The clash of blades escalates into a series of exchanges.
Though, we’re both novices when it comes to wielding swords.
We recklessly clash her golden blade against my black one.
Each time, Asahina’s face contorts, and my superiority becomes more apparent.
Indeed, Asahina’s strength is impressive, but our base physical capabilities are worlds apart.
No matter how much we both enhance ourselves with lightning, the [rate] of enhancement differs based on our original muscle mass.
And on top of that, my skill surpasses hers.
Under these circumstances, there’s not even a one-in-a-million chance of her overpowering me.
I deflect her along with her blade and follow up with a front kick to her stomach.
She stumbles, gasping in pain, and I calmly watch her.
While lightning-based abilities can enhance most physical attributes, they don’t improve defense or durability.
Asahina has taken a punch to the face, two slaps to the cheeks, and even a serious flick to the forehead. She’s probably nearing her physical limit.
Besides, the time limit is almost up.
A magical light envelops both Asahina and me.
The outcome between the two classes has already been decided.
This fight is nothing more than a way to pass the time until the transfer preparations are complete.
Asahina visibly panics, while I shrug.
“Looks like time’s up.”
……To be honest, I had planned to utterly defeat you.
Whether as Shinzaki or in this form.
The goal this time was to 【crush Asahina Kasumi】.
For the sake of her future growth.
To keep her from becoming complacent.
“I take back what I said earlier. Let’s call this your second victory. I couldn’t defeat you this time either.”
“……!”
She glares at me, clearly dissatisfied.
True, I didn’t go for the kill. There were plenty of opportunities to end you.
But this isn’t a fight to the death—it’s just a game.
I fought relatively seriously within the predefined rules.
And while I couldn’t defeat you, I did manage to pass on some techniques.
So, I don’t really care about winning or losing.
At the very least, I accomplished what I needed to.
“Well then, I’ll take my leave. Make sure to hold your head high as the victor.”
“Don’t mess with me! This isn’t over—”
Before she could finish, the transfer began.
By the time I realized it, we were already standing at the entrance of the cave.
Asahina stares at me, wide-eyed and stunned, as I casually appear from the transfer.
“Ah, Amamori……kun?”
“You……what happened? You’re all beat up.”
I, as Amamori Yuuto, casually ask her.
By now, Yatagarasu has vanished.
Only me, the Literature Club members, and Asahina remain.
And of course, my alibi is perfectly intact.
“Ah, huh……transfer? Wait, Asahina-san!? Why are you covered in wounds!?”
“Amamori-kun joined us right after separating from Asahina-san……d-did Shinzaki-kun cause trouble again……?”
The voices of Higarashi-san and Hoshina-san, who transferred with us.
Asahina looks back at them, then at me, her shoulders trembling as tears well up.
Then, she clings to me tightly.
“Amamori-kun……! I’m so glad……you’re safe……!”
Her body shakes.
Battered, outmatched, and frustrated.
Yet, she still worries for others and sheds tears.
Seeing her like this, I can’t help but smile wryly.
……I see, Asahina.
I never wanted you to aspire to be a hero of justice.
But if that’s the path you choose, I won’t stand in your way.
Not as a machine or a system that mechanically upholds good.
But as a human who cherishes others and values goodness within humanity.
–That’s the kind of existence I prefer.
And so, the battle between Class 1-C and Class 1-B comes to an end.
In the end, Asahina and Shinzaki never crossed fists.
Instead, Yatagarasu of Yaen unilaterally dominated, ending in a stalemate.
Asahina has come to recognize her own strength.
As for Shinzaki……it’s unclear how things will unfold.
But at the very least, I’ve laid the groundwork for the future.
……Now, it’s up to how much they grow.
I avert my gaze from Asahina, who’s still clinging to me.
Suddenly, I glance into the cave.
There should be no one there.
–Yet, in the depths of the darkness, white hair sways.
[Amamori Yuuto, the one who relies on others’ growth]
If I were to put it into words, there’s only one person who fits.
The [nuisance] within Class C has been dealt with.
Class B has been thoroughly crushed, ensuring they can’t interfere.
That leaves only one opponent.
By the time I notice, the white-haired girl has vanished like an illusion.
Was it a figment of my imagination—or was she truly there?
I can’t say for sure now……but if she was, it’s someone I can accept.
–Class 1-A, Tachibana Tsukihime.
The battle with her will undoubtedly be beyond imagination.
After all, she’s a monster who surpasses me in reading each othert.
Even if I read dozens, hundreds of moves ahead, it might not be enough.
“……What a pain.”
The one I muttered that about is no longer here.
Instead, Asahina, misunderstanding my words, flinches.
☆☆☆
–At almost the same time, deep within the cave.
Amamori Yuuto stands in the innermost chamber.
This is likely a clone he left behind.
Naturally, it’s far weaker than the original. ……Yet, this clone has single-handedly reached the deepest part of the cave, having slain hundreds of monsters along the way.
“……What do you mean, [only weak monsters]?”
Before him lies the corpse of a dragon he killed.
To Amamori Yuuto, it’s nothing more than a trivial creature he could slaughter with one hand. But for Asahina, Shinzaki, and the others, this dragon would have posed a significant challenge. That’s how much strength and durability this lizard possessed.
–Why do such monsters exist beneath the academy?
Amamori Yuuto’s doubts center on this single point.
Was this monster created by the academy?
If so, how and for what purpose?
Every monster he’s fought so far has charged straight at him.
No matter how much he demonstrates his superiority or how many he slaughters.
As if their sole purpose is to kill Amamori Yuuto.
After a moment of hesitation, he plunges his hand into the corpse and begins to manipulate it.
He extracts a mass of crimson flesh.
And with that flesh, Amamori Yuuto activates【another ability】.
“……………………”
A long, heavy silence.
Even if only a few seconds in real time.
From the moment he activates the ability until the results manifest.
–No, even after understanding everything.
Amamori Yuuto remains motionless.
“……Sigh.”
Eventually, he lets out a deep sigh.
He crushes the mass of flesh in his hand.
Fragments of meat splatter onto his cheek.
The expression on his face is no longer blank.
For the first time since coming to this academy.
An expression other than a smile appears.
–The air grows heavy.
“Bad premonitions……why do they always come true?”
His tone is eerily calm.
But there’s no trace of his usual demeanor.
Lightning scorches the surroundings, the air trembles, and the dragon’s corpse decays.
An overwhelming, suffocating killing intent.
Pure hatred.
“It would’ve been better if it was just a suspicion. ……How much better it would’ve been if I was overthinking.”
Amamori Yuuto had a 【real reason】 for deciding to enroll in this academy.
He’ll never speak of it.
A liar doesn’t always tell the truth.
For someone like Amamori Yuuto, who seeks freedom.
A life bound by school rules holds no value.
That’s why he had a reason.
Even if it meant sacrificing his freedom.
Even if it meant giving up everything.
There was something he had to confirm at this academy.
And now, it’s clear.
“This academy……I’ll destroy it soon.”
Standing before this corpse.
As someone who bears the name Amemori.
There’s no turning back.
In his glassy, clouded eyes, pity and scorn intertwine.
“I feel absolutely terrible. To think that…something this fake would share the same blood as me.”
READ THE ORIGINAL TRANSLATION AT GADGETIZEDPANDA.COM
TLNOTE:So the guy in vol 3 cover is actually Shinzaki. Then again Yuuto doesn’t smile so it should be obvious
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