Episode 223: The Man Covered in Blood

Following after Rangetsu Migen-chan, I emerged onto the surface, where a giant screen displayed the now-familiar 'Lucky Star' dance on endless loop.

"Wow, Kyoto Animation's animation is seriously impressive..."

I lingered just a moment, mesmerized by it, when several men suddenly burst out from an alleyway, screaming in terror.

After a brief hesitation—repeating to myself, "I'm Superman. No matter what anyone says, I'm Superman..."—I stepped in front of them,

"Hey, hold it right there."

"Ah! Ahh!"

"Have you seen a girl? She has messy hair and three white eyes?"

"Help! Please, help me! I don't want to die!"

The man was utterly paralyzed by fear.

I noticed the blood pulsing from his wrist.

"Come on, extend your hand."

"Huh... what?"

"I'll fix you. I'm a 'Player,' after all."

The man readily accepted the explanation and extended his arm.

Well then, the spell is...

"——'Heal Wound'"

Let's keep it simple.

A green glow emanating from my palm swiftly healed the man's injured wrist, which had a rather unpleasant odor.

The men stared in awe, their eyes wide.

"Thank you... thank you so much..."

"Whoa... That's magic..."

"—Goddess..."

they murmured softly to each other.

I couldn't help but feel a little smug, and asked him,

"So? This cut— I assume it was made by a knife. Could it be that you were attacked by a little girl?"

"Ah... yeah. Some scrawny kid around middle school age..."

"Trying to attack her?"

"Th-That is..."

"There's no way a little girl would intentionally hurt you unless there was a compelling reason, right?"

"Ugh..."

Just that groan was enough for me to vaguely sense what had happened.

Still, let's set aside the pursuit of the truth for now.

If they've managed to escape, she's probably still safe.

"I'll report your situation to the 'King.' Wait for further instructions."

How must it feel for these men, being lectured by a girl much younger than themselves?

Still, age means nothing when it comes to villains.

At moments like this, one can't help but think: justice always goes hand in hand with power.

The older men turned pale, kneeling before the officer like cowards, their hand on their swords.

"H-haha!"

...

No, I didn't expect such an exaggerated reaction, though.

That was when it happened.

Deeper within the alleyway. From the pitch-black space, a voice echoed: "How...?"

"――Hmm? What's...?"

I ask the old men about the situation, though it seems to be an unusual event even for them.

"Let me confirm—was it the girl with the messy hair who headed toward your hideout?"

"Ah, yeah... That's where Mr. Iketani, the 'fighter,' stays and sleeps."

"Fighter..."

A player, huh?

I hope it doesn't come to a fight.

Well, if it does, I can just buy some time until Yaiku-san and the others arrive.

Having strong allies on our side is quite reassuring.

Clutching tightly the inherited sword from my grandfather, I head toward the place they indicated.

My instincts scream "Don't go in there"—it feels like a place where a ghost could suddenly appear and attack at any moment...

Still, if there's some kind of conflict going on, I can't just leave it be.

Stepping into the darkness, I felt as though I'd become part of the shadows myself.

As I made my way through, nearly tripping over scattered debris, I plunged into a space reeking so strongly it felt like my nose might bend out of shape...

Suddenly, a light flared up brightly.

It seems this place actually has electricity working after all.

What first caught my eye was a man whose mouth was stained crimson, like a vampire that had just fed, and beside him, Aizuki Miyako, hiding behind him while cautiously peeking in our direction.

It was obvious the man was completely insane.

After all, he was completely unfazed, with a knife stuck in his forehead, and one each in his chest, stomach, and right leg.

I couldn't help but mutter,

"Ah... um, hello. Good work, I guess."

And then, an awkward silence.

Even the seemingly sensible older brother widened his eyes in surprise.

"Um, well... I might have come at the wrong time. Would it be alright if I stepped out and came back again?"

The pale-faced man then spread his arms and said:

"Hey hey! Haven't seen you in ages, 'Warrior'!"

"...Huh?"

"Can't you remember? That's a shame—like a washing machine forced to work in the rain!"

"Amazara... um, what was it again?"

A bad feeling washes over me, and I take a few steps backward.

Just two words—simply hearing that unstable tone was enough to understand.

This person probably won't be able to communicate effectively.

I can't help but ask, despite Rinne's advice echoing in my mind about blending in.

Um... who is this?

He answered loudly, his voice carrying clearly across the world.

"I'm me! Ryojo Ryouma!"

It came.

The attack.

I realized it instinctively in the very next moment.