Standing in front was a bearded man, wearing a mean glare.

Emi could only stand in silence as this man looked down on her, speaking with anger.

“You damn Demi-HUMAn. You’re supposed to be out gathering my materials. Why are you enjoying yourself here? Nobody gave you permission to do so.”

By his side were two other men, dressed like run-of-the-mill thugs. Each of them had longswords at their hips, most likely meant for intimidation.

A single tear began to slide down Emi’s cheek as she apologized.

“I-I’m sorry.”

Still, the man wasn’t very happy. He raised his hand swiftly, then slapped her across the face.

Smack!

The force of the slap was more than enough to throw Emi on the ground.

Grinding his teeth furiously, the man snarled.

“I don’t want to hear your apologies or excuses. You already know what happens to those who disobey me.”

Watching everything happen, Amaya was confused. But Above all, she was filled with anger and stepped in.

“Hey! Who the hell are you?! She’s just a kid!” She shoved the man back.

Slowly, the man’s lips twisted into an eerie grin, “You dumb woman, I’m Jackle Redwinn, the leader of the Claws. In case you’re new around here, we run this town. “

He clenched his fist, shaking it at her. “This demi-human works for me. Now screw off!”

The moment he reached out to grab Emi, Amaya smacked his hand away.

“She shouldn’t have to work for someone like you! She should be with a caring family. That’s why I’m on my way to take her to the orphanage.”

Jackal sighed, then started to chuckle. “And ya think they’ll just put a demi-human in a loving household? Don’t make me laugh, the orphanage will just sell her off as slave. Where do you think I got her from?”

If what he said was the truth, there was no way this could be okay with the law. Could it? Amaya, alone, wouldn’t be able to fight off Jackal and the two men by his side. So instead, she threatened to report them to the guards.

“What if the guards found out about this? They’d lock you up, wouldn’t they? I’ll have to go tell them if you don’t leave her alone.”

Jackal raised his eyebrow out of sheer confusion.

“The hell are you talking about? Having demi-humans as slaves is perfectly fine. You must’ve been living in another world if you didn’t know that much. Now that you’re informed, go mind your business!”

He tugged Emi by the arm and proceeded to walk off with her, along with the other thugs.

Amaya was powerless to do anything. She was outmatched in all terms of fighting capabilities.

[ ‘Analyze’ Used ]

( Jackal: Lvl: 55 HP: 890 MP: 123 Atk: 105 Speed: 75 Endurance: 320)

But she couldn't just stand there and do nothing at all

Given this moment, it looked like the best time to attack, now that Jackal had his back turned.

Efficiently, she pulled out her knife thrusted it at him.

Fwsh!

He must've heard her footsteps as he immediately turned, catching her wrist.

His red eyes gleamed and a grin washed onto his face.

“No more chances.”

Faster than Amaya could react, Jackal struck her stomach, sending her through multiple crates of flour.

BMP! Crackle! Smash!

Already, she was at her limit, unable to move. Her joints were in severe pain and she couldn't find the strength to get up.

‘Gosh….I’m so weak…’ Amaya couldn’t help but shame herself in thought.

She knew attacking was a brainless move, but she had done so anyway.

She remained on the floor, watching as Jackal stepped through the cloud of flour.

“You just tried to stab me, right? If you’re ready to kill, you must be ready to die.”

It was clear by the look in his eyes. He was going to take her head clean off.

Jackal raised his sword, making sure that it glimmered in the sun's light. He wanted Amaya to know that this would be the weapon that killed her.

Fwsh!

The steel sword slashed down at her.

Unexpectedly, his blade was parried.

Clink!

Out of reflex, Jackal jumped back, creating distance.

“People just don’t know how to mind their business these days.” He muttered, glaring at the one who interfered.

A man in a knight’s helmet. He was dressed in a black coat, wielding a shortsword. He seemed to be your average adventurer.

“There's no need to deal a killing blow. She’s unable to move.”

The adventurer sheathed his blade.

Jackal, on the other hand, only sheathed his sword after some thinking. He still had the urge to kill, but knew better. He recognized who this Adventurer was. Not a sworn friend, not a sworn enemy. Just a guy that was willing to cut down all evil. His methods of doing so had no limits.

Jackal snarled, “Alright, fine then. I’ll let her live for now. But if I come across her again, I’ll chop her head clean off.”

His tone was bold enough, showing that he meant it.

After making himself clear, he left, taking Emi with him.

The mysterious adventurer sighed, then looked at the white-haired girl who lied on the ground.

“You really need to learn some common sense. Attacking him there was not a good idea.”

Amaya closed her eyes, disappointed at her own actions.

“I Know.”

The Adventurer shook his head, then filled her ears with constant babble.

“It was a bad idea because you were outnumbered. Even with their back turned, it wasn’t in your favor. It would’ve been smarter to follow him and find where he stays. After that, plot an attack. I personally would’ve rigged his front door with an explosion spell, along with the windows. Poisoning his food supply is another option.”

He really seemed like the kind of guy that could come up with a plan quickly.

Though, Amaya couldn’t tell if he was just smart or secretly evil.

“...Looks like you really thought this through.” she stated.

“I think everything through. If you don’t, you won’t survive long.” The Adventurer lifted Amaya off the ground, helping her stand.

She was struggling, and managed to only take a single step before her leg gave out.

BMP!

Face first, she hit the stone road.

“I think that Jackal guy might’ve broken a few of my bones.” Amaya pouted.

“Hmmmm.” The Adventurer stared down at her, seeming to analyze her condition. But his response was only a simple one. “Seems so.”

With nearly no effort, he picked Amaya up again, letting her hang

onto his back, “I’ll get you some help, then.”