“Chapter 258: Reinforcements from the Clouds”

Shiori was glaring at her ex-friends.

 

“We were called in to help”? By who?

 

One way or another, they seem to know about the situation.

 

– I’m glad those bugs actually listened. (Roar)

 

– !? Was it you!? (Takaya)

 

– Yeah. Some of the bugs weren’t happy with the way she treated them, so I tried using her Bugs whatever. (Roar)

 

– *Sigh* You really went through the trouble of getting Ernika involved in this JUST for Takaya? (Rifaiv)

 

– None of your business. I thought the Thundercloud Boat was above barging in stuff like this. (Shiori)

 

– You’re right, but when Ralph heard you were attacking his new friend, he kind of snapped.

 

Ralph, huh… I’m happy to be his friend.

 

Though, where is he?

 

– I sent him on a mission. He might’ve turned the entire mountain to dust if he was here.

 

As if reading my thoughts, a blonde elf responded to my question.

 

– Pleasure to meet you, Takaya-kun. My name is Selfia. Thank you for taking care of my sister.

 

– …Sister? Are you Feria-san’s sister?

 

– Unfortunately, yes.

 

Come to think of it, she does look like a larger version of Feria.

 

She’s also wearing much heavier equipment. Rather than a full-on archer, she looks like a swordsman who’s very skilled with the bow.

 

– Woah, you’re pretty beat up. Don’t worry, we’re here now.

 

Arueetel rushed to my side and used her magic to heal my wounds.

 

– I appreciate the help, but are you sure you should be doing this? (Takaya)

 

– What do you mean? (Arueetel)

 

– Are you not friends with her?

 

– Who? Shiori? Eh. It’s a shame she turned out this way, but it’s not like we had strong feelings for her.

 

– Is that so?

 

From the way they talked in the Royal Capital I had assumed they were pretty close.

 

– I think you should know it better than anyone. It takes a lot to build a trustworthy relationship. Much more so for mercenaries like us.

 

Arueetel winked at me.

 

They knew about Shiori. They could sense she was up to no good.

 

– Just sit here and watch. We’ll take of the rest. (Arueetel)

 

– All yours. I’m useless near those life nuclei. (Rifaiv)

 

– Gladly. (Arueetel)

 

Arueetel snapped her fingers. A flow of blue electricity ran through her body.

 

– Just to make it clear, I’m quite strong. Are you sure you want to do this? (Shiori)

 

– Then talk with your fists, not with your mouth, you brat. (Selfia)

 

– You’ve made your choice. I’ll start with yo-

 

The moment Shiori raised her hand to cast a spell-

 

– Huh!?

 

Both of her wrists were severed. Her hands fell to the floor.

 

A deafening scream came out of Shiori.

 

– “The moment our winds touch our opponent’s skin, the battle is over”. A phrase for the weak. Real warriors of the forest finish their battles before that.

 

– You b̲i̲t̲c̲h̲… I’LL KILL YOU.

 

– Such an immature brat.

 

Selfia unsheathed her sword.

 

– Time for punishment.