***
It was evident that they were getting closer to the city now. The surroundings were a lot more modern, with less forest, and more road. The air had a hint of smog and there were no more signs of monsters.
"We are coming close." Mizuki tightened his cloak.
Astrid pushed her hair back and smiled. "Mhm."
Mizuki pulled out a small pocket watch, encased in a golden cartridge.
"According to this, we should be able to get to the city in a month or two."
"Really? It doesn't feel like this trip took long at all."
"Mhm, I can't believe it's nearly been a year. I wonder how Kenta's doing."
Somewhere out in the world, a large man with one arm sitting on a couch sneezed.
"I guess someone's talking about me."
***
Yet again, another month went by and the city was slightly visible on the horizon.
"Hm? Oh, the city!" Mizuki pointed out, but then, they were held up by a mysterious man.
"Only the strong may come past this point. Duel me here and now!" The man took his stance and prepared for a fight.
"No....I'm not gonna fight you." Mizuki said this with insurance.
"Fine! If I won't fight you, i'll fight your friend here!" The man dashed towards Astrid and sprinted behind her. This caught her off guard, and wasn't ready for him. The man then suddenly reached his hand out to grab her. The hand was seized by Mizuki, who was extremely pissed off.
"I think it's best if you leave now." He put a forced smile on his face.
The man started to laugh and hold his face.
"No! I was close to getting the woman. With one touch, her body will be mine! All I need to do is grab her...." He was beginning to seem crazy.
He snatched his hand back and grabbed Astrid's chest.
Astrid, a bit fazed by the scenario, gathered her thoughts.
"Mr. whatever your name is, I don't know what you wanted to try, but just know this: touching me was the worst thing that happened in your life."
She took off her ring and set her hand around his throat. Mizuki said his prayers.
What could be seen, could be acknowledged as an act of the devil, and the man ended up dying on the floor, clutching his burnt neck and red eyes.
The pair continued to walk alongside the road in silence, until Astrid blushed and screamed out in frustration.
"I was just violated by a man for the first time! That was horrible!"
Mizuki, when she said this, replied to her rationally.
"You did the right thing. The scumbag wasn't even that strong."
Astrid raised a fist. "Mizu, that's what you care about?"
"I meant, how dare he do that!"
Mizuki sighed.
"We're nearly there now. Let's forget about this and ready ourselves for the most dangerous time of our lives."
And they go again, filled with determination and courage, swearing to kill Baron.