Chapter 103 My Friends…
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Yukina led the way, her determination evident as she cut through the swarming Antsauroids with slashes of white ice. Each swing of her blade seemed to tear through the air with icy power, breaking the monsters apart.
(For Sayumi-chan’s sake!)
Yukina wasn’t just leading the group; she was doing it for Sayumi Mineyama as well. The faster she moved the girls, the less pressure Sayumi would feel covering their retreat. Every step forward made it easier for Sayumi, who was at the back.
”Get out of the way, you fake ants!” Yukina shouted, panting heavily but pushing on. Despite the strain, she was making progress.
”Ha… ha…” Yukina’s breathing grew heavier, and her focus seemed to waver. Then, suddenly, something knocked her off her feet.
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(What’s happening…? Why are the ants moving faster now? This could be trouble…)
While fighting or avoiding the Antsauroids, Sanai sensed something coming closer. Raising a hand to signal Tokihara and the others to stop, they felt the danger was near.
Just as expected, the footsteps grew louder, and Sanai stepped out to strike with his pickaxe.
”?!”
But to his surprise, it wasn’t an enemy. It was Yukina Yuki, one of the top students in their class, her face frozen in shock.
Yuuki, just as shocked, called out, “What…? Sanai? You’re really alive?!”
It seemed that Sakagami and Mizutani had told her about Sanai. Before he could speak, Tokihara and the others rushed to Yukina’s side.
”Ms. Yuki?! Are you alright?!” Tokihara asked, noticing her heavy breathing. “What about the others?!”
Since Yukina was here, the rest of the group was likely nearby. Knowing that Sakagami and Mizutani had probably miscommunicated, Sanai decided to take charge.
”Alright… I won’t need to guide you anymore. Listen closely, I’ll say this once: from where you came, take two rights and one left, then three more rights. You should end up back on a familiar path.”
Sanai started to leave, but Tokihara stopped him.
”Wait, Sanai! What are you planning to do alone?!” she shouted.
He shouldn’t have been surprised, but Tokihara and Yuki both called after him.
”Sigh… What do you think? A guy like me, with no special talent, can’t fight that thing…” Sanai muttered, frustration creeping into his voice.
Tokihara didn’t back down. “If you’re powerless, then it’s even more dangerous for you to go alone!” she said, concern on her face.
Sanai glanced at her dismissively. “Not all enemies are out there, you know? Haven’t you ever heard of stories where someone gets betrayed by their own?”
Yuki looked angry. “What? Do you think we would use our friends as bait? I can’t believe you’d think that of us!”
Sanai shot back, “Oh, really? You don’t know what I’ve heard, do you? Before I ran into you, those two were trying to take everything I had!” He paused, his voice rising in anger. “And that’s not all! Sada—your friend—was trying to hurt Mineyama!”
Yuki’s face turned pale, and her mouth opened in shock. Sanai spread his arms, emphasizing his point.
”Don’t you see? You can’t be trusted! You have your divine gifts, but you’re not the only ones fighting this war!”
With that, Sanai turned and walked away, not caring if they were offended.
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”Wait! Sanai!”
Just as he was about to leave, Sashima ran after him.
”What’s going on, Ms. Sashima? I’m not going back,” Sanai said, confused about why she was following.
Sashima hesitated before speaking, her voice almost shy. “Well… Can I come with you?”
Sanai froze. “Huh? You want to come with me? To Valend Cave Kingdom?”
Her request surprised him, and his mind raced. He couldn’t just take someone else with him, not like this.
”But… you know, I don’t even know how to explain this to Valend,” he thought, panicking. “What will they think if there’s suddenly one more person?”
Sashima continued without hesitation. “The others… They’ve been fighting. And the girls who aren’t combat specialists, like me, won’t be able to join them. I’ll just be left behind.”
Sanai thought about her words, realizing it wasn’t just about the mission for her. It was about survival. Her lack of combat skills and weaker blessings made her vulnerable. Even though Tokihara and the others were strong, she didn’t feel like she belonged with them.
”You’re saying things are getting bad between everyone, huh?” Sanai asked, thinking about what she said.
”Yeah… that’s why I need to stick with you. Otherwise, I might end up being used as bait.”
Her reasoning made sense. It wasn’t just about strength anymore. It was about surviving in a dangerous place.
Sanai hesitated, thinking about the chaos that had surrounded their class and the betrayals. But in the end, he couldn’t turn her away.
”Alright, fine,” he said with a deep breath. “You can come with me, but only for five minutes. After that, we’re done talking. No more second chances.”
He had no choice. If he left her behind, he’d only feel guilty if something happened to her.
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”Nacchan… Are you really going?”
Hiyori stood there, holding the first aid kit she had given her earlier. She handed it to Kazahana Ootori, looking worried.
”Hiyori, even though you’re at the top of the class in brains and agility, going with Sanai alone is reckless,” Tokihara said, worried.
Hiyori, though, was just as worried about staying with Tokihara and the others. She couldn’t see herself fighting alongside them anymore. The bonds they had seemed fragile now.
”I’m sorry… Ms. Misa, Fuu-chan… both of you,” Hiyori said softly.
Tokihara, ever the protector, hugged her tightly. “Don’t worry about it… just… don’t die, Nacchan.”
Hiyori hugged her back, tears in her eyes. “You too… we’ll meet again. I promise.”
As she said her goodbyes, sadness filled her heart, but with a forced smile, she turned and walked toward Sanai. Together, they moved forward into the unknown.
Notes:
• Yukina – Sayumi’s friend, a half-Eastern European girl with silver hair and blue eyes, who offers support and expresses concern about the recent events.
• Sayumi – Vice class rep, serious and disciplined.
• Mineyama – Vice class rep, serious and disciplined.
• Tokihara – Family name of Misaki. One of Hiyori Sashima’s closest friends, alongside Ootori Fuuka.
• Sakagami – A former classmate of Ayumu Sanai, characterized by his arrogant and bullying nature. He carries a sword but is easily subdued by Ayumu’s close-quarters combat skills. Left incapacitated with non-lethal injuries, including a blow to the solar plexus and jaw. Appeared in Chapter 92.
• Mizutani – Another former classmate of Ayumu, known for his opportunistic and aggressive behavior. He is quickly disabled by a blow to the temple, causing dizziness and loss of equilibrium. Like Sakagami, he is left writhing in pain as Ayumu escapes. Appeared in Chapter 92.
• Sada – A bullied student with a dark and arrogant personality, who awakens as a Dark Knight.
• Sashima – Family name of Hiyori. A quiet, caring girl from the library committee, empathetic toward Sanai. She followed as a Barrier Technique Adept.
• Valend Cave Kingdom – Dwarven realm mentioned in the map.
• Ootori – First appears in Chapter 49 of the story. One of Hiyori Sashima’s best friends, alongside Tokihara Misaki. Fuuka is currently experiencing menstrual pain, which slows her down and causes her discomfort, but she persists in moving forward with her friends. Her blessing makes her a target for those with ill intent, so she relies on Misaki’s combat skills and Hiyori’s barrier abilities for protection.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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