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Chapter 70: The Witch's Temptation
Chapter 70: The Witch's Temptation
Chapter 70: The Witch's Temptation
The small fist enveloped in brilliant light held immense power. Overwhelming momentum. A hit from that would be fatal. Even while not in her true form, Ailee Suarez felt this terror.
Thud-
Thud- Thud-
The face crumpled as that fist made contact. However, no blood splattered. Only the bone-chilling sound and the shockwave resonated in the surroundings. This proved that the boy, currently being beaten up, wasnt Shiron.
It seems this isnt an illusion or a dream
Lucia coldly muttered while looking at her hand. There wasnt a single drop of blood or a bruise on her hand. This suggested that the situation was a dream, but the sensation she just felt, which was of crushing something, argued that this was reality.
Whew
Blowing out a white breath, Lucia shook her hand. The feeling wasnt pleasant. It felt like smashing meat intertwined with bones rather than breaking the flesh-covered bone.
A golem, huh?
Lucia smirked with realization. Her innate talent and experience of numerous battles made her instantly recognize her opponents identity.
You took the blow so well; I thought your head was empty. Youve surprised me.
Listening to the sounds coming from the ground, Lucia looked down. The fallen golem, with its crushed face, emitted a giggling laugh.
Stupid. Too stupid. Do you have a problem with your brain?
What punk.
If the face you hit had been of your little brother, what then?
The golem, made of flesh, made a grotesque face. From time to time, it would chuckle, indicating to Lucia that the golem was attempting to laugh.
Poor thing, a sister who kills her brother, right?
Its okay.
Lucia gave a dismissive laugh.
Shiron is strong. He wouldnt just die or have his face crushed by a few punches.
But you seem to be different. Or are you scared? Given you still havent shown yourself.
Nonsense.
The golem, made of flesh, tremblingly tried to get up with its hands and feet.
From afar, or rather close by,
Beyond the Imeon Geokye (Hidden Boundary), Ailee Suarez tried to control the golem with feigned calmness. But things didnt go as she wished. After dozens of attempts in mere seconds, all turned out to be futile.
What kind of monstrous strength is this? The golems circuits are all messed up.
Ailee was annoyed by the opponents unexpected strength.
She decided not to put much emphasis on controlling the golem.
The golem, with its hollow face, managed to produce a derisive laugh.
Young girl, showing off excessively wont do you any good.
Shut up.
Lucia spat out and quickly scanned the void.
Judging by the fact that youre hiding and not facing me directly, it seems this is the typical tactic of witches who lack any sort of pride.
Where is Shiron?
Lucias question echoed, but there was no answer.
She felt something was off. Despite all the chaos she caused, which shouldve alarmed everyone, none of Hugos knights, who should be on guard, entered the tent.
She mustve pulled some trick, but I cant tell what it is.
In the current scenario, Lucia
Apart from fighting, she had no options. Though she easily subdued the golem, it wasnt the end. She had no idea where Shiron was, nor did she know the nature of the place she was in.
If she had her old comrades
An occasionally irritating magician and a reliable guide, she could have killed this weak witch in the blink of an eye.
But this was 500 years after that time.
And now, Lucia was alone.
Without any aid.
However, just setting up a golem in human skin is pretty lame, isnt it?
Lucia executed her best move, taunting.
Its neither an illusion nor a dream. You probably tried but couldnt make it work. Because youre weaker than me. Even intruding into my psyche mustve been too challenging for you.
A summoned demon was weaker than its original form. That was a universal truth or so Saira had told her.
So, in the end, youre just a coward picking on a child.
Lucia was trying to infuriate her opponent, hoping that shed reveal herself out of anger.
Thats enough.
However, the witch wasnt to be taken lightly. The voice that emerged from the distorted face didnt quiver or rush. It rather seemed resigned.
Im done.
What?
I had no business with you to begin with.
Wa- wait!
Then try escaping with your great skills.
Sudden movement-
The witch tried to leave the place. Lucia sprinted forward to prevent her but couldnt save the falling golem.
Did I fall asleep?
Shiron sat up, scratching his head. He didnt usually nap during the day, but somehow, today, hed taken two naps.
And it wasnt even dinner time yet, so it couldnt be because of a food coma.
Just then, an appetizing smell filled the air. Shiron rubbed his half-closed eyes and looked around.
The scene before him was unbelievable.
You woke up?
What are you doing?
Just preparing dinner since you wouldnt wake up.
Is that so?
Yeah. The submission for the subjugation festival is tomorrow. Lets eat quickly, sleep well, and wake up early.
I must be seeing things.
The Lucia he knew neither cooked nor spoke sweetly. This awkwardness gave him a slight headache.
Suddenly, he remembered the witch he encountered earlier. As soon as he recalled the ominous being, his fist clenched.
Goddamn, Im so exhausted. Whats with this nonsense?
As she said, tomorrow was the day for the subjugation festival. Annoyed by the unnecessary interruption, Shirons irritation grew.
Three seconds.
He didnt need a long time to decide on killing the witch.
Shiron whispered.
Saira.
His vision filled with white light.
Upon opening his eyes, the first thing he saw was an angel floating above him with a halo.
Hero! Its been such a long time!
Latera greeted him cheerfully, acting as if she was unaware of his situation. It indeed felt like a long time since their last encounter, and she seemed particularly elated.
Its been quite some time, hasnt it? How have you been? Have you become more resolved? Are you ready? Thinking of you, every day felt like a year to me.
Latera laughed heartily, grabbing and shaking my hand. If he recalled correctly, she mentioned something about taking her out from here about a year ago.
Its still a relief though. Even though you have accumulated demerits, you can still come here. Lets see 800 points?! Sir, you might actually end up in hell at this rate!
Stop nagging.
I barely held back from smacking Latera on the head. I didnt have the time for such trivial conversations, not knowing what the witch outside might do to me.
Just then.
Damn it.
Huh? What?
I was taken aback.
That expletive hadnt come from my mouth but from Lateras sweet lips.
Sulkily-
The girl, who would usually chuckle whenever she saw me, was now gritting her teeth with a frown.
No need to get so angry. Im sorry for interrupting you.
Hero.
Yes?
Seeing someone who usually doesnt get angry become furious made him a little scared, so he instinctively took a step back.
Then, against my will, Latera tripped and fell. From a perfect mounting position, she placed her hand on my chest.
With her fiery eyes, Latera looked down at me.
Youve come seeking protection, havent you?
Yes.
I had stopped by to free myself from the witchs hallucinations or dreams.
Reading my inner thoughts, I felt slightly offended, but what mattered most was not my feelings. I must return to the real world and kill the witch.
I have just the thing for you.
Above Lateras head, a hovering ring shone and wobbled. A sight Id seen before. Its the process of granting protection to the soul.
A moment later, after removing her hand from my chest, Latera slid off me.
Ive removed the Protectors of Rage and Vitality and granted you the Protectors of Indomitability and Vigilance.
After she said that, my vision turned upside down.
Shiron? Are you okay?
His vision cleared. Shiron raised his head to look at the woman in front of him. The face of the armored female knight he had seen earlier in the day was there. The hallucination had faded.
Wow, what a daring outfit.
The woman, whose attire was ambiguous between being dressed and undressed, had her slightly curly hair tied up and draped over one shoulder.
The mature womans figure filled the young boys view.
What does she want?
But that didnt mean Shirons motivation wavered.
Shiron moistened his dry lips.
Lucia. Fancy a kiss after so long?
Huh? What?
The witch was taken aback by Shirons proactive attitude.
Why are you so surprised? We used to kiss each other before every meal, dont you remember?
With a cunning demeanor, Shiron slowly approached the witch.
Oh, right
Trying to hide her slightly flustered expression, the witch scratched her cheek.
Shiron gently grabbed the witchs shoulder and looked into her eyes. Her eyes seemed somewhat expectant. Raising one side of his lips into a smirk, Shiron teased her.
Expecting something, you wench?
What?
Ailee Suarezs eyes widened in a split second.
In the boys hand was a white sword.
Shiron directed his holy sword toward the witchs neck.