Chapter 25

Alma, who had sought help through thought sharing, arrived with the speed of a gale. It took her about two minutes. She must have been sleeping at the inn, but it was a blessing.

Alma yawned widely and cracked her neck.

"I don't really understand, but I just need to kill that thing, right?"

Her slender fingertips pointed at Kōga, who was holding a sword.

It's easy to order someone to kill.

However, Kōga still has his uses. If possible, I'd like to keep him alive. On the other hand, ordering him to be incapacitated without killing him is dangerous. After all, Kōga is strong. I realized from our direct confrontation that he is definitely on par with Alma.

With my support, I could overwhelm him, but in this state, I can't properly activate my skills. I need another thirty minutes for the aftereffects of the combat stimulant to wear off. The only thing I can use right now is thought sharing.

So, I give a short command.

"Kill him."

"Okay."

Alma twirled a knife in her hand and began to close the distance with Kōga in light steps. In response, Kōga made a deeply displeased face.

"Are you one of Noel's companions?"

"Yeah. So, I have to kill you, the enemy."

"Give it up. I don't want to cut down a woman."

"Sexism is bad. Besides, even if you act like a gentleman, I'm stronger, so you just look ridiculous."

"Quite the opposite. Understand that I couldn't finish you off despite catching you off guard. I'm several levels above you."

"Huh!?"

Oh, that hit a nerve.

Indeed, if Alma were stronger, the ambush would have ended it. Alma had the upper hand, but Kōga's ability to block a fatal attack in a disadvantageous situation showed that he was superior in that moment of combat.

However, it's questionable whether Kōga is several levels above Alma. After all, it's a fact that he allowed the ambush and was overpowered.

In my assessment, their abilities are evenly matched.

Given that, I need Alma to win. Even without being able to provide support, I should offer combat advice to help her.

But that might be unnecessary.

"You're pretty cocky. Don't think you'll die easily."

The intense killing intent from Alma, even through her back, was palpable. She was completely enraged. This was the first time I've seen the usually calm Alma so angry.

It's clear she won't listen to any advice. With the mental solution unavailable, there's no way to stop the enraged Alma.

Well, it's fine.

Alma chose the path of an explorer over an assassin. To face opponents of equal or greater strength, she needs the ability to win head-on. It's no good if she's only good at dealing with weaklings.

Besides, I wanted to see a pure battle between monsters.

"Speed Increase—Five Times!"

From the start, she used her maximum speed. Alma, activating Speed Increase, broke through the air and approached Kōga, leaving afterimages.

She didn't attack in a straight line but moved in a three-dimensional pattern, dodging left and right, and even using the walls to move upward.

It was difficult to track her with the eyes. Alma, moving freely at top speed, became a shadow that was everywhere and nowhere.

Even for Kōga, it would be impossible to gauge Alma's movements. He was always on guard, but it was clear he couldn't keep up.

After thoroughly confusing Kōga, Alma continued her high-speed movement and began to throw iron needles.

Scout Skill: Guaranteed Hit Throwing.

The countless iron needles, thrown from the state of five times speed increase, were guided by the Guaranteed Hit skill effect and attacked Kōga from all directions without missing.

He could probably deflect one or two, but it was unrealistic to deflect all the needles coming from all directions at once. Dodging was also impossible.

How will he handle this?

Kōga answered my inner question with the name of a swordsman's skill.

"—Cherry Blossom Rampant Bloom"

It was just one swing of the sword. The flash spread like madly blooming flowers, and I saw it clearly.

"Can you increase the number of slashes!?"

The moment I shouted, the countless iron needles were cut down by the wildly blooming slashes. It didn't stop there; the slashes spread throughout the area, aiming to cut Alma as well.

But, as the successor to a legendary assassin, Alma was impressive.

She dodged the approaching slashes by twisting her body in mid-air and successfully moved through the air by kicking the air at five times speed increase.

Alma, attacking Kōga from above. The situation was the same as before, but the difference was that Alma had activated five times speed increase.

At that speed, once she got close, the ease of swinging weapons would give Kōga no chance. He would easily have his head cut off.

In response, Kōga activated a new skill.

"—Clear Mind, Still Water"

Surprisingly, Kōga closed his eyes. But the sword he swung from that state stopped Alma's assault.

"What is that!?"

Alma, surprised that her attack was blocked with closed eyes, continued her close-range attacks.

Normally, close-range combat would be overwhelmingly in Alma's favor. Yet, Kōga showed no signs of falling behind.

"Clear Mind, Still Water, you said. A skill that activates when you close your eyes? If so, I understand why you could move even when your eyes were burned by the flashbang."

From the situation, it's reasonable to assume that the skill enhances other senses when the eyes are closed. No, it's not just enhancing the senses; the speed of attacks has also increased dramatically.

The inability to see the overall situation is a significant disadvantage, but within a five-meter radius, this skill displays unparalleled strength.

"An Eastern swordsman. An interesting class."

The battle between these two monsters, both C-rank, was literally sparking. I couldn't even guess how many exchanges of sword strikes had occurred.

I watched the battle's progress and drank a portable recovery potion to restore my stamina. The aftereffects of the combat stimulant were gradually wearing off. The recovery potion healed my fatigue, and I started to regain strength in my legs.

Suddenly, I tasted blood in my mouth. I must have been clenching my back teeth unconsciously.

"...Damn it, why don't I have the same power as those two?"

I was frustrated and envious. I knew it was pointless to lament, but seeing such a stark difference in talent made my chest hurt and made me want to tear my hair out.

"If I were a warrior like Grandpa, I could have been stronger than those two..."

Grandpa said he could make me the best explorer, even as a talker. I have the pride of having earned that qualification after rigorous training.

But there are always those who are better. That place is somewhere I, a talker—a support class—can never reach.

"...I understand. My thinking is correct."

I stumbled to my feet. In a sense, watching their battle helped me come to terms with it. My heart felt lighter, and I could feel the fire in my soul burning more intensely.

I won't hesitate anymore. I won't lament. There is only one path for me to follow.

"I will command the strongest and become the strongest."

In front of me, the long battle between the two was reaching its climax. Frustrated by the indecisive fight, they were about to use their ultimate techniques.

"I admit it. You're strong. So, I won't be picky about how I win. —I will kill you for sure."

Alma cut her finger with a knife and collected the blood in the blade's groove.

Scout Skill: Poison Refinement.

A skill to refine potent poison from her own blood. She must have given up on a simple close-quarters fight and decided to use the poison to secure a sure victory.

"I won't think of you as a woman anymore. —I will cut you down."

Kōga sheathed his sword and crouched deeply. This must also be a condition for activating a skill. The oppressive aura grew, and his stance conveyed that it was a killing move.

This is bad. If this continues, there's a high probability of a mutual kill. I've been observing so far, but I can't let this go on.

I replaced the bullets in Silver and fired into the sky. It wasn't a magic bullet, just a—signal flare.

The signal flare exploded in the night sky like fireworks. The loud noise and bright light made the two, who were in combat readiness, widen their eyes.

"What, what!?" "What is it!?"

"The battle is over. The military police will be here soon. Both of you, prepare to leave."

When I gave the order, Alma bristled with anger.

"Don't joke! The fight isn't over yet!"

"Shut up. Can't you follow my orders?"

"B-but!"

"I said, shut up."

"...Damn it."

The mental solution seemed to work. Alma regained her composure, sheathed her knife, and clicked her tongue.

"Kōga, you should leave too. You don't want to be caught by the military police, do you?"

"...I don't like following you, but you're right."

Kōga turned to leave. I called out to his back.

"Wait a moment. I have something to say to you."

"...What is it?"

Kōga stopped and turned around.

"My motto is a thousandfold return."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Tell Albert this. I will crush the Gambino family. If he doesn't like it, he should come and take my head himself, instead of being scared."

†

†

Kōga failed his assigned mission.

Given Albert's nature, he would never forgive Kōga. It might be time for him to be skinned alive. But that's just the way it is. After all, Kōga is a slave, always at the mercy of others for his life and death.

"Is that so. Good work."

The one who received Kōga's report when he returned to the mansion was the Gambino family's underboss, Rios. Albert was apparently away.

Kōga reported the battle and its outcome but didn't mention the message. Those words were just bravado. An explorer couldn't possibly stand up to the Gambino family. It was better to keep it quiet for Noel's sake.

"I'll inform the boss. You should rest."

After hearing the report, Rios gently patted Kōga's shoulder with his large hand.

Rios, a tall and intimidating man, was surprisingly straightforward and trusted not only by his subordinates but also by other families.

The Gambino family, known as a pack of wild dogs, could maintain its organizational structure only because of Rios's leadership. Without him, the Gambino family would have long since disappeared.

But, considering Albert's arrogance and recklessness, it might have been better if Rios weren't there. Rios was a respectable hero, even to Kōga, but his existence ultimately caused many to suffer.

"Kōga, you failed the assassination, didn't you?"

The night Albert returned to the mansion, Kōga was immediately called to his room.

"...I failed, I'm sorry."

Kōga bowed deeply. Albert was silent for a moment but then began to laugh joyfully.

"Ahahaha, Kōga, you're so serious. There's no need to worry. After all, the target was just an explorer. I sent you to Mintz Village at the village chief's request, but I never promised to kill him."

"Ha... ha..."

"The village chief of Mintz Village is already dead, so the favor is already done, right? So, don't worry at all! Relax, Kōga."

"I... understand... Thank you..."

Despite the lingering unease, it was a relief that he wouldn't be skinned alive. Just as he let out a sigh of relief, Albert continued.

"But, failing to follow my orders is a different matter. You need to take responsibility for that."

"...Huh?"

Caught completely off guard, Kōga's heart rate spiked. He remembered the village chief of Mintz Village, who had his right arm taken. The chief had died from the wound.

"What kind of responsibility... do I need to take?"

"That's easy. This time, you don't need to do anything. Someone else has taken responsibility for you."

"My... replacement?"

Kōga tilted his head, and Albert smiled ominously.

"Rios, give this to Kōga."

"...Understood."

Rios, who had been standing by, followed the order and handed Kōga a box wrapped in ribbon and wrapping paper.

Kōga, even more confused, took the box.

"What is this?"

"Open it."

"Ha... ha. Understood."

As instructed, Kōga opened the box. And—

"Uwaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh