Chương 70: From Savior to Executioner

Nine Years Earlier Felicity was thirteen years old, wandering through the forest with her father, Arthur. He was a tall man with short gray hair, a neatly trimmed beard, and the stern gaze of someone who never tolerated carelessness. Arthur walked over to her and took the cloth bag from her hands. He opened it and inspected the mushrooms one by one. Without saying a word, he threw several of them onto the ground.

"Felicity".

"Yes, Father".

"Tell me, are you trying to poison your own family?" She went pale.

"What? No, of course not".

"Then make sure the mushrooms you pick aren't poisonous before putting them in the bag".

"I'm sorry, Father…I didn't know".

"Your ignorance is no excuse, Felicity. That mistake could have killed us. Next time, ask me if you can't tell the difference. Am I clear?"

"Yes, Father". Arthur pointed toward a denser part of the forest.

"Go check over there. I'll search the other side. If you're in danger, whistle". Felicity nodded and walked away. She knelt among the damp leaves, studying another cluster of mushrooms.

"What about these? Are they poisonous or not? How the hell am I supposed to tell?" If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Suddenly, she heard heavy footsteps. She looked up. A massive brown bear was slowly approaching her. Felicity swallowed hard and took a step back. She whistled. No response. She whistled again, louder. Nothing. The bear suddenly quickened its pace, only to stop dead in its tracks. Behind it stood Father Leandro.

His expression was cold, one hand resting on the hilt of his sword. The bear stared at him for a brief moment before turning around and disappearing into the trees.

"Are you alright, sweet Feli?" Still trembling, she nodded and hugged him.

"Thank you…you saved me. What are you doing here?"

"I came to visit the clan. They told me you and your father were in the forest. Fortunately, I arrived just in time". Only then did Arthur appear.

"Leandro".

"Arthur, you shouldn't leave your daughter alone. There are dangerous animals in this part of the forest". Arthur remained expressionless.

"I told her to whistle if she was in danger". Felicity put her hands on her hips.

"I did. Twice".

"Apparently not loudly enough. Come on". Felicity lowered her head with a sigh. Leandro gently placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled.

"Your father is wrong. I heard your whistles. Come on, let's catch up with him before he gets angry with me too". Felicity smiled back and followed him. Present Father Leandro raised his sword toward the gloomy sky.

"With this divine sword, I will take your life, sweet Feli. I will free you from the Devil!" He unleashed a barrage of razor-sharp wind slashes. Felicity deflected them one after another with remarkable skill, answering with equally swift strikes of her own.

"Nine…ten…thirteen…" A divine voice echoed from the sword, audible only to Leandro.

"Block the ones on the right first. Then the ones on the left. Finish with the ones in the center". Father Leandro obeyed. His reflexes were flawless, his movements perfectly precise. Without warning, Felicity lunged forward, aiming a direct slash at his throat.

"Dodge to the side. Strike her right flank". Leandro complied. His blade tore through her right side. Felicity gritted her teeth and staggered backward.

"I'm sorry, Feli", Leandro said steadily.

"It doesn't matter how strong or well-trained you are. You are nothing compared to God".

"That stupid sword isn't God!" Felicity shouted, summoning a tornado. Leandro answered by conjuring an equally violent vortex. The two whirlwinds collided with a deafening roar. The wind exploded in every direction before fading away, leaving both fighters covered in deep cuts. Felicity staggered as she noticed a severe wound on her leg. Leandro had a bleeding gash across his chest, yet he paid it no attention. He raised his sword once more, ready to attack again. The rain continued to fall relentlessly.