Morning hadn't fully ended when Rena witnessed what happened. Everything occurred quickly and was dealt with immediately.
Rena approached quietly, observing from the sidelines.
The other guards, seeing that the braided one had broken the rules, surrounded her. A few commented on the braided guard who was now lying limp on the ground.
Hey, what you did won't be easily forgiven by the head guard, you know…
Then one of the guards, eyes wide, spoke firmly and honestly.
You'd better resign as a city guard. Realize what you've done!!!
The braided city guard stayed silent—not because she admitted her fault, but because her mana and stamina were completely drained. You could see it from her pale face and uneven breath, all from that fireball technique and the use of the magic crystal in her left hand earlier. Now her hands were locked with restraining magic, leaving her unable to move.
In the middle of the crowd—though people had gathered—Hero Claire stood tall. Her aura was different from anyone around her. With squinting, analytical eyes, she thought to herself.
It seems magic usage is truly dangerous for ordinary people. I hope the otherworldly heroes realize this soon.
Meanwhile, Rena was still watching Hero Claire from a distance. Rena observed how authoritative Claire looked—
Her long hair flowing neatly, her glittering robe, the large bow in her right hand pulsing with energy and mana as if it could appear pristine even though she had just taken action. Her gaze was sharp, focused, but showed no excessive emotion.
Several other city guards who had already secured the braided guard—one of them with chubby cheeks and a friendly smile—said.
Leave it to us, Hero Claire.
We'll make sure the braided guard gets a fitting punishment!
Claire just nodded briefly.
Without resistance, the braided guard was taken away toward the security office. Their steps were quick, firm, leaving no room for doubt.
Meanwhile, around them—
The curious crowd that had gathered from a distance began to disperse.
But Claire remained there.
Silent.
As if all of that was just a small part of something much bigger.
Rena watched from afar. Seeing Claire standing quietly for a moment, Rena ran over with sparkling eyes.
Hero Claire!!
Claire slowly turned. Instead of seeing excitement in Rena's eyes, Claire saw more—sharp, assessing, as if trying to read deeper than just the words Rena spoke. With furrowed brows, seeing Rena approach, Claire said.
So you noticed it too, huh?
Not a question.
A statement.
Rena was startled, her expression changing. She tucked both hands into her robe, gripping them a little tighter, her brows now clearly arched on her face.
So Hero Claire knows that the problem with the otherworldly heroes and their magic crystal creations—and the issue of the men being relocated—is much bigger?
Hero Claire nodded, her eyes squinting in a smile.
That's how it is, at least…
Ever since their arrival, many things have changed—even before I was born…
You know the history I'm talking about, right?
Hearing that, Rena pulled one hand out of her oversized robe pocket, her lips slightly parted.
Ah… yeah, that's right. If I'm not mistaken, the otherworldly heroes have lived a long time. And the reason why there are so few close-combat knights like me now… that's also what the Headmaster told me!
Hero Claire's eyebrows lifted slightly at Rena's words. Then suddenly, her bow disappeared from her right hand in an instant.
You mean the Headmaster? The famous one—the only former knight who is now training one student who wants to become a knight??
Then, with sparkling eyes, Hero Claire stared intently at Rena. Suddenly, the bow reappeared in her right hand, and Claire gripped it tightly.
Don't tell me you're that student she talked about??
Don't tell me you can also do that energy slash??
If so, can you show me?!!!
Rena was a little surprised at how excited Claire was. Scratching her head in embarrassment, Rena pulled both hands out, her right hand grabbing the sword on her back behind her backpack, waving it a little.
Well… you could say that…
Heheh…
The Headmaster… really is amazing.
Suddenly, Rena's eyes glistened as she said that. Her left hand went back into her robe pocket, clenching tightly, and she spoke in a soft voice.
Headmaster…
Hero Claire, seeing Rena sad, then realized why Rena was acting that way. With squinting, analytical eyes, Claire said.
Yeah… it's quite strange, what happened to that Headmaster. How she disappeared… her case is very different from what's happening to the men.
Hmm…
Rena's glistening eyes shed a few tears. She quickly wiped them with her oversized robe. Then, with her cheeks lifted and her left hand slowly coming out of her robe pocket clenched tightly—while her right hand held her sword, driving it into the street, causing a small crack—Rena suddenly knelt down, both hands now on her thighs.
Hero Claire, can you take me with you on an adventure outside?
Hero Claire just squinted her eyes happily and teased.
Seems like the Headmaster also taught you how to kneel, huh??
Rena wanted to answer, but before the words came out of her mouth, Hero Claire continued, her cheeks lifted.
Yeah… alright… I'm sure whatever your rank in the guild, since you were trained by that Headmaster, I believe you have great potential… Rena…!!
And so, Rena was faced with the choice she had made—one that would change her own life…
Hero Claire suddenly jolted.
Eh? Wait a minute… by the way, why were you being chased earlier, Rena??
Rena's eyes darted around.
Well… about that… how about we discuss it later, Hero Claire? Hehe…