I look at the old man.

[Who is this?]

"An old friend of mine."

[What is he talking about?]

"Don't worry about it."

He goes and unlocks the door.

Enters an old guy with a huge mustache and a box.

Wolfie too.

What is this?

He comes closer.

"Hey boy, are you the one that is dying soon?"

[What?!]

"I never said that he is dying, but yes."

"In your letter, you wrote that he offended the Moon Keep. A corpse would have higher chances at life than him!"

I feel like that guy is a bit too pessimistic in my odds.

[What happened to this city protecting the lives of people?]

"Hahahahahaha, aren't you cute? That only works are long as the city is standing. If they receive an ultimatum from a strong sect, they'll give you up instantly."

I guess this makes sense.

After all, this is part of diplomacy.

To compromise.

Except I may not like what comes out of it.

[So what's the plan?]

"*Reassuringly* Don't worry I have you covered."

He sits at a table and gestures me to follow suit.

"Alright, I have the papers here."

[What for?]

Let me guess.

Will this guy be able to make me part of city hall somehow?

Perhaps a job as a janitor?

So I get more protection…

"Alright, fill out this form!"

[That, I can't write.]

"No worries I'll help."

He gives me an encouraging smile.

Then he starts to calmly ask me questions.

At first, I answer my best.

Trying to stay serious.

However, at some point, I realize what this is all for.

This guy is registering for my funeral!

*FLIP TABLE!!!* …almost.

I would if I didn't have awesome self-control.

The old man comes nearby.

"Don't worry about it, I just want to be ready for all possibilities. So what exactly do you want to be inscribed on your tombstone?"

Him too!

Wolfie is rolling her eyes.

I'm not the only one finding all this exaggerated!

Giving up is never the best option!

This is a saying I love using!

Ah, the only thing is it can get you fired from your job.

Talking from experience.

You know suicide line operator.

[Then write: Here lies your father!]

"Why?"

[C'mon, you know that classic line! Ah, never mind. *Sigh*]

"I mean it's alright, just write it."

[No, but seriously we should be doing something else! I don't exactly know what but…]

The old man gives a mysterious smile.

"Hehe, don't worry about it."

What does he mean by that?

That's when I hear a cacophony coming from outside.

Screams.

Fright.

A panicking crowd.

"Hehe, it has started."

The old man looks like some mastermind right now.

You know the one you'd expect to be sitting in the dark?!

One that no one would know his identity.

The one only showed from behind as a silhouette sitting.

[What exactly began?]

"You hear the screams? That is the sound made when a follower of Gluto goes for a walk."

What did he write in this letter of his?!

*CRASH*

The door gets destroyed entirely.

In the silence that follows appears a mass of flesh.

"Hey, got a drawing of the target?"

While I'm stupefied the old man just grabs the drawing and hands it over.

Nomzilla…. eats it!

What?!

Then he departs just like that.

Without a word.

This, should we follow?

That's when I hear the sound of galloping.

Then barges in Luvon.

"He's not here? Alright, I'll head there and see for myself. Thanks for the info!"

Again, what is this about?!

The guy from city hall nudges me.

"Seriously, you better sign this just in case."

He is handing me over the previous paper.

The one in case I die prematurely.

Screw this!

I just pick it up and tear it to pieces.

"Are you sure young one?"

[*Sigh* Simply accept death? Not my style.]

As if I'd give up before a fight even happens.

[Old man I'm really not sure what is happening. But it seems like you brought these guys to help.]

This gotta be the most effective mobilization order I've ever seen.

I could just sit here and wait for everything to be over.

I will always try to avoid direct confrontation.

Not because I am scared.

Mostly because that is not my goal.

I derive no pleasure from mindless bloodshed.

[Still, I won't endanger others for my sake.]

I would have seriously remained hidden.

Waited for my potential enemy to hopefully leave.

But I don't want acquaintances to be the only ones doing something.

It would be one thing if I was weak, but I have divine energy.

Enough divine energy to confront him at least.

So what if I face seemingly endless suffering?

At some point, he'll run out of energy.

Then I'll strike.

Yes.

This shall do.

"Isn't it easier to let others handle the problem?"

[*Scoff* Indeed. So much easier.]

That's the thing.

The right decisions are often the hardest to accomplish.

Yet, right now it feels natural to me.

This is my path.

"You'll die for sure."

"If you die who will inherit the bakery?"

Afraid I'll screw up a perfect plan?

I am not strong, but I am not weak either.

I turn toward both of them.

[Then isn't it simple? I just have to avoid dying.]

I slowly make my way outside.

I hear the good wishes of the old guys.

The siblings are back too.

They seem to have a lot to say, but I stop them.

I won't change my mind.

No matter what.

Wolfie lazily follows after me.

It seems she is not worried at all.

She has been with me a long time after all.

She knows I am not one to die easily haha.

I just need to have as much confidence as her.

My opponent uses flying swords.

I probably can't beat him in speed.

His technique is obviously leagues above mine.

He is also ruthless and just killed a man.

My best option to catch him off guard.

I could play dead.

No, there is something even better.

He will be able to block my attacks for sure.

But what if I suddenly enhance the weapon itself?

I could cut through both the weapon and him in one go.

Ah, but I don't have a sword anymore.

I have a plan.

1. Steal one of his swords

2. Fake getting overwhelmed.

3. When his attention falters, kill him.

Here are the city gates.

Moment of truth …