I Was Just an Ugly Girl, But in Another World They Call Me an Angel - 17 - The Saint Confronts the Night Crying Fangs

The creature before me was on an entirely different level than any small magical beast I had encountered before.

The giant beast, shrouded in pitch-black miasma—known as the “Howling Fang”—exuded an oppressive aura that made my skin crawl just by its presence. The air felt heavy, and my throat tingled with a sharpness.

An S-rank magical beast—why hadn’t I been informed!?

For a fleeting moment, my legs threatened to buckle. Yet, strangely enough, it wasn’t fear that gripped me.

(…The time with Verzel was far more sinister.)

Back then, he had been cloaked in an unfathomable pressure and a stillness as deep as an abyss. In comparison, this creature still felt like a mere “beast.”

“Holy Maiden, I’ll take the lead!”

Mr. Asphalt drew his sword and stood in front of me.

Behind him, the mages and knights followed suit. All of them readied their weapons, poised for an immediate confrontation.

But I gently placed my hand on Mr. Asphalt’s shoulder.

“It’s alright. Trust me and step back a little.”

As I smiled softly, he widened his eyes for just a moment before quickly blushing and nodding.

“…W-well then… I leave it to you. Please don’t overexert yourself.”

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes.

I concentrated on the power of the “light” flowing within me.

(I can do this—)

I slowly raised my right hand and spoke the words.

“Purification.”

The moment I quietly chanted, the atmosphere transformed.

A pure white light, as if descending from the heavens, radiated from my hand.

Shuuuuuuuuuu…nnn!

A dazzling wave pierced through the forest, enveloping the massive form of the “Howling Fang.”

The force was on an entirely different scale—I could clearly feel my own power “evolving.”

The magical beast let out a groan and collapsed to the ground.

However— it was still trying to rise.

(Still intent on fighting…? But, if it goes any further…)

I raised my right hand once more, ready to deliver the final blow.

At that moment—

“Clap, clap, clap…”

An out-of-place sound of applause echoed from behind me.

Turning around, I saw that familiar figure.

“Impressive, Kanako. You truly are strong. I find myself wanting you even more.”

A low voice that sliced through the twilight.

Draped in black robes, cold golden eyes were fixed on me.

—Verzel.

“However, this magical beast is my subordinate. I cannot allow it to die. …I have no intention of fighting anymore. Would you please withdraw?”

As if in accordance with his words, the “Howling Fang” lay powerless on the ground.

It no longer harbored any intent to attack.

(…If Verzel is stopping it, then it’s no longer necessary.)

“…Understood. Then today, I’ll let it go.”

As I said this, Verzel slightly lifted the corners of his mouth in a smile.

“Thank you. You really are kind. —I want to be closer to you, but I’ll withdraw for today. I’ll come back to woo you again.”

“W-what are you saying…!?”

My face flushed. Even in such a situation, I scolded myself internally for being so flustered. How embarrassing.

Verzel slowly turned on his heel, dramatically sweeping his cloak.

The pitch-black fabric danced in the wind, and within it, the form of the “Howling Fang” melted away.

“Until we meet again, Kanako.”

With those final words, his figure vanished, as if erased from the very space.

Silence fell over the now-quiet forest.

…In the next moment.

I collapsed to the ground as if the tension within me had snapped.

“—!”

I heard Mr. Asphalt’s hurried voice approaching from a distance,

and I slipped into a deep slumber.