TWCT 09

Chapter 9

 The Truth Reflected in the Flames
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From deep within the forest, multiple roars overlapped and echoed through the night.
Trees were toppled, and massive shadows emerged one after another.

“…Ogres… three of them…!”

Liene’s voice trembled.
The wolf bared its fangs, lowering its body as it growled.

“Everyone, forward!”

At my command, both villagers and bandits moved in unison.
They swung their farm tools, gripped stones, and advanced in formation like trained soldiers.

“Gwah!”
“Stop—let go of me!”

Each time an ogre’s club came crashing down, several people were sent flying.
Yet they immediately stood back up and charged again.

(…This is my skill…!)

The coordination was frightening—
With a single command, ordinary people were transforming into an organized army.

◇

But it was clear we were outmatched in strength.
Each blow from the ogres was devastating, and the casualties slowly mounted.

“…Yuto, I’m going too!”

Liene stepped forward.

“Wait! It’s too dangerous!”

“It’s all right… I can—”

Before she could finish, a red light flared in her palm.
A wave of heat filled the air, and the flame took shape.

“…Magic…?”

I gasped as the fire extended like a spear, piercing straight through an ogre’s chest.

“GROOOAAAH!”

The massive body reeled backward and collapsed, shaking the ground.
The villagers and bandits cried out in astonishment.

◇

“Liene… you’re not just some village girl, are you…?”

The words slipped out before I realized it.
Liene lowered her eyes slightly.

“…I’m sorry.
The truth is… I’m not from this village.”

The remnants of fire flickered in her hands.
Her expression was filled with quiet resolve.

◇

But there was no time to question her—
The remaining two ogres roared and charged.

“Yuto!”

“Damn it… everyone, focus your attacks!”

My next command rang out, and the subordinates moved again.
Some raised farm tools, others hurled stones or drew their bows—
and Liene’s flames burned brightly among them.

Fire, shouts, and the clash of metal interwove,
turning the village into a battlefield.

◇

Amid the stench of blood, sweat, and dirt, I kept shouting until my voice broke.

“Bring them down—end it here!”

One by one, the giant bodies collapsed.

Silence.
All that remained was the scent of extinguished fire
and the sight of us, panting and covered in grime.

◇

“…We won?”

Someone’s faint whisper dissolved into the night sky.
But what filled my chest was not only relief.

(Liene… just who are you?)

I kept staring at her profile, illuminated by the flickering flames.

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Afterword

Thank you so much for reading!
In Episode 9, a large-scale battle took place, revealing Liene’s hidden power.
No longer just a “village girl,” her fight alongside Yuto marks a new turning point in their relationship.

Next time, we’ll uncover the truth of Liene’s identity
and the greater force that threatens the village.
Please look forward to it!