Chapter 71: Before It Cools
Thud-
Her head rolled on the floor, and her lifeless body fell to the ground.
The performance is impressive.
As expected, the holy sword easily sliced the witchs neck. The sharp aura, which seemed to cut through stone like tofu, did not disappoint Shiron.
However,
When dealing with entities wielding unknown powers like magic or spells, one needs to be extra cautious.
Where
Shiron kept his gaze fixed on the fallen witch.
Triggers activated upon death or some other pattern. He observed the cooling corpse, aware of such possibilities.
If the witch he just beheaded was a powerful entity, a spell or ritual would activate upon her death.
Even now, blood was gushing from where the holy sword had passed. Her heart hasnt stopped beating.
And then
She was weak.
Only after the body had completely cooled did Shiron finally relax.
The battle ended rather anticlimactically. The witchs heart stopped, and no spells or rituals were activated. Shiron, holding the holy sword in his palm, surveyed the surroundings.
At least it wasnt just an illusion.
The scenery seemed to melt away. Shiron guessed this was due to the witchs death, the dispelling of her magic.
Shiron? Is that you, Shiron?
Lucia entered Shirons vision. Her breathing was slightly labored, and her eyes appeared bloodshot, making her seem out of it.
Whats with her?
Shiron took a step back, narrowing his eyes at Lucia.
Lucia, in this state, was dangerous. Even if he had wielded the holy sword, comparing her to the witch he killed in one blow would be an insult. Shiron recalled an image of an out-of-control Lucia piercing his vital point.
Why arent you responding?
Lucia glared at Shiron, her eyes wide.
Shiron felt an intimidating aura. One wrong answer, and he felt a fist, radiating cold energy, would be thrust into his face.
Uh Im the real Shiron so Hey, calm down. Ease up on the punch.
Shiron quickly cut off Lucias words, extending his palm toward her with a reassuring smile.
Really?
Lucia, arms crossed, stood a bit askew. Shiron sighed as if exhausted.
How can I prove it to you?
Just answer a few questions.
Go ahead.
Lucia licked her lips and clenched her fist, seemingly making up her mind.
My, whens my birthday?
I dont know. You never told me.
It is Shiron. Hehe.
Lucia wiped her eyes with her sleeve. The slightly annoyed expression made it clear it was Shiron. The tension eased with the confirmation that he was alive and well.
As she felt relief,
Thump-
Shiron grabbed Lucias shoulder, making her flinch.
What, what is it?
What do you mean what?
Shiron gripped Lucias shoulder and drew close.
Im checking if youre hurt anywhere.
With a seemingly worried face, Shiron looked Lucia over. Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Lucia stiffened.
Im fine Stop it.
Stop what?
Shiron retorted, pressing her.
Im your brother. I have a responsibility to check if youre hurt.
Lucias face turned red. The intense gaze from the boy in front of her felt overwhelming as if it would pierce through her. Yet, Shiron pretended not to notice.
From an angle Lucia couldnt see, the corner of Shirons mouth lifted into a smirk.
I need to break her spirit this time. So she wont ever bare her fangs again.
Even if the witch had played tricks, Shiron felt deeply disturbed by Lucias behavior towards him.
Their relationship had improved over the past year, and he had felt at ease. But feeling Lucias deadly intent firsthand reminded him of the possibility that she could kill him at any moment.
Shiron pressed down on Lucias crown, and she didnt resist. Contrary to his usual teasing, Shiron was genuinely concerned about Lucia now, or at least thats how Lucia felt.
Satisfied with her reaction, Shiron chuckled.
You should act more like the younger sibling sometimes.
Sorry.
Thats better.
-Sir! Lady!
Then, a booming voice was heard outside the tent.
Are you alright?
Shortly after, armored figures stormed into the tent. The knights looked at the source of the scent of blood in the tent.
There lay a womans body, her neck slashed.
The knights were horrified by the gruesome sight. It wasnt that they hadnt seen bodies before, but seeing such a scene in front of those they were guarding was particularly shocking.
Ahem. Good timing.
Shiron cleared his throat to draw their attention.
I thought of heading somewhere. Lets go together.
Camp of the 2nd Division of the Steel Knights.
Sir Johan, what brings you here? And with knights, too?
Captain of the 2nd Division, Malleus Garibaldi, personally served tea to the long-unseen distinguished guest.
Johan Urheim. Deputy of the Sky Knights. The right-hand man of Hugo Prient. Having shown his face annually at the subjugation festival, he was a figure worthy enough for Malleus to serve tea personally.
Just passing through and heard you were here. Just dropped by to see how youve been.
Johan greeted the old acquaintance with casual ease. Malleus just nodded to the teasing knight. Johans unexpected lightheartedness seemed odd.
Theres a witch here.
Suddenly, Johan spoke.
That peculiar one, wearing armor, leading henchmen, and acting as a mercenary. Did you know?
Just confirmed it.
Malleus closed his eyes and gave a slight nod.
Ive been investigating her for quite a while. But I only had suspicions.
Did you need evidence?
Yes.
Dont quite understand. Why not just catch her and make her spill the truth?
At Johans words, Malleus looked a bit puzzled.
Are you talking about old times?
Hm? Interrogation, including torture, was a method you people used, no?
Ah
Malleus held his forehead, seemingly exasperated.
Thats really an old story. In todays world, taking someone and torturing them openly invites criticism. Do it wrong, and you can even get dismissed.
Huh. Is that so?
Back to the topic In every city where she stays, the number of disappearances, especially of boys who havent even reached puberty, has surged.
Yet you only had suspicions?
Yes, given that she didnt leave any trace of mana. It seems she used some kind of magic, but she smoothly left the city without leaving any evidence, which is why we had to keep her under surveillance.
According to the reports from his subordinates, the suspect approached children from the observatory of the station today as well.
However, it seemed as if she was acting more to protect the children from their side. Her cunning ways managed to neutralize the situation, leaving his subordinates helpless.
In any case, now that you, Sir Johan, have identified her as a witch, she must have left some traces. So, what proof do you have that shes a witch?
Sorry, but I dont have proof that shes a witch. I only have suspicions.
Just then,
A commotion arose at the entrance of the tent.
Whats all this noise about?
Malleus barked at the guard at the entrance.
Captain, you have a visitor.
A visitor?
Both Malleus and Johan concentrated on the increasingly loud sounds approaching.
Sir Shiron?
Seeing Shiron leading the knights, Johan hastily stood up. Shiron greeted the flustered Johan with a smile.
Have you had your meal?
Sir, what brings you here? And Lady is with you too
Answer first. Have you dined yet?
Not yet.
Then its fine.
Shiron gestured to the knights behind him. One of them, holding a wooden box, stepped forward.
Ive brought a gift.
As he finished speaking, the knight opened the box. Inside was the head of the suspected witch.
What the
Its the witchs head.
Malleus was having a hard time grasping the situation. Seeing Johan address the boy as sir, he had some idea about the boys identity. However, the head that the boy presented was enough to dumbfound him.
As he tried to process it all, Malleus began to sweat. The situation could easily make it seem like he had commissioned the boy to hunt the witch. If he was wrongfully executed for being a witch, it meant dismissal. He fervently prayed,
I hope this boy has brought some valid evidence.
By the way, isnt there a reward? I heard that if you bring down those special ones and notify the Knights of the Holy, you receive precious elixirs.
Boy, do you have any evidence that shes a witch?
Malleus slowly inquired, his throat dry.
Signs of curse energy like crystal orbsor distorted fingers or eyeballs, perhaps?
Nope. None of those.
Malleus sank into his seat. Shiron tilted his head at the unexpected reaction.
Is it because its real life? Strange procedures.
In the game, whether it was demons, practitioners, or even the Holy Knights, if you presented evidence of defeating a witch, youd get a reward.
Doesnt this head serve as evidence? She looks like a witch.
He meant she was beautiful.
A witch? Wasnt she just an ordinary woman?
Malleus was flabbergasted by the boys audacity. The word dismissal flooded his mind. However, the boys audacity wasnt of any importance to Shiron.
Lets do it this way.
Thud- Shiron placed the witchs head on the table and dusted off his hands.
Today, nothing happened between you and me. Okay?
?
Why are you looking puzzled? Its creepy.
Malleus couldnt understand the boys words or his nonchalant demeanor. He had met many practitioners and criminals but none as audacious as the boy before him.
Could this child psychopath have killed an innocent civilian? And he wants to cover it up?
Bringing a severed head casually, suggesting they pretend nothing happened. Among the street kids he had met, Shiron was the most psychotic.
It seemed a bit exaggerated, but the boys next words were the nail in the coffin.
Doesnt the Holy Empire have provisions like juvenile law or self-defense?
The boy made a face as if it was a bit troublesome.
I almost died.
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