WHAT A MESS

     As the lightning came hurtling toward me, I turned my back to protect the baby and tensed my body. The spell hit me so hard that I crashed through the window, landing outside while managing to shield Janet. The damage was so severe that my body refused to move, and I collapsed to the ground.

I tried to get up but couldn't. With no option left, I created a rift next to me, placed the baby on it, and let the shadowy hands drag her down to safety.

"Ugh…" I groaned, crawling away. "Shit… that hurt."

Haruko emerged from the house, dagger drawn, and deflected another lightning spell just in time. The witch followed her out, holding both hands up and conjuring two bear spirits. The ethereal bears were soft blue and transparent, their eyes glowing red. From what I remembered, spirit animals were as strong as the mana their caster put into them.

[Stat Revealer: The Witch.]

[Strength: 1