Hello Scrolls and Followers of Justice, Mr.Bones bringing the chapter of my fanfic The One Who Came Back.
An assassination attempt puts Neia Baraja's life at risk.
With you
The One Who Came Back
Chapter 26: Conspiracies
In the city of Horburn, the capital of the Holy Kingdom in the northern region, Neia Baraja finished another one of her speeches to a crowd. For the past few months, she had been giving at least two speeches a day due to the increasing number of people coming to listen to her.
When Neia first started preaching about the deeds of His Majesty, the Sorcerer King, she did so in the town squares or in the training center. But as the number of people grew beyond the hundreds, these locations became too small. Without a suitable location, she was forced to try to obtain land from the crown. Unfortunately, even with the support of King Caspond, she refused a donation, claiming that such an act would anger the worshippers of the Four, and with the impending civil war between the north and south, she needed the support of the temples, even if they worshipped false gods.
With what little she had saved, the sale of her old house, and the help of those who followed her, she managed to buy a piece of land in the city where an old church in ruins stood. However, that was all. There was no money to renovate or build something new. Nevertheless, she used everything she could, leaving little for herself.
"Surviving with little was a sign of strength, and strength is justice," thought Neia.
This week, even more people were arriving in Horburn, seeking out The Faceless One and her followers. It was an important time for the Justice Seekers, as it marked the fall of Jaldabaoth.
"...So, in our darkest hour, hope seemed to have died. Jaldabaoth spread death wherever he went, and paladins were incinerated just by being in his presence," Neia proclaimed to the crowd. Her voice was strong, yet calm, and it reached even those on the other side of the square.
"No god heard our prayers. None of them descended from the heavens to save us. Only our own strength kept us standing against the supreme evil that plagued us."
"When we thought the end had come, the sound of trumpets echoed throughout our land. A light appeared on the horizon, illuminating a banner and an army. In front of them rode the savior of the Noble Kingdom, the Sorcerer King Ainz Ooal Gown. And then, Jaldabaoth trembled in his presence. WORDS OF JUSTICE."
"WORDS OF JUSTICE," replied the crowd. "Go in peace, my friends. This week we will hold a festival commemorating the return of the Sorcerer King. Come and, if you can, help us with the construction of our church. We appreciate it. Remember, weakness is a sin."
After her liturgy, as always, Neia found herself surrounded by people who wanted to ask for help, offer help, thank her for help, or simply touch her.
The followers of justice who assisted in the ceremonies could not keep so many people away, and she did not want that either because being close to people was important to her, but many of them were concerned about her safety.
So when a completely normal person drew a knife and brought it down toward her neck, no one noticed.
...
24 hours earlier.
Inside an abandoned building in a sparsely inhabited area in the city of Horbus, a sinister group gathered.
"Are you prepared?"
"Yes, they will arrive soon."
"How many will come?"
"Several, I believe. The request was broad and the payment offered generous."
"Wouldn't it be strange to have them all together?"
"If they come at the same time, they won't be up to the task. The most prepared will wait until they are sure the path is clear." A few minutes passed when a voice from the shadows announced itself.
"I come for the service."
"And by the Four, you will be rewarded," replied the one who seemed to be the leader of the group.
...
12 hours earlier
"Damn everyone, crap, damn wood..."
"Hello! Do you need help, sir?"
"I don't need anyth... oooooh! Hello there, young lady. Good morning!"
"Good morning, sir. It seems like you need help carrying the wood."
"Oh yes, it is quite heavy. Could you give me a hand, even though you are already carrying that big backpack?!"
"Of course, don't worry, sir. I'm stronger than I look. Where do you live?"
"Just ahead, in the building across the square. You don't seem to be from around here."
"No sir, I came from outside and I am looking for work."
"Unfortunately, you won't find much around here. Most of this neighborhood was destroyed, and it seems like the reconstruction will take a while. The 'King' probably prefers to prioritize other neighborhoods, even though this one was noble in the past. And with this war with the south almost knocking on our door, it's unlikely that you will find a job here. This is where I live, could you help me a little more? I live on the top floor, and my back isn't what it used to be."
"Of course, sir. It's a pity that there aren't many jobs available. I already have one in mind, but it's always good to stay open to other opportunities."
"Yes, yes, opportunities. Would you like to come in and have some tea?"
"Please. Where can I put the wood?"
"Near the window."
"Alright, you have a beautiful view from here."
"Thank you. I used to be a pharmacist and earned a good living before the invasion of Jadabaoth, but everything was destroyed. All I have left is this room. Here, drink while it's hot."
"Thank you, but I think I'll pass on the tea after all."
"Why? Any problem with the tea-ARRRGHhh!"
"Yes, I prefer mine without the belladonna you put in it, you old pervert."
'This seems like a good spot, with an unobstructed line of sight. The resident has been eliminated. It's just a matter of waiting. During the cult ceremony, she walks around a lot, and there's no guarantee of a hit. After the ceremony, she is momentarily unable to move because of her fanatics. This will be the best opportunity.'
The assassin removed the decapitated body from the table and moved it closer to the window. After cleaning the blood, she began assembling something large, taking various pieces out of her backpack: something resembling a wooden crutch, two metal rods almost as long as the previous piece, and several smaller pieces that were fitted together.
After screwing the X-shaped rods together, she attached loops of a thin rope to the end of both at the same time, stretched the rope, and with a force that didn't match her size, she bent the two pieces until the other ends of the rope were secured, forming a double bow. Finally, she attached a tripod almost at the end to serve as support for the huge crossbow that occupied almost the entire table.
She lay down on her stomach next to the weapon, looking out. With such a great distance, it was difficult to distinguish people on the other side of the square.
"Martial art! Eagle eyes!" Her vision narrowed and then expanded, zooming in on the other side.
"A clean shot," said the Archer.
...
6 hours earlier.
"Mandrake oil, Basilisk saliva, Black Lotus, Cockatrice blood, anddd... a bit of Lavender to scent it," murmured the Alchemist.
...
2 hours earlier.
"I could quit this job, run off with this knife. I've never had something like this. It'll probably rot the person from the inside as soon as they take it, but those crazies will send someone after me. I think I'll ask for her as part of my payment, an extra for a good job hahhahaha!" thought the Rogue Assassin.
…………………………………..
Now.
The knife descended, hitting Neia's neck, at least that's what the assassin thought, but the blow was repelled by an invisible force, Projectile Protection, even though the knife technically wasn't a projectile, the spell on King Buser's armor that Neia always wore under her clothes repelled it.
Neia quickly turned and grabbed the attacker's arm, twisting it and making him fall to his knees, everyone backed away, watching the scene.
"WHO ARE YOU? WHO SENT YOU? WHY DID THEY SEND YOU? WHO ARE YOU?"
"Me? Who am I? Heh! From the way things happened, I guess I'm the bait."
Fuinnn TUN!
Neia then heard the rapid sound of a whistle and a thud, but she didn't feel any pain. She then looked to the side and saw a silhouette against the setting sun over the buildings. The figure held an arrow that emanated a golden glow, Arcane Magic, probably capable of overcoming the protection of her armor.
"Hello Neia Baraja, come with me if you want to live," said the figure.
"CZ!!!"
