Chapter 134 - The battle at Arclight (3)

Surprisingly, Saemi and Ana managed to corner the masquerade. Saemi was baffled by the sudden source of power Ana had acquired. At first, Saemi speculated that it might have something to do with her own observation that Makoto would praise them if they won. However, Saemi quickly dismissed this notion, recognizing that it would be far too absurd to gain power simply for such a reason.

Saemi chose to set that thought aside, as there was another matter demanding her immediate attention. This matter consisted of the massive ice birds ablaze in intense cold, now surrounding the masquerade. While pondering this, Saemi noticed Ana making a gesture with her delicate hands. Though initially confused, Saemi soon grasped the meaning behind that gesture Ana had made.

With a deafening roar from the birds created by Ana, they all opened their beaks toward the floating masquerade. Right after, powerful bursts were unleashed toward the masquerade. Disoriented by this unexpected turn of events, the masquerade created a sphere of air around herself in an attempt to protect against the assault. Observing this defensive maneuver, Saemi immediately understood that there was no way to shield herself from that onslaught.

When the bursts struck the masquerade's shield, she staggered back a few steps as she fought to fend off the joint attack of the birds. Though Saemi was impressed by the masquerade's ability to hold out for so long, it seemed she was nearing her limit.

Small, shattered fragments were visible scattered around the masquerade's barrier. Gradually, these fragments continued to increase, and within a few seconds, the sound of shattering glass echoed through the environment. With no more protection, the masquerade was directly hit by Ana's birds' attack.

Right after the assault ceased, the masquerade started plummeting rapidly towards the ground. However, before reaching the ground, Saemi conjured a small vortex of wind around the masquerade, ensuring a gentle landing for her. Saemi didn't have a particular reason to do so but simply wished to prevent the masquerade from getting hurt more than necessary.

Despite the distance between Saemi and Makoto, she noticed that Makoto was engaged in a conversation with the masked man with black hair. With this observation, Saemi also sensed that Makoto had initially shown some reluctance to fight, which led her to speculate that something might be pressuring them into a situation where they would have to take Sylvia's life.

Deep down, what Saemi truly wished for was for everything to be resolved relatively peacefully in the end.

***

Some time ago, Eldritch and I continued our confrontation; however, regardless of the attacks I launched, most of my strikes were thwarted. Whichever method I used, the only attacks that managed to penetrate Eldritch's defenses were the ones coming from Glasy, emerging from the shadows. Still, these tactics were ineffective as well, since Eldritch had a notable awareness of the environment around him.

Additionally, the perception that Eldritch wasn't acting of his own accord caused me, involuntarily, to hold back my attacks against him. Moreover, I also had the sense that Eldritch wasn't using his full power during our fight. Naturally, I had no idea of the reason behind this restraint, but I had the impression it was probably for the same reason as me. While pondering these aspects, Eldritch's voice echoed once again.

"That's quite a companion you have by your side" 

Eldritch observed, directing his gaze toward Glasy, who was at my side and growling softly at him.

"However, it's undeniable that both of us are holding back during this fight. Additionally, I believe she can sense your reluctance to confront me, which prevents her from using all her power"

Eldritch continued, keeping his gaze on Glasy.

"I don't deny that I'm holding back... but, in the end, you're doing the same, aren't you?"

I pronounced, keeping my gaze fixed on Eldritch. Upon hearing my words, he let out a small laugh and replied.

"Well, I believe you'd notice that too"

Eldritch said as his words were accompanied by a glance directed at the gray sky above us. Though his face was hidden behind a mask, I could sense an aura of loneliness and perhaps guilt in his expression. Witnessing this, my previous conviction remained; I simply couldn't bring myself to fight Eldritch, especially when he wasn't approaching me with a clear intent to kill.

"Look, I believe neither of us wants to die in this place. It's evident that there are people who need both of us alive. What do you say we end this confrontation here? Also, why not tell me what's causing you to act this way? Who knows, maybe we can help?"

As I uttered these words, Eldritch turned his gaze in my direction. After a few seconds of contemplation, he slowly brought his hand to his mask. With a fluid movement, he began to remove it. Gradually, Eldritch's face became visible to me.

A young man, about my age, revealed himself; his black hair, as before, contrasted with his vibrant red eyes. It was the first time I had encountered someone whose appearance was so captivating and yet so imposing at the same time. Additionally, two horns protruded from Eldritch's head, and as I watched, I realized strangely I hadn't noticed them before.

While these thoughts resonated in my mind, Saemi's voice behind me captured my attention. Turning, my eyes met Saemi's, and I soon noticed that she was suspending the masked woman through her wind magic. However, Saemi continued to fix her gaze on a specific point. Following her line of sight, I found myself facing the muscular man I had seen before, holding Fujiwara and Aoi. Both seemed unconscious but not severely injured.

"Well, it seems we've ended in a stalemate" 

Eldritch said, a mild smile forming on his face. He then continued.

"Alright then, Makoto. As you wished, let's talk about this. Who knows, maybe we can find an alternative approach to this situation"