The blade of the broadsword was drawing closer and closer. It was only at this distance that Moen realized Scarface wasn’t using the sharp edge but, rather, the flat side of the blade, much like how Moen had handled Ann earlier.
Even though I just punched him hard, his goal is only to knock me out?
He’s being kind to me—wait, no, now’s not the time to dwell on that! At this rate I’ll really end up unconscious and possibly forced into becoming the male bride to this bear-like creature!
No! I won't let such a thing happen!
As Moen was racking his brain, trying to find a solution, a soft, almost tear-inducing voice reached his ears.
“Benevolent Mother Earth, grant me your…”
A warm earthy light enveloped Moen when the steel blade slammed against him, it only emitted a muffled sound and failed to make any impact.
“This is—”
Scarface’s cheek twitched, and he looked up at the girl he had been ignoring the entire time.
“Are you going to stick your nose in my business?”
“This is the price you pay for ignoring a mage,” the girl said, waving her wand lightly, a playful smile gracing her lips.
“And for the record, I don’t agree with abducting civ… civilian men as a proper course of action.”
“Damn it.”
Scarface grit his teeth with frustration.
If I’d known, I would’ve dealt with this chick first!
“Get her! Take care of this pesky girl!” Scarface barked orders to his crew.
But no one responded.
Turning around in surprise, Scarface saw his bandits sprawled on the ground, snoring away in peaceful slumber.
“Surely you didn’t think I’d be as stupid as you.”
The girl blinked playfully and added, “Knowing when to avoid needless chatter is an essential skill for an excellent mage.”
“You’ve saved me!” Moen burst into laughter, feeling like he wanted to hug the girl and plant a big kiss on her cheek.
But he didn’t let the opportunity slip. Taking advantage of Scarface’s furious distraction, Moen lunged forward with a strong uppercut that landed squarely on Scarface’s chin.
“Defense Enhancement.”
“Speed Enhancement.”
“Combat Recovery Enhancement.”
“Reaction Enhancement.”
“…”
Scarface staggered back a few steps, just moments after the initial punch landed. By then, over a dozen buffs were showering down on Moen all at once like a cascade of power-ups. Moen’s whole body radiated vibrant, multi-colored auras, resembling the flashiest dancer on a nightclub floor.
“I feel invincible with this strength!” Moen clenched his fists, his excitement visible in his shining eyes.
Is this what it’s like to have a top-tier support ally? Feels like even a dog got her enchantment could demolish everything in sight!
Who's afraid of a creepy... um, somewhat overly friendly Scarface now?
“Ha! Let’s continue!” Feeling delusionally unstoppable, Moen let out a wild yell and charged at Scarface, brandishing the broadsword like a madman.
Scarface raised his blade defensively, searching for any opening to counterattack.
But Moen gave him no chance at all. His moves were bold and reckless, an unpredictable flurry.
—In simpler terms, it was outright chaotic hacking and slashing.
Although it lacked any form of technique, there’s an old saying: “A fool’s flailing fists can take down even the wisest master.” With layer upon layer of potent buffs, Scarface was forced into constant retreat under Moen’s relentless assault.
“You call this a fight? Is this all you’ve got? You think you can abduct me, the dashing Moen Campbell, as your *bride*? What kind of delusions are you living in? Take a look in the mirror and consider what you’re even worth—do you think you’re anywhere close to being worthy of one of my leg hairs, huh?”
“…”
Scarface stared blankly as Moen’s eyes gleamed with a disturbingly rabid joy. Watching Moen’s increasingly hyped slashing-and-screaming antics, Scarface suddenly began questioning his own dating preferences.
I like twisted personalities, sure...
But this crazed blonde lunatic—maybe he’s just *too* twisted?
Between the two of us, who’s really acting like the bandit here, trying to abduct helpless men?
“Damn it, luck’s on your side this time!” Scarface, sensing that things wouldn’t end well if he stayed, made a swift decision.
He turned to flee, abandoning even his own subordinates without hesitation.
“I’ll return someday—you’ll see! Moen Campbell, right? I won’t forget your name!” Scarface yelled back before disappearing into the dense forest.
“Wait, hold on!” Moen outstretched a hand futilely, stunned.
“He ran away so fast?”
Watching Scarface’s figure vanish completely in the blink of an eye, Moen scratched his cheek, unsure if he should chase him down.
“I'd advise you to give up on the idea of going after him,” the girl spoke, standing at his side.
“Huh? Why not? Shouldn’t we strike while he’s vulnerable and finish him off for good?” Moen asked, he didn't want a gay man coveting his body at any time.
“Three.”
The girl didn’t answer directly but instead counted down.
“Two.”
“Huh? What are you—?”
“One.”
Before the final number had faded from her lips, Moen’s pupils contracted in shock.
His entire body buckled as strength drained out of him completely, leaving him crumpled on the ground. A tidal wave of exhaustion hit him like a tsunami.
“This… this is…”
“Enhancement magic can boost your strength and cloud your pain perception, but your stamina and body are still your own, you know. Using it like that, of course your body can’t handle it!” The girl explained with an air of inevitability.
“So that’s what happened…” Moen exhaled in relief, giving up his struggle and lying flat on the ground.
“I thought someone had poisoned me again.”
“Why would someone poison you at the first met?” the girl tilted her head in confusion.
“Haha, well… it’s a long story,” Moen laughed awkwardly, clearly avoiding further discussion.
“…”
“…”
For a moment, the two remained oddly silent.
After a brief pause, Moen couldn’t stand the icy atmosphere any longer. Tentatively, he broke the silence.
“Um… Miss?”
“Yes?”
“Though it might seem a little awkward, could I trouble you to grab some clothes from those bandits over there? I’m feeling a bit chilly.” After days of wandering naked, Moen made a humble request.
“No.” The girl refused him decisively.
“Why not?” Moen’s eyes widened in disbelief. “It’s not like it’s hard!”
“It isn’t hard.”
The girl turned away slightly. “But my mother always taught me not to get close to perverts.”
“I’m not a pervert! Why can’t you approach me?” Moen cried out in frustration.
“Alone in the wilderness, running around stark naked—if that’s not perverted, then what is?” the girl countered, her expression unchanged.
“I have reasons for this! Some wicked-hearted woman stole my clothes!”
“Public exposure? You city folk play some wild games.” The girl subtly took a few steps back. “Oh dear, I absolutely can’t get close to you anymore—you might infect me! I’m a married woman, you know. What if you ruin me? What then? Boo hoo hoo.”
“Saying such ridiculous things—*you’re* the problem here okay?” Moen lamented, nearly in tears.
Just as he was about to say more, everything abruptly went dark for him as a beast-hide skirt was tossed squarely onto his face.
“Thanks.”
Summoning enough strength to stand, Moen tied the beast-hide skirt around his waist.
“Huh?”
Looking down at his outfit, Moen couldn’t help but rub his chin.
Sure, it concealed the essentials, but something felt off. Could this… could this look like… nudity with an apron?
No, no, that must be my imagination. Beast-hide skirts and aprons are entirely different things.
Plus, those bandits were obviously smaller in size than me. There’s no way I could fit into their clothes, so I don’t have much choice for now.
“Well, anyway…”
Certain that he’d finally shed his questionable appearance, Moen extended a hand to the girl and smiled.
“Allow me to properly introduce myself—I’m Moen. For now… let’s just say I’m an unemployed wanderer.”
“My name is Aluka.”
The girl—no, the young woman—studied Moen’s hand for a while, making sure it wasn’t tainted with any weird pervert energy, before finally extending her own to shake.
“Former adventurer, currently a newlywed wife.”
