44 Restriction (2/2)

”Okay then. Well, let's start fighting,” Shesmu concluded the discussion before unsheathing his sword. His eyes scanned the battlefield, looking for places with a high density of monsters. He located a pack of five and ran towards them. He jumped from one white tile to the next in a zigzagging motion.

Looking at the incoming Shesmu, the wolves bared their fangs and claws. Shesmu unleashed his ki. Black and green energy clashed within his sword leaving a rainbow of terror as Shesmu jumped high in the sky. His ki formed a trailing arc before his blade cleaved the first wolf's head, splitting it in half.

The tile on which Shesmu was about to land was black. Looking around him, all of the other tiles were occupied by red monsters. Shesmu clicked his tongue before using his Dash skill. He appeared above the wolf that was at his right and slashed his nape open.

”Awoo!”

The wolf wailed and howled, but it didn't stop Shesmu from plunging his deep into its chest.

He looked up to see the rest of the wolves growling. The three readied themselves before pouncing at Shesmu with strength.

”Demon Slash!”

The dark energy took over the Cambione's Blade and Shesmu slashed at his enemies. A long and wide black crescent of energy engulfed the incoming wolves, before splitting them in half.

”Wow.”

Shesmu looked around at the direction of sound only to be greeted by Ryuji's glittering eyes. His expression was that of pure, unbridled adoration. Somehow, that made Shesmu cringe.

”Master you're too good! That was insane!”

By that point, Shesmu gave up on making Ryuji stop calling him ”master”. He just shook his head and said, ”Stop looking at me and focus on your own opponents. You don't want to hold us back, do you?”

”Shesmu is right, Ryuji. Focus on the wolf in front of you!”

Ryuji was facing a level 10 wolf, while Sakura stood behind him as support. He raised his sword high, his eyes the epitome of focus. Green energy overflowed from his blade before he roared with might and slashed.

At the ground.

Shesmu fought hard the urge to burst out laughing.

”Careful Ryuji, run!”

Sakura shouted in warning towards Ryuji, but the latter couldn't regain his balance. The wolf jumped on him and bit at his arm.

”Damnit.” Sakura gritted her teeth and summoned her staff.

”Shuma meru!”

An orange magical circle with elvish runes appeared in front of Sakura's staff. A basketball-sized fireball materialized from it before launching towards the growling wolf.

”Awoo!”

The fireball exploded in the face of the wolf, burning its fur in the process. The wolf jumped away from Ryuji's body in pain.

”Thanks, Sakura.”

Freed from the beast's claws, Ryuji stood up using his sword as support. The wolf was on top of a black tile, so Ryuji couldn't attack it. Sakura understood his predicament and as such she waited. She waited until the wolf could no longer, and pounced at Ryuji.

”Rava meru!”

A magical circle, this time violet-blue appeared in front of her. Lightning flashed from within before streaking towards the jumping wolf.

The beast was stunned in midair before falling flat on the ground. Helpless and defenseless, even Ryuji was able to slash it to death.

Throughout the whole fight, both Shesmu and Leo watched with bated breath. With the wolf finally dead, Leo couldn't help but exclaim, ”Good job! You both did great, that was a marvelous fight!”

Shesmu disagreed. Sakura carried that fight like a champ. However, just as he was about to voice his opinion, Sakura's expression stopped him dead in his tracks. She was smiling.

Shesmu understood not to talk from that simple hint. If she was satisfied, there was no reason for him to say anything.