There wasn’t anything different about Cruubi’s appearance, status and cheerful tune, yet a strange feeling suddenly lingered over me upon re-summoning it. As the beating of its frail wings applied a much-needed moment of respite via [Minor Heal], my eyes were attached to the hovering, hard-working hummingbird.

It doesn’t look like there's anything wrong with Cruubi, but... Did something happen due to Haifalaura’s sudden transfer? Or maybe during its trip to Dormou? If only I could investigate it a bit more, but I guess this really isn’t the place or time for that. Besides, I have a bigger problem here with these three...

“There’s not even a slight possibility of either of us working alongside that swordsman. If anything, we should be treating him in the same vein as Ossifra. As an enemy and nothing more.”

Baccas remained in his endeavor of not holding back any of his animosity as he gave a sharp glare in Yojim’s direction. A minute had yet to even pass in between Vostoun’s suggestion and the current ordeal.

“We fight alongside him and who’s to say that this human doesn’t suddenly change sides during our fight, huh? He clearly stated that the bird was his partner’s, didn’t he, Baccas?”

“He did, and that’s not something we can just let slide.”

The group’s synergy was practically non-existent outside of the aggressive duo being in sync, even though their stance was a reasonable one to have. Vostoun hadn’t given his opinion on the matter either. He simply stood silently, observing the situation despite us having a non-specified, looming time limit hidden somewhere above us.

“As I said, its arrival is my responsibility regardless—as it wasn’t supposed to be here to begin with. And I have no intention of allowing it to run around freely. Whether you wish to believe that or not; that doesn’t matter to me. I assure you though, you’ll only be in my way if you decide on staying here. Neither of you are well-equipped nor skilled enough, so don’t be so arrogant in thinking you can deal with that creature yourselves.”

He was dousing a bush and making a forest fire out it. It was getting heated as the duo once again drew their weapons in response to Yojim’s taunt-like and poor excuse for advice. With a small chuckle escaping through his nostrils, he refrained from putting his hand on his weapon still. He wasn’t taking them seriously at all.

This is getting us nowhere... Do these three just lack situational awareness? What a pain. Alright, I’ll try and put an end to this myself.

“Listen, you guys, I really don’t think we should be—”

“You hear that, Zaeh? He must really be confident in his abilities. This swordsman truly considers himself the better of the two of us. Fine. We’ll humble you.”

“Tsk. As always with these humans, they like to believe they’re the dominant species. Let’s get this over with before the real fight arrives!”

I was completely ignored—simply a ghost. Cut off without any hesitation like the string that held my ego in place as I quietly sat back down. The opposing side was resolved and ready to clash regardless of whether Yojim was telling the truth or not. And deep down, I agreed with Yojim to an extent.

The duo was certainly strong, but Ossifra didn’t seem like an enemy that they could take on themselves. That went especially for their fighting style—one of brute force—that they so willingly put on display.

Well, that went great. Fine. Whenever you’re ready to come, Ossifra, we’ll welcome you with open arms!

In a heavy sigh, I accepted the ordeal before me for what it was; a disagreement in joining together for the sake of a better—far safer—result. Yojim himself was surely problematic, but Ossifra was the main issue that needed to be addressed above all else.

I better start at least thinking of a plan for myself then. If I use our surroundings to my advantage, I think I can—hm?

Everyone’s attention was immediately drawn toward the man that suddenly decided to situate himself in between the quarreling trio. Vostoun finally decided to insert his opinion in a rather unexpected way.

“I was briefed and under the assumption that you were only here to partake in the tournament, but it seems I stand corrected now. By partner, I assume those two are referring to that strangely dressed girl that entered the city alongside you? Is that it, Effigy of Isluna?”

“Huh?! That masked prick is a damned Effigy?!”

My eyes widened in surprise. Vostoun had made it apparent now that Cretho was possibly well-informed on the identities of certain Effigies. And due to Zaeh’s reaction, for someone who was even a top-tier Adventurer, it wasn’t exactly common knowledge. Which was expected, but him implying that he knew of them beforehand made me curious.

So, he received the information from someone else and didn’t obtain it himself? If Cretho was keeping tabs on them upon entry, then maybe... The gated checkpoints into the city?

I could remember people eying me when I entered the eastern entrance into Nefra. I initially ignored them, since my priest-like robes attracted attention anyway, but now it made more sense given Vostoun’s additional context. They were doing more than just keeping a watchful eye.

Did they use [Investigate] or something similar on me too then? That’s a bit alarming. But then again, I don’t have the title of an Effigy... Still.

There was other information in my status that I was far more concerned about. On the other hand, Yojim wasn’t even slightly startled as he gave a short nod.

“That’s right. As expected of the Queen’s Eyes. But contrary to what you may currently believe, my business in this country has nothing to do with Cretho itself. My reason just happens to be within this city.”

“I find it difficult to derive any truth to that given our current circumstance, Effigy. You can’t expect me to take the word of someone from Isluna without a grain of salt, do you?”

Yojim stood in silence, seemingly unable or refusing to respond any further. The current relationship between the two neighboring countries was appalling after all. An Effigy, a country’s key actor, moving freely in the capital of their country’s enemy would certainly warrant a reasonable distrust toward the Effigy’s motives.

With that being said, of course I personally already had an inkling of his reason. Yojim was in Cretho for the same reason that he was thoroughly informed of my travels from Dormou and all the way to Nefra.

“At first, I was urged to capture you. Now, I’ve been instructed to kill you, and I will do so today during our match.”

He was initially instructed to deal with me by another party. A person, a country or possibly even another Effigy. I knew his side, but everything else remained unclear to me. And that was something I still wanted to question him about too, but that would have to come after. Our time limit was scarce, yet there was still too much friction to even consider strategizing as a group.

Thus I had a choice to make, even if it was one that I was reluctant to agree with. Yojim was strong, well beyond that of the three others with us. Even my own win against him was one that was carried by luck, taking advantage of being underestimated and him not going all out from the beginning. Going toe-to-toe with Yojim for a second time wouldn’t be the same as the first.

Regardless of what he has done so far, we still need his help. Let’s just hope I don’t regret this later.

“Chirp! Chirp!”

Cruubi landed on my head, signifying that it healed all that it could with its abilities. Sure enough, the healing paled in comparison to something like Yojim’s potions, but I was still grateful nonetheless. And now, it was time to finally intervene.

And that plan of action was only hastened. As I thanked Cruubi with a rub of its stomach, I received an unforeseen reply. A sudden scene came to mind.

Again?! This is...Ossifra?!

It was another sporadic vision from Cruubi’s perspective. A vision that I could ascertain with confidence was the truth as I immediately locked my eyes with the cloudy sky once more. I could feel it after the static mess in my head subsided. Ossifra was about to descend.

Looks like we don’t have any more time to spare! I normally wouldn’t do this, but...

“Vostoun! We’re out of time! I need you to erect another barrier above us.”

“Kid, what are you—”

Turning toward the aggressive duo, I didn’t stop to listen to Vostoun. Pointing to the debris that was created by Ossifra's impact in our surrounding area, I continued.

“Zaeh, I need you to ready these from a distance with your psionics. Can you do that?”

“Huh? I can, but—”

“Baccas, since you’re a Soulkindler, I need you to create a spectral quarterstaff for me to use. That should be possible, right? Here, you can use this fragment as the base.”

“Yes, but how did you—”

I tossed a piece of the [Spiritstaff of the Auburn Giant] that I kept on me his way. It was clear based on the group’s earlier back and forth. I couldn’t let them have a word in besides a confirmation or else we wouldn’t make it in time.

“Yojim, on my signal, I want you to use another [Haling Wind]. One that can push me even further than before. But it’ll only be on me, everyone else will keep their distance until it descends.”

At the tail end of my sentence, everyone had caught on as they began looking toward the sky. I could see Yojim squint and then redirect his line of sight to me. He seemed to recall something.

“That’s right, I had forgotten about what she told me before. That you’re a Wizard that specializes in Divination of all things. Now our match ending the way it did makes more sense.”

Catching wind of his words, Vostoun quickly turned toward me. His eyes dragged themselves over my person and stopped at my eyes. It was as if he were studying me.

“So, you’re the... Understood. I’ll allow it. But I hope you understand that it won’t be able to block such an overpowering descent.”

“That doesn’t matter. It’s only meant to test slowing Ossifra down as well as something else.”

Surprisingly, Vostoun agreed to assist rather quickly without any further questions as he began preparing a barrier above our area. Zaeh and Baccas though, were just as swift to drag us right back into an argument.

“We’ve already stated that we won’t work alongside that swordsman—”

“And you won’t be. You’ll be working alongside me, and that shouldn’t be too much of an issue, right? Just think of him as an extra, off to the side doing his own thing. Besides, we need his strength in this fight either way. I understand your wariness, but please, Ossifra comes first.”

Baccas was now scowling my way before he clicked his tongue and turned away. He seems he was finally ready to accept the fact that he would have to deal with Yojim to some extent as he began crafting a spectral quarterstaff.

“How annoying. Fine, we’ll deal with you after! Don’t you dare leave until then!”

Zaeh shouted as she created distance from myself and layered her psionics over the debris.

“Are you sure about this, Wizard?”

“About what?”

Yojim began inspecting his sword at his side as he continued.

“You don’t believe that I’ll use this chance to kill you?”

“If that were the case you wouldn’t have saved me earlier to begin with. You seem like you have your own convictions despite your orders."

He absolutely had the chance to kill me if he truly desired to. During the beginning of the match, when Ossifra descended and even now as he stood a short distance away. I still didn’t understand him well enough to make any other assumptions though. And it didn’t change the fact that he almost did kill me during our fight. His motives were a bit difficult to pin down, honestly.

“Maybe I’m wrong, but I feel as if you’re a man of word. So, I’ll ask; can I at least trust you for the duration of this fight, Yojim?”

He was silent as he gave a short nod. A small grin even creased his cheeks.

Yeah, I can’t tell what this guy is thinking.

“Kid, the barrier is ready.”

“Here, what you wanted is finished too.”

Vostoun and Baccas quickly finished at the opportune time as I was handed a spectral, translucent white staff that surrounded the fragment of my previous quarterstaff.

“It won’t last for longer than ten or so minutes. Don’t expect it endure if you collide with any of Ossifra’s attacks either.”

“Ah, don’t worry about that. I’ve grown accustomed to using two separate weapons, so it doesn’t feel right without a secondary now. And I'd rather not risk my stave for this. That aside, I do have an idea.”

I briskly explained what I wanted from Vostoun and as I did, his brows furrowed in concern.

“That’s a plan of a lunati—I mean, it sounds rather risky. Are you sure...?”

“In theory it should work, but—”

“Chirp!! Chirp!!”

At the sound of Cruubi’s chirp, I looked toward the sky and could make out the approaching shadow that was outlined in the clouds. We were out of time.

“Anyway, that’s the plan. Everyone, keep your distance until I say otherwise. Here it comes!”

I was the only one left at the center of the targeted zone, one that was now covered by an [Aegis Projection]. It wouldn’t be able to stop Ossifra by a long shot, and probably wouldn’t slow it down either, but it would also act as an important signal.

I only had three Divination usages left for the day, so I couldn’t spare one on this if there was an alternative available. After all, this was a practice run for figuring out how Ossifra ticked.

Well, if it does get too dangerous, I’ll make sure to use one. Anyway, let’s see how this goes!

A hole in the cloud split open as Ossifra emerged from the other side, set ablaze in a white coat. According to its status, the ability it was currently using was [Ruler’s Hunt]. It would ignore any form of Defense and Magic Defense, meaning a direct hit would kill anyone instantly. Still, it being avoidable didn’t make it much of an issue for us. The real problem was what came after that.

And as Ossifra slammed its talons into the erected barrier, it shattered with ease—as expected. That made it clear that an obstacle wouldn’t serve any purpose against it during its descent. Even one that was able to block its attack before.

“Yojim! Casting—”

“Skill: [Haling Wind]!”

In an instant, my body was sent flying across the arena with far more force than prior. Creating a larger gap between Ossifra and myself than what a simple [Force Push] could provide. And as my body rolled, I finished casting my first spell using the spectral quarterstaff the moment Ossifra collided with the ground. His connection further fractured the arena.

“— [Wheel of the Firebug]! Zaeh, it’s time to let it rain down!”

The impact created by Ossifra had erupted and lifted the surrounding debris into the air. That same debris was already tethered with Zaeh’s psionics. A barrage of rocks was now awaiting the Bone Eater.

More importantly, the countdown should begin here!

“Skill: [Unbridled Fall]!”

A collapse of the stored psionic energy that covered the debris now vehemently pelted Ossifra. Even so, I knew it wouldn’t have any effect on the winged beast currently.

“KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!”

A deafening shriek outmatched the sound of the barrage. Ossifra rushed forward and completely ignored the onslaught. This told me that I was correct.

It seems like it does proc its [Invincibility] right before landing. This is so it can mitigate any damage from hitting the ground, so that means...

Upon landing, it would pursue its target and recklessly attack for several seconds while that [Invincibility] was still active. We needed to wait out that time, but killing a few seconds was easier said than done while being chased. Ossifra was unfairly fleet footed despite its size too.

Here it comes! These fire bullets won’t be able to do anything, but how about this?

Placing the spectral quarterstaff outward, I began accumulating several bullets around the tip of the staff. And as I did, they synced in rotation.

“Casting—!”

I was planning on condensing them into a single shot. Unlike the Warlock Class, Wizard surprisingly didn’t have access to the iconic fire ball in MO as it was instead given in bullet form. It was the jack of most magic after all.

But this isn’t MO!

Allowing the [Wheel of the Firebug] to merge at the tip of the quarterstaff, the spell had succeeded as it began to brightly shine in a flame red. Still, it would do nothing against the currently coated Ossifra.

“Vostoun, do it now!”

“Skill: [Aegis Projection]!”

Not a moment too soon, the barrier blocked the sudden double talon kick from Ossifra, yet the barrier cracked slightly. It would be a battle against time.

“Hold!”

Two seconds left. Another strike created several cracks.

Not yet!

One second left. Another double talon kick made the barrier look as if it were splintered glass. And yet, it held out in time. The white coat faded as it initiated a final strike with its beak.

“Vostoun!”

“Skill: [Runic Rebound]!”

Upon collusion, the barrier repelled the assault, pushing Ossifra back slightly as it then shattered completely. And the bird had already begun a retreat as it lifted itself from the ground. But I had no intention of allowing it to leave as is.

“—[Stellar Sol]!”

The drag of the blazing, expanding sphere scorched the path to Ossifra. It could only meet the attack head on as the distance between us was far too short to dodge or push away with the flap of its wings. Ossifra, using its already lifted talons, slammed them against the sphere as it pushed toward the ground.

“KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA—!!”

It wasn’t without any damage as the heat of the fire seeped into its feet and it was caught in the explosion without its white coat. But it wasn’t defeated just yet as it ascended back into the sky.

And there’s our opening.

I took a deep breath as I watched it leave. It would be back without a doubt. Its status implied that it regained its strength while in the air. Its Class was that of a Tempest Warden—of winds and of a territorial nature.

“It must consider the sky as its domain. It would probably be impossible to even fight that thing up there too. Well, now that I know what it does, I think I have an idea on what to do against it.”

I pulled out a small amulet taken from another, one that would be crucial for the next plan in mind. I wouldn’t allow it to retreat into the sky again on its next descent.