Getting a Shortcut

"Master!"

"Leader!"

"My Lord!"

The usual voices of the three echoed loudly within the silent hall. Although I couldn't move my neck to look to the side, I'm sure Ember, Fang, and Igni were already on their way to my side.

*SHING!* *TANG!* TING!*

Nero saw my reinforcements and frowned. He waved his sword several times more, but every attack was casually received by Ansael's arm.

Looking closer, something like small transparent scales made out of energy fell off after every hit but were restored as if nothing happened a moment later. It wasn't a barrier, but rather... a seal?

"Move it, you dumb broad!"

Nero was getting irritated as all his attacks, despite landing on her arm, seemed to be ineffective.

"Ugh...!"

After a while, I recovered my breath and managed to stand up. However, it didn't look like I could fight just yet. The large wound on my chest, although not that deep, was bleeding profusely.