Chapter 212 - A Haphazard Surprise Attack
Valeria's flawless preemptive strike was followed by a few seconds of hesitation.
Taking advantage of the soldiers' shock, she dashed and struck them with momentum. "If you stand there like a statue, you'll die!"
She grabbed a random soldier's arm and swung him around, hurling him into a group, knocking them all down. Without waiting to see the aftermath, she moved on to the next target.
She crushed the weapons of the soldiers who hastily tried to defend themselves, forcing them to the ground and stomping on any exposed part of their bodies. She didn't deliver the final blow.
It was a rough way of fighting, but her goal was to inflict severe injuries, not to kill. Causing more casualties would put a greater burden on the enemy. In a small town like this, the number of healers is limited, and even fewer can use mid-level restoration magic. Healing potions are probably in short supply too. With so many severely injured, it would create a bigger impact than outright killing them.
The lord couldn't just let his subordinates die; he would have to support the wounded who couldn't work. Abandoning them would leave a lasting negative impact. A wise lord would understand this, and even if he were a fool who let them die, recruiting new soldiers would still be a burden.
She had decided to use this strategy against the Empire's expeditionary forces as well. She didn't care if the lackeys of such evil people lived or died, so her restraint was casual at best.
After all, they were all criminals. Criminals should fight each other as ruthlessly as possible.
Everyone continued to fight with their initial momentum, quickly overwhelming the enemy.
Valeria used throws to knock armored soldiers to the ground, causing both bruises and broken bones. Her speed and skill left no room for counterattacks.
Mia thrust her short dagger into exposed areas or gaps in armor, inflicting non-fatal stab wounds. Her attacks were both swift and precise.
Graylease used Shadow Magic to impede enemy movements and dealt crushing blows with a weapon hidden in her sleeve, denting armor. It was a rare but effective weapon for both offense and defense.
Verone used her sword to keep opponents at bay while casting a spell directly into their ears, causing them to writhe in pain. Blood streamed from their ears as they fell, a testament to her exceptional skill.
Truly, the leaders of the Kikyo Society were formidable. The bridge was quickly secured.
Of course, this was just the first step, and the battle wasn't over yet.
"I'll open the entrance!"
Once all the soldiers were down, Valeria took the lead, running across the bridge and touching the gate. It turned to dust instantly, revealing stunned soldiers on the other side. They were still there, as expected.
"Leave the rest to us!"
Everyone followed the plan. Verone and Graylease ran upstairs to capture the lord, while I searched for the stairs leading to the basement, where the captives were likely being held. Valeria and Mia would handle the remaining soldiers.
The stairs to the upper floor were conveniently located next to the entrance, but I couldn't find the way to the basement.
I decided to take a shortcut.
There was a space beneath my feet, about five meters deep. There was no point in searching carefully. I could go straight down.
I tapped my foot, and a hole opened in the stone floor. Next, I used magic to create a wide platform from the bottom of the hole. This was my stage.
I jumped down without hesitation, landing on the platform and looking down at the stunned people.
There were four men and women, all naked, lying on a large king-size bed.
The man was likely a high-ranking soldier. His muscular build and aggressive demeanor suggested he wasn't a noble. What were they doing in an emergency?
"Who the hell are you?"
No time for questions. I leaped from the platform and kicked him in the face, snapping his neck. I didn't spare him a second glance.
The remaining women seemed too drained to even scream. They lay on the bed, staring at me with vacant eyes. Their bodies were covered in bruises, and their faces were swollen from abuse.
"Disgusting."
Their foolish actions and lack of spirit were equally repulsive. I left the room, sensing more magical energy reactions in the basement.
The corridor outside had several rooms, but none of them felt like they were holding children or women. They were likely used for soldiers to indulge in their vices.
At the end of the corridor, I opened a door to a space filled with cells. Each cell, separated by iron bars, held about seven or eight women. There were no children or men, only exhausted adult women.
Despite the obvious difference in atmosphere between me and the soldiers, and the fact that I was a woman, the women looked at me with fear.
I didn't know what they had endured, but given their circumstances, it was understandable. However, their lack of will to seize this opportunity for help was disheartening. What a hopeless group.
Their apathy and reluctance to act frustrated me. I understood that not everyone could be like the people who joined the Kikyo Society, but it still irritated me.
I didn't have boundless compassion. If anything, I had far less than most people.
I liked those who struggled, but I had no desire to help those who had given up. It annoyed me.
I admired those who faced their challenges head-on, even if they stumbled. I liked those who stood firm, even when they were beaten down. I liked those who never gave up, even if they couldn't move an inch.
I would help anyone with such determination. They might even become someone who could help me one day.
They say charity begins at home, but I was a self-centered and selfish woman.
I helped those I liked and killed those I didn't. I helped those who seemed useful and destroyed those who were harmful. I did things that seemed fun and avoided those that didn't. I helped if it seemed profitable, but might still do it if it was fun, even if it was a loss.
Ultimately, it all came down to my mood.
Of course, the world wasn't always that simple. Sometimes I had to do unpleasant things. Adult life is complex and rarely lets you escape.
Still, things should be as simple as possible.
Did I want to help these apathetic adults?
Even if they had suffered, they weren't children. They weren't naive princesses.
If I helped them and took care of them, they probably wouldn't last long. They would likely die soon or face the same fate again.
I didn't want to waste my time. Isn't that human nature?
Crushing the captors was enough.
The Rebel Army would come to their aid if they won. They wouldn't starve.
But I had to help the children. Even criminals could extend a hand to children, within reason.
Helping children with a future could benefit us. It was a strategic decision.
I was about to move on when a voice stopped me.
"Wait, p-please help me!"
I paused and looked at the source of the whisper. She was in a pitiful state, her face swollen and bloodied from beatings. Her pajama-like clothes hid her body, but she was surely bruised all over.
But finally, a voice of hope. A small, hoarse, tearful plea for help.
Her eyes begged me not to give up. They were a sight to see.
So I asked, "Why should I help you? What's in it for me?"
"I have nothing to offer... But I have something I must do... Please..."
Her tears were beautiful.
—Then I'll lend you a hand. If you want my help and plead for it, I'll give it to you!
I felt a strange warmth in my heart.
Her voice and tears after my disappointment were beautiful. I'd give her a discount.
Hehe, my mood lifted.
On a whim, I broke the cell's lock.
Not enough. I destroyed the locks of all the cells as I moved forward.
On a whim, I returned to give the woman a vial of super-composite healing potion. She was probably around my age. It would be a waste if she died after escaping.
Do what you must!
I emerged from the cell area, encountering a guard. I crushed him and continued, breaking more doors as I went.
In a slightly better room, I found the children. They were treated better, likely because they were to be sold. They wouldn't be mistreated in a way that would devalue them.
"Help will come soon, so stay here and wait."
I didn't want them wandering around during the battle. The Rebel Army was determined to rescue the children, so it was better to keep them still.
After confirming all the magical energy reactions in the basement, the suppression was complete.
I climbed back up to the first floor, having taken longer than expected. Everyone was already gathered in the castle.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"Onee-sama! Everything is under control here."
"We got most of the information we needed. There were no communication magic items, so the situation won't change suddenly."
Valeria and Mia had taken out all the soldiers, leaving many severely injured.
Verone and Graylease had successfully interrogated the lord.
We had no more business here. We didn't want to be caught up in the chaos when the Rebel Army arrived.
"Let's go. Tell me the results of the interrogation later."
Ophelia and Liliane might already be back from aiding the Rebel Army, and Albert would return to the parking lot when the timing was right.
Next, we would attack the Empire's forces.
I was excited. This would be fun.
This is the end of the preliminary skirmish. Did it serve as a good warm-up?
This chapter has a lot of internal monologue, which I spend a lot of time revising to capture Shinogami's inner thoughts. I always pay close attention to these scenes, and I often rewrite them multiple times.
Next time, in "A Rash Surprise Attack," the main event begins. Although it will have some transitional elements, the real action starts here. Stay tuned!