Published at 26th of December 2025 7:44 am

Chapter 548: "Pinkie Promise"

This chapter is updated by JustRead.pl

Alright, Ill draw its attention first, Rouge said, beginning a quiet incantation.

While she was casting, Alexis and Gonzo casually positioned themselves in front and slightly to the side of her, prepared to intercept the creature should it notice and react before her spell was ready.

Roaring flame, bursting air, gathering instant heat, release in an explosion! Detonate, [Cracker Blitz]!

Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

Groooaaar!?

A series of loud bangs erupted beneath the Noble Grizzlys feet, startling it into halting its movement. Rouges spell was purely an intimidation magicit produced flashy sounds and impacts but caused no real harm.

However, this simple spell was deceptively difficult to execute. For most magic users with poor control, it wouldve sent flames shooting everywhere, setting the surroundings ablaze. The fact that Rouge could create only sound and shockwaves without any collateral damage was a testament to her skill as a mage.

Here goes! Wooooooaaahhh!!!

Gonzo roared as he charged forward.

The Noble Grizzly, which had been standing upright on its hind legs to keep an eye on its surroundings, had no choice but to brace itself against the impact.

Grrraaahh!!

Ghh heavy!

The bears downward strikedelivered from its massive three-meter-tall framewas as powerful as one might expect. Gonzo crossed his arms to block the blow, but the strain was clear on his grimacing face.

You wont be focusing on Gonzo alone! Over here!

Graaahh!?

Alexis dashed past and struck the Noble Grizzly from behind with his sword. It reacted, visibly annoyed, but from what I could see, the attack hadnt caused any real pain. Its hide must have been too tough for the blade to pierce.

Damn it, what is this thing made of!? In that case!

Graaaghh!?

Abandoning slashing attacks, Alexis thrust his sword into the Noble Grizzly instead. This time, it seemed to pierce successfully, and the beast let out a pained roar, flailing its thick arm to knock Alexis away.

Not so fast! Youre not moving freely on my watch!

Gonzo grappled with the massive creature, locking its movements by entwining his legs around it.

The enraged bear began swiping at Gonzos exposed back with its claws. Still, Gonzo gritted his teeth and held his ground, using healing magic on himself to stave off the damage while keeping the beast restrained.

Meanwhile, Alexis repeatedly drove his sword into the creature two, three more times. The Noble Grizzly, now thoroughly enraged, let out a furious roar and thrashed about violently. Just as it was about to break loose in an uncontrollable frenzy

Manifest, Sword of the Silver Spirit! You two, get back!

At my signal, Gonzo and Alexis both leaped away from the creature.

The Noble Grizzly, suddenly freed from their hold, froze momentarily, seemingly confused by the abrupt change in its situation.

Release, [Wind Edge]!

Guh groooaaaaaahhh!?

The silver spirit blade I had been preparing released a sharp gust of wind, forming a cutting edge. In an instant, the massive three-meter-tall beast was cleaved in two from its head to its tail.

The air became thick with the stench of blood, and the two halves of its body fell to the ground with a deafening crash.

Heh, how was that? Pretty impressive, right? I said with a triumphant smirk.

Ugh that was brutal. Couldnt you have done it with a bit more finesse? Like, maybe just cutting off its head? Rouge grimaced.

Dont be ridiculous, Rouge. If I had swung horizontally, I might have ended up slicing through Gonzo or Alexis too, I shot back.

Ga-ha-ha! Yes, Id rather not experience that! Ouch Gonzo laughed before wincing.

Gonzo, are you alright? I asked, concerned.

Yeah, Im fine, he replied, turning to show his back.

While the gashes were no longer bleeding, his back was swollen and red where it had been clawed. Though it looked painful, his healing magic had done its job, and he seemed to be in no serious danger.

Alexis, good work out there. You didnt do too badly,

Hmph, I dont need such condescending praise from someone who only provided cover at the start, Alexis retorted.

Hey! I was just trying to be nice!

Wait, that was supposed to be a compliment? Rouge, youre really.. Anyway, Ill thank you for now.

I glanced toward Alexis and Rouge, who were bantering as usual. Though I had been nervous before the fight began, in the end, it felt like a solid, well-earned victory.

Alright, now we need to deal with the carcass. With how its been split in two and covered in blood, the hide is likely unsellable. Burying it seems like the best option, Gonzo suggested.

What!? You expect me to dig a hole big enough for this thing? No way!

Leaving it here isnt an option either. Tia, think you can do something with your spirit magic?

Hmm I could, but for a beast this size, the mana cost would be Oh right, Allen, were done here. You can comeWhat!?

I froze in place as I called out to him. Allen, who had been watching from behind a tree, was now in danger. A massive black shadow loomed behind himanother Noble Grizzly.

Allen!

Was this one its mate? How had we not noticed it until now? Was it the noise? Or the overwhelming scent of blood from the first one? My mind was racing with questions and excuses, but I shoved them aside. None of that mattered now.

I kicked off the ground with all my strength, propelling myself toward Allen. But my experience in battle told me I wouldnt make it in time. There was no time to cast a spell. I couldnt muster enough force in a no-incantation spell to repel a creature that size. My strength wasnt enough to throw my sword accurately.

Theres another one!? Alexis shouted.

Tia, wait! Youll never

From behind, I could hear the shouts of my companions. But no support came.

Of course it didntGonzo was stronger than me but slower, and Alexiss sword was still embedded in the first Noble Grizzlys body. As for Rouges magic Allen was probably too close for her to safely cast anything. Right now, I was the only one who could move.

But I had no means to get us out of this situation. If I were Ed, I couldve rushed to Allens side in an instant and stopped the monsters attack with a calm, fearless face.

If Ed were here, I knew he would cut down a magical beast like this with ease. But I wasnt Ed, and he wasnt here.

So, for now, there was only one thing I could do. Just one.

Allen! Run!

Onee-chan!?

Using the last of my strength, I lunged forward and pushed Allen aside. But in doing so, I placed myself directly in the path of the Noble Grizzlys descending claws. In another second or two, its talons would surely tear into my body.

Im sorry, I whispered.

Regret over not being able to keep my promise to always stay with Allen overwhelmed me, even more than my fear of death or the frustration of not being able to see Ed again. As memories flashed through my mind, I braced myself for the end

[Begone.]

A voice, cold as ice, echoed from Allens lips.

I hit the ground hard, but death didnt come. Confused, I rolled over and looked back. The massive form of the Noble Grizzly had completely vanished.

H-Huh? The Noble Grizzly where is it?

Hey, everyone?! What happened to the Noble Grizzly?! Where did it go?

It disappeared, Alexis answered softly, his trembling lips barely forming the words.

Disappeared? What does that mean? Disappeared how?

When Allen said Begone, the Noble Grizzly turned into black mist and vanished, Alexis explained, his voice almost a whisper.

What!?

p>Startled, I scrambled to my feet and turned to look at Allen.

There he stoodhis once white hair and eyes now completely black, his gaze hollow and fixed on nothing but the empty air.

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