Right now, me and the masked guy were watching each other closely. Even though I didn't know why he hadn't attacked me since I showed up, my reason for not attacking him was pretty simple. No matter how much I analyze him, I just can't find any opening. Plus, my instincts are warning me that if I attack, I'll probably end up in a bad situation.
However, there's something I need to test. If it works, maybe I have a chance against this masked guy. Of course, recklessness is the last thing I should be right now. I have my companions relying on me and Sylvia, who could possibly be killed if I fail. This is a fight I must win at all costs.
With these thoughts in mind, I activated my Shadow Step ability, circling the masked guy for a few seconds, searching for an opening to attack. This time, my instincts weren't warning me, actually, they seemed to be urging me to attack. As always, I decided to trust them.
Quickly leaping out of the shadow, I emerged behind the masked man. However, as soon as I stepped out of the shadow, my senses abruptly alerted me to dodge. Even though the masked guy was still, my instinct was warning me about an imminent attack. I've always trusted my instincts, and this time wouldn't be any different. Using Swift Step, I quickly moved away from the masked man.
Hearing the masked guy's words, I reaffirmed once again that, as usual, my instincts were right.
"Interesting... this situation was truly unexpected. You dodged at the very last moment before my attack could hit you. It was almost as if you anticipated my move, knowing exactly the timing and manner in which I would attack. Either your instincts are extremely good, or maybe you possess some kind of clairvoyance ability"
The masked man took on a curiously serene tone of voice, in a way that almost sounded familiar, like a friend paying a visit after a long absence. This led me to briefly question whether the masked ones' intention was truly to assassinate Sylvia. Something about this situation just didn't fit. Moreover, despite the man's apparent calmness, there was a faint undercurrent of anxiety, as if he was racing against time.
Combining this element with the fact that I've been sensing a subtle but constant mana reading since the beginning of the battle, my conviction about this grew considerably. It seems that, even though eliminating Sylvia might be the apparent goal of these masked individuals, it acts only as a secondary motive. There's a motivation of much larger proportions that drives them to continue this.
"Well... thanks for the compliment, I suppose"
I commented while maintaining a serious expression towards the masked guy. Even though he was adopting a friendly attitude at that moment, it didn't imply that we had become friends. Upon hearing my words, the masked man turned his gaze towards Sylvia's Palace, especially focusing on the area where his companions were fighting their battles. As he observed the two unfolding fights, the masked man added.
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"It seems your companions are facing some difficulties down there... Are you sure you shouldn't go help them?"
The masked figure inquired, turning towards me. Due to their mask, it was hard to decipher the exact expression they wore at that moment. However, even with this veil of mystery, I could sense that behind that mask, their eyes were staring at me intensely.
Directing my gaze in the direction the masked person had observed moments before, I found myself faced with the sight of Saemi, Fujiwara, Ana, and Aoi, all engaged in their own battles. It was clear that our group was at a disadvantage, as Saemi's attacks didn't seem to have any effect on the masked woman, who was now hovering in the air. On the other hand, Ana persisted in launching ice beams, which unfortunately couldn't match the impressive speed of the masked woman.
On Fujiwara's side, the muscular masked figure advanced with continuous attacks, forcing Fujiwara and Aoi to retreat repeatedly. While Fujiwara struggled to raise defensive shields against the muscular opponent's attacks, Aoi channeled a continuous succession of magic circles in an attempt to find an opening. Despite Fujiwara's efforts to restrain the masked figure, they skillfully broke free from the restraints, escaping with agility.
Despite the unfavorable situation we found ourselves in, I had full confidence in the potential of the women by my side. Moreover, it was evident that I constituted the central pillar of the group. As long as I remained steadfast, Fujiwara, Saemi, Ana, and Aoi would persist in the battle, tirelessly seeking an opportunity to counterattack. Therefore, my sole necessary focus lay on my own fight.
Guided by these reflections, I focused my attention on the dark-haired masked figure in front of me and said.
"You may be right, it's obvious we were at a disadvantage. However, over the time I've shared with them, I've noticed something essential – as long as I hold my ground, they won't hesitate to do the same"
I spoke, fixing my gaze directly where I presumed the masked figure's eyes would be. After my words, a silence settled between us, carrying with it a peculiar, almost melancholic atmosphere. However, their subsequent words confirmed some of the suspicions I had been nurturing for some time.
"I understand... it's regrettable that our fates have converged in this manner. You see, you and I share more similarities than you imagine. Just as you fully trust your companions, I also place my trust in mine. Furthermore, I can't retreat any longer. To achieve my mission, the princess of the Kingdom of Arclight must perish"
The masked figure in front of me uttered, and despite their voice carrying an undeniable determination, there was also a hint of remorse. Faced with this complex mix of emotions, I found myself uncertain. It was difficult to discern the true nature of events. Could it be possible that Sylvia had committed something harmful before my arrival in this world? This theory, in turn, couldn't be dismissed.
However, the time I had shared with Sylvia dispelled that notion, relegating it merely to a thought. Moreover, it was quite clear that the masked figure in front of me wasn't acting out of affections or the like. There was something hidden behind the scenes that compelled them to behave this way, and my intention was to unravel this enigma.