The instant we hit floor 21, I sprinted ahead of the group with Shadow Runner. Our goal was to rescue the Princess’s Legion, and that was going to be a race against time. A nearly hobbled party wouldn’t be able to hold their own against the boss for long. How quickly could I get there? Would I make it in time? That was the critical question, and speed would be the key to saving Miya and Leyfa.
Without Jin, I was the fastest person in the party. I could also see the enemy’s position and the route there in my head. The path was simple enough, so I took off and left the Arrivers in the dust. Limuna had Mapping too, so I was sure she’d show them the way.
It was the right call. When I saw Miya beneath the descending blade, I believed that with all my heart. I activated Spell Shot without a moment’s doubt. The blow, accelerated by Shadow Runner, slammed into the demon’s side and completely melted away its arm.
Whoa... I should’ve expected as much from one of Erin’s full-power spells.
“Note...”
I could hear the weak mumble of my childhood friend. Thank goodness she was still alive. I’d made it in time.
“What are you lying there for? Kind of a dangerous spot for a nap.”
There were so many things I wanted to say, but I ended up cracking a joke. At the end of the day, I wasn’t very forthright. I should have said something like, “I’m so glad you’re alive. It’s a relief I made it in time. Are you okay? What would I have done if you died?!” Something along those lines. But because the words I wanted wouldn’t leave my mouth, I’d ended up teasing her instead.
“That’s the first thing you have to say? Ha...” Miya forced a laugh.
Can’t argue there. What am I doing, really?
Still, it wasn’t exactly the wrong thing to say to her. Miya and I weren’t teammates anymore; we were rivals. I’d given up my crush on her and released her from our childhood promise in exchange for one to meet again after we’d conquered the dungeon. In a way, this was the perfect reunion.
“If you’ve got something to complain about, stand up and say it,” I told her. “Sorry, but I’m not good enough to fight this guy while protecting you.”
The demon roared as it got some distance from us. A spell circle appeared where its left arm had been, rapidly growing a new limb.
“It can regenerate too? What a pain...” I muttered to myself.
An injured opponent would have been much easier to take down, but this was the boss of floor 21. It easily had the power to crush all our hopes.
“I can’t stand, Note...”
“Say, uh, Miya, now’s not the time to be joking around...”
“I’m not joking! I gave everything I had! I was fighting all by myself before you got here! Show a little more sympathy! Tell me I did a good job!”
“Huh? That’s what you’re getting mad about?!”
“I’ve made up my mind! I’m not moving one bit until you tell me I did good! I won’t even lift a finger!”
“Fine...” I sighed. “You did well. Thanks for holding out this long. I’m really glad you’re alive.” This time, I was genuinely able to say what I’d wanted to. I could hear Miya swallowing her breath. When she remained on the ground, I continued, “Umm, Miya... I praised you already, so please get up soon...”
“Sorry, Note... Now I’m too relieved to find the energy to get up...”
“Excuse me?”
“I said I’m so relieved that I can’t stand up!”
You sound awfully pleased with yourself, but you need to get out of here before the boss attacks again...
“Argh, fine!” I ruffled my hair and replied, “All right. Just lie there then. I’ll make sure his sword doesn’t reach you.”
There, I took a step forward. My goal had been to focus exclusively on evading the demon’s attacks while buying time for the others to arrive, but this meant a change of plans. I’d have to go after the demon and distract it entirely.
Fortunately, the demon already had its sights on me after my Spell Shot. I only had one blast of that left, which wasn’t a very reassuring number, but I only had what I had. I’d be forced to make do with the cards in my hand.
Lowering my center of gravity, I exhaled and relaxed in preparation to use Shadow Runner. We were up against the boss of floor 21, and I was the only fighter on our side. I had to keep everyone alive until the rest of the Arrivers caught up. It wouldn’t be easy. This must have been how Jin felt back then. He’d taken on this demon alone so the rest of us could get away.
I was in pretty good shape, though. As right as rain, really. The Princess’s Legion had moved this grudge match up, but I was amped to finally be facing this fated foe. I felt lighter than normal. I probably even could’ve given Jin a run for his money.
“Shadow Runner!”
Got him! No sooner had I activated the art than I was already upon the boss. I was moving at hypersonic speeds that took even the demon by surprise.
It was quick to respond with its sword. Evading the swing was simple enough. I changed my approach and sidestepped away, getting distance from the falling blade. It slammed into the ground, splitting the floor and sending rubble flying. I was long gone by then, though, so it made no difference to me. I knew its attacks were dangerous to dodge at close range.