Cracks spread across the ground beneath the young swordsman, branching like a spiderweb fast enough to see.
His Battle Aura had caused them. They had never seen Battle Aura so powerful in their lives. What kind of monster could wield it?
He was no third-rate swordsman. He might be a Sword King, or even higher! They had no intention of dying for a few Asura Gold Coins.
"Stop talking, Zelez! Do you want to die?! His Battle Aura is too strong. We're no match for him..."
Rainer hurriedly whispered into Zelez's fleshy ear. It looked like they had picked a fight with the wrong person.
Nanahoshi was frightened too. Her face went pale, and after pressing her lips together, she called softly to the furious Kain.
"Um, Kai—Lord Kain..."
Kain turned toward Nanahoshi's pale face. He forced down his anger, gave her a slight nod, and brushed the powdered remains of the teacup from his hands. Then he folded his arms and withdrew his Battle Aura.
"W-well, I never actually meant to make Miss Nanahoshi a slave. What I said just now was only a joke. I hope Miss Nanahoshi won't misunderstand and let it spoil our friendship, heh."
"But what should I call this black-haired young swordsman?"
Kain folded his arms and gave Zelez a cold look.
"You think you're worthy of asking my name?"
Kain generally did not give his name to dead men, but he could make an exception this time at the request of his fellow countrywoman, Nanahoshi.
He looked at Zelez, whose face shifted between green and white as he stood there at a loss, and at the two swordsmen behind him swallowing hard. Kain smiled.
"I was joking too. Don't be nervous, you three. Consider us even for that joke of yours..."
Kain's gaze