>>6154976thanks everyone for voting!No matter if this enemy is new or not. At least you have some proper tactics and training you can fall upon. The cameo seems to pulsate against your chest as you raise your arm, attracting the others’ attention. You have just a few moments before this thing reaches striking distance.
“Like we trained! Rubida, in the back, check for other enemies while you protect Soralisa. Will-I mean, <span class="mu-i">I will</span> face this with Salicera. Ready?”
“At once,” Rubida nods, pulling your brunette friend with her.
“I can help,” she weakly protests, but it lasts just a moment. “Or rather, the Sun-Birther—”
“That’s right.” You share a look with Willow, who gives you a faint smile. You almost slipped there. Almost said her name out loud.
But what matters is that you didn’t. That’s all.
You straighten your shoulders, raising your weapon. The summoned warrior does not hesitate, advancing towards you, its heavy weapon unerring. The air around you is still suffused with that reflected brightness, like a wave of shattered glass, broiling in the same spot. You can’t see the Asterite.
Where she is, you hope Ansàrra can spare a thought even for heathens. If only for the sake of your missions and your friends.
“I go first,” Willow says, holding her sword with her usual grace. A glint in her eyes goes off and she is back to the role she fits best. The genius skirmisher, the girl who could — almost — fight on par with your Master, just days before.
“Get me an opening,” you say. You share one final look, and Willow throws herself at the warrior, dancing in the air, ready to slice through steel. But right as she’s about to strike, with a shimmering flash, her strike goes off and she stumbles on her feet, struggling to keep her balance. Skittering on the black glass, the she manages to fall back just in time for he warrior’s weapon to cut air.
It’s something you have seen once already, indeed. The warping power of the <span class="mu-i">Malostromo</span>. But back then it was merely a tree that wielded it, now… not there is a sort of malignant, sharp Will that leads the actions of this steel puppet.
You grit your teeth. Just like the other time.
[cont.]
