Volume 2 Chapter 22: Start of Round 2

[Author's Note: For bonus chapters, the goal every week is:

- 25 Power Stones

- 50 Power Stones]

Volume 2 Chapter 22: Start of Round 2

Observing the unsuccessful outcome from Eve and Pepper's attempt from stoping the two fire arrows, Carmilla became certain that if both Eve and Pepper were to target different fire arrows simultaneously again, both fire arrows would undoubtedly hit the blood dome.

Carmilla ordered both of them to focus on a single fire arrow. Witnessing their blood arrows getting vaporized by the two fire arrows, Eve and Pepper complied with Carmilla's directive.

Carmilla prepared to mend any potential damage caused by the fire arrow to their blood dome…

Simultaneously, both Eve and Pepper chose to target the fire arrow flying on the left. Without hesitation, they swiftly began firing at the fire arrow, shots by shots.

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Whenever their blood arrow collided with the fire arrow, red steam was being produced, and the fire arrow diminished noticeably in size compared to its initial state and to the other fire arrow now leading ahead to the one they were targeting.

Each time their blood arrows collided with the fire arrow, it was gradually losing it's momentum, diminishing bit by bit.

After some time, both of them managed to almost entirely diminish the fire arrow's momentum, causing a noticeable decrease in its speed and altitude.

Eve and Pepper managed to prevent one of the two fire arrows from striking their blood dome, but unfortunately, the other fire arrow had already made contact.

Upon closer inspection of the point where that fire arrow hit the blood dome, one would notice a slightly lighter color on it compared to the rest of the blood dome.

At present, Carmilla was repairing that specific spot on the blood dome. To expedite the repair process, she had to make direct physical contact with the blood dome. Upon placing her hand on the affected area, she noticed a slight lukewarm sensation, unlike its initial cool temperature.

With the issue of the two fire arrows resolved, the three of them began searching for any sign of Daniel. However, all they could see were the broken trees surrounding them and remnants of red-colored steam lingering in the air, yet there was no trace of Daniel.

They searched carefully, ensuring they didn't miss any sign of Daniel. However, even after five minutes of thorough searching, they hadn't found any trace of him. Their frustration grew, especially for Pepper.

Pepper: "Where the hell is he?"

Carmilla: "He's probably hiding in the trees."

Carmilla emphasized the word "probably," as she, too, was uncertain about Daniel's location.

After hearing Carmilla's statement, Pepper reshaped the bow she was holding into a sword and crafted a small round shield that she could strap onto her wrist.

Observing Pepper reshape her bow into a sword and shield suitable for melee combat, Carmilla inquired about her intentions. In which Pepper responded to Carmilla's question.

Pepper: "To look for him."

Eve commented from the side.

Eve: "Bad idea."

Carmilla added.

Carmilla: "She's right, Pepper. That's an extremely bad idea."

Ignoring their advice, Pepper proceeded towards the direction where red-colored steam lingered. She cautiously stepped out of the protection of the blood dome but refrained from moving further, staying alert in case Daniel suddenly appeared.

She readied herself, prepared for the possibility of him launching arrows at her. If that were to happen, she planned to retreat swiftly back into the safety of the blood dome with a single step.

After a few seconds passed with no sign of Daniel, Pepper decided to proceed towards the undamaged part of the forest.

As she walked, Pepper was preoccupied with something around her.

Hidden behind one of the trees, Daniel had overheard the entire conversation of the trio. As footsteps approached his approximate location, he deduced from their conversation that the one drawing near was the clone named "Pepper," the one who had ventured out of their protective dome, Daniel inferred based on what he had heard.

Daniel opted to stay concealed behind the tree, refraining from attacking Pepper, as he suspected it might be just a trap to lure him out.

If he had a mirror or any reflective material, he could check the situation without revealing his location. However, lacking such items, he had to rely solely on his hearing to determine the situation and locate Pepper.

As Daniel listened intently on Pepper's footsteps, he began his preparations. Cutting his wrist open to let out some of his blood that he can use, he then crafted a set of arrows out of those blood, creating a total of 11 arrows. However, among them, only one was amplified by mana.

Due to his current mana reserves and limited time, he could control and shape up to 15 blood arrows but he chose to create only 11 arrows, and enhancing just a single arrow. This one amplified arrow held the power equivalent to five unamplified blood arrows.

Daniel waited patiently for Pepper to move farther away from the blood dome and draw closer to his position. He aimed to ensure that when he launched his attack, Pepper wouldn't have the chance to retreat to their blood dome for cover. Such a retreat would not only nullify his preparations but also needlessly expose his location without achieving his intended goal.

Sensing that Pepper was halfway between their blood dome and the undamaged part of the forest where he was concealed, Daniel felt it was an optimal distance.

Pepper's current proximity to the blood dome and Daniel's hiding spot was just right—close enough that she couldn't swiftly approach him and yet not far enough for her to easily flee back to the safety behind of the blood dome.

Emerging from behind a tree, Daniel revealed himself from his hiding place, catching Pepper off guard with his sudden appearance.

Seizing the opportunity presented by her surprise, Daniel swiftly directed the ten arrows beside him to soar towards Pepper, who remained visibly stunned.

He proceeded to load the amplified arrow into the bow he had crafted moments before and swiftly aimed it at Pepper, releasing the arrow toward her direction.

Pepper, who initially appeared shocked, suddenly smirked at Daniel just as the arrows were a few meters away from her.

The unexpected smirk sent a chill down Daniel's spine, yet he chose to disregard it, confident that whatever plan Pepper had in mind would ultimately fail.