Hero, Why Are You Just Watching?

A look of pure ecstasy instantly erupted in the mage’s eyes. He could no longer even feel the pain from his broken ribs.

He was so moved that tears almost welled in his eyes.

The rumors about the Hero were true.

Then, as long as things went according to the rumors...

As long as he played the part of a pitiful victim being abused, the Hero would surely treat this white-haired witch as a villain and slay her on the spot!

“Sir Hero! Save me! She—”

The mage barely managed half a sentence.

Thrust.

Without a shred of mercy, Sophie jammed the tip of her oil-paper umbrella directly into the mage’s wide-open mouth.

【Log: Through practical combat testing, you have comprehended a new skill [Physical Silencing Art]. Spend 1 attribute point to learn?】

【Log: Through practical combat testing, you have comprehended a new skill [Torture]. Spend 1 attribute point to learn?】

The nerve.

Who gave you permission to speak to my Miss Hero?

“Mmph! Mmph-mmph!”

The oil-paper umbrella stuffed his mouth full. His teeth throbbed with pain, and his unfinished cry for help turned into air-leaking whimpers.

Kaila gripped her light sword. Her originally cold gaze faltered noticeably the moment she saw who was there.

She looked at the pathetic mage pinned into the mud with an umbrella in his mouth.

Then she looked at Sophie, who was standing on the man's back, repeatedly stabbing him with the umbrella.

“Sophie, what... are you doing?” There was a rare note of confusion in Kaila’s voice.

Sophie kept her foot on the mage to prevent him from thrashing about. She churned the umbrella with one hand while adjusting her small top hat with the other.

“Oh, I’m just wiping out a cultist.”

Hearing this, the mage pinned beneath her desperately tried to convey a message to Kaila with his eyes.

Don't believe her!

This is clearly a one-sided slaughter! She’s lying! According to the rumors, you would never turn a blind eye to someone bullying the weak!

Come on!

Kaila’s gaze fell upon the mage. Her [Hero's Eye] didn't return any feedback indicating a lie.

Sophie was indeed wiping out a cultist.

That was a physical fact.

Kaila fell silent for a moment.

She sheathed her light sword and nodded.

“Okay.”

With that brief syllable, a flash of white light erupted.

The Hero vanished.

The mage’s eyes bulged so far they nearly popped out of their sockets.

Okay?

That’s it?

What about your sense of justice as a Hero? Aren't you going to ask which sect I belong to? Aren't you going to ask why she's using such cruel methods on me?

Just as the mage’s heart sank to rock bottom.

The white light flashed again.

Kaila was back.

The mage’s heart, which had almost stopped beating, began to pound wildly once more.

He struggled to lift his head, looking at Kaila with eyes full of hope.

Yes, yes, yes! That’s more like it!

The Hero must have realized something was wrong with this white-haired woman!

Kill her! Kill her!

The mage twisted his body frantically, letting out urgent “mmph-mmph” sounds in an attempt to draw more of Kaila’s attention.

However.

Kaila didn't spare him a single glance.

She looked straight at Sophie.

On that delicate face that usually lacked expression, a faint blush had appeared.

“Our date this afternoon.” Kaila looked away slightly, her voice soft but clear. “Don't forget.”

Mage: ?

Sophie gave the umbrella in the mage’s mouth another good churn, a brilliant smile blooming on her face.

“Of course not.”

Kaila nodded, seemingly satisfied with the answer. With another flash of white light, she vanished again, clean and quick.

Leaving only the wind of the wilderness and the mage on the ground.

The mage’s mouth was wide open, dirt mixed with blood clinging to his teeth.

His brain had completely ceased to function.

A... a date?

Why did he recognize every word, yet couldn't understand them when they were put together?

Why... why, in the face of such violence...

Hero, why are you just watching?

Sophie slowly leaned down, her long silver hair falling before the mage’s pupils, which were dilated with terror.

She leaned in close to his ear and whispered:

“The Witch and the Hero are both mine. How did you ever expect to win against me?”

The oil-paper umbrella came down once more.

“Rest in peace. Become a part of my stats.”

【Log: You have achieved the achievement [First Kill] and gained 2 Free Attribute Points.】