Banshee

The owner is looking at me at a loss.

"They are bandits exactly because they are strong."

[Wait, why aren't they simply attacking this place instead?]

Logan answers.

"Blessings are the symbol of the Holy Empire. Attacking an area protected by one would be heresy. Before long they would send a clean-up agent. One that would take care of the problem without a doubt. Even the bandits have that much common sense."

I am getting doubtful looks right now.

[While this is true, it isn't absolute. First, there are suicidal people in this world. Some don't know the meaning of fear until it is too late. Second, blessings aren't that omnipotent sadly.]

I know a fair bit about it failing.

1) Me using space magic to steal it directly.

2) The rat disabling a base by himself easily.

"Hehe, that is true Sir. But about your second point, I feel like this is only from your perspective. For us mortals, blessings are absolute."

[If you are strong enough you can also disregard the agent directly.]

The owner leaves scared. He doesn't want any trouble.

[Well, in any case, I think it's fine if we install ourselves in the backyard.]

There seems to be a plot of land still protected by the blessing behind the pagoda. It is relatively empty except for a lone tree.

In the shade, there is a woman and a man. The latter respectfully standing by her side. In her hands is an instrument. One I feel I've seen before. But I don't remember how it's called.

A long string instrument that she is gently strumming. Actually, I'm not sure if that word fits. Her touch appearing ever so gentle. The melody produced being soothing and relaxing. This is interesting.

[How about you make us a quick shelter here?]

A few waves of its tail later, TMR is done setting up. He manages to do it all silently too. I can see the lady's brow arc upward. She almost loses her concentration.

"Sir, what is the plan?"

[Let's do this simply. You guys take care of the bandits. Meanwhile, I will be here listening to this music. Take this as a training opportunity. I expect you to take care of at least half of them.]

He is shocked for a second. Then he gets pulled away by an enthusiastic rat. I simply walk forward and sit a few meters away from the two strangers.

At first, the man wants to chase me away, but she shakes her head. It is my first time encountering a musician in this world. I wonder what their status in society is.

In any case, I figure her performance will likely end soon. I simply enjoy the moment. A few hours pass this way. It is only when the sun sets that she finally stops. She seems to be about to head in. Then she gently looks up.

"How was my performance?"

[Pretty nice. You are just missing other instruments and it would do for a nice song.]

That gets the man riled up.

"How dare you! The lady is-"

"Oh? What is my melody missing?"

[I'd say maybe drums and piano. Maybe a bit of flute too.]

"Are you sure about that?" She smiles mischievously.

[Oh, don't get me wrong. It's fine. It just could be better.]

She goes back to playing. This time there is something different about her whole posture. Before she was lazily playing but now, she seems serious.

I see her fingers glowing with a dim light. She seems to be surrounded by an aura.m Her hair floating slightly in the air. She would have been perfect to shoot a shampoo commercial.

Why is she emitting mana? That's when she hits a note again. The sound echoes in the small courtyard. It seems to be omnipresent.

That is when I realize she is somehow directing the sound right at me. This is an interesting use of magic for sure. Then after a while, she stops again giving an enchanting smile.

"How was that?"

She seems to be extremely proud. I give her a thumbs up.

[Nice trick for sure! You would be perfect to film a movie!]

Both of them are looking at me shocked. Is it the foreign term movie? I don't think so. Looking at the instrument then looking at me.

They both mumble at once. "How?!"

[What is it?]

All facade of a graceful mysterious lady is now gone.

"How are you not affected by my soul mesmerizing music?!"

[It's music alright. But soul mesmerizing? That's going a bit too far. As I said you are missing other instruments. Right what is this called anyway?]

"I-impossible…how?!"

It seems she just took a blow to her confidence.

[Don't worry about it, lady. I am sure you'll find a band one day.]

"Y-you how are you able to do that?! Resist my lady's soul enchanting Guqin.?!"

So that's what it's called! Then she seems to get pumped up.

"I will play until I manage to move you!"

Eh…sure. I simply lie down inside the small rock shelter. Before sleeping I create a plant to watch over me. At least it will wake me up if there is any danger.

I slowly drift into a pleasant and deep slumber. Lulled by the pleasant melody. After an uneventful night, I wake up.

Going outside awaits a scene out of a nightmare. What the hell?! The elegant young lady is gone. In her place is what looks like a banshee.

Her eyes are bloodshot. Her skin is sickly looking. Her hair still floating in the hair. Blood dripping out of her lips. Her gaze is soulless.

She is somehow chuckling madly. She is saying something about impressing me. Her voice is hoarse and broken. There is blood dripping on her instrument. One of the strings is snapped. Many of her nails are broken.

Her manservant is nearby. He is foaming at the mouth. What the fuck happened here?! Even now she is still playing. Not a sweet melody but a discordant one. I shake her out of her trance.

[Hey! Are you fine?! Hey!]

As soon as she stops playing, she simply falls. Like a puppet with its strings cut. I'm extremely confused right now.

*Sigh* Guess I'll bring them back to their rooms.