Chapter 79: Some Act Like They're Not, Some Are Not Even Acting
For the vast majority of stories, a villain is necessary.
They often possess extraordinary strength or sharp intellect, capable of confronting the protagonist and delivering spectacular performances for the audience.
However, this doesn't apply to Aeron.
After all, compared to the group before him, he's far too insignificant.
"Raaargh!"
Aeron had initially thought Rover was going easy on him during their previous encounter, but only now did he realize she had been holding back an ocean's worth of strength.
"Is fighting me now part of your script too?"
Rover's blade moved so fast it was nothing but a blur of light.
There were no flashy visual effects, only sheer numerical superiority. Without even using Resonance Power, just basic slashes and footwork, she obliterated all the Echoes Aeron had drawn in.
She even managed to kick Aeron in the process.
Aeron stumbled backwards, hastily firing his grappling hook to latch onto a stage light frame, narrowly avoiding the chilling blade that swept past his abdomen. Swinging in a wide arc through the air, he could still feel the icy sting of the blade's wind on his skin as he landed.
"Since you've already recognized this as a script, can't you go a little easier on me?!"
"It makes your marksmanship look more impressive, doesn't it? And besides, you seem to be enjoying yourself."
He actually was.
"Wait, no! Who would enjoy something like this?!"
Rover swung her blade again, the sharp sword energy slicing toward Aeron once more.
[Focus fire on the target, execute!]
At that moment, more Echoes with crimson eyes emerged, ignoring Ragunna's civilians and the present Rovers, charging straight at Aeron.
Swish!
Just as Aeron expected, numerical advantage meant nothing before Rover. The Echoes he'd drawn as shields were immediately sent flying and scattered. Even when Aeron raised his sword to block, the impact left his arms numb and trembling.
"Though I don't know what you're trying to achieve, since you've chosen to stand before me, it must be part of your plan, right?"
With a hint of confirmation in her tone, Rover questioned Aeron before her.
"Well, yes, but not like this! You don't have to be so into character!"
"Received. I'll give it my all."
With that, Rover gripped her sword with both hands, adopting a stance, a slight smile curling her lips. For the first time, her golden eyes held a trace of amusement when looking at Aeron.
Revenge—this was absolutely revenge. If this was acting, Aeron would eat his... well, never mind what he'd eat.
Dealing with this stats monster alone was draining him completely, let alone the fact that Aeron also had a "hostage" to worry about.
"Ehehe... Partner's embrace is so soft and fragrant... And the sound of your heartbeat is so..."
"This is hardly the time for that!"
"Rarely do I get to experience something straight out of a book, so I wanted to savor it a bit longer."
"What the hell have you been reading, I'd like to know?"
Aeron made a mental note to thoroughly investigate what Ciaccona usually read after this was over.
Though Aeron had only kidnapped her as part of the act, he never expected to end up with an extra attachment.
"By the way, partner, what about the Second Young Lady?"
"No choice. Someone has to be kept in the dark. Carlotta just happens to be the most suitable candidate. Let her bear the hardship—I'll take the blame."
"Wow... hearing you say that makes me feel a bit sorry for the Second Young Lady."
"Hostages should obediently stay kidnapped and not talk so much!"
Aeron, with Ciaccona in tow, darted through Ragunna's central square while pursued by the relentless tide of Echoes. The Rover had grasped Aeron's intention and focused on protecting the civilians who might be caught in the crossfire.
His mission was to play the "evil spirit," tearing away the Order's facade during Carnevale while resolving the matters concerning Fisalia, the "Golden Anthem," and the Fool's Troupe all at once.
Now that all of Ragunna was enveloped by Aeron's domain, there was no escape.
As long as he kept sowing panic, the citizens of Ragunna would have no choice but to seek refuge under Cantarella's protection...
Wait, why were there more people in the audience than he'd anticipated?
"Look! It's that priest's evil spirit! We're seeing ghosts in this lifetime, folks!"
"Gwa! Getting to witness a showdown between such powerful beings makes this worth dying for!"
Well, these were the same folks who'd pit Montelli and Fisalia against each other like fighting crickets. Aeron had underestimated their mental fortitude.
The fact that Leviathan managed to remain relatively sane amidst such mental environments actually earned a sliver of Aeron's admiration.
But this worked in his favor. Since the audience refused to leave their seats, it was time for the main actors to take the stage.
"Alright partner, it's your turn to perform now. Ready?"
"Mhm! For my precious partner's request, I'll definitely see it through properly."
Hearing Aeron's words, Ciaccona nodded vigorously. Though the current situation was beyond her expectations, she trusted that Aeron wasn't the type to commit unforgivable acts.
"Good, then—"
Whoosh!
Before Aeron could explain his plan to Ciaccona, an ice crystal shot up from below, aimed at his left hand holding the grappling hook.
Aeron noticed it but decided to use this opportunity, deliberately letting his left hand take the hit.
Upon contact with his hand, the ice crystal instantly dissipated without causing physical damage, but was immediately followed by intense chilling cold.
"Alright, time for your improv performance partner!"
"Eek!"
With that, Aeron threw Ciaccona toward the approaching Rover—after all, she was the only one present with the capability to handle this.
Watching Aeron's actions, the Rover's gaze sharpened slightly before she quickened her pace, leaping up to catch Ciaccona.
Just as she moved to catch Aeron as well, he abandoned all means of slowing his descent and crashed heavily onto the center stage alone.
"Holy shit the evil spirit crash-landed!"
Ignoring the crowd's jeering, Aeron struggled to rise from the ground. His left arm was now immobilized, and he'd likely broken several bones from the impact. Even breathing brought dull pain, but these were minor concerns.
What mattered more to Aeron now was how to perfect this performance—a little internal bleeding was hardly worth mentioning.
Aeron staggered to his feet, steadying himself. The person who had just shot him down now stood directly before him.
The surrounding clamor faded at this moment—the audience's uproar, the Echoes' roars, the sounds of the Rover fighting nearby—all dissolved into a blurred background noise.
"...It seems a certain guest isn't as cold-blooded as they appear?"
Carlotta's expression was far from pleasant, her tone icy, and the hand holding the gun trembled slightly.
"After all, that poetess is an important actress to me. I can't afford any mishaps."
Carlotta's appearance was within Aeron's expectations; if anything, he had been waiting for her.
In Aeron's plans, Carlotta was the true protagonist of this Carnevale.
"But coming specifically for me—isn't this a bit partial—"
"Shut up."
The words burst from Carlotta's lips almost like a venting of emotion.
"..."
Carlotta's lips quivered, yet she struggled to maintain the dignified tone expected of a noble lady.
"You'd better... give me an explanation."
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