Volume 7 Chapter 31-2 If You Get Hit, Hit Back! Return The Favor Double!
Luke shrugged and said Noah had shaped it just how Randy wanted. While people were judging Randy's training choices—even now—Cecilia, Liz, Ellie, and the others with free time were getting ready for the capture meeting tomorrow at the Magic Tool Research Club.
Leaning back against the bench, Luke looked up at the sky turning dark and laughed. "It looks dumb, though."
"What part looks dumb? It's called tradition."
Randy frowned, and Luke laughed again. "Shut up, you idiot."
"By the way, Miss Elizabeth and Lady Eleonora looked like they wanted to say, 'What is this thing?'"
It seemed Luke had been watching the two closely. Randy let out a small sigh of relief.
This was one of the three things Randy asked Liz and Ellie to handle. They were helping with the setup for tomorrow. Randy was focused on the capture meeting more than anything.
Of course, he also wanted Luke to keep an eye on them.
As for how Liz and Ellie reacted when he asked...
──"Don't go too far."
──"A match with a set outcome is boring."
That's how they saw it. It wasn't just about what happened at the academy—but also the real event that was about to begin.
(It's nice they're not worried about me... but not being worried at all is another story.)
Randy gave a weak smile at the strange feeling. Luke frowned and said, "That's creepy."
"Shut up. I'll knock you out."
"Try it."
The two glared at each other on the street bench, but both gave up and looked away with snorts.
"I'll back off. Not worth making a big deal over something small."
Luke gave a sharp laugh through his nose. Randy did the same. "Keep talking."
"It's a small deal after a small deal."
Randy grinned in a bad way. Luke scowled. "I'm gonna knock you out."
The dumb back-and-forth between the two, who clearly didn't feel threatened by the creepy man watching them, went on for a while. Their quiet laughter sometimes echoed across the busy street.
* * *
"...What was that thing? That monster?"
Gustav clenched his teeth and kept shifting in place. He looked pale just remembering the fear from earlier.
Randy had handed him a flower. And anyone watching could tell—Gustav didn't dodge. He couldn't even move. In other words, he was completely humiliated.
A proud man like Gustav couldn't forgive that. Still, even if he wanted revenge, he couldn't see any way to beat Randy. The only chance was... maybe if Zaif got serious. But even so, Gustav himself was burning to fight back.
"Lord Zaif has awakened."
Just as that voice came from behind the door, Zaif stepped through, his face now showing as the office door opened.
"Governor... that was pathetic."
Zaif's whole body gave off a thick killing intent. He wasn't smiling. His eyes were sharp and deadly.
"...No. I also misjudged my opponent."
Gustav had just started to speak when Zaif stepped in fast, pressing the sword at his waist.
"You think I'll lose?"
In the dim room, Zaif's magic sword Curseblade glowed with a strange, evil light.
"I wouldn't say that. But if you kill him now, people might suspect something—"
"Then good. If he look down on us, I'll kill him. Let that be the message."
Zaif's grin was dangerous. Hearing that, Gustav also thought, That might work, and his eyes flickered. Today's events would soon spread—not just to the city leaders, but to the townspeople too. In that case, killing anyone who mocks them might actually help.
"Can you do it?"
"I'll kill him, no question. I've never been insulted like that in my life."
Gustav was shocked by Zaif's expression. He already knew Zaif's strength with the magic sword.
After all, Zaif once beat nearly ten of the strongest knights in Duke Rothheim's order—all by himself.
(Even more killing intent than back then... If that's true—)
Gustav thought of that time and whispered, "I'll leave it to you," to Zaif, who now seemed even more dangerous.
"Wait for me. I'll be back before sunrise. With that kid's head."
As Zaif vanished, Gustav lit a lamp behind him and took a deep breath. He had to prepare the documents that would report Randy as missing. That was how he'd take his own revenge.
"Wait for me, Victor. There's a way to win—even in peace."
Gustav gave a dark smile as the sun slipped behind the castle walls.
Character Notes:
• Noah - The President of the Magic Tool Research Club.
• Zaif - A former Imperial Army soldier known as the [Black Wolf]. He has a sadistic personality and is described as a troublemaker who tortured prisoners and hurt training partners. He is Randy's opponent in the mock battle.
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