Year 141_Keireki Era_Spring/08
"You guys, what are you doi—"
"Shut up!"
The people around her shoved cloth into her mouth and grabbed her limbs, dragging her away.
The remaining abduction team consisted of three men, all seasoned bandits who reeked of sour, unkempt smells.
"She's a classy city girl..."
"Shame to just kidnap her, huh?"
The woman was subjected to the bandits’ beastly stares.
The "city girl" comment didn't just refer to her looks; the way they looked at her suggested something darker.
She glared back at the three men, but there was a hint of fear deep in her eyes that she couldn't hide.
Her well-maintained golden hair reached down to her waist, and her well-designed uniform made her look almost like a temple priestess.
She had an aura that made it hard to believe she wasn't of noble birth.
Despite her defiant stares, she was trembling inside.
The bandits, now growing impatient, couldn't keep their desires in check any longer.
"I-I can't hold it in anymore!"
"Just a little wouldn't hurt, right?"
One of the men pinned her down.
There was a chance here—if they continued with their disgusting plans, I might have an opportunity to escape.
That might be the best option now.
While they were distracted by her, I could slip away and head toward the city.
I knew the way, and I had marked the spots where the guardian knights usually appeared.
I’d be safe on my way to the city, and once there, I might be able to transition back into being an adventurer, leaving the thieving life behind.
"This is my chance."
As the bandits focused on her, I made my move.
I could slip away undetected.
"No! Stop! Help me—"
"Nobody's coming to save you! Bite down on the cloth again!"
"Mmgh! Mmgh—!"
Damn it!
Alright, alright! I’ll wait for the next chance—just wait!
I hurled a stone at the man who was holding her down.
It struck him with perfect speed and angle. Instant death.
The other two reacted, but I tossed another stone at one of them, pinning him through with a shabby sword.
The third one managed to stand up and reach for his weapon, but the stone was dodged.
"You're asking for trouble! What the hell do you think you're doing?!"
"She's too good for you guys!"
"What the hell did you say?"
I hurled the last stone at him!
He dodged it again.
Damn it, this bastard knows too much! He's the leader of the abduction team, the one in charge of the group!
I should have aimed for him from the start!
One more chance, one more shot.
There's nothing else here to use.
I have to make this one count.
Once I throw the stone, we’ll have to fight hand-to-hand, but I’ll make sure the woman gets away. That’s the priority.
It doesn’t matter if I don’t kill him with this throw—if she escapes, that’s good enough.
With that in mind, I aimed lower, targeting his chest and arm to increase my attack precision.
"Hah!"
With all my might, I threw the stone. It struck his arm right in the shoulder.
And then fortune smiled upon me.
His weapon—a polished dagger—fell to the ground.
There were no more stones left, but hand-to-hand combat would be enough. I’m not afraid of a brawl.
I know how to handle this.
I’ll show him just how dangerous it is to fight without thinking.
"Ow, you little bastard!"
The man was furious, shaking his arm as if to shake off the pain, and pulled out another short sword from his side.
This wasn’t supposed to happen.
Hand-to-hand combat was one thing, but I’d be dead soon if he kept coming at me like this.
He lunged toward me.
I was about to yell to the woman, "Run!" when suddenly, he dropped to the ground.
The woman had used the fallen dagger and stabbed him from behind, and he died without even uttering a word.
"... Wow… that was impressive.” I muttered, a bit stunned.
"Why... why did you help me?"
She asked, unsure of how to express her confusion, then immediately shook her head.
No, this isn’t the time for questions.
"Sorry, no, I meant... Thank you for helping me."
No man could be unmoved when a beautiful woman thanks him like that.
What do you think about this chapter?
