'You've been underestimated. You're going to play one on one with me.

　21 loaded the killing air into the eye light.
　Instantly, the air froze.
　Inhaling it, a concentrated battle spirit rises up to the point of choking.

　The poor third class student, who can only watch the situation unfold in silence, can't even gasp while looking at the lower class student.

　Meanwhile, Bornga, on the other hand, doesn't seem to be frightened or to withdraw his words.
　Huffing and puffing, he stood in front of 21 with a snort.

　And Relivia, who was a little smarter than that Bornga, was calmly assessing the battle situation while nagging and nagging.

''To put it bluntly, we're at a disadvantage. That 21 woman......... It's annoying, but she's strong.)

　Borunga and I could barely get by with two people - that's about it.
　Of course, one on one is too reckless.

(I'm going crazy. To think that there are definitely two more guys stronger than this guy...

　Relivia was dared in front of the demons, but inwardly she was relieved.
　The numbers above them, 17 and 19, were even stronger.
　It's not an exaggeration to say that they are strong in another dimension.
　Even that Lacelle would be able to beat 17 or not.

　That Lasell trained the new students and upperclassmen to resist the Majin.
　It was a full-blown school trip, but I think it was a bit premature.

''(Don't be weak, Relivia Dee Diriban!　If we retreat, our family name, the descendants of the brave, will be tarnished. Besides--

　Borunga said.
　'Lacelle will laugh at me' - he said.
　The same thought was on Relivia's mind, though the meaning was different.

'How long are you going to stand there?　If you don't come, I'll come to you.

　21 headed straight for Bornga.
　Fast!
　A demon's physical functions far surpassed those of an ordinary human.
　However, 21's speed was far from his physical output.

''[Warrior (Warrior)]?　No--

　He didn't seem to have used any magic.
　And there was no time for hesitation.

　Lelivia quickly overpowered the left side of Bornga's left side in no time.

''I got it!

　A piercing hand (Nukite), sharp as a spear, was sucked into Bornga's side.

''Bornga!

　Lelivia screams - that's all she can do.
　Completely in her pocket, 21, aiming for the kryptonite, bares her teeth and smiles sadistically.

　Geez!

　A high-pitched sound resounded in the alleyway of the Sow Merchant Kingdom capital.


　◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆


　The group of demons were advancing through the dark underground.
　This is the upper canal of the Sow Trading Kingdom's capital.
　Perhaps because of the wealth of the country, the Sou Merchant Kingdom has more advanced water and sewerage than any other country.

　As an island nation, water is especially precious.
　The waterways drawn from mountain springs stretch underneath the capital like a web. As the city has expanded, the number and complexity of waterways have increased, and now there are not a few people who know about all of them.
　Since they are not managed or maintained, naturally there is no one to look around.
　It was a natural nest for criminals and the perfect place for the 'number kids' (numbers) to hide out.

''19........ Are you okay?

　I asked, 17.
　He took the initiative and walked forward to his hiding place.
　Just then, 19 was rubbing his thick arm.

'You have been detected, sir?

Who do you think I am?

Excuse me.

It's broken.

Yes.....

I'm surprised they broke your bones. That's quite a scary thing to be a first grader. Now that you mention it, I don't remember hearing your name.

　Seventeen gazes turned to Mattelus, who was walking at the back of the line.

　Adultly, Mattelus muttered his name.

'Bornga Gelmer.........'

'Ho. Aren't you a nobleman by name?

　17 raises one eyebrow.

'Yes. ... just--

"Just?

He calls himself a rival to Lacelle.

Hmm. He seems like a pretty interesting guy.

　17 did not mention it further.
　But obviously, 19 was in a bad mood.
　It was probably because 17 was unusually interested in people.

　Not myself, but a mere country [Warrior (Warrior)]........


　◆◇◆◆◆


Nah!

　21 contorts his face.
　The piercing hand that was a must-attack was paid off just in the nick of time.

　By Borunga's sword........

　A delayed impact struck 21.
　He took a step or two back.
　It doesn't take much time to get into position.
　The problem was that I, a demon, had been paid off by the child's sword.

''Gee!''

　I grit my teeth reflexively.

'This oh!'

　21 was quick to launch a counterattack.
　It fired itself like a cannonball, gouging the ground.
　Once again, he was in Bornga's bosom.
　But this time, he could see it.

　It was Borunga's gaze.

'Nonsense!　You're talking about my speed?

　There was no time to be surprised at 21.
　The sword of Bornga has already been swung down.
　Evading--.
　Avoiding the first blow to the side.
　But the second blow of the chase was struck off.

　Geez!

　21 catches Bornga's sword.

''Mm?''

　This surprised Borunga.
　Borunga's sword was a workpiece given to him by Luxol.
　He received it as a gift for entering the Adventurer's School.
　Depending on the wielder, it could cut through even steel like paper.

　And Bornga already had that much skill.

''You........!

　21 kicked out Borunga with his sword stopped.
　Borunga was sent flying like a hemp ball.
　When he spun in midair, he landed on his feet, but he immediately held his side and broke his knee.

　A moment of carelessness........
　I bite down on regret with my back teeth.

　And 21 isn't naive enough to allow it to happen.

　As he closes the distance, he pounces on Bornga.
　But--.

　[Australian Flame Ball]!

　21's path was dyed with red lotus.
　His feet stopped and red flames rushed past his eyes.
　By the time he turned around, Boronga's figure had disappeared.

　Ta-tah.........

　Hearing the sound of footsteps, 21 tossed and turned.
　There was the figure of Relivia, who had lent her shoulder to Borunga.

''Hey........wasn't it one on one?''

You're annoying. I don't give a d*mn about that.

　As he said it, he handed the recovery potion to Borunga.
　Borunga doesn't say anything and drinks it all in one go.
　He stood up slowly.
　I took a deep breath.

'You understand now, don't you?　I'll give you credit for being strong.

　In fact, Bornga's strength had far exceeded Relivia's expectations.
　From the very first day of school, this man was an uncanny presence.
　I thought he was a country brat, but he didn't flaunt himself and didn't get hung up on the people around him. I thought he was a cultivation idiot who just humbly worked hard at his studies and training.

　However, even the usually taciturn Bornga is different in front of Lacelle.

　Sometimes he bared his emotions and challenged the game, which could be said to be reckless.

''(Ah. I see. Since you're poking at Lacelle every day, your opponent's ability standard is Lacelle's.)''

　Then it makes sense.
　21 is strong, but compared to Lacelle's strength, it drops two or three steps.
　Like wishing for a mountaintop where you can't see the top of your head - it didn't feel like such a hopeless difference.

'If you bring up chivalry, this is the way of the brave. I have someone to protect. Even if you don't like it, I'm going to mess with you.

.... Go ahead.

　Borunga and Relivia.
　The two primates are ready.

"It's going to take two of you this time. So that's what we have to do now. We need to get this over with. This Lacelle guy is a nasty piece of work.

Oh.... Even you guys are afraid of Lacelle.

'I'm not.... It's just that 17 cares. Now, let's get a little more serious.

You make it sound like you didn't mean it before.

I'm not surprised. I wouldn't want to take 10% of your money.

　Instantly, 21's presence changes.
　Her eyes widen with a snap, and her eyes immediately become bloodshot.
　Even more blood vessels stand out on the white skin.
　I can see them pulsing strongly, even through my skin.

''What's that?''

..........

　The next thing I knew, I found myself with a web of veins floating across 21's face, hands and feet.

'Let's go!

　----ck!

Go!
Nuh-uh!

　Borunga, Relivia's groans echoed.
　The next thing I knew, the two of them had their faces caught in 21's hands.
　It was a tremendous physical force.
　There was no time to resist or even to ramble out any emotions.

　In the next moment, they were slammed into the houses on the side.

''Not yet!

　They went straight into the houses.
　The never-ending death march began.
　21 grabbed the faces of Bornga and Relivia and pushed them into the walls of the houses one after the other.

　I felt a desperate physical force as if I was being pulled by a tank.

''Cachahahahahahahaha!

　Only 21 mad laughter echoes in the ears of the two of them.

''This oh...!

　It was Relivia who first showed a willingness to resist.
　Activate the magic.

　[Transfer]

　She escaped into the sky with 21 in her grasp.
　Quickly, Relivia activated her magic.

　[Dragon Emperor Great Fire]

　The kangaroo fire engulfed the entire sorcerer.
　It's a high-level flame attribute magic.
　It should have been a direct hit without a doubt.
　Relivia was also damaged, but it was much better than being dragged around like this.

　In the first place, the uniform of the fifth branch is significantly better than those vestments, thanks to Lasser's advice.
　The damage was minimal.

　However----.

''What's the matter?　Could it be that you're serious now?

　21 stood with the corners of his mouth raised.
　He was licking his tongue and smiling amidst the flames he was wearing.
　What was even more problematic was that 21 hadn't taken his hands off of Relivia and Bornga despite being subjected to so much explosive fire and shock.

''U................................''

I'm not lying. It's real, bouncing girl!

　Kahahahahaha!

　An amused voice sounded.
　The next moment, a high-pitched sound rang out.
　With his face grabbed, Bornga brought his sword down on his arm.

　Lelivia looked at him with a sideways glance and said with admiration, "That's a big deal.
　After being dragged around so much, Bornga never let go of his sword.

　But he was unharmed before 21.

''That hurt!''

　Finally, 21 let go of his hand.
　No, to be precise, Bornga and Relivia threw themselves at the ground.

　The ground was closing in.
　They couldn't make it in time to activate the magic.

''(If I don't, I'll die.)''

　Just as she thought that, the background around Relivia slowed down.
　For a moment, I thought it was magical interference or something.
　I thought it was some kind of time manipulation, per Lasell.
　But that was not the case.
　The next thing Relivia saw was her past self.

''(What is this?)　(Running lights?)

　Images of myself and my brother from when I was a little girl flashed through my mind.
　As I watched the scene, I cursed myself for being nostalgic and sentimental.
　Eventually, my body relaxed.

Yeah. ...I did good.

　That's right.
　He fought unabashedly in front of a demon who was clearly superior to him.
　I'm sure my brother would forgive me.
　A sister who fought proudly and bravely for the weak....

I'm sorry. Brother.........

　It was then.
　It was not her brother, nor was it her hero, who appeared before her.
　The sight that flashed through her brain violently shook Relivia's emotions as she tried to settle into the apocalypse.

　The man there was a cocky-looking man with dark hair.

''Lasell!''

　The will that had been on the verge of disappearing momentarily flared up in a melarious way.
　What came and went in her mind was simply anger.

'Lacelle's fool!　You were the one who made the plan!　You swore to everyone!　I'll protect you!　I lied to you about the vow I made back then!


　Don't be long in coming to our aid, Lacelle Girrell Stark!


　Lelivia exclaimed.

　Then, for the umpteenth time today, the "moment" arrived.

　The moment Relivia and the others hit the ground, the ground sank heavily.
　With a dumb onomatopoeic sound that minimized the impact of the fall, Relivia jumped up again like a repellent (spring), "Booyoy~".

''Eh?''

What's this?

　Along with Borunga, Relivia's eyes fluttered.
　Looking at the sky, she saw that 21 was also sniggering.

　Then, right beside Borunga and Lelivia, a familiar voice hits her earbuds.


　Good grief.........


''You guys, are you struggling with this level of demons?　I took the time to add some training to it......... Totally.........

　The hero (hero) shook his head as if he regretted the act itself, even though he had saved the weak from a pinch.

　21 wrinkled his brow.

''That's........''

　Relivia, who had been taken aback, also defended herself with a blue streak on her temple.

'It's too late!

　Lacelle!