Chapter 96: Townsperson A Settles the Score (Part 1)

Jerome’s sudden appearance threw the town of Luluden into an absolute panic. Because he was intentionally letting out a Roar while flying at a low altitude, the soldiers and townspeople alike were scurrying in every direction, their faces twisted with the kind of despair you’d expect at the end of the world.

Incidentally, a dragon’s Roar is a species-specific ability. Anyone weak enough to be caught in its wake is either paralyzed by fear or finds their movements severely sluggish. It is generally understood that unless a person is at least level twenty-five or possesses a remarkably iron will, it is nearly impossible to withstand the Roar and remain mobile.

However, a few soldiers managed to launch attacks despite the Roar. Their efforts were wasted; their weapons simply bounced off Jerome’s hardened scales without leaving so much as a scratch.

From atop Jerome’s back, Ana used Holy Ice Awakening to systematically dispel the brainwashing on any soldiers who crossed our path.

Finally, we made a forced landing right in front of the castle. The majority of the soldiers who had been deployed to intercept us were already collapsed on the ground, incapacitated by Jerome’s Roar.

“I-I just need to keep everyone unconscious here, right?” Jerome asked.

“Yeah. I’m counting on you.”

“Got it. Y-you can count on me! It’ll be like... like you’re on a sinking ship!”

“Uh... yeah. Right.”

I wasn’t about to correct his idioms now. As Ana and I hit the ground and prepared to sprint toward the gate, a familiar voice called out to me.

“Whoa there, Allen-boy. No more mischief, okay? This world is being guided by the Saint of Benevolence herself. Besides, having a woman like that dress up as a Saint is a total blasphemy against her, don't you think?”

“Master!”

I couldn't believe it. Even Master had fallen victim to that woman’s poisonous fangs.

...Not that I actually let it rattle me. This development was well within the scope of my assumptions.

I reached into my coat, pulled out the custom gun loaded with the non-lethal rounds I’d used during the duel, and fired a rapid burst.

“Wha—? Gha!”

Master dropped to his knees instantly. Ana didn't hesitate, immediately blasting him with Holy Ice Awakening. Ice encased Master’s head for a split second before shattering into mist.

“Wh-huh? Why am I standing here?”

Master blinked, looking around the area in a daze as he returned to his senses.

“Master,” I said.

“Hmm? If it isn’t Allen-boy. Why are you here? For that matter, what the hell is going on?”

Realizing I was there, Master asked his questions with a look of genuine confusion. Seeing that he was back to normal, Ana spoke up.

“So, you are Allen’s sword master.”

“Hey, Allen-boy. Who’s the beautiful lady dressed like a Saint?”

“Master, this is my fiancée—Lady Anastasia, the First Princess of the Kingdom of Ramslett.”

“Geh! The Princess of Ramslett? M-my sincerest apologies!”

Master hurriedly dropped to one knee before her.

“It is fine,” Ana said, waving off the formality. “More importantly, do you know where the woman named Amy is?”

“Amy? Oh, right—that fake Saint of Benevolence. Huh? Wait. Hmm... Come to think of it, why was I so convinced she was a Saint until a second ago?”

Master tilted his head, his memories of the past few weeks clearly beginning to realign.

“That is the nature of her power,” I explained. “Regardless, do you know where she is in the castle?”

“Ah, well, I haven't been inside much, but word is she’s been sitting on the throne lately.”

“That woman... The King is still alive, and yet... Fine. Let’s go, Allen. We’re stopping her!”

“Right. We’ll take our leave then, Master. Oh, and you should get out of here quickly. My mother and I are living in Wiechen now; if you can make it there, we can look after you.”

“Huh? Oh, right. You be careful, Allen-boy!”

“I will!”

We hurried into the royal castle, using a smoke screen to momentarily obscure our presence. Once we were out of sight, I took Ana’s hand firmly in mine and activated 【Stealth】.

This was something I’d discovered during my research for this operation: 【Stealth】 can extend its effects to people or objects as long as they are in direct contact with the user. I wasn't sure if this was a result of the Skill leveling up because I used it so much, or if it had always been possible, but I was just glad it worked.

With Ana acting as my guide, we easily reached the doors of the throne room. We waited for a messenger to arrive, then slipped inside right behind him, completely undetected.

Inside, I saw Amy. She was sitting arrogantly on the throne in a gaudy dress, flanked by the Crown Prince and Marcus.

In a manga or a game, this would be the part where I reveal myself and shout, “Your evil deeds end here!” or some other line to kick off a dramatic debate.

But I had no intention of being the kind of idiot who reveals himself just to trade barbs and increase the risk of failure. To be honest, I had already moved past hating Amy for what she did to Ana; I had reached a point where I simply didn't care about her as a person.

The only reason I was here was that if I left her alone, Ana and the people I cared about would be in danger. The world would go to hell. I was here for the sole purpose of killing her.

That was it. Truly.

And so, I would end this in a single heartbeat.

“Goodbye.”

I leveled Saiga, aiming the muzzle directly at Amy’s torso, and pulled the trigger.

BOOM!

“Eh?” Amy gasped.

“Guu... gaha...”

Somehow, despite the fact that he shouldn't have been able to react, Marcus had thrown himself between us. He shielded Amy, using his own body to take the hit.

“Amy... I’m... glad... I... pro... tec... ted... you...”

With those final, ragged words, the strength slowly drained from Marcus’s blood-stained body.