We haven't moved.

The rain's already stopped since a couple hours ago, but… they're still inside the cave, for some reason.

Is…

Are they dead…?

If possible, I hope not.

I…

I'd rather not die unceremoniously in this cage.

If I'm gonna die at my lowest point…

Can it a least be just a bit more dignified, with a couple thousand watching me?

"No! No. No."

I shook my head, as I continued to shiver in my cage.

It was still incredibly cold. And, even though the roof had helped, I was still drenched, and there was an inch-deep puddle in my cage, due to how it was designed.

"I won't let myself die, in such a state… I'm a human. I'm…"

I…

I know I'm conflicted.

I pushed myself up, completely naked, with my clothing hanging from the side.

On all fours, I gripped at my cage door, glaring at the hinges.

They were rusted, much like the rest of the structure.

But not compromised.

Scratching the rust off with my longer, though damaged fingernails, showed that it was only surface damage.

Same could be said for the lock which…

Wait…

I stared blankly at the lock that was bigger than my fist.

A lockpick?

Where? How?

I immediately discarded the idea. I knew about locks. I made many in my spare time.

But, that was when I had my magic.

I…

I don't know the first thing about using my hands for…

Anything at all.

"..."

I froze in thought, once again. Not like the cold wasn't freezing enough, already.

Surgery? Anyone could think about that.

But, the reason…

The reason I was so easily captured…

The reason that I… that I let Drako die…

It was because…

I relied too much, on my magic, for everything that did…

"My hubris… and my laziness…" I muttered weakly, before slumping over, once again.

I felt defeated.

Then, I banged my head against the cage!

Again!

Again!

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And Again!

I accepted the pain.

I accepted the bleeding.

"I was so proud… of six years of preparation. But…the moment that I lose my magic…!!!"

I saw it.

With my face, plastered against the bars.

I could see it.

In the bottom corner of my eye.

The barrel lock on my cage.

It was thin and short.

Of course it would be.

"Heh...hahahaha…!"

Of course, it would be thin!

This cage was for animals! They wanted to humiliate me!

The lock was the only heavy-duty thing!

Here was my chance.

With still none of them leaving the cave, and with night taking over…

THIS WAS MY ESCAPE!!

With one more hushed chuckle, I channeled whatever Mana I could, despite my restraints.

Given my heightened magical senses, I could feel my Mana get dispersed the moment they tried to pass through my cuffs.

But I kept going.

Just enough Mana to change its shape and density.

That was all that I needed.

More and more, and more.

To the point that I could feel exhaustion for the very first time, in my entire life.

I knew my Mana. I had far, far more, than all of my captors combined and tripled.

But…

They really weren't kidding about this specialized lead.

My mind went hazy, my breathing turned erratic, and my heartbeat quickened.

But, I could feel it.

My hand.

On the tip of my finger.

There was enough. Enough for a split-second of work.

"Thank you… thank you…"

Slowly, I reached my hand out…

Just one tap on the bolt, was all that I needed.

Then, I'd be free.

"What are you doing?" A deep, but youthful voice called out.

A couple feet away, was surely a male Coalition soldier. With a strong, but lean build. Though, he was wearing regular clothing.

Dull brown hair and… blue eyes. It was the same person who gave me a roof.

And, in his hands were a bowl of something steamy, and…

Clothes.

I stared back at him, conflicted.

"Tell me, now. What are you doing?"

"I..."

But, before I could even decide on what to say, the door creaked open.

I was free.

We both stared at each other, for just a split-second.

Then I immediately ran for it.

With my muddled mind, and my heavy breathing, I desperately ran.

I fast as I could possibly force my legs to.

But the mud, and the gravelly earth didn't help me.

One step.

Five steps.

Ten steps.

The forest was so close now!

But, I could hear him chasing for me. Making loud splashes with every powerful stomp.

"My freedom! My freedo-!"

I was slammed forward, making me lose my footing, before thick arms coiled around my neck and my waist.

"NOOOOOOOOO!!!"

I screeched loudly, resisting him in any way that I could, bit into his arm, and scratched at him, while I was forced to stare at my freedom get farther and farther away, as I was dragged back.

My hell wouldn't let me go.

Why would it?

My screams must've alerted the rest, because more of the soldiers raced out of their cages, yelling.

Then, I heard her voice.

The Devil's voice, from behind.

"Good job, Private Anthony. Bring her back in."

"Y-yes, Commander!"

"Now, as for you…"

She stepped around, looking down on me, while still hiding her scarred face behind that ugly mask, and stomped her steel-toed boots on my foot.

"Aiiieeegh!!!"

I could hear my bones creak. But maybe I was lucky that she was just a woman. Just like me.

They didn't feel broken...

"YOU LITTLE PIECE OF SHIT! I TOLD YOU, YOU'D REGRET NOT COOPERATING!"

"AAAAAAAAGH!"

I screamed again, whimpering loudly, as spit and blood ran down my chin. Then, just I magmnaged to process that pain, I felt her boot sink and grind into my already tenderized gut. Meanwhile, the soldier, Anthony, held me in place.

Next, I received another back hand, one of so many, nearly blacking out, as my vision spun.

Recoiling, I saw another punch come for my face. To which, I immediately winced, and looked away.

But…

She missed.

I was yanked back, as soon as she readied her swing.

I was…

"Commander!" The man yelled, next to my ear. "She will die if you keep attacking her like this."

And…

I could see him, from the top corner of my eyes, he was glaring at the Devil.

He was…

…

..

.

He was protecting me…?