Adeline was the first to throw a punch, but Melora was quick on her feet as she evaded while throwing a kick. Adeline blocked the attack as she moved closer, looking to grab Melora, but she was far quicker than expected.

  “If you want to grab me, you will have to earn it.”

  “You move more like a dancer than a fighter; give me your best shot.”

  Melora’s purple mana surged as she stepped forward, releasing a powerful punch. Adeline blocked, but the pure power behind it was enough to throw her as she crashed into the wall. The elves looked on in admiration, with open mouths. Adeline shot out with her fierce red mana as she nded an overhead kick. Melora blocked the attack but was brought to her knees, leaving a small crater. With a smile, she countered as the two began to fight in earnest.

  Adeline’s attacks were far stronger compared to Melora’s, but her techniques were more refined. The elves watched the fight intently as they tried to absorb as much as they could; it was as if they were performing a fatal dance. When Melora attacked, Adeline took one step back, and when it was her turn, Melora took one step backwards. In a twist of events, Melora was able to nd a clean punch on Adeline’s jaw as she spat out a tooth. Worried, she momentarily stopped, but she was met with an equal punch to the jaw as she spat out blood.

  The fight escated once more, with the two now grappling. Once again, Adeline’s brutal strength and Melora’s techniques took center stage. Adeline tried to impose her strength, but with Melora constantly switching positions, it was difficult. With a swift motion, Melora was able to pce Adeline in an arm lock as she looked for a submission. The purple and red mana collided as Adeline grunted and proceeded to lift Melora, who was still holding on, then smashing her to the ground. The feat was truly spectacur, but Melora did not let go as she slightly changed her position and pulled even harder. Both women screamed as they fought for every advantage; it was a battle of two evenly matched warriors who faced countless life and death battles.

  Adeline decided to pry Melora’s hand open as she began to pull her apart. Seeing her grip weakening, she let go and repositioned. The two collided once more as they started to unleash a set of punches and kicks; their once beautiful faces were now littered with bruises and blood. Adeline decided to headbutt Melora, but her skull was equally hard as both of them stammered while holding their heads.

  “What were you thinking, Adeline? I already told you I am a sword master.”

  “I always thought you would be softer, but I was mistaken.”

  After a short time, their battle resumed, with their blood painting the entire room. The elves started to grow worried, but they did not dare interrupt. In unison, they both nded mana-filled punches as they spat out blood and teeth. The two faced each other with fire in their eyes as they unloaded another set of punches and kicks; the sound of hands colliding with bloody flesh received a horrified reaction from the elves, but they did not look away. A sharp set of cracks could be heard as both their fists collided and subsequently broke; that was not enough to stop them.

  The two suddenly colpsed and started to ugh, with slight groans in between. The elves were surprised, but Gena was quick to her feet as she called for healers. When they arrived, both of them declined healing as they wordlessly id down.

  “Are the both of you alright?”

  “Yes, we are fine, Queen Gena. We just need a moment.”

  Gena’s eyes widened as she saw Melora start to heal slowly; the rate was not comparable to Adeline’s, but it was a trait only reserved to demons, orcs, and trolls, with varying rates. Humans and other creatures didn’t have that ability, yet she watched as Melora healed. She quickly started to do a check-up on her. She ignored the confused look of Melora and indeed confirmed that most of her internal injuries were healed, including her broken hand; her busted face slowly regained color, and the bruises disappeared. It was nothing short of a miracle.

  “For some unknown reasons, it seems like you can heal naturally.”

  “How is that possible?”

  “It might be an effect from the world tree or maybe a blessing from the gods.”

  “That is very good to know, but rest assured, I won’t be as reckless as coconut head over there.”

  Adeline shot up and was quick to defend herself. The healers stepped forward and administered healing potions. Their wounds seemingly disappeared as they conversed with the elves who now had a greater admiration of the two. An elf guard suddenly broke into the training room with a look of utter despair.

  “Adventurers have captured a small group of elves who went out to care for the Balowicks.”

  “How many?”

  “Seven elves, Your Highness, among them a child who was being taught.”

  Gena’s heart sank as she nearly colpsed; one of the elves gave her support as her head started to spiral.

  “Why are you giving up? They haven’t gotten far yet.”

  “Give me a sword and your fastest horse.”

  The duo quickly moved as Joseph joined them. They were given the necessary tools as Joseph led them out of the city. Three horses galloped down the open field as they looked for the group of adventurers. After two hours of riding, they finally found a group of carriages moving slowly, with one of them filled with caged elves and other monsters.

  The carriage suddenly stopped as a group of men in leather gear stepped out, carrying various weapons. Another adventurer stepped out, but he wore a set of armor; with him, he dragged out an elf by the hair, who was heavily beaten and assaulted. Joseph’s anger quickly overtook him, but he was stopped by Melora’s stone gaze.

  “I have never seen a human ride around with an elf, and is that also a demon? Look at those horns and sweet body, I am sure the nobles will pay a hefty price for you. How about you bring me that demon and elf, then we can all share.”

  The group of adventurers giggled at each other as Melora and Adeline dismounted from their horses. Adeline picked up a nearby stone as she juggled it, as if thinking of something, while Melora had a hand on her sword’s hilt.

  “We just need like five of them alive, right?” Melora spoke nonchantly as they slowly approached the group.

  “I can settle with five, but that pig we need him alive.”

  “I agree, we need to have a conversation with him.”

  The adventurers simply mocked the two, seemingly unaware of the death that lingered over them.