Finally, the moment had come. The cold, imposing steel door stood before us, a barrier between us and the horrifying secrets that lay hidden within the general's personal quarters. My heart pounded in my chest as I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves.

But then, doubt began to creep in.

"I knew it, I can't do it after all. Lumina, l-let's think of another plan, "I backed out, completely overwhelmed.

Lumina's eyes widened in surprise, and her hands settled on her hips in frustration. "What? We're already here. Why did you suddenly chicken out like that?"

I bit my lip, searching for the right words to explain the fear that gripped me. "W-Well, I-I don't have any experience in seducing someone, especially a general. If I try to deceive him, he'll see through it immediately."

Lumina chuckled, "Honesty is also a form of seduction, you know. Men like 'innocent' girls, acting all foolish and awkward, giving them the illusion of power to them. It's like plucking out young buds—thrilling," she explained with mischievous smile danced upon her lips.

"Don't tell me, you're a virgin?" she continued.

I blushed at Lumina's blunt question, feeling my cheeks grow warm. "N-No comment!" I replied.

Lumina closed her mouth, hiding her laugh. She realized how embarrassed I was. G-Geez, I'm sorry. It's just I was too busy saving-- wait a minute! I have a daughter, which means did I actually do the deed...? Ugh, I can't remember!

Lumina nodded approvingly, a glimmer of admiration in her eyes. "You're so cute, Celli."

"W-What?! This isn't the time for teasing!" I protested.

Suddenly, a loud bang could be heard from the door, followed by screaming of pain. Startled by the sudden noise, Lumina and I exchanged alarmed glances. Lumina gestured for me to stay quiet as she cautiously approached the door, peering through the keyhole to assess the situation. After a moment, she stepped back, her expression pale with fear.

"Something killed the general," Lumina whispered, "Celli, draw your weapon."

"Wait," I protested, my voice trembling slightly. "Isn't it a bad idea? Shouldn't we just get out of here?"

Lumina shook her head, "We have to get the key. Don't worry, it'll be quick."

Coming from a worn-out girl, that didn't sound convincing. I drew the sword I stole from the storeroom, "Stand back, I'll protect you," I whispered, leading the way into the room.

The steel door was unlocked as if inviting us. With bated breath, I turned the handle and cautiously walked into the room. My eyes darted around the lavish chamber, finding the blood spurted everywhere.

My foot stumbled upon something. I glanced down and froze. Dread coiled around my heart as my widened eyes fixated on the lifeless body of the general, sprawled grotesquely on the floor. He was holding a crystal that shone- Oh shite, this bad!

"Lumi, take cov-"

But before the words could fully leave my lips, an explosion engulfed the room in a billowing cloud of smoke. Coughing and disoriented, I strained to hear any signs of movement amidst the chaos. Then, the distinct sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the haze, drawing closer to me. Reacting on pure instinct, I swung my sword in a desperate arc, deflecting an unseen assailant's attack with a resounding clash and countering it with one powerful kick. But it was as if my strike connected with thin air, the enemy effortlessly evading my attack.

A chilling chuckle reverberated through the room, sending a shiver down my spine, "My, my, what a pleasure to meet you again, Blood Witch."

Lumina was surprised, "That voice, you're Shadow Edge!"

The smoke finally cleared, unveiling a girl in a sleek black suit, brandishing twin daggers with deadly precision. I tightened my grip on my sword, ready for our battle. But the girl's wicked smile ticked me off. Why did she look so confident? Did she think she could take us down alone?

"Lumina, stay behind me," I warned.

"Be careful, Celli. That girl is Ellen, The Shadow Edge. When the coup broke out, she was the one who single-handled killed three Lectors," Lumina replied.

What? Seriously? Three Lectors? How could a mere girl possess such formidable strength?

Ellen's smirk widened, her gaze fixated on Lumina. "Oh my, is that you, Lady Lumina? I thought I killed you, along with The Hollow Ataraxia and Thundering Pulse. Guess I have to kill you again, huh?"

Without further warning, she lunged forward with blinding speed, her twin daggers slashing through the air. I reacted instinctively, parrying her strikes with my sword, the clash of metal ringing through the room. Dammit, she was fast and powerful. I found myself pushing the limits of my own abilities to keep up with her relentless assault.

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"Hahah! This is so much fun! At last, a toy that doesn't break quickly," Ellen taunted, her voice laced with sadistic glee. Each movement she made was like a deadly dance, leaving me no chance to launch a counterstrike.

Meanwhile, Lumina observed the duel, her eyes searching for an opportunity to assist. She noticed a glint of metal on the ground near Ellen, a rifle used by The General. Swiftly, she darted forward, snatched the rifle, and took aim at Ellen.

BANG!

The gunshot rang out, but Ellen's instincts kicked in, allowing her to evade the shot. Though she escaped unscathed, a graze on her left arm took her by surprise. She stumbled back, keeping her distance from us. Blood trickled from her wound, staining the floor beneath her, yet her smile only grew wider. She sheathed her dagger and applauded us.

"Marvelous. You guys are the first ones to wound me in years," Ellen said with twisted satisfaction. Ellen's gaze shifted to the necklace around her neck, where the sought-after key was securely tucked away.

"You guys are here for this key, right? Then, how about we strike a deal, Blood Witch? Kill that traitor for The Order, and then I shall give this key to you."

"In your dream," I replied without a second thought.

Ellen's laughter echoed through the chamber. With a swift movement, she took a magic wand from her waist and said, "First Arthur, and now Lumina. You really are a busybody, huh? I'll make you regret sticking your nose where it doesn't belong."

A surge of power emanated from Ellen as her eyes blazed with an eerie crimson glow. With the elegance of a conductor, she brandished her magic wand and chanted, "Cresendo."

Suddenly, a powerful force slammed me to the wall. It didn't stop there, it continued to push me through the wall, crushing my bone with its tremendous power. I screamed in pain before Lumina rushed to my side and broke a bead, dispelling the force. The room spun around me as I struggled to regain my footing.

"Celli! Are you okay?" she asked while helping me up.

I nodded, shaking off the dizziness and steadying myself. "Been through something worse," I replied before facing Ellen again.

"... Ellen controlled gravity with her magic. But as long we're in the protection of Nyghtingale beads, she couldn't touch us," Lumina explained.

"Nyghtingale... Mother's..." I shook my head, that wasn't the time for a personal feud. I slit my wrist, drenching the sword with my blood. "Lumina, can you distract her with that steel rod?"

Lumina nodded, "Leave it to me," she said as she aimed at Ellen.

Ellen, her eyes still glowing with malevolent energy, watched our preparations with twisted amusement. "You're done? Then, come out from that coward magic and face me," she taunted me.

With a surge of determination, I charged toward Ellen, aiming for her neck. But Ellen deftly evaded each of my attacks, her movements fluid as water. Lumina fired shots from the stolen rifle, attempting to disrupt Ellen's focus, but the assassin effortlessly deflected the bullets with a swish of her wand. Her delight at the challenge was palpable, her eyes dancing with sadistic pleasure.

"Oh man, this is so much fun!" Ellen remarked.

Frustration coursed through me as our combined efforts were useless against Ellen. But, I couldn't give up! There must be a way to lock her movement. As our battle went on, I noticed Ellen's movement on her left side wasn't sharp. She couldn't parry the attack because of her wound. Seizing the chance I rushed toward the girl and launched a somersault kick on her left side.

It hit! I sent her flying, momentarily throwing her off balance. But her resilience was really something! Twisting her body in mid-air, she swiftly regained her composure, her wand pointed at me.

"Crescendo," Ellen chanted, unleashing a surge of force toward me.

But not this time! I slashed through the force, devouring its power with Binge Eater, and turned it into mine. Charging her magic power inside my sword, I ran after her, ready to deliver the final blow while she was afloat. Yet, she had one final trick up her sleeve.

"Decrescendo," Ellen uttered with a smirk, manipulating the gravity around her.

U-ugh!! I miscalculated my leap too far that I missed my chance. But then, it was difficult for me to stop so I ran to the wall. The air felt so heavy and my movement was so sluggish. What the hell happened here?

Ellen, landing gracefully, halted all the bullets that were suspended in mid-air, effortlessly neutralizing Lumina's shot. She turned her attention to me, a malicious gleam in her eyes as she conjured a swirling micro sun at the tip of her wand. Gloating, she declared,

"Stealing my magic and using it against me, huh? What an interesting power. It's a shame that you declined my offer. Now, time for you to die, Blood Witch."

As the sun on the tip of her wand shone brightly, she gleefully smiled and chanted, "Cadenza," and shot the blinding light to me.

Dammit, my blade won't make it-!

The blinding light of the sun hurtled towards me, a lethal force that threatened to consume everything in its path. Desperation filled me, but just as the light was about to envelop me, Lumina stepped in front of me. Clapping her hands together, she shouted, "Nilfheim Castle!" A massive ice castle materialized, shielding us from the blinding onslaught. However, the castle cracked under the intense impact, its defenses crumbling under the overwhelming force.

"Go for it, Celli!" Lumina shouted as blood gushed out from her nose. She was at her limit.

She was right, this was my chance! I leaped to the side, charging my sword with every ounce of magic power I stole. As I launched myself towards Ellen, a surge of energy gathered at the tip of my blade. With a mighty shout, I unleashed the full force of my power.

"Raven style 07: Moon Blaster!"

A sudden burst of energy weaved into one point, slashing its way to the wall beyond. As I landed, a thumb followed by blood gushed from my enemy's neck before her body lay lifelessly on the ground.

But, the battle wasn't over. Cadenza was still there, crashing at Nilfheim Castle. With lightning speed, I rushed toward the micro sun and slash it through with my sword, completely devouring its power with Binge Eater.

Unable to contain its power, my blade shattered, followed by a big explosion. The ground collapsed, hurtling towards an uncertain fate. In that moment of chaos, I acted on instinct, reaching out to protect Lumina from the impending fall.

Suddenly someone shouted, "Wow! That was really fun!"

What?! It can't be? Ellen survived?

Darkness descended upon me, but before it claimed my consciousness, I caught a glimpse of Ellen standing triumphantly on the floor above. She placed her head on her decapitated body, her wicked smile never faltering.

"Let's play again sometime, Blood Witch. I hope you're stronger, then," she said, throwing away the key to us.