Chapter 166: Departure
I was to be alone. Soltair and Trithe were hardly people I could call friends, but we had fought countless battles together for over a year. Under Fyren’s training, the two had developed into frightening warriors who held the front line and kept the demons’ claws from reaching me. In turn, I blessed them with my protections, practically invalidating the demon’s magic and techniques.
My power had been stolen from me by the inquisitor, and now, at the Arbiter’s call, Soltair and Trithe were gone. For what purpose did I even go to the gate? Without Nexus and limited in my mana, I would be unable to provide large-scale support. The Demon General of this Gate was sixth-level as well, meaning Adaptive Resistance would be helpless before his attacks.
My gaze settled on the gleaming ring on Soltair’s finger. Perhaps, if I begged, he might be willing to consider allowing me sixth circle strength. I would still be too weak to break the slave crest, but he could simply order me not to anyway, right? If that were the case, I wouldn’t be defenseless and could contribute to the battle.
As I worked up my courage to ask, Alex appeared at my side. "Worried about being alone without Soltair?"
I shook my head. "No, that’s not-"
He laughed, abruptly throwing an arm around my shoulders. "Oh, come on now. I saw that longing look. Don’t worry, even if he’s not there, I’ll look aft-"
His voice vanished as a searing pain lanced through me, his comforting hand hot against the Sunpurge. My sudden scream startled him, and his hand tightened in surprise, fingers digging into the glowing scars. I tore away from him, making it half a step before my legs gave out. Consumed by the fire coursing through my veins, I scarcely noticed when I hit the ground.
Slowly, the black spots cleared and my mind returned. Blinking away the tears, I opened my eyes to a veil of white feathers. A blurry gauntlet came into focus, outstretched toward me. After taking a moment to gather my strength, I grasped it, wincing as Elek dragged me to my feet.
Once he was sure I was fine, Elek rounded on the Fire Hero, whose eyes were wide with shock and horror. The angel’s voice was low and quiet but practically shivered with fury.