Vol-03 Ch 4 – Mister Rabbit

Part 1

"Kishaaaaa!"

"Night, it's coming in your direction!"

"Woof! Gaaaah!"

We are currently fighting a monster called a Wraith in another world. It looks like a skeletal ghost, and although horror isn't my forte, it's not so bad that would make me sit up and just watch, I was able to fight it.

Since it was called a ghost, its body was transparent and physical attacks couldn't get through at all. Night's claw attacks and biting were nullified entirely. However, the [Omni-Sword] and [Absolute Spear] that sage-san left behind were able to deal damage without regard to the spirit body, so it wasn't so much of a disadvantage to us. Besides, the strategy of using the newly increased magic was also effective against the Wraith, so Night was also actively participating in the attack.

Even now, Night makes compressed water appear in his mouth and shoots it at the Wraith like a laser. But the Wraith also knew that it would take damage from magic, so it dodged the attack just in time.

"Your opponent isn't just Night alone!"

"Kishaa!"

I approached the Wraith, who showed an opening after dodging Night's attack, and swung my [Omni-Sword] out at its neck joint. The [Omni-Sword] slashes the Wraith's head off without feeling any resistance. And the Wraith disappeared as a particle of light.

"Phew… I still can't get used to fighting while using magic effectively."

"Woof."

This time, Night was using magic all the time when he found out that physical attacks didn't work. Hence, it wasn't a problem for him, but I was overwhelmingly inexperienced enough to fight with a mixture of [Omni-Sword] attacks and magic attacks.

I would inevitably continue to use only one method of fighting. Well, I'll make sure to reflect on it at home or some other calm place, then I went to pick up the drop items, but there was only one S-ranked magic stone that had fallen out.

"Eeeh? Even though we defeated it with great effort, the one thing we got is only a magic stone… well, I guess it's weird that a ghost will hold something, but I'm still a little shocked."

"Woof…"

Feeling disappointed, I looked up at the sky. Currently, I was trying to gain a lot of battle experience in this other world, just like I did in the Wraith battle earlier.

On Earth, preparations are underway for the ball games, but I have to go to the royal capital as soon as possible in this other world as well, so I'm training in case of an emergency.

I have gotten much more used to fighting using [Omni-Sword] and [Absolute Spear] compared to the beginning. However, I still have a lot more to do with mixing it up well with magic, so I'm fighting together with Night with that in mind.

After finishing school today, I also completed my prep and review at home and took a walk. Then I was holed up in another world the whole time, so I noticed that the sky was dark and full of stars.

"…The sky is so clean in this world. To be able to see the stars so close together…"

"Woof."

It may be a familiar night sky for Night, but it's a wonderful thing that is not so familiar for me because there are certain things that humanity has lost in exchange for development on Earth.

"….."

While looking up at the sky, I suddenly think back to the battles we've had so far.

"Can I become even stronger on my own any further…?"

"Woof?"

Night tilted his head at my muttering. I was able to deal damage in today's battle against the Wraith only with magic, but I do not properly know the combination of magic and weapons in battle. In addition to the fact that I only inherited the magic from sage-san, I'm also doing my own style of weaponry by reading books.

…Perhaps I should take a proper lesson from somewhere. While thinking about this, since I have school tomorrow, I decided to continue exploring a bit more before going home. So we began the exploration again.

＊＊＊

I've been thinking about this ever since I left Lexia-san and the others, but since it's been confirmed that I'm going to the royal castle in the future, I thought I had to be even more prepared, so I started doing more fighting and basic physical and muscular training in order to protect Night and Akatsuki so that we could stay anywhere without any problems.

And next time I see Lexia-san and Luna again, I want to show them how much I've grown, even if it's just a little bit. Since I'm delaying the visit to the royal capital for that reason, I want to do my best on that. And since I can't expect to grow near my home these days, I decided to take Night and Akatsuki and go deeper into the forest.

"Oh? Somehow the atmosphere has changed…"

"Woof?"

When we left the house and went deeper into the forest, the atmosphere around us suddenly changed. Rather, the trees growing around us suddenly changed in appearance. They used to be ordinary trees, but now the trees growing around us are somehow darkened, with completely black leaves. What's with these trees?

When I unintentionally activated the [Identification] skill and looked at it, it displayed as follows:

[Black Hard Tree] :: An extremely hard black tree. A mere attack or impact wouldn't break it or even scratch it. The vegetation area is shrouded in mystery, and as an extremely valuable material, it can fetch a tremendous amount of money at auctions. It is impossible to cut down or process it without using the elves' [Spirit Magic] or the dwarves' secret techniques.

It was some kind of amazing tree. Rather, the vegetation area is shrouded in mystery, and it says it's valuable, but there's so much right in front of me, you know? What's with this situation?

Well, the people who can come casually to this deepest part of the forest are probably only at the level of sage-san, so it's not surprising that they are unknown. Considering the level of danger of the monsters we encountered so far; I don't think it's worth it to come and collect them. One could indeed build a house out of solid wood, but it doesn't have to be this wood to build a great house.

And the elves? And dwarves? It seems that the only way to cut and process it is with their technique, and that makes it even more difficult to handle it.

"Night, Akatsuki. Although we've been cautious up until now, it's only going to get more dangerous from here on out, so let's be more careful."

"Woof."

"Fugo."

They didn't talk too loudly; both of them responded in small voices. Hmm… I can't cut them down myself, but these trees are quite troubling. I have no idea how it will affect me in a battle. But, assuming I get attacked, blown up, and slammed into this tree, I'd still likely take a lot of damage.

As I proceeded cautiously while activating the [Assimilation] skill for a while, I found the first monster of the day.

If I'm going to describe that fellow, perhaps wild boar is the right word to use. But it was about the size of a medium-sized truck, with two sharp tusks extending from its lower jaw. In addition, its body was glowing silvery-white, and there was nothing that looked like body hair.

It looks like a wild boar, but… what is it? This guy. I immediately activated the [Identification] skill.

[Mithril Boar]

Level: 10

Magic: 1000

Attack: 40,000

Defense: 50,000

Agility: 30,000

Intelligence: 2000

Luck: 500

Skills: [Charge] [Iron Wall] [Magic Reflection] [Super Sense of Smell]

Wait a minute. What's with that status? Why is it that it's at level 10 with 50,000 defense and 40,000 attack power? Moreover, the [Magic Reflection] skill… doesn't that mean that magic attacks will not work?

I'm also curious about the word mithril in its name… what is it, really?

As I was surprised at its messed up status, the Mithril Boar suddenly began to move its nose restlessly. As we tilt our heads, the Mithril Boar, who supposedly hadn't noticed us before, suddenly turned its gaze in our direction!

How did it find us? …Could it be that it's because of that skill called [Super Sense of Smell]?

"Uh?"

"Woof!"

"Buhii!"

We were surprised by the sudden revelation of our presence, and then a shock beyond that assaulted us. The Mithril Boar took a step forward and charged at us at high speed.

Even though it wasn't running from a long distance, the charge was so intense that it was far beyond my ability to recognize it. By the time I felt it had charged at us, it was already right in front of me.

As a result, I couldn't avoid it, and I was blown away by the tremendous momentum. With that momentum, I hit the Black Hard Tree with my back and was eventually unable to move.

"Gahah!"

"W-woof!"

"Fugo!"

"D-don't come!"

Night and Akatsuki tried to rush over to me as I was blown away, but I stopped them.

Because──.

"Buhiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!"

The squeal was so loud and powerful that it couldn't be compared to Akatsuki. And once again, my body was easily blown away by the Mithril Boar.

"Guhh!"

Although I managed to take a defensive stance on the second attack, its power was tremendous. Even if I was wearing armor, an immense impact hit my entire body. I managed to take a momentary gap and hurriedly drank the [Complete Recovery Herbal Juice], but… I couldn't stop sweating cold.

The reason is, I still can't see the Mithril Boar's attack. By the time I noticed, I was blown away. It's okay because I can manage to defend against it now and still have the [Complete Recovery Herbal Juice], but even that isn't infinite. If I miss a little bit of defense or are not given time to recover, I'll be struck immediately.

Indeed, I was able to fight around the house without any problems… but I didn't expect to find an opponent this dangerous…! I thought on my own that I could defeat an S-class monster and that I would be fine, but that was just my hubris and ridiculous arrogance.

There is not a single part of my current status that exceeds 10,000. And yet I felt as if I was being reminded firsthand that I was able to cross over with an S-class monster because of sage-san's weapons.

I-if it keeps going like this…

"…Night, Akatsuki. Run away from here now."

"Woof!"

"Buhii!"

Both Night and Akatsuki shake their heads in surprise at my words. But I can't bring those two into this situation. This is the result of me being unconsciously arrogant and misjudging the difference in strength.

Still, in order to let these two escape, I can't just die immediately. And while holding a strong mind that was about to be broken and desperately looking at the Mithril Boar──.

(I will help you.)

"Eh?"

The air's vibrations spread around me with a loud bang, echoing in the depths of my stomach. And then I happened to catch the identity of the sound with my eyes. Something as cleanly white as Night's black fur and Akatsuki's red fur blew the Mithril Boar right from the side.

That white being that appeared out of nowhere, charged at the Mithril Boar with an unbelievable speed, spun several times in the air, and landed brilliantly.

The true identity is──.

"A-a rabbit?"

(Yes, a rabbit.)

What a cute little rabbit it was. The rabbit, which was covered in pure white body hair, took one look at the surprised us and immediately turned its attention back to the Mithril Boar. When I also looked at the Mithril Boar, the Mithril Boar spewed blood from its large nose and mouth and was outraged.

"Bubibiiiiiiiii!"

(Huh?)

However, the rabbit in front of me stared at it undaunted and dexterously stood on its tiptoe with one foot and slowly raised its other foot.

And then──.

(You're so noisy.)

Again, the entire forest air shook with a loud bang. I didn't know what was going on, but the place where the Mithril Boar had been a moment ago was splattered with red blood and flesh, and there was nothing else.

Besides, the black hard tree, which was supposed to have been explained as unable to be damaged by an ordinary attack or impact, was snapped a dozen or so meters away and sent flying, and where it had taken root, the ground had been scraped away as if it had been gouged out by something.

Night, Akatsuki and I watched that scene in a daze.

(What a small-fry.)

Unlike us, the rabbit was standing on both feet normally, snorting in a boring manner.

Part 2

(Well…)

"Huh!"

The white rabbit turned his gaze towards us. I mean, why do I hear the white rabbit's voice as a subsidiary voice? There is a very stern voice that overlaps with the typical animal cry and is not associated with how it looks. No, it's a really nice voice, of course.

There are so many mysteries, but…

I, together with Night, looked at the white rabbit with caution.

…Is this rabbit… an enemy…? If he's an enemy, there is no way we can win. This is especially so since it's the kind of guy who would instantly kill the Mithril Boar that I couldn't even handle…

In contrast to the rabbit, who has plenty of room to spare everywhere, Night, Akatsuki, and I stared back with maximum caution. And as I wanted to get as much information as possible, I activated the [Identification] skill.

You have acquired the [Field Guide] skill. The skill [Identification] has been upgraded.

"Whoa!"

(Hmm?)

The moment I activated the skill, a message appeared in front of me, and I couldn't help but shout out. Not good! I hurriedly pressed my mouth down, but the rabbit only tilted his head in wonder and didn't attack me.

…Well, from the way he's taking down the Mithril Boar, even if I'm on guard, I'm going to be killed by an attack that exceeds my reflex speed.

I'd like to check on my newly acquired skill upgrade and such, but I can't do that right now. Swallowing my amazement at the unexpected message, I once again checked the status of the rabbit.

[Kick Rabbit]

Level: 4

Magic: 10

Attack: 500000

Defense: 10

Agility: 500000

Intelligence: 500000

Luck: 500000

[Racial skills]

<Rabbit Kicking Technique (R): M> <Rabbit Ear Technique (R): M>

[Unique Skills]

<Kicking Sacred Art (U): M> <Ear Sacred Art (U): M>

[Martial art skills]

<Magic Combat Art (SSR): M> <Biting (N)> <Physical Attack (N)>

[Normal Skill]

<Charm (R)> <Presence Detection (R)> <Magic Detection (SR)> <Mind's Eye (SR)>

[Title]

<Holy Kick> <Holy Ear> <Two Heavenly Saint> <Wandering Rabbit> <Comforting Shinigami>

This is so baaaaaaad! I mean, I can see a lot of things all of a sudden… is this the result of the upgrade? More importantly, this rabbit has a lot of questionable things!

How could he have a status of 500,000 other than the magic and defense… and yet his level is 4… I can't understand it at all! The skills are too blown away, but there's a lot of things I want to ask about the title also…

While I was stunned, Rabbit-san turned his gaze to me as he began to adjust his own fur in a carefree manner.

…Huh? Could it be that he knows I'm using my skill to check on him? For some reason, he doesn't seem to be leaving the place, as if to say he just wants to wait for me and let me do it. I don't know what he wants from us, but thankfully there's nothing for now, so I went over the various things that had been added.

First of all, the [Identification] skill upgrade is now more detailed, as can be seen when I checked the rabbit in front of me. As a result, the skills have been subdivided and even added a rarity level.

This rarity is apparently determined by the difficulty of learning the skill and the rate at which it's learned. Rabbit-san possesses the highest level of rarity, "U", among the skills. Furthermore, the letter "M" next to the martial arts skill indicates that he can now fully use it in its true meaning.

That is how the upgrade was confirmed, but as for my newly added skill called [Field Guide], it was also a useful thing. It registers the drop items I have, the things I've collected, and the monsters I've defeated. It also records in detail the habitat and which monsters I need to defeat to get the drop items.

Moreover, even if I've never fought a monster before, if I find the existence of the monster in a book or something, it seems that it will be added to the database. The more knowledge I acquire of the monster's characteristics and weaknesses, the more advantageous it will be for me to fight and collect, which is a really great skill.

Now, the more I know about the skills, the better. And so, I decided to take a look at the rabbit's skills and titles I'm interested in.

Actually, it's dangerous to stay in a place like this for a long time. But, I felt some kind of creature leaving in a hurry when Rabbit-san occasionally looked into the forest or deep in the bushes. Hence, I guess it's safe here as long as Rabbit-san is here. Rabbit-san, you're so amazing.

[Rabbit Kicking Technique] :: A martial art that is mainly based on kicking that is mastered by monsters and races of rabbit lineage.

[Rabbit Ear Technique] :: A martial art using the ears mastered by monsters and races of rabbit lineage.

[Kicking Sacred Art] :: A technique that only those who have mastered the kick are allowed to handle. That kick shatters the stars.

[Ear Sacred Art] :: A technique that only those who have mastered the ear are allowed to use. That ear hears everything.

[Magic Combat Art] :: A martial arts technique that coats and strengthens the body with magical power. This is a skill that can only be attained by becoming a master.

[Presence Detection] :: The ability to detect the presences.

[Magic Detection] :: The ability to perceive the flow of magic.

[Mind's Eye] :: This is the ultimate version of the [Foresight] skill. It can even detect the activation of the opponent's skills.

I don't understand it a bit. I got dizzy from the many skills that are beyond the scope of my understanding. However, I can only agree for now that the only reason I was exposed to using [Identification] was that he had the [Mind's Eye] skill. Other than that, I don't know anymore. It's out of control.

[Holy Kick] :: The title is given to those who have mastered the art of kicking and have reached the pinnacle of the art. That kick has reached the divine realm.

[Holy Ear] :: The title is given to those who have mastered the ear and have reached the pinnacle of the art. That ear has reached the divine realm.

[Two Heavenly Saint] :: A person who has obtained two "Holy" titles. A person who has stepped into the divine realm in two fields.

[Wandering Rabbit] :: A rabbit that continues his journey of warrior training.

[Comforting Shinigami] :: Unlike his lovable appearance, he brings death to his opponents.

Somehow I feel my stomach is so full after seeing it. What's with this Rabbit-san? Mastering the art of kicking… well, after seeing his kick to the monster before, that's very understandable. But it says he's reached divine realm. Eh? So this [Holy] is equivalent to God? Isn't this crazy already?

And I was ignoring it until now, but not only the kick, the ear is also incredible. Wait, so that means that when he beat the Mithril Boar before, he only used one of his abilities? That means that when he's serious, he can use his ears, too, right? Who can beat this rabbit then? In the first place, what is an ear that has reached the divine realm?

As I was thinking like that, a message suddenly appeared with Rabbit-san's [Kick Rabbit] biology written on it. Apparently, the [Field Guide] skill was activated.

[Kick Rabbit] :: A mutant breed of the [Fighter Rabbit], which is a fighting race. The only individual who has mastered kicking and reached the top. It's not only a kick, but also a tremendous battle using the ears, but few enemies are capable of doing so.

"Yes, it's fine already."

(Hmm?)

I gave up thinking at the explanation, which was so full of combat-race feeling like something out of a manga. I don't care anymore.

Anyway, it took me a while, but I finished confirming what I wanted to confirm, and as I called out to Rabbit-san again, he said, "Are you done?" while tilting his head, so I nodded.

Then Rabbit-san suddenly stood up and pointed at me with his ears dexterously.

(Hey, you. Show me your kick.)

"Eh, uh…?"

There are a lot of questionable things, but for some reason, Rabbit-san seems to want to see my kick. I just learned that he had mastered the art of kicking, and I was confused with being asked to show my kick to such an individual, then Akatsuki, who had been silent until now, suddenly stepped forward. A-Akatsuki-san?

"Buhi. Buhibuhi."

(You're going to do it? Well, go ahead.)

Instead of treating Akatsuki, who suddenly stepped forward, with malice, Rabbit-san interestedly instructed Akatsuki to try a kick. Then Akatsuki cutely moved his short legs.

"Buhi! Buhi!"

(You're out of the question.)

"Bu-buhiiii!?"

The words simply told, and Akatsuki was shocked and fell into a depression on the spot. D-Don't mind it.

"Woof. Woof, woof!"

(It's your turn, huh? Okay, let me see it.)

"Woof!"

Then, this time Night seemed to take up the challenge as well, and unlike Akatsuki, he performed a sharp kick. Looking at such a kick from Night, Rabbit-san nodded with satisfaction.

(It's not quite there yet, but it has some highlights.)

For some reason, Night seems to have been approved. Don't mind it, Akatsuki. More importantly, what's the situation here? Akatsuki and Night have both had their kicks watched and judged… does this mean my kick will be judged in a similar way?

I have no idea why, but he stares at me like it's my turn to show off my kick. And since the kicking specialist says he's going to watch me. I'll accept his offer.

"Hiyaah!"

As for me, I think I was able to do a good kick, and Rabbit-san nodded a few times.

(I see… it's not that good at this point, but you're showing glimpses of talent.)

Rabbit-san used his ears to make a thinking gesture and pointed at me with his ears once more, and then slowly raised his foot… as if to tell me to observe.

(Fuuh.)

Such a bursting sound echoed around me. Upon closer look, there was a single, tiny hole in the trunk of the black hard tree that Rabbit-san had kicked at. Moreover, that hole wasn't just in one tree but also penetrated through about dozens of trees lined up in a straight line behind it.

…What exactly happened…?

All I could recognize was Rabbit-san raising his foot. By the time I noticed it, there was a hole in the black hard tree with a loud, sharp bursting sound.

(Do it.)

While I was stunned, Rabbit-san urged me with his chin. I tried to think of a way to get as sharp as Rabbit-san's kick, which I couldn't refer to, but it was all judged by him. However, from halfway through, if my leg came up wrong or my kicking was strange, he would use his white ears to correct me dexterously.

Moreover, Rabbit-san also went out of his way to show me extremely slow kicks other than the one he showed me at the beginning, and little by little, my kicks grew sharper and sharper.

As we continued to do what looked like practice, some monsters attacked us, but Rabbit-san literally kicked them all away so I could focus on practicing my kicks in peace.

Night and Akatsuki also follow suit, and each practice kicking, but Akatsuki is the only one who is told by Rabbit-san, "Stop already, you can't do it", and he cried quietly after that. A-Akatsuki… your skill structure is not suitable for close-combat. So, don't worry about it, okay?

As I continued to practice kicking for a few hours with physical sensation, Rabbit-san nodded once.

(Alright, then it's time for you to kick that tree.)

"Eh? No, as expected, I don't think it's going to produce results that quickly…"

(Just do it!)

Being urged by Rabbit-san, I released a kick to the black hard tree with all my might while being aware of what I had been taught at first.

Then… the black hard tree was snapped.

"A-are you serious…"

(Of course, you can do that.)

In contrast to me, who was stunned in front of the broken black hard tree, Rabbit-san nodded with satisfaction.

(Alright, from here on out, we'll have an actual battle.)

"Heh!"

I didn't immediately understand the meaning of what Rabbit-san was saying.

"Eh, actual battle? An actual battle, you said… no way…"

I have a bad feeling about this, but then I ask Rabbit-san.

"Um… that actual battle opponent is…?"

(Me, of course.)

"Right… I mean, isn't that impossible?"

How could I, who had finally managed to break a single black hard tree, be able to compete properly against Rabbit-san who could penetrate dozens of black hard trees altogether?

In response to my inner cry, Rabbit-san told me mercilessly.

(It's not impossible. You have to do it.)

"If I could manage it with willpower alone, I wouldn't have a hard time…"

(Stop complaining about it and move now. Let's go.)

"Eeh, wait!"

Ignoring the panicked me, Rabbit-san rushed into me at a tremendous speed. That speed is not something that is easy to grasp, even for me, who has leveled up in this other world.

The rushing Rabbit-san spun around with his momentum and let loose a kick. I hadn't prepared any weapons in response to that attack, but I succeeded in blocking the attack with a kick immediately. But even so, Rabbit-san's attack was so strong that it made my legs scream.

"Hyii!"

(Hmph, you did an excellent job of blocking it with your kick. Try attacking at the same pace)

As he says that, I kicked back at Rabbit-san with my opposite foot from the position where I managed to prevent his kick.

"I will go all out!"

(That's good, that's the way it should be.)

This is how my kick really got judged in real battles and was also corrected in real battles.

"Woof~."

"Fugo~."

The battle between Rabbit-san and me was watched by Akatsuki in a daze, while Night was watching intently, trying to steal Rabbit-san's every movement as much as possible.

This kind of instructional combat took place for a while, but it finally came to an end. The moment it ended, I didn't think anything of it because I was too desperate during the battle, but all at once, fatigue overwhelmed me, and I sat down on the spot.

It was the first time I was this tired since I leveled up in this other world, and to be honest, I was very surprised and felt fresh at the same time. Seeing my exhaustion, Rabbit-san nodded in satisfaction.

(Well… that's it for today. We'll continue tomorrow at your house, so don't forget!)

His ears pointed at me sternly. Eh, no way… we're going to do it again tomorrow? I've already had my fill for today alone!

Despite my surprise, Rabbit-san seemed to really plan to come to my house and looked like it was only natural. I-is it for real?

And then──.

(Goodbye.)

As he said that, Rabbit-san kicked the ground lightly. And he jumped up several dozen meters from the spot, and an even more unbelievable sight came into view.

(Fuuh──.)

It was a surprise that Rabbit-san jumped away from the spot at an extraordinary speed, using the empty air as a foothold! The impact of flying away from the foothold in the air was so tremendous that the entire forest was violently shaken by the shock wave, which hit us as well.

"Ugh!"

When I managed to withstand the intense wind pressure, Rabbit-san was no longer in the air. As I was stunned by the stormy Rabbit-san from beginning to end, a message appeared.

The title [Disciple of the Kicking Saint] has been acquired.

It appears that Rabbit-san has become my master.

…..

"…Shall we go home?"

"Woof."

"...…Buhi."

What can I say, I was tired of a lot of things today.

Part 3

(I'm coming.)

"He's really coming…"

The next day after I got a master named Usagi-san, he came to my house as if it were natural. What's more, he even came into my garden.

Up until now, not a single monster had ever tried to break into sage-san's house, but Usagi-san had no trouble getting in… Could it be that Master Usagi is not a monster? Or did he simply get in because he has no hostility towards us?

"Woof, woof!"

"Buhi."

There are a lot of things I don't understand, but Night looked excited about Master Usagi, who came over, and Akatsuki looked pale as if he was about to vomit. A-Akatsuki-san. You don't have to be that uncomfortable…

While I was hushing Akatsuki, Master Usagi looked around sage-san's house and garden curiously.

(This place… what is it…? This is using even more magic than that Magic Saint guy…?)

"Eh?"

"…Well, whatever. Today…"

"U-um!"

(Hmm?)

I couldn't help but call out to him as the training was about to begin again.

"Um… why are you teaching us about kicking? Can you tell me about it?"

I didn't understand that point, so I decided to ask him honestly. Then Master Usagi gave an answer that was completely different from what I expected.

(It's because I chose you as my successor.)

"Your successor? And I was chosen?"

Eh? I didn't even know I was being considered as a successor, you know? Well, he just made me his apprentice out of the blue, so it's a bit late for that, isn't it?

(That's right. We who bear the name "Holy" are obligated to nurture their successors. That's why I chose you, who happened to be in this dangerous forest, as that successor.)

"Holy? And the obligation to raise a successor… it's getting more and more confusing to me…"

"Woof."

"Fugo."

Both Night and Akatsuki tilted their heads, not really understanding what Master Usagi meant. Then Master Usagi showed a dumbfounded look.

(You guys… you really don't know about "Holy"?)

"Y-yes."

"Woof."

"Buhi."

(Seriously… people usually call animals bearing the word "Holy" as "Divine Beasts" in respect… then, of course, you don't know about the "Evil", do you?)

"E-evil?"

(Alright now.)

Master Usagi let out one sigh and began to speak with a serious expression.

(There are several people in the world who bear the title "Holy" like me. That's the title this planet bestows on those who have mastered their field.)

"A title was given by… the planet?"

Aren't titles something the world gives to you on its own? A new question comes to mind, but now that I hear about "Holy", I silently encourage him to continue.

(Then why does the planet give the title "Holy"? Take it as the self-purification process of this planet.)

"Self-purification?"

(Yeah. Against "Evil". This "Evil" is an existence where the negative side of the creatures of this world crystallized and came to life.)

"The negative side?"

What a fantasy and conceptual story… I can't follow the story at all. I'm beginning to get a headache from this story that would be unthinkable on Earth.

("Evil" means the negative crystallization of us. That's why it's only harmful to us. In order to protect other living beings from such "Evil", there are beings that bear the name "Holy".)

"Ooh…"

So does that mean that Master Usagi is a hero of justice? I don't have a better analogy for it, so it's hard to say.

(But for now, do you understand what I am?)

"K-kinda… except that you wanted me to be your successor, but is that something I can't say no to?"

(You can always refuse.)

"Oh, I can, huh?"

I thought it was a non-vetoable thing, so I was a little disappointed. No, I'm grateful, though. I don't even know what it means, and even if I'm just given the responsibility, I can't do anything.

(As you can see from the flow of the story, once you obtain the title of "Holy", you will be obligated to fight against the "Evil". It will be an extremely fierce battle. And if you challenge such a battle with a half-hearted ability and feeling, you'll immediately die, which is obvious. I've chosen you as my successor candidate because you have a latent ability that even I can't see the bottom of. You would be able to resist "Evil"…)

"I see… So, when one receives the "Holy" title? Is there anything good that comes with it other than the obligation to fight an opponent who has the "Evil" title?"

(I don't know if it's a good thing or not, but only when fighting the "Evil", our "Holy" status will be doubled or more. Also, this is rather bad, but those who have the title of "Holy" are at the pinnacle of their field of expertise. And since the world has decided that this power should be used in the battle against "Evil", that means that if we are fighting against creatures other than "Evil", we usually fight with our status reduced by half. Well, even so, most enemies won't be a match for us.)

"Woof…"

"Buhii."

Master Usagi literally told me the difference in status, and I froze in surprise.

Eh, so… the status I saw with my [Identification] skill is in a state where it's been halved? And yet he killed the [Mithril Boar] in such a state? This is exactly what it means by jaw-dropping; I could not help but be stunned by Master Usagi's extraordinary character.

(Well… I've talked on at length, but I'm not forcing you to take over the title of "Holy". Even so, the more I train you, the stronger you'll be, and the less unnecessary blood will be spilled. There's also the hope that you might be able to take care of things that we "Saints" can't reach.)

I still don't know what the opponent with the title of "Evil" looks like and what kind of abilities they have, but if Master Usagi is right, those who have the title of "Holy" will be fighting against the "Evil" together, well, even if some kind of ability of the "Evil" influences the people around me, even if I don't inherit the title of "Holy", I will still help the people around me with my power.

"So, what would you do? Will you inherit this "Holy"?"

"Well… I'll pass."

I can't take over such a position of great responsibility, no matter how hard I try. Moreover, since I'm originally from Earth, if by any chance I can't come to this world, there will be that much less power to fight, so I can't even look at it.

"Fuh… I see. Oh well, it doesn't change the fact that I'm going to give you practice."

"Um… but why me?"

(I told you. With your high potential, the rest is at your whim.)

"If that's the case, I can't afford to have you teach me for nothing… which is exactly why I think you should find someone more deserving and devote your time to that person."

(Sigh… even though I'm saying I'm fine with it. You're a stupid, honest guy.)

At my words, Master Usagi let out a sigh of amazement and looked around the house as lightly as he did when he visited my house.

(…Okay.)

"What?"

(If you don't want me to teach you something for nothing, then you should teach me magic too.)

"Eeh!"

Once again, as I froze at the unexpected request, Master Usagi continued.

(I was surprised when I came here, I've never seen such a ridiculous barrier before. This time, I didn't have any particular hostile or harmful intentions, so I entered it as is, but… this barrier, if I tried to act hostile in the slightest, I would be flung out of the barrier in an instant, and no matter how much I attacked, I wouldn't be able to scratch it. Honestly, I didn't think there was a being that could create such an extraordinary barrier. That would be an "Evil" class of monster, but… I can't even sense a sign of "Evil" from you, and I know you're not.)

As I thought, sage-san was so amazing! Although the title of "Holy" usually has half the status or is at the pinnacle of their path, Master Usagi, who holds two of them, is surprised this much. It must be quite a feat.

(Of course, there's also the "Magic Saint" who is the pinnacle of magic, but rather, until I checked you, I thought that he was the one who stands at the top in magic… That instantly fell apart. I'm rather surprised that you've remained unknown until now…)

That's because I'm from a different world. I usually live on Earth.

(Anyway, enough of the jumbled up details. If you don't want to be taught by me one-sidedly, then you can teach me this super magic. That way, we can teach each other, so all will be well.)

"Um… to begin with, can Master Usagi use magic?"

(I think I saw the skills, but I can't use them at all!)

"Even though you're so strong…"

It seems that he has excellent ears and feet, but he is incredibly bad at understanding and activating magic. More importantly, can I teach him? I just happened to find a book that looked like sage-san's diary. I only inherited the magic circuit and magic theory from it. That's why I'm not in a position to teach others so proudly.

…Even so, Master Usagi's kicks are very appealing. Just yesterday, I encountered [Mithril Boar] in the depths of the Great Devil's Nest, and it was like I couldn't stand up to it. The more ways there are to fight against them, even a little, the better.

I nodded and offered my hand to Master Usagi.

"Then… I don't know how far I can teach you, but I'll do my best."

(Umu.)

In the meantime, I don't understand magic theory myself, but I can teach it, so it won't be as miserable as I thought.

(Even so… it feels weird to be a master as well as my disciple, doesn't it?)

"S-sure."

I wasn't really aware of it, but it seems that I became a disciple and master of Master Usagi, the divine beast.

(Well, this is how we became each other's masters and disciples. I don't have a name, but tell me your names.)

"Oh, I'm Yuuya. And this is Night and Akatsuki."

"Woof."

"Fugo."

Night and Akatsuki dexterously raised their front legs to greet him, and Usagi-san nodded. Then Master Usagi and I lightly told each other what we could teach one another. Then we hunted the monsters for each other's kicking and magic training.

＊＊＊

(───Can't you think of anything more interesting to say?)

Before Yuuya and Usagi met.

Usagi had stepped into the Great Devil's Nest, which is a place he usually doesn't go near. Although it's not a problem for Usagi's abilities, there are still many powerful monsters in this Great Devil's Nest, so he doesn't often visit this Great Devil's Nest.

However, today, for some reason, Usagi had come to this Great Devil's Nest.

(…I wonder what's going on here. Normally I wouldn't even go near a place like this because it's so troublesome, but…)

As expected of an existence bearing the title of "Holy", he proceeded to the depths of the Great Devil's Nest without any hesitation. Then, Usagi's special ears did indeed pick up a faint sound.

(Hmm? Territory war?)

Usagi couldn't grasp what was going on until he could figure out what was being fought over, but with a bit of interest, he turned his feet towards the sound.

Then…

(Mm? A human?!)

The sight of a Mithril Boar, which is one of the strongest in the middle tier of this Great Devil's Nest and a human──Yuuya fighting, jumped into his eyes.

(…No, to call it a battle, the Mithril Boar hasn't been damaged, but…)

As Usagi said, Yuuya's attacks are not very effective against Mithril Boar. Mithril Boar's body is wrapped in a rare [Mithril] that shows unparalleled strength against magic attacks and even has a high resistance to physical attacks. It would be difficult for a mere human even to inflict a single wound.

And what's more, the troublesome thing about Mithril Boar was its overwhelming defensive power, as well as its rush attacks that smashed its massive body at tremendous speed. Normally, if a mere human received that attack, it would turn into a piece of meat in an instant…

(What!?!)

Yuuya was indeed blown away by Mithril Boar's rush, but he survived without causing his body to burst into pieces. He couldn't hide his surprise at that fact, and even more so at the strength of Night, who was fighting with Yuuya.

Usagi, who once again observed Yuuya carefully, broke out in a cold sweat inwardly.

(…That human is the most unreadable. No, I mean…the most invisible.)

As for Night and Akatsuki, Usagi was able to predict the strength to some extent. However, it was only a prediction, so it could change significantly with future growth. However, as for Yuuya, even Usagi, who was bearing the "Holy" title, could not foresee the limits of his growth.

(I didn't expect that other than us "Holy" holders, there was a being with this much potential…)

What Usagi felt towards Yuuya was fear and──joy.

(What if I train that guy?)

Usagi has two titles, "Holy Ears" and "Holy Kick", and when it comes to "Ears" it cannot be taught to humans. But when it comes to kicking, which he takes pride in being the best in this world, it's a different story.

If possible, he would like to raise him as the successor to "Holy Kick", but more than that, he wanted to give his skills to Yuuya, whose bottom of his potential ability is not visible.

However, due to the position of Usagi, he couldn't teach the technique so easily. That's because there might be people who would misuse those skills. That's why an existence chosen to be the successor of one who was bearing the "Holy" was required to have a certain level of integrity.

When he recalled the troublesome "Holy" restrictions, Yuuya and the others seemed to feel that they were not good enough and were trying to escape from the Mithril Boar.

However, the Mithril Boar would not be so easy to overlook and continued its attack. And in Yuuya's decision to fight Mithril Boar alone, and his willingness to sacrifice himself to protect his friends, Usagi found the final piece of his succession.

Originally, he had no intention of leaving him to die, but fortunately, Usagi decided to save Yuuya and the others as soon as possible.

──Thus, Usagi got an apprentice named Yuuya, but at this time Usagi didn't know that when he saw the barrier that was placed on Yuuya's house, he experienced a talent for magic that surpassed even the "Magic Saint" and became Yuuya's apprentice, a strange relationship of master and apprentice.