Max's Point of View
Izumi's behavior changed since Ui joined the team. It was as if she was the light he needed in his life. I felt jealous, but also happy. She was crazy and outgoing, the kind of person Izumi usually despised.
However, it seemed he had developed an affection for her in some way, and I hoped she could save him. When she tore the map, I thought:
'Ah! She's done for.'
Everything turned out fine. She might be insane, but she knew how to quickly change Izumi's mind. It was a pity she only had eyes for him.
During the battle against the demons in the forest, I realized Izumi's true strength. I felt like I was falling behind and decided it was time to take risks and become stronger from that moment on.
When we reached the headquarters, we realized it was a bit different from what we had imagined. The fearless one welcomed us without threats and forced us to participate in his game. I felt that this was not going well and suggested that we come up with a plan, but Izumi disagreed.
So, I devised a plan with the rest of the group. I would lead at the front with Ui, and Idalme would provide support. I would be the primary attacker, while Ui would act as the secondary. And so, we proceeded with this plan.
When we reached floor zero, all the demons were on the ground. Izumi had no trouble defeating them. However, a demon emerged radiating extraordinary strength, but Izumi easily defeated it. That was exactly what the demon wanted us to believe.
Izumi was devoured.
He was known for his arrogant personality, but I always believed that nothing was impossible. However, I was mistaken because I was too naive. Before I knew it, anger overtook me.
"What have you done, you wretch!?"
"He's dead. Right here in my stomach. What a good meal! You'll be next."
"I'm going to blow you up!" I said, pointing my index finger."
"Kill me? Me, Gosmetico? Not even that little guy managed it, and you think you can?"
'Explosive bullet!'
Boomm.
"Arrgghh! What have you done?"
"Don't think you're going to beat me. You may have defeated my brother, but unfortunately, I'm your worst enemy. You'll die, Gosmetico!"
"My worst enemy? Don't be conceited, human!"
The demon made a direct attack, thinking that would work on me, but…
"Explosive reverse slap!"
Boomm.
"Arrrrgggghhhh!!!"
"Explosive kick!"
Booomm.
Gosmetico slammed into the wall, writhing in pain. I lowered my head forward, and my hand touched the ground. I positioned my feet, and...
"Explosive boost!"
I went at him.
"Explosive cross!"
Boooommmmm.
With my hands straight, I cut the demon, and he exploded spectacularly.
"Arrrggghhhh! It can't be. I, Gosmetico, will lose!?"
Even after exploding several times, only a third of his body had been obliterated.
"I need to escape."
"Too late."
All this time, agonizing in pain, I was preparing for another explosive attack. He tried to flee, but with an explosive boost, I closed in. I placed the palm of my hand on his body, holding his arm with the other hand.
"Explosive palm!"
Booooooommmmmm.
I destroyed half of his body.
"Tell me, Gosmetico. Who's the meal?"
I was filled with anger, but I felt that I could still keep calm. I didn't know if it was because Izumi wasn't as important to me or if it was simply part of my nature. I hoped it was my nature because I loved Izumi too much not to feel anger.
"You repugnant human. Don't think you've won. When I consume your friend entirely, you'll all die!"
"Shut up!" I said while delivering an explosive slap. "The weak obey the strong. Give Izumi back or die."
By putting me in this dilemma, I won't let this brute have an easy death.
"Kill me."
"I will."
"That voice. Izumi?"
Upon hearing that voice, I realized he couldn't have been defeated by this demon. My hopes were renewed.
"Yes, it's Izumi's voice. I knew he wouldn't die like that," Ui spoke.
"It can't be. I never lose. This is impossible!"
"First Special Form. Consecutive Kotxi Flame-Swivel!"
"It's a shame he's still alive," Idalme expressed.
"No! No! No! No! Uuuuuhhhh…"
The demon's body started to fill up, and suddenly, it disappeared. And there was Izumi, with a smile on his face, looking like someone who was having fun. I knew that in the end, everything would be okay with him.
We continued to the next floor, and I was surprised by what Izumi had done.
First: His speed had increased again, or maybe he had never shown his full potential, and I felt envy.
Second: I always thought he was going to kill all the demons, but he spared this one. I didn't understand why Izumi chose to act this way. However, I accepted his choice.
I tried to persuade Izumi by mentioning Ui, but it seemed she still didn't have much influence on him, or maybe he was just playing hard to get. Insisting on something with Izumi would only make him annoyed, so I abandoned the plan to work together.
We split into two teams. Izumi and Ui went ahead, and Idalme and I stayed on the floor, searching for more information.