Vol 1 Chapter 34 – Argh…

(Too fast!)

Rudo’s first impression upon seeing the woman move was exactly that.

Not so fast as to be imperceptible, but nearly beyond reaction.

A human body is heavy and large; no matter how well-trained, some blur of motion should be visible.

Yet she moved so quickly that reacting in time was nearly impossible.

That light, nimble motion was an assassin’s ideal.

Well, she did call herself a Hero, so she was bound to be different.

“Hmph…!”

The moment she slipped inside his guard, her rapier snapped out—steel glinting in multiple flashes.

Those slashes were, of course, even faster than her footwork—

so fast Rudo’s eyes couldn’t keep up.

“Ara?”

She tilted her head, puzzled.

She’d been sure she hit, yet felt no flesh yield beneath the blade.

Rudo had turned to smoke.

By vaporizing his body he nullified all physical attacks—a powerful ability.

Even without looking he took no damage.

“You hesitate far too little about murder—you’re more like us than a Hero!”

The strokes had aimed for his neck and heart—lethal lines every one.

Cold sweat trickled down Rudo’s cheek as he leapt back.

By reflex he flung throwing knives to foil pursuit.

His expert tosses all found their mark—only to be flicked aside as a matter of course.

“Hmm… What an unusual power. I’ve never seen the like. Uun, how vexing.
With my strength, killing you seems tricky.”

“Then how about we call it a draw and walk away?”

“Preposterous. A target who ought to die stands before me—letting him go is unthinkable.
As a Hero, I shall end you here.”

“Are all Heroes like this…?”

Rudo was aghast.

He’d never met anyone from the shining side of the world called Hero—and now, three in one day.

At least two of them were totally nuts.

Meanwhile, her blade kept slicing supa-supa through his form.

He took no damage, sure, but it did not feel pleasant.

That self-proclaimed Hero earlier had done the same, swinging the Holy Sword—Holy Sword?—around.

Hah… What’s with these people? They’re terrifying…

“I’ve had enough! I’m going home!”

To be honest, his injured arm was becoming a real problem.

Blood still seeped; his face had gone pale.

Rudo turned to flee—

“Ah, please wait.”

“…!”

He gaped as the woman closed the gap in one burst.

(Too fast! Compared to before, this is—!)

True, her movement had been outstanding: quicker even than his own assassin reflexes.

But he’d still been able to track her with his eyes.

Now, though—he hadn’t looked away once, and still lost sight of her.

One blur—and she was right in front of him.

Was she holding back until now?

(No, that’s not it!)

This wasn’t about holding back.

Some special power was at work.

But he had no time to ponder.

Being rushed by such a flawlessly beautiful woman might thrill some men, but right now it was pure terror.

(Meaningless!)

Rudo could turn to smoke.

The ability was already active.

Even if he left himself wide open, there was no way she could hurt him.

“Gaaah!?”

His plan proved false.

A spike of agony shot through him.

It was the arm he’d already lost—

her hand clamped mercilessly over the mangled stump.

Because she squeezed without the slightest care, the pain was excruciating.

“I see, I see—I’m intrigued!”

Despite inflicting that agony, she smiled sweetly.

Definitely insane.

Rudo’s face glistened with cold sweat.

“It’s not that you’re completely invulnerable, it seems. Someone injured you before you met me. I do wonder how they wounded you when you were in perfect condition—so interesting!”

“Who cares—just let go, you ugly bitch!”

If he opened his mouth he feared only screams would come, so he clenched his teeth.

“From what I’ve watched, you can’t turn injured parts to smoke, can you?
Any time my rapier neared this spot, you dodged rather than block.”

[Ow—ow—ow—ow—ow! It really hurts!]

Rudo fought hard not to howl.

This is all Alvarado’s fault. Damn him—die!

“And if even a single spot can’t become smoke, you can’t escape me.
Once I grab a solid part, you can’t dematerialize the rest—
or perhaps the pain breaks your concentration? Either way is fine.”

With that, she gave a bright, utterly emotionless smile.

“Another bit of evil will vanish right here.”

◆

“Ugh…”

I couldn’t help the noise.

Al went, “Let’s track that guy down and tear him limb from limb.”

Apparently Rudo hadn’t died even after taking my power.

H-he’s tougher than I thought.

Al plans to off the noble too, but priority goes to Rudo, who’s been judged clearly evil.

…Thought he’d escaped? A Hero will chase you anywhere.

Scary…

Not that Rudo ever felt that fear.

“Urk…”

Because when we caught up, Rudo—and even the lord—were lying in pools of blood.