Chapter 121

Episode 121: Bow Before Me! (Petra’s Perspective)

I’ve dealt with more than my fair share of scumbags lurking in the underworld.

Ever since I joined the Special New Vanguard Force, I’ve been right on the front lines, crushing anti-social elements left and right. I’ve learned how to fight enemies like them—and win.

This time’s no different.

Anyone who stands against the Empire doesn’t deserve mercy.

“Haah!”

While Stiano held the front line and kept them occupied, I released a gust of wind magic.

It wasn’t lethal, but it packed enough force to send the mercenaries flying several meters through the air.

All except for one.

“Tch… Didn’t even faze her.”

“Petra, that robed one… is she the leader of the mercenary group?”

“Hard to say. But she’s definitely someone high up.”

She took my spell head-on without flinching. No—more like she neutralized it just before impact.

That blast was no joke. Any normal opponent would’ve taken some damage.

But she didn’t even flinch.

Which means… she’s above me.

“Be careful. She’s the real deal.”

“Yeah. You can tell just by looking.”

“Don’t you go charging in ahead of me.”

“What do you take me for, a wild boar?”

Stiano’s brave—sometimes a little too brave.

Put a strong enemy in front of him, and he’s liable to rush in without thinking.

Fighting someone powerful means you have to be cautious.

“Don’t close the distance, no matter what. Just focus on keeping them at bay.”

“Got it!”

I hate fighting defensively. It’s slow and frustrating. I’d rather wrap this up quickly.

But even I know to play it safe when facing someone like that mage.

She reminds me of… Aldia. That same overwhelming presence.

You can just feel it. The aura only true powerhouses carry.

Getting close would be too risky.

That meant we had no choice but to stick to ranged magic. But if I mistimed my spell even slightly, I’d be left wide open—and that’d be the end of me.

As we continued our standoff, the robed woman calmly raised her palm toward us.

“──Stiano, dodge!”

A bullet of water came flying at us, whizzing past and crashing into the ground behind.

“Yikes—thanks for the heads up!”

“I’ll read the timing of her spells. When I give the signal, dodge immediately.”

The mercenaries moved in sync around the robed woman.

She was the linchpin. Take her out, and the rest would crumble.

I raised my hand toward them, ready to strike back.

I’ll turn this battle in our favor—watch me!

“Haah!”

The air cracked and popped with electricity as I released a bolt of lightning toward the group.

It had power. Serious power. If it landed, they weren’t walking away from it.

“…”

But the robed woman didn’t even blink.

She’s not dodging!?

Why?

Anyone else would’ve run for their life by now.

Just before the bolt struck, she cast a spell—and it dissipated into thin air.

“…What?”

What was that magic just now?

It’s impossible.

She snuffed out my strongest spell like it was nothing.

She didn’t even have time to build a proper defense spell.

I was sure that blast would’ve sealed the deal.

“What the hell… She’s a damn monster.”

When I face someone stronger than me, I don’t feel fear—I feel frustration.

I can’t stand that there’s someone out there more powerful than I am.

I’ve worked harder than anyone to get here.

Age, gender—none of that matters.

I’ve put in the effort. I’ve mastered magic.

And yet, I still can’t reach the top.

But I won’t give up.

I refuse to let someone stronger than me stay up there looking down.

I’ll drag them off their pedestal if I have to!

“…I’m not done yet! Haah!”

“…”

I kept firing spell after spell.

I didn’t care if I ran out of mana.

I just wanted to wipe that smug look off her face.

But none of them landed a decisive blow.

“Dammit…!”

Why? Why can’t I get through to her!?

“Hey, Petra. Uh… we’re kind of getting overwhelmed here.”

Stiano was being pressed hard on his end, too.

The line he was holding was starting to collapse.

We had to end this soon—or he was done for.

“I know it’s tough… Just hang in there!”

“I’m trying, but at this rate, we’re screwed.”

“I’m aware!”

I have to break through with magic.

I knew this would be a tough battle.

Even if she’s a better mage than me… even if she keeps neutralizing my strongest spells… I’m not backing down.

“You’re still going?”

“Of course! I’m going to crush you until there’s nothing left! You’d better brace yourself!”

“Heh… Still as stubborn as ever, no matter what route we’re on.”

“Huh? What the hell are you talking about?”

“Oh, nothing. Just… memories I carry within me. Things you wouldn’t understand.”

Her cryptic words felt genuine—not some tactic to throw me off.

Like they slipped out without her even realizing.

“…Whatever. Once I beat you, I’ll make you spill everything you know!”

“I’d like to see you try—‘Miss Honor Student.’”

I’m not letting it end like this.

We will take her down!

“I swear… I won’t lose!”

I know our chances aren’t great.

But I refuse to accept defeat.

“Let’s do this. I’m going all in!”

“I’ve got your back, Petra!”

“Watch closely—this magic will turn the tide!”

As I began channeling magic into my hands, the mercenaries surged forward, trying to stop me before I could cast.

“Like hell I’ll let you!”

“Don’t let her finish the spell!”

But Stiano was already moving to intercept, his sword cutting through their charge with precision.

“Guh…!”

“Morons. You think I’ll let you through? Petra—let it rip!”

“You don’t have to tell me twice!”

I gathered every ounce of power I had and compressed it into a single spell.

“──Bow before me!”

Remember this.

I’m the woman who’s going to become the strongest mage of all!