Chapter 160: Corruption’s Edge
Grace stepped back and put some space between her and Cinder.
The Bloom was watching her and Cinder with a horrified expression.
[Corruption aside, it’s clear her intentions aren’t to hurt anything. Not like the other Pillars. But... How do I help you?]
Cinder didn’t seem like she was going to give Grace the time to think about that. She dashed forward, grey wings spread out and wide, aiming her sword at Grace’s neck. Given that she obviously knew she couldn’t kill Grace, she must have just been aiming to impair her. Stop her for a bit, while the Bloom’s corruption progressed.
So, Grace couldn’t let that happen.
As Cinder went to impale her, Grace used her armguard.
「Stardust Veil」
A lightweight, shimmering silver arm guard that extends from wrist to elbow. When activated, it hardens and is able to deflect or absorb a single strike before needing to recharge.
Cinder’s blow was completely absorbed by that small piece of equipment, and Grace tried to use the moment of surprise to land her own impairing blow. She didn’t want to kill Cinder, but she needed her to be well out of the way before she could go and help the Bloom.
Cinder, however, to her credit, managed to dodge, seeing that Grace was about to counter-attack.
"You’re not bad at all, for an amateur." Cinder smirked, though Grace could see it in her eyes. She was beginning to comprehend that maybe this wouldn’t be as easy as she thought it would.
"Amateur?" Grace spun her rapier. "I’ve killed Primal Demons."