Chapter 182.1

Chapter 182.1. The Attackers

-Masatoshi’s POV-

With a trembling body, I desperately try to control myself while maintaining my strength towards the remaining enemies. Honestly, it’s the first time I’ve faced such intense hostility, and the first time I’m in a situation without any guards.

But I can’t run away. Behind me are the main heroine, Sena-san, and the bonus character, Mion.

I’ve made up my mind to protect them at all costs, so I gather my strength, adjust my grip on the sword, and take a deep breath.

Then, I shout at the top of my lungs.

“Help, officer! Someone, please help! Contact the warriors! There are criminals here!”

I know it’s unlikely to work, but I still hold on to a faint hope that someone might make a report and come to our aid.

Masatoshi throws the Seina route, saying it’s better to get help from the warriors than to fight with these people, and protecting the three of us and ensuring our safety takes top priority.

“It won’t work, Masatoshi-san. This place is already under the influence of [Noise]. They’ve probably set up soundproof barrier magic as well.”

Of course, things didn’t go so smoothly.

“I know, right?”

I hang my shoulders in disappointment. Sena-san explained seriously, but I already knew. Those who would go to such lengths wouldn’t leave out barrier magic.

Mion is tempted to seek help, but Sena-san stops her. It’s the same in our party. That girl is a magnet for misfortune. Can such coincidences even happen? I wouldn’t be surprised if she confessed to being an enemy.

However, I have known Mion for quite a while now. That terrified fool is genuine. It’s not an act. That much I understand.

The attackers who came to ambush us were probably observing us all this time because they weren’t sure if we were their real targets while we used [Transform].

Meeting Mion confirmed it for them.

Even if someone passes by, we wouldn’t call them out since we’re using [Transform].

Therefore, it was natural to ignore Mion when she passed by.

In other words, it was due to my carelessness, this happened. We were completely off guard.

Mion seems like she would have unique skills like [Misfortune] or [Mob Who Die], and I can’t help but wryly smile. I give up on getting help and decide to battle the enemies.

“Come on, bring it on, you weaklings! I, Katsuragi-sama, will crush you easily!”

[Heat Armor]

Activating it by converting mana into magic, Masatoshi envelops himself in fires and smiles with a smirk that looks like a cry. The superheated fires don’t leave a single burn on Masatoshi, the caster, but they heat the surroundings.

The heat from the flames at Masatoshi’s feet turns the ground black, and smoke rises.

“Did you see that? It’s hot! These flames can easily incinerate you. Touch them, and you’ll get burned! You might as well give up and run!”

As a warrior, Masatoshi adopts a dignified attitude, making an outright offer for his enemies to surrender. [Heat Armor] is an enhancement magic that increases physical abilities and envelops the body with flame armor.

For ordinary people, touching it would result in burns.

But for a magician, it would only cause mild burns.

“I won’t chase you! Run away, Oraaa!”

Masatoshi bets on the impact of appearance, but the enemy returns silently, weapon at the ready. His bluffing doesn’t work at all.

“There’s no use, Masatoshi-san! Everyone knows the magic you used is a well-known bluffing magic used in dramas and plays!”

“I know. But I still wanted to try!”

While Sena-san’s pointing out, I retort and raise my Crimson Sword. Masatoshi disliked Sena-san a little bit because she didn’t have to go as far as saying it was a famous bluff.

“I believe in you, Masaroshi-san!”

Sena-san stares at me seriously.

“Leave it to me!”

Feeling trusted, Masatoshi smiles confidently. Masatoshi has grown to like Sena-san a bit more and significantly increased his affinity for her.

She’s fallen for me!

“There’s no other choice but to do it!”

Boosting my fighting spirit, I charge forward. The enemies surround us but are scarcely positioned, and the rear guard is in a distant building. So, if I close the distance quickly, I can take them out one by one.

I kick the concrete floor and approach the closest ninja with my readied sword. The enemy also charges toward me, holding his sword sideways.

The ninja approaches with a leaning posture, like a ninja run.

[Auto Crimson Shield]

Masatoshi is conveying his consciousness to the crimson crystals flying in the air. He changes the setting from the 3 crystals to triangular magic shields that appear on either side to catch the shurikens.

As the lead ninja looms in front of him, Masatoshi swings the crystal sword, including as a check. His sword strike gets imbued with high-fire heat. He tried to cut and burn the enemy.

[Enchanted Ice]

However, just before it hits, the enemy counters with a sword infused with ice, using cold air.

A clang and metallic sound resonate as we lock swords.

[Thunderbolt]

The enemies standing in the distant building shoot arrows of lightning simultaneously.

“Damn it!”

I release my grip, allowing myself to be pushed back, and protect myself with one hand.