Like that, I was brought into the cellar.

I was seated down on a chair with the underlings iron grip still on my shoulder. Around me were faces of the Doem Camp. In front of me stood Maximilian.

Now The bossman looked down at me with cold eyes. Those five I mentioned. We found them this morning with their chests pierced through. You dont happen to know anything about that, do you?

I could see traces of the blood from yesterday on the floor.

I, I dont know anything, sir please believe me!

Then tell me, what were you doing last night? Were you not supposed to drug the princess and bring her here?

Ah, looks like he knows about that.

Yes, I was indeed told to do just that. But I I just couldnt

So the nerves got you. Maximilian said, his gaze turning sharper. And then, a coward like you had the audacity to carefreely stroll around in the camp. One would imagine you would go into hiding no?

Hm?

H-hes right!

Me acting like I had this morning isnt something a mob like me shouldve been doing.

Youre brilliant, Maximilian.

N-no, that wasnt! I really was scared and

You certainly looked fine to me. Until my men and I arrived, you looked not the least bit scared. Now, you will speak what you know.

Maximilian drew his knife. The sharp blade glinted in the flame of the sole lamp.

Right. So Ive failed.

Too bad. Lets kill them now.

I was about to go Shadow-mode and unleash slime hell on them when I sensed her coming.

Not a moment later, the lamp went dark.

Someones there!!

She had arrived.

Wearing a pitch black slime bodysuit, with her slime sword, she launched a fierce attack towards Maximilian.

Damn you!

Maximilian also reacted fast to the sudden assault.

He quickly turned and avoided the blade coming for his neck, then jumped back to take distance.

It wasnt a perfect dodge however, as blood gushed from his shoulder.

Bastard! You must be OWL. And youre a woman.

She didnt answer.

Some of the other men were already down on the floor near her. Shes gotten more skilled.

Hmph, seems youve made it easier for me.

Maximilian took out a sword from a crate.

He fell into a loose stance and observed his opponent. Yup, hes somewhat skilled too.

Surround her.

The remaining men also found swords and did as their boss had commanded.

If theyd been holding guns instead of blades, it wouldve been like some spy movie action scene.

So exciting.

I gulped in anticipation.

And Maximilian made the first move.

He quickly closed the distance and thrust his sword.

The point didnt reach her, as she had swiftly evaded with a half step and cut down a man who came from behind her.

As she did, Maximilian made his next move.

The mans swordplay was sharp and precise.

No risky, flamboyant movements. A logical sword. I didnt think Id see this sort of sword in Oriana of all places.

The kingdom of Oriana had a culture of looking down on magiswordsmanship. The magiswords in of this country were either people of the lowest caste, or foreign mercenaries.

So what martial art does the high class practice you ask? Its called blade dancing.

Yes, thats right, I said dancing.

They take a sword, and they dance with it.

Imagine figure skating while holding a sword, thats basically what it amounts to. Being the Country of Art, in Oriana, they hold blade dancing duels and victory goes to the most beautiful dance.

It goes without saying that blade dancing is total weaksauce in a real fight.

But for the people here, it seems that beauty is strength.

I mean, I can see how it could make sense, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder as they say.

Whatever.

Basically, this is why I was surprised with Maximilians swordplay. It made sense. At the very least, it made sense not in the Oriana kingdom way. One could claim its the start of a new era for the nation.

He was using such a sword to assail OWL.

Swords sparks lit up moments of the dark cellar, and he was landing glancing strikes on the girls body suit.

Maximilian was using numbers to his advantage to give her no space to maneuver.

Give up while you can. You will not win.

Huh, things arent looking too good for her. Hes a handsome guy after all.

As I was thinking that, she made her attack.

Maximilian easily dodged, as he had much more space to work with. He was taking full advantage of the stage.

He was far enough that the slash wouldnt reach.

Yet, suddenly her sword extended.

!!

If Maximilian hadnt craned his neck to dodge, his face wouldve had a hole in it.

The slime sword only grazed him, and blood flowed from his cheek.

Maximilian had barely dodged, but that position broke his balance and he had to step further back.

Taking advantage of the inattention, the girl swept away the men around her, cut down the cellar door and ran out.

After her! Now!! Maximilian roared, and his remaining man chased after her.

Boss, what do we do with the kid?

One of them said, noticing me.

OWL takes priority. We wont need him anymore if we can capture her. Do not let her get away!

Saying that, Maximilian also ran out.

Suddenly, I was the only person in the whole cellar.

What to do

Things were getting rather busy upstairs.