Rogue Wars Online

Chapter Twenty-Eight: City of Mazes

Kaya kahit ang mga heavily-wounded players ay nakakalaro sa susunod na araw, dahil pala sa kaniya.

Albeit having a much lesser severity than those players that Kairo bullied, the amount of stacked power both Marcella and me gave out was immense. Kairo had more control in the power he was letting go kaya hindi sobrang lala ang natamo ng mga kalaban niya. However, Marcella and I were burned out from Mana after our match and the wounds we suffered held more magic damage than usual.

So recovery was expected to be two-three days utmost.

Iyon nga lang, Caspian helped me in recovering through his fire magic. I think it was through the logic of countering heat with heat. Renèe also offered a hand, using her Heaven magic. Right now, I think I can actually go and fight one more match⁠—

"No."

I looked at Caspian when his sharp tone cut my thoughts. Naniningkit ang mata niya sa'kin. Why can he always read my thoughts?

"You should wait until tomorrow to fight-"

"Can do it." putol ko at puno ng determinasyon siyang tiningnan.

"Finn, baby, you can't. Your body is still recovering, right?" Renèe reminded, sitting next to me. "Baka nga wala kang enough energy para gamitin ang shadows mo."

"I do." I fiercely replied. "I can fight."

Isang mabigat na buntong-hininga ang pinakawalan ni Caspian. "Why are you so adamant about fighting?"

Iniwas ko ang tingin. Two full days were already wasted because of my injuries. Dalawang araw na pwede sanang magamit para matapos ko na ang Magus Match. I can't afford to stay in this city any longer.

"Time." simple kong sagot na nagpatahimik ng buong silid.

Caspian and I stared at each other for a minute before he averted his eyes. Kahit kailan hindi pa siya nananalo sa staring contest namin.

"It's your body. If you're so sure about fighting, then you can but-" tumalim ang mata niya. "Please do refrain from using too much of your Mana. It affects your overall energy. If you continue being reckless, you won't be leaving this city anytime soon."

Tumango ako dahil tama naman si Caspian. I was so engrossed in our battle that I failed to control the power I was using. Ginamit ko rin ang Shadow Cocoon na masyadong malaki ang required mana. I think it was also the same for Marcella and that huge wave of flame she used.

Napadaing ako nang biglang pitikin ni Ree ang noo. "Ayan kasi at hindi ka nagpapigil doon sa laban niyo ni Marcella. Why couldn't you just surrender?"

I pursed my lips, offering only silence as an answer. I can't bring myself to surrender back then, not at Marcella who keeps on provoking me and chasing after me like I stole her life's treasure. Kung nagagalit siya dahil sa Flag, she should confront Kairo! After all, I was only forced to accept it.

Baka mas mainis din siya dahil hindi ako kasing-hina ng inaakala niya. But then, the draw result should make her hesitate, right?

No, it's alright. I should just fight with her again.

And make it a victory of mine.

"Finn?" tawag ni Ree nang ilang sandali akong hindi nakasagot.

I turned my head away. "Don't want to."

"Why are you being so stubborn today?"

"She's stubborn everyday." narinig ko ang boses ni Gavin.

Bumukas ang pintuan at pumasok sina Gavin at Sebastian. Tinaasan nila ako ng kilay nang makitang nakaupo na. Eura's head also peeked from the door and she bursted into a smile when she saw me.