Swordsmaster Fox-girl

“Nira?”

The blonde Archangel was here. Her body still had cracks all over, but she was giving me a lap pillow.

“...Is this the afterlife?”

Nira continued patting my head. “Wouldn’t you know it best?”

“I— Fuck, I survived.”

Seeing that Nira was here, my plan had also worked. I slowly rose up and threw myself into Nira’s embrace.

“You stupid! Stupid! Fucking idiot! What if you broke for real!?”

She knocked my head.

“You’re the fucking stupid one! No one fucking asked you to endure that beam! Why couldn’t you have just let it go and find some Relics instead!?”

Fuck…. Does that mean we’re both stupid?

Mmm, it wasn’t a bad feeling. Not at all.

I disentangled myself from Nira and turned around. Aerin stood there, crossing her arms while frowning at me. Before I could say anything, she barked out a demand.

“Make me into your Gift.”

“B—”

“Now.”

I could only whimper at such a surprisingly angry tone. My hand reached out to touch her cheek, and a soft light emanated from her.

[Added {Kirion, the Blood-drinking Sword} into your Soul Weapon slot]

Without another word, Aerin huffed and disappeared into my soul yet again.

“...This is my first time seeing her this mad.”

“Same.”

“Just what did I do wrong?”

Was she angry because I threw myself at Nira as soon as I woke up? To be honest, I would be too if some other bitch did that to my Ihwa.

Nira looked like she wanted to say something. But she kept her mouth shut and shook her head.

“It’s better if you figure it out yourself.”

Weird.

In any case, it was good that I was still alive. Though, not without any harm.

My face was burnt.

The large burn scar with a leathery texture could be traced from my right forehead to just over the ridge of my nose, generously leaving more than half of my face untouched.

My clothes were eviscerated. Burn marks could be seen on my legs, arms, and torso.

“Ah, I guess I’ll have to live with this now.”

“...You can just buy a high-ranking potion.”

“I’m trying to earn money here, remember?” I shook my head at Nira’s suggestion.

Nira smiled. She pulled me into her for another hug and spoke.

“You’re still beautiful even with the burns, though.”

Dammit! A blush crept onto my cheeks. I pushed her away and turned my head away from her.

“Hmph, I have no need for empty flatters.”
“But it’s the truth.”

My face blushed even more. I held a finger out to her and spoke.

“E-Enough! Let’s discuss something more important. Are you fine now?”

Nira looked down at her own body before nodding.

“Well, I am here. But honestly, it doesn’t feel too good. I might break again if you swing me a little too hard.

“Can’t use you as a sword. Got it.”

“...And I’m a lot more sleepy. I don’t think I’ll be able to converse much.”

“Then rest.” 

I touched her hand and forced her back into my Soul. Only when I heard small snores did I release my hold on her.

Now then, where is this place?

At first glance, it looked like a cavern. But the black color of the rocks combined with the mismatched wall told me that I simply was inside the remains of the Giant.

Thankfully, my prosthesis was intact. I pointed my right palm toward the wall and blasted it away. Light rushed in and blinded me temporarily, but I powered through it and climbed out.

What I saw was a calmed-down battlefield. Rubbles were everywhere, some of fallen buildings but most came from the Giant itself. 

It seemed that the battle destroyed at least half of this city.

-”A survivor!”

A soldier was running toward me. Finally, I could rest easy.

—-

 

“Does it hurt?”

“Nghhh, a little.”

But it was nothing I couldn’t endure. I stared at the doctor, who was pouring alcohol on my burn marks to disinfect them. 

“...How’s Dinva, by the way?”

“Do you mean the Elf who was with you? She’s fine. She even left you a message in case you survived.”

The doctor slapped my back hard; face scowling. 

“And you’re very lucky to survive! You could’ve ended the battle right there and landed safely!”

Ouch! I didn’t know who this doctor was, but it seemed that she was the type to worry about her patients.

Welp, time to play the saint.

“But doctor, that wouldn’t have stopped the attack. Do you have any idea how many more people could’ve died if I had just jumped down?”

“...”

“What’s one life in front of thousands more? I don’t regret what I did. Not a little bit.”

And that was true. Though, maybe not for the reasons I just said out loud.

“Bravo! Bravo!”

A loud clap came from the door. I flinched in surprise and looked over there.

A jolly and chubby man stood clapping his hands. He waltzed over to me with a gait full of swagger and rubbed his hands.

“What a good answer!”

“...”

“Oh, I forgot to introduce myself! I’m Hugh Bennen, the Lord of this city.”

Unexpectedly, the doctor was the one to berate the Lord.

“What are you doing here!? The patient needs rest!”

The Lord sweated. He held his hand out and shook it.

“No no no no, I just need a minute with her. I promise.”

The doctor sighed before leaving. Now alone with me, Hugh sat down on the doctor’s chair and wiped his sweat with his handkerchief.

“As you can guess, I’m here to thank you for saving my city.”

“Please. I just did the right thing.”

“Such a humble spirit! As expected, a simple thank you isn't enough!” He reached into his pocket and took out a pouch that jiggled with coins. “800 Golds. As the Lord, I must extend my apology to you for not being able to hold a grand ceremony or giving you a bigger amount.”

Staring at the Lord scratching the back of his head, I nodded and took the pouch. With the city in its current state, asking for more would make me look like a bad person.

“No, this is enough. Thank you for the consideration, Lord.”

“Haha, I’m embarrassed. Three— no, give me a year and a half. If you visit my city after that, I swear on my title that I’ll give you the treatment you deserve.”

The Lord left the room. I stared at the Gold pouch before stashing it away.

“Nghhh! I guess it’s time.”

I went outside and told the doctor that I’d be sleeping, and that she shouldn’t disturb me. Going back into my room, I turned off all the lights, put on a hooded cloak, and jumped out of the window.

“Here I come, Ohjin. You’d better have a fucking good reason for not stopping the Golem yourself.”