CH 182.3

Chapter 182.3. The Attackers

-Masatoshi’s POV-

Masatoshi protests the struggling protagonist is supposed to be the one who detected it. But the enemy didn’t care.

The ninjas unleash their long-range attacks. They threw their shurikens, ice shards, and lightning at me.

Masatoshi hastily moves backward, but the magic shield automatically deploys, blocking the enemy’s attacks. While Masatoshi retreats anxiously, the magic shield continues to endure the onslaught of attacks.

The core crimson crystal, the focal point of the shield, starts showing cracks. These ninjas are skilled. If the crimson crystal gets destroyed, Masatoshi will be defenseless and undoubtedly killed.

The ninjas persist in attacking as Masatoshi keeps retreating. They stop and repeatedly launch long-range attacks against Masatoshi.

Finally, the crimson crystal shatters with a sound. Observing this, the enemy sneers beneath their masks.

However, Masatoshi’s expression changes from a frantic one to a confident smile.

“You fell into my trap!”

With a wave of their hand, 15 crimson crystals float behind me. These were the crystals that were supposed to protect Sena-san and the others.

The crimson crystals form intricate geometric patterns, creating a crimson magic circle. Through this magic circle, my power increases, and a radiant flame emerges from their outstretched hand.

Sena-san’s defense with [Holy Cocoon] was indeed sufficient. It’s a strong barrier magic that completely protected the students in the original story.

However, Masatoshi’s crimson cristal deployment was intended as a hidden trump card to catch the enemy off guard.

The enemy has fallen perfectly into my trap.

[Enhanced Super Fire Magic]

Magic flows from a gigantic magic circle resembling a ritual magic circle, enhancing Victory’s magical power and strengthening mana. Masatoshi’s body is engulfed in a blazing red aura, creating a violent storm and turning into a frenzy of power.

“What?! Damn it, attack!”

The enemy, realizing they’ve fallen into a trap, rushes to obstruct the magic’s activation. However, they’re too late.

“You fools! Idiots!”

Masatoshi skillfully maneuvers the enemy’s positions, leading them into the range of their ultimate magic.

With the next spell, Masatoshi confidently wears a vulgar, thug-like smirk and thrusts their sword toward the approaching enemy.

“Melt away!”

I used [Lava Flow]. My magic engulfs the enemy in a river of lava, burning their bodies without extinguishing even in the face of magical barriers, reaching temperatures in the tens of millions of degrees.

With certainty in their finishing move, a crimson magic circle is drawn on the tip of my sword, and the moment to activate the magic arrives.

Masatoshi’s face contorts in shock.

There are people.

From the window of the dilapidated building, I notice children peering in. They appear to be mischievous kids wearing dirty clothes.

Were they using this deserted building as a secret base? Upon hearing the sounds of battle, they must have become curious.

And the location where the children are happens to be within the range of [Lava Flow]. When ordinary people inhale this heated air from the enhanced magic, their lungs will be burned to a crisp.

[Shoot]

[This is a scene you often see in anime, right?]

[You should prioritize your own life!]

My past self’s voice whispers in my heart.

I used to hate myself, hate those around me, and live aimlessly.

I had indulged in my physical and mental excesses.

I sought out the unfortunate, proudly proclaimed as the police of my home, and belittled unsuspecting strangers.

With an ugly smile, I whispered, “Don’t care about others.”.

Every time the protagonist hesitated in similar scenes, Masatoshi cursed his foolishness.

If I defeat the enemy here, more people will be saved, and my life should take priority.

I used to mock the brainless protagonist precisely because he’s the protagonist who won’t die.

That’s why, in this situation, I should unleash the magic without hesitation. The mischievous kids were just unlucky.

That’s what I should do.

With that in mind, Masatoshi took a breath.

The magic circle that had been unfolding at the tip of their sword disappeared, and the composition of the magic he was about to unleash vanished.

His past self shouted, calling him an idiot, and disappeared.

By negating it right before activation, the overwhelmingly enhanced magical power surged and caused intense pain in Masatoshi’s body as a recoil.

“Like I can do it?! I’m a coward!”

[Fireball]

I released [Fireball] from the newly formed magic circle.

[Ice Shards]

However, the enemy quickly released and detonated ice shards. From the midst of the blast and flames, a ninja emerged, swinging their sword.

“You’re just a kid! Afraid of collateral damage, huh!”

They realized why Masatoshi had stopped using advanced magic. The ninja approached, mocking them.

[Lightning Strike]

The sword strike, enveloped in purple lightning, cleaved through Masatoshi’s body, bisecting him.