"Damn it—!"
Helati fled in panic toward the castle's main gates, shoving them open just enough to squeeze inside.
The Incineration spell had set fire to the inner cotton lining of his armor. The flames had long since gone out, but the burns across his entire body still seared with pain. Helati, however, had no time to care. As soon as he passed through the doors, he turned back, intent on slamming them shut.
But he had barely turned when he saw an orange-red fireball growing rapidly—larger and larger before his eyes.
BOOM!
Even though he summoned what little aura he had left to shield himself, Helati was still thrown off his feet by the shockwave. His plan to shut the gates crumbled with him.
"Damn that bastard! Is his mana bottomless?!" he cursed bitterly.
He staggered beneath the steel throne, momentarily dazed.
