Watching the ram-headed Bonesoul dodge with unnatural agility, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of surprise.
The moment it evaded, a glob of murky green pus erupted from its jaws!
Recognizing it as likely corrosive acid, I didn't hesitate—I leaped left to avoid the Bonesoul's counterattack.
But cluttered surroundings forced me to crash into a glass cabinet mid-dodge. It shattered on impact.
"*Hss!*"
Landing amidst the wreckage, shards of glass sliced across my porcelain-pale skin, leaving crimson trails.
Blood oozed slowly from the cuts.
Pain flared—I opened my mouth to cry out, but bit down hard on my lip, choking back the scream.
Struggling upright, I scanned for the ram-headed Bonesoul.
"*Grr!*"
It lunged from the shadows before I could spot it, bony claws sweeping horizontally—aiming to strike while I was off-balance!
Sensing its shadow, I raised my massive bow just in time.
*CLANG!*
I barely blocked the blow, skidding backward from the force.
"*Ugh!*"
Though I deflected it, the impact numbed my hands instantly.
Seizing my momentary weakness, the Bonesoul attacked again—spitting acidic globs while lunging to crush me with its fangs!
But...
Even with numb hands, my legs still worked!
I retreated immediately, putting distance between us.
Simultaneously, I raised my trembling bow, aiming to slow its advance.
To my relief, the feint worked—the Bonesoul hesitated, weaving side-to-side to avoid my aim.
"*Straight line...*"
Feeling sensation return to my hands, I plotted how to corner it.
Should I unleash *Celestial Judgment: Meteor Shower*?
Staring at the advancing Bonesoul, a plan formed.
*Same as last time?*
I flipped open the bow's card slot, grabbing the *Celestial Judgment* card. Slotted it into my belt.
"Card type identified..."
"Type confirmed: Skill Card."
"Skill loaded..."
The belt chimed its familiar standby tone.
Seconds later—
"*Celestial Judgment: Meteor Shower*—ready!"
The upper limbs of my bow ignited with ghostly blue flames, signaling readiness.
"*Is this my finisher?*"
I halted my retreat, raising the bow skyward.
As I drew the string taut, a thought surfaced:
*Is this card my Magical Girl's ultimate move?*
After all, it dwarfed my normal attacks in scale and power...
"*Eh, whatever~ Celestial Judgment: Meteor Shower!*"
Overthinking was pointless.
Whether it was a "finisher" mattered less than ending this fight.
I released the string with a flourish. The blue-flamed arrow shot upward.
At its peak, it vanished like a stone sinking into water—ripples spreading across the sky.
The ripples expanded, revealing a massive spellbook glowing pale blue across the mall atrium's ceiling.
"*Gurgle?*"
The Bonesoul froze mid-charge. Instinct screamed danger—it scrambled backward, seeking cover.
"*Think you can run?*"
I loosed arrows to pin it down.
But this Bonesoul was terrifyingly agile—dodging every shot with unnatural twists.
Seconds later, icy-blue arrows rained from the spellbook.
Just as it seemed the Bonesoul would be skewered—
It contorted violently, dodging arrow after arrow, then ducked beneath a second-floor overhang.
Sheltered from the downpour.
It had evaded my *Celestial Judgment*.
*I never expected such cunning...*
*Was the last one a fluke? Or did it freeze in shock?*
*I thought this would be easy...*
*Guess I was naive.*
*If one card won't end it...*
A faint smile touched my lips.
I opened the bow's card slot again, pulling out another skill card—this one adorned with a blooming flower motif.
Strangely, it displayed a number: "11,000 ATK."
"*Eleven thousand attack power?*"
I murmured the value aloud, studying the card.
"*Then let's test you out~~*"
My gaze locked onto the cowering Bonesoul in the corner. My smile widened.
It trembled violently—clearly terrified.
*No mercy for you.*
I slotted the new card.
"Card type identified..."
"Type confirmed: Skill Card."
"Skill loaded..."
"*Thirteenfold Fury: Roaring Tide*—ready!"
"*Sounds promising~*"
I savored the name—it had an elegant ring.
No fancy stance needed this time.
I leveled Fimilaharde at the Bonesoul.
"*Thirteenfold Fury: Roaring Tide!*"
Per Magical Girl tradition, shouting the skill name felt right.
*Wouldn't it be cooler this way?*
I stuck out my tongue playfully and released the string.
*WHOOSH!*
The arrow split mid-flight—thirteen beams of light fanning out, converging on the Bonesoul.
Trapped, it took every beam. They fused into a single point on its chest.
"*Gwaaaaa...*"
Its wail died into a gurgle.
White frost raced across its body.
Seconds later—
Another ice sculpture stood frozen, its despair locked beneath thick ice.
"*Finally over~*"
I exhaled, relief washing over me.
Another failed attack, and *I'd* be the one frozen.
Using two skills back-to-back drained me—my legs trembled, strength fading.
*Magic exhaustion? Or just stamina?*
No time to dwell. I had to check on Shen Shiyu.
*What if more Bonesouls attacked?*
In this state, even one more would be trouble...
I forced my unsteady legs to carry me back upstairs.
Minutes later, I reached Shen Shiyu's spot on the second floor.
"You're back? Are you alright?"
Kyuubi slowly turned its head toward me.
"Yeah... took a bit longer than planned."
Leaning against the railing to steady myself, I panted out the reply, voice shaky.
"Not 'a bit'—you're completely drained. Don't push it. Sit."
Kyuubi saw right through my act.
"*Fine... I'll listen this once.*"
I sank down beside the railing.
"These humans will forget everything when they wake. Dispel your transformation first."
Kyuubi padded closer, following my gaze to the unconscious crowd. Its tone was casual, almost dismissive.
"*Good...*"
Warmth blossomed in my chest.
Killing Bonesouls brought no joy—but saving Shen Shiyu?
*That* made me smile.
