Chapter 269: One-Punch Woman

When I opened my eyes, I saw an unfamiliar ceiling.

I stared at it blankly for a while... then suddenly noticed a hidden "Nyakkī Māku" pattern concealed within the design.

Felt just a little bit pleased with myself.

My consciousness was astonishingly clear.

So clear, I couldn't even believe I'd just woken up.

Quickly ran my hands over my entire body to check my condition.

Nothing unusual. No injuries. No signs that someone had touched me... probably not.

My clothes were still on.

I found my glasses by the pillow.

Sighing, I put them on and slowly lifted my upper body, first meeting the eyes of the "Reincarnated" Hana, who was sitting on the sofa in her underwear.

"Good morning, 'Sensei'."

She looked at me with a slightly tense expression.

Probably still unsure of who 'I' am, in her eyes.

"Where's the nuclear missile?"

"There's about five more days of leeway."

"How many days have passed since I lost consciousness?"

"About two full days, I'd say."

I see.

In my own perception, it felt like an impossibly long time had passed.

Could this be it—the dream of Handan?

You know, that story where someone dreams they've lived a whole life in a dream, only to wake up and find it was just the time it took to cook porridge. (Vaguely remember that one.)

Anyway, doesn't matter—I'm starving. I'd eat porridge if it means something to eat.

"By the way, where are Asuka and the others?"

"………… Before I check that, can I ask one thing?"

"Hm?"

"You really, desperately want to know who—somebody—is…"

A tense expression mixed into Hakuba's face.

This was likely also a way to confirm whether her small scheme had succeeded or not.

In truth, her reaction would have been no different—whether it was me from my previous life, or me living in this present moment.

"What exactly are you going to do after confirming that? No matter who I am, I’ll just do what I have to do."

"...Yeah. That cold look of yours is kinda 'teacher-like'."

Baihua suddenly bounced onto the sofa, sitting cross-legged like a delinquent,

"But seriously, this is something important....You can't protect everyone unless you're strong."

Ah.

Her way of thinking—just like the 'me' from my past life.

This girl really did love 'me' so much, didn't she?

And Hachibana launched herself upward, using her bent legs like springs.

I, on the other hand, looked up at her movement with the same drowsy indifference as someone stifling a yawn.

At the same moment, her right arm glowed, and from it, a magical whip shot out like a massive serpent.

"Nebula." It was a strike aimed directly at her neck.

I received the attack—so fast it surpassed human reflexes—as if reading the ending of a detective novel I already knew by heart.

A sizzling sound echoes as my skin burns, but I pay it no mind.

My skin, enhanced by magic, now far surpasses the power of her attack.

"Wha—?!"

Hakuha's eyes widened in shock.

In battles between players, knowing exactly what a skill will do is an incredibly dangerous advantage.

After a few seconds of hesitation, I—without further thought—yanked the whip with all my strength.

"Uwaa!"

I couldn't let her... look down on me.

Koiwai Hachibai would surely never forgive a weak "me."

Then, I'll just play that role—exactly as she expects.

With every ounce of my strength, I slammed my open left fist into her face.

A sharp cracking sound echoed through the lavish hotel room, like bone breaking.

After being completely crushed by my iron fist, Baihua's nose was a mess,

"…………Ahh, hahaha…"

and she let out a laugh, as if hearing her favorite joke.

Her face flushed red, tears welling up, blood gushing from her nose.

I thought, "Man, that's kinda gross."

"Next time you try testing me, I won't hold back—I'll kill you."

"Y-yeah...!...Yeah!"

Um, please don't make that perverted face. It's kind of scary.

After confirming the disappearance of Nebula, he casts a healing spell with his free hand, then swiftly turns his back on her.

"——First, I'll reunite with my companions. Tell me where they are."

"Companions?...You mean those two?"

"Of course."

"About those guys... I'd have to ask the lower-ranked Vivians to know for sure."

"I understand. For now, I'll return to 'Avienia.'"

Hakka made a face as if questioning the contents of the gift box.

"But those two... no, specifically, Kuniyo Asuka..."

"She'll inevitably betray us, I know that already."

The woman, who should be twice my age or more, sighed like a relieved child.

Then why not? I'd like you to comfortably stay here for another five days, and we're prepared to make that happen.

"...I have my own reasons for thinking this way."

I coldly snapped.

That was precisely why I knew it would please this person more.

"Ah—Teacher. There's a shower and dinner ready."

For a moment, I almost stopped in my tracks at the appealing proposal.

My body, left untouched for two days... to be honest, was sticky with sweat and all sorts of grime.

Still, I replied briefly.

"Fine."

If I'm in this state, my comrades must surely be in even worse condition.

That's what I thought.