Chapter 185: Arrival

“[Raijin’s Fury: Thunderclap of Destruction!]” Blade calls out, her blade suddenly glowing a fierce electric blue as it becomes imbued with lightning. Sparks dance along the edge of her sword, crackling with dangerous energy that illuminates the battlefield like a second sun.

She can use electric attacks…? Wasn’t her class simply Samurai?

Anyhow, I don’t have time to think of such topics. I counter with my own spell. “[Requiem: Rend of the Damned!]” I channel half of my current Health Points into my ultimate attack.

My sword radiates a deep, crimson glow, the weight of dark energy coursing through the blade, making it feel heavier and deadlier with each second. The very air around us seems to warp with the oppressive aura of my power. Blood-red flames lick at the edges of my weapon, promising devastation.

This is it. One final strike. Our blades are poised to meet, each loaded with enough power to end the other.

But before they can collide, something strikes me from behind with the force of a magically charged battering ram.

I stumble, my sword swinging wide as a searing pain shoots through my back. A massive claw tears into my armor, nearly puncturing it. My armor holds strong- barely- but the impact throws me forward, and I collapse to the ground.

“What the hell?” I gasp, black blood spilling from my lips as I struggle to catch my breath. It feels like I just got rammed by a speeding carriage. My armor, once pristine and secure, now clings to me in shreds, barely managing to hang on. I was seconds away from death- again. If my armor hadn’t held, I’d be in pieces right now.

Unlike the weakling boy, this new attacker clearly knows how to land a lethal strike.

“This is my fight! Who allowed you to interfere?!” Blade’s furious shout rings out. I look up from where I lie, trying to locate the source of this new chaos.

“Master!” comes the cheerful, feminine voice in response, brimming with excitement. I twist around just in time to see a new figure standing tall, similarly dressed in a mask and robe.

Claws gleam wickedly from her gauntlets, dripping with the same magic that nearly ended me. The attacker… she nearly slashed clean through my armor. I glance down, still in disbelief that I’m not bleeding out. Slashing attacks shouldn’t be this potent against my heavy armor.

‘Damn. They have a third one amongst them, and a professional assassin at that. Always expect there to be more than meets the eye, Iris… You dumb bitch.’ Foul words ring in my head as I curse my amateurish actions out. I got too invested into this duel.

“Ah, should’ve known…” Blade sighs frustratedly.

I manage to drag myself up to my feet, gritting my teeth through the pain, sizing up the new girl. Now that I’m aware of her existence she poses a significantly smaller threat than before, and in direct combat she should be much weaker than Blade.

“Ladies, ladies, ladies,” A masculine voice purrs suddenly while strolling towards us with confident steps. ‘It’s the fucking boyfriend.’

“Harem members mustn’t fight between themselves, or the man of the house will be obligated to mete out some just punishment.” He states while obviously smirking beneath his mask.

The assassin girl jolts, making a small jump in place and then rapidly protects her behind with both hands of hers. “Master, Blo-Lu- Ghost made some grave errors and she wishes to repent for her actions!”

‘What is going on…? She just quite likely saved Blade’s life, why is she getting punished? Or maybe she did something wrong before coming here?’ mv,le mpyr com story

“We will discuss all of this later. Let’s end this woman’s misery. She is far too beautiful for me to bear witnessing such a sight any longer.”

“What a gentleman you are, mister Mask. Or is your alias seriously Master?” I scoff mockingly.

“Please call me Devil.”

“Well, that’s not much better.” I state with playful disappointment. But then, I notice something.

Something horrible.

Something absolutely terrifying.

“No! You didn’t! It’s impossible!”

“Hmm? What might you mean, crazy lady?”

“The fucking veil is gone! You took the artifact?!” Indeed, the artifact that allowed the kingdom to hide the existence of this place so easily for such a long time is no longer active. Ever since I got here it’s not been turned off for a single second.

“Oh. I have no clue whatever you might be talking about? What artifact? Did Ghost hit you too hard?”

Can I believe him? Maybe the werewolves… No, this makes no sense. They are bloodthirsty monsters who don’t care about such an artifact at all.

It was him! I can feel it in my blood. I’m absolutely certain.

‘This is beyond bad. I’m the only one who stayed behind, a fact the Aegis losers should be very aware of. If they find out that the kingdom’s treasure was stolen from under my watch… I’m getting the noose at best.

I have to do my best to get it back. But… It’s a one versus three and I have suffered quite some internal damage from my own class, and the two women also worsened my condition. If this trio has more tricks up their sleeves…’

I then shake my head. It’s decided.

‘No. Fuck all this. I’m done.’

I made the swift resolution to no longer remain a lawful citizen and loyal soldier of the Vraven Kingdom. I’m leaving this place and all my duties behind.

Heh. Now that I finally came to this conclusion, I almost feel liberated, excited for what’s in store for me in my uncertain future.

I activate the last debuff I can, as three is the maximum I’m allowed to use at once, and blind myself in the left eye, getting extra Agility as a reward.

Then, I turn…

And sprint like there’s no tomorrow.

– Pov: Quinlan –

“Well, that’s one fast girl,” I muse aloud, watching the blur that used to be our opponent disappear into the distance. “Ghost, can you catch up?”

“Only if she uses all her speed boosting spells.” Blossom replies.