Chapter 445

Chapter 452: Mother Hen Protecting Her Chick (Please Subscribe!)

The attackers were not from Kali Familia… or rather, not just from Kali Familia.

Haruhi realized this clearly.

“Haruhi… tsk, I really didn’t want to meet you like this… but that adult’s orders are as such; she told us to bring you back…”

In front of the fox-eared girl, the valiant woman wielding a Great Knife spoke with an air of helplessness, her face showing signs of distaste.

These days, not only had Kali Familia arrived at the small town of Melon. As the instigators who summoned them out from their secluded nation of warriors, Ishtar Familia had also quietly made their way to this town.

For several days, they’ve been secretly gathering information on Loki Familia’s whereabouts and activities.

Aisha had observed Haruhi from afar many times.

However, during those moments, the girl was happily getting along with Refia and the others, completely unaware of Aisha’s gaze.

After all, Haruhi was once someone Aisha personally took care of and “released” into the world. Seeing her so joyful and basking in the sunlight now, Aisha couldn’t help but feel happy.

If possible, she would have liked to simply walk away right then and there, instead of standing here facing off against Haruhi like some villain.

But alas.

The goddess above was watching over this place in secret. If she were to leave now…

Recalling the torment she endured in the past, Aisha lacked the courage to do so.

“Ishtar Familia is involved in this matter as well? I advise you not to entertain delusions. Haruhi is our family now, and we won’t hand her over!”

At the first moment, Alisia shielded Haruhi behind her, the enchanted weapon in her hands gleaming with formidable light.

Though this enchanted weapon fell under the category of a staff, it didn’t stop Alisia from using it to strike people.

As a proficient mage skilled in the art of “Parallel Chanting,” having spent much time with Izay, Alisia had also honed her staff combat skills to a sharp edge.

“That guy Izay sure did draw a good Familia… Spirit, my actions are by the command of the deity, impossible to defy. However, if you’d prefer, knocking me out would be more effective than mere threats.”

Seeing Alisia’s protective stance resembling a mother hen shielding her chick, Aisha couldn’t help but smile. Yet, she raised her Great Knife as well, preparing for battle.

“Why so much talk? Aisha, ignore that spirit and attack already!!”

“That’s right! Don’t let Haruhi prepare her magic! Things will get complicated again if she does!!”

“That’s your problem. The spirit up ahead should be the one who recently leveled up to Level 5 in the “Garden of Purity,” right? Hmph~! I’ll deal with her alone!”

Clearly, not everyone on Aisha’s side shared her fondness for Haruhi. Many had already begun loudly strategizing their attack plans. The masked Level 5 warrior from the warrior nation could no longer hold back and charged forward immediately.

“Everyone…!?”

Seeing Alisia and Haruhi about to clash, Ais, seemingly placed intentionally, immediately moved to support them.

However—

“Your opponent is me, dear~!”

With a deep, hateful roar, two dark shadows closed in almost instantly.

A massive figure loomed behind, covering Ais’ body.

While the Amazonian warrior lunged forward, unleashing a fierce punch.

“—!”

Ais detected both attacks immediately and dodged the axe blade and direct punch with lightning-fast reflexes.

But the attacks weren’t over yet.

Another person hadn’t rushed forward with the initial attackers but remained about fifty meters away, firing poisoned arrows at Ais.

Noticing the dark purple hue on the arrowheads, they were likely tipped with poison.

Swinging her silver blade in an instant, Ais deflected all incoming arrows, her gaze locking onto the attacker.

“Hehehe! Impressive indeed~! You managed to level up before me.”

Confused golden eyes reflected the metallic sheen unique to armor.

The color was atrociously vibrant crimson red, full-body protective gear revealing no gaps, and that bulky build… it looked like something out of a monster’s half-orc race, making one want to laugh.

(No, no… There’s no doubt this individual is human, and I feel like I’ve heard that voice somewhere…)

Ais slightly shifted her focus down to the lower-left corner as if to dispel the confusion in her mind, then dug up a name from the nearly forgotten corners of her memory.

“Fulini Jamil?”

Instantly, the armored figure seemed to freeze upon hearing her name clearly called out.

“Hahahaha~! Exposed, huh? Even hidden in armor, you still recognize me… Looks like my beauty left quite the impression on you, doesn’t it? What a sin~”

Hiding identity? Deep impression!

In another sense, it might indeed be true…

Fulini, the leader of Ishtar Familia, known as the “Man Killer,” always left an extremely profound first impression. And she had unresolved issues with Ais.

But Ais herself didn’t think they had any grudges; it was all one-sided hostility from Fulini.

Regardless of how old this “frog” might be, when Ais broke the leveling record at a young age and reached Level 2, Fulini seized an opportunity during a dungeon exploration to confront her.

That was their first encounter, where Ais suffered due to the age and experience gap.

The second time was two years later after their initial meeting, and by then Ais was beginning to gain the upper hand.

The third time occurred when Ais became a top-tier adventurer, dominating the fight and defeating the frog.

Normally, one should exercise self-awareness, acknowledge reality, and accept defeat when outmatched.

But frogs lack self-awareness.

The deadly sin of jealousy was fully manifested in Fulini.

“Being more beautiful and stronger than me.” The overly confident frog couldn’t stand others evaluating her and the “Sword Maiden” this way, thus developing a deep hatred for the young girl, unable to bear it.

This time, settling new and old scores together!!

Even the main deity’s command to seize Haruhi went largely unnoticed by Fulini.

She wanted nothing more than to team up with the Level 5 warrior from the warrior nation and the hidden ace nearby to thoroughly beat the “Sword Maiden” and vent the resentment accumulated over the years!!

Yes, the reason why Fulini and the other attacker held back and allowed Ais to analyze the situation was precisely to buy time.

Several dozen meters away, the third accomplice had already begun preparing their dark trick!

(Magic!? Ritual!?)

Similarly, Ais noticed the strange behavior of the person on the outskirts. They were more covered than anyone else, gender indistinguishable, yet constantly circling around her as if drawing something.

Whatever it was, Ais wasn’t going to let them continue. Instinct warned her it was definitely not good.

“Hehe, you noticed, didn’t you? But you won’t be able to interfere! Sally, move now!”

This shout was directed at someone outside the battlefield.