——My Luck is as rotten as a skunk in a heatwave.

Erron's mind was plagued with curses as his rage reached its boiling point. The reason behind his seething anger was the death of his client, a loss that not only hurt him financially but also struck a chord with him emotionally. Adding insult to injury, he had spent an entire day without even purchasing a horse, further exacerbating his frustration.

To make matters worse, Erron found himself in the midst of a fierce battle, or rather, a full-blown massacre. He was completely surrounded by a horde of monsters of varying sizes, each one posing a deadly threat. The scene was chaotic, with the monsters closing in on him from all sides, ready to attack at any moment.

In a display of sheer focus and skill, Erron fought back against the monsters with his trusty revolvers. As soon as one of the creatures dared to approach him, it was met with a barrage of bullets, leaving it riddled with holes at the area of the head. Despite the overwhelming numbers against him, Erron stood his ground, as he was the real monster in this confrontation, making a fool of those monsters, as they die repeatedly before even reaching him.

Erron: [——Just fucking drop dead, you worthless bunch of trash!.]

Erron was fully focused on taking down the monsters front left and right...even from above, his senses heightened in the darkness of the night. Little did he know, a deadly threat was silently approaching him from behind, in the form of a snake, ready to strike.

Snake: [ssss——]

The snake slithered closer and closer, its eyes gleaming red in the shadows, its fangs bared and ready to sink into Erron's flesh. With only a mere two meters separating them, the snake was poised to attack, its body coiled and tense, preparing to lunge at any moment.

Erron: [——You've reached the limit, dummy. Can't let ya proceed any further.]

Snake: [——!?]

However, Erron was not caught off guard. With a swift and calculated movement, he sensed the snake's presence without even turning around to face it. In a split second, he aimed his gun behind him and fired, the bullet hitting its mark with deadly accuracy. The snake's head exploded in a burst of blood and gore, signaling its demise.

???: [Hmph, oni-chan silly silly, why don't you just give up and die you are already outnumbered hmph..!]

A young girl with dark blue hair shouted in a childish manner, her frustration showing as she angrily glared down at Erron. Perched atop a giant lion-like creature, the same beast that still held Emilia's lifeless, torn body in its jaws. The girl's innocent yet fierce expression painted a picture of both playfulness and carelessness, a stark contrast to the gruesome scene before her.

Erron: [Ya know, kid, I ain't sure 'bout you, but this here ain't nothin'. I've taken down thousands of them netherralm demons, and let me tell ya, them demons I battled make these critters look like cute little pups. So don't you worry none, it's just a matter of time 'fore I wipe 'em out completely. And it won't take much longer than it already took]

Erron's words were not mere talk; he had already proven his prowess by taking down a considerable number of those monstrous creatures if not most. Each time he squeezed the triggers, not just two, but four of those abominations would meet their demise simultaneously. The sheer power of the bullets he unleashed was such that they had the ability to extinguish the lives of five monsters in one fell swoop, simply because they had the misfortune of standing in a straight line.

Not a single bullet went astray, for Erron's aim was impeccable, never failing to hit its mark. As a result, the monsters were dwindling in numbers faster than his ammunition, and the evidence was already apparent. The lifeless bodies strewn around Erron far outnumbered the few remaining creatures still standing, a testament to his unrivaled skill as gunslinger.

Erron: [——Now Listen up, little missy. The real deal is what you gonna do once I'm done wiping out all them cute little pups of yours. If you got any sense, you better make a run for it now 'cause once I'm through, ain't no place within 500 yards of my sights gonna keep you safe.]

???: [hmph!,You think you're so great, but being too confident will make you go bye-bye!]

With a mischievous grin, the girl playfully stuck out her tongue, taunting Erron from above her ride. In response, Erron let out a small chuckle, his laughter filled with a hint of mischief. As he did so, he mercilessly crushed the skull of a dog beneath his boot, displaying his dominance. Without missing a beat, he swiftly turned around, his movements as quick as lightning, and fired three bullets from his six-shooter, instantly taking down six other dogs. With a wolfish smile, he glanced back at the girl, tipping his hat slightly upwards, showing confidence and power behind that gesture.

Erron: [ Confident? Shoot, I ain't just confident, I'm Erron Black.]

However.

Elsa: [ Not only you are handsome, but your name is equally enticing, oh my oh my.]

???: [ Elsa, I thought you were g—! ... Elsa!?, what happened to you? You don't look okay!]

Suddenly, Elsa appeared right in between of Erron and the little girl. The little girl's anxiety skyrocketed as she noticed Elsa clutching her chest and hunching over in pain. It was a perplexing sight because there were no visible wounds on Elsa's body.

Erron: [——!]

Despite her discomfort, Elsa managed to muster a smile towards Erron, who instinctively took a step back, feeling a mix of surprise and revulsion.

Meili: [Elsa...!]

Trying to alleviate the little girl's concerns, she shifted her gaze away from Erron, addressing the worries that were clearly etched on the young girl's face and voice.

Else: [ Apologies, Meili, but I believe it's best for you to withdraw at the moment. I don't see us winning this fight against...him.]

Meili: [ withdrawing...tha–!?]

Elsa: [ ——Am not repeating myself...Am I Meili?]

Meili released a defeated sigh after a brief moment of silence between the two girls.

Meili: [...N-no your not]

Meili let out a disappointed sigh as she called out to the remaining monsters to come closer. Only nine dogs, a hippo, and lion-like creatures that she was riding responded to her call.

Meili: [You are not coming?]

As the creatures gathered around her, Meili turned her gaze back to Elsa, a look of concern etched on her face.

Else: [ Don't worry, my dear Meili, I have yet to finish my affairs with this handsome young man. Rest assured, I will rejoine you once I Am finished with him]

With a smile, Elsa reassured the little girl that she knew exactly what she was talking about regarding the business. Reluctantly, the girl nodded in agreement, knowing she had no other choice.

Meili: [ Alright just be caref—...]

Meili's innocent voice was abruptly silenced as a deafening gunshot echoed through the air, shattering the tranquility of the moment. In an instant, her fragile body was torn apart, a grotesque display of carnage that defied comprehension. The little girl was now nothing more than a macabre collage of entrails, shattered bones, and crimson rivers of blood, scattered haphazardly attop her ride.

Elsa: [——]

Yet, It was far from over. Another thunderous gunshot reverberated, obliterating the neck of the lion like creature she had been riding. The lifeless creature crumpled to the ground, its regal existence reduced to a mangled heap of flesh and sinew.

Unrelenting in its brutality, the onslaught continued. Heavy bullets rained down upon the remaining monsters, each impact causing them to explode into a grotesque symphony of gore. One by one, these abominations met a gruesome death, their twisted bodies disintegrating into a nightmarish tableau of blood-soaked remnants. Yet, even after all this, there was one eerie anomaly.

Emilia: [...]

Emilia's lifeless blood-soaked form, untouched by the relentless barrage of bullets, lay motionless atop the mound of slain monsters peacefully and in Silence.——Afterwards a haunting stillness settled over the scene no more gunshots as if even death itself dared not disturb the tragic beauty of her untouched corpse.

However.

Erron: [ Well, Whore, let me set the record straight for ya. First! Don't let my youthful appearance fool ya, 'cause I've been around for over three centuries. So watch your tongue before callin' me young again, ya hear? second—— While you were yappin' away, I was busy retrievin' my Hogwylder270 Hunting Rifle from my bag. Third ——Thinkin' you can just walk away, huh? Well, think again, 'cause if you've harmed my client, you're all as good as dead. No chance of escapin' my range, I guarantee ya that.]

Elsa: [...y-you killed Meili]

Erron: [—— So that's bothers your cattle, huh?... mighty fine for me]

Elsa's face twisted with sorrow and rage, the fury starkly contrasting her previous demeanor. Her gaze bore into Erron, filled with a fiery intensity that he found strangely joyful.

——Can't rightly recollect ever bein' a sadist...or am I fixin' to?...what ever.

Erron: [ ——Ain't no doubt 'bout it, I smoked her little ass. She done gone and killed a girl I truly cared 'bout...a girl who was genuinely good. So, anyone who snuffs out a kind soul like hers deserves to face the reaper, no matter their age or appearance. 'Cause in the end, death comes for us all.]

Elsa: [ ——Meili was a good girl]

Erron: [—— load of bullcrap!]

Fueled by an unprecedented rage, Erron's countenance transformed as he firmly secured his face mask, preparing for combat. With a swift motion, he reloaded his rifle, his eyes fixed on Elsa, who menacingly wielded two gleaming knives, poised to strike. The time for games had come to an end, and Erron was determined to show no mercy. And neither would she.

Elsa: [——I'll skin you alive Erron Black!]

Erron: [——Die!]

Erron's rifle let out a thunderous blast as he made his final declaration, and time seemed to slow down as the bullet left the barrel. The projectile moved through the air with a fiery intensity, resembling a blazing orb on a collision course with Elsa's abdomen.

However.

Elsa: [ Guhk!]

Despite the visible signs of exhaustion evident on Elsa's body, she displayed monstrous reflexes as she swiftly used one of her knives to intercept the bullet aimed at her abdomen. The projectile seemed to move in slow motion as it made contact with the knife, resulting in a powerful explosion that sent Elsa flying backward.

Erron: [ ——the hell!?]

Erron, witnessing the incredible feat of Elsa stopping the bullet with such speed and precision, widened his eyes in momentary surprise. However, he remained steadfast, refusing to lose focus on the intense combat to death.

——Especially now since he can't see her anywhere.

Erron: [ ——Where the hell is that whore hiding!?]

Erron swiftly pivoted on his heel, scanning his surroundings with his rifle poised and aimed, his eyes fixed on Elsa's elusive figure amidst the billowing smoke and encroaching monsters. Surrounded by the looming shadows of night, he felt the weight of the darkness pressing in from all sides, obscuring his vision and heightening his senses.

Erron: [——Git on out here, you yellow-bellied varmint, and face me!]

Despite the odds and uncertainty, Erron remained steadfast in his Grit to locate Elsa, aware that she was just lurking somewhere within the shadows. The faint sound of movement echoed through the darkness, a real clue to her whereabouts, yet she moved with such agility and speed that he struggled to keep up with her elusive presence.

Erron: [——That damn slut is faster than a jackrabbit on steroids!.]

As the tension mounted and the stakes grew higher, Erron's focus sharpened, his instincts honed by the adrenaline-fueled by not wanting to die. With every passing moment, the hunt for Elsa intensified, driving him to push beyond his limits in pursuit of her figure that seemed to slip through his grasp like a wisp of smoke every‐time.

But even so.

Erron: [Guuhk!]

Out of nowhere, a flash of steel emerged from the third o'clock position of Erron's surroundings, swiftly finding its mark on Erron's gloved left hand that firmly gripped the rifle barrel. The impact was so precise that it forced Erron to emit a deep, guttural sound of agony, ultimately leading to the involuntary release of his prized firearm.

Erron: [ Dang it!]

Erron had no opportunity to grab his rifle from the ground or assess the injury on his hand before he heard Elas's hurried footsteps rapidly closing in on him from behind. In a swift motion, he drew both of his revolvers and spun around with lightning-fast speed to prepare for her attack.

Erron: [——I got you—Hk!]

Elsa was ten yards in the line of fire of his revolvers, but before he could pull the triggers, she moved with lightning speed, appearing right in front of him. The bullets missed their mark as she swiftly grabbed both of his arms, skillfully redirecting his aim to the sides.

Elsa: [ ——I have a talent for adjusting rapidly, Erron. Your little tricks won't succeed a second time~.]

Erron: [ second? Nope, it already got ya three times... reckon it's time to greet the fourth.]

Elsa: [wha—]

Fortunately for Erron, Elsa's attack only landed on his left hand, which was not his dominant hand. Elsa had intended to apply pressure to both of his arms, where he held his guns, but Erron had a clever plan up his sleeve. In a split second decision, he swiftly dropped his revolver from his left, then squeezing it out of her grip in a forceful manner——before unleashing a powerful punch with it, retaliating against Elsa.

Elsa: [huhk—!?]

The force of his punch caught her off guard, overpowering her and giving Erron the upper hand. As the dust settled, Erron's revolver was now aimed directly at Elsa's eye.

Erron: [——Bullseye]

With a wolfish smirk, Erron pulled the trigger, and the bullet found its mark, striking Elsa right through her left eye.

Elsa: [Guhk—NO!]

Not having the time to recover Elsa was in danger and she know it, she quickly jumped back, creating some distance between herself and Erron. Sensing the need for a more powerful weapon, Erron swiftly swapped his revolver for his rifle, now taking aim at Elsa once again.

Erron: [——]

Erron's rifle was primed and prepared, his finger gently caressing the trigger as he focused his sights on elsa's retreating figure. The once swift and agile elsa now moved with a sluggishness that betrayed her exhaustion. It was as if her energy from a minute ago was all she had, leaving her vulnerable and defenseless, akin to a wounded fawn caught in the crosshairs of a predator.

Erron relished in the fact that his aim was now impeccable, his confidence unwavering. With a smug smirk playing on his lips, his eyes glinted with a dangerous intensity, hidden beneath the brim of his hat.

Erron: [——Ya can try to flee, but ya can't escape my clutches. I've got ya trapped exactly where I desire.]

Erron's rifle let out a deafening blast as a fiery projectile shot out from the barrel, leaving a trail of smoke in its wake. The bullet seemed to move in slow motion, scorching the air as it hurtled towards its target with a malevolent purpose.

Elsa: [GUHHHK!]

A blood-curdling scream escaped Elsa's lips as she was consumed by excruciating pain. With deadly accuracy, the bullet found its mark, piercing through Elsa's torso with a sickening thud. The impact was so forceful that Elsa was torn asunder, her body splitting into two halves in a gruesome display of violence.

However.

Erron: [ That dang varmint is tougher than a two-dollar steak!]

Erron spotted Elsa's pushing her upper body dragging its mutilated organs behind her as she relentlessly crawled towards her other half, fifty yards away. The sight made him sick, for he knew that allowing her to reunite with her other half would only spell disaster. Killing her was already a daunting task, but he refused to let her recover ever again.

Erron: [ Alright, it's high time we put an end to this once and for all, for our own sake.]

Swiftly reloading his rifle and snatching his other revolver from the ground, he walked on a steady streads towards her, fully intent on putting an end to her existence once and for all.

Erron: [ So you're just dying to have those legs, huh? Well, here you go, take 'em!]

With a swift and ruthless motion, Erron seized hold of the severed lower half of Elsa's body, launching it towards her with a forceful throw. The grotesque impact landed squarely on her back, emitting a sickening sound that echoed through the air.

Elsa: [ Guhk!]

Elsa grimaced in agony, her right eye gaze pierced through the pain, filled with a burning hatred and a chilling desire for revenge.

Elsa: [——Am g-onna kill you!]

Unfazed by her intense glare, Erron's lips curled into a sinister smirk, relishing in the power he held over her.

Erron: [ Ya done run outta chances, Elsa. Time to meet your maker.]

With that same smirk on his face, Erron raised his rifle and aimed it directly at Elsa's head.

Erron: [Oh?]

Elsa: [Do it!]

But Elsa, displaying unwavering hate and anger, met his gaze head-on, accepting her impending demise without flinching. This fearless defiance made Erron admir her for once, just intensifying his desire to pull the trigger.l one course.The atmosphere grew eerily silent, as if the entire world held its breath, anticipating the moment of the fatal shot. Taking a deep breath,

Erron: [——See ya, never elsa.]

Erron squeezed the trigger, causing the pipe to explode with a deafening blast. The force of the shot obliterated Elsa's head, shattering it into countless pieces that scattered all the way down to her back. The gruesome scene unleashed a torrent of gore and blood, drenching the surroundings, even staining Erron's hat and mask.

Erron: [ Will that do the trick?]

With that question that was directed only to himself, Erron neglected to clean the gruesome remnants off his mask and hat. With a deep sigh, he lowered his rifle to inspect the remains of Elsa's body, or rather, what was left of it.

The sight was horrifying, her upper half completely destroyed. However, even after all this, Erron noticed an intense twitch in her right hand.

Erron: [ —— Well, I reckon that ain't nearly enough, talk 'bout bein' a dang freak!.]

The sight disgusted him, causing his eyes to narrow dangerously as a mix of anger and revulsion washed over him.

However, Erron still got one trick up his sleeves.

Erron: [ Bullets ain't doing a damn much to her, so I reckon it's time to move on to plan B.]

Erron's hand slowly delved into the depths of his enormous sack that hanged at his left shoulder, his fingers searching for the bottle that held one of his most rare weapon of use——acid. With a deep frown, he retrieved it, the glass cold against his skin. The disgust in his eyes was palpable as he slowly twisted the cap, releasing a pungent odor that filled the air.

Erron: [——!]

As the liquid cascaded over Elsa's lifeless body, a sickening sizzle echoed. Her flesh began to bubble and writhe, as if possessed. The cold air filled with the acrid stench of melting flesh, and a thick plume of smoke rose from her disintegrating form.

Erron's gaze remained fixated on the grotesque spectacle unfolding before him. The acid wasted no time in its destructive path, devouring Elsa's body with ruthless efficiency. Her skin dissolved like wax, revealing the raw, pulsating tissue beneath. her flesh and bones melting into a grotesque mess of liquid.

Erron just stood there, both a witness and a doer to the horrifying sight. In the end, all that remained was a vast pool of dark red liquid, a physical clue to the utter annihilation that had taken place. Not a trace of Elsa's existence remained, not even a bone, or clothes ... nothing.

Erron: [ Reckon one jug of acid oughta do the trick, else I Think it's just right to give up on even trying...]

With another deep sigh, Erron's gaze reluctantly shifted away from the ominous pool of blood and acid. His hands moved with practiced precision as he meticulously inspected his revolvers and rifles, meticulously removing spent bullet shells and replacing them with fresh ammunition.

Once finshed the rifle was securely slung across his back, ready to draw for any new threat, while his prized and most used silver and golden revolvers found their rightful place in their holsters at his waistband. Then he carefully examined his wounded left hand,

Erron: [ Nah, it ain't nothin' but a small scratch, it'll heal up just fine.]

He claimed it was just a minor scratch on his hand, but in reality, it was a deep wound caused by a large blade, leaving a visible gap that allowed the other side to be seen through it. However, Erron was accustomed to dealing with much larger injuries, so this was nothing to him. Erron retrieved a black bandage from his sack and wrapped his entire hand with it.

Erron: [ Fresh as a daisy...heh.]

Erron chuckled softly, his amusement reverberating through the desolate void permeated with the stench of decay, filth, and disemboweled remains. The loot house stood as a sad witness to the tragic demise of two innocent children and a giant, while the vacant expanse before it bore witness to the fierce battles and merciless slaughter of both monsters and assassins.

Now, the place lay barren, shrouded in darkness and icy coldness and dead bodies. All life had been extinguished, save for Erron, the lone survivor, the merciless warrior responsible for the annihilation that befell the monsters and their ill-fated allies.

However.

Erron: [Emilia...]

Erron relinquished his calm demeanor, his once motionless feet now propelled by a newfound purpose. There would be no more weapons, no more gunfire; his only yearning now was to...

Erron: [ Emilia, oh darlin', what in hell have them low-down, good-for-nothin' varmints done to ya?...]

Emilia: [...]

Erron: [ But No need to worry, Emilia, I made sure they paid the ultimate price - they're all six feet under now. But, somethin' tells me there's another player in this twisted game. We'll unravel that mystery in due time. Don't you worry none, darlin', I took care of business without askin' for a single penny from ya see?...]

Emilia: [...]

Erron: [ Dang, Emilia, despite the big ol' wound on your chest and all that blood on ya, you still look mighty pretty, like you're still kickin'.]

Emilia: [...]

Erron: [ Apologies...allow me to escort you to a better place, as enchanting as your presence, where we can lay you to rest.]

After Erron concluded his speech, he humbly lowered himself to the ground, carefully sliding both of his arms beneath Emilia's limp form as he effortlessly lifted her in a princess-like manner. With a firm grip, Erron adjusted her head delicately against his left shoulder, his gaze fixated on her bloody and lifeless yet stunning visage, his eyes reflecting a myriad of intricate emotions.

Erron: [You're as light as a feather, Emilia. Just driftin' through my arm without a care in the world.]

Emilia: [...]

The weight of Emilia's body in his arms seemed to be a privilege for Erron, as he carried her with a mixture of sorrow and reverence. Despite the stillness of her features, Erron's eyes betrayed the turmoil within his soul, before he let's out his twinth deep sigh.

Erron: [ To be honest with you, Emilia, I always had a feeling that it was too good to be true. The idea of someone as pure and innocent as you surviving in a world like this, it just didn't seem possible. The world seems to only have a place for evil, unfortunately, and people like you are a rare find. Just so you know, Emilia, I truly cherished the few hours we spent together.]

Emilia: [...]

Erron: [——Farewell, partn—!

Out of nowhere, a colossal explosion reverberated through the very foundations of the surroundings, jolting Erron's senses. Despite the unexpected shock, he managed to regain his balance, swiftly steadying himself and clutching Emilia even tighter within his powerful embrace. With a resolute determination, Erron swiftly pivoted towards the source of the blast, his gaze fixated on the loot house, the very epicenter of the detonation...but what he sow.

Erron: [—— What in the hell is this!?]

???: [——Erron black!]

Erron gazed in awe at the mysterious creature before him, its massive form towering over him like a seven-story building. The creature resembled a giant gray tiger, its eyes glowing with an otherworldly light as it fixed its gaze upon him. As the creature called out his name, Erron felt a chill run down his spine, the coldness in the air becoming more intense with each passing moment. because apparently whatever that thing was, with its appearance, snow began to appear everywhere.

Erron: [ Do I reckon you? 'Cause I'll be damned if I've ever laid eyes on a critter as massive as you, partner. If so, I'd surely recollect your face.]

Erron cautiously took a step back as the massive feline loomed over him, its piercing gaze sending shivers down his spine. With one hand trembling, he instinctively reached for the rifle strapped to his back, ready to defend himself. However, before he could react, the cat abruptly halted its approach, it's large head stopping just ten meters away. The chilling gust of wind it emitted nearly knocked Erron off his feet, but his extraordinary strength kept him grounded.

As Erron focused intently, his eyes sparked with recognition. However, his hand continued its slow crawl towards his rifle, fueled by his unwavering instincts of survival.

Erron: [ ——Well I'll be darned, ain't that you, puck? Them green eyes of yours ain't foolin' nobody, and that feline figure of yours, just a tad bigger, gives it away. Dang cat, thought you done run off for good.]

Puck: [——]

Puck remained silent, towering over Erron as he rose to his up once more, his gaze piercing down at the smaller man. Erron's eyes squinted slightly as he peered up at the massive feline, his grip tightening on his rifle in anticipation of any sudden movements, though he refrained from drawing it just yet.

Erron: [ What in hell got yer tongue, my fellin friend? Yer quieter than a mouse in a cat's den...or is it a cat in dog's den ?]

Puck: [—— Erron Black, you have disappointed me by failing to safeguard my daughter, resulting in her untimely death!]

Erron: [ Well, ain't that a kick in the gut? Seems like you're going through some heavy grieving, huh? I tried my darnedest to shield her, but I reckon it didn't quite work out. I'll be damned if i don't feel like the whole world's against me right now...well nothing new I guess]

Puck: [ If my daughter is dead, than my purpose in life has been shattered. if my daughter cannot be a part of this world, then this world does not deserve to exist a—!]

Puck's sentence was abruptly cut short as thunderous explosions erupted, relentlessly pounding against his colossal head. However, unsurprisingly, the impacts seemed to have little effect on him, as he remained unfazed.

Puck: [——]

Gazing down at the source of the attacks, Puck spotted Erron, who stood there with unwavering determination, skillfully aiming his rifle at him with one hand while relentlessly firing a barrage of shots.

Puck: [ ——Enough!, Your endeavors are futile.]

Erron: [Guhk!——]

Saying so, Puck unleashed a tiny, icy arrow that struck Erron's hand, forcing him to drop his rifle. Despite the pain, Erron gritted his teeth and held onto Emilia's lifeless form with an unyielding grip. Determined and angry, he swiftly retrieved his revolver and pointed it directly at the towering menace that was Puck.

Erron: [ It ain't enough 'til I give the go-ahead, you damn fool!.]

Puck: [——]

From an outsider's point of view, it would seem foolish for Erron to be aiming his revolver at a massive monster while carrying the lifeless body of a girl. The monster, towering over them like a residential building with seven floors or more, is a formidable opponent that most would run from.

However,

Erron's actions are not without purpose. Despite the danger and the odds stacked against him, he have his reasons and for that reasons he will not bend a knee even in the face of such a gaient creature.

Puck: [ Erron Black, why do you persist? Just Accept your inevitable fate and die alongside my daughter.]

Erron: [ Invitable?]

Erron's laughter was filled with rage instead of amusement as he aimed a shot at the massive puck, only to see it have no effect.

Erron: [ There ain't nothin' that's inevitable 'cept for your damn foolishness!. Let me reckon the blunders that make you more worthy of death than any other jackass I've come across ever!. First, you vanish into thin air, only God's knows where, just to reappear when it's all said and done,—— when it's already too damn late to do anything!]

Once more, Erron foolishly fired a bullet at the colossal creature, only to witness its complete ineffectiveness yet again.

Puck: [——]

Erron: [ You mangy feline! Your silence tells me you're paying attention, which is a good start——Second mistake. you dared make the mistake of accusing me of failing to protect her?. I may have failed miserably, but at least I tried and I tried Hard!. And unlike you, I made sure to avenge her death by taking out every single one of those responsible. You, on the other hand, are nothing but a lazy, useless big ass cat who couldn't catch a mouse if it danced right in front of your FACE!]

Erron's frustration grew with each passing moment as he unleashed three rapid shots from his revolver, only to witness the giant puck remain unscathed. His anger simmered, fueling his body burning the cold that kept Rising every second.

Puck: [—— you done?]

Erron: [ ——No!, third mistak You think you can just waltz in here and threaten to destroy the world, you sorry excuse for a cat?, well let me ask you something..., this poor girl of yours wouldn't want the world to freeze just because of her. does she? ]

Puck: [ Absolutely not! She is completely unaware,...which is precisely why I refrained from informing her about the contractual terms. Her compassionate nature would never desire anything of the sort.]

Erron: [——I see]

Erron's eyes fixated on the massive puck, a menacing glint reflecting in his gaze as he clenched his gloved hand tightly around his revolver. With a forceful squeeze, he attempted to fire, only to find that no bullet emerged from the chamber.

Erron: [this...]

Surveying his surroundings, Erron noticed that the entire area had transformed into a frozen wasteland, white ice stretching as far as the eye could see. The golden revolver in his hand had become encased in ice, rendering it useless, prompting him to discard it onto the icy ground before redirecting his attention to the colossal puck looming before him.

Erron: [ You are one terrible father puck, you're just as despicable as the scum who took her life. In fact, you're even worse, and I swear I'm gonna make you pay for trying to stain her memory like this, you damn jerk!.]

Puck: [ It's useless erron black, you cannot harm me, especially since your weapons are now disabled. What other option do you have besides daying?]

Erron: [ I ain't finished yet, I still got one gun that can take down overpowered varmints like you.]

With a swift motion, Erron effortlessly maneuvered Emilia's lifeless form, shifting her weight onto his left side. Without missing a beat, he nonchalantly dropped his sack to the ground, the thud echoing through the cold air. His left hand delved into the depths of the sack, emerging with a sleek, black lever action rifle.

The weapon gleamed with ominous red energy as the ice around erron started to melt at the rifle presence, then Erron expertly aimed it at the towering figure of the colossal puck, his eyes narrowing with killing intent.

Puck: [——Erron Black, you truly exhibit an extraordinary level of madness.]

Erron: [ And I couldn't care less about your blabberin', so just shut your trap and ——draw'!.]

Puck: [——As you wish.]

As the air suddenly thickened, a bone-chilling cold enveloped the entire area, freezing everything in its path. However, amidst this frozen place, there was a small pocket of warmth surrounding Erron and emilia. It wasn't due to any mercy from the towering giant puck that loomed over him, but rather the incredible power of his lever action rifle.

This remarkable weapon that can also be considered legendary generated a protective force field, shielding anyone within its vicinity from harm. The story behind the creation of this rifle is quite intriguing.—— But In short, Erron fused together several items made of metal that was infused with the powers that was taken forcefully from shinnok, which he used to have before his banishment to netherralm. One of these items happened to be none other than Drahmin's mask.

But let's not digress from the current intense confrontation between Erron and the beast of the end.

Puck: [Sleep along with my daughter ... forever]

Erron: [Yeah see ya never, puck]

With that exchange of words as the last, puck summoned a barrage of colossal icicles, resembling sharp spears, that twirled like a mighty earth drill before descending upon Erron with a fast and menacing blue glow.

However, just as the icicles were about to strike Erron, a gunshot echoed through the air, resonating like the simultaneous roar of twenty thunderbolts.

Suddenly, a brilliant crimson light emerged, seemingly born from the sound of the gunshot. Time seemed to slow down as the bullet propelled itself upwards, piercing through the icy spears and causing them to evaporate into thin air. In that fleeting moment, puck's keen eyes registered the imminent danger as the bullet materialized before him.

——so that's how it ends.

Within the blink of an eye, the realization dawned upon puck that Erron's words wasn't a lie, he truly possessed a weapon capable of killing him. As the moment slipped away, the bullet effortlessly passed through puck's gaient head, obliterating It in an instant without even a whisper of sound. As the colossal body of the fallen puck began to disintegrate, it transformed into shimmering specks of mana, fading away into the ether and so all the ice around the place.

...

Erron: [ Dan... Dan... Dangit! I... I... reckon I had a feelin' 'bout that rifle ricochet spellin' trouble,... knew it was gonna be the death of me one day...]

Erron found himself in a really wretched condition, pinned to the wall of a house with an icy bar jutting out from his bloody chest. This wasn't the work of puck...well not all of it, it was the consequence of using his superpowerd rifle. The rifle's recoil had propelled him forty-six yards back at such a speed that he was impaled by the ice bar upon impact.

Erron: [——d-ang it!,... I...I can't mo-ve]

Despite his efforts, Erron was unable to budge an inch. It appeared that the ice bar had severed his spinal cord completely, rendering him paralyzed. As he lay there, slowly blackness creeping into his vision, Erron knew that his fate was sealed in this dire state.

However.

???: [ Wake up! Are you there, sir? Please respond if you're awake!]

Erron: [um?]

As Erron began to shut his eyes, preparing himself for what seemed like an inevitable demise, a sudden voice, a masculine one filled with concern, halted him in his tracks. He reluctantly opened his eyes, squinting to catch a glimpse of the person who called out to him. Through the haze,

Erron managed to discern a figure with fiery red hair and piercing blue eyes. Whoever this guy was, he appeared genuinely worried about Erron's well-being. Summoning the last ounce of strength he had left, Erron mustered a feeble response, barely audible but enough to acknowledge the stranger's concern.

Erron: [ W-What do you, uh, want?.]

Reinhardt: [ It's such a relief to see that you're still alive! I'm Reinhardt van Astrea, known as the Sword Saint. I'm here to find out what exactly went down in this area. It's a grim scene - the slums are filled with lifeless bodies, some frozen solid, and others terribly injured. You seem to be the only one left standing. Can you shed some light on what transpired here?]

——Well, looks like everyone's dead, huh? And i Took care of the varmint who done 'em in... reckon that makes me some kinda hero now, don't it?... What a laugh I bet raiden would love to hear about this.

Laughing inwardly, Erron shifted his focus back to the man standing in front of him. The realization that Reinhardt had completely ignored his wounds and physical condition and didn't talk about them, only inquiring about the events that had unfolded, led Erron to the grim conclusion that there was no hope of him being saved from death. With a heavy sigh, Erron's resignation was palpable.

Erron: [ W-Well, there was this here l...lady who had a mighty strong cravin' for people's guts, a young'un who was really creepy with a w-hole heap of ninety-three wild beasts as pet's, and a real giant cat spirit that was shootin' ice all over the place...yeah]

Reinhardt: [——]

Reinhardt's face showed utter shock when he heard Erron's words, he appeared genuinely surprised. Erron could understand, considering the night was filled with chaos, blood, and death.

Reinhardt: [...then what happened?...I mean where they go?, did They cause you this?]

Erron: [ n-ah, I...i reckon I brought this upon m-yself, ain't nobody else to blame... b-ut me...besides that]

Erron Black flashed a grin as wide as the open prairie, but Reinhardt couldn't catch a glimpse of it beneath his concealed mask.

Erron: [T-hey didn't go anywhere]

Reinhardt: [Then wher—]

Erron: [ All them varmints done been taken out, every last one of 'em. ——I killed 'em all]

Reinhardt: [——!]

——this is unbelievable.

Reinhardt found it hard to accept, but he couldn't deny that what he just heard was indeed the truth. With determination, he grasped the hand of his sword collecting courage to speak up. Before him stood a hero, a hero who surpassed him in every way. This hero had been battling tirelessly throughout the night while Reinhardt had been idle. Feeling a sense of guilt, he knew he had to at least offer his service a last wich before it was too late. And so, he mustered up the courage to open his mouth and speak.

Erron: [ H-ey there, buddy, do me a solid, will ya?]

but before he could speak up Erron spoke first cutting him off.

Reinhardt: [ I will do anything just ask!]

Reinhardt appeared extremely enthusiastic in his reply, but Erron seemed indifferent he didn't notice.

Erron: [ T-here's a pretty kind girl with silver locks her name is emilia, lyin' dead 'round these parts. If ya stumble upon her,... be a pal and lay her to rest next to the prettiest tree ya can locate. I was fixin' to do it myself, but...well, reckon I ain't got much time left now.]

Reinhardt: [I see ... then as the sword saint I promise you that I won't rest until I fulfill your request!]

Erron nodded at him as he gradually closed, his eyes, he can feel it he finally reached his end.

——Well at least my death wasn't boring.

With that thought Erron black breathed his last.

Reinhardt: [ sir! Could you tell me your nam—]

Reinhardt was about to begin his search for the girl when he realized he forgot to ask for the hero's name. He hurried back to inquire, only to find out that the hero...

Reinhardt: [...he is dead]

At that moment, Reinhardt's heart made an unwavering decision - he vowed to lay the hero and the girl to rest in a solemn ceremony, side by side, in double graves. He will honor him and her, forever.

And just like that the legend of the nameless hero appeared and will live on for ages to come.

Puck: [ Alright, we've got a deal. And as I am the great spirit of fire I promise you a generous reward once you help us find what we lost]

Erron: [ ——]

In a sudden moment, Erron's vision sharpened and he realized he was shaking hands with Puck amidst the hustle and bustle of the street.

——Ain't it like I just kicked the bucket?