Plain Girl Hero of Darkness
Dragon versus Tiger!- (8)

Johann must risk his life to get this information about Olivia. He didn't know how well the Empire knew Olivia Valedstorm, but they shouldn't know about her Magic. Even if Johann was offered a stack of gold, he would not divulge the secret.

「I know that very well. I just got to know you, but I understand your personality. But there is a way to extract information without regard to your wishes.」

「Without noticing my wishes? How is that..?!」

Johann looked at Felixus. Only a Witch could force someone to speak against their will. But Amelia's testimony states that Felixus was not a Witch.

Johann considered what he implied.

「The Witch is not monopolized by the Mekian Holy Nation, the Empire also has the Witch. Well, the Witch might be a little weird..」.

Felixus stopped with a bitter laugh. Johann finally remembered Amelia's report on the Magicians in the Empire, and gritted his teeth in ignoring it.

(Then, it might be an independent-type Magician.).

There are four main types of Witches.

Johann and Amelia are fighters.

Support types that use Magic on weapons and equipment.

Lara is an all-rounder who covers both types above.

And finally, independents that do not fall into these three categories.

Further division would depend on individual personality, such as Johann's ability in Flame Sorcery and Amelia's mastery in Bondage Sorcery.

By the way, independent types are rare even among rare Witches, and shrouded in mystery. This may have been Felixus' bluff, but Johann didn't.

「Everything becomes more troublesome.」

「Then, why not reconsider?」

Felixus said as he approached.

「As I said, I will tell you anything if you join the Holy Nation. Holy Angel will go to great lengths to welcome a man like you. And of course, we will prepare the adequate status and position for you.」

As sparks fly with deafening clashes, Johann tries his recruitment speech again.

The Meccian Holy Nation may be small, but its citizens are proud of their prosperity. It is not just rich ore mines and excellent gem processing techniques. The biggest reason was Sofitia's policy of accepting any talent without questioning its origin.

An example is Angelica, keeper of 『Gate of One』 La Shaim Castle, who is from an orphanage. If it was a person known as the strongest in the Empire, Sofitia would definitely welcome him. But, Felixus' eyes did not waver. Not only that, there was a hint of anger in it as well.

「Aki has sworn allegiance to the Emperor, and that will not change even if I die. Isn't that the same for you?」

「Haha, you are right. I will not betray the Holy Angel even in death. We are both fighters, so I never expected to settle this by talking peacefully.」

「Then it's time to decide on this match.」

The two swordsmen with fearless smiles took positions against each other, then closed the distance at the speed of the flying bullets.

Johann immediately poured mana into his Magic Circle and waved his hot hand without hesitation. The fire exploded from the ground and surrounded Felixus.

「This ... not ordinary fire.」

Felixus observed the fire like a snake and muttered. His always calm demeanor reminded Johann of Olivia.

「As you said. You can determine the result in hell.」

Johann closed his left hand and the circle of fire grew smaller. In response, Felixus sheathed his sword and lowered his position once more. It might look like Fleet Footed Rush, Limit, but this time his right arm was on the hilt of his sword.

(Olivia used Magic to defend the Flaming Wheel of the Flowery Wind. But he should not be able to use Magic or Sorcery. Even if he were to use the Fleet Footed Rush, he would become dust when he touched the Flaming Wheel of the Flowery Wind-『Checkmate』. But what unpleasant feeling do I feel from the bottom of my heart?)

Johann was careless when facing Olivia. In order to avoid the same mistake, he carefully observed Felixus - and he clearly heard Felixus' voice saying:

「Ashura Whirlwind!」

He unsheathed his sword at lightning speed, creating a huge tornado. The flames around Felixus and the rising tornado disappeared into the air.

(What the fuck.).

Johann watched the scene in astonishment, while Felixus said to him with a fresh expression.

「Is that Magic just now your last move?」

It was a mockery, but-

(He was right, the Flaming Wheel of the Flowery Wind was my best move. He handled it easily... What an incredible monster.)

(What should I do? Use 『Rigid Wind』 again? - No, I will definitely die.)

Johann thought to calm himself down. If he used Rigid Wind again, his body would fall apart. Magic may be the work of Gods, but its users are only weak humans. No matter how much they trained their bodies, there were limits.

Johann thought while holding his rapier in a horizontal-position

「Don't bully Johannku!」

Angelica enters Johann's field of view and confronts Felixus.

「Stop, Angelica! You're no match for him!」

「But-!」

Angelica looked back at Johann in a sad voice, but her eyes suddenly sparkled.

「-you seem tied up, Senior Chiliarch.」

A haughty voice came from behind. At the same time, many vines flew from in front of Felixus. Felixus was not confused as he quickly cut the vines and took a step back.

Johann looked back and saw Amelia holding a sword in one hand and wagging her young blue hair with the other. Behind him was Jan Alexia, one of the Twelve Winged Guards like Angelica, and the front row unit was holding up their banners.

「Amelia-chan, Amelia-chan!」

Angelica ran towards Amelia like a rabbit and hugged her happily. Amelia pushed him shyly.

「Don't call me that on the battlefield - By the way, we meet again. It's an honor to meet you in a place like this.」

Amelia who was standing next to Johann smiled viciously at Felixus. In response to that, Felixus' face became resigned.

「Amelia Stolast ... I want to finish the score with you for Fort Astra, but it will be difficult against two Magicians at the same time.」

Felixus who had cut the vines around him turned his gaze between Johann and Amelia while sighing.

「You can retreat.」

「It was a surprise, you let me go?」

「Yes, we had no plans to kill you here from the start. I'll choose the right time and place to end you. So enjoy the limited number of days left.」

Amelia's smile turned increasingly cruel as she spread her arms. According to Johann, his self-esteem that never wavers can only be relied upon when events like this.

「... All right then. Too bad I didn't get more information about Olivia Valedstorm, but I already have a lot of information.」

Felixus turned around and left casually. Johann thought of attacking his back which was filled with gaps, but decided not to. Fraud is part of the battlefield, but this goes against Johann's aesthetic sense.

(Well, it's not like my sneak attack will work ..)

Shortly after, the Azure Knight retreated in an orderly manner

「Fieh ... That's very helpful, Miss Amelia. I was pushed to the edge this time and where I almost ran out.」

Johann sat on his ass and gasped. Because of the burden he had to bear during the battle, he had difficulty standing upright.

Amelia looked at Johann arrogantly with both hands on her hips.

「Alright, then you owe me.」

「Amelia-chan, you are so cool!」

「You did it again ..」

Amelia looked uneasily at Angelica who was hugging her arm, while Angelica bounced around with a smile.

(Sniff is more suitable for Angelica.)

Johann was comfortable and smiling too.

「Alright then, leave the rest to Holy Legate Lara.」

「Accurate once. If he wins, we don't have to do anything else.」

The two looked towards the main unit's attack as they spoke.

...***************...

...To Be Continue's...