I should feel bad. I killed humans. Some of them might have been innocent. Controlled, coerced or simply brainwashed. But this was a war and I could not save everyone. I had to accept that.

Our fight was over but my storm was still going. It felt comforting. There was something soothing about the rain. I landed next to Lucy, who was transforming back to her humanoid form.

“Since when is your fox shape this big?” I asked.

“No idea. When the fight started it just felt right to transform. I think it’s connected to the energy you unleashed through the bond. As I changed shape, I realised I could make it bigger.”

“Just bigger? Not any other options?” I stared at her tail.

Her eyes narrowed. “What are you thinking?”

“Where I come from kitsune are often known for multiple tails. Of course, they were just a myth. Still, the tails were a sign of power in a lot of books.”

“You are hoping I will grow more tails?”

“Yes…” I admitted.

She pondered that for a moment. “Well, I suppose my tail is awesome. I am not sure how practical more of them would be though…”

“THIS WAS AWESOME! Let’s go find some more!” Shani shouted.

“There are battles all over the city, but it’s none of our business. Considering the attack on the palace, someone is trying a coup. So you have the emperor, the Inquisition and likely the cult all fighting each other.”

“But… but… so much potential slaughter…” Shani looked like a kicked puppy.

Stolen novel; please report.

I sighed. “I am sure someone will attack us sooner or later. For now we need to protect Thessia so she can prepare her tree for transport. Then we need to escort her out of here. The biggest question is: What do we do about Loriel? And the dwarves.”

“They should not be targets, right? And they are strong.” Lucy reasoned.

“Hard to say with all of this insanity. The Inquisition could grab them to have some elves for experimentation. Assuming they have the resources. Loriel is a powerful sorceress but if she is caught unprepared…”

We could split up but that sounded like a horrible idea. Loriel knew that we were looking for a way to heal Minerva. She would either try to reach us, or just take everyone and evacuate.

“Shani, go and find Loriel. Tell her that we are going to be here until Thessia is ready. Afterwards we will leave Unitera. If she is in trouble, help her. If the situation is hopeless, come back and inform us.”

Being a summoned elemental lord she should be safe. There was over an hour left until the spell ran out. Enough time to find Loriel, hopefully.

“Feel free to help some people in need on the way but please focus on your objective. It’s ok to fight but don’t get distracted.”

“More fighting! Yay!” Shani perked up at the thought of more fighting. She left with a wide grin.

Watching her go Lucy said: “Wasn’t there an earth elemental beneath the temple? Did it really sleep through the whole fight? Shani might be a bit bloodthirsty but at least she is motivated.”

“Maybe it’s not just laziness and there is a certain condition needed to trigger all the defences.” I shrugged. “We did not need it anyway.”

“Speaking of defences, are you keeping the storm going? Does it tire you?” Lucy asked.

“Good question. I am not using spell slots for it. Maybe I will get tired faster but I haven’t noticed anything yet. For now I just find it soothing. And it should keep people away. Does it bother you?”

“No. I like it. I really like it when you unleash your power.” She leaned in closer, then stopped and sniffed.

“Why do you smell like fish?”

“Uh… I exploded some tentacles. Well… a portal with tentacles. I am still not entirely sure what that was.”

“Ah, I noticed the explosion but missed the tentacles. Have you considered fighting as a panther? My fox seems really powerful. And I did not even use any offensive magic.”

“It would be interesting how it performs against stronger enemies. I doubt you could bite through adamantium. And how much can your hide tank? You are an easy target with your size. Hm. Can you change that during combat?”

“That is an interesting thought. I will have to try. I really liked the electricity covering me. I am not sure if I can do that without you unleashing your aura though.”

I looked around the square. My storm covered the whole area. Yet nobody emerged from any of the temples. I would have expected at least a cleric of Imperius to investigate. They were rather close to the Empire. Or were they busy elsewhere?

“We should check on the others inside.” Lucy suggested.

“You are right. Let’s see if Eshantri behaved herself. And figure out what to do with Iris.”

We left the square and entered the temple.