Chapter 24: Archer in the Dead of Night

Chapter 24: Archer in the Dead of Night

Hmm, such a thing happened huh.

With the sun long since set, a pair of girls were pacing on the asphalt, where the dimness was faintly revealed by the streetlights that had been scattered around the area.

The two girls, Karen and Fina, were on their way home following the completion of the Kaguya activities for the day.

Yes. So, Lady Karen, please allow me to be under the guidance of Teacher Kanaki for a while. Of course, I will be your escort as always

I dont particularly mind. Do not fret on my part. Go ahead and snatch whatever techniques you can from him.

Contrary to expectations, Finas request was readily granted, in spite of speculation that more opposition would be forthcoming. Feelings of being more or less outwitted were not inexistent, but Fina was nonetheless heartened by the outcome.

Thank you, Lady Karen!

No problem. Since you are competing in next months SKT, its only logical that you would be eager to sharpen your skills, though it came as a surprise to me that the avenue for you to achieve this goal would be receiving direct instruction from that teacher

In opposition to her words, Karen did not strike a note of animosity in her tone as she had before. From all signs, the last case or so had apparently eliminated her aversion to Kanaki, even if her feelings of fondness for him were still absent.

Thank goodness, Fina thought, and immediately afterward, she found herself harboring simultaneously complicated sentiments somewhere in her heart.

Against her initial impression, she came to grasp that Kanaki was, to a certain extent, dependable as a teacher. While he may be inadequate in terms of ability, he was sincere in his treatment of each and every one of his students, and her request this time was also based on her trust in his skills in martial arts. The fact that not only herself, but her esteemed Karen likewise acknowledged this, even if it was only partially, was a cause for rejoicing, rather than any ill feelings. But why was that

Fina, its all right. For my part, Senior Aldar has actually offered to accompany me on assignments from time to time. Even though our relationship has been on a bad footing, I suppose I can learn an abundance of insight from our joint struggle. I may not be very fond of him, but I will relent here and ensure that regret will be inflicted on him for his crude conduct toward you.

By crude conduct, are you referring to the last time he subdued me during the lesson? Admittedly, I was mortally frustrated at the time, but I am not so dragged down by it now.

Being competitive and rooted in the past was one of the few shortcomings of Karen, an otherwise impeccable person.

Well, Karens feeling of resentment over what was done to Fina made her irresistibly gratifying though

Lady Karen.

Yes, they are here.

Right as they neared a small bridge over a stream, Finas footsteps came to an abrupt halt.

The follower was not at all perplexed, and even Karen stopped in her tracks without question.

Fina activated her magical power and invoked See-through.

It was then that they perceived that a small-scale barrier was in effect around the bridge they were on.

It would appear a barrier has been set up.

Its not a coincidence huh. The aim is us, or more likely, me. What kind of barrier is it?

Theres dispelling barrier, soundless barrier and invisibility barrier.

They are quite stringent. Perhaps the person behind this is Eraser that was reported in Kaguya.

Eraser. An unidentified devilish homicide who has recently been obliterating people in this city.

The other day, Rain made contact with him and a battle ensued, but he was thwarted by a mass of skeletons summoned by a third party, therefore escaping.

Even with the interference of the third party, this was the very individual who had fled from Rain. Assuming that the assailant was Eraser, they too must be on their toes.

I will go.

Signs of presence were eventually sensed simultaneously from the front and the rear. Fina and Karen called forth their respective specialized equipment, as well as their magical tools that doubled function as weapons.

From the magical tool that can store supplies, Fina brought out a magic sword and Karen pulled out a magic dual-sword.

Carrying and utilizing highly potent magical tools with the ability of lethal force was strictly prohibited for most people, but under special circumstances, their usage and implementation were excused. Such special circumstances included being a member of the Kaguya, the Security Force, or in a position where they could be vulnerable to danger.

For such an out-of-the-box woman, I wonder if my presence is really needed as an escort.

Right now, should Karen declare that she no longer required her services, Fina would be powerless to refute even a single word. For this not to take place, she would need to be skilled enough to protect Karen, but would such a thing really be within her power?

I dont think that developing your magic skills is the only thing you can contribute to her.

The words that Kanaki once uttered to her come to mind.

But then, how can I contribute to Lady Karen

At this time, Fina was undoubtedly in a state of distraction. It may have been that Karen had loosened her fighting spirit.

That distinct opening was something the assailant could not afford to let slip away.

Hyuu

A faint, ruffling sound drifted across the air.

Fina!!

The sound of Karens piercing cry reached Finas ears when she belatedly raised her head, disengaging her train of thought.

Zu kahaa!

Eh.

By the time of realization, Karen was standing in front of Fina with an arrow lodged in her back.

Lady Karen

Dont stop thinking!

A voice arose nearby as the gravity of the spectacle that lay before her eyes gradually sank in, and her lips formed the semblance of a scream.

Huh?

!

To their surprise, the voice belonged to Kanaki.

Taking his place in front of Fina and Karen, a sharp knifehand strike swung down into the void.

A delayed sound of something popping was followed shortly after by the sight of an iron arrow on the ground.

On closer scrutiny, the shape of the arrow was identical to the one stuck in Karens.

T-Teacher! Lady Karen, Lady Karen was shot by an arrow

I know, settle down! Hurry and get out of here or you will be an excellent target for the enemy here!

After saying so, Kanaki stomped on the ground, carrying Karen, who was still standing even after being hit by an arrow.

Fina hurriedly followed suit and took one quick glance behind her.

Even if I use See-through, there is neither a figure nor even a reaction of magical power in the surrounding area. Aside from the figure, it is unbelievable that there is not even a magical power reaction in the vicinity. If magic has been exerted nearby, even a residue of it should be recognizable, and yet!

Forget about the opposition! More importantly, right now we need to send her to the hospital! We have to move quickly!

Y-Yes!

With unflinching resolve, Fina hurried behind Kanaki as she picked up the speed and turned her focus to the city at night