Kays Translations

Chapter 130: The Villains’ Fate

　Tauro and his companions summoned the city guards and confirmed that all eight kidnapped children were safe.

　Tauro’s testimony also led to the arrest of the merchant who had organized the trafficking operation, bringing the case to a temporary conclusion.

　Ruhi and Soak Satou had escaped, however, and were once again declared wanted criminals. Neither would be able to remain openly in O’Circus.

　Naniwards and Black-Gold Wings had no intention of giving up on Ruhi.

　For Naniwards, capturing him meant completing their bounty quest.

　For Black-Gold Wings, he was the opponent who had decisively defeated them. They wanted the opportunity to erase that bitter memory.

　Ruhi couldn’t easily leave the city because the available escape routes were limited.

　Tauro suspected that he might attempt to flee by sea, so the adventurers and guards established a watch around the harbor. Even so, Ruhi managed to slip through their net.

　Late that night, a small boat was spotted rowing toward a large foreign vessel anchored offshore.

　The guards shouted from the quay and ordered it to stop, but the boat continued onward.

　Tauro hurried to the scene and cast [Illumination] over the water.

　Ruhi was rowing the small craft.

“Too bad! That ship belongs to another country. Once I reach it, none of you can touch me!”

　Ruhi triumphantly declared victory.

　Then another bright light appeared on the quay, separate from the [Illumination] spell shining over him.

　Ruhi narrowed his eyes against the glare and stared at it.

　The light grew larger and larger.

　No—it was approaching him.

　By the time Ruhi understood, it was already too late.

　A curving arrow of light crossed the dark water and pierced his chest. It tore through him and embedded itself deeply in the side of the small boat.

“Impossible… From that distance… in this wind and these waves… with such power and accuracy…”

　Ruhi coughed blood, collapsed inside the boat, and died.

“It’s difficult to see from here, but I believe I hit him,”

　Tauro told the leader of Naniwards beside him.

“Are you serious? You struck Ruhi accurately from this distance? That was extraordinary!”

　As the leader praised him, the Voice of the World echoed in Tauro’s mind.

“One activation condition for the special skill [&%$#], <One Who Shoots Beyond the Limit>, has been fulfilled. You have acquired [Divine Archer]. The bow restriction has been removed.”

　Divine Archer… Was it a title for a master archer?

　Tauro was delighted to receive a new ability after such a long interval, but everyone who had scattered to search for Ruhi was now gathering around him. He postponed examining it until later.

　Because Ruhi had attempted to flee in the middle of the night, Tauro and the others had to remain in the city and explain the incident to the guards. Their departure was postponed by another day.

　Leada said that the delay couldn’t be helped, although she seemed pleased to have one more excuse to remain in O’Circus.

“…And that’s what happened,”

　Tauro concluded while giving his statement at the guard station.

“Your account matches the testimony of the other adventurers, so there’s no problem. Still, what you did was absurd. Thanks to you, the kidnapping case is over, the children returned safely, and their families are relieved. I suppose that’s what matters.”

　The officer supervising the case was unsettled by Tauro’s achievements, but forced himself to accept that adventurers routinely did extraordinary things.

“One accomplice is still at large, but I’m sure he’ll be captured eventually. Collect Ruhi’s bounty from the guild. Thank you for your assistance.”

　The officer thanked him, and the surrounding guards saluted.

　Embarrassed, Tauro left the room and rejoined Aeris and the others waiting outside.

“The outcome was good, but it also taught us that there will always be someone stronger,”

　Rumeya admitted quietly.

　Ruhi had been overwhelmingly powerful compared with Black-Gold Wings. His combat ability had probably been equivalent to that of a B-rank adventurer.

　The experience made Shin and Rumeya realize that they had become overconfident.

　Aeris, however, immediately scolded them.

“What are you talking about? Of course stronger opponents exist. We can’t expect every enemy to be weaker than us. We simply have to train and become stronger. Don’t grow complacent!”

　To Tauro, it sounded as though Aeris was also lecturing herself.

　He wisely kept that observation private and invited everyone to a late lunch.

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