Chapter 17: Change

# Chapter 17: Change

.

.

.

.

.

━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━

When I used the ability "Blade of Pierce" my surroundings immediately slowed down. My muscles tensed up and burst from the speed that my body was processing.

But as a result, as if the world had stopped time, I was the only one who moved flawlessly. Yet, even in the midst of this, I couldn't perfectly control my body because of how painful my muscles ached with each movement.

But I gradually disregarded my agony as I clenched my teeth and swung my sword.

The assassin preparing for his attack, disrupted by the horizontal slash I responded. Followed by hundreds of slashes—Abusing the ability "Super Slash" that the system gave me.

Finally, with my one last lethal move—[Deadly Thrust]

I dashed, with the intention of cutting him in half.

Slowly, the world began to flow naturally again.

In that instant,

A simultaneous sound of a sword piercing the flesh of the assassin screamed in every direction.

Blood painted the green land with the assassin's.

Meanwhile, in the midst of agony, I drove my blade into the ground, collapsing to my knees.

"Ah! Blast"

I cried out, the utterance distorted by the waves of pain coursing through every fiber of my being.

My muscles were torn and wailing in agony, my bones shattered, and my blood vessels ruptured under the strain.

In this state, I found myself unable to suppress a groan, abandoning the facade of composure I had meticulously maintained as the intensity of the pain overwhelmed me.

‹ I fear I may not survive this ordeal... ›

As I paused for a moment of respite, my breaths came out in strained bursts. With each passing moment, my vision blurred, making it impossible to focus on the world around me.

In that instant, the strength seeped from my grasp on the sword, and my eyelids weighed down as if pleading for closure.

Just then,

\=============================/

[Host's in critical condition, Use remaining points to double the healing process]

{100 points}

[Yes] or [No]

/=============================\

The system's chime echoed, with my demise in its refrain,

"Yes"

A swift affirmation escaped from my lips, no hesitation to detain.

As darkness embraced my senses, and consciousness waned. At that moment, a familiar voice gently called out for me.

"Alfonso!"

After that, a long silence followed.

.

.

.

.

.

━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━◦○◦━

Minutes stretched as Valentina fought against Kevin's unyielding grip, her pleas for release echoing in vain.

"Let go! The two are still there! We need to take them with us!" Valentina implored, her desperation evident.

However, Kevin remained indifferent, his internal thoughts revealing a sinister contemplation.

‹ It's better this way, I bet that guy Alfonso is going to die from the injury he got from the beast. ›

A smirk formed on his lips.

That bastard was what he always dreamed of dying, the one to perish in his way with Valentina.

‹ Christine? Who cares about her? ›

Valentina was the only one he cared about.

However, while he was in his deep musing. The blonde girl was quietly gathering mana in her hands.

Tak! Tak! Tak!

When Kevin noticed where that sound was coming from.

Thud!!!

The final thing he heard was the sound of his flesh being smacked on the neck. Prompting the two of them to crash onto the ground.

Their bodies rolled as Valentina kept her balance.

"I'm sorry Kevin, but I can't leave Christine or that little kid behind"

Valentina whispered while gazing at the young knight.

"But I never thought you would abandon them like that..."

Her eyes furrowing.

With her final words echoing, Valentina, drained and almost depleted of mana, sprinted back to their previous location while pushing herself beyond the limits of exhaustion.

In this critical moment, Valentina found solace in her physical prowess, her only reliable ally.

Doubts lingered about confronting the looming assassin, prompting uncertainty about her capabilities.

Yet, she dismissed these thoughts, choosing to face the challenge head-on when the inevitable encounter unfolds.

‹ I'd choose death over fleeing like a coward, burdened by shame and guilt. ›

She then recalled Alfonso's method of using mana.

As she reminisced, "I thought mana was confined to sparking affinity, originating solely from one's core." she mused.

Unfamiliar with the practice of gathering mana from the environment, her exposure had been limited to others channeling their core mana.

Yet, this novel approach allowed her to knock Kevin earlier, revealing a newfound understanding and mastery over mana manipulation beyond her initial perceptions.

With a calculated focus, Mirroring Alfonso's technique, Valentina adeptly harnessed the surrounding plants and living entities to absorb their mana, as she channeled it into her legs.

Making her faster and stronger a result.

Questions then appeared in her mind.

‹ How did he come up with this technique? Was it from his father? ›

Witnessing Alfonso's unique manipulation of mana, Valentina's curiosity surged. The unconventional approach stirred intrigue, as even her parents had never employed such a technique.

Because of this, her surprise increased when she realized how Alfonso was quickly developing his strength.

‹ Just how... He's been so weird... ›

Even with her mind occupied with thoughts, her speed in running ceased to slow down.

It didn't take long for her to reach the sound of weapons clashing and echoing in the distance.

Her eyes then focused solely on finding the maid and the little girl.

"!"

She was unable to properly discern where they were at first.

But when she finally spotted them, her pace sped up.

‹ Wait... Then who is fighting the assassin? ›

Valentina inspected.

However, she soon found the answer when she got closer to the two commoners and took notice of a certain boy behind.

—It was Alfonso

Her face wore an air of disbelief. Quickly turning into terror when she took notice of his injuries.

His once elegant grace now vanished from the pain he endured.

The gruesome blood and hole that dug into the back of his skin were enough to make her shudder.

But one thing didn't miss her sight, the bottle of potion that was scattered on the ground.

Looking at it, she immediately knew the purpose of the potion.

'It was to temporarily get stronger'

Without even having to ask, she knew who could have used the potion.

It was Alfonso— there would be no other way how he could fight in equal battle with a grand master while he was just an above-average rank.

However, a potion promising an instant surge in strength over a brief span was deemed akin to courting death.

Because of the potion's unleashed mana, surging within, coursing through veins to fortify the body, carried the perilous potential to either render one a cripple or, worse, trigger a body to explode.

Surviving such an ordeal stood at the brink of bleak possibility. The daunting challenge lay in harnessing the overflowing mana, a feat so arduous that the odds of success were dismally low. The tantalizing prospect of endowing the body with formidable capabilities loomed large, but the exorbitant cost was the annihilation of

the very vessel that housed such power.

In the age of this realm, medicinal progress remains in its infancy, with only a handful of potions proving truly efficacious. Among these are the renowned mana potions, health elixirs, and a select few concoctions dedicated to curing ailments. Additionally, elixirs exist that momentarily grant users elemental powers, offer a brief respite from poison, permit interaction with spirits, and augment mental acuity for strategic prowess. Yet, amidst the burgeoning potential, the realm's healing arts have not fully unfurled their mystical tapestry.

That's why it's not surprising for Valentina to think how much Alfonso has sacrificed.

‹ Did he do this because of what I said to him? ›

Burdened by guilt, she gritted her teeth.

‹ Or is he trying to please me even in this situation? ›

As her brows furrowed Christine suddenly spoke up to her.

"He ventured forth to rescue the child, milady, not in pursuit of our approval. His actions were forged in duty, not to court favor with either you or me."

Christine harbored a certainty deep within—Alfonso would never jeopardize his life for a commoner, Arianna included. She would have believed it more if it was her who he saved from the beast. However, noticing what Alfonso has done so far... A sense of doubt lingered in her mind.

But soon realized that his actions were sincere and not with motives.

The reason was that Alfonso wouldn't gain anything in risking his life because even the engagement that was planned to be nulled wouldn't fix anything. Unless he sincerely wanted to stop the horror that would happen to the child earlier and to Valentina.

Perhaps... Alfonso, in his heart, couldn't bear witnessing Valentina's anguish, prompting his peculiar conduct. And perhaps... The child's potential suffering weighed heavily on him, compelling him to respond in such a manner.

‹ Did a cherished figure that I don't know of in his life evoke echoes reminiscent of the young one? ›

Only this time did Christine see just how much she doesn't know who Alfonso is.

But one thing she was sure about.

‹ He truly loves Milady... ›

Her eyes were a look of pity.

‹ He might have harbored intentions to sever their betrothal, enduring the anguish for the sole purpose of Milady's contentment. ›

As she thought of these things, Valentina suddenly gripped her sword.

"I'll try to help him"

The blonde lady spoke her voice full of vigor.

However,

"Nay, Milady, I beseech thee, reconsider. Lest Alfonso's noble sacrifice be rendered in vain!"

Christine immediately interrupted, gripping her hand around the lady's wrist. Even though she was limping, it was only possible because of Arianna supporting her.

While Valentina was faced with the dilemma of helping Christine or Alfonso.

In the stillness of the surroundings, an abrupt cry echoed, the unmistakable sound of bones fracturing cutting through the air.

—Crack!

As their gazes converged upon the origin of the sound, a collective shadow draped over their countenances. In that moment, Alfonso's form unfolded before them, a gruesome metamorphosis that cast a somber pallor across their features.

His hand, shoulder, and legs dangled lethargically, bereft of vitality and structure—an eloquent manifestation of fractured bones, painting a poignant tableau of physical disarray.

Meanwhile, the assassin was flying in mid-air, preparing for a lethal attack as its dagger glowed in a hue of purple signaling its impending attack.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Amidst the echoes of reverberating metal, there materialized a maiden, a dagger gripped within her delicate hands, entwined in a celestial dance with a colossal lion.

A clash, resounding like an ancient hymn, resonated through the air, a testament to the collision of blade and beast.

In the aftermath, a tempest of wind unfurled, caressing every leaf upon the ageless trees.

"My Lord..." Whispered Mary as she persisted in her ethereal duel with the leonine behemoth, all the while, her [Hyper Sense] unraveled the location of Alfonso.

In this instant, a rending melody of flesh reached her ears, causing a momentary shiver, her jaw clenching.

Uncertain of the injured party, instincts whispered danger, suggesting Alfonso's peril. Swiftly, a captivating dance of ebony mana particles enveloped her blade.

Tak! Tak! Tak!

Thus, a thunderous noise swiftly ensued.

★Ting!!!★

As Mary's blue eyes glowed, she charged at the lion with an unstoppable force.

.

.

.

.

.

After a relentless exchange—

—Boom!!!

With a resounding blast, the Lion creature was propelled by the force, its mighty form soaring through the air, releasing a thunderous roar in response.

However, as Mary charged for another bombard, the location where Alfonso is, resonated with a flesh being slashed.

Upon hearing that, Mary swiftly cloaked her blade once more in a shroud of mana.

With worry fueling her resolve, she aimed to end the beast,

Risking half her magic's force, for victory at least.

Yet, at that moment, her turmoil eased when from Alfonso's location, she heard a knight's approach, clear and calm.

But her relief was short-lived.

To her despair, this knight in haste, seized another, fleeing the place posthaste.

Still, she sensed Alfonso's essence near, with her [Hyper Sense] so clear, confronting another as an intruder drew near.

In that instant,

Mary's face, once void of dismay, swiftly turned to shadows gray.

—Shang!—

"[Hyper Sense Amplification!]"

With her mana as the fuel, it dwindled swiftly and surely.

Now she could discern, in the throng, the swift from those lagging behind Alfonso long. With a sudden surge, her [Hyper Sense] grew stronger.

A vision unfolded, clear and vivid in her

mind's eye: Alfonso, steadfast, under the open sky, as a foe drew near, with danger nigh, and two wounded people, in their struggle assisting each other.

Abruptly stopping her use of mana, her mouth suddenly trembled in silence.

"..."

Gazing upon the scene, so grim and dire, Mary whispered chants to her blade.

"ᛊᚹᛟᚱᛞ ᛟᚠ ᛞᛖᚦ"

Amidst a hushed murmur,

—Kaboom!—

A shadowy radiance enveloped the blade in its wake.

Her gaze, ominous and lethal, propelled the swift cadence of the battle.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

After battling long and fierce, Mary laid the Lion beast to waste, its head from body cleaved in haste.

"Sigh!"

She breathed a weary note, yet fatigue fled at the abrupt sound of—

Crack!

Snapping bones, a familiar crisp breaking from Alfonso's location.

Upon hearing the echo, Mary swiftly moved towards the source, her heart in a sprint of unfamiliar beats. Certainty gripped her as she uttered, "My Lord..." and quickened her steps in tandem with the urgency within.

—FWOOSH!

The gush of winds blew on every tree, but this time, the clash of blades drew nearer.

Amidst the tension, a bone's snap echoed, haunting her ears once more.

Crack!!!

This time, Mary could only grit her teeth, worry gnawing at her soul.

Abruptly,

A radiant violet hue bathed the path ahead.

A voice trailed behind,

"—I never thought I'd have to unleash this power on a child. There's not much time for games,"

Upon hearing, Mary leaped, the ground quivering, carving craters beneath her every bound.

—Boom!

With a resounding jump, she soared from the heavens, catching sight of the lad she sought, and the lurking assassin beneath. Yet, as her gaze met Alfonso's state, Mary couldn't stifle a horrified gasp.

"My Lord!—Alfonso!"

Her voice filled with fury.

In the stillness of the moment,

—Kwang!!!

A thunderous clamor filled the air where Alfonso stood, swiftly followed by a blinding scarlet gleam. In that fleeting second, a chilling sound pierced Mary's ears.

Crack! Spruck! Crack!

Echoes of bones in a harrowing crackle, mirroring the day she found Alfonso fallen the other day, were what resounded.

Abruptly, Mary's blade, in shadow's hue, did gleam and dance,

Tak! Tak! Tak!

Yet, as she poised to launch her advance,

She saw the havoc wrought by Alfonso's ability.

His power, so deadly, so destructively vast and 'fast,'

Made the assassin, battered, painted with injuries.

As a result, the assassin was left with limbs all loose, on the brink of his last breath,

But still, with fury in the maiden's heart, Mary did not sway,

She charged, undeterred, at her prey.

.

.

.

.

.

.

As the three watched, Valentina, Christine, and Arianna.

In an instant, a creaking simultaneous sound of bones shattering followed before Alfonso's figure disappeared when the assassin charged at him.

Either it was too fast for their eyes but it only took five seconds before the two figures appeared once again.

Alfonso was on the opposite side of the assassin, their backs exposed to one another.

As silence descended—Splutter!!!

The sound of blood exploded inside the assassin's mouth.

"Cough! Cough Cough!"

As he coughed, crimson flowed free, and wounds adorned him like scars of destiny. His hand hung limp, near the brink, slashed by a sword, as shadows in blood sank.

The assassin tried to struggle when a slice on his abdomen suddenly appeared, his stomach plummeting in response.

His knees gave way, and he gritted his teeth, reaching for his guts that were falling apart.

He tried to put his organs back when a voice suddenly interrupted,

"My Lord!—Alfonso!"

In the blink of an eye—

‹ Huh? Is that my body? ›

The assassin, confusingly muttered to himself.

His eyes then widened.

"!!!"

Gradually, it dawned upon him that the maid, they meticulously lured away in their intricate plan to divert attention, had left him decapitated.

—Thud

As his head fell, he could only stare at the sky in agony as life in his eyes slowly faded.

While, "Alfonso!" cried Mary, her voice laced with dismay,

As she caught him, his form nearly crumbled away.

Quickly, her eyes took in his condition so dire,

A terror seized her heart, a fierce, burning fire.

His breaths were labored a heavy, desperate sound,

Every bone shattered, no strength to be found.

The injury on his back was grievous, unabated in its bleeding,

A severity that defied belief, yet miraculously Alfonso was still breathing.

Mary then bit her lips, her eyes teary and her hands trembled as she beheld the perilous condition of the boy cradled in her arms.

Her glare then shifted from the headless body to the three— Christine, Valentina, and Arianna.

With a muscle ticking out of her jaw, ‹ Maybe I should have just saved my lord and left them › Mary regretted.

Despite the countless moments she pondered leaving them behind,

At the end of her reflections, she found herself in a bind.

Blaming her own inadequacy and carelessness.

Meanwhile, The three girls, in terror, quivered at the sight, when they noticed the bloodlust that was omitting from Mary.

Never had they seen the maid in such a furious state,

Her anger, a storm they could not anticipate.

But then, the tension broke with a sound so near,

The approaching knight's footsteps, they began to hear.

In that instant, Mary brushed aside the weariness that clung to the knights who had been tirelessly running and promptly issued her command upon their arrival.

"Hasten! Attend to Alfonso!"

Despite the fatigue etched on their faces, the knights, upon beholding the condition of their Lord, stammered out affirmations and sprung into action.

"Yes, ma'am!" "Yes, ma'am!"

Two knights, gifted with the ability to mend wounds, swiftly answered the call.