An Inevitable Regret

Bang!

In the training ground filled with blade light and sword shadows, an incongruous muffled sound suddenly rang out.

A figure suddenly appeared behind Riezel and threw an angry punch, striking heavily into Riezel's back and producing that muffled sound.

Fully immersed in the battle, with all his focus fixed on Shalti, Riezel failed to react in time to the sudden attack.

Thus, Riezel could only belatedly withdraw his blade and raise it before the punch. Even so, he was sent flying, his body hurtling a great distance away. Only after distancing himself from Shalti did he adjust himself in midair and land safely.

"..."

The silent Riezel lifted his gaze, his eyes, once filled with fighting spirit and determination, now utterly cold.

"Are you all right?"

The sudden attacker did not even spare Riezel a glance. Instead, he hurried forward to Shalti, who was covered in wounds, intending to help her up.

Yet Shalti, whose life had just been saved by him, showed no gratitude. Rather, she seemed even angrier than Riezel as she slapped his hand away.

"...Who told you to interfere?"

Shalti's voice was colder than ever before, and the fury within it was unmistakable.

"I-I only acted because you were in danger...!"

The newcomer immediately became flustered.

But Shalti's gaze and expression only grew colder and angrier.

"Do you know?" Shalti said coldly. "Because of what you did, I will owe that man for the rest of my life."

Those words left the newcomer stunned.

Shalti no longer looked at him. Swaying, she slowly rose to her feet.

"'Ice Maiden,' little sister..."

Seeing this, he wanted to help Shalti again, only to be forced back by her icy stare.

Only then did Shalti turn to Riezel. Looking at the young man who was watching them coldly,