"Cough, cough!"

My lungs, which had been suppressed, began functioning again as I coughed. I staggered to my feet. Even though I thought I had defended myself, my entire body throbbed in pain. It felt as if I had received an intensely rough massage for hours on end without a break.

In the distance, Aria was grinning as she looked my way. It was a smile that seemed to suggest everything was going exactly according to her plan. It was no surprise, considering I was blown back the moment I sensed something had been completed.

"How do you feel about …