Chapter 181: Ibong Adarna
Matty held his breath. In a step that could described as forcibly strong, he cast a protective arm over Jules. "Stay back. I’ll create an opening so you can run."
Ibong Adarna, the singing bird that healed, dissipated into the air once it sang its final tune. In the background, there were groans and signs of life. However, no one stood up. Whether they were capable of helping them or not did not matter, it was Jules and Matty left standing.
"Matty...thank you but I think I should take over."
He glanced at her. "Are you sure?"
Jules offered him a comforting smile. "Please."
He stared at her and she stared back at him with fiery resolve. Matty relented with a step to the side.
"I don’t understand." Jack’s head tilted to the side by a fraction of an inch. "Why challenge me when you know you will die?"
"Why?" Jules narrowed her eyes. "Why are you killing all these people? I can understand going to the extreme for your wish and defeating your enemies, but this...you’re killing your own allies!"
"I killed all these people because they were unworthy. Simple as that." A gas of darkness flickered to life in his gloved white hand. "You should know how that feels, cripple."
"I am not dying today and neither is Matty." From the palm of her hand, balanced by her raised fingers, a magic circle formed. "Summon: Goldy!"
A black cat emerged and landed on the ground with not a speck of noise. The cat’s golden eyes stared at Jack, calm.