Reincarnated Into A World Of Elves As The Only Man - Chapter 17: Battle in the Thornvale Forest

... to deliver the killing blow. Maria sprawled against the tree trunk, clutching her side where ribs had cracked from the impact.

"For Aria," Lyra growled, muscles coiling for the final strike.

Maria's eyes flashed. Just as Lyra's axe began its deadly arc, the fallen commander's form shimmered and dissolved into mist. The axe bit deep into the tree trunk with a dull thunk.

"Illusions within illusions," Maria's voice echoed from everywhere and nowhere. "You fight like a child ...