"Boom,"
I whispered.
Then pulled the trigger.
Behind me, the explosion painted the cave in orange and blood.
Right on cue, my cloak fluttered like it had been waiting for the perfect moment to add flair.
I didn't look back. I didn't need to.
Because the pressure, that soul-itching pressure was gone as if it had never existed.
The duration of my skill, [Minor Strength Boost], ended soon.
Even the effects of mana-reagent faded slowly.
And the pain came rushing in.
My heart twisted violently, like two gods were playing tug-of-war with it.
My lungs burned like I had been inhaling molten iron instead of air.
My vision blurred.
My knees buckled.
I barely registered the heavy weight of my own body until Bearlo caught me.
But the darkness was already spreading in from the corners of my sight.
Still, I managed one stupid, smug and fleeting thought.
You are just not my type, Death… try to tempt someone else next.
