บท 164: Bewildering Aftermath

Harpax, Icilia, and Alwina regained consciousness on an ebbing stretch of shallow, reddish ichor, the dissipating remnants of the latter's protection surrounding them in a swirl of purple dust. 

"Ahh, my bones are rattling~" She groaned from pain, struggling to even get on her feet. 

Icilia was already up, surveying their surroundings in jittery glances. Harpax wasn't better, unable to stifle his quivering as he instinctively took a low stance, akin to chased prey. 

"D—Don't stay in the blood," he mumbled, his eyes wide open. "We need to hurry out of here. He won't stop until he brings me back. Alwina, can you move?" 

"Barely." She hoisted herself with the help of Icilia. "My magecraft's barriers are effective against stronger attacks, but I bear most of the pressure in the form of physical pain. I don't think I'll withstand another spell like that one." 

"That was more than enough," Icilia said. "You saved us."