Vol-06 Ch 1 – The Sword Saint

Part 1

───The [Orz Forest] was located near the Regal Kingdom. It's a place overflowing with rich nature, and the forest brought a lot of resources and benefits to the Regal Kingdom.

At the same time, this forest was known throughout the world as one of the dangerous zones.

The danger level was lower than that of the Great Devil's Nest because the Great Devil's Nest, where Yuuya lives, had been designated as a super-dangerous zone that was even more dangerous than this forest.

However, because this [Orz Forest] had valuable resources more accessible than the Great Devil's Nest, many adventurers and others come and go, and the monsters were naturally thinned out, so it was safe for people to live in a city near the forest.

Furthermore, there was one reason why the Regal Kingdom was a safer place now than ever before.

That is───.

"Grrrr…"

"Guruahh!"

"Guruaaaah!"

"….."

A woman was standing there, surrounded by several monsters. She had a wolf cut of peach-colored hair and slit pink eyes. She was wearing a silver breastplate, a jet-black cloak, and a single sword.

This place was too dangerous for a person to be visiting alone, and even now, the woman was surrounded by a pack of black tigers, a B class monster with black body hair and white stripes.

If it's a single tiger, an adventurer of B class or higher can defeat it, but the number of black tigers surrounding the woman now numbered over a dozen.

Normally, a party of A-level adventurers or S-level adventurers would be needed to defeat them. However, the black tigers, despite being such dangerous beasts, showed an unusual degree of caution towards the woman in front of them and were reluctant to attack.

"Grrrr… Gaaaaaaaaah!"

Then one of the black tigers became impatient and finally attacked the woman.

Clank───.

"Gah───."

But in the next moment… with a clear metallic sound, the head of the black tiger slipped off its body and fell down without knowing the reason. The other black tigers became more cautious because of their companions' death. Still, their anger at the loss of a companion did not subside, and they finally attacked the woman together.

"Gaaaaaaaahhhhh!"

"Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

In spite of the fact that she was being attacked by the deafening roars that would make an ordinary person faint, the woman herself continued to stand there, looking as if nothing had happened.

And then───.

Clank───.

"Gugahh───."

"Gaah───."

The black tigers attacked at once, their heads and bodies cut apart in midair, and they fell down.

"….."

The pack of black tigers turned into particles of light and left a drop item on the spot. The woman who was attacked quietly gazed at it, and before long, she sheathed the sword in her hand.

"Phew… This isn't gonna be much of a training session then."

The woman who said these unbelievable words was the "Sword Saint"───Iris Knowblade, who was currently residing in the Regal Kingdom.

"…I mean, it's no good because of the things I say…"

Iris let out a big sigh, disgusted with her own words, actions, and thoughts.

That's───.

"Sigh…I'm the only one of my classmates who hasn't married yet… and I can't stop training with my sword… so what am I supposed to do…?"

The strongest and most famous sword saint was worried about her nearing the end of her marriageable age.

Iris has been fascinated with swords ever since she can remember and honed her skills to become a knight eventually. However, the House of Knowblade, where Iris was born, was a great noble family with the title of duke, and Iris's father did not allow Iris to become a knight.

Therefore, although Iris originally wanted to attend a knight's school, her father forced her to attend a girls' school for the daughters of noble families. Naturally, Iris rebelled against her father's decision. But with the pressure from the Knowblade family, and with the persuasion of those around her, she reluctantly entered the girls' school.

"I was sent to a girls' school, but it didn't mean much to me."

"Gaaaaaah!"

Suddenly, remembering her old self, Iris sliced through the new monsters that were attacking her. However, Iris does not seem to have pulled out her sword, and only a clear metallic sound echoes.

───Her parents intended for her to enter a girls' school to learn how to behave like a lady and to prepare her to marry into another noble house or royalty eventually.

But because she was more interested in swords than romance, and because she hadn't mastered any of the behaviors expected of a noblewoman, her father was unable to find a suitable engagement for his daughter, or even arrange an engagement, with any noble family.

There were even some offers from noblemen who could be a great connection for the Knowblade family, but the Knowblade family would lose their dignity and trust if they sent the inexperienced Iris in marriage, so they tearfully turned down the talks of engagement.

"───Guruahh!"

"G-gaaaaah!"

Iris cut down the monsters one after the other, showing a sense of composure that made it hard to believe that she was being attacked by monsters. She was so bizarre that even the monsters even tried to run away, but they could not escape from Iris's blade.

"I wanted to give up the path of the sword, but there was no proposal for an arranged marriage for me. It's strange when I think about it… I wonder what the reason for that was…?"

Iris, who was unaware of her parents' intentions, grew up doing whatever she wanted, even though she was not able to quit the girls' school halfway through.

However, Iris never abandoned her sword, regardless of the school she attended.

Furthermore, the school she entered was not a normal school, but the prestigious Artemia Girls' Academy, and the headmistress was a legendary witch who had once worked as an S-class adventurer despite being a noblewoman.

That's why, even though it's a girl's academy, there were classes to learn how to defend oneself, and Iris didn't neglect to practice voluntarily. As a result, Iris acquired abilities that far exceeded those of her classmates and obtained a power that overwhelmed even the teachers.

Then, the headmaster of the school, who was interested in Iris' abilities, introduced a certain person to Iris. That person was the former "Sword Saint," who would become Iris's master.

"Gu-guaaaa!"

"Guooooo!"

"When I think about it now, it's because of that encounter that I have become the person I am today."

Recalling her predecessor, the former "Sword Saint," Iris cut down the fleeing monsters.

───Since her predecessor was also a woman, she took an interest in Iris, who also wanted to pursue the path of the sword. Iris had a talent for swordsmanship, so she officially became an apprentice, and from there, she became even more devoted to swordsmanship.

However, she could not neglect her studies, so she reluctantly continued to attend the girls' school.

Although she devoted herself entirely to the sword, she was blessed with many friends.

The other students were all girls who were ladylike and seemed to have a hard time with the self-defense classes, but they were surprisingly compatible with Iris. The girls learned self-defense from Iris, and Iris learned how to act like a lady from them.

Gradually, Iris's mindset began to change. At first, Iris had no interest in anything but swords, but by the time she was about to graduate, she was as interested as any woman in topics such as romance and marriage.

It was common for the fairy-tale existence of a Holy to be feared more than necessary by those around her, but perhaps because she was blessed with the environment of the girl's academy, Iris was surrounded by many friends, which was unusual for a "Holy."

And when Iris finally graduated from the academy, her father could do nothing about it, as she had already surpassed her predecessor and taken over the title of "Sword Saint."

No matter how much influence the Knowblade family had as a duke house, a "Holy" who dealt with the "Evil" enemy of the world was treated with more importance in some countries, so Iris's father no longer had the power or strength to control Iris's life.

That's why Iris's father had given up on her. He gave up on the idea of marrying Iris off to another family and decided not to interfere with her. This was exactly what Iris had wanted.

However, after graduation, her friends got married one after another, and she became the only single person left in her class. This was when she started to think about marriage for the first time.

However, since she had never been in love before marriage, she had to learn about love first.

"It's not right… It wasn't supposed to be like this…!"

Iris had reached the turn of her twenties. In this world, it was normal for people to be married by their early twenties at the latest. Iris had not married, or had even been in a relationship with a man.

"I was approached so many times before, but now no one is talking to me… Why… why has it become like this…?"

Iris stared at the ground in a dark mood.

As Iris said, she was often approached by men when she was a girls' school student on the street. Even though she was in her late twenties now, there was no way that Iris, with her overwhelming good looks, would not be approached.

But Iris had set conditions for the man she wanted to go out with: he had to be stronger than her, he had to be financially secure, and he had to be good-looking. …She had set these conditions.

That's why she turned down all the men, who picked her up or approached her directly about an engagement, as they didn't meet all the requirements. And as a result──no one talked to her anymore as she was unapproachable.

"I-I know I've been very strict with my requirements. So now I've changed my mind…!"

Iris said this in an impatient tone, making excuses to no one in particular.

Then, behind such a defenseless Iris, a single monster was quietly creeping up on her.

It was a black snake called an "Assassin's Snake," a rank A monster with a massive body of up to five meters in length, but its skills had completely shut out the sound and presence as it crept closer.

It was difficult to detect because it used skills to hide even its huge body, and many adventurers had fallen victim to its surprise attacks.

The Assassin Snake quietly and calmly aimed at Iris───.

"Shh!"

"───I don't need a man to be rich or cool; I just want someone stronger than me!"

Clank───.

When the clear metallic sound was heard again, the assassin snake's neck and torso were split apart, and it died. In Iris's hand, she was holding onto a sword again.

"I wonder if there is anyone stronger than me…"

Although Iris had completely misjudged which of her conditions should have been loosened, for Iris, wanting someone stronger than herself was unavoidable.

She grew up without knowing about romance, and as she developed delusions of being in love, she longed for a prince who could protect her and save her. Iris could not abandon this fantasy she had once yearned for.

The somewhat disappointing "Sword Saint" Iris was overwhelmingly strong, but she was struggling against a powerful enemy called marriage.

Part 2

After the fight with the Fist Saint, Master Usagi had completely recovered from his wounds, partly thanks to Akatsuki's [Sanctuary] skill. However, the physical strength he had lost could not be easily regained, so he took a break from training with me and went somewhere for rest.

Even so, I couldn't skip my regular training, so I continued my own training with the help of Yuti and Night.

If I had to, I could have asked Ouma-san to help me. Still, since there was too much of a difference in skills between him and I, it wouldn't have been helpful in my training. More importantly, Ouma-san wasn't very interested in helping me to begin with.

I'm not saying he should be my sparring partner, but it would have been nice if he could at least give me some advice on where I might be lacking… but forcing him to help is not a good idea either.

So, after the fight with the Fist Saint, I gradually regained my composure and was living a balanced life with school. After a long time, Master Usagi visited me.

(It's been a while.)

"Ah, Master Usagi! It's been a while. How have you been?"

(No problem. My wounds were already healed in the first place. All I needed was some rest to regain my strength.)

"If that's the case, it's good then, but…"

As I was worried about whether his strength would return so easily, Yuti came out into the garden of the other world's house.

"Don't worry. A Holy is not that weak. Above all, they have a gift from the planet."

"G-gift from the planet?"

I've been involved with the Holy and the Evil for some time now, but having reached this point, I could tell from what Yuti had said that there were still some abilities that I wasn't aware of. But for me, I'd rather live in peace without getting involved.

I remembered that when I first met Master Usagi, he explained to me that the title of "Holy" was granted by the planet.

Master Usagi nodded in response to Yuti's words.

(Yeah. I had briefly mentioned it when I met you. We "Holy" are chosen by the planet and given the title. And being chosen as a Holy comes with an obligation to raise a successor. By letting that successor inherit the title, the Holy will continue… Well, some of them did not find a successor and disappeared in the past. Just like Gilbert who you dealt with recently… he has no disciples.)

"S-so there won't be a next Fist Saint?"

(No. The disappeared Fist Saint will be selected by the planet again, and the title will be given to that person. I don't know if one will be selected right now, though.)

"I-I see…"

As I nodded at Master Usagi's words, he continued.

(As you can guess from what I've said so far, there is a close relationship between us, the Holy, and the planet. For example, we receive support from the planet, or rather, special benefits… One of these benefits is that we recover our strength faster than other living beings. This is because the planet needs us, the Holy, to defeat the Evil. So, don't worry about my strength – it's back to normal.)

"I see…"

I was relieved to hear Master Usagi's words, but then I suddenly realized something.

"…Huh? In that case, what kind of existence does the Fist Saint and Yuti who attacked us have? Although Yuti has not yet become the Bow Saint, she still has the power of Evil. And as for the Fist Saint, he has both the power of Holy and Evil, right? Isn't this a bad situation for the planet?"

Master Usagi gave a bitter expression to my pure question.

(…Your point is correct. This situation is dangerous for the planet. The Holy, which were supposed to counter the Evil, are now turning on the planet and humanity.)

"If that's the case, won't the title of Holy be taken back by the planet?"

(That's impossible. The planet can give the titles, but it can't take it away. I told you before, didn't I? We, the Holy, are like the cleaners of this planet. And examples like the Fist Saint are the so-called outbursts of that function. It's uncontrollable.)

"Eeh…?"

What an inconvenient existence.

A Holy bearer is a powerful force when on your side but a nuisance as an enemy, and you can't even strip them of their title.

"…Also, I was wondering about one more thing, when the Holy fight against the Evil, their stats are doubled, right? When you fought the Fist Saint, did your stats increase?"

At my question, Master Usagi let out a tired sigh.

(I wish that was the case…)

"Eh?"

(…In other words, my status remained halved.)

"Eeehhhh?"

I was surprised to hear Master Usagi's unexpected remark.

Then, Yuti tilted her head in wonder.

"Question. Is that also the same as when you fought me?"

(Yes, that's right. We, the Holy, will only have our status unlocked when we fight against the Evil. In other words, if our opponent is a Holy, or if they have acquired just part of the Evil's power, our status will not be unlocked. The only time it can be unlocked is when I'm fighting the real Evil.)

"….."

I couldn't say anything else. Although it is possible to gain power from the planet, it is still very difficult, isn't it…?

No, without this kind of restriction, when a person like the Fist Saint comes out with their status unlocked, there is no way to reach their level.

The reason why Master Usagi was defeated by the Fist Saint was probably that Master Usagi's status was halved, while the Fist Saint was able to borrow the power of Evil.

Master Usagi looked at me with serious eyes as I was thinking that it would be bad if there were more and more situations where a Holy being like the Fist Saint gained the Evil's power.

(And also, Yuuya)

"Y-yes."

(──So you've obtained the power of the real Evil.)

"Huh?"

I was surprised by the unexpected statement. Yuti was also astonished by Master Usagi's words.

"Denial. That's not right. The Evil power inside Yuuya was originally mine. In other words, it's only a part of the power of Evil."

(…I thought so too. However, the power that drifted from Yuuya at that time was so dense and powerful that it could not be described as just a borrowed part of the Evil. It can be said that the power of Evil had completely assimilated with him.)

"Umm…"

(In other words, it's a power with the same quality as the Evil that I once faced. At the time with Yuti, it was like the power of Evil was mixed in. But in your case, your whole body was filled with the power of Evil.)

I had heard about what happened from Yuti and Master Usagi when the Fist Saint attacked.

It's hard to believe, but it seems that I, with the power of Evil running rampant inside of me, defeated the Fist Saint. Even though they told me the situation, I don't remember anything from that time…

And that rampant power was the power of Evil itself. And it seems that the power of Evil that I took from Yuti had become stronger. Even though this was explained to me, it didn't make sense to me.

Then I suddenly heard the voice of the Evil inside me, which I hadn't heard since the fight with the Fist Saint.

"Fuwahh… I slept well…"

"Ah!"

"?"

(What's wrong?)

As I raised my voice, Yuti and Master Usagi looked at me curiously.

I told them that the Evil inside me had just woken up, and Master Usagi suggested that I ask it about my fight with the Fist Saint.

"Um, good morning."

"Ah? Ohh. I thought you would be more exhausted! Hahaha. So, what's up? Now that I look more closely, I can see that the Kicking Saint and even my previous host are here."

"No, the other day, the Fist Saint attacked me, right? It seems that my power that manifested at that time was not the same as it was with Yuti; it was more like the power of Evil itself rather than your power. Do you know anything about that?"

"Ah, so that's what this is about… It's simple. The reason is that your heart was too white."

"Huh?"

This is the first time I've ever heard of such a thing.

"W-what do you mean by 'too white'…?"

"Didn't I say it before? I tried to take over you, but your heart was too white for me to take over. But then you saw that bastard Kicking Saint there getting beaten up by the Fist Saint, and you got mad."

"I got mad? That was unforgivable at the time, so…"

"The anger that you felt at that time was so black that it far surpassed even Yuti's desire for revenge. That black heart even bottled me up and had certainly created the power of Evil in you. In other words, you are the cause. However, an ordinary person could never create the power of Evil with just anger alone. That's where my existence comes in as the catalyst."

"Eeh?"

"And it's also great that you have this aptitude for Evil. It's uncommon for a person to generate such emotions and be compatible with the Evil, you know? In most cases, you would end up having your heart swallowed by the Evil as it is."

"S-seriously…?"

Apparently, the power from the Evil residing inside of me and my anger caused a chemical reaction that resulted in a complete manifestation of the Evil. Also, it seems that I was able to adapt to the Evil.

But why was I compatible with the Evil?

When I was thinking about it, I suddenly remembered the [Endurance] skill that I originally had. I wondered if this was an effect of this skill?

When Master Usagi heard my explanation, he furrowed his face.

(…Things have gotten complicated, haven't they?)

"Then… what am I supposed to do?"

(You have no choice but to master that power. If not, you'll become a target for us, the Holy, to defeat.)

"Eeh? That would be a problem!"

It's not funny to be involved in this conflict, and then be defeated.

Master Usagi let out a big sigh at my panicked reaction.

(Sigh… The training from now on will be for you to master this power. One of the tasks is to interact with the Evil inside you… but it seems that you can handle that, apparently.)

"Well, yes, I guess so. Right?"

"Keh… you've been talking all the time to me on your own, haven't you?"

The Evil power, which was called out by me, answered in an indifferent manner. Master Usagi and the others are watching the conversation between me and the Evil power. Well, I'm the only one who can hear the voice of the Evil power, though.

"Hmm… but Master Usagi is right, if I'm going to communicate with you, I need a name for you too, right?"

"Oh? A name?"

"Yes. Well, it's not right to call you the Evil power every time, is it?"

As an entity, it is a piece of the Evil power inside me, but as long as we can communicate like this, I think it's better to have a name.

It will make it easier to communicate…

"So, do you mind if I give you a name?"

"…Keh. It's up to you."

It continues to be nonchalant, but it doesn't reject me, so maybe it doesn't hate me that much.

Now, when it comes to giving a name… it will be that.

I had a strong image of it when I first saw it. I was troubled by various things, but I still couldn't get the first image out of my head.

"Hmm… how about Kuro?"

"Huh? Kuro?"

"Yes. Because when I first met you, you were a black version of Yuti."

When I said that, both Yuti and Master Usagi looked at me in surprise. H-huh?

"Surprise. It's too simple."

(…As expected, that's outrageous.)

"T-that's just it!"

…No, their reaction is normal. It's too simple, and it's just a color.

"Sorry, I guess it's──."

"That's fine. Kuro, huh? It's easy to understand."

"Eeh? Are you sure?"

"…It's your decision, not mine."

No way, I didn't think that the Evil power──Kuro, would accept it in such a straightforward manner.

Then, Kuro said with a dumbfounded look.

"It's better than being given an ostentatious name. It makes me sick."

"I-is that so?"

As I tilted my head in confusion, Yuti and Master Usagi opened their mouths.

"Suggestion. The name should be "Toto Schwarzer." That's settled."

(Huh. You don't know what you're talking about, do you, little girl? Of course, I prefer Jiromaru."

"…Kuro is a perfect choice," said Kuro immediately.

"R-really?"

It seems that Kuro did not like the names that Yuti and Master Usagi proposed. I think they're both more elaborate than mine, though. I'm not sure what's the meaning of the name that Yuti gave, though.

(Hmm. I'm a little dissatisfied, but it looks like a name has been decided.)

"Ah, yes."

(Then, let's start training right away. Unleash the power of Evil.)

"Huh?"

I made a dumb voice at the unexpected remark from Master Usagi. When I looked closely, I saw that Yuti was also surprised.

"Warning. Yuuya's power is dangerous. If you release it carelessly, it will…"

(That's why you have to get used to it regularly. It's not just me now; you're here too. The situation is also different from time when the Fist Saint attacked, so it won't go as far as a complete release like that time.)

"I-is that so?"

As I tilted my neck, Kuro complimented me languidly.

"Don't worry. Unlike that time when you accepted me, you should be able to use some of the Evil power to some extent now. At that time, I was the catalyst, and it was as if you had created the Evil yourself. If it's a power that you have created yourself, your body will naturally know how to release it."

"I-is that so…?"

"And even if you unleash it, you don't have any negative emotions in you right now that could be used as energy for the Evil. It will not go out of control."

In addition to releasing the power of Evil at will, there seems to be no need to worry about it going out of control.

"In that case, please help me with my training."

(Hmm. Leave it to me. I'll go harder than before.)

"Please just go easy on me…"

With the help of the motivated Master Usagi and Yuti, I began to train in earnest to master the power of Evil.

Part 3

"…Now, I wonder how long it will take for Yuuya to master the power of Evil."

When Yuuya began to train with Master Usagi, Ouma, who was taking a nap in the house on Earth, opened one eye and muttered.

"Geez… Holy, Evil, and all that nonsense. That's too much trouble for Yuuya, who has to train to handle the acquired extra power ."

"Woof?"

Night, who was also resting in the house on Earth, tilted his head in response to Ouma's murmur.

"I'm pitying Yuuya, who is caught up in these things in the other world, even though he belongs to this world called Earth where there is no Holy or Evil."

"Woof… woof."

Night made a small thoughtful gesture and then nodded in affirmation to Ouma's words.

"Don't you think so, Night? The Evil are also troublesome existences. If they are attacking in order to gain control of the world… let's just destroy the entire planet."

"Woof."

As Night barked strongly as if to say that it is no good, Ouma let out a sigh of annoyance.

"Don't get so angry. It's just a joke. Yuuya wouldn't want that… and more importantly, that guy wouldn't want that either."

As he said that, Ouma stared into the distance, thinking of the Sage who was no longer in the world.

Then, interrupting the gloomy conversation, the sleeping Akatsuki woke up with his stomach exposed.

"Fugo… fugo?"

"Hmm? So you're awake too, Akatsuki?"

"Fugo… Buhi. Buhi…"

Akatsuki woke up and thought that he should get up, but then he realized that Yuuya was not at home and started to sleep again.

"…This guy's really got his own pace. Isn't it better if Yuuya is a little more like Akatsuki?"

"W-woof…"

Night couldn't say anything to Ouma's words.

"Well, that's fine. Yuuya also just started his training, so I will take another nap too──."

The moment Ouma was about to say that.

"───Hmm?"

"Woof?"

Ouma suddenly sat up with an inexplicable expression on his face and stared towards the front door. His eyes seemed to be fixed on the Earth itself rather than the front door though.

Night tilted his head in wonder at Ouma's behavior.

"Didn't you notice, Night?"

"Woof…"

"…Hmm. It might be difficult for the current Night. I guess you'll find out when you grow up…"

As Ouma said that, he turned his attention to the Earth.

…I felt a faint presence of Evil from this world called Earth… but it doesn't seem to be the power of Evil itself… Anyway, it is strange that such a being is on this planet. I've never felt anything like this before. Ouma said to himself.

Ouma had sensed a faint presence of Evil from the Earth.

Why is there a presence of Evil from the Earth? Also, where did the presence of Evil come from…? It was an instantaneous event, so even Ouma did not know.

I didn't imagine this… I felt it for sure, albeit faintly. But the presence of it has completely disappeared now… Hmm. I don't understand. Ouma continued.

Although he thought about it, Ouma had no way of confirming the situation since Yuuya told him not to go outside the house because there are no dragons on Earth.

"It's really inconvenient at times like this. Why don't I just go out without telling Yuuya?"

"Woof!? Woof!"

Night, startled by Ouma's words, rushed to stop him, and Ouma let out a sigh.

"Sigh… Just kidding, just kidding. I'm not going to do anything like that. But you should also be aware of my desire to go out there."

"W-woof."

Unlike himself, Ouma was not allowed to leave the house on Earth freely, so Night could not say anything more. It's not Night's fault, but seeing that Night was pouting, Ouma smiled bitterly.

Geez… he's so cute and obedient, even though he's a Black Fenrir, a legendary race that rivals my own. But… should I tell Yuuya that there was a presence of Evil from the Earth? said Ouma.

This was the moment when Ouma thought so.

*Ring, ring*

"Mmm! It's time to eat!"

The clock had just rung for lunch, and Ouma's attention went straight to lunch.

For Ouma, who couldn't look around the Earth, eating was one of the few things that allowed him to experience the other world, and that was why he looked forward to mealtime more than anything else.

Because of this, the thoughts about the presence of Evil that he felt on Earth had slipped entirely from Ouma's mind. From Yuuya's perspective, it was a big problem, but from Ouma's perspective, it didn't matter where the Evil appeared; he was more interested in the food.

This was the gap between the priorities of Yuuya and Ouma, who was an absolute powerhouse.

"Fumu. What's today's meal? I want to eat curry after a long time."

Ouma said so and then went to urge Yuuya to cook with an exciting look.

──How will this affect Yuuya… no one knows yet.

＊＊＊

It had been a few days since I started to train the power of Evil with the help of Master Usagi and Yuti. It was true that I was able to release the power of Evil, as Kuro had said. Still, it wasn't easy to adjust the output as I wanted, or rather, to adjust the power.

When I unleashed the power of Evil, my stats certainly increased, and I was able to unleash attacks with tremendous power.

But it was too powerful, and I was overwhelmed by it. If I were to fight in the city like the time when I first met Yuti, the damage to the people around me would be tremendous.

In addition, the power of Evil could not be released for a long period of time. During the training when we were sparring as a pair, the power of Evil was suddenly cut off, and suddenly the fight was done in a normal state.

When I had the power of Evil, I was able to fight evenly with Master Usagi, but I was beaten to a pulp as soon as I lost my power.

By the way, when I asked Master Usagi if he could double his stats when he fought with me because my power was from the Evil. He said that he could adjust his stats, so when he fought with me, he fought with normal stats.

The reason why he still beat me up was purely because of the huge difference in level and the large gap in stats between us.

And even now, while using the power of Evil, I was in an even match with Master Usagi.

"Haah!"

(Hmph!)

My kick, clothed in the power of Evil, was swept away by Master Usagi's kick like a soft willow, and he counterattacked.

By the way, when I used the power of Evil, a black aura overflowed from my body, and my eyes changed to red.

"Hey, hey, hey, you're getting it."

"I know!"

And when I use the power of Evil, I ask Kuro to help me. Kuro controls the power of Evil inside me so that I can somehow control it.

Or how should I say this? Master Usagi is a monster. After all… all of my attacks are blocked! However, by watching the movements of Master Usagi, I have been able to adapt his techniques gradually.

I'm not sure, but lately, I've been able to catch the movements of Master Usagi and Yuti with my eyes. I wonder why?

As I continued to do such practices, I suddenly felt as if I had forgotten something important.

Huh? What was it?

Then, Master Usagi, who sensed that I was distracted, intensified his attacks.

(To be thinking about something else while you're training, you've got some nerve, huh…!?)

"Huh? T-that… Whoa!?"

While dealing with Master Usagi's attack, my thoughts were still struggling to remember something that I had forgotten.

What… am I forgetting?

As my mind worked frantically, I finally remembered what I had forgotten!

"Ah…. aaaaah! I'm going to have a test soon!"

It completely slipped my mind! I've been preparing and reviewing every day, but…

"I-it's not good! I have to study for my test…!"

(Concentrate on your training.)

"B-but, if I don't study for the test, I won't be able to concentrate on my training──."

(Shut up.)

"Guh?"

Finally, I was attacked by Master Usagi and blown away.

"I… I have to study…"

As I said that for the last time, I lost consciousness.

──I'm not sure if I can say that things are going well… but my training to handle the power of Evil continues.