The Goblin King roared, swinging his massive axe with brutal force. Shirou took a sharp side step, his body twisting as he launched into the air. The axe followed, slicing upward—but Shirou met it mid-air, his sword clashing against the blade with a burst of sparks.
The impact was fierce. Shirou's arms trembled as he blocked the strike, but he held firm. The force sent him flying again, crashing through trees as dust exploded around him.
From the cloud of dust—
A knife shot out, slicing through the air and stabbing directly into the Goblin King's eye. The beast cried out in pain, staggering back.
As the dust cleared, Shirou emerged—blood dripping from his head and eyes, his breath heavy.
"He's strong… but now he can't see anything," Shirou murmured.
Clenching his sword, he dashed forward. The Goblin King, blinded and enraged, swung his axe in every direction. Shirou dodged each wild strike, still pressing forward. When the axe came down from above, Shirou dodged again—then climbed onto the weapon mid-swing.
The Goblin King roared, thrashing to shake him off. But Shirou kept his balance, dashed up the axe, and leapt into the sky. He came down with a clean strike aimed at the Goblin King's head.
But something felt off.
Shirou turned mid-air—an arrow was coming from the side. He barely deflected it with his sword, but the distraction gave the Goblin King an opening. A massive hand swung and connected, sending Shirou flying once more.
This time, Sarah dashed in and caught him, breaking the impact of the fall.
"You fine?" she asked, concern in her eyes.
"Don't worry," Shirou said, breathing heavily. "I've faced worse. But this time… I want you to stay behind."
Sarah saw the fire in his eyes and nodded.
"Alright. But I'm helping a little."
She gathered her mana, swung her sword, and struck down the remaining goblins firing arrows.
Shirou dashed again, blocking and dodging the axe swings coming at him. He jumped into the sky—and this time, his blade connected with the Goblin King's head. The beast stumbled, struggling to stay upright.
Shirou reached for the knife still lodged in the eye, grabbed it, and stabbed repeatedly. The Goblin King cried out, but Shirou showed no mercy. He extracted the knife, then struck each joint with precision—dodging, dashing, and finally driving his sword into the Goblin King's heart.
The monster collapsed, falling onto his back.
Sarah walked over, brushing dust from her cloths
"So… the job's done. Good job." Sarah praised Shirou
"Match…" Shirou said, breathing heavily.
"Match? Oh right—you want to challenge Ela. Don't worry, I'll manage it somehow."
She looked at his injuries.
"But are you sure you can stand?"
"Of course I can—" Shirou tried to stand, but his legs gave out.
Sarah sighed, walked over, and knelt down.
"If you can't stand, we can't treat your injuries. If not treated soon, they'll get infected. I have an idea."
Before Shirou could protest, she lifted him onto her back.
"Whaaa… What are you doing, you stupid monster?" Shirou said, his face turning red.
"Nothing. Just carrying you so we can reach home faster," Sarah replied calmly.
"I can walk myself! Drop me to the ground!"
"Nope."
And with that, Shirou kept complaining all the way home—his pride wounded more than his body.
As they reached the house, Sarah pushed open the door—only to find Cherry sprinting across the hall, screaming for help.
"Ela…?" Sarah said, confused.
Ela turned, holding a glowing book in one hand and a mischievous grin on her face.
"Sarah! You're back. So how was the vis—"
She stopped mid-sentence. Her eyes widened as she and Cherry noticed Shirou slumped on Sarah's back, covered in blood and bruises.
Ela's mouth dropped open.
"Before you ask anything," Sarah said quickly, "can you please help me treat his injuries?"
They rushed to Shirou's room and laid him down gently. Ela knelt beside him, her hands glowing as she began chanting healing magic. Soft light enveloped Shirou's wounds, slowly mending the damage.
"Why are you always covered in blood?" Ela teased, her tone playful. "Maybe trouble suits you. Every time I see you, you're either fighting or half-dead."
"Shut up! You think I enjoy getting injured?" Shirou snapped, wincing as the magic worked.
"Well, this time you can blame me," Sarah said, scratching his cheek with a grin.
"No, it's not your fault, Sarah," Ela said, still focused on the spell. "He's just like this."
After a few moments, the glow faded.
"It's done. So?"
Shirou stretched, testing his limbs.
"I think it worked. I'm feeling—"
Before he could finish, Cherry lunged forward and hugged him tightly, tears streaming down her face.
"Don't scare me like that again! I thought you were—"
"Let me go, you moron!" Shirou shouted, flustered and red-faced.
Ela and Sarah exchanged a glance, trying not to laugh.
Sarah leaned closer to Ela and whispered,
"Do you have a minute?"
She led her outside the room and explained everything.
"Whaaat!" Ela gasped, eyes wide.
"Shhh!" Sarah hushed her quickly.
"You want me to duel him? But you know I don't use swords—I'm a magician! How are we supposed to practice or fight if our talents don't match?"
"I know," Sarah said, clasping her hands together. "But he's too eager. And honestly, it'll help him grow if you teach him through combat."
Ela stared at her for a moment, then sighed.
"Fine. I'll do it."
"So… when should we start?" Ela asked.
"Tomorrow," Sarah replied.
Ela nodded slowly, already dreading the chaos Shirou would bring.