Help, I'm in Another World and All the Men Are Are So Dangerous! [BL]-Chapter 154: The Archer’s Test

The fact that such an important backstory was portrayed so briefly stirred up quite a bit of debate on the forums.

However, it was likely a stylistic choice by the author to convey the kind of tragic events that are commonplace in the mafia world.

At the time, Rocco had read those discussions and praised the author as a genius.

However, now, having been reincarnated into this world, he found himself harboring a deep resentment toward that brief portrayal of such a pivotal moment.

After all, he had completely forgotten about it.

The terrible past experienced by Laxus had been so briefly mentioned that it had slipped his mind entirely.

"Which family is behind this, I wonder? Or... could it be related to that ’mastermind’?" Rocco muttered to himself.

The villain and the protagonist were facing off, just like in an action novel.

In the midst of this tense scene, Rocco—who was completely out of place—had suddenly faded into the background.

It felt so wrong that he was about to cry.

After all, he wasn’t even supposed to be in this scene at all.

"I’m such an idiot...!" Rocco silently chastised himself.

Forgetting such an important part of the story, putting Laxus in danger—it was a situation that he should have been able to prevent.

Rocco was the only one who could have stopped the worst-case scenario from happening.

While curled up in Laxus’s arms, Rocco couldn’t help but thump his own head in frustration.

But then, Laxus shifted uncomfortably, so Rocco immediately stopped his self-punishment.

If he was out of place, the least he could do was avoiding getting in the way of Laxus’s fight!

Rocco quickly shrank back, trying to stay out of the way.

He knew that, realistically, it would be much easier for Laxus to fight if he just left Rocco behind.

However, Laxus never once lowered him to the ground, instead he standing firm as he faced off with the enemy who wielded a bow and arrow.

It was likely a decision made with Rocco’s safety as the top priority, but he couldn’t help but feel the sting of his own helplessness and the frustration of being a burden.

The thought almost made him cry.

"Using a bow as a weapon in this day and age... it feels kind of old-fashioned," Laxus murmured.

Rocco couldn’t help but nod his head in agreement.

In this country, sword fighting was still common, and in long-range combat, firearms were often used.

While there were still some archers, they were usually found in hunting situations.

It was rare for someone to rely solely on a bow in hand-to-hand combat.

As Laxus had said, it could be considered "old-fashioned."

From the look of it, the enemy didn’t seem to be carrying guns or knives.

It appeared that this person was truly an archer, and Rocco wondered if there was a specific reason for this clear focus on using only a bow.

"──...We believe in the old ways. New technologies are nothing but dust that desecrate tradition."

A low voice pierced the quiet of the night.

The words, spoken in a heavy, dragging tone, caused both Rocco and Laxus to tilt their heads in confusion.

"...At least, it doesn’t seem like this is just some act of revenge or frustration. So, who are you... who are you all? What is your goal?"

Laxus’s demeanor shifted drastically.

What had been a relaxed atmosphere became tense and sharp.

It was clear he had picked up on something.

The enemy before them wasn’t just another random assassin, but a clue leading to the "mastermind" he had been searching for.

The use of "we" and the mention of the "old ways" suggested this enemy spoke for a group, as if carrying the will of an organization.

There was no doubt now—this person was part of an independent "organization."

Rocco felt a chill run through him, a deeper sense of truth hidden beneath the surface of what he had read in the original story.

They said reality was stranger than fiction, and while some irregularities or surprises could be expected, this felt like something far greater, and the unease in Rocco’s chest only grew stronger.

"Our goal is the selection of allies. Laxus Del Fiore, our master is still undecided about whether to accept you as one of us."

Rocco blinked his eyes in surprise.

Thinking back to the scenario he remembered, it seemed that the bow-wielding enemy who caused Laxus’s blindness in his right eye was likely the one standing before them now.

However, contrary to his expectations, this enemy wasn’t attacking with pure murderous intent right away.

It seemed more like they were at the stage of negotiation or some other interaction.

If that was the case... did the original Laxus reject the negotiations with this person?

Perhaps the negotiations failed, and the two of them eventually had to fight.

It was then that Laxus had suffered the serious injury of losing his right eye.

For now, that seemed to be the most likely scenario.

"Ah, so you’re talking about allies... it really depends on the details, but before that, can you answer me one thing?"

The enemy gave a shallow nod, and Laxus instantly erased his smile, his expression turning serious as he asked.

"...Why did you try to kill this kid?"

The arm around Rocco tightened with such force that he feared he might be suffocated.

He trembled with the sheer pressure, but he held back any sound of discomfort.

Laxus’s expression became a complete cold, as if it were absolute zero.

Rocco, although he was not the target, couldn’t help but shiver as he looked up at the cold, emotionless face.

It seemed like Laxus had noticed his trembling, because he glanced down at him for a moment and then flashed a gentle smile.

Rocco felt a slight sense of relief, but it quickly vanished as the cold, murderous expression returned, making him shake again.

No matter how he tried, it was terrifying.