He Became the Only Ally of the Abandoned Warrior

Reinhold raised his shield with a triumphant smirk, then leaned against it, brushing dust from his clothes and inspecting a scorch mark left by Tigria’s magic. He grimaced at the sight.

“If you plan to surrender, now’s the time. I’ll graciously accept it.”

“Cut the crap, you pompous bastard. I’ll make sure to kill you myself.”

Lucy spat back, her voice strained with anger, but Reinhold only smirked, taunting her.

“Oh, Lucyena. It’s bad form to turn unrequited love into hatred so quickly. Are you so intent on pushing your feelings onto others without considering their perspective?”

“…I’ve long since forgotten about you, so stop spewing that nonsense in front of Lin. I already told you I’d tear you apart vertically, didn’t I?”

“By all means, try. It seems you overreached by unleashing True Name with a sword that isn’t even Hnoni, only to be met with recoil, didn’t you?”

Reinhold’s observation was accurate. She had fully unleashed her magic, and the Abyss’s resistance amplified the recoil, leaving Lucy barely able to stand.

But only the Hero’s party understood the extent of her exhaustion; in front of everyone else, Lucy masked her fatigue.@@novelbin@@

As Lucy faltered without a retort, Lin stepped beside her.

“She’s not the only one who wants you dead.”

“Wait, Lin!”

Airan called out, halting Lin before he could advance.

“If he’s absorbing your power, Lucy should attack while you cover her.”