I can't use mana skill? I don't know how to control mana.
Why are you always f**king with me, System!?
Valac's hands clenched around his sword as the skill description burned in his mind. A mana sword skill? You gotta be kidding me.
Valac barely had time to brace himself when the first bandit lunged, his blade aimed squarely at Valac's chest.
"Damn it!" Valac cursed, dodging to the side. He swung his sword, aiming to parry, but his movements were sluggish without the mana to back them up.
System, let me just say this in case I die here. I f**king hate you! Why are you so rigged? Why are you always messing with me f**ker!?
Ixia's voice echoed through the cave, trembling and desperate. "No! Don't hurt him! Please… He came to help me."
Wow… Is she dumb? Does she really think they will listen?
Oh don't hurt him.
Ok, we won't.
F**k!
One of the bandits sneered at her plea, and another raised a dagger, taunting, "Help? This one's out of his league, sweetheart." He shifted his blade with a wicked gleam, eyes trained on Valac. "You should've stayed home, 'knight."
Valac took a sharp breath, keeping his stance steady. He could feel the chill creeping into his bones, the reality of his situation settling in. Just hold on. Don't give them the satisfaction. He tried to muster a threat, but the first strike landed hard against his side, forcing the air from his lungs.
Damn it... they're stronger than I thought.
The biggest of the three circled him, grinning darkly. "Not so tough now, huh?"
Valac tightened his grip, swallowing the pain. "I'll make you eat those words." He swung out, catching one of them on the shoulder, but his arm buckled as another bandit's fist connected with his jaw, sending him stumbling back.
D**n, this alcoholic untrained body.
Ixia's scream pierced the air, and she fought against her bindings, her eyes wide with terror. "Stop! Please, leave him alone!"
Someone, please gag her. She's so irritating.
The bandits only laughed, one of them grabbing her by the chin. "Quiet, girl. Your friend here? He signed his own death warrant the moment he walked in."
Thank you!
Valac's vision blurred, and he shook his head, desperately trying to focus. He could feel bruises forming under his armor, the pain sharp with every breath.
This isn't working. I can't keep up without that damn skill. I hope you're happy, system!
The one with the double-edged blade sneered, striding toward him. "Thought you were some big hero? Pathetic."
Valac's voice rasped as he forced out a reply, "Big words from someone who can't face me alone."
Another fist connected with his stomach, and he doubled over, coughing, struggling to stay upright. System... if you want me to stay alive, now would be a great time to help.
Ixia's voice was a pleading whisper, "Please... please, just let him go."
Oh god! Does she ever stop? She's just like Nico. Just a more irritating version.
The leader's smirk twisted cruelly. "Why? We're just getting started."
Valac glared up, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. "You… really think... you can kill me?"
"Wouldn't even break a sweat," the bandit sneered, lifting his weapon.
Suddenly, a low, dangerous voice filled the cave, cutting through the tension like a blade. "If you so much as touch him again, you'll wish you were never born."
The bandits froze, and Valac's heart skipped. Nico. He looked up to see Ixia's brother, standing at the knocked down entrance, his eyes blazing with fury. Damn! About time!
One of the bandits scoffed, "Oh? And who are you supposed to be?"
Nico's smile was cold, lethal. "Your worst nightmare."
Without another word, he drew his sword, advancing on them. One of the bandits, clearly unnerved, backed away, his voice shaky. "There's two of them?"
Nico didn't bother answering, his sword flashing as he struck, taking down the first bandit with a single, precise blow. The others scrambled, panicked, their confidence crumbling in the face of Nico's first mana slash.
One tried to lunge at him, but Nico sidestepped, his blade slicing through the air, connecting with the bandit's chest. The man staggered, his scream echoing as he collapsed.
"You... you're insane!" The last one stammered, backing away, his face pale with terror. "I didn't... I didn't mean-"
Nico's voice was a deadly whisper, each word deliberate. "You don't touch my sister. You don't mess with my allies. And you definitely don't get to walk away."
With a swift, final movement, Nico's blade cut through the last bandit, leaving him to crumple to the ground, lifeless.
"Did you just admit I'm your ally?"
"Do you want to die, Noctis?"
Valac, still struggling to catch his breath, managed a weak grin. "Took you... long enough though."
Nico shot him an exasperated look, his expression softening only slightly. "Next time, try not to get your ass handed to you."
Ixia broke into tears, the sight of her brother a mixture of relief and heartbreak. "Brother... you... you came." Her voice cracked, and she pulled against her restraints, desperate to reach him.
How about that! Even villains can do good deeds.
Nico immediately moved to her side, carefully cutting her bindings. "I'm here. It's okay, Ix." He brushed a gentle hand over her hair. "You're safe now."
She clung to him, sobbing into his shoulder, her words muffled. "He tried... they almost... and this guy, he..."
Nico looked over at Valac, nodding once, a silent acknowledgment of what he'd done. "You did good, Noctis. Just... maybe don't take on that many at once next time, alright?"
Valac chuckled, wincing as he sat up. "Just wait till I get stronger. I'll be able to take down an entire army by myself."
"Sure."
As the cave settled into silence, Valac couldn't help the small, tired smile that crossed his face.
—
Congratulations to the host!
You have successfully completed the task 'Find Ixia'! Due to special conditions of Inventory being locked your reward has been transferred to your room.
Please head back to your room to check them.
__
Well, would you look at that?
"Anyway, greetings to you pretty lady. I'm Valac Noctis."