The Eerie Passage

As Kane pondered and sighed to himself, his hands and eyes moved swiftly, and he... took the lead in following close behind Punk.

For the mad knight, whose caution rivaled that of a spellcaster, taking point was out of the question. But after thinking about it, bringing up the rear seemed rather dangerous too. Squeezing into the middle was the safest option. If enemies attacked, it would be best to leave them all to Punk and Smile.

As a combatant, as a "real man," as a brave warrior who constantly emphasized his own "courage," the evil Legendary Knight felt no shame whatsoever about letting a maiden far weaker than himself protect his back and ward off danger. On the contrary, he could not help feeling smug about it.

This was a "safe position" he had earned through his own abilities.

"A pitifully cowardly man, utterly unworthy of the title of knight... Fine, if that is the case, I shall bring up the rear!"

Seeing Kane, utterly without shame, already following Punk into the passage, Smile also wanted to remain in the middle. Unfortunately, no matter what she did, her speed could not compare to Kane's charge, empowered by battle qi and the Repulsion Law. At this point, she could only choose to "bring up the rear."

Her verbal complaints were merely verbal complaints. In truth... this was a choice she had no choice but to make.

"Sure enough, following those two monsters on an adventure before I am strong enough was a mistake. This feeling of being one step behind in everything is... truly infuriating."

Watching Punk and Kane disappear into the entrance of the passage, Smile pursed her lips and hurried after them. Within the maiden goddess's heart, an overwhelming sense of frustration had already begun to rise.

After