My steady pace was gradually lowering as I reached the spot where we stopped right before our search for water. There were several birds circling above the grassfield, but at the moment I was not paying attention to them. Of course, my grip was still tightened on the dagger, however, the reason for that was the inability to decide what I should do next. Nila told me to run, but how far? Did she mean that I should escape the monster realm or simply wait until she was done with Manuela? But what if she loses? It would make more sense to simply depart from the monster realm and wait for her arrival in Dlayla region, however, I could not be sure that she would be able to find her way out even if Manuela gave up on the idea of fighting her. Could it be our last farewell? No, it certainly could not end this way!
"Damn it! The hell I must do? Think, think!"
I walked back and forth reasoning my next move, but no matter how hard I thought, there was no clear plan present in my mind. The best bet would be helping her out in this fight, but so far I was nothing but a hindrance for her. I was weak, way too weak! And now I could not help but to waste time in the dangerous field where my very soul could be snatched by man eaters any moment. I was wasting too much time, if anything this fight might have been already over. In case Nila lost, Manuela was already trailing me down, if I did not at least hide, Nila's sacrifice would end in vain!
"Fuck it! Fuck it all!" I screamed in despair as I realised that there was no safe way out of this situation. I either should have given up on her, or gambled my own life for the slim chance of her victory. Nila was a strong mage, but Manuela… She looked more solid, as not only could she cast spells, but also was a skilful fighter in close quarters. I did not underestimate magic, as it was a powerful tool that could deal with monsters without needing to drench your hands in blood, but it was surely not all powerful, as even I was able to claim the life of Michael Crawley, who definitely had used magic.
As I was breaking my head over my next move, I remembered one unwanted presence that might be of help in this situation. I took out the gemstone from my pocket and glared directly at it, waiting for it to give off light and summon the pesky phantom who brought me to this world, but it did not glow what-so-ever. I frowned at this pitiful sight and shook it while saying, "Come on, Solitaire, get out of here, please, be helpful for once!"
As much as I did not want to admit it, Solitaire was my only saving grace. He was able to grant me power that should be enough to drive away Manuela. I never knew of his goals as to why he wanted me specifically to slay the god, but if I begged him to use his help, it would surely be beneficial for him as I would be more reliant on him. This was why I desperately wanted him to show his sassy grin, use me to your heart's content, Solitaire! Just please, let me turn the tide of that battle, the wind of which reached even the very place I stood in!
"I can hear you, dear friend, there is no need for such a violent act towards our lifeline. You might accidentally drop it." suddenly spread his soothing voice, which made me turn my head in search of its source. At once, I caught him floating not too far away from me, his usual smile greeted me.
"You happened to be in quite a predicament, right?"
I frowned as I could hear mockery hidden under his calm demeanour. I almost regretted seeking his presence, but upon remembering my situation, I shook my head and said, "Solitaire, please, grant me this power! I need it to help Nila."
His smile slightly widened as he flew closer to me, extending his hands towards my face, he whispered, "But, of course, dear friend! Conditions of this place are almost perfect to give access to your untapped potential, however, there is a slight issue or rather requirement."
"Just spit it out!" I hissed, to which Solitaire laughed, "No need to be so impatient, your elven friend is quite skilled yourself, you shan't worry about her so much. But I believe she might be in trouble without your help."
"Then tell me, what do I need to do? What is this issue?"
Solitaire rubbed his chin and glanced at the direction of the battle. There were slight gusts of winds that shook tree tops, along with sparks of light that brightened the midday of the monster realm. He smiled.
"The issue is, that if I grant you power, there must be no witnesses among people overall, not just humans."
"W-what do you mean?" I was slightly taken aback by his choice of words, my shocked eyes brought only amusement to his face as he bluntly asked, "Will you be able to kill that elven girl?"
"HUH!? OF COURSE NOT!"
I clenched my teeth in anger, as it was not time for crazy jokes. Solitaire only dramatically raised his hands as if giving up at the sight of my anger and said, "Then I can't help, dear friend, unless…"
"Just get to the point!"
Solitaire's heterochromatic eyes slowly slid up my body, from my toes to the very top of my head. His carefree demeanour was set to the background as a resemblance of seriousness emerged. He extended his hand towards me.
"Give me access to your body, and I might come up with a way to resolve this problem."
I froze in place upon hearing his suggestion, his expression remained solid as stone, however, after a few seconds of awkward silence, Solitaire sighed and explained his position, "Of course, I would be in charge of your body for only the duration of that fight. Once I resolve the conflict, you will return as if nothing happened. What do you say, dear friend?"
I definitely could not trust him! Possessing my body? As hell, I would allow it! This could not be the only way, right? If Solitaire assumed that there is a way to help Nila with that frail body of mine, then I surely could do it myself! I turned away from him to face the battleground in the distance, silently rejecting his offer, but then Solitaire sighed, taking my attention once again.
"How unfortunate, dear friend, but you are free to distrust me." his body started to slowly dissipate into the air, but before Solitaire disappeared completely, he said, "I would suggest you to escape the monster realm as soon as possible. There is no other way out of this situation for you."
"Wait!" I exclaimed, timidly extending my arm. Solitaire's dissipation halted as his head turned to me once again. I could not trust his actions, but… gut was telling me to trust his words. So far, Solitaire was playing with me as if I was a bug enclosed in the box of matches. He did not take me seriously at all, yet he entrusted me with a task to slay god. Could it be that he simply did not view it as a great achievement? Whatever it may be, for now I could only think of one thing, I should help Nila. This is why I was ready to accept this gamble regardless of my distrust.
Solitaire smiled once again at the sight of my hand and extended his own hand while saying, "Great choice, dear friend, you will reunite with your elven companion very soon... Laudate Dominus."
As soon as he touched my hand and whispered words that sounded like a spell, the world dove into darkness, no sound could be caught by my ears, I did not taste my own saliva nor could I enjoy the lush aroma of grassland where I stood just a second ago. My very existence melted into reality itself, I became everything but also nothing. All I could do is think and pray for the success of my bet.
Dusk's body first dropped to the ground, but after a short while, it pushed itself upwards on trembling legs. The hand touched the youthful face and the spine straightened up, releasing a popping sound. The eyes that belonged to Dusk opened wide, however, the expression that followed was not his usual frown. A smile rose onto the cheeks, caring, one with a hint of mischief. The mouth slowly opened and it spoke.
"Ah, it has been a while since I took the physical form… this body is quite fragile, but good enough to crush that duel." said Solitaire to no one, while facing the battlefield in the distance. He should hurry, as it seemed like the fight between an elven mage and a harvester was steadily reaching its finale.