Chikako Nakanoshima frowned, baffled by Drake Myers' seemingly nonsensical words. Kikoru Shinomiya? Why was he bringing her up now? After all, the two had clashed earlier that morning, nearly ending in a deadly confrontation.
It wasn't her fault. From an outsider's perspective, there was no apparent connection between Drake and Kikoru. Their earlier altercation was perceived as a routine scuffle revealing Drake's strength. Nakanoshima had no idea about the subtle dynamics between them—how Kikoru's aloof demeanor masked her fiery determination to prove herself.
"Self-vindication is one of life's greatest absurdities," Drake muttered, tightening his grip on his sword. "I am human! One day, you'll all owe me a proper apology."
Drake knew better than to entrust his fate to others. He still had hidden abilities but was reluctant to reveal them unless absolutely necessary. Keeping cards close to the chest was a principle he lived by, even when it seemed like he had reached his limits.
Kikoru Takes Action
"I believe in you!" Kikoru Shinomiya's voice rang out, interrupting the standoff. She had just received her new combat suit, rushed to her by her butler, Sae Habu. While tending to her injuries, she grabbed her assault rifle and unleashed a barrage of firepower on the dying unicorn monster.
Though less effective than a full combat suit, her weapon was more than sufficient to finish off the crippled beast.
Nakanoshima didn't dare interfere. Kikoru's noble lineage and reputation as a prodigy rendered her untouchable. Even a seasoned squad leader like Nakanoshima wouldn't risk crossing her unless she presented an undeniable threat—like transforming into a monster on the spot.
The unicorn monster didn't stand a chance. Kikoru's skill, rivaling that of a Grade 4 monster, ensured a swift victory.
A Shared Purpose
Watching the golden-haired girl standing triumphantly on the defeated beast's head, Drake felt a surge of energy. His vision cleared, and he met Kikoru's haughty gaze.
She smirked down at him from her perch. "What a sorry sight you are! Shouldn't you be kneeling in gratitude for my mercy?"
Though she didn't say it aloud, Kikoru had already planned to arrange medical assistance for him.
"Thanks," Drake replied with a faint smile. Planting his sword into the ground, he sat cross-legged, seemingly unbothered.
This girl, he thought, was worth trusting. Without her intervention, he might have been forced to unleash his full power, risking even greater chaos.
But this wasn't over. The events of the night had revealed a harsh reality: this world was no longer the simple Monster No. 8 universe he once knew.
The Unicorn's Ability
Drake wasn't idling; he was preparing to absorb the unicorn's abilities. Its skills included "Spatial Step", allowing short-distance teleportation within a 1,000-meter range, and "Stun Zone", which could temporarily disable targets within 500 meters based on proximity and mental strength.
Thanks to his system, his wounds were already healing, giving him the appearance of being near death while his condition steadily improved.
Kikoru's Fury
"What are you doing sitting there?" Kikoru snapped, visibly irritated.
Drake's calm demeanor infuriated her. Despite his injuries, he wasn't begging for help or accepting medical aid. Instead, he was sitting atop the fallen monster as though he had all the time in the world.
"Waiting," Drake replied without opening his eyes, his sword still firmly in hand.
"For what?" Kikoru's frustration boiled over. "Do you have a death wish?"
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