Kyogoku took out a dagger from somewhere and swung it out mercilessly.
The blade of the dagger was coated with a sticky purple liquid that would have killed him instantly if an ordinary person touched it.

Is it poison?

'Nope - you've lived well by that, haven't you?　Hidaka-kun.

'Huh ... is that your name again?　Persistent, aren't they?　You brave men.

Kyogoku talks about my identity while cunningly wielding a knife.

But I was surprisingly calm in my mind for some reason, and I felt like a stranger somehow, even though he had given me his name directly.
I found myself not upset at all.

'Saeki did his best, at Greeberg, didn't he?　I admonished him that there was no point in doing that, but he didn't realize that he was brainwashed by that old lady, so it didn't mean much, but he was still trying his best. I think even Koizumi would have approved of that point~.　So you know what?　I think you overreacted a bit, didn't you?　As far as I know, no one in this world has a grudge against Saeki. Except for one person, right?

Is that what I am?　

Dangerous?　I'm going to confiscate this one.

'Oh....'

I snatched the dagger from Kyogoku in an instant.

-- "You have acquired the Dagger of Bloodstopping. I will add it to your equipment."

What is it?　You weren't mad that he guessed?　But, Hidaka?　It's a bit of a no-brainer, isn't it?　He didn't want us to know he was alive and well enough to wear that mask, right?　Then we need to hide it a bit more.

I don't care, but where the hell did this guy get it from?
How does that make sense to you?
It would certainly make me feel uncomfortable if I thought about it that way.
I was caught off guard at Rathhausen.
Not being able to hide the fact that I was a healer was a big mistake.
If so, I don't know how they could have identified me from there.
No, anyone can speculate. The guy doesn't have any proof.

''You guys really seem to like that Hidaka-san, don't you?　I'm sorry to say that. As I told someone else the other day, I am not Hidaka-san.

I don't care if you deny it, I don't have any problem with you. I don't want you to be in denial, I don't want you to be in denial, but I want you to know that it's okay to be noticed. This is a multifaceted problem, though, isn't it?　You were sent away that time saying 'I'll come back to kill you'. I'll never forget those words. I think it's imprinted in everyone's mind in some sort of traumatic way.　And your excessive hatred for Saeki. You simply exposed Saeki out of a personal grudge. That's even more so when we look at it. Even if it wasn't me, Hidaka's face would be flickering in a corner of my head.


But that's what he's speculating about, isn't it?

Let's not talk about the boring stuff...

I closed the distance with 'god speed' and lightly kicked Kyogoku in the gut.

''Guh!''

Then Kyogoku flies backwards in a big way.
It was tame, but it should be effective in its own way.

'I wish you could put yourself in the shoes of us who have to listen to a stranger's story endlessly. You are lacking in imagination. There is no conclusive evidence anywhere in your story. It's all a view based on your senses.　Frankly, I'm not interested in your sensitivity. So much for the chatter, let's get this game over with!

Are you sure? ...talk?

'Do as you please. It's none of my business.

If this is the extent of your exposure, that's it.
You can give me as many allegations as you want.
You guys should keep chasing the shadow of Hidaka, the man you let die.
Hey, it's not me, okay?

--It's Nito.

"I don't care about dead people...

You know what?　Are you going to play another game like you did before?

Then Kyogoku asks abruptly.

'You can't blame me, can you?　It's not a game to begin with.

The old man told you to go easy on him, didn't he?

Yes. That's what it takes to compete.

So?　If I give you the go-ahead, you're gonna show your true colors, aren't you?　I don't like it - I don't want to spend a boring time...

Then Kyogoku stuck his index finger to his own throat.
Gradually, that finger flashed and Kyogoku turned his attention to the audience.

'Ladies and gentlemen of the audience!　And the principal!　And then there's the investors!　I need to talk to you for a moment!

At that time, a ridiculously loud voice flew out of Kyogoku's mouth.

What is this magic........loudspeaker magic?

Kyogoku then begins to question the VIP section.

'If we don't, this will be the boring match I mentioned earlier. At worst, Principal Oswald will stop it again and that will be the end of it. Then I don't know what the purpose of the match is. The match against the school is a prestigious one, and I understand that we can't afford to let people die. But this is an extra game. It's an event that shouldn't have been there in the first place. That's where I would like to make a suggestion...

Ignoring the murmur of the audience, Kyogoku suggests.

'Let me and Nito-san have a duel. A duel for our lives!

The audience buzzed even more at the suggestion.
And the audience waited for the planners to say what their decision would be.

Then Oswald took his magic tool.

'Kyogoku, that is an impossible proposition. The only purpose of this tournament is to ascertain the power of the students. This tournament is for the sole purpose of ascertaining the power of the students, and therefore no one can die. I cannot accept that proposal.

I understand. Then sir?　Can you stop it like you did before?　I'm not going to show my disrespect like Saeki did. I'd rather die gracefully than end up like that. Nito-san will get serious from now on. Please watch that in silence until the game is over, Sensei.

What did I tell you?　You said you couldn't do that. I will stop the match. This cannot be reversed.

Then Kyogoku didn't answer, but dropped his arm and returned his gaze to me.

'So, Hidaka-kun?　Shall we start killing each other?　Or else I'll tell you who I am?

After ignoring Oswald, Kyogoku answers me unreservedly.

'You're a persistent person, aren't you? You said I should do what I want, right?

Well then....

At that moment, a magic circle appeared at Kyogoku's feet.

''--I'll take a different approach!

At that moment, Kyogoku's figure disappeared again.
And where Kyogoku appeared next.

That was.........

[Blasting Fist]

--Toa, Nem and Sufilia, that was where the three of them were.

Kyogoku appeared right in front of the three of them with a magic circle pasted on his fist and slammed his fist against the protective wall with a wry smile.

''Haha!　You can't break this one, can you?

Many people in the audience voiced their confusion at the situation.

''The [Great Explosive Fist]!

In addition, Kyogoku applies multiple magic circles to both hands and strikes a series of protective barriers.

Is that thrust speed caused by magic?　Or is it skill?
Obviously, it's not that of a human.

I activated 【Shin Speed】 and kicked the ground.
Then I give Kyogoku, who continues to strike repeatedly with a madman-like expression, a spinning kick.

''Ugh!　Haha!

Kyogoku was blown backwards, taking a passive role as if he knew a kick was coming there.
Of course it's added or subtracted.
But the damage would be commensurate.

''Hahaha!''

For some reason, Kyogoku let out a laugh as he danced vigorously through the air.
Then, just short of the ground, Kyogoku went backwards and landed firmly.

At that moment, the audience cheered.

Saeki ended up slumping to the ground.
But this guy, at least, had taken a passive hit.
The bloated magic power is not very large, but the ability seems to be so-so.

That's what I'm talking about!　That's a lot of power for a reduced price?　Really!　I wonder what the hell happened to you!



To be honest, I hardly know this guy.
I only saw him when I was in Japan, and that's why I don't have a vengeance.
I'm not sure if I feel the need to kill him or not.
But if it was a place, I would have killed it long ago.
I'm not vengeful, but I'm depressed.

'If you want to kill each other with me, it doesn't have to be now, does it?　I'll kill you without going out of my way to provoke you by imitating you to harm your friends. It's just not convenient in a place like this.

I don't have time for this, I want to make the most of it. Besides, I want to do this now more than anything. I don't want your opinion. It's just a very simple proposition, okay?　If we're going to have a match, let's get serious about it, and that's all there is to it. That's what a match should be about, right?　So why don't we get serious about fighting?　Don't be a bother, okay?

Then Kyogoku laughs, turns his "anger" on you and chants his magic at me.
Although it doesn't show on his face, he seems to be angry that he was kicked away.

【Pierce Javelin】!

Six silver spears were summoned around Kyogoku.
The tips of the spears that floated in the air all pointed at me.

Six at once....................in an instant.

He's a magic user on par with Zeke.
And now, the magic power has increased even more.

Kyogoku is approaching.
I moved from there, with 'divine speed', to the top of Kyogoku's head.
Then I grabbed two spears and smashed all the remaining spears.

''You've got a big mouth, don't you?　There is, but it's not worth talking about at this level. It certainly seems that you have the magic power of the Empire's 'King's Shield' class, and I've just had a look at your status, but what the hell did you do, your level is also 67, which is abnormal. If you're a hero who just came to this world a few months ago, then you've grown too fast. Do you know what a level 67 mage is called in the world?

Utterly ... a stupendous benefit.
A little chill went through me, as expected from a stone.
It wasn't like he had entered a dungeon, so how could he gain that much experience?

I think it's called "infinity level" or something like that.

Kyogoku replied flatly.

This world has standards based on levels.
It seems to be a world standard that is separate from the adventurer ranks set by the Adventurer's Guild.
I learned this in the guild before.


************************************.
Lv.1-Lv.18 Bronze level (60%)
Lv.19-Lv.30 Silver level (25%)
Lv. 31-Lv. 49 Gold level (14%)
Lv.50-Lv.65 Platinum level (1%)
Lv. 66 or higher, Infinity level (0%)



Level 66 and above is infinite grade. In other words, a 67 Kyogoku is an infinite level.
Furthermore, it seems that infinite levels are treated as if they don't exist in this world.
In short, they are treated as something that doesn't exist, just like the standard of value of magic tools and weapons.
In other words, there was only a 'platinum level' in this world, and even that platinum level was said to be only one percent of the total.
A platinum level mage is called a "great mage" regardless of their abilities and achievements.
The title of "Grand Mage" is given to mages based on their achievements, but the platinum level is forced to give it to them.
In the world, a level is something that is difficult to raise, and experience is a valuable thing.

''Is there a growth compensation in it?　A boon, so to speak?

If that's the case, this guy is dangerous.
Then, Kyogoku's level rose again.
It is no longer far beyond the 'King's Shield'.

''What do you think?　Maybe it is. Maybe that's a boon?

Benefit........that's crazy.
This guy got this power as a matter of course while soaking in lukewarm water.......

'Well I've changed my mind. Shall we get a little more serious?

I don't need your bullshit. You have to act first.

Then Kyogoku deployed a magic circle at his feet and took out an even larger spear from it than before.
Then, while holding the spear, he chanted several more magic, causing a magical armor to appear and clothed himself with it while running on the ground.

''Magic armor, that too, all over your body.''

Apparently there are exceptions, but the more perfect the magical armor is, the more it can be worn all over the body.
It is said that it will eventually cover your face as well, making it the strongest armor.
And Kyogoku was clothed in magical clothing all over his body, including his face.
It is a really tacky armor with projections at the shoulders, knees and toes.
And it's all silver.

''Who the hell taught you that magic?''

I took out my 'Executioner's Axe' and taunted the spear the moment we collided.
But Kyogoku is unconcerned and is swinging the spear again and again, desperately trying to kill me.
What makes this possible is the spear's regenerative ability.

Of course my axe is of higher quality than the spear. It's not even necessary to compare it.
Inevitably, every time a spear is hit, it is greatly reduced.
But the spear is immediately repaired at the point where it was shaved.
Apparently, this spear will repair itself just by putting magic power into it.
It's a troublesome spear just like this guy.

''Assassination Shadow (Gengar Shadow)!

At that time, a black shadow appeared at Kyogoku's feet, and a human-shaped shadow appeared from it.
The shape of the shadow is exactly the same as Kyogoku's. In its hand, it holds a large spear identical to Kyogoku's.
In addition, the shadow wriggled and the humanoid began to wear the same armor as Kyogoku.

-- two Kyogoku.

I didn't know you could make an alter ego...

Yeah!

The shadow moves on Kyogoku's signal.
The shadow closed the distance as if using a contraction, and rushed towards me, holding a black spear at the ready, towards me who was handling Kyogoku's spear.

I'm not going to be able to get a good idea of what I'm talking about.
And then I caught the spear of the shadow that appeared immediately afterwards with my right hand.

''【Greed Great Grind, the rigid spear that forms a flock!

At that moment, Kyogoku chanted a spell from his spear holding my axe in place.

I reflexively tried to take action to keep my distance.
But that's when I realized.

-- a black shadow was covering my right hand.

The shape of the shadow's spear, which I should have caught with my hand, unraveled like a spider's thread, and it moved from my hand to my arm and then to my shoulder, forcing me to block my movements.
The next thing I knew, I was bound.

Then a magic circle appeared at Kyogoku's feet, and at that moment, countless great silver spears appeared in the sky above.

''Is it Checkmate?　Hero......

At that moment, the audience erupted in heat.
Kyogoku smiles fearlessly as the crowd cheers loudly.

The shadow envelops my body as I look at it.

'I would have liked a prize for the extra match if I could have.

Kyogoku, who has a relaxed expression on his face.

At that time, the countless large spears floating in the sky moved.
At the same time, I'm robbed of my vision by the shadows.

''I've won!''

Kyogoku's winning laugh.
The cheers of the crowd.
Most of them could tell that they were hoping for Kyogoku's victory.

Countless spears rained down from the sky above.

''Hahahahahaha!''

Kyogoku laughs madly as he looks even more triumphant again.

But.........it's a shame.
If it wasn't for me, this strategy would have worked.
This guy's combo is worthy of praise.
You are a brilliant mage.
If it weren't for me, the battle would've been lost for sure.
I'll admit that.

''The Wave of Erosion [Disappearing Aura]!

A moment later, I released an aura of erosion.

The wave that develops around me.
It invades the shadows created by Kyogoku, and it invades the countless spears pouring down.

''Huh? .....

The shadows that had been restraining him disappeared and his vision cleared.

Kyogoku opened his mouth like those and was just stunned.

The great spear that poured down was eroded from the moment it touched the red-black aura and disappeared from existence.
It was as if there was no spear there, from the beginning.

And after a while, all the spears that should have been in the sky above had disappeared.
There was nothing there anymore.

The hall was silent.
For a moment, the audience, who had been expecting Kyogoku's victory, were speechless.

''Kyogoku-san?　This is what a hero is capable of.

Kyogoku smiled and sweat poured from his forehead.

''Hahahahaha!　Oh dear.........I didn't think it would be so easily prevented.......

Kyogoku's tone of voice sounded as if he was comfortable, but I could see the impatience in his expression.
It's like words are spilling out with a smile pasted on his face.

''Kyogoku-san?　You shouldn't have that look on your face, no matter how trapped you are, right?　Until their magic runs out.

Ha ha I'll keep that in mind.

By the way, Kyogoku-san?　You said it earlier, didn't you?　You want me to be serious?

"...I told you?　So what?　I'm not like Saeki, okay?　I'm not going to be a weak, feckless pretender just because I'm cornered. Threats don't work, do they?

I readied my axe.

'If it weren't for me, there wouldn't be many people who could beat you.

And I'm.....



----.




Haha!

Closing the distance at god speed, he stabbed Kyogoku with the tip of his axe.

''Your growth compensation is tricky in many ways.　I'm reluctant to do so, but I will drive the stakes out. If you're going to resent me, please resent the unreasonableness of such benefits.

The axe penetrates Kyogoku's body, prompting him to sever the lower and upper halves of his body.
The upper and lower halves of his body are not connected, about halfway through. It's on the verge of being cut into a thousand pieces.

''Gofu! ........gahaha!

Kyogoku vomits blood.

I drew my axe with great vigor.

'You were the one who suggested we kill each other. I'm only cooperating out of good intentions.

He then put away the 'Executioner's Axe' and grabbed Kyogoku's head with his right hand before kneeling on the ground.

''Kaha! .........my.......loss, that's a shame......



'There is no shame in that. You are strong. But that's not all, I'm just too strong.

....

There was no reply.
Kyogoku's lips are fading.
My skin is blue, too. I know I'm going to die soon.

Then I'll stick a clasp in you before that.
You can't save yourself in this state anymore.
I have no hard feelings for you. Then let's just kill him already.

[Annihilation...]

Then I felt a presence around me.
Reflexively, I stopped chanting.

And by the time I sensed the presence, it was already....



----.



'What do you mean? .... "Principal"?

Then I saw Oswald.

'That's the line over here!　Let him go!

Then, not Oswald, but another person around him replies.

''.........''

Who are these people?

Multiple sword points thrust into the air and multiple knights in robes over golden armor.

This ... what's this ... what's this emblem?
They each wore robes richly decorated with gold.

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty,

Then Oswald called the man next to him so.

'Your Majesty?'　
There stood an old man with a pompous white beard.

'Good, Oswald, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good...'

Once, I take a look around.
Apparently I've been surrounded.

Don't move!

As soon as I move my fingers a little, the golden knight thrusts the tip of his sword into my neck.

'O adventurer Nito!　You're going to have to put your hand down. This is the end of the game. Beyond that, we can't overlook it.

Kyogoku still had breath. But he's already dying.
And the king says, "Put your arm down.

"I am Schneizel, King of Dahms Ardan. Let him go, O Nito.

Schneizel orders in a low, earth-shaking voice.

'Dames Aldan I see, you mean Leonardo's boss.

Leonardo? ........So, you're saying that Leonardo has already been in contact with you?

If he's an investor, he's probably a rogue king anyway.
It's such a bad idea to dress your knight in gold armor.
This is the misuse of power.
I want the Heart of the Dragon to kill him.

So, what do you have in mind?　Will no one answer me?　I'm in the game now, okay?　Get out of my way I'll kill you?

C'mon!　You!　How dare you say that to the king!

No!

The king stilled the prostrate knight.

'O Nith, will you let him go?

Why?　This guy told me he wanted to kill each other, remember?

Maybe, but still. We can't allow killing here.

So you want Kyogoku to be humiliated?

Or perhaps it would be better. There is no point in dying.

'What's the point of being dead or... well said.

'Meaning? Does that mean you're going to be the apple of your investors' buddies' asses?　What's the point of all that?

The king kept his mouth shut and his eyes focused on his eyes.
The knight still holds his sword point at me.

Which is more risky for me, by the way?
You can either follow these guys' orders and let Kyogoku live, or you can kill Kyogoku and turn them all against each other.
Or you can kill Kyogoku and turn them all against each other.
Which will it be?

But the answer is clear.
Keeping Kyogoku alive is more of a risk for me.
If we keep Kyogoku alive and leave him alive, he's going to get stronger.
This growth rate is both extraordinary and threatening.
There's nothing more dangerous than keeping a guy like that alive.

On the other hand, these guys can be treated with a modicum of respect.
It would be smarter to kill Kyogoku.
But Kyogoku is already dead, though.

Just then, multiple voices calling Kyogoku's name could be heard from the audience.

''Kyogoku!''

"Kyogoku-kun!

Naturally, my eyes turned to that auditorium.

Kawachi, Hiiragi, Kamii, Iida.......everyone was calling this guy's name.

For some reason, that scene irked me inexplicably.

''Do you hear me?　Kyogoku I'm calling you?

I whispered softly in Kyogoku's ear.
There was a faint response. But there was no response.
I'm in no condition to speak anymore.

'You've been out of school, you're loved, aren't you?　I'm jealous....

When I whispered that, Kyogoku let out an even smaller growl and reacted.

Meanwhile, Schneizel remains silent, waiting for me to let go of his arm.

I turn my attention once more to the brave men in the audience.
Then I saw Saeki there, too.
He's staring at me resentfully. He seems to have recovered from his wounds.
I can see Kida next to him too.

''........''

Everyone in the 2-3 that had abandoned me was staring at me, as if they had gotten together for some reason.
It's starting to look more and more like a single mass.
Then I realize.

I see........those guys are all bonded together.

Suddenly the word 'bond' came out in me.
But I naturally used that word to describe the scene.
As soon as I did, an inexpressible feeling began to leak out.

While abandoning me.........

You let him die and then you let him die.



It's as if I'm the only one at the bottom of the black, dirty water, and when I look up, they're looking down at me.......

Hmmm... of course.

I couldn't help myself.

'Nito, please. Let my students go.

The hatred directed from the audience.
A black shadow covers the auditorium.

I'm the bad guy.

But that's enough for today. All's well that ends well and all's well that ends well, I suppose.

I turned my head to Oswald and replied.

Then the king of Dames Aldan smiled slowly and gently.

'I owe you a debt of gratitude, Nito.'

There was a look of relief on his face.

'....Never mind.

Lower your swords! .....



----.



When the golden knight lowered his sword at the king's command, I fired a spell at Kyogoku's head.


--blown away.


In an instant, the head separated into countless blocked bodies and disappeared.

At that moment, fresh blood danced from Kyogoku's neck as he lost his head.


-- "Shinya Kyogoku has been defeated........"