NOVEL NEXT Chapter 23
Chapter 23. Teamwork
We part ways with Yanagi-kun and cautiously move forward through the forest, on high alert.
We haven’t encountered other schools yet.
Even so, the constant need to prepare for an ambush is mentally exhausting.
“By the way, was there anyone with explosive abilities earlier?”
“No, there was no mention of such an ability user in the materials we received.”
It’s likely some kind of weapon, but I didn’t see anyone carrying such a weapon before entering this area.
—Except for that powerless one.
Did someone fall into a trap set by Yanagi-kun?
If that’s the case, he must have been incredibly lucky. By now, they’re surely taken out.
However, if he managed to eliminate even one opponent, that would be a significant achievement for him.
Maybe it would change the way others treat him, even if just a little.
To be honest, I dislike him.
The way he lives, as if he has no attachment to life.
That expression, as if he doesn’t care what happens to himself.
Whenever I think of him, my sister comes to mind.
Her figure on the hospital bed, putting on a brave smile to reassure the family.
Remembering that fills me with nothing but disgust for him.
Even so, he wasn’t born to be someone’s punching bag.
If he ever sought my help, I’d respond as much as I could.
I hope this experience changes him, even slightly.
“Ah! There they are! Six enemies ahead!”
“The distance?”
“Hmm, about a hundred meters, I think?”
“Got it.”
My best friend Nene’s ability, [Alter Form], lets her generate up to five clones of herself.
She can share sensory input with her clones no matter where they are.
For reconnaissance, few students are her match.
“Finally, some action!”
“I’ll take the first shot. After that, we’ll overwhelm them as a team.”
During the mock battle with Hattori-san, I couldn’t even land a hit.
Even so, I can confidently say our teamwork has improved.
It should be more than enough for interschool battles.
—[Sagittarius].
A golden bow appears before me.
I grasp it and aim upward.
This bow requires no arrows. Simply pulling the string auto-loads it.
Its power depends on my mental strength, capable of piercing several tanks in one strike when I’m at my peak.
“Fuu…”
I take a deep breath to steady myself and close my eyes.
I envision the tranquility of a lakeside, standing atop it.
Once the ripples fully subside, I quietly open my eyes and draw the string.
Radiant light envelops me, gently illuminating the surroundings.
Then, I release the shot.
“[Thousand Rain of Arrows].”
The arrow shoots skyward, splitting as it ascends.
At its apex, the fragments arc downward, accelerating as they rain destruction.
The sheer power and penetration topple rows of trees with a deafening roar.
“Looks like we got two! Four are heading our way!”
Nene reports the situation.
Only two down with that attack? The opponents are formidable—they won’t fall so easily.
“They’re coming!”
With Nene’s warning, four figures burst out from the trees ahead.
“Yamada-senpai!”
“On it!”
Yamada-senpai touches the ground, and cracks spread out like a spider’s web.
“Ahh!”
As the enemy stumbles from the ruptured ground, a water bullet from Hayashi-senpai strikes them.
Three left.
“This!”
With a frustrated shout, one of the enemies unleashes electricity.
She’s from Aizono Girls’ Academy, boasting an ability level exceeding 10,000.
The electricity surges toward me, closing the distance.
But just before it hits, the bolt veers off course, flying in an unintended direction.
“Why?!”
“I diverted it.”
I glance back to see Yura-san with her left hand extended.
Her ability, [Psychokinesis], redirected the incoming electricity.
To have such precise control as a first-year like Yanagi-kun is both astounding and reassuring.
“Nice one, Yura-san!”
I won’t waste her support!
In an instant, I draw the bowstring and fire three rapid shots at the electro-user.
The first shot is blocked, but the second pierces her shoulder, and the third strikes her heart.
She dissolves into particles.
Two left.
As I aim at the remaining two, a violent gale engulfs us.
“Kyaaahhh!”
“Ugh! Hayashi-senpai!”
The unexpected attack knocks out both enemies and Hayashi-senpai, forcing them to retire due to its destructive force.
“Oh my, still four left?”
The source of the voice emerges from behind the trees, flanked by two others.
Her short black hair, piercing eyes, and the earlier gale.
With this much information, I know who she is.
Toudou Kazane of Unryuu High School, the most powerful ability user in the tournament.
Her ability, [Violence Revolve], lets her manipulate wind at will.
“Can you all still stand?”
“Of course! I’m a senior. With Hayashi down, there’s no way I’m falling too!”
“I’m fine!”
“Good to go!”
Facing this powerful foe, we rise to our feet.
I can’t stop here!