Chapter 35: What Have I Learned in the Last Six Months?

Chapter 35: What Have I Learned in the Last Six Months? What Have I Learned in the Last Six Months?

* * *

It’s been about six months since I started living with my master.

We, both of us being the quiet type, didn’t exchange many words.

But, even so.

Through eye contact, we’ve communicated heart to heart.

I believe that my master and I can understand each other without words.

At least, I think so.

And probably, so does Master.

The look we exchanged just before Master began his battle with the bald man.

His gaze, as sharp and stern as ever, was telling me.

This is a new challenge.

When I realized that, I felt embarrassed.

I wanted to become stronger, to have the power to survive, that’s why I became Master’s disciple.

Yet, I found myself wishing to be saved by Master without fighting.

That’s not right, it shouldn’t be like that.U//ppTodated fr/o/m nô/v/e/lb(i)n.c(o)\/m

This level of crisis, I should overcome it with my own strength.

If you’re going to call yourself my disciple, then prove it.

That’s what Master’s gaze was scolding me for.

And that scolding.

It meant that I could do it.

That Master believed in me, believed that I could handle it, was proof of that.

I was happy.

...Understood, Master.

I won’t expose any more disgrace.

As your disciple, I’ll show you a result that won’t make you ashamed.

In this situation, being taken hostage, my life hanging by a thread.

I’ll use all the strength I’ve gained during these six months with Master...

And with my own power, I’ll turn this around!!

* * *

“Come, bring it on!... I shall subdue you!!”

With those words from Dahachie, the cult leader, the battle between the two began.

Emi’s master, in an instant, closed the distance to Dahachie without making a sound, unleashing a series of punches.

Each strike was a lethal 【Magic Strike】.

A fist capable of breaking rocks.

However, Dahachie, having survived as a top-class assassin, continued to parry the man’s punches.

Even so, the man’s flurry of attacks was overwhelming.

Dahachie couldn’t organize his offense and was gradually pushed back, retreating... yet, he smirked creepily.

“......!”

Sensing an unknown danger, the man momentarily leapt back.

And at that moment, as he reassumed his stance toward Dahachie... blood dripped from a cut on his right arm that had appeared at some point.

“Ha ha ha! Oh, that was close! I was hoping to take at least one of your arms! But it seems your reputation as a ‘legend’ isn’t unfounded!”

His desire to kill is starting to show outright!?

<It seems we’re running out of time......!>

Think, think, think, think, think......!!

Think about what I can do!

Seize it with my own power!

My life, my future!

What have I been doing these past six months?

What have I learned!!

<But Emi, the skills you’ve learned are all the ones you just mentioned! Even the martial arts taught during sparring can’t be used now that you’re captured!>

Extra-sama screams.

<Emi, it’s frustrating, but indeed, you don’t have the power to change this situation yet... Ogad’s rampage is terrifying, but all we can do now is believe that he will be defeated by him and quietly wait...>

Don’t say such things, Extra-sama!

This is a challenge from Master!

It’s the expectation that Master has for me!?

<Even so, Emi...!>

I absolutely can’t betray that!!

I just can’t!

Just sitting here quietly watching Master’s battle!

I will fight too!!

“Ha...! Hey, kid, I told you not to move! I’m losing my patience...!”

Ugh...!

The restraint from old man number two gets even stronger.

I can’t move.

I can’t do anything.

If this continues, all I can really do is watch Master’s battle...

....................................

Ah.

I see.

<...Emi?>

In front of me, Master and the bald man continue their battle.

Master is hindered by the 【Invisible Slash】, unable to get close to the bald man.

He narrowly avoids the bald man’s attacks, moving as if dancing.

Under different circumstances, I would want to watch it more closely.

Master’s movements, every single one, are refined and beautiful.

Not just his physical movements.

The manipulation of magic, which is usually invisible, is precise and efficient in Master’s case, and it’s wonderful.

The clue to solving this situation.

It was indeed in the battle unfolding before my eyes.

However, what should be noted is not just Master’s splendid martial arts.

The clue to the solution.

It was literally a “thread”.