The Witch from Another World

Rubielle

As the battle raged on, neither of us willing to yield, Agatha suddenly broke the rhythm with an absurd statement. 

"Sigh, I really didn't want to fight my old friend here." She tilted her head, pretending to care while a glint of wicked amusement flickering in her eyes.

"Let's make a deal. Just hand over the heart, and I'll return your little friend," she proposed, clearly showing false generosity, as if it were a reasonable exchange.

"I refuse," I snapped back without hesitation.

"Oh my... that's unfortunate," she says with sarcastic tone, her staff now pointed directly at Ethan.

"I guess a little rock outweighs a person's life after all." Her smirk widened, daring me to make a choice.

"You think I don't know your game? Your intentions are as easy to read as an open book! There's no way you'd give him back just like that. What are you planning?" I shot back, raising an eyebrow at Agatha's ridiculous suggestion.

Agatha chuckled, "Nothing really~ I'm just here to pick up my poor, beat-up friend~" her gaze shifted to the alchemist lying injured on the ground.

"After all, we already have four of these!" Agatha said with a teasing grin as she hold up one of the hearts. I frowned as I realized why Agatha held that heart.

"Oh, wait—maybe three now, thanks to that idiot letting one get snatched." she sighed dramatically and shakes her head in disappointment.

"Heh! Even if you've got it all, you think you can just leave here? Not over my dead body!" I threatened.

"Are you sure about that?" Agatha raised an eyebrow, a sinister smirk playing on her lips.

Her words made me hesitate for just a moment.

I let my guard down for just a moment, distracted by her words, and she seized the opportunity, unleashing a swift attack. Reacting quickly, I leaped forward, moving with great speed, pretending to rush towards the alchemist.

Agatha flinched, reading my actions. However, in one smooth motion, I switched hands and grabbed Ethan by the collar instead, yanking him from her grasp. With a burst of strength, I leaped back, pulling him out of her reach.

"tsk! how boring as always~" Agatha clicks her tongue, clearly irritated by the interruption.

"But remember this," she adds, "We will get all the hearts, and the world will be ours."

Her confidence is unwavering, like she already knows the outcome.

"Try me!" I challenge her, my voice firm and defiant.

"Oh, my dear, I won't have to. You'll come to me." Her confidence sent a chill down my spine. What did she mean by that?

"Well then, that's it for now~" Agatha says with a final, mocking smile before vanishing into thin air.

I stood there, looking at the mess left behind. Lillian and Ethan were unconscious, and the surrounding was in ruins—rubble scattered, trees torn, and the remnants of our battle strewn across the field. Exhaustion weighed on me, but I smiled as relief flooded my chest. I had sister Elysia's heart—and my friends were safe.

As the last rays of sunlight disappeared, the sky turned a deep shade of purple, and the world fell into a heavy silence. The sun had set completely, and I knew that this was just the beginning.

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Ethan

"Hmm? Where am I?" I muttered, waking up and realizing I was lying on the cold, hard ground. I blink as I adjust my eyes in the dark.

"Wait, it's night?" I frowned, confused. As my senses returned, I realized the surrounding area was a wasteland—broken trees and scorched earth everywhere. I sat up, adjusting my glasses, wondering if I was dreaming but it wasn't.

"WHAT THE HELL?!" I shouted, shocked by the destruction around me.

"Are you awake?" A familiar voice beside me.

I turned to see Rubielle sitting nearby, her expression tired but relieved. 

"W-wha? What happened here?" I asked, still in confusion, looking around.

"Eh... long story..." Rubielle replied with a faint smile, brushing the dirt off her arm.

Her head and body were marked with injuries, and seeing her like this reminded me of the first time we met. Worry washed over me, as I think that she had faced all of this alone.

"Were you alone?"

I asked, shifting the topic as I recalled that Rubielle had been with President before. I assumed they'd be together, but now I wasn't so sure.

"Not really. Lillian was here, but she had to head home. I owe her a lot," Rubielle replied softly, her smile shows with gratitude.

"I see... so she can help you..." I murmured, feeling like I was nothing compared to President. 

I felt a little envious yet relieved that Rubielle had someone to rely on. Still, I couldn't help but feel a little down.

"Must be nice to have someone like that," I mumbled, looking away.

Rubielle's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

"E-ethan!"

"Y-yes!" I was startled by her sudden call.

"I'm really sorry... even though I kept my distance from you, you still ended up in danger..." she said as she looks down with regret clear on her face.

"Maybe I should fly to the opposite side of the planet?" she suggested.

Is she serious? I couldn't tell...

"W-What?! Don't say that! I-it was my fault for walking around!" I stuttered not even sure what I was saying, desperately trying to lighten the mood.

Well, it's not like I can blame her, especially after making her leave, even though I miss her a little after she left...WAIT, WHAT AM I THINKING?! The realization hit me and my face instantly felt warm. My heart raced a little faster, and I couldn't believe the thoughts I was having.

"I healed your wounds, so you can head home. I'll handle things from here." Rubielle said with a smile, standing up and preparing to leave.

"W-Wait!" I blurted out, grabbing her arm. The moment I realized what I'd done, I froze.

"S-Sorry! I-! um-!" I stammered as I let go her arm, feeling the heat on my cheeks.

"D-do you want to eat?"

I whispered, feeling flustered and completely lost for words. I couldn't bring myself to look up from embarrassment, focusing instead on the ground beneath me.

Rubielle blinked, then burst into laughter.

"...Pfft! What are you getting flustered for?" teasing me with a smile.

"Do you have anything besides those long, flavorful dish?" she asked describing the instant noodles I served to her before.

I couldn't help but smile widely at her agreement. It felt like all the awkwardness we had recently just melted away in that moment.

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"This, my friend, is called a burger and fries!" I announced proudly, setting the plates down as if it were a brand-new invention, even though I had just ordered it online. But why not? It's delicious.

Rubielle's eyes widened. "Woah! What's this?"

"It's an example of the perfect balance of three parts of a meal in one!" I explained enthusiastically, placing the burger on a plate.

"It combines bread, vegetables, and meat together!" I gestured with pride.

"And this!" I pointed to the fries. "This is made from vegetables with perfect seasoning, and it includes a dip!"

She took a sip from the cup and then coughed, her eyes widening. "What's this?! It's popping in my throat! Is this magic?"

"Hehe, this one is called soda!" I grinned. "It's a beverage made out of sugar that gives you a tingly feeling!"

"It's weird, but I like it!" she commented, clearly intrigued by the new flavors.

That night, we ate, laughed, and shared stories, the air light with the comfort of good food and even better company. It felt like we were old friends again, just enjoying each other's presence.

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PART 1 END