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Not only was Raphtalia confused, but the two-headed black dog found itself equally bewildered. It was evident from its experience that the weak human before it was meant to be an easy target. Typically, a single bite would send a fragile creature to the ground, howling in pain. However, this time was different; biting Jason felt akin to gnawing on solid ore—no, it felt harder than the ore itself. The pain radiated through its mouth after that single bite.
Under the intense agony, the two-headed black dog slowly released its grip, moaning in distress.
"Wow~~~!"
With a resounding crack, its teeth shattered and fell to the ground, and to Raphtalia's astonishment, the two-headed black dog truly began to cry. Its low intelligence could only lead it to one conclusion: the human before it was anything but ordinary.
Jason's physical prowess was remarkable, but it was his unimaginable defense that truly set him apart.
Instead of comforting Raphtalia, Jason turned slowly. A murderous aura enveloped him, and his eyes glinted with a predatory ferocity.
"Aww~~~!"
The once-mighty two-headed black dog, sensing imminent peril, felt primal instincts kick in. Coupled with the sharp pain from its injured mouths, it instinctively let out a distressed whine and prepared to flee.
But Jason had no intention of letting it escape; it represented valuable experience.
In a flash, he seized the two-headed black dog by the neck and thrust it to the ground with a powerful motion.
"Boom!"
The creature's massive body hit the ground with a resounding thud, sending dust swirling into the air. The two-headed black dog thrashed wildly, struggling to break free, but no matter how fiercely it fought, Jason's grip was unyielding.
As its desperate cries turned into pitiful whimpers, the creature seemed to beg for mercy.
Watching this unfold, Raphtalia felt only surprise, not fear. The once-mighty beast was now rendered defenseless—a mere puppy in Jason's grasp.
"Kill it!" Jason urged, his cold voice cutting through the tension.
From the beginning, Jason hadn't expected Raphtalia to successfully defeat the two-headed black dog. After all, a significant level disparity loomed between them, and the two-headed black dog was a boss-level monster. His true objective was for Raphtalia to confront her fears and take this crucial first step.
If she could summon the courage to move forward, she would prove her growth today.
Finally snapping out of her shock, Raphtalia nodded and rose from the ground, approaching the two-headed black dog that Jason restrained.
"I can't be afraid anymore! I want to become stronger!" she declared, taking several deep breaths as her determination solidified. Gripping the dagger she had previously thrust into the dog's head, she summoned all her strength and thrust it downward.
Blood gushed from the wound, splattering across Raphtalia's face.
"Roar~~~!"
Despite her effort, the two-headed black dog had not succumbed, and it writhed violently again—but Jason's hold remained un-breakable.
The sight of the blood and the dog's fierce struggle destabilized Raphtalia's resolve, and she wavered, on the verge of collapse.
"Did you forget the iron rule I told you to remember?" Jason's voice rang out, steady and firm.
"I haven't forgotten! I want to become strong! Brother Jason's words are absolute—I mustn't disobey!"
Raphtalia's voice grew louder, until she roared with all her might.
In that moment, she yanked the dagger free from the two-headed black dog and plunged it down again and again.
With every strike, her body became increasingly covered in blood. She did not relent until the creature lay motionless beneath her.
To Jason's surprise, the message EXP 340 flashed in his vision, prompting him to release his grip on the defeated beast.
"Brother Jason... I did it," Raphtalia exclaimed, her face breaking into a smile despite the gruesome scene.
As he looked at her, drenched in blood, a thought flickered in Jason's mind: Had he gone too far?
But that question quickly dissipated. If Raphtalia wished to stand beside him as a warrior, he wouldn't have her be a mere ornament or a liability.
Strengthening her resolve was essential; to grow, a timid heart often required difficult lessons.
Moreover, she needed to confront and heal from her emotional wounds.
"Thank you for your hard work!" Jason said with a warm smile, affectionately ruffling Raphtalia's hair.
"Um," she replied, her spirit newly emboldened.
Raphtalia responded lightly, and it was clear that the expression in her eyes began to shift; she was no longer cringing in fear. She stood tall, her resolve solidifying.
What Jason did next was somewhat cruel. Animal lovers might have fainted at the sight.
After the two-headed black dog perished, it didn't explode like the Balloon Monster or the Mushroom Monster—it required disassembly by hand. With no other weapons at his disposal, Jason resorted to tearing the creature apart with his bare hands, allowing the shield to absorb the remains. The scene was gruesomely visceral.
From a distance, it appeared as if a demon was devouring the hellish dog raw.
Despite the horror of the spectacle, Raphtalia remained at Jason's side, watching as he dismantled the two-headed black dog piece by piece.
Though the scene was terrifying, the rewards were significant.
The condition of the Two-Headed Black Dog Shield is liberated!
[Two-Headed Black Full Shield]: The ability has not been released. Equipment bonus effect: Alarm Shield. Special effect: Dog Bite.
The shield was crafted from leather, shaped like the heads of the two-headed dog, and the craftsmanship was so lifelike that it emanated an overwhelming aura of authority.
The Alarm Shield could alert its wielder whenever a monster came within a 20-meter radius, providing a crucial warning of nearby threats. It was an invaluable auxiliary skill.
"It's done, let's go!" Jason declared after disposing of the two-headed black dog. He took Raphtalia's small hand and led her out of the waste pit.
After some time spent leveling up, both Jason and Raphtalia progressed at alarming rates, especially with Jason utilizing double experience cards. Jason had reached level 30, while Raphtalia had climbed to level 29.
No longer a mere child, Raphtalia had transformed into a slim young woman. Thanks to the battle against the two-headed black dog and the assistance of healing items, she had finally overcome her panic disorder and was no longer plagued by frequent coughing fits.
In contrast to her original self, her appearance was less innocent, more hardened; she seemed less cute and more determined, with eyes that had gained a sharpness reflecting her growth.
As Jason made his way toward the weapon shop to upgrade his gear, he unexpectedly encountered a group of troublemakers.
"Hey there, little brother… life isn't easy for my crew. Why don't you hand over the silver coins you've got, and I promise to pay you back in the future," the lead thug wheedled, his voice dripping with mock sympathy.
Despite sounding like a beggar, the thug had a menacing grin and brandished a dagger, clearly preparing to rob them.
"Do I really look like an easy target?" Jason sighed, bemused that such an outdated plot had fallen upon him.
"Hey, kid, don't try to refuse my generous offer!" the leader sneered, stepping forward to grab Jason by the collar.
But just as the thug's hand neared Jason's collar, a flash of cold light erupted.
With horror, the thug watched as his entire arm flew off, blood spraying from the severed limb like a fountain. At that moment, a figure appeared beside him—it was Raphtalia, holding a long sword with determination blazing in her eyes.
"Who gave you the right to touch Master Jason with those filthy hands?" Raphtalia's cold gaze was locked on the leader, her voice unwavering and fierce.
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If you enjoy please support me on my patreon Future 50+ chapters at patreon.com/Darkphoenix11
If you enjoy please support me on my patreon Future 50+ chapters at patreon.com/Darkphoenix11 Additionally, I have many other works you may be interested in. Please enjoy!
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Raphtalia gripped the long sword firmly, staring down the leading gangster. This sword, left behind by the adventurers Jason had encountered on their journey, was now battered and worn, riddled with gaps and stained with hardened black blood. Despite its tattered condition, Raphtalia's cold, fierce gaze and the aura radiating from her evoked genuine fear among the thugs surrounding her. This was not merely an innocent child; this was a warrior shaped by the harsh realities of life and death, carrying the faint scent of blood that lingered in the air.
"Who allowed you to touch Master Jason with those dirty hands?" she demanded, her voice low and filled with authority.
At her words, the gangsters trembled. They shifted their gazes nervously between Raphtalia and Jason.
Jason, burdened by a large pack, stood before them. The storage shield on his back had a capacity of ten cubic meters, but after their relentless battles and the numerous monster drops they had accumulated, it was overflowing, making it challenging to carry in the usual way. He wore only a simple shirt and trousers that, while clean, were tattered and dotted with small rips. With the escalating threat level of the monsters they faced, his clothing suffered considerable wear and tear during their encounters.
In that moment, he looked less like an adventurer and more like a refugee fleeing with his family, disheveled and dusty.
The gangsters turned their attention back to their boss, who wore a flashy outfit that contrasted sharply with Jason's worn appearance. His hands were visibly cleaner than Raphtalia had claimed, but the fear in the air was palpable.
"Boom!"
As the leader's severed arm dropped to the ground, fear silenced any complaints from the gangsters.
"Ah! My hand!"
Realizing the severity of his injury, the disoriented leader suddenly screamed in terror and crumpled to the ground, his face paling significantly.
"You... do you know where this is? How dare you attack us here!" A gangster in the back stuttered, gripping his dagger with trembling hands.
"Why not? Do you think my absence means I've lost my reputation?" Jason replied, wiping some dust from his face, revealing a confident grin that displayed his white teeth.
"Shield... Shield Hero!"
"It's really him! The Lord Shield Hero!"
"Run, quickly!"
The gangsters recoiled in shock at Jason's face and turned to flee without a thought. The leader gangster didn't even bother to retrieve his severed arm, viewing Jason as a demon or a horror that would consume him if he lingered.
But Raphtalia was quicker, blocking their escape in an instant.
They had nowhere to run in the narrow alley.
"Lord Shield Hero, please let us go! We didn't know it was you!"
"That's right! If we had known, we wouldn't have had the courage to approach you!"
"Please, grant us a chance!"
Seeing no hope and imminent danger, the thugs sank to their knees, desperately pleading for mercy.
"Anyone who offends Lord Jason will be dealt with mercilessly!" Raphtalia declared, raising her long sword threateningly, causing one gangster to faint from sheer fear, a yellowish liquid pooling beneath him.
"Raphtalia... wait! I have questions for them first."
Hearing Jason's command, Raphtalia reluctantly lowered her sword, nodding in understanding. "Understood, Master Jason."
"Please, Lord Shield Hero, ask away! We'll tell you everything—we won't hold back!"
The thugs, sensing a glimmer of hope, pled with tears streaming down their faces.
"Very well. First of all, while I am somewhat known in this city, it shouldn't frighten you like this. Why is that?" Jason inquired, frustration creeping into his voice. He felt their fear had escalated beyond reason.
The thugs exchanged nervous glances, and one stepped forward hesitantly. "Master Shield, don't you know? Your exploits have spread throughout the city."
"If I knew, would I be asking you? Speak quickly! If you dare waste my time, I will end you right here!" Jason warned, his tone threatening.
"Yes, yes! You slapped a clerk in a restaurant, which made the baron embarrass himself in fear. Everyone in the city knows about it, and it's become common knowledge that among the four heroes, only you, Master Shield Hero, cannot be provoked."
The gangster shrunk back slightly, but gathered his courage to continue.
"It's not just that, is it?" Jason pressed.
"Actually, I have some brothers who work in the palace. I heard from one of them that after the incident, the baron went to the king, seeking revenge, but the king refused. It's said that even the king fears you, Shield Hero-sama."
The gangster paused for effect, then added with a hint of self-deprecation, "If even the king is afraid of you, how could we possibly think of provoking you?"
Judging by the gangster's expression, it was clear he wasn't lying—fear gripped him, and he lacked the courage to fabricate a story.
However, when they mentioned that the king was afraid of him, Jason couldn't bring himself to believe it. That man hated him too much to be intimidated. Unresponsive silence indicated that the king was likely plotting a larger conspiracy against him.
"By the way... you said you have some brothers working in the palace, right? Your only chance for survival now is to cooperate with me. You understand what I mean, don't you?" Jason said, his gaze piercing down at the thug.
"You mean... you want me to bring you news from the palace?" the gangster stammered, his lips twitching slightly as he tried to gauge Jason's intent.
"You're quite perceptive. That's exactly right. I want to know about any trouble brewing in the palace. Can you do that for me?" Jason clarified, leaning in closer.
"Y-yes! Of course... I can do it," the gangster hastily nodded, fear driving his eagerness to comply.
"Good. Now, how about the trustworthiness of the people in your circle? Are they reliable? Remember... I want the truth," Jason's tone turned icy, instilling further dread into the thug.
The gangster hesitated, glancing back nervously at the other members of his crew before shaking his head. "To be honest, I just joined them recently, so I'm not very familiar with them."
"Well then... kill them."
Before the gangsters could process Jason's command, Raphtalia moved with swift efficiency. Her sword sliced through the air, cleanly severing the necks of her comrades with a precision that left no room for doubt or hesitation.
With blood splattering across the ground, Jason's cold gaze turned back to the only surviving thug.
"So... what's your name?" he inquired, his voice steady yet firm.
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If you enjoy please support me on my patreon Future 50+ chapters at patreon.com/Darkphoenix11
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