“What did you just say?” “I said we are followers of the Axis Order.” Ash repeated.
“Do you know what that means?” “What does it mean?” “It means that no matter what outrageous things I do, others will understand.
I’m really going all out so I can do whatever I want in the future.” Ash smiled.
After all, in this world, the reputation of the Axis Order could be described in one word: ‘eccentrics.’ The behavior of its members often exceeded common understanding, to the point where the locals had developed a reflex.
Whenever they saw someone doing something ridiculous, they would first ask, “Are you from the Axis Order?” If the answer was yes, then there was nothing to be surprised about.
“But…” Aqua blinked at Ash, then showed an expression of sudden realization.
“If you say you’re a follower of the Axis Order, doesn’t that make you my follower?” “Logically, yes.” “So you were praising me just now?” “No, I’m using your reputation.
Or rather, the reputation of your followers.” “Is there a difference between using my reputation and praising me?” Aqua’s eyes lit up, and a smug ‘I get it’ expression appeared on her face.
“You must think This Goddess’s reputation is so useful that you’re pretending to be my follower, right?
This just proves that This Goddess’s charm is so great that even a cold-blooded animal like you has been conquered!” “Whatever makes you happy…” Ash turned and continued walking.
“Hey!
Wait for me!” Aqua trotted to keep up, the chain around her waist clattering.
The two of them crossed three streets, turned four corners, passed through an alley barely wide enough for two people, and finally stopped in front of a row of old buildings.
Wiz’s Magic Item Shop.
Aqua tilted her head to look at the shop’s name, then at the dim shelves inside, her face filled with disdain.
“Ash, what did you bring me to this dump for?” “It’s useful, of course.
Now shut your mouth and follow me in.” Ash reached out and pushed the door open.
“Ding-ling—!” The bell on the door made a crisp sound.
Inside was still that faint scent, dust sat on the items on the shelves, and a rustling sound came from behind the counter.
“Welcome…” Wiz stood up from behind the counter with a professional smile.
Then she saw who it was.
Ash, that strange man from yesterday who was fully armed and had seen through her identity.
Today he didn’t have any weapons, he was only holding a…
wait, where was that silver chain around the waist of the blue-haired woman behind him coming from?
Wiz’s gaze followed the chain, finally landing on Ash’s right hand.
Golden ripples flickered in his palm, and the chain extended from within them.
Wiz’s pupils contracted slightly.
That wasn’t ordinary magic.
That was…
“Miss Wiz, we meet again.” Ash spoke first, as if greeting an old friend.
“Ah…
Y-yes!” Wiz nodded quickly, her hands clasped in front of her, looking a bit nervous.
“Mr.
Ash, today how do you have time…” Before she could finish, Aqua’s eyes had already widened.
Those blue eyes stared intently at Wiz, and reflected in her pupils was…
“A Lich!” Aqua shrieked and lunged at Wiz like a lit rocket.
“Damned Lich!
Accept This Goddess’s Purification!” She spread her hands, and white light began to gather in her palms.
Wiz was so scared she curled into a ball, holding her head as she ducked behind the counter like a frightened quail.
“Eeeeeeek?!” She let out a series of meaningless syllables, her body shaking like a leaf.
“No!
Don’t purify me!
I’m a good person!
I really am a good person!” “There’s no such thing as a good Lich!” Aqua lunged at the counter, her hands raised above her head, the white light growing brighter.
“Accept your judgment!” Then…
the chain tightened.
Aqua’s body stopped in mid-air, as if grabbed by an invisible hand.
“Eh?” She looked down at the chain around her waist, then back at Ash.
Ash expressionlessly held the other end of the chain and gave his wrist a light flick.
Aqua was pulled back, her feet leaving the ground as she traced an arc through the air, landing with a “thud” at Ash’s feet.
“Ouch!”
Maybe it’s not a big deal now… maybe it will be later.
“And If you’re enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!”