Manipulator

--- Alexia ---

As I rose from the ground, I sensed powerful waves of Magical Power nearby and briefly glanced at their source. Even though this barrier is designed to prevent those inside from seeing beyond it, it's not entirely foolproof.

"Has she already started?" I wondered.

If so, then I need to move quickly.

One drawback of my Sword Art is its heavy drain on Magical Power. Despite having a substantial amount of it, it's barely sufficient for this technique alone.

Unfortunately, I couldn't escape from that reality.

I quickly scanned the battlefield.

Even though I had dealt a significant blow to that pinky bitch, it didn't mean she was out of the picture. The impact of being struck by something capable of killing an immortal should have left her shaken, but I knew better than to underestimate her.

Despite Hel's death, I couldn't assume she wouldn't snap out of it or something.

Enemies left alive are variables that cannot be ignored. What if she was feigning weakness, waiting for the perfect moment to strike?

That's why I decided to prioritize taking her out next.

But first, I had to deal with Jormungandr. His relentless attacks were becoming a nuisance, and I couldn't afford to keep defending against them for much longer. The cost in Magical Power was too high.

As usual, I chose to evade his blows and exploit his weaknesses to reach my target. With my superior speed, I quickly closed the distance between Freya and myself, a smirk forming on my lips.

I could see the fear in her eyes as she trembled, realizing that she was facing death head-on. She had likely wanted to flee, but I was much faster.

Before I could land the finishing blow, however, another sword intervened, halting mine in its tracks.

It belonged to none other than Loki.

"What's going on? Weren't you trying to break through this barrier? Have you already abandoned that plan?"

Observing his blood-soaked hands, I reached my own conclusion.

He didn't possess the power to break through the barrier.

Instead of wasting more time, he seemed intent on taking control of the fight now.

Pathetic.

"...I didn't give up, but I cannot let you kill another one of us so easily now, can I?"

You can be as arrogant as you want, but the truth is still one.

"That's just a weak excuse. You couldn't care less about her life. She's just another pawn to you, isn't she?"

I could recognize this attitude and expression anywhere, having dealt with people like that my entire life.

That's the look of someone who sees others as mere toys, not fellow humans.

He chuckled with what seemed like delight.

"I'm glad you can read me so easily. It's actually a shame I have to end you. Otherwise, we could have had some fun together."

I scoffed.

"It's actually a shame you're still breathing. Let me fix that for you."

I don't have time to waste on games anymore.

--- Loki ---

I quickly realized that breaking through the barrier was beyond my capabilities. Its construction and properties made it clear that direct attempts to breach it were futile.

When I attempted to touch it, it felt as though I had been sliced by a razor-sharp blade, leaving me wounded.

What's even more ironic is that neither my healing abilities nor my natural regeneration could mitigate the damage.

Despite the setback, I remained calm.

However, there was a lingering question.

Why had I wasted so much time, even allowing one of our own to be killed in the process? The answer lay in the profound fear I witnessed in Freya's eyes, sparking a plan in my mind.

However, there was one person who could potentially disrupt it: Hel.

That's why I chose to observe the unfolding events before taking any action.

But it was crucial to prevent Freya from being killed, as she played a significant role in my plan, so I was forced to stop watching from the sidelines earlier than planned.

"...But shouldn't you be more concerned about someone far more dangerous than me?"

I suggested, wearing a meaningful smile, knowing that Jormungandr lurked just behind her, poised to strike. Caught off guard, she retreated, leaving Freya and me alone, prompting a sigh to escape my lips.

 As I was right now, there is no way to instill any form of manipulation on Alexia.

My ability may seem really overpowered, but in reality, it's too situational to give it any real value.

I failed to break the barrier. That means I am the weak.

The one who cast this barrier is the strong.

This kind of belief would make any sort of plan I concocted to have her perceive me as the strong one completely useless, but it's not like that was the only thing I had up my sleeve.

If it was the case, then I would've died long ago.

Before becoming a Knight of Rounds, there's a reason why I survived.

"Freya, Oh Freya. I must say, your fear and desperation have made you even more predictable than I thought."

I approached her slowly, a cruel smile playing on my lips.

She tried to back away, her eyes wide with terror as she knew what I was about to do, but with her mental state crumbling, and her body weakened, she couldn't.

She raised a trembling hand, as if to ward me off.

"Please, Loki... I beg of you, don't do this..."

"I'm afraid that's not an option, my dear," I murmured, my voice laced with false regret. "You see, I have a use for you now."

I gently placed a hand on her shoulder, feeling her shiver beneath my touch. I let my Magical Power flow into her, activating the ability I had been saving for this moment.

'[Puppet Manipulation]'

Freya's eyes went blank as my power took hold of her.

I stared into her now darkened irises, confirming that the ability had worked without a hitch.

Thanks, Alexia Midgar, for your hard work.

All this was possible thanks to you.

"Now then," I said with a grin, "It's time to execute the next step of my plan."

---

Author's Note:

It's been a while since my last chap, I am sorry! I have exams

But now I finally have more time to write, so you'll see more chapters!

I also want to tell you my original schedule for chapters is kinda fcked, but I am intending to finish this fight by next chapter.