Part 397: An Ordinary Enemy

"……phew"

With my comrades handling the rear, I shut the staff-only emergency exit behind me, backside first.

Then, once alone, I carefully inspect both hands again.

My fingers, visible through the gaps in the bandages, have already turned black, having passed through purple.

Wow. This is bad.

I tried to stay composed, but I'm not sure if I managed it.

There was no lie in the description of the "Poisonous Blade."

But when it came to the "cheating" version of it—honestly, I had no idea just how terrifyingly powerful it could become.

Especially since Hanada-san's《Lightning Magic III》far surpassed my expectations.

"——Alright!"

I just need to get myself motivated.

It's frustrating that I can't snap my cheeks with both hands like I used to.

From now on, I have to eliminate as many of the "Hungermen" as possible—there might be several hiding here in this place.

To be honest, at this point I’d already half-given up on my own life.

That said, I’m not completely giving in.

After all, if the team ultimately wins, I’ll be revived.

The hallway is a clean, neatly organized straight path. For some reason, it leads to a VIP room, and the floor is covered with a fine carpet.

According to Nanami, the room where the "Queen" resides is just a short walk from here—so easy to find that even a grade schooler wouldn't get lost.

Moving forward slowly, carefully erasing our footprints, we soon came upon it—sure enough, the room was found without delay.

Just past the first left turn stood a grand door, intricately carved with a sculpture of Nya-kky.

And in front of it stood a single man.

His face… I didn’t recognize him at all.

A nondescript, average-looking man in his twenties—exactly the kind of person who’d be described as "medium build, middle-aged male" on a wanted poster.

But what clearly set him apart from ordinary people was, of course, his defining trait as a "Hungered One."

Eyes dull and murky, like deep-sea fish.

Nails red-black, as if painted with nail polish.

Skin pale and chalky, resembling stalactites.

At this moment, he was swinging a metal pipe back and forth in midair, as if practicing.

The makeshift weapon he held, its tip welded with a nail—

"Nice of you to show up! 'Nameless JK'!"

He grinned defiantly, pointing the weapon's tip toward me. Though unimpressive in appearance, his voice was loud—perhaps, in a way, the only defining trait he had.

"...Well then."

He tapped the metal pipe against the floor and stood in a wide stance.

Somewhat like a gunslinger preparing for a duel.

A bold, head-on confrontation.

From his posture, his resolve was palpable.

"Let me explain the rules! You strike to cut off my head and kill me. I will defend against it. There is no other way forward."

"...Well, that's probably true."

"As you know, I can poison any blade that touches me directly through my 'Poisonous Blade' ability."

"Hmm."

"Furthermore, I can say..."

The definition of a weapon capable of poisoning is broad and applies even to replicas.

A weapon infused with poison can have an effect simply by being held in hand.

Poison does not affect the starving, harming only humans.

Let me add these three points. — Well, even an ape's intelligence has probably already guessed something along those lines!

...

"……and that's the deal! We've scattered a huge number of razor blades, stolen from a stationery shop, right beneath our feet! Take just one step, and you'll be poisoned instantly, dying within minutes!"

As he had declared, silver, glittering blades were scattered across the ground before us.

The razor blades were arranged like a soft carpet, evoking the ultimate prank a wicked child could dream up.

Then, if that's the case, just fly through the air—don't you think that's your plan? You damn short-sighted dog! Of course, I've accounted for that! I'm right here! I've prepared plenty of throwing knives! I've practiced thoroughly—perfect accuracy every time! And our flying distance? Roughly ten to twenty meters! Even if you're half-asleep, you won't miss!

...Fuhahaha! I can't stop laughing at this!

You—foolishly taking hold of that "Sword of Light"—were truly fortunate! Thanks to that, I can now fight under exceptionally advantageous conditions against an opponent who can't wield my most powerful weapon!

After listening to that lengthy speech, I let out a soft, somewhat weary chuckle—almost embarrassed at myself.

My laughter apparently annoyed the "Hunger Man," who muttered irritably:

"...What's so funny?"

"No, it's just... I've been wondering about something."

"Huh?"

"Is the 'Hunger Man' afraid of death too?"

"Wha...?"

"Is that long-winded talk just because you're anxious? You're trying to convince yourself that you're strong—because of this, because of that—so you can believe your life is safe, aren't you?"

"What... the hell are you talking about...?"

The desire to feel safe by arming oneself with logic—frankly, I understand this feeling well, since I've felt that way myself.

Yet he must have taken those words as a provocation.

Clenching his teeth,

‘……Hmph. Whatever you say, I’m not going to approach you. I’m not about to abandon this advantageous position.’

‘—By the way,’

‘Hm?’

‘That steel pipe you were swinging around just now—where did you pick it up?’

"Iron pipe? Ah, you mean this?"

He looked at it leaning beside him with disdain,

Not bad, is it? These were taken from a human I once killed—picked up as plunder.

Is that so?

I slightly furrowed my brow,

That's something my friend, Yasuhara Kosuke, used to use.

What—?

At the very moment the unknown "hungry man" raised his eyebrows dramatically.

I yanked my right hand sharply, pulling the blade attached to the wrist out with force.

Right then,

"——《Blade of Soaring》!"

A flying slash. Activated《Ultimate Sword IV》.

And so, with eyes wide open and looking utterly foolish, the "Hunger Man"'s head suddenly popped off, tumbling down onto the carpet scattered with pocket knives.

『——Huh?』

First, one... and then.

And really, why did I even come to believe that just sealing his hands would make him unable to use a blade—was I just overinterpreting the advantageous information?

I should be careful not to end up like that myself.

After all, he and I have a few things in common.

Congratulations! Your level has increased!

Oh. Long time no see.

Good job.