"Warrior Golgano and Holy Knight Kanaria are plenty strong. Are you sure you can really defeat them without any trouble?"
"I’m right here, aren't I? Kiska, you don’t have to worry about a thing."
Ageha spoke with a smile that was brimming with confidence.
After the demonstration she'd given me just moments ago, I knew her strength was the real deal. There was likely no reason for me to be concerned.
"Found you, you two traitors."
Ageha’s voice rang out as she spotted Warrior Golgano and Holy Knight Kanaria ahead.
"Huh? Who the hell are you...?" Golgano growled, his eyes narrowing as he took her in.
"Noc, I’ll leave Holy Knight Kanaria over there to you," Ageha commanded. "I’ll handle the Warrior."
"Understood."
"Ageha, what about me?" I asked.
"Kiska, you just stay back and watch."
"Right. Got it."
To be honest, I felt a little guilty just standing on the sidelines, but I was clearly the weakest person here. It was better for me to stay out of the way and follow her lead.
"Ignoring us to have a little chat? How rude," Kanaria spat.
"Hey, Noc," Golgano barked. "Why the hell are you hanging around with these people?"
Assassin Noc met the question with absolute silence.
Golgano clicked his tongue loudly in annoyance.
"Allow me to explain," Ageha said, her tone light. "Nice to meet you. I am the Hero, Ageha."
As she spoke, she reached into her Item Box and drew her greatsword.
"What? A Hero?" Golgano's brow furrowed in confusion.
"That's right. The Hero you all sealed away. Look, if you need proof, you have your little puppet Hero Eligion right here. To put it simply, your plan has completely fallen apart. Such a pity."
"Don't give me that crap! There’s no way that's possible!" Kanaria shrieked, her temper exploding.
"Oh, you don't believe me? Well, that's fine. Whether you believe it or not, your fate remains the same."
"And what's that supposed to mean...?"
"It means you're both going to die here."
"Don't screw with me!"
Kanaria screamed as she lunged forward, sword in hand. Her face was twisted into a mask of pure, murderous rage.
A split second later, a sharp whoosh cut through the air. Before I could even register what had happened, a massive spray of blood erupted from Kanaria’s body.
"Ah... hgh..."
She let out a faint, choked gasp and collapsed onto the floor.
"Noc, you certainly work fast. I appreciate it," Ageha remarked.
Sure enough, Noc was already standing near the fallen knight, a dagger gripped in his hand. I hadn't been able to perceive his movements at all. He had closed the distance and cut her down in an instant. I stood in awe of a speed that transcended the humanly possible.
"Now then, that just leaves you. What’s your move?" Ageha asked, turning her attention to Golgano.
"Man... this is a disaster," Golgano muttered, his bravado wavering. "I never dreamed the Master would have figured out our secrets."
Noc remained silent, offering no response. As usual, I had no idea what was going on inside that man's head.
"I’m done with the small talk," Ageha declared.
She swung her greatsword and charged. Golgano raised his Parasitic Scythe: Kyogenmawashi to intercept her, and a fierce clash broke out between them. Even to my eyes, it was obvious that Ageha was overwhelmingly superior.
The end came by the hand of Assassin Noc.
He had been watching the exchange intently, and the moment Golgano faltered under Ageha's pressure, Noc struck. He moved like a shadow, appearing behind the warrior in a flash and driving his blade straight through Golgano’s chest.
There was no doubt about it—Warrior Golgano was dead.
"Thanks, Noc," Ageha said with a blunt nod of appreciation.
Everything was moving incredibly smoothly. Warrior Golgano and Holy Knight Kanaria, who had given me such a desperate struggle before, had been snuffed out with terrifying ease.
At this point, the only threat left was Demon King Zoga. But with Ageha and Assassin Noc working together, I felt like even he wouldn't be a problem.
I just hope things keep going this well.
As we stood over the fallen traitors, that was the only thought in my mind.