329 The Ultimate Defense (Cynthia’s Perspective)

“I have to say, I’m surprised you arrived so much sooner than I expected,” Teacher Coco said, looking genuinely startled.

“Oh, Teacher, the feeling is mutual,” I replied. “Judging by the situation, I take it you weren’t able to stop Weiss?”

“Guilty as charged. He was a lot stronger than I anticipated.”

Lilith, Lady Luna, and I had finally reached the West Shrine. However, standing in our way was Teacher Coco. She had already layered so many Defense Formulas around herself that it didn’t look like any of our attacks would ever get through.

Still, we had been tipped off beforehand that she had a weak heart and lacked any real physical stamina. This was a match, and we intended to win by any means necessary. Even if it feels a little underhanded, we aren't leaving here without a victory.

“Lilith, please move to the front with me. Lady Luna, can you watch for an opening through the Black Ball and let your Mana fly?”

“Yes! Leave it to me!” Lilith chirped.

“Understood. I’ll... I’ll do my very best,” Luna added.

I didn't bother mentioning it to the teacher, but we were actually capable of sharing the Black Ball’s vision through our Mana. See the unseen. We had spent an eternity drilling that specific training into our heads.

As I let Glacies surge with power, Teacher Coco’s expression shifted ever so slightly.

“That magic sword is as ridiculous as ever. One touch and it’s instant frostbite and necrosis, isn’t it?”

“If you’re going to surrender, now’s the time,” I warned her. “None of us really know how to hold back.”

“Hahaha! Well, I look forward to that.”

Teacher Coco wore her usual smile. Enjoy it while it lasts, Teacher.

I activated Silent Step and closed the distance alongside Lilith, launching a relentless wave-like assault. I shattered one Defense Formula, and Lilith smashed the one behind it. By syncing our strikes, we forced her to divert more and more power to her defenses. If we could just turn this into a battle of attrition, our victory was guaranteed.

My attack successfully pulverized a Defense Formula. Lilith’s follow-up hit home. We simply repeated the process over and over, hammering away at her.

But halfway through, a cold realization washed over me. No matter how immense her Mana capacity was, the power overflowing from Teacher Coco hadn't diminished in the slightest.

Wait... could it be?

“So you finally noticed. It’s a pity, really. As far as matchups go, this is the absolute worst for you.”

That was when I saw it. There, etched onto the ground, was a Magic Circle.

Is that... Weiss’s technique?

“The Destructive Impulse of the Healing Grace, wasn't it?” Coco asked. “Well, I’ve tweaked it into my own original version, of course.”