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Jeanne Decker wasn’t trying to debate the Killer; instead, she continued to guide the conversation. She had no intention of engaging in a heart-to-heart with a deranged murderer. Regardless of their reasons, their actions were unforgivable.
Yet, every second she bought significantly increased Martha’s chances of survival.
“My entire family was tortured by the Inquisition,” the Killer began. “My parents died from infected wounds, and only I, with my strong body, survived.”
“The Inquisition seized us merely because of a baseless accusation from a nobleman connected to a district bishop. Ah, and perhaps because we were Redlands people—potentially, Redlands people who worshipped demons.”
The Killer raised their demonic claw, examining it closely. “Thanks to you all,” they continued, their voice thick with a strange ecstasy, “I truly began to worship demons. I killed that damned nobleman and the district bishop. You could never understand how wonderful that felt.”
“So, that’s your reason for indiscriminately killing?” Jeanne Decker calmly retorted. “I hardly think those people you murdered later ever did anything to your family.”
“There are thousands upon thousands of Redlands people like me. Ultimately, the Imperial people invaded our lands, rendering us homeless.”
“The Abyss Church was once our traditional religion. Merely because we wielded powers you couldn’t fully comprehend, your religion oppressed us relentlessly, branding us as heretics.”
The Killer spread their arms wide. “Without a doubt, this nation is guilty, and that guilt naturally falls upon every one of you Imperial people. The nobility and the Holy Church are especially steeped in sin.”
“You initially targeted defenseless young women, hunting them down. How can you, after such acts, still have the audacity to speak so righteously?” Jeanne Decker furiously denounced them, her words filled with righteous indignation.
“I admit that killing those girls was partly due to my personal interest,” the Killer chuckled. “But since they were all people who deserved to die, what does it matter if I, as their executioner, prioritized some over others?”
They then raised their claw. “What’s more, aren’t I challenging you now?”
Jeanne Decker had reached her limit. She drew the sword from her waist.
She wasn’t skilled in negotiation, and the delay achieved through words was always limited. In the end, she couldn’t avoid a confrontation with her opponent.
As the two stood a dozen paces apart, Jeanne Decker cast a glance at Martha, who was behind the Killer.
After suffering a setback last time, Jeanne Decker had largely figured out her opponent’s tactics. Moreover, the Killer was weakened by poison. While she couldn’t guarantee victory, Jeanne Decker estimated that merely holding them off until reinforcements arrived shouldn’t be too difficult.
The problem, however, was Martha, the hostage. If Jeanne Decker were to find herself at a disadvantage, the Killer, positioned between them, could easily turn and attack Martha.
Furthermore, when the Killer unleashed that wide-ranging flame attack, Jeanne Decker might just manage to block it once with her Divine Sanctuary, but Martha would inevitably be in grave danger.
****
The night wind swept across the fields, and dark clouds streaked across the full moon, casting shadows over the land.
The moonlit fields were instantly engulfed in darkness. In the pitch-black, where one couldn’t see their own hand, only the lantern in Jeanne Decker’s hand still glowed.
Suddenly, Jeanne Decker’s ears caught the sound of her opponent moving.
With the abrupt darkness, Jeanne Decker’s lantern became a target, indicating her position. The Killer intended to use this opportunity to gain the upper hand.
Jeanne Decker unhesitatingly threw the lantern away, simultaneously moving swiftly to change her position in the darkness.
Soon, she heard the sound of a sharp blade cutting through the air; it was the Killer’s claw attack, aimed directly at the spot where she had just stood.
Jeanne Decker swung her sword, once again summoning a blinding flash of light that enveloped everything in a searing white glow.
In that moment, Jeanne Decker, who was unaffected by the intense light, pinpointed the Killer’s position. The Killer, however, was forced to raise their hands to shield their eyes.
This time, Jeanne Decker did not rush forward to attack. Instead, she immediately ran towards Martha.
She knew what actions the Killer, deprived of their sight, would take.
Grey devil’s currency appeared in the Killer’s hand. Simultaneously, corrosive flames from the abyss ignited from their fingertips, instantly consuming the crystal of a soul.
Flames erupted immediately, as if gunpowder had been thrown into a fire.
Jeanne Decker, having moved to a position between the Killer and Martha, instantly turned. She unleashed Divine Sanctuary with all her might, expanding the holy shield to its maximum, positioning it in front of herself and Martha.
The surging corrosive flames slammed into the holy shield. Everything was a replica of their previous battle, the only difference being that this time, Jeanne Decker had prepared in advance, retreating rapidly to stay close to Martha.
The moment the flames dissipated, the holy shield vanished as well. The Killer’s demonic claw shot out from the receding flames. They had reacted to the strong light early, closing their eyes, and then used the cover of the fire to rush in and engage Jeanne Decker in close combat.
Jeanne Decker thrust her enhanced longsword repeatedly, forcing the Killer back.
Her objective was largely achieved. As long as she positioned herself between the Killer and Martha, she could use her abilities to protect Martha.
The Killer flickered, erupting in flames. Though astonishing, the individual power of these flames did not exceed what was expected for this rank.
Jeanne Decker’s summoned holy shield, while disappearing due to the corrosive nature of the flames, could at least successfully block the attack. Her number of holy shield summons was limited, but she believed the Killer’s available uses of that bizarre flame wouldn’t be too many either.
However, this did not mean all was well. On the contrary, her personal situation had become even more perilous.
“Heh heh, that’s it, that’s it. Guard her well. If there’s a flaw, I’ll snatch the hostage back. And then, on a whim, I might just tear off one of her fingers, you know?” The Killer laughed joyfully.
Jeanne Decker’s expression was grim. Her current position indeed protected Martha, but guarding an unconscious Martha would severely impact her own mobility. She also had to defend against the Killer’s attacks potentially harming Martha.
This restricted state would make the fight incredibly difficult, but for now, she could only face the challenge one step at a time.
“My apologies, but I’m afraid you won’t get that chance.”
A sudden voice echoed from behind Martha, who was tied to the stake.
The Killer was startled, their gaze shifting towards Martha.
Not only the Killer, but Jeanne Decker was also taken aback. An unknown person had suddenly appeared behind her, and that voice… she found it truly unforgettable.
‘This witch is here again!?’
Jeanne Decker pointed her longsword at the Killer, glancing briefly over her shoulder.
Alice Liddell, her face veiled, emerged from behind Martha. She slashed with her hands, which had transformed into demonic claws, severing all the ropes binding Martha. Then, she reached out and caught the falling Martha.
The adventure continues! If you loved this chapter, I Want To Bite You is a must-read. Click here to start!
Read : I Want To Bite You
