Seeing that Lumine had frozen in place for some unknown reason, Ying's eyes trembled slightly. After a moment of thought, she decided not to waste this opportunity, gritted her teeth, and moved her body, approaching her.
*Hoo hoo—*
A gust of wind brushed past her face, bringing Lumine back to her senses. She looked ahead and found that a Vortex was inexplicably in front of her. Behind her, the Doctor watched with a playful expression. Lumine's heart instantly jolted, and her body instinctively moved, kicking it away.
*Boom—!*
A stone pillar was knocked down. Ying's body slowly descended to the ground. She stood up with all her might, spitting out a mouthful of blood.
She had clearly prepared herself. She had used the Vortex, the skill with the least power, and knew that the Lumine before her was just a fragment. Yet, upon seeing her face, she still couldn't bring herself to strike. Not only that, she even regretted her previous actions towards Lumine...
Calm down, Ying. She's just a fragment. The real Lumine must be anxiously searching for you outside, trying to save you. If she knew you lost your life because you couldn't bear to strike a fragment, she would be sad. She would lament your previous mistake.
Even though she kept comforting herself this way... but... but she really couldn't do it. Even knowing Lumine would be sad, even knowing the Lumine before her was just a fragment, she still couldn't bring herself to strike her...
Seeing that the Doctor could barely stand after taking the blow, Lumine's brow furrowed unconsciously again.
It's happening again... this increasingly painful feeling. What is going on? Was she given some strange drug by him...?
Thinking this, Lumine shook her head, a determined look in her eyes.
She didn't know what drug had caused her to be like this, making her body feel unwell whenever she fought the Doctor. But since that was the case, she would end this duel quickly.
After all, if she could defeat the Doctor in one blow, this drug would naturally lose its effect...
Gritting her teeth, she slowly moved her body. Despite wincing in pain, she persisted in moving towards Lumine.
With this thought, Lumine's eyes suddenly sharpened. She gripped her silver sword, her entire body tensing up. Then, she shot towards the Doctor like an arrow loosed from a bow, reaching him in almost an instant.
Sensing Lumine's intention to kill her directly, Ying tried to move her exhausted body, but found herself unable to even move a finger. A bitter smile appeared on her face.
Was this the end? She had come so far...
Paimon, I'm sorry... I couldn't save you personally. Please don't be discouraged. Believe in Lumine. Believe that she will save you.
I hope you can stay by Lumine's side from now on, and not be disheartened by the departure of your incompetent host, falling into despair...
*Plink—!!*
The sound of a blade piercing flesh echoed through the vast hall.
Seeing that she had indeed pierced Ying's body with her sword, Lumine's heart began to race violently. She immediately knelt on the ground, clutching her chest and gasping for breath.
"No... how could I..."
Even though she knew it was just a fragment, Lumine's face was filled with disbelief. Her anger instantly boiled over, and she stood up abruptly, rushing towards the portal.
She had to go. She had to save Ying. Even if it hurt someone else, even if Ying would blame her later, she absolutely would not maintain that ridiculous rationality and just watch her get hurt.
Seeing Lumine rushing towards her, a smile appeared on the Doctor's lips.
*Thud—!*
The moment she touched the portal, Lumine felt an incredibly powerful force repelling her. Gritting her teeth, she used all her strength, wanting to break through forcefully, but...
*Bang—!!*
With a loud crash, Lumine was instantly thrown back, landing heavily beside Paimon. She fell unconscious for a short while.
"Lumine?!"
Paimon quickly flew to Lumine's side, trying to wake her up.
"Heh..."
Seeing this outcome, the Doctor nodded with satisfaction.
To so easily withstand such a powerful offense, truly worthy of being a remnant of the Heavenly Principles.
Inside the portal...
Lumine's pupils suddenly contracted. She stared in disbelief at the silver sword that should have pierced her heart but had inexplicably deviated.
Why? I clearly didn't...
"Mmph?!"
The next second, a sharp pain spread through her mind, as if something was tearing at her soul. She let out a muffled groan, knelt directly on the ground, and clutched her chest in pain.
Two lines of tears traced paths down her cheeks, flowing down her fair and smooth neck. Lumine reached out a trembling hand to wipe away the tears, raised her head with difficulty, her heart filled with pain and confusion.
Why... why did it hurt so much... this feeling... this feeling like a loved one died before her eyes... what was going on...
Seeing Lumine in pain, Ying, who had been unable to lift a finger, suddenly trembled. Slowly, she moved her body, embraced Lumine, and gently patted her back.
"Lumine... don't cry... seeing you like this makes me sad..."
"What is it? The esteemed Honorary Knight can't endure this much?"
Hearing this, Lumine's body stiffened, her gaze fixed blankly ahead.
These were words of mockery, yet why did she feel no anger at all...
Trembling, Lumine pressed her hands on the Doctor's shoulders, pushing her in front of her. Seeing the sword still on her, the pain intensified. Then, her vision suddenly darkened, and she couldn't help but rub her eyes.
When she opened them again, the Doctor in front of her appeared blurry. She didn't look like the Doctor, but rather...
Ying?!
Lumine was startled by her own thought. She quickly shook her head, trying to widen her eyes to see the figure in front of her clearly. However, her eyes seemed to be playing tricks on her, constantly confusing the figures of the Doctor and Ying, making it impossible for her to distinguish which was which.
Just as Lumine closed her eyes in pain, a familiar voice completely shattered her thoughts.
"Lumine... if you keep making that face... and make me sad... I'm going to... get angry at you..."