I JUST WANT A PEACEFUL LIFE

While the whole Nirvas get more chaotic with each passing time, Angus and the others settle down inside a large rune barrier. With the help of Nabe, Angus manages to create a complex and strong barrier to cover their whole camp.

The barrier could hold the [Miasma Blast] from any fourth-grade monster. Currently, Angus and Jayna are resting while the others stay on guard. They need to conserve their strength in this uncertain time.

While Angus and Jayna are resting near the sleeping Anna, the little troublemaker suddenly opens her eyes widely before staring in a specific direction. At the same time, Nabe feels a slight chill on her back.

Before she could react, she realized the surrounding area had changed into a pitch-black darkness. She didn't panic and calmly observed the surroundings for a few seconds before creating a light ball in her hand. Soon, she noticed she was inside a different place.

All the surroundings have completely changed. The earthy cave ground changes into murky black water, but it magically does not wet her feet as she stays on top of the water.

She could also hear footsteps, like hitting a smooth stone floor. The only thing that gives it the feeling of water is the ripples when she steps on it.

On the other hand, the surrounding is total darkness. Her bright light ball couldn't penetrate the darkness. It is as if the dark was trying to swallow the light itself. Cold sweets also slowly appeared on her face and back each time passed.

Despite her vast knowledge and experience, she feels a deep unknown fear just staying at this place. She feels like the darkness is alive and looking back at her. A phenomenon that Nabe only hears in the literature. Yet, her situation literally describes her situation.

Just as she tries to release a rough mana wave, Nabe hears footsteps slowly approaching her location.

'Judging by the footstep, it should be a woman.' thought Nabe as she kept her vigilance.

The footsteps slowly got closer until they stopped. Nabe could see a silhouette of a humanoid person just at the edge where her light ball illuminated.

"If you stare into the abyss, the abyss stares back at you." a soft pleasant voice is heard from the silhouette.

"I believe that's the quote Angus told me some time ago. Although it means that one should never lose their reason when fighting, I feel it is a good statement to describe this place." said the women before slowly moving forwards.

At this moment, Nabe sees a mature Anna in her transformation. Despite being a woman, Nabe somehow feels Anna is beautiful and charming.

"Y-You are Anna?" asked Nabe unsurely.

"Hmm?? If I am not, then who else?" retorted Anna playfully.

"What is this place? No, this place is not real. It's like a powerful illusion." said Nabe as she tried to observe the place.

"Illusion?? What's that? Well, enough chit-chat. You know I already warned you before." said Anna coldly.

"So, you want revenge because of my actions? Well, I suppose you have the right to be angry at me since all this incident happened because of me. Still, I am surprised at..." stated Nabe calmly.

*Swish* *Wungg* Suddenly, the two women disappear and a loud air wave is heard. The two women appeared not far from the location as the darkness stayed still again.

"Don't try to test my patience. You are still alive because Angus still needs you and is useful. Still, I believe your little prank is going too far." said Anna.

"So, what do you want?" asked Nabe in vigilance.

There is a small bruise on her left cheek. Nabe is sure she is already dodging Anna's attack. Yet, a small bruise appeared on her cheek.

'With her momentum and power, the attack should not leave just a bruise. It means she can perfectly control whatever hits me.' thought Nabe.

She notices the bruise is not coming from Anna's previous attack since her attack is coming towards her left body side from a kick.

"You see… this murky darkness is what I see every day, every moment, and every second. It is cold, maddening, and stuffy. The more I stay here, the more horrible this place is. A curse that I couldn't get rid of."

"Yet, Angus and Big Sis Jayna bring me out from this place. They give me warmth and become my shelter. A place to play, delicious food to eat, a warm bed, and company during a nightmare. It is an indescribable feeling for someone who only knows this darkness." narrated Anna.

Anyway, as much as I want you to truly experience it, I also couldn't let you go insane. So, I will give you a chance. If you could leave a scratch on me, I will let you go from this place." said Anna.

"That's it? I just need to leave a scratch on you? Are you underestimating.." said Nabe before stopping.

"Oh yeah. I forgot to mention the darkness will slowly 'swallow' you. If you don't want to go insane, you should hurry and attack me. Don't worry, I will not retaliate, but I could still dodge." said Anna playfully.

In contrast, Nabe started having a cold sweat. As Anna's said, she truly feels the murky darkness slowly getting closer, like trying to swallow her. Even if she knows this is only an illusion, it is messed up with her instinct.

She knows staying in this place for long will only overload her instinct and brain. She doubts even if she didn't go insane, she would turn to vegetative as her mind couldn't hold on.

Without hesitation, Nabe shoots many low-circle spells at Anna while charging at her. However, all her attacks are useless in front of Anna's powerful body. Nabe feels like fighting against Alder but is faster and more agile than the lizardman.

"Hmm… Like Angus said, I am still not used to this body. Well, this will become a good practice." chimed Anna while dodging the huge spell.

While Anna is taking this chance to get used to her body, Nabe becomes more restless. The Darkness slowly affected her mind. She gradually loses her calm and perception. She didn't even know how long they had been fighting.

No matter how she tried to calm or adapt, her mind kept sensing unknown fear from the darkness that corrupted her sense.

For magicians, the mind is the most important thing besides their core. With a troubled mind, her casting speed is much slower than in real life. If before she could cast fifth-grade spells almost instantaneously, now she needs at least a few seconds to cast them.

The difference may be slight, but it is enough time for Anna to dodge her spells. Left with no choice, she starts to fight her in close combat. Nabe is not a pure magician. In fact, her race as Altras made her an excellent warrior.

Despite this, she is still unable to lay a scratch on Anna. She even used various shapeshifter abilities yet still did not succeed. Instead, Nabe gets frustrated as Anna gets better at dodging her attack.

Nabe notices Anna actually manages to read her rhythm and fighting pattern over time, which is almost impossible. Seventh-grade combatant is the pinnacle level of the combatant.

Their rich experience in fighting and combat made them not only dangerous but highly adaptable to their opponent. It means their rhythm and the fighting pattern are almost impossible to read since they could easily change.

Nabe is not only a warrior but an excellent magician. It will be easy for her to change her fighting pattern, especially with her shapeshifting ability. Yet, Anna is getting faster at reading her pattern.

"Hmph… This is getting boring. Even Angus is better at this. Well, time to end this." Anna dodged before making a snap gesture.

*Snap* Suddenly, Nabe finds herself back in the ruined earthy cave area. There is no change in the surroundings besides her body becoming wet from all the cold sweat. She could also perceive that not even a second had passed by.

Moreover, Nabe didn't even feel tired or losing mana despite the repetition of casting high-circle spells.

She touches her sweating head while looking at the sleeping Anna, who hugs the young couple's arms tightly with an innocent smile. Nabe feels all the things she experienced before are just a dream.

"Hmm.. You okay, Nabe? Why did you suddenly sweat like that?" asked Alder as he noticed her strangeness.

"I-It's nothing." said Nabe while shaking her head.

Suddenly, Alder appeared in front of Nabe and looked at her eyes intently with his sharp lizard eyes.

"Hmm… That little monster did you good. You should rest for now." said Alder.

"I am fine. I just need…" replied Nabe as she ignored that Alder somehow noticed her interaction with Anna.

"Rest, Nabe. You need it." said Alder sternly while hugging her gently.

Her sharp mind could feel the deep worry in Alder's tone.

After releasing a small sigh, "Fine. But, don't you dare take advantage of me." retorted Nabe before falling asleep.

Seeing the sleeping Nabe, Alder couldn't help but smile and gently let her sleep comfortably in his arms.

"What a terrifying ability to make a Nabe like this." said Alder while caressing the sleeping Nabe.