Introverted Archer 63

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63. Rational Executives!

"We are the second squad of the Off-White Unit! If you surrender quietly, you won't have to suffer."

The next group of five can be identified as the White Unit by the white band watches on their arms. Their way of speaking seems different from the Red Unit's, somehow.

"Um... What is this Off-White Unit you're talking about?"

"The White Unit is an organization controlled by Captain Mikami-san. The Off-White Unit is one of the divisions of the Color Adjudication Ninth Unit, with Third Year Ukai-san leading as the top unit."

"The Color Adjudication Ninth Unit... What a cool-sounding name! It's like something out of a story!"

Fuyuka watches the group of five from the White Unit with sparkling eyes, like a child watching a hero show.

"Besides the Off-White Unit, what other units are there!?"

"Hehehe, I'll tell you. The Color Adjudication Ninth Unit consists of Off-White, Pearl White, Milky White—"

"Got it. That's enough. You're probably going to mention Ivory White next, right?"

Are these people joking? They're making units based on subtle differences in white.

"It seems you're determined to resist. In that case—prepare to be buried!"

Boasting about their coordination, the five neatly form a formation and charge in unison.

Their coordination is impressive. Even though I could avoid their attacks since I can shoot arrows almost instantly in hidden dungeon rooms, it doesn't concern me.

"—!?"

Just before their attack hits me, the five get repelled as if hit by a gust of wind, falling back in surprise.

"W-what just happened...?"

The five look puzzled as they collapse, wearing expressions of disbelief as if they've been outsmarted, and then the barrier deploys.

No matter how perfect their coordination is, it doesn't matter since I can shoot arrows almost instantly now. Time-stop shooting is the best!

"Kageyama-kun... What did you just do!? And the movement like you were about to draw a bow..."

"Oh, I saw it. I'd love to explain everything, but there's more to come."

As I point ahead, a white-haired boy stands there.

His hair is white as if drained of color like an old man's. But he looks young like a middle schooler, and his black eyes scrutinize me. Judging by the watch he wears, he's from the White Unit.

"You're also from the White Unit? If you want a fight, I'll oblige. I'm the strongest buffed member of the Color Adjudication Ninth Unit."

He beckons like a character from a kung fu movie, and the boy smiles slyly.

"Don't rush, let's talk a bit. I was intrigued after seeing your fight earlier."

"Kageyama-kun! He's stronger than those five from earlier!"

What? If Fuyuka can tell there's that much of a difference in strength, could this guy be...?

"Oh, I see you understand. Yes, I'm the Pale White Unit Captain of the Color Adjudication Ninth Unit, 'Saku' works for me."

Indeed, he has a different aura from the other students. Saku, as he calls himself, sits on a nearby stump and begins talking leisurely.

"Silver-haired there... It seems you're empowering the black-haired one over there."

"N-not really... Yes, that's right!"

"In that case, you're on the 'Original' side."

"What does 'Original' mean?"

At Fuyuka's question, Saku tilts his head.

"Don't know? Here at this academy, rankings are based on strength—but for example, the top-ranked student can be many times stronger than the second-ranked student. Do you know why?"

"Because the top-ranked student's strength is overwhelmingly higher, right?"

"Hmm, you're sharp, black-haired one."

It's simple. If we take the top-ranked student's strength as 100, the second-ranked student might be 10, the third 9, and so on, showing a significant gap between the top two.

"Every year, this academy has a few students like that. We call them 'Originals'—students who have overwhelmingly higher abilities than others. That would be you, right?"

Fuyuka's evaluation seems to be rising without my input... but I can't deny it, so I'll just go along for now.

"Yes, that's right! If you understand, leave before you regret it!"

"Hahaha, funny. Unfortunately, there's no shortage of challenges for me. Because I am the only... Original of the Color Adjudication Ninth Unit."

In that instant, Saku vanishes from view.

"Kageyama-kun, watch out!"

"Let's deal with that puppet first."

I hear Saku's voice—behind me. I turn around in response to his whispering voice near my ear, and Saku has slipped into my guard with a short sword!

"Sweet dreams, lullaby."

Saku's blade approaches my neck, but just before it touches, I evade with a <Straight> maneuver, driving my fist into Saku's abdomen.

"Whaaat!?"

Saku is sent flying and crashes into a tree trunk behind, knocking it down.

"Why...? H-how did an Original like me... with just one hit?"

For someone who exuded such strong vibes, he wasn't that tough. I let my guard down, allowing him to close the distance. His attacks were slow, and he didn't consider the possibility of being counterattacked, making it easier for me.

Well, this certainly showcases what being an Original means. There are adventurers at this level everywhere. Also, it doesn't seem like having one or two prodigies that appear every year is worth labeling them as 'Original'.

"Now, that's the best the White Unit's executives can do... not very impressive."

Well, I've dealt with some strong guys within the academy, so it's time to move on to the next stage of the plan.