"They really are insane." I chuckled slightly, wiping the blood from my lips before standing up again and glaring at him. He barely had a scratch, while my clothes were torn—thankfully just at the edges.
"You really have a death wish, don't you, Ms. Nyssa?" He toyed with the black flames in his hand, shaping them into a ball. "What I hate most are stubborn people like you." He wound up and hurled the fireball at me with force. I blocked it with my dagger, but it exploded, sending me flying back.
Coughing from the smoke, I slowly got back up.
Tsk. Annoying.
"Ahhh, I should really hold back from killing you. Oops! I almost forgot—you're the key to our plan." He smirked and laughed.
Honestly, I was getting more and more irritated with him. If I could just shove a pulboron into his mouth mid-battle to shut him up, I would. But it was better if he kept talking—he might slip up and reveal more of their plans.
I hissed.
"You know, why don't we just settle this? Do you really want a system like that? Sure, everyone's equal, but you have to kill to make your dreams—or whatever twisted goal you have—come true? Because from what I see, if you're willing to kill and ruin lives over something this trivial… the rule you want will only bring more chaos. Why not give people a choice in how they're governed? Do you really think what's in your head is right? Will it truly benefit everyone?"
He paused, as if thinking. Then he smirked and pointed his flaming sword at me.
"Benefit everyone? Don't act like some hero who can save them all. Nothing we want will happen without sacrifice."
I stared at him. His eyes seemed to be telling me something, but I couldn't decipher what.
A few seconds later, he charged at me. Time seemed to slow. His sword was aimed straight at me, ready to take my life.
What happened to him that made him hate those in power so much?
Before the blade could reach me, he suddenly stopped.
No…
There was someone behind him.
My gaze lifted, and I saw a familiar face.
"C-Captain Chen…" I stammered. Why is he here? What about the plan?!
"You're such a—" Zeid growled, grabbing the man by his collar and slamming him into the wall. The guy gasped for air before collapsing.
Zeid strode toward me and grabbed my arm.
"We're leaving."
I tried to yank free, but he was too strong.
"Why?!"
"You weren't supposed to fight. You said you'd just lure them out. You stupid woman. Why are you always rushing into danger? Do you want to die?!"
Now he was angry again.
"So what if I die? It's not like I'm any—"
"Say one more word and I'll—"
"You'll what?!"
"Shut up—" He didn't finish before suddenly lifting me and dodging an attack from the man, whose body was now covered in blood. Looks like Zeid really went all out on him.
Zeid carried me outside to a vast grassy field.
"What about our plan?" I asked once he set me down.
He glared at me.
"You were the one who ruined it. You said they had to come to you. But you charged in instead. What do you think will happen now? They'll know we're plotting something. Are you insane?!"
I scratched the back of my head.
"Don't worry. Now we know who the three masterminds are." I grinned.
His frown deepened, as if realizing my real plan.
First, the guy who looks like Maxson. Second, the one who must've gone after Zeid's group, which is why he rushed here. And the third… I'm sure Captain Masashi noticed them. I felt someone following us earlier—a shadow.
"And you think I'd still be happy about this?" he asked, but before he could scold me further, a black fireball came hurtling toward us. Zeid swiftly drew his sword and sliced it in half.
He looks so cool from behind…
Ugh! Focus, Nyssa! I need to call Captain Kiro.
I took out my phone and dialed. He answered immediately.
"Mm."
"Ahh… Captain—"
"Underground… There's a tunnel… leading from Artrias to an altar where the Chen Clan's artifact is perfectly placed." He paused. Lieutenant Eisha's voice came through next.
"There are forbidden symbols here that can only be activated once they obtain the artifact. But… there's also a massive arcane symbol they can use if their plan fails. In short, they need you—a compatible spell caster connected to the Chen Clan's artifact. That way, even without the artifact, they'll use you as a bridge to draw its power and fulfill their goal. These forbidden symbols… were used centuries ago against nations but were banned. Hiyosko hid them, but decades ago, they vanished. No one knows who stole them."
"It's clear now," Captain Kiro muttered.
The sounds of Zeid's sword clashing and explosions faded into the background.
Now I understand why they want me.
"So those symbols are connected to monsters, right?"
"Yes. I think the monsters created by one or two of the Black Trio aren't enough, which is why they need you and the artifact. Don't worry—other squads are already moving to capture everyone linked to the Black Trio. We'll secure this place. Be careful, Nyssa."
The call ended.
My gaze drifted back to Zeid, who was still shielding me from the man's flames.
He looks so determined…
My heart raced. I didn't know why, but I felt… happy.
Have you accepted me, Zeid? Even if not as your wife?
Because if so… Mira is happy now.
My eyes widened as another fireball shot toward me. I raised my dagger, ready to dodge—but before it could reach me, Zeid sliced it into countless pieces, making it vanish.
"Zeid…" I whispered.
He turned to me, the faint breeze tousling his hair.
"This time... I'll keep you safe."
His voice echoed in my ears.
I didn't know what to feel, so…
I just laughed.
"Thank you, Zeid."