Chapter 18: Onslaught (2)

Vincent couldn't take his eyes off from the otherworld's sight unfolding in front of him. Several large thorny vines continue growing from the ground out of nothing, binding and piercing Max's group without a shred of mercy.

One of the vines directly impaled one of Max's man from his crotch up.

"Ouch!" Vincent winced, unconsciously brought his legs close together. "Whistle~, that's sure is hell…"

He could feel his spine tingling just from watching. If there're another man nearby, surely he would react in the same way.

Shizuku, beside him, responded with a tense smile. "R-right, I don't know Alisa capable of this… brutality," she remarked, her voice betraying a mix of shock and disbelief.

Though she's already prepared herself, the sight in front of her still dumbfounded her.

The group that threatening her not long ago were now screaming in terror and begging for mercy with expression that were not safe for children's view.

A group of adult with ugly expression, screaming for mercy, saliva splashing along with tears and snot. Not to mention the blood that spurted out of their pierced wounds like a geyser.

Even Max, the most okay looking guy in there already decorated with several vines passing through his body, crushing it while he struggling in vain.

Despite Amara, the world where human were more tenacious in this topic, anyone without some level of experience would still get a trauma from this sight.

Education and awareness of danger they got from early age would be helpful, but like they said; knowing it and experienced it were two completely different things.

Even Shizuku, with a bit of experience from killing a monster once to satisfy her curiosity, was not totally composed now.

She tried to act tough, to not show weakness, but the trembling of her hand and the bile that threaten to rise clearly indicated her inner turmoil.

The only reason she had not freaked out yet was because of the boy at her side. As Shizuku stole a glance at him, she couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for the boy who stood by her side.

There was something about him, a strength and confidence that seemed to radiate from his very being. Despite the situation they're in, he remains composed.

It was as if he were born for moments like these—moments of danger and uncertainty where others faltered, but he stood firm.

If only she knew that the very same boy was too busy admiring magic that he only seen from behind pixel screen to think of anything else at the moment.

But for an inexperienced girl like her, the fact that this stranger would risk his own safety to save them, made it enough for a crush to grow towards him.

A plus the point was that he even showed them out from a near hopeless situation.

"It's amazing…" Shizuku couldn't help but let her true thoughts slip out, her voice filled admiration towards Vincent.

Vincent's gaze remained fixed on the dissipating thorny vines, a mixture of awe and reverence evident in his expression. "Yeah, Alisa's magic sure is amazing," he murmured, his voice carrying a note of admiration.

Shizuku blinked, momentarily taken aback by Vincent's words. "Huh?" she responded, caught off guard by his sudden shift in topic.

"Alisa's magic. It's amazing, right?" Vincent clarified, his eyes meeting Shizuku's with a hint of amusement.

Realization dawned on Shizuku as she quickly composed herself. "Y-yeah! Right!? Alisa's magic is amazing!" she affirmed, her tone slightly higher as she hastily nodded in agreement.

Internally, Shizuku chastised herself for her momentary lapse of composure. 'Idiot! Don't go acting like a maiden in love now!' she scolded herself, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment at her own thoughtlessness.

Vincent chuckled softly at Shizuku's response, a warm smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Indeed, it is," he agreed, but a teasing smile playing on his lips.

He enjoyed watching Shizuku. It made he realized that this girl actually had a lot of cute expressions behind her confident appearance.

Vincent was not blind. Maybe he was wrong but he could guess that his action scored some for point for Shizuku to grow some sort of crush on him. But he just contributed it to her inexperience and young age. Even if she's truly fallen for him, he didn't intend to pursue it yet.

Watching Alisa's magic made him realised how far he need to go from now on. Alisa right now should be weaker than even her counterpart from the beginning of the game, but the sheer destruction she can cause is far higher than what he can.

This is the difference between talent. A gift that signified their starting point in this world.

Sure, she might need time to prepare, which would give ample time for him to take her down in direct confrontation, but…

'If I am to be the strongest, even if I gave eternity for the enemy to prepare, I should be able to take the win,' Vincent thought, silent determination burning stronger inside him.

He didn't depress or something like that since he's already aware of the difference. In contrast, he felt more motivated now to surpass all of them and stand at the top.

No want was born equal here, but the world was not unnecessarily unfair.

'You just feel unfair when you don't have enough strength.'

Not long after, the screaming ceased before the vines also stopped moving, locked in their position signified the completion of the spell.

Shizuku let out a relieved sigh almost simultaneously before she heard a rough breathing from Alisa.

Alisa swayed unsteadily on her feet, her strength visibly depleted from the exertion.

Shizuku rushed to her with a worried face.

"Alisa!" Before Alisa could fall, Shizuku caught her. "Hey! Are you okay?"

Alisa blinked several times, trying to shake off the dizziness that threatened to overwhelm her. Shizuku's steady presence helped anchor her, preventing her from collapsing entirely.

"I-I'm fine," Alisa managed to stammer out, her voice wavering slightly as she regained her balance. "Just a bit drained from the spell casting."

Vincent also stepped closer, observing her condition. "Are you sure you're alright?" he asked, his tone filled with worry.

His concern eyes meet her tired eyes.

Alisa offered him a weak smile. "Yes, I'll be fine. It's just… the strain of using a powerful spell," she explained, her voice trailing off as she fought against the lingering effects of exhaustion.

Vincent nodded understandingly, though his eyes still held a hint of concern. "You did your best. Take a rest for now. You need to regain your strength," he suggested before walking away.

Shizuku nodded in agreement, gently supporting Alisa to lay down.

"Where are you going?" Alisa cocked her head as she saw Vincent turning back towards the remnant of the battlefield. Her tone laced with a hint of fear and insecure that he would disappear, abandoning them, but it was subtly masked that not even Shizuku realized.

Vincent realized his mistake when he saw her hopeful gaze. Though she has strong talent but the Alisa right now was just a girl that was thrown into this brutal world and just face potential death of both herself and her friend.

She got saved, but going forward is still unknown. And looking at the only one that could help them survive walked away like that surely would cause her to worry.

Vincent smiled reassuringly at Alisa's question and with the most excited tone he said; "I'm gonna rob those bastard's corpses for a bit. Will be right back. Any order?"

Alisa blinked in surprise before she chuckled. "You know, maybe some snacks for me wouldn't be a bad idea," she teased, her smile a welcome sight to Vincent.

Vincent grinned back, "Got it, snacks it is. Anything else?"

Shizuku couldn't help but join in. "How about some souvenirs? Maybe Max had something shiny on him."

Alisa rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, please. Just make sure you don't get into more trouble, I really don't want to move now." She said, though there was a hint of amusement in her voice.

Vincent gave them a mock salute. "No trouble. I'll be back before you know it."

Alisa's eyes sparkled with trust and fondness. "Pinkie promise?" she asked, extending her little finger.

Vincent chuckled, linking his pinkie with hers. "Pinkie promise," he affirmed, sealing their pact with a smile.

Alisa nodded, trusting in Vincent's words. "Be careful, then," she said softly, her voice filled with genuine concern.

Vincent offered her a reassuring nod before turning his attention to the task at hand. He also felt relieved inside, since Alisa's habit of making cute promise was still the same as in the game.

With practiced ease, he moved through the surrounding area, his senses alert for any signs of danger.

Once Vincent was out of earshot, Shizuku turned her attention back to Alisa, "Are you feeling any better?" she asked, her voice gentle.

Alisa nodded weakly, offering a small smile. "Yeah, I think I just need some rest," she admitted, her voice still wavering slightly. "That spell took a lot out of me. I feel like dying."

Shizuku chuckled. "You sound like an old man."

Alisa felt like an arrow passed through her chest.

"Ugh! Who the hell you call old man huh!? Ah shit, I don't even have the energy to argue."

"Serve your right. Just stay obedient and rest."

"Bitch, I saved your ass, you know? Treat me like a queen, at least."

"Yeah, yeah. I will let that pass this time. You did amazing, Alisa the best," she reassured her friend, her tone sincere even in sarcasm. "I don't know what we would've done without you or Vincent."

Though annoyed, Alisa smiled gratefully at Shizuku's words, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten. "Thanks, but you also did a lot too, Shizuku. Thank you for staying by my side," she murmured, her clear voice filled with gratitude.

Shizuku widened her eyes before she made a serious expression. "Sorry, but I'm not swing that way, I like man" she bows a Japanese worthy bow while apologizing.

Veins pop out on Alisa's head, but she's too tired that she decided to just sleep.

Unfortunately, Shizuku's 'Fufufu' laughter kept her from a peaceful sleep.

Meanwhile, Vincent carefully surveyed the area, keeping an eye out for any signs of danger. The remnants of the battlefield were still smoldering, and the air was thick with the scent of burnt flesh and magic.

As he scanned the area, his gaze fell upon the fallen bodies of Max's group, their expressions frozen in terror and agony.

Realisation of what he had done came to him, but weirdly enough, Vincent didn't feel any kind of strong feeling from all this slaughter.

Sure, the fact that for the first time he had killed another human being made him uncomfortable for a bit before he composed himself, but he's sure as hell didn't regret anything. No remorse whatsoever.

Whether it was because he knew what kind of people these mobs were or probably because of his memory, he unconsciously viewed them as the same as monsters in the game; he didn't know.

They were targeting to harm Alisa, a girl he deemed important to him and Shizuku, a girl that remained unmoved by intimidation and remained loyal to her conviction.

Pointing their swords at these girls was enough to deem them as his enemies. And sparing your enemies was a total foolish thing unless you had at least 10 extra plans to mess them up afterwards.

Vincent definitely not a foolish or had that 10 extra plans.

'But it was fortunate that they mentality was quite strong too. It would be troublesome if they broke down just from this,' He thought.

Vincent knew that this was necessary for them to harden their resolve and the faster they get used to it, the better it was for them in this world. There will be a lot more horrific things that need to meet as long as they're living in this game.

That's why he didn't try to comfort them excessively and let them adapted for themselves. He wants to see how well they cope with all this, and they did well.

Alisa was as good as he remembered from the early game. Focus, determined and powerful. But also a lot of opening. Basically, a glass cannon.

Vincent asked Shizuku to protect Alisa and though it was to help him cope with the number, he purposely sent all that he feels that Shizuku would barely be able to defeat. What would she do in a dire situation? Such a question stays on his mind since she was unknown to him.

And what he saw did not disappoint him at all. She got good grasp of her surrounding and quite a good talent in her burning blade magic.

'The way she fight could make a good parry type tank. Well, well, looks like my first team here would be quite an interesting team.' Vincent smile excitedly. His thought race with battle ideas he wants to try with them.

"Hehehe" eery laughter escapes his mouth as he rummages through the corpses that looking like some Christmas tree decoration. Fortunately, Alisa and Shizuku were not nearby. If they see him, surely their impression of him would be lowered down.

A girl in love might be blind, but a girl in a crush was not that blind.