(Heartfelt thanks to Chao Zhe An An, Shenjing Taomo, Fallen Wing Tears, Tempest, FreelyMu, and Wufeng Haotian for their donations!)
"Whoosh—!"
A cool breeze swept across the vast plain, setting even the clouds in the sky drifting with the wind and blocking out the sun.
The ground, which had originally glimmered with golden sunlight, began to be shrouded in shadow.
Even under such circumstances, Shalltear, who looked like a noble little princess, still hung limply like a marionette, as though suspended by invisible strings, devoid of any life.
At a certain moment, a figure streaked through the sky like a meteor and landed on the ground not far from Shalltear.
Raising his head and looking at Shalltear, who stood there like a marionette, Noah's emotions stirred slightly.
His guilt toward Shalltear had already been buried deep in his heart.
Before he restored Shalltear to normal, allowing that guilt to surface would do no good for the battle ahead.
Thus, Noah's emotional fluctuation now was simply sorrow over something beautiful being turned into a lifeless object.
It had to be said that, in terms of appearance, although Shalltear looked extremely young and was far less mature than Albedo, she possessed a charm that no one else could match.
Such a beautiful girl had now become a deathly marionette. Anyone would find that regrettable.
The feelings Noah held were far stronger than mere regret.
After all, she was someone Noah knew.
Someone who had still been lively and full of energy not long ago.
Of course, Noah understood.
As long as he approached her or attacked directly, that deathly puppet-like girl would instantly transform into a terrifying beast surpassing every Magical Beast in this world.
"Come to think of it, Shalltear always seemed to want me to whip her."
Noah gave a