Diary of Guarding Monster Girls

The first arrow was to neutralize the beam, the second to attract attention, and the third was the real killer blow.

Now, although the process was somewhat different from what she imagined, the outcome remained unchanged.

It fell!

She lifted her head amidst the smoke and dust, her heroic figure appearing even more valiant against the surrounding environment.

Just as Sofia was about to plead for praise from her lord—she heard her master's rebuke.

"Idiot! What are you idly waiting for!!?"

At this moment, everything was happening too fast, and Herbert, finally having the chance to speak, couldn't help but roar:

"Keep running!"

Damn it!

Do you not understand such a simple principle that smoke is harmless!!?

Run?

This time, trusting her own strength, Sofia did not immediately follow Herbert's instruction, turning back confusedly to look at her master.

I have already won...

Sofia was just thinking this when she saw Herbert rush towards her.

Pushing her head down forcefully.

Sizzle—

In the next moment, a crimson light brushed past her hair and the back of Herbert's hand from above.

"Ugh!"

Herbert let out a muffled grunt, baring his teeth in a grin as he looked at the one-centimeter-thick melted portion of his hand.

Click.

Almost left a hand here.

But fortunately, he was in a soul state now and didn't harm his essence; he just needed some rest and could recover quickly.

However, while Herbert didn't mind, Sofia couldn't accept such a thing.

My master is injured.

My master is injured!

"..."

She watched this scene with immense guilt, her heart full of remorse and anger for her negligence.

I didn't protect my master well.

Anger and guilt burned fiercely in her heart, her eyes turning blood-red as she turned back to fiercely stare at the robot emerging again from the smoke and dust.

Though it suffered severe damage, with a large hole in its chest, it hadn't lost its combat capability and slowly got up from the ground.

It attempted to attack Sofia again, but when it raised its hand, nothing was fired.

Such a powerful attack wasn't without limits; it came at a significant cost.

That robot!

Destroy it!

Kill it!!!

From deep within Sofia arose an irresistible impulse to go all out with this robot in a life-and-death struggle.

The hooves kept pawing the ground; gripping the weapon in her hand, she was determined to completely destroy the enemy that harmed her master, even if it meant risking her life!

Kill it!

"Sofia!"

But as Sofia's battle desire surged, Herbert forcefully pulled her back, shouting in her ear, "Don't be impulsive! Go!"

Go!?

How can I leave now?

"But! You're injured! I..."

Sofia turned her head, unable to control her emotions, glaring with scarlet eyes at Herbert, who stopped her from avenging.

She was utterly consumed, unable to distinguish the current situation.

No one can stop me from avenging my master!

Not even my master!

Although Sofia was consumed, Herbert remained very calm, staring at her and saying, "I'm not negotiating with you; this is an order! Go!"

Upon hearing these cold words, Sofia's body shook, waking up immediately.

She finally realized what she was doing just now.

"I!!?"

To be so derelict.

My master must be deeply disappointed in me now.

"...Yes!"

Sofia no longer cared to assess the robot's status and immediately turned around, sprinting along the pre-prepared escape route.

Perhaps out of overwhelming shame, Sofia put all her might into the run, moving much faster than before.

On her horse's back, Herbert turned back to gaze at the enormous smoke and dust, squinting at the faintly visible robot within.

While urgently asking Sofia to leave was due to having no chance of victory, it was also because that robot's state was particularly off.

Sofia hadn't noticed earlier, but Herbert clearly saw a detail.

Just when the robot, heavily damaged, was about to pursue, the spread of flesh over its chest suddenly hindered its movement.

Its state was very unusual.

Those fleshes were bizarre, seemingly controlled by another will entirely.

More like a parasite than symbiosis?

And just as Herbert thought this, a weak voice suddenly sounded in his ears.

"...Help!"

Who is speaking?

"Please—"

The sound was not an emotionless mechanical voice but a desperate plea, mingled with cries of dozens, even hundreds of people, male and female, old and young.

Their wails overlapped, echoing continuously in Herbert's ears.

Herbert widened his eyes, intently watching the robot heavily kneeling in place, with numerous thoughts flashing in his mind.

Rescue you?

"Please—"

The voice tugged at something soft in his heart, making him want to cry for their tragic fate.

"..."

But confronted with this bizarre situation, Herbert finally just furrowed his brows once more, decisively withdrawing his gaze.

He even patted Sofia, instructing her, "Sofia, run faster."

This place is tainted, not suitable for a long stay.

Time to get out of here.

"Yes!"

He glanced back at the dust left behind, shaking his head slightly.

Herbert considered himself not to be a heartless person, and under most circumstances, if he had the strength, he was willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.