[18] As it happens

-Ash-

Moving at high speed is indeed difficult, as I have to anticipate every move of my opponent. Because of this, I have developed the ability to read my opponent's movements and plan my next steps precisely.

It sounds like nonsense, considering I have an incredibly powerful cheat within me. However, I must always remember that one day, this power might disappear or I might be unable to use it at all. In that moment, I would be meaningless if I solely relied on this cheat.

That's why I have developed other skills, both external and internal. External skills involve physical training and martial arts. I have learned various techniques from different schools, honing precision, strength, and speed. Every movement must be efficient and lethal, just like when I slaughtered the Luster Grizzlies earlier. I need to read the attack patterns of my opponents, identify gaps, and exploit their weaknesses.

Internal skills are more complex and require high levels of calmness and concentration. I have studied breathing techniques and meditation to enhance my focus and endurance. With Ciel's help, I also learned how to control the energy within my body, maximising my strength without fully relying on the cheat.

When I jump into the battlefield, everything feels like it's moving in slow motion. Every attack from my opponents is crystal clear, and I can dodge them effortlessly. When one of the Luster Grizzlies tried to attack me from behind, I could sense its movement before it happened. I spun around and swung my spear, cleanly severing the monster's neck with one smooth motion.

I leapt into the air, avoiding attacks from two other Luster Grizzlies. In mid-air, I twisted my body and aimed my spear downward, piercing through the back of one of the monsters. Quickly, I pulled my spear out and landed on the ground, then cut off the leg of another approaching monster. The air was filled with screams and roars, but I remained calm, focusing on each movement.

Eventually, the last monster attempted to flee after seeing its companions slaughtered. I decided to let it go. There was no point in killing a creature that was already terrified. I then turned towards the four adventurers. They all gaped, their eyes wide with a mix of shock and admiration.

At that moment, I wore a head covering that hid my face. Moreover, the overcast weather made it even harder to recognise my face. If they knew my identity, there would undoubtedly be many troublesome questions. So, it's better to stay anonymous.

With a quiet, deliberate step, I leapt away without a sound, leaving them to deal with the spoils from the monsters I had slain. After all, the quest I undertook was only to gather herbs, and I had completed it.

### -Roxy Migurdia-

We finally completed the quest, but our minds were filled with questions. Who was the person behind that hood? Despite the impressive way he wielded the spear, the speed at which he moved was incredibly rare. Only swordmasters of the King rank typically possess such abilities.

What was even stranger was that the person's movements did not produce the supersonic effects that shake the ears like lightning. It was more akin to light-speed, without causing any damage to the surrounding environment. Such skill is rarely found, even among elite adventurers.

Because of his extraordinary spear techniques, our party gave him the nickname "Light Spear". It was a childish name, but it fit his remarkable abilities.

I sighed in exhaustion, sitting in the chair of the inn room. I felt somewhat guilty about taking someone else's spoils, so if I encounter that man again, I will offer him half of the loot.

My stomach began to rumble, making me frown as I thought about the mysterious man. I stood up and prepared to find something to eat.

When I opened the door to my room, I happened to see the person staying in the next room also coming out. The moment created an awkward atmosphere as our eyes met.

"Ah... It's him!" My eyes widened when I saw the beastman's clothes in front of me, which were similar to the mysterious man who had helped me some time ago.

-Ash-

How could this happen? I peeked through my fingers covering my face, seeing a blue-haired woman sitting across from me at a bar.

"Um... Thank you for helping us back then, and please accept half of the loot!" she said, offering a bag of coins.

"Please don't be loud, I don't want to draw unwanted attention by making a little girl bow down!" I whispered, trying to keep my voice low to avoid attracting attention.

The blue-haired girl in front of me was startled, raising her head, her eyes glaring at me. "Little girl?"

For some reason, it seemed like she was angry when I referred to her as a little girl. Her expression changed from friendly to suspicious.

"Sorry, I lack general knowledge. So, are you one of the long-lived races? If so, I have been rude to call you a little girl. Please forgive me, miss!" I said, trying to correct my mistake with a sincere tone.

Her eyes, which were sharp before, softened slightly. "Alright, I accept your apology. But please, don't call me a little girl again," she said firmly.

I nodded quickly, feeling relieved. "Of course, I won't repeat it. Once again, I'm sorry."

She sighed, then offered the bag of coins again. "Take it, this is your share of the loot. You saved us, so this is rightfully yours."

I shook my head, pushing the bag back towards her. "No need, the important thing is that you are safe. Besides, the quest I took was only to gather herbs."

"No, no, no, please don't refuse it. I feel guilty if you don't accept this," the girl pleaded again.

I looked at the bag of coins on the table for a moment, then sighed deeply. "Alright, thank you for considering it," I said, finally taking the bag.

"As a celebration, let me treat you, Miss..."

"Roxy Migurdia. Just call me Roxy," she said with a smile.

"Alright, Miss Roxy. I hope you enjoy your meal. Waiter!" I called, raising my hand to signal the waiter.

A waiter arrived promptly, bringing the menu and taking our orders. While waiting for the food, we talked further. Roxy shared her journey, her goals, and why she was in the city.

.

"So, that's how it is,sir...?" she said, seeming a bit unsure of how to address me.

"Ash... Ash Constantine. There's a reason I don't use a clan name like other beastmen," I replied with a smile.

Roxy raised an eyebrow, showing her interest. "Oh, really? Why is that, Ash?"

I smiled, a touch of nostalgia enveloping my thoughts. "Well, it's a long story. In short, I come from a very different place and have lived a very different life. Using a clan name doesn't really reflect who I am now."

Roxy nodded, seeming to understand. "I can see that. Sometimes, we need to create our own identity, regardless of our origins."

Our conversation flowed smoothly. Roxy talked about her experiences on the demon continent, how she struggled to adjust to the human world, and her ambition to become a teacher in the Kingdom of Shirone.

The food finally arrived, warm and aromatic dishes filling the table. We began eating while continuing our conversation. The meal tasted even better due to the flowing conversation. Occasionally, we laughed at funny stories and experiences we shared.

"Not every day do I meet someone from the demon continent," I said while chewing a delicious roast meat. "It must take a lot of courage to leave home and explore the world like you do."

Roxy smiled softly. "Thank you, Ash. But you're also remarkable. The way you defeated the Luster Grizzlies with that spear was truly impressive."

I just smiled, trying to downplay the compliment. "It was just luck. The important thing is that we're all safe."

As the meal continued, we enjoyed our time together, reflecting on the unexpected meeting that had brought so much meaning and significance.