Wandering Witch: Penance of a thief

Under a dark sky with clouds gathering, I sprinted as fast as I could, clutching the stolen necklace I had just swiped from an antique shop.

The necklace emitted a soft glow that fought against the night's darkness. Behind me, the sound of approaching turbulence grew louder, accompanied by the angry cries of a blonde witch.

"Damn you, filthy thief!" the witch shouted from atop her flying broom, her blonde hair whipping wildly in the night wind. "Return that necklace before I make you regret it!"

I glanced back briefly, a mischievous grin curling my lips. "Why? This necklace seems to suit my style, don't you think?" I continued my flight on my own broom, feeling the cool breeze on my face.

The witch couldn't contain her fury.

"I'll make sure you know that stealing isn't fun!"

She surged ahead, trying to close in on me with the impressive speed of her broom. I twirled my broom with skill, dodging the bursts of magic she hurled at me.

"Well, it looks like you need more practice, Miss Witch! I'd say you're better suited behind a desk!"

I veered sharply left and glided low, avoiding a magical blast that almost hit my broom.

"Give it your best shot! I've been practicing too long to be beaten by a witch like you!"

The witch closed in, adding magic to her broom, making it glow with magical colors.

"I won't stop until that necklace is back in my hands! And you, thief, will feel my wrath!"

Skillfully, I maneuvered through the air, leaping over dark clouds and weaving between buildings.

The necklace in my hand sparkled, seeming more valuable than I'd initially thought.

"Don't worry, I'm just having fun. After all, I prefer a challenge like this!"

The chase continued above the city, with the roar of our brooms echoing back and forth.

I kept up my playful tricks while glancing back at the increasingly frustrated witch trying to catch me.

It's an old story, maybe from about a year ago. She was one of those witches who almost caught me, but I escaped like a bird. Speaking of animals...

I love animals because all they really want from you is love. Too bad that's even too much to ask for from some people.

All animals are created equal, but some are more equal than others.

Just a random question! If you could be an animal, what would you be? If it were me, I'd want to be an eagle or a wolf, because they are free and not bound by any rules.

Freedom is something I crave, but as humans, we have to adapt to society.

This conversation is getting serious. What if I tell you a story related to animals? You definitely want to know, right? No? Well, too bad! You can't refuse.

This is my story.

Still talking about birds, I really want to be one because they don't have receptors for spiciness like mammals do, so they don't feel the heat from chili peppers.

That's why birds can eat super spicy chilies without any problem.

Why am I talking about that? Because right now, there's a poor man feeling the burn in a spicy food restaurant.

"AHH! SPICY!" he shouted after tasting the chili soup.

You know who that man is, right? Yes! It's me. I hadn't tried spicy food for a long time, so I went to this restaurant out of curiosity. A little regretful now because the food here is spicier than I expected.

"If I were a bird..."

After I was full and still feeling the spice, I left the restaurant, my mouth still burning. "Spicy is the opposite of sweet..."

"Eh... the opposite of sweet is sour..." The spicy food must have messed with my brain.

I then walked away towards the city market, trying to distract myself from the lingering heat in my mouth.

The city market was buzzing with the hustle and bustle of shoppers and traders. The smell-a mix of toasted bread, spices, and... animal droppings-assaulted my nose.

I sighed, "Nothing like the distinct aroma of a morning market to wake up your olfactory senses."

I ventured further, observing the commotion around me. First up was a butcher proudly showcasing his chickens.

The chickens, still alive and pecking in their cages, probably hoped today wasn't their turn to become dinner.

"Hey, I'll be buying one of you for dinner tonight," I joked, though the only one laughing was me.

Not far off, a shepherd was trying to guide his flock of sheep through the crowd. The sheep seemed utterly indifferent to his efforts.

"What a disciplined herd," I commented to the shepherd. "Maybe they just need a little motivation... or a wolf."

The shepherd merely shook his head and continued his work.

I kept walking, noting the various animals scattered around. A stray cat leaped from a shop roof into a fish basket. The fishmonger yelled in frustration, but the cat had already disappeared with its prize.

"Smart cat. Maybe I should take a lesson from it," I said with a grin. "You know, stealing hearts and all that."

Nearby, a dog that seemed way too big for its size sat calmly in a street corner. The dog looked like a loyal guardian, though no one knew what it was guarding.

"Hey, big dog," I called out, "If you could talk, I bet you'd tell me all the city's secrets."

The dog just turned and yawned, as if considering me no more interesting than a fly buzzing by.

As the day wore on and the market grew busier, I decided to take a break on a wooden bench beneath a shady tree.

From here, I could see more animals roaming around, from horses pulling carts to birds flying overhead.

"This country's full of animals, isn't it?" I mused, laughing to myself. "The animals here are freer, wilder, and... smellier."

Hunger started to creep up on me. My eyes were drawn to a fruit stall selling fresh apples.

The red color was tempting, and the sweet aroma hinted at freshness that was hard to resist.

"Get your fresh red apples! Straight from the orchard!" the fruit vendor shouted with over-the-top enthusiasm.

"Alright, I'll take a few," I said, pulling out some coins. "How much are they?"

The vendor gave me a price, and after a bit of haggling, I ended up with three delicious-looking red apples.

Just as I lifted one of the apples to take a bite, a little monkey leaped from atop the cart, snatched the apple from my hand, and dashed off at lightning speed.

"What?! You thieving monkey!" I exclaimed, starting to chase after it.

The monkey jumped onto the market canopy, and without a second thought, I followed.

With trained leaps and agile movements, I vaulted over tables and merchandise, pursuing the monkey as it got farther away.

The market tents turned into an impromptu parkour arena, and I ran across them with ease.

"Stop, you cheeky monkey!" I yelled, knowing full well the monkey wouldn't heed my command.

The monkey jumped onto a moving cart. I chased it and, with an acrobatic move, leaped and swung onto the side of the cart.

As the cart turned, I released my grip and rolled onto the ground, only to see the monkey leap onto the roof of a house.

"Oh, you're playing for keeps, huh?" I muttered as I quickly climbed the house's wall.

I chased the monkey across rooftops, weaving through laundry lines and dodging almost-falling flower pots.

The monkey eventually jumped into a narrow alley, and I followed by sliding down from the roof using a clothesline.

The alley opened up into a garden full of trees. The monkey climbed one of the trees, hiding among the branches while casually munching on the apple.

"Gotcha!" I shouted as I climbed the tree. With a swift move, I managed to grab the monkey and retrieve the apple.

The monkey looked at me with an innocent expression, as if saying,

"Just kidding."

Without hesitation, I tapped the monkey on the head with a branch, and it scampered off, dropping the apple.

I quickly grabbed the discarded apple and carefully climbed down from the tree, returning to the main market street with the slightly bitten apple in my hand.

Looking at the apple, I could only shake my head and say,

"Thieving Monkey, one. Me, zero."

I wandered through the bustling market, my eyes scanning for a shop that sold sweet treats.

Fruit and I had never been on good terms, so I craved something sugary to counter the lingering spice in my mouth. Along the way, I dropped off half a bag of gold coins to my family.

It was a ritual I observed every month, ensuring they were well taken care of. Despite this, I still had plenty of money left over.

As I strolled, searching for a sweet shop, three familiar faces caught my eye. When I turned around, I noticed two black-haired women looking back at me with wide eyes.

The sight of their faces jogged a long-buried memory, names I hadn't heard in ages. Saya and Mina, women from the association.

Their eyes widened in shock.

"Aren't you..."

Before they could finish, a blonde woman smoking a cigarette turned around, her gaze landing on me.

Unlike the nostalgic recognition I felt with Saya and Mina, seeing her sent a jolt of fear through me.

She was one of the witches who had almost captured me, thanks to my playful nature making it easy for her. I had barely escaped, mocking her even as I panted for breath.

I forced myself to stay calm, hiding my panic behind a casual demeanor.

"Ah... aren't you Saya and Mina? Long time no see." I approached them with a smile.

"Hm? Your acquaintances?" the blonde woman asked, her tone sharp and suspicious.

"Ah... if I'm not mistaken, your name is Arche, right?" Saya's voice held a note of uncertainty.

"Hm! You're absolutely right!" I replied, giving a thumbs up.

"And who is this formidable woman?" I asked, glancing at the blonde who was studying me intently.

"She's our Master, her name is Sheila," Mina explained.

"Ah, nice to meet you. My name is Arche." I bowed slightly, every movement calculated to seem natural and non-threatening. .

I knew I had to be careful with Sheila; she was sharp and untrusting.

"Hm..." Sheila's eyes narrowed. "Strange... have we met before?"

My heart skipped a beat. She already suspected something.

"Hmm? Ah, this is the first time!" I replied, my voice steady despite the nerves.

"I feel like I've heard your voice... and the way you talk too..." She furrowed her brow, thinking hard.

Sheila was as troublesome as ever, reminding me of Elaina.

"Come on, the world is wide, especially since you're from the Association. You must have met many people," I said, trying to sound casual.

"You're right, I'm sorry I suspected you," Sheila finally said, though her eyes still held a hint of doubt.

"But your voice reminds me of someone who annoys me..."

I laughed lightly, trying to deflect her suspicions.

"Well, I hope I don't annoy you! It's truly a pleasure to meet you all again."

"What are you doing, Arche?" Saya asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Looking for sweets," I replied, already envisioning the pudding I might buy after this chat. "How about you guys?"

"We are-" Mina began, but Sheila cut her off.

"Ah, did you notice how many animals are in this country?" Sheila asked. I glanced around and, sure enough, saw several animals milling about.

"Hm? It does feel a little strange... I see more animals than people here," I answered.

"How do you know?" Mina inquired.

"Hm? It's easy. I stand on my broomstick and look at the whole city with binoculars."

"O-Oh, is that so?" Mina seemed a bit taken aback by my dedication.

"Hey, can you help us?"

"Hm...?"

We moved to a nearby cafe, where I promptly ordered a strawberry parfait. "Hm... Parfait..." I ate it with a blissful expression.

"Oh! They have wine flavor! I'll buy that for tonight," I noted, glancing at the menu. "So, you want me to help you?"

"Yeah, I just remembered you a few minutes ago," Sheila said. Her words made me choke; I hadn't expected her to recognize my former identity so quickly.

"Hey, are you okay?" Saya asked, concerned.

"Sorry, I just accidentally swallowed the spoon," I joked.

"Huh?" Mina was bewildered.

"First of all..." My heart raced, but I tried to stay calm, focusing on my parfait.

"I want to thank you."

"Eh?.. you're welcome," I replied, still unsure what she meant. "Wait, for what?"

"Regarding the incident at the festival, the one disrupted by the dragon. Thank you for helping to fight it."

"Ah, about that..."

"If I'm not mistaken, you were insulting and mocking the residents there. You're quite the troublemaker."

"...I haven't been called that in a long time."

"But after our investigation, we realized what you did was actually right."

"I side with what I think is right, you know."

"Is that so..?"

I sensed the conversation had strayed from its original topic. "So, can you explain what happened and why I should help you?"

"Okay, let's get to the main topic..." Sheila's tone turned serious, and the atmosphere followed suit.

"In this country, there are serial murders..." Her words shocked me.

"And there is not the slightest trace that shows signs of human action."

The mention of our earlier conversation clicked in my mind. "Do you mean the animals are responsible?"

"Yeah, because we found bird feathers at the crime scene." Mina showed me a clear plastic bag containing feathers.

I paused, pondering why animals would do such a thing. "Are you doubting what I'm saying?"

"You must think that animals wouldn't be able to do this, right?" Saya said.

"No, I believe you... because I have seen many impossible things happen."

"I see... so I want you to help us!" Sheila implored.

"Can you give me a reason why I should help you?" I challenged Sheila with a sharp glance.

"Oh-ho... I'll pay you, you know..." Sheila tried to negotiate.

"Hmm really? Can you offer more than this?" I threw a bag filled with gold coins onto the table. "How?"

The three of them were stunned at the sight of my wealth. "Where did you get this much money?!" Saya exclaimed.

"Working in the kingdom is troublesome, but I get paid according to my hard work."

Sheila clicked her tongue in annoyance. "But I'm curious-why do animals kill people?" I wondered aloud while savoring my parfait.

"Because they are controlled," Sheila replied.

"Wha-?!" I was taken aback by her response.

"This is the photo..." Sheila produced a photograph showing a bald man wearing sunglasses, adorned with a necklace made of teeth and bearing a lion logo.

"A year ago, there was a thief who stole this necklace. You may have heard of him-known as the Emerald Thief."

"I chased him and almost caught him..." Sheila's expression grew frustrated. "What made me even more annoyed was that he mocked me before escaping!"

I fell silent, unable to offer a response. "Wow... what a troublesome thief."

Just so you know, I suspected the necklace was dangerous. I wanted to destroy it but realized that ordinary fire couldn't harm it; only magic could. So, I threw it into the sea, thinking it would sink.

("But it turns out someone found it... Damn it... So, I unwittingly created this villain?!")

("This is bad... I need to take responsibility...") Panic churned within me.

I retrieved the bag of gold coins from the table and slipped it back into my pocket. "I see... This is a serious problem, isn't it?"

"Okay! I'll help you guys!" I declared, feeling compelled to take action since I had indirectly caused this villain.

"Eh? Why the sudden change of heart?" Mina asked, surprised by my acceptance after my previous reluctance.

"You know... now that I think about it, relaxing is boring," I said, trying to sound nonchalant. "And hearing that this criminal can control animals... sounds like a lot of fun to fight!"

"Alright, then it's settled. I want the three of you to complete this mission," Sheila instructed.

"Hm? Three of us? You're not joining?" I asked, puzzled.

"I'm busy," Sheila replied. "But if I find any clues, I'll let you know."

"Good luck..." Sheila stood up to leave but cast a final glance over her shoulder at me before departing.

"So, do you guys have a plan?" I asked Saya and Mina, leaning back in my chair.

"No, we haven't come up with anything yet. What about you?" Saya responded.

"We just need to find that egghead guy, right?" I said, finishing the last of my parfait.

"But how...?" Mina looked thoughtful, her brow furrowed in concentration.

I decided to give them some space to think. "Hmm... Excuse me, I'll order some fries."

I called over a waiter, seemingly forgetting our mission. Saya and Mina exchanged glances, and Mina looked at me with mild annoyance.

"What? I need energy to think, okay?" I shrugged.

"Can you be a bit more serious? Like when you argued with the residents back then," Mina suggested.

"I'm better at night, you know?" I made an excuse, though the truth was, I was just too lazy to think deeply.

"What are you, a bat?" Saya quipped.

They went back to brainstorming while I continued munching on my fries.

"Huff... I wish I knew where that cat wants to go," I said, glancing out the window at a cat strolling by.

"Why the sudden interest?" Saya asked.

"Just curious. Who knows, there might be a place only animals know about."

Mina's expression suddenly brightened. "That's it! I have an idea!"

Mina quickly explained her plan, and I was impressed by how fast she had come up with it. "Great idea!"

"Now we need someone to be bait," Saya said.

They both looked at me, still enjoying my fries.

"Hmm? What? I'm handsome, aren't I?"

After leaving the restaurant, we put the plan into action. Now, I found myself in a dark alley, serving as the bait. "In the past, I often used my friends as bait... Now I'm the bait. Is this karma?"

"Shut up! Don't say you're bait," Mina's voice crackled through the magic communication.

"Come on, eat me... My body is sweet, you know... eww, I'm disgusted hearing myself say that." I looked around. "Why doesn't anyone approach me...?"

"Maybe you haven't bathed recently," Saya suggested with a hint of humor.

"Hey! Even though I haven't bathed, I always use perfume!" I defended myself.

"When was the last time you took a bath?" Mina asked.

I had to admit I only showered every two weeks due to sheer laziness. "By the way, about the feather found at the crime scene-how did the bird kill that person?"

"That's odd," Mina said. "The man was poisoned to death. It's possible someone administered the drug to the bird-"

"H...?!"

I turned around to see a dog staring at me intently, carrying a time bomb.

"Is it normal for dogs to carry time bombs?" I asked, alarmed.

"What's wrong, Arche?" Saya's voice was filled with concern.

The two of them immediately stood up, hurrying towards the alley. I grabbed the bomb before it could explode, and Saya quickly cast a spell to shoot the dog, which didn't seem to be in pain but bolted away.

I focused on defusing the bomb, cutting the wires with practiced hands. "Phew...."

"Are you okay, Arche?" Saya asked, clearly surprised to see me handling the bomb so nonchalantly.

"Don't worry, I've defused it," I said with a relieved grin. "My reflex training is paying off!"

"Did you enchant the dog?" Mina asked.

"Hm!" I confirmed.

The plan was straightforward: I would act as bait, and when an animal tried to attack me, Mina would cast tracking magic to follow it.

"Do you know where the dog went?" I asked.

Most likely, the dog would return to its handler.

"Wait a moment," Mina said

I spotted the bomb, and an unsettling familiarity washed over me. As I examined it more closely, my heart sank. The emblem of the 'Lunar Ascendance' organization, a name that haunted my past, was emblazoned on it.

"This bomb..." A flood of traumatic memories surged through my mind, causing a sharp pang of pain. My vision blurred as the recollections clawed at my sanity.

"Fuck..."

In the fragmented haze of a flashback, the ruins of the building came into sharp focus, accompanied by the relentless symphony of bullets and explosions outside, drumming an all-too-familiar beat of chaos and destruction.

A woman lay before me, her body limp and fragile. Her eyes, still hauntingly beautiful, met mine with a gaze that seemed to pierce through the veil of trauma and pain.

She spoke, her voice a mere ghostly whisper amidst the clamor.

"Arche... I love you..."

Her words echoed in my mind, triggering a storm of memories and emotions. The world spun around me, dizziness enveloping me like a shroud.

A burning ache clawed at my chest, threatening to tear me apart from within. I felt the bile rise, a visceral reaction to the unbearable weight of her confession and the horrors etched into my soul.

"Agh..." I grimaced, clutching my temples as the intensity of the memories overwhelmed me.

"Why is that voice coming back...?"

"Arche! Arche!" Saya's voice pierced through the haze, snapping me out of my torment.

I looked up, dazed. "Uh...?"

"Are you okay? You look pale," Saya said with concern.

"Ah... I'm fine... just a little dizzy, maybe from eating too much sweet food," I managed to say, trying to steady my breath. "Have you found the location?"

"Hm... if you need to rest, that's fine," Mina offered, her tone gentle.

"If I can't handle a headache, how will I face that egghead?" I replied, forcing a semblance of composure.

"Show me the way!" I declared, shifting focus.

Saya and Mina led me through dimly lit streets to an abandoned warehouse. The imposing structure loomed as we approached.

"Hmm? This place?" I asked, eyeing the dilapidated building with suspicion.

"Yes," Mina confirmed.

We entered the warehouse, the atmosphere thick with tension. Inside, a bald man in a sharp suit and sunglasses awaited us, exuding an air of cold menace.

"You've come, haven't you?" he greeted, his voice dripping with contempt.

"Hello! Mr. Egghead," I said, my voice steady despite the unease gnawing at me.

"I didn't expect you to dare come here," the man said, his gaze piercing.

"My name is Avgo. It's a pleasure to meet those who will meet their end here."

"Who asked?" I retorted with a chuckle

I gripped my dagger tightly, feeling the cold metal in my hand. Mina stood beside me, as serious as ever, her wand glowing in the dark.

Next to her, Saya had a wide grin, though her eyes showed unshakable determination.

"Get ready, sis. We got this," Mina said in a low but confident voice.

"Yeah! I know that too!" Saya replied with a light laugh, even though the tension in the air was palpable.

All around us, various wild animals appeared, ready to attack at his command.

"You'll meet your end here," Avgo said, his voice echoing in the warehouse.

I couldn't help but comment.

"Wow, Mr. Egghead, looks like you brought the whole zoo tonight."

Avgo snorted angrily, swinging his hand to command the animals.

"Get them!"

The animals lunged forward, and the three of us sprang into action.

Mina raised her wand, chanting a spell with intense focus. Blue light emanated from its tip, creating a protective shield around us.

Meanwhile, Saya lifted her hands, forming a bright fireball in the middle of the room. "Time for a BBQ!"

She shouted with glee before hurling the fireball at one of the animals.

I jumped forward, dagger in hand, ready to take on anyone who got close.

"Let's show Mr. Egghead who's really in charge here!"

The fight was intense. I moved swiftly, dodging claws and fangs, striking quickly and precisely.

Mina and Saya worked well together, protecting each other and attacking with their magic.

"Mr. Egghead, this is just the beginning!" I yelled while dodging an attack from a wolf under Avgo's control.

"We're not giving up that easily!"

With courage and strength, the three of us fought against wave after wave of animals controlled by Avgo.

Every attack, every maneuver, was done with the same goal in mind: to defeat that bald man and stop the chaos he created.

Amidst the intensifying battle, Avgo remained unfazed.

He raised both hands, letting out a long whistle that echoed throughout the warehouse.

From the shadows emerged three massive beasts: a lion with a golden mane roaring fiercely, a tiger with sharp stripes, and a hyena laughing with an eerie sound.

"Now, it's time to end this," Avgo declared with a sly grin.

"Destroy them!"

The ferocious beasts attacked with fury. The lion leaped towards Mina, its claws and fangs ready to tear apart.

The tiger charged at Saya with incredible speed, while the hyena targeted me, laughing menacingly.

"Careful, sis!" Mina shouted, swinging her wand to create an ice wall to block the lion's attack.

Saya moved swiftly, leaping away from the tiger's assault while hurling lightning bolts from her hands.

"A tiger, huh? I've always wanted to test my strength against something big!"

Meanwhile, I faced the hyena, which tried to strike from various angles.

With acrobatic moves, I jumped, spun, and countered with my dagger, leaving several cuts on the hyena's body.

"Mr. Egghead, seriously? This is the best you've got?" I taunted while dodging the hyena's bites.

The fight grew more intense. Mina and Saya teamed up to subdue the lion and tiger with their combined fire and ice magic.

I finally took down the hyena with a precise strike to its neck.

Seeing his beasts defeated, Avgo looked panicked. He stepped back, a look of fear crossing his face for the first time.

"You think this is over? You'll pay for this!" Avgo shouted before turning and fleeing through the warehouse's back door.

He threw a thick smoke bomb that blinded us completely.

I wanted to chase after him, but Mina stopped me.

"Let him go. We've won this round."

Saya nodded in agreement, wiping sweat from her forehead.

"Yeah, he's a loser."

I smiled, still catching my breath.

"We'll meet again, Mr. Egghead."

With that, the three of us stood in the now quiet warehouse, sighing in relief after the long battle.

As we emerged from the warehouse, the sky was painted with the hues of dusk.

"It's already evening, isn't it?" I remarked, gazing at the setting sun.

"We'll part ways here. Let's meet again at the same restaurant tomorrow," Mina suggested.

"Hm, okay," I nodded, trying to suppress my unease. "See you."

We went our separate ways, and I made my way to my hotel. Once inside my room, I sighed deeply.

"Huff... someone who can control animals, huh...?"

"Wait-! Can he control bugs too?! Agh! How did I not think of that?!" I shouted, frustration evident in my voice.

"If so, he might be my toughest opponent yet..."

I collapsed onto my bed.

"Ah! This is so infuriating!"

"Maybe I need a bath..." Saya's words echoed in my mind.

I trudged to the hotel bathroom and sank into the bathtub, letting the warm water soothe my frazzled nerves.

"Huff... He's a troublesome enemy."

An unbidden thought crossed my mind. "Hm... Maybe I should check out the mixed bathing area," a mischievous idea popped into my head.

After a relaxing shower, I changed into the most comfortable attire I could find-strawberry-patterned shorts and a thin white t-shirt.

"Hey, I like strawberries, okay? Don't judge me," I muttered, defending my choice.

"Today has been exhausting," I sighed as I settled back onto my bed. Sleep claimed me almost instantly.

In the early hours of dawn, with the moon still high in the sky, I awoke from my deep sleep.

With half-open eyes, I found myself sitting on a rickety wooden bed. I

The cool night breeze brushed against my exposed skin, but that wasn't what woke me up.

That dreadful buzzing sound, coming from a swarm of insects that had somehow made their way into my hotel room.

With my eyes now wide open, I saw the disgusting insects crawling towards me.

"Oh Fuck!, why did it have to be bugs?" I quickly grabbed the worn-out blanket and wrapped it tightly around my body, hoping that the thin fabric would shield me from their attack.

However, the blanket was not the savior I had hoped for. The insects kept coming closer, as if mocking me with their repulsive antennae.

"Why do bugs always know how to make my life more dramatic?" I muttered in despair.

I had no other choice. I took the blanket and tied it around my neck, like the cape of a hero ready to face their enemies.

"Alright, if this is what you want, I'll face you bravely! But please, don't come near me!"

Leaping off the bed, I started running around the hotel room, trying to dodge every insect that seemed intent on attacking me.

"Why is this happening to me? I just wanted a good night's sleep! Don't these bugs have anywhere else to go?"

With the blanket cape fluttering behind me, I did my best to evade their onslaught.

"It's like a comedy show! Who wrote this script? Please, end this scene!"

Every time I tried to hide in a corner of the room, the insects seemed to know where I was going.

"Do they have radar? Did I leave something that attracts bugs somewhere? This makes no sense!"

I shouted while jumping onto a table, only to jump down again as the insects swarmed from a different direction.

With the blanket still tied around my neck, I opened the window of my room and jumped out, landing on the roof of the neighboring house.

"Help! Is there anyone who can get rid of these bugs?!"

Unfortunately, the insects didn't seem to be giving up easily. They chased me through the air, like loyal soldiers unwilling to retreat.

"Is this parkour training? I didn't sign up for this!" I leaped from one roof to another, trying to evade their attacks.

Every time I landed on a new roof, I tried to find a hiding spot, but the insects always managed to find me.

"This isn't fair! You should be afraid of my mighty cape!" I jumped and clung to the edge of the roof, climbing with a speed I thought was only possible in dreams.

The small, evil eyes of the insects seemed to follow my every move. They flew with remarkable agility, making each of my escape attempts seem futile.

"They're really something. Why didn't anyone tell me bugs could do acrobatics?" I whispered to myself while jumping to the next roof, nearly slipping on the slick tiles.

Breathing heavily and with my body starting to tire, I finally had to stop on top of a taller house.

"Why are they targeting me?" I pondered, my mind racing. "I using this perfume to attract women, not bugs!"

The realization struck me like a bolt of lightning. This was Avgo's doing.

"Have you figured that out?" a voice rumbled from behind.

I spun around to face Avgo, his presence as menacing as ever.

"Oh? Is this the coward who fled before?" I sneered, recognizing him immediately.

"Tch... your arrogance knows no bounds," he said, clearly irked by my taunt.

"You know, I've just remembered you."

"Oh? Do you know me? I must be quite the sensation," I replied, a smirk spreading across my face.

"You're that talented kid, aren't you?"

"Huh?"

"You're one of Valth's protégés, right? He's an old acquaintance of mine."

"Turns out you're really part of that organization, aren't you, bastard?" I snapped, my anger flaring.

"Before those painful memories resurface, I'd rather end this conversation."

"Honestly, being called a faceless monster sounds cooler than that!"

"I've always been intrigued by you, talented kid!" Avgo's tone was almost gleeful as he spoke.

We stepped into the street, the tension palpable. Both of us were poised for confrontation, the night ready to bear witness to our clash.

I tightened my grip on the dagger. "I have no principle against killing animals, Avgo. So whatever you throw at me, I'm ready."

Avgo laughed, his laughter echoing through the street. "You're very confident. Alright, let's see how great you are!" With a wave of his hand, he summoned a pack of wolves that immediately surrounded me.

Without hesitation, I leaped forward, the dagger gleaming in the moonlight. With speed and precision, I sliced through them one by one, their blood staining the cobblestone street. The wolves never knew what hit them.

Avgo looked surprised but unfazed. He raised his hand again, and this time, a large tiger appeared, roaring loudly before lunging at me.

I dodged just in time, spinning and driving the dagger into the tiger's neck. "Another one falls. Do you want to continue, Avgo?"

Avgo's face turned angry. "You won't have it that easy!" He summoned more animals-giant snakes, predatory birds, even bears.

But every animal he conjured, I faced fearlessly, my dagger dancing in the night's light, stopping every attack quickly and lethally.

Animal blood flowed in the street, and Avgo's breath started to come in ragged gasps. "How can this be...?" he muttered, looking disbelievingly at what was happening.

"I told you, I have no problem killing animals," I said, approaching him with steady steps. "And now, you have nowhere to run."

Avgo looked desperate and tried to summon more animals. But his body was already exhausted, and the animals that appeared looked weak. I dispatched them easily until finally, only Avgo was left, cornered at the edge of the square.

He fell, his body trembling. "Wait... we can talk this out..."

"Too late for that," I replied coldly. "You were too arrogant, and this is the result."

Suddenly, I heard the rapid sound of footsteps, and through the night's mist emerged two very familiar figures. They were Saya and her sister, Mina.

"Arche! We came to help you!" Saya shouted, charging toward me with unstoppable energy. Mina followed with a more measured but alert pace.

"Huh? You two?" I said, surprised. But their arrival turned out to be a fatal mistake. As I was momentarily distracted, Avgo seized the opportunity.

"So, you came to rescue your friend, huh?" he sneered with venom in his voice.

He raised his hand once more, and this time, a massive polar bear and other ferocious beasts emerged from the darkness of the night.

I didn't have time to react. The enormous polar bear charged at me with astonishing speed.

Before I could evade it, the bear's powerful jaws clamped down on my arm, sending a sharp pain coursing through me as I was thrown to the ground, skidding several meters.

"Aaarrgh!" I cried out, feeling a searing pain all over my body.

I tried to get up, but the polar bear and the other savage beasts began closing in on me, making it difficult to move.

Saya and Mina sprang into action. "Arche, are you okay?" Mina asked, her gaze filled with concern. Without waiting for my response, she cast a spell, hurling a fireball at the polar bear, which roared in pain and retreated momentarily.

Saya, her face set with determination, ran toward me. "Arche, stay put! We'll handle these beasts!" She launched her magic with impressive precision, driving the ferocious animals back.

I gritted my teeth, trying to endure the pain.

"I... I don't need help. I just... got a little careless."

"Just be quiet and let us handle this," Mina said firmly. She cast a more powerful spell, sending the polar bear flying far from me.

"Arche, you need to fall back and recover. Let us take care of this," Saya urged as she continued to fight the beasts.

I reached for my dagger lying beside me and stood up with effort. "Alright, but I won't just sit by!" I grabbed the dagger and rejoined the battle, despite the pain still gnawing at me.

As the battle raged on, a brilliant idea struck me. I quickly approached Saya and Mina.

"Hey, can you summon a bow and arrows?" I shouted over the din of the fight.

"Huh? For what?" Saya glanced at me while continuing to fend off a pack of hyenas.

"I've got a plan to take down that egg-head," I said firmly. "And make sure the arrows are enchanted with fire magic."

Mina, still firing spells and keeping an eye on the chaos, raised an eyebrow. "I actually have many questions, including why you're dressed like that," she said, conjuring a bow and arrows with her magic. "But I'll hold them for now."

"Thanks, Mina," I said with a smile, relieved that she trusted me. I swiftly sprinted to a strategic location.

Saya stepped forward with firm determination, her eyes glowing with resolve. She raised her hand, and instantly, fire ignited in her palm.

With a swift motion, she hurled a fireball at the polar bear, which roared in pain and staggered back. The fire devoured the bear's fur, sending black smoke swirling into the air. "You think you can defeat us this way?" Saya shouted, her voice filled with anger and spirit. "You're sorely mistaken!"

Meanwhile, Mina stood calmly yet powerfully. With a graceful hand movement, she summoned her magical energy. A wave of pure energy shot from her palm, sweeping over the pack of wolves like a storm. The powerful magic burned and destroyed the wolves instantly, leaving empty patches on the ground.

As the polar bear attacked again, Saya and Mina moved in perfect sync. Saya cast an ice spell, freezing the area around the bear and creating a slippery layer of ice beneath its feet. The bear slipped and lost its balance.

At the same time, Mina directed a lightning spell at the fallen polar bear, sending a paralyzing bolt that drained the bear's remaining strength.

Saya didn't stop. She unleashed an even larger fire attack, spreading flames from a distance towards the remaining beasts.

Mina, with impressive calm, focused her magic on a large snake trying to strike from behind. Her energy wave sliced through the snake quickly, cutting it in half before it could get close.

As Saya and Mina cleared away the remaining beasts, Avgo appeared increasingly desperate. Their combined magical power worked wonders, pushing back the ferocious animals one by one. With each attack, they moved closer to victory, eliminating the threat that had once loomed over the square.

Avgo stood in the corner, his face twisted with rage and frustration. His eyes blazed with a deep, burning fury as Saya and Mina faced him, ready to end the fight.

"Goddamn it! This is fucking bullshit!" Avgo roared, his voice dripping with venom.

"You all just rely on your pathetic magic and cheap tricks to bring me down!"

"You have no fucking clue! This necklace saved me from drowning! I was this close to dying in the fucking sea, and the sea creatures saved me because this necklace!"

His voice was thick with bitterness as he spat out, "And now, I value these beasts more than any of you sorry excuses for humans! They are loyal, powerful, and not full of the fucking deceit you all are!"

He thrust his hand into the air, summoning more vicious creatures from the darkness.

"I'll fucking show you that animals are better rulers! You humans, with your goddamn lies and greed, are nothing but a plague!"

Avgo, seething with fury and hatred, shouted with a primal rage,

"I want to fill this world with animals! Not with humans full of pretense and hypocrisy! You don't deserve to live in this world! I'll butcher all of you and replace you with creatures that are far stronger and more worthy!"

As he bellowed and cursed, the number of beasts he summoned increased, underscoring his relentless drive to obliterate everything in his path.

From a distance, I, watched the chaos unfold in the square. With a bow in my hands and a magically enhanced, flaming arrow from Mina ready, I prepared to take my shot.

The pain from the polar bear's bite in my hand forced me to use all my strength to draw the bow, my legs and arms braced to steady it.

With sharp focus and steady breath, I eyed Avgo, cornered and seething with rage.

"One last shot," I murmured to myself, zeroing in on the necklace around his neck.

The arrow, glowing with the fiery magic of Mina's spell, shimmered with an intense blaze. I drew the bow carefully, feeling the strain on my muscles.

Despite the throbbing pain in my hand, I had to ensure this arrow found its mark.

"This is to make sure you can't threaten anyone ever again," I said with unwavering resolve.

I pulled the bowstring back fully, the tension building against me, then released the arrow with a startling speed. It soared through the night, trailing a fiery streak as if it was searing through the darkness.

The arrow sped toward Avgo, and as it approached, it struck the necklace around his neck with tremendous force.

The necklace shuddered momentarily before shattering into fragments, and with it, Avgo's power seemed to drain away.

Avgo let out a fierce cry, his face contorted with frustration and agony. The necklace, his cherished source of strength, was now destroyed, and with it, the power he had wielded. He collapsed to the ground, trembling in the wake of his devastating defeat.

"No... my necklace... all this... for nothing..."

From my vantage point, I felt a mix of satisfaction and exhaustion. With Avgo's necklace destroyed, he was left powerless. Saya and Mina approached him, their faces showing a blend of determination and victory after the prolonged battle.

I lowered my bow, exhaling deeply, and descended from my perch. "It's finally over..." I said, my voice heavy with fatigue.

In the now-quiet square, following the fierce battle, Avgo lay on the ground, his once formidable strength reduced to a mere shadow. His necklace, the source of his power, was shattered, leaving him weak and vulnerable.

Saya and Mina approached with resolute steps, prepared to deliver their final words to the defeated and embittered foe.

Saya stood before Avgo, her gaze sharp and filled with disappointment. "Avgo," she said, her voice brimming with anger, "you allowed your hatred and rage to consume you. You valued animals more than humans just because they helped you when you were on the brink of death."

"But that doesn't give you the right to repay their kindness with such bitter vengeance."

Mina stood beside Saya, her face a mask of solemn seriousness. "What you've done tonight is deeply wrong, Avgo. You've ignored human values and sought only to create chaos for your own satisfaction. There is nothing righteous about destroying lives because you feel hurt."

Avgo lifted his head, his face etched with despair and rage. "You don't understand! You've never felt the sting of being abandoned and betrayed by humanity."

"I just wanted to make the world better, more just, by replacing humans with animals who are more loyal and strong!"

Saya's expression softened with pity, yet remained firm. "You're mistaken, Avgo. No world can be improved through violence and hatred. If you wish to bring about change, it must be through kindness, not by tearing everything apart."

Mina added with quiet resolve, "You've suffered, but that doesn't give you the right to hurt others. To change the world, we must learn from our mistakes, not use them as an excuse to make more."

Avgo lowered his head, seemingly defeated and unable to argue further. "I... I only felt... hurt and angry. I didn't know how to act."

Saya spoke gently but with emphasis, "Change doesn't come from power or hatred. Change comes from understanding and compassion. You need to look beyond your pain and find a better way to make a difference."

Mina concluded, "Now is the time for you to face the consequences of your actions. Perhaps this is your chance to reconsider your choices and find a better path for yourself."

As I approached them from behind, I felt a deep sense of admiration. Their words, filled with empathy and conviction, spoke of true strength and wisdom.

The calm of the night shattered into chaos. After Saya and Mina had given their final words to Avgo, the tranquility of the evening was obliterated.

From the depths of the shadows, the animals once controlled by Avgo-now freed from his influence-emerged, seething with rage.

The bears, wolves, and other ferocious beasts, driven mad by their liberation, surged forward with a vengeful frenzy. Their claws and teeth tore into Avgo's flesh with a brutality that sent shivers down the spine.

The square became a horrifying tableau of savagery, filled with the guttural roars of the predators and the anguished cries of Avgo.

Instinctively, I sprang into action. I moved swiftly to shield Saya and Mina from the gruesome spectacle, covering their eyes with my hands.

They were young and their innocence was too precious to be tainted by the cruelty unfolding before us.

"Don't look," I urged, my voice soft yet firm. "This is too horrifying. I'll keep you safe."

With Saya and Mina's eyes shielded, I turned my gaze back to the nightmare that was unfolding. Avgo, once a formidable figure, was now being utterly dismembered.

His body, once proud, was reduced to a grotesque mess of blood and mangled flesh, ripped apart by the relentless assault of the enraged beasts.

The trees, which had stood witness to the battle, trembled as if in sympathy with the brutality.

The animals, having vented their fury, began to withdraw, leaving behind the grotesque remnants of Avgo's shattered form.

The square was littered with the remnants of what had once been a powerful adversary, now nothing more than a grim testament to the ferocity of his former allies.

I ensured that Saya and Mina remained shielded from the carnage, whispering soothing words to calm their nerves as the chaos subsided. Once the scene before us had quieted, I gently guided them away, making sure they remained oblivious to the horror they had narrowly avoided.

"It's over," I said softly, trying to provide reassurance. "You're safe now."

As Saya and Mina opened their eyes, their faces were a mix of anxiety and relief.

They were grateful to have been spared from the ghastly sight, their relief palpable as we moved away from the aftermath of such unrelenting violence.

Then Saya and Mina reported this to Sheila, while I had to clean Avgo's messy body

With gloves I put Avgo's body into a large sack, I had to do it as quickly as possible before ordinary citizens saw this.

Then Sheila came along with Saya and Mina, I then explained in detail about Avgo

The following night, I lounged comfortably atop a tall building, savoring the tranquility of the evening.

"The night air is so refreshing..." I mused, letting the serene atmosphere wash over me.

Without warning, someone approached. To my surprise, Sheila settled down beside me, her presence as unexpected as it was intriguing.

"A charming adult witch graces me with her company at this hour? How fortunate I am," I teased, a playful grin on my face.

("This feels oddly familiar, as though I've said something similar before... maybe with Elaina...?")

("I must have flirted with countless witches before.") I noted her expression of mild surprise and confusion.

"What's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost," I remarked, acknowledging my own past as a fugitive.

Sheila offered a faint smile, shaking her head slightly. "No... I was just contemplating something."

"Catch," she said, tossing a bag of coins my way. It was enough to keep me well-fed for several days.

"Disappointed?" Sheila inquired as she drew closer, halting just behind me.

"I anticipated it," I replied, tucking the bag into my pocket.

"By the way, they wanted to thank you."

"They? Oh, Saya and Mina? For what?" I asked, puzzled.

"For shielding them from the more unsettling sights at that time. I also owe you my thanks."

"Oh, it was nothing, really."

"Is that so?" The silence stretched between us. "Since you've done me a favor, how about we hit the bar?"

"You're paying for yourself," Sheila declared, turning to leave.

"You stingy woman," I called out, standing and trailing after her.

"For now, I'll let you be," Sheila whispered, almost to herself.

"Huh? What do you mean?" I hurried to catch up, curiosity piqued.

"Nothing much, just that we're heading to a bar tonight!" she announced with a playful edge, and we set off together.

As we drank and laughed together, I found unexpected enjoyment in the company of my former adversary. It was a night of unanticipated camaraderie.

Even if one believes they've been harshly discarded, they cannot claim complete innocence. It is hubris to think otherwise