Rinoa nodded, her eyes filled with hope but shrouded in tension. She entrusted all her hopes to Hernandez, the figure who had now become her pillar in this critical situation. Now, she just had to hold herself together and fight against the effects of the paralysis paradox, which was slowly gnawing away at her strength, while also trying to save those around her. Ultimately, she knew that in time, the impact would strike her, and when that moment came, all her dreams would shatter in an instant, casting a deep sense of despair like a dark shadow enveloping her heart.
"Hey! Still planning to play again?" taunted the cloaked man, his voice dripping with mockery, as if he were ridiculing the courage that remained.
"There's still round 2," Hernandez replied, his gaze sharp as he looked at his opponent, ready to face the challenge ahead.
"It's pointless, your attack won't work on me," sneered the cloaked man, a cynical smile spreading across his face, confidence evident in every movement.
"Clearly, it won't work. You are aware of the weaknesses of the Rockwell family. It's obvious you're not an ordinary adversary. I must be cautious around you; one wrong step, and I could die. However, I still do not believe that besides the Rockwell family, anyone else is capable of using Magnetische Streu, " Hernandez said seriously, conveying the tension that enveloped their fight.
"Hehehehe... praising the enemy leads to doom," said the cloaked man with a patient smile, his eyes glinting with hidden intent, as if suggesting that there was more at stake than just the battle implied in his words.
Magnetische Streu is a form of magic that rightfully belongs to the Rockwell family, a revered and feared legacy in the world of sorcery. It is an extraordinary spell capable of altering the poles of the magnetic field around the user's body at will. Its strategic purpose is clear: to thwart close-range attacks from enemies, including dangerous weapons like swords. When this magic is invoked, it creates the illusion of an invisible shield, providing protection by repelling incoming attacks. By shifting the poles, the caster aligns with the attacker's polarity, causing similar poles to repel, and deflecting any strikes, regardless of the opponent's strength. This power represents the ultimate defense in close combat, capable of unsettling the resolve and strategies of any attacker. A concrete example of this magic in practice reveals how a skilled defender can effectively utilize this technique in battle to safeguard themselves from incoming assaults while also protecting those around them.
"I do enjoy giving compliments; it's truly an honor," Hernandez said with a blazing sense of confidence. "However, now it's the real fight. Are you confident enough to defeat me? I will be using phase 2 paramagnetic."
"Eh! That's frightening," replied the cloaked man, his voice trembling with anxiety.
Once again, Hernandez launched his attack.
Dash! With incredible speed, Hernandez charged at the cloaked man.
In a matter of seconds, he was in front of the man, ready to strike. This time, his attack was unstoppable, racing straight toward him. The cloaked man instinctively jumped back, narrowly avoiding the punch that whizzed through the air with a whooshing sound.
"So, what do you say? Ready for round three?" Hernandez taunted challengingly.
The man in the black robe fell silent, unable to hide the tension on his face.
"Paramagnetic stage one austenite," Hernandez proclaimed, his body turning red as black smoke swirled around him, signaling that he was preparing to unleash an even more powerful attack.
Hernandez leaped, his fists glowing red like fiery embers. Realizing he could not directly withstand the incoming assault, the man in the robe attempted to evade once more.
"You've stepped into my attack radius," Hernandez said firmly, "EXPLOSION!" he added, slamming his hand to the ground.
Boom!!!!!!!! Thunder!!!!
The explosion shook the surrounding area with a terrifying force, its magnitude sufficient to devastate much of the garden. Flames erupted from the massive crater that formed, orange and red flames painting the sky. The shockwaves of the blast reverberated through the atmosphere, sending nearby trees crashing down as if they were helpless. Although the man in the black robe narrowly avoided the direct hit, he was not completely fortunate; sharp debris from the explosion struck him, forcing him to collapse to the ground in a pinned state, overwhelmed by the destruction unleashed.
"Heh... it seems luck is still on your side, even if only partially," Hernandez said with a sarcastic tone, a thin smile on his lips.
"Ugh," Rinoa groaned, pressing her head as if trying to dispel the dizziness that engulfed her, a result of the magic that coiled around her mind like a serpent.
"Rinoa!" Hernandez shouted as he immediately ran to her side. His face was filled with worry, as if the world around him had collapsed upon witnessing the girl he loved sinking into despair. Her frail body appeared powerless, seemingly crushed by the weight of the magic binding her thoughts.
"I'm fine," Rinoa whispered, her voice flowing softly like a gentle breeze, attempting to convey that she still possessed resilience despite feeling fragile inside, like a dry twig left behind in autumn.
"You've overused magic. Your mana isn't enough to protect yourself," Hernandez said anxiously, his sharp eyes reflecting deep concern as he observed Rinoa, who was cowering in the shadows of sorrow.
"You know me," Rinoa replied softly, straining to keep herself upright. Her tired eyes felt heavy, as if they longed to close in the soothing darkness.
"I'm sorry," Hernandez said, lowering his head, his face filled with deep regret.
"What are you talking about? The paralysis paradox is still active. We can't get out of here until we defeat it," Rinoa replied, her breath coming in short gasps, each word laced with profound worry.
"I've already defeated it," Hernandez responded, staring blankly ahead, suddenly startled by his own deep conviction. He believed that the man in the black cloak was powerless, yet doubt crept into his mind.
Suddenly, in the chilling silence of the night, a voice echoed with mystery, "magic circle ... firaga," signaling the arrival of a tremendous threat in the form of devastating magic.
A terrifying fireball erupted, hurtling towards the two of them with alarming speed. With a diameter of nearly 3 meters, this blinding blaze resembled a monster ready to devour everything in its path, and its impact threatened to reduce the beautiful garden to mere rubble.
"Hehehe ... negligence can have dire consequences," taunted the man in a black cloak with a smug smile, glaring at them with eyes full of hatred.
Hernandez felt the weight of his responsibility to protect the helpless Rinoa. With no other options, he had to unleash his greatest power. However, as he surveyed the many victims around him, his thoughts momentarily stalled. The longer he contemplated, the graver the potential consequences appeared.
In the midst of his inner turmoil, memories of his parents' words resurfaced: "There are times when we must act like madmen because, in madness, we are free from the confines of ordinary thinking. We have the right to desire what we want, and with that mentality, we can overcome all categories of humanity, be they foolish, intelligent, reckless, or cunning."
"Paramagnetic stage two austenitization station," Hernandez said, uttering the phrase slowly—not out of disinterest, but because he found himself in a pressing situation. Only a human can sense danger even in a state of unconsciousness, and in this moment, his survival instincts were operating at full capacity.
"Absorb," he commanded firmly, as the fire magic began to be drawn into his hands. The power of the magic was so immense that Hernandez felt as if his body was splitting apart, signaling that he had reached his limits; every part of him felt numb. After absorbing all the magical energy, he summoned every last bit of strength to unleash a final attack towards the man in the black cloak.
"EXPLOSION!!!"
The explosion was more powerful than before, releasing a seething fireball and creating a massive vortex of flames that shook the air around him. A deafening gale surged, as if the very soul of the paralysis paradox dimension was being whisked away into the chaos. Thick black smoke billowed high, drawn toward the center of the vortex, accompanied by helpless objects swept along, including unconscious figures lying motionless. Rinoa, wielding her magical prowess, fought to save them, yet her gaze was fixed on Hernandez. However, between them stood a significant barrier, reminiscent of the pain she had endured during her bleak past.
"Paladin," Rinoa said firmly, her gaze fixed on the figure of the man in the black cloak standing before her, dark shadows swirling around him, creating the impression that he stood on the brink of the battle characteristic of a paladin—a power that could reflect all attacks, both magical and physical, with solidness akin to an unyielding shield. In this moment filled with hope, she felt a surge of determination to protect, recalling every detail of the strength she possessed, preparing herself to face the lurking threat, signifying her willingness to fight for those she loved.
"I want to believe myself," Rinoa said with a resolute tone, her eyes focused on the man in the black cloak in front of her, shadows dancing around him. The fabric of his cloak billowed gently as if stirred by the cold evening breeze, creating a mysterious aura surrounding him.
"Are you lonely?" asked the man in the black cloak, who suddenly emerged from behind a thick cloud of smoke, where the lifeless body of Hernandez lay in front of him. Rinoa felt the tension in the air; she couldn't determine whether the man was dead or still breathing. However, the sight before her ignited a spark of vengeance within her, affirming her intent to exact retribution.
"And ... you are a sinner," Rinoa replied firmly, meeting the gaze of the man in the black cloak as she stepped forward, closing the distance until she stood directly in front of him. Rising from her seated position, they found themselves caught in a meaningful exchange of glances, despite the fact that part of the man's face was obscured by the hood of his cloak. Without needing to utter another word, both understood that the answer to the question was yes.
Lonely and Sinner is one of the renowned novels written by Jacob W. Shakephere, a celebrated author from the Earth. The story follows the dramatic journey of a serial killer trapped in his darkness, filled with loneliness and regret. However, fate leads him to encounter a woman ostracized by society due to a painful past. Through their emotionally charged interactions, they find hope and redemption in each other. Although their relationship blooms amidst hatred and social stigma, they demonstrate that love can emerge from the most unexpected places. Tragically, their love story must end dramatically when the local community, uncompromising in its stance against crime, takes severe action and judges them in a brutal manner. This narrative transcends mere murder; it delves into themes of redemption, sacrifice, and how two wounded souls can seek one another in a world rife with animosity. Upon closer examination, the tale reflects universal themes concerning humanity, morality, and the consequences of our actions.
"Fantastic," someone exclaimed with a tone full of admiration, gazing at their reflection in the mirror that showcased a dramatic image of the fierce battle.
"I want that woman. Her name is Rinoa," he continued, his eyes sparkling with ambition. "She will become a famous figure in my novel, Jacob W. Shakespeare," he declared, each word imbued with conviction and burning dreams.
"You're using that mirror for something worthless," a woman said, approaching with graceful steps, her eyes reflecting disappointment. Her gentle voice carried an urgent tone, as if she wanted to express a deep concern for the choices made. The mirror in her hand gleamed, casting a faint reflection of the surrounding light, creating an atmosphere filled with tension and intrigue.
The woman had long, flowing hair like pink silk, while her blue eyes shone brightly, seemingly holding the depths of the ocean. She wore a form-fitting black and white corset adorned with sparkling diamond accents, enhancing her elegant and mysterious aura. Her slender hands were covered with long gloves that perfectly complemented her appearance, and the black lace stockings added to the dramatic atmosphere she exuded. Perched atop her head was a distinctive skull hat that lent a sinister touch, while small bat wings dangled from her back, bestowing a magical yet eerie quality to her enchanting figure.
"If you want that, give me 1000 books." She said.
"Isn't this going beyond the usual limits?" Jacob asked, his voice laced with doubt intertwined with an undertone of enthusiasm. "Yet, I agree with this decision," he continued, his eyes igniting with deep determination. "I will not let this woman go," he added, each word that emerged from his lips felt weighty, as if binding his promise to something greater than mere desire.
"Alright, I will set the stage," Mammon declared, his tone firm and resolute, as if bearing a heavy responsibility on his shoulders. He stepped forward, the noise around him fading as his focus sharpened on the vision he aimed to bring to life. With vigor and determination, he crafted every detail in his mind, envisioning the stage that would witness the historic moment to come.
Suddenly, Mammon's thoughts were interrupted; a mysterious figure slipped into the forbidden library with cautious steps. The shadowy form glided between the shelves filled with ancient books, creating an aura of mystery that enveloped the typically quiet space.
Even with his astonishing magical powers, he found himself powerless to prevent the mysterious figure from stepping into the forbidden library.
"I must leave now," Mammon said firmly, his eyes fixed intently on the door of the forbidden library. "As the guardian of this place, I cannot allow just anyone to enter without permission." He raised his hand, and a glowing portal appeared beside him, vibrating with mysterious energy. "You should be patient, Jacob," he continued, his voice laden with emphasis. Jacob stood there, a hint of disappointment etched on his face, as if his hopes had been sucked away by the darkness enveloping the place.