Avoidance
With some basic rune protection acquired, we could now enter the dungeon with some protection. Of course, we could just buy some fancy armour right now with the money in the bank, but it isn't like Lyra's wealth is infinite. Plus, I liked the idea of earning my way up to some better armour.
"That should be everything. We should probably head home before dinner." It was getting late and with the mention of dinner, I suddenly felt hungry. However, we still had some pressing issues lingering around.
Lyra had kept glancing over to the entrance, keeping an eye on April, who had been stalking us. No doubt they planned to do something stupid, it just was a matter of when and preferably before we got home. The last thing I want is for April to show up at my house just to harass me.
"They are probably waiting for us to go outside to make their move." It was a public space, so Lyra suspected it wouldn't be until we made our way outside before anything happened.
I nodded my head and we began our exit towards the store, just waiting for something to happen. I was fully prepared to defend myself now that I had control over my magic. Thanks to Lyra's teachings and magical practical class, I got a better grasp on creating weapons made of fire and more complex objects.
It still felt nerve-wracking to stand up for myself, but life wasn't going to get better if I cowarded away forever. The feeling only got stronger as we approached the exit and as per usual, I felt my throat tighten.
Lyra noticed so she held my hand even tighter, which helped subside the feeling, but only a little. With the few steps taken outside of Karroth Emporium, nothing happened just yet, but there was still quite a bit to walk before we could fly off.
With the ease of flight being much more prevalent, there were dedicated landing and takeoff zones to ensure no one had any collisions. We weren't trying to catch a fine today, although I feel like it might be better than dealing with April.
"Careful, I don't know if they are close at all. There is an alley coming up, so be prepared." Lyra whispered to me, which I hoped was a good sign they gave up, but April is the stubborn type. If there was going to be any textbook approach, it would be to drag us into the alley.
The emporium we were in was a bundle of interconnecting skyscrapers that allowed gaps for stores to receive stock through the back. However, the alleys became quiet later in the day because they were not meant for public access.
The advantage we did have is that it was still broad daylight so the walkway was filled with people. So we migrated to the farthest side from the alley and just as Lyra thought, we saw April in the alley. Out of the corner of our eyes, we saw them waiting as well as frustrated that they had missed their opportunity. We purposely made sure there were people by our side, making it impossible to make a move.
"Let's get out of here." Lyra picked up the pace and rushed towards the fly zone. April, not wanting to give up, threw out the idea of being sneaky and began to chase us with her goons. I looked back to give Lyra updates as she led us through the crowd.
"Hopefully they give up. Otherwise, this fight might happen. With how persistent they are, we might need to lead them to a secluded area." It was the worst-case scenario that was becoming more like reality the more we ran.
I really questioned April's motivation for wanting to hunt us down, but I guess her ego isn't damaged enough yet. At this point, it felt like it was the work of God that was making April chase us down. Like, who in their right mind would chase someone down just to harass them? But then again, people can be very stupid.
"Get ready to jump into my arms." The fly zone was right around the corner and would be our chance to lose April since Lyra's flight speed is insane. Taking the corner, we narrowly avoided people and since April wasn't so swift on her feet, she ended up crashing into a random stranger.
A commotion began to occur but her goons picked up and continued the chase. However, me and Lyra were already taking flight, leaving them in the dust. Thankfully Lyra had brought her pouch, so I didn't need to hold onto any shopping bags for dear life.
"Looks like they won't be able to catch up. We should land somewhere quickly so they don't catch on where we are going." Lyra may fly fast, but they could still track us down if they saw the direction we fly in, so if we could get back onto the ground, we could be out of sight.
"Might be worth taking one of those… sky-busses?" I didn't know how to describe it, but I've been seeing flying vehicles that seem to act as public transport.
"Oh, those are not public transport, they are for the nobles only. We'd have to take land ones, but they are only for city travel, not to the residential areas." The idea was quickly shot down, but that made no sense. Isn't there any convenience… Wait, I'm classed as a peasant, of course, we don't get the luxury of magic vehicle rides.
"Ah, I see." It was disappointing to remember my status but there isn't much I can do.
"Let's land here." With no April in sight, Lyra took the chance to fly back down to the ground. Slipping into the crack of an alleyway of some street shops. Lyra landed softly and finally, we could enjoy a peaceful walk home. The alley was pretty shabby, with pipes and eerily old back doors alongside it. There was also very little light, making it hard to see what was going on outside the alley.
"There!" Turning our heads to the end of the alleyway, me and Lyra were both dumbfounded.
"How the fuck did they get here so quickly?!"
"Your guess is as good as mine, Lyra." Somehow April caught up with us despite us travelling a decent couple thousand metres away from the mall.
"Heh, that's what you get for underestimating me." There was something in April's hand that she was gripping pretty tightly and Lyra seemed to recognise it.
"Tch, she has access to city instant travel services. It's akin to teleportation, but you just get moved fast." Lyra pointed to April's clothes, which looked completely tattered from a hurricane's wind.
"Still, aren't they down?" Something wasn't adding up in Lyra's head, but I had no idea since this was the first time I heard of it.
"Like I would tell you. Now, let me show you what happens when you disrespect me." April, arrogant as ever, pulled out the same bat that she used on me at karaoke. It certainly caused me to tremble a little, but this time I'm not alone.
"It's 2 against 1, are you sure?" Lyra was already poking at April's ego, especially since her goons have not arrived yet.
"2 vs. 1? That thing can hardly count as another person." April's comment only served to piss Lyra off as I visibly saw a vein start to pop on the side of her head.
"Let's just ki- I mean, knock her out Saki before her good-for-nothing bootlickers arrive." Lyra instantly conjured up an ice sword, ready to fight back. I couldn't agree more, but killing April would be going too far if we wanted to live a peaceful life.
'Perhaps a genocide route is worth a shot once I'm stronger…' It was a dark thought, but I feel for that to happen, something would have to break me beyond no return before I killed everyone in sight.
"Saki, knock me out? I doubt she could even hurt a fly. Now come on Lyra, show me just how pathetic ice magic is." April was only adding fuel to the fire, which kind of motivated me to show her up.
With that bit of motivation, I took a deep breath in and conjured up my own fire sword. It instantly caused April's eyes to widen in shock. As far as I knew, April wasn't able to use magic too well, which is why she is relying on a magical tool instead.
"H-ha, cool party trick." Instead of walking up to us, suddenly April began to walk back out of the alley.
"Not so confident now, are you? Perhaps underestimating someone isn't a good idea." Lyra couldn't turn down the chance to strike April's ego and throw her words right back at her.
"Don't mock me, bitch. Some simple magic can't be outclassed by a high-grade magical weapon." April was on her back foot, but that didn't last long as unfortunately for us, she stalled long enough for Cas and Angela to catch up.
"Come on girls, let's beat the shit out of them." This quickly boosted April's confidence, now making it a 3 vs 2.
'Can't believe this is going to be my first ever fight... Just breathe, Saki, they are going to underestimate you and I must take advantage of that.' I gave Lyra a nod to tell her I would be fine. No doubt Lyra would take them all on, but this was a chance to prove to myself that I was no longer the weakling I was previously.