Volume 6 Chapter 29 Night Sky Assault
As I landed on the ground, Mikage was already dealing with one of the attackers, cutting them down. It seemed there were more people stationed outside as well.
'Partner!'
I reflexively read Gram's shout and intent, rushing to Mikage's side and swinging my spear towards the empty space beside her. A hard, metallic sound echoed, followed by a recoil. I didn't know what exactly was happening, but I knew something was flying towards Mikage from somewhere.
"Was that unnecessary?"
"No, it helped."
My spear was ready even earlier, but Mikage was already facing the direction where the object was flying in. She might have been able to handle it even if I didn't intervene.
However, there was no guarantee we could defend against the next attack in this dark environment.
"I'll light it up! 'Light'!"
Aina raised her staff, releasing light above us. It was the same light magic she had used before. The area around us, shrouded in darkness, was now illuminated.
"Ah, there!"
In the lit-up area, Kyunei was seen throwing a knife, striking the roof of a nearby house. There was a figure clad in a cloak, with a bow and arrow set up on the roof's edge, and the blade pierced their shoulder.
The wound was shallow, so they quickly pulled out the knife, but soon their body movements became stiff and awkward.
"It's a paralysis-inducing knife. They won't die, but they won't be able to move for a while."
In the end, they fell off the roof. The height wasn't that great, but the impact must have broken a few bones.
"Ow, that hurts..."
"It's not lethal, so that's a relief. Yukina-kun was probably going easy on them."
"You knew that?"
In my case, if Gram hadn't given me instructions before I threw the black spear, I would've pierced the attacker's face with the spearhead. That's how reliable Gram is as a stopper.
'You're too impulsive, that's the problem!'
When the royal capital was attacked, it was a life-or-death situation, and there was no room to ask the "enemy" for explanations. But this time, we need to find out why we were attacked. We need to keep some of the attackers alive to question them.
"...But from here on, it's going to be tough, I suppose."
Mikage says coldly, sword at the ready. I know the reason.
The people who had been making a ruckus outside have pushed their way into the clinic, and there are around 20 of them gathered around us, lit up by the light. There might be even more hiding in the shadows.
"Oh dear, when did this place become a slum battleground?"
"Uh... I don't think Blesstia's security is that bad..."
"Whatever, don't take it seriously."
Aina and Kyunei are exchanging banter with an unexpected air of calm. The former royalty and former pr**titute are quite used to this kind of situation.
With a sense of determination on our backs, Mikage and I prepare our weapons, watching the attackers' movements. They're on high alert, but they're not making a move yet. However, it's possible they might attack at any moment.
"It doesn't seem like a simple robbery..."
"Probably trained professionals, judging from their movements..."
"I can't think of a reason why pros would be after our lives..."
"What a coincidence. I'm stumped too."
If this were a vast, open plain with no obstacles, we could attack without worrying about collateral damage. With Enchantment - Weight Increase or Aina's area magic, we could even take them down in one go.
However──.
'If we're going one-on-one with Mikage, I'd say we've got the upper hand, but when it comes to numbers, we're at a disadvantage. And since we're in a residential area, we can't use flashy attacks either.'
If we were to use powerful attacks in a city where people live, we'd definitely cause damage. But on the other hand, our opponents don't have those restrictions. It's clear that we're at a disadvantage in this situation.
'Maybe we should've fought in the forest instead.'
While I agree with Gram in my heart, it's pointless to say it out loud now. Our priority is to get out of this situation somehow.
But who are these people, really? I mentioned it earlier, but I just can't get a read on them.
'Oh, come on, don't you have any idea at all?'
Gram's sarcastic remark makes my eyebrow twitch.
Before I could ask more questions, the attackers' killing intent surged. The tension was so high that it was like a thin thread about to snap, making my skin crawl. We didn't have the luxury to bother with questions and answers now.
"I'll take the lead. Everyone, fall back──."
Mikage crouched low, ready to charge towards the enemy, but――
"Stop right there!"
Just as she was about to make her move, a familiar voice echoed through the night sky.
We──and the attackers as well──instinctively turned our heads towards the voice.
"The head of Egawa Rouza, the one you guys have been looking for, is right here!"
A wolf-like man, carrying a blue monk staff and accompanied by Getsuya and his subordinates, appeared with an air of confidence.
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