Chapter 383: Ultimate Move V

As I looked up at Riru-kun soaring high into the sky, I thought to myself:

—Wait, this is the one from Benkyou Zemi!

That is...

"Ultimate Move V."

For the "player," it's a skill representing a milestone.

It's the ideal technique for eliminating large "hostile life forms," and most "players" who have surpassed level 30 have learned it.

According to my research from my previous life,

《Combat Technique (Advanced)》《Ultimate Skills I–V》

《Natural Healing (Strong)》《Skin Reinforcement》《Bone Reinforcement》

《Hunger Resistance (Strong)》《Healing Magic I–V》

These are, roughly speaking (regardless of order), the path taken by about ninety percent of "players."

Incidentally, the level required to acquire all of these (assuming one started with《Basic Combat Technique (Lower Rank)》) is exactly 20—meaning that, barring extreme laziness, nearly every "player" has learned this fundamental set.

Therefore, mastering《Ultimate Technique V》is a foundational skill for anyone focusing on player-versus-player combat.

Of course, through rigorous training with my past self, I've practiced countering this technique so often I'm practically sick of it. Now, I could probably dodge it even with my eyes closed.

Unfortunately, my hands are currently sealed.

It's because a young girl still lies unconscious nearby.

Given the risk of the attack's aftermath reaching her, it seems I have no choice but to take the blow head-on.

— Riru-kun.

An older brother who sacrificed everything to save his younger sister.

Likely, even this situation is nothing more than part of his meticulous calculations.

Then I shall simply smash through everything head-on.

With my sword still sheathed, I meet him.

To break through his Ultimate Technique V... I must cut off the foot he's using to launch his attack—fast as lightning.

Of course, Riru-kun is fully prepared for that as well.

私はじっと彼を見据えて、刀の柄を触れる程度に握ります。

「うらああああああああああああああああああああああああああああああああああああああああああああああああああああああああああああああああああッ！」

最後にこの技に頼るしかなかった自分を奮い立てるように、里留くんは絶叫しました。

こちらに狙いをつけた彼は、ぎゅん、と加速して急降下。

Within a few seconds from now, his jumping kick will pierce me. At the same time, the golden energy he generates will surge through my body, triggering a massive explosion from within. That is precisely what Technique V entails.

At that moment, I tightly grip the hilt, adopt a stance as if thrusting the staff forward with both hands, and extend the blade straight ahead.

Then, swiftly drawing the sheath back, I pressed my thumb firmly on the hilt, keeping only the tip of the blade inside the scabbard.

K, k, k, k... the tip of the blade shrieked, and I could feel the tension building in the steel.

What I was doing was—yes.

A dekopin-style technique using the blade and scabbard.

もちろんこれは、通常の居合い術の型にはありません。普通の刀でこんなことをしてしまえば、鞘が一瞬でダメになってしまうでしょう。しかし私には《パーフェクトメンテナンス》というスキルがあります。これにより鞘を通常よりも頑丈に使うことができるのでした。

き、き、き、き………。

「ああああああああああああああああああああああああああッ！」

「――ッ」

I widened my eyes and looked up at him—what was protruding wasn’t the usual “player” move, the *Final Move V*, but rather both legs. A dropkick, that was it.

I thought, “Hmm, so that’s a thing too?” as I watched the reckless, no-landing attack unfold.

At that moment, the tip of the blade, charged to its limit, scraped against Yorihata’s mouth, sparks flying as it was suddenly drawn free.

My blade, spring-loaded and shot out, crossed paths with Ritoru-kun’s legs.

In an instant, the energy enveloping his body vanished completely.

Ritoru-kun, severed cleanly just below both knees, bounced like a basketball, spraying blood wildly as he tumbled across the wooden streets, defiling the town.

“Gh… ……ha… ……ssshh!”

After rolling awkwardly over the cobblestone path, Ritoru-kun lost consciousness.

"Yes, I win."

Wiping the blood off the blade and sheathing it, I suddenly felt a wave of exhaustion wash over me.

If I have to endure two or three more fights like this, I might not last.

From a distance, the eyes of the Vivian Girls, who had quietly caught up without me noticing.

Their glances—like those of girls who’ll never come near me again—felt painful, as if they were looking at a murderer.

Seeing my brother's legs slashed open right in front of me at the cafeteria... Well, you can understand, can't you?

I let out a quiet sigh and rushed to the girl who'd been trampled.

Given that her transformation hadn't broken yet—she was indeed the girl with the round face, without a doubt.

Poor thing.

I quickly cast a healing spell on her. She opened her eyes just slightly and whispered,

"Sorry, 'Nameless'... "

"?"

"I... about the gas. I couldn't warn everyone properly..."

She pressed her fingers to her forehead, making a bitter face.

Indeed, manipulating someone isn't really my style.

"It's alright. Thank you for the message."

"Hmm..."

Then, the girl slipped back into unconsciousness.

Her name was Yosida Mariko, wasn't it?

I must apologize properly later.

Of course, everything will happen after the game with Reika is over.