Battle on the Beach

The group of Raivolkas leaped from the top of the cliff, pointing their claws downwards. Ashnard pulled Liliya, who staring at Zefiria, protecting her from the rain of claws.

One of the Raivolkas is aiming for Ashnard and Liliya, away from the protection of the Guardians of the Wind, who were busy with the other Raivolkas.

Ashnard didn't want to just stand doing nothing, he had to protect Liliya before the Guardians of the Wind came, but his opponent was the messenger of darkness himself.

Unlike the training, this fight is real. Ashnard was still hesitating when he wanted to attack. He could only dodge and defend. Meanwhile, Raivolka continued to corner him.

A wind bullet was released from Liliya's hand, hitting the creature's neck. "I'll help you," the girl said to Ashnard.

If Liliya was sure, why wasn't he, that's what Ashnard was thinking right now. He steadied himself by taking a breath and tightening his grip on the dragon's bone sword, then dashed forward to land his attack while Liliya used her wind element to harass the creature.

Ashnard's attack managed to scratch the black body, but it still didn't stop Raivolka from attacking them.

The wounds mean almost nothing to those who are born from darkness itself. The growl made the surrounding air vibrate and made Ashnard's neck shudder in horror.

Meanwhile, the Guardians of the Wind were still struggling fiercely with the Raivolkas. The number continued to grow from the top of the cliff. Initially, only four now doubled to eight Raivolkas. The ninth is facing off against Ashnard.

With weapons forged from the seeds of light, the Guardians of the Wind managed to subdue Raivolka one by one.

Reibo has quite a destructive wind power. He tore up the Raivolkas like a toy in his workshop. His ax brought a gale that easily blew away some Raivolkas with a single swing.

The three Raivolkas were cornered by Sefenfor on the cliff wall. His equipment was the most perfect of all guardians. He uses iron armor that can withstand Raivolka's claws, the sword in his hand as a capable weapon, and the wind that is always by his side.

The wind quickened his movement, lightened his body, and strengthened his attack. One by one, Raivolka who confronted him can't move by Sefenfor's fast attack.

While the other two Raivolkas were brought by Zefiria to the seaside. The combination of wind and seawater flowing as she spun her spear, created a dance that dominated the flow of the battle. The Raivolkas couldn't launch their attacks on Zefiria, not even getting close. When they wanted to, they already been eroded by the elemental dance.

Liliya, who saw Zefiria's movement that fused the two elements, told Ashnard to do the same.

Ashnard covered her sword with the water element, then Liliya used her wind to help accelerate Ashnard's movement and increase the sharpness of his sword.

Ashnard's speed increased drastically. He only intended to move two steps, but he was already right in front of Raivolka. Ashnard immediately stabbed his elemental 2-layered sword at the creature's body. The creature lost but did not die. Sefenfor then came after finishing his fight to take the creature's life.

"You did it!" Liliya exclaimed, approaching Ashnard happily.

The other battles had also ended without any problems.

Sefenfor and Reibo approached Ashnard and Liliya. "Nice job," the two men praised.

Liliya then turned around and immediately hugged Zefiria. "We have come to help you, Ms. Zefiria."

Zefiria rubbed the girl's head and kissed her forehead. "You really are a brave girl. But, it's not safe for you to stay here. Liliya must go home, understand?"

Liliya cast her gaze at Ashnard.

"Who is that boy?" the woman asked Liliya.

"He's my friend. His name is Ashnard."

"I saw your fight, kid. You're quite capable. But, which makes me wonder, why did you two come here?" Zefiria's gaze turned to Sefenfor. Immediately, she understood. "Now, what have you done, Sefenfor?"

"Nous is dying. And the only hope to save Winfor lies in this child, Ashnard," Sefenfor replied.

"I don't understand. You'd better explain inside."

After cleaning up all the mess, they entered Zefiria's house under the cliff. Inside, there are a lot of decorations from the sea, like shell hangers that gurgle in the wind.

In the living room, they gathered at the table. Zefiria came with hot tea, perfect for the cool beach air.

While the tea was still hot, Sefenfor started explaining everything that happened. From her gaze that was really trying to avoid Sefenfor's gaze, Zefiria was still feeling irritated by something.

It happened before when Winfor was still under construction. Everyone wanted Sefenfor to rule this country, but Sefenfor refused. He handed over his power to ordinary humans who did nothing during the battle with darkness. Sefenfor also refused if Reibo, Nous, or Zefiria will be the ruler of the land.

And rejection also occurs when the gods come to make them gods. In front of the face of a god disguised as a wise old man, Sefenfor said that he and his friends would not be interested in the celestial world far from the earth and chose to protect this land directly.

His decisions angered the others, especially Zefiria who trusted Sefenfor with all her heart. Previously, Zefiria believed that all of Sefenfor's decisions were the best decisions. But, now, Zefiria felt all her struggles had been in vain if Sefenfor handed Winfor over to a human.

Zefiria believes Sefenfor is a worthy figure. If Sefenfor ruled, Winfor would be a great nation, unlike humans who are full of greed and rottenness.

His decision made Zefiria disappointed and angry, and she continues to carry her feelings to this day when Sefenfor made another equally stupid decision, which was to assign a kid into the abyss.

Zefiria's anger started to spiral out of control when Sefenfor said, this is the only way. A loud slap startled everyone at the table.

"I hate you!" growled Zefiria. "Back then, you weren't someone who would surrender to situations that were always on the edge. But, now, you're even bringing Liliya into dangerous trouble. Why? Tell me, why?"

"I have no other choice," said Sefenfor with the same answer again. "I don't want to lose Nous, all my friends, and this land."

"But, you could lose Ashnard and Liliya."

"What else can I do? What can you do about it? Yet, you're still asking for my help!" Sefenfor also raised his voice.

Then, with a look of disgust and hatred, Zefiria said earnestly, "You can sacrifice yourself."