Chapter 31: Crossbow

"What?" A shock became visible in Akio's eyes as he heard Haru's words.

Then, adjusting his spectacles as his habit, he said in a grave tone, "If that's the case, then I don't think we can hide in the Auditorium. Fighting that monster, who is an Elite-Rank, would be insane, and hardly anyone could survive. If that thing followed us there, then it would wreak havoc and kill everyone."

Hearing his words, Haru bit his lips as they were away from the building where Roachina was still bombarding and said, "I know very well how strong it is, and that is why I won't have any problem even if you left me behind here."

"Eh? What are you saying?"

"Look, you have already saved me once, so I won't have any problem if you leave me behind and run for your life. Besides, I am sure that the monster won't come after you or those guys in the Auditorium." Haru intently looked into Akio's eyes as he said, "As for me... I will do something to deal with that monster as I have been doing up till now."

"Haru... have you gone crazy!?" Akio shouted in disbelief and shook his head. "No, I can't leave you behind like this! Although it is an Elite-Rank and terrifyingly strong, I got a spell that can help me summon military grenades, and it might help you in the battle! You don't have to be so reckless!"

Haru was a bit taken aback by the revelation of Akio's spell. However, he started to connect the dots when he recalled the stun grenade Akio used to save him. Possessing military-grade equipment wasn't something a typical high school student would have, leading Haru to suspect that he might have gotten the spell from the Sorcerer's Stone.

Although he appreciated Akio's help, he still asked him one more time because he knew the danger every well, "Are you sure you want to help me? I really appreciate your help but anything can go wrong, and we could lose our lives."

"You might be underestimating me, Haru. Although that monster terrifies me, I still want to do my best and help you. You know, when I chose to leave the Auditorium to help our fellow students, I did it with a purpose and full awareness of the danger involved." Akio then asked with a strained smile on his face, "And honestly, did you think I'd just abandon you once I understood your situation? Do you even see me as your friend?"

"No, I-"

Before Haru could complete his words, Akio cut in and pointed at his stomach as he continued, "Besides, look at your own condition. How long do you think you could hold up by yourself? That wound is really terrifying. It could lead to an infection if not treated in time."

After hearing his words, Haru's eyes looked down at his stomach for a split second. The wound he had received from Roachina was still fresh, and blood still had not clotted despite Haru's enhanced stats.

Despite the gruesome wound and the lingering pain, if Akio hadn't mentioned it, Haru would have completely forgotten about it. For him, dealing with the threat and protecting Aki were more important to him than anything. Furthermore, it wasn't critical anymore, as his HP wasn't dropping because of it since the wound was healing by itself, albeit very slowly.

"Don't worry, I will be fine." Haru shook his head indicating not to worry about it and sighed a little as he continued, "You know, I am really glad to have you here, Akio... But I am asking one last time because honestly, I am not sure if we can defeat it or not. Despite the risk and gamble, do you still want to help me?"

Haru kept asking because he felt guilty about lying and not telling the truth regarding Aki's situation. Although he was denying and confirming with Akio repeatedly, he was desperate for help and knew how much assistance would give him an advantage against Roachina. But at the same time, he did not want anything to happen to Akio because of his situation.

"Don't worry, Haru. Trust me, I will be fine. And besides, I don't know how much it will work against that monster, but I have this weapon that really helped me a lot." Akio then pointed toward a crossbow attached to his side waist region.

'Wait... that crossbow!?' But looking at the crossbow which Akio just showed, certain faces came into his mind as Haru quickly asked Akio with a beating heart while they were running, "Akio... did you meet Kuga and Orimura Sensei before getting here?"

"Hmm? Kuga and Orimura Sensei? I did not, why?" Unlike what Haru expected or perhaps hoped, Akio just shook his head.

"Ah, never mind..." Haru fell silent after hearing Akio's response, but within his heavy heart, there was a bit of worry and guilt about not knowing how or where they all were. After all, it was him who had ditched them and went a different way because of Aki's situation.

As Akio looked at Haru's face, he perhaps understood the meaning behind his question and then said optimistically, "Don't worry, I think they would be fine. You know, those two aren't the type to back down that easily."

"...You are right." Haru, although still feeling concerned about their well-being, cleared his thoughts since there was more pending matter on his hands. He then asked, "How many of those bombs can you make?"

"I could make more, but right now, I don't have that much Prana. I can still make a few stun grenades and normal grenades." Akio then asked, "Do you have a plan because I don't think normal grenades could hurt it."

"Don't worry, my sword can hurt it, but I would need a good opportunity. Also, these black chains can help me in multiple ways as I can manipulate them."

"That chain... Say, Haru..." As Haru mentioned the black chains, Akio's eyes fell onto his back, and he asked, "You never mentioned it, but the person that is bound on your back within those chains... is it Aki?"

Haru fell silent, hearing his question. But Akio somewhat understood the meaning behind his silence and asked, "Is she—"

"She is fine." Haru replied before he could complete his question.

"Haru, I just... Okay... I won't ask." Akio wanted to say more, but looking at Haru's hollow eyes, he stopped himself. He then said, "Let's just focus on the matter at hand."

"Thank you, Akio. Don't worry the plan is very simple and we will survive."

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