CH 159

“Chapter 159: Ice Claws”

– Ohh? You made an ice armor using the snow. And it looks quite sturdy.

I’m surprised it worked. This was as improvised as it gets.

I don’t think it’s as resilient as metal, but it can be rebuilt if destroyed, and in this extremely cold environment it won’t melt.

– Mike!

Mike kicked the ground and jumped towards her kindred.

– You have the courage to push forward despite the odds. I appraise your bravery. However, your attacks are meaningless if they don’t reach their target.

The wolf stretched his paw towards Mike.

Such a simple attack caused a huge crack in Mike’s armor.

– Again!

I repaired the damages on Mike’s armor, who used a tree to trampoline onto the wolf again.

– The outcome won’t change regardless of how many times you remake the armor.

– We’ll see about that.

Despite the difference in size, Mike is more agile. If we can keep this up, it’ll be an endurance fight.

– We’re not giving up!

– GAAOOOOO

Mike’s roar was so strong that it made the surrounding trees shake.

As if the gust of wind wasn’t enough, with that roar everyone in the residence will know something is up.

We don’t have time to worry about that.

– I must commend your determination. Truly admirable.

Mike lounged again but was quickly flung back.

I’m trying everything too. Potions, poisonous bombs, traps… None of it is working.

The wolf is still sitting there as if nothing is happening.

– Everything you’re doing is in vain.

– s̲h̲i̲t̲…

I’m starting to reach my limit too. The air feels thin, my vision is blurry, and I want to vomit my own heart.

– Grr…

– I’m fine. I can keep going.

– Even after reaching this point, you’re still lying. Foolish, every one of you humans.

The wolf is right. As much as I try to hide it, I’m almost at my end.

But I’m not giving up yet.

– Huff…

I took a deep breath.

Thread of Life, just like Akane taught me.

Gather all the energy you have. Don’t spread it. Focus all of it in one spot to release it.

Focus.

– Mike!

With all my strength, I threw a snowball at Mike.

Ice as sharp as a sword’s blade and clear as crystal formed on her claws.

She has no more armor. Her only weapons are her claws now. If she were to get badly injured, we’re dead.

But even then, Mike jumped forward, fearless.

– Master, doing best, Mike too!

– Impressive. Even on the brink of death, you are able to further improve yourself.

The wolf finally raised its whole body.

– Pointless.

The moment both wolves clashed their attacks, Mike’s ice claws cracked.

– You have ignored my warnings. If you so much wish to die, then I am in no place to ignore your desires. Human, half, your time has come.

But the Divine Wolf failed to realize something.

– W-What!? Why is my head so far away from my body!?

– Us win. (Mike)

– I’m certain I broke your claws!

– Replacement. Those claws you broke were made with a Heaven Jewel. Even if you break them, they revert to their original form. (Takaya)

– …I was wrong. You have much more talent than I imagined, along with the wit to use it during a situation like this.

– You let your guard down. The battle is never decided from the start.

– Wise… words… I will… remember-

The huge wolf plunged onto the snow carpet.

– Haha… Hahaha… Did you see that, Moonflower? We did…

Ahh, this is bad, I can barely think.

“Yes, I saw. I saw all of it.”

My consciousness drifted away.