"You need to kill me?"
Otuko and I locked eyes, neither daring to look away. Our focus was solely on each other, the surroundings fading into the background.
"Yes," I replied with a seriousness that matched my usual tone. It wasn't cold, just straightforward.
"Are you trying to trick me?" he asked, closing his right eye and letting out a "hmph!"
"No, you are strong. I'm suggesting this because I want to try and help you," I answered truthfully without reservation.
In that moment, the air around us grew cold and intense. The mana was normal, yet it felt unusually so, circulating as if preparing for something.
"Why?" Otuko's question snapped me back, refocusing my attention on him. I cleared my throat before replying, "That's because... I was originally transmigrated into this world."
"Eh?" He blinked a couple of times, then tilted his head in confusion.
With a helpless expression, I continued, "It's like an average isekai story... My soul got transferred into this body for some unknown reason."
His earlier cool expression turned to excitement abruptly. He was already inches away from my face.
"Woah!!! That's so cool!" He exclaimed brightly, asking, "Did anyone know about this? Did you get summoned by a God? Did you die!?"
As he approached, I backed away, raising both hands to stop him from going further.
"No... No one knows about this, except for me and you. I wanted to keep this a secret, but it's the only way I can make you believe me."
To be honest, I would prefer to keep this secret until the day I die.
Nodding in understanding, Otuko pulled back and sat cross-legged. "...I see... How can I trust you?" He crossed his arms, awaiting my explanation.
After a moment's pondering, despite my reluctance, I decided to reveal another important secret. "...I have a system that—"
"Okay, you've proved your point!"
But before I could continue, he cut me short after standing up.
"But I haven't explained—"
"I've read many novels to understand how overpowered systems can be."
"...I get your point, but..."
He stood before me, arms spread wide. "Just push your blade into my chest, and we're done... Try to be as gentle as possible... It's my first time~" His teasing grin accompanied the unconventional request.
"Why are you making that sound wrong in both ways...?" I remarked, facepalming. Shaking my head, I looked up at him, exhaling a deep, exasperated sigh. "Besides, I'm not going to do that yet."
"Why?" confusion lingered in his expression.
...It would be a waste if I let this chance go away.
Grinning, I rose to my feet, and we faced each other.
"Can I ask you to be my training buddy?"
...
..
.
"Bleeaah—!"
Blood sprayed from my mouth as his palm collided with my throat.
...What the hell? Is he trying to kill me?
"What's this...? Ugh, you're too weak."
Dropping to the ground, I clutched my throat in pain as he calmly approached me.
"Gah...!"
More blood erupted when he suddenly seized my throat, lifting me into the air.
I'm going to die, aren't I...?
Frozen, unable to move, my eyes blurred as I struggled to focus on him.
"Even though killing you here and letting you respawn is faster, if I continue using that method, your mana will eventually shrink to the point you can't use it."
As he said that, I felt my neck becoming warm. It was soothing yet, at the same time, painful due to his strong grip.
My strength were slowly returning, and my eyes were now able to refocused. Upon realizing his intent, I grabbed his wrist and blasted some magic to his chest.
"What are you—!!"
Stumbling back, I clutched my neck with my other hand, gasping for some air.
...That freaking hurt, damn it.
Glancing at him, my tensed body gradually calmed. Although the condition of my body was in no shape for battle, I endured the pain and pointed my sword to him using one hand.
Forcing a grin, I said, "Sorry, but I can't let you heal me any further... I have to learn to get used to this kind of situation where I'm injured during a fight."
"I like your determination, but aren't you supposed to be in a hurry to get strong?" His eyes twitched, patting the dust of her heavy clothes.
"We still have three days before I move to the next floor," I responded, cracking my fingers on my other hand.
Wiping the blood from my lips, I tightened my grip into my sword's handle and roared out in determination.
"Just hurry up and attack me!"
Fooosh—!
As soon as said those words, he immediately disappeared from my sight. Fortunately, my sense were able to figure out where he was on time.
"....!"
I wasted no time and duck down, dodging his heels by a hairbreadth. It was already spot-on that he was trying to kill me, as the kick he threw was enough to cause the crystal she accidentally hit to shatter into pieces.
Rolling forward, I immediately turned around and enhanced my whole right arm with mana. And boy was my instincts were correct.
"Remember this~?"
When she swiped her both her hands downward, I felt the same subtle yet chilling breeze swept past my neck I experienced in the fight yesterday.
Foosh~!
Two invisible slashes came forward as I used my sword to shield myself.
Clang—!
Upon clashing, it released a metal clashing sound that echoed through the whole surroundings.
"Gah—!"
Blood erupted from my mouth as I struggled to keep myself from getting pushed back.
"This is why you should always keep an eye on your back."
Behind me, Otuko was already standing with his hands that was about to touch the strand of my hair.
It was then—
"This is why you should always keep an eye on your opponent's hand."
My other hand was already behind me. My remaining mana was already channeled into my palm, making my hands glow red.
...I've always wanted to try this magic.
Fortunately, now it's the time for that. Opening my mouth, I mouthed silently.
"Inferno."