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The Paper User: Exiled for a ‘Trash Skill,’ Awakens True Power and Rises with Two Unique Skills ,Volume 2 - Chapter 28

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Chapter: Ryza’s Resolve

“Yakumo!”

Melt ran up to me.

“I never expected you to have a technique capable of taking down a Plant Dragon. Incredible man.”

“No, it’s thanks to Kinako stopping its movements,” I said, shaking my head.

“If it were just me, the tentacles would have blocked my chance to strike its neck.”

“Kinako really did well,” Melt nodded.

“Though Teto got away,” Kinako added, scratching his head with his white claws.

“If we had captured him, we might’ve learned the way out.”

“Right. We need to chase him immediately.”

At that moment, angry shouts echoed from the squad members. They surrounded Ryza, glaring at her.

“You’re a follower of the Dolls Church too, aren’t you?”

One of them pointed a longsword at her.

“No trial needed. We’ll kill you right here!”

“N-No!”

Ryza’s face went pale as she protested.

“I was in a party with Teto, but I’m not a fanatic!”

“That’s hard to believe.”

A large squad member stepped toward her.

“We’ll avenge our comrades!”

“Wait!”

Kinako spoke up.

“Ryza isn’t a follower.”

“How can you be sure?”

The squad member glared at him.

“She was attacked normally by the Armor Golems. Plus, she helped defeat them. A follower wouldn’t do that.”

“I… see,” the squad member muttered.

“I also believe Ryza isn’t a follower,” I said, stepping in front of her.

“Even when Teto’s betrayal was revealed, she only looked surprised and didn’t move. If she were a follower, she would have run with him.”

“That makes sense,” Melt nodded.

“Her staying here proves she isn’t a follower… I suppose.”

“But right now, we should focus on chasing Teto,” Kinako said.

“If we catch him, we might discover the exit.”

“Right. Everyone, let’s pursue Teto!” Melt pointed toward the hole Teto had fled into.

As we advanced through the dripping corridor, Ryza tapped my shoulder.

“Thank you, Yakumo, for protecting me.”

“No. I just couldn’t believe you were a follower.”

“…Why did you feel that way?”

“When we first met, you were very wary of me. But as we traveled together, you quickly let your guard down.”

“That’s because you didn’t seem like a bad person.”

“But Teto was different,” I said, brushing water from my hair.

“He never lowered his guard around me. Walking through the forest, he was cautious like a veteran adventurer. Yet you said he made many mistakes. Maybe he was doing it on purpose.”

“…I see,” Ryza’s voice sank.

“I didn’t notice. Even after spending weeks in a party with him.”

“Maybe he wanted to get close to the Flame Dragon Squad without revealing himself as a follower. You were D-rank and had some trust already.”

“…That makes sense. Taking jobs in Gahon Forest was part of his plan, wasn’t it?”

“Perhaps he intended for you to find Lux’s corpse.”

“…I see,” Ryza’s body shivered slightly.

“Yakumo… I’ll catch Teto myself.”

“Be careful. I think he’s hiding his true abilities.”

I pressed my lips together.

Teto had a crystal capable of summoning the Plant Dragon—just like Dagrude’s Dark Dragon. He must be connected to demons in some way.

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