Chapter Fourteen: A Small Incident in the Night

Chapter Fourteen: A Small Incident at Night

She put away the Blood Dance Crescent Moon and searched the bodies of the two men, finding two spatial rings. Inside were two gold cards, some materials, and ordinary magical weapons. Without checking their value, Shuster tossed everything into the Infinite Space.

“Hm? I didn’t expect it to take this long. I’d better hurry and catch up. I’ll use you, Pandora.” Glancing at the time, she realized the trip had taken five hours. She quickly confirmed the direction and took out Pandora’s Magic Box. In the next moment, a flash of white light, and a luxuriously designed motorcycle appeared before Shuster. Its streamlined body, black and gold swirling lines, and a silver skull adorning the front exuded an air of dominance.

Her slender legs swung over the seat. She started the engine, twisted the throttle with her right hand, released the clutch, and slammed into third gear with her left foot...

With a screech, the rear wheel spun against the ground and the bike shot forward.

“Oh, the wind is so strong. Manifest, magic!” A black visor materialized on her face, shielding her as the wind swept through her now longer silver hair. The sensation of wind brushing against her entire body was exhilarating. There on the grasslands—a beautiful woman, a fine machine—a picture of perfection. Pity this was another world, where no one would truly appreciate it.

“All hands on alert! Protect the wounded and the convoy!” Aeolia shouted as dust clouds barreled toward the caravan in the distance.

The roar of the motorcycle grew clearer, and seeing the caravan’s defensive posture, Shuster performed a sharp tailspin, brought the bike to a stop, and stowed it away.

“Miss Shuster is back!” Once they recognized her, cheers erupted.

“Miss Shuster, how did it go? You’re not hurt, are you?” Aeolia came forward, concern in his voice.

“Oh, the Blood Wolf Bandits are no more. Thanks for your concern, I’m unscathed.” Shuster nodded in reply.

“Respected warrior, thank you for ridding the Continent of Divine Descent of a great scourge. I will elevate this mission to Grade A, and double your commission,” the elder in black said.

“Ha, I don’t mind either way. I’m going to rest—I’m exhausted.” Shuster yawned, leaving everyone staring in amazement, then walked into her carriage.

“Boss, that adorable person is really the bloodthirsty killer from before? I’m not hallucinating, am I?” Matthew slapped the equally dumbfounded Aeolia.

“I... I think so?” Aeolia stammered.

—The Endearing Divider—

As evening fell, the elder in black approached Shuster’s carriage.

*Knock, knock, knock* “Come in.” Shuster’s lazy voice drifted from inside.

“My apologies for disturbing you, esteemed warrior. It’s time for dinner.” At the sound of that languid voice, the elder trembled slightly, then pushed open the door and bowed.

“Oh, is it that late already? Looks like I really was worn out by that battle—I slept right through until now.” Still sounding lazy, Shuster sat up and stretched.

“I’ll take my leave then.” Overwhelmed, the elder excused himself hastily.

“Good evening, everyone.” “Good evening, Miss Shuster.” Ten minutes later, Shuster emerged, refreshed and in high spirits.

“By the way, what are your losses?” Shuster suddenly remembered to ask, swallowing her food.

“Not much, really. Just one injured horse, nothing else,” the elder replied.

“We lost a new recruit, half of us were wounded. Not too bad, I suppose. Thank you for your concern, Miss Shuster.” Aeolia’s expression was a bit grim.

“That’s not too bad! But we’re almost at our destination—you all need to stay sharp.” Shuster encouraged them.

“Yes!”

*Ding! B-Rank mission detected: Rescue the hunted mercenaries. Reward: 2000 Soul Crystals.*

“Hm? Everyone, on alert!” Shuster called out as the mission appeared before her eyes.

Worthy of a B-Rank mercenary group—at her words, everyone immediately took up positions without question.

“Help!” “Save us!” A group of wounded mercenaries came running toward the convoy, led by a woman who looked every bit the captain.

“Halt! State your intentions!” Aeolia stepped forward and shouted.

“We’re being hunted—please, save us…” The woman captain knocked an arrow out of the air that had been aimed at one of her injured men.

Before she could finish, another voice rang out. “Well, well, fancy running into a convoy. This is the Greedwolf Mercenary Group—leave your vehicles and the women, and walk away.”

“Tch, and here I thought it was someone else. Turns out it’s the notorious Greedwolf Mercenaries. I’ll see to it myself.” Aeolia shot back.

“Fine! If you won’t listen to reason, you’ll get what’s coming. Prepare to die!” With those words, a row of torches lit up in front of the convoy. A warrior clad in white leather armor stepped forward.

“Please, save my sister! She’s been captured by them,” the woman captain begged, rushing into the middle of the convoy to plead with Aeolia.

“You mean this little beauty?” The man in white dragged out a young girl, bound and frightened.

“Let my sister go!” the woman wailed, tears in her voice.

“No problem. I’ve long despised the Greedwolf’s ways. Tonight, I’ll erase your name from this world.” Aeolia thumped his chest in assurance.

“Hmph, let’s see if you have what it takes. Kill all the men, capture all the women!” The white-clad man sneered coldly.

“Brothers, protect the convoy with your lives!” Aeolia roared.

“We will not retreat!” the remaining mercenaries echoed.

“Not bad at all. Leave the leader to me.” Shuster smiled at the fired-up mercenaries.

A few Round Table Dancers stepped up to the man in white as Shuster watched this peak fifth-tier opponent with amusement.

The man in white felt his vision blur, and suddenly a stunning beauty in white stood before him.

“So, how would you like to die?” Shuster drew the Blood Dance Crescent Moon, spinning it in a flourish.

“Er... beautiful lady, there’s no need for violence, is there? Perhaps we could—” Cold sweat beaded on the man’s forehead. Given her speed just now, he knew he was no match.

“Well, you hardly look like a good person, so I’ll give you the cruelest end. Also, you should know—the ones across from you are all fourth-tier or higher. Your lot is doomed.” Shuster smiled faintly.

“No... no way!” the man stammered, sweating profusely.

“See for yourself.” Shuster stepped aside, and he saw a one-sided massacre. His men were no match; two of his couldn’t even handle one of theirs. Even his vice-captain was being overwhelmed by Aeolia.

A flash of the blade before his eyes—by the time he came to his senses, his right arm was gone, blood spurting from his shoulder.

“Aaah!” the man screamed in agony.

His wails only hastened his side’s defeat, and in that moment of distraction, Aeolia took the head clean off his vice-captain.

Minutes later, Aeolia and the others finished collecting loot from the bodies and burned the corpses.

“Sister!” “Big sister, I was so scared!” The woman warrior and her little sister embraced, tears streaming down their faces.

“Here, he’s yours to deal with.” Shuster tossed the half-crippled man in white on the ground.

“You bastard, I’ll kill you!” The woman captain drew her sword and hacked him to pieces.

“All right, get some rest. Tomorrow we head to Clearwind Town. What about you?” Aeolia asked.

“We have nowhere to go. Please, let us join you.” The woman captain pleaded.

“Wait, are you the C-Rank Golden Violet Mercenary Group?” Aeolia asked, noting that most of the survivors were women.

“My name is Fiona. Please, take us in—we’re no longer a proper group,” the woman said, looking at Aeolia.

—End of Section—

PS: Today I found out my book was pirated by a novel site... I’m at a complete loss for words!