This is troublesome.
Natsuki Subaru scratched his head, clearly frustrated.
This guy was even more shameless than he had imagined.
To think that as a lowlife, and a failed robber at that, he'd have the audacity to call the guards.
What a... brilliant move.
Subaru couldn't help but give the lowlife a slightly higher evaluation.
When he heard the white-haired youth shout "guards," Subaru immediately understood that this world probably had some kind of law enforcement system, and pessimistically guessed that their response time was likely better than the slow-moving police in movies.
Although Subaru didn't know much about this world's laws, common sense told him that committing violence in the streets was still illegal.
Though technically, these three lowlifes had tried to rob him, the situation now was that they were all lying in a heap on the ground, and he was the one who looked like the aggressor—though, saying that out loud didn't seem too wrong either.
Even if he were to immediately inflict some injuries on himself and play the victim, it would be way too obvious—this city didn't seem like it had surveillance cameras, and there were no witnesses around. There was no evidence proving his innocence, and if those three lowlifes turned the tables on him, it could become a huge problem.
Subaru looked down at the white-haired youth lying on the ground, feeling a slight urge to crush his skull with a kick, but after a second thought, he decided against it.
Though it's said that a man of integrity has nothing to fear, getting splashed with mud right after arriving in a new world would be troublesome. So, while running away might seem like the best option, it would make him look guilty, and those three lowlifes might end up spinning things around, making him even more of a target.
Subaru frowned as these thoughts churned in his mind.
If only he had the kind of power to turn the whole situation around.
Yeah,
—If I were strong enough, I wouldn't need to worry about any of this.
Just as Subaru was lost in thought, someone appeared.
He looked toward the alleyway and raised an eyebrow.
Standing at the entrance of the alley was a young man.
What caught Subaru's eye first was his fiery red hair, burning like flames.
Below that, a pair of blue eyes as piercing as a blaze. His facial features were sharp, with an aura of dignity, as if just a glance told you that he was an exceptional person.
He had a slender, well-toned figure, dressed in a perfectly fitted black outfit, with a knight's sword hanging from his waist, exuding an unusual sense of power.
Impressive.
That was Subaru's first impression of the young man at the alley's entrance.
Impressively strong.
If Subaru had encountered this guy when he first arrived in this world, he might not have been able to sense it. But after countless battles, Subaru was much stronger now, and that was why he could feel how dangerous this person was.
The pressure radiating from this young man's sword was probably even more oppressive than that of the Ashen Judgment Knight from Subaru's past. And the sword itself, though sheathed, gave off a sense of danger that was palpable, like it was waiting to strike.
Even though the young man was simply standing there without any defensive posture, Subaru felt that no matter how he attacked, he would be struck down in the blink of an eye.
This is really troublesome…
Subaru couldn't help but feel his teeth ache.
Seriously? You've got to be kidding me. This guy looks like the chosen hero, and you're telling me he's just a guard? How screwed is this world?
While Subaru was still processing the intimidating presence of the newcomer, the white-haired youth lying on the ground suddenly spoke up.
"Burning red hair and blue eyes... and a knight's sword with dragon claws carved into its scabbard... I'm saved! It's Reinhardt, the 'Sword Saint!' Please, save us, Sword Saint! We're just upstanding citizens, it's this guy!" He pointed at Subaru. "This man not only tried to rob us, but also tried to kill us to cover his tracks!"
Holy crap...
Although Subaru had realized that someone this strong wasn't a dime a dozen, it seemed like he was still being framed.
"Well…" Subaru tried to speak.
"You don't need to explain. I understand the situation already." But the red-haired guy didn't seem interested in hearing him out.
Oh, come on...
"Let me guess, they tried to rob you and you beat them up, right?" Reinhardt said to Subaru.
"Eh?"
"Huh?"
Everyone was stunned.
"Wait, Sword Saint, we're innocent! Look at my leg, it's been—"
"I don't need to hear any more," Reinhardt interrupted. "I know exactly what you three have done, so don't try to pin the blame on others."
Wow, the police here are actually reliable...
Subaru had expected to be caught in some kind of scheme with corrupt cops and thugs, but it seemed like he had misjudged the situation.
Maybe I've been watching too much sensationalized news?
"But, this young man," Reinhardt continued, "even though they were trying to rob you, breaking someone's leg like that was still a bit much. I mean, I can't say I don't admire your actions, but you did violate Article 32 of the 'Urban Resident Security Ordinance,' and as a guard, I do have an obligation to arrest you…"
Hey, hey, hey! You're calling yourself a righteous cop, but I'm the one who's getting punished for taking down these bastards?
Subaru's eyelid twitched.
"…However, today I just so happen to be on leave, so let's consider this incident closed. I didn't see anything."
Can you at least say that without pausing for breath?
Subaru suddenly had the urge to punch this guy in the face.
"Get lost!"
Subaru turned around and yelled at the three thugs on the ground, and instantly, the short guy and the burly man scrambled away, not forgetting to drag the white-haired youth along with them.
"There's a doctor named Wang nearby who's really good at treating leg injuries!" Reinhardt even shouted after them.
Watching the three disappear around the corner of the alley, Subaru turned back to Reinhardt, unsure of what to say.
Reinhardt seemed to notice his awkwardness and laughed it off.
"Ha, you really are something. I didn't think you'd knock those three out by yourself. I'm actually not sure I could have handled them as easily. I'm Reinhardt, by the way. What's your name?"
"Natsuki Subaru."
He's so strong, yet so reasonable, and not at all arrogant... Seriously, are you some kind of saint?
Subaru couldn't help but feel a little jealous.
This so-called Sword Saint was basically flawless—his looks, his voice, his demeanor, his actions—all of it was perfect, and he also had a good personality and background. If there was nothing shady going on behind the scenes, then this character was just unbalanced.
"I'm sorry if this seems rude, but Reinhardt, why are you helping them? You even told them where to get their injuries treated? People like them, who are so vile, don't deserve to live. In fact, it might be better if they were dead. Keeping them alive only leads to more victims." Subaru asked bluntly.
"Ah, no need to use honorifics, just call me by my name," Reinhardt said with a smile. "No one is born a robber. I'm sure they're just doing it because they're desperate. I don't believe in wiping out people like that. Besides, after being taught a lesson by you today, they might think twice before trying to rob anyone again."
"I can't agree with that. Their deceitful nature is written all over their faces. I believe they didn't rob because they were desperate, but because they were lazy and didn't want to work. If I were someone weak, I might have been killed by them already."
"That won't happen." Reinhardt shook his head. "Because I'm here."
What a pompous answer.
Subaru looked at Reinhardt, feeling as though he was staring at the sun.
With the sun shining so brightly, Subaru felt more like the shadow lurking in the corner, hated by everyone.
Ugh... So annoying, this perfect guy.
Subaru pouted.
"By the way, Reinhardt, if I hadn't shown up, would you have killed them?" Reinhardt suddenly asked.
Subaru didn't respond.
"I see…" Reinhardt sighed and said, "Although I may be meddling, Natsuki-kun…"
Reinhardt looked Subaru in the eyes and said seriously:
"Life is precious. You shouldn't let your anger control you."
...
Watching Reinhardt's figure disappear around the corner, Subaru's expression grew complicated.
He looked down at his hand.
"Too much anger, huh?"
It was ridiculous.
Subaru clenched his fist.