Breaking Up With the Heroine in an Otome Game

117 – Auction House and Thieves (7)

116.

If it was obvious, it was an obvious statement, but I had already prepared a relic to protect my body.

Its name is the Guardian Barrier.

It is a type of defensive artifact that forms an opaque barrier around the user, providing protection.

Furthermore, if it receives damage, it also has the effect of counterattacking by releasing a powerful current proportional to the damage.

In the game, it used to inflict the state effect called “Groggy,” momentarily incapacitating the opponent.

But it wouldn’t have much effect on monsters like Yudahee.

That’s because Yudahee was undoubtedly the top long-distance character in the Romance Hero Academy.

“Ow, it’s cold.”

Crackle, crackle!

A powerful current passed through Yudahee’s body.

“Static electricity is the worst.”

For an ordinary person, it would have been a threatening amount of current that could cause an electric shock. But Yudahee only muttered complaints with a pouty expression.

Thanks to excellent durability and defensive equipment, it seemed like she didn’t sustain any significant injuries.

She wasn’t a physical enhancement ability user, but Yudahee boasted a resilient body that was just as strong.

It even made it confusing whether she was a human or not.

With this amount of current, it could only temporarily stiffen Yudahee’s body.

But that was enough.

Because even in the briefest moment, there was a formidable ally who could penetrate deeply.

That was none other than Aisha Ilios, who had defeated numerous villains and monsters under the nickname “Flash.”

“Oh, you’re the white-haired girl who attacked the Union, right? Farewell~.”

Aisha’s twin blades extended gracefully and sharply like snakes, striking towards Yudahee’s side and abdomen.

In an instant, they precisely pierced the momentary vacuum.

Truly a speed reminiscent of a flash.

As a master of the agile sword, Aisha’s twin blades, like gleaming rays, reached right in front of Yudahee’s nose.

The formidable sword that even Alex, possessing top-tier skills, couldn’t properly evade.

Gradually, Aisha’s fangs ruthlessly tore into Yudahee’s torso. The blade plunged deeply into her side and lower abdomen. Yudahee’s body was mocked by the sharp blade, and the blade sparkled brilliantly.

However…

“Oh my?”

It was a mirage.

What Aisha had stabbed was the lingering trace left after Yudahee moved.

Aisha’s blade only cut through the air, and when she shifted her gaze slightly, she could see Yudahee, who was a bit away, marveling.

Ah, as expected, it didn’t work.

Well, I didn’t have high expectations in the first place.

It’s not an easy opponent to defeat to the point of falling like that.

“Wow, you surprised me. You’re really fast. Certainly, you seem capable of defeating Alex. I’ve observed and reported on it, but it feels different when experiencing it firsthand.”

“…Is that the Hyeonghwan Technique? What you just did, is it the Hyeonghwan Technique?”

“Probably?”

“That’s unfortunate. It looks quite challenging, but is he a prodigy or something?”

Hyeonghwan Technique.

It’s a top-tier evasion technique that momentarily propels the body to change positions.

It moved quickly enough to leave an afterimage, disrupting the opponent’s gaze. It was a technique more difficult than the illusion spell Yoo Da-hee had used before.

“…I knew you had some skills since you’ve seen the Union assault incident footage, but I didn’t know you could use it up to Hyeong-hwan.”

“I’ve grown since then.”

“Seriously, if only all those talented people were gone.”

“Don’t you have something to say? I remember you being quite famous in England.”

Can he really use it up to Hyeong-hwan?

It’s so annoying that the villain keeps growing.

Can So-yeon catch up with Yoo Da-hee’s growth speed?

So-yeon is similar to Yoo Da-hee in terms of talent, if not more, but I’m slightly worried if the newly bloomed So-yeon can grow to a level where she can threaten Yoo Da-hee in a short period of time.

“Oh, right, hey you.”

“?”

Yoo Da-hee immediately shifted her gaze towards me.

“Was that thing just now an artifact?”

“Well?”

“Ah, it seemed like an artifact, don’t play dumb. It looks like a defensive artifact. Aren’t artifacts of that level quite rare? How did you manage to get it?”

It goes without saying, but artifacts in reality are extremely rare.

Just having a lot of money doesn’t mean you can easily acquire them.

Moreover, among the numerous artifacts with various effects, artifacts that are useful in battle are even rarer.

The reason why I was able to possess so many artifacts for combat is, of course, thanks to the knowledge from the original work.

In the original work, there were numerous powerful, useful, and amazing artifacts sleeping within the protagonist’s range of action.

Well, it’s a common story.

When you look at typical RPG games, there are very rare minerals, incredible items, legendary equipment, and such hidden near the protagonist.

Similarly, in Korea, there are still quite a few worthwhile artifacts hidden.

And I’ve been searching for such things throughout the midterm exams.

Until now, I couldn’t obtain them due to reasons like weak strength, lack of money, and no time, but now it’s different.

Because I have an abundance of money, time, and connections.

I’ve prepared a lot even if it means pushing myself a bit for today.

“Somehow it feels like I have more than just one or two artifacts.”

Correct.

“Even if you have a lot of money and skills, it’s uncommon for someone to possess several useful artifacts….”

Do you know how many artifacts I currently have?

I can confidently say that I’m the person in South Korea with the most artifacts.

No, not just in South Korea, but even if you compare worldwide, there are probably very few individuals who possess as many artifacts as I do.

Even large clans or major corporations typically have, at most, one artifact.

“…I heard your ability is to absorb magic power; is that also an artifact?”

Oh, um.

Yes, you’re right.

I’m powerless, actually.

In truth, I have an ability like precognition, so I’ve been searching for artifacts.

W-Why is this guy so sharp?

Well, it doesn’t seem like I’m speaking with absolute certainty.

It looks like I might have said it half-jokingly.

Currently, Yudahee seems to be playfully throwing around nonsense, suspecting someone has the ability of foresight.

I don’t really think something like foreseeing the future is possible…

“Huh, nonsense! Foresight, seriously?”

“Hmm?”

So, Soyeon?

“What, that’s absurd, really.”

“Oh? Your reaction seems… a bit suspicious?”

“Sus-suspicious of what!”

As Soyeon reacted like a thief caught red-handed, Yudahee’s expression gradually changed.

I knew Soyeon wasn’t good at lying, but I didn’t expect this kind of reaction.

Glancing at Soyeon, she seemed a bit flustered.

Seems like she’s well aware she misspoke.

“Hmm~. With such a reaction, it makes me wonder if it’s really true… Well. Come to think of it, you helped capture Sungyura, became close to Roksan… had some interaction with Baek Yurin… and now you’ve even attacked Alex and his group.”

Muttering to herself with a suspicious expression, Yudahee continues.

“It’s strangely tangled. Quite complicated.”

Soon, she raises her head, looking straight at me.

“It feels a bit uncomfortable, needlessly so. Well, okay. Since it’s come to this, there’s nothing to be done. Let’s neatly sort things out, shall we?”

With complex thoughts briefly set aside, Yudahee smirked.

“Uncle Ryan~ Are you ready?”

She called for Ryan.

“Should we just kill that guy and make a run for it, since he’s bothering us for no reason?”

Ryan Jones, infamous as the Crusher.

Ryan, possessing physical abilities beyond Yudahee, was nothing short of a living nightmare. Each time he unleashed a punch, people’s flesh would be torn to shreds. Irresistible devastation. Truly befitting the name Crusher.

“…Sure.”

He, who had been silently standing, restraining us so far, rose his lanky body. He was huge, reminiscent of a bear.

“Alex, John. Get ready too. I’ll draw aggro for you, so try to escape somehow.”

“Me, me?!”

“Huh? Oh, So Yoo-young, you might find it a bit challenging?”

“Wha?”

“But you’re openly caught by him, right? Even if I say so myself, it might be tough to ask for help… Well, if you end up in prison, I’ll at least write you a letter.”

“Are you being serious?!”

While Yudahee and So Yoo-young were engaged in foolish banter,

“Is he really the Crusher?”

“Hmm, should’ve known since he was offered a lot of money.”

“How does this work? Why are these guys…”

Several allies who had been quietly on guard against Ryan wore tense expressions.

Yudahee had her share of notoriety due to the Union incident, but compared to Ryan, who had a record of killing numerous people, she seemed lacking.

How many people had sacrificed themselves in the past to capture Ryan?

For the professional heroes who knew the truth, Ryan would have evoked a more vivid fear than Yudahee.

Of course… there were no easily frightened individuals when it came to Ryan.

They were a team assembled with considerable firepower to prepare for any contingency.

So that even if Yudahee and some Rebellion members stormed in, they could respond competently.

“Teams 1 and 2 from Gaon Nuri, take care of Ryan’s side. There’s no need to push too hard. Just buy as much time as possible. Heroes from Busan will arrive soon anyway.”

“Yes.”

“Haeyoonji, Kim Seorim, Mr. Lee Daesoo, you’re with Alex and John. Don’t miss them, alright?”

“Got it.”

“And…”

I retrieved a syringe from my embrace and swiftly stabbed it into Soyooyoung’s neck.

Soyooyoung let out an undignified whimper of ‘Euk?!’ as she staggered and then promptly slumped over, unconscious.

For now, Soyooyoung was out of the picture.

“Seoyeon, Han Seowoo, Ms. Aisha.”

“Yeah!”

“Here.”

“Okay.”

They all looked at me, gripping their weapons.

These three individuals, besides providing the necessary firepower to handle Ryan, Alex, and John, were also considered capable of tangling with Yudahee to some extent.

Seoyeon, in particular, might seem a bit anxious, but her direct confrontation with Yudahee would explosively propel her growth.

Well, Seoyeon and Yudahee were archenemies, after all.

“I think I need to deal with that guy. I have a favor to ask.”

Honestly, I feel uneasy with just these three people.

But this situation can be considered a golden opportunity.

A golden opportunity to bring down Yoo Dahee.

Of course, the possibility is extremely low, and honestly, I have many concerns about whether we can hold on until other heroes come to support. But despite that, I can’t help but feel greedy.

Just maybe.

Right now.

If I can bring down Yoo Dahee?

If I can take down that guy, the other Rebellion members won’t be a big problem.

No, if I can just capture that woman, most of the problems will be solved. There will be no need to unnecessarily deal with villains anymore.

During the midterm exams, the power gap between us was so great that I couldn’t do anything… but now it’s not to that extent.

Sure, Yoo Dahee will be stronger, but it’s not to the point where taking her down is impossible.

It means there’s a good chance I, and we, can injure or bring her down.

“Yoo Dahee is a high-ranker… while we are at the top rank or a little below… Generally, there is a power gap, but it’s my role to make up for it.”

The situation itself is not too unfavorable. We have a much larger number, and time is on our side.

If we can just buy some time, the heroes in Busan or Kang Daehan, Hong Da-ye, will come.

Then our power will be even greater.

Of course, we need to be careful that Yoo Dahee doesn’t take civilians hostage, but anyway, even if we can’t bring her down, the possibility of us getting killed is quite low.

……Well, it might be a bit scary if Yudahee openly tries to kill me, but I’ve come prepared with various survival items, including the Guardian Barrier.

And I’ve secretly put on the resurrection artifact taken from Alex’s spatial pocket.

Thanks to that, I can stand up like this.

At least once, it will save my life.