Juliette glared at the direction of the sound with concern.
'That's impossible… no challengers should be able to break my earth wall.'
An instinctual fear seized her. She ran towards the entrance, preparing to use Stone Bullet and Earth Wall just in case.
She peered into the darkness, looking for her target, only to find Aito aiming a short crossbow at her. A bolt flew in her direction, lodging in her frail shoulder.
"Ah, bastard!" She stumbled backward from the pain and gritted her teeth, trying to focus on her skill.
Due to her experience as a challenger, Juliette was accustomed to pain but not enough to concentrate properly, delaying the formation of her spell. Moreover, she was still tired from being held captive.
Before she could close the entrance, Aito climbed out of it, soaked, steaming due to his gift, a furious glare in his dark eyes and his ax in hand.
