Sister, I Hit You Because There Was a Ghost Behind You - Chapter 17

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 17. A Hero’s Return Comes with Cold, Hard Cash
Demian screamed.
But I didn’t dodge that colossal tidal wave.
“Swallow this instead!”
I pulled out something I’d prepared in advance from my pocket and hurled it forward—a bundle containing dozens of holy water bottles.
Crash! Boom!
As the bottles of holy water shattered against the tidal wave, the black water purified into white and evaporated entirely. Steam billowed up in thick clouds.
“Now!”
I burst through the smoke screen and flew straight at the Lord of the Abyss’s face.
“Time to crack that skull!”
My hammer slammed directly into the Lord of the Abyss’s helmet.
Clang—!
A dull metallic ring echoed across the cavern. But the helmet merely dented; it didn’t shatter. The recoil was so severe my wrist throbbed with pain.
[How pathetic.]
The Lord of the Abyss swatted me away with an annoyed gesture. His massive hand struck me like I weighed nothing.
“Ugh!”
I flew like a scrap of paper and crashed into the corner of the Black Lake.
“Violetta!”
Kairik von Herzen and Demian rushed toward me simultaneously.
“Are you alright?!”
“Cough… damn it. That thing’s hard as iron.”
I spat out blood-tinged saliva and pushed myself up. My bones weren’t broken, but my entire body ached. That armor—it’s no ordinary piece of equipment. Physical attacks barely scratch it.
“It’s too solid. Even my blade only leaves marks.”
Kairik ground his teeth.
“Holy power cannot penetrate it either. There are multiple layers of magical protection woven throughout.”
Demian also expressed his concern. Physical immunity combined with magical resistance—a completely broken opponent.
‘There has to be a weakness somewhere…’
I opened my eyes wide and observed the Lord of the Abyss intently. The black aura enveloping his entire body—it was leaking through the gaps in his armor. And the place where that aura gathered most densely.
“Found it.”
His solar plexus. A faint red light was seeping through the seams of the armor. That’s the core.
But to reach that point, I’d have to break through his defenses. I can’t do it alone.
“Change of plans.”
I gestured to the two men.
“We strike simultaneously. Demian, block his vision. Kairik, bind his arms. In that window, I’ll pierce his solar plexus.”
“It’s too dangerous. You’ll have to get closest to him.”
Kairik von Herzen objected, but I was resolute.
“Only my hammer can shatter that armor. You know my strength.”
“…Understood. I trust you.”
Demian nodded with determination.
“Let’s go. This time, we finish it.”
We charged at the Lord of the Abyss once more.
[Foolish creatures. You hasten your own demise.]
The Lord of the Abyss rose from his seat. As he swung the colossal scythe in his grip, a blade of energy tore through space itself.
“Roaaaah!”
Kairik von Herzen transformed into his bestial form and took the blade strike with his body. His shoulder split open and blood sprayed, yet he did not falter. Instead, he lunged faster and tore into the Lord of the Abyss’s arm with his fangs.
[This wretched beast!]
As the Lord of the Abyss tried to tear Kairik von Herzen away, Demian Lyart unleashed arrows of pure light.
“Holy Radiance!”
Blinding light erupted, obscuring the Lord of the Abyss’s vision.
[Krraaaagh!]
In that moment of hesitation, I saw my opening.
“Move!”
I planted my foot on Demian Lyart’s shoulder and launched myself skyward. Spinning through the air, I channeled every ounce of my strength into my hammer. Then I drove it down toward the creature’s solar plexus—that point where crimson light leaked through.
“This is my true power punch!”
Kwaaaang—!
A devastating shockwave erupted. The armor shattered away, and the crimson core within was exposed. My hammer struck it dead-on.
Crack.
Fissures began spreading across the core.
[No… this cannot be…!]
The Lord of the Abyss shrieked. But it was not enough. His resistance was fierce—the core had not shattered completely.
“Uuuaaaah!”
I gritted my teeth and drove the hammer deeper. My arm muscles felt ready to burst.
Then I felt warm hands at my back. It was Demian Lyart. He grasped the hammer’s shaft alongside me, channeling his holy power into it.
And above that, another rough hand joined. Kairik von Herzen. He too poured his magical force without reservation.
“Shatter it together!”
The strength of three became one. Holy power, magic, and my physical force.
Crunch!
At last, the core shattered into countless fragments.
[Kieeeeeeek!]
With the Lord of the Abyss’s final scream, a massive explosion erupted. The black armor crumbled, and his true form dissipated into smoke.
The entire Cavern trembled and began to collapse.
“Run! We must go!”
We fled the crumbling Cavern without looking back, racing until the entrance’s light came into view.
When we emerged outside, the sky was clear.
The black aurora was gone. The demonic beasts had vanished.
I had never known the Northern Region’s sky could be this blue.
“Hah… hah…”
We collapsed spread-eagle onto the Snowy Plain, breathing heavily. Our bodies were drenched in sweat and blood, yet our spirits soared.
“It’s over.”
Kairik von Herzen gazed up at the sky and laughed.
“We did it. Together.”
Demian gazed at me with an overwhelmed expression.
I rummaged through my pocket and pulled out a fist-sized black gemstone that had fallen to the ground when that colossal monster dissolved.
It was the core power source where pure magical energy had condensed—the so-called Heart of the Abyss.
With this alone, I could not only wipe out those tedious territorial loans and usurious debts that I’d taken out in my own name to save the family, but live lavishly for generations to come, squandering wealth without a care.
“Hehehehe….”
A wicked laugh escaped me before I could help it.
“Miss Violetta? Are you all right?”
“More than all right. Absolutely magnificent.”
I planted a kiss on the gemstone.
“Now, let’s head back and settle accounts. I wonder how generously His Majesty will reward us?”
I sprang to my feet. Both men looked up at me in disbelief.
“…Truly, an unstoppable woman.”
“That’s her charm.”
I grinned and extended my hands to both of them.
“Come on, let’s go get something delicious. My treat.”
A wolf, a holy knight, and a money-loving saint.
Our Northern Region expedition concluded with this happy ending (?).
Of course, I still had the matter of dealing with Laura and Father.
I shrugged my shoulders thoughtfully.
But that’s just dessert, really.
* * *
Clack, clack.
I opened my eyes to the rhythm of steady vibrations. A familiar ceiling came into view—the private cabin of the Snow Piercer, the magitech train I’d boarded on the way to the Northern Region.
“You’re awake?”
A low, rumbling voice. I turned my head to find Kairik von Herzen propped on his elbow, looking down at me. The problem was that my head was resting on his firm thigh like a pillow.
“…Mm.”
I turned my head the other way. There sat Demian, nodding off drowsily. My feet were comfortably propped on his knees.
On both sides, the Empire’s most handsome men. At my head, the purple magical stone earned from defeating the Lord of the Abyss. Could there be a more perfect journey home?
“Sleep well? You were drooling.”
Kairik grinned mischievously and wiped the corner of my mouth with his thumb.
“Don’t lie. I don’t drool in my sleep.”
“You did. My pants are soaked—want to check?”
He brazenly gestured to his thigh.
As I let out a hollow laugh and sat up, Demian, who had been dozing beside me while supporting my legs, jolted awake in surprise.
“V-Violetta! You’re awake? Are you uncomfortable at all?”
“I feel wonderful. Thanks to both of you, I received proper escort service.”
I stretched and gazed out the window. The frigid Snowy Plain had vanished, replaced by the sight of verdant plains and ornate buildings densely packed in the Capital.
“We’ve arrived.”
Demian adjusted his attire and spoke with solemn determination.
“Shall we head straight to the Imperial Palace?”
“Of course. I need to present my invoice.”
I fingered the Core of the Abyss tucked in my pocket. How much was this worth again? Five prime buildings in the Capital’s most valuable district? No, easily ten.
* * *
Imperial Palace, Audience Chamber.
The atmosphere was solemn. Or rather, it bordered on shock and dread.
“Is this… truly the heart of the Lord of the Abyss?”
Emperor Ludwig III shot up from his throne and accepted the black jewel I presented with trembling hands. The malevolent aura trapped within the gem flowed through his fingertips.
“Yes, Your Majesty. His heart. A remarkably tenacious creature.”
I answered matter-of-factly. The courtiers beside me began to murmur.
“Good heavens, such a grotesque thing…”
“The Northern Region’s calamity subjugated in merely three days?”
“By that young lady wielding a club?”
The courtiers’ gazes fixed upon the silver sledgehammer resting on my shoulder. Though caked with blood and grime, it appeared far more imposing to them than any legendary holy blade.
“Magnificent! Truly magnificent!”
The Emperor marveled as he placed the jewel into a casket.
“You have saved the Empire. Lady Violetta, Lord Demian Lyart, and Grand Duke Kairik von Herzen—I shall commend this achievement…”
“Your Majesty.”
I politely interrupted the Emperor and extended my hand.
“Commendations later—let’s settle the bill first.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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