CH 42

The last day of the exchange program.

Today we were to have a match in the morning and leave Central School after having lunch.

The elementary, middle, and high schools would play their games at different venues.

Due to time constraints, each match was limited to 20 minutes.

If the time was exceeded, the game would end in a draw.

There are only the players and a few teachers at the games, as the rest of the students are in class.

“Oh, Owen, ……. Go easy on me, please.”

My match is first.

“Thor. Be prepared for anything.”

“Oh, no. ……. What did I do?”

“Ask yourself this. I’m here to beat the shit out of you today!”

I pointed a finger at Thor.

“Eh, that’s …….”

That’s not good.

Thor was not in combat mode, so he was out of sorts.

We face each other, keeping our distance.

“And now, the first game of the exchange! Start!”

As soon as the referee gives the signal, I use my body enhancement.

As I was strengthening my body, Thor was approaching me rapidly.

But it was okay, since I was able to follow him with my eyes.

I bent my arms to protect my body.

“It Hu-“

My right arm ached from the impact of Thor’s fist.

Without pausing, I used my arms and legs to defend against the incoming attacks.

Monet’s training had helped me to keep up with Thor’s movements.

However, there were still a few things that I couldn’t prevent.

In just a few seconds of attack and defense, damage was accumulated on my stomach, legs and arms.

“Hey, hey! You can’t keep defending yourself!”

Thor came in with a sharp kick from my right leg.

I kicked out my left leg to catch it.

“Kuh. ……”

Since my magic power was concentrated in my eyes, my arms and legs have the least amount of magic power.

If things continued like this, I would run out of energy.

“Ha~ weren’t you going to hit me? That’s the extent of it, dude!”

Thor raised his right leg and drop-kicked me.

I avoided it by turning around.

Thor immediately turned around and came at me with a spinning kick around his left leg.

When I stopped him with my thigh, he twisted his body further and kicked me with the heel of his left foot.

The blow hit me directly in the side.

“…… Gah!”

I was only an amateur at close quarters combat.

And the level of physical enhancement was different.

I could barely follow Thor’s movements with my eyes, but my body couldn’t keep up.　

Thor thrust his right fist up from below.

“Gahhh ……!”

He punched me in the stomach.

For a moment, I couldn’t breathe.

I had to resist the urge to fall to the ground.

I can’t fall down here.

Thor pulled his right shoulder to close his shoulder blades, creating a fighting stance before punching me.

‘There it is ……!’

After confirming the movement, I put my magic power into my right hand.

I have learned something from my fight with Monet.

Whenever Thor is about to strike, his movements become larger.

This was the only chance I had.

I took a step forward, enduring the pain in my stomach.

“Iron fist!

The palm of my hand goes into Thor’s stomach.

At the same time, Thor’s right hand hit my face.

“Guh ……”

“Gaha……”

We both hit each other at the same time.

I was blown backwards and rolled around on the ground a couple of times.

‘It huuuuurts.’

My head was spinning around.

But there was no way I was going to get a shot in at Thor unless I did this.

This was what I call a cut-to-the-flesh, cut-to-the-bone strategy.

Thor was also dazed, as if my blow had hit him too hard.

“You ……!”

He gave me a strong look, his gaze wandering.

Fuhahaha

“How’d it go? I gave you a punch!”

It hurt like hell, I was in tears, and I felt like a fool.

But I was satisfied.

I landed a blow, and that was enough.

Now it’s time to fight on my turf.

“Now it’s time for the real thing.”

“The real deal ……?　You mean you’ve been slacking until now?”

“Don’t get me wrong. I’m a magician, and my fighting style is to use magic.”

Then he kicked the ground and fell back at once.

And then.

“Great Fireball ……!

I aimed at Thor.

“Oraaaaa!”

Thor waved his right arm to stop it.

“Ifreet!

I fired more magic.

It’s a short chant, so it’s not very powerful.

However, it would be enough of a check.

Thor bent down to avoid it, kept his posture low, and rushed forward.

“Blast!”

The magic exploded near Thor, creating a cloud of dust.

Then, in rapid succession.

“Ifreet! Burn them with the flames of hell!”

Before the dust settled, I released it.

But…

“Uraaaaaaaaaaaaaa!”

Thor’s roar could be heard.

Immediately after, I saw the hellfire being drowned out.

Then Thor emerged from the dust, burnt in places but still battle-ready.

“Let’s do this!”

Well, he’s strong.

Using magic, I could finally have a good match.

It seemed to be just what Ren-sensei was hoping for.

“You’re the strong one.”

“It’s obvious. Isn’t it?”

Thor lifted the edge of his mouth.

I liked it.

It was worth it.

“Let’s show them what we can do.”

I put magic power into both of my arms as I said that.