Facing them up close, the overwhelming presence of the two enemy Magicrafts was nothing short of astonishing. Even though it wasn’t cold, goosebumps prickled my skin, and an eerie chill crawled up my spine. My instincts warned me clearly—this was dangerous.

“We don’t need to engage them in a full-scale battle. It’s enough to create an opening for retreat,” I said.

My aides, starting with Mary, were all exceptionally skilled. None of them charged in recklessly. Instead, they followed instructions, using light attacks to keep the opponents in check.

However, the silver Magicraft and the golden Magicraft ignored these light attacks entirely. Even blows that would be devastating to an ordinary Magicraft were deflected as though they were nothing.

“They don’t even consider this a distraction…”

The golden Magicraft, in particular, seemed determined not to let Cruz and Skullfy escape. It moved in direct response to their actions, as though it recognized them as key figures of the Elysian Empire army and intended not to let them get away.

“It can’t be helped. I’ll hold off the golden Magicraft. Mary, take the others and cover their escape while protecting Cruz and Skullfy.”

“No way! Yui, that enemy is far too dangerous for even you! I won’t allow you to fight it alone! I’ll fight with you!”

Her tone and determination made it clear that no amount of argument would dissuade her. With no time to waste on back-and-forth, it was decided that Mary and I would take on the golden Magicraft while entrusting the others to focus on distracting the enemies and rescuing Cruz.

“Mary, please promise me you won’t be reckless.”

“I know. I’m not overestimating my abilities,” she replied.

Mary was undeniably strong, but even she seemed underpowered against an enemy of this caliber. Honestly, I doubted even my own chances of victory in a direct confrontation.

I dashed forward at full speed, pointing the tip of my rapier at the golden Magicraft. Half-hearted attacks wouldn’t work against this opponent. I poured everything I had into this one strike, aiming to end it in a single blow.

For the first time, the golden Magicraft reacted. It clearly heightened its focus, facing me with an air of readiness.

Its single camera-like eye on its head swiveled to glare at me with such intensity that I hesitated for a moment. Steeling myself, I thrust the rapier straight at its chest.

The golden Magicraft swayed almost lazily, dodging my desperate attack by a hair’s breadth. Then, with that movement, it launched a counterattack. Swinging the staff it held in its right hand, it unleashed a barrage of fireballs.

Caught off guard by the close-range attack, two of the fireballs struck Elvara Kai.

“Ugh…”

“Yui!”

Mary darted behind the golden Magicraft, slashing at it horizontally with her sword. Yet, unbothered by her strike, the golden Magicraft casually raised its staff, deflecting her attack.

As Mary lost her balance from the repelled blow, the golden Magicraft turned its staff toward her.