With these thoughts in mind, I redirected my focus entirely to the masked figure in front of me. Just like before, he didn't present any visible openings. My previous attack showcased his exceptional reflexes, implying he could counterattack promptly when I strike again. However, I can't disregard the fact that my previous attack played a crucial role in providing me information to formulate a strategy to defeat him.

As I stealthily moved through the shadows, I was certain he wasn't able to track my position. However, the moment I emerged from the shadows, he immediately anticipated my point of attack and took preventive measures. This suggests that the opportune moment to act will be precisely when he can't predict my location.

Nevertheless, the crux of the matter lies in his power, dominion over gravity. It's an ability so abstract that it makes anticipating his full capabilities impossible. Nonetheless, regardless of this uncertainty, it's not like I have many alternatives. As such thoughts crossed my mind, a sarcastic laugh echoed from my lips, accompanied by reflection.

(Looks like luck hasn't exactly been on my side when it comes to my adversaries)

With this idea in mind, I crouched down and placed one hand on the ground. A few seconds later, the area around us started to darken gradually. The darkness enveloped both my space and that of the masked figure. It wasn't discernible whether he was surprised by my actions, but before I could initiate my attack, the voice of the masked figure echoed once again, capturing my attention.

"It's regrettable that everything has to end this way. However, before we continue, allow me to introduce myself. I am Eldritch Daemon. And you, could you reveal your name?"

The masked figure revealed himself to be called Eldritch. Upon hearing his question, I hesitated for a moment if it was a trap to distract me. However, strangely, I couldn't associate tricks with how he fought, it simply didn't seem to fit with his style of action. Letting out a soft sigh, I finally decided to respond to his question.

"My name is Makoto, Makoto Tatsuya"

I declared. Upon hearing my words, the masked figure nodded and spoke.

"I understand. I'll keep your name in memory"

Eldritch replied. Immediately after his words, an intense pressure emanated from him, signaling that the dialogue moment had come to an end. Without hesitation, multiple black whips rose from the ground, wrapping around Eldritch's body and restraining his movements immediately.

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"Interesting. However, you know that this tactic won't be able to keep me contained for long, right?"

Eldritch observed. A few moments after uttering those words, with surprising ease, he began to free himself from the whips that held him restricted. I was uncertain if this feat was due to his innate ability or simply raw physical strength. Nonetheless, this situation only reaffirmed Eldritch's remarkable strength. However, this turn of events was indeed ideal, as I only needed a few precious seconds.

With a smile etched on my face, a section of the ground on Eldritch's back began to distort, giving rise to a silent vortex. From this point, Glasy emerged, just as I had foreseen. Eldritch reacted swiftly, realizing that an attack was originating from his back. However, with his limbs immobilized by whips, his options were limited, leaving him virtually defenseless against the approaching onslaught.

At least, that's what I initially believed. Yet, before Glasy's sharp canines could reach Eldritch, a sudden sensation of extreme weight engulfed my body. It reached a point where even remaining upright became a challenge. Glasy wasn't in a better situation either, sprawled on the ground, she struggled to rise, but her attempts were in vain. Our assault was unexpectedly thwarted without Eldritch even needing to move from his position.

"Ughhh... glacial... mist"

I managed to articulate with difficulty. My voice emerged despite the sensation of weight in my lungs, which hindered even breathing. Following my words, a bluish mist soon enveloped the area where we were. Though on a small scale, I felt my body becoming slightly lighter again. However, Eldritch seemed to resist my attack, not affected enough to suffer significant damage.

At least, my attack seemed to be slowing him down. This afforded me the necessary time to employ another ability I possessed.

"Shadow Step"

As I uttered those words, I sank into the ground, returning to the shadow world. Moving swiftly, I reached Glasy and pulled her close to me.

"Don't worry, girl. You did your best... this opponent is just a terrible match for both of us"

I said as I stroked Glasy's fur. She seemed slightly sore, but the sadness of failing in her attack was even more evident. Though I had expected this outcome, it appears that Eldritch has the ability to generate a gravitational field around him.

To be honest, this would complicate my subsequent attacks. This was probably the first time I found myself completely lost on how to defeat an enemy.

***

While Makoto was at a standstill, Saemi and Ana continued their battle against the masked woman who, like Saemi, controlled the wind. However, Saemi could hardly rival the masked woman's dexterity as she soared before her. No matter what attacks Saemi launched, the masked woman always responded with a counterattack that invariably outmatched hers. Even the walls of air Saemi erected were nearly always shattered by the masked woman's assaults.

The only one making any headway was Ana, nonetheless, the assurance of victory for Saemi and Ana remained ambiguous. Despite sharing the same powers, how could the masked woman so vastly surpass Saemi's power? This question repeated incessantly in Saemi's mind.

If she didn't act, Ana and she would be in mortal danger, something Saemi was determined not to allow to happen. This thought consumed her, especially now that she had finally found an understanding with Makoto. And especially because, in this present moment, she felt for the first time a deep and genuine passion for someone.