Part XVII Desperate Stab

Fiore jumped up and down, catching her breath, then lunged forward. The half-gorilla seemed to be thinking the same thing. From the ruins of the house, the creature leaped and charged toward Fiore. The gorilla fell, but Fiore kept her distance to avoid being hit. Dust from the ground again covered the half-gorilla. However, from the dust suddenly flew dozens of pebbles, targeting Fiore. Blessed by the wind, Fiore nimbly dodged all the pebbles while waiting for the dust covering the half-gorilla to dissipate. As soon as the dust cleared, Fiore was surprised when the half-gorilla suddenly leaped toward her. Lazuro, seeing this, didn't remain silent, making a powerful slash at the half-gorilla. Although he failed due to the creature's large arms, Lazuro's attack did give Fiore time to dodge.

"Thanks, Lazuro," Fiore said after landing on the ground.

"No problem. Are you sure you can handle that creature?" Lazuro asked.

Fiore didn't answer but immediately approached the half-gorilla that was heading their way. The half-gorilla creature swung its massive arm toward Fiore. Fiore dodged by falling backward and moving forward like a skier. As she glided forward, Fiore delivered a slash to the half-gorilla's leg.

"Looks like I can't last long."

Knowing her skill was short, Fiore placed her rapier across her chest like a fencer.

"Vertical Slash."

Using the wind as her support, Fiore dashed forward, delivering a slash that wounded the half-gorilla's body. The attack enraged the half-gorilla. The creature continued to leap, wreaking havoc everywhere. Fiore, meanwhile, continued leaping, slashing at the half-gorilla whenever she had the chance.

"Damn, my attacks aren't doing any significant damage. Looks like I can only rely on that kid, Fiore said.

Fiore continued dodging and waiting for the creature to tire. After dozens of jumps, the creature paused for a moment, shaking its head vigorously.

"Now's the time, Lazuro; get ready!"

Using the wind at her feet, Fiore shot forward quickly while making the air swirl around her hands.

“Wind cannon!”

Fiore sent the half-gorilla flying through the air. Lazuro narrowed his eyes, preparing to aim at the half-gorilla. Ascending a kendo pose, Lazuro shouted and swung his sword forcefully. A massive slash of energy erupted, shooting toward the half-gorilla and severing its massive arm. The creature fell to the ground helplessly, its right arm neatly severed. Fiore approached the creature and raised her rapier, preparing to strike. Without hesitation, Fiore swung her rapier but was blocked by Lazuro’s leaf sword.

“What are you doing?” Fiore asked.

“Isn’t he human too? Maybe we can find a way.”  Lazuro asked hopefully

Fiore walked away, holding her head.

“Are you crazy? You think mutated people can be cured? Killing is commonplace here. If you don’t do it, there will definitely be more victims,” Fiore said in a high-pitched voice.

“But I…”

“Could it be that you’ve never killed before?” Fiore asked.

“Of course, I never would.” 

Suddenly, a large arm embraced Lazuro from behind, causing the young man to vomit a large amount of blood. It turned out the half-gorilla creature hadn't been completely defeated. He rose with his right arm enlarged, mutated like his left.

“Lazuro!”

Fiore wanted to attack but looked confused as the creature held Lazuro hostage. Lazuro felt excruciating pain all over his body. His vision began to darken, and his thoughts drifted back to the past. The day Lazuro hit his five-year-old sister.

“What did you do to Daichi?”

“He dropped the plate, so I just scolded him. Then he cried, Mom.”

A hard slap landed on Lazuro's cheek.

“Who are you to scold my son!”

“But, aren't I also—”

“You're not my son. You're just a burden I want to get rid of. If only you never existed.”

Lazuro laughed softly, then louder, stopping when blood came out of his mouth.

"Why do I remember that incident? I was just imitating what mother did to me when I made a mistake. It seems like death is better."

Lazuro closed his eyes and decided to give up. The Mythbreaker in his hand was also about to fall off. However, a gentle touch woke Lazuro.

"You're the green-haired woman. What do you want?"

Although invisible, Lazuro could feel the green-haired woman hugging him tightly.

"Oh son of Adam and possessor of my power. Never give up. There's still a glimmer of hope in every suffering. If there isn't, let me be your mother and fight the world that tortures you together. It's okay to destroy it; whatever happens, I'll always be by your side. Just let out the hatred you've been holding in."

Lazuro gripped his Mythbreaker tightly after hearing the green-haired woman's words. With a scream of despair and anger, Lazuro stabbed the Mythbreaker into his right and left collarbones alternately. The half-gorilla finally released Lazuro.

"Kill!"

Lazuro spun around without hesitation and slashed the half-gorilla's head off. Lazuro watched the half-gorilla fall and scream hysterically. Lazuro's scream was heartbreaking and pathetic. It was as if years of suppressed suffering had been unleashed. After screaming, Lazuro fell to the ground, nearly losing consciousness.

"Lazu!" Fiore shouted, approaching Lazuro as he fell to the ground.

"Don't worry, take me somewhere else!" Lazuro stammered.

Fiore immediately carried Lazuro into a dark alley, watched by people who finally appeared after hearing Lazuro's anguished screams. Fiore carried Lazuro on her back and returned to the inn room. Fiore laid Lazuro down, confused about what to do.

"Lazu, I'll call a doctor for you."

Fiore tried to leave, but Lazuro grabbed her hand.

"Whenever necessary, I just need to rest for a while."

"Sorry... I'm sorry. Because of me, you..." Fiore shed tears.

"Thank you, I'm so happy." Lazuro smiled happily.

"Why are you thanking me?" Fiore looked confused.

"Because this is the first time someone has cried for me. Thank you, Fiore, I'm so happy." Lazuro reached out his right hand and stroked Fiore's hair.

Lazuro's hand fell, and the child fell unconscious. Fiore immediately checked Lazuro's breathing and stroked his chest.

"Thank goodness you're okay. I knew it, even though you told me not to, I had to give you first aid."

Fiore carried Lazuro's body.

***

Lazuro opened the door and found Fiore asleep in a sitting position, using the bed as a pillow. Lazuro smiled as he looked down at Fiore, her mouth open. The sight of Fiore's blonde hair and soft cheeks made Lazuro's gaze grow sad. Unconsciously, Lazuro's hand moved to her hair. Suddenly, the curtain covering Lazuro's room opened, causing the young man to quickly withdraw his hand. Lazuro looked at the person who had opened the curtain, who turned out to be Djuana. As soon as their eyes met, Djuana immediately smiled a very evil smile.

“Wait, Mrs. Djuana. It’s not what it seems.” Lazuro tried to get out of bed.

“It’s okay, you don’t need to get out of bed. I didn’t see anything. I didn’t see you trying to put your hand on the Princess’s.”

“Mrs. Djuana.” Lazuro furrowed his brows.

“Sorry… sorry, but your expression is truly hilarious. If you’re feeling better, you can go to the dormitory. I already took care of the teachers and students, saying you fainted while trying to train all night. But… I didn’t expect you to get involved in something so dangerous. You even fought with a mutated person. I realized it was the Princess, but you… you seemed to really like the Princess.”

“I’m not like that. I just…” Lazuro lowered his head.

“Come on, you should get some sleep. I’ll leave you two alone.”

Djuana left, leaving Lazuro and Fiore alone. Lazuro looked back at Fiore and tried to remember everything that happened before he fainted. Suddenly, Djuana appeared once again, making Lazuro flinch.

"Don't do anything lewd. Remember, I could expel you for that."

"Mrs. Djuana!"

This time, Djuana truly disappeared from the infirmary. However, just then, Fiore woke up. Lazuro and Fiore exchanged glances, remembering all the embarrassing events of last night. Their faces flushed red, and they instinctively looked away.

"Well... thank you for taking care of me," Lazuro began.

"N--no problem. Since you're fine, I should go."

Fiore quickly stood up, but fell after only taking a few steps. Lazuro got up from the bed and tried to help Fiore. However, Fiore quickly stood up and left the infirmary.

"Is she scared of me? Of course, seeing someone stab themselves with a sword and laughing like that must disgust her. I think I need to be more aware of myself and set boundaries if I don't want to get hurt. Besides, Fiore's senior probably only sees me as a junior and someone who needs to be repaid. It's still a long way off for a nerd like me to be liked by a woman." Lazuro flopped down on the bed.