Book 1: Chapter 9: (2)

Book 1: Chapter 9: (2)

Matoba. Got him, I see.

It was none other than Chief Roth.

It was still dark out. A single car had stopped on the hill overlooking the shrine, remaining motionless as its passenger got out.

Chief?

As he brought Zelada up to his feet, Matoba asked with a puzzled expression on his face.

Were still establishing control over the main temple. And the international terrorist, Abu Kalim, has also been apprehended by the authorities. He was the one who ordered the purchase of the bombs.

Thats great to hear and all. But why are you here, Chief?

Coming over to stand beside him, Chief Roth took out a revolver from under his suit pocket.

For this.

Saying that, he casually aimed his gun at Tilarnas chest and opened fire. In the gray of the morning, the sound of the gunshot echoed throughout the hillside. Without even being able to utter a sound, Tilarna bent over backward, resting her body on the shrine entrance, motionless.

!

Let go of him.

The end of his gun was pointed directly at Matobas chest.

Wha

Matoba had no idea what just happened.

His boss of three years, a man whom he respected, whom he worked together with, had suddenly turned his gun on him, ordering him to release the man responsible for Ricks death. He was serious. Definitely not a zombieor anything of the sort. Police Inspector Jack Roth had most certainly shot Tilarna, pointed his weapon at Matoba, and told him to let go of Zelada all out of his own will.

I repeat. Let go of him.

He let go of Zeladas hand, confusion wracking every single part of his body. The black magician left Matobas side, waddling over towards Chief Roth. Without the slightest hint of hesitation, Roth kept his gun on Matobafor he knew the true extent of Matobas power.

You saved me, Roth-sama.

Zeladas fingertips glowed blue. In a white puff of smoke, the nylon tape restraining his wrists went up in flames.

(Son of a bitch)

He did not know what form of magic he used. And yet the spectacle before him demonstrated that Zelada could have escaped anytime he wished.

Roth continued.

Hurry up and leave. Can you drive?

Certainly, if I have my staff with me.

Then, use my car.

As you wishhehe.

With a bow of his head, he ascended the slope of the hill, Spirit Bomb and staff in hand. As he did so, he stopped for but a moment, turning his head back.

Ah, yes. Matoba-sama, correct?

How fine you have become, indeed. I could hardly recognize you from the time we met in the Dhaksini Wetlands.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om

The instant he heard those words, the doubts Matoba had held in his mind the feelings he had kept bottled up to this point came flooding out.

Just as I thought, it was him!

So it was you. My squad, you were the one

Kei Matoba. I thought you would understand the reasons behind my actions. That is why I have told this to you.

You telling me to join your cause? To get involved in all of this?

Thats right.

Weve known each other a long time. Surely youd know how Id respond?

Without uttering a single word, Matoba mouthed his answer.

Fuck you.

A shame.

Roth sighed.

As I recall, you would always hide a revolver in your ankle. Try it, if youd like.

Strapped to Matobas right ankle was the backup pistol he had hidden beforehand. If he were to reach out for his gun as he was kneeling now, aiming it at Roth he would most likely be able to fire three shots at most. Roth was a good shot. They were four meters away from one another, more or less. It was not a distance that could be evaded.

Still, he had no choice but to do it. If he could just somehow avoid a life-threatening injury.

At that time, having laid motionless by the shrine entrance, Tilarna suddenly got up. She was alive. For an instant, Roth took his eyes off of Matoba.

!

He moved on reflex.

Bending over, he extended his hand towards his ankle, ripping the safety tape off the holster, and grabbing his revolver. Roth was already pointing his gun at him; he would not make it.

Roth opened fire. A sharp pain ran through his shoulder. Still alive. He aimed his revolver at Roth. Bang! It hit right in the center of his chest.

Urgh!

Staggered, Roth dropped his weapon, falling face-up on the ground.

The moment of truth over, Matoba was drenched in sweat. Roth had merely grazed his right shoulder. It was hard to imagine him missing at that distance. The reason for that was, of course, Tilarna. She had found a rock lying around, throwing it at Roths arm.

..You okay?

At Matobas words, Tilarna sluggishly stood up, holding her longsword over her head. On a part of the sword, the crushed remains of a bullet remained behind. She had deflected it with her sword.

Im amazed you got through that in one piece.

Myself as well.

Tilarna said, pale-faced.

It must be the divine blessing of the Goddess Ghizenya. After he shot me in both the chest and head, I must have blacked out for some time I must apologize.

No. You saved me.

He walked over to the collapsed Roth.

A shame, Roth.

Matoba said.

I thought of you as a father. Really, I did.

I see.

Roth replied. Blood was frothing from the end of his mouth.

Forgive me.

With one last murmur, Jack Roth stopped breathing