Chapter Twenty-Two

The Pallum was huddled on the ground, curled in a protective posture, as the trio of adventurers jeered and lashed out with cruel intent.

"Hahaha, look at him he actually pissed himself, fuck that's embarrassing." One of the men said as he stepped on the Pallum's stomach.

Their words were venomous, spewing profanities and threats with impunity.

Muichiro's rationale side told him to keep walking, to not involve himself in the conflicts of others.

But a faint recollection tugged at his thoughts, a fragment of a conversation he had once shared with Moon.

"If you ever find yourself in a situation like the one you were in before your death, would you hope for someone to stand up for you?"

The concept of hope and the memories associated with his past self were enigmatic to Muichiro, but he pondered the question. He considered the sense of right and wrong that Moon had instilled in him, a compass guiding his decisions.

' Maybe if I save him, then I'll feel something...' Muichiro thought before approaching.

With a deliberate step forward, Muichiro entered the alley, his presence registering with the adventurers.

Their attention pivoted from their victim to the enigmatic newcomer, their jeers momentarily faltering. Sneers contorted their faces as they assessed Muichiro's unassuming appearance. One of them, the one holding a knife, smirked and taunted, "What's this, a little hero stepping in?"

Another laughed, a grating sound that echoed off the alley walls. "Yeah, little hero, come to rescue the little piss shit?"

Muichiro's response was a mere tilt of his head, his expression a mask of calm detachment.

He shifted his weight, his body assuming a stance that radiated both poise and readiness. The air shifted around him, charged with anticipation. It was as if the world itself held its breath in anticipation of what was about to unfold.

In the span of a heartbeat, Muichiro was in motion. His movements were a symphony of calculated precision and unimaginable speed.

The first strike, a lightning-fast punch, connected with the sneering adventurer's jaw before he could react. The force behind it sent him reeling, crashing into the wall with a resounding thud.

The remaining two adventurers lunged forward, their fists aimed at Muichiro's form.

But it was as if he anticipated their every move. His body flowed with unnatural grace, dodging their attacks effortlessly.

A series of fluid movements followed—swift kicks, powerful strikes, and bone-crushing blows that defied the limits of human capability.

Each strike was calculated with impeccable precision, Muichiro's mastery of martial arts evident in every motion.

The alleyway became an arena of relentless combat, the sound of fists connecting with flesh punctuating the air.

The adventurers, now realizing the mistake they had made, fought back with desperation, but their efforts were futile against the otherworldly force before them.

With a display of prowess that transcended the boundaries of human ability, Muichiro incapacitated his opponents one by one. He moved like a tempest, his movements blurring into an indomitable force.

The last adventurer fell to the ground, groaning in defeat and clutching his injured form, before blacking out.

As the dust settled, the alleyway was left in a state of chaotic disarray. Muichiro stood amidst the fallen, his posture unchanged, his breath steady.

His expression, or the lack thereof, betrayed no sign of the superhuman feat he had just accomplished.

Turning his gaze to the Pallum, who was still huddled on the ground, Muichiro's voice was quiet but stern. "Are you alright?"

The Pallum's tear-streaked face looked up at Muichiro, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Th-thank you," he stammered, his voice quivering with emotion.

Muichiro nodded, acknowledging the thanks without revealing any hint of emotion himself.

Muichiro placed a hand on his chest, but as usual, it was beating like normal. Muichiro looked down to the ground, before looking at the Pallum one last time.'

And with that, he turned away, walking back into the main streets of Orario, his enigmatic presence fading into the bustling labyrinth city.

The Pallum looked on as Muichiro disappeared into the crowd of people.' I didn't even get his name.' Unfortunately, it was too late and Muichiro was already gone.

.....

The encounter had come and gone, leaving a trail of defeated adversaries and a grateful soul in its wake.

And yet, Muichiro remained untouched by the emotions that typically coloured such interactions, his heart a locked enigma that defied understanding.

After the incident in the alleyway, Muichiro retraced his steps through the bustling streets of Orario, his senses attuned to every detail around him.

The encounter with the adventurers had left no impact on his emotions, as he continued on his way, his expression as placid as ever.

The guards stationed outside the Wheat Manor's gates recognized him and granted him entrance, allowing him to pass without question.

Inside the manor, familiar faces greeted him—familia members he had met during the welcoming party.

However, one face was notably absent: Betty. He made his way through the manor, acknowledging the greetings of those he passed, before heading straight to Demeter's room.

As he entered, he found Demeter seated at a desk, engrossed in reviewing documents.

Her gaze lifted upon his arrival, a warm smile curving her lips as she pushed aside the papers and stood to greet him.

She embraced him, her arms encircling his form in a tender hug, a gesture that was becoming increasingly familiar between them. Her words flowed with genuine concern, asking if he was alright after the day he had.

Muichiro's response was succinct, a simple nod acknowledging his well-being. But the blotches of dirt in his hair didn't escape Demeter's observant eyes. Without missing a beat, she decided to take the initiative, leading him to a bathing area within the manor.

With Demeter's guidance, they washed away the grime from the day's events, the warm water cascading over their skin.

As Muichiro's hair was cleansed, he recounted the events of the day to Demeter. He shared the encounter with the adventurers and the subsequent altercation that had unfolded in the alleyway.

Demeter's reaction was a mixture of surprise and something else—an almost predatory glint in her eyes, a smile that held a hint of mischief.

She praised Muichiro for his actions, even if they had been prompted by curiosity rather than a sense of heroism. Her voice resonated with approval as she commended his willingness to stand up for others.