Somewhere, someplace. With gentle breezes, a young girl lay cradled by flowers while looking at the blue sky. Her amethyst-like eyes gleamed sparkly as ticklish flora nuzzled her. The little girl reached her hand toward the sky, thinking to herself.
Where am I? She asked.
But there was no reply. She blinked a few times and got up on her feet. The world around her was filled with flowers of different kinds. Some smelled sweet, while some a little sour or bitter like grass.
Curiously, her gaze trickled down—her hands were small, fragile almost. She tilted her to the side. Her long silver-grey hair followed, sliding down her shoulder as the strands tickled her cheek.
The wind soared by, carrying all kinds of colorful petals along. They danced around her as she followed them with her gaze. Everywhere she looked, flowers appeared. And every scent ticklish.
The girl gently closed her eyes—but as she opened them again, she saw a familiar sight—
"Aww~! This is healing my heart! Aaah! The Sage is just…too mean!" a girl complained as she hugged the little girl.
"Ehehe~ Big Sister Chely! It tickles! It tickles!"
In the garden of her home, an older girl with silver hair and warm green eyes held her firmly but gently as she rubbed her cheeks against her.
"Ame, do you know Big Sis loves you more than anything in the whole world?" the young Chely asked, peering deep into her eyes.
"Mmh! Ame know!" she smiled brightly with a nod.
—Sob…
"My fatigue always gets healed by you." Chely occasionally mumbled in a low voice while being teary-eyed.
At that time, she didn't understand what her sister was doing—all she knew was that one of the Sages had taken her big sister. Of course, it was an honor of the highest order to be taken in by a Sage. Her sister was, after all, a genius—unlike her.
"Big Sister Chely, don't cry! Ame will always protect you!" the little girl said, not knowing the weight of it all.
But… hearing those words, Chely's heart began to ache—tears streamed down her eyes.
"Ame, Bis Sister will always protect you, too!" Chely declared as she tightened her embrace.
"…"
Wordlessly, the girl watched the scene with a gentle smile. Not long after, her parents also arrived, embracing the two girls.
Such happy memories… she thought. It has been a while since I last dreamed this vividly.
Aware she was dreaming, the world around her changed again as she opened her eyes. This time, it was different and not a dream. This time, her world would change forever.
…
..
"Mmmmh…"
Quietly, Amethely stirred in her sleep. What enveloped her was warmth and comfort—she recalled having a pleasant dream—it might've perhaps been because her sister tightly embraced her when she returned.
Amethely wanted to spend some time together, but it wasn't possible due to Chely's busyness. But she was glad nevertheless, and they promised to catch up sometime soon.
However… Amethely was told to rest due to her broken mana foundation—her grandparents scolded her when she went to the academy. It made her feel tiny and inconsequential despite being 20 and a saint.
As she recalled being reprimanded—quivering and pushed into a literal corner by her usually gentle and caring grandmother and grandfather, she obliged with teary eyes.
She shook and embraced herself despite it being warm. She thought that she was probably making a strange face, too. Still, she felt something warm on her head. However, she didn't mind. Was it perhaps the spirits? They usually surrounded her. At least, she thought at first.
Something… seems different… she contemplated.
—sniff, sniff…
"…"
The scent that tickled her nose differed from the flora she was familiar with. She was unsure of what it was since spirits had no odor.
Its… strange… but… what a pleasant scent…
—sniff, sniff…
Nnnh~?! It makes my heart race a little… what is this?
Reluctantly, Amethely slowly opened her eyes—on the clear stream of water, she saw herself in a cozy position, leaning on someone with a coat covering her.
"…" Like a statue, she was frozen in time.
Awaaaaaah! I-I was sniffing a stranger?! What kind of indecency have I committed?! No… wait! Who is he?! Amethely cried inwardly as her mind raced. No, no, wait, Ame, you couldn't help it, you didn't know! Mmh! That's it, you didn't know!
"…"
The man beside her breathed soundly and softly. Amethely couldn't move. But she knew she only stalled the awkwardness that was about to ensue—yet she couldn't help it. Not only that, but how would she even get away unnoticed? She was between his shoulder and head.
H-how did this happen? I-I would've known if someone approached… even if I can't use mana properly, I am still able to sense the presence of others even in my sleep… so how?! She agonized.
Never in her life had her heart raced like this—it was painful. She was jittery all over—like someone set fireworks in her stomach. Her chest, while usually tightened by bandages, felt even tighter.
…! Why is my face like spicy soup?! Amethely thought after seeing her reflection in the water. Her lips were pressed together. Her eyes spun as she clenched her chest tightly, and her heart raced out of control. But…Calm struck her for a moment. My heart is beating so fast yet, and it feels very uncomfortable. How come… I feel comfortable at the same time?
Amethely collected herself as she took a deep breath. She looked around; they were alone. The sun was high up in the sky, meaning it was around noon. Birds chirped as leaves rustled, and the fountain splashed water as usual.
Her gaze locked onto the reflection of her and the stranger. Soundly, he slept. His head was warm on hers—she could even feel the softness of his hair.
—sniff…
He smells nice… Amethely thought, but she turned beet red as soon as she realized her own indecent action. W-waah?! Ame! What are you doing?! You're a saint! A saint! A saint wouldn't do this to someone who isn't her lover! She reprimanded herself.
"…" Amethely was struck by a bright idea—holding her breath!
"…"
"…"
Ten more minutes passed, and she was dizzy—I can't…! She exclaimed inwardly. Lightly, Amethely heaved a sigh. It's all so silly, she commented, giggling softly. She looked at her reflection—it's a pleasant scent… maybe… just… a little? It couldn't get worse than it already is, right? She considered—at the worst moment possible time.
—sniff…
"…"
"…"
In the reflection, the stranger beside her blinked. Their eyes caught one another's as he lifted his head from hers, scratching his cheek while she was like a petrified statue, slowly eroding and blown away by the wind.
…Am I… actually… a dummy? I am, aren't I?! Aaah! Dummy, dummy, dummy! Ame, you could've just lightly moved his head and gotten out. Why didn't you think of that?! 'Oh, I'm just going to hold my breath~'—how did you even get there????!
"I… was more tired than I thought. Sorry."
The stranger apologized and tried to leave, but Amethely quickly grabbed the hem of his shirt.
"W-wait…!" she voiced shakily. A small whisper followed. "I-I'm not… someone i-indecent…" Her eyes teary as they shook.
"…"
The stranger quickly seated himself as he noticed the spirits clinging onto him for dear life. But suddenly—
"Pfft…" he chuckled…
"…" Amethely blankly looked at him, her head empty as she tried to process what was happening.
"Sorry, I was… actually awake."
"…When?" Amethely inquired, her gaze downcast in embarrassment.
"The moment you began holding your breath?" the stranger replied.
"…"
"…"
"…Dummy… meanie… Dummy meanie dummy!" Amethely exasperated, her face steamy as she headbutted his shoulder.
"…!? Pfft… aha-hahaha."
"!!!?"
Suddenly, the stranger burst out laughing. Amethely could feel her cheeks inflate as she repeatedly hit his arm softly.
"Meanie, sadist, meanie, meanie! Sadist! How can you laugh at a lady's struggles?!" she protested while dissatisfactory huffing.
"Well…" the stranger scratched his cheek again. "I thought you'd leave eventually…" he said softly. "But… it seemed unavoidable. Hence, I opened my eyes… the wrong time…"
"…" As she got reminded, Amethely buried her face in the coat—this also smells like hiiiim! She cried inwardly.
…
..
In a dark and red world, Alum lay still in the dim space. The world was filled with cracks of white light—a young monochrome version of himself stared at him as if he'd been waiting for him to wake up.
"…You're here again," young Alum said calmly.
"I am."
"…This place is crumbling, isn't it?" his younger self chuckled.
Alum looked around. Bits and pieces of the dark crimson space slowly fell apart, shattering like glass.
"It is."
"…Say… will I have new paint? Once the canvas is white… I'd like to paint…" the younger him said, his gaze downcast as if he'd anticipated a 'No.'
Alum got up and ruffled his hair. "You will," he declared. "Even though black and red will always be unforgettable. I'll bring you everything," he added, his voice warm but determined.
"Don't spoil me too much," the younger Alum chuckled.
"Who knows?" Alum replied and opened his eyes—awakening to the real world.
…
..
Slowly, Alum opened his eyes, peeking subtly. In the fountain's reflection, a girl squeezed her eyes close while holding her breath.
"…"
He shut his eyes and began counting—she'll leave soon, he thought. But naive he was. 5 minutes passed, then 10. He sighed inwardly and blinked, afraid the girl lost consciousness from holding her breath, but…
"…"
"…"
In the reflection, they locked eyes as she took a deep breath—but the thing was that… her head was still on his shoulder—faced towards him… The girl froze instantly as she paled, and at the same time, Alum slowly got his head off hers—his heart raced strangely, and he couldn't help but scratch his cheek.
…Am I… actually… a dummy? I am, aren't I?! Aaah! Dummy, dummy, dummy! Ame, you could've just lightly moved his head and gotten out. Why didn't you think of that?! 'Oh, I'm just going to hold my breath~'—how did you even get there????!
But suddenly, the girl began to whisper—or was it perhaps her thoughts? He was amused and apologized for embarrassing her. But as he tried to leave, she grabbed his shirt and said something about indecency, which perplexed him. He stayed as he realized the small creatures clung to him for dear life.
Soon, a soft chuckle escaped his lips as he realized the situation's absurdity. He confessed that he'd been awake—which flustered the girl. She began calling him a dummy or a meanie as she headbutted him, which oddly endeared him, causing him to laugh softly.
The girl's cheek inflated. Now, she called him a sadist who enjoyed a lady's struggles. The way she huffed adorably while looking at him with teary eyes stirred something unfamiliar in his chest. It was warmth, yet he was restless—his pulse was acting strange, too, and he didn't even need to place a hand over his heart to notice.
Strangely, Alum was urged to explain himself. As he did, the girl's face reddened even more—or was it even possible? He wondered if he imagined it. But then…
This also smells like hiiiim! The girl squealed quietly as she buried her face in his coat.
"…"
He couldn't look straight at her and turned away. His face was burning up, and now that he'd rested, his senses had returned.
His body was uncomfortable and sticky. For an odd reason, he was strangely conscious—do I smell…? He contemplated. But that shouldn't be the case… he thought.
Bashfully, he glanced toward her. And for the first time. Their eyes locked for real. No reflection but raw, direct eye contact.
…
..
In the heart of the capital city, where lush luminescent flora and pleasant winds pass. Two strangers—youths, locked eyes. Defused sunlight illuminated the scene warmly as leaves rustled in the winds. Birds chirped as water rushed through the fountain, splashing softly—for the first time in their lives. Their heart skipped a beat.
Alum, whose world had been bleak, dark, or red until just recently, seemed to light up. Unlike small cracks of light—this ray blinded his eyes and enveloped him in warmth.
He realized—did I… fall in love…? as he peered deep into soft, vulnerable, amethyst-like eyes—which glistered with tiny tears. Her lips were slightly parted and soft-looking; her cheeks were flushed—her silver-gray hair seemed to glow and twinkle as it subtly slid down her shoulder.
At the same time, Amethely peered deep into Alum's warm golden eyes—which almost seemed to shine on their own. She couldn't help but notice his long eyelashes and how his jet-black hair almost seemed to shimmer in the sun's golden light.
Her heart was racing, and she almost wanted to jump. With her chest aching—she couldn't breathe and her stomach twirling and swirling, she realized—oh… I fell in love…?
He's… handsome, a little expressionless, but… he's blushing? Th-that's… adorable… she thought as she couldn't get her eyes off him. I-I want to touch him…? No wait! You've already failed to convince him you're not an indecent girl; don't make it worse!
"…"
What do I do…? Alum wondered. I've never been in love… she's adorable… but not in a way I just want to look… I… want to hold her? Can… I? No. Don't idiot… you're just strangers…
"…"
"…"
Just like that, Alum and Amethely didn't move as they sunk deeper into one another's eyes.
Is his/her heart beating like mine…? They thought.
"So… I'm a dummy?" Alum reluctantly asked, scratching his cheek.
He was the one to break the silence. If he didn't, he would probably touch her unconsciously as he does those close to him.
"…No… I am a dummy," Amethely replied, teary-eyed as she averted her gaze. "You must think I'm just some indecent girl sniffing strangers—I've only sniffed you, sob…"
Amethely then covered her face… With his coat. Alum knew it couldn't be helped since her hands were underneath, but… it didn't exactly help her situation.
"I see…" Alum replied.
He also averted his gaze since he found it embarrassing to look at—not because he found her strange, but because it just was. Unconsciously, he moved his arm, covering his face, yet he couldn't help but glance at her despite the embarrassment dancing in his chest.
"Ah… aha-haha… Look… Ame… he's not even denying it… you're an indecent girl…" she murmured in defeat.
"…"
"…"
"Um… I don't think so at all…" Alum said softly.
Amethely stirred a little, gazing up as she grabbed the upper sleeve of his shirt. "Really…?" she voiced in a tiny, shaky voice.
"…"
Alum's mind went completely blank—it was as if his innate intelligence never existed, and only one thing surfaced in his head.
Is… it possible to the this endearingly adorable? Is this cuteness…? What is cuteness? Her? Wait what?
In essence, he was too lovestruck and became stupid. So, without much thought, he cupped her cheeks and looked straight into her eyes once more.
"Really, really," he said calmly despite his throbbing heart acting up.
"—?????!"
Feeling his soft and warm hands on her face, Amethely's face instantly combusted, turning red and hot as her brain slowly boiled with steam reeking out of her head.
Realizing what he'd done, Alum quickly removed his hands, and like an erupting volcano, his face glowed lava red.
"S-sorry…" he stammered uncharacteristically. "I-I… didn't mean to… touch you casually like I did…" he tried to explain in a panic.
"…"
"…"
"He… ehe-hehe~" Amethely giggled softly like a drunk person—she'd finally lost it. "I see… a dream, I'm in a dream!" she said. Because in her well-cooked mind, there was no way she'd randomly meet her prince. "A dream!" she declared adorably.
"…" Alum was speechless but locked eyes with her still.
"—NOT!" Amethely exclaimed in a panic, covering her face as she shrunk and hid herself by headbutting Alum's arm. 'So it means… this handsome stranger and pleasant scent is real…!' she murmured, but it was dampened, making her words difficult to discern.
The spirits watched, bemused yet amused by the situation. Our Ame has lost it… they thought.
"…You're… pretty too, and… has a nice scent…" Alum somehow overheard and replied—he thought he was thinking... but said it aloud.
"…" Amethely froze like a statue.
"…" As did Alum.
Oh… the boy has lost it too… the spirits commented.
…
..
After a while, Alum and Amethely calmed down, exchanging subtle glances. The spirits explained how everything transpired to Amethely as Alum fed them with the treats he'd gotten in the trading district.
"Pu… puuu!"
"Kyu!"
"I-I see…" Amethely listened carefully.
"Iiik, iiik," another spirit joined.
Confused, Alum watched as he didn't understand—the translation didn't seem to apply to the spirits, but he didn't mind. However, he was curious what they were telling her. They told her she seemed cold and had him lend her his coat, but they also noticed how he was exhausted and needed rest—it was a win-win if they could cuddle the both of them, they said…
Amethely was speechless, unsure if she should praise them or lament. Usually, the spirits deterred others from away, or she would notice someone approach her, but that wasn't the case this time. Ultimately, she praised them for doing something good with an elegant smile befitting that of a saint.
But as she noticed Alum's glance, her face reddened in a blush, and her elegance fell apart. Alum blushed, scratching his cheek while turning the other way—they hadn't ushered a word to each other since they thawed, and the mood was even more awkward.
Yet… neither of them was too uncomfortable—it was strangely nice.
Ehehehe~ I see… that's what happened. From the looks of it, he's a foreigner, isn't he? Or at least a traveler. But then again, some people wear the amulet when they don't have good control over their mana…
Now that she knew how it all transpired, she managed to collect herself despite agonizing over her cringe worthy actions and stupidity until now.
At this moment, she couldn't take her eyes off the stranger who fed the spirits with an expressionless face. It was feelings unfamiliar to her, yet she knew what they were. It made her ticklish inside and happy. But at the same time, she didn't know what to do.
For her, it wasn't too difficult to interact with people as the saint, but he didn't even know she was—it was a dilemma since she's awkward otherwise, and she couldn't flip her saintly switch.
But without turning her way, Alum asked, "Have you calmed down?" in near indifference, causing her heart to sting a little.
Oh… I see. He's collected himself as well… is he usually cold? She wondered, but… He smiled so adorably back when he laughed, though… not only that, he reassured me with warmth… is… he shy?
"I have, thank you. Also… for lending me your coat…" Amethely warmly voiced, her tone soft and melodic—soothing to the soul.
"…"
Is she the same girl? Alum wondered. With a quick glance, she subtly averted her eyes and blushed. Her actions stirred funny feelings inside him, and he almost involuntarily clenched his chest. Why is she so… shiny and captivating? But before he could turn stupid again, he stopped his heart to let his body reset—which didn't help as Amethely still dazzled in his eyes.
"…"
"Mister, are you okay? You look a little pale…" she worried, peering adorably into his soul.
"…"
"…?" Amethely continued to worry as Alum was quietly dazed.
"Don't worry about it—and for the coat as well. I did it because the small animals told me to," Alum replied warmly, trying to keep his composure.
"Okay…"
Realizing that Alum was just shy, her heart throbbed—now what? She wondered. There was an option to return his coat, but she didn't want that just yet. And there was an option to start a conversation—as if. She didn't know how.
"Do you want some snacks?" Alum suddenly asked.
"I could not possibly…" As she was about to say accept, she noticed the disappointment in his eyes and quickly changed her mind. "U-um… if it is fine with you… I would like some…"
In that instance, Alum's eyes lit up as he presented her a few options: cookies, cakes, tarts, bread, candy…
Huh…? Is he a sweets lover, perchance? …Cute…
"Will you pick for me?" she requested. She was also curious about what he'd pick for her and waited anxiously.
"What about the sweet bread?" he suggested.
Amethely's eyes widened. "…May I ask why?" she asked.
"Because your eyes lingered on the bread slightly longer than the other treats, why?" Alum replied bluntly.
"O-oh… I see. I wondered since I love sweet bread. It is my favorite," Amethely smiled brightly, she was incredibly happy he noticed something like that.
"Mm, I see… I'm glad."
"Yesh…" she fumbled.
At which Alum lightly chuckled. In response, Amethely sulked, her cheeks inflated slightly, but as she was about to take a bite of the bread, the wind blew, her hair became a mess, and she bit into her own silver-gray stands.
"…"
"…"
It usually never was an issue since she had control over it, but now that her mana foundation was broken, it had become slightly inconvenient. Not only that, she didn't have the coif she usually wore.
Alum began to rummage through the bag and found a caramel pouch tied with a red silk ribbon. Amethely watched curiously as he handed it to her. Confused, she tilted her head.
"I am ashamed to say this… I do not know how to… use it…"
Abashed, she lowered her gaze. She technically knew how to tie her hair with it, but it wouldn't be cute or pretty. She didn't want to be seen as incompetent by him. Thus, she was reluctant to take it off his hand.
Alum considered her words for a moment. "How about I tie it for you?" he suggested.
"…Huh?"
A moment later, his warm hand ran through her smooth, silky hair. It was so nice he forgot that he was tying her hair—it was the same for Amethely. She leaned back and enjoyed his hands running through her hair, lost in the moment.
When he was done, a pang of disappointment hit her heart. She turned around to look at his work in the fountain's reflection, and it was a cute bow neatly tying her hair.
"Thank you…"
She was stunned, but Alum seemed pleased with his work—he looked oddly smug about it.
Has he done this… to other girls as well…?
Her mind raced as her chest tightened. She was afraid to ask, but it didn't seem like she had to as Alum began speaking.
"Not bad, right? I used to do this when I visited the orphanage, so I've had practice in this," he proudly mentioned.
"…"
Hearing those words, Amethely felt relieved, and the heaviness in her chest vanished—I'm so silly… she thought. But still, she's glad it wasn't a lover or… Huh? Does… he have a lover…? The thought suddenly crossed her mind.
"I don't," Alum said.
Confused, Amethely asked, "Don't?" while leaning her head slightly to the side.
"I don't have a lover—what about you?"
"…I-I do not… have one…" she stammered a little.
H-huuuuh!? Can he read my thoughts?????
"No… you… sometimes say them aloud…" Alum tried to hold it in but chuckled in mild amusement.
At the realization, Amethely covered her face with her hands, slightly peeking through the gaps of her fingers as Alum laughed lightly.
"Meanie…" she said while pouting.
Despite her puffy face, Alum found her endearing regardless. He lightly covered his mouth and smiled adorably, laughing lightly with his eyes closed.
Seeing that, Amethely's chest became filled with warmth. She, too, began to giggle and soon laughed at the absurdity with him—their eyes locked, and from the outside, they looked like two love-struck fools.
[Illustration]
…
..
Time passed and it had been a while since Amethely parted from the stranger. She returned to the monastery happily, almost skipping due to the flowery feeling. The paladins glanced at her, as did the nuns. They didn't know what happened, but their saint seemed very happy.
Was it because she met her sister again after a long while? Did she get that red silk ribbon as a present? They did not know. But it didn't matter what the reason was. As long as she was happy, that was all that mattered.
Amethely entered the dorms, eventually reaching her room. As soon as she did, she dove straight into her bed, rolling around as she hugged her pillow.
"Ehe… ehehehe~" she kicked and squealed, rubbing her face on the pillow.
"…"
In her room, waiting for her, was Chely… who was left speechless at the sight. As she quietly watched her sister's strange behavior, she sipped tea, waiting for a proper moment.
But Keilyn, who was at the same table, made a not-so-subtle grimace. "What's wrong with her…?" she voiced aloud.
As she did… Amethely's actions froze. Stiffly like a rusty golem, she turned toward the table, where her gaze met theirs.
"…"
Silence ensued and Amethely got off the bed, fixing her dress. "B-Big Sis… and… Kei… w-why are you… here…?" she spoke, but her words barely came out.
"I'm happy you're happy, Ame," Chely just said, not really understanding what was happening before trying to change the subject. "Well… did you forget we would discuss the upcoming banquet that will be held for the wanderers tonight?"
"…"
"You even lent us the access ring to your room," Keilyn added while grinning—she had no plans of just forgetting what she saw.
"I-I know…" Amethely stammered. "But… isn't that an hour from now?" she asked.
"Hahaha," Keilyn laughed softly. "That is true. But Elly couldn't wait to see you. She rushed to finish work—"
"K-Kei! You don't have to tell her!" Chely retorted as a visible blush surfaced on her cheeks.
"Ah, my baaad~" Keilyn averted her gaze and whistled.
With her chest filled with familial warmth, Amethely approached Chely, gently hugging her. "Siiiis, I love you!" she exclaimed.
Reciprocating the embrace, Chely replied, "I love you too," warmly. "But I have to ask, where did you get this cute ribbon?"
Suddenly, Amethely solidified again before blushing ferociously.
"I've noticed as well. Do tell. I'm curious," Keilyn playfully added.
"…I um…" Shyly, Amethely left her sister's embrace. She covered half her face with her hands and gazed at the floor. "I-it's from a caramel pouch…" she stammered lightly—a dead giveaway there was more to it.
"There's more to it, isn't it?" Keilyn nudged her. Chely was curious, too, and her eyes seemed to twinkle in anticipation.
Bashfully, Amethely's face flushed utterly red while smiling uncontrollably. "I… received it from someone… a-a handsome… man I met at the park…"
"…"
Chely and Keilyn locked eyes in silence, but it only lasted for a second before they grabbed each other's hands, squealing in excitement while Amethely stood there shyly. But Chely froze in place when she heard Amethely's following words.
"He has soft black hair and golden eyes… ehehe, he's super kind and handsome!" she excitedly added—though she left out the part about Alum's pleasant scent.
You… already told us he was handsome… Keilyn thought.
"…"
"Wow? Really? Ame has fallen in love. You beat me to it, huh?" Keilyn grinned as she flung her arm over Amethely's shoulder.
On the other hand, Chely's mind lingered on Amethely's words but decided not to worry about it—after all, Alum was resting in the military base—there was no way they'd just let him wander alone, she convinced herself.
"H-huh?! How did you know!?" Amethely bashfully hid behind her hands.
"Oh, what's his name!?" Keilyn inquired with a teasing grin.
"…" At that moment, Amethely's brain stopped.
"…?" Keilyn tilted her head, as did Chely.
"…"
"…"
It was then dawned on them—their clumsy sister/friend didn't even know the name of the person she fell for!
…
..
Walking around with a candy in his mouth in a daze, Alum managed to get lost… but there was a fluffy, warm feeling in his chest—his mind still lingered on the girl he'd recently. He'd accomplished his goal of visiting the grand library afterward and even finished reading all volumes of the Isles Quest series. But he could vaguely remember what it was about…
When he entered the wrong Levethren and headed for the military base, ultimately, he found himself in a dim alley, taking a shortcut suggested to a station where the Levethren did pass the base by a guard he had asked.
The candy in his mouth melted slowly as he indulged himself. The caramels were from the pouch he'd taken the silk ribbon from—it reminded him of her whenever he took it out to get another caramel.
But… he vaguely heard people ahead of him. There was a straight path and a turn at the corner. Something ominous loomed, and he knew it. If he took the left turn, he would be in trouble. He would get closer to a Levethren station if he continued straight.
Alum crushed the caramel in his mouth as his eyes turned inorganic—the world turned black and red. He gazed toward the left and heard a faint cry. Thus, choosing that path.
Seconds passed, and suddenly, everything went quiet—swooosh! Something fell from above—a person fully cloaked barely missed him with his blade as he came down. A horizontal swing followed, but Alum grabbed his wrist and knelt them in the groin, causing them to stagger before a punch was delivered to their throat, ending with a kick that knocked them out.
The youth stared at the unconscious body before turning at the corner ahead—red filled his view as a man with a military outfit was cleaved in two vertically. At the sight of Alum, the culprits froze momentarily and stopped cleaning. They looked at one another before dashing toward Alum at high speeds.
"Damned incompetent!" one exasperated as he saw a blade in Alum's hand, presumably referring to the guy Alum knocked out.
Claws protruded from the back of his hand, while the others had blades.
'Scum,' Alum murmured under his breath—his eyes illuminated light blue, and the next moment they knew—the blade he'd borrowed pierced the beastman's skull. As the lifeless body rapidly approached, Alum tore the blade out of the beastman's skull. The other two halted as their comrade's body smashed into a wall behind the youth.
—Thud…
"…"
Utterly perplexed, they each took out a gun. They realized that without mana, they couldn't beat him. But suddenly—BOOM! Someone came crashing down from the sky—a horned beastman.
"Ah…!" The guy seemed furious. He turned toward Alum and said, "I'm sorry about this, Mister Alum," apologetically before getting barraged by bullets—which couldn't penetrate the scales on his arms.
"Oh, Mister Boail, I'm lost. Nice timing." At this point, Alum's eyes had returned to their usual golden color.
"Haha… Well… I can tell…" Boail replied, heaving a heavy sigh as he saw the cleaved body of one of his agents. "I can tell…"
A/N
Uh, I was planning an illustration for this chapter, but... I'll add it in the future...