Cathelaya's POV:
- Uggg
A slight groan of pain escapes my lips as my joints scream from the sudden movement. The burning pain in my side grew more intense as a strong pressure pounded my limbs.
- I don't remember the last time I used this technique.
The tiger that manifested in front of me bared its hypothetical teeth at the giant dragon in front of me. As if responding to its movement, the water dragon opens its jaws as if trying to intimidate the tiger.
- I apologize to you, Storm Witch, but even though I know this isn't really necessary, I wanted to show off a little in front of the Fire Hero.
A confident smile can be seen on his face as he channels more water into spears in front of me. I can only smile at his boasting as I slowly shift my stance slightly.
- Don't you think you're underestimating this granny? Even if it doesn't seem like it, I'm still a witch who has lived since the previous Age of Heroes and naturally survived it.
He looks at me coldly and imperturbably as he plays with a spear floating around him.
- I've had my history lessons. The foolish heroes of the past took them lightly and that's why they lost. But that's a mistake I won't make.
- Really? You seem too confident to me.
I slowly shift my stance a little more, trying to be imperceptible.
- Do you think you're the only one stalling with this chatter?
- …
I stare at the water hero. His eyes tell me he's not bragging. He analyzes me carefully while standing still.
- I see… Then let this old woman make the first move.
Before I can finish my sentence, I finish shifting my stance before launching a massive lightning bolt at the water hero. In an instant, his dragon launches itself at the lightning bolt, completely blocking it. The dragon's upper half had evaporated, but with the rainwater, it regenerates instantly.
- Not bad, boy.
However, that moment isn't wasted by the gigantic tiger accompanying me. With lightning speed, the thunder tiger launches itself at the hero while the dragon is out of position. The hero quickly puts a wall of water in front of him, but that's not enough to stop the tiger. Although he manages to nullify a large portion of the impact, a large portion of his arm is incinerated by the tiger's claws. A muffled scream can be heard as he desperately moves to escape the tiger's reach.
- You won't run away!
The tiger stretches out as it loses its tiger form. Looking more like an arrow with a tiger's head, I fire it at the water hero. Its speed, increased exponentially, comes seemingly fatally close to the hero's exposed chest.
- Not so fast.
Before the impact could arrive. The gigantic dragon interposes itself between the lightning bolt and the hero, evaporating again in a burst of steam. The place is covered in water vapor to the point where nothing could be seen of what was happening around the water hero.
- But that won't stop me.
With the help of the wind, I glide forcefully on a current of wind while charging my body with electricity. Thanks to the time I had gained earlier, I had not only managed to charge another large lightning bolt that I launched at the hero, but I also managed to condense some of the energy from the first bolt in my body. Right now, I was practically a walking lightning rod waiting to be discharged into something. The moment I exit my wind barrier, thousands of stone-like drops rain down on my body, breaking some of my bones in the process. The pain is similar to standing in front of a massive avalanche with nothing to cover myself with. Despite that, I didn't stop and advanced with all the speed I could muster to the location where the hero was a few moments ago. Although I couldn't clear the water vapor, I easily passed through it while reaching out with my hands, hoping to touch him.
- So, this means it's my turn.
A voice came from the fog before it coiled around me. The previously intangible fog had coiled around my body like a snake. Due to the sudden change, all my bones and joints let out strange noises as I coughed up a bit of blood. A general pain spread through my body as if I'd run into a wall at full speed. A sound managed to escape my throat as the pain tormented me constantly.
- I guess your bones couldn't fully withstand the blow.
My body no longer has any strength. I hang from the bonds of the mist like a puppet. Although I can't see it, I feel my blood slowly seeping from the restraints. The sensation of my skin being torn from my bones overwhelms me. My consciousness becomes hazy as I look at the hero. He stares at me coldly. Unlike his previous calm smile, his expression is harsher and more uncomfortable.
- This is what happens when you try to take away what people hold most dear. You witches only think about destruction and killing. You will never surpass the nobility of those who wish to protect something even if it means risking their lives.
- …Protect?
A barely audible whisper comes from my hazy consciousness as I sink into my memories.