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I was able to leave the royal capital surprisingly easily.
I guess it’s just that they don’t check on every single person that leaves during this busy time of year.
“I see, …that’s how you kidnap someone.”
If you’re going out there on your own like I am now, there’s nothing the guards can do to stop me.
The designated location is in a forest a short distance from the royal capital.
I ran using body enhancements with the crow on my shoulder.
After a while, we reached the front of the forest.
Then the crow left my shoulder and went into the forest.
I guess that means “follow me” …
I stepped into the woods and scuttled after the crow.
It seems to be a forest where few demons live, so there is no need to worry about being attacked by demons.
But a strange silence buzzed in my chest.
And so, as we made our way through the forest, we arrived at an open space.
In front of me was a brick warehouse, stripped and covered with vines everywhere.
The crow walked through the window into the warehouse.
“Here or at …”
With my body enhanced, I opened the door to the warehouse.
The sound of a squeaky old door scraping against the ground surfaced.
The inside of the warehouse was dark, with no lights on and trees blocking the sunlight from entering the warehouse.
All I hear is the sound of water dripping from the porta-potties.
I kept my eyes peeled and told myself to be careful and cautious as I walk.
I carefully navigated through the dark warehouse.
“Monet!”
I found Monet leaning languidly against the wall.
I quickly checked my surroundings, and after confirming that there was no one around, I approached Monet.
“Are you okay?”
I spoke to Monet in a small voice, but there was no … response.
However, Monet’s body is undamaged, and I am relieved for the moment.
She just seems to be unconscious.
This is when I was relieved.
“Hey, —I’ve been waiting for you.
When I turned around, a loosely dressed man appeared from the back of the warehouse.
The man has a sword on his hip and is smiling.
I moved quickly to hide Monet from the man.
I’m guessing this is the kidnapper, and I’m on the lookout.
“I want Monet back.
I said in a low voice.
“It’s up to you.”
The man looked at me with narrow, crescent-shaped eyes, as if examining me.
Something cold ran down my spine when I’m exposed to that gaze.
And the man clapped his hands with a plop.
“Yes, you passed!”
He said, his smile deepening.
“Passed …?”
“It’s just a shame it’s not time to eat yet. …Five more years …or maybe three, it would be a … shame to eat here.”
“What are you …saying …?”
“When is the best time to eat the fruit?”
“Fruit?”
“It’s a shame to pick them while they’re still green, but it’s also a shame to wait for them to ripen and then have someone else take them.”
Then the man gave me a horrifying look.
What … am I going to get eaten?
“In my opinion, it’s better to wait for it … to ripen.”
Don’t eat it because it’s still green and not tasty.
That’s what I’m going to say.
“Hmmm, yes, it’s the best fruit I’ve seen in a long time, too good to eat now! I’ll let you off the hook for today then.”
“What …?”
I let out a loud yelp of surprise.
This is the guy who called me, right?
You’re letting me off this easily?
It’s messing with my head.
“I’ll see you later.”
Then the man smiled and waved at me.
What do I do?
Are you sure you want to run away?
It’s a trap, isn’t it?
I can see the man’s face, but … I have no idea what this man is thinking.
I have no idea…
But if we can escape, let …us escape before he changes his mind.
“Oh, no, I can’t stand it.”
The man suddenly shouted.
I looked at the man in disbelief.
Eh …, you’re changing your mind too quickly.
“Oh what a waste, I’d wait until you were ripe if I could, but —I can’t take it anymore.”
The moment the man muttered…
Shruuk.
Chills ran through my body.
The man placed his hand on the scabbard of his sword.
Thump… Thump… Thump…
My heart pulsed wildly.
The difference in ability that can be sensed just by being face to face.
I can’t beat this guy, that’s how I felt.
It’s not a dimension … that I can manage to win like with Julian.
“Don’t worry, I’ll give you a good taste of it… don’t die so easily.”
Sweat trickled down my cheeks and fell to the ground in puddles.
At that moment, the man —disappeared.
No, no.
The move was so natural that he seemed to have disappeared.
Then I was pierced through the belly by the man who approached —in front of me.
“Guha…”
I spat blood out of my mouth.
“What’s the matter with you?”
The man tilted his head in wonder.
A moment later, I stopped thinking.
What do you mean … ‘What’s the matter’?
Shouldn’t I have just … been pierced through the belly …?
But —my body was not injured in any way.
The next thing I know, …I’m on my ass and sweat is pouring out of my forehead.
“Hmm, I knew it wasn’t time yet.”
The man was still smiling and laughing, and he had not moved a step from his place.