Olienna's leg whip cracked like a cannonball, slamming hard into the burly man's face.

He had no time to react. Darkness flooded his vision as searing pain exploded across his features.

His body flew backward, weightless, crashing straight into the nearby carriage.

The hooded figure in black robes retracted her leg and landed lightly. Her hood slipped off in the wind, revealing a delicate, fair face beneath.

Flaxen hair shimmered in the sunlight. Her beautiful face was cold as frost, deep brown eyes burning with fierce anger.

"Don't cry," she said softly. "Big sister won't let that bully hurt you. I'll protect you."

Crouching down, she gently wiped tears from the little girl's eyes. She stroked her small head affectionately, comforting her.

"Big sister has candy here. Eat it and stop crying, okay?"

As if remembering something, she pulled out a candy and held it before the child.

Gently patting the girl's back, a trace of warmth softened her icy expression.

"Mmm... if big sister says not to cry, I won't..."

The little girl stared wide-eyed at the candy, swallowing hard. She lifted her tear-streaked face.

Mom had said not to cry easily. With such a gentle protector now, more tears would be too embarrassing.

"Mhm, such a good child. This candy's your reward. Open up~"

She peeled the wrapper, placing the candy slowly in the child's mouth. Her lovely eyes crinkled into crescents.

"Sweet?"

Resting her chin on her hands, she watched warmly as the girl chewed.

She patted the child's head. Such a strong little one.

"Sweet! I've never tasted anything this good!!"

The candy's sweetness melted in her mouth. The little girl covered her face, beaming with joy.

Earlier fear and panic vanished completely. She was lost in pure delight.

"That's good. Go find those older brothers behind you. Big sister has business to handle now."

She patted the child's head and rose slowly.

A nod to the young men behind her, then she strode straight toward the burly man.

"Huh? Yes!! We'll take care of her! Don't worry!"

Only now did the youths snap out of their shock.

They rushed to shield the little girl, eyes alight with excitement as they watched the slender figure's back. They were saved!

"Holy crap! Boss, you okay?!"

The surrounding thugs paled, scrambling toward their scar-faced leader.

What the hell? How did he get kicked flying out of nowhere? What did he even do?

He'd clearly been trying to comfort that crying kid! Since when does doing good get you beaten? Where's the justice?!

"Damn, my head's buzzing like crazy."

The bald man, who'd smashed a dent into the carriage, clutched his dizzy head and staggered upright.

What happened? Who am I? Where am I? This nausea is awful.

"You beasts who prey on children—I, Olienna, will give you the punishment you deserve today."

She glared coldly at the bandits, fury blazing in her eyes.

Taking a deep breath, she tied her flaxen hair into a high ponytail.

"Raise your necks and atone with death."

Olienna stomped down hard. Brute force cracked the ground, fissures spiderwebbing outward.

A translucent gust billowed her robe, revealing dazzling, flawless legs.

Jade-like energy coiled around them like living serpents.

No one noticed this sight. All eyes locked on the silver arm guard in her hand.

Its surface gleamed with blue etchings. Flint-like black gems studded the front.

This was no ordinary weapon. An extraordinary aura radiated from it.

"Huh? Wait!! It's not what you think! Let me explain!!"

"Kid—no! Big sister! Boss lady! My dear lady! You've got it all wrong!!"

Killing intent hit him. The bald man's dizziness vanished instantly.

Holy shit! A misunderstanding!! A massive one!!!

He fumbled to explain, his big knife flashing taunting flourishes in the air.

What absurd mix-up made her see them as vicious bandits?

How could their gentle, lovable crew be mistaken for monstrous thugs?

"Daring to taunt me? Good. You've got spirit."

Watching the scar-faced man wave his knife menacingly, veins throbbed at Olienna's temples.

He showed no fear, only provocation. In a way, he was a bandit with guts.

But scum is scum. Beasts are beasts. Even if I spare these maggots, I'll cripple their arms to stop future evil.

"Martial skill."

Olienna closed her eyes, exhaling heavily.

The vortex around her roared outward. Her high ponytail shot skyward.

"Straight Charge!"

Her eyes snapped open. The ground shattered beneath her, gravel spraying wildly.

A surging airflow propelled her forward like a released arrow. Her right fist clenched, the silver arm guard glowing faintly.

"Die!"

She slammed her fist toward the bald man's knife-wielding arm. He stood frozen, innocent confusion on his face.

"BOSS!!!"

The thugs paled, rushing to stop her.

Too slow. Against a true warrior, they crawled like snails...

Thud.

A muffled sound echoed across the clearing.

The burly man stood unharmed. Olienna froze in place, shock blanketing her face...