Necromancer 55

Test

55. Gora

“Tch, back already, Shigure?”

A male student walked over, shoulders squared in anger.

His shaven head and stern face, paired with a physique as solid as a boulder, gave him an intimidating presence.

He was Gora Isshin—

He’s the perfect example of a “tough guy” in every sense.

One of the key members of the group that used to bully me.

In terms of combat ability, even as a Hero, he was probably on par with Ran and Kenzaki.

Since he hasn’t revealed his skill, I have no idea what kind of abilities he possesses.

He’s glaring at me irritably.

But surely, he wouldn’t attack me outright.

“Lately, haven’t you been acting all high and mighty, huh? Answer me!”

Gora clicked his tongue in annoyance.

He wouldn’t attack me out of nowhere…

right?

Given Gora’s reputation as the class’s biggest thug, I was on high alert from the start.

“What’s with that look? Huh? Don’t tell me you’re getting cocky? Picking a fight with me?”

He glared at me with visible irritation.

“Aren’t you the one picking the fight here?”

“Oh yeah? I’ll kill you!”

Gora roared a direct and blatant threat.

The old me would have been frozen in fear.

But now, I feel nothing.

No fear, no anger, not even annoyance.

It’s like…

a faint sense of detachment, as if a pesky insect were buzzing in the distance.

I might swat it away if it bothers me, but…

it wouldn’t matter if I didn’t.

“...You punk.”

Gora stepped closer.

“Listen up, I’m the strongest in the class. Not Ran, not Kenzaki—me!”

“I’m not interested in that sort of contest.”

I met Gora’s gaze.

“Compete all you like.”

“That attitude pisses me off! Damn it!”

With a furious shout, Gora suddenly swung at me.

What is this—so slow.

“Are you seriously trying to hit me…?”

I couldn’t help but ask.

To me, his punch looked like it was moving in slow motion.

From his gaze, his weight distribution, and his movements—

I could predict the trajectory of his attack completely.

I sidestepped to his flank, dodging the punch with ease.

“Wha—!?”

Gora looked shocked.

“You dodged my punch!?”

Well, it’s way too slow.

As I muttered internally, a realization struck me.

Could it be—my stats have increased so much that there’s this massive gap between us?

The difference in combat ability between me and Gora…

is it far greater than I ever imagined?

“Damn it, Shigure!”

Gora launched a flurry of punches at me.

But they were slow.

Far too slow.

I easily weaved through his attacks.

I didn’t counterattack.

I just wanted to show him the difference in our strength and discourage him from picking a fight with me again.

After all, I have no interest in fighting my classmates.

It’s enough to sap his fighting spirit.

“You bastard!”

This time, he mixed in kicks, attacking with a ferocious combination.

Is there some kind of skill enhancing his moves?

His punches and kicks were getting faster and faster.

It felt like he was exceeding human limits.

Though, so was I.

Ah, I wish this pointless scuffle would end already—

“Hah… hah… hah…”

Fifteen minutes later, Gora was panting heavily.

None of his attacks had landed, and he was completely exhausted.

“Let’s wrap this up, Gora.”

“D-damn it…”

Though he cursed under his breath, it was clear he had no fight left in him.

“I’m heading out now.”

I turned my back on Gora.

“You bastard! This isn’t over yet—ugh!?”

“—Don’t move.”

As he tried to lunge at me, he froze.

At his throat and chest, a scythe and a mirage blade were poised. Above him floated Red Mage’s fire and a Swordman’s magic blade, while Blood Claw and Assault Rhino loomed behind him.

If he made even the slightest move, they were ready to attack from all directions.

“Grrgh…”

Gora ground his teeth in frustration.

“Admit your defeat, Gora.”

I stared him down.

I don’t enjoy doing this,

but to avoid future trouble, it’s better to establish a ‘hierarchy’ here.

Otherwise, he might target not just me, but those around me.

He needs to learn that defying me is a bad idea—

“Next time, it won’t just be a warning.”

“...!”

Gora held his breath.

“F-fine, I lose. … get those things away from me…”

He hung his head in defeat.

“I’m glad you understand.”

I dismissed all my servants.

They disappeared into the shadow world, an alternate space within my shadow.

“Well then, I’m off this time.”

“...Who the hell are you?”

As I walked away, his voice reached me from behind.

“Are you really Shigure…?”

I didn’t answer and left the scene.

Even against Gora, I was victorious.

I overwhelmed him with sheer power.

But still—

what is this unsettling feeling?

Ran, Kenzaki, Gora… they probably take pleasure in dominating others with strength.

But I’ve done the same thing just now, and several times before.

Yet, I feel no satisfaction, no superiority.

All that’s left is this bitter aftertaste.

Then,

“Shigure-kun!”

Nayuka came running toward me.

“I heard you were going to the ruins, but you’re back already.”

“Yeah. I defeated the monsters there and boosted my subordinates. And also—”

Kenzaki came to mind.

What should I do?

Should I tell Nayuka?

The thought flickered in my head impulsively.

If it’s Nayuka, even if she knew I killed Kenzaki, she wouldn’t reject me.

Or so I wanted to believe.

But maybe that’s just wishful thinking. She might reject me too.

If it were anyone else, I wouldn’t care.

But if Nayuka distanced herself from me, it’d hurt.

That’s why—I can’t tell her.

Not now, at least.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing.”

I shook my head.