Chapter 90: An Unpleasant Surprise (3)
"FUC-" The fanatic didn't have time to finish cursing before the aura-infused arrow struck him in the side, gravely injuring him and sending him flying into the lead mage. The impact propelled both of them out of the protective barrier, the lead mage landing face-first on the ground and sliding across the dirt.
The two mages now lay exposed, vulnerable outside their barriers. It was the perfect opportunity for Lyra to cast a spell and finish them off. However, her lack of experience in combat against humans froze her in place, and she hesitated. Amelia didn't. She unleashed a flurry of arrows aimed at the downed mages.
Realizing the danger, the four warriors fighting Mikael intensified their efforts to break free and assist the mages. However, Mikael matched their ferocity, ensuring they remained locked in combat.
"Let us go, heretic! We need to aid true followers of Nexoria!" one of the warriors roared angrily. "By opposing us, you defy an entity beyond your comprehension!"
Mikael chuckled coldly, continuing the fight without a word. Inwardly, he remained wary. 'This Nexoria dimension might not just be the delusion of some fanatics. In a world like this, anything is possible...'
On the other side of the battlefield, the thunder mage clutched his side, blood pouring from a gaping wound. The fire mage, more composed, conjured another barrier to block Amelia's relentless arrows.
They retaliated with spells aimed at the two girls, but the situation had shifted. Lyra, learning from her earlier hesitation, finally understood she needed to be more aggressive. She began spamming water and earth spells without pause, her C rank prowess now evident. Despite her earlier freeze, her raw talent and determination began to shine through.
Earth Spears and Water Walls bombarded the mages, forcing them into a desperate defense. Coupled with Amelia's hate-fueled arrow barrage and the thunder mage's injury, the mages were rapidly losing ground.
The thunder mage's barrier finally shattered under the relentless assault. An Earth Spear tore through his chest, propelling him backward before pinning him to the ground. The mage let out a silent scream before collapsing lifelessly.
Lyra froze, her face a mask of horror. "I... I killed someone..." she murmured, her trembling hand covering her mouth. Moments later, she dropped to her knees and retched, her body shaking as the realization sank in.
The lead mage, both fearful and enraged by the thunder mage's death, seized the opportunity. He chanted quickly, sending a meter-long Fire Snake racing toward the dazed Lyra. The blazing serpent darted through the air, closing the distance in seconds.