Some leaves fell from the trees, and the sun shone brightly, and below was the wagon where Wann sat, still on its way to the capital.
"It looks like autumn is bright this year," the driver said with a wide smile.
Inside, Wann was leaning back and reading his magic books, and directly in front of him sat the blue-haired young man as well, silent and not speaking.
Not much left until I arrive at the capital! Everything will begin soon, and I will see Liza too! I'm so excited, I can't even keep reading because of how thrilled I am.
All I'm doing now is imagining scenarios about that academy. This is insane, I've never felt this hyped before.
Alright, I need to calm down now, things are getting out of hand, and also this blue-haired guy is still silent. He hasn't spoken since yesterday.
"Help!!" a voice screamed outside the wagon.
As the scream spread, the wagon stopped. Is this a bandit attack?! I quickly jumped out of the wagon while the blue-haired one stayed calmly seated as if nothing had happened.
"What's going on?!" I shouted loudly.
When I looked, there was a man panting, collapsed on the ground while holding the driver's leg. Was he begging or what?
"Please, I haven't had a drink in a day… please," the man said in fear.
"Of course!"
He was acting as if he had seen a dragon… was he chased by goblins or something? He started drinking water desperately, even spilling half of it on the ground.
"Are you heading to the capital?"
"Yes."
"Thank the gods… I have some money, I'll go with you."
"But you didn't tell us what happened to you," I asked, my curiosity refusing to stay quiet.
"My village was attacked by a swordsman. He said he was collecting taxes, and when we refused, he said he would kill the village chief, so I ran."
"Tax collector? The same thing happened in my childhood. Some swordsmen attacked my village saying they were here to collect taxes," I said.
Man, this brings back a lot of memories. Tax collectors… I haven't heard of them in a long time, and they were strong enough to wound my father…
"Alright, get in… we'll continue the road."
I remember that battle. I even remember their clothes… wait!
"No, don't get in!!!!!" I suddenly shouted… I remembered everything!
"What's wrong, Mr. Wann?!" the driver asked in surprise.
"The Azuras, a group founded by greedy nobles, aiming to steal the villagers' money under the excuse of collecting taxes… in truth, that blue-haired guy is one of them."
"What?!"
"Yes, I remembered everything. Those clothes, white robes with blue patterns and a sky-colored cross on the back… he's one of them, one of the Azuras!"
"I don't understand anything… can I get in?"
"You fool, the one who attacked your village, one of his comrades is right in the wagon!"
"What??!!"
At that moment, the blue-haired one left the wagon, his expression cold and his steps slow. He approached us, then grabbed his sword. Was he planning to kill him this fast?
"Aa… aa…" the man suddenly started trembling, as if he had seen a monster or something terrifying.
"It's him!! The one who attacked the village!!! Help!!!!!" the man screamed as he ran away quickly.
Then, in the blink of an eye, the blue-haired one vanished and reappeared directly in front of the fleeing man. He grabbed his head and said: "I told you I'd find you."
"Hey you, what do you think you're doing?" I said. If he wanted a fight, I'd give it to him. I doubt he's even a veteran Azura. Clearly a beginner.
"I'm doing my job?"
"Doing your job… your job is stealing from villagers?"
"It doesn't matter what it is. What matters is that it's work."
"Let go of that man or I'll crush your skull."
"Listen, I don't want any trouble. You'll let me do my job or you'll find yourself in big trouble."
"I said, let him go or I'll smash your skull."
"Alright then…"
He did let the man go, but then stepped toward him after drawing his sword. Its blade was silver with a blue hilt. Well then, let's see this Azura's level… or this teenager's.
"Stop!!" the driver suddenly shouted.
"Can't you people talk for a moment? Not everything has to be solved with violence. We're not in the era of demons anymore… what's the problem here?"
"What do you mean what's the problem? Don't you see he wants to kill the man?!" I shouted.
"Umm… you, why do you want to kill him, for god's sake?"
"This is my job. Collecting taxes… and those who don't pay, die."
"Please give me another chance… I'll pay in a week!!" the man whispered while crying.
"I already gave you three chances," the blue-haired one replied coldly.
"No, no… who said you must pay… there's no such thing in the kingdom of Tylios… and you, blue-hair, I swear by the gods and by magic, you won't touch a hair on his head."
"I'll enjoy watching you defend him…" he said, shifting into a combat stance.
"I'll enjoy making you watch."
In that moment, he vanished again like before. This isn't even magic!
"You vanish and appear behind me… are you even a man?" I said, as I dashed backward, realizing he was behind me.
"Well then, you're a woman, aren't you? No man would do such things… let's see then, you want to fight with tricks, great!"
I stood directly in front of him, then pointed my hand to the ground. A magic circle formed from my hand… alright, let's go!
"Seallin!"
After finishing the chant, a magical chain shot out and bound the blue-haired man's leg.
"And now, let's see if you can disappear, coward… This spell prevents any ability that boosts your speed, so now it'll be man-to-man combat… But since I don't have a weapon, I'll be using magic. You don't mind that, right?"
He didn't answer, but he dashed at me with his sword. Damn, even with seallin cast, he's still fast… Impressive.
"Aurae!"
A shield formed around me instantly to block his sword strikes.
I dodged some, of course, but he's just too fast. I can't avoid them all… Fine, I need to attack now!
I rushed backward to create some distance so I could cast an offensive spell, but he was closing the gap quickly. Damn it, he's not a beginner like I thought.
Looks like I'll have to use my fists for a while.
"Fistos!"
A red aura wrapped around my fists, and I punched him hard, but he blocked it at the last moment. Even so, it was powerful enough to knock him back… Now it's time for some fireworks.
"Flamos!!"
My flaming spear shot toward him, but he cut through it with ease… Damn, this guy is really strong… This isn't fun anymore.
He rushed forward again, but I threw fireballs to slow him down. When smoke spread everywhere, I readied my fist, and with a swift move, I closed in on him for the strike… A perfect punch straight to his face!
"Pathetic," he muttered coldly.
He suddenly ducked low, placed his hand on the ground, and kicked my face with brutal force.
"Ughh… Not bad for a girl," I muttered as I wiped the blood dripping from my nose.
Wait! If he defeats me, does he have the right to kill me? If I die here, I'll never make it to Vostolia Academy… All those dreams will vanish… No, no, no!
I won't lose to you!!
"Viner!"
Green vines burst from the ground and wrapped around his leg. While he was about to fall, I dashed in to take advantage of the chance.
Oh no, not a punch this time… I'll use a spell.
"Flamos!"
This time, my spear hit him, knocking him to the ground, though he quickly stood back up… I can defeat him.
"Is this what you do after calling me girly?" he asked coldly.
"I said I don't have a sword."
"Magic is far stronger than any blade… Fine, fine."
With that, he tossed his sword toward me and continued,
"Here, fight me with the sword, and I'll fight with my bare hands. But free me first."
"…"
This doesn't seem like a good idea… If he's willing to make this challenge, he must be strong. And honestly, I know I can't beat him without magic.
"Fuck you, bitch!" I screamed, pointing my hand at him directly.
"Flamos!!!"
This is my chance… He doesn't have his sword, I can crush him now.
"You bastard!" he shouted, just before my attack hit.
In that moment, he fell to the ground, scorched badly across his chest.
"Surrender and I won't kill you," I said, holding his sword.
"So this is the behavior of the one who called me girly."
"War is deception… And besides, you're a criminal. I can't fight you fairly—this isn't a tournament or anything. I had to save that man no matter what. If you want a fair fight, we can meet in the capital's colosseum… But for now, will you surrender or not?"
"Damn you!"
Suddenly, a blue aura exploded outward. I couldn't see, and fear gripped me. But when the aura faded… he was gone.
"Hahaha, he ran away," I said, grinning wide.
"Thank you for saving me!!" the man, who'd been terrified moments ago, shouted with joy.
"No need to thank me… Shall we continue on our way?"
"Um… Oh yes, yes, let's go," the driver suddenly replied. He seemed just as shocked and scared.
I didn't expect him to be dumb enough to drop his weapon, but… why do I feel like something dangerous is about to happen? The joy of victory vanished, replaced by a strange feeling… anxiety.
I'm worried. I'm certain this victory won't pass quietly. A lot of things are going to happen. What if the Azuras come after me?
Will I die…? Damn it, why did I get myself into this mess… I should throw this sword away quickly.
It seems my life in Vostolia will be full of trouble—and it hasn't even begun yet… I'm starting to regret this…
I wish I'd stayed in the village.