Arriving in the city, I noticed that despite the lateness of the hour, the streets glowed with the light of burning torches. The sounds of raucous laughter and revelry reached my ears from every corner, and it was not difficult to discern the reason behind the boisterous celebrations. I had come across the group of mercenaries who had just raided and were now feasting on their loot.
As I watched the festivities from a safe distance, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement at the opportunity that presented itself. These mercenaries seemed to lack the strategic planning and foresight that I had come to expect from such groups. Instead, they seemed to be relying on brute force and whatever resources they could find to succeed.
I knew it was only a matter of time before they became vulnerable, and I intended to take advantage of their carelessness. Because while they were celebrating and letting their guard down, I would be quietly biding my time, waiting for the perfect opportunity to attack.
I had always been an opportunist and my luck had never failed me. I had an eye for assessing the value of things and knew exactly what to look for to maximize my profit. And so, as I watched these mercenaries feast and drink, I knew that their possessions would soon be mine.
My heart raced with anticipation at the thought of the many projects I could undertake with the funds it would acquire. The possibilities were endless...
And so, as the night wore on and the festivities continued, I stood there in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to make my move. Because I knew that when he arrived, it would be by divine mandate that everything in his power would become mine.
* * *
Emerging from the shadows, I patiently watched the boisterous group of men until I detected a telltale sign of their intoxication. Confident in my strategy, I walked confidently towards them, my small frame and youth belied by the authoritative tone of my voice.
—Gentlemen —I addressed them politely, my words laced with a touch of steel—. Under other circumstances, I would make this request with more grace. However, my youth and diminutive stature require me to seize any chance of victory. I humbly ask you to hand over your valuables, because it is by divine decree that they belong to me.
The campfire lit up their skeptical faces as they questioned my legitimacy.
—Who is this bratty son of a bitch? —one of them sneered, his tone mixed with scorn.
Despite the insult to my integrity and that of my mother, I remained calm, my eyes piercing as I assessed each man's reaction.
—Your insolence is unjustified —I warned him sternly—. My divine mandate must be obeyed, or there will be consequences.
But the man's response was to insult me again. Without hesitation, I drew my knife and swiftly slashed his throat, sending a stream of blood across the clearing. The other mercenaries were taken aback, their weapons drawn in a flash.
—Oi, you little bastard! —one of them growled, his voice laced with a mix of fear and rage— Do you think you can take us on just because you're a child? We'll show you what happens when you underestimate us!
I looked at them coldly, my knife still dripping with blood.
—They shouldn't have provoked me —I said simply— Now, they have no choice but to face the consequences of their actions.
And with that, I lunged at the speaker, plunging the knife into his eye and splitting his skull in half, bursting open his nervous systems and creating a pool of blood and mutilated pieces of brain.
My weapon is not just any sword, it is a masterpiece made from a rare material found only in the depths of the forest. The sword's composition is known to only a few skilled craftsmen—me and no one else—and its unique properties are highly coveted by warriors of all stripes—again, me and no one else.
This sword should not be drawn by chance, as its power should only be released when the situation calls for it. I keep it tucked away in its sheath, waiting for the moment when I should wield it. The sword's craftsmanship is such that it requires very little maintenance and its edge never dulls no matter how many enemies it takes down.
The enchantment on this sword is truly remarkable, as it possesses the ability to grow other swords from its metal blade, just like a rose blooms from its stem. This particular enchantment took me years of study, experimentation, and practice to perfect, and is the culmination of all my efforts as a swordsman.
As I face the bandits that have surrounded me, I draw my weapon and grip it tightly. I know the battle ahead will be fierce and the stakes are high. But I have trained for this moment, and my sword is my faithful companion in this fight.
In a swift, fluid motion, I swing the sword in a horizontal arc and the metallic rose enchantment springs into action. Blades of metal shoot out of the sword, each one sharp enough to cut through steel. The bandits are startled by the sudden attack, and before they can react, they are killed one by one as the blades pierce their skins and lift their bodies into the air, bathing everything below in a crimson shower of blood and screams of agony.
I couldn't help but smile with pleasure at the scene that was waiting. After all, there was nothing more satisfying than getting what you're looking for.
The metallic rose enchantment was not an easy feat to master. I had to delve into forbidden tomes, steal from wizards who had fallen into the underground cells, and make dangerous deals with supernatural entities in the forest. But in the end it was worth it, as my sword now possesses a power that is unmatched by any other weapon.
As the last of the bandits falls to the ground, I wipe the blood from my forehead and put my sword back in its sheath. I know that my weapon is not just a tool for battle, but a symbol of my dedication to the art of swordsmanship. And as long as I hold this sword, I know that I will always emerge victorious from any... Huh?
When I took a moment to get my bearings, I realized that the once shrill sounds of battle had given way to a deafening silence.
"Wait, there is only one opponent left?" I asked, scanning the area for signs of movement.
The remaining combatant, a girl, looked visibly shaken as she took in the aftermath of the frenzied attack.
—Y-you, you have evil in your body... —she stammered, her voice shaking with fear.
Sighing heavily, I shook my head disapprovingly.
—It's not polite to make such broad assumptions about others, especially when you barely know them —I scolded her—. While I may possess a degree of understanding and humanitarianism, others might take your words as an insult.
The girl recoiled at my words, confusion etched on her face.
—Wh-what are you saying…!?
—You were the only one to dodge the two attacks of my sword aimed at your heart. Therefore, based on your performance, I can deduce that you are stronger than the rest —I commented calmly—. However… —I continued, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips—, if you are willing to be my mate, you could live. How about?
As the girl looked at me with a mixture of uncontrollable terror, I couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion.
—Fuck you, you fucking scumbag!
With a ferocity that burned in her eyes, the girl charged at me, swinging her sword with an impressive display of skill. I could feel the heat emanating from her as she closed the distance between us, and the hairs on my arms stood up.
I watched as her sword made contact with my chest, and I felt a sharp pain shoot through my body as I fell to the ground. The impact was so strong that it knocked the air out of me, and for a few moments, I just stood there gasping for air.
When I finally managed to regain my composure, I found myself looking at the pool of blood that had formed thanks to my external and internal injury while listening to the girl laughing triumphantly.
—Ha ha! This is what happens when you make fun of me! —she sneered, her voice echoing like a clarion call.
She walked up to me and started hitting my stomach with her boot. As she continued to taunt me, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer power and grace she had displayed. Despite the pain I felt... Her handling of her sword was like a dance, and she moved with such fluidity and precision that it was almost hypnotic.
But suddenly, when I looked up to meet her eyes, she immediately dropped her weapon and her butt took a seat in the mud that had formed from the blood of her companions and the dirt.
—Your performance was wonderful, young lady! —I said excitedly as I dragged me across the floor with blood dripping from the corner of my lips.
—Y-You're... You're a monster!!
I moved my hand to my chest and used a healing spell that lit the entire camp in green. I then stood up as if nothing had happened.
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—That style you used, I don't know. The pain you made me feel was like drinking the elixir of some divinity. I want more.
—Shit, shit!
I am genuinely interested in the pain that the technique she used against me caused me.
The tactical prowess of this fighting style is truly impressive, and I find myself in tune with her strategic philosophy. Rather than rely on traditional, formulaic techniques, this style draws on a wide range of tactics to ensure each move is optimized for maximum effectiveness. With each move, the practitioner moves closer to his opponent, applying pressure relentlessly until victory is secured.
The speed and agility of this approach are especially notable, allowing for lightning-fast adjustments and maneuvers that keep your opponent off balance and unable to anticipate your next move. In this sense, the fighting style embodies the very essence of martial arts, where skill, technique, and strategic thinking combine to create a formidable force that cannot be easily defeated.
Overall, the logical and straightforward nature of this fighting technique, along with its wide range of techniques, makes it a powerful weapon in any martial artist's arsenal. Its effectiveness has been proven time and time again, making it a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.
Unfortunately, I can't know beyond the limits that the girl has imposed. It's like facing a piece of meat tied to a piece of metal.
—Why...why...why...WHY MY ATTACKS HAVE NO EFFECT ON YOU!! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU YOU DAMN BRAT?!
—Through my extensive experimentation with prisoners, I have come to a profound conclusion. Every human being has a limit, one that is inextricably linked to the essence of his soul. It is similar to a bottle cap, acting as a barrier preventing water from flowing out of the container. Similarly, each person possesses a certain amount of water within them, contained within a container of unique proportions. However, I have yet to unravel the intricacies that define the parameters of these features. It is not simply a question of measuring the volume of water or the size of the bottle, since there are intangible qualities that contribute to the ultimate capacity of the soul of each individual. It is a subtle interplay between the psyche and the physical form, shaped by a myriad of factors ranging from genetics to upbringing.
—What are you taking about...?
At his dismay, I lifted the sword from his scabbard by the hilt and, with the desperation of a thirsty dog, a thin blade of metal shoots out at the speed of a .45 ACP bullet; 260 m/s and goes through the girl's chest, leaving behind a hole the size of a sewing needle.
—W-why do I feel so light? —she asked, still trying to understand what was happening.
The young woman raised her head slowly, her eyes scanning the surroundings of the camp in confusion. A moment ago she was enjoying the feast with her friends, feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders, but now she should be feeling an inexplicable lightness in her body.
—Because you're dying, dear —I replied in a calm and kind tone.
She frowned, trying to understand my words like she had been doing for the last ten minutes.
—W-wait —she said, her voice trembling slightly—. What does that mean?
I kneeled closer to her and leaned forward.
—It means that you have been freed from the burdens that weighed you down. The worries, the fears, the doubts, all that is gone now. But I had to make a request on your behalf.
Hearing me, she suddenly widened her eyes, looking at me in confusion.
—What kind of request? —she asked, her heart racing.
—I have asked that they forgive your sins, that they show you mercy and compassion in the afterlife. And in return, I have offered to send you there painlessly.
She just gasped.
—Why me? I've done horrible things to people… —she asked, her voice a whisper.
—Because we have all sinned, my dear —I said—. And it is our duty to seek forgiveness for those who have strayed. I have seen the pain and suffering in your heart, and I believe that you deserve a second chance.
—Thank you —she told me, her voice choked with emotion—. Thank you for giving me hope.
—May you find peace and happiness in the afterlife...
When she closed her eyes, I could tell that my hand had returned without fruit.
—Seriously? This girl has nothing of value on her but she was the strongest.
I had been looking through her pockets, I even put my hand in her crotch and found no jewel but her jewel.
—Ah, but it doesn't matter —looking around me, I opened my arms and my eyes with desire—, because all this must be full of gold and diamonds! Fufu~
It would be remiss to overlook the legitimacy of claiming ownership of luxury items once owned by virtuous people. Because, it should be noted that I, with the utmost diligence and perseverance, have recovered these belongings from the clutches of the thieving mercenaries who had illegally seized them. And it's only right that these items now rightfully belong to me.
In fact, it would be unfair and dishonest to deprive myself of what is rightfully mine, because I have gone to great lengths and taken considerable risks to recover these lost possessions. It stands to reason that I can enjoy the fruits of my labor and enjoy the comforts that these luxuries bring.
Also, it's not like these belongings were taken from their original owners by force or with any malicious intent on my part. Rather, I have acted as a benevolent benefactor, restoring to the rightful owners what was taken from them unjustly and without their consent.
Therefore, it can be argued that taking possession of these luxuries is not only justifiable, but also commendable. Because, in doing so, I have restored justice to those who were wronged and ensured that the rightful owners have received what is rightfully theirs and can rest in peace.
Anyway, I have obtained the equivalent of 355 Valur from approximately 3 to 7 Miras per coin.
Ah, the Valur is the standard currency of the continent (plural: Valurs). These coins are made of a rare and valuable metal known as "Valurite", which is mined deep within the mountains in the northern region of the continent.
Each Valur is about the size of a penny and features the image of the reigning monarch on one side and a unique symbol on the other side representing one of the continent's five major kingdoms. The symbol varies in design and color depending on the kingdom it represents.
A Valur's value is determined by its weight, which is measured in "Miras", a unit of measurement equal to about 0.1 grams. The weight of a Valur can range from 5 to 20 Miras, with the heavier Valur being the more valuable.
The value of a Valur can fluctuate based on a variety of factors, including the current state of the economy, the availability of Valurite, and the whims of the ruling monarch. As a result, Valur are often treasured by wealthy individuals and can be subject to theft or counterfeiting.
Despite these risks, the Valur remains the most accepted and trusted form of currency on the continent, and its value is recognized everywhere.
—I almost left without first checking the state of the city.
I had also heard that they had a slaver, so it wouldn't be a bad idea to look for a human-sized cell.
First of all, there was not a single soul in the surrounding streets. Something I expected if I took into account the screams that had taken place up to seconds ago; as well as the mercenaries themselves who should have raped and killed countless innocents.
But finding the cells of the slaves was not a difficult task, what was difficult was finding those empty cells. Not only because I had wasted my invaluable and irreplaceable time, but because... Wait.
As I stood there feeling frustrated and trapped, a sudden flash of light caught my eye from inside one of the nearby cells. My mind went blank for a moment and I felt an inexplicable urge to investigate the source of the light.
With a sense of purpose, I took slow, measured steps toward the cell, my heart pounding in my chest. As I got closer, the light grew brighter, casting a radiant glow that illuminated my path. When I finally got there, I looked through the bars of the cell and saw a small, delicate ring, the source of the light.
My curiosity awoke, I couldn't help wondering about the value of the ring. Surely an object capable of producing such intense light must be worth something to the right buyer. Without hesitation, I reached through the bars and picked up the ring, feeling its weight and texture in the palm of my hand.
But as I held the ring, a sudden wave of apprehension washed over me. What if this item was cursed or imbued with dark magic? What if it belonged to someone who would stop at nothing to get it back? I realized with growing uneasiness that my impulsiveness might have led me down a dangerous path.
Despite my misgivings, I slipped the ring into my pocket, determined to investigate its origins and potential value. But as I turned to leave the cell, a faint whisper echoed through the darkness, chilling me to the bone.
—As a corrupt soul is wont to do, hear my call —a voice echoed ominously from an unknown source.
In an instant, I drew my gleaming enchanted sword and assumed a resolute stance, my eyes darting around in search of my unseen adversary.
—Are you suggesting that I follow the path of darkness? —I challenged him, my voice ringing with indignation— You would do well to remember that appearances are deceptive, as I have just absolved a young woman of her sins —I declared, fixing my opponent with a steely glare.
With a contemptuous snort, the voice replied:
—Your actions mean nothing, for the corruption that festers within you cannot be eradicated so easily.
In response, I narrowed my eyes and tightened my grip on my sword.
—I will not stand idly by while you spew your poisonous lies. I am a warrior of the light and I will not allow you to tarnish my honor —I declared, preparing myself for battle.
The voice let out a low laugh.
—Alright then. Let's see if your sword is as sharp as your tongue.
And with that, the sound of a rushing wind filled the air, and my enemy materialized before me. When my gaze fell on the magnificent sight, my eyes were instantly drawn to its exquisite shape. Standing before me was a creature that exuded both power and beauty: a humanoid, tiger-like beast that seemed to have come straight out of a fantastic tale.
His fur was a stunning mix of black and white, with each individual strand of fur catching the light in a unique way. His piercing blue eyes seemed to look deep into my soul, as if measuring me, evaluating me. I couldn't help but feel intimidated and fascinated at the same time.
The creature's impressive horns gracefully curved outward, adding to its already formidable appearance. And then there were the wings, two powerful appendages that seemed to be able to propel the four-meter creature through the skies with ease. Its dragon-like appearance only added to the creature's already mythical aura.
As I gazed at the upright form of the creature, I couldn't help but notice its impressive armor. The beast wore a set of shoulder pads with claws that seemed to cut through metal with ease. Her loincloth, though simple, seemed to be made of the finest materials and hung neatly at her waist.
At that moment, I was in awe of the creature before him. It was as if I had stumbled upon a mythical being that had been hidden from the world for centuries.
However, I managed to hide my admiration under a look of rejection and annoyance because he had insulted my honor as a good person.
While standing in front of the beast, my sword pointing directly at its chest, I spoke with conviction.
—My suspicions were correct —I told him—. You have been using me as a mere reflection of your own insecurities, demon. But don't lose hope. There is still a chance for redemption, as I can see that despite your evil nature, you long to belong to the good side.
The beast's eyes widened in disbelief as he bared his fangs at me, clearly rejecting my words.
—You humans are all the same —he spat—. They believe that one act of kindness is enough to erase a lifetime of bad deeds. But you don't understand that a human being's soul is inherently corrupt, passed down through the ages by his ancestors. I don't need your approval to know who I am and what I stand for.
With that, the creature readied its claws, ready to attack at any moment. But I remained calm and collected, my sword still pointed at him.
—Your words may be true, but it is not an excuse for the evil you seek to commit —I replied firmly—. The fact that you still seek to evade your true nature shows that there is still hope for you to change. You can still choose to be a force for good, even if it goes against your natural instincts.
The beast snarled in response, his eyes glittering with fury.
—You dare lecture me on morality? —he growled— You, who are nothing more than a weak and fragile human? You know nothing of the power I possess, the strength I wield. I am not afraid to embrace my true nature, because it is what makes me who I am.
Despite the creature's intimidating presence, I stood my ground.
—Your strength may be impressive, but it is nothing compared to the power of the human spirit —I said—. We have the ability to choose our own destiny, to overcome our own weaknesses. You may be a creature of the dark, but that doesn't mean you can't choose to be a force for good.
The beast hesitated for a moment, its eyes flickering uncertainly. For a moment, it seemed as if he might choose to back off, reconsider his position. But then it let out a blood-curdling roar and charged at me, claws outstretched.
I braced myself for impact with my sword at the ready. For a moment, it seemed as if we would collide in a violent clash of wills and power. But then, at the last moment, the creature veered to the side and disappeared into the ringlight.
For a moment, I stood there, sword still in hand, catching my breath. But then I realized that this was just the beginning of our battle. The beast may have fled for now, but it would return.
And when it did, I would be ready.