The Holy Domain was too far away, Sword Body Bulwark had a casting wind-up, and intercepting it with Void Wings was too late.
Countless thoughts flashed through Ash's mind in an instant, but none of them could catch up to the speed of the Sniper Rifle's gun bullet. In the gap between thoughts, the image of Vishy's Void Wings being snapped by Mystic Chains surfaced in his mind, and Vishy's voice rang beside his ear. "She's only an illusion."
She was only an illusion. He was only a false, illusory Longing. The Spell Power that had been quietly flowing away began to churn violently, and a transparent Holy Domain rapidly spread outward. A fully armed Artificer tried to contend against the unfathomable Fate. But Ash, who already could not make it in time, became even further away after that instant of hesitation. Bang!
Half of the Bamboo Sword flew up. Philly fell flat on her butt, a shallow cut drawn across her face, but she only stared blankly at her Bamboo Sword, broken from knocking the gun bullet away, as if she still had not come back to herself.
Sensing the Holy Domain unfold, Vishy shot Ash a glance, but he said nothing more and silently charged over to intercept the legion monsters rushing out of the alley. Niya was responsible for blocking the pursuers behind them, while Ash quickly pulled Philly to her feet. Only then did Philly realize what she had done and shout excitedly, "Ash, did you see that? I just cut a gun bullet—" The next second, Ash pulled Philly into his arms. He let out a long breath. "Thank goodness you didn't..." The sudden embrace instantly emptied Little Lamb's mind. Ash's body was very hot; the nonstop fighting had raised his temperature, and his exhaled