Chapter 8: This Witch is Taking the Stage

Chapter 8: This Witch is Taking the Stage

Sumire didn’t expect to be talented in magic. But what could she expect, given random transportation to another world and strange promises from an aloof Goddess Kreah? However, Sumire was launching fireballs at a target, surrounded by knights in ornate red plate armor. All seven heroes were given gifts, and hers was magical prowess.

To think that a week ago, I was serving detention with all of these hoodlums. Now, they were all being served by maids and having the kingdom watch them like idols. She launched an icicle at another target and shattered it.

Sumire grinned as the knights praised her. Maybe this isn’t so bad?

This situation is terrible! It was so cliche being surrounded by bandits. And all of us in the back were just helpless maidens! Where was the police force? Traveling actors needed guards, yet we were without them. The bandits surrounded us, eying our bodies with their lecherous eyes. There were ten of them, and their leader was the first to walk forward.

“If you surrender now, we will only take the girls,” the bandit leader said as he exaggeratedly licked his dagger and drew blood. “If you don’t surrender, then me and my boys here will rough you up a little and take everything.” He finished with an evil laugh befitting a ruffian.

“There’s no way we will surrender,” Wood Beach said, “I will have you know we are C-rank adventurers. I am sure there is a hefty reward on your head.”

“I see,” the bandit leader said, “so you have chosen death?” He looked at his criminal comrades. “Gettem boys!”

As soon as the action started, the world seemed to slow—almost like it was driven by divine providence. The bandits rushed forward, and I could tell they were giving it their all. However, they were all moving in slow motion. I looked at the acting troupe, and it was the same for them. Time was slowed almost to a halt. I knew a Goddess had been watching me. The writing was on the walls.

I thought back to that merchant who said something about such a person. In the slow world, I felt like I had all the time to think. Since I started pondering, the bandits had not finished their first step. I looked at the disgusting bandit leader, who still had his tongue sticking out. I wondered why anyone would do such a thing, but that thought didn’t matter much. The only thing of import was they were enemies.

They were bandits bent on harming helpless maidens. I knew my magic was weak, but if the world had slowed, I could prove helpful for once. I smiled at the thought. I’d be able to upgrade from a bag carrier!

I didn’t know what spell to try, so I approached the bandit leader, raising my staff high. When I arrived, there was a hint of disbelief in his eyes, but it mattered not. I brought the staff down on his head.

“I am bothering her? Did you know about this?”

“I wasn’t certain, but now I am sure.”

Wood Beach entered into their conversation. “Isn’t she even better than the court wizard?”

Tank, who had usually only grunted, walked forward. He lifted the lower half of his helm to me, exposing his cracked mouth. “Who. Are. You?” He asked and pointed his sword at me.

“Wait, stop!” Mary said, grabbing the tip of his sword.

“No. Dangerous.”

“She is not our enemy. Lower your weapon.”

Tank obliged her request, slowly lowering the sword and covering his mouth again. He simply grunted and walked back to the carriage.

Their acting skills were simply unbelievable. I felt envious from watching them. I wanted to ask if I could take the stage after that performance, but I still had much more to learn.

“Eerie,” Mary said, drawing closer. Her face had once again become scary, even though her lips were upturned.

“Y-yes?”

“We’re going to have a long talk later.”