Chapter 359 (Self Edited) – Lie or Truth

Chapter 359 (Self Edited) – Lie or Truth

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As Aina glanced sideways at the state of the room, she let out a sigh. Honestly, there were various thoughts swirling in her mind, but now wasn’t the time to voice them. Moreover, they had managed to intervene before things reached their worst. For now, that should be enough.
“Heh… Today’s another day of being called a damn bastard. Well, I don’t really mind. Sometimes, it’s just how it goes.” (Isaac)
“What are you talking about? Have you lost your mind?” (Aina)
She looked at him coldly from the bottom of her heart, but the man…she believed his name was Isaac or something, the corner of his mouth quirked up in amusement. He didn’t seem to consider her a threat… but that was understandable. After all, she had been overwhelmed without much resistance earlier. It could be seen as a fair assessment, yet she had no intention of falling behind now.
“Heh, you’re pretty confident. But how long will that confidence last? We were actually planning to deal with this after that, but… oh well. Since you’ve come all this way, let’s have some fun first. Oh, don’t worry. I’ll make sure you have your fun too.” (Isaac)
“Say what you will. It won’t be the same as before.” (Aina)
“Oh really? Well then, show me what’s different.” (Isaac)
Isaac’s words drained her strength instantly. Though she managed to hold on momentarily, a stronger drowsiness than before washed over her, threatening to send her into sleep at any moment. But…
“Oh? I hit you with something stronger than before, but you’re still hanging on. I thought it’d be over in an instant… So, you’re tougher than you look, huh?” (Isaac)
“Well, I’m just really, really sleepy. If I can understand it, it’s not unbearable.” (Aina)
“You talk big for someone barely hanging on. But I don’t want to ruin the fun by hurting you too much. Well, I could just ignore it… But I’m a good guy who wants to make as many people happy as possible.” (Isaac)
“Say what you will… This is…!” (Aina)
Since waking up, she had been thinking of how to counter this attack. Even if it only made her sleepy, she had just experienced how threatening it could be firsthand. The fact that nothing serious had happened was purely due to her opponent’s whim. It wouldn’t have been surprising if she had been killed or turned into part of the people still lying on the ground. And if she lost here, that would likely be her fate this time.
Rather than facing that, she’d rather bite her tongue off and die right now, but it was too early to give up. In essence, all she needed to do was overcome this drowsiness. Soma could easily handle this kind of situation… No, she shouldn’t say only Soma could do that. She had shown that she could do what Soma did. So, yes, she could.
There wasn’t anything particularly difficult about what she was attempting. She wasn’t trying to do the impossible like Soma or Sheila. There were actually spells to resist drowsiness. She just needed to use one. Now, it was time to do what she hadn’t been able to do before. That’s all. And so…
“――O light, heed my will and my thoughts, become a force to dispel impurity and defeat the demon. Let that power manifest here and now.” (Aina)
―― Advanced Magic: Divine Protection of Demon King – Concentration of Mind – Single Mind – Seams into the Mountains: Magic – Cure Light Wide.
In an instant, light enveloped Aina and Sheila’s bodies. The light melted into their bodies and disappeared, but the effect was dramatic. Their strength returned to their knees, and the drowsiness vanished completely. When she turned to look at Sheila, she received a nod in return. It seemed Sheila’s drowsiness had also been successfully dispelled. Although she had believed she could do it… seeing that she actually did brought a slight smile to her lips.
“Heh… You managed to break through that? Well, I guess talk isn’t cheap after all.” (Isaac)
“Of course. It wouldn’t do for you to think the same trick would work again.” (Aina)
“Well, Aina doing it is only natural.” (Sheila)
Those words were likely Sheila’s true feelings. Aina had informed Sheila beforehand about what she intended to do this time, and Sheila had simply nodded. The success of this magic was probably thanks to that. However, this was just the beginning. Surely, it wouldn’t end here.
“Well then… but what should we do next? It seems inevitable that we’ll have to fight. Personally, I’d prefer to avoid doing something useless for both of us.” (Isaac)
“It won’t be useless. Well… it’s only natural that you wouldn’t want to engage in a fight you’re likely to lose.” (Aina)
“Hah, you’re truly confident, aren’t you? Breaking such a woman would be enjoyable… Well, never mind. That’s for later. But seriously, do you… I mean, do you all really think you can beat me?” (Isaac)
He seemed self-assured, but it was a bit late for such questions. Though there were indeed many unknowns, she wouldn’t be here if she didn’t intend to try. In agreement with Aina’s thoughts, Sheila nodded.
“Well… of course. In fact, there’s no reason for us to lose.” (Sheila)
“You’re quite confident, pretending to be calm. But, no reason to lose, huh… Is that really so? Even the Demon King wasn’t a match for us, you know? I think that’s more than enough reason for you all to lose.” (Isaac)
“Soma didn’t lose… There’s no way.” (Aina)
“Well, maybe. Perhaps he’s just not visible for now. Knowing him, he’ll probably pop up sooner or—” (Sheila)
[No, he lost. I’m here, after all]” (??)
The voice cut in, interrupting the words about to be spoken as if already decided, echoing through the space. And with it, a new figure appeared abruptly. At first glance, he appeared to be a boy of around ten years old. However, it became clear immediately afterward that wasn’t the case. It was reminiscent of the sight of Satia. Clearly, it resembled a human only in appearance, not in essence. Half-unconsciously, Aina swallowed her spit, her throat audibly clicking. But Isaac seemed entirely oblivious to this fact, addressing them in a relaxed tone.
“What’s this? Already settled?” (Isaac)
[Yes, surprisingly easy. Well, it saved me some trouble.] (??)
As the gaze fell upon her, Aina’s shoulders jumped reflexively. However, what caught Aina’s attention more than anything else was the words spoken by the boy.
‘…Soma lost? Surely, that couldn’t be true?’
“No, that’s impossible. You’re just trying to unsettle us, but it won’t work.” (Aina)
“Yeah, that’s impossible. Don’t lie.” (Sheila)
[You’re earnest, aren’t you? It pains me to think that we must humble you, but… Well, I suppose I needn’t intervene.] (??)
“That’s right. It’ll end just by me dealing with you. Since the so-called uncertainty factor like the Demon King isn’t around anymore. In fact, I’m forced to deal with you. But, it should serve as a good change of pace. I’m a bit tired. Although, we’ll probably resume soon enough.” (Isaac)
With every word, he looked them over, savoring the moment. There are many things that concern her, but first, she must defeat that man. When she turned her gaze towards Sheila, she received a nod in return. It seemed Sheila shared the same idea. This wasn’t a training exercise.
Without the need for signals, they both assumed their stances. Sheila’s form vanished as she slightly lowered her hips. Aina shifted her focus forward and unleashed magic towards the man to support Sheila’s movement.
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