Defense Against Abnormal Attacks (5)

I slowly straighten up from the posture of having thrown my punch.

A burst of cheers erupts from the surrounding students like a dam breaking. Startled, I flinch, my spine shivering.

"Wow, Akaya! That was amazing!"

"I told you, Akaya is incredible!"

"I knew it! I was there when he took down that Virto!"

Those who had supported me are boasting, "See, I told you so," while those who backed Kisaragizaka are stammering, even casting fearful glances my way.

It feels refreshing and satisfying. But beating a popular figure only means more enemies. For someone like me, a loner with no allies, an increase in enemies is a serious problem. I just want to live peacefully in the corner of the classroom for my own purposes, but if that becomes impossible, then I don't need the support of those from Class 1-4 who think they've won their proxy war by pushing it onto me.

"Sigh... I've made more enemies again."