Chapter 18: The assassination attempt
Seeing the two beings staring at him made Ronan uncomfortable, so he quickly abandoned his embarrassing posture and stood upright, glancing toward Bama, who was currently wearing an excited expression.
If someone didn’t know the situation, they would have thought Bama had just reunited with a long-lost friend.
Meanwhile, the assassin’s hands trembled.
"No... no. Will I ever get another chance after this?"
She couldn’t help but think as she glanced at her trembling hands before looking at Ronan, whom Bama seemed so excited to see.
She knew tonight might very well be her last and only chance to kill the Duke’s son.
Once he returned to the kingdom, it would all be over.
In fact, even now, as a Three-Star Transcendent, she had almost no chance of succeeding. Fortunately, the gateway to the Abyss in this city had given her an opportunity.
Bama’s bodyguard, Selak, was currently stationed at the gateway, leaving Bama relatively unprotected.
And, as luck would have it, Bama had actually left the city center alone and wandered into this alley.
When she saw him, she couldn’t help but think that luck was finally on her side.
She could finally get rid of him.
But who would have thought...
It had all been wishful thinking.
It was only after her attack was blocked by the mysterious barrier that she realized killing Bama had never been easy not even without the protection of his kingdom or his personal bodyguard.
"Maiden... so you came here to save me? I’m so honored."
Bama lowered his head shyly.
There was no doubt that he felt both frustrated and touched.
Frustrated because he wished she could have been the one in danger so that he could save her.
Touched because the maiden had apparently planned everything for his sake.
While he had thought he was stalking her...
She had actually known all along?
Had she deliberately led him to this alley so that the assassin targeting him would be lured into the perfect location?
Of course, Bama could guess that, in order for the plan to work, she couldn’t tell him anything.
That was why she had disappeared into the darkness and allowed him to lose sight of her.
When Bama thought about all the effort she had supposedly gone through for his sake, he couldn’t help but feel his heart race.
What a good woman.
If Ronan could hear Bama’s thoughts, he might have suffered a heart attack.
You... you really have a vivid imagination.
But Ronan’s attention wasn’t on Bama.
It was on the assassin.
As a Transcendent expert himself, he could sense the subtle shift in the air.
The assassin’s murderous intent had risen sharply.
And it had changed targets.
From Bama...
To him.
Ronan could see the assassin staring directly at him as she slowly drew her sword.
Although her posture appeared calm, only Ronan could sense the terrifying energy building within her body.
Hearing Bama’s words, the assassin seemed to understand what was happening.
So this was it.
Bama actually had more than one protector.
A weaker protector whose existence was unknown to the outside world.
And that protector...
Was this mysterious Crimson-Eyed Maiden.
She couldn’t help but clench her fists when she realized that a woman was actually protecting this bastard.
But she had no time to waste.
The alley was still illuminated by the dazzling light from the barrier.
Selak should already be on his way.
Other experts and the city guards would soon arrive as well.
It was too late for her to negotiate.
Perhaps it was even too late to escape successfully.
But she hadn’t come here tonight expecting to retreat.
She had come to kill Bama.
Clenching her hand around the hilt of her sword, she moved.
She had come here to kill Bama at all costs.
And if Ronan stood in her way...
So be it.
She was even more annoyed by the fact that Bama’s mysterious protector was a woman.
"No matter what happens... Sister, I will avenge you."
She swore as she lunged toward Ronan.
The moment the assassin attacked, Ronan felt goosebumps spread across his body.
What?
Someone, please tell me what the hell is happening!
Look, you damn assassin! I’m not even trying to protect him!
This bitch is lying!
I don’t even know him! In fact, I want him dead!
Just kill him and let me collect the rewards!
Ronan lamented internally.
But it was already too late to explain anything.
A purple hue enveloped the assassin’s body as her speed suddenly increased.
Ronan had no choice but to defend himself.
Her speed was the one thing that concerned him the most.
He sidestepped.
The assassin’s sword pierced straight through the wall where his body had been a moment ago.
Ronan’s tiny heart nearly jumped out of his chest.
Damn! What the fuck?!
"So cool! You’re amazing, Maiden!"
Bama cheered from the side.
Ronan’s face twitched.
Your mother!
Meanwhile, the female assassin became even more convinced that Ronan was one of Bama’s hidden protectors.
If she could kill her...
Then perhaps she could still kill Bama before reinforcements arrived.
She increased her speed once more, aiming directly at Ronan’s chest.
"I’m disappointed that a beautiful woman like you would choose to protect that trash."
A cold female voice suddenly rang beside Ronan’s ear.
The assassin appeared directly in front of him.
The sharp tip of her blade shot toward his chest.
Ronan’s expression changed.
What the hell?!
what the actual fuck is she talking about?
Ronan didn’t understand her words.
But that didn’t mean he didn’t have a temper.
Especially after everything Bama had put him through .
BOOM!
A deep explosion echoed through the alley as a fierce gust of wind swept across the cold pavement.
Bama’s eyes widened at the scene before him.
His hands clasped together in excitement.
Meanwhile, the female assassin’s eyes widened in shock.
Although Ronan was only a Five-Star Transcendent, she possessed a secret movement technique.
Realistically, she should have had a chance against him.
Especially with her innate trait, [Chasing Wind].
With it, her speed could even rival that of a Seven-Star Transcendent.
Yet...
She had never expected to appear so slow.
Her sword...
Had been effortlessly blocked by Ronan.
Not dodged, but actually blocked with just two fingers.
Ronan’s crimson eyes glowed fiercely as his aura suddenly flared.
The overwhelming aura of a Five-Star Transcendent pushed the female assassin back several steps.
Ronan clenched his fists.
He had truly been pushed to his limit.
Worse still, he hadn’t even done anything. All he had wanted was to quietly hide himself and find the bodies he needed.
Was that too much to ask?
Now, not only had she attacked him...
She actually wanted to kill him?
Fuck you!
Crack!
Ronan moved.
A crack more than fifteen inches wide appeared beneath his feet as he shot forward at an even greater speed.
The female assassin only reacted when Ronan was already a few steps away.
She hurriedly raised her sword, turning the flat of the blade toward him as a shield.
Bang!
Ronan’s fist slammed into the sword.
The force sent the assassin flying backward.
She crashed heavily into the wall and immediately coughed up a mouthful of blood.
Her expression changed drastically as her mind raced.
She knew she had failed tonight’s assassination attempt.
This mysterious woman was actually a strong Five-Star Transcendent.
No wonder she could become Bama’s protector.
Her only hope now was to escape and attempt the assassination again later.
Enduring the pain in her chest, she struggled to get back onto her feet and immediately turned to flee.
But Ronan chased after her.
Did she really think he would let her leave?
After everything that had happened?
Absolutely not.
Maybe Ronan couldn’t vent all his anger and frustration on Bama because of the man’s identity...
But he could certainly vent it on someone else.
And who better than the female assassin who had just tried to kill him?
Ronan shot forward at incredible speed and threw another punch.
He was fast and ruthless as he aimed directly at her chest, intending to shatter her ribs and completely cripple her ability to escape.