21

 *Here we go...*

My senses told me a fight was inbound. I couldn't tell why, but my heart was racing. I wasn't scared in particular, so maybe it was a rush of excitement?

An air tremor identical to that of earlier notified me another projectile was closing in.

"Hup!"

I pushed off the cliff face with my arm and jumped sideways using both of my legs for maximum control.

*BANG*

Not a moment later, the place I was just standing in was eviscerated, and more dust spritzed into the air.

 Three more air "pings" came out. Three more attacks were on the way. They didn't really have a sound effect, but I could feel them like they were light breaths from a distance.

The first one got me to move. The mysterious attacker's intention was identical to earlier. I dodged once again, but this time, the rolling stones rushing down the wall began picking up pace. I couldn't just subconsciously jump to the next hold - I had to think about my next move.

This was going to be a disadvantage. I was no longer as comfortable lugging Hazel Blaze around with one arm. This was the difference between System 1 and System 2 - autopilot vs slow - thinking. More than anything, it was annoying. She really was just in the way.

With pristine precision, I chucked her towards the top of the cliff away from danger.

*Just in time, too.*

The second stone was inbound. This one was a bit different.

Instead of flying straight at me, its path was in line with the next hold I was about to jump to. Thinking fast, I jumped down to the next closest foothold I spotted.

And...

*Just as I expected.*

The third cannonball was positioned right where I planned to step.

I grinned.

*This thing's pretty smart.*

I slashed the final projectile with my sword, and once again the twin salvo from my perfectly-sliced handiwork slammed into the wall behind me.

My foot successfully found the hold I'd planned on stepping to, and I used it as leverage to push myself towards the ground.

*BANG*

The cave rumbled again when my body collided with the ground.

*Wow, was I really going that fast? Didn't feel like it...*

The ground must've been so soft that a little fall from a small body like my own was enough to crack it.

*In my home world, this would not be possible.*

Due to the nature of worlds, I would naturally be stronger in some than others. The lower the energy state of the world, the more power I had. It was possible this was a lower-tier world, but it remained to be seen.

*Obviously, my home world was among the highest possible energy states, so I could barely do anything. ... Wait.*

A fourth air ping interrupted my thoughts. This time, it wasn't directed at me.

*You bastard.*

The top of the cave, being closer to the entrance, was lighter than down here. It was just bright enough for me to witness a high-speed object flying towards the top of the cliff - right where I'd tossed my luggage.

With a split second's calculation, I hurled a black beam at the ceiling.

*Good thing I learned how to lead my shots.*

Not a moment had passed before a sword could be seen stuck in the ceiling. Black particles crumbled around it obscuring the scant few light rays that managed to venture this far underground.

*Now...*

I turned my focus towards the perpetrator of this vile act. It was none other than the Obsidian Basilisk.

"Trying to take her out when I'm the one courting you? It's your second time trying, too, and you've been rejected again. Why don't I teach you some manners?"

I cracked my knuckles. I didn't have a sword now, but that was probably for the better.

"I don't want to kill you too quickly!"