IUD-CHAPTER 239 VACILLATION

The room emitted a resolute yet somewhat n.o.ble voice, akin to that of a knight. The voice was melodious, allowing one to ascertain that it belonged to a female.

Moreover, with this persons words, the temperature around seemed to slightly drop, suggesting the presence of an extraordinary being.

Fang Li and Aria exchanged glances, both remaining silent, holding their breaths, and treading lightly as they approached the two ends of the door.

Aria had already gripped her firearms.

Fang Li, on the other hand, stood empty-handed but turned his head slightly to focus his gaze on the room.

A small window on the door, reminiscent of a prison cells barred window, enabled the taller Fang Li to catch a glimpse of the interior.

From this vantage point, Fang Li could clearly see a simple room behind the door, containing only a bed and devoid of any other furniture.

At this moment, a young girl was standing by the bed.

She was clad in armor reminiscent of a knight, with a radiant broad-bladed sword hanging at her waist.

The girl boasted silvery hair akin to frosty blossoms, and her eyes gradually sparkled like blue jewels. Her countenance was not so much beautiful as it was strikingly dignified.

And before this young girl, another girl was seated on the simple bed.

Seeing the girl seated on the bed, Fang Lis eyes narrowed instantly.

(s.h.i.+rayuki!)

It was indeed s.h.i.+rayuki.

(So, the other one is Demon Sword, I a.s.sume?)

Fang Li s.h.i.+fted his perspective, focusing on the knight-like girl facing s.h.i.+rayuki.

Unbeknownst to the girl being observed, her eyes were like blue jewels as she watched s.h.i.+rayuki. With a pleasing yet composed voice, she spoke, Dont you think its time for you to give up? Since youve come this far, do you really believe you can leave?

Hearing this, s.h.i.+rayuki, displaying an unusually serious expression, met the knight girls gaze and softly replied, The Miko of Hotogi Shrine is the Guardian Miko. We will never join I-U, Demon Sword.

Dont call me Demon Sword. I dislike that nickname, The knight girl a.s.serted unequivocally. I carry the name inherited from a great ancestor, Jeanne dArc.

Jeanne dArc.

Even among the general public, this name was widely recognized.

This Master of the name was once known as the Saintess. Over 600 years ago in history, she led Frances army in repelling multiple invasions from Englands Orleans, liberating the city, and becoming known as the Hero of France.

However, in history, this Saintess of France eventually fell victim to false accusations and was burned at the stake as a heretic, dying on the cross.

During her execution, Saintess Jeanne was only 19, and she left no descendants.

However, Demon Sword was indeed Jeannes descendant.

Rikos intel had mentioned that the Jeanne who was burned was a decoy. The true Saintess Jeanne had been secretly rescued long before that. Generations of her lineage remained hidden behind historys curtain, becoming a renowned strategist Clan.

Demon Sword was the 30th generation of Jeanne.

Thus, it was natural for this young girl to inherit the name Jeanne dArc.

Furthermore, it was perfectly natural that Jeanne was a strategist.

Confronting s.h.i.+rayukis stubbornness, Jeanne showed no signs of discouragement. Instead, she wore a confident smile and stated, I thought you were just an innocent girl unaware of the worlds dangers. But youre surprisingly stubborn. No matter, since youre here at I-U, no one who arrives here ever leaves. Do you know why?

Because they become stronger. Jeanne faced s.h.i.+rayuki squarely and resolutely said, I-U is a place no one who desires to become stronger can resist. Here, you can learn techniques beyond your imagination and grow at an astonis.h.i.+ng pace. So, those who were captured here in the past eventually chose to compromise.

But I wont compromise. s.h.i.+rayuki replied without a trace of hesitation, I dont aspire to become stronger.

Oh? You really dont want to become stronger? Jeanne adopted an expression that seemed to dismiss all others as insignificant, and she continued, Do you really not wish to protect that Gun Magician? Could it be that you dont want to protect him?

! s.h.i.+rayukis complexion subtly changed when he heard those words.

Youve mentioned it yourself; the Miko of Hotogi is the Guardian Miko. And as far as I know, you seem to hold a special affection for the Gun Magician. Jeannes voice held a victorious note as she continued, So, you absolutely want to protect him. No matter what, youll protect him. Thats Hotogi Mikos fate.

But the Gun Magician is strong, even I know that. Youre by his side every day; its impossible that you dont know. Jeanne suddenly smiled, her tone seductive, and she slowly continued, In that case, if you want to protect him, theres only one way: getting stronger. I-U can make you stronger. So why do you refuse to join I-U?

s.h.i.+rayukis lips moved slightly, and it looked as if she wanted to say something, but no words came out.

Clearly, s.h.i.+rayuki was wavering.

Jeanne was truly worthy of her strategist Clan heritage.

From the very start, she had seized upon s.h.i.+rayukis weakness the Guardian aspect.

Just as Jeanne said, s.h.i.+rayuki would undoubtedly go to any lengths to protect Fang Li.

Even if there was no real danger to Fang Li, as Hotogis Miko, the idea of guarding was deeply ingrained in her heart. In any situation, she would prioritize his safety.

And this is where your wishes can be fulfilled, s.h.i.+rayuki. Jeanne extended her hand toward s.h.i.+rayuki, stating, Follow me.

The atmosphere in the room immediately grew heavy.

Gazing at the hand extended toward her, s.h.i.+rayukis expression finally showed a hint of hesitation.

At that very moment, Jeanne abruptly flinched, swiftly turned her head, and shouted, Whos there?

Unfortunately, at this point, it was already too late to react.

Because the door had quietly opened before that.

Immediately after, a figure dashed through the door and, with astonis.h.i.+ng speed, suddenly leaped before Jeanne.

Thus, after Jeannes outcry, she realized that a dagger was already pressed against her neck.

Soon after, the image of a rather ordinary face appeared in Jeannes vision, seemingly arriving later than expected.

Aside from Fang Li, who else could it be?