What exactly had Mistie and Caro discussed here? Why had Mistie left in such a hurry? Arnold stood outside the upscale restaurant—he hadn’t gone in. After all, he wasn’t Karin; he lacked any stealth-like skills. Besides, Mistie had reserved the entire place.
He could only watch Caro chatting animatedly with Mistie. But what were they saying? His heart felt like a cat was scratching it—itching with curiosity.
Instinct whispered Caro hadn’t said anything kind. But what, exactly?
He sighed. Was this love’s ache? Painful, yet strangely energizing. Powerful adventurers should arrive today to handle the city’s crisis. He’d struck a deal with the Ancient Spirit Tree—he wouldn’t interfere. Sword Saint Ronatia supposedly possessed skills to counter it. She might even show up. Today, he’d quietly guard Caro from the shadows. Being spotted by Ronatia would be… troublesome.
Hmm. She seemed to have no strong preferences. Arnold studied the dishes on the table, trying to read Caro’s tastes. She tried everything with genuine delight.
What a strange girl.
How had she even met Mistie?
…
Full and content, Caro stepped out of the restaurant. Sunlight warmed her skin. She closed her eyes, savoring the gentle, thread-like heat—a deep calm settled in her chest. She’d originally planned to play a tune for Mistie to ease the Ancient Spirit Tree’s influence… but abandoned it. Mistie was a noble lady. Stepping in felt presumptuous. Adventurers would handle it first.
Demalburg was a major city with an Adventurers’ Guild branch, yet few adventurers lingered—it was a tourist town. Strong ones might visit by chance, but only an official quest would draw them reliably.
Caro’s spirits lifted. *Today’s gonna be a huge battle.jpg*
She wandered the streets, hunting a safe perch with a full city view. When battle erupted, she’d watch safely. In a world where everyone wielded skills, a true 5D spectacle was about to unfold. How would the Ancient Spirit Tree strike?
Pity—no popcorn, no ultimate soda to complete the experience. A happy regret, really.
Spotting a tower-like structure, she learned it was the “Ancient Spirit Tower,” built by a past lord. Inscribed with historical praises for the tree, it drew bards who left poems behind.
“Oho~ How romantic!” As a bard, she *had* to climb it—a landmark of poetic legend, like the Yellow Crane Tower.
The climb was crowded at first. Higher up, fewer people remained—each floor offered nearly the same view. The middle levels were busiest: not too tiring, yet uniquely scenic.
Breathless, Caro reached the top platform—room for only four or five. There stood a stunning girl: jet-black hair like Arnold’s, a massive bow shimmering with flowing light, gazing toward the Ancient Spirit Tree.
An adventurer? How did she compare to Demon Hunter Cassipero? She radiated quiet power.
Hesitating, Caro descended one floor. Same view, more space, nearly empty. Better not share space with someone that intense.
She sat. Perfect vantage point. Only worry? An Arnold-tier adventurer might accidentally slice the tower in half. Then—*plummet, done for*.
But risks were everywhere. Chandeliers fell. Water choked. She wouldn’t skip joy for fear.
“…Why aren’t you on my floor?”
A woman’s voice came from behind.
Caro turned. The shimmering bow. A woman of average height but flawless build thrust an arrow straight at her.
“Eh?!”
A violent gust shook the tower. Caro squeezed her eyes shut—then a deafening *clang* made her look. Black-haired man. Black-haired woman. A greatsword blocked the arrow.
“Arnold—?”
Arnold didn’t answer. He locked eyes with the woman. “Cassipero. What are you doing?”
“This is a mission. No explanation needed.”
“ABSOLUTE NONSENSE!!!!” Arnold roared. Swinging his greatsword, raw force hurled Cassipero straight through the tower wall.
Caro had never seen him this furious. Yet he glanced back, voice softening. “Caro, take cover. Cassipero’s my opponent. I must go all out. I’ll protect you.”
Why was Demon Hunter Cassipero targeting *her*? When had Arnold been watching? Even as a transmigrator, even as a self-proclaimed bard, her mind spun. But trust Arnold.
*Danger.*
If Cassipero called it a mission, the whole Demonhunt Squad was involved. If killing her was the goal—hide, or die. Even Arnold…
“Find Karin. She’ll protect you.” Arnold sensed her doubt. “After our duel, we understood each other. Trust me once, Caro. She *can* protect you. Cassipero won’t face me alone.”
He vanished. Met the arrow storm raining from the sky.
Caro bolted.
*What plot is this?!* Humming “The Call Across a Century,” she summoned Lucy to watch her back while she fled blindly.
Why kill her? Hidden demon bloodline? Secret demon princess identity? Orphan backstory, forbidden heritage, unknown power—
She shook her head. Survive first. The Demonhunt Squad was all Heroic Rank. Arnold was strong, but if even one or two broke off… *done*.
Dying on an adventure? Acceptable someday. But like *this*? Too miserable.
Miraculously, she reached Karin’s inn untouched. No pursuers.
Whatever.
Find Karin. Cling tight.
…
“CASSIPERO!!” Arnold’s power erupted. Crimson light swirled around him, coalescing into a spectral dragon—terrifying.
Cassipero drew arrow after arrow, face calm, retreating steadily to a marked spot.
“Purify.”
Blinding white light descended from the heavens, enveloping them both. A soothing pressure. The crimson on Arnold dimmed.
“Helen?” He glanced down. The priestess stood firm, her massive staff anchoring a sacred domain.
The domain weighed heavily on Arnold; within it, Cassipero grew stronger.
“Where’s Melissa? Send her in. Or the two of you won’t last.” Bones cracked. A thunderous heartbeat boomed—like war drums.
Golden light blazed along his greatsword. “Show me your growth.”
The dragon slayer raised the blade that felled ancient beasts. High above tourist-city Demalburg, he unleashed his terror.
“HEAVEN-SUNDERING, EARTH-SEVERING!”
For the first time since leaving the team, Arnold activated the Level 10 Heroic Realm skill forged to hunt mighty demons.
A slash that seemed ready to cleave the city in two.
