Vol 6 Chapter 1.3 (1/2)

Vol. 6 Chapter 1 Part 3

The following morning, s.h.i.+n and the rest headed towards Kilmont. They took some time to say their farewells and give thanks to Hibineko and the others who fought in the battle of Balmel. That made them start later than the other adventurers and merchants. It also meant that their carriage ride was more s.p.a.cious.

It feels so slow now.

Tiera muttered while looking out the window.

Itd be inappropriate for us to go flying out of the city.

Kagerou, as a horse, pulled the carriage just as fast as the other carriages on the road. Tiera felt like they were traveling even slower, especially after their rushed ride to Falnido.

You know this is normal, right?

I feel like everything is different now after meeting s.h.i.+n.

Schnees words sank in, and Tiera didnt know how to take them.

Is that a bad thing?

Its not normal. Tiera glanced over towards s.h.i.+n, feeling a little dumbfounded. It was silly to think that a carriage going at such a ridiculous speed was normal. s.h.i.+n nodded in agreement, holding tightly onto reins which was only decorative.

They were heading towards Kilmont. s.h.i.+n and companys journey to meet s.h.i.+baid had only just begun.

I guess there isnt much traffic. Maybe we can speed up just a little wait? A message from Wilhelm!

A message had arrived for s.h.i.+n, amidst everyones convoluted thoughts.

s.h.i.+n knew that Wilhelm wouldnt send him a message over nothing. Something dire must have happened.

He immediately opened the message.

What!?

s.h.i.+n? What is it?

Ignoring Schnees concerned voice, s.h.i.+n quickly took out an item card and attached it to the message card.

He merely wrote Use it, and immediately sent his response to Wilhelm.

s.h.i.+n?

Whats wrong?

Hm?

With s.h.i.+n in a daze, Tiera and Yuzuha were also pressing him.

With his brows furrowed, s.h.i.+n told them what Wilhelms message said.

Ras.h.i.+a had been stabbed.

It happened on a beautiful day.

Sister Ras.h.i.+a had woken up, starting the day as usual; she made her bed, prayed, and went to wake the children. There was much work to be done in the church.

Im off now. Please look after yourselves.

Yes, maam.

It was not unusual for a ceremonial occasion to be held in the church. Thoria was supposed to be at the church to make funeral arrangements for the recently deceased.

Ras.h.i.+a had nothing to worry about. It was just an ordinary day.

Im going to begin the treatment. Please relax.

Thank you as always.

Please, its nothing. Its part of my duty to serve the community.

I cant believe how much youve grown Ras.h.i.+a. Im happy for the church that youre here.

Yes. I owe much to Thoria, but I can only hope that I can repay my debts.

Ras.h.i.+a smiled towards an elderly woman from the neighborhood.

She had gained considerable experience at the Wraith Plains and her healing ability also rose greatly. She was also quite skilled in giving medical attention to those in need. Sometimes, she was even able to cure those who had given up.

The issue with who would take over the responsibilities of the church was settled now. Everything was back to quiet. Or so she thought. May I come in?

Father Bulk.

The man stood at the entrance of the church. He and Ras.h.i.+a had argued heatedly over who would lead the church.

Father Bulk took a handkerchief to his oily face, wiping off the sweat and revealing a crooked smile.

h.e.l.lo my child. I beg your pardon, but weve got some matters of the church to discuss. Do you think you could excuse us?

The words that came out of his mouth were polite, but the elderly woman was clearly left without a choice.

There was too much of a status difference between them; the father of the church and an elderly villager.

The woman left the church and closed the doors behind her. Ras.h.i.+a blurted out.

What do you want?

Lets start with h.e.l.lo, shall we? Of course, Im here to continue our little chat from before.

Father Bulk feigned shock. His entire demeanor was condescending. This made Ras.h.i.+a uneasy and bitter.

Im certain that I will be leading the church.

No, its too soon to call the shots. Besides, there hasnt been a legitimate decree yet. Did you really think that you were in control? Well, thats just hasty and careless.

Ive already received word from the other Fathers, that its not an issue. Of course, since theres quite distance from headquarter, the official doc.u.ments will be coming in any day now.

Any day now? What is that, tomorrow? Or the next day? I dont find it very rea.s.suring that you dont have these details all in order.

His voice lingered in Ras.h.i.+as ears, giving her s.h.i.+vers.

What does he want? Hes far too confident.

Father. Is that why youre here? To tell me all of this?

Oh, heavens no child. This church will be mine eventually. Ive merely come to see that things are still as they should be.

Im afraid I dont understand what you mean. Why would you say such a thing?

Father Bulk made it seem as if he knew something she did not.

Your sheer arrogance. This is why we really need to stop letting things slide just because of hereditary reasons. You know absolutely nothing.

This time, Father Bulk became slightly more aggressive.

Answer me. Ive obtained Purification so I should be the leader of this church according to the rule.

Please dont raise your voice. Why dont you show a little modesty? The Sisters in the headquarter are gentle you know?

!

The conversation was going nowhere.

Ras.h.i.+a was glaring at Father Bulk, when suddenly the door opened.

Am I late?

Yes you are, Eline! Because of your tardiness, Ive been through quite an ordeal. I encountered a golem during my trip, and

Bulk-san, thats your fault. You are the one who said that you wanted to visit some ancient sites. I had my own matters to attend to, so please, do not yammer on about that anymore.

The man who stepped in wore a suit of armor.

It wasnt unusual to see someone with blonde hair blue eyes from Bayreuth. His hair that came slightly below his shoulders was neatly tied back. He smiled, and looked like a picturesque knight in s.h.i.+ning armor.

However, Ras.h.i.+a saw him as anything but that. He was an intruder, for all she knew.

Anyways. You know what to do, dont you?

Yes, the men outside filled me in. Is she the one were taking?

No. Were taking the child of the beast. I understand the childs name is Mily, or something like that. Im sure shes in the orphanage. Bring her to me.

Yes, sir.

Father Bulk commanded with no hesitation.

The man named Eline was headed towards the orphanage.

Wait! What are you going to do with Millie!!

Ras.h.i.+a stood in his way, but Eline did not budge.

Bulk-san. What should I do with her?

Do as you wish. The area is surrounded.

Then

It was a matter of seconds. Eline tilted his left hand, unsheathed his weapon and took the short sword.

The speed was clearly not the capability of a commoner. If this had worked, Ras.h.i.+a would have gone down in the blink of an eye.

Kya!

Hm?

Except, it didnt. A clear barrier generated between Ras.h.i.+a and the short sword. A spark could be seen where the forces met, and Ras.h.i.+a was thrown back.

The short sword fell to the ground with a clang.

How interesting. You seem to have equipped a s.h.i.+eld item of some sort. Even my sword couldnt stand against it. Itll be even more interesting to find out, if you made this item yourself, or if you received it as a gift.

!!

Eline looked intrigued, but Ras.h.i.+a could only stare back with fear.

She had no idea what had happened.

Ras.h.i.+a was at level 151. She was quite strong as a common woman. Her kinetic vision was far from average.

Yet, she could not have dodged Elines attack on her own.

After fighting alongside s.h.i.+n and Wilhelm, she had grown accustomed to sensing murderous intent. Everyone -no matter how strong- should be emitting some sort of will. It could be murderous or violent. Either way, it was a guide for Ras.h.i.+a to use when dodging and defending herself.

Yet here was this man, with neither murderous intent or animosity. To kill must be as natural as breathing for him. He showed no hesitation towards the act of killing. Here was true terror, in the form of a man.

Wont you answer me?

N.no.

Oh well. I guess Ill just have to find! Out!

Before he had finished his thought, he drew his other sword and ran towards Ras.h.i.+a. Yet again, Ras.h.i.+as barrier stood against his force.

However, unlike the last time with the short sword, sparks were flying more dramatically and the sword was struck deep in the air.

Its much tougher than I had antic.i.p.ated. What would happen if I hit repeatedly?

Eline couldnt hide his excitement. He was thrilled to have found a worthy opponent. He drew his sword again and again.

With every strike, Ras.h.i.+as barrier shrunk.

Eline, stop horsing around.

But sir, I think Im close.

Just use that other thing. Hurry up.