The Transmigrated Author

Chapter 101: Gerrard Freya Flashback (2)

[Gerrard Freya Flashback]

"I can help," Jianna resisted, a stubborn flash in her eyes. "I told you, just call me—"

"I won't risk it." Gerrard cut her off, his voice laced with an urgency she'd never heard before. "Your father would—"

A guttural chuckle from the throne interrupted him.

"Interesting, human!" The minotaur's three heads spoke in dissonant harmony. "Amongst the warriors who wield that weapon, I sense a power in you that blazes brighter than most."

There was no time for talk.

Gerrard infused his blade with aura, the metal glowing fiercely.

Ignoring Jianna's cry, Gerrard surged forward, a blur of determined focus.

As he ran, he swung his sword imbued with aura.

SLASH!

A crescent of pure energy launched from the blade, aimed with deadly precision at the monstrous creature.

The minotaur wasn't caught off guard. Its three heads swivelled in unison, the angry one roaring in fury as it rose to dominate the center position.

BASH!

With a thunderous crash, the beast slammed both massive hands onto the ground.

The cavern floor trembled in response, and a wall of earth rose with startling speed, an attempt to shield the minotaur from the oncoming attack.

But Gerrard's strike was unstoppable.

The aura-infused slash cut through the earthen wall like a hot knife through butter.

SHAAAA!

It collided with the minotaur's chest with a resounding clang, leaving a deep gouge in the thick hide.

The roar that erupted from the beast was a terrifying feeling of pain and surprise.

"You've penetrated my skin, human!" boomed the middle head, a grudging respect tinging its voice. "You are worthy of my full strength!"

As Gerrard pressed his advantage, charging towards the wounded beast, the minotaur's central head rotated again.

This time, the sympathetic head faced him. A deep breath filled the room, and with a sudden, forceful exhale, the Minotaur unleashed a powerful gust of wind.

It blasted towards Gerrard like a sharp, invisible blade, aimed to kill him within one move.

But Gerrard was ready. With a flick of his wrist, he channelled his aura.

SHING!

As he deflected the wind current harmlessly upwards. The air shimmered as the force dissipated high above.

up!

Gerrard's heart pounded against his ribs as he forced himself upwards, using aura burning beneath his feet.

There was a catch in her voice, a desperate feeling of relief that her words couldn't hide.

Exhaustion washed over him, and his eyes drifted closed.

...

...

...

Gerrard rested and finally opened his eyes, his vision blurry and fragmented.

The familiar ache in his body confirmed the events weren't a dream.

He was alive, battered but breathing.

And his head wasn't feeling the hard ground from before, a sight that sent a jolt through him.

Looking up towards Jianna, who had gently placed his head on her lap, shook with silent sobs.

"Right... sorry," he rasped, his voice hoarse.

He tried to move, his eyes landing on her teary face.

It was an image he never thought he'd see – the fearless friend he knew, reduced to bare emotion.

Before he could stop himself, his hand, throbbing with pain, reached out to wipe away a stray tear.

"Don't cry," he murmured, the words rough against his dry throat. "It's my fault."

Jianna's eyes snapped open, locking onto his.

Her grip tightened on his hand, pulling it close to her cheek.

"Don't fight without me, okay?" Her voice was thick with emotion.

Gerrard flinched the vulnerability in her gaze something he didn't know how to handle.

He looked away instinctively, muttering, "Right..."

But Jianna wouldn't let him have his way anymore.

She held his face, forcing him to meet her eyes.

"Look at me, Gerrard..." she pleaded, her voice trembling slightly. "You're always looking somewhere else... and not at me. Just this one time... look me in the eyes..."

Her voice dropped to a whisper, "Promise me you'll never fight without me again."

Gerrard held her gaze, his own eyes softening with a complex mix of emotions – gratitude, surprise, and a feeling he didn't understand.

Finally, he spoke his voice filled with sincerity, "Okay. I promise."

_____________

Authors notes:

- After this dungeon subjugation Jianna achieved the title of Sword Saint after slaying the S-Rank Monster 3-Headed Minatour (Hybrid Variation: Mutated]

- I was contemplating on saying Gerrard's vision was half-covered when he woke up ifykwim1. (I didn't want to break the importance of this scene.)