"No way!"
The first person to reject my idea wasn't my father but, surprisingly, Renji-san.
"Do you understand what you're trying to do, Itsuki-kun?" he asked, his voice was tense.
"Yes, I understand," I nodded firmly and continued, "But if we follow my plan, the monster will definitely turn back."
"It might, but that means you'll be the bait. I can't allow that," Renji-san gripped the steering wheel tightly.
Meanwhile, my father remained silent, seemingly deep in thought about my suggestion.
"...Itsuki, you're saying this because you believe we can defeat the monster once it comes back, right?" my father finally spoke.
"Yes, exactly. I wouldn't suggest it otherwise," I responded confidently.
With that, my father let out a long breath, his face clearly showing the weight of his thoughts. It wasn't that my plan was complicated—on the contrary, it was quite simple. All I had to do was release my magic power without using any complex techniques like "Kai-jutsu" or "Shi-jutsu."
I had always wondered why I hadn't been attacked by monsters despite my high magic power. Monsters were attracted to powerful magic, so it didn't make sense that I hadn't been targeted more often. Akane-san from the Kamiazuki family even gave me a protective talisman because she was concerned about it.
But in the five years since then, I had only been attacked by monsters three times, including today. That was far too few attacks for someone with my level of magic power.
After thinking it over, I came to the conclusion that my ability to control my magic within my body through "Kai-jutsu" had prevented any of it from leaking out, which kept the monsters from sensing me. No monster could detect what wasn't there.
But if I deliberately released my magic power, even the most distant monsters would be drawn to me.
Of course, I wasn't proposing this plan without considering the risks. I didn't want to die. I didn't want to be targeted by monsters.
But I've become stronger than before—strong enough to handle myself for a little while, at least.
That's why I proposed the idea.
"...Renji," my father said with a slight smile.
"When a child speaks so strongly, we, as adults, should listen. Don't you think so?"
"Soichiro? What are you talking about?" Renji-san looked bewildered.
"Let's follow Itsuki's plan," my father replied.
Renji-san spun around to face my father, "Are you crazy? You're planning to use your child as bait!?"
"Of course not. Itsuki's magic release will only last a moment. All we need to do is make the Rank Five monster headed for the city aware of it. Slowing it down, even slightly, would help reduce the damage," my father explained calmly.
Renji-san fell silent, seemingly realizing the merit in my father's argument.
"That way, we can minimize the damage. You understand that too, don't you, Renji?" my father added.
"...Fine, but only for a moment," Renji-san reluctantly agreed.
"Itsuki, can you do it?" my father asked, turning back toward me.
Suddenly, the air around us expanded as if swelling with power. The scattered branches and leaves began to move, forming new creatures. Insects on the ground grew larger and more menacing.
"...He's creating more monsters," Aya-chan whispered from the car.
Yes, this was undoubtedly the ringleader.
Taking a deep breath, I extended multiple strands of Silveit.
In an instant, the forest was filled with the sound of explosions as the newly formed monsters were torn apart.
"Soichiro!"
"I know," my father responded, exchanging a glance with Renji-san.
I nodded back at them, indicating that I would handle the small fry, leaving them to focus on the main threat.
But the monster also took notice of me.
"Ah, so you're the one who did that? Interesting," the monster said, clapping his hands together.
In a flash, my father and Renji-san vanished.
"Dad! Renji-san!?" I shouted.
"Ah, you're surprised? It's just 'Teleportation Magic,'" the monster said with a sly grin, pointing at me.
"You're the one with that massive magic power, right? You don't need to answer—I already know," he continued.
I felt Aya-chan trembling beside me, gripping my hand tightly.
...Teleportation Magic.
I could guess what it was from the name, but I had no idea how to counter it.
With my father and Renji-san gone, I had no idea where they had been teleported to. Our plan to lure out and defeat the monster had been shattered in a single move.
My heart pounded violently as the fear of death crept in.
But I wasn't the only one who didn't want to die. Aya-chan was here too, and I had to protect her.
"It's okay, Aya-chan," I said, opening the car door.
Aya couldn't fight. With my father and Renji-san gone...
"I'll exorcise him," I declared, stepping out of the car.
There was no other choice.
"Ah, really? I don't think you can," the monster sneered.
In the dead of night, deep in the mountains, a battle with a Rank Five monster was about to begin.