Chapter 166 Waterway

• Sebastian and Maria swung their weapons, slashing and stabbing at the Empyrean Rats that leaped at them from the riverbank. Under Maria's control, the small boat slowly drifted farther from shore, splattered with the blood of the fallen rats. Sebastian was drenched in it, but Maria's pristine white attire remained spotless, the material seemingly enchanted to repel any blood that touched it.
• As they reached the center of the river, the Empyrean Rats shrieked angrily from the riverbank, unwilling to dive in after them. The water was littered with rat corpses, and Sebastian couldn't help but think they could fetch a good price in crystal stones. Using his massive blade, he steered the boat closer to some floating carcasses, gathering them up. He couldn't help but notice that he'd started picking up some of Stan's thrifty habits.
• "Wash up already!" Maria sighed in relief, seeing the rats couldn't pursue them any further. "And let me have a look at that blade of yours."