Cliff's objective assessment brought the tension to a boiling point.
Violent magic power and battle aura erupted from the two Beastfolk girls like an ignited powder keg, becoming tangible Pressure that bore down on Cliff.
Cliff paled slightly and instinctively began to raise his hand to chant a spell.
Though he was a magical prodigy, a sudden confrontation at such close range against two Advanced-level Beastfolk warriors put him at a clear disadvantage.
And the two Beastfolk girls were no slouches at magic, either.
If a mage failed to put distance between himself and a warrior and could not cast quickly enough, defeat was inevitable.
But just before the simmering confrontation could turn violent-
"All right, that's enough."
Cui Ciyou spoke up.
Everyone's eyes converged on him.
He had always hated seeing the strong bully the weak, whether in his previous life or this one.
That principle, rooted deep in his soul, had never changed.
Cliff's "assessment" might have been somewhat objective, but that was no excuse for them to resort to violence.
Annoyed at having her fun interrupted, Linia turned her blazing feline eyes toward Cui Ciyou.
The vicious grin on her lips became a smile of interest.
"Huh? You want to stick your nose into this?"
She looked Cui Ciyou up and down, openly sizing him up with contempt.
"What, is that utterly boring Humanfolk 'chivalry' of yours acting up?"
"Want to play the hero rescuing a damsel in distress?"
Cui Ciyou instinctively quipped, "More like stepping in to help someone in trouble..."
She's so much like Alice. Her way with words really is... impressive.
Bang!
A loud crash cut Cui Ciyou off.
Apparently feeling that words alone could not express her irritation, Linia abruptly raised the heel of her leather-booted right foot and brought it down with