The Golden-Haired Summoner - Chapter 39

“Sure. Now talk—where’s Grak? Do you know where Annie is?”

“The boss… he’s gone to the other side where the fight broke out. I swear I don’t know where the hostage is! I-I was just following orders to capture any blond woman and lock her up in the special prison. That’s all! I-It was the boss’s orders!”

A special prison?

They must call it that because of the Anti-Mana Seal.

So there’s a regular prison too, huh? Makes sense.

So Grak really is the leader of this group, huh? Of course, he’d be at the forefront of trouble…

“The other side? There’s a fight somewhere else too?”

“Y-Yes! There are intruders on both sides of the building with the special prison, and everything’s gone to hell—especially with the rain! I can tell you where the escape routes are if you spare me! Please, Mage!”

“Aha, so that’s why only twenty men were fighting the dark elf? No wonder it seemed like a small number. I heard you had over a hundred members.”

Including the dead ones, there were about twenty-five here.

There were probably more scattered throughout the area.

And how many were holding off the other intruders?

It seemed likely the numbers on both sides were evenly split.

If I could take out the group on the other side, I’d have dealt with half of them.

Might as well head over there and wipe them out too.

Who else is going to take care of this if not me?

I was already knee-deep in this mess; I might as well dive in all the way.

“Um… Mage?”

“Hm? Oh, by the way, get this straight—I’m not a mage. I’m a summoner. Want to meet one of my spirits?”

“N-No!”

He shook his head frantically, trembling in fear. His hands pressed against the ground as if he was ready to run, but with his legs bound, escape was impossible.

I didn’t enjoy causing pain, so I decided to make this quick.

“No need to refuse. Pein, *Ice Spear*.”

*Whish!*

Three ice spears shot out in succession, piercing the man’s head and neck.

Without a sound, his hands went limp.

Bye-bye.

Oops, I didn’t get to admire Pein’s work properly.

“Better luck next life—just don’t come back as a human.”

When I glanced behind me, the *Frozen Wave* that had engulfed the other men had melted away, leaving only the bodies of the Blood Wing members.

This is why I love Pein—quick, clean, and no traces left behind.

“Heh.”

[Rai, go check if anyone’s still alive. If there are, finish them off. And smash the frozen ones before they thaw out.]

[Got it!]

Rai saluted by tapping his tail against his forehead, ready to handle the cleanup like a pro.

He led me toward the next battle site, where more commotion was happening.

Three teams in one day—mine included. These slave traders sure attract a lot of enemies.

[Master, are you okay?]

“Hm? What do you mean?”

[You killed people. You used to hate doing that.]

“I still don’t enjoy it. It was just easier this time because I had a grudge.”

Nine years ago, when I accidentally killed someone, I fell into panic before finally recovering. Rai once told me that people with strong minds, like me, bounce back quickly from shocks.

But I never thought of myself as particularly strong-minded.

The truth is, I know something most people don’t. And that knowledge dulls my fear of death.

It’s not exactly strength beyond death—it’s the kind of strength that comes from experiencing it.

There’s a subtle difference between the two, though I’m not sure what it is.

Maybe Rai thinks I have a strong mind because of my “reincarnation” and whatever divine interference accompanied it—the same force that even blocked the mind-reading powers of dragons.

[Honestly, Master, it seemed like you were having fun toward the end.]

“Ah, well… it was kind of funny when they begged so desperately.”

Still, I did show a bit of mercy.

At least I gave them a painless death before they even realized what was happening.

[That’s true… Oh! Over there, Master!]

Rai pointed toward a building adjacent to the one I was held in.

From the layout I remembered, that building’s entrance was on the far side.

Who the heck would have the guts to storm in through the main entrance?

As I approached, I could hear the clashing of metal over the sound of rain.

Ah, so the sound Daria heard earlier must have come from here, not the other side.

She mentioned hearing the sound of swords clashing.

I pressed myself against the wall and peeked around the corner toward the fight.

It looked like there were more people here than where I was—around thirty of them.

At the center of it all, two men stood back-to-back, fighting off the Blood Wing members.

Two against thirty?

Though they fought defensively, they were holding their own impressively.

It seemed these two were the other intruders, but with all the bodies in the way, I couldn’t get a good look at their faces.

One thing was clear—they were both exhausted.

“What the… What are *they* doing here?”

[What’s wrong, Master?]

The two men fighting back-to-back were faces I knew all too well—

Ash and Chad!

What the hell are those idiots doing here?

Who went and told them where I was?

“Ugh! Ash is here? That busybody still hasn’t changed.”

[Wait, why are those guys here, Master?]

I already knew Ash was a meddler—he once took a hit meant for me. But I can’t believe he’d follow me here too!

This complicates things. Now I can’t just wipe out these Blood Wing thugs like I planned.

I had no problem summoning Pein earlier because I intended to kill everyone on that side.

But with Ash here, it’s a different story.

No one can know about Pein—especially Ash. And if they see him, I’ll have to kill them.

Outwardly, I’m just an ordinary mid-level water summoner, after all.

“It’s probably because of Lox’s tip that they followed us here. What do we do now?”

[What do you mean? You’ve got me, Master.]

“…Right, Rai. I’ll need your help. Transform into a wolf—you’re stronger in that form than as a snake, right?”

[Of course!]

Rai leaped off my shoulder with a quick movement.

Rai spun several times mid-air before landing gracefully as a four-legged wolf.

Show-off. He’s been observing a lot, hasn’t he?

When I turned my attention back to the fight, I saw Ash and Chad looking utterly exhausted, on the verge of collapse.

Could I kill all these guys with Undain and Rai?

Water spirits aren’t exactly great for quick kills.

It takes at least a minute to drown someone, meaning I’d have to stare into their fear-stricken, vengeful eyes until they die.

Pein, on the other hand, finishes them instantly—no need to worry about drawn-out suffering.

Torturing someone isn’t exactly my thing.

“Alright, Rai, let’s move! You take care of Grak.”

[Yes, Master!]

Rai dashed forward, slipping through the crowd of Blood Wing thugs. In no time, he pounced on Grak, who was hiding among them.

Oh, Grak—still missing those ears, I see.

Courtesy of me, of course.

Watching as Rai pinned Grak to the ground, I summoned Undain, already thinking of the most effective technique.

“Undain.”

[Yes, Master. How can I assist?]

“Use *Water Strike*—wide-range, but make sure to aim high. Keep Ash and Chad out of it. Can you manage that?”

*Water Strike* summons a pillar of water to attack enemies.

It can either launch the enemy into the air or sweep them away.

The second option would’ve been better for dealing with so many enemies, but since I wanted to avoid hitting Ash and Chad, I opted for the first.

The rain would help enhance the effect, making it worth a shot.

[Yes! I can do that, Master.]

*Rumble!*

Water began swirling beneath the feet of the Blood Wing men, catching them off guard. They stopped fighting and looked down, startled.

And then…

*Boom!*

A massive pillar of water shot upward, blasting the men into the air—except for Ash and Chad, who were untouched in the center of the attack.

From above, it probably looked like a donut.

Huh? That thing flying through the air—is that…

[Raaaah! Maaasterrr~!]

Strike!

When the water receded, only Ash and Chad remained standing.

The water pillar, which had risen nearly ten meters high, had tilted slightly as it ascended.

The men who had been launched into the air came crashing down behind Ash and Chad, hitting the ground with a loud thud.

At that height, they were surely dead.

It was probably a gruesome scene, but at least they went quickly.

And thank goodness I couldn’t hear the sounds of bones breaking—it would’ve been hard on my stomach.

“Ugh!”

“*Cough, cough!*”

Ash and Chad, faces flushed and out of breath, were coughing up water—but not because of my water pillar. The rain had drenched them thoroughly.

Satisfied, I emerged from my hiding spot and approached them.

“Ash! Chad!”

“Geenie?”

“*Achoo!*”

Both of them sneezed as they spotted me, their eyes widening in surprise.

Then their gaze shifted to Undain, who was floating beside me.

“What… What’s that?”

“Why is there a fish?”

Chad pinched his nose as he stared at Undain.

A fish?

I shot a glance at Undain.

He’s not a dolphin, and he’s definitely not a fish!

“Don’t be ridiculous. This is my spirit.”

“A water spirit? So… that water pillar just now was…?”

“Yep. That was me.”

Ash scanned the area, his eyes falling on the scattered bodies of the men.

Most of them were already dead.

Ash’s expression darkened as he trembled slightly.

“My God… Why did you do this?”

I frowned at his question.

Seriously? That’s what he had to say?

I had expected gratitude, not criticism.

“I was trying to save you…”

“But this… This is too much!”

He gestured toward the lifeless bodies strewn across the ground, speaking with a tone of reproach.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Rai dragging Grak by the collar.

Oh, right—Grak. I still need him alive.

[Master! Master! That was fun!]

Have too much fun, and you’ll end up killing everyone.

I glanced over and saw that Grak, though restrained, was still alive.

[Is he still breathing?]

[Yep, Master. I caught him mid-air. He’s not dead yet—I figured you needed him alive.]

Rai’s finally learning to pick up on cues.

Now my only concern was Ash, who seemed furious for some reason.

“Geenie! Are you even listening to me?”

“I’m listening. You said what I did was too harsh, right? And kidnapping my apprentice is okay?”

“I’m not saying it was right, but not all of these men are guilty!”

“They’re all guilty. Their mere existence is a crime. You don’t get it, do you? These people are slavers. They belong to the notorious *Blood Wing* slave trade!”

Ash’s face contorted with disgust as the realization hit him. He clearly hadn’t known who these people were.

Chad, standing nearby, was just as shocked.

“Slavers? All of them?”

“Yes. Judging by your presence here, it seems you followed Lox’s tip, but I guess he didn’t tell you the full story?”

“I heard it was dangerous… but I had no idea they were slavers.”

Ash’s expression softened slightly, perhaps because of his personal history with slavers.

Only slightly, though.

He glanced at the fallen men, some of whom were still alive, groaning in pain. The sight wasn’t pleasant.

“Now that you know, let’s get this over with. Can you handle those guys?”

“Handle? What do you mean?”

“Like this.”

I drew my thumb across my neck in a slicing motion.

Ash’s face twisted in discomfort.

Oh, Ash. You grew up way too soft, didn’t you?

Being too kind is exhausting, you know.

“My God. I’d rather treat them! Some of them might even repent…”

“Treatment? That’s for people. Not for scum like these.”

“So, you’re saying they’re not human?”

“Oh, they’re human, alright—just beneath even animals. They’re less than human, and there’s no reason to treat them as such.”

If there’s one thing the world could do without, it’s slavers.

Sure, killing might sometimes have personal reasons behind it. But slavery? There’s no excuse for it.

They sell people—beloved family members, lovers—for profit.

It’s an unforgivable business.

Better to starve to death than to trade in human lives!

“I was kidnapped by slavers when I was a child. But even after that, I never thought like you do!”

“Kidnapping? I’ve been there too. And as someone with firsthand experience, I can tell you: slavers should be wiped out. If we let them live, they’ll just kidnap and sell more people.”

Ash looked conflicted, struggling with my harsh stance.

“No life is worthless! These men might still be someone’s family, someone’s lover. Have you thought about that?”

“I have. But even so, the world would be better off without them. And Ash, don’t try to impose your ideals on me. I delivered the justice I saw fit.”

Honestly, they should be grateful I gave them quick deaths.

Suddenly, the rain began to let up.

I needed to find Annie and leave before the rain stopped completely.

I didn’t care if people found out I killed dozens, but getting dragged into endless questioning would be a hassle.

It was best to slip away while the rain still hid the evidence.

“Punishment… that’s the state’s job, Geenie. You have no right to take it upon yourself!”

“I know that. But when someone wrongs me directly, shouldn’t they face my justice? Besides, the authorities will be glad I dealt with these criminals for them.”

“No matter what, this… this isn’t right!”

“Enough! I don’t have time to debate morality with you. If you’re not going to finish them off, I will. Undain, deal with the ones still alive. If anyone tries to interfere… kill them.”

That last part was more of a warning to Ash—don’t get in my way.

Seeing the survivors’ serious injuries and blood loss, Ash didn’t protest further.

Ash, you really need to work on that soft-heartedness. If you want to be king—or emperor someday—you’ll have to toughen up.

[Master, this guy keeps trying to escape. Should I break his legs?]

When I turned toward Rai’s voice, I saw Grak squirming under Rai’s paw.

He seemed to have prepared meticulously, but it all fell apart thanks to Ash, Chad, and that dark elf.

He really should’ve led a better life.

I crouched down in front of Grak, not bothering to hide my smirk.

“Hey there, Grak. Life treating you well? You seem to be doing fine, considering all this pointless nonsense.”

“Ugh, damn it!”

I squatted to meet his eye level.

Wow, his face had gotten even uglier.

“Looks like your nose is gone. I just crushed it a little, but now it’s completely gone, huh?”

“You filthy b—!”

He tried to spit in my face, but I caught it with my hand just in time.

You’ve got to be quicker than that.

What else would I expect from someone like him?

[How dare you!]

“Ugh…”

Rai pressed his paw harder against Grak’s chest, making his expression twist in agony.

Even though the spit hadn’t reached my face…

“How disgusting.”

Even though it only touched my hand, it was revolting.

Wiping his spit back on its rightful owner seemed only fair.

Since I couldn’t shove it down his throat, I smeared it across his face instead.

Then I rinsed my hand off in a nearby puddle of muddy water.

This was cleaner than anything Grak’s saliva could offer.

“If you want to find that kid, you’d better treat me with a little more respect.”

“Respect? Do you even know what that word means?”

Isn’t this respectful enough? Being pinned down in the mud by a wolf isn’t respectful enough for you?

“Heh… You’re looking for that brat, right? I don’t know if she’s still alive. She might already be dead.”

“You think you’re funny? Annie is your last bargaining chip. If she dies, so do you. Are you really prepared for that?”

“Maybe. But I’ve got other plans in mind. I set up a game for both of you—want to play?”

A chill ran down my spine.

This guy wasn’t just crazy—he was completely unpredictable.

I had assumed he would keep Annie safely as a hostage, but it seemed that wasn’t the case.

“A game? What kind of game? Where is Annie?”

“Heh… See that mountain?”

Grak gestured with his chin toward the dark mountain visible beyond the iron bars.

It looked like it connected to the Dragonia mountain range.

“A mountain? What about it? Speak!”

“I tied the girl to a tree on that mountain. Not just any tree—it’s one dangling over a sheer cliff. The roots are half-pulled from the ground. Originally, I was going to strip you naked and send you up the mountain to find her, just for laughs. My men were looking forward to the show, you know. Heh. But with this rain… I wonder if the tree has already fallen, taking the girl down with it. Heh, not bad, right? I may look like this, but I’ve got a good head on my shoulders—”

*Thwack!*