Cruel.
Cold.
Yet faintly alluring.
When Lock stepped into the chamber, Clementine was already moving.
She flowed between the bandits like a hunting beast, her body low and predatory. Each step was precise. Each shift of her weight carried intent. Her short blades flashed—not to kill immediately, but to carve, to tease, to savor.
Blood blossomed across flesh in thin, deliberate lines.
A scream rang out.
Clementine vanished from one man's side and reappeared behind another. His knees buckled before he even realized his throat had been opened.
Yet at times, she stopped.
Surrounded.
Steel rose around her as several bandits swung at once.
She did not parry.
She slipped through them—hips twisting, shoulders dipping—like a fish gliding between nets. Blades passed where she had been a heartbeat earlier.
"Enough."
Lock's voice cut through the chaos, calm and bored.
"What's the point of playing with trash?"
He picked up a bowl of ale from the table, sniffed it once, and grimaced. The sour stench ruined even the idea of drinking. He set it aside.
"It's time to find the main course."
Clementine's smile widened.
In a single breath, she moved.
Silver arcs flashed.
Blood sprayed.
Every bandit clutched his neck at once, disbelief frozen on their faces as they collapsed.
"How disappointing," Clementine muttered, stepping over the bodies.
She continued deeper into the cave.
"Heh… still disobedient," Lock said mildly, following her without urgency.
The tunnel ahead was silent.
Too silent.
No footsteps.
No voices.
No drunken laughter.
Then—someone approached.
The glow of an oil lamp revealed a man with wild, purple hair like tangled seaweed. A sword hung at his waist. His stance was relaxed, confident, honed by countless battles.
"Are you the intruders?"
A grin spread across his face.
"Judging by your presence… You look strong. Good. Come—play with me."
Clementine tilted her head slightly, studying him like prey.
"Who's this?"
Her question was casual, but her eyes never left him.
"Brain Anglaus," Lock replied evenly.
"Oh~"
Realization sparked in Clementine's gaze.
"So this is the sparring partner you mentioned."
She rolled her shoulders once, loose and eager.
Brain's smile widened further. To grow stronger, he had thrown himself into danger again and again. The two before him radiated exactly the kind of pressure he sought.
"So you came for me?" he said, excitement bleeding into his voice.
"Well then… let's see what you've got."
Clementine casually tossed one short sword into the air. The blade spun, glittering, and she caught it by the hilt without looking.
"Brain Anglaus," she said sweetly,
"Try to last a little longer. Big sister wants to have some fun."
"Hmph. Arrogant woman."
Brain's hand settled on his sword.
No matter what, he was a swordsman who could stand against Gazef Stronoff. He would not be toyed with.
That thought shattered instantly.
The world lurched.
A blade filled his vision—straight for his heart.
Clang!
Steel screamed.
Brain was forced back two steps, boots scraping stone. His smile vanished, replaced by sharp focus.
Fast.
Too fast.
This woman—she was no ordinary opponent.
"Hmm?" Clementine rested her blade on her shoulder, relaxed.
"You're not bad."
InBrian'ss eyes, that casual posture was terrifying.
"Then I'm coming now."
Martial Art: Domain.
The brain's perception exploded outward. His awareness sharpened, sword aura spreading into a field around him.
Clementine entered it anyway.
Her movements were caught—but barely.
Clink. Clink. Clink.
Blades clashed in rapid succession. Brain parried a strike at his shoulder—
—and the second blade went straight for his throat.
He twisted desperately.
Steel grazed skin.
He used the recoil to throw himself backward, boots skidding.
His hands trembled.
Not from fear—
—but from numbness. The impact alone had nearly torn the sword from his grip.
"Who are you?" Brain demanded, breath heavy.
The answer terrified him before it was even spoken.
This woman had already stepped beyond him.
Beyond Gazef.
Heroic Realm.
"Oh my," Clementine laughed softly.
"Already shaking? I don't like men who finish this quickly."
"I haven't even tried yet."
"That's enough," Lock said flatly.
"Use your full strength. Let him understand the difference."
Clementine clicked her tongue but obeyed.
She lowered herself into a crouch.
Her equipment—light, flawless, enchanted—did not hinder her at all. It freed her.
Ability Boost.
Super Ability Boost.
Gale Super Dash.
Killing intent detonated.
The brain's body reacted before his mind could. Goosebumps rippled over his skin. His breathing tightened.
I will die.
He accepted it—
—and answered with everything he had.
Ability Boost.
The stone beneath Clementine's feet cratered.
She vanished.
Secret Technique: Tiger Fall Flute!
Brain's sword roared as he poured everything into the slash.
Clementine smiled.
Her blade traced a perfect arc.
Clang.
Brain stared.
The upper half of his sword was gone.
The severed tip spun once—then embedded itself in the wall.
Cold touched his neck.
Clementine stood beside him, eyes glowing, blade resting lightly against his throat.
For the first time in his life, Brian understood despair.
When he lost to Gazef, it had been clean.
This—
This was annihilation.
After a long silence, he exhaled and laughed weakly.
"I lost."
His shoulders dropped.
"Do it."
Clementine's eyes sharpened. Her blade rose—
"Enough."
Lock's voice stopped her.
She froze, irritation flashing across her face, and withdrew the blade.
"Tch."
Brain looked between them, then at Lock.
"You're in charge… aren't you?"
Lock stepped forward.
"Brain Anglaus," he said calmly,
"Answer me honestly. Will you become my subordinate?"
"In return," Lock continued,
"I will make you as strong as her."
Brain stared.
"…Do I have the right to refuse?"
"No."
Lock smiled faintly.
"I would simply force you."
Brain sighed, then straightened.
"Then I choose willingly."
Lock extended his hand.
Brain clasped it.
"Welcome."
Clementine turned away with a scoff.
"Hmph."
---
A/N: Advanced Chapters Have Been Uploaded On My Patreon
Support: patreon.com/Narrator_San