I still have plenty of Golems you know.

The [Marionette] laughs as more Golems swarm out of the ground.

Igni: [Equip Flame] Ignite]

Around Igni, he created [Fireball]s that looked like small dots. Once they all whitened with increased heat.

Igni: [Launch] {Fire}!

ZUDODODODO!!! (sfx rapid impact)

Tiny explosions of air erupted around Igni, and Ignis tiny [Fireball]s struck the Golems and went right through! They rained down and drilled holes into each Golem!!

Wait...really? What are you.? These Golems should be able to withstand Spells up to [S] Compatibility but.

The [Marionette]s face looks strained as he places a new cigarette in his mouth.

......ah well. We have plenty more where that came from.

The [Marionette] spreads his hands.

More hordes of Golems bubble out of the ground.

Igni: Alicia! Whats with his spell?

Golems are an [Earth] type Spell.

If hes an [Unique Original] Spellcaster, then he should be using those kinds of spells but.!

Alicia: He uses a limited Area Control Spell! Within that Area, he can rob the people within a certain part of their senses!

Igni: Understood!

Igni: (So thats why we couldnt detect the manipulation of Magic before..!!)

Igni casts [Equip Flame] {Ignite}. With all the [Fireball]s he created, he strikes the Golems again and sends it flying towards the [Marionette].

In that split second, he goes and takes off Roses restraints.

Igni: Can you stand, Rose?

Rose: II, cant.

Igni: Here, hold on to me tight.

Rose: SSure.......

Igni carries Rose in his arms. He felt a stabbing glare from Alicia, but he concludes that it must have been his imagination.

Igni: Sorry, but I cant let you have the [Saint].

The [Marionette] spits out his cigarette and raises his palm towards Igni.

Igni instinctively jumps away.

The next moment, the ground beneath Ignis feet melted.

What? You can dodge that??

Igni: Is that your Spell?!

Again, he felt no manipulation of magic before the Spell!

You think I would tell you?

Igni: Ill make you talk! [Equip Flame] {Ignite} : [Armor Piercing] {Fire}!

Before Igni, a giant [Fireball] was created and began to rotate and spin!!

The friction caused between the air and the [Fireball] began to screech!!

Let me take away your sight.

<VUN> (sfx)

Ignis sight is swallowed in darkness.

Igni: Alicia!

Alicia: Leave it to me!!

Igni: [Launch] {Fire}!!

Alicia: [Come My Wind] {Ventos} : [Guide Them] {Duux}!

DONNNNNNNNNN!!!! (sfx explosion)

The [Fireball] fires off with a massive explosive sound and with Alicias guidance, it heads straight towards the [Marionette]........but the Golems intervene!

Igni: Pierce right through them!!

<DOU!!> (sfx dull impact)

With Ignis shout, the Golems body crumples and is blown backwards taking the [Marionette] with it!!

Owwww

When the [Marionette] was blown away, Ignis sight returned.

Igni: I heard from Alicia, [Marionette].

Igni holds Rose as he glares at the [Marionette].

Igni: I heard that youre quite weak.

Wow, thats rude Hasnt someone taught you to respect your elders?

The [Marionette] pushed the Golem aside and stood up.

But from a glance, hes been beaten up pretty badly.

Well...yeah, that is true. Its just as you say. Im not that strong. If I had to fight head on with anyone, I would probably even lose to students.

Igni: Then withdraw.

Youre letting me go? How kind of you.

The edges of the [Marionette]s lips curve upward as he laughs.

But that kindness during a battle is a [mistake].

Below the [Marionette]s feet, the broken Golem is reconstructed.

Igni, I havent seen you use any other Spells except [Fireball].

Igni: Yeah, thats the only Spell I can use.

I had a feeling that that was the case.

The [Marionette]s face instantly twists into a wicked smirk.

So just for you, I created a Golem that cant be destroyed by heat.

[Heat Resistant] Golems surround Igni.

Igni: [Equip Flame] {Ignite}

Its no use! I put a lot of work into this! It cant be destroyed by [Fireball]!!

Igni: [Change] {Heavy Equip}

..............what?

You could almost hear Ignis [Fireball] fattens up with a <ZUN> (sfx heavy weight) as it increases not in temperature but in Magic Power!

Igni: [Artillery] {Fire}

DODODON!!! (sfx multiple impacts)

The heavy sound almost rips everyones eardrums!!

The air rips to pieces and howls!!

The [Fireball] Igni created <PUSHES> the Golems as they are blown away!

Igni: A [Fireball]..........is not just about temperature.

Are you kidding me?

The [Marionette]s jaws dropped as he envisioned a completely different outcome. And Igni stood before his eyes and pointed a [Fireball] at him from point blank range..

Igni: So what will you do now? Will you surrender? Or will you fight?

The [Marionette] raised both his arms in a sign of surrender.

Of course Ill surrender. Im not paid enough to bet my life on this. I feel bad for my employer, but.Im giving up on this job.

Alicia: Your employer? ..arent you a mercenary of the Southern Union?

Alicia restrains the [Marionette] with techniques she learned from the classes at the Academy.

The Southern Union? My contract with them ended last year.

Alicia: What? Then who are you working for? You really think I would divulge information about my employer?

Alicia: .........

This was his dignity as a mercenary.

And drawing out this information is not Igni and his groups job.

Alicia: Alright, lets get out of this Workshop. Cmon. Guide us to the exit.

Alicia smacks the [Marionette] in the head.

Hey! Im still an older man so treat me with more respect.. Alicia: Youre a CRIMINAL who tried to abduct the [Saint]!

The [Marionette] tries to defend his position that hes an [attempted] abductor, but Alicia hurries him forward.

Rose: ThThank you, Igni.

With dreamy eyes, Rose thanks Igni while still being held in his arms.

Igni: Dont worry about it. Youre a girl I wanted to catch.

And Igni smiles warmly at Rose.

Igni: Can you stand? Rose: YYes.

They exit the underground [Spell Workshop].

Yoori was waiting for them outside.

Yoori: WWelcome back!

........you still had one more person standing by.

The [Marionette]s shoulders sag and drop.

Rose: Hey, Igni. Igni: Hm? Rose, who was walking behind Igni takes his hand.

Igni: (Oh, her hands are soft.)

Rose: I have a wish I want you to fulfill for me.

Igni: A wish?

Igni tilts his head at Roses request.

Rose: Um, well. Igni, I really like you!

Igni: ThThanks..?

Ignis brain crashes at the sudden confession.

Rose: And so..I want you to go with me.

Igni: .....go with you.?

Rose: Im going to be going to a lot of different countries for the next 40 years. Igni, I want you to come with me and do this together.

Igni: ...together

Rose: Yes. But...you dont have to answer me right now! I know our destinies are tied together!! And I understand how you feel about me after you rescued me today!!

Igni: .......my feelings

Igni could only parrot Roses words.

Rose: Ill be here in this country for 3 days. So I want to hear your answer before I leave.

Saying everything she wanted to say, Rose smiled brightly.