celesty gets near me, I ignited my ignition ring one last time to perform a high-tier Chrono-sphere. Everything all around me stopped immediately from motion until- 

"Agh!" I puked blood.

Celesty walked even inside a high-tier chrono-sphere.

She got me.

The spell quickly dissipates into thin air as my reserve of mana runs out. Her glimmering silver sword with a blue ornament-shaped guard and carvings on the blade perfectly reflected the moonlight in my eyes as I look down on it pierced on my chest.

Suddenly, she pushes the sword further, positioning it upright, causing blood to flow down and stain her weapon.

"Celesty listen to me…" I said.

As I agonize in pain, I can't help but notice her finally showing emotions.

Here eyes welled up with tears, flowing down her cheeks and exposing her pupils with even greater clarity. The glistening light from her sword cast a shimmering reflection on her tears, which were now visible right in front of me.

"I'm always alone." Celesty said and suddenly began to cast a spell.

"People keep leaving me.."

"And I can't do anything about it."

The dazzling radiance emanated from her hands, resembling the very same luminosity I witnessed when she first battled the dragon. I need to stop her before she finishes it or I'll be dead.

"I'm the only one left."

"Now, I don't know who to trust anymore"

"Celesty, why would Iie to you!? I have nothing to do anything with-" I said.

"Shut up! I've been through too much lies now." 

"I lost families and a friend"

"If killing you would at least make me satisfied… then I'd be glad to do so."

The power within her surges, gathering and intensifying in her hands before flowing into the blade of her sword. I need to think, I need to think, I need to think! 

"I should've listened! You were an outsider, an outworlder!"

"I never did anything to harm you, both of you-" I said.

"I don't care, this is over now"

The radiance of the light illuminates and enhances everything in its vicinity. I should've choose my words carefully, I should've thought myself better. Is this it?

No…

I promised him. 

I nodded at Kev.

You're still reading my thoughts celesty, right? You're reading these lines and sentences right?

I'm sorry but I vowed to Kev that I'd take care of you… and I won't let that promise easily go away from a dear friend.

In a bold and daring move, I maneuvered myself closer to her sword, willingly exposing myself to the danger it posed. I looked at her tearful eyes, the unmistakable signs of betrayal, regret and sadness reflects on her tearful gaze. 

But beyond these negative sentiments, I also noticed something more profound – affection.

Her eyes reveal the presence of someone I care about deeply, someone I yearn to protect and care for, and most importantly, someone I have fallen in love with.

I tenderly raised my injured right arm, I gently rested my hand on her right cheek. And with that affectionate gesture, I leaned in towards her, aiming for a heartfelt kiss.