The Demon King's Paladin

Chapter 74. Failures

                                                                           Jessie's Point of View

What was that! I can't believe how aggravating of a job this has become! First it was just training the Hero! But that idiot couldn't say no to anyone, so he left weaker than expected. Then they keep my pay from me! Even if I have a soft spot for them, this is ridiculous! That blast of wind was strong it knocked the air out of me. I had Matthew dead to rights, but I was stopped at the last moment! From the twig to this, does that guy have the luck of a devil? Regardless I need to pick myself up. I have to kill both of them and grab that idiot and take him back. My first aid won't be good enough to keep him alive for long.

Now I'm standing. That's a start, I guess. If people at the guild were to see me now, the laughs they would have. Best not to think about it. Hmm? They're conversing. Not good that guy is sneaky. The more time he has to think, the better the plans he has for how to deal with me. My throbbing leg and the smell of burnt flesh and blood reminds me of that fact. I need to interrupt them. I use Flame Edge to cloak my blade in fire again. Any wind should only work to stoke the flames. Hmm?

" Good! Let's get started My Love!"

Seems they're done conversing. I ready myself as Matthew stands behind the girl. He plans on working as a backliner? Not good. I need to get to him before he tries something else.

"!!!!"

He already did something! The Girl, why is she glowing? What is this pressure I feel from her!?

" Get ready! I plan on making you pay your debt for hurting him!"

/BOOM/

The girl jumped towards me! Too Fast I can't react in time! I have to plant my feet and grit my teeth!

/CLANG/

Her halberd smashes into my blade. Why are my flames being held back by her halberd!?

" Too light!"

I'm being pushed back! What is this!? The girl! She's smiling and releasing killing intent! What is she!

" Now!"

The pressure abated at the boy's command! What! She's gone! Arrows!

/THUNK/

" AHH!"

One pierced my stomach! What the hell! I look at the origin of the arrow's path. It's from him! What is this insane pair! I pull the arrow out of me.

"!!!"

It's made of mana!? What the hell is that guy? I need to go on the offensive. While I was devising a plan, a voice rang out.

" Jessie! This is your last warning! Take the Hero and leave! You have my word we won't pursue you! Never step foot near Diablos again and we won't even have to meet again!"

That guy thinks I'm being stubborn. The truth is, if the Hero loses to a group of no names instead of someone known, I and the rest of the teachers of the Hero Party will be punished severely. It's a shame he isn't better known. But with this break in the action, I've gotten my bearings back. I seal the hole made by the arrow by cauterizing it. Now to apply some magic myself. After buffing myself I prepared to attack. Seems they haven't noticed it yet. Good for me.

" I appreciate the offer, Matthew. But I have to win this fight unfortunately!"

I ran at him. Seems the girl is too surprised to do anything about it! Good.

" Now die!"

After yelling I go to plant my sword in his chest.

" That will be your fate human!"