Chapter 38

This is from Narusena's perspective.

“………Huh?”

When the Hydra changed its target to me, I couldn’t help but let out a surprised and awkward sound as it approached.

I understood how much the Hydra was fixated on Onii-sama, as I had been desperately attacking it all this time.

That’s why I couldn’t hide my confusion when the Hydra suddenly changed its target to me.

………But when I noticed the malevolent intent in those twelve eyes, a malevolence that clung to the skin, I understood the Hydra’s intention.

The Hydra, having judged Onii-sama as a formidable enemy, decided to kill me first.

By eliminating me, the one Onii-sama relied on, it aimed to bring despair to Onii-sama.

“!”

The malice the Hydra harbored towards Onii-sama was like mud, clinging and foreign, and I couldn’t help but gasp.

Instinctively, I understood that the difference between the Hydra before and after its mutation was not just in its abilities, but also in this malice.

However, even when exposed to that malice, I didn’t let it shake my heart more than it already did.

It’s not that I didn’t feel fear towards the Hydra’s malice.

It’s just that, at that moment, I thought even that fear didn’t matter.

After all, I felt a surge of excitement in my chest that made even that fear insignificant.

The scene I saw just now. The way Onii-sama deflected the attacks of the mutated Hydra still clung to my mind.

What could have happened that allowed Onii-sama to perfectly deflect attacks that he couldn’t even withstand a moment ago?

It was an impossible miracle, and yet Onii-sama had achieved it.

──– But for some reason, I believed that Onii-sama could easily accomplish that miracle.

Now, I realize how much I trusted Onii-sama.

The reason I had been trying so hard to become stronger was to repay the favor to Onii-sama, who had lamented his lack of talent, and to protect him.

For years, I had been working hard for that reason.

But the reason I first wanted to become strong was because I was captivated by the sight of Onii-sama fighting and protecting me from goblins.

◇◆◇

Even now, the image of Onii-sama, covered in wounds but still fighting desperately a few years ago, is etched in my mind.

At that time, I didn’t believe I would survive at all.

Onii-sama’s battle was so close to the edge that I understood it that clearly.

Onii-sama was desperately trying to draw the goblins’ attention, but it only worked when he had the strength.

Once his strength was depleted, Onii-sama’s movements became sluggish, and he was quickly captured by the goblins, who beat and kicked him mercilessly.

Even then, Onii-sama continued to try to draw the goblins’ attention.

……But a few minutes later, Onii-sama was lying on the ground, barely able to move, in a near-death state.

At that moment, when I stood in front of the goblins to protect Onii-sama, it wasn’t because I had any hope of winning.

I just wanted to increase Onii-sama’s chances of survival, even if it was just a little.

In other words, I was prepared to die.

That’s why I couldn’t hide my shock when I saw Onii-sama stand up from that near-death state.

Even after using the healing spell, *Heal*, Onii-sama was in no condition to fight.

He had been in a state far from being able to fight, and *Heal* was the only spell used.

Normally, just standing would have been a struggle.

──– But Onii-sama, with me behind him, started killing the goblins one by one.

Now, I can see that it was an abnormal and bizarre scene.

The person who had been running away just moments ago was now, covered in wounds, defeating the goblins one by one.

But what I felt at the sight of Onii-sama was a strong affection.

I understood better than anyone that Onii-sama had no chance of defeating the goblins.

That’s why, when Onii-sama defeated the goblins, I understood the magnitude of the miracle that had occurred, and I felt a strong affection for Onii-sama, who had performed that miracle to protect me.

And that was when I first desired strength.

Even as I felt joy at being protected, I couldn’t bear the fact that I couldn’t be of any help to the battered Onii-sama.

So at that moment, I resolved

I wanted the strength to fight by Onii-sama’s side.

And now, as I recall that memory, I understand why I feel such excitement in my chest and why I trust Onii-sama so much.

Since then, I have believed that Onii-sama can perform miracles.

And because I understand that those miracles are possible because of my existence, my heart is so warm.

So this time, I will fight by Onii-sama’s side.

“Narusena!”

That’s why, when I heard Onii-sama’s shout, I returned a smile.

To let him know that I was fine and that I was counting on him.

“FU───────u!”

The Hydra, revealing its malice, attacked me.

But I didn’t feel fear or intimidation, nor did I try to escape.

I knew very well that the Hydra couldn’t be stopped by my past self.

But I had no intention of running away from the Hydra for that reason.

The Hydra thought I was weak.

So if I could surprise it, I could create a significant opening.

Most importantly, if I ran away, I wouldn’t be able to stand by Onii-sama’s side, and I felt that.

When the Hydra tried to attack me with its long tail, I didn’t move at all.

I just focused on watching the Hydra’s attack.

And in the next moment, I punched the tail that was attacking me.

“Haaaaaaaah!”

“FUUUUUU!?”

At that moment, the Hydra’s face contorted in pain, and it let out a cry.

From the Hydra’s reaction, I understood that I had found an effective attack.

With my current strength, I couldn’t deal effective damage to the Hydra with just my skills.

But by attacking in sync with the Hydra’s attack, I could deal damage equal to the Hydra’s attack plus my skill.

The shock must have reached its internal organs.

The attack seemed to be quite effective, as the Hydra’s eyes clearly showed hostility towards me.

It seemed to finally recognize me as an enemy.

“FU──────u!”

“Wha—!”

……But even so, the Hydra didn’t stop its attacks on me.

From the Hydra’s attitude, I realized that it had instantly seen through the weakness of my attack and my face twitched.

The only way I could deal damage to the Hydra was through simultaneous attacks, which were effective but had a fatal flaw.

The damage from the Hydra’s attacks accumulated on me as well.

In other words, I couldn’t use this method for long.

“—!”

“FUUUUUUu!”

I managed to deal with the next attack from the Hydra’s tail, but the pain in my fist made me realize I could only take a few more hits.

And from my reaction, the Hydra’s face showed a sense of victory.

“Haa………”

──– But at that moment, I let out a sigh of relief and slumped down.

Seeing my reaction, the Hydra’s face showed caution.

I smiled tiredly at the Hydra.

“Sorry. I was just buying time. ─── I’m glad you understood.”

“FU─!?”

At my words, the Hydra finally sensed something and turned around, noticing the human behind it.

But it was too late.

“Leave the rest to me.”

In the next moment, Onii-sama’s dagger was swung down at the Hydra……