How did I turn my victim into a phoenix-like hero?

Page 54

It seems the parents feel that the neighbors they haven't spoken to for years have become friends again.

They still misunderstand Sirocco's gender...

Brid said seriously:

"My relationship with Sirocco isn't good enough for us to argue. She finally got into a national school, and when she asked me for help, I just gave her some pointers, that's all."

Bridt's frantic eating suggests that the topic should be put to rest.

Thorner clearly didn't understand, and asked while washing the dishes:

"So, do you prefer the old Sirocco, or the current Sirocco?"

Why did you suddenly say something?

Listening to my father, who is over fifty, gossip always feels a bit strange.

"There's no such thing as liking or disliking, it's just a matter of whether you find him pleasing to the eye or not. If I had to say, I'd say he's more pleasing to the eye now."

Speaking of which, shouldn't Sirocco be resting at home right now?

I wonder how badly he's injured. He's been putting on a brave face and lying to people lately...

Brid thought for a moment:

Let's go check on Sirocco in a bit.

I just wanted to go and see... and maybe ask him how he got rid of Cliff and his gang.

It's been a few years, wouldn't it be better to send a gift over?

40. Lobby Meeting

"This door...it looks like it's been hit by a missile..."

Brid arrived at the door of the Sirocco family's house as if by some strange twist of fate, carrying a box of exquisite pastries as a gift.

"Oops..."

Just as she was about to knock on the door, Brid looked annoyed and suddenly realized something.

"During training, that guy said he liked matcha-flavored daifuku, but the one I bought is strawberry daifuku... wrong."

It was completely illogical that a neighbor who hadn't visited in years would suddenly come to visit, especially at 9 pm.

Ding-dong-

Brid rang the doorbell and soon heard the sound of footsteps.

The door opened with a whoosh, and the person who opened it could be heard speaking:

"Wow, that went by so fast! Wasn't it supposed to be 11 o'clock?!"

The moment Hill saw the visitor, his radiant smile froze.

She's still as adorable as I remember, with a slightly chubby, fair face, and her twin ponytails suit her perfectly. She's also grown quite a bit taller, and...

Brid's gaze dipped slightly downwards, her expression one of shock.

...Bigger than mine?

"Yo, yo, good evening. Long time no see, Hill."

"—Ah, it's Brid, Brid. She's Hill's neighbor."

Hill maintained his smile, his voice slightly low.

I read my name twice.

It's like confirming something.

"Uh..."

Brid was momentarily stunned.

I don't know what to say.

Thinking back, it's been 3 years since I last saw Hill.

"It's so late, is there anything I can help you with, Sister Brid?"

"Um, is Sirocco back? I bought some snacks. Oh, you can have some with me if you don't mind, they're delicious."

"Wow~ Thank you so much, Brid! But..."

Hill didn't answer, but smiled innocently:

"What does it matter to you whether my brother comes back or not?"

“He was injured, and as his neighbor and classmate, it’s not wrong for me to show concern.”

"...Oh, I see."

Hill adorably clasped her hands together and nodded repeatedly.

“Hill knows, right? Sister Brid has dumped brother. You two are just ordinary neighbors. Was it really necessary to come so late to deliver a gift?”

"what...."

These words made Brid realize the truth belatedly.

There was absolutely no need to come over so late at night.

Or perhaps my relationship with Sirocco wasn't that good?

No, that's not right. I was just being kind and concerned about him.

That's it.

There's nothing strange about it.

Absolutely not.

“That’s all in the past. Sirocco had already become my apprentice before, and now he and I… yes, we are teacher and student.”

"Even so, we can't just wipe the slate clean, can we? Didn't you turn my brother into a NEET who never goes out? Although Hill doesn't care."

"You can't say that. When Sirocco confessed to me before, I was just telling the truth about my feelings. The way he became was his own choice, and it has nothing to do with me."

"Whoa..."

She's quite capable.

Hill's expression darkened.

Although this woman is a bit slow-witted, she is quite serious and reasonable in some ways.

Moreover, Hill had to admit it.

Sirocco in the past certainly brought this upon himself; his current brother is much better...

"Ahem, anyway..."

Brid steered the conversation back on track.

"What's past is past, there's no point in dwelling on it. Sirocco fought someone much higher level today, and I want to see how he fared. I don't have any good healing items, but I know a little massage to help reduce his pain..."

Hill tilted her head cutely and laughed energetically:

Hill refused.

--------

On the other side, on the first floor (?), is Maple Garden.

"coming."

Sirocco's gaze sharpened.

As usual, the Maple Knight slammed his heavy gaiters into the ground.

The figure vanished instantly, but it didn't actually disappear; it was simply too fast, instantly shaking off Sirocco's sight.

When the Maple Knights reappeared, they were already very close to Sirocco.

I won't fall for the same trick twice!

Even so, Sirocco has already been killed 16 times by this move.

But these near-death experiences will not be in vain.

Sirocco's attention was not on the long-handled sword that was constantly approaching him.

Instead, it was placed on... the eyes of the Maple Knight.

Sure enough, it can be seen that vision is faster than attack speed.

This move is aimed at... the neck!

The difference in skill level is too great, so it's impossible to rely on reaction time alone, but it's still possible to make a prediction.

The instant the Maple Knight disappeared from sight, Sirocco immediately turned his head to the right, dodging a precise strike aimed at his carotid artery that came from the left.

This is what Sirocco realized when he was so close to death.

Predict the attack's landing point by looking at the target.