Sister, I Hit You Because There Was a Ghost Behind You - Chapter 80
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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 80. The Brilliant Afterglow and the Prelude of Shadows
Kwaaaaaaang—!
The moment my hammer struck the monster’s brow with perfect precision, a deafening roar tore through the air, and the sea itself seemed to split in half from the colossal shockwave that erupted.
An overwhelming physical impact combined with condensed azure mana exploded catastrophically through the creature’s body.
The monster couldn’t even manage a final scream before its massive frame of bone and flesh shattered with a sickening crunch, plummeting helplessly into the abyssal depths.
A single blow.
That one clean, merciless strike was all it took.
The sickly crimson miasma that had clung to its body ignited the moment it touched the azure flames erupting from my hammer, burning away with a death cry and dissipating into pure white light—completely purified.
Towering columns of seawater erupted like a tempest in all directions, but thanks to the mana barrier I’d already unfurled along my descent, I landed gracefully upon the cruise ship’s deck without a single hair dampened.
The sea, now that the monster had completely vanished, became mirror-still once more, as if nothing had happened, and the dark clouds that had grimly shrouded the sky dissipated like a lie, allowing the warm southern sunlight to pour down once again.
“Phew, I was worried about dust and blood splattering everywhere, but being over the sea certainly made the cleanup remarkably clean.”
I stowed my hammer into my spatial pocket and lightly smoothed the wrinkles from my dress, offering a languid smile. As I turned my head to regard my escorts while catching my breath, both men stared at me with vacant expressions, utterly entranced by the overwhelming elegance of that strike.
“…Extraordinary skill. Violetta, in that very instant when you cleaved through the air, I nearly dropped my sword.”
Demian exhaled in suppressed awe, murmuring softly.
His usually composed voice trembled ever so slightly, and in those blue eyes regarding me lay a profound reverence that transcended mere admiration.
“Even the holy sword that carries out divine judgment could never achieve perfection equal to the trajectory your hammer has traced. My presumption that I should protect you has become utterly meaningless—you yourself are the very embodiment of perfect martial prowess.”
He placed his hand over his heart like a knight renewing his oath, bowing deeply.
It was an attitude that conveyed not blind praise, but rather a solemn awe—a willingness to gladly surrender even his pride as a knight before the overwhelming strength of Violetta, of ‘me’.
His hands were clasped together in prayer, and in those blue eyes gazing up at me burned an intense fervor.
“Hahaha! That’s my master for you! To reduce that massive mountain of a creature to pulp with a single strike. That blow was so perfect that even the greatest warriors of the Northern Region would have no choice but to fall to their knees in awe! Ah, I’m so proud I could embrace you right now and roll across this deck kissing you!”
Kairik too made no attempt to hide his excitement, bursting into a feral laugh and applauding.
He seemed ready to rush over and sweep me into his arms, but restrained himself, clenching his fists tightly to avoid soiling my dress with his wet hands.
I merely shrugged lightly at the two men’s blind adulation and overt affection.
“I feel somewhat guilty for letting you both rest so comfortably, but handling the obstacle myself is simply the fastest and most certain method. The ship hasn’t sustained a single scratch either, so it was a perfect hunt. Now then, shall we continue enjoying our cruise now that this unpleasant situation has been resolved?”
As I settled elegantly back into the sunbathing chair, Demian and Kairik vied to approach my side, lavishing praise and attentive service upon me.
Demian maintained the air around me at its most refreshing and warmest with his holy power, while Kairik skillfully peeled the sweet tropical fruits of the south and carefully brought them to my lips.
The residual waves stirred up by the monster had long since vanished, and the ship rocked pleasantly like a cradle.
Before my eyes stretched an endless expanse of brilliantly shimmering emerald sea.
Though the unwelcome appearance of that intruder had been an annoying interruption, displaying my overwhelming martial prowess and loosening my stiff muscles had left me feeling remarkably refreshed.
The cool sea breeze, the lingering sweetness of fruit upon my tongue, and the devoted protection of two fierce beasts who worshipped me without reservation—peace descended gently upon my beautiful dress as it gleamed beneath the southern sun.
Only one who had utterly crushed all filth beneath the weight of physical force could enjoy such refined and dazzling respite as it flowed serenely onward.
‘Though I wonder when trouble will strike again.’
Such an ominous thought flickered through my mind, but for now, I decided simply to savor this peace.
* * *
As a crimson sunset descended upon the gently undulating horizon, the sailing vessel finally returned to Solea Harbor.
The harbor was peaceful, as if the commotion on the deck had been a lie, yet the air I felt during the carriage ride back to my lodgings was somehow distinctly different from this morning.
“Violetta, the security around the City Gate has grown considerably stricter just now. Several messenger horses bearing the insignia of the Church Knight Order have passed by.”
Demian observed through the carriage window, speaking softly. The thin furrow between his brows signaled that his keen knightly instinct had detected something.
Kairik too wrinkled his nose and emitted a low, displeased growl.
“That fishy stench peculiar to the southern dogs has mixed with the smell of hard metal. They’re from the capital. Violetta, if they’re here to disturb your vacation, I’ll go seal the City Gate right now.”
“Both of you, please calm yourselves. Now that we’ve demolished Count Cortez’s Underground Altar, it’s only natural that an investigation team will be dispatched from the capital.”
I answered nonchalantly, folding my fan with practiced ease.
However, when we arrived at the Pearl of the Sea Inn where we were staying, I realized my expectations had fallen somewhat short of reality.
Before the Inn’s entrance, a procession of Imperial Court carriages adorned with ornate gold leaf stood in neat rows, while the Manager greeted someone at the entrance, perspiration streaming down his face.
The moment we stepped into the lobby, a middle-aged gentleman in an elaborate formal uniform bowed respectfully and blocked our path.
“Count Violetta, it is an honor to meet you. I am Laurent, a representative of the Imperial Court.”
I raised an eyebrow slightly and came to a halt.
On either side of me, Demian’s frigid aura and Kairik’s savage killing intent crashed down like a tempest, yet the representative continued speaking without the slightest flinch, his composure honed by experience.
“His Majesty himself has graciously decided to host a grand banquet in honor of your contributions to the purification of the Emerald Hall and the eradication of heresy in the Southern Region. Furthermore, there is an urgent sealed letter for the young lady, and I must humbly apologize for arriving with such lack of courtesy.”
From the envelope he offered, bearing a golden seal, emanated a familiar yet ominous wave of magical power.
As if the incident at the Emerald Hall were merely the beginning, a faint symbol representing an ashen sky was subtly drawn at the corner of the sealed letter.
I skimmed through the sealed letter he handed me and let out a light, dry chuckle. It seemed that even a brief respite was a luxury for an exorcist with a fate like mine.
“My vacation appears to be shorter than expected.”
At my languid remark, Demian gripped the hilt of his holy sword tightly, while Kairik bared his teeth as if ready to tear the Imperial Court representative to shreds at any moment.
Yet I, leaving them behind, gracefully stepped forward toward a new battlefield that would soon shine brilliantly once more.
The sweet southern breeze had begun to carry with it the harbinger of a cold and violent storm.
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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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