The second guardian is the Maestrina of Smoke, Nuclem. She was wrapped in garments that never keep the same shape, and her body seemed to be present one moment and distant the next, as if she were always one step away from disappearing. She was someone simply difficult to hit unless her opponent was at the same level as her.
"Scarlet strike."
A giant red wave swept across the entire place with overwhelming power along with Nuclem, leaving no trace that she had ever existed there. That horizon, which had been physically created by the power of the ancient king, completely disappeared as well, and it was not because it was meant to vanish after being defeated. It was because Siena's power destroyed it with the pure brute force of her sword. Narisse's eyes began to shine as Enrico realized that those two could be a good teacher and disciple.
"What incredible power."
"You should ask her to help you get stronger."
"…I don't think she will accept."
"Of course she will, you will be the princess's arms, don't forget that."
Thinking deeply for just a second, Narisse looked at Siena with renewed determination. Without a doubt she would become stronger with her and also, she turned to Enrico with the same eyes.
"You're right, I will ask her, but could you also help me?"
"…it depends on whether Seraphina will allow it, she already doesn't like it when I help the princess."
"…can't you keep this a secret?"
"No."
"And if I say please?"
Elowyn ahead watched that interaction with a certain satisfaction at Narisse wanting to get stronger. Both training with Siena and with Enrico would be good, but upon hearing that Seraphina would have to agree, she began to think it would be difficult.
'I hope he convinces her, I want Narisse stronger… she deserves to be stronger as my right arm.'
"Let's go to the next one, Velka, prepare yourself."
Hearing her name mentioned, she shuddered a little. She had to do well, at least to be a good shield of flesh for her savior. Enrico, a few steps behind her, asked Siena to help Narisse walk.
"Narisse wants to talk to you about something, Miss Siena."
"I also wanted to talk to her."
Leaving the two behind, Enrico pointed with one hand to his finger with the other. This was a signal between the two of them that he used to warn when he would use his technique with water magic on her body. Seeing that she was too nervous, she nodded quickly.
"You don't need to worry, I'm sure you will at least get a draw against the next guardian."
With confusion on her face as she felt her back improve at his touch, she was about to start speaking, but they arrived at the next Zone where she would fight. Her heart began to race and nervousness flooded her body.
"Velka, just relax."
His water magic began to have a better effect on her body. Each of her muscles relaxed for a few seconds, a sigh escaped her mouth as her heart returned to beating normally.
[You do a good job calming others.]
'Actually, only some people.'
The next zone was the Hall of the Trapped Twilight, an open labyrinth where there is no clear source of light. Shadows stretched like roots across the ground, walls, and air, forming paths that constantly changed the more fear someone felt.
[Seriously, you sent someone who is very afraid here?]
'She won't stay afraid for long.'
[That's frightening confidence, but I also trust her with the power you gave.]
The second guardian is the Dancer of Solid Shadows, Velia, and she appears as a feminine silhouette wrapped in shadows that possess weight, texture, and intent. Her appearance changed according to the light in the place that appeared from time to time, but her eyes always shone like black moons. She moved through the Hall of Twilight as if she were dancing on a stage.
"You'd better be careful, Narisse, every gesture of hers turns shadow into blade, chain, or wall."
Umbra magic was her affinity; she could instill fear in her enemies and create solid shadows capable of piercing weak sixth-circle magic even though she was a fifth-circle.
"You can win, our dear Velia."
"Velia, Velia, Velia will always win."
"Give us a new spectacle, Miss Velia."
Several voices arose in the place as if it were a chant of war and devotion, echoing Velia's name like a promise of victory. These voices came from shadows that moved around at the top of the hall, watching, wanting to see something spectacular and, of course, their dear Velia win.
"So, who will be my opponent from among you?"
The Dancer raised her arms in a beautiful manner and with great courtesy. There was a trace of contained arrogance in her, but it was well disguised by her calm and pleasant-to-hear voice.
"So far it's tied, right? If you could grant me a request, could you send someone unceasing to dance with me?"
Her eyes seemed to completely ignore Velka's presence, who was about to take a step forward. Velia's eyes turned toward both Elowyn and Enrico, wanting them to step in already.
"You know, I have to impress someone to rise in his estimation."
Like the original Velia, this Dancer was obsessed with social ascension, especially because she was a commoner. Currently, she was the weakest among all five guardians, but at the peak of her prime she was considered the second strongest exactly because of this obsession. She also noticed that, without a doubt, aside from Siena, Enrico was the strongest, so her eyes focused on him for a few seconds longer, which bothered Elowyn.
"Sorry to disappoint you, but it will not be me nor my consort who will fight you."
"What do you mean? You are the only ones—"
"Velka can go, I don't want to look even for a second at that woman's expression, she's irritating."
Velka nodded, her nervousness returning, but only a little. Being gently pushed by Enrico, she stepped into the hall's zone, making Velia's perfectly calm face crack for a second.
"Are you underestimating me by any chance?"
"This is the level you deserve."
Elowyn's smile made some veins appear on Velia's neck. Immediately she vanished from everyone's sight and appeared behind Velka. Siena was a little worried, so she would interrupt after the first blow, as it was necessary to begin the battle; this was her own rule.
"It seems it will end quickly."
"Are you sure?"
Upon hearing Enrico's voice, she looked at him with a small smile on her face. When she turned her eyes back to the battle, everyone expected it to end quickly, but to the surprise of everyone—and of Velka herself—she crouched with her eyes open, as if her mana-less body had moved automatically on its own upon sensing danger.
'Did I dodge?'