Chapter 203


    HEL SCANS


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    The girls true identity was Aselle. Because of his pretty appearance from a distance, he was mistaken for a girl. As soon as his telekinesis was released, a downpour consisting of beastmen began.


    Keuuuuuck!


    Help, please!


    Screams and crashing sounds echoed continuously. They were impaled on luggage carts, on the city walls, or on the spears held by soldiers, bing either wounded or killed instantly. People caught in the bizarre rain scattered in confusion. Aselles face turned pale as he btedly sensed their fall.


    Hieek! Slow Zone!


    Aselle urgently cast the spell. A hemisphere-shaped barrier made of mana spread widely in the nearby area. The falling speed of beastmen within the range was drastically slowed down. Those who had not yet touched the ground cheered in relief.


    I-Im alive!


    You bastards. As soon as Ie down Keuk!


    Of course, that was just about it. Thud! A spear thrown by the tiger guard captain pierced through the chest of the relieved Weredeer. The blood that gushed out burst forth slowly as well. The guard captain, who grabbed a new spear, shouted loudly enough to shake the city.


    This is our chance! Kill all of Jaegers minions aiming for the city!


    Ahhhh!


    The soldiers cheered and followed suit. They began throwing spear des or shooting arrows at Jaegers minions who were falling slowly through the air, serving as easy targets for soldiers and mercenaries.


    Kraaagh! St-stop shooting!


    I surrender, I surrender!


    The beastmen begged for mercy, but the hands of the Rundalian defense force did not stop. The rain of blood fell slowly. Ronan, watching the grotesque massacre unfold, chuckled dryly.


    Ive never seen such a bizarre ughter before.


    Yeah. Me neither.


    It seemed like there was quite a buildup. Marya nodded in agreement. Anyway, Ronan and hispanions couldnt just stand by and watch.


    The deep, booming roar of the bellowing caribou echoed sporadically. Ronan and Marya each eliminated three, while Adeshan eliminated five.


    It took about five minutes for all the beastmen to reach the ground. Most of them lost their lives during the descent. Those who barely survived were either captured as prisoners or executed on the spot.


    When the Slow Zone magic was lifted, the droplets of blood lingering in the air poured down simultaneously. Shoosh the red downpour signaled the end of the incident. Ronan wiped away the blood seeping into his eyes and asked Marya.


    So, what exactly happened here?


    Uhh I stopped by the iron mine to secure avable supplies, and suddenly those beastmen attacked. Do you know anything about them?


    More or less. Or rather, its more urate to say I want to know about them.


    Marya raised an eyebrow at the unfamiliar sound. Ronan briefly exined the situation with Jaeger and the precarious situation in the north. Maryas face crumpled upon hearing Sekreets rmendation for withdrawal.


    Withdrawal is a bit tricky it would be too damaging if we pull out now. It would disrupt our operations severely. Maybe hiring additional mercenaries would help?


    Im not sure. The size of the rebel forces seemsrger than expected.


    Ronan grimaced. If Sekreets exnation was true, then leading the Upper Carabel through the current northern territories was like a naked beauty entering a back alley full of criminals. They might be able to withstand it for a while, but eventually, they would be overwhelmed by sheer numbers.


    Unless things get resolved very quickly.


    Ronan muttered to himself, stroking his chin. Carabels toppling was something he didnt want either. It was an organization that would eventually be a pir of the imperial economy, and Marya was his friend.


    As they were brainstorming solutions, Aselles floating body suddenly appeared above them. It seemed he had confirmed that the massacre had ended. Ronan greeted him casually.


    Hey, Aselle.


    Oh, hi Ronan. Marya and even the Student Council President what are you doing here?


    Thats what I want to ask you, dude. Why are you here?


    Um, well I mean


    Aselle hesitated and avoided eye contact without giving an answer. Ronan casually raised one hand. Startled, Aselle stepped back and eximed,


    Thats right! I-I came to train. Yeah!


    Train?


    Th-the witch said its better to train in a cold environment where snow falls to be proficient in ice magic. But its summer now and theres only the north where it snows


    Aselles exnation continued. In short, he came here to practice ice magic, which wasckingpared to his telekinesis.


    Aselle, who had gradually made his way up north, had arrived in Rundalian just an hour ago and, hearing themotion, went to see what was happening. The voice of the witch came from Virja inside his outer coat.


    It is the truth!


    From therge backpack and her tone, it didnt seem like he was lying. It was just another coincidence in life. Ronan, who muttered to himself in his mind, lightly pulled one of Aselles cheeks.


    But still, dude, if you were going to the North, you should have told me in advance. It would have been nice toe along.


    I-Im sorry It was something I decided on long after the break


    Theres no need to apologize for that. Thanks to you, everyone is safe and sound. You did well.


    Ronan removed his hand from Aselles cheek and ruffled his hair gently. He couldnt help but think how things would have turned out if he hadnt brought this kid along from Nimberton.


    A striving genius. And with a kind heart, too. Despite being painfully shy at times, it was not even a w anymore. Except in one area. Chuckling softly, Marya approached and pulled him into a tight hug.


    Right. Thanks to our cutie, we survived. How do I repay this favor?


    Oh! Um, favor, you say. You dont have to, Marya.


    Their appearance resembled that of a younger brother and sister who had a special rtionship. It was fine to be close, but aiming for something more wasnt exactly desirable for Aselle.


    You dimwit.


    It seemed like he could repay the favor for what he had been given. As Marya hugged him tightly, Ronan called out to Aselle.


    Aselle. Come with me for a moment.


    Huh? Where are we going?


    Dont be noisy. Come here.


    Ronan, forcibly dragging Aselle along, walked away. They arrived at the back of a luggage cart, where Ronan finally stopped and stood still. Sensing an instinctive unease, Aselle stumbled as he asked.


    Ro-Ronan. Whats going on?


    Aselle. Listen carefully. As far as Im concerned, now is your chance.


    Ch-Chance?


    Being cute alone has its limits. If you really want to get along well, you have to confront it as a man. And as far as I can see, now is the time.


    Ronan said as he patted Aselles shoulder. Aselle, not understanding the meaning, shook his head from side to side.


    I-I dont understand what youre saying.


    You idiot. Its about Marya. You like her, dont you?


    Wha!


    Taking a deep breath, Aselle froze in ce. His ears, visible beyond his hair, were turning redder by the moment. ncing briefly outside the carriage, Ronan continued.


    If you really want to get with Marya, from now on, you have to show your rational charm. Being satisfied and relieved in the current rtionship will only lead you to hell. Do you understand what Im saying?


    Hel Hell?


    Alright, let me give you an example. A really dreadful one. You finish your sses as usual and head to the club, but you notice that the door, which should be closed, is slightly ajar. Instinctively, you nce through the crack in the door. But damn, inside, Marya and Braum are kissing. And not just any kiss, a damn intense one where theyre practically examining each others teeth with their tongues.


    Wh-What?!


    Use your imagination, Aselle. You cant look away from that hellish sight and just keep staring. The two of them, unaware of your presence, continue their actions. Theyll probably move on to ear sucking, neck kissing, and more. And their hands will slowly move lower Oh, fuck, this is messed up.


    Ronan, who was describing a desperate future, spat on the ground. It was disgusting to be followed by the ugly Braum. Aselle, who was pale, asked with a trembling voice.


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    Wh-why are you saying such things?


    Even though it was a simple assumption, Aselles heart was already in tatters. Without realizing it, substituting Ronan for Braum as Maryas partner had a more devastating effect on his mind. Judging by Maryas behavior so far, it was a usible story.


    Aselle, would you be okay with it if Marya became someone elses woman?


    Well thats something for Marya to decide


    Of course, but Im asking for your opinion now. Should I give you another example to wake up?


    No, no! Please dont!


    Aselle shook his head vigorously. The conversation from earlier seemed to have shocked him greatly. Uttering words to himself, he mumbled quietly.


    I dont want that. Never, I dont want it.


    Alright, Aselle. Thats it. Now Ill tell you what you need to do.


    Ronan, who put his arm around Aselle again, whispered something. Aselles face lit up. Shortly after finishing their conversation, they headed towards the front of the carriage. Far away, Marya and Adeshan were having a conversation.


    How far did you go? Tell me honestly, Unnie.


    H-how far? We havent done anything yet.


    Hmm, judging by the way you look at each other, you must have kissed at least once. Just try trusting him once.


    Well, thats


    Maryas shoulders were bouncing with excitement for some reason. Adeshan, bowing her head as if guilty of a crime, was clearly troubled. Ronan shrugged his shoulders at the iprehensible words.


    Whats so exciting?


    Women also seemed to have their own entertainment. Ronan, who had been observing, tapped Aselles back again. Walking confidently, he stopped in front of Marya.


    Ma-Ma-Maraya!


    Yeah?


    Marya and Adesan turned their heads simultaneously. Asellels face was already flushed, almost blending with the color of his hair.


    He really wanted to run away, but he couldnt because Ronan had his hand on his shoulder from behind. Stepping forward determinedly, he stopped in front of Marya.


    Whats wrong, cutie?


    Y-you said we needed more mercenaries, right?


    Yeah, I did. Why?


    Well so um.


    Marya giggled mischievously. Somehow Aselle seemed different from usual. He stood there, unable to articte anything important, repeatedly taking deep breaths.


    No. Ivee this far.


    At the moment when he was about to turn around and leave, the story Ronan had told earlier shed through his mind. The club, the partially open door. Marya being with someone else. The despairing situation where just imagining it felt like shortening his lifespan. Finally, Aselle stopped his deep breathing and opened his eyes, closing his mouth.


    Ill protect you. Can I apany you to your destination?


    Sure.


    Ronan, who had been watching, clenched his fists. Although it was as small as an ants voice, it was clearly audible. Moreover, he didnt stutter, which was reminiscent of the exhration he felt when he cut Darmans throat. Marya, who was blinking in ce, smiled subtly.


    Oh~ Is our cutie going to protect me? Why the sudden change?


    Haha, I can train anywhere in the North I want to! Well, it might not be perfect, but


    No, its more than enough. I feel really reassured. Isnt this great?


    Marya suddenly interrupted the conversation, grabbing Aselles cheeks with both hands. His small face turned as red as his hair. Ronan and Adeshan, who were watching the scene together, spoke up.


    I hope you do better this time. Right?


    Yeah, I hope so. They really suit each other.


    Anyway, I wish those two would stop being oblivious and start dating already. Its annoyingly frustrating.


    Yeah thats right.


    Adeshan, who was looking at Ronans side profile, sighed deeply. She seemed to understand why people drink when theyre frustrated.


    Ronan, who had gone through a lot, perked up. Now he was wondering what to do and how to do it. He needed to eliminate the leadership of the Jaegers group before reaching Hyran, but he couldnt think of a way.


    Just barging in would make them all run away, and assassination was impossible without knowing their whereabouts.


    Hmm?


    At that moment, he noticed a group of prisoners kneeling with chains around their knees. They were Jaegers subordinates who had been captured. They groaned in pain from their fall andmented their fate.


    Damn it Master Jaeger will kill us. I cant believe I failed again


    You should think about surviving here first. If you hold out a little longer, yourrades wille for you.


    Well, maybe not. Most of the headquarters personnel are already deployed.


    Ronan raised an eyebrow. Judging by their conversation, the headquarters didnt seem too far away. Suddenly, a sh of insight passed through Ronans mind. He couldnt help but snap his fingers.


    Sunbae, Ive got a good idea.


    Hmm?


    A way to infiltrate their headquarters. But Sunbaes role is the most crucial.


    My role? What is it?


    Ronan briefly exined the n he had devised. Indeed, it was a method that could not be attempted unless it were her. Adeshans eyes widened.


    Taking control of their minds and guiding them to the headquarters? While theyre held prisoner?


    Yes. Theres no other way to infiltrate with this level of certainty.


    Yes, thats true, but as you know, my skills are not yet good enough to control people


    Adeshan muttered with uncertainty in his voice. Although she had seeded for the first timest night, it was nothing more than luck due to various coincidences.


    However, she couldnt express her doubts. The girl who had gone through impossible situations with Ronan so far had seen countless impossible things be reality. Like Aselle just now. After taking a deep breath, she nodded.


    No, lets do it.


    Alright. Lets start right away.


    Ronan first sought the consent of the Weretiger guard captain. It was an inhumane question whether they could experiment on a few prisoners. Having witnessed the performance of Ronans group, he agreed readily.


    As long as it can repay the favor. Just make sure nothing goes wrong.


    Thats refreshing to hear.


    Ronan shook hands with the captain. Somehow, this tiger seemed stronger than Jaeger. Now they only needed to select a prisoner to guide them to the headquarters. Adeshan said.


    Who should we choose?


    Hmm. It would be easier if its someone with a certain level of status.


    The higher the reputation in the organization, the easier it would be to infiltrate. However, it was doubtful whether these grumbling fools would ept such a fact. He wondered if they should try pulling out a fingernail or two. Suddenly, the Werewolf, who was kneeling in the front, shouted in a booming voice.


    Curse you, inferior and filthy humans! The North belongs to the Werewolves! Even if the white chief Umkano dies, I will tear your throats out!


    His thunderous voice attracted everyones attention. Ronan and Adeshan looked at each other simultaneously. Turning back to the Werewolf, Ronan grinned.


    Its decided.


    [TL/N: wtf that Ronan being like that one single friend who gives everyone else rtionship advice ;-;]


    HEL SCANS


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