( Yuuki's POV )
With our weapons crossed and the three of us trying to push each other, the bridge cracked a little under our pressure.
That conflicted with the mission, so I took a step back and changed my approach, taking advantage of my size and speed to jump between the bridge's support pillars and attack the Auster people from angles they weren't used to.
These people seemed to have been born for battle because without wasting any time the pair of warriors stood back to back, they formed up to block and counterattack, but I could change direction in the air using Gepo, so they could only block.
To break out of this stalemate between us, I channeled my Ki around my sword, that aura was still very thin, but if I mixed that with natural energy at the end, that would pack a good punch.
I executed my plan and to give momentum to my final jump I gathered Ki in my feet, I shot myself towards the enemy, Resno was the one who swung to block, but when our swords clashed, there was a small explosion of black Ki, my attack was a success, but my power was higher than expected, The Ki blast destroyed my sword and pushed us all back; the bridge pillars also sustained some damage.
There were many backup weapons around me, but when I went to pick up another one, I saw my Ki circle around my hands for one more second before disappearing.
Yuuki: It seems Matabei was right, this level of mastery is good enough to use.
Resno: What kind of magic was that?
Yuuki: Pure skill, let me show you again.
I created another Ki explosion by taking a deep breath and mixing internal and natural energy around my entire body, all the weapons of allies and enemies around me rose from the ground and currents of Ki swirled around me, I used a Rankyaku kick and black energy blades shot forward, pulling along the weapons that were in the air.
Vaslof spun his axe in front of him to create a rotating barrier, but neither he nor his armor emerged unscathed, Resno quickly grabbed one of the weapons that had flown in her direction and threw it back at me, like a javelin.
With a jump I ended up on a pillar of the bridge and the Ki circulating around me dissipated, but now that lasted a few seconds longer than before so I had to try again.
Yuuki: again.
Using a Ki burst again, it grew in power and size, the pillar I was on cracked, but before it crumbled I jumped high and then fell like a meteor, I bent my legs and put my knees first.
The two Auster folks came together to block my attack, but that was practically their seal of defeat, when my attack hit the pair of warriors, another shockwave was created, Vaslof and Resno's feet sank a little into the bridge, and I was launched high into the sky again.
Yuuki: One last time!
The next Ki explosion was so much bigger that the place started to shake, the Ki current formed a spiral in front of me, it was as if I had become a living bullet.
I fell once more to claim victory, but at that moment a Gateway opened in front of me, I was moving too fast to change direction and I ended up passing through that portal, the scene that awaited me on the other side of that was a vast, blue ocean.
Upon hitting the surface of the water, I created a huge geyser, I ended up standing on the water and took a deep breath after clicking my tongue, trying to mask my annoyance at being interrupted.
I took out my phone and the first thing I did was call Seig.
Yuuki: Hey, what's going on on your side? Are you guys okay?
Seig: [ We're okay, the Magedome sounded the retreat order, but what happened to you? Are you alright? ]
Yuuki: Don't worry about me, I was just sent a little way away, let's meet back at the castle.
After hanging up on Seig, I opened a portal to the castle and appeared at the castle entrance, once there, I went straight to the dining room where Erin and Marica were.
Marica: Yuuki, what are you doing here?
Yuuki: The operation was a bust, but at least no one got hurt.
Understandably, when I returned to the castle alone and earlier than expected, Marica was curious and worried. I explained everything that happened on the mission, and I didn't hide the frustration in my voice.
Marica had a good opinion of Lady Shaira, but after telling her what happened, that opinion had dropped drastically.
Yuuki: When I find the one opening all those portals, I'm going to give him a piece of my mind; Erin, can I use your kitchen?
Erin: um Sure, but why?
Yuuki: Cooking calms me down.
I started baking some cakes, and that attracted the attention of the castle residents. I made enough for everyone, but before I could amaze everyone with the taste of my cooking, we gathered in the great hall. Seig had returned, and now we were going to discuss the failed operation.
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Outrage spread throughout the castle upon hearing what happened on the mission; this was a complete failure of leadership on the part of the Magedome.
Liu: What a disappointment, if the Blades of the Night or we had led the attack things would have gone differently.
Jale: I guess the Magedome couldn't let other small groups take all the fame.
Yuuki: But that won't stop them from trying to use people for their own benefit, Liu, if the people from the Magedome come asking for my help, tell them that the technique I used has severe drawbacks and I will be unable to fight for a while.
Jubei: You're hurt, Onii-chan! Let me check you out.
Eunice: No, I think that's a job for the doctor and me.
Yuuki: ok calm down, everyone, this is a lie.
Liu: So why do you want us to send that message then?
Yuuki: It's for your own good. I don't plan to be used by the Magedome, but if I didn't fight, they could use that to create a scheme against you. I don't trust the Magedome's high command. Second, I don't want to hinder your growth. If things get too tough, I'll definitely help you, but this is your battle.
Seig: Yuuki is right, we can't put the weight of all this on him, sorry Cougar you'll have to wait a little longer to return to your world.
Yuuki: I can sneak you inside the fortress, but we would have to wait until nightfall.
Cougar: No, that's fine. You've already done so much for me, you didn't owe me anything. I want to give you my help in at least this before I return, besides, more training with Yuuki will only make me more prepared for the enemy.
Seig: Thanks, Cougar.
Liu: So if we can't trust the leadership of the Magedome, the responsibility of devising an attack plan falls on me.
Marica: Hey, we can't leave everything on you either. I'll help a little.