Leopardess Guild – White Leopard – Onboard the Ship
A ship stood proudly against the backdrop of the blue sea and a cloudless sky. Its sails bore the silhouette of a beast baring its fangs, captured from a diagonal angle. The White Leopard, Leopard Fang, and Leopard Claw faced the ship head-on.
At the forefront of the White Leopard was Amane, flanked by Randa, Melissa, and dozens of guild members. To ensure they could respond to threats from any direction, another group of dozens stood ready by the cannons.
Indeed, the ominous mark on the sails suggested danger, but just as I was pondering why that would be an enemy ship, the battle had already begun. What shot forth from the enemy vessel was not cannonballs, but columns of water. A straight line of water surged from the distant ship, aiming to sink the White Leopard solely through water pressure.
The water column struck the hull of the White Leopard, causing it to sway violently. Yet, true to its name, the White Leopard withstood the blow; a single hit was not enough to breach the massive ship’s walls. But what if they kept firing?
“What the hell is that? Even if it’s water magic, can it reach this far?”
“Amane-nee! It looks like they have a wizard on board!”
“That water gun won’t sink the White Leopard, no matter how many times they shoot. As usual, let the Fang and Claw take the lead!”
“Fang and Claw! Get in there!”
Randa’s voice boomed, loud enough that I thought it could be heard even on the distant enemy ship. I instinctively covered my ears.
“Ryu, Lua-chan… This is way more intense than I expected…”
“Yeah, this is my first time seeing a battle like this too.”
To avoid being in the way, we hid behind the mast. The Fang and Claw began to circle widely, closing in on the enemy ship. They were likely aiming for a pincer attack. But would it go as planned? The three ships—the White Leopard, Fang, and Claw—were closing in on the enemy vessel, forming a triangle that left the opponent with no escape.
From a tactical standpoint, we had the upper hand. But suddenly, the enemy ship accelerated and charged straight at the White Leopard. Can a ship really launch itself forward at that speed?
“Oh…!”
“Amane-nee! The Fang and Claw can’t catch up!”
“I see, the enemy has a skilled water user. The seawater is enveloping their ship, pushing it forward. First, we need to fire the cannons!”
“Fireeeee!”
Even just the cannons positioned at the front were numerous. The barrage of cannon fire launched from the nearly circular front of the White Leopard accurately targeted the enemy ship. But as expected, if someone could wield water magic like that, cannon fire wouldn’t stop them.
The seawater surged, forming a wall in front of the enemy ship. The cannonballs were absorbed one after another by the water wall, losing their power. What’s more, the water wall advanced like a tsunami toward the White Leopard.
“Oh no, at this rate, we’ll be swallowed by that wave…”
“Wait, it looks like Randa is doing something!”
Standing at the bow, Randa prepared to meet the tsunami. After a deep breath, she thrust her palm forward. A moment later, a blast of wind erupted from her hand.
The shockwave transformed the wind pressure, not only halting the tsunami’s momentum but scattering it into bubbles. It was a spectacular explosion, reducing the wave to feeble seawater just before it reached the White Leopard.
“Well, that should do it.”
“I haven’t seen your Palm Emperor Wave in a while. Looks like you’ve honed it even more!”
“Come on, Amane-nee, you could take that without breaking a sweat. Alright, while we’re at it, it seems they’ve engaged!”
The Fang and Claw collided with the side of the enemy ship. Upon closer inspection, the tips of both vessels were covered in a metal as hard as iron, with multiple spikes affixed to them. They had sunk deep into the hull of the enemy ship, just as declared, clinging to its sides.
“Many fools think they can charge at the neck of the White Leopard, but that’s a bad move. This is the strongest part of the ship. Got it, you clueless pirates? Or should I say, Comet Wolf Brigade?”
“Just because we’re all women, you underestimated us!”
The enemy ship was manned by dozens of men, all dressed in nothing but shirts, a remarkably casual attire. At the center stood a small man, half the height of the others, with a gaze that screamed villainy.
“You lot are from the Comet Wolf Brigade, right? That sail with the fresh mark suggests you’re newcomers.”
“That’s right. We, the Blood Shark Pirates, have joined the Comet Wolf Brigade.”
“Joined? Amane, what does that mean?”
“Oh, so you were here. Well, as long as you don’t interfere, I won’t complain… The Comet Wolf Brigade absorbs groups like yours to expand their influence. Especially with lowly members like you, they follow the name without question. Disposable, just like that.”
“Disposable? How rude! I am officially recognized by the great executive of the Comet Wolf Brigade, Verbal! And with my newly acquired Custom Magic! So, if you’re going to surrender, now’s the time!”
“Amane-nee, this guy’s on the bounty list. His name is Bora, with a bounty of 300,000 gold.”
“Ah, that’s pathetic. But hey, it’s a valuable source of funds. We’ll take him for now.”
The Leopardess Guild and the Comet Wolf Brigade. What I felt about both was that they embodied freedom. Of course, the Comet Wolf Brigade was a dangerous group, one I should never emulate. Yet, they had a goal. They lived with purpose. That was the only difference between them and me.
I had the goal of reaching Ikana Village, but it felt different. It was more like saving my allowance from Roel and not wasting it until I reached my target amount—something on that level. I wanted to find a greater purpose in life.
“That pirate looks strong. But do you think the Leopardess Guild is stronger? What do you think, Lua-chan?”
I had Roel by my side. Just having her made me happy. Was this a luxurious worry?
“Amane-nee doesn’t even need to step in. I’ll handle this!”
Randa leaped from the White Leopard to the enemy ship, followed by cheers. These people always seemed to be having fun. Ah, Randa had landed right in the middle of the enemy ship, surrounded by so many foes.
The sheer weight of her landing made even the pirates step back, but Bora, the water user, remained unfazed.
“Geez, Randa, you always hog the spotlight!”
“Melissa, you wouldn’t stand a chance against that many. Just watch quietly.”
“Amane, do you have any purpose or goals in life?”
“Huh? Where’s this coming from?”
“Just curious…”
“This Leopardess Guild is everything to me. I love it with all my heart and protect it with all my might. That’s my purpose.”
“Is that it?”
“What else is there?”
“I don’t have a family, and I’m just adventuring to reach Ikana Village… The Comet Wolf Brigade has a big goal too. I wonder if it’s okay to just drift around like this.”
“Pfft, you’re surprisingly youthful, huh?”
“There’s no need to laugh…”
I knew she wasn’t mocking me. So, I didn’t sulk more than necessary.
While I watched Randa throw pirates overboard and knock others out with powerful punches, Amane continued to talk with me.
“Ah, if you keep that up, you’ll get killed, Amane!”
“I’m holding back because of you guys. If Randa went all out, that ship wouldn’t even leave a splinter. She’s surprisingly gentle, you know.”
If, by any chance, she were to lose, it would be my responsibility. I couldn’t let that happen; I had to be ready to help at a moment’s notice.
“Is it over already? With such a flimsy weapon, you can’t even touch my muscles!”
“Ugh… C-Captain!”
Before I knew it, only Bora and a few others remained. I could almost hear his teeth grinding in frustration.
From what I could see, even when slashed by a sword, he only suffered minor scratches, and when stabbed with a knife, the tip barely pierced his skin. To overpower that many with just his physical strength—what level must he be? I really wanted to see his Adventurer Card.
“So, what was that about? Goals?”
“Oh, right.”
“You don’t need to do anything special.”
“…Huh?”
“To put it simply, as long as you’re desperately trying to find a goal, you won’t find one. Purpose and meaning in life come naturally as you live. When you encounter it, you’ll feel a deep desire to pursue it. Even the crazy leader of the Comet Wolf Brigade established that group after seeing many things. It’s undeniable that he reached that conclusion because he was a scoundrel to begin with.
So, for now, just focus on experiencing more. Gather as many experiences as you can.”
Of course, there are those who have risen to greatness after encountering their lifelong goals since childhood. But there are far more who haven’t. It’s nothing unusual, and you’re still young. There’s no need to rush. What I’m trying to say is, enjoy your youth while you can.”
While watching Randa fight, Amane spoke to me with a strong voice. Is it okay to swallow those words, that it’s fine just as I am now? There are still parts that don’t feel quite right, but I felt a bit lighter than before. It was as if Amane’s abundant experience was conveyed to me through her words.
“Hey, hey, forget about this lecture. Over there is much more interesting. Look at Vora; he’s still so relaxed even in front of Randa.”
I had been listening to the conversation while absentmindedly watching, but Randa was truly strong. I felt like she could take down Glaive without even flinching. She was single-handedly pushing the pirates to the brink of destruction, leaving no room for the other members to join in. The opposing pirate crew didn’t seem weak either. Although Amane called them lowly, they were moving with a certain battle-hardened finesse. Randa was just too strong. I mean, what kind of body can withstand both sword and axe?
“Wow, that’s amazing, just like Lua-chan.”
It was frustrating, but I hadn’t realized it until Roel pointed it out. I used to be like that too. So, Roel sees me that way, huh? Somehow, it felt like I shouldn’t be too happy about it.
“You’re doing better than I expected. Alright, let me show you the true power of my Custom Magic!”
Suddenly, several columns of water shot up around the pirate ship, bending at right angles and all aimed at Randa. The violence of the water pressure unleashed by Vora’s Custom Magic was something to behold.
“Huh, is that really Custom Magic?”
“Hahaha! I don’t know much about magic, but I thought the same thing as you.”
“The person who manipulated gravity before was way more impressive…”
“Oh, right! You guys captured Glaive, didn’t you? I just remembered, and about that matter… Oh, look! Randa is completely unfazed!”
Randa, having taken the water columns head-on, casually brushed her wet hair back, showing no signs of distress. She shot a disdainful glance at the dumbfounded Vora. Is this where it ends? I could imagine Amane saying something like that too.
“Y-you’re good at pretending to be tough, huh? But my Custom Magic is still…”
“Enough already, I can see through you. Sorry to say, but that doesn’t even reach the level of Custom Magic.”
“W-what?! Don’t be ridiculous! I have this from the great executive, Verbal…”
“Then either Verbal is incompetent, or you are. Shooting water like that is something even mid-tier mages incorporate as basic strategy. The idea of manipulating seawater to move the ship was good, though. I’m curious, how long did it take you to learn that?”
“U-um, two years… no, one year!”
“I see…”
With just that, Randa clenched her fist. But behind her, one of the pirates was staggering back to his feet. Had Randa held back, leaving him still standing? The pirate gripped his sword tightly and approached Randa from behind. Of course, Randa was completely unaware.
“W-watch out!”
“W-wait a…”
Ignoring Amane’s warning, my body moved before I could think. I landed on the other ship and thrust my weapon into the pirate’s back. I aimed carefully to hit near the spine, and he collapsed, unconscious from the pain. Judging by his convulsions, he wasn’t dead.
“W-what are you…”
“I’m so sorry, Randa-san!”
I apologized with all my might. I had interfered in the Leopardess Guild’s battle, and for that, I couldn’t complain if Randa or any of the other Leopardess Guild members scolded me.
“…Thank you.”
“Huh? You’re not mad?”
“You saved my life, didn’t you?”
Rather than being angry, Randa smiled and ruffled my hair. My hair became a mess, but I could feel her gratitude. And I realized, she could probably handle being cut down without a care. Yet, Randa was grateful to me. It wasn’t just flattery or superficial; she was genuinely happy. I was convinced when I saw the smile on her strong face.
“Um, Amane-san. I’m sorry. Our Lua-chan…”
“‘Our Lua-chan’ sounds like a pet… I told you not to interfere, but Lua acted because she truly wanted to help Randa, right? I can’t know her true feelings, but Randa isn’t the type to be so rude.”
As Randa turned back to Vora, the frustrated Vora was nowhere to be seen.
“Y-you…”
Vora looked at me, deep in thought. Then he pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and began comparing it to me repeatedly.
“…You’re the Flash Strike Girl Lua, aren’t you?”
Vora’s mouth blurted out my name. I’d prefer it if he didn’t call me Flash Strike Girl, but that wasn’t the issue. A pirate I had just met today knew who I was. A bad feeling crept in.
“Just as I thought. Hehe, I see. I never expected you to be with the Leopardess Guild.”
“Don’t get the wrong idea. Lua isn’t a member of the Leopardess Guild. She just happened to hitch a ride today.”
“Either way, you guys have a connection with the Leopardess Guild and the Flash Strike Girl. Just knowing that is a significant breakthrough. Hehehe, I’m lucky. After all, one of the big targets of the Comet Wolf Brigade is right here in front of me.”
Oh no, I knew it. Even I, with my limited intelligence, could guess what was coming.
“Eight people who captured the great executive Glaive. Vora-sama said to hunt them down and kill them, no matter how far we have to go. Anyone who opposes the Comet Wolf Brigade will be crushed, even if they’re just bugs.”
“Is that so, Amane-nee?”
“Don’t worry about him; he’s just a low-ranking member. He doesn’t have any valuable information. Silence him. We can turn him over to the kingdom for some funding.”
“Understood.”
The conclusion was swift. Randa’s so-called water gun didn’t deal any damage to her, and she approached Vora with long strides, delivering a heavy blow from above. The dull sound echoed as if Vora would sink into the ship.
Thus, the Blood Shark Pirates were all tied up and imprisoned in Leopard Fang and Leopard Claw. White Leopard would have sufficed, but Amane decided against it, considering the non-combatants might be scared. The remaining ship would be dismantled and used for materials.
◆ Leopardess Guild, White Leopard, Onboard ◆
The ship dismantling process was incredibly quick. I thought it would be a difficult task on the sea, but it was as if they were cooking, separating the parts in no time. They even seemed to enjoy the work. The Leopardess Guild enjoyed everything they did. Though it was a short time, I could feel that.
“The Leopardess Guild is my reason for living, huh?”
“I’m talking about Lua-chan…”
“Me?”
“Never mind! Anyway, dinner is going to be extravagant. Everyone was excited about including those villagers. It’s the Leopardess Guild’s dinner; I can’t wait!”
Hearing her say that made my current worries disappear. Just as Amane said, I should enjoy myself now. I’m not alone in this world; I knew that, but now I have Roel with me.
“Ah, this is useless. Seriously, they’ve neglected the aging of this ship; they’re underestimating the sea.”
“We’ve stored all the stolen goods and kidnapped people from the passenger ship, sis. We’re mostly done, so shall we eat?”
“Sounds good! Let’s get started on cooking. I’m excited!”
Seeing Amane laugh heartily while reassuring the captured people that they wouldn’t become slaves made me think that I wanted to be like her.
“W-whoa… that woman is…”
“E-Eikichi-san? You can’t just come out like that…”
Before I knew it, Eikichi had come up onto the deck. Ignoring my words, he took a step, then another, approaching a woman.
“…I’m in love.”
“L-love?”
“Ah, what a beautiful woman she is…”
“C-could it be Amane-san? She is indeed a beautiful person, but…”
“I see, so her name is Amane…”
The person Eikichi approached was effortlessly carrying the dismantled wood in both hands, displaying a strength that was hard to believe belonged to a woman.
“I’m Eikichi! I fell in love at first sight! Marry me!”
“…Huh?”
Randa looked down at Eikichi, still holding the wood, her expression one of confusion. It wasn’t Amane-san. There was no room for correction there.
Everyone fell silent. Roel, Amane, Melissa, and even Randa, the one being confessed to, all froze in place. In fact, Randa didn’t even seem to understand the meaning of his words.
“There has never been a beauty as stunning as you in Azuma. You are the ideal woman.”
“Hey, Amane, should I just toss this one into the cabin since she’s a nuisance?”
It was only after that that everyone burst into laughter. Randa looked genuinely confused, while only Eikichi seemed to be serious in this situation.
“See? You never know what life will throw at you, right? You should enjoy it too.”
In that moment, Amane’s words gained a certain weight. Yeah, life is interesting. I should enjoy it as well.
◆ Shin Report ◆
Shin Report
The Meihyou Clan—I’ve heard rumors about them, and they are quite the formidable bunch. Even that Randa, who’s a bit of a fool, is ranked number two.
Shin’s Classification!
A is a troublesome opponent for the Demon Army.
B is a lesser threat.
C is not worth mentioning.
D is just rubbish.
S is a crazy head of the Demon Army—might just die.
The Chizame Clan is classified as C.
The Meihyou Clan is B.
The Suirou Ryou Clan is A.
That foolish girl, Rua, is an S—no, an SS, or even an SSS isn’t enough.
Honestly, she should just slip and hit her head and die.
Oh, there’s one more A.
Even now, they are trying to isolate that country as much as possible.
That ironclad nation.
Once, the Elemental Master attacked, but it was nearly annihilated and had to retreat.
That nation is beyond the reach of even the Twelve Generals.
It possesses power that transcends understanding.
Metarika Kingdom.
Hmm, is this when the Demon Army’s Emperor will move? I see.
Are those fools still asleep?
How utterly disrespectful to the Demon Lord—ugh!
The Suirou Ryou Clan has taken down the Demon Army’s forces several times.
For humans, they truly are a bothersome bunch.
If it were the Twelve Generals directly, it wouldn’t have come to this.
Well, eventually, I’ll kill them.
Not the Shin, but the others.
Still, that Rua girl talks about her purpose in life like a child.
No, is she a child?
The true purpose of Shin, of course, is to serve the Demon Lord!
Hehe, I’ve taken another step forward.
Rua’s weakness!
No purpose in life! A lonely existence!
Hehe.
That Meihyou Clan is impressive.
With only women, it’s only natural that they can do things like that without a care.
It’s quite the spectacle for us watching.
Oh, oh, even such things—being women, they…
Y-yeah, Shin is orderly.
That little brat will eventually…
Kya!