Cathelaya's POV:
(Moments before the fight restarts.)
I can't help but sigh heavily at the sight before me.
- Do you want to take away this old woman's revenge, little one?
The house the water hero had broken through begins to crumble pathetically like a straw house. I look with some annoyance at the small flower by my ear.
- "Wow, that was a good demolition. I guess we can't underestimate sea vines."
The little girl, delighted with the result, says cheerfully from the flower. Although I wanted to kill the hero, the way it all turned out is so unsatisfactory that it can hardly be called revenge.
"The little girl's power is truly terrifying."
Ignoring the demolished house in front of me, I watch as nearly 15 green blobs destroy the city in various parts of the water capital. Each one kicks up enough dust to form a column that rises to the sky.
- Controlling 15 giants made of vines at once with the individual ability to destroy a small city… She definitely deserves to be called Mia's disciple.
Memories of the destruction of Rishon come flooding back. A column of fire and rubble rose from what was once the sacred capital of the superpower known as Rishon. The gigantic pile of stones and shattered columns that had once been an imposing castle was heaved up by the pressure of Mia's blows. Even against three heroes, Mia would unhesitatingly charge head-on into them in a one-sided massacre. When it was all over, when the remains of the three heroes lay on the ground buried by the rubble, only Mia stood amid the ashes and fire. I, barely able to stand, watched in horror and relief at Mia's madness. Along with Emily, we were the only survivors of the witches of that time.
A sudden sound awakens me from my memories. Two enormous pillars of fire that had shattered my leg earlier rose high, eliminating two of the giants that had been standing a little ways from the plaza. The burning sensation in my leg was enough to put me on guard. Like it or not, the fire hero was a latent danger to me. Eliminating him was vital right now.
- "The fire hero is a huge nuisance. I think we should eliminate him, Grandma."
Looking in her direction, I could see the fire hero rushing into the plaza. I had to put my revenge aside for now and deal with him. However, before I could control the wind to head in his direction, the house that had collapsed earlier began to shake. With a loud bang, the house was blown into the air by a gust of water. The water hero, all bruised and battered, crawled out from under it. When he looked around, he was clearly horrified by what he saw.
- He's alive!
A surge of joy surges in my chest at the realization that I wouldn't have to put my revenge aside. My sadistic side rejoices at seeing him in that state as he resurfaces from his apparent death. The flower beside me utters an annoyed voice as it stares at the water hero.
- "How persistent heroes are. They're like red mites on a flower. I'll eliminate him once and for all."
The small flower's words freeze me in place as the giant in the plaza approaches the disoriented hero. I quickly strike the giant with lightning, which overlaps with a pillar of fire, creating a strange spectacle that makes the plaza glow.
- "Grandma? Don't you want me to kill the water hero?"
Clearly surprised, the flower turns toward me, revealing the other flower tied to it as if it's staring at me. I look at it seriously while nodding my head.
- "…Fine, if that's what you want, I'll leave the water hero to you. I'll take care of distracting the other hero so he doesn't get in your way so you can kill him later."
Looking back down, the fire hero seems to be talking to the water hero. They spend a few moments conversing before another giant emerges from the ground at one side of the plaza. The fire hero glances at him briefly before turning his attention back to me. After a few moments, the fire hero lowers his axe and glares at the water hero before launching himself at the giant who had emerged.
- Thank you for waiting. You have my gratitude for waiting patiently for me to finish our conversation.
I look at how devastated he is with both sorrow and grace. His haughty yet revitalized tone is so contradictory that I can't help but let out a small sigh before responding.
- Don't even mention it! After all, my revenge would be pointless if you weren't in tip-top shape. I want to crush you with all your power. I want to see you shed tears of frustration as you helplessly watch your entire homeland being razed by my lightning. Otherwise, I wouldn't be satisfied.
- Wow, I didn't expect you to be so passionate. For someone your age, you're more energetic than I expected.
- Sure, go ahead. Keep talking nonsense. It'll be more fun ripping each other's lips off later.
The tension between the two of us increases. I watch their movements, waiting for who would throw the first punch at the other. A natural crash of thunder falls between us, signaling the start of our fight.