Chapter 25: The Tank

My whole body began to burn as a layer of fire under my skin ignited, and my speed increased tenfold. I pushed Elaine into Lulu as she had turned around when I yelled. Lulu grabbed her and jumped back as I blocked the monster's claws.

The spell broke down. The bare minimum cast I had used was far too unstable, and I felt even greater fatigue than usual from the after-effects.

But it was nowhere near enough to stop me from fighting.

I backed up as the monster swung again and slashed into my armor. I had to remember to thank Elaine again, as that was the only reason I was able to counter.

I swung up, hitting the bottom of its arm, but it didn't cut through. It was like I had just hit solid stone, and it even hurt me when the recoil got sent back down the blade to me. I retracted my sword, sliding under its legs as it swung again. But I was slow, and it slashed right through my armor from behind, making it a hazard now, so I took off the armored shirt and vest.