Chapter 5: Kind and Cruel
I am the worst.
But really, I never intended to create such a scene. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
I bit my lips, shocked by the sudden turn of events. I had vaguely anticipated a difference between the peaceful capital and the northern front, but I hadn’t realized it would be so stark. The sight before me was horrific. The fact that I was responsible for it filled me with utter disgust and self-loathing. This anger made my arms tremble uncontrollably as if my fury were too great to be contained.
Abel noticed my trembling arms and mistook it for fear. He looked at me as if he understood my apprehension. “Look at you. You’re so scared you can barely move. If you acknowledge your stubbornness and let go of your ego, you may go back.”
“No,” I said firmly. Even if I were terrified, I couldn’t just stand by. This was all my fault, and I needed to take responsibility for what was happening right before my eyes.
Abel seemed surprised by my resolute response. His shock grew when I extended my hand forward. “From now on, I will begin.”
In this world, magic allowed users to control the elements—water, fire, air, earth, and light. Unlike other worlds, mages here didn’t need to memorize spells frequently. A mage’s greatness was measured by how efficiently they could use their power to create a natural phenomenon. A powerful mage was one who could induce a massive natural event using only a small fraction of their energy. Thus, mages who controlled elements with minimal effort were considered the most skilled. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
As I extended my hand, I felt a gentle breeze of air that I could control as I wished. The light gust wrapped around my fingers, like a delicate glove. However, I felt uneasy. This was the first time Fiona’s body was channeling such a vast amount of power, and all I could rely on was the dormant talent within me.
I won’t hit our allies right?
I quickly dispelled the thought. I needed to concentrate. If I lost focus, the flow of air would be disrupted. I closed my eyes to center my mind. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
In the distance, the air I controlled converged into massive gusts, forming dark, writhing storm clouds that seemed to cover the entire sky.
Next to me, I heard Abel murmur, “Is that a storm?”
The dark clouds I had created resembled a storm but were slightly different. Although it wasn’t exactly the storm I had intended, it was close enough to serve its purpose.
Screech!
A strange cry from the monsters pierced the air. Perhaps they sensed the atmospheric change. I could feel electricity and energy crackling around me. As the hum of lightning approached, I opened my eyes for accuracy and unleashed the energy.
BANG!
A blinding lightning strike from the clouds hit a nearby giant. Despite being large and dangerous, the giant was a good target. I aimed at every giant I could see. If they didn’t fall from the initial strike, I struck them again and again, relentlessly.
BOOM!
“Uwaaaah!!”
As each giant fell, the soldiers cheered, and the monsters grew more terrified.
“Indeed,” Abel murmured beside me. When most of the giants had fallen, he suddenly lifted me up. I grabbed onto his broad shoulder, frightened and disoriented by the sudden change in height. Turning to look at him, I met his icy blue gaze.
“Amazing. It’s like the punishment of God,” he said in an admiring tone.
I glanced back at the battlefield. Under the dark clouds, the lightning and thunderstorms struck down towards the bay. Did it really appear that way to Abel? Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“This is the first time I’ve seen a mage use such skill…Kid, you are human, aren’t you?”
“Of course.”
Well, I’m the final boss in the future. Haha.
“I suppose so.”
Abel seemed to be lost in thought. He strode forward while holding me, stopping at the corner where the wall ended. It was a precarious position where we could fall right away if he took just a few steps forward. Unbidden, an unrelenting fear grasped me tightly as I gazed at the dizzying scenery that was unfolding before my eyes. I grabbed Abel’s clothes instinctively. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
He’s not going to throw me off this ledge because he isn’t satisfied, is he?
“Look, the monsters are retreating.”
I looked where Abel pointed. I must have been so absorbed in using magic that I hadn’t noticed, but as Abel said, the remaining monsters were fleeing. It was a small consolation in a dire situation. Seeing the monsters run away was impressive, but I couldn’t help but wish this situation had never occurred.
Wow...for the first time since arriving in this world, I felt like I had achieved something significant.
As I looked down, I met the gazes of the soldiers staring blankly at me. I smiled awkwardly and waved my hand while still in Abel’s arms. I felt embarrassed; I looked like a child. Well, Fiona’s youthful appearance couldn’t be helped. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
Soon, cheers erupted from every direction, as if bidding farewell and victory to the soldiers leaving to protect their homes. Some people even started clapping. It dawned on me that this was all in my honor. I glanced at Abel and audaciously waved my hand in front of his face, asking for a reward.
“I passed, right?”
Abel simply smiled when our eyes met. Then, he put me down with a courtesy that contrasted with his previous demeanor. Abel raised his hand and stroked my head lightly. Then, his low voice emanated above my head. “Welcome to Heilon, Fiona.”
I opened my eyes wide. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“It is an honour.” He remarked.
At that moment, all my tension melted away like a snapped rubber band. I could stay here. But then, I realized something.
Abel had called my name.
Kid. Kid. Kid. All the times he had called me ‘kid’ flashed through my mind. So, he had known my name all along but had chosen to call me ‘kid’ on purpose!? Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
I was going to say something regarding this matter. But before I could open my mouth, Abel abruptly turned around and walked down the stairs.
His abrupt departure was rude, but I lacked the courage to confront him. I stared at his retreating figure, the thick cloak around his back fluttering in the wind as he became a distant silhouette. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
See you later, you bast*rd.
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