Chapter 181.2. Two Targeted People

-Masatoshi’s POV-

“Za, zamaa!”

With a relieved sigh and a show of false bravado, we reached the rooftop, where Sena-san keeps the enemies at bay with her light arrows.

The enemies on the rooftop were not Apes but foes clad in ninja attire. They wore masks, making it impossible to see their faces.

Defending against the lightning arrows with a pure white sacred shield, Sena-san swiftly closed the distance, delivering punches and kicks as attacks. The enemy was fast and skilled, evading Sena-san’s precise and sharp attacks with their utmost effort.

“So, you’re skilled in hand-to-hand combat.”

With sharp movements that tossed her silver hair and determination in her crimson eyes, Sena-san fought like a dancer, exuding beauty.

But was Sena-san always this strong? In the original work, she was only in a supporting role, assisting in the rear, so I never knew.

“I’m glad both Masatoshi-san and Mio-san are safe.”

Wiping the sweat off my forehead, I nodded to Sena-san, who smiled warmly.

I surveyed the surrounding enemies, 5 closing in to surround us and another 5 who would likely provide support and use magic attacks.

“Ukii!”

Three monster Apes arrived on the rooftop, late from the ground. I could sense that all three were formidable fighters.

“Sena-san, please step back and provide support!”

“Understood!”

With a thud, Sena-san kicked the concrete floor and leaped behind me.

I briefly considered if it would have been better for her to fight at the front. But I shook off that thought and refocused.

Having a saint fight while I supported from behind was a terrible idea. At the very least, the Sena route would disappear.

I detached Mion, who was clinging to me, and threw her towards Seina-san.

“I’ll leave it to you!”

“Got it!”

“Am I just luggage?”

Sena-san received Mion’s complaints, and Mion let out a dissatisfied shout. If she’s that energetic, she should be fine.

[Crimson Crystal Sword]

Gathering the crystals floating in the air, I transformed them into a sword. The sword was engulfed in crimson flames, heating the surrounding air and causing mirages to flicker around my body.

“The main heroine must be protected!”

As a fan of the original work, I shouted that it was an essential point, and I charged into the midst of the enemies. The remaining crimson crystals flew alongside me, serving as escorts.

Monster Apes stepped forward to confront Masatoshi’s charge, brandishing their weapons.

Lead monster Ape raised its sword and closed in. Honestly, facing a ferocious monster with bared teeth and a murderous intent was scary, but I steeled my heart with a determined expression and prepared to fight back.

[Bamboo Split]

Monster Ape gathered mana into its sword and swung it down forcefully. The sharp blade cut through the air, closing in on Masatoshi.

“Nuooo!”

With a loud shout, Masatoshi gathered mana into his legs, swiftly moving their body at high speed. The sword narrowly missed, and Masatoshi felt the breeze brushing against his cheek as he firmly planted his left foot as an anchor and swung his sword in a horizontal sweep.

However, his attack gets anticipated, and monster Ape quickly evades by bending its body backward with a calm expression.

Monster Ape smirked with confidence, but soon that smirk froze.

Crystal arrows had been raining down from above. It’s leaving trails of fires. The arrows struck monster Ape head-on. The powerful impact shook its body, causing it to lose its balance.

Monster Ape’s magic barrier and fire resistance allowed it to endure the attack with some burns.

But the vulnerability created by that momentary stumble proved fatal.

“Uwaaa!”

Masatoshi had transformed the [Crimson Crystal Sword] from flames into a simple mana sword. They extended the blade and swung it downward in a diagonal slash.

Realizing that Masatoshi’s previous attack had been a feint, it was too late for monster Ape as its body gets sliced apart, spurting fresh blood before collapsing.

“Kiii!”

The remaining 2 monster Apes threw iron weights at me. The weights flew towards me like cannonballs, but the crystal shield blocked the attack, protecting me.

“Toryaaa!”

Leaning my body forward, I closed in on 1 of monster Apes and swung my sword diagonally upward. The forceful upward strike sliced through monster Ape’s body.

Although the magic barrier blocked the sword, Masatoshi cut through it with the demon monkey’s face, which turned bright red.

The last remaining monster Ape discarded its iron weight and extended its claws to slash at me. However, once again, a crystal shield formed, blocking its claws.

“Ukky!”

Monster Apes exerted force, trying to tear apart the shield, but it held strong without being deflected. Slowly but steadily, they cut through the shield, causing cracks to appear in the crystal forming the shield, but that was as far as they got.

A crystal arrow flew and struck monster Ape’s head from the side. Its head shook, and monster Ape became dazed. Taking the opportunity, Masatoshi thrust the sword into its body, piercing it through.

“Gosh!”

Spurting blood from its mouth, the demon monkey collapsed lifelessly. I withdrew the sword and moved away from its body, readjusting the stance with the sword while unleashing the crimson crystal around.

“This kid is surprisingly strong.”

The remaining enemies turned their attention towards Masatoshi, growling as they raised their voices. In response, Masatoshi swung the sword.

“Heh, heheh… Who do you think I am? I’m Chakunyan of the Aguni Dukedom, the genius fire magician, Aguni Masatoshi-chama!”

Masatoshi proclaimed to the remaining enemies with a contorted expression, though somewhat forced.

Those were Masatoshi’s words when he met Shin in the original story, but in his current situation, Masatoshi didn’t realize the significance of those words.