The leader of the adventurers was a swordsman wielding a two-handed Greatsword. In a game, it’d count as a purple rare weapon. The captain of the guards used a long spear—also purple rare. The captain dashed toward Hank. At the same time, Hank threw a punch. The captain nimbly stepped back, dodging it. Instantly, the adventurer leader leaped from behind the captain, swinging his Greatsword at Hank. Just as everyone thought this feint would work, Hank caught the blade with his mechanical arm gauntlet. He retracted his other hand, ready to strike the leader.
[Ice Wall!!]
Tia shouted. An ice wall erupted between the leader and Hank. The leader kicked off it, using the recoil to jump clear. Hank’s fist shattered the wall the moment he landed. The captain seized the chance, whipping his spear at Hank’s leg. The fierce blow did nothing.
[How could this be!?]
The captain’s face froze in shock.
[Think your sloppy skills can stop me??]
Hank sneered.
[Blazing Fireball!]
While the captain spoke, Tia—chanting nearby—launched a fireball. It looked like an upgraded version of her snail-fighting spell. Hank’s mechanical hand snuffed it out like a candle.
[Had enough? My turn now.]
Hank smirked. He charged straight at the captain.
[Ice Wall!!]
An ice wall blocked his path. Hank didn’t slow. He crashed through it like a football player. The captain couldn’t dodge. He thrust his spear forward. Hank caught it between his fingers. With a crunch, he snapped the spearhead off.
[Damn it!]
The captain panicked. Behind Hank, the leader appeared. He raised his Greatsword for a downward slash. Hank’s mechanical arm twisted impossibly—180 degrees—and grabbed him. Like a cannonball, the leader slammed into the captain. Both lost consciousness.
[Last one!]
Hank cracked his knuckles. He charged at Tia in the rear.
[Ice Wall!! Ice Wall!! Ice Wall!!! Ice Wall!!!]
Tia cast ice walls nonstop. They shattered like paper against Hank.
[Die!!!]
Hank reached Tia. His fist rose high. It was about to crush her.
[Ah!]
A casual cry—not Tia’s. Mine. I’d meant to draw a sword. No time. I dashed in front of her, raising my Magic Staff. But the height difference... my staff missed. My face took the punch.
[.................................................]
[.................................................]
Time froze. Hank stared at me, stunned.
[Wha—? Cold? Fully exposed!]
His fist stayed on my face, squishing it.
[Hey!! Cheating!? We agreed on three!! Kill all the hostages!]
The short bandit snarled.
[Stop!! We surrender!]
Tia screamed to halt them.
[Smart. Walk to the cell yourself.]
[I...]
I started to speak. Tia yanked my arm from behind.
[They have hostages. Don’t move. One mistake, and we’re all dead.]
[Alright.]
For Tia’s sake, I stayed still.
[What’re you waiting for, cross-dressing pervert!? Move!]
[Who’s the pervert!]
I turned, hands on my head, glaring.
[You! Hurry!! Or I kill you now!!]
The short one bared his teeth viciously.
[Tch.]
I walked reluctantly into the hideout’s cell.
[Boss!! Boss!! All done! Boss??]
A bandit called for Hank. Hank stood frozen, silent.
Never mind. Play along for the hostages. I’ll strike tonight.
