VS Yeti [1]

SERENA's POV:

In the moonlit forest, our hurried retreat echoed with the haunting growls of a pursuing beast. His hand in mine, we ran together, our hearts pounding in sync. Beside us, our loyal servant matched our pace.

But when the creature lunged, he made a choice—I couldn't abandon our companion.

He let go, turned back, and faced the monstrous threat alone. My heart conflicted, torn between the desire to protect him and the thrill of his bravery.

'Ha~ he attacked it! He attacked it, I knew, my prince~ He is so kind.'

As he kicked the ferocious beast, a twisted ecstasy surged within me.

He fought for us, for me. The shadows of possessiveness and love intertwined, creating a dark ballet on a moonlit night.

'My prince~~'

..

...

....

ELYSION's POV:

"Get those filthy hooves off! You swine bastard!"

I dashed out of the grass, swinging my Iron Shield at Yeti and shouted loudly.

Sadly, with my feeble physical attack power, it felt like nothing more than a mosquito bite to Yeti. 

Damn it.

However,

"?!ha!"

Slash---

Swish—swish--

Both Serena and Mir followed my lead, launching simultaneous attacks. Yeti grimaced in pain, lifting its front paw off the trampled Midnight Aegis, stepping back.

"Lord Elysion, what you've done is not courage but recklessness, you know?" Serena, standing beside me with her sword ready, directed a cold gaze at me. 

As she said, what I did was reckless and foolish. I don't have much strength.

But, for some reason, I really wanted the Midnight Aegis'... 

Well, officially, it was a different story. The truth was, I couldn't help but want to save this little black cat magical beast.

I shared the frustration of feeling powerless.

Ha... Serena must be internally sighing at me. Maybe even if I safely return to the royal capital, the engagement might be cancelled immediately. It's a big pinch. What should I do...

"Hehe..."

Serena chuckled.

"Uh, um..."

"Truly, Lord Elysion, you are an incorrigible person. Hopeless, clumsy, and kind. But... I find you very lovable."

I blushed at her unexpected words. I thought she would scold me or be disappointed. Well, surprises are good too.

"Ha... I foresee unending troubles as I continue to serve someone like you."

"I, um, I'll handle it."

"Ah..."

"Midnight Aegis, let's defeat that swine together. Isn't that your mother's enemy?"

"Y-yes!"

Holding the battered Midnight Aegis, I smiled at it. Tears overflowed from its golden eyes, having lost its mother and unable to rely on anyone until now. This small black cat magical beast, enduring pain, wiped away tears with its front paws.

"Now, let's go! From here on, it's our turn!"

"Yeah!"

With Midnight Aegis in my arms, I raised my shield and charged. This was undoubtedly suicidal, given my weakest strength among us.

However,

"uhaa!"

Blocking Yeti's attack with the shield, I gritted my teeth. Despite its incredible power, Yeti's movements were so slow compared to Serena's.

During that opening,

"?! Bgyuuuu!"

"Too slow."

"Indeed."

Serena and Mir delivered a barrage of attacks on the flabby giant, and red blood sprayed from Yeti's body.

"gyaaah!"

Still, in its rage, Yeti charged again.

"I won't let you!"

I rushed in between, trying to stop it with my shield'

"Uwaaaah!?"

Unfortunately, with my feeble body, I couldn't withstand Yeti's massive frame and was sent flying. Still, during that time, I bought enough time for the two of them to dodge.

"Lord Elysion!"

With Mir's diversionary tactics applied on Yeti, Serena, with a pale face, rushed to my side.

"Ugh...normal iron shield might not be enough to handle this..."

'If only I had the 'Midnight Aegis Shield ' with the same dark attribute...'

"Uh, um, human..."

"He is Prince Elysion. Not some 'human.'" Serena roared at the little fellow, vividly worried.

Apologizing, Midnight Aegis licked my face. Even as a magical beast, it lacks awareness. But still, I can't make such a face, especially in front of my precious woman.

So,

"Hey... Where is the 'Pitch-Black Shield Midnight Aegis'?"

I asked the staring Midnight Aegis. At least, with a shield of the same dark attribute as mine, my performance could be maximized.

More importantly, with that shield, even someone as defence-oriented as me could participate in the attack, gathering Yeti's hate while lightening the burden on Serena and Mir.

"But, well, that is a reward after you my enemy..."

"It's too late for that now. In this situation, if you don't help us not to think about defeating, we may not survive at all."

Actually, it might be possible to escape if midnight aegis were to pull the Yeti's aggro just like before. Of course, I have no intention of doing that.

"Ugh..."

"I'll assist Mir!"

It seemed that one-on-one wasn't favourable, and Serena, holding her sword, headed towards Yeti. If I didn't join as a tank, they would be pushed even further...

"Midnight Aegis!"

"Got it! I will give it to you...But, no matter, don't betray me."

...In terms of this fellow's speech and appearance, there were many points of concern, but for now, this was the only option. I nodded firmly.

"Huh!?"

Suddenly, the small body of the Midnight Aegis was enveloped in pitch-black darkness.

And then...

"..."

As the darkness cleared, what appeared was... a palm-sized shield!?