Chapter 61

After somehow repelling the Zaku,

"Ha... ha... ha..."

I panted, my gaze falling to my right hand.

"What just... happened...?"

In that moment, when I threw a right straight punch in a state of total focus, something of incredible density, a 'black something,' was born in my hand.

(That was... It felt very similar to the sensation when I punched out Meikou in the final of the One Year War...)

The only difference, if there was one, was the power.

Back then, there wasn't such a scale of destruction or that pitch-black darkness.

(What is this power...?)

As I was thinking about this, a massive pillar of fire rose from the distance.

"What!?"

Then,

"Zahahahaha! I can see it, I can see it...! The dazzling, 'Sparkle'!"

The Zaku, enveloped in a flaming armor, returned with a roar, taking large strides.

"No way...?"

His body didn't have a single scratch.

"To have taken that hit and be unscathed...!?"

As I stood there in shock,

"Hey, your name is... Oh, no, no. 'When asking someone's name, introduce yourself first'!"

Suddenly, he started laughing, "Zahahahaha!"

"My name is Zaku-Bombal! I'm currently affiliated with the Black Organization! Now, tell me your name!"

For some reason, he started introducing himself now, crossing his arms and waiting for my response.

Honestly, I was confused, but since he introduced himself, I had to do the same.

"...Allen-Rodell."

I answered quietly, and he nodded in satisfaction.

"Allen-Rodell, huh... Zahahah! That's a great name! I'll remember it well!"

Then,

"Come on, show me that 'black darkness' again!"

"...What?"

Zaku started saying even more confusing things.

"It's not 'What?'! That hit just now was Allen's Soul Armor, right? Look, don't be so anxious! Show me that sparkle—Sparkle! Come on, hurry up!"

He extended his right hand forward, urging me.

"...I'm sorry, but I haven't manifested my Soul Armor yet."

"What!? So, you haven't manifested it and still had that power! Zahahahaha! That's an incredible talent! —Alright, I'll tell you!"

What was so amusing, he started speaking with a heavy breath.

"There are three main ways to draw out the power of Soul Armor! One, negotiate with the Spirit Core and borrow its power. Two, negotiate with the Spirit Core and borrow its power under certain conditions. And the last method is—force the Spirit Core to submit and take its power by force!"

Zaku explained, counting on his fingers.

"This is my impression from that hit... Your Spirit Core seems to be quite temperamental, doesn't it?"

"...You figured it out well."

"Zahahah, indeed! With such a violent Spirit Core, negotiation is impossible! By process of elimination, you have to force it to submit!"

"...If I could do that, it wouldn't be so difficult."

Forcing the Spirit Core to submit by force—like the ultimate form of 'easier said than done.'

As I quietly shook my head, he looked puzzled.

"Hmm? With Allen's courage, it shouldn't be impossible, right? After all, you charged forward without fear of the flames of <Catastrophic Fire>, a monstrous spirit!"

"...Even if I concede a point, my mental strength might be a bit better than others. But if I can't force the Spirit Core to submit, I can't manifest the Soul Armor."

He frowned.

"Allen, are you misunderstanding something? To draw out the 'full' power of the Spirit Core, you need to physically force it to submit, as you said. But to take just a 'part' of its power—forcing it to submit mentally is enough!"

"...Force it to submit mentally?"

"Yes! Hold a strong mind! Make a firm decision! Don't bend your beliefs! Use that strong mental power to force the Spirit Core to submit! And show more sparkle—Sparkle!"

At the moment Zaku, excited, gave this passionate speech,

"Cut it out, you idiot!"

"Ugh!?"

A mysterious woman suddenly appeared and kicked the back of his head.

"Ouch... Ouch... Hey, Taur! We were just getting to the good part, what are you doing!"

"That's my line, you moron! We were supposed to meet at the designated time, but you were slacking off somewhere!"

"Oh, right! Listen, Taur! I found a wonderful piece of raw Sparkle! In my estimation, it's a top-class find!"

"Tch... Don't talk about 'Sparkle' during work! You're still as creepy as ever..."

Taur was a short, slender girl in a black cloak.

She looked like a young teenager with a bad attitude.

Her thin pink hair was flipped outward.

Her bangs were held back with a simple pin, exposing her forehead.

(That black cloak... She's also from the Black Organization...)

I was already in a tough spot dealing with Zaku alone, and now reinforcements...

Honestly, the situation was hopeless.

As I clenched my teeth, trying to think of a way out,

"Hey, fatty! Quickly, grab the princess and let's get out of here!"

Taur showed no signs of fighting, calmly trying to complete the task.

"Wait, wait! We just found this raw Sparkle! Can't we play a little!?"

"Idiot, prioritize the mission! According to the intel, that 'Black Fist' is coming here at an incredible speed. Grab the princess and let's get out of here!"

It seems that Ms. Lea, who heard the commotion, was heading this way.

"Hmm, that Black Fist here! Hey, do you think we two can take him out?"

"Don't get cocky, you simple-minded fool! The opponent is a 'Transcender'—if you want to do it, do it alone and die miserably!"

"Zahahah! After knowing each other for years, you're still as cold as ever!"

After finishing the conversation, Zaku released <Catastrophic Fire> and picked up the unconscious Lea under his arm.

"Alright, let's go."

"Okay!"

The two of them said this briefly and retreated at an incredible speed.

"Hey, wait!"

The next moment, I shouted.

"An annoying brat like you doesn't have the time to deal with me."

Taur, who was supposed to be far ahead, suddenly appeared behind me.

"What!?"

"—Die."

The short sword she pulled from her pocket was thrust at my neck.

A hard, metallic sound echoed.

"What...?"

The sword was probably rusted.

Taur's strike did not cut my skin.

"Tch..."

She discarded the short sword and quickly put some distance between us.

"Hey, what's with that creature? I've never heard of a human that a blade can't penetrate...!?"

"Zahahahaha! It's sparkling nicely! It's still immature, but it will shine brightly someday!"

While Zaku and Taur were talking, I ran towards them.

"Leave... Lea... behind...!"

"...Tch. We don't have the time to deal with an unknown beast like you!"

The moment Taur spread her black cloak,

"Keekeekee!"

A large number of bats flew out from inside.

"What...?"

The bats swarmed around my face, obscuring my vision.

"—Alright, now's the time. Let's retreat."

"Zahahah! See you again, raw Sparkle!"

While I was trying to drive away the bats, their voices grew distant.

"Damn... Hey, wait!"

As I took a step forward,

"Oh...?"

My vision swayed.

I had no sense of balance.

A strange floating sensation enveloped my entire body.

It felt as if my feet were stuck in a swamp, unable to move forward.

(What... is this?)

When I looked down, there was a large pool of red liquid.

"Is this... all my blood...?"

The moment I realized this,

the damage I had sustained hit me all at once.

"Damn...!"

And so, I let go of my consciousness, drowning in a sea of blood.

---

"Hey, Allen, hold on! Damn... Eighteen!"

"Ha!"

"Keep an eye on Allen! No need for treatment, regeneration has already started! If that guy surfaces, don't miss the 'initial rigidity'!"

"Understood."

"I'll chase after them! The rest is up to you!"