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𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤
“It’s been a while since we had a meal together, just the two of us.”
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Alma’s voice is lively.
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Luke and Alma were at 【Golden Twilight】, a popular restaurant in Mercapolis.
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The cuisine was excellent, and their apple pie was so famous that it was renowned even in St. Arrogas.
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“We’ve been so busy lately. I thought it might be nice to indulge ourselves for a change.”
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Luke smiles as he cuts into a large platter of Mercapolis’ specialty dish.
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For the past month, Natalia and Sicily’s business had been extremely busy, with Luke and others helping out.
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They traveled back and forth to the village of Crete, procuring wine, labeling it, and delivering it to various clients.
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They had to sell discreetly, so they couldn’t hire help and had to manage everything themselves.
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After finishing stocking and labeling the Crete village inventory, they finally had free time once everything was ready for shipment.
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Sicily and Natalia went out for drinks together, while Leah went back to her hometown in Crete village.
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Thus, Luke and Alma, left alone, were enjoying a rare date.
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“But it’s good. Natalia and Sicily’s business is going well, and this will surely help Crete village prosper.”
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“Yes. Maybe our coming here had some purpose after all. Right, Luke?”
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“Exactly. If Crete liquor becomes popular, it might reduce prejudice against beastkin. That alone gives our visit here plenty of meaning.”
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“Right. . ., hey, more importantly, Luke. . .”
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“Initially, it was just helping Sicily, but this journey has been truly wonderful! We might have even learned a bit about master’s past. . .”
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“Luke.”
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Alma grasps Luke’s hand, which is passionately engaged in conversation.
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“Alma, is something wrong?”
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“Luke, we’re having a meal together now, just the two of us, right?”
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“Yes, it’s been a while, and I’m really enjoying it.”
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“Me too. We’ve always been with others this past month, hardly ever alone together. That’s right, isn’t it?”
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“Indeed. We were either preparing shipments at Falx-san’s warehouse or heading to Crete village.”
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“Right. We finally got some time after a month, and with Sicily and Natalia out, and Leah-chan back in Crete village.”
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Alma’s grip on Luke’s hand tightens.
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“So. . . that means. . . tonight, we’re finally alone together after a long time. . .”
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“Ah. . .”
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Luke finally understands what Alma is implying.
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Alma’s ears turn crimson as she looks down, her gripping hand slightly sweaty.
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Heat rises in Luke’s cheeks.
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“So, the moon is beautiful tonight. How about we go back to the inn early after dinner and enjoy it together?”
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Alma nods slightly to Luke’s suggestion.
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The two leave 【Golden Twilight】, arm in arm.
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The streets are still bustling with people as it’s early evening.
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As they were about to pass through a narrow back alley, they saw someone beckoning from the depths.
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“Pit?”
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Covered in a gray robe, Luke recognized it was Pit from the slight movement of his body.
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“What are you doing here? Are you with the 《Blue Sky Hawk》?”
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Pit’s face, revealed upon removing his hood, was tense with anxiety.
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“Be careful. They are targeting your business.”
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“The 《Blue Sky Hawk》? Why would they involve themselves with us?”
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“I must go now. But return to the warehouse immediately. They have hired people to destroy your liquor!”
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With that, Pit turned on his heel.
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“Wait.”
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Luke held his shoulder.
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“I can’t let you go.”
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◆
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In an inconspicuous stone warehouse on the outskirts of Mercapolis, originally owned by Falx but now serving as Natalia’s warehouse and sales base for Crete liquor.
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Now, several shadows approach the warehouse, blending into the night.
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All in black, their faces covered with black cloth.
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“Bro, that seems to be the warehouse.”
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One of the men whispered softly.
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“Just smash everything inside for 100 silver coins. Easy job.”
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The men in black moved silently towards the warehouse, skillfully broke the lock, and entered.
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“Breaking bottles will make noise. Let’s finish quickly before anyone notices.”
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“Too late for that.”
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A voice came from behind them.
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“?!”
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Surprised, they turned to see a figure standing by the door they just entered.
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“Lighting.”
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As the voice spoke, light filled the warehouse, blinding the men.
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“You! Why are you. . .”
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“That’s my line. This is private property, you’re not allowed here.”
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The figure at the door, Luke, responded in a calm voice.
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“It’s not a mistake you’re here at this time.”
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“Shut up! Back off if you don’t want to get hurt!”
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The men readied their clubs.
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“That’s my line.”
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As Luke spoke, one of the men was sent flying.
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He crashed into the wall near Luke and fell unconscious.
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“Huh?”
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The men were confused about what happened.
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Attacked? But who could make a person fly sideways like that?
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Hesitantly turning around, they saw a gigantic suit of armor, several meters tall.
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“Wha. . .?”
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The men stood dumbfounded as Alma, clad in Demonstration Armor, approached.
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“It was you. . . who interfered with me. . .”
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Anger was evident in her voice, understandable even to the men.
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Why? Why is this monster angry at us? Did we do something to it?
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“Just when I was finally spending a night with Lukeeee!!!”
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“Ahhhhhh!!!”
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Alma’s scream merged with the men’s cries into the quiet of the night.