Necromancer 33

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33. Kenzaki vs. Ran: A Showdown at the Top of the Hierarchy 1

This joint exercise involves four different units.

We, the "Heroes," are assigned accordingly, with three people leading each unit—twelve of us in total have been summoned.

In other words, what’s about to begin is a mock battle between the remaining two units.

In one of the units is Toudou Ran, rumored to be the strongest in our class.

He has foreign blood, with striking blonde hair and blue eyes.

However, his personality is harsh, and I've had more than my share of unpleasant encounters with him.

Another notable member of his unit is Hazuki Tsukishiro, who ranks high in class skill evaluations.

She has long black hair and pale, almost translucent skin—sometimes regarded as the number-one beauty on campus.

Facing them in the other unit is Kenzaki.

"…Tch."

Kenzaki clicked his tongue as he glanced at me.

So, he’s still holding a grudge from last time, huh?

But I fought to protect Nayuka, and I have no regrets.

If he tries to mess with Nayuka again, I won’t hesitate to beat him down—again.

And then—

"Yo, Kenzaki."

Ran approached Kenzaki.

"Word is, you lost to someone like Shigure?"

"You little…!"

Kenzaki glared at Ran.

Even before the match began, things were already heating up.

"Man, what a letdown. I only hang out with the strong. If you’re that weak, you don’t qualify to be one of us."

"Don’t underestimate me, Ran!"

Kenzaki exploded in anger at Ran’s taunt.

"You made a fool of yourself, so it’s your own fault."

Ran sneered.

"If you’ve got a problem, prove it by beating me in the mock battle."

"Fine by me."

It looked like this match would be fueled by plenty of bad blood.

The mock battle began.

I don't know much about Ran or Hazuki’s skills.

There’s also one more male student on their team who should have healing abilities.

On the other side, Kenzaki’s unit consists of two girls besides him—one specializing in close combat, the other in long-range attacks.

With Kenzaki’s [Beastification] ability and the others’ offensive skills, their unit charged forward, aiming for a direct breakthrough.

Meanwhile, Ran’s unit kept their distance, using long-range magic.

"Hah! So, you don’t want us getting close, huh? Too bad!"

Kenzaki roared as his body began to swell.

Without warning, he transformed—activating [Beastification].

In an instant, he became a beastman with the head of a rhino.

A perfect combat form, combining the rhino’s overwhelming charge with immense defensive power.

"Yaaah!"

"Gah!"

He trampled the knights blocking his way, while the magic attacks bouncing off his armored skin had no effect.

"Jeez, can’t even slow him down, huh?"

Ran stepped forward from behind the fallen knights.

With a few meters still between them, Ran and Kenzaki now faced each other.

An instant clash of aces.

"I’ve always thought your skill looked lame."

Ran smirked mockingly.

"Hah?"

Kenzaki scowled.

"I mean, you’re in the Kendo Club. Why a rhino?"

…Honestly, I kind of wondered that too.

"Shut up!"

Kenzaki roared and charged forward.

Whoosh!

The speed was terrifying, and the friction from his charge caused the tip of his horn to glow red-hot.

Even with the battlefield protected by defensive barriers, anyone hit by that wouldn’t get away unscathed.

"Your attacks are too primitive. Skills should be…"

Ran locked eyes with Kenzaki, his gaze sharp and piercing.

Wait—what’s that!?

Boom!

A thunderous sound echoed as Kenzaki was violently blown away.

"Urgh…"

He lay on the ground, unable to get up for a while.

His armored chest was brutally caved in, riddled with cracks.

"My skill is called [Execution]—"

Ran declared calmly.

"Just like the name says, I’m here to execute you, Kenzaki."