"Huff, huff."
Fors gasped for breath, supporting Xio's weak body as the two of them stumbled toward the end of the alley.
"Thud, thud, thud!"
Heavy footsteps sounded behind them, a group of relentless pursuers following close.
These people wore ordinary workers' uniforms, seemingly trying to disguise themselves as local residents.
But their expressions were filled with fanaticism and distortion, completely exposing the fact that they weren't East Borough residents.
Seeing the distance between them and their pursuers gradually closing, Xio, who was half-leaning on Fors, struggled to lift herself and turned her head back.
"My verdict is, leave!"
She shouted sternly at those people.
An invisible judgment, accompanied by an intimidating majesty, echoed through the air of the small alley.
The pursuers involuntarily stopped in their tracks. Several people in the back couldn't stop their momentum and crashed into those in front, causing chaos.
Fors took the opportunity to quicken her pace and flee forward. She saw that after using her ability, Xio's face quickly became even paler.
Damn it!
They're coming for Xio!
She thought anxiously. Mr. Fool, this is way too dangerous!
On that strange night, above that magical gray fog, the lofty and mysterious Mr. Fool had rescued her from unknown ravings.
Worried about Xio's injuries, she'd also taken the opportunity to pray to that being for help.
And Mr. Fool's answer had been an address.
"A powerful individual of the 'Secrets Suppliant' pathway lives there. His situation is quite special.
He doesn't worship an evil god, so he should be able to meet your requirements." Mr. Fool paused, then continued, "Also, don't mention my name in front of him."
A Secrets Suppliant who doesn't worship the True Creator but can still become powerful... how is that possible? I get it, he must be Mr. Fool's blessed one, under His protection.
That's what Fors had speculated at the time.
After returning from above the gray fog to reality, Fors had spent a night thinking it over and finally decided to trust Mr. Fool.
After all, He'd already saved her once and shown a degree of goodwill.
So after daybreak, she'd supported Xio and headed to the East Borough to find this mysterious doctor.
However, before they reached their destination, the corrupting aura on Xio attracted a group of strange people.
They'd been wandering around the East Borough as if searching for something. Upon seeing Xio, they became fanatical and terrifying, actively launching an attack.
"Hang in there, Xio!"
Fors gasped with difficulty, feeling her lungs burning painfully. She regretted not exercising properly before, just lying around all day, which led to poor stamina that became a problem at this critical moment.
"Thud, thud, thud!"
Soon, the footsteps sounded again behind them. Those pursuers weren't Beyonders, yet they were abnormally persistent. Even Xio's ability could only delay them for a moment.
Their minds seemed to have been burned out by fanaticism, making mental influences barely effective.
"Just run by yourself."
Xio said in a slurred voice.
"Stop talking!"
Though Fors could easily shake them off using her "Door Opening" ability, that illusory door could only let her pass through alone. She couldn't take Xio with her.
She couldn't abandon Xio!
Fors passed through the alley, and the view ahead opened up slightly.
Suddenly, she saw an unreasonably handsome young man standing ahead, curiously observing the two of them.
His gaze lingered especially long on Xio.
If it weren't for the current situation, Fors might have wanted to strike up a conversation with this handsome young man.
But right now, all she wanted was to escape quickly.
"Move out of the way!"
"Ahhh!"
Xio, leaning on her shoulder, suddenly moaned in pain, her body convulsing.
Her movements were too violent, instantly destroying the balance between them. Already exhausted, Fors couldn't maintain control and fell to the ground with Xio.
Oh no!
The pain from the fall jolted Fors.
She struggled to get up and turned to look at Xio, only to discover that Xio's wound was rapidly deteriorating, her expression one of extreme agony.
"Xio, get up!"
Fors tried hard to help her petite friend up, but Xio had lost control of her body, merely convulsing and moaning continuously.
"It's the Lord's aura."
At the alley entrance, that group of fanatical extremist believers had caught up. They looked greedily at Xio lying on the ground.
Damn it.
Fors gritted her teeth and pulled out a dagger from under her skirt, preparing to fight these people to the death.
Just then, she suddenly noticed that the handsome young man had actually walked to her side and crouched down to examine Xio's injuries.
Does he have a death wish?!
"Get out of here quickly!"
She warned him out of kindness.
Unfortunately, the young man completely ignored her, only lowering his head to examine Xio.
"Cecilia, leave one alive."
He said without looking up.
Leave one alive?
The sound of bodies hitting the ground suddenly rang out. Fors looked up in bewilderment.
Then she saw a slender figure swiftly weaving through the crowd.
A sharp dagger glinted coldly, appearing from time to time at their throats, hearts, and other vital spots. Splashing blood accompanied screams, adding a few shades of vivid color to this dance of slaughter.
Only then did Fors realize that person was actually an extremely beautiful young woman.
When only one person remained, the black-haired young woman reversed her dagger and knocked the person unconscious by striking the back of his head with the handle.
Noticing Fors's gaze, she looked over with her bright blue eyes and showed a gentle, beautiful smile.
At this moment, several drops of bright red blood still stained her delicate face.
Next time I write a novel, I'll use her as a model.
Fors thought in a daze.
A moment later, she snapped back to reality.
Wait, I need to hurry and take Xio to find a doctor!
"Thank you for saving us."
She thanked them with both gratitude and some fear.
Though they helped me, they killed those people way too efficiently...
"Your friend is badly injured."
"Yes, I was just taking her to see a doctor..."
"An ordinary doctor can't cure her." Before Fors could finish, the other party casually interrupted.
"I can help treat her, but as compensation, you two need to answer some questions for me."
The young man spoke in an unquestionable tone. Deep in his eyes seemed to emanate a kind of madness that made Fors feel fearful and unable to refuse.
"Um... okay, thank you very much."
Fors wanted to say she'd already found the right person, but that beautiful young woman had already walked over.
Looking at her still-dripping dagger, Fors very wisely didn't speak words of refusal.
At worst, if he can't treat her, we'll just leave then. Don't anger them.
"Wait here for a moment while I deal with things here."
Silas paid no attention to her psychological changes. He turned and stepped over several corpses, crouching in front of the unconscious person.
The Shepherd's characteristics showed no reaction.
They weren't Beyonders. But they weren't ordinary people either.
Looking through his eyes, Silas could see the corrupting aura emanating from the bodies, indicating these people were believers of the True Creator.
A group of True Creator believers chasing a Beyonder who'd suffered corrupting damage. Quite interesting.