Side Quest: Searching For My Favourite NPC!

Chapter 13 - User Assistance Enabled

Miko and Amara ran through the alleys, heading towards one of the city's exits. When they saw where they were heading, Miko stopped, letting go of Amara's hand that was still holding them.

— What happened? — Amara stopped too. — Let's go!

— No, no, it's not that way! It's for the market side!

— Huh? But the closest exit is this way!

— I can't go out! I still need to help my friend!

Miko hadn't told Amara about Darka wanting to find him, partly because they weren't sure if it was the same Amara and also because the chaotic moment of the escape didn't allow it. They decided to let it go for now, as the priority was another. Without waiting for a response from the boy, Miko just turned and went towards the other street, but Amara was faster and held the child by one of the horns.

— hey hey! Don't run around like that, it's dangerous!

— But if I arrive too late he will die, and if he dies the city will explode!

— What the heck are you talking about? — Amara looked at Miko, who seemed to be telling the truth. — Ah, screw it, then I'll go with you! Show me where he is.

✰★✰★✰

A crack opened in the stone floor of the bridge, created by the impact of Katarina's sword in an attempt to cut Darka in half. He almost tripped as he threw himself out of the way of the blow, watching the concrete burn with magic. He ran to try to get away from her, but stopped in the middle of the bridge when he realized that there was no point in luring her out of the city, as this would only delay him even more when he went after Dia and Noite. The paladin turned toward Darka, imbuing her sword with the same crimson energy that brimmed from her eyes.

— Katarina, stop it, woman! Can't you see that you're going to destroy the entire market?! There's no time for that, Caadis is in danger!

If she heard something, she was probably ignoring it. Her expression was one of hatred and her gaze was fixed on Darka, as if she were in a trance. A drizzle began to fall, and from the looks of it it would soon turn into a heavy rain.

— All this time, all my life I dedicated myself to this exact moment. I received the blessing of divine justice with the sole purpose of destroying you, Unpronounceable! — Katarina was advancing towards him, walking threateningly. — Then just fulfill your role in the great divine plan and stand by while I free you from the miserable existence that is being cursed!

— I know there's no point saying this, but I'll let you know that I don't want to hurt you. Daena and Estephan would be very upset with me too.

The red glow began to focus on Katarina's free hand, and at an absurd speed she crossed the distance between them. Darka only had time to feel the thump in his ribs, before he hit his back against the metal wall of a store. The impact left him breathless and disoriented.

— Hurt me? HA HA HA HA — Katarina let out a sinister laugh. — You could never lay a finger on me.

As soon as she raised his sword for the final blow, the bang of a gunshot was heard, followed by the sound of the blade falling to the ground. Blood began to flow from Katarina's right hand, now with one finger missing. Stunned, she turned towards the direction the projectile came from.

— This time I hit the right target.

Daena was sitting on a motorbike a few meters away, pointing her shotgun at her aunt. Her red hair was tied into a high ponytail, with some strands sticking to her face due to the humidity.