Not-So an Extra

Sylvina's voice trembled slightly, "But isn't it against the Blood Controlling's oath?" Her concern was evident, and she struggled with the decision before her. 

Adrian nodded solemnly, "Yes, it is," his voice filled with regret. "But you are free to decline it." He understood the gravity of what he was suggesting, and he wanted to ensure that Sylvina made her own choice without feeling pressured. 

Sylvina's gaze shifted away from Adrian, her eyes landing on her friends who were engaged in a relentless battle against the mysterious man. The sight of their struggle only intensified her internal conflict. 

However, she couldn't ignore the fact that Adrian, who had recited the Oath himself, must be fully aware of its implications. With that in mind, she took a deep breath, mustering the courage to face Adrian once again, and spoke, "Tell me how to do it."

Adrian had contemplated the idea of learning Blood-Controlling himself. In the course of his research, he came across something that seemed to present a potential loophole within the ability. The Oath clearly stipulated that their powers should be employed for 'benevolent' purposes and not for any 'malevolent' intentions.

"First," Adrian began, "you must assess your intentions and motivations. Are you seeking revenge, or are you genuinely acting in the interest of preserving harmony and protecting others? You must be honest with yourself and ensure that your actions are driven by the greater good." 

Sylvina's understanding dawned upon her as she absorbed Adrian's words. By restraining the man, she could prevent him from causing further harm to her friends without causing unnecessary injury to Hector. In doing so, she would still uphold her values and the principles outlined in her oath. 

"I understand." With newfound resolve, she began to chant. 'I want to help my friends.' 

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.

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"Arrghh!" Hector's anguished cry reverberated through the air as he stumbled backward, blood streaming down from a deep gash on his eyes and his hand instinctively clutched the wound.

Adrian, observing the scene from a distance, watched with a mixture of intrigue and satisfaction, 'So, my hypothesis has been proven correct, huh?' 

Nevertheless, he couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement at the unfolding events, 'With this, the tables have now been flipped.'

Sylvina blinked her eyes rapidly, her astonishment evident upon realizing that she remained unscathed after lowering Hector's blood pressure. She turned toward Adrian and a warm smile graced on his lips.

"Well done." Adrian's voice dipped with admiration.

Sylvina's smile mirrored Adrian's, but it quickly faded when a realization washed over her. "But I can only maintain control for a few seconds before his regenerative abilities interfere," she confessed, her disappointment palpable. 

Adrian shook his head and reassured her. "No, it's more than enough."

Even if it was temporary, those precious few seconds of immobilization could provide a crucial opening for Nathaniel or anyone else to strike or retreat safely. 

Nodding her head with determination, Sylvina refocused her attention on Hector and commenced to recite the spell once more. 

Hector ceased his steps as his vision, which had just been engulfed in darkness, returned to normal. He removed his hand from his face, only to find Nathaniel standing in front of him, sword poised to attack.

Hector swiftly covered his fist with wind elemental and swung it to parry the attack, but to his dismay, his body suddenly froze in place.

"Argh!!" A geyser of crimson erupted into the air the moment Nathaniel's sword slashed Hector's chest diagonally, leaving a deep gash that sent him sprawling backward. Tumbling across the ground, Hector's body rolled several times before finally coming to a stop. 

Despite the severity of the wound, Hector propelled himself upright, his bloodied figure emitting smoke and the injury began to heal itself. He glanced upward and noticed two chakrams hurtling towards him. 

Reacting quickly, he enveloped his fists with wind elemental. However, upon preparing to parry the incoming projectiles, he found his hands and legs frozen in place, 'What the fuck is happening?!'

Before he could fully comprehend the situation, the chakrams struck their mark, grazing Hector's neck. The pain was excruciating, and he instinctively clutched his bleeding neck, crimson liquid drenching his hands. 

Seizing the opportunity, Simone, Ralph, and Péréz, charged toward the man. 

"Rrroooaarrr!"

"Screech!"

But their advance was abruptly halted when a horde of Orcs and Uxings emerged behind the bushes, rushing towards the group. Simone, Ralph, and Péréz immediately readied their weapons, prepared to face this unexpected onslaught. 

Rhea, who had just caught her chakrams, turned towards Adrian and Sylvina. "I'll assist them," she declared, before hastily running towards the others. 

—Bang!

Amidst the chaos, Hector and Nathaniel continued their intense exchange of attacks. 

—Bang!

White sparks ignited between the collided weapons, illuminating the darkened battlefield. Nathaniel retrieved his sword and thrust it forward, forcing Hector to bend his body to the side. Yet, inexplicably, his body suddenly froze once more, leaving him defenseless. 

—Stab!

A gush of crimson blood flowed from the wound right after the blade pierced through Hector's shoulder. Nathaniel attempted to withdraw his sword, but before he could do so, Hector's hand shot out, gripping Nathaniel's wrist tightly. Simultaneously, Hector raised his leg, preparing to launch a powerful kick; however, his attack was blocked by barriers that materialized between them.

—Shattered!

Three barriers shattered into pieces, eliciting a click of annoyance from Hector. He darted behind Nathaniel and his eyes fixated on a white-haired boy standing alongside a pink-haired girl. 'I need to get rid of them first.'

Wasting no more time, Hector forcefully yanked Nathaniel and flung his body aside before swiftly charging towards the duo. Adrian instantly conjured a barrier around Nathaniel's body, and a deafening explosion echoed through the air as Nathaniel collided with a tree trunk.

As the man relentlessly closed in, Adrian unleashed a barrage of wind bullets. However, Hector effortlessly evaded them. "Vivi, take cover behind me," Adrian commanded, and Sylvina promptly obeyed his instructions.

—Boom! —Boom! —Boom! 

The ground behind Hector erupted, sending a cloud of dust and debris billowing into the surroundings. The moment their distance diminished, Hector leaped into the air, his fist poised for a strike. Reacting swiftly, Adrian summoned a multitude of barriers, encasing them both in a protective shield.

—Shattered!

Hector's forceful punch shattered the six barriers, causing them to scatter like confetti. The men exchanged icy glares, their eyes filled with intense animosity. Blood gushed from Hector's shattered fist, cascading down the transparent shield in a vivid crimson stream.

But it wasn't long before Hector suddenly spun around and Nathaniel had already positioned himself in front of him, his sword lunged towards him. Realizing that any attempt to parry the attack would be futile due to the girl's interference, Hector decided to stand his ground, willingly accepting Nathaniel's impending attack.

—Stab!

Blood sprayed into the air as Nathaniel's sword pierced through Hector's chest. In a blink of an eye, Hector's hand shot up and clutched Nathaniel's neck, lifting him off the ground. Reacting quickly, Nathaniel kicked Hector's chest to break free, but Hector effortlessly caught his foot and let out a mocking smirk. 

However, Hector's smirk vanished abruptly, replaced by a grimace of intense pain as a wave of excruciating agony surged through his abdomen. His eyes darted downwards, and there, he saw an earth spear impaling his body, its sharp tip protruding from his stomach.