What just happened?

That question surfaced in everyone’s minds.

Whether it was Youlian, the black-haired girl analyzing Albel’s abilities, the smiling blue-haired noblewoman, or the Ouroboros members exchanging uneasy glances—all were stunned.

Why had Batrans vanished in an instant? Shouldn’t it have been Albel who disappeared?

*“All magic, Divine Oracle effects, and monster abilities targeting me are nullified and reflected back to the caster.”*

Albel lazily displayed this ability description to save time.

“How… how is this possible?!”

Youlian gaped, finally grasping the meaning behind Albel’s earlier words: *“I didn’t want to hurt you.”*

The blue-haired girl’s smile flickered for a split second before returning, her lips curving like a crescent moon. Her thoughts remained hidden as she studied Albel.

“This guy’s a literal monster!”

“He’s cheating!”

“This ability is broken!”

Jaws dropped among Batrans’ men. *Is this even human?*

“So,” Albel shrugged helplessly, “still want to fight? I’m peaceful by nature. Hate killing.” Batrans’ fate was self-inflicted—who knew where he’d teleported himself?

“Farewell!”

A middle-aged man, seemingly Batrans’ second-in-command, clasped his fists toward Albel. He led the remaining thugs into the woods, their presence vanishing swiftly.

“That should count as clearing bandits. Payment, please? I’m in a hurry.” Albel’s gaze shifted between the two girls. *Which one’s my client?*

“How fascinating, your abilities.” The blue-haired girl hopped down from the carriage. Hands clasped behind her back, she approached Albel, that signature smile unwavering—as if it were her only expression.

“Miss, he’s dangerous! Don’t get close!” Youlian reached out to stop her, but the girl brushed her hand aside casually.

*Uh…*

From Albel’s height, the low neckline of her gown offered an unobstructed view. *Smaller than Alicia’s, but bigger than Alusa’s.*

“I am Shenluo World. May I ask the name of our heroic savior?” She extended a hand, her smile blooming like a flower.

“Albel.”

Their hands met—soft, smooth, yet unnaturally cold, as if she held no body heat. *This girl needs warming up in someone’s arms.* Albel’s thoughts drifted again.

“With such power, why resort to robbery?” Shenluo World tilted her head after withdrawing her hand.

“Hmph. Just wants easy money,” Youlian scoffed behind her, pitying Albel. *With that strength, he could shine at the Bounty Hunters’ Guild…*

“Hey, robbery takes effort too! Do you know how long I crouched in the grass waiting for you?” Albel shot Youlian a glare. *Respect the working class.*

“Pfft—Albel-san, you’re so amusing!”

“Smooth talker.”

Shenluo World and Youlian’s opinions clashed sharply.

“Anyway, I cleared your bandits. Pay up.” Albel had no time to waste. Though stunningly beautiful, he had two wives to find—if someone snatched them first, he’d have nowhere to cry.

“Naturally. How much do you require?” Shenluo World nodded slightly, her mind already scheming.

“Uh… I need travel funds. For roads, food, lodging, brothel fees…” Albel counted on his fingers. *These girls look rich. Might as well go all out.*

“Brothel fees?!” Youlian’s hand flew to her sword hilt.

Albel winced. *Damn. Slipped out.* He’d heard rumors of human “services” in the mortal realm…

“Where is the person you seek, Albel-san?” Shenluo World’s smile didn’t falter. *Noble grace?*

“Uh…” Albel froze. He’d seen Alicia and Alusa’s surroundings via *Thought Warp*, but not their city.

“You seem troubled too.” Shenluo World covered her mouth, hiding a chuckle. “The Shenluo family holds influence across this continent. Allow me to send scouts. Whom are you searching for?”

“Two beauties. One: golden-haired, busty, airheaded. Two: brown bob-cut elf, gentle and cute.” Albel glanced at Youlian and Shenluo. *Wait… their traits are reversed from Alicia and Alusa?*

Youlian drew her katana halfway. *Liar. Even if he dodges attacks, I’ll cut him down today.*

“Youlian, stand down.” Shenluo World waved her off. “I wish to befriend our savior. We’ll search for your companions. Until then… would you rest at my home?”

“Yes, Miss.” Youlian sheathed her blade with a glare.

“Sure.” Albel nodded. *Free help? Why not?* Hunting alone wasted energy—against his lazy principles.

“Miss, he’s a stranger! How can you invite him home?” Youlian pulled Shenluo aside, whispering urgently.

“You forgot,” Shenluo World murmured, glancing at Albel. “Ouroboros has a bounty on us. Today’s group was just scouts. Without him, we’d be captured.” She lowered her voice. “If the Seven Sins of Ouroboros come… can we survive alone?”

“You mean…” Youlian caught on. *Use him against the assassins.*

“Why waste a free bodyguard?” Shenluo World’s lips curled into a subtle, cunning arc.

---

Meanwhile, in the Goddess Sanctuary of the Light Sanctuary’s branch in Trak City.

“All priests and above, welcome the Holy Maiden to Trak City!”

Every high-ranking cleric bowed to the golden-haired girl seated on the throne, clad in sacred vestments.

It was Alicia.

Watching the priests, Alicia felt like she was dreaming. After Bahamut the Black Dragon threw her into the sea, she’d assumed death—until a dolphin beast carried her ashore. *Heh. My beauty and wit must’ve charmed the ocean itself.*

Even more shocking: shore-side pilgrims from the Light Sanctuary recognized her Holy Sword. They’d whisked her here, reviving her with new robes, chambers, maids, and subordinates. *Full health restored!*

Still, she worried about Alusa and Albel. *If I survived, Alusa—stronger than me—is fine. And that bastard Albel? He’d outlive cockroaches.* She nearly cheered: *No more sex slave duties!*

“Praise Goddess Freyja! Your safety is a miracle!” The branch’s High Priest bowed obsequiously.

“Praise the Goddess’s protection.” Alicia clasped her hands over her chest, eyes closed. The Fire Drake on her shoulder mimicked her prayer pose.

“Holy Maiden,” a priest inquired, “we heard you led the main knights to slay the Thirteenth Demon King, Albel. What was the battle like?”

“Tragic…” Alicia shook her head mournfully, sighing heavily. *If Albel saw this act, he’d applaud the idiot saint’s acting skills.* “The knights perished. The High Priest sacrificed himself to create an opening. I struck down Albel—but lost consciousness, drifting at sea until I reached here.”

“Do not grieve, Holy Maiden! This is humanity’s milestone victory!”

“Yes! Their sacrifice was not in vain!”

“We can finally push back the demons!”

“With you leading us, we’ll purge this world of evil!”

Under the High Priest’s lead, the clerics erupted in fervent praise. *After all, Alicia was the sole survivor of a total wipe.*

*What idiots.*

Watching their ecstatic faces, Alicia’s ego swelled past critical levels. *This… is sweet relief.*