Second Lead Syndrome (1-187) | ✓

• 124 •

Author's note: Because the side characters are pirates and outlaws, their manner of speaking is...uncouth. Hence, there will be more cursing.

If you want to see how the next new side character, Kiyae, looks like, please head over to my Ko-fi profile, or the SLS discord server!

Cecil was currently rummaging through her brain for any ingenious plan to help them escape from this crisis. She and Hana needed to join back with Xue and K’xug, and she might just get the chance to complete her mission that way. 

The other three ships were still surrounding them and coming closer, shooting out cannonballs as it landed in the water next to the cruise ship. The cruise ship rocked unsteadily, causing Hana to feel worse as the dizziness reached its peak. 

“They sure are slow.” Haru sighed, looking at his comrades on the ship. 

“Uhm…” Hana spoke up, looking more sick than ever. “Can you let me go now?” 

Haru looked down at Hana, smirking. “Even if you are cute and pretty, I won’t let a hostage go.” 

“No, not that--I want to puke.” 

“Huh?” 

At that moment, Hana’s face twisted and she started to retch. 

“Woah, hey!” Haru exclaimed, releasing her in alarm. He definitely did not want to get any nasty vomit on his clothes and arms. 

Cecil gasped silently. 

Chance! 

Without hesitation, Cecil did a spinning kick just like how K’xug had advised her. 

It successfully struck Haru who was still caught off guard by Hana’s actions. He stumbled back and landed harshly on the deck of the cruise ship, groaning as his hat flew away.

“Hana, run!” Cecil hollered out, grabbing Hana’s hand and running away. “Hurry!”

Hana was still gagging. “I...I feel really sick. Urgh--” 

Veau observed as the ladies ran away, before turning to look back at Haru on the ground. 

“Th-that rich lady, sure can kick hard!” Haru blinked in amazement, his hand pressing against his red cheek. “Hey, partner! Don’t just stand there, help me catch them!” 

“Ah, so you want to catch them after all.” 

Haru gave Veau a look. “Isn’t it obvious?” 

Veau raised his hand as he aimed it in the direction of Hana and Cecil. 

The two ladies were still running away like their lives depended on it when suddenly, streaks of black lines burst out in front of them. Cecil barely managed to dodge one of the lines as it cut off an inch of her hair, and her eyes widened in shock. 

She spun around to look at the smiling Veau and Haru standing up, an expression of disbelief written on his face as he looked at Veau. 

She clicked her tongue, turning back as she swiped out her daggers. She twirled it around her hands and struck it against the wavy black lines in front of them, blocking their way. 

It was as if they were made of the strongest metal, and equipped with a barrier. 

There was a clanging sound, and the dagger almost flew out from her hands as she was forced back with an unknown force around the black lines. 

“Damnit, why did I even bother trying,” Cecil cursed to herself. “We are trapped here now.” 

Hana managed to hold back the bile rising in her throat, her teary eyes observing the situation. She tried to use her elemental powers, only to realise she couldn’t, remembering the attendant warning them about the lanterns planted on the cruise ship.