Chapter 80: An Idol always seeks the Spotlight!

Chapter 80: An Idol always seeks the Spotlight!

Cant deny her pretty face and she wouldve been perfectonly if she shuts her damn trap, with a rough jerk, Jasper pulled me closer to him and brought his face close enough to mine that I could feel his breathing. Now that I think about it, mlady, we havent been introduced yet, right? The name's Jasper, Love.

Giving him the stink eye, I simply stuck my tongue out and smirked, thinking, Sorry, already know your name, buddy.

See what I mean, Boss? Spoiled little noble brat. Thinks shes so much better than us, Jasper scoffed, pushing me towards his boss.

The huge rhinoceros-looking beastman placed two fingers under my chin to raise my head up, making eye contact as if he was appraising me, True enoughHmph, not even looking away, lass? You either have the confidence that we wouldn't do anything to you, or you're delusional from whatever your family told you to do in these situations. Jasper, give me her ID, I want to know who she is.

Sorry, cant do that for ya, Boss. My lads already checked through her, we couldnt find one nor any other identifications like those emblems nobles love to wear on their clothes. For some reason, she didnt even have any shoes when we found her, Jasper shrugged, swaying his mullet slightly.

Just to note, I did step on something wet when Jasper brought me here, and those bandits didnt hide their horniness when they searched me through. I know how it feels to be grossed out by something disgusting but I gotta say that those were nothing compared to today.

I felt a primal rejection and an instinctual revulsion that sent a painful chill throughout my body as those men touched me. You know, when I volunteered for this job, I honestly didn't imagine this happening. Pretty nave, yeah, but I also haven't watched my crime dramas for seven months now.

Also to note, I really should get some sorta footwear. I got so used to having scales covering my feet that walking around without them makes me question why humans were born without some natural feet protection. Like, honestly.

Doesnt matter. The slaver probably knows who she is. Argh, fuck, cant believe I have to get that slimy bastard back. Hell probably try to fuck us over again by lowering the price of the prisoners, like last time, the beastman complained.

"Boss, I like a fight like any other scrapper, but you really should have kept your cool back then. After that Dragoon bitch and her knights kicked us out of our old place, and then that merc ambush, our crew cant go around looking for trouble before we get more lads, Jasper stated with worry in his voice.

Stuff it, I know that much already. Well sell all the prisoners to the slave trader and Ill try to squeeze as much as I can from him, the rhino then went to his desk, picked up a ring and directed it at me, a grin forming after a blue screen came out of the rings blue gem. Whew, youre pretty mysterious, lass, but I guess all the nobles from this kingdom are expected to learn magic. Never thought that youll just wander in here with a whole set of mana clothes. Thats already a goldite mine, if you ask me.

How the hell did he find out about my clothes? Was it that ring? I asked myself, mystified at this new item so I immediately used [Identify] to quench my curiosity.

Identify Ring

A manatech in the form of a ring. Uses mana from the owner to activate [Identify Lv. 1 (Restricted)] to analyze an object. Can only analyze inanimate objects and skills

Identify Lv. 1 (Restricted)

Possesses the effects of [Identify Lv. 1], however, it can only be used on inanimate objects and skills

How fun that I was able to find a new type of manatech among a group of bandits, and its an item that can use a skill, too. An Identify Ring is exactly what I would expect when you combine technology, fantasy, and game-like systems. It makes so much sense to make an item like that to make the lives of people easier.

Still, considering that he didnt mention the skills on my clothes, I would guess that the descriptions didnt lie when it said that the level of its [Identify] was only level 1. The higher the skills level, the more information it can display.

So, lass, the names Narube and I am the leader of this band of unlucky bastards. I got a person that will know your background anyway, so you want to spare him the trouble by telling us who you are? Gotta treat you right if youre important, right? Narube, the tall rhinoncerum offered me as he pushed his horn closer to my face, as if he was trying to intimidate me. Otherwise, youll have to dirty your pretty ass with the commoners. You also have to deal with my men. I can tell them to not go too far, but just saying, a lot of them arent too fond of nobles.

Thew, I didnt even consider it for a second, my only response was to spit into his eye. Sorry, I dont like being in the good grace of a bunch of rapists, slavers, terrorists, murders, and tort-HUH! OOOF!

As I was about to end my sentence, [Foresight] and [Danger Perception] erupted into action, warning me of an attack that was about to hit me. I could see it, I could react to it, but my body couldnt move in time. I let my guard down, my body wasnt in the position to dodge it, as something hard slapped my face, sending me crashing onto the ground.

Kuuck, what the fuckurgh, that actually hurts!

My head was ringing, my brain rattled inside my skull creating an intense headache. Whatever hit me was hard, as hard as getting hit by a metal slab. Nervously checking my Health and Mana, my eyes widened in shock when I saw my Mana wasnt touched while my Health was lowered down to 2/3rd of its original.

Thats when I realized my mistake. I was under the assumption that my [Draconic Barrier] was in effect. Why? Why was it not activated? I thought in horror. I knew that my draconic abilities like [Spark Fang] and [Spark Fire Breath] were unusable but I thought something like [Draconic Barrier] would still stick around.

Fucking hell, Boss! What the hell did you just do?! Jasper shouted as I still limply laid on the ground.

Shut it, an unamused voice responded as loud, rumbling footsteps came closer to me, ending when a hand grabbed my throat and pulled from the ground.

Urgh, kragh, krrr, I moaned, weakly grabbing my aggressors arm and trying to claw it off, instinctively thinking that I still had my dragonewt forms sickle-like claws.

Hold it in, hold it in! Dont go ballistic yet, Hestia! The others arent ready yet.

Youre lucky that I know how valuable you will be, brat, otherwise that arrogance of yours would have meant your death today, Narube callously stated. Still, youre used to combat, right? I saw you nearly dodging my hand back there, even when I wasnt being serious. A mage and experienced enough to react, youre pretty interesting, you stupid brat.

Nearly dodged it, I dont think so. That was not a glancing hit at all. I might not have taken the full brunt of that slap, but it still dealt a lot of damage to me, enough that I was even bleeding from my nose and what felt like a concussion. I guess I should be thankful that he held back, otherwise, I probably would have lost a tooth or two.

Still, why didnt my [Draconic Barrier] activate? [Draconic Magics] is a dragon skill and it should be gone too while Im a human but I could still use magic like normal. I had no problems hunting while in this form nor did I feel any difference from healing all those injured villagers and mercs.

Honestly, what is going on?

Jasper, put the girl back with the others. Have Macklemor check up on her, while youre at it. He wanted to convert her, right? Narube said, releasing his grip and letting me go. Also, tell the lads to not drink too much and go to sleep early. Were going once dawn comes to avoid anybody searching for the lass.

You got it, Boss, Jasper responded with a nod, pulling me up roughly and essentially dragging me out of the tent. Once we were out, he began talking to me, Damn, you got some guts to spit into a giant beastmans eye, lass. If you werent a mana blood, I would have totally hit you up.

I didnt say a word. Instead of humoring Jasper, I was more pre-occupied with what happened just now.

Why can I still use [Draconic Magic] but not [Draconic Barrier]? was my main conundrum.

I can understand stuff like [Draconic Claw] or [Draconic Fangs] being unavailable but why [Draconic Barrier], too? I was relying on it to endure any retaliation from Narube. Tch, if I had known this, I wouldnt have provoked him so much.

Well, Love, have fun with the commoners, with a push, Jasper put me back into the prisoner cages, leaving me here as he left the tent.

"Uh, ok, and why are you doing this then?" I asked, confused. "Your boss Narube is planning to sell me off, so wont all your efforts become useless once that happens?

Frowning, Macklemor slammed his hand at my prison bars, fervently responding, No, I wont let that happen! Lady Hestia, if you were to accept my proposal then I can buy your freedom back. Myestranged family, the Talsyn, isnt a noble house like yours, however, that doesnt mean that we arent influential. Not only is my family quite wealthy in Davi and magical knowledge, but we also have a good amount of influence as we are retainers of House Morgiana, one of the seven dukes who support our Kingdom of Artorias, as you should know.

No, I dont know that fact as I am not an aristocrat from this country but thank you for telling me anyways.

House Morgiana? I asked, acting surprised.

Exactly, the current Grand Duke of Arcane Affairs. I heard what you did back there with Boss, extremely unwise if I may add, so the chances are high that he would do his best to make your life hell. That man is terrible when it comes to handling his emotions, the fire mage explained. He wont allow you to get back to your family, however, I can intervene. I can pay for everything using my connection to my family. I can give you back your freedom if you wish. You wont have to stay here any longer the moment you accept my proposal, I swear this on my mortal soul.

Wait, what did he just say?

Youre actually trying to help me here? B-Butwhy? What do you get out of this?

I didnt expect that at all. From the moment I was captured by these highwaymen, everything I experienced during my captivity was maddening. Their lecherous gazes that could kill a girl from disgust, the cruel treatment they gave their prisoners, and the general lack of concern for the well-being of others.

My impression of them was filled with an unbending rage that was further tempered by that sucker-punch Narube gave me, flaring up my will to show that guy who he messed with. I had nothing but contempt for every single person here, helping me to make up my mind to fight. I wasnt gonna go on a murder rampage, I had enough sense, but breaking some bones would provide me with much-needed catharsis.

So, you can guess that I wasnt exactly expecting somebody like Macklemor to appear. I honestly thought he was as bad as everybody else from what I heard from the prisoners.

I already told you, Lady Hestia. I want to convert you to Danternos religion. I dont know why I am feeling this way but I feel something within you that is calling for me, that I should do all I can to convert you to a fire mage, Mackelor stated. "As you know, we fire mages aren't popular but that is just because of everybody's ignorance. They don't understand us. There are bad eggs in every group but that doesn't give people the right to persecute the entire group because of them. Unfortunately, we cant ignore reality as the fire mage order receives fewer novices every yearbut that can change with you, Lady Hestia! I can assure you that you will become-Huh?"

In the middle of his ramble, Macklemor suddenly stopped, standing still as he looked at something with widened eyes. I asked, What is it?

Y-Your ponytail, its flailing about, he pointed out.

Holding on to it, I could confirm that he was telling the truth, my ponytail was swinging around like crazy, Mister Macklemor, before I give my answer, could you answer mine first?

Of course, anything you must know, I will answer! he replied without hesitating.

Thank you. First, why are you with these people? You are clearly educated, and you dont strike me as a psychopath like the others, I asked with a frown.

Its not a pleasant story, I must say. I-I committed a crime due to my emotions. As a mage, I shouldnt let my emotions control me at that moment, but I just couldnt help it. Jasperhe was a friend I made at our capital and he was also the one to save me from my impending death, Macklemor replied with a distraught face, pained from having to remember it. You seeIm not a particularly talented mage compared to the rest of my family. It also didnt help that I rejected my familys custom spells and converted to fire magic. Ive nothing against nobles like everybody else here, as I have grown up with them, but I cant deny that some areunpleasant. Their mockery was harsh.

That stung deep. Although our situation wasnt the same, I kinda sympathized with him. My memories from my past life, the time when I was bullied and ignored by my fellow dance trainees due to my familys background, I couldnt help but feel sorry for him.

"I was supposed to be executed but Jasper got me out of there. He saved my life. W-We didn't exactly plan to join a bandit crew butit just happened. Life just brought me here," he continued. "At first, it was quite fun. I could finally do what a fire mage should be doing, burning down the old so the new can flourish. I couldn't be happierbut I quickly realized the reality of it when I accidentally killed a bystander while I was possessed by joy.

Macklemor heaved a short sigh before raising his head, "I love fire, I can't help it when a magnificent flame grows before mebut I take no joy in all this bloodshed. Danterno doesn't preach needless bloodshed!" He then turned his gaze to the women that he captured today. "I am sorry. I apologize as a worshipper of Danterno but also as a fellow believer of our Goddess, Aurena. I am a sinner. I couldn't stop them from taking your neighbor's lives, nor could I help myself from feeling delighted from burning their corpses. I deserve nothing but your anger."

Silence, nothing but silence. The women he dedicated those words to didn't say a word, simply glaring at him with reddened eyes caused by weeping for their fallen and unconscious men. There was no forgiveness despite how sincere he sounded. It may be silent, but the atmosphere was filled with rage and sadness, permeating the very air with a thick cloud of emotions.

A good man made a mistake and landed with the wrong crowd.

If you were given the chance, would you escape from this place? breaking the silence, I asked Macklemor my last question.

Staring at me, he wept, mouth agape as he tried to form some words, I-I cannot.

Are you serious? I replied in shock. Then what was all of that then, huh? What was that heartful backstory of yours supposed to do then? Youre even shedding tears, but you say, I cannot? Why?

Lady Hestia, I owe Jasper my life. If he hadnt been there then I would have been executed for my crimes. I cant abandon him, hes my friend, he said with a wry smile, tears still flowing. If that is all your questions, then please accept my proposal. I can get you out of here unharmed, I promise. Your family doesnt have to pay for your release. However, I will only do that if you accept becoming my apprentice. Become a Danterno worshipper. You dont have to give up on your other faiths.

I stared into his eyes to confirm his intentions, let out a sigh of exasperation in response, and then freed my ponytail with my still tied-up hands. After a few seconds, a booming explosion suddenly resounded, terrifying everybody in the tent, besides for me.

My fellow prisoners were in a panic, questioning what it was, while Macklemor simply left the tent.

With him outside, I strained my arms and broke free from my bindings, easily tearing through the thick rope. I then cast [Flame Spear], grabbed it, and morphed it with [Pyrokinesis] into a blade to slice through the prison bars like butter.

Miss Priestess?! Lorenas parents asked, surprised at my actions.

Mr. Glenn and Mrs. Linda, please call me Hestia. Im not a priestess, I answered.

Not stopping, I then cast a few green and brown magic circles around the cage and a single giant white one under us. Seeing all these magic circles, the villagers and mercs quickly stood up, mesmerized by all the colors that were appearing before them, T-Then, who are you then?!

Before I could answer that, Macklemor stormed back into the tent, sweat flowing down his forehead, Lady Hestia, something happened! I have to ask you tostay here.

Giving the anxious fire mage a short glance, I dispelled the [Flame Spear] that I was holding and began emitting a mana cloud from my body, covering my whole body.

[Humanized (Moderate)] inflicted on [Young Spark Inferno Dragon, Hestia Atsuko]

Once my vision returned, I flaunted everything about myself. My horns, my claws, my fangs, my scales, my tail, and even my slit dragon pupils. Like a curtain, the mana cloud from [Humanization] hid me behind it, eventually revealing the ticking-time-bomb that was waiting to blow.

Sorry, Mister Macklemor but I cant stay backstage, I said with a grin. For I am an Idol! And an Idol always seeks the spotlight! Terra Wall, Wind Blast, Air Shield!

Gusts of wind and walls of earth erupted from the ground, sending not only the cage but also the tent into the orange sky. While my barrier of wind slowly enveloped over me, protecting the villagers and mercs, another explosion rumbled the bandit camp, sending the already alarmed bandits into another round of hysteria.

Time to own this night.