[The Natural Enemy of the ‘Fist’]

“Who are you? Do you know that you’re trespassing the territory of the werewolves?” Shambhala posed the question as calmly as she possibly could.

The woman giggled softly and said, “Of course, I know. But I have no business with you. I’m here for these pretty ladies.”

Needless to say, her bright red fingernail was pointing at Tirna and the others.

This unusual style.

She was probably one of Elysium’s creations like Yomi and Patty—that was to say, a ‘demon’.

If that was truly the case, the werewolves would stand no chance against her no matter how many of their warriors were available.

Therefore, Tirna and the others tried to have them back down, but—

“I see. But you know, there’s no way we can let off someone who has stepped into our territory with their dirty feet and told us to get lost because she had no business with us, is there?”

The rough-tempered werewolves couldn’t accept the way they were being treated. With Shambhala at the lead, all of them began to growl at her.

“My, my, that is not good. I had no intention to hurt you, but if you insist on getting in my way, then I’d have no choice but to deal with you.”

Come at me, the woman beckoned with her finger.

Then.

――BANG!

“My kinsmen, charge!”

『Ou!!』

Kicking off the snowy ground in a flash, Shambhala attacked the woman with the rest of the werewolves.

In the midst of which, the woman gracefully said, “My apologies for the late introduction, my name is Ryugu.”

――BAM!

『Gah!?』

“““Wha!?”””

At that moment, the werewolves were all sent whirling into the air.

After they fell back to the ground, she continued, “My domain is ‘anti-close-quarters-hand-to-hand-combat’—that is to say, I’m your natural enemy. Pleased to make your acquaintance, cute little lady.”

◇ ◇

“‘Anti-close-quarters-hand-to-hand-combat’…? You mean you were created just to defeat me?” Tirna asked.

Ryugu nodded, “Yes, that is so,” and said, “Now that we’re done with the introductions, please, come at me with everything you have.”

“That’s what I’m going to do from the start. Shiva, Terra-sama, please take care of Shambala and the others.”

“Are you sure? When it comes to healing, Terra-sama is far superior to me, wouldn’t it be better if I support you instead?” Shiva asked with worry.

But Tirna shook her head, “It’s okay. She probably doesn’t have any intention to kill me, anyway. Am I right?”

“Yes. My purpose in coming here is simply to test my strength. As proof, the people over there are still safe, are they not?” Ryugu gestured towards Shambhala and the other werewolves still lying on the ground with her chin.

“…It’s true. There is no danger to their lives.”

Ryugu stayed in place as Terra went to check on the werewolves’ conditions. Once it had been confirmed that they were safe, she said, “See?” and smiled fearlessly.

“……”

What a shady smile, with that thought crossing her mind, Tirna began to ponder.

The woman said her purpose was to ‘test her strength’, and there were probably no lies in her words.

How strong were the newly created demons compared to Tirna and the other saintesses—that was probably what she wanted to find out.

No, rather than her, it was highly likely to be the intention of her lord—Elysium.

However, Tirna wasn’t so kind as to follow what the enemy wished.

Therefore, she wore the Hallowed Sacred Treasure of the ‘Fist’ on her limbs and said, “I’m going to beat you here. So, you’d better come at me with everything you have, too.”

◇ ◇

—At the same time.

“…Is something the matter, Exa-san?”

“Ah, it’s nothing…”

I found my power flowing out from me at a greater amount.

Is this, Tirna?

Well, the werewolves were all hot-headed people, it wouldn’t be weird if they were to ask for a spar with Tirna and the others.

Still, I felt like the amount of power she was using was too much for a spar.

It felt more like she was fighting an opponent who was equal or superior to her…

“Nah, no way…”

Terra-sama and Shiva-san who should be with her were still in stable condition, so it was probably nothing to be concerned about, but I still couldn’t dispel my uneasy feelings.