[326] I Let My Guard Down, No Dodge

Chapter 326: I Let My Guard Down, No Dodge

Utilizing his speed advantage, Hachiman dodged and weaved, engaging in a relentless dance with the black bear.

Despite consistently avoiding the bear's attacks, he found himself getting injured instead, fueling the bear's impotent rage.

Witnessing this scene, Hachiman couldn't help but smile confidently. Although his current physique could easily withstand a direct blow, he wasn't foolish enough to take unnecessary hits when evasion was an option. After all, this wasn't some hot-blooded anime.

Before long, the bear's body bore several wounds, both large and small.

This was Hachiman's first true fight for survival, so he refrained from using any special powers like Holy Light, relying solely on his physical abilities.

Even though his opponent was somewhat weak...

Gradually, the bear's roars grew weaker, its voice becoming hoarse from the dozens of wounds covering its body. Sensing that the end was near, Hachiman prepared to deliver the final blow.

This time, he abandoned his flanking tactics and opted for a direct charge. Despite considering this bear as his "training partner" for so long, he decided to grant it a dignified death.

As Hachiman charged straight at it, the bear, without hesitation, roared and lunged forward as well.

Just as they were about to collide, the bear raised its right paw, aiming to strike Hachiman with all its might. However, Hachiman leaned slightly to the side, darting into the bear's embrace. With his meat knife held in a reverse grip, he thrust it directly into the bear's throat.

A guttural roar abruptly ceased, but before Hachiman could rejoice, the bear, as if rallying for one last stand, swung its paw downward with immense force.

"Thud."

A muffled grunt echoed as the bear's paw struck Hachiman's shoulder with nearly a ton of force, causing him to grimace in pain.

I underestimated it; I should have dodged.

Although his current physique could withstand such force without major issues, it still hurt. His shoulder was probably bruised by now.

Feeling a bit annoyed, Hachiman swiftly sliced open the black bear's throat with his meat knife, causing a gush of foul-smelling bear blood, some of which even splattered into his mouth.

"Ptuh, ptuh, ptuh."

Spitting out a few mouthfuls of bear blood, Hachiman's face contorted in disgust.

With the black bear completely dead, its massive body collapsed heavily to the ground.

Observing the bear's carcass on the ground, Hachiman felt a sense of accomplishment stirring within him.

I guess I can add "bear hunter" to my list of titles now.

Wait a minute, I remember black bears are protected animals...

Ummm...

Forget it, I'll call Senzaemon-sama or Erina later. With the resources of Totsuki, resolving this matter shouldn't be too difficult.

With that thought, Hachiman headed towards the wooden cabin to report his safety.

Meanwhile, thanks to the efforts of Hayama and Yukino's group, all the elementary school students had already been moved to the safety of the wooden cabin.

Coincidentally, Rumi Tsurumi happened to be hiding in the same room with Yukino's group.

Not seeing Hachiman's figure, the girl became puzzled and approached Yukino's group.

"Where's Hachiman?" Rumi asked directly, voicing her concern.

Upon hearing her question, the girls fell silent, causing Rumi to feel a sense of foreboding. She quickly asked again, "Where did Hachiman go?"

Although they hadn't spent much time together, the girls were still quite concerned about Hachiman, the only "idiot" who had tried to help them.

Seeing this, Yui hesitated for a moment but ultimately revealed the truth.

"Hikki, in order to buy us time to escape, went alone to confront the bear."

"What?!" Rumi's face turned pale with shock.

"Is he an idiot? That's a bear, how could he possibly win?"

Hearing this, Yukino furrowed her brow slightly.

"Hachiman is risking his life for us."

Unfortunately, the girls at this moment were not in a state to listen. Rumi wanted to rush out, but she was stopped by Yukino.

"What's the use of you going out? It'll only cause more trouble."

Indeed, with Rumi Tsurumi's petite frame, rushing out would be akin to serving herself on a platter.

But the overly concerned girls didn't care about that.

Just as the scene descended into chaos, Hachiman's voice came from outside the house.

"It's all right now, come out."

Upon hearing his voice, the girls who were already worried hastily opened the door and rushed outside.

Seeing the bloodstains on Hachiman's clothes, Komachi and Yui immediately hugged him, asking in unison.

"Onii-chan, are you hurt?"

"Hikki, are you hurt?"

Hearing their words, Hachiman smiled and reached out to tousle their heads.

"Don't worry, it's just bear blood."

He then smiled apologetically at Yukino and Yumiko, who still looked concerned.

"Sorry for worrying you, everything is fine now."

Seeing that Hachiman didn't have any obvious injuries, the girls all breathed a sigh of relief.

At this moment, Shizuka also walked over. "It's good that you're okay, but did you really kill that bear, kid?"

"Yeah," Hachiman shrugged, but then he suddenly remembered something and turned to Komachi.

"Oh right, Komachi, give me your phone."

Upon hearing this, Komachi immediately ran into the house and soon came out with a phone in hand.

"Here, Onii-chan."

"Why do you need the phone?" Yukino asked, puzzled.

As he dialed a number, Hachiman explained, "Well, since black bears are protected animals, killing one so casually might cause trouble. So I'm planning to call someone to take care of it."

Meanwhile...

Nakiri Residence, Erina's Room.

Erina, who had just finished bathing, was lying comfortably on her spacious bed reading manga.

Her fair and delicate legs were rhythmically swinging up and down, indicating her good mood. Her smooth skin shimmered with a porcelain-like glow under the lamp light.

Despite being the daughter of the prestigious Totsuki Corporation, Erina enjoyed reading manga. Of course, this was also one of her little secrets, known only to her childhood friend, Hisako, aside from her.

At the moment, Erina was reading a shojo manga, and the plot had just reached the scene where the male and female protagonists were kissing.

Watching the kissing scene in the manga, Erina couldn't help but recall the moment when she kissed Hachiman, her cheeks flushing slightly.

"I wonder what that guy is doing right now?"

Erina murmured to herself, but the next moment, she shook her head vigorously.

"No, why am I even thinking about that jerk?"

Just then, her phone rang. Picking it up, she saw that it was Hachiman's number displayed on the screen.

This reminded her of the moment when she kissed Hachiman again, and her heart couldn't help but flutter with a hint of panic.

As the incoming call continued to flash, Erina steadied her nerves and pressed the answer button.