“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 b?i?t?c?h?… I’LL KILL YOU.

    – Such an immature brat.

    Selfia unsheathed her sword.

    – Time for punishment.