While Alex is running, Anna rides on his back.
She looks back because she is too curious about what is happening behind them.
"HE IS HERE!"
Her arm grip tightened as she remembered her fear, and Alex was unable to breathe normally as a result.
"I know, I know. Do not hug me too tightly."
"Uwah! I-I'm sorry."
When she realizes her mistakes, she reduces her strength to normal.
Now that he knows what is going on behind him, he decided to do something he had recently practiced in case something like this happened.
Using his magic copy, he used half of the witness points on the wind magic to accelerate like a jet.
His speed is greater than that of nearly all of the kingdom's fastest monsters recorded in history.
The man lost track of him, but because he remembered the smell of Alex and Anna, he can follow the trail of their scent.
The wind magic Alex used also allowed him to follow in their footsteps more efficiently.
…
Although May City is a small city, there are numerous abandoned and dark alleyways that can be explored.
And the alleyway they are currently entering is one of them.
This alley is well-known as a hotspot for crime.
The reason for this is that, despite being aware that this is a dangerous area, some people continue to attempt to use this path as a shortcut.
Why?
A criminal would not always wait here to rob you, after all, because they have their own private lives as well, but if you are unfortunate, you may find yourself in trouble.
Just like right now.
As soon as they enter this alleyway, a group of people block their way out and in.
"What a timing!"
Alex could not help but be annoyed by the situation.
Earlier, when he kicked the man, he felt an overwhelming pain run through his body.
If not for his refresh skill, which reduces the immediate pain, that one second of his life would result in his death because he nearly passed out.
Unfortunately, the fatigue from that kick still causes his legs to shake from time to time.
Based on his current condition, it would take half an hour for him to fully heal his body.
The only reason he can run right now is due to his motivation.
Because Anna is riding on his back, he can feel her two large bags.
However, as a gentle dog—er—gentleman, he would not reveal this to anyone and keep it a secret.
"We mean you no harm. Simply hand over what you have, and we will leave you."
The supposed leader issues a warning to them.
As expected of a mob, their line will be consistent regardless of their role.
With his speed, he could escape these people, but only if he was alone.
He agreed to give what they desired, but...
"Hey, boss. That girl…"
"Oh!"
Everyone has been captivated by the gorgeous woman's alluring clothing, clearly showing interest.
Anna felt their gaze and expressed hostility and disgust toward those men.
She did not need to be a mind reader to figure out what was on their mind.
It is already evident in their lustrous eyes and deep breaths.
"We changed our minds. Leave the woman behind, and we will keep you alive."
"Huh?"
Alex was about to surrender his belongings when he heard their words, and he sighed.
'In the end, their greed consumes them.
Although this will reduce his strength in a subsequent battle, defeating them must be quick because the man in a black cloak may catch them up now.
However, for the final time, he will attempt to bargain.
Alex threw his space bag to the floor.
"Take my space bag and let us pass. This space bag is worth a few golds, including its contents, so do not be greedy. I am warning you all."
His space bag contains his clothes and some daily necessities that he packed earlier, so there is nothing important inside except the space bag itself, which is worth a few gold coins.
However, the quality of the clothes itself can be sold for a large sum of silver coins, so accepting his offer will be a big profit for them, but even after he tells them how much his things are worth, it appears that they will not change their minds.
"We are not joking, kid. Your hood is a magical device, so why not remove it as well, and you, woman, take us to heaven?"
"You filthy creature. "You are worse than an animal."
"Miss, you have quite a sharp tongue. I hope sucking our dicks sharpens your techniques as well."
"Eww…"
She could not help but feel disgusted by their words.
Alex's patience has been depleted.
He wanted to keep things simple, but now he has to move.
"Do not worry; I can take you to heaven."
"What—"
He used his magic copy to freeze them with no warning.
They remained conscious inside the ice but were unable to move.
After all, they are ordinary citizens, not adventurers.
They may have some strength, but it is insufficient to physically break through the—
*crack
Their leader's ice had broken.
He managed to get out of it by using his raw strength.
"I warned you to leave, but you did not listen, kid, so I will not spare you."
A talent.
This is what they call people who can use magic without being taught or who do so instinctively.
The leader appears to be in his early 19 or 20s, making him much younger than the rest of the group.
The leader is using "physical enhancement" magic, which includes the spell of boost and the command of four times.
A simple magic, but it is enough to cause a stir with a punch that can leave marks on the walls and floor.
That is what is happening right now as Alex dodges his attacks.
However, this is a minor issue for Alex because the man's movement did not match what he saw at the adventurer's training area.
But why did he not end their battle?
The reason is due to his assumption.
It has only been a few seconds, but the leader has already stopped his attack.
His assumption is correct.
Although he can use magic, because he does not know how to control his mana properly, he did not last long and consumed a large amount of it, causing him to pass out.
"This is why I chose to continue my studies."
He mumbled something as he looked at the pass out leader.
()()()()()()
Confirmation (if anyone is still reading this):
The man dressed in the black cloak is the same person who murdered Alex in volume 1.