The air inside the hall was suffocating. The sound of Yumi's devastating blows clashing against Kauã's impenetrable defenses echoed through the condemned walls of the mansion.
Concentrating his power, Kauã manifested intense red flames around his right fist through a new ability: Solar Flame Manipulation. With a precise movement, he delivered a brutal punch that burned through and nearly pierced Yumi's torso.
The assassin hurriedly leaped backward, firing several consecutive blasts of poison toward the knight.
Ignoring the attack, Kauã disappeared from her line of sight, materializing directly in front of her.
A blinding glow emanated from the nobleman's body as he activated another power: Purifying Light, causing Yumi to become blind for several seconds.
Then, Kauã exhaled an overwhelming blast of solar flames directly from his mouth.
The fire struck Yumi head-on, incinerating her tissues until she was completely reduced to ashes.
However, beneath the moonlight, the dark dust stirred once again, completely regenerating the vampire's body.
But she was no longer smiling.
The Ripper Assassin had finally understood that, on this board, she was the prey.
"Shit... If this keeps going, this guy is actually going to kill me," Yumi thought, feeling cold sweat run down her body.
This guy is incredible! - Arata exclaimed from the back, his eyes shining with admiration.
Yeah... He's insanely strong - the blonde girl agreed, watching the battle.
He's so powerful that I can't understand how the Cult of One still exists! - Arata commented, intrigued.
If it were up to me, he would have already gone after them and destroyed that entire organization by himself. The five bishops can't be that strong compared to him.
He can't do that - the young woman explained, her expression serious.
Why not...?
He is legally forbidden from leaving the Nation of Karakiri. He can't leave this place, and his power is limited because of the fear society itself has of him.
He can only manifest his abilities at the exact moment he needs them.
Besides, he can only act with the king's direct cooperation and authorization.
If the crown does not consent, he remains inactive.
He is essentially the country's greatest military weapon in case of a war between nations.
And the title of Holy Knight places him at the top of the hierarchy.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
Besides, with his power, he can only manifest abilities that do not surpass the laws of the world itself.
On top of that, the Cult moves through the shadows across the entire continent, which makes finding them extremely difficult.
So he's like a living atomic bomb for the country?! That's crazy... His power doesn't have many biological flaws. He's limited by his own contracts with the king - Arata deduced, shocked.
I don't really understand what you meant by "atomic bomb"... but I guess so - she nodded. - He is one of the greatest warriors in all of Lugiri.
At the center of the hall, the confrontation was approaching its end.
Kauã delivered a frontal kick that pushed Yumi backward and, without giving her time to recover, followed up with a brutal punch directly into the villain's abdomen, sending her flying and causing blood to burst from her forehead.
The assassin managed to remain standing with great difficulty, gripping her purple katana tightly.
I may not be able to defeat you... but I'll make sure those two die! - Yumi hissed, directing an immense blast of corrosive poison toward Arata and the girl.
Kauã intercepted the attack instantly, positioning himself in front of the youths and taking the toxin head-on, the poison evaporating upon touching his skin without causing any damage.
The knight wiped the residue from his armor and sighed.
Let's finish this already. Excuse me, could I borrow this? - he asked, carefully taking the large bisento from Old Man Bon's hands.
Of course... You can use it - the old man consented, stepping back.
Let's go for the final blow - Kauã declared, holding the heavy spear with only one hand.
The Holy Knight began draining mana from the surrounding atmosphere, using a newly manifested ability.
A massive amount of sky-blue energy began swirling around and enveloping the blade of the bisento.
With a devastating burst of speed, he charged toward the villain.
Yumi, wielding her katana, moved forward in a desperate charge for a head-on collision.
The collision between Kauã's massive energy and Yumi's blade caused the already-condemned roof of the mansion to collapse completely.
With a single horizontal swing of the bisento, the red-haired man fired a sharp wave of mana that split Yumi's body in half, seconds before the heavy stone and wooden debris came crashing down on her, completely burying her.
Before the roof could collapse on the rest of the group, Kauã used his super speed to grab Old Man Bon, the girl, and Arata, leaping out of the building.
Outside, everyone watched as a cloud of dust rose from the completely destroyed structure.
My house... Where am I going to live now? - Old Man Bon murmured, staring at the rubble.
Don't worry, Bon.
I'll make sure to help you find a decent new home - Kauã assured him.
He looked at the bisento in his hand. The weapon began to disintegrate, unable to withstand the magnitude of the knight's power, until it was reduced to dust.
What a shame... But it was a great help. Thank you.
Phew...! We did it! - Arata exclaimed, letting his shoulders drop in relief.
Suddenly, amid the rubble of the mansion, a silhouette moved.
Yumi emerged from the stones, her body completely regenerated, although she displayed traces of blood on her forehead and clear signs of exhaustion.
I'm just a hired assassin... My mission here was a failure - Yumi declared, wiping her face before leaping onto the top of a nearby wall.
But know this: the Cult of One will return to take what they want from you, girl.
With one final burst of momentum, the Ripper Assassin vanished into the shadows of the slum's alleys, disappearing completely.
She escaped... Damn it - Arata lamented.
However, when he placed his hand inside his coat pocket, he felt the shape of the object.
He pulled out the jewel and extended his palm toward the young blonde girl.
Girl... Here's your necklace.
The young woman's eyes widened in surprise.
Thank you so much! You helped me so much... This necklace is very important to me - she said, carefully taking the object and fastening it around her neck.
Now... I think I deserve a reward - Arata commented with a faint smile.
Really...? - she raised her eyebrows curiously. - What would it be? I can try to get you whatever you want...
Arata smiled from the corner of his mouth, fixing his blue eyes on hers.
I only want... you to tell me your name.
Mine is Arata Ryusei.
The girl let out a short, sincere laugh.
A genuine smile illuminated her features, making her purple eyes shine even more intensely.
That's all? You're really a different kind of boy... My name is Emma. It's a pleasure to meet you, Arata Ryusei... And thank you so much for everything.
"What an unfair reward..." Arata thought, feeling his cheeks blush slightly.
"I went through all of this, died three times, and all I got was a name and a beautiful smile... But even so, it was the best reward I could have asked for."
The weight of the accumulated exhaustion from multiple loops finally took its toll.
With no strength left to remain conscious, Arata's legs gave out and he collapsed onto the hard-packed ground.
Lying on his back, he stared at the night sky for a few seconds, realizing that the constellations there were exactly the same as those in Japan, before his vision went completely dark.
Hey! Arata! - Emma exclaimed, kneeling beside him.
He passed out from exhaustion - Kauã observed, approaching.
What shall we do now, Miss Emma? If you prefer, I can take him to my quarters.
No need, Kauã. I'll take care of him myself - Emma replied, passing Arata's arm over her shoulders and lifting the young man's body with surprising ease.
Thank you very much for everything you did for us - Old Man Bon thanked him, slightly bowing his head.
Hurried footsteps echoed through the alley, and Felicia appeared, panting and with her cheeks flushed from tears of relief.
Thank you so much. You saved our lives! - the pink-haired girl exclaimed emotionally.
Kauã smiled and extended his hand, gently patting Felicia's hair.
I will arrange a new place for you and Old Man Bon to live. You don't need to worry, Felicia.
See you later, Emma.
See you later. Take care - Emma said goodbye with a wave, beginning to walk as she carried Arata beyond the limits of the slums, toward the unknown... Toward her own home.
End of Chapter 19...
To be continued in Chapter 20...