Chapter 220 - What Lies Beyond the Pinch
Stay calm. The more dangerous the situation, the calmer you need to be. Assess the situation accurately and do what you can.
Neither medicinal magic nor mineral magic works, no matter how many times I try. Even general magic is out of the question. The only thing I can use is Physical Enhancement Magic.
It’s dangerous to take the enemy’s words at face value, but it seems that I really can’t use magic outside. How about the damage I’ve sustained?
No broken bones. My whole body aches, but I can still move without any major issues. Can I keep going? Yes, I can. The bleeding is a bit concerning, but it should stop eventually.
Yeah, I’m fine. I’ve gotten used to pain, and while I’m catching my breath, my strength is gradually returning. When I turn to the prince, I realize he’s using that red light again, drawing me in. I feel dizzy and close my eyes.
“Tch, you’re getting on my nerves.”
I mutter under my breath, and a condescending voice responds.
“...Impressive, to have withstood the divine lightning. However, you cannot continue the fight. Yukarinowe, you are a woman too precious to be killed. Be mine.”
There he goes, talking nonsense. He really thinks he’s won already, doesn’t he?
This is where things get interesting, but he doesn’t understand that. I’m still standing, and my fighting spirit is still strong. He should realize that much, at least.
Ignoring his nonsense, I know the fight isn’t over yet.
“Hmph!”
I spit out the blood that has seeped into my mouth.
Hmph, all the better. This is getting more interesting.
Is the prince being kind, or is he just an idiot? It seems he thinks I’m a beaten, battered woman who’s been cornered with my eyes closed.
Well, I might be cornered, but that’s not the whole story.
I’m covered in injuries, and most of my magic is sealed. Objectively, it might seem like I’m in a desperate situation.
But the magical energy that flows through me isn’t wasted. To an outsider, I might look like a powerless woman struggling to stand, but I’m not. The prince seems to be waiting for my response.
I appreciate that he’s giving me a moment to rest, but it’s too early to celebrate his victory.
I came here intending to put myself in a difficult position. This is exactly the situation I wanted.
Thank you, Prince, for pushing me this far.
Now that he’s given me this time, let’s take a moment to reassess the situation.
I had almost forgotten, but I managed to nullify the lightning thanks to the ribbon-shaped magic device in my hair. It provided excellent protection against lightning. What a pleasant surprise. As long as I have this, I don’t need to fear lightning. It’s lucky that it didn’t disappear during the battle. I’ll take that as a good omen.
I’m not sure about the red light the prince is using. It seems to affect the inner ear or has some mental effect. Whatever it is, the effects are immediate once you see the light. It’s different from the inhibiting magic, and I don’t have a way to counter it right now. But if I don’t look at the light, it doesn’t affect me. So, I won’t look at it.
There’s nothing I can do about the magic-sealing device. Unlike inhibiting magic or the Magic-Sealing Bracelet, it doesn’t directly affect my body, so there’s no way to counter it. I can’t do anything until I destroy the device itself.
I think the device’s range is limited. It probably doesn’t cover a wide area. If I can put some distance between us, I should be able to use healing and long-range magic, but he won’t let me escape that easily.
Another thing to watch out for is his sword. He hasn’t drawn it yet, which is strange. I must have underestimated him.
Ugh, it’s so annoying. He thinks he’s already won.
And he wants me to be his woman? What a infuriating man.
The magical energy flowing through my wounded body accelerates, breaking through my limits. Anger can be a good catalyst for breaking through barriers. While I can’t suddenly power up, my senses are undoubtedly sharper in a crisis.
The pain and tension sharpen my senses.
I’ve built up a lot over the years. Not just through extreme training, but through countless brutal battles.
Being cornered helps me see what’s truly necessary. My intuition tells me I can achieve it.
“Huff...”
I steady my breathing. I can now perceive the unconscious veil that has been holding me back. If I can strip it away, I can release even more power.
So, I’ll do it. I can consciously strip it away.
I can do this now!
It’s simple. Once you understand it, you can do it with a single thought.
Breaking through the barrier, the boiling surge of magical energy rises. I hold it back inside, not letting it overflow.
Magical energy is power itself.
But the size of the magical energy isn’t everything. The ability to perceive and control it is just as important.
Perception, control, and the ability to manifest your intentions in battle are all necessary.
I have everything.
I have confidence.
The solid confidence in victory, derived from my track record. It never wavers, even in the most desperate situations.
I don’t need to open my eyes. The enemy is a clear mass of magical energy. I can discern his entire outline without the slightest error.
There might be hidden magic devices, but I’ll break through them all.
The real battle is just beginning. First, I’ll make him draw his sword. The weight of the sword I felt was abnormal. It’s probably one of his trump cards. I want to expose all his secrets.
My heart is on fire. The more cornered I am, the more I burn.
I’ll show this arrogant man the error of his ways.
The next one crawling will be you.
I don’t need to give a verbal response. A clear action will suffice.
With my eyes closed, I walk slowly closer. The silver rod is gone, but I don’t need it. I toss a small rock to show I’m still fighting. It was deflected easily, but the message is clear.
“Still able to move, are you? Then let’s see what you’ve got.”
Just as I don’t know everything about him, he doesn’t know everything about me. I’ll show him what kind of battles I’ve fought and what trump cards I have.
His next attack is a sharp magical strike aimed at my limbs. But to me, it’s completely visible.
It’s surprising how well I can see things that were once invisible. I should have done this from the start.
Even invisible magic is clear to me, and I can predict the timing from the flow of magical energy.
With this level of awareness, dodging is a given.
Instead of thinking I can’t use a shield, I should think I don’t need one. That’s the reality.
I walk with my eyes closed, continuing to observe the prince.
The distinctive and powerful magical energy is definitely a barrier spell.
The barrier spell forms an armor-like layer around him. It’s a custom-made device designed to fit him perfectly. Normally, such a convenient shape wouldn’t be possible, but it can be expanded at will. It’s a very convenient device.
I delve deep, deeper, and deeper into the magical energy. I focus my mind. I should be able to do this now.
The prince, who seemed like a mere mass of magical energy, reveals more details when observed closely.
The locations and wavelengths of the devices that power the barrier spell are clear. I expose them all.
My magical perception has reached a new level. The efficient use of magical energy I’ve honed in the Forest of the Underworld has advanced further in this battle. My physical abilities have also improved. My magical perception is no exception.
All my hard work is coming to fruition.
The enemy’s strength and the desperate situation have pushed me to the next level.
How exhilarating.
My heightened consciousness and sharpened senses are in perfect harmony.
I recognize the prince’s magical energy, his armor, his sword, and the various enchantments and devices embedded in him.
Where everything is, where the magical energy flows, and where to strike to disable him. I delve deep, deeper, and deeper, understanding everything.
Most of his magical attacks are easily predictable and avoidable.
Even powerful spells that would normally engulf everything are irrelevant if I foresee and avoid them. I can dodge them with my eyes closed.
Even spells that can’t be dodged can be deflected by a slight touch of my special gloves. I can even adjust the angle to control the direction of the deflection. I could shatter them with more force if I wanted to, but that would be wasteful.
The pain in my body dissipates, and I move with maximum efficiency. This is the result of all the training and battles I’ve endured. My martial arts are becoming more refined, fueling my burning heart.
The battle is defined by magic, and the one who controls it has the upper hand.
Perceive the magical energy accurately, understand the details of what’s happening, and predict what will happen before it does. With high-level magical control and physical ability, you can almost perfectly execute your intended movements.
This is what I’ve been seeking. How exhilarating.
I dodge and strike, dodge and strike, and finally...
“This is the end.”
With a light tap, the barrier’s defenses are gone.
I won’t hold back now. I won’t give him the satisfaction of being surprised by the barrier’s disappearance. I’ll press my attack.
Now it’s my turn.
I’ll destroy his equipment to mock his panic and shock.
“No time to be surprised, is there? Too bad.”
I destroy the magical device attached to his waist. The annoying red light is gone. I don’t know how expensive it is, but I won’t let him complain during the duel.
With the obstructive magical energy gone, I move on to the next target without opening my eyes.
In the harshest of situations, the effort and achievements I’ve built up come to fruition.
I’m getting closer to what I’ve been seeking.
But the fight isn’t over yet.
Next chapter: “Crush the Miracle!” Stay tuned!