The Sekirei’s Covenant

"Lady Erica!"

The giant boar was still thundering behind them, chasing fiercely. At that moment, one or two red cars drifted out from the chaotic streets. Even Sora couldn't help but blink twice, silently admiring the driving skills!

"Arianna, go!"

Erica opened the rear door and shoved Sora inside, then quickly got in herself. Closing the door, she urgently shouted to the maid girl in the driver's seat.

"Yes, Lady Erica!"

The maid smoothly shifted gears, released the clutch, and pressed the accelerator. The car roared like a red arrow and sped away.

Meanwhile, in midair above the street—

"Hahaha… As expected of the boy I chose, to block the divine beast's advance with just a mere human body. Impressive! Very impressive! Hahaha…"

Floating in midair and laughing heartily, the robed boy had witnessed everything. His expression gleamed with interest, as if he had discovered something very amusing.

Watching the boar still angrily roaring and trying to chase Sora, the boy gradually calmed down and transformed into a fierce whirlwind, enveloping the boar's massive body.

"Roar…"

The wild boar let out a terrified, agonizing scream. Once an invincible giant on this land, it surprisingly had no strength to resist under the hurricane. After struggling for a moment, it suddenly dissipated into thin air with a bang.

As the wild boar's body vanished, the hurricane gradually subsided. The once chaotic island finally fell silent, leaving behind only a scene of utter devastation and ruin…

"Phew… Thank goodness, the wild boar was defeated by the suddenly appeared Heretic God."

Erica, who had been watching the situation behind them, let out a long sigh of relief. If that huge divine beast had caught up to them, none of them would have survived today.

But obviously, their luck was still pretty good.

The divine beasts that appeared a few days ago—the "Camel," the "Bull," and the "Goat"—were all defeated by this suddenly appeared Heretic God. So seeing the "Wild Boar" fall in the same way didn't surprise Erica much.

"Hey, what's your name, anyway?"

Looking at Sora beside her, Erica's expression was complicated. In the end, she couldn't help but ask.

Apart from the genius girl Liliana of the Bronze-Black Cross and the prodigy boy Lu Yinghua of the Mount Lu Shrine—world-class top talents—there really hadn't been many peers who could catch Erica's proud and discerning eye. But from now on, it seemed there would be one more.

She hadn't paid much attention before, but now looking carefully, Erica suddenly realized that this guy, though dressed plainly, was actually quite impressive. Recalling how he suddenly appeared to block the way when she was desperate, even the queen-like proud Erica couldn't help but blush slightly, her heart stirred by strange ripples…

"Tch, I remember someone once said, 'My name is Erica Blandelli, you don't need to give your name, just consider this a return gift,' as if names of small people like us weren't worth bothering with."

Though still pale, Sora barely managed to regain some strength. Looking at this proud girl who was clearly saved by him yet still acting haughty, he curled his lips and said sourly.

"You…"

Erica's face instantly turned red with anger. She glared at Sora for a long time, speechless.

She was furious inside. Erica swore that many people had flattered her to make her know their names, but to reject her—Erica Blandelli—this annoying guy was definitely the first in history!!!

However, a girl, especially a genius girl like Erica, if you blindly obey and flatter her, she will think everything is deserved and will never take you seriously to show her pride.

But if you conquer her heart with your actions and show your difference from others' flattery, she will start to care about you and leave a deep mark in her heart just for you.

At this moment, Erica was exactly like that. Although Sora's annoying attitude made the proud girl furious, at the same time it also caused an unshakable strange touch in her heart…

Indeed, this guy was special. He wouldn't flatter or fawn over her like others. Although annoying, this kind of personality seemed quite cute…

"Erica Blandelli, let me formally introduce myself. Thanks for what you did just now."

No longer as overbearing as before, Erica's cheeks flushed slightly. She extended a hand to Sora, her voice carrying an unusual gentleness.

Though a small change, it represented the completely different attitude the girl had toward Sora compared to others.

"Ha… Kusanagi Sora, you're welcome."

Sora was stunned by the sudden change in the girl, seeming a bit unable to react.

But as the saying goes, you don't hit a smiling face. Since she had already changed her attitude, if he continued, he would be as arrogant as the young lady before. So he awkwardly extended his hand and shook Erica's.

"Kusanagi Sora, huh… that name…"

Even Erica, who had extraordinary negotiation skills and never got stage fright no matter how grand the occasion, felt her cheeks flush. After lightly shaking Sora's hand, she quickly withdrew it, silently memorizing this ordinary yet special name deep in her heart.

"Sora, where are you headed? The whole town is chaotic now. I can have Arianna take you there directly."

Though the atmosphere was a bit awkward, the feeling of mutual unfamiliarity was gone. With Erica's insight, she immediately saw that Sora had just come from out of town, so she kindly offered.

"Yeah, I do have a place to go. Have you heard of Lucretia Zola? If you can take me to her house, I'd be really grateful."

Though she didn't know why this little proud girl suddenly changed her attitude toward him, since she wanted to help, Sora naturally wouldn't be polite. If it weren't for him, this young lady might have already perished, so he accepted the favor without hesitation.

"Lucretia Zola, the 'Witch of Sardinia'! What do you want with her?"

Apparently, this Lucretia Zola was quite famous. A certain princess before and now this knight young lady both showed surprised expressions upon hearing her name. Looks like the old man's friend was really something special!

Well, of course, Sora didn't care about these things. Maybe it was better this way. Since Erica had heard of her, she could take him there directly, so he wouldn't have to search house by house.

Ahem, yes, if he hadn't met Erica, he probably would have done just that, sweat…

"It's nothing much. My old man asked me to deliver a broken stone tablet to her from far away."

Casually answering, Sora pulled out the Prometheus' Grimoire from his bag behind him. Hmm, good, it wasn't lost.

"A mythic era grimoire!"

Seeing the stone tablet in Sora's hand, Erica's eyes widened in surprise, and she exclaimed.

Grimoires, especially those from the mythic era, each held great significance and value. No wonder Erica was so shocked. Even the Blandelli family didn't have such a precious item.

Of course, though grimoires were precious, they were also very dangerous, as they were closely related to the gods!

Looking deeply at Sora, Erica suddenly realized that this boy she hadn't paid much attention to at first was actually very mysterious…

"Arianna, take us to Lucretia Zola's house."

Back to reality, Erica instructed the young maid in front.

"Cough cough… Maid-san, I'd appreciate it if you could drive a bit more safely."

Seeing the maid excitedly gripping the steering wheel and turning it wildly, Sora interjected.

"Yes, Lady Erica, brave sir!"

The maid named Arianna replied crisply, then floored the accelerator. The small car immediately sped off even faster…