The exchange of gunfire erupted with deafening blasts and flashes of energy. Roselle and Runebelle were quick on their feet and used their combat instincts. They traded fire with the officers who surrounded them.
Runebelle's small cannon unleashed rapid shots, each lightning-fast and aimed with precision. The officers found themselves struggling to keep up with the barrage. Daimendo, too, was in the line of fire. Her relentless shots forced him to evade and dance between the electric bursts.
Meanwhile, Roselle's massive cannon discharged powerful projectiles that eliminated officers with a single hit. The sheer force of her shots sent bodies flying. The guards tried in vain to shield themselves with magic from the onslaught.
Daimendo, seeing the devastating effect of Roselle's cannon, recognized the threat she posed. He swiftly shifted his focus from Runebelle to Roselle, narrowing his eyes.
Daimendo responded with a flurry of ice projectiles from his gun. Roselle deftly dodged the icy shots, her agility on full display. She fired back, aiming to overwhelm her opponent. However, Daimendo wasn't one to be caught off guard.
In a swift and calculated move, Daimendo erected a barrier of ice around himself. It not only deflected Roselle's powerful shot but also transformed into a weapon. The barrier shattered into multiple shards of ice, each aimed directly at Roselle. The onslaught of ice was too much for her to evade on her own.
Just as it seemed there was no escape, Runebelle focused her powers on the area around Roselle, creating pillars of ice, fire, and earth that provided a protective shield. However, in her selfless act, Runebelle was struck by one of Daimendo's shots, the icy projectile piercing through her defense.
As Runebelle examined the wound where she was shot, she noticed the frost spreading rapidly from the point of impact. The ice began to creep up her body, threatening to encase her in a frozen prison.
Daimendo, seeing the effects of his pistol's power, took a moment to explain. "The pistol I wield is infused with the power of Alyssum, the chill of the northern lands. It not only shoots ice, but it carries the essence of that frost, which can freeze not only your body but your very spirit. Surrender now, and I might spare you further suffering."
Runebelle summoned the power of fire within herself. A faint flame enveloped her. She used this elemental warmth to melt away the encroaching ice that threatened to freeze her. Her small cannon, now infused with the fiery energy, glowed with an orange hue, ready for action.
Daimendo couldn't hide his frustration at the turn of events. Runebelle's resolve and resourcefulness were proving to be a challenge.
Runebelle assured Roselle, "I can handle this. Keep pushing forward."
Roselle turned to Runebelle, concern in her eyes, and asked, "Do you really want me to leave Daimendo to you? He's really strong."
Runebelle responded, "We don't have to defeat him, Roselle. You have to find a way to get into the barrier and free Haras and Mystimona. It's not just about strength."
Roselle's eyes widened. She nodded and said, "You're right. We don't have to win here. Just survive, Runebelle.”
Daimendo called out "Frostbloom" and unleashed his icy power, the ground beneath Roselle seemed to come alive. Frosty flowers sprouted, their petals glistening with an otherworldly chill. In her haste to evade incoming attacks, Roselle inadvertently stepped on one of these ethereal blooms.
The moment her foot made contact with the delicate, frigid blossom, it reacted with a sudden surge of energy. The frosty cup enveloped Roselle, its wintry embrace gradually encasing her in an icy prison.
Daimendo explained. "My Frostbloom trap can immobilize even the most agile of intruders. You're not going anywhere now. Just give up now, Children."
The icy energy continued to encase Roselle. She desperately summoned the power of her Yellow Lightning and tried to break it off of her. The static energy surged around her like a protective sphere. She attempted to charge at Daimendo, but she was unable to escape the cup of Energy surrounding her.
Daimendo watched her efforts with confusion. "You know, little one, your lightning is impressive, but against my Alyssum powers, it's utterly pointless. You can't break free. The chill of Alyssum is relentless, and your powers are no match for it."
Despite Roselle’s attempt, her Lightning Surge had no effect against the frigid grasp of Daimendo's Frostbloom trap. She remained frozen in place, her powers unable to overcome the relentless cold.
Runebelle channeled her latent fire element and infused it into Roselle's Cannon.
“Roselle! Use your cannon now!” she shouted.
Roselle, feeling the surge of energy from Runebelle's fire infusion, took aim and fired her cannon. The resulting blast was a dazzling combination of yellow lightning and fiery power, and it struck the Frostbloom with explosive force. The icy petals shattered and melted away, freeing Roselle from her frozen confinement.
Roselle, still panting from her recent ordeal, turned to Runebelle with admiration in her eyes. "Runebelle, that was amazing! Your fire infusion really packed a punch."
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Runebelle managed a small smile. "I'm glad it helped."
The discussion between Roselle and Runebelle was cut short by Daimendo's relentless gunfire. Roselle took a moment to gather her thoughts and energy, but she enveloped herself in a sphere of yellow lightning at the last minute which increased her speed and allowed her to dash out of the way. She deftly dodged some of Daimendo's shots and weaved through the Frostblooms; however, while charging forward, she noticed the icy floor spreading beneath her feet, forming an increasingly treacherous path.
Roselle's frustration grew. She backtracked to avoid the icy floor, then fired off a lightning-charged bullet in Daimendo's direction, but the lieutenant simply blocked it with his icy-encased hands.
"Ugh, this guy is tough!" Roselle muttered with an irritated look.
In the blink of an eye, Daimendo continued to fire off shots, forcing Roselle into a corner with his relentless attack. Roselle realized that there was no time to hesitate. Other officers poised to strike.
Summoning every ounce of her courage and power, she released a surge of lightning, surrounding her body with a dazzling, electrifying aura. The lightning expanded outward, growing more intense and taking on a slightly reddish hue as it reached 120% Magic.
With this surge of power, she managed to create a protective barrier of lightning that pushed back the officers' impending shots. The electrified shield crackled with energy, and Roselle's eyes locked onto Daimendo.
Daimendo's swift and unexpected movement caught Roselle off guard. He closed the gap between them in an instant with his ice-powered skates gliding along the frozen floor. In a point-blank shot, he struck Roselle, causing her to stagger backward and then collapse to the icy ground, groaning in pain.
As Roselle lay there, Daimendo took the opportunity to create a deadly trap. He fired shots at the areas around her, causing Frostbloom flowers to blossom and encase her in a frigid cup of energy. The flowers quickly spread, leaving her with limited mobility.
Runebelle, watching in helpless horror, shouted “Roselle!”
Roselle struggled to get back on her feet. Daimendo's icy grip had taken hold of her, making movement difficult and painful.
With a cold, calculating tone, Daimendo explained her predicament, "Stop. If you make one more move, you'll be ensnared by Frostbloom. You're out of options, Roselle."
Roselle shook her head and insisted, "No, I'm not giving up. Runebelle, I need you to fire your cannon at me with that fire energy."
Runebelle hesitated. "I don't want to hurt you, Roselle. I can't do that."
Roselle urged, "Runebelle, you have to. It's the only way to save me. Please, trust me on this!"
Runebelle nodded reluctantly. She summoned her small cannon and infused it with fire energy, aiming it directly at Roselle.
Runebelle's cannon unleashed a series of shots directed at Roselle. The fire energy combined with healing properties began to mend the freezing wounds on Roselle's body. The frostblooms around her shattered and the ice's grip on Roselle faded away.
Surprised by this development, Roselle smiled and remarked, "That's incredible, Runebelle. I had no idea you could use your fire energy to heal that way.... You just saved me."
Runebelle was equally surprised. Her small cannon still smoked from the fiery shots. "I didn't know my fire energy could heal like that either," she said in disbelief. "Maybe it's because I focused on my healing energy and fire magic at the same time."
Daimendo commented, "That's quite impressive. I've heard of fire energy's capacity to heal, but usually, it's a gift reserved for those deeply connected to the element. You two are full of surprises."
Roselle smirked at Daimendo . "You haven't seen half of it yet," she declared despite the throbbing pain from her earlier injuries.
Drawing deep within herself, she kicked her magical usage up to 150%. The yellow lightning surrounding her shifted, taking on a reddish hue. The energy crackled and surged, wrapping her in an electrifying aura that radiated power. She could feel the raw force coursing through her veins.
Roselle murmured to herself, "I have more control now, but I need to be careful. Pushing any further than this, and my magic will start draining too fast."
Daimendo watched with fascination. "You really are something else," he said with a begrudgingly respectful tone. "But even with all that power, do you truly think you can defeat me?"
Roselle didn't answer with words. Instead, she raised her cannon and fired a bolt of yellow lightning with red streaks directly at Daimendo. The energy crackled through the air and caused a deafening explosion.
Daimendo barely had time to react. He skated backwards, summoning another layer of ice to protect himself, but Roselle was relentless. She followed up with a rapid succession of shots, each one more powerful than the last.
Daimendo decided to fire shots at the ground, encasing it in ice. Roselle and Runebelle were forced to retreat toward the wall, the area where the officers lay unconscious from Roselle's earlier lightning attack. Daimendo's grin widened, "There we go. Finally got you right where I want you."
Daimendo began to speak, "Have you ever heard of Sword Magic? It's something taught at the Eastern Sword God School of Jancito. Most people know that swords are the foundation for various weapons. These weapons can take on different shapes and forms, depending on the wielder's preference. However, what many don't realize is that sword-based weapons are distinct from Sword Magic users. Even if they try to wield a weapon like a gun as if it were a sword, it won't change back into a sword form. I say all this to illustrate the magic I wield—Gun Magic."
He continued, "Sword Magic is confined to physical weapons, while Gun Magic extends to various firearms, not just pistols. It offers a broader range of possibilities. Now, how will you two deal with that?"
Daimendo delved deeper. "Much like Sword Magic, Gun Magic also comes in different levels. Let me demonstrate," he said, preparing to showcase his abilities.
Daimendo uttered a release command for his Gun Magic: "Alyssum, Release: Level 1: Winter Gale!"
In a moment’s notice, his pistol transformed, evolving into an advanced, larger firearm that radiated an aura of icy power, ready to unleash its wintry might.
As Daimendo channeled energy into his enhanced weapon, a magic circle appeared in front of it, creating a vacuum that started pulling Roselle and Runebelle toward its frigid core. The never-ending barrage of cold air and ice shards spewed forth from the weapon, making it nearly impossible for the sisters to avoid the assault. The frozen ground offered little traction, leaving them with nothing to hold onto.
The vacuum of Daimendo's weapon pulled Roselle and Runebelle closer. The relentless barrage of icy air and shards made it almost impossible for them to escape. The frozen ground also left them with no grip, and their situation became dire.
Amidst the chaos, Roselle and Runebelle struggled to find a way out of the relentless vacuum and the storm of ice. Daimendo grinned, "My weapon has not yet fired; it's merely drawing in energy."
Roselle's eyes widened in shock. "He hasn't fired yet?" she muttered to Runebelle.
Runebelle's face mirrored her sister's disbelief. "Then what's going to happen when he does?"
Daimendo's grin widened. "You’re about to witness the true power of Gun Magic."Daimendo pulled the trigger. "Winter Gale: Fire!"
The weapon discharged its amassed energy in a cataclysmic blast. An explosion engulfed the entire room with a might that drowned out all other sounds. What was the fate of Roselle and Runebelle?