Time felt like it slowed down as the blade of water neared Liora and her companion, her eyes were wide as she couldn't believe that she was going to die.
But suddenly, she felt Saber move from beneath her, before she can process anything she was thrown off it's back.
'H-huh?' Liora questioned internally as she was flung into the air, out of harms way, she watched in horror as the large water blade crashed down with so much power, the whole ground beneath them exploded with a watery splash that gushed out everywhere.
The force of the attack caused a massive shockwave that blew Liora away hard, she flew a few metres in the air before hitting the ground hard and knocking her head on the dirt road, rendering her unconscious.
Lisa sighed as she straightened her posture and began to move forward towards the unconscious Liora, she felt really guilty for having to do this to her younger sister, especially one that she had just met today.
Lisa could already invision her sisters hate for her, how they will never have the chance to build a bond, all thanks to her family's actions. With her strong arms she craddled Liora in her arms, a tear escaping her eye as it fell on her forehead.
During her time spent in the army, Lisa went through hellish training. The place was no home for the weak, but no matter how much she pleaded, Lisa was taken away to the military and changed forever as a person.
She was usually delicate, someone that would treat everyone with their share of kindness. But the pain and suffering she went through during her time in the military was unbearable, she had lost countless comrades during dungeon expeditions and missions they would often take together.
Only thanks to her Talent and Legendary-Tier Water magic was she able to adjust and eventually become a well-respected individual in the military. Lisa's Talent-[Posseidon's Judgement] Allowed her to summon a huge flood that could drown villages and small towns.
It proved very useful in the many missions she would take, as she didn't even have to be on the frontlines. Her water magic was also spectacular, even capable of cutting through the hardest surfaces with must a trickle of a water slash.
But even with her crazy water magic, Lisa didn't want to be a delicate flower anymore. She recalled the bullying she endured in the military, her noble status didn't matter in that place.
So, she trained, hard and tiredlessly. During the nights or away from the prying eyes, Lisa would use every bit of free time to train her family's swordsmanship to it's finest capablities.
Lisa during her training learned how to infuse her water magic into the blade of her sword, allowing crazy battle scenarios. She could even cast water spells through the blade of her sword, while engaged in a sword fight.
She recalled the first time she had taken an enemy's life during one of her first missions, the guilt and pain she felt, just knowing that you killed someone, was at first, too much to bear.
But as time went on and the more mission she took, the more she got accustomed to killing and even enjoyed it in some cases. Lisa wasn't the same delicate little girl anymore, she was now a soldier, a fighter, a conquerer.
"Oh, Liora," Lisa whispered, trying to calm her aching heart. She couldn't help but feel scared for her sister, when she returns Liora back to the mansion, will they too take her to the military?
But that wouldn't be possible, seeing as Liora has Low-Tier Beast Taming magic, they probably won't even have a use for her at the military.
But after seeing Liora's abilities first hand, seeing how powerful her beasts became, Lisa knew the military would do anything in their power to break her and make her confess her secrets.
"Damn it..." Lisa cursed in frustration at the thought of her sister being taken away, her heart ached as she couldn't imagine her sister go through what she did.
But she couldn't ignore her father's orders, if she tried to save Liora in a way or help her escape, she could face dire consequences. Her father was the most powerful duke in the estate of the Royal Capital, he was also good friends with the king, which further spread his influence.
Slowly, Lisa walked back towards the mansion. Her eyes glued on the innocent face of her younger sister, they passed through the guards and entered the Capital grounds again.
As Lisa walked, people couldn't help but start to whisper and gossip among themselves. Lisa ignored everything and walked futher into the streets towards their home.
"Mrs. Lisa!" A voice called from around the corner, Lisa turned her to the direction of the voice to see her family butler waiting for her, accompanied by a carrige ready to take them back home.
"Ah, Alfred. I assume you're here to ride us back home?" Lisa asked as she stepped foward with Liora still unconscious in her arms.
Alfred bowed, his tone respectful "Yes, the duke is waiting, and i'm sure he'll be delighted to see that you've captured her." Alfred said as he stepped aside and gestured for Lisa to climb inside the carrige.
Lisa put on a fake smile and nodded as she climbed inside the carrige. After getting inside Alfred sat at the front and began to ride back to the mansion of the Rohart's.
------
Chris layed inside his bed, the events of the Awakening replaying in his mind. He wondered if the reveal of his High-Tier Light Magic would cause problems in the future for him, seeing that Light Magic was valued highly in the kingdom.
Since healers were very hard to come by, they were usually taken in by the church and made into priests or Saints. Healers had the power to cure curses, heal wounds, and restore lost limbs.
He glanced at the window outside his room, the sun already starting to set across the horizon.
The small bustling of the village nulled him into a deep sleep, tommorow was the day the Awakened children would go into the Dark Woods and get their abilities tested.
But there wouldn't be anymore monsters left to hunt as Chris and his skeletons already cleared the forest clean of any monsters.
----
As the carriage rattled along the cobblestone streets, Lisa stared down at Liora, her mind racing. The closer they got to the mansion, the more the weight of her father's expectations pressed down on her. She clenched her jaw, torn between duty and the growing protectiveness she felt for her sister.
Liora stirred slightly in her sleep, her face scrunching up as if lost in a nightmare. Lisa reached out and gently brushed a stray lock of hair from Liora's forehead, her heart aching.
"I won't let them take you," she whispered to her sister, her voice firm, though doubt gnawed at the edges of her resolve. But the fear of her father, the consequences of disobedience, made her stomach twist. How could she protect Liora without risking her own life?
The carriage jerked to a stop in front of the mansion's grand entrance, its towering columns casting long shadows in the fading sunlight. Alfred hopped down from the driver's seat and opened the door, bowing deeply.
"Miss Lisa, your father awaits inside," he said, his tone steady but cautious.
Lisa nodded stiffly, stepping out of the carriage with Liora still cradled in her arms. Her heart raced as they ascended the marble steps to the front doors. Every step felt heavier than the last. She knew her father would be furious if he sensed any hesitation in her actions. But the thought of handing her sister over to the life of violence and despair she'd endured was unbearable.
As the massive double doors swung open, Lisa braced herself. Inside, the grand hall was as imposing as ever, with its tall ceilings and intricate chandeliers. And there, standing at the foot of the grand staircase, was her father, Duke Rohart.
His piercing gaze settled on Lisa, then on Liora's limp form in her arms. His expression was unreadable, but Lisa could feel the tension in the air.
"Is it done?" his voice boomed, cold and commanding.
Lisa hesitated for a brief moment. "Yes, Father," she replied, trying to mask the tremble in her voice. "I've brought her back, as you requested."
The duke's eyes narrowed, inspecting Liora. "Good. You've done well, Lisa. Now, leave her with me."
Her heart skipped a beat. "Father, I—"
"I said, leave her with me," he repeated, more sharply this time. "She will be dealt with according to the family's wishes."
Lisa swallowed hard, her grip on Liora tightening. She could feel her resolve slipping. What could she do? Defy him here and now, or comply and find another way to protect Liora later?
She took a deep breath and gently laid Liora down on the nearest sofa, her hands lingering for a second longer than necessary. The guilt washed over her like a tidal wave, but she couldn't let her father see.
"Of course, Father," she said softly, stepping back, her eyes never leaving Liora's face. "I'll take my leave now."
As she turned to walk away, she caught a glimpse of her father's cold, calculating expression. She knew that whatever he had planned for Liora, it wasn't good.