That 196: Nichiasa Uncle

After that, the outcome was decided in almost no time at all.

Yokku landed a precise right hook to the Metal Batman's jaw, and the massive man collapsed like a switch had been flipped.

The dangerous man who had stood before us just moments ago now lay motionless, emitting a faint sound like a kitten meowing—“kyuu…”—and didn’t move a muscle.

"Game over."

"Kill…!?"

"I didn't kill him. That's the hero's rule, right? Isn't that how it is?"

"The rule, huh?"

"Let's just leave this guy here. It's summer, after all. Even if we leave him like this, he won't die, will he?"

"Huh..."

I feel a strange, uneasy vibe coming from him, still wearing his goggles even in the dark night.

"Old man, are you alright?"

"Fine. Only the chair got hit."

"Even so, the wheels are bent off the frame now. In times like these, parts are scarce. It's like having a broken leg."

"No, that's alright. As long as I'm alive."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah. I've made a promise with an old acquaintance who'll come someday and fix my limbs."

"You mean... limbs that've been completely severed from the root?"

"Hmm. Apparently, there's some kind of magic that can do that..."

"I see."

Yokku suddenly cut off the conversation and effortlessly lifted Ihotaka into his wheelchair.

"I'll take you. Where's your place?"

"...Sorry. Just ahead."

"Got it."

Then the three of them entered through the back door of what used to be a hardware store.

Ihotaka himself didn't strike me as particularly clean, but his living space was surprisingly tidy—almost neat enough to make my own room look messy by comparison.

Apparently, whenever this person has free time, they use it to practice balancing on one leg while cleaning.

Hmm, I guess I need to practice.

Honestly, I could have stayed here and relaxed a bit longer.

Then, we'll stay here.

It is decided to leave the room based on Yonetsu-san's words.

"What? You're leaving already? I'll at least serve you tea and a snack."

You're welcome. But that's what heroes do—no strings attached.

And thumbs up.

Ah...

Is this what Rinne meant by "heroes who act like they're better than everyone else are annoying"?

I can kind of understand it. It's like being forced to play along in this farce.

Let's go, doll.

Gnununu

Reluctantly going along with his wishes, despite a faint sense of dread.

Still, there is one thing I can say for certain.

At least this person doesn't seem like a villain.

▼

Following behind the muscular man, I drift in thought.

How balanced are good and evil in this world, I wonder.

It's impossible to categorize people as simply good or bad, so this question likely has no definitive answer...

But one thing is certain: it feels like those who possess the ability to harm others are vastly outnumbered by those who don't.

"Um..."

"Hmm?"

So you've come here to kill me?

"Nah, I just happened to pass by. I've always had a nose for trouble. I can't help but be drawn to bad guys' hideouts. I used to do something similar as a kid. Once, I came home early from school and caught a burglar in the act. I even got a medal from the police once."

"Huh, really...?"

A chatterbox who seizes every chance to talk about himself, perhaps?

I took a small step back from him.

"So, shall we call it a night now?"

"Come on, don't be such a downer. Let's keep dating a little longer."

"Ah, sorry. I'm just not good at this kind of thing. Goodbye."

Nightku let out a dry chuckle at my blunt words.

"I know all about your situation. I heard you're scared because you lost your memory, or something like that."

"Mind your own business."

"Well, I do feel sorry for you. I just checked your level earlier. If we fought properly, you'd be someone I couldn't possibly beat."

"...Huh?"

Level?

Wait, are we using a level system? Like in an RPG?

Then again, maybe the gods are keeping an eye on the balance too. Like giving tough quests to those who are too strong, just to keep the game from getting too unbalanced and turning into a terrible game.

"Is this a terrible game?"

Even so, losing your memory feels like it's way too unfair...

I think... this world is probably being toyed with by some someone somewhere.

Maybe it's because my responses kept dragging on.

Yokiku shrugged his shoulders with a sigh.

"Well, whatever. The point is, I can't miss this chance. Tomorrow, I'll face the girl head-on and win. And survive this 'end'."

"Huh?"

"If I win tomorrow—then, inevitably, the girl's territory will be completely taken over. You understand, right? Weak ones can't defend against outsiders."

"Please, do as you like."

Even if you call it a territory...

I never intended to claim this place in the first place.

"...Really... I'm scared."

"What is?"

"The situation you're in. The amnesia. You don't even need to know the details to sense it. You must've gone through an unimaginable ordeal to become this strong. And surely paid a heavy price along the way."

"Huh?"

"But you're letting go of it without a second thought—something that seems to me like an unimaginable tragedy."

I fell silent.

That's why you can understand what this person is trying to say indirectly.

Yukawa must surely be trying to spark my motivation—despite me being his enemy.

You're inspiring me.

So you won't suffer later on.

I thought, simply, that's amazing.

In a world where girls joyfully bring back severed heads, the very existence of someone so kind-hearted is, frankly, astonishing.

So, as we part ways, I’ll say this:

“You’re just like a character from that children’s show that airs every Sunday morning.”

“Cut it out.”

With that, Yoruiku vanished into the night, melting into the darkness.