“Oh, I see. That’s why you’re so calm, isn’t it? Well, I’m glad. To tell you the truth, I was wondering what I would do if you attacked me without asking any questions.”
Aiba released a sigh of relief, as if he was truly relieved.
“Ever since I became a monster, I’ve been sensitive to any strong presence. To tell the truth, I’ve been worried ever since you came here.”
I wonder if Ono also felt the same way when he saw me
It’s strange to be treated like a monster by a monster.
That’s how strong we’ve become, I guess.
It’s only been about a month since the world became like this.
“ By the way, I’d like to ask you, what on earth do I look like?”
I was so curious that I couldn’t help but ask him.
Aiba put his hand on his chin and thought for a moment.
“That’s right . I found a giant tree monster not too long ago, and it scared me just as much as you did.”
I’m as terrifying as Peony . It’s hard to be happy about that.
But I’m glad he seems like a good guy.
I was wondering what I would do if it turned out to be hostile.
“Aiba-san, I’d like to ask you a few questions .”
“What would they be?”
“Actually, I have a friend in my group who knows the woman I just saved, and I’d like to ask you some questions about her and her mother ”
“The woman you saved – that would be Goshogawara, right? I was so delighted when I received the news. With the state of the current world, I am extremely happy to hear that her family member is still alive. I hope they can reunite again soon.”
“Yes, I feel the same. But there’s something that’s been bothering me a bit .”
Aiba stared at me.
I’m not sure if I should be asking this question or not, to be honest.
If it was someone like Nishino here, he would be able to lead the conversation naturally and get the information he needs, but I’m not that good at it.
So, I’ll just ask him directly.
“ She and her mother lost their memories of the days after they were attacked by a monster. Do you know anything about it?”
“-“
When I asked this, Aiba’s expression changed.
The good-natured smile that he had on his face a moment ago faded and he turned serious.
“ If you’re asking that question, then you must know the characteristics of the Treant monster, don’t you, Kudou?”
“Is that so .”
Aiba folded his hands on the table and let out a deep sigh.
“ Kudou, let me confirm one thing with you. The person who defeated the big tree monster, was that you?”
“Yes, it was. But it wasn’t just me, it was the result of all of us working together.”
“So that really is the case huh . That’s right. If Goshogawara’s family is also there, it would be better to talk to them .”
This response . This person really has something to do with it .
As I waited for Aiba’s reply, I could feel my own heart racing.
It may be inappropriate, but I was secretly hoping that he had it.
I wondered if he might have that skill.
A skill that could be a hope for us – or for everyone.
Yes, the forbidden power that can bring dead people back to life – the “resurrection” skill.
“Get the hell up.”
Meanwhile, Rebel was looking down on Nishino and the others with a tree branch in her hand.
Rikka, Shibata, Goshogawara, Ono, and the other high school students were all crawling on the ground.
Everyone was covered in wounds and breathing hard, they were barely able to stay conscious.
The war with the otherworlders would start in about six months.
By then, we must have the strength to fight the otherworlders.
This is why they are training, but their abilities are far below Rebel’s expectations.
( shit, I didn’t expect them to be this weak .)
They were all unexpectedly weak.
Even with everyone’s combined strength, they would not stand a chance against Kazuto alone.
She was impressed that they had survived with this level of strength.
It wasn’t just a matter of level or status.
It was the sheer lack of actual experience in battle.
They probably had never even fought properly before the world became like this.
( This world must have been so peaceful )
It was not that she thought it was a bad thing. In fact, she even envied it.
The lack of hostile forces such as monsters allowed this world to develop its culture and technology remarkably. Exchanges between countries thrived, and it was easy to experience the culture and food of other countries.
Of course, underneath the surface, there would probably be conflicts between countries, but still, looking at them, Rebel could see that they have lived a very peaceful life so far.
–I feel really sorry for them.
She felt extremely apologetic for dragging such a peaceful world into the turmoil of her world.
Normally, they would have grown up, married, started families, and died of old age without ever being exposed to such a desolate world.
“ .Get up quickly. Stand up, defeat him as quickly as you can.”
That is why Rebel glared at them ruthlessly.
She knew it was a selfish thing to do.
‘But now that I’ve gotten involved, I have to fulfill my responsibility as best I can.’
In order for them to survive as long as possible, she had to use the knowledge, experience, and power she had to prepare them as much as she could in the limited time she had.
“Hah hah let’s do it!”
The first one to come back to life was Rikka.
She clutched the machete in her hand, her fighting spirit burning brightly.
“Good eyes you have there . Come on, Ifrit, don’t hold back. Beat that girl to death.”
“Gooaa!”
In response to Rebel’s voice, the flaming giant that had been waiting behind her let out a yell.
–Ifrit, the Fire Spirit
It’s a spirit-type monster summoned by Rebel’s summoning magic.
It is a dark-skinned giant who was over two meters long, with arms, legs, and back covered in high-heat flames.
The skill is in the same line as Toka Igarashi’s spirit summoning, but there is a clear difference in the strength of the monsters it summons.
More than anything, there is a distinct difference between this giant Irfit and the spirit that Toka summons.
Rikka transformed into a ‘demon’, grabbed her machete and charged forward.
At the same time, she activated the “Blood Art,” a skill that only demons possessed.
Geometrical patterns appeared on her skin, and her physical abilities and the power of her weapons surged exponentially.
With the combination of these skills and “madness”, Rikka could easily slaughter even a golem.
“–You rely too much on your skills. Points deducted.”
“ ! Kyaa!”
Irfit easily dodged Rikka’s attack and countered with a fist.
Rikka was blown away and slammed into the wall.
“’Madness’ enhances your physical abilities, but it also reduces your thinking and makes your movements more predictable. Your judgment will be clouded, and if your friends don’t support you in this situation, it could be fatal.”
“Uuu ouch ”
With blood pouring from her head, Rikka stood up.
( . with all that said, you’re remarkable when it comes to resilience .)
Rebel’s summon, Irfit’s attack power far exceeded the power of a Titan.
She was surprised that even though Rikka took that attack head-on, she was able to get away with only that much.
(Maybe this girl was responsible for all the fighting in this group. )
While ‘demons’ are originally a race with excellent resilience, this girl is still in the early days of her evolution.
It must have taken a lot of practice to get to this point of evolution.