Chapter 23: FRIH - 23 [ 100 Powerstones ]
"Boss! What happened to you?!"
Frieren wasn't the only one shocked; the pugilist's team was stunned, unable to comprehend the sudden and drastic turn of events. Their leader, a man who had struck down monsters with nothing but his fists, now lay sprawled across the alley, his body unmoving, his breath shallow. The mercenaries had expected a quick and easy fight, yet now they were standing on the precipice of their own doom.
Their minds raced, trying to make sense of the situation, but it was as if the rules of the world had shifted in the blink of an eye. The pugilist, who had been so confident just moments before, now lay broken, defeated with a single, effortless strike. They hadn't signed up for this; they weren't part of some hero-saves-damsel plot, playing the role of the villainous extras. This was not how the battle was supposed to unfold.
A thief-like man, his face twisted with a mix of anger and fear, stepped forward. His hand rested on the hilt of a dagger at his hip, ready to draw it and avenge his fallen leader. He had watched Ronan's effortless victory with growing dread, but he refused to let that stop him. The boss being knocked away didn't mean much; he had seen opponents stronger than the pugilist, and he had seen many like Ronan before. The thief had confidence in his own skill, his eyes narrowing as he focused on Frieren, who still stood frozen at the side. There was someone else who might be more vulnerable.
Whoosh!
In a flash, the thief lunged, his dagger drawn with a fluid motion. His gaze remained locked on Ronan, calculating his next move, while still keeping an eye on the elf. He expected a swift and easy victory. It would be nothing more than a distraction for Ronan, and once he dealt with the elf, the rest of the mercenaries would be able to swarm in and take the mage down.
But before he could even get close, Ronan's movements were already a blur. He grabbed the thief's wrist mid-lunge, the man's eyes widening in surprise as his body came to a sudden halt.
Snap!
The sickening sound of bone breaking echoed through the alley, filling the air with a sharp, metallic undertone. The thief let out a strangled groan, his body tensing from the excruciating pain. Few could endure such agony, but the thief gritted his teeth and refused to stop. His training had taught him to fight through pain, and he wasn't about to back down now. Dropping the dagger from his broken hand, he reached for it with his other hand, desperate to land a strike.