Even if he didn’t want to, the bearded adventurer had come too far to back down now, so, following Ackster’s provocating command, he dashed forward while clutching his sword. He held it upright like a torch to one side of his body, probably his dominant side.

Ackster calmly watched his opponent approach and close the already short distance between them. He tilted his sword slightly and held it diagonally, ready to meet the bearded man’s sword.

The two blades, one dark with a blood-red tint and the other steel grey, clashed. And the difference in strength between the two wielders was overwhelming.

Ackster’s sword didn’t budge, and he easily pushed back. And, with a violent swing, he wrenched the bearded man’s sword out of his hands.

‘I have to set an example, don’t I.’

Ackster realized that even if he trounced this guy, others still might dare challenge him for a chance at the heavenly treasure.

‘Damn.’

Ackster hadn’t wanted to do anything extreme to a fellow human, even one such as the one that had challenged him. But at least he didn’t need to kill the bearded adventurer since he hadn’t seen the heavenly treasure. But he still needed to ensure no one would follow in his footsteps.

After all, even if he had won against the bearded adventurer, he wasn’t sure he could replicate it against all the other adventures and still make sure no one found out it was an angel that had fallen from the heavens.

It was a shame that he had been forced to expose himself so much instead of just sneaking and grabbing Karandiel while everyone else was fighting. But there was no changing the past, only the future. And he had to make the best of his current circumstances, which meant preventing anyone else from causing him any trouble.

So, before the bearded adventurer could regain his balance or throw himself after his sword, Ackster stepped forward with Nash’s prickly sword held high. Teeth gritted, he swung down.

The sword cleaved through the air with a vertical slash, straight as a ruler.

Unable to defend himself after losing his weapon and in front of Ackster’s superior strength and speed, the bearded man lost an arm.

Ackster controlled his expression. It was his first time maiming someone—another human. He couldn’t help but wince. But it was gone before anyone noticed. Not that anyone watched since everyone looked at the bearded man’s arm on the ground.

“You threw away your life as an adventurer due to your pride. Was it worth it? When you didn’t even get anything?”

Ackster spoke to the adventurer. But since he was squealing in pain and clutching his arm-less shoulder, Ackster wasn’t sure he was listening. But his words weren’t only for the bearded man. They were for everyone.

“Count yourself lucky. I spared your life this once since you didn’t see anything. I won’t be as merciful again.”

This time, Ackster looked out at the crowd with a cold, stony face, simultaneously daring anyone to challenge him and scaring them not to.

Fortunately, it seemed like the bearded man had served as an exemplary example since no one stepped forward, and only one or two dared meet his gaze for more than a second. Multiple people began packing up and leaving as well.

“Well then. Show’s over. Get going.”

Ackster urged the remaining adventurers to get a move on as well, which most did.

“Your leader’s alive in that direction.”

Ackster pointed at where he had left Hansel.

“I would recommend giving up here. We had different opinions, we clashed, and I emerged victorious. There’s no reason to continue this fight beyond here.”

Nash and Limm didn´t answer. Limm just picked up Moira, and they began walking toward Hansel.

“Ah, wait. Here.”

Ackster tossed Nash’s sword back to him.

“Peace gesture.”

The sword was growing increasingly uncomfortable, especially after he drew the bearded man’s blood. And while it had a nice balance and was sharp enough to slice through a man’s shoulder with ease, it wasn’t worth the discomfort. It would be better if he could use it to keep the Crimson Edge from coming back as soon as they picked up Hansel. Hopefully, they would also realize that two of them weren’t in a fighting state and decided to rest and recuperate before doing anything.

Nash grabbed the sword without saying anything and left with Limm and Moira. He did, however, glance back and give a slight nod a the edge of the glade.

“And so, what are you two still doing here?”

Ackster looked at Tenrick and Willow with a judgemental and questioning look. After what he had just done, he had made it abundantly clear that he didn’t want anyone around. They didn’t even pretend to leave and hide away from the pit in order to lay an ambush like some other adventurers.

“Hey, why so cold, boss?”

Tenrick lay on the ground, covered in wounds and bleeding. He didn’t even open his eyes as he spoke with a tired voice.

Stolen novel; please report.

“Okay. You’re too tired to move. Good work, I guess. And you?”

Willow had sheathed her sword a while ago when it became clear that she wouldn’t need to fight more, and now she awkwardly clutched her hands together.

“Um, after we sided with you back then, I kind of thought we could maybe work together from now on or, at the very least, you know, share.”

Ackster was pretty sure he heard a hopeful smile in her voice. But he couldn’t see anything due to the helmet.

“Sure. Come find me in the capital once I’ve dealt with this. As long as you can keep up, we can work together. Otherwise, I’ll make sure to repay you for the help you provided me. That goes for both of you.”

Ackster naturally wasn’t headed for Lill’s capital, Mimil. He had also given them a false name. And, as soon as he was in the clear and knew no one other than the Guild was following him, he would ask Mio to provide some more of that hair dye gel. Maybe even ask if the cute little slime had any other tricks to hide his and Karandiel’s appearance.

But if he could get rid of two of those that had helped him with a gentle lie instead of using force, he didn’t mind. Now, he only needed them to agree.

Tenrick was the first to answer his suggestion. He did so with a chuckle.

“Sure. I’ll wait for you in the capital. But let me just rest a little before leaving. Those Crimson Edge bastards sure know how to fight.”

Ackster was pretty sure Tenrick began sleeping halfway through his last sentence.

‘That’s one.’

He looked at Willow as he waited for her decision.

“I must say, ‘Hugo,’ you’re pretty good at lying.”

Ackster felt like she had something to add at the end that she refrained from saying. He also felt like she wasn’t bluffing.

“What do you mean?”

But he wasn’t going to expose himself just like that, so he feigned ignorance.

“I won’t ask you to tell me your real name or why you’re going to such lengths for this heavenly treasure. I won’t ask any questions at all, in fact.”

“But…?”

Ackster glanced in the direction of the sword the bearded adventurer had left behind as he stumbled away. He had also left his arm behind since there was no way he could afford to get it reattached.

Willow knew or had noticed something, and she wanted something with him. Depending on what it was, things might come to a physical altercation. And Ackster had just started learning how to use a sword and how much easier it was than using his fists, especially against human enemies.

Willow noticed his glance but didn’t say anything about it. Instead, she followed up Ackster’s guess that there was something she wanted in return for not asking any questions.

“I want your help.”

“Huh?”

Willow’s request surprised Ackster. She had just revealed that he wasn’t very trustworthy and that she knew he lied a lot. Though, for someone who could see through his lies, maybe that wasn’t something to be wary of.

“You seemed to be holding up pretty well yourself against that scimitar woman. What could you possibly need my help with?”

Since it didn’t seem like Willow had any nefarious goals in mind, Ackster didn’t mind tacitly acknowledging that she was right about his lies. But he wasn’t going to accept her request just like that.

“It also seems like you held back a bit.”

As he looked at Willow with a more thorough mind, Ackster noticed that the scrapes and dents on her armor were shallow, just like her breathing. Even after being in a supposedly one-sided battle with Moira, Willow didn’t even pant, despite the heavy armor she was wearing. It was like she hadn’t exerted any effort.

She could have calmed her breathing after the fight, but Ackster hadn’t heard anything right when he returned from his battle with Hansel, either.

Ackster’s suspicion toward Willow was evident. But she was undaunted.

“You’re right. I held back, and it’s related to the reason I need your help.”

“And that is?”

“I can’t tell you.”

“Of course. Take a hike. I’m busy.”

Ackster sighed and shooed her away with a have of his hand.

“I helped you without knowing your goals. Isn’t it only fair that you do the same?”

“Hmph. Stop shitting yourself. In what way are the two situations the same? You helped me of your own volition in a situation you knew perfectly well. You joined me in a brawl against those who sided with the Crimson Edge for money or a vain hope of getting the treasure. You are asking me for help when I don’t know what kind of help, why you want help, my help, or what I will possibly face when and for helping you.”

Since he wasn’t sure he could take Willow in his current state, Ackster tried to reason her into giving up.

“I will admit that there is a slight difference. But I know you’re more honorable than this. I only want you to repay the favor you owe me.”

“How do you know I’m more honorable than this when you don’t even know me? And doing someone else a favor while expecting something in return isn’t really doing that someone a favor. Learn to take a no and leave. Just because you helped me, I’m not against using force.”

Ackster glared at the slit in Willow’s helm as he tried to threaten her when reason obviously didn’t work.

“What if I pay you?”

“Pay me?”

“Yes. I will pay you for your services if you help me. You’re an adventurer, right? You can take on personal requests and the like, no? Just tell me how much you want.”

“Sure. Give me a kingdom.”

Ackster sighed. He didn’t know why she was so insistent on getting his help. But if he made it clear he didn’t want anything to do with her or that she wouldn’t get what she wanted, she would hopefully realize that she should look for someone else.

“Okay.”

Ackster couldn’t believe his ears.

“What?”

“I mean, it will have to be a small one. But if you help me and we’re successful, giving you a kingdom won’t be outside the possible rewards.”

“Seriously, go somewhere else with shitty jokes like this. I saw some kind of performances and comedy club in a nearby town. I’m sure you’ll find all the help you need there.”

“I’m not joking.”

“Sure. And I’m not standing up.”

“But you are standing up.”

“Exactly. If you’re going to scam people, you should at least offer something believable. A kingdom, really? Who’s going to believe a young woman, or that anyone for that matter, can just hand over a kingdom like nothing? Last time I checked, countries aren’t for sale or available for trade.”

Ackster was getting really close to grabbing the sword and using force to get rid of this troublesome knight.

“Alright. I guess there aren’t many that can just give away countries like excess vegetables. But if you agree to help me, you will learn sooner or later that I’m speaking the truth.”

“Not interested. What am I going to do with a kingdom, anyway? You haven’t even told me why you want my help. Why would I ever trust you enough to accept your request?”

“Hmm. Anyone who’s seen your talent would want you. I also have a skill that basically helps me tell apart people I want to interact with from those I don’t want to interact with. It’s called Friends of the Forest. How’s that for sowing some trust?”

Ackster’s eyes widened in realization.

“I see….”