Yan-san

"Is that so?" Shiori wiped the spots on her face that had been scorched by flames. The wounds there healed in an instant, the new skin as smooth as before.

"I—"

Pain was inevitable, but Shiori had already noticed that every time she recklessly drew a little closer, Huanyue's expression darkened a little more.

As if she were saying—"You're already so weak, so why are you coming closer? Idiot, idiot!"

Disappointment struck her like a blade. Shiori was forced back by the overwhelming spiritual power, nearly falling to the ground in disgrace.

Damn it, what... happened before this?

Even though Shiori's mind was still completely blank, she attributed the situation to herself.

It's because of me... I couldn't give Huanyue enough of a sense of security... It's all my fault that Huanyue... It's all my fault...

Shiori understood almost instantly what she needed to do. She absolutely could not let herself get hurt now.

"I will definitely save you!"

After saying something that sounded rather like a cool, showy line, determination blazed through her body and soul.

Shiori felt as though she had touched the threshold of something, but the flying swords that followed made her face go pale.

"Wow, honestly, that was pretty cool. Save me? You really do know how to pick cool words, Shiori." Huanyue gave her a flirtatious wink and leisurely stepped forward, her tone like she was teasing a small animal.

"Feel it properly, Shiori," she said. "The power of spiritual energy. I really hope you can use a power other than Healing Flame."

"...Me?" Shiori's voice was already breathless, her chest rising and falling violently.

"Of course. That person can only be you." Huanyue narrowed her eyes. The violet-blue pupils reflected the bedraggled blue-haired girl, and her tone was so serious it did not