My Power to Ignore Enemy Abilities Lets Me Rule Another World

Afterward, I spent some time retrieving the black dagger that had missed its mark earlier.

Once I confirmed that both weapons were back in my possession, I stepped outside, and only then did the tension gripping my heart finally dissipate.

I took a deep breath of the fresh air, feeling my body and mind relax under the pale green brilliance of the starry sky.

This starry sky, which was already beautiful during the day, would undoubtedly be even more dazzling at night.

Such a vibrant scene seemed utterly mismatched with the eerie, lifeless quality of the abandoned village below.

"By the way, are you really okay?"

"...I'm fine."

Shaowan, who had been waiting outside for some time, spoke impatiently.

Well, it couldn't be helped. The dagger was black, and the earlier fight had left the already dilapidated building in complete disarray.

At a loss for what to do, I glanced at Shaowan, who was staring intently at her communicator. From my angle, looking down at her petite frame, she almost resembled a middle schooler.

Her small head made me instinctively want to reach out and pat it.

"What do you think you're doing?"

"N-Nothing."

I quickly pulled back the hand I'd subconsciously stretched out. I couldn't help it—she really did look a bit cute.

"You want to pat me?"

"Pat what?"

...She saw through me?

"My head is only for Lord Kriz to pat at will. If you want to, you'll have to pay."

I didn't know how to respond, so I averted my gaze to the distant sky to ease the awkwardness.

The courtyard outside the building was vast, and the thin steel poles forming the outer fence provided a clear view of the swamp beyond.

The swamp appeared endless, as if one might not be able to traverse it even by nightfall.

In that swampy expanse, dead trees and withered plants were scattered about, the terrain entirely dark in tone, with occasional wisps of black mist drifting near the ground.

Searching such an expansive area would undoubtedly be troublesome.

Thankfully, Avik had volunteered to take on the task of searching that region. Was he trying to spare me the trouble? What a kind person.

"It's about time. Let's meet up with Avik."

"Then let's head out—"

A sharp, piercing sound suddenly reached my ears, and both Shaowan and I turned to locate the source.

A brilliant white beam of light streaked across the sky, reflecting multiple times before striking somewhere deep in the swamp.

Several thin red beams followed, erratically spiraling along the white beam's path as if they were some sort of auxiliary attack.

"That's...?!"

"That white beam...is that Avik's power?"

"I don't recall him having such an ability..."

"Where is Avik right now?"

Shaowan hurriedly checked Avik's location on her communicator. After repeatedly confirming her findings, a flicker of worry crossed her face.

"Avik seems to be right there...!"

Her words sent a chill through my heart. There was no time to waste.

"Hold onto me."

"Huh?"

I wrapped one arm around Shaowan's waist, pulling her close, and crouched down to prepare.

"What are you doing?"

"Hold onto my waist."

"Oh, okay..."

Once I confirmed that Shaowan was following instructions, I gathered strength in my legs and leaped with all my might.

"Whoa?! If you're going to jump like this, give me a warning first—ahhhhhhh!"