Aubrey contemplated her options, weighing the merits of each route. Ultimately, she decided to head straight, figuring the busier road would likely lead her out toward the wealthier districts of Mordenstadt. With purposeful steps, Aubrey plunged ahead, joining the sea of pedestrians as she marched underneath the stone archway.

Passing through the tunnel, the urban scenery transitioned abruptly. The ramshackle dwellings and businesses faded, replaced by a sprawling expanse of factories, warehouses, and smithies. Giant stacks belched smoke and ash, casting a perpetual pall across the district, while the air rang with the din of machinery and labor.

She pressed onward, her boots splashing through muddy puddles and kicking up clouds of soot. The factories surrounded her on either side, their walls slick with condensation and their windows fogged with grime.

Here and there, she saw workers moving to and fro, their clothes stained gray, their expressions weary and distant. Occasionally, a carriage or a wagon laden with crates and barrels would rattle by, driven by a stooped-backed driver and guided by a team of snorting horses.

[Ironworks District entered.]

Ironworks District, huh?

As Aubrey wandered further, she couldn't help but marvel at the sheer scale of the factories, each towering over her, their chimneys reaching skyward like petrified columns.

Signs posted on the gates and doors displayed names and symbols, indicating the owners and their industries.

 'Lord Wilhelm Steel Works.'

 'Von Schmidt and Sons: Machine Manufacturers.'

 'Culver Textiles: Tailor and Linen Services.'

Worker drones scuttled about, toting wheelbarrows and pushing carts laden with ore or scrap metal. Steam and smoke spewed ceaselessly from pipes and vents, shrouding the streets in a thick haze.

Aubrey coughed, waving a hand in front of her face futilely.

Damn, it's filthy here. I guess pollution is a universal issue, even in a fantasy world.

She navigated her way through the industrial hellscape, the din of machinery and labor drowning out her footsteps. Workers paid her no heed, their gazes fixed upon the ground or their minds focused on their tasks.

After a time, she ventured past the factories and found herself walking along a quiet street lined with boarded-up stores and abandoned shops. The pavement here was cracked and uneven, dotted with patches of weeds and wildflowers.

Up ahead, Aubrey spotted an abandoned carriage, its doors agape, surrounded by a scattering of bodies. The guards—or what remained of them—were clad in uniforms she didn't recognize, their armor rent and their throats slit. Blood pooled around the corpses, seeping into the gaps of the cobblestones.

"Holy shit... Was there a robbery? Assassination attempt?" Aubrey murmured to herself, slowing her pace as she cautiously approached the wreck.

Other bodies littered the area, slumped over crates, sprawled across the sidewalk, and crumpled against the walls of nearby buildings. Those corpses weren't wearing uniforms, but instead a sported hodgepodge of leather armor and motley clothing—bandits.

Looks like a nasty fight happened here.

She crouched beside a slain bandit, nudging his body with a foot. His face was frozen in a grimace, his mouth agape and his eyes glassy. Crimson flecks marred his teeth and trickled from his lips.

Aubrey gingerly inspected the corpse, her gaze trailing over his weaponry. Aside from a rusty shortsword, he wore a worn-out dagger strapped to his waist, a ratty cloak, and a pair of badly tarnished leather gloves.

"Jackpot. Fresh loot." Aubrey grinned.

She unfastened the dagger and the sword, setting them aside. Patting the body down, Aubrey found a coin pouch and an item pouch, containing a handful of copper pieces and a few random objects.

"Sweet. Thank you, dead bandit," Aubrey chirped gleefully, pocketing the loot.

Aubrey headed to the carriage, finding more bodies strewn about the vicinity. Judging by the wounds and the placement of the corpses, it looked like the soldiers put up a fierce struggle, taking a few bandits down with them.

Peering into the cabin, she spotted another slain guard slumped upon a bench, his weapon—a rapier—lying discarded beside him. His throat was likewise slit open, and his uniform sported a gaping wound where something had evidently pierced his chest.

Blood stained the seats and the floorboards, forming a dark, sticky pool that reeked faintly of copper.

"Wonder who these guards served... Must have been a pretty important target, given the escorts and the carriage. Looks fancy," Aubrey wondered aloud, glancing at the ornate details decorating the vehicle's interior.

A sudden scream shattered the stillness—a woman's voice—high-pitched and panicked.

Startled, Aubrey whirled around, her crimson eyes darting in the direction the sound had come from. Another shriek echoed from the distance, followed by shouts and cries.

From that alley over there...

"Sounds like a damsel in distress," Aubrey uttered, taking off at a sprint. "Time to investigate."

----------------------------------------

Reaching the alleyway, Aubrey slowed her pace and crept forward cautiously, following the trail of bodies. Bandits lay sprawled upon the pavement, their chests slashed and punctured.

Following the carnage, Aubrey rounded a bend and emerged into a small courtyard. Standing amid the corpses were two figures—a woman and a man.

The former appeared young, dressed in a simple yet elegant gown. Her auburn hair spilled loosely over her shoulders, framing a youthful face smudged with blood and soot. Beside her, the man loomed protectively, his muscular physique clad in a suit of armor.

He clutched a broadsword, its blade dripping with blood, while his free hand rested upon the woman's shoulder, steadying her.

The man's face was obscured by a full-face helmet, adorned with a crest depicting a winged dragon. A tabard emblazoned with a familiar symbol—three golden roses entangled within a circular device—clung to his armored body. Though he sported multiple cuts and a few arrows protruded from his arm and thigh, he held his stance, unflinching.

Six bandits surrounded them, wielding daggers and shortswords, their expressions nervous and their stances defensive. One of the bandits didn't look like the others—he was garbed more like a middle-class man, sporting a tailored suit and an ostentatious hat.

Kinda looks like a carriage driver...

"Surrender peacefully, and I assure you, milady, no harm shall befall you," the man hissed, leveling a rapier at the noblewoman. "We can negotiate ransom terms later, once safely escorted from the premises. Your knight will not last much longer, I'm afraid, so yield now, or your demise will not be pleasant. I give my word, milady, you will not be harmed."

"Sod off and die!" the armored knight growled, stepping forward threateningly and raising his broadsword. "I'll gut every one of you bastards!"

"My, my... such vulgar language. Is this the manners your station has taught you?" the suited bandit chided mockingly. "Though I suppose, coming from a commoner, foul-mouthed rhetoric is expected."

"Scoundrel! Traitor!" The woman spat, her fists clenched tightly, her emerald eyes blazing defiantly. "My father will hear of your treachery! How dare you stain the Von Claires' good name and honor!"

I knew it! The guy was the carriage driver! Bet he was working with the bandits and betrayed the passengers.

"Yes, yes... Lord Von Claire, the famed businessman and aristocrat. How sad," the suited bandit tutted, clicking his tongue. "Alas, once news reaches him that his darling daughter was kidnapped by a gang of wicked brigands, oh the horror! What a scandal, indeed! He'd pay handsomely to retrieve his precious flower, wouldn't he?"

Aubrey studied the five adversaries, gauging their capabilities. Despite their crude weaponry and motley outfits, they looked like they could put up a fight—at least more than the graverobbers that she'd fought.

The one with the rapier seems skilled—fast and precise. The others are just bruisers, brutes swinging sticks. Easy targets, but the armored knight needs help.

Should she butt into their business?

Hell, yeah.

"Oh my, I seem to have stumbled upon a crime scene," Aubrey announced her arrival, sauntering casually forward. "Are these ruffians bothering you, fair maiden?"

Everyone turned to look, the bandits startled while the duo's expressions transitioned from shock to hope, then ending with apprehension.

"Who the fuck are you, bitch?!" a bandit snarled, his grip tightening around his dagger.

"Language, asshole. There's a lady present." Aubrey retorted, pointing a thumb at the noblewoman. "Now... the gentleman over there mentioned negotiations and ransoms. Sounds interesting, can I join in on the fun?"

"Get lost! This ain't got nothin' ta do with the likes of you!" a bandit yelled, brandishing his shortsword. "Walk away now and no one will get hurt! Or join in, and we'll gut you and leave ya fer the birds, girlie!"

"Ooh, scary. Listen, boys, let's try a little compromise," Aubrey proposed, wagging a finger chidingly. "Give the nice maiden over there to me, and I'll let you guys run away."

"Wha—" the armored knight sputtered.

"Shut yer trap, bitch! Like hell, we'll hand her over to some crazy strumpet!" a bandit roared angrily, waving his weapon.

"Crazy, am I?" Aubrey smirked.

Already, the music began to swell within her mind—the faint, distant notes gathering strength and momentum. Aubrey closed her eyes and exhaled deeply, allowing her instincts to take over.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

[Harmonic Synesthesia activated.]

Her senses heightened, Aubrey could see the invisible threads connecting her foes, their auras pulsing with a distinct cadence and tempo. The knight's aura shone bright, his melody powerful and unwavering. The noblewoman's was softer, but steady. The bandits, however, possessed a chaotic, disjointed rhythm like a frenetic percussion section gone rogue.

A lattice of colored trails flickered into existence, weaving between the combatants, highlighting their potential movements and intentions. Aubrey's crimson eyes followed the trails, mapping the flow of the battle to come.

Showtime.

Aubrey rushed forward, her motions synchronizing fluidly with the music, her body adapting instinctively to the changing tones and rhythms.

Before the bandits could react, she unsheathed the stolen dagger and lunged, closing the distance in an instant. Darting under a clumsy slash, Aubrey drove the blade upward, sinking it deep into her attacker's exposed armpit.

Blood spurted, and the bandit screamed, recoiling. Aubrey twirled and swept her leg outward, striking him squarely in the knee and sending him stumbling.

[Succesful Strike: "Staccato!"]

Not pausing, Aubrey whirled and spun, ducking and weaving through the colorful trails and threads, evading blades and thrusts. A dagger sailed past her face, missing narrowly. Another thrust sought her chest, aimed at the heart.

Stepping smoothly to the side, Aubrey avoided the lethal blow, catching the bandit's arm and redirecting his momentum. Flipping the dagger within her palm, she stabbed downward, piercing his neck.

Blood erupted, and the bandit crumpled, collapsing limply onto the cobblestones.

[Critical Hit: "Sforzando!"]

Retracting the blade, Aubrey parried a blow, sparks flying as her dagger locked with an incoming shortsword. Twisting her wrist, she redirected the bandit's weapon, then countered with a vicious kick, aiming for his crotch.

Her boot connected, and the bandit doubled over, wheezing. Following through, Aubrey slammed the hilt of her dagger against the back of his skull, sending him crashing senselessly into a heap on the ground.

"Behind you, stranger!" the armored knight shouted.

Twirling on her heels, Aubrey ducked, narrowly avoiding a rapier thrust. Spinning her dagger within her grasp, she reversed her stance, lunging upward and striking at the pulsing mark hovering near her foe.

Aubrey's dagger struck true, hitting the mark precisely. A shockwave rippled outward, buffeting the traitorous driver and hurling him backward, bowling him over.

[Skill: "Shove of the Heartbeat's Force" Activated! Cooldown: 8 seconds]

Two other bandits rushed Aubrey simultaneously, blades swinging. Aubrey retreated, her feet gliding smoothly across the cobblestones. Parrying a dagger, Aubrey pivoted and blocked a shortsword, sparks spraying.

Shimmering lines and threads outlined her attackers, showing their patterns and intent, the music providing a rhythmic guide—but the visual cues seemed to tangle and overlap, confusing Aubrey momentarily.

Shit, the harmonics' accuracy decreases the more adversaries that approach.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, a bandit feinted, then jabbed with his shortsword, his blade slicing her forearm shallowly.

Aubrey winced, recoiling, as another bandit took a swing at her ribs. Dodging desperately, Aubrey backstepped and parried the shortsword, narrowly blocking the strike.

The suited bandit clambered to his feet, clutching his rapier, his gaze furious as he leveled his weapon at her.

Shit... can't have him stabbing me in the back.

"Hey! A little help here, knight-boy?" Aubrey cried out, parrying a bandit's slash.

"Busy!" the knight snarled, his broadsword clashing violently against another bandit's shortsword.

Gritting her teeth, Aubrey darted forward, engaging the two bandits.

Keep the harmony's range at maximum. Fight defensively.

The cooldown for her ability has elapsed, but Aubrey held it in reserve, saving it for when an opportunity arose. Instead, she relied upon her eyes and instincts, evading and parrying, keeping track of her opponents' threads, trails, and marks.

Meanwhile, the knight battled fiercely, trading blows with his opponent, his armor sparking from repeated impacts. The noblewoman cowered behind him, flinching at each clash of steel.

Blocking a bandit's thrust, Aubrey parried, slamming the hilt into the mark, activating her ability.

Another shockwave burst outward, and the bandit flew backward, slamming into a wall and crumpling.

[Skill: "Shove of the Heartbeat's Force" Activated! Cooldown: 8 seconds]

Spinning, Aubrey deflected a strike and danced away, maneuvering closer toward the suited bandit. Meanwhile, the knight's opponent scored a hit, his blade slicing his armor's shoulderplate and penetrating, eliciting a shout of pain.

Damn, the knight's struggling.

Activating her ability again, Aubrey knocked the last bandit away. She flipped the dagger within her grasp and threw, the blade spiraling through the air and spinning hilt-over-blade—directly at the knight's foe.

[Successful Strike: "Con Brio!"]

The thrown dagger pierced the bandit's shoulder, burying deep. Crying out, the bandit dropped his weapon. Using the opening, the knight swung his broadsword, cleaving his stunned opponent across the abdomen.

His foe fell, and the knight whirled, his blade seeking the suited bandit who retreated, parrying frantically.

"Help me, you imbeciles!" the suited bandit howled, his rapier ringing with each impact.

The two remaining bandits staggered back onto their feet, charging Aubrey and the knight.

Seeing the bandits regroup, Aubrey sprinted toward the knight, closing the gap. Vaulting upward, she kicked off his back, launching into a somersault, flipping through the air gracefully.

Mid-spin, Aubrey activated her ability, the shockwave propelling her forward, accelerating her aerial trajectory.

Descending, Aubrey drew her stolen shortsword and landed lightly upon the cobblestones, her blade slicing into one of the bandit's marks.

[Critical Hit: "Sforzando!"]

The wounded bandit cried out and collapsed, and Aubrey twirled to see the knight facing off against the other bandit. Their swords clashed, and the knight pushed his opponent back.

The knight's broadsword caught his opponent's weapon, and with a decisive twist, wrenched the shortsword from his hands.

Roaring, the knight decapitated him, the blade hewing flesh and bone. Crimson sprayed outward, and the bandit toppled, his severed head rolling away.

From the corner of her eye, Aubrey spotted the suited bandit rushing towards the noblewoman, his rapier poised.

Shit!

Aubrey dashed, intercepting him, her shortsword lashing out. Her blade impacted his, and the suited bandit retaliated, his rapier flicking and stabbing rapidly, forcing her to retreat.

Deflecting an opportunistic thrust, Aubrey sidestepped and parried, her shortsword locking briefly with the suited bandit's rapier, their blades quivering from the strain.

Pushing his weight forward, the suited bandit attempted to force her back, but Aubrey countered, her foot shooting out. She slammed a boot into the suited bandit's ankle, causing him to stumble.

Backstepping, Aubrey freed her shortsword, and, activating her ability, she delivered a swift strike to his mark.

Another shockwave rippled outward, and the suited bandit screamed, tumbling away.

Before he could recover, Aubrey closed the distance, her blade hacking into his rapier hand.

Screaming, the suited bandit recoiled, dropping his rapier. Aubrey kicked the weapon aside and slammed her fist into the suited bandit's face, knocking him out cold.

Around her, the colored threads dissipated, and the music within her mind faded. Aubrey exhaled, lowering her shortsword.

Mission accomplished, and no experience points earned, damn.

[You've gained a small amount of experience.]

Oh! There it is. Spoke too soon.

She looked down at her hand, clenching it a few times. No matter how fit her body felt, this definitely was not something a normal human would be able to do—fight off five armed bandits, dodge attacks, perform acrobatic maneuvers, and win.

Perks of being a Banshee... or Revenant, I guess.

More importantly... just what exactly was this Harmonic Synesthesia that enabled her to analyze her enemies and manipulate her fighting rhythm? It almost seemed like some kind of precognition or foresight...

The system notification appeared again.

[Harmonic Synesthesia is a unique passive trait inherent to you. It enables you to sense the melody and rhythm of combat. The actions and intentions of your foes, as well as your own, manifest as visual and auditory cues within your mind. Timing your actions to certain cues can amplify their effectiveness and produce dramatic effects. Use your instinct and training to harness these clues and flow with the music.]

Huh, neat. So basically, it's a rhythm-based perception thing? Cool.

Aubrey straightened her posture, glancing at the knight, who stared at her warily, his broadsword lowered. The noblewoman cowered behind the knight, her eyes wide.

"Stranger," the knight acknowledged stiffly. "Appreciate the assistance. Seems we owe you a debt."

"Yeah, you sure do," Aubrey replied, sheathing the shortsword. "Nice swordwork, knight. Pretty impressive, considering you're sporting some serious injuries."

"It matters not, protecting milady is my sworn duty," the knight responded, his tone curt. "Stranger, I ask: Who are you, and what's your objective?"

"Objective, huh? Hmm... I guess saving fair maidens is an acceptable goal. As for the who, I'd rather not say right now. Call me... um... Nightingale."

The knight hesitated, then nodded. "Very well, Nightingale. Again, you have our gratitude. Milady and I were ambushed, and I fear things could have ended tragically, had you not intervened. You possess a strange fighting style and techniques, Nightingale. Pray tell, where did you learn such arts?"

"That, my metal friend, is a long and complicated tale." She approached the unconscious suited bandit, crouching and patting him down, checking his pockets and his person.

"Searching him for coins?" the knight observed.

"Yeah, looking to acquire some scratch, ya know," Aubrey quipped. "Money makes the world go 'round."

Finding a coin pouch, Aubrey stood. "Ah, jackpot."

"Robbing a defeated enemy, Nightingale?" the knight remarked.

"Hey, it's the cost of doing heroism, yeah? Besides, he tried to kill milady over there, remember?" Aubrey pointed out.

"Indeed. Regardless, Nightingale, I offer you our deepest appreciation. Mayhaps there's a way I can repay the favor? Repaying kindness with kindness and all."

"Hmm, what's Milady's name anyways?" Aubrey inquired, turning her attention to the cowering noblewoman.

"Milady Erika Von Claire, daughter of Lord Wilhelm Von Claire," the knight supplied.

"Erika, huh? Hiya, Erika. Nice dress. Love the color," Aubrey greeted, giving an exaggerated curtsy.

"Th-thank you," Erika replied timidly, her voice barely a whisper. The noblewoman clung tightly onto her protector, trembling.

Aubrey approached them cautiously, stopping a respectful distance away and studying the duo. "So, knight-boy, why was the carriage ambushed anyways? Were they after the noble's riches, or were they targeting the fair Erika?"

"Bandits, Nightingale. That man over there," the knight gestured with a gauntlet-clad finger, "was the driver. Turns out, he betrayed us. Led his accomplices to our location and ambushed Milady and her guards. Once the ambush commenced, Milady and I escaped, only for the traitors to chase us here."

"Wow. Harrowing. So, Erika, are you okay? No injuries, scratches, cuts, or bruises?" Aubrey questioned, her gaze scrutinizing the noblewoman's condition.

"Y-yes. I-I'm unharmed." Erika replied, hugging herself, her face pale.

"Good, glad to hear. Knight-boy, how about you? Multiple injuries, but it seems you're standing firmly. Armor's taking a beating, though. Not the fanciest gear, but certainly durable."

"Armor's enchanted. Resists cutting and slashing. Still, I'll need tending to, Nightingale, lest Milady and I return in this state."

"True," Aubrey conceded, crossing her arms. "Hmm, now about that reward..."

"Name your price, Nightingale. Coin? Items? Surely, milady can compensate for our debts."

"Well, if you insist." She eyed the noblewoman—particularly her dress. The garment looked lovely, finely crafted and exquisitely detailed, clearly tailored by a master tailor.

It was much more fashionable compared to the loose shirt and trousers Aubrey took from that caretaker.

"Tell ya what... Milady's dress—can I have it?" Aubrey requested, flashing the duo her most innocent smile.

"What?! My dress?!" Erika gasped, her jaw dropping, a hand clutching her bosom.

Silence settled over the courtyard, and the knight's response came—brusque and indignant. "Milady's dress?! Nightingale, have you gone mad!?"

"She can wear mine. The tunic and pants. Fair trade, yeah?" Aubrey proposed, gesturing at her current attire.

"No, Nightingale. Milady will not exchange her dress for peasant's rags. Pick something else."

Before he could utter another response, Aubrey dashed forward as a new tune began to play in her mind, the music intensifying and energizing her.

She raised her hand and flicked the mark by the knight's helmet.

[Skill: "Shove of the Heartbeat's Force" Activated! Cooldown: 8 seconds]

A shockwave rippled outward, buffeting the knight and sending him flying, crashing onto the cobblestones heavily. A faint groan emanated from his prone form before falling silent.

Erika squeaked, covering her mouth, her eyes bulging in shock. Aubrey sauntered over to her, smirking mischievously.

"Milady, I'm gonna need to borrow your dress, please," Aubrey sang sweetly, grabbing the noblewoman's arm. "Now, if you'd be so kind… strip."