Maria Orwell was just an ordinary village girl, at the age where it wouldn't be strange to feel a certain way about the opposite sex. Her ginger-red hair was cut short. Maria's large brown eyes were always full of light, brightening any room she visited. Hope and optimism always seemed to overflow from her, even making the other children admire her. Everyone in the village could recognize her with a glance.
"Oh, isn't that the daughter of the village chief's first son!" they would always say. Maria Orwell was used to it, although she knew that her father was well respected in the village, but she didn't share the same respect that the other villagers had for him. To her, Pete Orwell was just an overprotective and strict dad; she was even forbidden to date a boy until she finished her secondary education. "Focus on your education first, it was for your good!" Her dad would always say to her whenever a boy was mentioned.
The conversation would always spiral into a screaming match between her and her dad, but it was always stopped with a slap against their heads by her grandpa, Morri Orwell.
The mundane life would always be the same routine, going to school for six days. Learning and studying about various subjects, the things she learned entirely consisted of lessons on magic and Basic Magic Theory, and the one she most anticipated, the history of the seven witches and the origin of the kingdom of Anspire, and the surrounding nations. She was deeply interested in the past, specifically stories that told heroic journeys, especially revolving around knights. A less polite way to say this is that she has an obsession with knights; her unhealthy fixation was notorious within the village. Maria was fixated on a specific legend, where the first Knight Captain journeyed into the nation of giants and learned to forge her first suit of armor.
Whenever she ever mentioned the topic of knights to her father, he always made a sour expression as if tasting a bitter medication. Pete Orwell looked troubled while telling her daughter to think of another occupation she'll have in the future.
On the last day of the week, she would begrudgingly go to the church due to her father's insistent nagging. Maria would listen attentively to the sermons that the clergy men and women would preach, but she would space out halfway through the service.
It always started in the morning until it was evening, and her feet would always feel sore after the sermons had ended. Maria was never a strong believer in the God of Light, she would still listen to the sermons even if some of them were strange to her.
The content of said sermons varied from each clergyperson, but what most stuck with her was about the seven witches and the God of Light. The church resided within the village center where the village market was located, so right after each sermon had ended, Maria with her friends would always go on to the various stores and booths, spending their allowance that day to splurge on sweets and buy new clothes.
Always hanging out with friends after the service in the church was done, the main highlight of her week was the money that came from the capital. It was enough to buy her an expensive-looking dress and still have change to spare. The said money came from her uncle, the second son of Morri Orwell, Josh Orwell.
Morri Orwell was proud of him, he constantly told this story to everyone who asked about his second son. He was especially talkative to his granddaughter, Maria. Hearing the passionate story of her uncle, she always felt inspired to be like him, a knight who protected the weak and slayed evil.
Those were her honest and unadulterated dreams, a hope for tomorrow.
But those same eyes that overflowed with a defiant light were now snuffed out against the glint of metal in front of her.
Reflected on the cold end of the sword was her face, swollen, cut, bruised, lacerated, and caked with filth. The dull throbs that came from her entire body made her want to cry. The night gown she wore was tattered and torn, and similarly, dirt clung to its silk woven surface; now it was more a dirty rag than a comfortable sleepwear.
Beneath her was the cold stone ground, where the base of the fountain was built. Even though it was night, it was oddly bright. Maria's heartbeat was in sync with her breaths, each gasp of air was filled with the smell of burning wood and charred meat, staining the roof of her mouth as mucus filled her nostrils. Simultaneously breathing and swallowing her snot as she hyperventilated. Her mouth closed and opened without a sound, leaving her lips, choking against her saliva, she couldn't find her voice, even if her throat was cleared, the sheer terror of the situation would make her whole body freeze.
Silently observing the pathetic girl was a man with gray hair, the sword he held in his left hand showed a murderous intent as the end of it pointed down, the chipped edges of the sword could've only made people guess how often he used it. His armor was bent and battered. He wore an indifferent expression.
The girl's swollen and bruised eyes were wet with tears, snot, and blood that ruined her adorable face. Yet the man could only look on, not a single warmth in his cold eyes. He hoisted the heavy machete, ready to cut down the frail girl where she was only inches from death, as if considering this as mercy, he released the strength in his hand and let it drop against the face of the little girl. Expecting the pain, she closed her eyes and covered her ears. Maria didn't know if the afterlife existed or not. Countless sermons flashed before her eyes, but not a single one mentioned anything about it. The only thing she thought about as she waited for the hatchet to bisect her face was…
"Big-sis Ann…"
Being the second person she ever looked up to, she felt at ease, imagining the kind and passionate girl protecting her from the sword coming down to her. She hoped for something impossible.
But the sword that was to end everything never reached. Already accepting death, she was unnaturally calm, only being fueled by curiosity rather than courage, she gingerly opened her eyes.
Through the swollen slit of her eyelids she saw the sword being held in the same position when she closed them. Clashing emotions sprouted within her, the relief that death hadn't come, and the agitation that stemmed from realizing she needed to brace herself again. She felt joy and harrowing terror at the same time, knowing death wouldn't come for her another second.
"What—what is that…"
She heard a murmur, her eyes wandering from the hilt of the sword to the face that held it. His face pointed above her, a dumbfounded expression was present, she didn't know what he was looking at, but it was enough to make the man freeze in his tracks. The once loud and chaotic surroundings have now quieted down, ignoring the electrifying pain that coursed through her body, she craned her head to get a glance around her.
Within the village center, she saw more women and children like her, each had cuts, bruises, and lacerations, their body and their clothes was equally smeared with dirt. She didn't see any men in her village; the bandits who pillaged also limply hung their weapons at their side. The same awe-struck expression was present. The other villagers uncomfortably squirmed and turned after seeing the bandit's odd behavior. Not being able to hold her growing curiosity, she followed their gazes to the sky, where the two red moons were present. She couldn't tell what they were looking at, but when she lowered her gaze, she saw a peculiar sight. A shadow was levitating in the air, it stood still, only being illuminated at the back, she couldn't tell what it was.
But all around her, a commotion had sprung up. Her gaze being attracted by the noise, she saw the bandits were raising their weapons and readying themselves, she mused that it was their stance when they were fighting instead of massacring defenseless villagers. Each bandit clenched their teeth, their fierce eyes that was focused on something. From her perspective, it looked like the roles of attackers and victims was reversed, she calmly thought.
Glancing up at the sky, something instead caught her attention. Panic gripped her entire body, and she clutched the stone pavement with her bare nails as she tried to run, but it was more of a continuous tumble than a run. Crawling on all fours, she practically threw her entire body away from the fountain. Scurrying past even the bandit that was moments earlier was about to take her life, but he didn't even notice her existence as his mouth was slackened open, looking at what Maria saw that made her hurriedly move.
Falling on her side, her shoulders ached in pain, the rough and uneven stone surface scraped her skin, blood gushed from her skin wound, but she didn't give it any mind as she looked back at the fountain where she had stood in front earlier. At the very moment she turned her head back, the fountain exploded, but it was more accurate to say that something fell on it. A cloud of smoke sprang from the impact.
A storm of debris hailed down on the village, most of which harmlessly landed on the roofs and streets, but at the same place where she sat moments earlier, a large piece of stone from the fountain lodged itself in the ground. Gouging the stone ground and revealing the soil beneath.
If she was there… she didn't need to finish her thought as she glanced at the decimated stone pavement in front of her. Relief overwhelmed her mind, but at the same time, fear of what fell.
The other villagers, even the bandits, stood in silence, waiting for the smoke to settle, their eyes converging at the center of the village.
"Rejoice, insects, as I arrived to greet you're pitiful party."
A dulcet voice filled the village center, her soothing voice could be mistaken for a mother lovingly talking to her children, yet the things that she said were far detached from the impression that the people who heard it. The voice wasn't loud or low; it sounded like a call from a bird, but it made everyone who heard it have goosebumps.
Even through the blanket of smoke, they still can sense the overwhelming presence of a powerful being. The only thing that the villagers have experienced that can compare to this oppressive air was when a knight came by in a routine patrol. But this presence was more noticeable, like the person didn't bother hiding their animosity. Of course, the bandits in the village who were adept at sensing strong opponents, this presence was nothing more than a nightmare come to life. Comparing the hoard of witch familiars to this overpowering pressure would be the same as comparing a colony of ants to the might of a dragon.
A strong gust of wind blew through the village, and the curtain of smoke that covered the face of the voice was now slowly revealed. Everyone held their breath, in awe and shock at the figure that stood in the middle of a crater.
"Grovel, you ugly insects! You undeserving worm should be grateful that I'm the one who is personally going here in this filthy settlement of lowly beasts."
Those venomous words pierced everyone's eardrums, the beautiful and breath taking appearance of the voice made everyone stand still, as if the princess of the country had personally come to their village. Her golden eyes observed everyone without a hint of compassion that her voice let off, like studying microbes under a microscope.
Maria was taken aback at the mysterious girl's otherworldly beauty, the way she carried herself, and how she looked at everyone. It made her imagine that she was a princess from a fairy tale. As if not being able to hold back her words.
"So…So beautiful, you're prettier in person than what the books said…"
The words slipped out in a hushed murmur, yet the beautiful stranger still seemed to catch Maria's feeble croaks. The woman's presence bore down on her, an invisible weight pressing into her very bones. Those golden irises—bright as the sun against the pure white of her eyes—locked onto Maria, and a shudder of primal terror coursed through her. She couldn't explain the fear, only that it ran deeper than reason. It was the instinctive dread of standing at a cliff's edge, the body's raw warning of danger. Maria didn't need to understand. Some fears were written into the flesh, a survival instinct older than thought itself.
As though condemned for the mere act of speaking in her presence, Maria felt the weight of judgment bearing down upon her. The white-haired goddess gazed down with eyes ablaze, her thoughts simmering with wrath. Meeting her gaze, even briefly, made Maria feel as though she had transgressed an unpardonable sin, as if the very gods themselves would exact retribution for her insolence. Her hand, grimy and marred with splintered nails, pressed against her chest, attempting to steady the frantic rhythm of her heart.
"My—my, looked like you're more intelligent than you look, I guess that raised you from an unintelligent beast to an ape. At least I can have a conversation with you."
The motherly voice was laced with animosity, and the same girl took a step forward. Everyone in the village center, even the bandits, jumped and took three steps back.
Maria's body betrayed her, refusing to flee as the girl, an embodiment of death itself, drew nearer. Her limbs were paralyzed, and each attempt to move was a futile effort against the overwhelming pain. The rawness of her hands, scraped and bleeding, sent jolts of agony with every twitch. Her shoulders, numb and stiff, screamed in protest, making even the slightest motion feel like an insurmountable task. Fear gripped her heart, a vice tightening with each breath. As the girl approached, Maria's mind raced, but her body remained frozen, a prisoner to the terror that consumed her.
"Papa…. Grandpa… Big sis…"
A number of people sprang to her mind that can save her, yet none shown themselves, even thinking about her uncle to save her, even knowing it was impossible, she thought of anything and anyone that can save her.
The Great God of Life, the knight captain of the knight order, even her mother she had never known, thinking anyone who could save her, the very person that made her reel in fear, finally came close to her. Being unable to hold it in anymore, a warm liquid spread in her crotch, the smell of urine and blood mixed and attacked her nostrils. The sound of chattering teeth was heard and filled the space between Maria and the ivory-haired girl.
"Plwish… Daount Kilme… I dwont wwaantt toto diie!"
Her pathetic plea was ignored by the woman who went down on one of her knees and peered at the swollen eyes of Maria. She seemed to ignore the ruined crotch of Maria as she looked with a benevolent smile.
"What a disgusting sight… apes are truly no different than mindless beasts. But don't fret, you lovely budding flower, I won't let beauty be wasted by mere creatures that eat their excrement."
The mysterious girl said, producing a white handkerchief, and gingerly rubbed Maria's dirty face. The dirt, blood, snot, and tears that stained her face were wiped away by the clean cloth. The once clean and pure white handkerchief was soiled in filth, but she didn't mind it as she placed it back in the pocket of her dress. Even though her face still sent dull throbs, Maria's eyes seemed to be full of light, restoring the warmth and life of her once radiant complexion.
"Wha—what are you doing…"
Maria could only mutter to the mysterious girl who acted in pure generosity. The fear still lurked within her, but now it was blurred with a veil of confusion for the clashing image she had in her mind. The hostile way she acted and talked was juxtaposed by the kindness she displayed, she couldn't even get a glimpse of what she was thinking. a part of her thought she was being fooled, making her feel at ease before killing her.
Crushing her hope, so she could see the despair in her face. Shuddering at the thought, she quickly brushed it away.
"You seemed hurt, a flower being trampled by a disgusting beast, nothing in this world was more hurtful than seeing a budding flower be deflowered so young, a flower should mature, showing its beautiful radiance…Yes, and after admiring the beauty of it, it can be permitted to be cut and replaced with a new bud… Well, something along those lines, I suppose."
After continuing, she trailed off. the white haired girl helped Maria stand up on her feet, but she still struggled to keep her balance. A hand supported her as she stood. Maria once again took a glance at the face that lent her a hand, quickly turning her face away from the radiant beauty.
"Why, why… why did you help me… a person like me!"
She can't help to say those words, even after thinking that she was being deceived by her, even so, the kindness she displayed. Why help me?
That question tormented her more than anything else in this world, even in fairy tails and stories in books, the hero would always come in to help people who were in danger, but she never heard them falling down the sky before.
"I love to answer your query, little one, but in the situation you are in, I cannot tell if that luxury can be afforded."
As if to make her point come across, she pointed with her index finger to the crowd of villagers and the mob of bandits that was bathing them with their gazes. Finally realizing she was still in the village center where bandits were mere moments in massacring everyone, a sudden jolt of urgency sprouted within her and spread to her face. Crap! I was so carried away that I forgot the bandits were still there…
Cursing herself for being washed away by the mysterious girl who treated her with kindness. The villagers only looked on with fear, it was even palpable in the air. It cannot be helped, after all, the only one who received her kind gesture was Maria, their suspicion cannot be lifted after witnessing the mysterious girl helping one of the villagers.
Even after the appearance of the white hair girl, nothing changed within the village, the houses were still burning, the men in the village was killed, and the main root of the problem was still standing. If one thinks about what the golden eye girl had done, it looked more and more like a third party joining in to destroy the village. Yet the kindness of her action was undeniable to Maria.
"Who—who are you!?! Where did you come from, lady…"
A man holding an impressive lance said, his gray hair was cut short and he wore a half smile. Numerous scars lined the contour of his body, only being dressed lightly, But Maria couldn't be fooled, sensing immense mana within the body of the aloof man. The earth attribute…
Magic in this world was divided by four attributes, the element of fire, water, wind and earth. The mana in the atmosphere was pure and filled with 'essence'. Humans have natural mana within their body, but it various person to person, seemingly stronger willed ones always had more in general. The mana within and outside of the body doesn't have a set attribute, but the user themselves need to choose an element attribute before they utilize it.
There are two different schools of magic. Magic that was controlled outside of the body is referred to as 'Magic Spell Casting', and magic that is controlled within the body was referred to as 'Magic Enhancement', or the one that most warriors uses, 'Mana Arts'. To simplify, all of this were derived from how to use magic to create a specific effect, either within their body or outside of it. In the case of Maria, she studied and learned about 'Magic Spell Casting', and chosen the water element as her primary attribute, this allows her to use the mana within her or the surroundings to cast spells, as a drawback she can't use any advance 'Magic Enhancement' and 'Mana Arts' techniques, but it was mostly her father's decision. At first, she wanted to pick 'Magic Enhancement' because she wanted to be a knight in the future, but Pete, his overprotective nature, didn't allow her daughter to pick such a dangerous job, so he forced her to study 'Magic Skill Casting'. He even purchased books about 'Basic Magic Theory' and 'Magic Learners Who Are Children'. She accepted this gift from her father, only being able to put on a stiff smile because she knew how expensive those books were.
As a general rule, a person could only pick one type of magic, either controlling it within or outside the body. So it was a very critical turning point for any children to pick what school of magic would best suit them, although some cases where an individual was capable of casting advance spells and able to use complicated Body Enhancement techniques, but those were very few and far between.
The magic the man in front of Maria was using is likely 'Magic Enhancement'. She was able to sense the mana within the body of the man, it pulsated and burst out of his body. Clearly, he was enhancing his body with magic, and more than that, she realizes what attribute he was using.
Maria recollected her past lessons about the different effects of each attribute, even though she studied and picked 'Magic Spell Casting', it was general knowledge what each attribute does in different schools of magic, so that's why Maria easily identified the attribute the man was using with one look.
The school of Magic Enhancement, each attribute can affect the body in different ways. Maria recalled one of the demonstrations that one of her teachers did as she studied the man in front of her.
"Aren't you a pretty lady? Falling from the sky like a hero, man, that gives me the chills. So I have a proposal, you hearing me? Well then, it would be great if you didn't interfere with us, so how about we pretend we never see each other, and we promise we won't mess with you. How about it? My group is in a pinch, so we can't needlessly pick unnecessary fights, and I bet you don't wanna fight us either, right? We could even work together, we need help as much as we can, so—I-we, wouldn't oppose it."
The man said while raising both of his hands, he wore a grin while snickering. The other villagers looked on their conversation nervously, even Maria stood stiffly while listening to his proposal. Yet the person that he was talking to looked bored, her charitable smile was gone and now replaced with a malevolent grin, resisting the urge to yawn as she listened to his long-winded monologue.
"Is that all? Or does another one want to speak? Make it quick, while I'm still here to hear it."
The white haired maiden said she struggled to keep her eyelids open. the tone of her voice was still the same dulcet tone as before, but it had a sharp undertone, like a mother scolding their child. Maria felt her throat close up as she heard the motherly voice losing its patience, as if noticing the same change, his eyelids twitched
"H— hey, lady! I said we can work together! Or maybe we'll just leave. Yeah, we'll leave this village! We'll just go to another village instead. We are very sorry if we ever offended you!"
The man stood still even though his voiced cracked here and there, but it wasn't out of courage, Maria mused as observed the man's frantic eyes darting in its socket, as if seeking anything to quell the white hair girl's displeasure.
"My— my, looks like you're under a false assumption that I even acknowledge insects like you, to me, the only thing you can do is not show you're hideous appearance in front of me, even if I did let you go, what are the chances that I'll see you're disgusting form again? So it's best for me to deal with it myself."
The white haired girl said with a smile, yet the man was dumbfounded from what he heard, his mouth was left hanging, his eyes unblinking. Maria was holding on to the end of the white haired girl's dress. She peered up at her, and the inhuman beauty took her breath away as she gawked at her. As if noticing her gaze, a sincere smile turned to her, as if she were made out of virtue and kindness, her eyes looked down with worry. So this is what a mother looks like…
"If I recall, you haven't mentioned you're name? No, well I suppose I also need to introduce myself too… My name is Vainglorbia, sadly nobody shares my blood, so you can address me in any way you wish."
Vainglorbia said while petting the head of Maria, although she didn't mind it.
"M—my name is Maria Orwell!"
Squeaking out her name, she gingerly glance at the face of Vainglorbia, as if she was amused by the little girl's shy demeanor she nodded in satisfaction.
"What a good name indeed, Maria, can you do me a favor and step away from me?"
Maria looked confused, she didn't want to let go of the firm hold she had on Vainglorbia, like a child scared to leave their mother's side. Her tiny and bruised fingers desperately clawed at the ends of her dress, the frail body of the little girl was embracing the stomach of Vainglorbia, even if the blood on her shoulders would stain her clothes, she didn't care as she continued burying herself in the body of the white haired maiden. Frustrated, but she couldn't help but smile at Maria's stubbornness, a part of her wanted to wait a little longer, but in the present situation, she had to prioritize the threat before anything else. She begrudgingly willed herself to move the small arms that were clinging to her, they peeled off effortlessly. she almost regretted it as she met the gaze of the little girl in front of her.
"I'm sorry, but please step back, it wouldn't take a while, please heed my word and stay back."
Vainglorbia didn't wish to give the enemy in front of her more time to prepare an attack, so this time she had to be harsher when she talked to Maria, even if it frightened the little girl.
"O— okay...."
Maria meekly said after a moment, it felt like a couple of minutes had passed, but thinking about it, it was probably only a couple of seconds. Taking a couple of steps back, almost teetering at the edge of the crater, yet Maria wasn't bothered by it as she looked at Vaniglorbia with an unreadable expression. Not looking back as she confronted the man in front of her, still being unable to recover from what Vainglorbia had said, he stood frozen like a statue, his trance was broken as he heard the harrowing and sickeningly sweet voice of the woman.
"Now, going back to the topic, I'm not interested in talking or cooperating with the likes of you. So before I get rid of all of you, is there any who liked to pose any questions?"
Vainglorbia said quietly, the nonchalant attitude that she delivered her line was like she was reading off a script. The man noticed her lax tone, but it only amplified the terror he felt as he heard what she said.
"Wait! What do you mean by that!?! I said that we wouldn't mess with you! Didn't I!?!"
The man took a step back, and the rubble beneath his booth was knocked away as he took another step. He didn't know who she was or what she was doing in this village, but something within him screamed at him, alarm bells blaring in his head, telling him that the being in front of her was more dangerous than a horde of ghoul hounds.
Arl wasn't a fool; he knew what enemies he could and couldn't win, so when he analyzed his current opponent, he immediately knew that she was in the latter. Even still, his warrior's spirit was a blaze, not from the thrill of fighting a strong opponent, but his instinct telling him that death was nearing. His brain spun a wheel in his head, fight, flight, or freeze, these options appeared in his mind. Of course, he picked the option that has let him go this far in his life.
Clenching the handle of his lance in his hand, he reinforced his body with the earth element, making his body bigger and heavier, as if reflecting the attribute he has chosen, his skin hardened like the sharp edges of a cliff. Arl didn't know what the dangerous girl was capable of, but she didn't look like a mage as she creeped closer to him, at first glance, he couldn't even sense any mana within her.
He couldn't help but look perplexed. everyone he knew had at least a small amount of mana within themselves, even if they didn't, they could use the mana in the air as a substitute. Looking again at his encroaching enemy, yet he didn't sense any mana in her, it deeply disturbed him, but he couldn't ponder the matter deeper as he readied his lance. The mana within him oozed out of his body as he used Rock Wall, a technique in the school of Mana Arts where the user compresses his internal mana under his skin while using the outside mana to surround his entire body. Arl's body wasn't only reinforced from the outside but also from the inside, making him unbelievably sturdy like a boulder. Swords, arrows, and maces would only harmlessly bounce off his body.
In countless battles as a mercenary, he always saw the dumbfounded look on his enemies when their weapon broke against his body, he could only snicker at their dumbfounded expression as he plunged the lance in their heart, instantly killing them.
All his attention was directed at the girl that has finally reached his attack range. Rock Wall not only boosts his body's durability, but it also makes him a living weapon as his strength is increased, although at the cost of mobility. The reason why he used a lance was because of its long reach and the large space coverage, covering the downside of the Rock Wall, which he was proficient at than most.
"Lance Impanct!" Arl wanted to shout, but before he could even raise his lance, an impact landed on his cheeks, and it shook his entire body as he flew in the air. He couldn't think straight as his vision suddenly changed from staring at his enemy to staring at the night sky.
The hollow sound of crunching was heard as he crashed to the ground. Sharp throbs of pain like hot knives stabbing him were felt in his legs and arms, he distorted his face as he looked at his broken body. His hand still clenching his lance, he stood back up, leaning against it as a make-shift crutch.
"Grhhh….Ghrrr"
Arl tried to plead for his life, but no words came—only a wet, gurgling choke. His jaw hung loose, unresponsive. Dislocated? he thought in panic. His free hand—the one not clutching the lance—fumbled toward his face, fingers searching for bone, for flesh. But where his jaw should have been, there was only… nothing. A gaping void.
The horror of realization swallowed his pain, drowning it in raw, primal terror. His eyes darted wildly, locking onto a villager nearby. Her face twisted in revulsion, her hand clamped over her mouth as if stifling a scream. Around him, the crowd wore the same nauseated stares—wide eyes, trembling lips, expressions caught between pity and horror.
Then he saw her—the warrior he had been fighting. She didn't share the villagers' shock. Instead, a mocking smirk curled her lips, one eyebrow arched as if amused by his dawning comprehension.
The pain surged back, sharp and insistent, as if waiting for this moment. His gaze dropped. A thick trail of blood streaked the ground, glistening in the light. His eyes followed it, inch by inch, until—
There. At the end of the crimson path lay his jaw, pale and lifeless in the dirt.
.
A lower jaw of a man was there, its pink gum being covered with dirt. It still gushed fresh blood while the bone stuck out in the air. It's my jaw.
Arl wanted to say, but the pain finally reached his brain, then his mind went white from the harrowing pain. Collapsing down from the ground, he wanted to thrash around but couldn't. he wanted to make the pain stop but couldn't. he wanted to stab his guts so he could forget the pain that encompassed his entire being but couldn't. his body failed to move, the sheer pain was unbearable, being overwhelmed by the stimulus, his brain went blank while he was fully conscious to feel every second of the pain of h, is jaw being removed. Tears streaming down his face, he looked more pathetic than Maria as he let out a soundless scream.
Vaignlorbia appeared before Arl but he was too preoccupied by the pain that he didn't even bother noticing. The golden eyes looked down in pity, as if looking at a wounded animal. Everyone in the village center could only quietly stare, too fearful to even move a muscle, or else attract the attention of the cruel girl that was malice incarnate.
"My—my, this isn't what I was intending to do, oh well. I guess that's what happens when an immovable object and an unstoppable force collide. Although if you didn't use Rock Wall, maybe your jaw wouldn't be the one that was gone, if you didn't activate it, then maybe you wouldn't suffer as much?"
Arl didn't hear the words of the white haired maiden as he desperately clawed at the hole that was left of his jaw. The other villagers couldn't understand what she was saying either, only for Vainglorbia, who understood what it meant. The words she said wasn't false, if he haven't activated Rock Wall, his entire head would be blown off after Vainglorbia hit him with the back of her hand, without him realizing it, it would be a painless and instant death, to her, that was the least mercy she can give. Although the irony of his painful death was only known to Vainglorbia.
"You killed many lives using the same technique, as much money you earned was proportional to how much blood you have spilled to fill your own selfish desire. Being respected as a warrior, you were even a step above the rest when it comes to defense, yet the thing you prided yourself on the most ultimately led to your miserable state. Die, and lay down your defense if you want a painless death."
Vainglorbia raised her foot at the collapsed man on the ground, like crushing a bug in a room; her bare feet splattered the defenseless head of Arl. It exploded like a balloon filled with water, his brain was crushed and mixed with his blood that spilled on the stone ground.
A suffocating silence enveloped the crowd; no one could scream, cry, or even blink. The sheer malice and detached cruelty with which she extinguished the man's life were beyond comprehension. Had she been a witch's familiar, perhaps they could have rationalized the horror. But this was no mere servant of dark magic. This was a young girl, her innocence betrayed by the monstrousness of her actions. To the villagers, she was no longer human; she was a predator wearing a human guise. They wished she would shed her skin, reveal her true form, so they could understand the nightmare she embodied.
As they stared at her retreating, the unsettling truth settled in: she looked human, but her actions were anything but. The line between humanity and monstrosity had blurred, leaving only a chilling void in its wake.
One of the villagers would protest if she ever heard their internal thoughts, but she also stood silently for a different reason. The previously jawless man was crushed, his head only being a blood spatter on the ground, his body twitched violently, it even emitted mana, as if the last of his strength was poured into resisting one final time.
Even though Arl was responsible for torching their homes, the villagers couldn't help but pity the man and cower in fear from the girl. Without as much as a sweat on her sweet appearance, everyone in the village could think of one thing. A witch…
Other villagers desperately peered at each other's faces, as if everyone knew exactly who she was.
Monsters that only bring calamity in this world, they have the shape of a woman, but are capable of untold cruelty. Hated by all, despised by mana, they were the children of the Goddess of Darkness, Leceath. Each new century, they would rise again from their graves and spread devastation around the world. These beings are witches.
The air was quiet, especially after a loud pop from a rotting fruit underfoot. Vainglorbia looked on with disinterest while observing the motionless corpse, as if growing bored from looking at it, she glanced up and eyed the remaining bandits in the vicinity.
"So, would you tell me, do you still want to say anything else? Or should I proceed? After all, I'm super generous! So I'll wait for a response."
Vainglorbia flashed a wide, disarming smile, but the bandits remained unnervingly still. Her most radiant grin did nothing to ease the tension; if anything, it deepened their dread. They wanted to believe she was jesting, that the lifeless body of their vice captain, Arl, sprawled on the ground before them, was some cruel illusion. But the reality was undeniable. Arl, the nearly invincible second-in-command, had been felled with terrifying ease—his jaw torn away as if he were no more than a fragile insect crushed underfoot.
The bandits exchanged uneasy glances, their hands trembling as they clutched their weapons. The weight of their impotence pressed down upon them; the tools meant to protect now felt like burdens they could not bear. Vainglorbia stood before them, waiting patiently, her expression that of a mother awaiting an answer from a child caught in mischief. Her demeanor was calm, almost playful, yet beneath it lay an unsettling promise of further cruelty.
.
"Well, I guess I need to choose for you, you pathetic pigs. Do you have a single microgram of intelligence within your puny skulls?"
Vainglorbia rounded his shoulders while she let out a deep sigh. The beautiful radiance seemed to glow even more as she faced the bandits, but it only made the bandits more petrified. She took a step forward, it was the only thing she did, yet to the bandits, this only meant that death was coming. None of the bandits knew who started it, but a pair of booths suddenly burst in a sprint, throwing away their weapons as they fled away from the village, like a damn that was about to break, all of the other bandits follow suit. Some used the wind element to boost their speed, while some used fire and earth attributes to physically enhance their bodies as they escaped from the source of their fear. No matter what method they used, they all intended not to come back to this village nor go near this kingdom. It has to be cursed by a witch! Those are truly what they felt as they recounted the string of misfortune they had experienced after stepping inside the border of the Angspire Kingdom.
Now, within the village center, a low rumbling noise was present, and the sound of wood burning. The only living beings that were left were the female villagers and young children, after nearly brushing against death, the only thing that they could do was be relieved that their life was saved. Yet it seemed like their anxiety hadn't disappeared, as they were in pins and needles while observing Vainglorbia.
"Aha, it looks like they've fallen for the bait… indeed… It's too exhausting, although I guess it can't be helped under the circumstances of the village, I suppose…"
Vainglorbia muttered to herself, she seemed to shrink as she relaxed her body. It was dead quiet in the village center, none of the remaining villagers didn't dared to say anything, they could only shake in their place as they watched the girl with white hair. The bandits were gone, yet they didn't feel happy; but only felt more fear from the one who saved them.
"Miss Vainglorbia!"
A small voice was heard in the tense air in the village center, everyone had shocked and panicked faces as they looked at the one who broke the silence. Maria ran; her shoes were worn and tattered from all the running she did this night, but she didn't seem to be bothered by it as she continued her trajectory toward Vainglorbia. Tackling the white girl from behind, she wrapped her arms across her stomach and buried her face at her back in a deep embrace. Vainglorbia didn't seem to mind as she twisted her head down at the small girl who was hugging her.
"Maria, was it? I hope I didn't frighten you that much… it was just something that needed to be done, I hope you will understand that."
Petting her head, Vainglorbia's face was elated, smiling from ear to ear, she was the image of a goddess that came to life, even the other woman couldn't help but gawk at her appearance, even after knowing how cruel she could be.
"Miss Vainglorbia!! You were so cool! The bandits just ran away from you, like they faced a hero or something! But you look more like a knight to me because of how strong you are!"
The other villagers would beg to differ, even Vainglorbia herself tilted her head at what Maria had said.
"A knight? I doubt that I'm that righteous, I'm quite the opposite of what you call a hero, little Maria…I'm more like those bandits earlier."
Maria tilted her head this time, gazing up at Vainglorbia, "What do you mean?" The question was practically written on her face, the golden eyes gently looked at the little girl.
"I didn't come to save you out of kindness within my heart; in other words, I want compensation for saving you and the others."
Vainglorbia said in a matter-of-fact tone, although it created a dramatic effect within the villagers and Maria. The eyes that looked at Vainglorbia wavered, the image of a hero coming to save the weak was ruined, and a knight who slayed evil was dissolving at the words she heard.
Even so, she couldn't help but look at her savior, a bitter expression was present, yet the strength of Maria's eyes didn't change. On the other hand, the reaction of the remaining villagers was the opposite of Maria's expression; their once downcast faces turned to surprise and relief as they heard what Vainglorbia said.
The villagers exchanged uneasy glances, their minds racing. If the girl claimed she wanted no compensation, it would only deepen their suspicion. But if her actions stemmed from selfish desire, they could at least understand it. Even if she were a witch, if she desired money, clothing, or jewelry, they could offer something in return. After all, they knew the idiom well: "There is nothing more expensive than something free." A gift without expectation often carries a hidden cost, one that might be paid in ways they couldn't foresee.
As the girl's words hung in the air, the villagers' eyes lit up with gratitude. It was as if a light had pierced the darkness, offering them a glimmer of hope in their uncertain world.
"—If you say that you want money or something… Then, are you like those guild people in the city?"
Maria said while still hugging her, Vainglorbia peeled the arms of the little girl from her waist. Kneeling on one knee as she was at eye level with the girl.
"Well, sort of, I guess you can consider me as one. But right now I'm running away."
Vainglorbia said to Maria that she was the only one who© can hear her voice. Her golden eyes studied the ginger-haired girl in front of her. The tiny and splintered nails of the girl touched together, her swollen eyes peered at the girl in front of her, hesitating as she fiddled with her fingers.
"If you are a part of the guild, then…. Can I ask for a request?"
Vainglorbia repeated the words of Maria but still didn't understand what she trying to say, as if noticing this continued in a rush manner.
"Can I request something, Miss Vainglorbia… guild people do things that other people tell them to do, and they get paid, right? So I like to ask a favor…"
She said while looking away, as if she felt embarrassed asking someone for help. Vainglorbia finally understood what Maria was asking of her.
"I see… Then what is it? Is it to save a sibling of yours? A friend? A relative? What is it, if they're still alive, then I can save them."
Vainglorbia said with a smile, something within Maria stirred when she saw her smile, being to stunned to speak, she let her mouth agape. A soft call of her name was enough to snap her from her trance as she realized she was only staring at Vainglorbia's lovely visage.
"It 's—it's… erm, it's my father, and grandpa, but also Miss Ann! And the other villagers too, they all went and went toward the village entrance…. I think they were supposed to meet somebody, I think…"
Maria said while trying to resist twisting her tongue, the rushed manner she let out those words was evident to Vainglorbia how desperate she was. Caressing her head as she smiled at her, trying to assure and calm Maria of her anxiety, as she said in a relaxed and absolute tone.
"I will, so don't worry, little Maria, I assure everyone's safety that is still alive."
Raising up to her feet, she glanced at the other villagers that was left in the village. All of them were woman and some were children, each one looked dirty and tired. It was a rough night, that what Vainglorbia could only say to their pathetic state.
"Maria, if I'm not mistaken, you have the water attribute, correct?"
After observing the rest of the villagers, Vaignlorbia turned to Maria to ask her. She looked a little confused but she nodded at her question.
"Then, can you heal the other villagers who are capable of using the spell "Grace" and "Cleanse", then let them heal the most injured people. Also, trying to hide in the church, it ought to have a protection against a witch familiar if they come to the smell of death. Don't reveal yourself if anyone comes, even if it was someone you know, don't try to talk to them, once I signal, then you can come out. Are you remembering what I said? Little Maria?
Vainglorbia said in a rapid tone way, not letting Maria a chance to catch her breath. Nodding while remembering the introduction she was given, the ginger-haired little girl went to the other villagers and explained the direction she was given.
"That's probably enough precaution. Now to stamp out the source of this village's problem."
As the other villagers were in the middle of discussing what Maria had said to them, one of the women in the village noticed that Vainglorbia was gone, and more and more of them seemed to notice her absence. She was gone like a candle in the wind.
◊◊◊◊◊
A woman walked on the lonely dirt path in a wide clearing, being only illuminated by the two red moons in the sky, leisurely skipping as she mulled something over. Her white hair was combed neatly and flowed down her straight back, her fingers holding her chin while smiling, as if she was amused by something in her mind.
"Well, that went more smoothly than I thought."
She was thankful that the bandits ran away instead of ganging up on her; the relief wasn't out of fear for her safety but for those of the villagers. A single bandit wouldn't even withstand a simple slap of her palm with Glass Ego surrounding her hand, let alone them bypassing it.
Vainglorbia didn't feel any urgency or threat toward the group of men armed with weapons; to her, they were practically defenceless in her perspective. The only thing she worried about was the villagers. To begin with, she was too late in her decision to rescue the villagers. Vainglorbia didn't feel any obligation to help anyone, so when she intervened with the destruction of the village, it wasn't out of heroic reason or a righteous feeling, instead, it was a simple reason. I don't like inconveniencing people, so the least I can do is to go all in.
Vainglorbia… No, Satsuki Naako was a normal guy, growing up in a middle-class family, he could afford anything if he saved enough money to buy it. So being nurtured by his environment, he grew up not wanting anything in his life, not respect from his peers, money, a woman, popularity, anything.
Naako lived without a care in the world, the only thing that was consistent throughout his life was. Bothering people is just plain evil, Right? So if I'm going to let other people get involved with my escape from this world, so be it. I just need to compensate them somehow, then like that, it never seemed like I ever inconvenience someone.
Satsuki Naako prided himself that throughout his life, he hadn't once bothered anyone. It was quite pathetic to be so proud of something so simple, yet it was the only thing he could brag about. He couldn't wrap his mind around people who committed any crime; to him, they were the plague that society needed to get rid of. This also contributed to the reason he wanted to go back to his world, he simply didn't want to bother anyone in this world and his original life. It wasn't out of morality, but something like a philosophy he lived by, at least according to him. This is why Naako didn't feel guilty or regret from taking the lives of the bandits that mercilessly attacked innocent villagers, it couldn't be helped as she was inside Vainglorbia's body, her cold heart and cruel mentality seemed to be quite compatible with his indifferent outlook.
It was too compatible…
So the death of a single bandit meant nothing to Naako, especially after being inside Vainglorbia, which lacked any human empathy. It is truly like crushing a bug, no hate, no malice, no satisfaction. Only the thought of doing it for the good.
As much as Vainglorbia wanted to kill every single one of the bandits, she prioritized the safety of the villagers. It ached her to do it, but she still understood that it was the only way. The fact that Vainglorbia showed herself so late would only make the villagers hate her, it would only worsen if she let one of them die. Essentially, making any meaningful negotiation null. Well, it looks easier than it sounds…
Vainglorbia thought of many methods to safely defend the remaining villagers, but each one was thrown away in her head. She wasn't worried about her strength, it was quite the opposite. She feared that if she seriously attacked them, then not only would the villagers be in danger, but the surrounding region as well.
For example, if she applied Broken Mirror and ignored the third law of motion, then applied it to a clump of dirt after throwing it.
The harmless thrown soil will turn into a deadly weapon, ignoring the laws of this world, it would turn into a projectile that doesn't stop. Going through metal armor and flesh like wet paper towels. The destruction would only continue if it traveled further.
That alone wouldn't be the problem, but the fact that the other villagers were surrounded by the bandits. If she wanted to kill all of the armed men in the village, then she would inevitably hit one of the innocent villagers.
That would be counter to what Vainglorbia wanted, so instead, she used Glass Ego to kill the bandits. Although she thought killing them all would also be problematic, their bandits, so using the villagers as human shields or hostages would be natural to expect from them.
Vainglorbia is a bookworm, not only reading fantasy novels but also any kind of book that piques her interest. She read about history, not only about Japan but other countries as well, so she knew a thing or two about strategies in warfare due to her reading so much about it in the past. The main person she thought who liked to use human shields when sieging a city, or a tactic known as karash. Genghis Khan… Huh? Humans are brutal to each other, especially if it's for their own lives.
So she couldn't just start killing the other bandits, recollecting more of her memory, she found a single method that could solve her predicament. Psychological warfare… The "Empty Fort Strategy" was attributed to General Zhuge Liang in the Chinese novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. A classic example of this was the case of Zhuge Liang, who, despite having a small number of troops, feigned an empty fort, making it seem as though he had a large army that was well prepared, and dissuading the enemy general from attacking.
The only way of winning when the enemy is stronger than you is the use of intimidation.Well, I wasn't intentionally doing it, it only came to my mind as an afterthought...
The brutal way she killed the first bandits wasn't unintentional, she even had to put on an act to make them fear her even more. When she would look back at it, it would only make her cringe internally, like remembering an embarrassing memory.
It was because she tried to imitate Vainglorbia's demeanor and mannerism in the novel, although she felt it was eerily too natural for her to act that way.
The bandits were, of course, frightened and fled, She felt relieved that she didn't have to kill every bandit she saw. In the end, her plan followed the rule book of Sun Tzu, "The Art of War"; she almost felt guilty for applying the knowledge from the modern world into this world filled with magic and swords.
Although she did find something that piqued her interest while saving the villagers, she felt delighted and bitter from what she learned.
She mulled over many things while walking, she always found it easier if she was doing something when she was thinking. There's a logical way to explain the reason why it is, she knew, but she put those trivial thoughts in her subconscious.
Vainglorbia had a bittersweet expression while recalling the events that happened within the village center. She learned something new about herself, specifically her power while "fighting" the bandits. This power is beyond immense, but it still has limits…
Looking at her palm that didn't hold her chin, she furrowed her brow while she thought about her first ability, Glass Ego.
This ability covered her entire body with an invisible barrier that blocks any outside force, being physical or magical, so she couldn't feel the wind in the air or the dirt beneath her. She couldn't even feel the hotness or coldness of an object, let alone its actual surface. Although the ability didn't block the air nor the smell that came along with it, in Vainglorbia's dismay.
Vainglorbia was still human and needed food and water to survive, the more she thought about this ability the less convenient it truly seemed. The main drawback of this ability was she couldn't deactivate Glass Ego. Being constantly on, even if she wasn't being attacked, this ability even worked while she slept, but it wasn't designed intentionally like this.
The problem stemmed from the user herself, Vainglorbia. Being born with a weak heart and a weak body, she was gifted by this world with a Right.
Right of the weak, this gave her many abilities that can defy the laws of the world. Of course, she wasn't alone in having a "Right". All of the seven witches and a select few possess a Right. Each equally powerful and dangerous, in the case of Vainglorbia, it revolves around her pathetic body and heart. Vainglorbia herself didn't know how the ability worked, but at least Glass Ego was easy to explain in her head. There's a part of the ability that confused her. Why can it make my body normal?
She didn't understand the mechanics of Glass Ego even after reading the light novel. It was a mystery how the barrier even worked. If it truly blocked any interferences, then wouldn't she just fly away without gravity pulling her down? Those thoughts ran amok in her mind. The only thing she knew, no. It was more accurate to say her intuition told her.
Without the Glass Ego active, she would struggle to stand up right. So she felt grateful that Glass Ego was like this, even if it came at inconveniencing her other senses. She didn't even want to think about a life with a body as weak as Vainglorbia without Glass Ego supporting her.
She felt uneasy remembering the first time she went to the air before coming to the village. At first, she didn't even notice it, but for the second time, she felt something; a sudden change happened within her. No, it's not accurate to say the change was instantaneous, but the change was slow and gradual, so it didn't seem significant. I'm growing tired…
Walking on the dirt trail, it was far slower in comparison to her makeshift flight. It wasn't Vainglorbia's whim but was a test to confirm one of her hypotheses. That time when she arrived at the village, she didn't use Broken Mirror when confronting the attackers. There was another reason why she didn't use it other than the former reason; Vainglorbia felt using it was dangerous, so instead she opted to use Glass Ego in dispatching the bandit in front of her. She couldn't tell why she felt so alarmed at her tiredness, or how she concluded that Broken Mirror was responsible for it. Maybe why she felt so confident was because she was the user of said ability, Vainglorbia mused.
The abilities she had were like a part of her body; she could will it without even thinking about it, so it was natural to think that she could also sense whenever it would negatively affect her body. Even if those abilities lacked any nerves, she could still easily identify which one was causing her discomfort.
As she walked away from the village and out toward the village's makeshift gate that Maria explained where the other group of villagers went. A flickering light was seen in the distance, she couldn't tell who it was but she concluded that it wasn't one of the villagers. Her intuition told her so, Vainglorbia couldn't tell how she came to her conclusions. Maybe because Naako was inside a body of a woman, she had an intuition of one. Vainglorbia thought in jest.
Vainglorbia steps slightly hesitated, thinking if it was wise to confront the source of light or hide and gather more information. Ha! What am I talking about? Maria already put her trust into me, I have to hurry and complete the request I was given… even though I'm not a guild member…
Vainglorbia quickened her stride as she resolved herself to hastening her previously leisurely walk. In part of Maria's request, she took a liking to her. She seemed cute, but I still don't know her; we were practically strangers. But… I still want to protect her… I doubt that feeling came from Vainglorbia, or is it? I heard somewhere that women are more emotionally intelligent and empathetic than men. Although maybe it came from both me and Vainglorbia…
Unlike his appearance would suggest, he was oddly fond of children, and they seemed to like him as well. It came naturally to him when talking and taking care of children, it was to the point where he considered being a teacher for his future career. He had a soft heart for children who lost their parents. Naako even started to work in an orphanage as a volunteer worker. Slowly, he assimilated with the other staff and the children he was taking care of. It was the only thing he genuinely liked, and the thing that also worried him after coming to this world.
As the light creep closer to her, she sniffed a certain smell, it was a familiar one. It was the first thing she ever smelt when she first found herself in this new world. Smell of blood and death, so it looked like I was too late… how regrettable.
The figure seemed to notice her, under the orange light of the oil lamp he held, the man with a gray ponytail could only stare at Vainglorbia. He looked pale, like he saw a ghost, though the person in front of him is more scary than any dead spirit. Vainglorbia held a snicker at the dumbfounded expression that the man had, her eyes surveying his entire body. Looks like he was fresh from butchering people, well, I guess I can kill him while nobody is around.
Unaware of who she was, the man finally got a grip on himself, fear and anger were palpable in his face and shaky voice.
"W— who are you!? Did you come from the village!? What are you doing here?!? girl!"
Drawing the single-handed axe, he asked three questions, each one more desperate and fearful than the last. Of course, Vainglorbia would answer his perturbed reaction with a seductive smile while licking her lips. That only amplified his utter fear of her.
"My—my, what curious monkey we have? You insolent whelp. Fine, I'll answer them all, but you need to answer my other three questions first."
Vainglorbia was flashed with an idea, a nefarious grin spreading on her lovely visage, the man could only yelp under his breath after realizing who she was. Faster than the flicker of the lamp oil, the girl's dainty fingers were wrapped around the man's collar. The distance between them was silently crossed, faster than he could blink.
Despite being an adult that was around 150 kilograms while wearing bits and pieces of armor that each weight around 50 kilograms, he was lifted up in the air like a child by their mother. The golden eyes of the girl pierced through him, like she was burrowing her gaze directly into his soul.
The man struggles to breathe while being choked, his hands clamped down on the arm that held him, but it was useless.
"So, for my first question, do you know any people that was summoned from another world?"
No reaction, he was still struggling to catch his breath, but he seemed like he heard her words.
"It's a no, then. For my second question, are there any witches around? If they are, can you describe how many and what they looked like?"
Again, no reaction, Vainglorbia started to be impatient, her eyes narrowed while asking her last question.
"You seemed to be gawking at my appearance? I understand if you were speechless by it, but I need you to answer my questions and not say anything like a doll."
Feeling the hand that was gripping his collar was growing stronger, he frantically nodded his head, gritting his teeth as his eyes moistened.
"Did you see any villagers other than the ones in the village, like a small group of them?"
Vainglorbia didn't have any expectation from his answer, it looked like he was to petrified to answer her question, she said the last as one as a way to end their conversation, but in her surprise the man's eyes lit up.
"I— I think there is— … A group of them W— went… in the village gate… and we… K— killed them."
Still barely grasping for breath, the man squeaked out between pained gasps. Vainglorbia didn't mind his struggle as she clenched tighter, she already expected it by the blood on his weapon and body. Vainglorbia wanted to laugh at her surprise, imagining the face Maria would make, but it only worsened her already foul mood.
"! But— But they split into two groups! One of them stayed at the village gate while the other went further on the dirt path!!! A— although I don't know what happened to them…"
It was incredible how he could pick up something so subtle within Vainglorbia, as if he could read her emotions. She was even surprised by how easily she was seen. Having the same poker face while talking to the villagers, she thought she was able to hide her emotions pretty well.
The pale face went even paler. Vainglorbia was concerned that he would pass out before she could squeeze the last drop of information he had before throwing him away.
"Is that all? How about your leader? Can you tell me where he is?"
The man looked hesitant, but shut his lips together. Loyal to your boss? Admirable, but it wouldn't save you from death, unfortunately.
"I see, you look cute when you have a defiant light in your eye, maybe I should grant a tiny mercy."
The man's face brightened up, color seemed to be back in his complexion. Unknown to him, she was hatching another experiment in her head. Vainglorbia smiled at him, for a crueler reason.
"Well, I did promise that I'll answer your question earlier if you answer mine first."
Before the man can say "There's no need for it". He was lifted higher in the sky, the pressure around his collar was gone, and instead, his whole body felt weightless.
"W— wait! What am I flying in the air!? I thought you said you would promise that you'll let me go after I answer your questions?!?"
The man desperately clawed at the air, but he ascended higher. He rolled, toppled, and tripped in the air, but nothing changed as he went up. Being higher than the trees, Vainglorbia tilted her head to his question, she looked at him with a confused and innocent face.
"What do you mean? I never promised I'll spare you, I only agreed to answer you're questions if you answer mine first. So that's what I'm going to do."
While the man slowly rose through the canopy of trees, Vainglorbia spoke in a lax way, as if she was talking about the weather.
"The first question, my name is Vainglorbia, I came from a little orphanage in this forest, if you didn't know, but not many people visit us, so it can be lonely at times."
Vainglorbia talked matter-of-factly, like she was introducing herself in front of her class. On the other hand, the man that rose was now above the trees, he still screamed and yelled at her, but she didn't bother looking at him as she continued on her second answer.
"The second question, I don't live there, as I said, I was raised in an orphanage close by. But technically, I came in the direction of the village, so you can say that I'm from the village."
Fidgeting with her hair, she seemed bored, still peering up at the sky, she saw the bandit being surrounded by clouds. At this point, he couldn't hear her voice, nor could Vainglorbia hear his shouts and screams. Shrugging her shoulders, she smiled and answered the last question.
"For the last question… the reason I'm here…. This might sound stupid, but the reason I came to the village was because I felt unbearably lonely, and I needed to gather more information about this world. Although the main reason for me to save this village was the former… Hm? Well, it looks like this is where we end our conversation."
Vainglorbia noticed something invisible, she snapped her fingers as if ending their conversation. Looking up, she didn't see the figure of the man in the sky. Nodding with satisfaction, she strode off further on the path until she saw the gates and the dry stone fence that surrounded the village.
Multiple bodies were strung out on the ground, and the corpses of the villagers had gashes and lethal wounds all over. Among the death and gore, a single injured old man sat, his life flickering in the wind. What his dark red eyes saw was a girl with white hair quietly staring at him. She looked beautiful but also dangerous. A single thought appeared in his mind. A witch?