662. Defeat

In his early years, before his strength had reached its peak, the Sword Saint, like in every hero's tale, had once faced an impossible choice.

"Heh. Elwin of the Twin Swords? Your sword is fast, I'll give you that. But from that distance, can it be faster than me cutting off his head?" The Cultist, his chest slashed open and his breathing ragged, faced Elwin at the doorway and pressed a small knife against the neck of a bound young man.

The young man was Elwin's close friend. This time, it was because he had uncovered the information that Elwin had the chance to stop this band of Cultists from carrying out their sacrifice.

But now, he had been captured.

Seeing the ritual light flare up in the room behind them, Elwin knew he could not afford to be held here any longer.

He looked into his friend's eyes. The other man gave the faintest nod.

"Sorry—" Elwin murmured softly.

The Cultist opposite him noticed nothing. Seeing Elwin truly stop where he stood, he could not help bursting into laughter. "Some Cultist killer you are. If you don't want your friend to get hurt, then get the hell out of here! Hahahaha—"

That time, Elwin saved every child who had been taken as a sacrifice. The only one he failed to save was that friend.

Why had he suddenly remembered all this?

Because, right now, beside Sword Saint Puji—

"Hahahaha! Little kitty, why do you keep dodging? Fight back with that earth magic you're so good at!

"What are you hesitating for?"

Opposite him, the Cat-folk Priest kept dodging the relentless attacks of the Lizardman puppet. The few times she used magic, it was only to clear away the surrounding Pujis; she could not bring herself to strike the Lizardman.