“I looooost!” Seeing Lyla’s staff in front of her face, Marilyn yelled with two arms up in the air. Yet, she sounded strangely refreshed. Lyla removed her staff and reached out her hand.

“Good job.”

“Thank you!” Marilyn grabbed Lyla’s hand and lifted herself up. “As expected of a hero—you are so strong!”

“You were strong too, Ms. Frill. Not only were your skills polished, but you were also quick to respond. The way you tried to swing your staff at the end was also good as a surprise attack.”

“But it didn’t work.”

“There’s no need to beat yourself down for that. I am a special mage. A certain someone told me that I had to have basic physical strength regardless of my field and trained me rigorously,” Lyla said and glared at Zich as he slowly approached them. “So, I am good at fist-fighting for a mage. Ms. Frill, if you were versing another mage, your attack would have most likely worked.”

“That makes me feel a bit better.” Marilyn nodded and said, “Ah, and please just call me Marilyn.”

Lyla stared at Marilyn. Until now, she had unconsciously avoided calling Marilyn by her name. There was something that made her feel reluctant to do so, but after...