Chapter 225: The Starving Warriors

At that moment, what came to mind was the fire-element magic used the previous morning when departing from Sakagura.

The power that turned the "zombie" to ashes with a blazing pillar of fire.

Even if wielding a sword is terrifying, reciting a spell isn't difficult.

The ensuing back-and-forth was like a dance in the dark night—two people stepping in sync, tapping in rhythm.

Ryoma's bloodstained claws were sharp as small knives on each of his five fingers, and every swing was clearly a lethal strike.

Having discarded my sword and become light on my feet, I carefully dodged each attack while closely observing my opponent's movements.

"——Damn it, ……so evasive…!"

Now that I was seeing it firsthand, it finally became clear.

It seems Ryoma-san really wants to force his blood into my body at all costs. He’s slowly cutting his fingertips and flinging his blood at me like he’s throwing something.

If his bodily fluid possesses properties equivalent to the "zombie" toxin...

Honestly, the sheer terror made my body tremble uncontrollably.

I’m scared... so scared!

The possibility that I might transform into something no longer myself.

I’d rather be killed than face that fate.

I slowly, carefully, stepped back without drawing attention, putting distance between us.

'You and me! So long! Fighting each other like this! It's like a dream come true!'

I grimaced at the unsettling tone of his voice.

I was carefully timing my move.

Without any weapons, on the defensive from the start, I must have looked hopelessly trapped to an outsider.

But even if my hands and feet were bound, there was still something left.

I took a deep breath,

"——WAAAH!!!!!!!"

and screamed.

It wasn't just a mindless shout—I used the skill called "Roar." My voice at that moment clearly carried physical force, successfully staggering Ryouma for a brief moment.

"——!?"

Without making a sound, Ryouma froze in place.

Seizing the opening, I immediately chanted a follow-up spell.

"——《Flame Column》!!"

At the same time, a grid resembling a magic square appeared beneath his feet.

A loud sound echoes, and the area is illuminated as brightly as during the day.

Yes, I won! Third part complete!

I would have shouted that if I'd had the luxury of doing so. Nevertheless, I wasn't carefree enough at that moment to be making idle remarks.

A dark silhouette is visible within the blazing flames.

When I once tried it against a "zombie," it turned to ash in an instant...

Heh heh heh! So hot!

No way.

Can it really be dismissed with just the kind of reaction you'd expect from a comedian soaked in a hot spring commercial?

The two horses were grinning slightly, as if parting the flames.

Unphased by physical attacks, and—this magical resistance.

Even I, with my memory loss, can understand this.

He was created as a monster meant to kill the "player."

This time, I dashed out of the alleyway once more.

A second retreat, following Yozuka-san.

But this time, I was running backward, keeping my eyes fixed on the enemy.

After all, I couldn’t be sure—what if the two horses didn’t attack Miharu-chan?

Still, it turned out to be my unnecessary worry.

"Can't you just not run away like a lizard seen in winter?!"

As expected.

The hate is perfectly aimed at me.

At least now—Miharu-chan is safe, right?

I took a deep breath once more,

"——WAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!"

[Roar].

"——Gh, ugh..."

The deafening roar shook the alley wall so violently that Ryouma once again froze in place. From each spot stabbed by Migen-chan, blood gushed out in thick spurts.

Good thing I used this skill right at the last moment.

This is insanely convenient. I’m definitely going to use this for life.

Finally, I managed to leap out of the alley.

Stepping out onto the street illuminated by the city lights, I headed toward the wide avenue where the radio song could be heard.

There, the older men who had just tended to the wound were gathered together, relaxing and smoking cigarettes.

Help! Someone! Please help me...!

Shouting at them like that, one of them stared, eyes wide and blank,

"Huh? Who's that... why would that be?"

That was the moment.

Qin Cheng, who has been chasing after me,

"...Wait, please... wait a second, 'Warrior'..."

Emerging slowly from the darkness, walking with weary steps.

"U-uhh! W-what the hell is this thing!?"

Seeing him with knives stuck in both ears and forehead, slightly charred, the old men scattered like spiders' young.

I was left alone, right in the middle of the main road.

This is perfect.

If the locals see this scene, reinforcements should arrive soon.

'...Looks like I'm catching catfish that live in the mud.'

Ryouma seemed to have regained a little composure compared to just a moment ago.

That, however, was even more unsettling.

'…I just want to be with you… with you… um…'

Still, I thought, only now.

What kind of circumstances led me to meet this person before I lost my memory?

'…What did I want to do with you again?'

I was stunned, and replied with a blank stare.

'I have no idea, really.'