Sorry about the “delay”, I had actually made little progress during the first couple days and kind of tried to rush this chapter out in the last couple days.
First off, I want to address a certain error in the last chapter. I did state that victims were beaten and then kidnapped, but that was me trying to make sense of the sentence because of a kanji I wrote down wrong. They are just kidnapping people and it doesn’t really say anything about their methods. The error has already been fixed. Though it’s not like the overall meaning has changed much.
I’ve just finished translating this after spending quite a bit of time on it the last couple hours, so what you see is me editing it shortly after, so I kind of expect errors to show up here and there.
As for things like the technique called Shisei Ouka. It basically means “Prototype cherry blossom”, because it’s still a technique that is called “cherry blossom” but is still not completed. I could not find a way to make it sound good in English so I left it as it is, sorry.
Anyway, I’m tired, enjoy the chapter!
「…We have arrived, it’s just up ahead」
After running in a straight line for a while, we left town and went inside the gloomy forest.
The overgrown trees prevented the sunlight from passing through, and it was not surprising how cold it was.
…I see, it was just the right place to conceal shady business. If there was a special reason for it, it was because most people wouldn’t go into the forest.
I calmed down, and looked around the place. When I lowered my back, I found a part of the grass that had become some sort of path. It was a sign that people frequently passed through here. Whoever it was, there’s no doubt that the people up ahead frequently brought something to this place.
「…Let’s go. Hide your presence, Sheryl」
I said to her in a whisper, in return, Sheryl nodded at me.
Contrary to her usual carefree behaviour, when it comes to this kind of battle related matters, you wouldn’t believe she was a 15 year old child.
It goes without saying that I also hid my presence. At the same time, I strengthened my vigilance to my surroundings to the maximum.
…There aren’t any presences close by. However, I can feel a multitude of presences in a separated place.
I started to get worked up but I controlled myself, and continued through the path without making any noise.
Sometimes I peeked to see how Sheryl was doing, even then I hurried in a way I wouldn’t make noise, in an unexpected moment, the path was gone.
…In front of the path, there was a wooden building that completely felt out of place when compared to the surroundings.
What’s the purpose of building this? It was too well built for a group of kidnappers that had appeared recently, it made you think that it had been there for a long time.
From the information I could gather from looking it at it, it was probably some sort of lumber mill. There was a flatcar installed to place the wood that was cut.
…However, those facts were trivial. It seems like judging from all this information, there’s no doubt that this is their hideout.
There are two men placed at the entrance of the building. They both carried weapons, but they didn’t look like they were carrying them to carry out a job.
You could say they might be mercenaries or something of the sort. However, for them to be here in a place devoid of people, they are most likely not doing some kind of honest job. Guessing from their position and their weapons, they have probably been placed as guards.
…No good, calm down. I kept my hands, which were trembling in anger, under control, and calmed down my magic power that looked like it was going to overflow. I’m still not sure that it was them.
I have to find a way to listen to their conversation. This place is a bit too far.
What should I do? While I was thinking about it, it came to mind.
If I think about it, am I not a kid too? If these people are kidnappers, would they leave a kid that has been separated from their parents alone?
Having thought of this brilliant idea, I unconsciously hit my fist.
I see, if that’s decided, then it’s simple. It’s fine if I go talk to them from the front. That will settle it immediately.
If that’s the case, the problem is Sheryl. Even though I have no objections regarding her strength, involving a little girl in a bloodbath is not something I want to do.
「…Alright then, Sheryl, can you go back to town and bring someone?」
「No…I, I want to save Celia and Sid too」
Thought so, but it was still unusual for Sheryl to show her own will and refuse.
If it was me, I wouldn’t want to involve her in anything dangerous but…I felt a bit happy.
The times Sheryl refused to do what I said were few. However, I could feel a strong will from her this time. …To save her friends.
…I can’t really say no to her here.
「I see, in that case, come with me」
My surprised face, suddenly turned into a smile. She has grown so much, this Sheryl.
But I can leave being emotional for later. I nodded strongly to check with Sheryl, and raised my concealed body.
With the sound we made from shaking the vegetation with our clothes, the two men acting as guards focused their gazes on us.
Because of the surprise they had taken a stance with their swords, but when they saw our figures, they lowered them, and they made vulgar smiles.
「Hey little boy, what are you doing in this place?」
「That’s right, it’s dangerous, you know? For both of you to be walking around this place」
While smiling as if they had caught their prey with the bait they had placed, the men got closer to us.
I just let them get closer to us without showing any signs of vigilance.
「We came to play in the forest, but we seem to have gotten lost…mister, what are you doing here?」
While acting clueless, I tried to get information from them.
For people like them, I guess they don’t really feel the need to be cautious of a kid like me.
「I wonder what, hihihi…more importantly, didn’t you think that we might be bad guys?」
「That’s right, for example…kidnappers!」
Like this, they talked as if they were speaking about our own future.
．．．It’s been a while, since I felt this sick to my stomach.
Kidnapping children, and from what I’ve heard, they later sell them to some worthless people. These bastards. I unconsciously let my magic power overflow from within my body.
「…Did you bastards kidnap some kids today? A girl with flaxen hair, and a lively green haired boy」
「Ah? Oh, you know those kids. Yeah, we kidnapped them. The girl was making a face that some perverts would probably like after all, she will probably fetch a high price.」
「We should probably feel grateful towards our everyday’s blessings, right? After all, after today’s big catch, two more kids have come to us. You and that kid behind you will probably fetch a high price too」
「I see, that will be enough then」
Ah, I’m so glad. That these guys are just bastards and I have no need to feel pity towards them.
I slowly raised my arm while fixing my gaze on them, and killed my emotions.
I let the magic power that I had been trying to contain, overflow, and it filled my body.
「．．．Eh?」
In an instant I, who had took my stance, grabbed the man’s hand and bent it.
It broke off with a dry sound like that of a dead tree’s branch, and it got dislocated.
「What? Gaaaaaaa!」
After a short delay, pain ran through his body. While withdrawing his extended arm, he used his free hand to hold his right hand. For a grown man to exaggerate like this just from having his hand broken.
While looking at them with cold eyes that were surprising even for me, I got closer to the other man.
Because I moved while not making any sound, the man felt like I had appeared suddenly before his eyes.
「What…eh? W-what did you just do!? L-let me go, you shitty brat!」
With a mixture of surprise and fear, the man tried to run, but I kept him in check with both hands.
Next to us, the man he had been talking to until just recently, was screaming while rolling on the ground. They were more stupid than I thought.
「It’s nothing, I just have some matters to attend here. Calling all of you one by one seemed like a hassle, so I thought about calling all of you out at once」
「W-wait, gyaaaaaa!」
Having said what I had to say, I strengthened my grip, and at the same time, his elbow and wrist fractured.
The loud voice he let out, was about right. Shouting to this extent, it could probably be heard from every nook of the building.
Their cries of sorrow. They were evidence that they only attacked as a group and didn’t polish their own strength.
If they put their bodies through fights everyday, they wouldn’t have raised their voices just because a bone or two broke.
They are really weaker than me…they probably only challenge kids. From the bottom of my heart, this makes me sick.
「W-what’s wrong..!?」
From the building’s window and door, a multitude of men appeared, they got confused when they saw the tragic event happening in front of the door.
That’s right, my current form was that of a child. I unconsciously recalled the old days, but if you saw your comrades being beaten by some kids, you probably wouldn’t be able to take in the situation.
「Come out, I’ll have all of you meet the same fate as these guys」
I declared with anger towards those men that looked at us with curiosity.
When I did, having started to understand the situation, the men started to come out.
If we were talking about just numbers, they had an impressive amount. For an organization, it seems like they had some structure at least.
At one glance, there were more than thirty of them. They are more than I expected but…it’s not something worth mentioning.
「Hey, kids. Were you the ones that did this?」
From within the group, a big man stepped forward.
His gaze had turned into that of someone looking at its opponent. It wasn’t a question, it was an act to overpower his opponent.
…I see. It might be because of my appearance, but it seems like he’s looking down on me.
「That’s right. Nice to meet you, your companions took great care of me…so I just returned the favor」
Unfortunately, I have no intention to talk.
At the same time I replied, I displayed my magic power, showing my intentions. If I do this much, even people that are not used to fighting should get the idea. What the children in front of them, really are.
What they kept inside them.
「What? You bastard, what exactly are you?」
「Don’t make me repeat myself. I’m saying that I’m the friend of those kids you bastards kidnapped. I’m getting tired of this conversation…how about it? Won’t you return them to me? If you return them to me now…」
Having said those words once I closed my eyes, and displayed nearly the full extent of my magic power. Because of my overflowing magic power wind was brought to life, the trees shook, and leaves fell. Showing my real strength to a certain point, those who had some skill were trembling in fear and fell on their backs.
「I’ll spare you injuries that might last for a lifetime. If you understand, bring out Sid and Celia already」
While glaring at the man that had stepped forward, I filled my magic power with anger.
If there was someone able to feel it, they would most likely feel a heavy pressure as if their hearts were being crushed.
If they returned Celia and Sid to us here, I wouldn’t mind letting them go and just hand them over the police.
「Hey, why are you getting scared by some kid? These kids that will sell for a high price were kind enough to come to us, you know? Aren’t we quite lucky today, huh?」
However, things wouldn’t go that well.
The only ones that comprehended the current situation, were less than twenty percent of all of them.
…Good grief, it would have been better if they just gave up after being threatened, without the need to get rough.
While making fun of the people that were frozen, over twenty of them took a step forward.
The people that couldn’t move an inch, managed to say while trembling.
「Can’t you guys see it? This magic power!…get away from that kid now!」
It seems like they were trying to keep their friends in check. It was regrettable, if they weren’t connected to these guys, they might had turned into martial artists at some point in their lives.
I can’t feel sympathy towards them. They just happened to kidnap Sid and Celia today, but they probably already stole the futures of a multitude of children. They are getting what they deserve.
「What’s with you guys? Are you turning into good guys this late into the game? Stop that already, it doesn’t suit people like us」
「I-it’s not the time to be screwing around!」
Without paying attention to those trying to stop them desperately, the men calmly approached us.
「You won’t understand even if I told you」, this idiom exists, it seems like those that can’t understand will never be able to after all.
To think they would ignore the warnings of their own friends, it seems like there’s no need to feel any kind of sympathy anymore.
It would have been faster if it had been over with their friends’ warnings, the men that were walking towards me, finally reached the spot where I was at…and the man who was at the front collapsed where he was standing at, as if the strings holding his body were cut.
A palm heel strike as if I was pushing him away, took his consciousness away. I put in enough strength to crack his jawbone, but if I wanted to take away their consciousness I couldn’t help doing this much.
Trying to understand why their companion had suddenly collapsed, the men froze in place.
I stepped over the man that had completely fainted,stood in front of the man who acted all high and mighty before,and showed him what just happened again.
「…Ah?」
He seemed to have been trying to say something, the man’s neck shook while he let out simple sound, and collapsed.
As one would expect, if they saw the same thing happening twice in front of their eyes, even if they didn’t understand what was going on, they would probably get what was happening.
While they were still a bit slow on the uptake, fear slowly started to spread among them.
「Ah, Aaaaaaaaaaahhh!」
Before long, one of them was unable to contain his fear and his emotions were let out, his fear took the form of his voice, and was let out.
The fear that was let out increased vigorously, and one by one, they were consumed by it.
They started shouting one after another, and the moment their fear turned into insanity, in order to survive, the men rushed at me.
To fight instead of running away, I wonder if that’s the usual course of action for ruffians like these.
Maybe because their pride wouldn’t let them have their prey escape, or maybe it was because of their current insanity…in any case, they were pitiful.
Those who had weapons, I didn’t even try to avoid and caught the blade, then I proceed to kick their legs. The ones that were still standing, I twisted both of their arms, and dislocated them. Those who tried to attack me with their bare hands, I used a palm heel strike directly to their mouths. Along with their consciousness, most of their teeth were broken.
In Sheryl’s case, her magic power was inferior to mine, but that was because I couldn’t hold back right now. They might be able to get away without serious injuries.
However, they are attacking us with the intent to kill, they should be grateful we are not killing them.
The hopeless men laid on top of another, their initial numbers had been cut in half, in the midst of this chaotic situation, a voice reverberated.
「H-hey, you monster, look over here!」
At the same time I kicked a man on the knee after he came to his senses and turned around, I noticed the voice of the big man from a while ago.
However,more importantly than that, what was clearly reflected in my eyes, were the two children on his side.
I was relieved that the children I had grown accustomed to, were still safe.
However, I can’t let my guard down. There’s only one reason you’d bring your opponent’s objective out in this kind of situation.
「Try moving a single step, I’ll kill these kids right now!」
By that I mean, as hostages. If you can’t win, it’s true that there’s other ways to stop me than using their physical strength.
However, it seems like they are misunderstanding something. To begin with, hostages are something someone uses from a place the other side can’t reach. The distance is…around 20 meters. It’s a bit of a distance but…for a practitioner of the Shijima style, it’s like a single step.
「That’s why…huh?」
…Shukuchi. Kicking the ground with a burst of magic power from your feet, an important way of walking in martial arts. I shortened the distance between us in an instant, and my eyes met his.
I felt grateful towards him for taking his time to bring them here. I drove in a knife hand strike towards both arms that were holding them. Receiving the strikes, the bones got fractured, and he let go of them.
I immediately retrieved them, and made some distance the same way I initially came.
「Are both of you unhurt?」
「Ah…eh? …Slavkun!」
Being free from the hand that was restraining her, Celia hugged me tightly with both arms.
You poor thing, it must have been scary…to be kidnapped without being allowed to resist, you have done well to endure this fear that is beyond anything I could imagine.
Because she was safe and she was someone I held dear, I placed a hand behind her back, and patted Celia’s head with the other.
I’m really glad.
「I apologize, for taking my eyes off you…」
「Me too, I’m sorry. But you came to save us, right? That makes me so happy…」
While shivering, she courageously accepted my apology. I felt grateful towards my friend.
「D-did you do all this, Slava?」
Shortly after Celia, having finally understood what had happened, Sid started to look around.
There was a mountain of corpses in the vicinity of the lumber mill. They were not really dead, but they probably won’t be able to stand up for a while.
Have I overdone it a bit? They might be a bit frightened by this.
「I did…about half of it」
Not knowing how to reply, Sheryl stepped forward in my stead as if to cover for me.
However, that would imply I have done half of it already, but I felt something akin to consideration and in that sense I felt grateful.
That being said, there’s probably no way I can get out of this. Celia…who is still hugging me, will probably be fine, but what about Sid?
「…amazing! As expected of big sis…」
…It seems like it’ll be fine. While showing eyes of admiration towards Sheryl, he clenched his fists.
Well, they probably think of these guys as evil people, they probably think nothing of them being beaten.
However, we have somehow managed to save both of them, huh. Is it about time for me to calm down?
Escorting them home safely would make it a happy ending but…
From time to time, they say that the most troublesome things are left for the end.
「That was some splendid skill」
Following the dry sound of someone applauding, the voice of a young boy could be heard. He was older than us, but compared to the rest of the kidnappers, young boy suited him more. It was a strong voice.
That tone of voice, was different to the men here…if I had to say, he gave the impression of someone like Chester, I turned to face the owner of the voice.
The one person that was over there…had disorderly white hair, and aggressive and sharp looks. Then, his main feature was, those crimson eyes of his akin to blades, that made you think of garnets.
「…This is a surprise, to see a djinn in the elven country」
While raising my vigilance to the maximum, I stared at the young boy.
Djinns, a race that is known to prefer conflict and being savage…I have grown used to seeing Sheryl, who is a half, but it’s been a while since I’ve seen a pure one.
I see. The passionate gaze I felt earlier was him, huh.
I unconsciously smiled towards the young boy, who didn’t try to hide his killing intent and directed it towards me as if it was a naked blade.
「Isn’t that big sis over there the same?」
「This child is a half, it’s the first time in my life that I’ve seen a djinn like you」
「That’s unusual. For someone like us to be among the benevolent elves」
While engaging in idle talk, we both walked up to each other.
…I had felt it even from a distance, but this is amazing. The quantity of magic power, and how well his body is built, is not something half-baked. Leaving aside those I know from my past life, he’s the strongest person I’ve seen in this life.
「D-Douglas! You bastard, what you been doing until now!?」
From within the people that realized my true strength and decided to not participate, a well built man shouted.
The one that’s most likely to be the leader of this organization, is probably this young boy called Douglas.
「Ah? What was I doing? I was evaluating the situation. It’s been a long time since something interesting had happened after all」
「…Y-you bastard! Being silent even after it got to this point! We had hired you as a bodyguard!」
「Shut up, don’t be so noisy. I’ve come out after all」
Douglas looked exasperated and made a gesture signaling that he didn’t want to listen anymore.
…I see, a bodyguard, huh. It’s true that if it was as a bodyguard, djinns would definitely excel at it.
They are brave to the point of being reckless, and strong. If you had them as an ally, there wouldn’t be anyone more reliable than them.
More importantly…
「So? I believe the result has already been decided, do you want to keep going?」
「Of course. Even if I say that, you are also raring to go, right?」
Hopelessly warlike, and battle maniacs until the point that it was stupid.
There was no one better to leave the counter-attack to than a djinn.
「I’m well aware of that」
「Now we are talking」
Well, in that regard, you could say he’s similar to me.
It’s been a while since I last saw a fine gem like this. Without seeing his skills, I knew because of his demeanor. This young boy called Douglas, was strong.
Without any of us saying anything, we both took our stances. If two people that took pride in their physical strength gathered, there was only one thing to do.
「I’ll be going for a bit. All of you should fall back」
After I took a fundamental stance of the Shijima style, the three of them took some distance.
With a glance, Sheryl had still not reached the level of this young boy called Douglas. If they fought, the result would have been obvious.
Once I felt they were far enough, I focused all my awareness on the battle.
「There’s no meaning if we don’t say anything before it. Won’t you introduce yourself?」
His garnet like eyes warped, Douglas, who looked like he was having a lot of fun, asked for my name.
The fact that he took a stance along with me, means that he had studied martial arts somewhere.
It was different from those small fries among the kidnappers, while feeling refreshed at his martial spirit, I replied.
「Slava. Slava Marshall of the Shijima style」
Even though giving information about myself would put me in a disadvantage, I even named the style I belonged to.
There wasn’t much meaning in doing so. If I had to say, I just wanted to give the name of my school. That was all.
I’m not saying that against someone this strong, not giving them information is a small matter. It just that, this was courtesy among martial artists.
Rather than keeping it hidden, saying it out loud. Seeing me name my school, Douglas strengthened his smile.
「Ga～…this feels good. Guess I should answer your expectations. My name is Douglas Bullard. I don’t belong to any school worth mentioning, let’s just say…that it’s just as you see. Good grief, it makes me want to have a stance too. Seeing someone like you!」
He sounded genuinely happy, and smiled.
…Just as you see, huh. He had his back lowered, to the point that he faced around half of his opponent’s height, and concealed his relaxed fists. Additionally, he was swinging his body around with repeated movements, hiding the start up of his movements.
From what I could gather, it was a stance that specialized on strong blows.
It was true that just by looking at it, I could understand that much. It goes without saying that there was no need for him to reveal that on purpose.
It’s an impressive martial arts school. He was hopeless by nature. Though in that regard, you could say I was the same.
I sharpened my awareness to its utmost limits, I swept away everything from my world apart from Douglas.
…The moment of silence felt like it lasted an eternity. The wind stopped blowing, and the moment the trees stopped making any noise.
The earth and the heavens split. In this world that had lost the color called sound, a fire was lit. Douglas stepped hard on the ground and dug his feet in.
His initial speed, coupled with his breathing. From his appearance he looked like 16-17 years old…but djinns are like elves, a race whose outward appearance was younger than their real age, to reach this state at his age was just splendid.
Even humans of his same age who had polished their skills everyday, would find it hard to reach this level.
There were no obstructions in the flow of his technique, it would be better to say that, him rushing in was part of his technique. Using the momentum of his movement, Douglas let out a left punch.
Speed and Heaviness, there was nothing to criticize about this punch. There were no wasteful movements in it, a blow that one could boast about.
However, the Shijima defensive techniques won’t feel perturbed even against such an excellent blow, that’s the martial art’s selling point.
If it’s a strike, I’ll show you that I can engulf it no matter what, that’s my pride.
Against that sharp blade, I used my left hand as an armor to sweep it away…at that same time it lost its momentum, I took hold of Douglas’ left arm. For a moment, he clicked his tongue.
He realized that our current position, was extraordinarily troublesome for him. If he wanted to hit me with his remaining right arm, his left arm would be getting in the way. Even for a martial artist that doesn’t specialize in hard blows, this would be a troublesome position to be in. Though, it’s not like using his legs was a good option either…
Douglas started to twist his body. Instead of disposing of his left arm and making an attack with his right arm, he chose to use his legs that had no obstacles in its way.
However, that was a poor move. If you are in a situation where you have only 1 option left, you should just not do anything at all, that’s the Shijima way. The moment he raised his right left, I kicked the remaining left leg. Having lost his footing, Douglas’ body rose to the air.
…That’s right, if you know the attack is coming, it’s easy enough to deal with it. Like when you are playing poker and you know what card is at the top of the deck.
Suppose that this person was just a normal martial artist, this would be a chance that would decide the match. However, I would come to see that the martial artist in front of me, was above the rest.
Aiming at the defenseless body in the air, I imbued my fist with magic power. It was the Shijima style’s 「Strength」, with both speed and power. If it was a normal person, they’d feel like their internal organs would come out. Even for someone with strong magic power like Douglas, it was strong that it would make him unable to fight if he took it upfront.
A 「Strength」 against someone that’s in the air. There’s no way for him to defend against it there.
However, the one receiving it, is someone akin to a master.
「Gahaha, that’s dangerous!」
From an unstable posture, he was able to see the traits of my technique, and struck downwards.
In order to avoid my fist, he aimed at my wrist, a blow aimed to protect himself. The downwards strike that felt like he was crushing ice, was able to create enough force to change his trajectory.
In rapid succession, being in an unstable position yet again, he proceeded to kick. It wasn’t a kick with the purpose to deal damage, but to take some distance.
Even if I took it, it had no magic power in it, and I understood that it was done without his body being supported by the ground. Even then, I didn’t just obediently take the hit.
I can’t kill the momentum of the arm that I just used. In that case, I should just use my leg. Contrary to the previous situation, Douglas has no means to meet this attack. After avoiding his kick that drew a circle in the air, I performed a roundhouse kick.
However, my opponent was formidable. Bending his remaining arm, he protected himself at the direct attack on his flank.
However. that didn’t change the power behind it. Like an arrow that was shot, Douglas’ body was sent flying, he probably took a great deal of damage from it.
After being sent flying, he eventually lost his momentum and landed on the ground, but Douglas places his hands on the ground and stood up. Being able to defend against that counterattack in that situation, honestly means that his reaction speed is absurd.
…To be able to be this strong at that age, might only be possible because of him being a djinn. It’s true that because of their warlike disposition and instincts, they’d get into many fights, but this strength is not something you gain just because of that.
When you live for a long time…even though for the elves’ lifespan I might still be just a youngster…you rarely find someone like this. They somehow do it, those that hold talent.
「（…This is natural talent, huh. While young, he holds strength akin to a raging stormy sea）」
For me to reach that level took a long time. I felt somewhat jealous towards that talent for martial artist he had. It’s people like him, that make an era.
「Those swift and fluent reactions that look like they have been imprinted in your mind…as if it was something that you’d been polishing cunningly for over a hundred years. Just what are you?」
Still, the current me is also a cogwheel spinning in a new era.
That something that only I know. Just being able to fight this man here and now. That’s the only thing that matters in my current life.
「Does that even matter? The only thing that matters right now, is this moment」
「…You are not wrong there」
Therefore, to respect this encounter, I’ll give it my all. That’s what a fight among martial artists is.
We both smiled, and took our stances again.
There was no need to exchange words anymore. Without giving any signals, we both kicked the ground at the same time, and we both entered each other’s attack range.
In order to increase his offensive power, Douglas’ fists glowed with magic power. When he did so, rays ran across the air, the punches rushed towards me.
Each punch was like a cannon ball, at times I deflected them, other times I dodged them. Those I couldn’t defend against, I stopped. It was done to prevent damage, being unable to kill the force behind them, my body began to be pushed back.
While drawing a line on the ground, I kept my posture. The speed and power behind these strikes would place him among the top 「Strikers」. A talent that might make him reach the level of Chester in the near future.
However…Chester is still far above him.
In order to shorten the distance he had made with his own attacks, Douglas kicked the ground while still swinging his fists. Even though it was just to rush in, that kick looked like it could have killed a bear. A thunderous roar reverberated, the already short distance just melted.
They weren’t like the previous blows, the ones I saw coming had a clear intent to kill. If I took those hits, I wouldn’t just end up unable to fight. They were blows I couldn’t allow him to hit.
However, he was too naive. Even if the power was comparable to Chester at full power, there’s no way I would get hit by those large swings.
Having seen the approaching blow, I removed all power from my arm. Draining the strength to its utmost limits…but that only lasted for a moment. The muscle that had transformed into something akin to liquid, turned into a snake with my will!
…My technique 「Night serpent」 melt into the darkest of the night like a black snake, at the same time my right arm disappeared…a vigorous sound reverberated.
A so called counter. In the direction the snake had vigorously engulfed, was Douglas, who had taken the hit upfront.
Having been stopped by the shock and the pain, I followed up with a kick intending to mow him down. However, he unexpectedly was able to recover very quick, and jumped backwards in an instant, making my leg cut the air.
「…Gaha! You are amazing, you can even go on the offensive!」
Even though it was a blow that wouldn’t have been surprising if it blew his head off, Douglas took his stance again, and smiled.
The damage might have been great, but it seems like he still won’t go down, huh. He was persistent to a terrifying degree.
I swung my arm that was trembling from the shock a couple times, to ascertain its senses. It’s slightly numb, but there’s no problem!
Douglas gave chase while swinging his damaged body, and lowered his body. While concealing himself behind the tempo of his footwork, he clutched his fists. Even though at that speed it would look like my figure had vanished if he didn’t pay attention, but it seems like eyes had adjusted already, Douglas’ eyes properly perceived me.
However, that was all. He had a bad poker face, his current facial expression was like someone was telling me to spare him from a fist fight.
…Therefore, in quick succession. Putting my night serpent to use, I threw him intricate punches at a high speed.
Unable to ready his defenses, he was not able to defend against these blows penetrating his defense.
The previous attack was like having his tail pulled, his smile turned bitter. Even then, he looked as if he was having fun, it might be because he’s a martial artist.
However, the result was mostly decided. Douglas was dealing with the rush of attacks well, but my fists were already like a rain of steel. Even Douglas doesn’t have an infinite amount of endurance. If it’s being chipped away like this, there would be no way for him to recover.
Amidst the successive blows, damage continued to pile up on Douglas and he finally felt a stab on his knees. Douglas’ eyes opened wide when he saw his hopeless situation. In order to finish him, I made a right fist.
…It was at that moment. You could call it a sixth sense, in an instant, I took my eyes off Douglas, and a certain view was reflected in my eyes.
「All of you, don’t move!」
At the same time the small fry shouted, my field of view widened.
Shortly after, heavy pain ran through my cheek and I felt nauseous. …I had lost focus, and allowed a blow to pass through!
While feeling an unpleasant taste from the intense blow, I was somehow able to regain my posture mid-air, and regained my balance when I touched the ground.
…However, my body had taken a lot of damage. Even though both of my feet were planted on the ground, I still felt like I was in the air.
While my knees were shivering, I forgot to prepare for a second blow, and turned towards the voice. There it was…the figure of a person with his hands around Celia’s neck.
…Being too concentrated in the fight, I had let my guard down! I felt irritated at my own shortsightedness. They had taken hold of the existence I was supposed to protect at all costs…what a failure!
When I looked, she was held the same feelings as me. Sheryl’s face warped in anger and she was grasping her fists tightly, I saw her trying to stand up.
It was an unpleasant situation. It was a different situation compared to before, there was a certain distance, but Douglas was here too, and more importantly, having taken a great deal of damage, I couldn’t rescue her with my full strength.
「Heh,hehe….good kid…you know what I want to say, right? Don’t you dare move, if you do, I’ll break this kid’s neck. Even for someone like me, doing something like that should be possible」
It made me sick to my stomach. Including all the people that had fainted before, maybe I should have just killed them all.
However, there’s no use regretting that now, if it would save Celia I’d gladly do it, but it won’t change the current situation.
「Hey, Douglas, don’t just stand there! Making me go through the trouble of lending you a hand! While that kid can’t do anything, beat him up! Once he’s gone, we’ll be able to somehow deal with the rest!」
「…Hik」
Due to the man’s angry voice, Celia took a small breath. Poor thing, if it would relieve her fear, I would take her place, but there’s no value in taking me as a hostage.
Even though I had already died once, losing my life would be unfortunate. It would be unfortunate…but if it was throwing my life away for the sake of my young friend, I would be willing to do so. However, doing so in this situations, wouldn’t change it for the better. If it continues like this, they’ll be held captive, then sold and live their lives as pets, it wouldn’t be any different from dying.
The only one that can save them here is me, but I’m unable to make a move.
…It’s a stalemate. My own failures led to this happening, I can’t bring myself to face Celia and the others.
In the midst of all that. A delicate and feeble voice that made me think that I was imagining it, reached my ears.
「S-Slavkun, I’ll be fine, that’s why, beat the bad guys…」
I unconsciously raised my head. Because the words that I didn’t want to hear the most, were said by Celia.
Wrong, that’s not it. If Celia were to be gone, there would be no meaning for this place anymore.
I had made my decision even as an infant. Don’t make me more miserable than this.
The various feelings welling inside me started to vanish. I’m such a pathetic man. Inheriting the Shijima style? What a joke.
I felt disgusted at myself for only being able to clutch my fists…at that moment it happened.
［Ah? What’s going on Douglas? You should just go and beat that ki-」
「Who told you to do something like this? That girl has nothing to do with this, right? Let her go already」
While his heavy body was shaking, Douglas started to walk unsteadily, and he walked towards where Celia was.
…Doubting my ears, my mouth started to open.
「…What are you saying?」
「I said, that you are getting in the way of our fight」
It seems like that trash over there couldn’t believe what he was hearing the same way I was.
It’s not surprising. The only one that knew what he was really thinking here, was Douglas himself.
Because of the anger in Douglas’ voice and his mood, the man was unable to find the words to reply, and started to fall back while shivering.
「D-don’t screw with me! You bastard, are you planning to betray us!?」
Even though there was anger in his voice, his face was dyed in despair.
Was it because he feared the djinn race? Or maybe because Douglas had built a reputation, and he feared that? Whichever the case was, a reassuring companion, will turn out to be your worst enemy if he decides to turn on you.
His back finally coming in contact with a tree, the fiend lost his way to escape. Without giving any care, Douglas closed the distance, and reached a point he could reach him if he extended his arm.
「Betray? You say interesting things. You are aware…that you are a scoundrel and worthless, right? I have no sense of duty nor obligations. There’s only dishonor and chaos. You don’t have the privilege to say that I’m betraying you. You guys used me as a bodyguard however you pleased, and I took care of those enemies that got closer to you. We were just using each others because each one was useful to the other. That’s why…I can’t forgive you getting in the way of a match against someone this tasty. This if my final warning, let that kid go. You are aware of what I do to those that get in my way, right?」
He raised his right hand, and moving it as if he was grasping at something, the bones in it cracked.
When the man saw that…he unreasonably started to cry, and started to shout in an unsightly way.
「Shut up! Shut up! To begin with, I took this girl as hostage because you looked as if you were going to lose, you know!? And now you are…ah?」
However, his frantic cries didn’t reach Douglas.
His knife-hand strike that had become a blade because it was imbued with magic power, separated the man’s head from his body. Immediately after, blood started to gush from his body, and powerlessly, it fell to the ground.
Watching the tragedy unfold in front of her eyes, Celia lost consciousness, as she started to collapse, Douglas caught her.
「I was well aware of that. But I told you right? That you were in the way. I took care of the guy that was getting in our way with my own hands. I’ll say this to whoever can hear me! If any of you try to copy this guy, I’ll just make you meet the same end as him!」
Feeling irritated from the bottom of his heart, Douglas shouted.
He raised his voice so that all the kidnappers that were still standing up could hear, all of them froze in place.
While carrying Celia, Douglas went to where Sheryl was, and put her body in her care.
「Well, I have returned her to you. Since you are pretty strong, if anyone comes to take her from you, just beat them up」
To think…this would happen. We had retrieved Celia, the man that I thought was our biggest obstacle, had handed her over with his own hands. Having finally recovered from from feeling lightheaded, Douglas walked towards me.
Then, once he reached a suitable distance between us, he stopped.
「Sorry, for having someone getting in our way. If things went on like that, it would have been your win」
As if, he regretted it not having ended that way, Douglas clenched his teeth.
…It was probably vexing. Having a third party interrupt a match, and picking up after a fight that you were supposed to have lost. In a fair one on one match that both of us valued, it was worse than losing.
While young, his attitude towards martial arts is serious, I couldn’t help but feel admiration towards him. Even though he was a djinn, wrong, it was because he was a djinn that he was a man that was nobler than anyone else when it came to fights.
To be able to exchange blows with such a man right now, warmed my chest more than anything. I don’t know who taught him that, but if it’s something I’ve been able to give him right now, I should give my gratitude.
However, not knowing who to thank, I can’t do that right now. Therefore, my prayer…I’ll offer it to martial arts.
After looking up at the heavens, I changed my stance. It was a stance that lowered my fists towards the height of my waist. Different from 「Flowing stream」 which specialized in defense, it was one that concentrated on blows, this was a Shijima stance called 「Surging waves」
If I had to say, I’m better at defensive strategies.
However, no matter what, I want to exchange blows with this man.
「The blow a while ago, was pretty effective. I want to get into a fist fight with such a man no matter what. Take your stance, Douglas Bullard. I want to fight an opponent that puts all his soul into his fists」
Unfortunately, I’m not good with words. Therefore, the only thing I can talk with, are these fists.
Douglas’ eyes that were fixed on me, turned amicable, but that only lasted for a moment. Swallowing his own words, Douglas’ smile turned bitter.
Douglas lowered his back and took his stance, which was the same one as before, a stance that specialized in blows.
「You are a good man. I accept that challenge. Try taking these fists from a man that has nothing but this」
While smiling, his spirit raised up.
Even if I say so myself, I’m quite pathetic, I was the first one to accept, but I don’t have much spare energy left on me.
However, that applies to Douglas too. There was no better moment than now, to go all out. I can’t let it end without seeing all of this man’s power!
Silence returned to the forest yet again. Apart from the people here, the small animals probably left after having been chased by a bigger carnivorous beast.
What was left, was just the freezing atmosphere. In the stillness that no one knew how long it would go for, as if a string was cut, it happened at that moment.
There’s no choice but to do it now, with that kind of timing. The distance evaporated, and both of our fists were raised with confidence.
If I spoke honestly, strikes aren’t my forte. Because of that, I inherited the skills that made use of them that my master left for me. Therefore, I believe that the defensive techniques of the Shijima style are the strongest, and I plan to mainly use them to fight from now on.
However, it’s not like I didn’t admire brilliant blows. Rather, because I had taken blows from such formidable foes, my yearning for people like that was strong.
…It’s at this moment when I should unleash it. What I had pictured for a long time, a blow that gathers everything I’ve come across until now!
I gathered all the magic power I could muster to its utmost limits, and took a big breath. The magic that had passed above the limits, filled my body with power above what my body could endure. While my muscles were making sounds like they were being torn apart, I still kept pouring magic power into it.
Then, the moment it felt like it was going to escape my body…I used the only technique I knew to use other than my fists, I used it all on healing magic.
Destruction and restoration, the moment the saint’s scales reached balance, Douglas’ fist and mine crossed.
Filled with an vast amount of energy, a strike like the eruption of a volcano, my fist was clad in magic power the color of cherry blossoms.
Each of our fists passed each other’s, and continued towards their objective…
「Ooooooooohhhhhh!」
「Daraaaaaaaaaaaaa!」
The ground below us split as if lava was going to come out of it, a thunderous roar that you wouldn’t believe came from people hitting each other echoed.
The two shadows intersected, and time stopped, leaving only silence. A single moment stretched over eternity.
My fist took Douglas’ abdomen, and his fist…dug into my face.
「…This is so vexing, I was a step too far」
The corners of Douglas’ mouth turned into an exhilarating smile, and from there, crimson drops started to drip.
As if a single strand of blood was being pumped out. Douglas vomited a lot of blood, and fell to his knees.
Like that, as if he been drawn to the strength I had shown, Douglas prostrated on the ground.
「O-uooooooooo! He did it! You are amazing Slava!」
The one who confirmed the result of our current situation, was the one that was supposed to be the weakest among us, Sid.
It might have been easier to understand what was going on for those with little experience.
…That’s right, I’ve won. Even though my endurance and magic power were drying up, I placed my hands on my knees while running out of breath. I looked downwards towards the collapsed Douglas.
Unintentionally, I looked at Douglas’ defeated arms. When I grasped those shivering arms, pain ran across all my body.
…Shisei Ouka. I named this technique that way.
Pouring magic power past the body’s limits and strengthening it beyond one’s own capabilities, and when it looks like the body is going to get ruined from the recoil and let it out, you pressure it with healing magic to stop it, a half self-destructive like Shijima style secret technique…Ouka.
A technique I devised with my master, but we deemed it impossible and unnecessary, thus sealing it. A defective technique among all of those I had, that I had stored away.
Now that I think about it, I wonder how I thought of using such a technique without any previous preparations, even I was shocked by it.
However, more than anything, I wanted to exchange blows with this young boy with a technique I yearned to use in the past.
I looked at that young boy. Douglas, who had taken a blow with everything I had on it…while negligible, he exhaled air.
It seems like he somehow retained consciousness after taking such a blow. What would make such a young boy reach this level? My amazement went past simple jealousy.
…There’s just a slight moment of difference between victory and defeat. However, during that moment where we were attacking and defending at speeds that were hard to follow with your own eyes…my fist, seized Douglas’ abdomen.
Douglas’ fist had aimed at my face, even then, it had only scrape my flesh.
If only…he had been able to reach a bit further, his fist would have hit the bone, and it would have probably taken my life.
While having feelings of gratitude towards the young boy that had taken Shisei Ouka and survived, having reached my limits, I lowered my back. It was at that moment that it happened.
「S-s…Slavkun!」
「What? Uwah!?」
With great vigor, my body was mowed down, and my muscles screamed in pain.
It made me think that I had been attacked by an enemy, but I sensed no malice behind it…the girl’s voice was mixed with happiness and relief, I was aware of who the perpetrator of the attack was.
「Celia, you regained consciousness」
「Yup…I, I woke up when you were facing that person, I heard about it from Sheryl…and, and-」
「Uguh! S-sorry, but…can you go easy on me?」
It might have been done out of worry, but the current state of my body is like that of having wounds all over it, even being hugged by a frail girl feels like I’m being strangled.
Even though my voice was filled with anguish, I still placed my arm around Celia’s back.
「…I made you worry」
「…Yup」
I patted her head as she raised it, and then Sid and Sheryl showed up.
Sid gave me a thumbs up, and copying him, Sheryl raised both of her hands and smiled at me.
Because of my own careless, we were involved in this kind of situation, I was still full of regrets because of that. However, I felt even more relieved now that I have taken back these smiles.
「Well then, we should go back. Sorry Sid, can you lend me your shoulder?」
「Of course! Leave it to me!」
With the help of Sid, I stood up. I could barely walk, it seems like the recoil was bigger than I expected.
As expected, using a defective technique in an incomplete state was unreasonable, I probably won’t be able until I heal myself with healing magic.
Luckily, this place is not that deep. Even with a kid’s legs, we should be able to get out in no time.
I think we came that way. When I pointed the way for Sid.
「Stop right there!」
Several people…to be exact, the seven remaining people, stood in our way.
…Now that I think about it, these were the remaining men. Damn it, I want to deal with them, but I can’t move.
If I were honest, it was not like I had forgotten about their existence. However, luckily for us, Sheryl was here. I wasn’t happy about being lent a hand by a comparable age to that of a granddaughter, but seven people are not enough to deal with Sheryl.
「…I’ll say this for your own good, I believe it would be in your best interest to fall back. You have seen this kid move, right?」
The current me has no way to control Sheryl’s strength. If she took her stance now, I couldn’t guarantee their lives.
Their half shocked faces, turned into vulgar smiles.
…What’s going on? Their faces were full of confidence. Had they not seen the tragic event unfolding in front of their eyes?
While looking at my puzzled face, their confidence was broken, and they placed their hands on their breast pockets.
…Don’t tell me!
「Do you know what this is? Well, I doubt kids like you know about it…hehe, you guys are finished! We won’t let you get away anymore, don’t expect to go back alive!」
Simultaneously from their breast pocked, they took a muddy blood like 「black crystal」.
…I unconsciously bit my lips, and blood started to drip. Now that I thought about it, we had been relying on this presence to get here!
Not having left any spare energy, I wanted to hit my head so bad. No, if I didn’t go all out at that moment, I might not have won, but it was still a situation where I didn’t have to spend all my energy.
The only one that can fight right now, is Sheryl. It’s not like I’m leaving everything to a child. She might have no issues if it was only one or two men using it, but she probably won’t be able to handle this amount of people.
I started to think if there was a way to get out of this situation. However, I wasn’t able to come up with anything, and I was overcome with impatience.
When I was in that state of mind, the men, swallowed the crystal.
Their bodies started to shake as if they were vibrating, and their magic power started to change.
…This time, it might really be checkmate. Having understood the situation, I planned to separate from Sid and try to buy as much time as I can, so that these children can run away.
…At that moment. A shadow stood in front of me. A girl with silver hair that I had grown accustomed to…Sheryl.
「Wait, even if it’s you, against this number of people..!」
I tried to desperately stop Sheryl. However, it was strange.
It was true that at times, the magic power Sheryl let out felt ominous. However the her right now, was releasing magic power to the point that she’d reach insanity and would start laughing…but what she was wrapped up in right now, was like a calm sea that had been frozen over.
I felt something out of the ordinary, leaving me speechless, the magic power of the girl standing in front of my eyes rather than being strong, it felt viciously earnest. To the point that even I,felt fear.
The men that had finished their transformation looked like they had felt something, having lost their will to attack, they started to fall back.
Even though they were shivering in fear, Sheryl slowly declared in a cold manner.
「…You are in the way, disappear from my sight」
It was emotionless, just by saying that…all the men fell to their knees.
「W-what..!?」
The scene was too odd, I doubted my eyes. All the collapsed men had vacant eyes, and they had lost consciousness.
From what I saw, Sheryl had done nothing. She had just said a single word.
Even then, the men looked like the connection to their brains had been cut and had fainted with their eyes open.
After giving the men a glance, Sheryl turned towards me.
That state only lasted for a moment, she was back to her quiet and innocent self.
「…Let’s go?」
As if nothing had happened, Sheryl started to walk.
While feeling that difference in atmosphere, I leaned on Sid’s shoulder again and started to walk.
…Making the people that consumed the black crystal and were at a certain distance faint with just her voice.
Sheryl, what exactly are you? I swallowed my words and took a breath instead.
No matter what kind of existence she is, it was true that we were saved by her. For now, let’s just give thanks that we can go back together.
With gloomy feelings in our hearts, we went back the way we came from.
At times, Sid and Sheryl signaled the way, our first day off together passed by.
By the time we reached the town, the sky was in the middle of turning dark.Anyway, I don’t think our day off was wasted.
While the shaking of the carriage was hard on my body on the way back, I closed my eyes.
…Be it that Douglas,or these crystals, what exactly is going in this world?
Unable to sort all the things in my mind, I was overcome with fatigue, and fell asleep.