Suteko Ni Narimashita 22

“Was that healing magic you used back there?” Nyxie inquired as we strolled side by side.

“Do you mean the incident with the man’s hand? Yeah, something along those lines,” I replied, now able to keep pace with him. 

Good health is a marvel.

Nyxie gave an admiring gasp, although he still avoided making eye contact. 

“It’s no wonder Mr. Gustav took an interest in you. You probably don’t need to study formal magic at this point.”

“Well,… can only heal minor injuries,” I confessed. 

I’m no miracle worker, after all. 

Plus, it was more of an on-the-spot improvisation than a calculated spell. 

As his praise sank in, I felt an unexpected flush of embarrassment.

We continued walking. 

Despite the proximity of the Twelfth District, I couldn’t shake an uneasy feeling. 

The rhythmic pounding of craftsmen’s hammers reverberated unusually loudly in the air.

“I assume you’re escorting me because of Mr. Gustav’s commission, correct?” I broke the silence.

“Exactly,” Nyxie confirmed.

“And when will that commission be considered complete?”

“Once I’ve safely escorted you back to the Stone Shop.”

He responded impassively, eyes focused on the horizon. 

“Could you please stay with me until we reach the Stone Shop? After all, if something happens to me, you won’t be able to complete your commission.”

Nyxie paused for a moment before finally meeting my gaze. 

“That’s a valid point. I’ll accompany you, then.”

I felt a wave of relief wash over me. 

The sooner we finish this, the better. 

Just then, the clatter of metal striking the ground rang out.

“Ah, it’s that guy from the clinic earlier,” I noted. 

Despite noticing him, Nyxie and I continued conversing as if nothing were amiss. 

Although the man seemed composed, it was evident he was blocking our path intentionally. 

“If he’s by himself, I’m sure we can handle him,” Nyxie mused.

“No, while that may be true, I’d rather have you deal with it,” I replied.

“…Why?” Nyxie questioned.

“Because he’s targeting you, and I’m not confident I can subdue him without causing serious harm,” I explained.

“But…why me?” Nyxie asked, bewildered.

The man’s face flushed deep red. 

Realizing we were ignoring him, his anger reached a boiling point.

“Hey! Stop ignoring me!” he yelled.

“I hear you loud and clear. Please proceed,” Nyxie said, locking eyes with the man but maintaining an emotionless expression. 

It left me wondering: was Nyxie even aware that he was fueling the man’s anger?

“Tsk, what did you do?” The man’s voice was tinged with suspicion.

“What do you mean?” Nyxie inquired, arching an eyebrow.

“You must’ve done something. Magic, maybe? It has to be you. That kid couldn’t possibly have managed it!” 

The man pointed at me accusatorily.

“Ah, I see what you’re getting at,” Nyxie said, clapping his hands in realization. 

He turned to me. “It seems I’ve become the main target here.”

“I’m sorry you got involved,” I replied, uneasy. 

After all, other than me and Telet, Nyxie was the only other person present.

I guessed that the man didn’t notice anything unusual initially.

 But after some reflection, he’d become suspicious and targeted Nyxie.

“As long as I consider this situation part of the commission, it doesn’t particularly bother me,” Nyxie responded. 

I was relieved; his expression was hard to read, making it difficult to gauge when he was agitated.

Taking a deep breath, Nyxie turned back to the aggressive man. 

“I don’t know how to use magic, so I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Upon hearing this, the man clenched his teeth and stomped in frustration.

“Then what is it? Are you saying that a miracle occurred and my injury healed on its own?”  

“I have no clue. Like I said, I don’t know anything about it,” Nyxie responded, stepping toward the man.  

“Anyway, I didn’t do anything. So please, just let me pass.”

“As if—! Hey! Come out!” the man yelled, signaling towards the store. 

As though they had been waiting, a group of rowdy men emerged one by one. 

The intensity in their eyes was chilling, exemplifying the phrase ‘if looks could kill.’

“Because of you, I can’t get treated by Telet! You must’ve done something!” the man screamed.

“Loosen his mouth!” he commanded, and six men immediately circled Nyxie, ready to pounce. 

“Hmph,” Nyxie snorted. 

He dodged a punch aimed at him and countered by driving his fist into the chest of a nearby man. 

Gripping the man’s jaw, Nyxie forcefully slammed him onto the ground.

“Aargh…!” the man screamed, struggling to stand.

 A swift kick from Nyxie to his side sent him collapsing back to the ground, limp and defeated.

With a roar, a hooded man lunged at Nyxie, trying to grapple him. 

But Nyxie’s fist moved faster. 

His uppercut connected squarely with the man’s chin, instantly knocking him out cold.  

One by one, the assailants fell, defeated by Nyxie’s prowess.

I can’t just stand here. 

This is my fault, too. 

Nyxie had to fight them off because of me. 

I need to take responsibility.  

I zeroed in on two men trying to sneak up on Nyxie from behind.  

They probably didn’t expect to be attacked by a child. 

Quietly, I moved in on them, targeting their knees.

As my foot connected with the back of one man’s knee, he stumbled forward.  

“Uwah—?”  

I quickly wrapped my arms around his neck, feigning a stranglehold.  

In reality, I didn’t tighten my grip. 

I wanted to keep my magical abilities a secret from Haman.  

Activating my magic, I subtly reduced the oxygen concentration in the air he was breathing.

The man thrashed violently, gasping for air before finally losing consciousness.  

How should I handle the other one?  

As I pondered, my eyes met those of the last man.  

But before I could act, he foamed at the mouth and collapsed with a thud.  

Nyxie had beaten me to it.

Bodies lay strewn all around; Nyxie had quickly dispatched the rowdy group.  

“Will you let us through now?” Nyxie directed the question at Haman, whose face shifted from red to pale blue.

I began to walk, trailing closely behind Nyxie. 

Haman looked from Nyxie to me, then hesitantly stepped back.  

We’ll leave these men for Haman to deal with. 

Perhaps he can take them to a clinic.

***

Later, I managed to return to the slums without any further incidents.  

“Heya,” Gustav greeted me briefly.  

“Thank you so much. I’ve recovered, thanks to you.”  

“I just called for a guide. You did all the work; I didn’t do anything.” 

Gustav sighed and cast an exasperated look at Nyxie.

“It must’ve been a lot of work,” Gustav commented.

“Not really,” Nyxie replied, pulling a piece of paper from his pocket and placing it on the counter. 

“I’m just glad the mission is completed.”

“Then, your reward is as usual,” Gustav said.

“Understood,” Nyxie nodded, putting the signed paper back into his pocket. 

He then turned to leave. “See you again someday.”

With that, Nyxie exited the shop without a backward glance.

“Looks like you got along well with him,” Gustav noted.

“Do you think so?” 

I wasn’t convinced we’d become friends.

“It’s not every day I see him looking so pleased,” Gustav added.

“I’m glad to hear that.” 

It was better than being blamed for causing someone unnecessary trouble, at least. 

Nyxie’s expressionless face made it hard to gauge his emotions.

As I left the Stone Shop, I noticed the sun had already begun to set. 

Realizing I hadn’t eaten all day, my stomach rumbled.

Better catch some fish as a precaution. 

Wanting to get home before darkness fell, I hurriedly ran towards the forest.