As I drew the bowstring taut, no ordinary pale-blue arrow appeared—instead, a trident forged from frost materialized!

The trident stretched nearly two meters, most of its length extending beyond Fimilaharde’s frame. Yet miraculously, it didn’t tilt or wobble from being top-heavy.

It stood fixed on the string, waiting only for my release.

The violet beam surged toward me, ready to swallow me whole—

I snapped my left hand open. The trident shot forward, propelled by the bow’s recoil!

"Glacier Spear!"

I roared the skill’s name as it flew.

In the next instant—

A spiraling ice storm engulfed the trident’s tip, freezing over its entire length in a blink.

Trailing a deep-blue wake, the trident howled through the air, locking onto the violet beam.

Wherever it passed, thick frost crystallized beneath it.

Less than a second later—collision!

The trident froze the violet beam solid within seconds.

*Was her attack weaker than my Glacier Spear?*

"What?!"

Shock twisted the girl’s face as her beam shattered under my ice.

Her magic circle froze too—shattered by the spreading frost.

"Surrender," I said calmly, lowering Fimilaharde. Victory was certain.

But I held back. No killing intent—just enough ice to break her circle.

"Never! I’d never lose to a half-baked fool like you!"

She glared, leaping backward to create distance.

Her pistol aimed at me again.

"Witness my ultimate technique! Your mercy will be your downfall!"

She knew I’d held back. But surrender?

*As if I’d insulted her.*

Her hatred flared. She loaded a crimson bullet from her thigh holster, a cruel smile spreading.

*Like human lives meant nothing.*

"So that’s your answer?"

I sighed, raising Fimilaharde again.

"Die, trash! Roar of the Crimson King!"

She fired before I could react.

A complex crimson magic circle erupted beneath her feet, expanding hungrily—

"You’re insane!"

This wasn’t some ordinary spell. A wide-area attack?

In the middle of a city street?

Civilians would be caught in the blast—

*What can I—*

"Transform! You hold the power to protect everything!"

Kyuubi’s voice cut through my panic.

"Transform?"

"Yes!"

"Alright—I’ll try!"

I released Fimilaharde, thrusting my hand into the air.

I *pulled*—and a card materialized in my grip.

A shield emblazoned on its surface.

"Hurry! There’s no time!" Kyuubi urged.

I jammed the card into my belt’s slot.

>

>

>

>

"Manifest! Limonite Fortress—Yalkotira, Bulwark of Will!"

A giant cross materialized in my hands.

Wings spread from its arms; a dragon coiled around its central pillar.

"You can’t stop this! This street will be your grave! Rejoice—you’ll die with crowds!"

Her grin warped, eyes fixed only on killing me.

But—

"I trust Kyuubi!"

No doubt. Never.

"Unleash your power, Yalkotira! Show me your Bulwark of Will!"

I slammed the cross into the ground.

The crimson magic circle dimmed instantly—fading like a dying ember.

Shattered. Gone.

"So the Bonesouls were your doing?" Kyuubi appeared beside me, ruby eyes fixed on the girl.

"Isn’t she a Magical Girl too?" I asked.

"Likely. But she may have drawn the Bonesouls here," Kyuubi shrugged.

"Tch. Cat and girl—you think I’ll explain? This time, I retreat. Next time, you won’t be so lucky!"

She shot us a venomous glare and vanished.

"She’s fast…" I muttered, staring at the empty spot.

"Fierce words, but her escape skills are world-class~" Kyuubi mused.

"Chase her?"

"No. Your body can’t take more strain. Disengage now."

Kyuubi was right. Exhaustion clawed at my bones. Only the cross kept me upright.

"Right…"

I reached for my belt buckle—

And froze.

My outfit? A backless black gown. Lace-trimmed split skirt. A violet gem glittered at the chest.

*That gem alone could buy a house.*

Black tights covered my legs.

And the shoes—

*High heels.*

I’d never worn heels in my life.

My ankles screamed in protest. I yanked the belt free.

*This weapon’s banned. Forever.*

Who designs a shield that comes with stilettos?