บท 109: The Dark Dungeon

The explosion lit up the dark dungeon.

Yakuzan held his white coat as it fluttered in the blast, pressing down his black hair that was blown by the shockwave.

His reason for attacking Akatani Makoto was simple: he wanted to win.

(Akatani, you're a genius. During the pseudo-dungeon incident, you displayed incredible talent. I… I couldn't do anything. Against that terrifying Deer Man, even after losing a hand, I couldn't keep up. But you, you defeated it. You stood against the Collapse Theorists and saved everyone. A true hero.)

The darkness returned. The momentary brilliance had passed its peak, quickly dimming, leaving behind glowing embers scattered like faint stars.

Two figures burst through the rising dust.

One was Rufuna Gwendal. The other was Akatani Makoto.

"I won't hold back, Yakuzan-senpai."

"You've really made me mad! I may be your senpai, but I won't hesitate to cut you down!"