Sylvia's words elicited a small chuckle from me. It wasn't that I found her situation funny; on the contrary, I could somehow relate to her. Though those memories were now in the past, I understood her predicament. Of course, Sylvia couldn't read my thoughts.

So, when she saw me release a little laugh in response to her words, Sylvia's cheeks puffed up and she seemed irritated for a moment. However, that expression quickly transformed, and within seconds, Sylvia too was bursting into laughter at her own situation.

"You don't have to worry, Sylvia. I promise we'll defeat them. We've faced tougher situations in the past, or at least that's what I hope"

I affirmed, determination etched on my face as I sought to comfort Sylvia. My last sentence slipped out in a whisper, but the message seemed to have reached Sylvia, as a smile formed on her face while she looked at me.

"I'll create a barrier around you to protect you while we fight. Also, I spotted the knights and their maid approaching as I flew here. Once they arrive, I'll dissolve the barrier. Please follow them when that happens"

I spoke the words as my eyes met Sylvia's. Instead of a verbal response, she simply nodded, agreeing with what I had said. Internally, I thanked her for her understanding. As promised, I raised a protective barrier around Sylvia. This time, all the elements danced in harmony, intertwining to form a boreal dome that shifted between different colors and energies of the elements.

After completing the barrier, I turned my gaze to Ana, Fujiwara, Saemi, and Aoi. While their expressions were more serious than usual, they all seemed ready to face the battle.

"Get ready"

With those words, I employed my Swift Step ability and reappeared instantly behind the masked figure in the middle. However, even though I was confident that my speed would normally catch the enemy off guard, an unsettling feeling somehow invaded my instincts, suggesting that attacking might result in my own defeat.

Having survived this far by relying on my instincts, I decided not to change my approach this time. Instead of directly attacking the masked figure, I used my elemental manipulation ability to create shadow hands. I grabbed the two hooded figures on my left and right and hurled them toward the girls, who had already separated.

"It's just you and me now"

I declared, fixing my gaze on the masked figure who gradually rose and turned towards me. As I suspected, the menacing aura I felt coming from him wasn't mere imagination.

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(He's undoubtedly dangerous)

With that thought in mind, I tightened my grip on my black sword and remained vigilant for the enemy's next moves.

***

As Makoto stared at the masked stranger atop the walls that surrounded the palace, Ana and Saemi prepared themselves to confront the woman who had attacked them moments before. As they waited, a dark spot flew toward Saemi and Ana, but before it could collide with the girls, the dark spot - which turned out to be the woman who had attacked them - abruptly stopped in the air.

Although Saemi and Ana's eyes refused to believe what they were witnessing, the woman hovered in the air, her gaze fixed towards them. In fact, "flying" would be the most appropriate term, as the woman didn't seem to be gradually losing altitude; on the contrary, she gave the impression that she could ascend even higher.

Watching the woman rise above Saemi, the girl found herself surrounded by intriguing thoughts.

(Fujiwara mentioned that this woman is a wind magic user, just like me... does that mean I could fly like her too? However, no matter how much I consider it, what level of concentration would be needed to accomplish what she's doing?)

Saemi couldn't determine the exact difference in strength between her and the hooded woman, but there was a certainty in her mind that this battle would be incredibly challenging. Keeping these thoughts present, Saemi extended her hand towards the woman, while also turning her attention to Ana.

"Ana, are you ready?"

Saemi asked. Upon hearing these words, Ana, who was in her most alert state, nodded her head, also preparing to launch her attack.

***

In another part of the battlefield, Fujiwara and Aoi were facing the hooded man in front of them. His body showcased a robust musculature, suggesting that his attacks would likely be physical. Despite Fujiwara and Aoi's efforts to assess the man before them, both were not finding any apparent openings.

"Hahahahaha, I didn't imagine that your friend would separate us. It seems he really trusts you guys"

Proclaimed the man with an extremely positive and cheerful tone. The unexpected words caught Fujiwara and Aoi off guard, momentarily leaving them speechless. However, the man continued with his speech.

"So, are you my opponents, ladies?"

The muscular man inquired, fixing his gaze on Fujiwara and Aoi. An oppressive aura enveloped him, extending to both of them, momentarily taking their breath away. The mana leaking from the man was far from refined like Makoto's, but, so to speak, if Makoto's mana could be compared to a perfect shot with a bow and arrow, the man's would be like a shotgun blast.

Maintaining her composure, Fujiwara snapped her fingers and summoned hundreds of arrows made of various elements. Fujiwara wasn't sure if the man had any specific elemental resistance, so she chose to attack with all her might from the start.

On the other hand, Aoi kept her magic at the ready, awaiting the ideal moment to activate it. Although she wasn't certain if her attack would have any effect on the man in front of her, Aoi knew she had to try. After all, she would never get the answer to that question if she didn't make the attempt.

"Hehe, it looks like you're already prepared for battle. Moreover, you didn't back down in fear after feeling my mana. I congratulate you for that... So, let's dance"

Saying this, the man began to approach slowly, but with imposing steps, towards Fujiwara and Aoi.