Chapter 21 - An Epiphany during the slaughter

Appearing like a smoke, I turn my sights on the bandits that is still standing. After eliminating the riders of the wyverns, I have decided to turn my weapon towards them.

But I ask myself.....

Why am I chasing after these 'villains'? Why am I here? Why am I even fighting them from the start? Where did all this slaughter start from? Why am I fighting these bandits that didn't even attack me? Why?

Didn't I say that It's against my moral code to kill people unless it's for self defense? Then why am I chasing these bandits and poking holes in their bodies?

...Yes, I remember now, the reason why I got involve in this fucked up situation. What if I refused Ava the moment she made that request of me being a runner? I know that I owe her for curing the suppose ''language eater'' curse and activating the Wanderer's Had which had helped me.

But is it worth slaughtering these people that I am chasing right now? If I didn't attack them then they wouldn't have fight back. During the time I was escaping those riders, I manage to kill them using my gun because they have attacked me first. It was either me or them that will die.

But what if I tried to reason with those riders? I mean if I did then I would probably have just handed Captain Gaius's badge and leave back to the Inn and ignore the situation. Why did I have to desperately stick my neck in so much trouble like to akin to asking for someone to cleave it, when I can just leave and ignore the situation?

I know why, was it because of Ava? Was it because that mysterious robed woman who had a beautiful blonde and blue eyes with a jade like face that I had to play hero?

Was this all cause of wanting to impress her or just repaying the favor? Though I do admit that she have a certain charm in her that made me unable to resist. Not to mention the personality of a war saint who would extend her hand to those who are in need and the ferociousness of a guardian angel who would do anything to protect everything she can. Were the words ''Please travel with me'' did really have such a strong effect on me?

But.......is all this killing really worth it? Is chasing after these bandits even though they aren't attacking me and I was the one who started to get in on this mess.

I am no slaughterer, I didn't come here in this world to become someone like that.

I am dishonoring the blood of my ancestors and even these blessings.

I am a Wanderer after all, I shouldn't do this kind of thing if it weren't for protection.

I didn't learn all those skills just for this slaughter...But it's too late for that for now.

Never did I know, that within such few days I came here I would stain my blood within these conflicts. It's time to stop and let them take care of this problem. This is not my problem. My only goal right now is to protect Ava for now and then...

******

As I used my Phantom ability to effortlessly cover the distance between me and Ava. I then approach the bandit trying to stab Ava from behind and then grab the enemy in the back and applied pressure on the bandit's Brachial plexus and choke him till he fainted.

Ava then look at me as she continuously protect the city lord from the bandits. Admirable, but the problem about all of this... is that we went full stupid and even I have gone reckless with all of this.

''Ava, I have a plan...So please listen.'' i said.

'''I am listening Mr Stian!'' as she gouge an enemy and threw the bandit away.

''Listen, I need you to cover us with root shields and then I will turn you both invisible using my blessing...though we should have done this from the beginning and we could have this mess sorted out and have the city lord escaped....But what is done is done...so please.''

Ava look stunned, I can feel her agonizing on why didn't she ask if I can turn them invisible.. She then painted the floor with her power and sprouted shields of roots.

Then using my power, I then scattered energy threads towards them to reflect off the light and turn them invisible and then have Ava open up a hole in her shield roots as we passed sneakily. Noticing that the enemies didn't cast or . I then carried the City lord as we walk towards the pathway that leads to the base of the tree.

Ava then tried staying back for the wounded but I urged her to follow so that the reinforcements that I have called upon can sweep in and take care of things.

The Heavy Armor guards who were encircling Ava and the city lord stayed behind as they protect the shield roots unknowingly without knowing that we have already escaped.

Seriously contemplating why I didn't do this the moment I return back here after there were no people that can detect us makes me feel complicated.

If I did this from the beginning then I wouldn't to taint my hands with more blood. Right now all I can feel is disgust and memories of those who I have killed lingers in my mind. Though i pray in my heart in forgiveness and suppressed the urge to scream and cry in the ground.

I look blankly as we arrive towards the called reinforcements and undid the invisibility of the three of us. Seeing that we seems to have reach the destination safely without much trouble because of the chaos there.

Ava look towards me and seems to be troubled but decided to check on the city lord once again.. What a saint really...

Then I cried.....why? Because if I actually thought about how to effectively use my powers rather than have the emotion of wanting to impress and look good overtake me then things would have been easier. I almost lose my life during that struck on the chest. Though it seems that being in my partially Shadowed Form seems hold the wounds. I then took the time call Ava as I ask for treatment when she was done checking the city lord and have my bleeding stopped and my organs healed using her powers.

Though it seems she wants to say something. She hold back and said it was nothing at the moment...

Today so much unnecessary things I have involved myself with, just to feel the rush of adventure... Sighing deeply ,I then look towards the sky ,as I saw in the distance what seems to be silhouettes of wyverns being chased by a group of flying humanoids...

''It seems the cavalry is here'' as i muttered with a tone of contemplation and regret.