The Broken System Chose the Antagonist
Chapter 27: Showing Improvement

Chapter 27: Showing Improvement

CLANG!

Nadia skidded back with a stumble, clutching her sword, which shook from the blow.

After steadying her hold, she looked up and stared at the furred monster with threatening claws; the Scoundrel that had ambushed her.

It has been roughly half an hour into their journey, and this was the first encounter with Predicaments they had encountered along the way.

She watched the Scoundrel that had ambushed her huff, seemingly disappointed that she had blocked its sneak attack.

Nadia snorted.

She then looked at Callum, who now wielded a makeshift spear crafted from duct-taping a combat knife to the end of a narrow metal pole. Despite having such handsome features, like those of a model, the man was surprisingly crafty and always on guard.

’He looks dependable...’ Nadia’s gaze softened.

It was a trait Nadia admired quite highly.

Then, she glanced back, staring at Seraphine, who was shivering on the spot — clutching her pistol like it was her crucifix. The sight of her caused the softness in Nadia’s gaze to harden.

’It doesn’t seem like she’ll be much help...’

When she finished scanning the two, she reluctantly drew her gaze towards Hilda. And froze when she found the woman several metres away from them.

"Go, go, go! You can do it!" Hilda danced, cheering them on, "Beat them, beat them! You can do it!"

Her upbeat tone as she sang caused Nadia to scowl. Why did she even think that the woman would provide even the slightest of help?

She shook her head.

’No matter, nothing’s changed.’

Nadia had planned to improve her value in Hilda’s eyes, presuming that was what allowed the two beside her to escape the woman’s culling.

’Who knows when I’ll be next...’ Nadia grimly thought, glancing at the gun Seraphine held, ’And who knows how many firearms Hilda has... for someone like her, she must have more ammo on her person.’

Maybe, this could be another test Hilda placed on Seraphine — testing to see how well she would do in utilising and conserving ammunition!

She furrowed her brows and steadied her stance.

’I’ll try to make some opening for the two to jump in...’

Nadia then leapt in and confronted the Predicament, clashing with the monsters several times.

CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!

With a fully rested body and a mind that had understood how a Scoundrel fought, Nadia had a much easier time fighting with the Predicament.

Although she did struggle at times, compared to the Predicament from last night, this one was more her match.

Hilda, who was watching from afar, hummed a little — her opinion of Nadia growing ever-so-slightly.

’She improved fast... how interesting~’

Eventually, Nadia managed to take down the Predicament on her own, beating it in 12 minutes. That was 3 minutes less than her previous record!

Then on, she continued to take care of the Predicaments they found along the way on her own. And while she did try to give some room for Callum and Seraphine to join in...

The fight was ultimately still too intense for them to join in.

...

’Four Predicaments!’ Nadia thought to herself with pride burning in her eyes.

The day had barely begun, and she had already killed more Scoundrels than she did yesterday!

If she were alone right now, she would’ve been jumping around in joy at her new achievement.

Nadia felt extremely giddy.

’But I am beginning to feel tired...’ The Heroine thought, ’Fighting four Predicaments back-to-back without much rest in between is very draining...’

Despite her fatigue, Nadia did feel like she was getting better! Although a bit slower than she likes, she is getting better!

She then glanced behind her, scanning Hilda’s face.

’Maybe, I can get to her level, soon...’

Nadia still remembered the absolute domination Hilda had over her in their fight, and it had been stuck on her mind ever since they had their scuffle.

After a moment of reflection, she shook her head.

’... I shouldn’t be thinking about her right now. I should just focus on passing this exam. But also...’

She looked towards Callum and Seraphine.

She still hadn’t been able to allow the two to show off.

’Hopefully, that’ll change soon...’

And not before long, she thought that they encountered yet another Predicament sitting in the middle of the road; its mouth stained in blood.

Staring at the blood splatter on the ground, Nadia grimaced.

No matter how you looked at it, it was obvious this Predicament had just eaten someone...

Nadia quickly entered into a stance, prepared to fight, before noticing another Scoundrel coming around from the corner. And compared to the one they just stumbled upon, this one seemed to have indulged in a feast with how dirty its hands were.

The Heroine’s face darkened even more.

There were now two Predicaments in front of them.