I run a reasonable distance in the direction of the light and see a remote town. Since I activated "My True Name" and started running, I might have even gone out of the prefecture.
The artificial lights illuminating the scenery had mostly disappeared, and now I was relying on moonlight to run.
At this point, I felt a sensation that my body was getting heavier the further I advanced. The unpleasant premonition I had from the beginning continued to swell without disappearing.
Perhaps a battle is imminent. Moreover, the opponent will likely be a formidable warrior surpassing even "Senai" and "Ashes."
But, so what?
No matter what I'm waiting for, I can't stop this progress.
The image of Kanami, stuck to the back of my eyelids, ignites a burning anger. It's not surprising that people get injured and die in war.
I understand that much.
So, should I just accept it as inevitable, even if it's frustratingly wise. But...
――Don't mess with me.
I'm angry at the people who hurt Kanami so much, at the world that burdens a sixteen-year-old girl with a harsh fate, and above all, at myself for not being there.
If I hadn't gone to help Tsukiko. If I had activated magic and resolved the situation faster.
It's my fault that Kanami got hurt and Lisha was kidnapped. A mixture of intense emotions drives my body.
There are no cars running on the road anymore, and the moment I tried to increase my speed, I applied the brakes. Sparks scattered at my feet, and fragments of asphalt jumped.
"'...'"
Someone is there.
Emerging from the darkness that had blended in, it appeared as if the shadow had taken on a physical form. With a silhouette resembling a warrior wearing armor, it held a shield and a mace in its hands.
There's no need to investigate its true identity; it's a demon.
'You're late. I've been waiting, Hero-sama.'
The shadow warrior said mockingly. As expected, it has noticed my true identity. It's clear that its aim is me.
No, maybe it's them.
I don't remember seeing someone like this in Asteris. Were they an opponent I actually fought, or just a forgettable soldier?
Regardless of knowing the opponent's aim, the course of action remains the same.
"'Where is Lisha?'"
'Don't rush. The key is ahead. Don't worry, she's unharmed for now.'
I see.
In that case, I don't have time to deal with someone like this. I need to quickly rescue Lisha and return to Kanami.
Taking another step forward, the warrior readied its mace and shield.
'Hey, even so, I won't let you pass so easily. I can't let any trash through in front of my lord.'
"'Disappear.'"
I struck the warrior with a word imbued with magic power, but all it did was provoke a grating laughter from the black shadow.
'Kihaha, try to force your way through with your power. Do you really have that much strength?'
The warrior made a snide remark. However, I couldn't ignore the words that followed.
'You're weak, just like that girl. I'll crush you like a squish.'
――Ah?
The sound of footsteps rang out sharply. The step I was about to discard unintentionally turned towards the warrior.
'Kihahaha, so you finally got motivated!'
The mace made a sound as it swung threateningly.
In response, I channeled my magic power and manifested the bastard sword.
I understand.
This is an overpowering emotion. The stimulation of emotions invokes powerful magic, but when it's not controlled, it dulls the sword and movements. I understand that without anyone telling me.
'That person was so weak for a guardian. And what kind of hero are you? Don't disappoint me too much.'
The rough voice irritates my nerves. With each step I take, I finally enter striking distance.
The warrior must understand that as well. While openly provoking me, it holds its shield attentively. That posture was infuriatingly confident. It was probably a powerful magic counter.
So what?
Without hesitation, I charged towards the warrior. As I stepped forward, I swung my sword and closed in on the warrior.
There was no negotiation, just a direct frontal attack. The sword clashed head-on with the shield.
The night air trembled, and cracks appeared on the ground.
The warrior, as if anticipating it from the start, moved while adjusting the angle of the shield, trying to redirect the momentum. If the blade slipped, its body would flow with the momentum and be hit by a counter with a mace.
Yes, if they could redirect it.
Slash!! A dazzling emerald flash cut the warrior in half, along with its shield.
'Oguuoo?!'
The warrior groaned as they were cut diagonally. Perhaps they were confident in their defense, but if they had planned a strategy, they should have clearly assessed each other's abilities beforehand.
There was no blood or organs flying out from the divided section, just a black haze overflowing.
It's definitely not a living being. The sensation of the cut felt like metal, so it must be some kind of puppet controlled by magic.
'Kihahaha!'
While thinking that, the warrior, despite being pulled by gravity, clenched their fist and struck. It was a punch that seemed like a spoiled child swinging without any momentum.
But I immediately saw through that the punch was not a desperate move. Some kind of magic was being activated, gathering magic power in the fist. It would have a power surpassing even Tarim's Explosive War Hammer.
I see, this was a provocation that had been carefully planned. Although I could have avoided it if I wanted to, I didn't feel like retreating from this opponent.
The warrior's fist struck me, who was frozen in place.
Guhh! Along with a tremendous impact, a black magic power darker than the night exploded.
'What an idiot! You took it head-on!'
The warrior's annoying voice echoed.
Shut up.
'――A?!'
The warrior, who seemed to have finally understood the situation, let out a dumbfounded voice.
It's nothing. I just grabbed the warrior's fist head-on. There was not a single scratch on my hand, and I didn't move from where I stood.
Certainly, it had some power, but it didn't affect me now. Compared to the wounds Kanami received, this was nothing more than a scratch.
"'Tell them over there, I'll be there soon.'"
I gathered spiral-shaped magic power in my arm and compressed it. I didn't intend to wait for an answer.
Immediately, the critical emerald magic power exploded, and a hardened thick stake was released.
"'Pile Bunker'."
Without even allowing a death cry, the stake pierced through the warrior's upper body along with their arm and scattered it.
The remnants of emerald melted into the darkness, and the shattered fragments scattered on the ground.
This was probably one of the many puppets. The main body controlling it must be somewhere, but its abilities were not as impressive as I had imagined. Even if they used multiple puppets at the same time, they wouldn't be able to overwhelm Kanami.
However, Kanami's wounds were clearly the result of a one-sided battle.
And they referred someone as "my lord." That person shouldn't reach the level I had imagined, but they probably had a power close to Senai." In other words, they are a titled one.
"'...'"
A bad premonition started to take shape within me.
Suppressing the unpleasant feeling rising from my throat, I focused on what was ahead. No matter what comes, I will cut down all obstacles. Lisha is already within reach.
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