Chapter 29

In a certain alley in the city, there was the figure of Shizukana running alone.

"Shizukana, if you get caught, the world might end. So, you must run, even if it's just you!"

"Don't worry, I'll chase after you with Akari later. Don't be concerned."

Shizukana recalled the words of the two who stayed behind to let her escape, wiping away her tears as she ran.

"Onee-chan, Soji-kun..."

The heavy responsibility of knowing that if she were caught, the world might fall into the organization's hands. The hope of being able to return to the ordinary daily life she spent with Akari and Soji.

With these various thoughts, Shizukana ran desperately, seeking help.

"The police... might be under the organization's influence. My smartphone is broken, so I can't contact Yui-san. What should I do, what can I do?"

However, a large man suddenly appeared in front of her, blocking her thoughts.

"My, what a surprise. I didn't expect you to have the 'Bestowal' on you. I was really worried when you managed to escape."

"!?"

Shizukana's expression turned to despair at the sight of Dies, who had appeared before her.

The fact that Dies had caught up to her meant that Akari and Soji, who had stayed behind to let her escape, had been captured.

"Ah, are you worried about those two? Don't worry, they're alive. Soji-kun is a bit injured, but the lady is unharmed. She fainted from overusing the 'Bestowal,' though."

Relieved to hear that the two were alive, Shizukana took a step to run in a different direction.

"Whoa, I want you to stay still. You, with the 'Fusion' ability, are the most important."

"Damn!"

But in an instant, Shizukana was pinned down. Despite the distance between them being over ten meters, she was overwhelmed by the extraordinary phenomenon caused by Dies's Rank A ability.

"Someone, help..."

Dies poked the back of Shizukana's neck, causing her to faint.

"Phew, that was close. The agents haven't been fully deployed yet, so it would have been bad if someone had heard her."

Cruelly, Shizukana's cries for help went unheard.

"Well, let's go back—"

"Hey, what are you doing?"

—Except for one person.

◇

Thanks to Nia's guidance, I found Shizukana.

"What's going on here?"

Shizukana had been pinned down by a large man and was calling for help.

The moment the large man saw me, he backed away, and Shizukana was now in my arms.

"She's unconscious, but she seems to be okay."

"Vitals normal, no external injuries. She's fine."

What, you can check vitals? Nia, you're amazing.

But now, I need to focus on the large man in front of me.

"Alright. Who are you, and why were you trying to capture Shizukana?"

I glared at the large man and asked my questions.

"Hah, no need for acting. You understand the situation, don't you?"

What, I don't understand at all. That's why I'm asking... What irrelevant things is he saying with that smug look?

"Still, I didn't expect to meet you here."

Have we met before?

I don't think I know any large men like this...

"Chié told me to stay away, but there's no choice in this situation."

With a sly smile, the large man raised his fists. I see, he doesn't care about my situation.

I can't forgive him for making Shizukana faint, so I'll have to fight back if he's serious.

"Nia, watch over Shizukana."

"Understood."

I laid Shizukana down at the side of the road and placed her bag and Nia next to her.

Then, I raised my fists.

"Here I come!"

With quick footwork, he suddenly attacked my eyes and throat. That hurts! No time for talk!

"I won't give you the chance to use Yin-Yang techniques. I don't want to end up in a holding cell again like last time."

End up in a holding cell? What is he talking about?

Despite his confusing words, he accurately struck my knees and solar plexus.

At first, I thought he was using boxing, but it was different. It's probably Jeet Kune Do!

"Tough, or maybe the damage is being nullified? Is that also a Yin-Yang technique?"

"Company secret!"

Unlike the guy in the silk hat last time, this one knows about 'Yin-Yang techniques.' Well, that's fine.

I've been hit in vital points so many times that I should be dead, but thanks to the 'Substitute Card,' I'm unharmed.

However, there's a limit to the number of cards. If I keep getting hit, I'll eventually lose.

"I'll counter—Gah!"

"That's right, no time for counterattacks."

He grabbed my neck and slammed me into the asphalt. A crater as deep as a bulldozer's fist was formed behind me.

What is this ridiculous strength!? Is he a monster!?

"Could it be... an ability!?"

Upon closer inspection, he was also an ability user!

'Enhancement.' An ability that enhances his physical abilities and the properties of objects he touches.

"Huh? You just noticed? I thought you knew from the start... Oh well."

The large man muttered, still holding my neck and pressing me to the ground, while punching me with his other arm.

"Take this!"

But I wasn't going to take it lying down! I grabbed the arm that was holding my neck and threw the large man using a hip throw.

"Pretty strong, huh? Do you have a technique for that?"

"Like I'd tell you!"

Kuro told me to keep my abilities and Yin-Yang techniques a secret.

Besides, I have no obligation to tell a scumbag who attacks me out of nowhere!

"Nullifying attacks and super strength. I also heard you can fly and shoot energy blades. You're a tough one."

Despite his troubled words, the large man's smile grew wider. Is he a battle junkie?

Also, knowing about 'flying energy blades' and 'scatter flames' means he's probably an associate of the guy in the silk hat who attacked me before!

"Let's go to Round 2!"

"Wait, hold on!"

The large man ignored my protests and attacked relentlessly.

Karate, Muay Thai, Chinese martial arts!? Is he a technique department store!? And each one is at a high level.

"Ugh, gah...?"

"What? Is that all?"

Although he's new to 'Enhancement,' even with the enhanced abilities, his power is barely on par with mine.

As a result, I'm being outmatched by his superior martial arts skills.

"Damn!"

"You seem to have some martial arts training, but it's useless!"

"Gah..."

Every punch and kick I throw is easily dodged and returned with twice the force.

I've learned the techniques he uses, but they're adapted to his build and weight, so when I use them, there's a slight discrepancy.

The same goes for techniques learned from videos. I can't match the original.

"Damn. I should have practiced more."

The only technique that's fully adapted to my body is 'Gender Equality Fist.' My proficiency in other techniques is far behind this large man.

"Then, 'Dissolution'!"

I barely dodged his punch, grabbed his arm, and activated 'Dissolution.'

"Is this the same 'Dissolution' as Melt's? Yin-Yang techniques can do this?"

"It's not... dissolving!?"

Only his sleeve dissolved, leaving his arm unharmed.

I tried to dissolve the flesh, but... is he using 'Enhancement' to increase his durability?

"That's too weak. A technique like that won't hurt me."

"Damn..."

I haven't used 'Dissolution' at full power yet.

If I use it seriously, I can probably defeat him, but I might end up dissolving his bones and internal organs.

I can't forgive him for making Shizukana faint, but I don't want to kill him.

"...No choice, then."

"Huh?"

The large man took a slight step back, sensing my resolve. He's quite perceptive.

"At this rate, I'll lose. I'll use my trump card."

"...It doesn't seem like a bluff."

Of course, it's not a bluff.

I need two conditions: a place where there might be people nearby and the ability to perfectly regulate 'Dissolution.' But if it succeeds, victory is guaranteed. It's that powerful.

"Let me tell you. If this succeeds, you have no chance of winning. Before you lose and embarrass yourself, why don't you go home quietly?"

"Hah, I'd rather have this!"

"Alright..."

Then, I'll let you taste it fully.