Chapter 34

Kudo Genki. He's my friend of ten years.

We don't share the same hobbies. We're not incredibly compatible either. In terms of personality, while we're not complete opposites, we certainly can't be called similar.

Still, he was my best friend.

I closed my open mouth and touched my face mask once.

Why is Genki here?

The first question that popped into my head was one that could almost be called absurd.

Numerous other questions swirled in my mind.

Is the person in front of me really Genki?

He was supposed to be on a family trip. Ohashi said so. So, could this person just look like Genki but be someone else?

No.

The person in front of me is Genki. There's no mistaking it. We've known each other for years.

But what about that badge? Lieutenant General?

Impossible. I've never heard of such a thing. Genki in the Self-Defense Forces... He would have told me, his best friend. Besides, isn't Genki an Esper? An Esper as a Lieutenant General? Is that even possible?

He's wearing a Self-Defense Forces uniform.

The Self-Defense Forces trying to kill me...

...Have you been lying to me?

My confusion was interrupted by Genki's killing intent.

This piercing killing intent has been directed at me from the moment we met.

Genki's killing intent. Genki is directing his killing intent at me.

All delayed thoughts like "Can you make such a scary face?" were instantly replaced, and I recognized the presence in front of me as an enemy.

This situation. There's no time to calmly sort things out.

Don't think.

At the very least, Genki sees me as an enemy, as the death sound of Anonymous... Yes, as an "enemy."

No need to think. That's all the information I need.

"Boss, Shido. I've encountered him. At the T-intersection from earlier."

I muttered and sent my voice to those two.

It had been about 10 seconds since I ran into Genki, or rather, Lieutenant General Kudo.

I'm glad I could make this judgment in 10 seconds. In other words, I was helped by the fact that the battle didn't start for 10 seconds after the encounter.

My gaze didn't waver from the enemy in front of me.

Saliva gathered in my mouth. The opponent is superior. A Self-Defense Forces Lieutenant General. I can tell from the killing intent.

Boss and Shido are still far away.

If he's a Lieutenant General, could he kill me before they arrive?

It's entirely possible.

I recalled my battle with Shizukana. A Lieutenant General is that level.

Even if I've gotten stronger, it's a realm I haven't reached yet. Depending on the compatibility of abilities, I might not stand a chance.

...What ability does Genki have?

Strangely, I can't hear any sound from the Genki in front of me. Not his heartbeat, not his breathing.

He's definitely breathing and his heart must be beating, but I can't hear those sounds. Or rather, I can't?

When I fled from Boss, I couldn't sense him either.

From Boss's location to here. Even if he ran at full speed, it's too fast.

But, the fact that I can't hear any sound from him, even though he's right in front of me, can't be explained by a transfer ability.

What ability is it?

What should I do? Should I attack?

...I know I can't run. I can't win in a fight.

He's a Lieutenant General. One that even Boss couldn't take down.

I don't have the experience or strength to challenge him without knowing his ability.

But, given the current situation, if Genki is wary of me, wouldn't it be better to take the initiative rather than be on the defensive?

My ability has enough power to kill with one hit.

There's a chance, however small.

Can I kill him? Can I, Genki?

No, don't think.

He's the enemy. The person in front of me is the enemy. Not Genki.

Don't think at all...!

Contrary to my thoughts, Genki moved first.

Not much, just a breath.

He exhaled, a breath that could be heard even without an ability.

But, it was enough to give me the initiative.

In this silent space, I was certain that now was the time to act, finally hearing Genki's sound.

I opened my eyes and raised my hand toward Genki.

My maximum firepower technique, "Sound Strike," has gained directionality through training with Sigh.

At this distance, it won't harm Boss and Shido.

The "Sound Strike" was unleashed.

A loud explosion and shockwave occurred, causing countless cracks to run through the concrete walls.

However, despite taking a direct hit from my "Sound Strike," Genki didn't flinch.

Not only that, he closed the distance, taking advantage of the opening I left after using "Sound Strike."

Ignoring my shock, Genki easily entered my guard and delivered a powerful punch to my stomach.

I managed to block it with my left hand and retreated.

Genki, aiming for a follow-up attack, stepped in again and thrust his fist toward my face.

I dodged by leaning my upper body and kicked at Genki's abdomen. However, the kick, intended to create distance, was blocked by Genki.

Genki swept my right leg, which was my pivot, causing me to fall to the ground.

As I swung my knife, Genki let go of me.

I then prepared to unleash a full-power "Sound Strike" without hesitation.

Boss and Shido are still far away. At this distance, they shouldn't be harmed.

"Sound Strike"…!

Cracks spread from where I lay on the ground.

The echoing explosion. The shaking base. Sand and dust fell from the cracked ceiling.

The surrounding walls and floor were in a state that seemed ready to collapse at any moment.

But, once again, Genki was unharmed.

He didn't fly back from the shockwave, and his eardrums didn't burst.

Completely undamaged. It was as if my attack never happened.

Genki kicked me hard.

"Ugh... ha...!"

The kick to my solar plexus made me drop my knife.

I couldn't breathe.

Trying to stand... No, trying to get into a defensive stance, I crouched, hugging my knees.

"Ah... ugh...!"

"Sound ability user... The irregular from back then..."

I tried to steady my breathing. I'm okay, not injured. I'm alive.

Why isn't my attack working? That's strange.

Is it an ability like that...?

I managed to stand up and faced Genki again.

Genki lowered his guard and stood there for some reason.

What's he doing... this guy.

Is he looking down on me because I'm weak?

Thinking this, I clenched my fist, and Genki spoke.

"I have to apologize to you. The previous manifestation was a complete mistake by the higher-ups.

Even if someone is killed during manifestation, they should be given a chance to make amends...

The damage was too great, and the judgment was wrong, but there were other ways to handle it.

Please allow me to apologize on behalf of the Self-Defense Forces. I'm truly sorry."

Genki bowed, leaving himself completely open.

His sincerity in apologizing was evident.

I confirmed that this was really Genki.

He was like this. Genki.

I almost smiled.

But, what is he talking about?

It's too late... It's not a matter of apologies now. I don't need an apology, and I'm a member of Anonymous.

I've killed people by my own will. I've already become evil.

What's the point of apologizing to someone like me? Isn't that selfish?

If an apology was enough, the Self-Defense Forces wouldn't be necessary...!

I delivered a knee strike to the face of the bowing Genki.

The knee strike hit Genki's face directly, and he fell backward.

Blood was flowing from Genki's nose, and it seemed his mouth was cut, as blood was visible at the corners of his lips.

"..."

"..."

"You're right.

But, no matter what the reason, if you've become evil... I have to kill you."

Genki slowly stood up and said.