23 A Dog And A Leash(2)
--- Ren's POV ---
After engaging in a brief playful interaction with the dog, I decided to bring this futile confrontation to an end. With a touch more force in my legs, I struck his hip, rendering him unable to rise for a while.
"Learn a lesson from your superiors, mutt. You can't go around provoking unsuspecting passersby or you'll face the consequences. I won't waste my time extinguishing your life since I consider the Loki Familia an ally, but should you repeat such behavior, even against someone other than myself, I will unleash a far more severe retribution..."
I understood that the extra known as Bete Loga wouldn't undergo a sudden transformation into a paragon of virtue simply because I had subdued him. Nor did I harbor any desire to alter his inherent disposition. My objective was simply to convey to Ais that I would not tolerate his indiscriminate violence, a behavior that displeased her.
When my Goddess expresses her displeasure, it falls upon me, the Archangel dispatched to this world to stand by her side, to rectify the situation. She need not soil her hands with such matters...
Hmm?
Though I was aware that many onlookers regarded me with fear, having witnessed my effortless domination over one of their leaders, their reaction was to be expected. However, my attention was unexpectedly captivated by Tione Hiryute.
Why do you gaze upon me as if doomsday has arrived? Wasn't she the type to revel in the presence of formidable opponents?
Perhaps, some change had transpired in this alternate world, an aspect beyond my knowledge.
On the other hand, Tiona Hiryute, her twin, appeared to be engaged in conjecturing my true level.
I do wish she possessed the means to divulge such information to me. Alas, I myself was uncertain how to reconcile the discrepancies in my power. Just what level had I attained? Would I effortlessly deal with a level 9 adversary, or would I need to engage in earnest combat?
Regrettably, Lucy, my ethereal "System", did not possess the ability to disclose such secrets. Despite its extensive training, assimilating data from multiple sources—be it the anime, novel, or manga—and even encompassing knowledge of the World in real-time, it remained incapable of quantifying my true level without witnessing the prowess of a level 9.
After a few fleeting moments, I ceased pondering over it. As I once conveyed to Goddess Eve in the past, lacking any cheat or shortcut, I shall become the cheat.
Without a moment's hesitation, I hastened back to Ais's side, dismissing all that lay behind me as her eyes, mirroring my own, shimmered with curiosity.
"How...did you become so skilled in combat?"
She inquired, her voice filled with genuine wonder.
Given my appearance, it was understandable that she presumed me to be in my twenties. The notion that I possessed such mastery and control over my body seemed inconceivable to her. She likely believed me to be a fighter who specialized in upper body techniques...
A smirk tugged at the corners of my lips in response to her question. Of course, as someone who cherished her deeply, I couldn't resist the urge to share.
"I've been on the receiving end of countless beatings from my mentors, each employing this very style of combat," I responded, my smirk widening. "Over time, their styles became ingrained in me. While I don't believe teaching you this particular style would be beneficial, I could certainly instruct you on coordinating your body with your sword swings and correcting your form to some extent. And as for how to improve even further..."
Perhaps I inherited this trait from my mother, but when someone I held dear posed a question, I simply couldn't contain my enthusiasm. The earnestness with which Ais regarded me, nodding in understanding, filled me with a sense of warmth.
While we engaged in conversation, largely indifferent to the surrounding onlookers, the Loki Familia members swiftly came to the aid of the fallen dog.
We couldn't linger here indefinitely; the expedition had run its course.
And so, with a mingling of complex emotions simmering within each of the Loki Familia members, we began our journey back to the surface.
--- Lefiya's POV ---
Devastation.
That single word encapsulated the overwhelming emotions that surged within us as we bore witness to the unfolding spectacle before our eyes.
At long last, Ais had returned, and my heart yearned to rush into her embrace, fueled by the worry that had plagued me in her absence. Yet, that longing came to an abrupt halt the moment her face drew near enough for me to discern its details.
While many were oblivious to the truth, I could proudly declare myself as Ais Wallenstein's most devoted fan, possessing an understanding of her that surpassed that of the masses.
However... what I beheld shattered my spirit, leaving my heart in shards.
"...So he's yet another contender for our Princess's affections?"
Whispers of speculation echoed among those ignorant souls who dared to believe they comprehended the unfolding situation. Ais's countenance, to the untrained eye, revealed naught, and thus they remained blind to the truth. But I, I suffered no such deficiency.
She was captivated by the man at her side. Nay, it would be more accurate to say that she held him in high regard, in a manner distinct from her usual demeanor. Never before had I witnessed her exhibit such a countenance, not even in my presence or that of the white rabbit.
Though she regarded me as a trusted companion and a fellow member of the familia, she viewed Bell Cranel as an intriguing rabbit, capable of aiding her in her aspirations. It sparked within her a curiosity that invoked a twinge of jealousy within me.
I must confess, I, too, harbored a mixture of curiosity and vexation, for he had achieved the rank of Level 3 with such swiftness, while I had struggled for years to ascend to that echelon...
But with this man, it was different. I couldn't fathom how or why, but the spark of curiosity blazed within her like an inferno, threatening to consume everything in its path. She exhibited a profound interest in him, allowing him to draw close without reservation.
How had this enigmatic stranger garnered such unwavering trust from her?
My regrets for having fallen back with the other members of the familia were boundless.
The casual way he laid a hand on her shoulder, whispering words that were meant for her ears alone, grated on my nerves. Oh, how I yearned to deliver a resounding blow, to cast him aside...
Yet, any illusions I harbored of accomplishing that were swiftly dispelled as I beheld this man overpowering one of our familia's mightiest members, mocking him with every move.
To dance amidst a flurry of blows... How did he even achieve such a feat?
My mind descended into chaos. If he possessed such prodigious strength, then surely it was this very quality that had ignited the spark of interest within her.
This will not do... I know not why, but a sense of urgency gnawed at me, warning that unless I acted swiftly, this man would snatch Ais away from my grasp. He posed a threat far greater than that innocent fool could ever dream of...
Had I been privy to his magical capabilities, I would have likely crumpled to the ground, imploring him to vanish from existence each night as I drifted off to sleep...
---
Author's note:
I won't portray this scene from any more POVs, don't worry. I just wished to have you all clearly understand the Loki Familia members all have their own series of worries.
