Even without her superspeed, Lucrezia still ended up being relatively fast. She moved ferociously, like a wild animal. Though her sword became less sharp as time went on.
Cyril didn't use fire magic, or rather, he couldn't. Lucrezia's onslaught was relentless. There was no time. So he simply had to answer in kind. Blocking, jabbing, and dodging around her, focused only on her. He had an edge over her in fighting skill.
It was a somewhat mystifying state, where nothing in the world existed save for the fight just now. He wasn't new to something like this, but it's been a while since he last took part in it.
It was liberating in a way. His opponent didn't hesitate and didn't hold back. She fought with the intent to kill. If he relaxed for even a second, her blade would've reached his neck.
And she had the ability to match that intent. Rarely did he meet someone he couldn't overpower with the raw strength his body gave him.
Only, it wasn't perfect. Lucrezia's skill with a rapier was undeniable but a little flawed. It was clearly amateurish.
She would correctly stab using her whole body, but the attacks were predictable. Her leg movements were smooth but slightly awkward. Her body naturally assumed the correct posture during attacks, guards, or dodges, but it all lacked polish.
Any instructor would praise her natural talent, then send her into intensive training as fast as possible.
Still, the fight forced him to give it his all. It was enjoyable.
If only I had my spear with me…
Such a thought inevitably entered his head. He had only received basic training in hand-to-hand combat. It wasn't where his skills excelled.
When he couldn't end the fight through brute strength or with Selene's technique, his inexperience became glaringly obvious.
It was frustrating and ended up prolonging the fight significantly.
Suddenly, as he was dodging a stab from a rapier, a clawed hand scratched at his head.
"…!"
He jumped away, wiping the blood on his face. Thankfully, it didn't reach his eyes.
"You are really daydreaming in the middle of our duel?" Lucrezia said with ridicule, each word coming out with difficulty.
"Go on, continue. Don't let me interfere."
Cyril took a deep breath and refocused.
"Sorry," he uttered, not a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
Lucrezia hmphed, then went quiet, focusing as well.
In a moment they dashed in again, exchanging attacks almost at the same time.
However, Cyril smoothly dodged a stab at his throat by tilting his head, as if he anticipated it beforehand.
It wasn't precognition. He simply learned her habits by now.
Meanwhile, his fist reached her stomach unobstructed.
Lucrezia's face twisted in pain, but her movements continued. With her claw she stabbed into his chest, right over his heart. But she failed to go far in.
They froze like this for a moment, their eyes locking on each other.
Suddenly, without exchanging any words, the two moved at the same time.
From Lucrezia's wrist a stream of blood flowed to her claws and into his chest.
Cyril moved his hand on her stomach, casting a spell.
Then, another explosion rang out in the empty building.
…
Morpho, Tigris, and Atheris were all standing together in a corner.
The red butterfly perched on the tiger's head, while the snake coiled around his neck with her eyes closed.
In order not to use her ability accidentally, she refused to watch the fight, relying on her siblings to explain what was happening.
But when the explosion happened, she couldn't help but open her golden eyes.
When the smoke cleared, Cyril's figure was revealed.
The jacket on his body long gone, there was a bloody hole at his chest.
However, his blue eyes stayed clear. It didn't manage to reach far in.
"That scared me! Why did she go for the heart?!"
Cyril exhaled, tension leaving his shoulders.
Slowly, he walked over to a body lying on the floor not far from him.
Lucrezia lay on her back, her red eyes aiming at the ceiling without any focus.
Part of her upper body was burned black, smoke still rising.
In their exchange, his casting of a fireball ended up being barely faster.
"Ah…"
Lucrezia weakly opened her mouth, muttering something unintelligible.
Scanning her for a few seconds, Cyril lowered his body over her.
Suppose it's time to finish this.
"A pity we didn't get to use it…"
Without a particular expression on his face, Cyril slowly brought his hand closer to her neck.
Just as he was about to touch it, the ground shook.
More than that, a small earthquake shook the whole building they were in, making him stumble a little.
Then, a vision flashed in his mind.
Using this opportunity, Lucrezia snapped at his hand, biting his wrist with all her strength.
Cyril didn't move to interrupt her. He slowly looked at her head over his wrist.
She desperately drank his blood, her red eyes shining with determination.
But, strangely, her face was quickly twisted in pain, and she let go on her own.
Lucrezia began rolling on the ground, scratching at herself as if a thousand insects squirmed beneath her skin.
She tried to open her mouth and scream, yet no sound came out.
Cyril stood up, coldly observing what was happening with a clinical curiosity.
"Hahah! Yes! It worked!" Rhamn celebrated by his side, eagerly staring at the vampire in pain.
Rhamn's red eyes shone brighter than usual. Cyril couldn't tell if it was because of a sense of accomplishment or because of the simple fact that she caused this suffering.
It was probably both.
"What? You turned her body into a crisp, but this is going too far? No matter! Cyril, do you realize what this success means?!"
Not in a hurry to answer, Cyril looked around the building, apprehensive of the earthquake earlier.
Something happened outside.
As he was looking around, suddenly, he noticed another figure crouching over Lucrezia.
It was an old man in a black suit. His red eyes worriedly stared at the convulsing vampire on the ground before moving at him, filling with anger.
Cyril didn't notice the door being opened. The old man appeared in an instant, and with him, his heartbeat.
It's a vampire…!
Cyril tensed up, raising his hands. His mana was almost gone, his vision slowly but surely turning dark.
Damn it. My servants should be in the vicinity…
"We are not out of options yet! Just stay calm!"
Prepared for the worst, Cyril warily observed the old man's movement, paying attention to every detail.
However, no visions flashed in his mind as the old man raised his body.
"I beg of you, forgive our princess. Let us take her to safety," the vampire said, bowing to him at ninety degrees.
The anger in the old man's red eyes passed, replaced by intense worry and fear.
…Eh?