Rinoa nodded, her eyes filled with hope yet shrouded in tension. She entrusted all her hopes to Hernandez, the figure who had now become her support in this critical situation. Now, she just needed to hold herself back, fighting against the effects of paralysis paradox that were gradually gnawing at her strength, while attempting to protect those around her. Ultimately, she knew that eventually, the impact would hit her, and when that moment arrived, all her dreams would shatter instantly, unveiling a profound sense of despair that loomed like a dark shadow over her heart.

  “Hey! Still planning to play again?” taunted the cloaked man, his voice dripping with derision, as if mocking the remaining courage she had.

  “There's still round 2,” Hernandez replied, his gaze sharp as he faced his opponent, ready to take on the challenge before him.

  “Useless, your attacks won't work on me,” sneered the cloaked man, a cynical smile playing on his lips, confidence evident in every movement.

  “Of course, it won’t work. You’re well aware of the weaknesses of the Rockwell family. Clearly, you’re not a nobody. I must be cautious with you; one misstep and I could die. Yet, I still find it hard to believe that apart from the Rockwell family, there is someone else capable of wielding Magnetische Streu,” Hernandez stated seriously, conveying the tension that enveloped their battle atmosphere.

  “Hehehehe... praising the enemy can lead to disaster,” said the cloaked man with a patient smile, his eyes shining with hidden intentions, as if suggesting there was more at stake than just their duel.

  Magnetische Streu is a magic spell that is supposed to belong to the Rockwell family, a magical legacy that is both respected and feared in the world of sorcery. It is an extraordinary spell capable of changing the poles of the magnetic field of one’s entire body at the owner’s will. Its strategic purpose is to withstand close-range attacks from foes, including dangerous weapons like swords. When this spell is in use, it appears as if an invisible shield is protecting the caster, creating the illusion of resilience. By shifting the poles, the caster adapts to the enemy's attack poles; similar poles repel each other, causing any incoming assault to be deflected, regardless of how strong the opponent's power may be. This represents the strongest defensive capability in close combat, capable of shaking the confidence and strategies of attackers. Specific examples of this magic in action illustrate how a skilled defender can utilize this technique in battle to protect themselves from incoming strikes while also safeguarding those around them.

  “I do enjoy giving compliments, as it is a privilege,” said Hernandez with a fiery confidence. “But now it’s the real battle. Are you confident enough to defeat me? I will be using phase 2 paramagnetic.”

  “Oh! That’s terrifying,” replied the cloaked man, his voice trembling with anxiety.

  Once again, Hernandez launched his attack.

  Dash! With incredible speed, Hernandez charged at the cloaked man.

  In mere seconds, he was right in front of him, ready to strike. This time, his attack was unrelenting, shooting straight at him. Suddenly, the cloaked man jumped back, narrowly avoiding a punch that struck the air with a whizzing sound.

  “So, what do you say? Ready for round three?” Hernandez taunted challengingly.

  The man in the black cloak fell silent, unable to hide the tension on his face.

  “Paramagnetic stage one austenite,” Hernandez stated, his body flushing red with black smoke curling around him, signaling that he was about to unleash a much stronger attack.

  Hernandez leapt into action, his fists glowing red like embers. Realizing that he couldn't directly withstand the attack, the cloaked man quickly tried to evade.

  “You’ve stepped into my attack range,” Hernandez declared firmly, “EXPLOSION!” he shouted as he slammed his hands into the ground.

  Boom!!!!!!!! Bang!!!!

  The explosion shook the world around him with a terrifying force, large enough to devastate much of the park. Flames erupted from the massive crater created, with orange and red flames illuminating the sky. The shockwave from the blast rattled the atmosphere, causing nearby trees to topple as if powerless. Although the cloaked man swiftly dodged the direct attack, he couldn't escape unscathed; sharp debris from the explosion struck him, forcing him to collapse to the ground in a state of shock and incapacitated by the devastation caused.

  “Heh... it seems luck is still on your side, even if only partially,” Hernandez said with a cynical tone, a slight smile playing on his lips.

  “Ugh,” Rinoa groaned, clutching her head as if trying to shake off the dizziness that engulfed her, a lingering effect of the magic coiling around her mind like a serpent.

  “Rinoa!” Hernandez shouted, immediately rushing to her side. His face was etched with worry, as if the world around him had crumbled when he saw the girl he loved sinking into despair. Her frail body appeared helpless, as though crushed under the weight of the magic binding her thoughts.

  “I’m fine,” Rinoa whispered, her voice flowing softly like a gentle breeze, attempting to convey her resilience despite the fragility she felt within, like a dried branch left behind in autumn.

  “You’ve used too much magic. Your magical energy isn’t enough to protect yourself,” Hernandez said anxiously, his sharp eyes reflecting deep concern as he observed Rinoa, who was engulfed in shadows of sorrow.

  “You know me,” Rinoa replied softly, straining to keep herself upright. Her weary eyes felt heavy, as if they longed to close into the comforting darkness.

  “I’m sorry,” Hernandez said, lowering his head, his face filled with profound guilt.

  “What are you talking about? Paralysis paradox is still active. Until we manage to defeat it, we can’t get out of here,” Rinoa replied, her breath coming in ragged gasps, each word laced with deep concern.

  “I’ve already defeated it,” Hernandez answered, staring blankly ahead, suddenly startled by a deep conviction. He believed that the man in the black cloak was powerless now, yet doubt crept into his mind.

  Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  Suddenly, in the eerie silence of the night, a voice echoed with mystery, “magic circle ... firaga,” signaling the arrival of an extraordinary threat in the form of devastating magic.

  A massive fire erupted terrifyingly, rushing toward the two of them. With a diameter of nearly 3 meters, this blinding blaze looked like a monster ready to consume everything, and if struck, the entire beautiful garden would be reduced to rubble.

  “Hehehe ... carelessness can be fatal,” taunted the man in the black cloak with a smug smile, glaring at them with eyes full of hatred.

  Hernandez felt the heavy responsibility of protecting the helpless Rinoa. With no other choice, he had to unleash his greatest power. However, as he surveyed the many victims around him, his thoughts momentarily froze. The longer he pondered, the worse the potential outcomes seemed to loom.

  In his internal struggle, memories of his parents' words flashed before him: “There are times we must embrace madness, for in madness, we are free from the confines of ordinary thought. We have the right to desire what we want, and with that mindset, we can overcome all categories of humanity, whether they be foolish, intelligent, reckless, or cunning.”

  “Paramagnetic stage two austenitizing station,” Hernandez murmured slowly, not out of reluctance but because he was compelled by the urgency of the situation. Only a human can sense danger even in a state of unawareness, and in this moment, his survival instincts were functioning at full capacity.

  “Absorb,” he commanded firmly as the fire magic began to be absorbed through his hands. The power of the magic was so immense that Hernandez's body began to tear apart, signaling that he had reached his limit; his entire body felt nothing. After absorbing all the available magical power, he exerted every last ounce of energy to unleash one final attack towards the man in the black cloak.

  “EXPLOSION!!!”

  The explosion, larger than before, erupted with a ball of roaring fire, creating a massive whirlwind of flames that shook the air around him. The piercing winds howled, as if the life from the dimension of paralysis paradox was being snuffed out in the chaos. Black smoke billowed high, drawn towards the center of the vortex, followed by helpless objects caught in the turmoil, including the lifeless forms of individuals. Rinoa, with her magical prowess, struggled to save them, yet her gaze remained fixed on Hernandez. However, an enormous barrier stood between them, reminiscent of the pain she had once experienced in her grim past.

  “Paladin,” Rinoa said firmly, her gaze fixed on the figure of the man in the black cloak standing before her, shadows dancing around him, creating the impression that he stood on the edge of a battle that a paladin might possess—a power capable of reflecting all attacks, whether magical or physical, as steadfast as an unyielding shield. In this moment filled with hope, she felt a surge of determination to protect, recalling every detail of the strength she possessed in preparation for the lurking threat, indicating her willingness to fight for those she loved.

  “Are you the lonely?” asked the man in the black cloak, who suddenly emerged from behind a thick cloud of smoke, where Hernandez's lifeless body lay before him. Rinoa sensed the tension in the air; she could not determine whether the man was dead or still breathing. However, the sight in front of her ignited a spark of vengeance within her, reaffirming her intention to seek retribution.

  “And ... you are a sinner,” Rinoa replied firmly, returning the gaze of the man in the black cloak as she stepped forward, approaching him until she stood directly in front of him. Rinoa rose from her seated position, and the two found themselves locked in an exchange of meaningful looks, despite the fact that part of the man's face was obscured by the hood of his cloak. Without needing to utter another word, both understood that the answer to the question was yes.

  Lonely and Sinner is one of the well-known novels written by Jacob W. Shakephere, a renowned author from the Earth nation. The novel narrates the dramatic journey of a serial killer trapped in the darkness of his life, filled with loneliness and regret. However, fate leads him to encounter a woman ostracized by society due to her painful past. In their emotionally charged interactions, they find hope and redemption in each other. Although their relationship blooms amidst hatred and social stigma, they demonstrate that love can arise from the most unexpected places. Tragically, their love story must come to a dramatic end when the local community, unwilling to compromise with evil, takes stern action and judges them in a brutal manner. This story is not just about murder; it is also about redemption, sacrifice, and how two wounded souls can seek each other in a world filled with hatred. If we look deeper, this tale reflects several universal themes concerning humanity, morality, and the consequences of our actions.

  "Fantastic," someone exclaimed in a tone full of admiration, as they gazed into the mirror reflecting the dramatic imagery of the fierce battle.

  "I want that woman. Her name is Rinoa," he continued, his eyes sparkling with ambition. "She will become a famous character in my novel, Jacob W. Shakespeare," he declared, each word imbued with conviction and burning dreams.

  "You're using that mirror for something worthless," a woman replied, approaching with graceful steps, her eyes radiating disappointment. Her soft voice carried an urgent tone, as if she wanted to express a profound concern for the choices made. The mirror in her hand glimmered, reflecting faint shadows from the surrounding light, creating an atmosphere brimming with tension and intrigue.

  The woman had flowing pink hair that cascaded like silk, while her blue eyes shone brightly, seemingly containing the depths of the ocean. She wore a fitted black and white corset dress, adorned with shimmering diamond accents that added to her elegant and mysterious aura. Her slender hands were covered in long gloves that completed her look, and her black lace stockings contributed to the dramatic atmosphere she exuded. Topping her ensemble was a signature skull hat that lent a haunting touch, while small bat wings dangled from her back, imbuing her enchanting figure with a magical yet eerie essence.

  "Don't do that, Mrs. Mammon," Jacob said, his voice laced with warning. "We are bound by contract."

  "I want this woman so badly," he added with a lascivious tone, his eyes burning with dangerous desire.

  "Hmm, this is Hector's daughter," Mammon said, one of the seven deadly sins, gazing at the woman in question with a suspicious interest.

  "Then prepare a thousand books for me," Mammon offered, his voice simmering with ambition and hidden satisfaction.

  "I truly am very greedy," she continued, his eyes sparkling with an insatiable hunger, as if every word he spoke carried the weight of a desire to dominate everything before him.

  "Isn't this crossing the usual boundaries?" Jacob asked, his voice filled with doubt intertwined with unwavering resolve. "However, I agree with this decision," he added, his eyes glowing with deep determination. "I won’t let this woman go," he said, each word that left his lips felt heavy, as if binding his promise to something greater than mere desire.

  "Alright, I'll prepare the stage," Mammon said, his voice steady and firm, as if he were shouldering a tremendous responsibility. He stepped forward, the chaos around him fading away as he focused on the vision he wished to bring to life. With enthusiasm and determination, he crafted every detail in his mind, imagining a stage that would witness the historic moment to come.

  Suddenly, Mammon's thoughts were interrupted; a mysterious figure stealthily entered the forbidden library with cautious steps. Its dark shadow glided between the shelves filled with ancient tomes, creating an aura of mystery that enveloped the otherwise quiet space.

  Even with his astonishing magical powers, he felt helpless to prevent the mysterious figure from stepping into the forbidden library.

  "I must go now," Mammon declared firmly, his eyes narrowing sharply towards the door of the forbidden library. "As the guardian of this place, I cannot allow anyone to enter without permission." He raised his hand, and a glowing portal appeared beside him, vibrating with mysterious energy. "You should wait, Jacob," he continued, his voice heavy with emphasis. Jacob stood there, a hint of disappointment reflecting on his face, as if his hopes had been drawn into the darkness that shrouded the place.