Sensing the shift in aura, the black-cloaked man instantly became alert.
"What a powerful aura," he murmured warily.
Zelda's aura, once gentle and calm, now felt like that of a beast awakened from slumber.
Still, he quickly regained his composure and swung his sword to the side.
"If this is your choice, then I won't hold back," he said coldly before darting toward her.
Seeing that, Zelda responded with a chilling smile as she raised her left hand.
*Boom!*
Tree roots suddenly burst from the ground, shooting toward the black-cloaked man at high speed.
"What!?"
Startled, he tried to maneuver mid-air to dodge, but it was too late.
One of the roots pierced the right side of his stomach with deadly precision.
"Argh!" He was flung backward and landed roughly, clutching his wound.
Beneath his mask, his face had gone pale, and he groaned in pain.
He glanced down at his palm, now stained with fresh blood.
