Running Away (Part 1)

(Bai Ziye)

My original plan was simply to ask Ceruno out alone, to find a quiet and scenic place (the grasslands) to relax, and to take the opportunity to reveal my true identity.

That's how it was supposed to be...

I never expected to run straight to "the Other Side" and get caught red-handed by Fomalhaut.

Perhaps because the images I saw that morning left such a deep impression on me, I opened a wormhole to this world with teleportation magic, even though I couldn't imagine what the African savanna looked like.

This is ridiculous! Even witches can't use teleportation magic to cross worlds directly, so what kind of bug is there in my Crystal?

Right now, I'm strapped to a bed board that looks like an MRI machine. The bed is very hard; people in this world probably wouldn't enjoy it.

"Oh dear!"

Aldebaran suddenly slapped his forehead, Fomalhaut also looked puzzled.

"What's wrong?"

"Keep an eye on her, I need to go back and get something, I'll be right back!"

Although he didn't know what it was, Fomalhaut still teased, "Sigh, how did someone with such a forgetful personality become the head of the research department?"

"Sorry, I'll treat you to Earthling-style cold drinks next time~"

Aldebaran clasped his hands together and retreated into the Teleportation Halo he had created.

Now that she's left, it's about time I took action.

"Sword Fiend, where are the people from your world? Why are all the towns outside empty?"

"With everyone gone, it's just empty."

Where did that person go?

She shrugged, closed her eyes, and replied, "I'd like to know too."

Since Aldebaran didn't know, it's normal that she didn't know either.

"Lying down is uncomfortable. Untie me first and let me sit for a while."

"No."

As expected, he was rejected.

"Do you really think I can escape from you?"

She didn't say anything, just crossed her arms and stared at me.

It's difficult to move around like this. If I don't find a way to contact her, I won't be able to slow down her pace or deal with the restraints on my body.

At the very least, when the wormhole opens, she has to come and touch me.

"You're really stubborn."

"Thank you for the compliment. You're actually more cunning than you appear."

"If you don't understand, then don't. But could you scratch it for me? I'm just a little itchy; it's probably because the new skin on my back isn't used to it yet."

After a rapid metabolism, the newly formed areas may itch.

Fomalhaut, who was proficient in healing magic, should also be aware of this.

She had just recovered from the penetrating wound on my back, so she didn't doubt my explanation.

Actually, although my back was itchy, it wasn't unbearable...

I said that just so she could scratch me, and hopefully untie the restraints.

"There's so much to do."

Although Fomalhaut frowned reluctantly, he still loosened the restraints on my body, allowing me to turn over in bed...

Despite her formidable strength, the Sword Witch is perhaps the most naive and easily deceived of all the witches.

To put it another way, I'd call it "honesty." Taking advantage of her kindness like this even made me feel a little guilty.

I rolled over on the bed and lay face down, waiting for Fomalhaut's tickling service.

But she replied, "I've already loosened your restraints, you can just scratch yourself."

"Shouldn't you consider the feelings of these precious materials?"

"Your feelings are the only thing that doesn't matter."

"Think about it carefully. The witch I create will inherit my memories and personality, right? So, for the sake of a good working relationship in the future, shouldn't you show me a little more concern?"

I must say, I think that makes a lot of sense myself.

I put the ripped Battle Dress jacket back into the Star Crystal, leaving only a white shirt with the same rips.

"Sword Fiend Girl, then I'll leave it to you!"

She tried to imitate Sirius's way of speaking, but Sirius frowned.

"We're still enemies, you haven't forgotten that, have you?"

"I will settle things with you one day, but not now. It's not fair for you to fight me now, after all, you are the strongest warrior in both worlds."

"Then you probably won't have a chance."

"This idea won't change even if I become a witch. By then, I should be stronger, right?"

"Snort."

Fomalhaut let out a cold snort.

She braced herself against the edge of the bed with one hand, leaned slightly forward, and began to gently scratch my back with the other hand... She wasn't using much force, as if she was afraid of hurting me.

"Phew, you could have hit harder. I'm a magical girl, after all; my skin isn't that delicate."

Hearing me say that, she increased her efforts.

"Mmm, that feels better."

Her snow-white hair swayed gently in front of me as she tickled, and her wrists, which were supporting her on the edge of the bed, were as slender as those of a normal young girl.

Not bad. If he weren't an enemy, this white-haired, red-eyed Fomalhaut would indeed be a good fellow, but...

Buzz--

I'm sorry.

Before she could understand what I meant, the stillness began to spread from her fingertips to her entire body. I used this time to cut the restraints, then rolled over and held her hand to ensure the stillness continued...

The indoor temperature cooled down rapidly.

This was Fomalhaut's counterattack; even though her time flow was suppressed to the limit, she could still feel such a significant temperature change.

This is far more powerful than Haite's magic.

I don't intend to sit idly by and wait to die, but I won't underestimate my enemy either.

He took a packet of Enhancer from the Star Crystal, bit an opening, and swallowed the entire packet of green potion in one gulp.

I drank it too fast and even choked a little, but there was nothing I could do. If I drank it too slowly, I would definitely be frozen by the cold air of Fomalhaut.

Goodbye then!

The hand gripping Fomalhaut's was frozen stiff, but it could still move with difficulty.

But once she's released, she quickly returns to normal within a short period of time.

I rushed out of the examination room and removed Anjie from the electric chair.

"Ah! Aba awoo?"

She was awake, but something seemed off; her expression was dazed and confused, unlike her usual self...

Perhaps he was driven insane by the inhuman experiments conducted on Aldebaran.

But it's good that there's no resistance. I'd be in trouble if things got out of hand. I kicked the door over and carried her out of the lab at twenty times the normal speed.

I know the location of the Wormhole Device.

Aldebaran made things clear to me in that space that turns people into dogs, but the road ahead is not so smooth.

Armed patrols with firearms are a minor issue.

The troublesome thing is the "Sword Fiend" Fomalhaut chasing from behind, and the possible Betelgeuse ahead.

I don't have time to deal with them. If I get bogged down here, it will be very troublesome. Escaping alone is relatively easy, but carrying Anjie and escaping will not be so easy. I also have to consider her endurance. Accelerating too quickly could kill her.

Right now, I only have two paths to choose from.

Walk through their Wormhole Device;

Or perhaps I could use my teleportation magic... No, I can't reveal my secret here.

"Tsk, let's go for it!"

If they knew I could independently open a wormhole connecting two worlds, then all sorts of attacks and assassinations targeting Ceruno would definitely be "warmly welcomed" to my head.

Most importantly...

Barbara's Enhancer has taken effect; they might not be able to do anything to me yet.