Evening, April 21st, 2223 ...
I, Emilia, and Mr. Schmidt ate together at one of the food stalls on the roadside. The location wasn't too far from Mr. Schmidt's shop. So, we didn't take much time to go there.
*Much* *Much* *Much*
While I was eating together, I was enjoying the togetherness that was established with them. Jokes until laughter liven up the atmosphere that already exists. For me, as a reincarnated person, sometimes, this togetherness reminded me of something that wasn't easy to describe in words ...
...
After finishing our dinner, I parted ways at a crossroads with Emilia and Mr. Schmidt. Even though I was being offered to stay overnight, I was reluctant to bother them. As a result, I returned to my inn.
Time after time flew on. I was already halfway from my inn. Due to the effect of the previous dinner I ate, I just slowly walked to the inn ...
*Tap* *Tap* *Tap*
I arrived at one of the streets that I usually pass. Or, I should call it a deserted alley. The reason was the effectiveness compared to the normal one, which would take much time.
(Ah! My stomach is filled! After I reach the inn, I'll sleep well tonight, hehehe!) I felt pure happiness inside my mind.
However, on the way, a mysterious voice spoke abruptly,
"Delectable quietus or ludicrous demise?"
Hearing a mysterious voice that greeted me, I felt a strange feeling. The feeling of danger. Realizing this ...
(Strange! Last time, I met a freak. Now, this one. Are those related to one another?! Keep ease, Nagao. Act like usual!) I calmed down myself and warily while looking around.
"Wait a minute, I think that you got the wrong person, isn't it?"
The mysterious voice was silent for a moment. Getting that answer, I said again,
"Well! My answer is unequivocally correct. You've got the wrong person. So, see ya!" While walking away.
(Safe! Nearly died because of being the victim of a misaimed killing in this world!) I thought with relief.
However, before I could go far from that place, someone ran toward me fastly ...
*Run!*
While carrying a weapon, the mysterious person aimed the weapon right at my throat ...
*Dash!* *Swing!*
Realizing that swift attack, I dodged the mysterious person's attack with a bridge pose ...
*Dodge*
However, amidst that moment, a slight contact between the skin of my throat and the tip of the mysterious person's weapon was felt ...
*Srrt!*
I managed to dodge it. On the other hand, the mysterious person seemed to be surprised that I was able to dodge that attack.
However, my blood came out slightly. Realizing it, I prepared my stance into a fighting stance immediately ...
*Krrhk!*
"Hoh~, you've great reflex at dodging my attack with your "strange" position. I'm surprised~!"
"Getting those compliments from an assassin like you, as if the compliments were wrapped in an insult like a carcass wrapped in a box of chocolates. It's something that I would expect from an assassin!" I replied sarcastically.
"Nice metaphor~. I'll use it after I kill you~!" Said the assassin while running toward me.
I tried to dodge those fast attacks. Yet, the assassin often aims for some vital points of mine. With those fast attacks combined by the sudden movements, I was almost being made difficult by that person. Even some wounds I've already received because of that person's actions ...
*Slash!* *Scratch!* *Slash!* *Swoosh!* *Slash!* *Shh!*
(If this condition keeps up, I'll end up like a carcass rat that chops by a knife. I must think of a way to stop this shit!) I thought while looking for a way.
In fact, the assassin didn't even give me a chance to make a decision or attack. While attacking me, the assassin spoke,
"Did you think about a way to stop me~? What a cock-brained and naive act~!" The assassin rebuked.
(Don't bite that hook! That foe tried to hook me up. Stay chill the hell up, Nagao!) I thought while calming myself down.
*Dodge!* *Swoosh!* *Swoosh!* *Dodge!* *Swoosh!*
"Hoh~, you've got guts to calmness amidst this condition~. Are you ready to face your sweet death~?"
"Well, good enough," while observing the assassin's movements. "Moreover, against an assassin with a weird run like you!" while provoking back at the assassin.
(To be honest, while I was paying attention to how the assassin ran, something was wrong. Those shoulders were in slightly different positions. Does that assassin have a leg length discrepancy?) I thought surmisingly.
Hearing my previous statement, the assassin replied,
"So you're also an expert in provoking people, hmm~? All right~! I'll serve your ridicule~!" While running toward me.
The movements began faster than before. As a result, I got several cuts on my back until my hands ...
*Slash!* *Scratch!* *Srrt!* *Slash!*
(Damn it! In that case!) Finding this condition, I decided the way out.
I started to stop my defense stance and opened my body completely. Seeing what I did, the assassin commented,
"Given up already~? Alright, I'll end with a "peaceful" death~!" The assassin ran straight toward me.
The assassin brandished the weapon and pointed it at my neck. Then, the assassin aimed at my windpipe ...
*Swoosh!*
When the distance between us got close, the assassin uttered the thoughts,
"Goodbye, you disgusting leech~!"
*Stab!*
The assassin managed to thrust the weapon into my body. However, the assassin was absurdly surprised …
"What?! Did you ...??!"
"Wh-what? Surprised ... by this phenomenon, huh?!" I replied with a devilish smile.
It was a normal reaction for the assassin. It was because I was able to "stop" the attack.
"You blocked my attack with your left palm. When it almost reached your windpipe, you sacrificed your right palm to change the attack's path and led toward your right shoulder," while looking at the attack that had been thwarted. "Plus, with your timing for decision-making and your thick muscle fibers before, I must say that I'm impressed by your "bold" decision. An average normal person wouldn't dare to do amidst those momenta, you know~," the assassin said with an impressed tone.
"Well ... you can call that "abnormal" ... Getting compliments from an assassin such as you is more like getting compliments from a secret admirer, you know what I mean?"
"Hoh~, I'm a bit flattered to hear that. Are you a masochist, little boy~?"
"Maybe you're right ... I'm the "little boy" ... yet ... masochist wasn't the right label for "little boy" ... like ... me!" I immediately kicked the assassin's stomach.
*Swoosh!* *Thumps!*
Getting a kick, the assassin was bounced off a few meters ...
*Thud!*
Meanwhile, the sword that was still stuck in my right shoulder, I pulled it out of my body forcibly...
*Shrrock!*
"Wait, this sword kinda different, huh?" While taking the assassin's sword.
When I looked at it, it wasn't like a normally sword. It was lightweight and had wood grain in it ...
"This ... a wooden sword??!" Realizing this, I wanted to ask the assassin. "Hey, you're trying to kill me with—" When I turned to the assassin—"Eh?! Where is that freak??!"
The assassin disappeared from my sight. Nevertheless, the assassin abandoned the sword. A wooden sword that could hurt me like this ...
(I'll try to ask Mr. Schmidt about this matter!) I muttered while looking around.
In the end, I returned to the inn. While asking the inn's receptionist for some medicine, I treated myself. After many times, I was able to rest in peace finally.
The next day ...
After regular practice with Mr. Schmidt, I did several works in his shop. While checking and sorting weapons that have been repaired, occasionally, I thought about what happened last night ...
(Who ordered the assassin to kill me? Did Nina report to Mr. Americ and already start their movement? There were many possibilities that they could move behind me. The problem with this assassin ... Ah! This matter became complicated!) I thought deeply within.
Without me knowing it, Mr. Schmidt was already out of his workshop,
"Hey, brat! Yar face tangled like a spider's web. Aren't ya getting yar "ration" from yar "crush"? HAHA!" he said while laughing.
"Your words are so annoying, Old man!" I replied in an irritated tone.
"Yahahaha! Loser! What kind of guy are ya who haven't done "that" thing until now!" While demonstrating an erotic symbol with his hands.
"Ah, dammit! Hurl it from my sight, Old man!" I replied in an annoyed tone. "Later, I'll—"Then I remembered something about last night's attack— "Mr. Schmidt, did you know any merchants who sell wooden swords?"
"A wooden sword? I didn't expect that ya would ask me about that. Is there any problem?" Mr. Schmidt asked astonishedly.
"Well—"while showing the weapon I got earlier night—"This. Did you know about that, Mr. Schmidt? Because of that thing which made the wound on several my bodies, especially my shoulder."
Mr. Schmidt observed and held the weapon for a moment. Amidst his observation, Mr. Schmidt reacted,
"Where did you get it?"
"Someone sent me an assassin. However, I still yet know who and what their motives were for sending the assassin—"while stretching my body—"This threat kinda pissed me off!"
Mr. Schmidt, who heard what I spoke, kept silent while observing the weapon I gave him.
Seeing his reactions, I asked again,
"How? Do you know who made this sword?"
Hearing my words, Mr. Schmidt replied simply,
"I dunno. Yet," his words stopped when he touched it again.
"Yet???" while following his words in a confused tone.
"I know the materials used. And it came from a carpenter near the almshouse," he replied while demonstrating a thinking pose.
"How did you be sure that weapon came from that place?" I asked curiously.
"Last few days, while I was looking for herbs for yar practice, I was passing that hood. I originally thought the carpenter only sold oak wood for furniture," as he tapped his fingers on the table. "Who would've thought they also sold various equipment, including weapons!" He laughed afterward.
(In that case, there's nothing wrong with going there to inspect it!) I thought firmly.
"Please give me the address, Mr. Schmidt!"
Finally, Mr. Schmidt explained the route to the carpenter's place. After requesting permission for today's leave, I headed to the location.
*Tap* *Tap* *Tap*
(Hopefully, I found some clues in there!) I muttered emphatically.