Even with Reinhart's help to stop the magic, Maze was running out of ideas. Not only that but she was exhausted. Even with the meal that had healed her, Maze had used too much of her Mana and was not used to using it consecutively.
"Stop playing with magic, and go cut them down! Farid doesn't care if she is alive, but we can't have any fun with her if you kill the girl, right?" The main guard instructed, making the other guards nod.
"That's right! Never had me some princess! Let's get her boys!" The electrical guard roared, but Reinhart was only just getting started.
With a sharp intake of breath, Reinhart called upon his newfound powers, aiming to produce a barrier around them. He hadn't tried it before, but it was worth a shot - if it works, it would give them much-needed cover.
Even as the guards advanced towards them, their malicious intent evident in their heated gaze, Maze and Reinhart held their ground. Reinhart, despite not fully understanding his abilities, attempted to create a barrier in front of the impending threat. His hands glowed, and the power vibrated through
his entire body as he pushed his plea out into the open air. "Shield!" He cried out, exerting every bit of his energy.
His plea seemed to resonate with the Mana within his body, and with an audible pop, a translucent barrier sprang up in front of them, stopping the guards in their tracks. They drew back their weapons in surprise, sneering at the sudden obstacle in their path.
Maze, on the other hand, felt a spark of hope seeing the barrier. Reinhart's victory spurred her on, lifting her spirits. However, she knew it wasn't enough. She needed to fight back, to defend herself and Reinhart. She clenched her fists, feeling the wind whirl around her in response, but her depleted Mana reserves began to wane, and a throbbing headache took hold of her.
Reinhart caught Maze's grim expression and understood. "You've used all your strength, haven't you?" He asked his expression tight with worry. Maze nodded, her gaze meeting his anxious one. "I... I don't think I can hold them back much longer."
As their situation darkened, Reinhart realized it fell to him to protect both of them. His newfound power was their last line of defense. He cleared his throat, trying to mask his growing trepidation. "Alright, Maze... Just stay behind the shield. I... I have an idea."
Without waiting for a response, he stepped forward, keeping his trembling hands hidden behind his back. His fingers flexed around the invisible barrier separating them and the guards, and he slowly began reinforcing it with his remaining power.
The guards watched, puzzled. They shared wary glances before growling and rushing towards him, blades raised high. As they grew closer, Reinhart magnified his power, pushing himself closer to the edge.
The barrier shimmered and pulsed, vibrating from the extra strength Reinhart enforced upon it. The guards watched on, their pace ceasing as they neared the pulsating shield which was now glowing red. Panicked whispers echoed among them as they hesitated, their weapons wavering.
Suddenly, in an unanticipated burst, the shield expanded outward, forcing the guards to stagger backward. The heated energy crackled, stretching wide like an invincible dome over Maze and Reinhart. The shield glowed crimson, the light radiating against the awestruck guards.
Maze watched, strength welling up in her at the incredible sight. "Reinhart... you..." Overwhelmed, she couldn't form words, staring wide-eyed at him. Reinhart turned back, a grin lacing his features. Slightly panting from the exertion, he winked at Maze before collapsing to his knees beside her.
As Reinhart swayed in and out of consciousness, a satisfied smirk remained on his face. "Finally... some peace," he mumbled, his eyes fluttering shut as exhaustion claimed him.
Meanwhile, the guards struggled to comprehend what had just occurred, their rage reverberating around the towering barrier. From her spot behind the impregnable shield, Maze watched Reinhart collapse. She ran to him, cradling his head in her lap.
As the chaos of the battlefield faded into a dull murmur outside their dome, Maze looked down at the man who had just saved them. He was an enigma, a once-floating rations packet, then naked and confused, and now, their champion.
Feeling a surge of gratitude, Maze tightened her grip on Reinhart's hand. "Hang in there, Reinhart... We'll get through this together." She promised quietly, watching his peaceful face under the crimson glow of the magical barrier.
Their trials were far from over, but for now, they had won this small battle. Reinhart's strength and the chance of a magical dinner had held the darkness at bay, buying them a brief, fleeting moment of peace.