Chapter 10

"What are you doing here?!" I gasped, disbelief gripping me. Only moments ago, I had seen her safe with the other hoblins in their den. Now, she was ensnared in Hypnal's deadly coils.

All I could see was her tear-streaked face, eyes wide with fear as she gasped for breath. Hypnal's thick tail constricted around her, tightening with every second.

"I-I'm sorry, Hemira," she stammered, voice trembling. "I-I followed you... to help you defeat this beast."

Fury ignited within me, my eyes burning as I glared at Hypnal. Its eyes, now gouged and lifeless from my earlier attack, were tightly shut, but its anger was palpable. "Release her, monster!" I roared.

Hypnal's massive head turned sharply toward me, even with its eyes sealed in darkness. I leaped back just in time, landing on steady feet as it hissed in fury.

"You dare!" it spat, venom dripping from every word. "Why did you do this to my eyes?!"

"You brought this upon yourself!" I shouted, my voice sharp and unrelenting.

"Ssssss! Foolish girl! You think you've won? You are not the only one with cunning! This little brat has been in my grasp since the moment we clashed. Because of your treachery, her life will be the price!" Hypnal's voice seethed, its tail tightening cruelly around Eriza.

I saw her choke under the pressure, and without hesitation, I sprang toward a withered tree, using its brittle branches to launch myself toward Hypnal's tail.

Drawing both blades, I raced toward the spot where Eriza was trapped, slashing down with all my strength at the tail's thinnest point, desperate to sever it and free her from Hypnal's deadly hold.

CLANG!

Unfortunately, I couldn't cut through it like before. My swords barely left a mark, but I refused to give up. I pushed harder with my next strike against its tail.

The sound of metal striking metal echoed again, yet nothing changed. Doubt crept into my heart.

I glanced at Eriza, her eyes wide and unseeing.

I was at a loss about what to do. If this continued, she would surely lose her life!

My gaze fell on the two swords I held.

"These are the twin swords of trust, Hemira. If you believe in your abilities and the sharpness of these blades, they won't break while you fight, and you'll be able to cut through anything," Mr. Sueret had told me when he gave these to me.

Yes. Trust.

With that thought, hope returned to me, and I gathered myself to try once more to sever Hypnal's tail.

I focused on the two swords in my hands.

I can cut through Hypnal's skin because I can do it, and these swords can do it.

They will not break, and I trust in that.

I repeated this mantra in my mind.

I poured all my strength into the cut I was about to make on its tail.

"HAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!" As my twin swords struck its skin, I pushed even harder. I could feel an unusual strength radiating from them, compelling me to forcefully sever Hypnal's tail. "HAAAAAAHHHHHHH!"

In that moment, I succeeded in cutting it.

"GAAAAAAAAAHHH!" Hypnal screamed as its tail was severed.

Eriza fell to the ground, the tail that had wrapped around her body now cut away. I quickly sheathed my swords and jumped to follow her as she descended. "Eriza!" As I reached her, I wrapped my arms around her to shield her from our impending fall.

My feet hit the ground hard, the impact jarring my legs, but I barely felt the pain. I had to make sure Eriza was safe.

I looked down at her. Her eyes were still open, but they were starting to close. Panic surged through me.

"Eriza! Wake up!" My voice trembled as I gently tapped her cheek.

Slowly, her eyes fluttered open, and I exhaled in relief. "Thank goodness... you're okay."

"H-He...mi...ra..." Eriza's voice was weak, barely more than a whisper. Her breathing was shallow and labored, and fear clawed at my chest.

"I'm here, Eriza," I said, cupping her face with trembling hands. "You're safe now. I've got you."

She lifted her hand with what little strength she had left, signaling for me to come closer. I leaned down, my heart pounding in my ears.

"H-her... tongue..." she whispered, her voice fading with every word.

"What?" I asked, confused. "What about her tongue?"

"Y-you need to... cut it..." she managed, her words barely audible.

And then her eyes closed. I felt her life slipping away in my arms. "Eriza, no! Stay with me! Open your eyes!" I begged, tapping her cheek again, but she didn't move.

I cradled her tiny, still body against me, tears spilling down my face. "Eriza..." Her name barely made it past my lips as grief tightened its hold on me.

She had been so brave, following me into danger without a second thought, warning me about Hypnal's weakness despite knowing what it would cost her. I had only known her for a short time, but the bond we formed was strong. Her sacrifice left a deep wound in my heart.

But there was no time for mourning. Not yet.

I rose to my feet, holding her close to my chest. "NYEBE!" I screamed.

In the distance, the thunder of hooves grew louder. The Hypnalis shrieked as Nyebe plowed through them, clearing a path with sheer force.

Hypnalis crept toward me, hissing. I cut through them without hesitation, my blade flashing in the dim light as I swung.

Nyebe skidded to a stop in front of me, her nostrils flaring. "NEHEEEEEEEEEEEE!"

I sliced through more Hypnalis as they lunged at us, and Nyebe kicked them away with powerful strikes.

I turned to Nyebe, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me. "Take care of Eriza. Keep her safe, and watch your back. I have unfinished business."

Nyebe nodded. She understood.

I carefully placed Eriza on his back, tying her securely to his neck with rope. With one final glance at her small, still form, I sent Nyebe off. He galloped away, crushing any Hypnalis foolish enough to get in his way.

"AHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Hypnal's roar shook the ground, rattling the surrounding air. The sound was deafening, but I stood firm. My rage flared, igniting a burning fury in my chest.

I glared at the monstrous creature, my vision narrowing. "You'll pay for what you did to Eriza!" I roared, charging forward with everything I had left.

I leaped onto Hypnal's massive body, running up its long form toward its head. It thrashed beneath me, its screeches filling the air as it sensed me.

Though blind, its instincts were sharp. It lunged in my direction, its jaws snapping dangerously close. I barely dodged the rush of wind from its gaping maw brushing against my skin.

I knew what I had to do. Eriza had told me. But timing it... I couldn't make a single mistake.

Suddenly, a plan formed in my mind. I skidded to a stop, planting my feet firmly on its scaly hide. My heart raced, but my resolve was ironclad.

"THIS IS YOUR END!" I shouted, my grip tightening on my swords.

With a furious scream, I drove both blades deep into Hypnal's sides, one sword sinking into its left flank and the other into its right.

"GAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!" Hypnal shrieked in agony, its enormous body writhing violently beneath me as my blades tore through its flesh.

I held on, my knuckles white as I twisted the blades deeper. "This is for Eriza!"