Chapter 17: Ch 17: Iris’s freedom
Kael watched the match from the stands with a tense expression.
Iris was putting up an incredible fight with her skills, but her lack of mana and aura was making it hard for her to face the MED.
But her lack of skill was not the problem today.
’Iris was trying to protect the people by making sure the MED did not explode. Looks like she was as quick on the uptake as ever. However, this was not a situation she could handle alone.’
The MED was pushing back Iris even now and she gritted her teeth as she took the impact head on.
It was easy to see that she was on the defensive and it excited the crowd.
"My investment! It’s paying off."
"That MED looks weak, but it seems like it has some hidden skills. I cannot believe it is pushing Iris back."
"Looks like we will have a new champion soon."
People were unaware of the danger they were in and Kael tapped his leg in agitation as he kept looking at the side office. He was counting on someone finding the note he left behind. But if they did not find it soon, he would be forced to act.
’Should I forget about my plan and simply blast the MED? I doubt the magic tower would say anything once they knew that a MED was involved.’
The officials at the magic tower were bastards who easily turned their heads away once money was thrown their way. But they would not be able to ignore a huge incident or bury it.
Luckily for Kael, he did not need to make a decision because the side office blew up with a huge blast, making everyone yell in fright.
"W-What happened?"
"F-Fire! The office blew up! The fire is spreading this way. We need to get going."
Finally, Kael could do something because the people were starting to run.
And Iris could finally use her full power because there was no one left for her to protect.
This was exactly the outcome Kael had wanted.
__________
’Darn it! This MED is too tough. I want to release my power and take it down right now. But these people-!’
Iris complained in her mind as she was pushed back. It did not hurt but the doubt in the people’s voices did make her angry.
She gripped her greatsword tighter as she waited for another attack when she heard a loud noise.
People started yelling about the fire and trying to get away, which made her feel relieved. She could finally concentrate on her fight with the MED.
She was about to release her aura when she felt it being chained up. She immediately looked at her side, only to see the arena announcer trembling while looking at her with a determined expression.
"I know what you are going to do. You are going to destroy this MED, right? The master instructed me not to allow you to do that. So I am binding your mana."
The arena announcer told her with a determined expression and all Iris could do was look at him with a dumbfounded expression before anger flashed across her face.
"You idiot! This MED has gone rogue. If we don’t kill it now, then it will explode and take out the whole arena. Is that something you want?"
She asked the arena announcer and he looked shaken. But then his expression turned determined and he gave her a glare.
"It does not matter. The only thing I need to do is follow the master’s orders. If that meant that both you and I died here, then so be it."
The man was ready to die, but Iris was not. She gripped her sword and parried the MED’s attack. But she was defenseless without her mana.
She was pushed back immediately and the MED launched its final attack at her.
Iris kept her eyes open, wanting to see how she would die. But something blocked the attack for her.
She saw the MED, and then a cloak blocked her view. A familiar presence had saved her life and she felt a hint of surprise and gratitude at seeing Kael’s back.
"You-!"
"Ah, sorry for interrupting. I know that you told me not to, but I still need to make sure my investment in you is well worth it."
Kael told her with a relaxed look on his face. He easily blocked the MED’s attacks before using his magic to trap the MED in a barrier.
The MED tried to break the barrier, but was unsuccessful. Seeing such a display of power made Iris feel both awe and jealousy at the same time.
’Darn it! I could have taken care of that MED myself if I had access to my mana. Why do I have to be stuck like this?’
She questioned and her face became sour. But Kael noticed and gave her a reassuring smile.
"There is no need to look so grim, Iris Nighrbane. I promised you your freedom and I intend to keep that promise. Actually, I am sure I already fulfilled that promise. Can’t you feel the difference?"
Kael asked and Iris was about to tell him that he was mistaken when she noticed something.
The chains that were holding back her mana were gone. She could feel it flowing through her body like always.
No...she could feel it even more clearly now that the slave seal blocking it was gone.
Iris...was finally free.
"You...how did you...so quickly..."
Iris questioned but Kael only smiled at her in his mysterious way. It should have made her suspicious, but all she felt at the moment was a sense of gratitude.
Something she had never expected had just happened.
Iris had dreamed of this moment many times, but now that her freedom was within reach, she suddenly felt lost and scared.
Was she really ready to leave her life behind and start anew? Would she even be able to live freely?
After all, even if she had always dreamed of freedom, it was still scary to actually be free.
"Iris, pull yourself together. I still need you to do your part and take care of the MED for me. Think of this as your revenge against the arena. Don’t you want them to incur heavy losses for what they made you go through?"
Kael asked her and Iris felt a new feeling emerging in her heart.
She tightened her grip on her greatsword and her eyes flashed.
"You are right. I really want to smash something right now."
