บท 199: Protogonos

"Meilyr!"

Alwina came running without so much as a visible scratch, her clothes having borne most of the damage. She wasn't lying about the sturdiness of Soul Sorcerers.

"Are you all right?" She placed herself between Meilyr and the mystical creature, using her body as a shield. "That's a Blood Iuba, a Dream-class juvenile of the Iuba species. They're extremely fast Natural Spirits, capable of breaking the sound barrier if given enough momentum."

Amidst a silent prayer, she braced herself with a heavy breath. "I'll stop it in its tracks. As long as I endure the pain, my barriers shouldn't break."

The beast growled from its blooming mouth, its posture low.

Although hostile, it appeared wary and somewhat confused. That pause lasted for a mere moment, however, as it prepared to pounce.

"Here it comes. I'll give you an opening, Meilyr."

"No need."

"Huh?"