KWA-GA-GANG-!!
I drove strength hard into my legs and shot forward. I bounded up the stairs and burst out outside.
My vision cleared. The space was still dark, but it was better than before.
What about the Poison Phoenix?
I turned my gaze. The Poison Phoenix was already sprinting off into the distance. Fortunately, she seemed to have listened well.
That side’s handled.
Fwoosh.
I flared up flames and pushed off my feet once more. If possible, I might be able to dash over, grab the Poison Phoenix, and bolt with her. That thought flashed across my mind when—
“How unexpected.”
Flash—!
With a brief flash of light, a voice came from ahead.
Sword Sovereign, wrapped in golden light, was standing in front of me.
“Boy. I thought someone like you would be far removed from the idea of running away. Seems I’ve grown old—I misjudged you.”
“…Hahaha.”
For such an old man, his legs were fast. Regretfully, I dispersed the flame gathering at my toes.
“You’re fast.”
“Thanks for the compliment. People used to say I was as swift as the wind, back in the day.”
“…Yes. I know that very well.”
His former…