Driving the car, Aurora glanced sideways at the new message that had just arrived.
“The group just won!”–EricaTheIceMage.
Reading Erica’s message, Aurora gave a smile and asked the AI in her new holographic watch to send a reply.
“Congratulations!” –TheSimplicityOfLife
Her reply was sent and the next moment, the ‘thank you’ messages started pouring in.
“Nicole had a hard time,” Cithrel muttered and, looking at some images, commented with an amused tone. “But it ended up pretty good.”
Aurora as she stopped at the traffic light, reviewed the conversation and laughed.
Nicole had sent a picture of the two fighters she had faced, and despite some noticeable bruises and cuts on her face, her opponents looked the same.
Two young men and a young woman who looked like they had just gotten out of an accident a few minutes ago were smiling at the camera as if they had enjoyed their battle.
Instead of getting angry or jealous of their opponents, the fighters were enjoying a good fistfight.
“So, what’s our aim?” Cithrel asked after sending the last messages.
They were driving through the city towards some residential buildings and some neighborhoods that had some security issues.
“A friend has a friend who is in trouble. Let’s go fix that problem,” Aurora replied and realizing that it sounded complicated, she calmly explained.
Vanessa had a friend who was in trouble being harassed by some guys from a local gang.
Despite the maximum security and strength of Atlantis City, the authorities could not eradicate the gangs and only heavily restricted them.
As long as they kept their affairs to a minimum and did not cause serious trouble, it would lose them among the millions of people living in Atlantis City.
For this reason, they continued to act, trying not to be so obvious.
This time it was different, as the gang members apparently liked Vanessa’s partner and started harassing her.
“At first it was something ‘light’. They approached her to get to know her, ask for her number and stuff, but then the harassment increased and now they stop her when she goes to the academy or pressure her in other ways,” Aurora counted driving calmly and with a sigh, she added. “She is a craft student. She doesn’t have the strength to stand up for herself.”
Even though people were powerful, bullying didn’t go away and even less so when some of those bullies had some strength.
“If she is in the academy, she should take it up with the Director or the teachers. I’m sure they will take care of the situation.” Cithrel said with a frown at the story.
Hero Academy was a place of considerable strength and unquestioned prestige, enough for the Director to intervene if he heard of someone harassing his students.
Maybe an artisan didn’t have the strength to defend herself, but if she got into the academy, it meant she had talent.
Someone with talent would be taken care of.
“That’s the problem. She hid it from the academy and from her peers. Vanessa could find out because of her visiting her one day and being in the middle of the situation,” Aurora said, and sighing, she explained. “She only accepted Vanessa’s help when she promised that the academy would not intervene.”
“Oh, sounds like a personality problem,” Cithrel muttered, nodding as if she understood.
Aurora remained silent.
In this world, some people hid that they were bullied or harassed out of fear.
Fear of what people would say, fear of what happened if something went wrong, or fear of angering their bullies and escalating that bullying.
Adding that in this world there were people who were naturally strong like fighters, that problem increased even though those individuals were heavily regulated.
Sometimes it was difficult to resist the harassment, and it was scary to talk to someone to stop it.
And as if that were not enough, it was complicated to understand what the situation of the person in question was. For that reason, Aurora preferred to remain silent.
Arriving at the building where the young woman lived, they both got out of the car.
“How do you plan to help?” Cithrel asked curiously as she followed her into the building.
Aurora hesitated at that question.
“I don’t know. I want to see the situation first before I act. From what I know, the gang is pretty well known in this neighborhood,” Aurora replied in a simple tone.
Vanessa knew she was being harassed to date the gang leader, but Aurora wanted to hear the young woman’s story.
Depending on how the situation went and how badly she was being harassed would be the level she would respond.
The good thing was that she had asked Andrés to gather information about the gang and learned that they were not that strong.
Using the elevator to head to the floor where the young woman lived, they both looked up the apartment number.
“Taqiyya I’m Aurora. Vanessa’s friend, I came for her order,” Aurora said, knocking on the door of the room.
With her senses, she tried to perceive the presences on the other side.
This building was very ordinary, with no magical defenses, allowing it to be easy to pick up presences on the other side, and in this apartment, no one was to be found.
“Would she be out shopping?” Cithrel asked curiously and after a few seconds, turned to the entrance of the apartment to the front.
From that spot, an elderly woman opened the door and beckoned for them to approach.
“Are you looking for Taqiyya? A moment ago, she just went out with some men. Apparently, they were her acquaintances,” said the old woman and shaking her head she commented. “I think a young woman like her shouldn’t mess with those crooks.”
With that warning, the old woman withdrew.
“What a nice old lady. She found the situation suspicious and ended up informing us,” Cithrel muttered, as she understood the reason the old woman had left.
It seemed a minor matter to call the police because a young woman left with crooks and even more so when they seemed to be acquaintances, but she still seemed concerned about her, and for that reason, she notified them who came to look for her.
Regardless of whether or not the matter was worrisome, giving notice would hurt no one.
“What shall we do?” Cithrel asked curiously.
Instead of answering, Aurora read the information her system was sending her.
—According to the building’s security cameras, two men accompanied the young woman. According to what I heard from the video, they belonged to the gang and wanted to take the ‘beauty’ to their boss.
Her system had computer capabilities and could not only control her holographic watch, but it also took care of other tasks.
Just as it had taken control of the students’ holographic clocks during the overflow in the temporary dungeon at the beginning of the year, it now took control of the building’s cameras.
While it wasn’t on Liam’s level, it was enough to lend support to this situation and take over the security of a common building.
Using her Aurora holographic watch, she called Andrés.
“Send me the location of the gang,” Aurora ordered before Andrés could speak.
“I understand, boss.”
Because of the tone she had used, Andrés responded with a professional seriousness and got to work immediately.
With no questions asked, in as little as half a minute, Aurora received the location she requested.
“Do you need anything else, boss?” Andrés asked with a serious tone.
He had realized that a situation had happened and went into a serious mode, which he sought to help.
“Can you locate the student Taqiyya Sherzai?” Aurora asked as the elevator slowly descended.
Aurora didn’t let her nerves or concern for Taqiyya’s situation get the better of her, though she found the slowness of the elevator stressful.
That was the reason she made her entire building in Zerzura have portals.
“Yes, as you asked me to look for information about your surroundings, I have some preparations. Give me a few minutes.” Andrés replied in an overly respectful and professional tone.
Cithrel’s lips bowed as she listened to the conversation.
Aurora knew her tone was agitating Andrés and pushing him to work at top speed.
And she did not reduce her solemnity, as she believed Andrés could handle this situation.
Aurora had only asked him to seek information from Taqiyya, prioritizing the gang members, and that Andrés had some preparations, showed some professionalism.
“She seems to be in the same place the gang members live,” Andrés replied as Aurora and Cithrel returned to the car and before she could drive, he detailed. “I have hacked her holographic watch and apparently she is in no grave danger.”
With those words, Andrés sent an image of Taqiyya in a room, crying without realizing that her holographic watch was recording.
Breaching the security of a holographic clock and transmitting directly was certainly tricky, and that Andrés did it showed that he was not lagging his teammates.
Even if the preparations helped him to do so.
Aurora drove calmly.
“Why don’t we fly?” Cithrel asked, trying to help her form.
“You’ll draw too much attention and the surveillance drones will come to bother because of the ban on flying in the city,” Aurora replied calmly.
Ordinary people could fly using some devices, but most cities had a ban on it except in certain areas or times.
In case a monster or creature appeared, the alarm would give warning and the adventurers could use whatever they could to get there fast or flee.
Unfortunately, in this case, it would only attract the attention of the drones that were watching and with it, the authorities.
“Shall I call the police, chief?” Andrés asked over the communication system that was not cut off.
“No, I’ll handle it on my own,” Aurora replied, driving down the street.
Cithrel watched her carefully, and Aurora shrugged, explaining nothing.
Calling the police wouldn’t help too much and even less when those guys weren’t doing anything illegal, and it was worse since, according to Vanessa, Taqiyya was too shy and submissive.
In the end, they might intimidate her into not talking and they would achieve nothing more than tipping those guys off so that in the future they would look for or causing trouble.
Here they were, not in Africa, where she could make a few calls and see that the investigations were more thorough.
While she could call in some favors to help her out here, she first needed to see if it was possible to work it out on her own.
“So, are we going to threaten them?” Cithrel asked and with an amused smile, commented. “I didn’t expect the person who was supposed to be protecting me to be taking me to a gang hideout to threaten and beat up gang members. Aurora, you are a bad girl.”
Aurora’s expression quivered and Cithrel chuckled softly, having fun and enjoying the situation, not hiding her excitement.
Aurora was someone who, in broad daylight, seemed to respect the rules and held back too much, but it was only in broad daylight.
She was someone who minded her own business, and it was hard for her to resist letting it go.
Compared to a warlord, a group of gang members was insignificant.
When they arrived at the place, they realized it was a two-story bar.
Before Aurora could ask Andrés for more reports, Cithrel muttered a spell, and a ripple spread through the building.
Aurora sensed the ripple spread a few feet and disappear as if it had never existed.
Though it was likely that the spell cast by an S-rank archmage was scanning the entire building with no one noticing.
“There are several thugs, but they’re on the second floor. I believe the young lady you are looking for is in a room. She seems to be alone.” Cithrel communicated as she closed her eyes.
Aurora was silently grateful to have an S-ranked archmage at her side and made her way to the back area.
Beside her, Cithrel followed her with a glowering gaze and she ignored her, wanting to get the job done.
“Who are you?” asked a guard who was smoking with a companion.
“We’re heroes. We came for our partner.” Aurora replied in a simple tone.
If they would let her pass and take her companion, she wouldn’t have to overdo it.
Such ideas were on her mind, and just as she expected, the guards didn’t realize what situation they were in.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. We don’t have anyone here,” replied one of the gang members after looking at his companion.
Looking at his figure, they didn’t look worried, it was more they had a smirk on their faces.
Those guys in Aurora’s eyes were just C-Rank, which were basically like freshmen.
Maybe to a small gang, they were something, but to her, they were like militiamen.
No, militiamen were more experienced and intimidating.
“I think...”
“Ugh...”
“Agh...”
Before Cithrel could speak, Aurora punched the two men, dropping them to the ground groaning in pain.
“What do you think... Ugh...”
Without giving the man a chance to speak, Aurora kicked his stomach and sent him flying, impacting with the wall as the crunch of bones rang out.
“This is already illegal. I thought that, in this world, people resisted illegal actions and respected the rules, but this... It’s unbelievable!” Cithrel exclaimed with a smile and shining eyes and looking at Aurora, she asked. “Aren’t you afraid you’ll be reported?”
“I have a great archmage that will leave them with no harm. Do you think anyone will tell me anything?” Aurora asked, getting a bright smile to appear on Cithrel’s face.
It was an invitation for her to join in.
—Using her enthusiasm could be problematic for later.
Aurora’s lips quivered, and it was impossible for her not to, when she was in complete agreement with her system’s comment.
Although Cithrel was having fun and could join in, she could also be quite capable of then teasing her to take advantage of the event.
However, that was the least of her concerns and priorities.
First, even if they wanted to make a complaint about their actions, Aurora would just have to ask Andrés to get all the dirt on each of them.
That way, it would only look like she was carrying out a good deed, looking to catch thugs like a professional mercenary.
Entering the building with that thought, Aurora followed her senses went to where Taqiyya stood.
“Who are you guys? How did you get in?” one of the gang members asked, getting others to come closer.
“I’m here to find my partner if you get in my way...”
Aurora made her combat aura surround her fists and then spread throughout her body.
The combat aura had not yet taken shape or gained any special effect, but it was visible.
Its translucent hue seemed to twist around her fists.
One of those blows could break the surrounding wall.
As easily as breaking several bones or some necks.
While A-Ranks weren’t that rare, an expert of that rank wouldn’t get stuck in a mediocre little gang.
After all, they made more money elsewhere.
“She’s in the back room.” Said one of the gang members, stopping their group from taking any action.
Although the gang members were showing fearful expressions, Aurora noticed the signals they were giving each other, setting up their tricks.
Instead of concentrating on them, she let it be and led Cithrel, headed for her target.
As they entered the room, they both saw the person they had come for crying on the bed.
She was a young woman of short stature and, despite the tears welling up and shaking like a leaf in a hurricane, she was still a beautiful young woman.
With the typical characteristics of Indian beauty, the young woman seemed shy and easily intimidated.
“I am Aurora. I came at Vanessa’s request...” Aurora said with a soft and calm tone and, giving a pleasant smile, she added. “Don’t worry, you’ll be fine by my side.”
Approaching calmly, she noticed the young woman wiping her eyes and looking at her.
The smile Aurora was about to give trembled when she saw several bruises on her cheek, evidence that the gang members used force to bring her to this place.
“Are you coming to help me?” Taqiyya asked in a tearful, hopeful tone.
Aurora, who was about to answer, stiffened as she saw someone coming forward.
“Yes, we are coming to help you,” Cithrel said with a soft, warm smile, very different from the excited attitude she had a few moments ago at the sight of gang members being beaten.
Cithrel walked over to the young woman and knelt down in front of her, trying to calm her down while smiling at her, full of reassurance and confidence.
“You are too pretty. I’ll take care of preserving that beauty.” Cithrel announced, gently caressing Taqiyya’s cheek, making each of her wounds disappear completely.
The princess, who was previously excited to do something illegal, completely changed her attitude and turned into a gallant knight, saving a damsel.
And the amazing thing was that it worked.
Taqiyya’s cheeks turned completely red, and the way she averted her gaze with some shyness and embarrassment caused Cithrel to smile brightly.
It certainly didn’t help Aurora control her quivering expression.
—You should be pleased. Maybe she’ll change her target.
Her system’s comment that didn’t seem to have any emotion was a clear mockery that made Aurora’s expression relax.
Still, she was angry inside.
If at first, she thought of giving the gang members a warning and then planned on threatening them... Now she wanted to finish them.
“Come on. Cithrel, take care of her.” Aurora ordered as she stretched her body.
Cithrel nodded, and taking the young woman’s hand, pulled her to her side.
Both had sensed the presence waiting for them outside, and neither was surprised.
Aurora donned her combat suit using the ‘quick change’ ability and led the way, activating her barrier to protect the group.
When they came out into the room, dozens of gang members who were pointing their weapons met Aurora.
They were using a variety of firearms and the number was high enough that they could wound a B-rank.
They were not ancient weapons, but modern ones, which increased the danger of the group.
“Ha, I didn’t think you would do this, little lady. I really liked you a lot.” said a man carrying a shotgun.
The shotgun design seemed to be state-of-the art, and that man looked like an A-Rank weapons master.
Aurora knew from Andrés’s information that the man was a former retired soldier who became a gang member because of an accident that injured him.
And as much as he had a regrettable history, Aurora felt no sympathy.
While he might be strong with that gun he carried, this time he got involved with people he shouldn’t be messing with.
“I...”
Taqiyya trembled with fear and hid behind Cithrel’s back.
The young woman’s body trembled in a mixture of fear and panic, holding back her tears, afraid to refuse out of fear.
She was a craftswoman and not a fighter, for Aurora, it was normal for her to fear an A-ranked weapons master.
“I’d tell you to hand her over to us and I’ll let you go, but I’m lying. I’ll show you the reason why you don’t have to mess with me.” Snarled the man with a sly grin.
He signaled for his group to surround her, and one of his team members activated a device that disconnected connections to the outside.
Preventing all communication, as well as calling for help or reinforcements.
Among the group surrounding her were a couple of B-ranks, which, for Aurora, was not enough to stop her.
Just as she was about to move, Cithrel stopped her and, giving a smile, stepped forward protecting both of them, as if she was a knight protecting damsels in distress.
“I’m sorry, but I like them both, so I can’t give them away,” Cithrel replied with a charming smile.
Taqiyya turned shy of those words... She wasn’t the only one, as Aurora herself felt slightly embarrassed at Cithrel’s cheeky words.
Aurora had to admit it; the honest and confident way in which Cithrel spoke made her seem believable and above all trustworthy.
“Ha, t...”
Before the man could laugh, Cithrel waved her hand and a spear of water stopped before penetrating the man’s neck.
All those evildoers were nothing in front of her group... Specifically in front of the S-ranked Princess of a foreign empire.
Cithrel didn’t assassinate them but gave them a taste of the power difference, and Aurora immediately realized that her enemies were blind.
“Tch... Fire!” ordered the man as he retreated in fear.
*Bang*
*Bang*
*Bang!
Hundreds of bullets flew toward their group and didn’t even reach their personal barrier.
Those bullets seemed frozen in mid-air and rum was the powerful barrier that was covering the entire group and was stopping the shots of an A-ranked weapons master.
Although Aurora was not a mage, she knew immediately that if she hit the barrier, it would be like hitting a cushion of air.
Cithrel, the creator of this barrier, was the princess of a powerful empire, with an overwhelming talent for magic and exceptional knowledge.
That princess gave a charming smile to the crooks, showing the difference in strength of each side.
“I will return it to you,” Cithrel muttered, and before the enemy group could react, their very bullets pierced them.
“Ugh...”
“Ahhh...”
“AHg...”
Groans of pain rang out, and the men who had aimed their guns were rolling on the ground.
Bullets pierced unimportant points of the human body, that was Cithrel’s precision and control.
The princess kept her warm smile as if she didn’t see the blood on the ground or the men groaning in pain.
Aurora could tell this wasn’t the first time she played with her prey, but she pretended not to see anything and approached the gang leader.
“Be thankful Alice didn’t come,” she muttered, kicking him to knock him unconscious.
If she had come with her partner, this situation would have been even more terrible, deadly, and probably bloody.
“So what do we do? Do we hide the corpses?” Cithrel asked with an amused tone and, sensing Taqiyya trembling, she turned to her and, wiping away her tears, she muttered. “You know, if it’s for you, I could do it.”
Aurora shivered at those words.
Cithrel wasn’t joking... What was worse was that those words sounded like a blatant flirtation.
A gallant knight who could tear down the world for her damsel.
“I... I...”
Watching as Taqiyya was turning very red and was stuttering, very embarrassed, Aurora felt sympathy.
She was in the position of damsel... And she understood better than anyone else that it was difficult to escape.
Trying to push such thoughts from her mind, Aurora coughed to get the gallant knight’s attention.
“Don’t be jealous, I’ll pay attention to you too,” Cithrel said, giving a flirtatious smile.
She wasn’t kidding, and her eyes were sparkling with a seductive, slightly excited touch.
“No, thank you. You can give her all the attention,” Aurora replied, and before Cithrel could say anything, she commented. “I’ll alert the Director; he’ll take care of the situation. I’m sure he will get hold of those who attacked your student.”
At her reply, Cithrel hid her smile and, with a spell, healed the gang members and, at the same time, made the blood disappear.
Looking at that impressive cleanup, Aurora sighed, sending a message to the Director.
Driving the car, Aurora glanced sideways at the new message that had just arrived.
“The group just won!”–EricaTheIceMage.
Reading Erica’s message, Aurora gave a smile and asked the AI in her new holographic watch to send a reply.
“Congratulations!” –TheSimplicityOfLife
Her reply was sent and the next moment, the ‘thank you’ messages started pouring in.
“Nicole had a hard time,” Cithrel muttered and, looking at some images, commented with an amused tone. “But it ended up pretty good.”
Aurora as she stopped at the traffic light, reviewed the conversation and laughed.
Nicole had sent a picture of the two fighters she had faced, and despite some noticeable bruises and cuts on her face, her opponents looked the same.
Two young men and a young woman who looked like they had just gotten out of an accident a few minutes ago were smiling at the camera as if they had enjoyed their battle.
Instead of getting angry or jealous of their opponents, the fighters were enjoying a good fistfight.
“So, what’s our aim?” Cithrel asked after sending the last messages.
They were driving through the city towards some residential buildings and some neighborhoods that had some security issues.
“A friend has a friend who is in trouble. Let’s go fix that problem,” Aurora replied and realizing that it sounded complicated, she calmly explained.
Vanessa had a friend who was in trouble being harassed by some guys from a local gang.
Despite the maximum security and strength of Atlantis City, the authorities could not eradicate the gangs and only heavily restricted them.
As long as they kept their affairs to a minimum and did not cause serious trouble, it would lose them among the millions of people living in Atlantis City.
For this reason, they continued to act, trying not to be so obvious.
This time it was different, as the gang members apparently liked Vanessa’s partner and started harassing her.
“At first it was something ‘light’. They approached her to get to know her, ask for her number and stuff, but then the harassment increased and now they stop her when she goes to the academy or pressure her in other ways,” Aurora counted driving calmly and with a sigh, she added. “She is a craft student. She doesn’t have the strength to stand up for herself.”
Even though people were powerful, bullying didn’t go away and even less so when some of those bullies had some strength.
“If she is in the academy, she should take it up with the Director or the teachers. I’m sure they will take care of the situation.” Cithrel said with a frown at the story.
Hero Academy was a place of considerable strength and unquestioned prestige, enough for the Director to intervene if he heard of someone harassing his students.
Maybe an artisan didn’t have the strength to defend herself, but if she got into the academy, it meant she had talent.
Someone with talent would be taken care of.
“That’s the problem. She hid it from the academy and from her peers. Vanessa could find out because of her visiting her one day and being in the middle of the situation,” Aurora said, and sighing, she explained. “She only accepted Vanessa’s help when she promised that the academy would not intervene.”
“Oh, sounds like a personality problem,” Cithrel muttered, nodding as if she understood.
Aurora remained silent.
In this world, some people hid that they were bullied or harassed out of fear.
Fear of what people would say, fear of what happened if something went wrong, or fear of angering their bullies and escalating that bullying.
Adding that in this world there were people who were naturally strong like fighters, that problem increased even though those individuals were heavily regulated.
Sometimes it was difficult to resist the harassment, and it was scary to talk to someone to stop it.
And as if that were not enough, it was complicated to understand what the situation of the person in question was. For that reason, Aurora preferred to remain silent.
Arriving at the building where the young woman lived, they both got out of the car.
“How do you plan to help?” Cithrel asked curiously as she followed her into the building.
Aurora hesitated at that question.
“I don’t know. I want to see the situation first before I act. From what I know, the gang is pretty well known in this neighborhood,” Aurora replied in a simple tone.
Vanessa knew she was being harassed to date the gang leader, but Aurora wanted to hear the young woman’s story.
Depending on how the situation went and how badly she was being harassed would be the level she would respond.
The good thing was that she had asked Andrés to gather information about the gang and learned that they were not that strong.
Using the elevator to head to the floor where the young woman lived, they both looked up the apartment number.
“Taqiyya I’m Aurora. Vanessa’s friend, I came for her order,” Aurora said, knocking on the door of the room.
With her senses, she tried to perceive the presences on the other side.
This building was very ordinary, with no magical defenses, allowing it to be easy to pick up presences on the other side, and in this apartment, no one was to be found.
“Would she be out shopping?” Cithrel asked curiously and after a few seconds, turned to the entrance of the apartment to the front.
From that spot, an elderly woman opened the door and beckoned for them to approach.
“Are you looking for Taqiyya? A moment ago, she just went out with some men. Apparently, they were her acquaintances,” said the old woman and shaking her head she commented. “I think a young woman like her shouldn’t mess with those crooks.”
With that warning, the old woman withdrew.
“What a nice old lady. She found the situation suspicious and ended up informing us,” Cithrel muttered, as she understood the reason the old woman had left.
It seemed a minor matter to call the police because a young woman left with crooks and even more so when they seemed to be acquaintances, but she still seemed concerned about her, and for that reason, she notified them who came to look for her.
Regardless of whether or not the matter was worrisome, giving notice would hurt no one.
“What shall we do?” Cithrel asked curiously.
Instead of answering, Aurora read the information her system was sending her.
—According to the building’s security cameras, two men accompanied the young woman. According to what I heard from the video, they belonged to the gang and wanted to take the ‘beauty’ to their boss.
Her system had computer capabilities and could not only control her holographic watch, but it also took care of other tasks.
Just as it had taken control of the students’ holographic clocks during the overflow in the temporary dungeon at the beginning of the year, it now took control of the building’s cameras.
While it wasn’t on Liam’s level, it was enough to lend support to this situation and take over the security of a common building.
Using her Aurora holographic watch, she called Andrés.
“Send me the location of the gang,” Aurora ordered before Andrés could speak.
“I understand, boss.”
Because of the tone she had used, Andrés responded with a professional seriousness and got to work immediately.
With no questions asked, in as little as half a minute, Aurora received the location she requested.
“Do you need anything else, boss?” Andrés asked with a serious tone.
He had realized that a situation had happened and went into a serious mode, which he sought to help.
“Can you locate the student Taqiyya Sherzai?” Aurora asked as the elevator slowly descended.
Aurora didn’t let her nerves or concern for Taqiyya’s situation get the better of her, though she found the slowness of the elevator stressful.
That was the reason she made her entire building in Zerzura have portals.
“Yes, as you asked me to look for information about your surroundings, I have some preparations. Give me a few minutes.” Andrés replied in an overly respectful and professional tone.
Cithrel’s lips bowed as she listened to the conversation.
Aurora knew her tone was agitating Andrés and pushing him to work at top speed.
And she did not reduce her solemnity, as she believed Andrés could handle this situation.
Aurora had only asked him to seek information from Taqiyya, prioritizing the gang members, and that Andrés had some preparations, showed some professionalism.
“She seems to be in the same place the gang members live,” Andrés replied as Aurora and Cithrel returned to the car and before she could drive, he detailed. “I have hacked her holographic watch and apparently she is in no grave danger.”
With those words, Andrés sent an image of Taqiyya in a room, crying without realizing that her holographic watch was recording.
Breaching the security of a holographic clock and transmitting directly was certainly tricky, and that Andrés did it showed that he was not lagging his teammates.
Even if the preparations helped him to do so.
Aurora drove calmly.
“Why don’t we fly?” Cithrel asked, trying to help her form.
“You’ll draw too much attention and the surveillance drones will come to bother because of the ban on flying in the city,” Aurora replied calmly.
Ordinary people could fly using some devices, but most cities had a ban on it except in certain areas or times.
In case a monster or creature appeared, the alarm would give warning and the adventurers could use whatever they could to get there fast or flee.
Unfortunately, in this case, it would only attract the attention of the drones that were watching and with it, the authorities.
“Shall I call the police, chief?” Andrés asked over the communication system that was not cut off.
“No, I’ll handle it on my own,” Aurora replied, driving down the street.
Cithrel watched her carefully, and Aurora shrugged, explaining nothing.
Calling the police wouldn’t help too much and even less when those guys weren’t doing anything illegal, and it was worse since, according to Vanessa, Taqiyya was too shy and submissive.
In the end, they might intimidate her into not talking and they would achieve nothing more than tipping those guys off so that in the future they would look for or causing trouble.
Here they were, not in Africa, where she could make a few calls and see that the investigations were more thorough.
While she could call in some favors to help her out here, she first needed to see if it was possible to work it out on her own.
“So, are we going to threaten them?” Cithrel asked and with an amused smile, commented. “I didn’t expect the person who was supposed to be protecting me to be taking me to a gang hideout to threaten and beat up gang members. Aurora, you are a bad girl.”
Aurora’s expression quivered and Cithrel chuckled softly, having fun and enjoying the situation, not hiding her excitement.
Aurora was someone who, in broad daylight, seemed to respect the rules and held back too much, but it was only in broad daylight.
She was someone who minded her own business, and it was hard for her to resist letting it go.
Compared to a warlord, a group of gang members was insignificant.
When they arrived at the place, they realized it was a two-story bar.
Before Aurora could ask Andrés for more reports, Cithrel muttered a spell, and a ripple spread through the building.
Aurora sensed the ripple spread a few feet and disappear as if it had never existed.
Though it was likely that the spell cast by an S-rank archmage was scanning the entire building with no one noticing.
“There are several thugs, but they’re on the second floor. I believe the young lady you are looking for is in a room. She seems to be alone.” Cithrel communicated as she closed her eyes.
Aurora was silently grateful to have an S-ranked archmage at her side and made her way to the back area.
Beside her, Cithrel followed her with a glowering gaze and she ignored her, wanting to get the job done.
“Who are you?” asked a guard who was smoking with a companion.
“We’re heroes. We came for our partner.” Aurora replied in a simple tone.
If they would let her pass and take her companion, she wouldn’t have to overdo it.
Such ideas were on her mind, and just as she expected, the guards didn’t realize what situation they were in.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. We don’t have anyone here,” replied one of the gang members after looking at his companion.
Looking at his figure, they didn’t look worried, it was more they had a smirk on their faces.
Those guys in Aurora’s eyes were just C-Rank, which were basically like freshmen.
Maybe to a small gang, they were something, but to her, they were like militiamen.
No, militiamen were more experienced and intimidating.
“I think...”
“Ugh...”
“Agh...”
Before Cithrel could speak, Aurora punched the two men, dropping them to the ground groaning in pain.
“What do you think... Ugh...”
Without giving the man a chance to speak, Aurora kicked his stomach and sent him flying, impacting with the wall as the crunch of bones rang out.
“This is already illegal. I thought that, in this world, people resisted illegal actions and respected the rules, but this... It’s unbelievable!” Cithrel exclaimed with a smile and shining eyes and looking at Aurora, she asked. “Aren’t you afraid you’ll be reported?”
“I have a great archmage that will leave them with no harm. Do you think anyone will tell me anything?” Aurora asked, getting a bright smile to appear on Cithrel’s face.
It was an invitation for her to join in.
—Using her enthusiasm could be problematic for later.
Aurora’s lips quivered, and it was impossible for her not to, when she was in complete agreement with her system’s comment.
Although Cithrel was having fun and could join in, she could also be quite capable of then teasing her to take advantage of the event.
However, that was the least of her concerns and priorities.
First, even if they wanted to make a complaint about their actions, Aurora would just have to ask Andrés to get all the dirt on each of them.
That way, it would only look like she was carrying out a good deed, looking to catch thugs like a professional mercenary.
Entering the building with that thought, Aurora followed her senses went to where Taqiyya stood.
“Who are you guys? How did you get in?” one of the gang members asked, getting others to come closer.
“I’m here to find my partner if you get in my way...”
Aurora made her combat aura surround her fists and then spread throughout her body.
The combat aura had not yet taken shape or gained any special effect, but it was visible.
Its translucent hue seemed to twist around her fists.
One of those blows could break the surrounding wall.
As easily as breaking several bones or some necks.
While A-Ranks weren’t that rare, an expert of that rank wouldn’t get stuck in a mediocre little gang.
After all, they made more money elsewhere.
“She’s in the back room.” Said one of the gang members, stopping their group from taking any action.
Although the gang members were showing fearful expressions, Aurora noticed the signals they were giving each other, setting up their tricks.
Instead of concentrating on them, she let it be and led Cithrel, headed for her target.
As they entered the room, they both saw the person they had come for crying on the bed.
She was a young woman of short stature and, despite the tears welling up and shaking like a leaf in a hurricane, she was still a beautiful young woman.
With the typical characteristics of Indian beauty, the young woman seemed shy and easily intimidated.
“I am Aurora. I came at Vanessa’s request...” Aurora said with a soft and calm tone and, giving a pleasant smile, she added. “Don’t worry, you’ll be fine by my side.”
Approaching calmly, she noticed the young woman wiping her eyes and looking at her.
The smile Aurora was about to give trembled when she saw several bruises on her cheek, evidence that the gang members used force to bring her to this place.
“Are you coming to help me?” Taqiyya asked in a tearful, hopeful tone.
Aurora, who was about to answer, stiffened as she saw someone coming forward.
“Yes, we are coming to help you,” Cithrel said with a soft, warm smile, very different from the excited attitude she had a few moments ago at the sight of gang members being beaten.
Cithrel walked over to the young woman and knelt down in front of her, trying to calm her down while smiling at her, full of reassurance and confidence.
“You are too pretty. I’ll take care of preserving that beauty.” Cithrel announced, gently caressing Taqiyya’s cheek, making each of her wounds disappear completely.
The princess, who was previously excited to do something illegal, completely changed her attitude and turned into a gallant knight, saving a damsel.
And the amazing thing was that it worked.
Taqiyya’s cheeks turned completely red, and the way she averted her gaze with some shyness and embarrassment caused Cithrel to smile brightly.
It certainly didn’t help Aurora control her quivering expression.
—You should be pleased. Maybe she’ll change her target.
Her system’s comment that didn’t seem to have any emotion was a clear mockery that made Aurora’s expression relax.
Still, she was angry inside.
If at first, she thought of giving the gang members a warning and then planned on threatening them... Now she wanted to finish them.
“Come on. Cithrel, take care of her.” Aurora ordered as she stretched her body.
Cithrel nodded, and taking the young woman’s hand, pulled her to her side.
Both had sensed the presence waiting for them outside, and neither was surprised.
Aurora donned her combat suit using the ‘quick change’ ability and led the way, activating her barrier to protect the group.
When they came out into the room, dozens of gang members who were pointing their weapons met Aurora.
They were using a variety of firearms and the number was high enough that they could wound a B-rank.
They were not ancient weapons, but modern ones, which increased the danger of the group.
“Ha, I didn’t think you would do this, little lady. I really liked you a lot.” said a man carrying a shotgun.
The shotgun design seemed to be state-of-the art, and that man looked like an A-Rank weapons master.
Aurora knew from Andrés’s information that the man was a former retired soldier who became a gang member because of an accident that injured him.
And as much as he had a regrettable history, Aurora felt no sympathy.
While he might be strong with that gun he carried, this time he got involved with people he shouldn’t be messing with.
“I...”
Taqiyya trembled with fear and hid behind Cithrel’s back.
The young woman’s body trembled in a mixture of fear and panic, holding back her tears, afraid to refuse out of fear.
She was a craftswoman and not a fighter, for Aurora, it was normal for her to fear an A-ranked weapons master.
“I’d tell you to hand her over to us and I’ll let you go, but I’m lying. I’ll show you the reason why you don’t have to mess with me.” Snarled the man with a sly grin.
He signaled for his group to surround her, and one of his team members activated a device that disconnected connections to the outside.
Preventing all communication, as well as calling for help or reinforcements.
Among the group surrounding her were a couple of B-ranks, which, for Aurora, was not enough to stop her.
Just as she was about to move, Cithrel stopped her and, giving a smile, stepped forward protecting both of them, as if she was a knight protecting damsels in distress.
“I’m sorry, but I like them both, so I can’t give them away,” Cithrel replied with a charming smile.
Taqiyya turned shy of those words... She wasn’t the only one, as Aurora herself felt slightly embarrassed at Cithrel’s cheeky words.
Aurora had to admit it; the honest and confident way in which Cithrel spoke made her seem believable and above all trustworthy.
“Ha, t...”
Before the man could laugh, Cithrel waved her hand and a spear of water stopped before penetrating the man’s neck.
All those evildoers were nothing in front of her group... Specifically in front of the S-ranked Princess of a foreign empire.
Cithrel didn’t assassinate them but gave them a taste of the power difference, and Aurora immediately realized that her enemies were blind.
“Tch... Fire!” ordered the man as he retreated in fear.
*Bang*
*Bang*
*Bang!
Hundreds of bullets flew toward their group and didn’t even reach their personal barrier.
Those bullets seemed frozen in mid-air and rum was the powerful barrier that was covering the entire group and was stopping the shots of an A-ranked weapons master.
Although Aurora was not a mage, she knew immediately that if she hit the barrier, it would be like hitting a cushion of air.
Cithrel, the creator of this barrier, was the princess of a powerful empire, with an overwhelming talent for magic and exceptional knowledge.
That princess gave a charming smile to the crooks, showing the difference in strength of each side.
“I will return it to you,” Cithrel muttered, and before the enemy group could react, their very bullets pierced them.
“Ugh...”
“Ahhh...”
“AHg...”
Groans of pain rang out, and the men who had aimed their guns were rolling on the ground.
Bullets pierced unimportant points of the human body, that was Cithrel’s precision and control.
The princess kept her warm smile as if she didn’t see the blood on the ground or the men groaning in pain.
Aurora could tell this wasn’t the first time she played with her prey, but she pretended not to see anything and approached the gang leader.
“Be thankful Alice didn’t come,” she muttered, kicking him to knock him unconscious.
If she had come with her partner, this situation would have been even more terrible, deadly, and probably bloody.
“So what do we do? Do we hide the corpses?” Cithrel asked with an amused tone and, sensing Taqiyya trembling, she turned to her and, wiping away her tears, she muttered. “You know, if it’s for you, I could do it.”
Aurora shivered at those words.
Cithrel wasn’t joking... What was worse was that those words sounded like a blatant flirtation.
A gallant knight who could tear down the world for her damsel.
“I... I...”
Watching as Taqiyya was turning very red and was stuttering, very embarrassed, Aurora felt sympathy.
She was in the position of damsel... And she understood better than anyone else that it was difficult to escape.
Trying to push such thoughts from her mind, Aurora coughed to get the gallant knight’s attention.
“Don’t be jealous, I’ll pay attention to you too,” Cithrel said, giving a flirtatious smile.
She wasn’t kidding, and her eyes were sparkling with a seductive, slightly excited touch.
“No, thank you. You can give her all the attention,” Aurora replied, and before Cithrel could say anything, she commented. “I’ll alert the Director; he’ll take care of the situation. I’m sure he will get hold of those who attacked your student.”
At her reply, Cithrel hid her smile and, with a spell, healed the gang members and, at the same time, made the blood disappear.
Looking at that impressive cleanup, Aurora sighed, sending a message to the Director.
