The Master Tactican

I kept running, with my energy draining due to the fighting earlier. Also, the breakthrough magic is still new to me. 

Enuma said, "Cease this fleeing, it is better for you to stop, instead of depleting the remaining energy."

I did not want to stop but I understood the predicament. 

Enuma pointed, "Oi, over there. That is a good position. It is a seclude spot in the forest that can disguise your location for a bit."

I replied, "Okay, what is the plan? I cannot stay hidden there for very long."

Enuma smirked, "The women will be preoccupied shortly, I will let you decide how to handle it. Once the turmoil begins." 

I used my enhanced flicker step and vanished into the forest. Into a hollowed out giant hole in the ground under giant old tree. 

Akari and Sadie kept the pursuit and were adept at following the trail left by Terran. Even though they lost him in the thick tree branches, they were still confident they pick up the trail and track the energy that Terran was omitting.  

However, Akari sense a presence. If she was not familiar with it, she might have ignored it. 

She knew only one demon could give off such a presence from the air, In the hero party. Her husband was the leader. Yet he was not known for his tact. He wore his emotions on his sleeves and relied on his sweet for useful strategy.   

Calm, calculative, and efficient, and the best cleric healer in the alliance during the wars.  Her tactics are usually calculative and methodological. She follows a certain method or procedure to achieve her goal. Often devised a plan that follows a certain structure while also efficiently deploying a set of alternatives if her first plan fails.

She said, "Sadie, be alert. We have an enemy approaching. We need to engage or Terran will be in danger." 

Sadie was surprised, as she did not notice anything amiss. However, she trusted the great hero to her fullest. She was ready to take action at Lady Akari's order. 

Sadie realized, "Demon in the sky?"

Akari confirmed, "Yes, get into the trees and get elevation. The moment to strike will be brief."

The incoming Valkyrie said, “Well, these little girls do not matter. The problem is Akari.”

Yamidere had big plans for the one that can use the magic of the fallen Demon King, In order to make the Final Key. Even trained a talented young lad, but it didn’t matter anymore.

Even though the human wasn’t under her tutelage. It was the will of her god that a man wielding the power of the Demon King appeared.

How that man was able to use the power of the Demon King, she did not know. However, such a thing should be examined at a later time. It’s a small matter in front of the fact that the power of the Demon King was used. No matter who the man is related to.

Whatever may happen, it will be in my possession. By no means, fate added Akari to the proceedings. This may prove troubling.

Besides, the magic of the Breakthrough runs low. It can be settled here, but the Valkyrie does not allow the key’s escape in the meantime.

In any case, the Valkyrie floating in the wind screeching with frightening speed. With a swoop, she engaged the healer head on. 

Akari as a healer, it was strange to see her acting as the tank of the party. She said, "Hello again, Yamidere. You seem to be up to no good."

The Valkyrie slashed at the healer, while Akari used her magic to block it. Yamidere swept on past and began to turn around. 

Sadie unleashed some spells, as she shouted her attack "Giga Bolt!!"

Several lightning bolts danced across the sky from the magic sword of Sadie, toward the flying Demon. 

I was crouched into cover, but I could see the battle taking place clearly. 

Enuma said, "It is the Dark Valkyrie. She was one of my most loyal and one of the Six Supremacy of the Demon Lord army."

I asked, "What does she want? Why did she attack?"

Enuma smirked, "I reason to guess, she wants you. Even if she was my most loyal, she was fanatical. I tolerated her for her strength and creative solutions."

I replied, "What should I do? Do we run or fight."

Enuma said, "Yamidere is too powerful for you right now. You need to recover your energy. It is possible your mother already has the Valkyrie right where she wants her. This is time to rest, and depart soon through the thick forest."

I confirmed, "Okay, What can my mother do against such a strong demon? Will you be sad if the demon is killed?"

Enuma elaborated, "Even I am unable to predict the master tactician. It you we smart to try and learn something from this battle."

I continued to watch in hiding and did the breathing techniques that Enuma instructed. 

The Valkyrie screeched and swung her talons to knock the magic bolts out of the sky. She was looked like an angel with beautiful light pale skin and silver hair. The only thing that looked demonic was her black wings and black armor. 

She swept through the air and launched magic attacks that Akari proceed to block the attacks that need to be stopped. 

Yamidere said, "The great healer and a magic swordswoman. Is this the best you can do? I will take the Final Key and restore the Demon world to rightful glory"

Akari replied, "Oh dear! We won't allow that."

Then the healer gave the signal, and Sadie made a move. Closed in while launching more magic lightning attacks. 

Akari shouted, "Sadie be careful of the desolation magic!" 

Which Yamidere shouted, "That is right, you best be afraid!" 

Sadie moved with a massive leap to strike at the flying Valkyrie, which Yamidere easily parried it. Which she then moved past with her intent to use her demon magic on the healer. 

Yamidere launched her magic, "Giga Desolation Melting Acid" 

The Dark Valkyrie expected the Great Hero to block the attack and would take advantage of the situation to get close. She knew not to waste time with reinforcements coming soon from the blondie and black hair girls.

Akari easily blocked the attack and was already anticipating the closed engagement. However, she panicked. Sadie had closed the distance again with a flicker step and tried to meet the Valkyrie before getting close o the healer.

Which Yamidere expected that, and her original intent was always to target Sadie. 

Akari called out, "Watch out, she is going for you!!"

Sadie swung her sword with crackle of lightning flowing along the blade. The Valkyrie deflected it with her talons. Then grabbed the sword and attacked with magic at point blank range at Sadie. 

Yamidere said, "That is one down."

Enuma suddenly said, "Oi, stop you don't need to get involved."

The problem was I just moved instinctually. I already expected this to happen, my mother did too. 

Akari had already swept in and took the full blow of the desolation acid. As the great hero tried to use a barrier, which was easily broken and dark ooze of magic landed and her and began to melt everything it touched. 

I saw that magic attack was meant for the Akari the entire time, my feet did move fast enough as I grew angry at being weak. Unable to protect even my mother. 

Sadie shouted, "No!!! Big Sis why?!" 

Akari did not scream, she just absorbed the pain. She began to glow with her healing magic. She said with a wide smile, "He does still care. My son does not hate me for being a bad mother." 

Yamidere laughed, "The great hero is weak without the rest. I will do what is necessary to restore the Demon Race as the superior beings on th-."

With my ability to trigger the breakthrough at small increments, that boost my abilities and burst I was already on the scene right behind the Dark Valkyrie. 

She was still talking when she senses the Demon King magic being used and spun around. Yet, it was too late. Sadie was already striking, stabbing the demon in the leg. Crudely wounding the demon not fatale but severe wound that slows the movement of any being. 

I strike the demon with my fist; with a rage I did not know I had. I let out a battle cry “Ruaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!”

I unleashed my fist, Fang of Heavenly Light • Meteor Flash Screw Attack

The spiral magic ripped through the Dark Valkyrie, as she cried out in pain, "Impossible, to master this magic so fast. You will pay!!"

She used her still working talon and tried to shred me full length of the body. However, my mother had already leapt into the spot defend her son from any damage. 

Still that wound bore thick into Lady Akari, as she was still not fully recovered from the acid magic from earlier. 

Akari took me in her arms and fell to the ground to safety. She whispered in my ear, "My little hero."

Sadie swings her sword and beheads the demon Yamidere. Then runs over to Akari, shouting "Big SIs, why do you need to take such a risk?"

Akari said, "I love it when a plan comes together. Do not worry my little missy, I am a healer after all."

Sadie cried out, "Big sis, even if you planned it out, does not make worry any less."

I said, "Mom why did you get hurt for me."

Enuma complained, "She is as loud as ever. This provides so much nostalgia. She always baited me with such pretend. The fearless damsel."

Akari turned to Sadie, "We better setup a camp. I will need time to heal and recover."

Sadie replied, "Madam, right away. Let's get you healed up."