Published at 25th of April 2022 03:25:53 PM

Lilixira transforms her hammer into four swords of light, twisting her long body to fly through the air towards me. I raise my damaged [Oneiros Raizem] and [Oneiros Flugel]. Id like to repair them with [Ideal Weapon], but I cant waste the last of my MP on that. As long as theyre still functional, Ill keep using them.

Neither of us have much MP left. Which skill I use will directly lead to victory or defeat.

[Flash That Drives Away the Darkness] would be too slow. It could bypass her resistance to deal heavy damage, but I cant imagine it would hit, and its not a particularly good match for her. [Dimension Claw] wont work for a decisive hit, but its good for keeping her in check. Restricting her movement with [Gravity] might not be a bad idea, either. Though shed probably counter with her own [Gravity]. I cant use [Hellgate] with my remaining MP. [Wormhole] is too situation-dependent.

The one I most want to go with is [Mirage]. My sword, [Oneiros Raizem], has a certain ability.

It temporarily lowers the targets [Illusion Resistance], and Ive already cut her several times with it.

The problem is what I should show her. Anything too large-scale would quickly be seen through. The inconsistencies where [Mirage] clashes with reality manifests as a sense of discomfort. Lilixira isnt a naive enough to overlook that.

On top of that, Lilixira is skilled at predicting me. She has no doubt already checked the effect of [Oneiros Raizem]. Even if I can deceive her temporarily, as soon as she notices it, the illusion will be broken.

Can I really outwit her? Perhaps I should stay away from [Mirage], and try restricting her movements with [Dimension Claw] or [Gravity] instead?

Lilixiras swords are getting closer. Ive made my decision. Ill fight with [Mirage].

[Mirage] isnt the only illusion I have access to. I dont think I can really count on the other one, but if I set them both up at once, it should be harder for her to see through them both. Im relying on luck, but theres no strategy that will give me a certain win. If there was such a thing, neither of us would have had struggled so hard.

I deflect her first thrust with my shield, while at the same time swinging my sword into her abdomen. A huge amount of blood spurts from her mouth. In order to make [Mirage] more effective, I need to force some more damage on her.

Too simple.

Two swords swing towards me, coming from either side. Did she abandon defence to commit everything to attack!?

Im surprised that she would attack so aggressively. Up until now, shes been carefully earning damage, without any sign of haste. In that sense, this attack is very unlike her. Ill respond in kind.

GuuOOOOOOh!

Roaring, I swing my sword. Lilixira tries to dive below, but I still manage to slice her shoulder. One of her arms, along with the blade of light it was holding, fall to the bottom of the cliff.

Despite her heavy injury, Lilixira darts to my side and flashes out a sword of light. My blood splatters, and I desperately hold onto my fading consciousness. Its okay, I still have some HP left. Lilixiras almost dead too. I need to endure this and then use [Mirage] to land the decisive hit!

Lilixira quickly turns in the air, plunging back towards me. She might not have much leeway left, thanks to the HP loss from [Chakra Awakening]. Compared to the start, shes acting far more aggressive.

Is she trying to avoid giving me time to think? By any chance could she be purposefully inviting counterattacks to lower her illusion resistance? Normally, such a strategy would be meaningless, but I wouldnt put it past her if shes confident she can see through my [Mirage].

Is [Mirage] really the correct option here? No, I cant hesitate. Lilixira cant have much leeway either. Theres no way I can be entirely in the palm of her hand.

This clash will decide it. This is no time to hesitate!

I activate [Mirage]. As Lilixira flies towards me, I hide the position of my hand, making it look like my sword is further ahead than it really is. If she falls for this, it should be plenty. Ill be able to cut her as she stops to dodge it.

Her eyes arent looking at the illusion at all. She must have predicted the [Mirage]. Was my usage too simple? Or did I get the timing wrong?

Visit readel.me for extra chapters.

I couldnt think of any other subtle yet effective ways of using it. [Mirage] might have been a bad idea after all. The value of illusions falls massively when their timing and scale are so restricted.

In a straightforward clash, Lilixiras number of attacks gives her an advantage. I also have less HP left than her. My MP is practically empty, too.

No, its not over yet. I still have one illusion left.

I raise [Oneiros Flugel].

[Oneiros Flugel]: Value L (Legendary)

[Defence: 3000]

A greatshield faintly glowing with blue threads.

Made using the wings of the [Dream Dragon] governing the world of dreams.

It is said to have been used as the gateway that divides the human and divine worlds.

Superficial attacks will naturally not penetrate, and those who draw close are led astray by illusions.

Ill count on the illusory effect of [Oneiros Flugel]! The timing and contents are completely out of my control. She cant overcome it simply by predicting me.

No way This cant

Lilixiras eyes open wide, and her three swords lower slightly. Her expression is one Ive never seen before. Its different from her blank expression in battle, or her palliative expression when she recruited me. This might be my first glimpse into her true feelings. I see traces of tears forming in her eyes.

I throw [Oneiros Flugel] at her. She quickly cuts it in two. In the meantime, I close the distance.

I swing [Oneiros Raizem] into her. I feel a response.

Lilixiras wings stop moving. The three swords of light fall from her hands. This cant be an act. By letting go of her [Aparajita] weapons now, she wont have enough MP left to recreate them.

I dont receive an experience point notification, but Lilixiras body limply falls to the bottom of the cliff.