Chapter 198: Settling the Dispute (2)

I thought I was going to die. But…the gun barrel in Leon’s right arm didn’t fire a single bullet. Instead, a cold and familiar voice echoed beside me.

「This is the second and last time you’re using Lista as your target. 」

Seiya said those words as he sheathed his Egzation sword. Then, I heard a cutting sound, and Leon’s right arm, which had turned into a gun, along with his left arm fell to the floor. Furthermore, blood spurted out from the gaps in the armor on both of Leon’s legs, and he fell forward.

John Dae and Eich yelled in shock.

「Wha…What was that!? Did he attack just now!? But he sheathed his sword!! 」

「Was it the hero who did it!? When did he slash Leon!? 」

Colt spoke calmly, putting his hand to his chin.

「Probably right before Leon pulled out his gun, Mister Seiya sensed the danger and went towards Leon the moment his gaze was directed towards the Goddess. Otherwise, there’s no way to explain his quick action. 」

Eich shouted in confusion at what her brother said.

「No…No way, that’s crazy!! I mean, at that time, he didn’t know if Leon had a gun in his arm or not…」

Seiya explained while Eich was still speaking.

「I thought there might be a gun hidden in his arm or leg. 」

Leon must have heard Seiya’s words even though he had collapsed. He spoke in pain as he lay on the floor of the kitchen.

「You are a monster…」

Then, he lowered his head and stopped moving.

After a moment of silence, Celseus spoke fearfully.

「It’s…over, right? 」

「Ye…Yes. This time for sure…」

Both of Leon’s arms were slashed and his whole body was severely burned. His barely attached legs were also useless. Then, Celseus said this as he saw Leon completely unable to fight.

「He was as strong as the final boss. Shouldn’t it be better to inflict a fatal blow now? 」

Celseus said something similar to Seiya, and I did understand his feelings. Duke Leon was a terrifying enemy who possessed everything: fighting power, intelligence, and skill. But…

「There’s no need to go that far. 」

I replied. Of course, Leon was human, and I couldn’t bring myself to hate him.

…Somewhere in his soul, he realized that he had lost to Seiya in the original world…and this time, he fought with all his might so that he wouldn’t lose again…

I looked at Seiya’s face. I knew Seiya’s character. His true feelings were that he wanted to put an end to his death here and now in order to avoid any future worries. Seiya looked a little hesitant, but…

「It wouldn’t be bad to take a hostage. 」

After snorting, Seiya said those words with an annoyed look on his face.

「Thanks. 」

As I thanked Seiya, a sudden gunshot rang out in the ruined kitchen. I turned around in shock.

「Colt…? 」

Colt was standing next to the collapsed Leon. The air around Colt’s gun was distorted and swirling. Wind magic was applied to the gun called “Wind Vortex”.

「It’s all your fault…because of you, the people…! 」

Colt’s voice was strained. Then, as if to engulf his voice, several gunshots echoed afterwards. The bullets, whose power and accuracy had been increased by magic, pierced Leon’s armor and pierced through his head.

Bullets were fired one after another. Leon’s body pulsated with each shot. “Ahhhh!”, Celseus screamed in a high-pitched voice.

「Bro…Brother, stop! He’s dead! He’s already dead! 」

I was so shocked that I was speechless and unable to move. His younger sister Eich shook Colt’s shoulders. Even after firing all the bullets, Colt kept his bloodshot eyes on Leon and continued to pull the trigger. The clicking of the trigger echoed in vain.

Everyone was silent, and Colt finally seemed to come to his senses. He put away his gun and approached me, bowing his head.

「I’m sorry…Goddess. I’m sorry. 」

「Colt…Why…? 」

Colt was silent. John Dae muttered next to me.

「Duke Leon was someone who didn’t deserve to be alive to the people of the lower classes in Galvano. 」

In addition to living a life of oppression, some of Colt’s dearest comrades may have been killed. In this twisted world, Colt was a relatively sensible man, but he was also capable of showing extreme rage and hatred. That meant Leon had done something that deserved such rage and hatred.

I silently nodded slightly even though I felt helpless. Seiya also showed no signs of blaming Colt’s actions and simply dragged his injured leg as he walked towards the kitchen exit.

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