"If you have time to complain, just run faster.""Arai!"
Tadak! Tadak! Tadak!
Maybe it was because of Shuguri's annoyance, but it was becoming easier to concentrate. No, it's probably because I've gotten used to the beast's heart over time.
Now it was even possible to predict where the stepping stones would come up. I jumped ahead and ran over the rock before it could break through the water.
Then it felt like I was racing on water.
"Your Excellency, the Governor has performed another miracle..."
Swaaa...
People's voices of surprise were heard, but they were soon buried in the heavy rain.
This was because it was now quite far from the city. As a result, the storm grew stronger. It seemed like I would probably meet my counterpart soon.
But it was at that very moment when I was about to step on the stepping stones.
"Huh?"
As soon as I heard Shuguri's embarrassed voice, I felt a sense of emptiness.
I couldn't help but be confused too.
Contrary to expectations, my feet sank deep into the water.
***
Able let out a strange scream as the river water poured into his mouth.
"Ewww!"
He was a swimmer, but he knew he was no use in these rapids. One would be swept away before even having the chance to swim. But Able didn't just float away. Using his immense strength, he buried his legs into the riverbed, like a deeply rooted tree.
'Ugh!'
He groaned inwardly, slowly moving forward. Although his progress was slow, he was still moving. Eventually, he managed to get his head out of the water; it seemed like they had finally reached a shallow place.
"Phuha!"
Able gasped for air and quickly turned his head. Shuguri was hanging onto his coat, clinging with all his might to avoid being tossed away.
"Hey! The stepping stones didn't go all the way up. What the heck is going on?" Shuguri shouted.
Able had sensed Shuguri's ability and jumped to the exact location, but the rock had only risen halfway, failing to serve as a proper stepping stone.
Because of this, they were both thrown violently into the river.
"That guy interfered with my authority," Shuguri said, gritting his teeth.
"Is he that strong?" Able asked, his voice calm but filled with curiosity.
"Of course not as much as me. He just added a bit of lethal force." Shuguri snapped, his anger flaring at the comparison to a demigod.
Able inwardly smirked.
'I like these because their scratch points are really simple.'
He looked ahead, frowning. After crawling through the water, he finally saw the end, but immediately felt a strong energy in front of him.
A demigod, likely the culprit behind this mess, was in that violent storm.
Able took the gavel out of his bosom. Now was the time for the final battle. S~eaʀᴄh the Nôvelƒire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.
"You dare threaten the lives of my people? Come out! You rotten demigod!"
Able's words echoed, though no one else was listening. He was fully immersed in the role of Abel Carries, and his defiance felt natural.
Then, the opponent revealed himself.
The strong wind that had been blowing gradually died down. It was as if the area around the demigod's lower half was extremely calm, like the eye of a typhoon.
The demigod's appearance was similar to Adam's—a monstrous figure over two meters tall with muscles that seemed ready to burst.
The main difference was the lack of hair; his skin was covered with fine scales, marking him as a creature of the river.
"A human being who has come this far! It's amazing," the demigod said, his voice rumbling like thunder.
"Why are you doing such a thing if you're so surprised?" Able shot back, undeterred.
"Well, this is my mission..."
"Stop whining. I know a few people who are half-demigod, and they all say there's no such thing."
Able's tone was dismissive. Adam was the only one he knew personally, but it wasn't an unfounded statement. He also had a bad history with a guy named Peltron from the North.
Regardless of whether they were half-god or half-demon, they were just beings living in this world.
They were not from the heavenly or demonic realms, nor could they return to such places.
"What are you talking about? I am the guardian deity of this river. I have a duty to protect the floodplain!" the demigod roared.
As expected, he was someone Able couldn't reason with. Ignorant people with firm beliefs were terrifying, and this demigod was no exception.
"I heard floodplains form when the rainy season comes anyway. They won't disappear just because you're not bothering them," Able replied, his patience wearing thin.
"How dare a human like you try to teach a god?" the demigod sneered.
Half the city was underwater, and Able's anger flared at the demigod's arrogance.
"Ha! You're really screwed."
Able's arm began to glow with a brilliant blue light as his catastrophic retribution surged.
The skill hadn't been activated yet, but his fury seemed to project through it. Able didn't care how his abilities played out as long as they defeated this demigod.
"I will put an end to your tiresome relationship with Deliat," Able declared.
Despite the dangerous situation, this place had become his second home, and he was determined to protect it.
Able's right arm and gavel shook violently as catastrophic retribution threatened to unleash its power.
'Just hold on a little longer. I'll let you taste blood.'
Able braced his legs and prepared to leap forward, aiming to rush in and crush the demigod in one swift strike.
But at that moment, a holographic message suddenly appeared before his eyes.
[You have made a huge difference in the community by influencing countless Delaware people. A reward will be given.]
Able frowned at the unexpected message.
'Of all times, why now?'
As if responding to his discontent, the hologram shimmered again.
[A skill has been created. First cast privilege! Consumption cost is waived. Would you like to activate it right away?]
'Still, I can't stand this.'