Albus' Rampage

"...What's the matter?"

"..."

Macheo was silent, only looking forward--though nothing peculiar could be seen by Aiko. 

In the moment of reprieve, the high elf that conjured the barrier finally allowed it to dissipate, falling to his knees as he huffed, covered in sweat as maintaining such a high-level shield came with a heavy toll of stamina. 

"Hongse! Fall back!"

Yelling out, Macheo's words seemed to conflict with the advantageous moment the group found for themselves. 

What is he so scared of…? We have it pinned! Valerie thought. 

Even as she thought this, assuring this reality with her own, two eyes, she couldn't shake the throbbing in her heart as she trusted the judgment of Macheo. 

"...Hongse!" 

Valerie followed the golden-haired young man's words with her own, requesting her demi-human companion to withdraw.