Amelia seemed genuinely moved, casting a surprised glance at Henry before turning her gaze back to Elliott.
The incessant clanking of chains disrupted Elliott's hearing, while Gabriel himself flitted about the room like a phantom, making it impossible for Elliott to pinpoint his exact location.
Clang! Gabriel's iron claw struck Elliott's blade. "Elliott," Gabriel exclaimed in astonishment, "how did you know I'd strike there?"
Elliott offered no reply, standing motionless, his ears twitching ever so slightly.
Foolish blind man, Gabriel sneered inwardly. No matter how sharp your senses, you'll never outmatch a man with sight.
With a swift motion, Gabriel hurled his iron claw once more, this time following right behind it, gathering strength for a decisive strike.
Elliott, unaware of Gabriel's ploy, focused solely on the sound of the chain and swung his sword to deflect the incoming claw.
But Gabriel had already closed the distance, his palm poised to strike Elliott square in the chest.
"That's the 'Crane Spreads Its Wings'—he's aiming for your heart!" Amelia blurted out, unable to bear the thought of Elliott taking such a devastating blow.
Elliott reacted instantly, pulling his sword back to guard his chest. Gabriel's ambush foiled, he turned his fury toward Amelia. "You little brat!" he roared, hurling his weapon straight at her.
"No!" Elliott lunged forward, his blade slicing through the chain midair.
Gabriel's lips curled into a sinister grin as he channeled his energy into the chain. Like a serpent, it coiled around Elliott, the iron claw sinking deep into the arm that held his sword. "Thank you, girl," Gabriel taunted, laughing. "Without your interference, I might never have subdued this troublesome blind man. But now—ah, perfect."
Amelia watched in horror as blood seeped from Elliott's wound, staining his sleeve crimson. Tears welled in her eyes. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I'll listen to you from now on. I won't speak out of turn again."
Henry and Sophia were equally frantic, but there was nothing they could do.
"There won't be a 'next time,' little girl," Gabriel sneered, tightening his grip on the chain while leering at Amelia. "He dies today."
"Is that so?" Elliott's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "'Sword-Breaker Technique!'"
In one fluid motion, Elliott seized the chain with his left hand and yanked hard, his feet tracing intricate circular steps as he closed the gap between them in an instant.
His sword, previously held with effort, now rested in a reverse grip. Before Gabriel could react, Elliott slashed upward—aiming to cleave him in two.
Gabriel's sharp eyes caught the glint of Elliott's blade, its edge radiating an eerie glow, its power tenfold its usual might. Knowing he couldn't block it, Gabriel hastily raised the chain as a shield and leaped back.
Clang! The chain split clean in two. Gabriel clutched the wound on his body, blood seeping through his fingers as he stared at Elliott in disbelief.
Elliott stood panting, his sword in one hand, the other braced against the ground. "I call this… 'The Mantis Stalks, the Oriole Follows,'" he said hoarsely. "Pity I didn't finish you. Your lightness skill is impressive."
Gabriel let out a deranged laugh. "Elliott… we'll meet again. I never imagined you could manifest sword energy. I underestimated you. This debt of blood—I will repay it."
His voice still hung in the air, but Gabriel had already vanished into the distance. Elliott wasted no breath on farewells, immediately sitting down to meditate and tend to his wounds.
Amelia, overjoyed at Elliott's sudden counterattack, now bit her lip in worry as he began his recovery. She dared not disturb him, forcing herself to wait in anxious silence.