Siduri stared blankly at Higashino Kanade's back. Aside from shock, her expression held nothing but admiration.
Siduri had seen Gilgamesh fight before and had marveled at his strength, but after witnessing Higashino Kanade's casual strike today, she felt that Gilgamesh's power was like a firefly compared to the bright moon beside Higashino Kanade. At last, she understood why Gilgamesh had dared to entrust the throne to him without concern.
"A fairly capable one has arrived. I hope it can make me break a sweat."
Higashino Kanade suddenly looked in one direction, a pleased smile curling across his lips.
The next second, a massive figure crashed through the forest, snapping and flinging aside tree after tree. Some powerful being was charging toward Higashino Kanade at tremendous speed.
When the figure drew close, Siduri finally saw the attacker clearly. It was a gigantic scorpion-man, with a scorpion's lower body and a human upper body. Its arms were enormous, razor-sharp pincers, and its face was savage and terrifying.
"This is one of Tiamat's Eleven Children—the scorpion-man, Sage Girtablullu!"
Siduri cried out the monster's name. The scorpion-man ignored the terrified Siduri, its revolting beast eyes fixed on Higashino Kanade as it spoke in a hoarse voice.
"Human, you have killed so many of Mother's children. You are a great enemy on Mother's path of return."
"Finally, one that can fight. Scorpion-man, let me see just how strong Tiamat's child is."
Higashino Kanade eagerly smacked his fist into his palm. His slightly frivolous tone made it clear that he did not take the ugly scorpion seriously.
"I am the child of the god Tiamat. Mortal, die!"
Enraged by Higashino Kanade's attitude, the scorpion-man's face twisted in fury. It swung a giant claw, its jagged pincer jaws seemingly intent on cutting Higashino Kanade in half at