Just then, I noticed my feet are wet.
The result of Frost Nova.
Due to defrosting from Burning Place, the entire area area is shocked in water.
The first to defrost, Moore too is soaking wet.
Of course, Elinalise and I, our feet are also covered in a water puddle.
This magic, Atofe only saw once before.
In other words, Moore has never encountered it.
But if I use it now.
I, Elinalise, even Zanoba will get hit.
Only Cliff would be spared.
Cliff is out of range.
He won't be hit.
In that instant, I had resolve.
"Electric!"
Not enough to kill, electricity comes flying out.
A purple lightning flies towards Moore.
BANG it rings loudly, a terrifying show of force.
Purple lightning indiscriminately licks the surrounding ground.
With the ground soaking wet, it easily spread out to all the water soaked people and electrifies them.
"Kyaaa!"
"Gaaa!"
"Ohhh!"
All the black clad soldiers collapse in a heap of smoke.
Elinalise as well; Zanoba as well; Atofe as well.
All the unfrozen people.
And Moore as well.
Me too.
"Ugh!"
My body too received a horrible shock.
A pain down my spine, all my joints feel like they're bent in the wrong direction.
It wasn't enough to kill.
So I know I won't die.
But my eyes went dark, and my consciousness went with it.
■■■■
By the time I came to I was already on the floor.
Unconscious for no more than two seconds.
My is body paralyzed.
But I can see.
How is it?
Cliff.
Raising my head, I see Moore kneeling with one foot on the ground.
Smoking rising from between his armor, yet he still points his remaining fingers towards Cliff.
Mumble mumble... incantation?
Magic Disrupt.
No, it won't make it in time.
I pour magic into my left hand.
Even if my body is paralyzed, I can still move my prosthetic hand.
With my palm towards Moore.
"[Wind Bind]!"
"[Hand, absorb]!"
Moore releases a whip of wind, but it instantly disappears.
"What?"
Moore looks this way.
His face hidden in the helmet, but he must be stunned.
Serves you right.
Without regard Cliff runs forward.
Only 3 steps away from the magic teleportation circle entrance.
No one can catch him now.
No one.
Even Atofe is still paralyzed.
But her eyes wide open, she stares me down like a tiger.
"You've done it. That's an incredible magic."
"..."
"Interesting. Taking you as my subordinate is indeed... Hahaha, a magician of your caliber, I shall cherish you, hahaha."
Unable to look away, I could only accept Atofe's hideous smile.
Well, it's over.
The immortals recover quickly, far faster than I.
It's too late to run.
Even resisting will be impossible.
Zanoba passed out.
Still clinging on, he slumps to the ground.
He seems to be vulnerable against electricity.
He probably lost consciousness because of the electric strike.
Elinalise, while still feeling wobbly, tries to make a stand.
She's in as bad of a shape as I am, but still wants to try.
Elinalise refuses to give up.
[Never give up.]
A white haired coach once said.
I will too.
I can do this.
Do your best.
Let's go home.
I want to go home.
Go home, go home and... if possible, sexy time with Sylphy.
And Roxy too.
And hug Lucy.
Not just sword practice with Norn, but magic too.
The rice Aisha has raised, I was looking toward to it.
If Zenith's memory returns, then, let's take everyone to visit dad's grave.
Then, just like before, a happy life.
A fun filled day, everyday in this other world.
Right, just like that.
Just like that.
... Alright, I can do this.
I can get up.
If my hand can move, I can use magic.
Staff, where's my staff.
I can't do without it.
Ah, good.
I was crushing it under me.
I'm sorry, Aqua Heartia, was I heavy?
Okay, I can do this. Hang in there until rescue arrives.
Just until then.
I don't need to win.
Cliff-senpai, get help.
Perugius, he's annoying, but I'm counting on you.
Please convince him.
Even if he refuses right away, at least this year, please!
"Eh?"
Elinalise makes a noise, her head raised.
Her eyes point forward.
Cliff.
Right at the prison entrance.
And from there appears a black clad soldier, face to face...
Black clad soldiers, from inside the entrance, came out...
"Seriously?"
... There's more inside.
"Ahh..."
Why didn't we realize it.
There's a hole in the ground, even Atofe would want to check it out.
"Damn it..."
A darkness grows in my heart.
Wanting to cry out, feeling powerless, an all too familiar feeling.