The first to move was me.
I sent my Silveit flying backward, grabbing onto the trees to propel myself away.
Distance. I needed to create as much distance between the monster and Aya-chan as possible.
This was a Rank Five monster, far stronger than any I had faced before. I couldn't risk fighting near the car and endangering Aya-chan by dragging her into our battle.
...Follow me.
My unspoken invitation worked, and the monster took the bait.
Of course, it did. Its target wasn't Aya-chan—it was me. If I ran, it would definitely chase after me.
Feeling a sense of relief that my gamble had paid off, I spread my Silveit throughout the forest.
"Shape Change."
I muttered softly.
In the next instant, a barrier of blades materialized in the forest.
"Hmm, clever," the monster remarked.
But before I could react, it leaped into the air, soaring about 30 meters to completely avoid the barrier.
"...!?"
