[19] Two kids

-Ash-

We walked towards the inn together, and by chance, our rooms were next to each other. It was quite unexpected, considering I had intended to keep my identity hidden, but it was quickly uncovered.

Roxy's story was fascinating. She aimed to travel the world because someone on the demon continent had inspired her, instilling in her a steely determination to explore the world. Yes, that feeling is indeed enjoyable, but the reality is rarely as beautiful as the expectation. Although the natural beauty of this world is breathtaking and pleasing to the eye, its inhabitants often fall short of expectations.

I've been here for a week now, and I've gathered some insights that form my understanding of this world. While it's not ideal to base conclusions on just one place, I plan to go to the renowned magic academy in Ranoa. The reason is simple: I need as much information as possible about the knowledge that exists in this world.

It will be very interesting to combine that knowledge with the fields of science that have already advanced significantly on Earth. Hehehe, I can't wait.

As I was about to sleep, my ears caught the sound of commotion from outside. My growing curiosity made me get up from the bed. I opened the window and tried to get a clearer sense of the noise.

"Hey, don't run, you brat!!"

The voice was filled with anger and intimidation. Without a second thought, I decided to find out what was happening. I grabbed the fur jacket hanging on the chair and then jumped out of the window.

The cold night air touched my skin as I landed softly on the ground. The noise grew louder, and I followed the direction of the sound swiftly. A group of people was surrounding someone at the end of a dark alley. The perpetrators appeared to be chasing and attacking the person.

I crept closer to the crowd, trying to stay out of sight. As I got a better look, I realized that the one being chased seemed to be two young boys who looked scared and helpless. They were running in a panic, trying to avoid the attacks from their pursuers.

My sense of humanity and curiosity prevented me from just standing by. I had to do something. Taking a deep breath, I prepared to intervene. With quick and cautious movements, I approached the crowd, ready to take action to stop the chaos.

"Hey, where are you going, kid! Stop being a nuisance to me! Come back and be an obedient child!" shouted a rough-looking man, dressed in tattered clothes with an angry expression. He emanated the aura of a petty criminal, clearly trying to intimidate.

The other perpetrators, who seemed to be two younger boys than me, nodded in agreement while glaring at the victim with hatred. Although they appeared poor and miserable, one thing that caught my attention was the look in the eyes of the boy trying to protect his brother. The boy's eyes did not show fear; instead, they radiated the resolve and determination of a warrior ready to face any challenge.

"Kid, stop looking at me like that or I'll gouge your eyes out when I get back!" threatened one of the men in a harsh voice, raising his hand as if ready to strike.

The boy's intense gaze and determination became clearer as he stood firm, even though his body appeared to be trembling. He was clearly trying to protect his brother, facing the threat bravely despite knowing the great risks involved.

The boy did not give up even as the situation worsened. With great courage, he threw whatever was around him—boxes, wood, and stones—in an attempt to drive away the criminals threatening him. Finally, he picked up a large piece of wood and swung it like a sword, preparing to confront the perpetrators with unwavering determination.

The criminals exchanged glances and erupted into mocking laughter at the boy's actions. "Hahaha! Oh my god, you need to put down that wooden plank quickly, or I'll cut off your hands!" shouted one of the criminals, his voice filled with cruelty.

However, the boy remained unshaken. With bravery, he even challenged the criminal who had brandished a sword at him with harsh and angry words. "Fuck off!" he yelled, his voice filled with resolve even though it was clear he was overwhelmed by fear and desperation.

The tension mounted, with the criminals laughing loudly and drawing closer, while the boy stood his ground, holding the wood with trembling hands. His seriousness and determination to protect his brother sharply contrasted with the brutality and arrogance of the criminals.

"Oh my god, what is this? Don't you feel ashamed of tormenting children?" My voice sounded very calm and steady as I suddenly appeared behind the criminals.

The criminals were startled and turned around, their expressions filled with confusion and anger. "Huh!? Who are you?" shouted one of them, his voice harsh and incredulous.

"Heh, me? Just a passer-by who happened to see your cruel behaviour towards children and felt ashamed," I replied casually, though inwardly I felt a deep unease.

As I had suspected, my words were seen as a joke by the criminals. They exchanged cynical glances and laughed mockingly. One of them, a man with a scar on his face, looked at me with disdain. "So what are you going to do? Just a passer-by?"

I could feel the atmosphere heating up, but I stood my ground with a confident attitude. "What am I going to do? Let's just see," I said with a faint smile on my lips, preparing for whatever might come next.

In an instant, I appeared in front of the boy holding the piece of wood like a sword. "May I borrow this for a moment?" I said in a casual yet firm tone.

The boy's face showed great surprise at my speed, his eyes wide as I suddenly stood before him. The criminals also looked bewildered, scanning their surroundings in confusion trying to locate my sudden disappearance.

"There! Attack this person!" shouted one of the criminals, his voice full of anger and frustration.

I stared intently at them, then confidently raised the wooden plank as if it were a sword. This moment reminded me of the kendo training I had undergone. Although I wasn't wielding a real sword, it felt as though I was practising in the same dojo.

My movements with the wooden plank followed the same principles as during kendo training: decisive, precise, and powerful. I swung the plank with smooth yet strong movements, applying every principle I had learned to confront my opponents effectively.

The criminals started moving forward, trying to attack me from various angles. However, with trained technique and sharp reflexes, I was able to dodge and counter their attacks with swift and accurate movements. The wooden plank functioned like a lethal sword, each of my movements filled with purpose and control.

The surroundings were filled with the sounds of clashes and screams, but I remained focused on the battle, determined to end this fight as quickly as possible to protect the children and ensure that these criminals could no longer cause harm.