Sorry guys for late uploads. My phone broke and lost all of the drafts, it will take more time for next chapter now that I don't have any device to use. I only borrowed my sister's phone to update this and she scold me because of sleepless nights, she'll definitely won't lend her phone anymore. So be patient guys, I'll try save some money for new phone, but that will take a while, I only have minimum pay job.

I love writing this series though, sometimes my coworkers gets creeped out on me cause I talk to myself or laugh from imagining everything I will write.

Anyway, some of you were eager to see Shia and the others. I read lots of fanfic and it run the same as the main series so I will focus this to the classmates and Hajime's adventure will be the same so I assumed all of the readers here read the main series but I'm gonna tweak some details though so look forward to it.

That's all thanks.

Enjoy...


On Hajime's investigation, the labyrinth was on the Divine Mountain directly below the Holy Church, but there's a condition before they challenge it, so Hajime and Yue had to take a detour before they conquer it. There's three conditions to be met in order to enter it: first was the challengers had to successfully cleared atleast two labyrinths, second disavowed the God of Tortus, Ehit, and lastly, to overthrow someone under God's influence. Since the two of them were already unsympathetic to this world's circumstances they find the other two conditions trivial.

Hajime decided not to leave yet, cause there enemies might suspect a thing on their actions if they left suddenly and might take measures before they knew it. Plus Hajime had to take couples of preparations against enemies since they'll definitely comeback here.


Afternoon Training. Like yesterday, Kuzeli takes in charge of monitoring the students, and like yesterday Hajime wasn't present, which annoys everyone mostly the boys, and Kouki of course. But since Shizuku was also with them nobody can take action towards Hajime.

It's normal like always, but the magic department seems full of spirit from yesterday's discovery. They all wished for the God's apostles' ability to reach such level. So far, the students with the highest affinity for a certain element can cast basic spell in a word which earned everyone's admiration, but for their level none of them can multi cast except Kouki who had a Hero as vocation( with the help of Kingdom's mages of course. ) , but that too required long preparations to cast two basic spells at the same time, which wasn't even near Yue's level. But the fact that they can do as much was a progress none of them ever think of, which still bring smiles to everyone. All they had to do was to improved it to use it more efficient on incoming battles.

Everyone was busy on their own, but suddenly the Knights, Mages and Servants, caught sight of someone and bowed their heads respectively. The students got confused and they all followed the directions where the kingdom's staffs were facing...

Liliana was there, it's quite rare for her to visit them during training so they weren't expecting this, but that wasn't that suprised them the most, but the two figures walking behind her. Aside from Liliana's Servants and Guards... Hajime and Yue was with her.

Looking at Liliana's apologetic expression, she probably forced them to join her no matter what, since the kingdom already accepted Aiko's proposals for her students, they can't really forced Hajime to train, but he will be the one who will forged everyone's equipment including his other worldly weapons that will be distributed for the whole army, so Liliana thought that Hajime needs to grasp everyone's capabilities in order for him to craft the best Artifacts he could.

[ Sorry again Nagumo-san for the sudden, we haven't talked much yesterday... I tried to look for you yesterday, but nobody had seen you even once in the entire day so... Where were you yesterday anyway? ] Liliana smiled awkwardly with a cold sweat dripping from her forehead. Asking someone's personal activity was beyond for someone, even if how concerned the person in question was.

[ *sigh* Princess that hasn't anything to do with you, so don't mind it. ] The guards flinched on Hajime's rudeness, but Helina stopped them with her gaze. She was pretty annoyed too but Liliana needs his cooperation so they can't act rudely towards Hajime.

[ B-but-, this is our Kingdom you know, we had to ensure everyone's safety, especially you... cause some of the Nobles taking actions against you. ] Liliana explained. She said the latter in low voice but Hajime catch on that.

Hajime ignored it and talked nonchalantly.

[ Like Yue said, I'm studying. I found this hidden study room on the Royal Library and used it, so I can take my time as peaceful as possible. ]

Liliana stiffened. Hidden rooms and routes was only known by Royals so she's pretty suprised that Hajime discovered one. "But I bet she will faint if I told her I grasp the whole palace's framework" Hajime taught.

[ I-is that so... But today, I'm thankful that you grant my wish and join me today. There's a lot to talk about, and the Kingdom was quite busy so my Father, the King, tasked me to discuss details of our plans with you, so you can make a few adjustments. ]

Hajime already know about it but he decided to asked this just in case.

[ Why me?... You should talk with your greatest warriors over there. ]

[ Just a few days ago... There's a lot of reports about monsters attacking small villages on Kingdom's territory. Thousands of strong monsters were moving, and the Demons were definitely behind this. Afterall, monsters don't really move in a big group like this. ] Liliana expressions was full of sorrow, she looked at her own hands and clenched it tightly.

[ So we need to empower our own soldiers, we can't always rely on Hero's strength to overcome this. We need to find a way to stand on our own for the incoming war, I mean. I'm thankful that Kouki and the others were putting an effort to it... but as I thought this is our problem, I can't send you guys to the battlefield where death is inevitable... And to that, your knowledge is what we need. ]

[ Hoo... you won't send us to our graves huh. ] "Isn't already too late to say that" Hajime taught, "But I guess it's not really you who summoned us here" Hajime added.

[ But you know, Princess I'm not really- ] "-planning on helping you" was what Hajime want to say, but someone interrupted.

[ Konichiwa~ Hajime-kun, Yue-san. Konichiwa~ Lily. ] Kaori said with a smile.

Since she's on stand by duty again, she's the very first to greet them. Kaori was so overpowered that she's the one teaching all of Kingdom's priest, on her spare time when the students weren't holding a sparring session.

The knights and mages urge the students to continue their training, but they all left one by one regardless and heads towards Liliana's group.

[ Y-Yue-san sorry for the last night. I lost my temper, and... and I didn't mean to say any of that... S-Sorry. ] Kaori bowed a little in front of Yue with apologetic expression. Which she happened to caught sight of Hajime's hand holding Yue's. It's hard for her to accept it, but she knows that Hajime was happy with Yue, and she's satisfied with it. She always convinced herself with that, but Kaori isn't aware of it.

Yue stared a few a seconds, and talked in a carefree voice [ ... Nn... Don't mind it. ]

[ ... Thank you... Hajime-kun~, it's good to see you today, are you planning on joining us? ] There's a hint of joy on Kaori's voice when she called out to Hajime, which caused a few people to raised an eyebrow and their gaze move to Kaori and Yue alternately.

[ Y-Yo! Shirasaki. No, I'm just here to watch. ] Hajime's expression twitch when Kaori calls on him with that tone, he tried his best to greet her back while ignoring the usual murderous gaze of his classmate, mostly the boys... he's wearing a annoyed smile though.

[ Well... thanks to Ai-chan-sensei, they can't really forced you to do what you don't want, right? ] Shizuku who was standing next to Kaori talked in understanding. She also didn't forgot to greet Liliana and her escorts.

[ You're here too huh, Yaegashi. ]

[ Eh- of course I am, this is training ground, everyone were here, you know? ] Shizuku retorted.

[ But I should be suprised here, seeing you here means, you're done on what you were doing. ]

Hajime tried to reply but someone interrupted.

[ Nagumo! Show me! Show me your motorcycle! ] Noburo said in excited voice. He tried to lean closer but Yue casted a barrier and push him away.

[ Wow... it's really a Gun. And look the size of that.I bet it could blow the brains out of your head with ease. How long for you to make that Nagumo? ] Tamai said while examining the Guns on it's holster located on Hajime's thigh.

[ I saw it. It obliterated the monsters down there in Orcus Labyrinth. And Nagumo's accuracy wasn't bad. ] Nagayama said and nodded in approval .

[ But he has two though? Wait you can weild both at same time!? Wow so cool! Please show us how you use it, Nagumocchi! ] Nana's excited voice echoed through the entire training ground, which also attracts the attention of Kingdom' s staffs and they also get near enough to see the new Hajime.

[ Now that I see it up close... that arm was really mechanical, huh. Did you make it yourself Nagumo-kun? ] Taeko tried to avoid what was the cause of him losing an arm, she knows its a quite sensitive question.

[ But it's cool though... but that eyepatch is kinda lame. ] Taeko added. She said the latter in low voice.

[ Uwaaah... Your hair is really white, what did you use as a dye down there. And why did you bother to dyed your hair anyway. ] Yuka said with exasperated voice.

Yue glared at everyone, she looked at Hajime's face to see how he would react, but it's the same as always... cold.

On the beginning of the conversation, nobody knows why, but... everyone thought that they were talking to a rock. Hajime's expression hasn't change a bit, and he won't respond to anything they say to him, and it creates this weird atmosphere with one sided conversation. Regardless everyone talked everything about Hajime and sometimes threw a question at him, but it's the same as before he didn't answer, in fact he didn't talked at all the entire time.

There's also those who takes advantage of the commotion and tried to talk or invited Yue to their magic training, especially Hiyama's group.

Hajime find it weird that his classmates take initiative to talk with him, they usually ignore, or most of the times glared at him regardless of the situation, but when he looked at their eyes he snorted from understanding.

Guilt and pity was what push some of the students to talk to him, and Hajime were quite annoyed because of that. Even Liliana and Shizuku noticed their behaviour, they looked at each other, shaked their head in disappointment and let out an exasperated sigh. The two's apologetic expression turned to Hajime, but they instantly paled when they saw his hand reaching for Donner. They know he won't do something to his own classmates, but their instincts tell them the opposite. But at that timing the Hero arrives, and stops Hajime from turning everyone into swiss cheese.

[ Nagumo-kun! Misete! Misete! the artifacts you created for us! ] Suzu dashed next to Shizuku and talked in a loud voice.

[ Kora! Suzu! At least greet them properly, that's rude for princess Liliana! ] Eri reprimanded. Suzu apologized and greeted everyone after. Which causes the others to blushed in embarrassment and also greeted Liliana with apologetic expression.

[ You're still loud as always, Taniguchi. ] Hajime's attention were diverted to Suzu, which stopped him from unconsciously drawing his gun.

[ Eh- Hahaha... you don't have to compliment Suzu like that. Now! Now! Show it to Suzu! ] Others also just remembered and they also start pestering Hajime for their Artifacts.

[ ... What are you talking about? ]

[ Eh-? ] Everyone stiffened and looked at Hajime in confusion.

[ Yo-you know the artifacts... You're creating it yesterday, r-right? ] Suzu scratch her cheek in embarrassment.

[ I have no idea what you're talking about... ] Hajime's tone was dead serious, which makes him looked intimidating.

Liliana butt in to waved off the awkward atmosphere, but also to soften the mood for Suzu.

[ D-don't mind that for now, Suzu-san. Nagumo-san were here to observe all of you... s-so don't you dare hold back and show him your progress. ]

Liliana was already aware of Hajime's reputation to his classmates and she guessed various facts from this situation alone.

[ So-sodayo ne? I'm just too excited to see so... Yosh! Yaruzo! ]

Suzu's cheery atmosphere repaired the solemn one created by Hajime. Others also start hyping themselves up and about to head to their own training, but at the timing the real Hero arrives.

[ So... I take it that you won't join us huh? Even though Yuka and the other stay home group trained with us, you still won't? ] Kouki's serious tone which wasn't really different from Hajime earlier brings back the solemn atmosphere.

[ I won't, and I don't have to. ] Hajime said while ignoring Kouki's intimidating aura like a soft breeze.

(Kouki or Shizuku don't had the skill intimidate like Hajime has, I say it's more like they used the tone of their voice and expression of their face to intimidate someone.)

[ Why! This is for your own good too! I can't really understand your reluctance, even back then when we were summoned you ignored your duties and indulge yourself on the Royal Library while everyone were doing their best here! ] Kouki roared, while trying his best to control his anger.

Hajime and Yue looked at Kouki and turned their gaze to each other. With only that they understood each other and they both let out exasperated sigh.

[ Amanogawa, first of all, I'm a synergist, my time on combat training were short because no synergist was capable on fighting, plus, no one really want to take initiative to train me. Second, like I said I'm a synergist so I head to synergist department and trained there, and lastly I'm a synergist... So suck it up and fuck off. ] Hajime lost interest, he turned on his heel and decided to leave, but Kouki who was quite annoyed chased after him and tried to reached for his shoulder, but Hajime grab it with his prosthetic hand.

[ ...Don't touch me. ] Hajime said and threw Kouki's hand away.

"He saw that?" Kouki thought.

That strong grip that was unexpectedly coming from Hajime, and also his speed intimidated Kouki, but he still talked to him in anger regardless.

[ All I want is for you to train! I won't allow my comrades to stay weak as they're! When the time comes, no one will be there to protect you! That's why training is important!... You can't rely on others for your own safety! ] Kouki's outburst resounded on everyone's mind and almost everyone: Knights, Mages, Servants and even some of students glared at Hajime. Kouki was genuinely concerned for Hajime and it's visible for everyone even for Hajime and Yue, but as always he ignored Hajime's explanation and displayed his own opinion.

[ I don't need any of you to protect me. ] Hajime said in a cold tone. Kaori flinched on that and looked down dejectedly. Shizuku who noticed her reaction consoles her and tried to softened the mood, but Kouki wasn't done yet.

[ You think your weapons are enough! You, who depends on your tools will meet your end before you know it! What if you lost your weapon, you won't be physically strong to hold yourself on a fight! Don't tell me you'll rely on Yue when that time comes! I know she's strong but if she will protect you, who will protect her!? ]

Hajime stopped and looked back on Kouki over his shoulder. Yue noticed Hajime's mood shifted and let out an sigh, thinking "This guy is dead".

Yue had forgotten to mention what happened yesterday between them cause of her consideration to Hajime who was too exhausted from searching. So this was the first time Hajime heard about this.

Because of how his bangs hiding his only eye nobody could see what kind of expression Hajime had, but they all felt it, like they're prey standing in front of a predator... a being on top of the food chain.

Hajime turned around and approached Kouki, which put him at ease thinking that Hajime was willing to join them. He stopped a few feet away, his expression was still hidden... but suddenly Kouki felt a cold metal on his forehead. Everybody paled on what they witness. Nobody knows when but Hajime had drawn out Donner without them noticing, even Kouki himself hadn't sense him moving.

Everyone unconsciously stepped back and sweat starts dripping from their forehead.

[ Hajime-kun! ]

Kaori tried to run to stopped Hajime, but Shizuku blocks her and glared daggers at Hajime. She knows this would happen eventually, but regardless, Shizuku knows that Hajime won't do something to trouble himself, in a sense she trusted Hajime more than Kouki.

[ Calling Yue without honorific... Do you have a death wish? I would be glad to grant it right here right now. ] Hajime grind Donner harder on Kouki's forehead and talked in a cold tone.

The others want to stopped it too especially Liliana and the Knights. Kouki was humanity's Hero, they can't afford to lose him right now, but as expected they are more afraid than Hajime that they decided not to intervened. They knew how powerful Hajime's artifacts afterall.

Hajime hasn't activated Intimidate yet, but because of his shrinking pupils which Kouki has a good view on it, Kouki was trembling unconsciously. He glared at Hajime to overwhelmed the fear he felt with his anger.

Hajime stared still on Kouki, who was dripping with sweat... and chuckled a little while saying [ Just kidding... kukuku. ]

Kouki was dumbfounded, because he knows, he felt it once already on his fight against the emperor... Hajime tried to kill him that's for certain, and Kouki was dumbfounded now, seeing Hajime chuckling like he had successfully pranked someone.

Hajime spun Donner and put it on its holster. Others breathed a sigh of relief especially Shizuku... but Hajime wasn't done yet.

[ I'm not gonna waste a bullet on you... not to anyone present here, unless... they're my enemies... ] Hajime smirked a little after he said that.

The students comprehend that as "He don't want to kill his allies" but on Hajime's tone, he obviously indicates something else, and none of them wants to think that.

[ S-so are you gonna train or not? ] Kouki just noticed that he's holding his breath like a prey hiding from a predator on plain sight.

[ All I have to do is to prove I can fight without this Guns right? Then you'll leave me alone... ] Hajime starts unequiping his gun belt and hand it over to Yue. Everyone noticed that its seems his guns are kinda heavy because of how Yue flinched a little over while receiving that. Next, Hajime ripped off his special sleeve which was joined to the shoulder by a special adhesive he'd crafted from monster parts, and could be easily detached, this was Yue's masterpiece.

He usually stowed it away in the Treasure Trove during fights to leave his prosthetic arm completely unencumbered, but he don't want to reveal this Artifacts yet and handed it to Yue.

Hajime was decked out in a black coat with crimson lining, and the rest of his outfit was also a combination of red and black, adding his fully exposed mechanical arm makes him looks like a badass super villain Hajime's classmates saw on T. V. They stared on it in amazement while Hajime fiddled with it.

They realized that this was also an artifact because of how he transformed the tip of its finger much sharper, which makes it more intimidating.

Yue ran on the spectators seats while carrying Hajime's stuffs. She sighed and sat stylishly by crossing her legs, while placing Hajime's equipment on her lap. Her procelain thighs was on display which attracted most of the men's attention, but they felt like a block of ice slide on their spine because of how dense the bloodlust they suddenly felt. They all looked away and tried to find it's source, but it seems that it's just their imagination, but just in case no one tried to looked at Yue's direction again.

Hajime put his hands on his pocket, step in the arena and wait for his opponent.

Kouki approach Kuzeli and talked to her in apologetic tone.

[ Kuzeli-san, sorry for the bother, but can you get your weakest knight to become Nagumo's sparring partner? ]

[ I-I don't know about that, Kouki-sama... it seems like a bad idea... ] Kuzeli says nervously.

[ Take it easy. Kaori is here with us, in case Nagumo gets injured I'm sure she can heal him. ] Kouki glanced at Kaori's direction, who was looking at Hajime worriedly.

[ That's not what I mean, Kouki-sama. I think no matter who was Nagumo-sama's opponent I'm sure- ] "his opponent will die." Is what Kuzeli want to say, but suddenly interrupted by Hajime's irritated voice.

[ Can you hurry up before I change my mind... ]

[ Nagumo, can't you wait for seconds?! were trying our best here to choose your opponent so you won't get seriously injured! ] Kouki said in irritation.

[ What are you, stupid? I'm talking to you. So don't be a pussy ang get up here. ]

[ WHAT!... Just to remind you! You'll be fighting without your weapons! Do you really think we're equal!? ]

[ Ohh... you're right... Those who have the balls to fight get up here now. Help our Hero friend here on his fight. ] Hajime said while picking on his ear with his pinky, which makes everyone dumbfounded.

Everyone stared at Hajime to see if he's serious, but the fact that he's yawning makes it hard for them to read him well, which annoyed everyone. His haughty attitude aggravated most of the men in the area, some starts walking to enter the arena but someone stops them.

[ None of you want to do this, I got a bad feeling about this... ] Shizuku said in serious tone.

[ ...Shizuku-sama is right, you still have a chance to back away... ] Kuzeli added.

Because of these two, all of the Knights withdrawn from the sparring, looking at the two girls that seems afraid, washed off their irritation and made them realize that maybe... there's more into it, but there still a few fighters who was willing to fight regardless of Shizuku's warning.

[ Calm down Shizuku. I don't know why Nagumo is acting like this, but for his safety I'll use training equipment so he wouldn't get hurt. ] Kouki said while holding a wooden sword.

[ Yeah! I'm gonna go easy on him, but I'll teach him some lesson that he won't forget! ] Ryutaro said while he punched his gauntlet together.

[ How about you four, your objective is pretty obvious to me... and why is rearguards joining on this sparring anyway?... ] Shizuku said while glaring at Hiyama and his gang.

[ N-no that Nagumo said, those who have balls can join s-so... ] Nakano said while trying his best not to met Shizuku's gaze.

[ ... Yaegashi-san, I promised they won't use lethal magic, also we won't unsheath our weapons so... ] Hiyama said in confident tone.

[ Do you really think I would trust idiots like you? Plus that's not the reason I'm stopping you... ] Shizuku glanced at Hajime and tried her best to convince Kouki again.

[ Kouki... I swear you don't want to do this. ]

[ You're worried about Nagumo huh? Don't worry I'll hold back even more for him. ] Kouki said while stepping in the arena. Shizuku looked down for her failure on convincing Kouki.

The other five fighters followed suit, but. Shinji who was the last to step in stopped by a strong grip on his shoulder. He looked back and saw Shizuku's paled face, shaking her head slowly indicating not to continue. From that expression alone makes Shinji gets nervous and decided not join his friend on this fight.

Kouki and the others take their position, while on the other side Hajime was looking at them in bored expression, his hands still on his pocket. Every spectators gulped and most of them looked worriedly on Hajime, especially Kaori. When she glance at Yue, Kaori saw her looked calm, there's no hint of doubt on her face that Hajime will lose.

Kuzeli steps in as a referee, but before he could start the fight Hajime said something that shocked everyone even more.

[ You morons. I'm gonna go easy but if you use equipments like that you'll die. Atleast use your real weapons so you could get out of here with only broken bones. ]

They all got provoked on Hajime's remark... Kouki calls out to Holy Sword outside the arena, while Hiyama and Kondo unheated their respective weapons. They eyed Hajime in irritation, looking eager to beat his ass.

Kaori and the others still had worried expression, but when she looked at Shizuku's direction, she looked worried too, but for a different reason.

Kuzeli gulped in nervous, but she starts the fight regardless.

[ Begin! ]

The moment Kuzeli announced the beginning of the match, Kouki, Ryutaro, Hiyama, and Kondo leaped out of their position. For some reason they sense danger behind them and tried their best to evade, but the moment they looked at where their previous positions at, their eyes opened wide in suprised... Hajime was there beating Nakano. From the way Hajime fight, he looked like a street fighter (not the game). His form was lacking but because of his minimal and rational movements for some reason there's no opening on him to take advatage, even when they were behind Hajime now, they felt like if they attacked him from behind he would definitely beat them to pulp.

Nobody knows when or how Hajime shrunken the ten meters distance between them in an instant, but,no one had time think such things when they were seeing the what should be deduce as impossible.

Hajime who had been branded as "incompetent" were beating their finest warrior with ease.

Hajime's brutality was on full display. He adjusted his speed that even Nakano, a non-speed fighter could perceive his attacks.

But for some reason he can't escape or block any of his attacks. That's because Hajime also adjust the speed, power, and trajectory of his punches, matching Nakano's movements on the last second.

When Nakano tried to block his right hook using his staff and arm as a support, Hajime adjusted his power that it broke his artifacts like its only made on twigs. *creak* *creak* Such ominous sound echoed through the whole arena. Nakano was blown a meter away from Hajime. Still standing, he raised his broken staff and start chanting, but suddenly he stopped and instantly paled on what he saw...

[ EH-? A-AHHHHHHHH! ]

Nakano screamed in pain, while he tried lifting his broken arm using his other hand. Tears shedding, he looked around him asking for help with his teary eyes, but none of the surrounding people reacted to him, even Kaori, the best priest the kingdom had to offer, didn't react to his pleas.

Kaori was too dumbfounded to what she's watching right now. Rather than afraid like everyone else, she's more surprised to Hajime's action she hasn't expected from a gentle boy she knows.

Nakano keep screaming like there's no end, he tried to get away from Hajime and exit the arena as fast as he could, but before he could take a single step, *creak*creak* he fell face first.

Such ominous sound adds terror he felt, his gaze move behind him slowly with creaking sound like it forgotten to be oiled.

Nakano's face won't be paler than before was what the spectators thought, but he looked like a ghost now, after seeing his leg pointed at the wrong direction which was kicked by Hajime nonchalantly without him noticing.

He started screaming again but no one had enough courage to stand for him. Facing Hajime was what everyone's worst nightmare now.

[ Hmm... Leaving your rearguard for your own sake, isn't a bad idea. Good job, you'll survive on war, no question asked on that strategy. ]

Hajime starts walking toward Nakano who was crawling on the floor away from him, while sarcastically praising everyone. He stepped on his head and grind his foot on top of it which puts him unconscious.

[ Who's next? ]

Hajime turned and faced his four remaining enemies. Everyone flinched on his cold tone, none of them can't even believe what they're seeing right now.

The four were too scared to even move, but Hiyama drives away his fear and charge forward using the combination of Body Strengthening and wind magic to accelerate himself even further.

He swung his unsheathed sword without hesitation aiming for Hajime's neck, but contrary to his expectation Hajime stopped him by grabbing him up by the neck using his prosthetic arm. He starts struggling around to shake off his grip, but because of Hajime's inhuman strength he didn't even budge and his claws starts sinking on his neck.

Hiyama's breathing became rough and he didn't even had the strength to struggle on Hajime's grip anymore, but suddenly and strong wind rushed on Hajime but he simply lifted his foot and stepped on a spearhead.

Kondo who saw Hiyama rushed before them followed after him ignoring Kouki's order to wait. His speed wasn't a joke and the spectators didn't even noticed his sudden movements, but for Hajime who had Riftwalk, simply saw him as if he's standing still.

Kondo despaired when he saw his strongest attack stopped by Hajime without breaking a sweat. The fear on his eyes were too vivid and he's sweating like waterfall.

His gaze move upward and met Hajime's shrinking pupil.

[ ieyk!? ]

Kondo let out a strange shriek in fear and tried to pull out his spear, but it didn't even budge an inch on Hajime's foot.

Hajime lifted his other foot over his head...

[ Eat shit. ]

... and deliver a sharp axe kick, which instantly put him unconscious.

Kondo's face planted on the floor, but Hajime kicked his head upward, which brings him again to conscious, and deliver a round house kick directly on his chest.

His body flew outside the arena and landed in front of the other students. They all looked horrified on Kondo's state.

His head was bleeding and he's losing too much blood. He's still breathing, *zee* *haaak* but that too looked painful in the eyes of everyone.

They all returned their attention on Hajime who's still holding Hiyama on his grasp.

The fact that he's tapping lightly on Hajime's arm made them realized that he's at his limit.

[ Hmm... You're dying huh? ]

Hiyama nodded.

[ Here, defibrillator. ]

Crimson sparks shoots out from Hajime's prosthetic limb and Hiyama start spasming uncontrollably *ababbababa*.

The audience covered their mouth in horrific sight in front of them, right now their mind can't even process or rate Hajime's performance.

Shizuku averted her gaze and tried to control her impulse not to help them, because when she do, Hajime might turned hostile toward her, and that's the last thing she ever wanted.

Only Her and Kuzeli were able to ascertain Hajime's hidden strength from their earlier conversation. Kouki should be able too, but his ego ignored all that, and chucked those to his imaginations.

Hajime finished electrifying Hiyama and threw him to the side like a trash he supposed to be.

His body was burned to crisp, his hair was standing... stylishly? and the wound on his neck were obviously fatal, but Hajime didn't even glanced on his direction and faced his remaining enemies.

[ You know in war. You should take advantage on your numbers and overwhelm your enemies by attacking simultaneously. ]

He said while, crossing his arms.

Kouki and Ryutaro gritted their teeth and took a stance. There were still fear on their eyes, but the fierce determination were pushing down such trivial feelings and rushed forward in sync.

Their speed wasn't different from Kondo, adding their teamwork makes it hard for their enemies to fight on equal footing. They used different fighting style, but their attacks synchronized with each other. They threw slashes and punches on Hajime's direction, but he evaded every single one of it with minimum movements.

Kouki's Holy Sword and Ryutaro's gauntlet were glowing. By pouring mana on their artifact enhanced their firepower by 50%, which makes it obvious that it was lethal for the locals of this world.

But the fact that Kouki were using the flat side of his sword and Ryutaro sometimes purposely missed his attacks, even though it wasn't necessary, makes it obvious for those who had clear view of it, that they're holding back.

Hajime, who saw it let out a sigh and stopped dodging. Ryutaro stopped his fist inches away from Hajime's face and Kouki also stopped from the sudden action.

[ Are you surrendering? ]

Kouki asked with wary gaze. The light on his sword slowly disappeared, and Ryutaro put down his fist and stand still next to Kouki. They looked at Hajime in suspicion.

[ ...Do you think you'll win by holding back like that? ] Hajime said.

Ryutaro's vein pop up on his head on Hajime's remark. He deliver a super fast right straight, that it looks blurred in the eyes of the spectators, aiming on Hajime's face with all his might. The hesitation was gone, that's certain for everyone, even for Kouki who tried to stopped him at the last second.

But Hajime just smirked and catches Ryutaro's hand with his hand.

Ryutaro was dumbfounded, that goes the same for everyone. They really expect that Hajime would lose his head after receiving Ryutaro's punch, but he's only there, standing still without moving.

[ Hai, Hai... That was strong, as expected for a Monk. ]

Hajime said in cold tone which terrified everyone even more.

[ Anyway... Die... ]

Hajime said before he heel kicked Ryutaro on his diaphragm. His body bent and it flew in unbelievable speed, crashing into the palace's wall.

Everyone trembled on what happened and their gaze were locked on Hajime... or most likely the thing he's holding.

[ Are? Oy. you forgot your hand... Nevermind. ]

Hajime said while tossing Ryutaro's hand away like a piece of trash, creating a wet thud.

Kouki who was dumbfounded as everyone else, return to his senses after seeing Ryutaro's severed hand on the ground. He looked behind where Ryutaro sticking at and his rage overflowed.

Ryutaro hasn't lost consciousness yet, cause of him activating Diamond Skin at the last second thanks to his instincts, he stayed awake but... that doesn't save him from getting injured and only prolonged his suffering. His limbs were pointing at the wrong direction, he's bleeding everywhere cause of being impaled by small wall fragments, and blood gushed out from his severed hand.

[ NAGUMO!! What have you done! ]

Light colored mana overflowed from Kouki. His handsome face scowled that none of the student hadn't seen before, which would definitely turned off all the girls fawning for him, regardless, they knew his feelings, but unlike Kouki, they can't rival (?) Hajime now, and like back in Japan, they stayed as spectators.

Kouki used his Holy Sword and slashed where Hajime at behind him, but that also stops when he felt an extreme pain on his stomach. He let out all of the air on his lungs and he almost faint from lacking in oxygen, but because of too much pain, he holds to his consciousness.

[ Never take off your attention away from your enemy. ]

Hajime said before grabbing Kouki's head, kneed him again, and sent him flying 40ft above the ground, but not long after, Hajime appeared on top of him, somersaults and landed an axe kick on his stomach, which driven the air out from Kouki even further, but Hajime wasn't done yet. He used Aerodynamic as foot hold mid air and delivered a flying kick on Kouki's face which sink him in even further on the floor.

Silence... Everyone was too dumbfounded to talk. The knights stared at Hajime's back in awe and fear. They admired that power, that speed, the precision and minimal movements he used every time, but because of how merciless he was, the former was just an extra. They were trembling in fear and they simultaneously gulped unconsciously.

But the students were filled in fear and confusion. That power, that speed, the precision and minimal movements he used every time, confused everyone... but the most shocking was how merciless he was which fueled their confusion even further. The thing they feared was his anger, nobody had seen Hajime became angry like this, or gets angry at all, that only makes him even more terrifying.

Hajime stared at the human shaped crack on the floor a meter away in front of him, which was where Kouki laying unconsciously. His cold gaze didn't move, when suddenly, Kouki's fingers twitch and it formed a fist. He used his other hand as a clutch to raised himself up, his face was hidden on his bloody brown bangs, but Hajime could feel and see it, using his crystal eye... the mana on Kouki's body was on rampage.

Unbelievable as it seems, Kouki stands up and take his stance, he bent his knees and took a deep breath... then shouted-

[ Limit Break! ]

Everyone was shocked, this was only a sparring session but it transformed into a death match without them knowing.

Shizuku gritted his teeth in frustration while sweating profusely, next to her was Kaori staring at Hajime in fear. Looking at everyone else, they also looked scared on Hajime and worried for Kouki.

Yue, who was sitting calmly, stared at Kaori in disappointment. It's only natural for someone to harbor fear and disapproval on this kind of person but in their case who knows the reason for Hajimes anger, can't really pin him on his actions.

Kouki let out a battle cry while charging his sword with his overflowing mana. Hajime in front of him only stared coldly, unperturbed by the pressure coming out from Kouki.

Kouki took a step and go for a quick over head slash, the fact that he's using the sharp edge of his sword makes it obvious that he lost his reasoning. He's planing on killing Hajime right now in front of everyone.

Everyone were certain this time. Kouki who had slain the behemoth twice already almost on his own was unstoppable on this state. Surely even Hajime who had obtain strength for an unknown method, wouldn't... stand... a chance-

Clang*

Metal clashing on metal resounded through the whole area. Everyone's mouth and eyes were wide opened from the unbelievable scene on front of them right now.

Kouki's Holy Sword that was overflowing with mana was stopped... by Hajime's prosthetic hand.

Tha fact that he's not even budging or didn't even react to his achievement meant that, for him it was only natural.

Like the rest of the fighters, Kouki despaired from the unbelievable scenery in front of him that lacks common sense, but he shouldn't let his guard down when Hajime was in front of him.

Hajime heel kicked Kouki and he was blowed 5ft away, was it because of his stat that was far better than Ryutaro to begin with that he managed to withstand Hajime's attack.

Kouki regain his confidence from this and took a stance again, but something was missing.

[ Hou... This sword is really overpowered. I can't even analyze it properly, but it seems it wasn't on its full potential yet. ]

Hajime who was holding the Holy Sword, scrutized it like he's on a museum touching the displays nonchalantly.

[ Holy Sword!... Damn it!... Give it back! ]

Kouki stretched out his hand and called out for his sword. It display its loyalty and struggled on Hajime's hand to answer its masters call.

Hajime's hand didn't even budge from that, he only stared at it interestingly but a bit later, he stab it deep on the ground, until only the hilt was left visible. He also Tansmute the floor and hardened it. The fact that it still moving shows how overpowered it was. Hajime transmuted it even further and seal its movement completely.

[ You coward! I said give it back! ] Kouki scowled.

[ Hmm? Did you not said that relying on your weapons is no good? ] Hajime said while standing up.

Kouki grit his teeth in anger and clenched his fist tightly that it starts bleeding cause of his nails sinks through his palm. He took a Karate stance and charged at Hajime with all his might.

He's still using Limit Break so his speed and power was still over the limit, but Hajime dodges everything with ease while also delivering counter attacks on Kouki's openings. The fact that he's wounded makes his movements dull, adding his feelings of anger and frustration results on missing more of his punches, which frustrates him even more.

That fight, or what should be called "bullying" because of how one-sided it was, lasted for two minutes.

Kouki's knees crumpled and his bloody state was on display for everyone to see. Bruises everywhere, the cuts was because of how sharp Hajime's prosthetic arm, and the white bloody stone on the floor meant that he lost some of his teeth.

His Limit Break should lasted atleast five minutes, but because of his injuries and excessive used of mana from rage, ran him dry quickly.

The match was over and Hajime trounce everyone without breaking a sweat.

This was unbelievable in various senses. Kaori's heart shattered after seeing Hajime's brutality, the tears flowed from her eyes unconsciously, and her gaze was still focused on him, full of doubts, she racked her brain for an answers, but nothing comes to her mind.

Everyone were still horrified and full of worries, but now that the match was over they could just heal them all as quick as possible. Shizuku could sense that they were still breathing, and ordered everyone to gather the injured for Kaori to heal.

Everyone quickly ran to the injured, but stops on their tracks by the footsteps that was echoing in the arena, sounded like a countdown. Their fearful gaze returned to the man, no... to the Monster of the Abyss, and saw him approaching Kouki who was exhausted after using Limit Break.

Everyone shuddered in anticipation. Hajime's cold gaze, mana imbued fist, and intimidating aura... it's clear for everyone what he's planning to do.

They toss away their fear and ran towards to save their leader, even knowing their powerlessness.

Shinji who listened to Shizuku's warning earlier was scared as everyone else, he starts chanting advance spell to take revenge for his friends. He's stuttering cause of too much fear, but he tried and hardened his resolve regardless.

A shadow ran past everyone who were screaming on top of their lungs, begging. It dash straight forward like an arrow towards Hajime.

The moment Shizuki saw his childhood friend about to be killed, she ignored her fears and dashed forward as fast as possible. She's aiming on Hajime's head with her still sheathed Shamshir, planning to only put him unconscious, but as expected he only catches it easily between his fingers.

[ What are planning Yaegashi?... ]

Shizuku flinched on Hajime's cold tone. She wants to run away... away from this supposed to be meek and gentle boy she knows. She starts reminiscing for the old Hajime for some reason, but she shakes her head and erased those thoughts, but those memories helps her overcome her fear from recalling this boy she knows with ironclad will.

[ Nagumo-kun!...Stop this now! It's over!... aren't you satisfied enough after beating everyone!? ]

[ I wasn't looking for satisfaction. This idiots are my enemies... and I always kills my enemies. ]

Shizuku didn't answer and stared at Hajime's eye in fear and sadness. The gentle eyes that was filled with determination he had once, the one she admired, was replaced with brutal ones now overflowing with resolve that was quite overwhelming.

[ So if you don't want to be killed... Kiero. ]

Hajime said and threw Shizuku using the sword she's holding on between his fingers.

Shizuku flew away from Hajime, but she corrected her form mid air, once she landed she used Supersonic Step and combine it with No Tempo to make herself unpredictable.

She again attacked Hajime who was now standing in front of Kouki.

Thuk*

Yue's eyes widened in suprised. Hajime was powerful enough to see all of her spells projectiles and destroyed it, but Shizuku who was five times slower than her spells landed a hit on Hajime.

Yue knows it's inevitable but she didn't want to see Hajime gets hurt no matter how small it was. She stands up, left the Artifacts, and flew using wind magic and approached Hajime's position. She casted Azure Flame, and compressed it small as fireball, her stern gaze was directed at Shizuku, but she knows that Hajime wouldn't let this pass and left her spell in reserved.

[ *sigh* As expected of Yaegashi. I still need more training, huh? ... but, too bad. Now you're my enemy. You should have gone for the kill when you had the chance, am I right? ]

Hajime scratched the back of his head where Shizuku hit him. He talks in somewhat happy tone knowing that he still lack on something. He turned and activated his Intimidate, that deathly glare will surely hunt someone on their nightmare.

Shizuku shivered in fear. The fact that she didn't even manage to scratch Hajime from her attack, it was obvious how inferior she was to him.

A super fast jab came from Hajime was surprisingly parried by Shizuku using her sword. She knows, she wouldn't stand a chance against his strength and rely on her sword art, Yaegashi Style, and filled what's left with Foresight and Body Strengthening.

It takes everything she had just to avoid that fist that promises death without question.

What come next was his prosthetic hand. A powerful uppercut approach Shizuku unexpectedly. She lost her balance from that, and her sword carries the burden from parrying. And finally, Hajime delivered a powerful right hook. Shizuku grit her teeth in frustration from her lack of power, regardless, she had to protect her friends from him and push herself to the limit.

All she had to do was to buy time for her other classmates to come and carried Kouki away from Hajime.

But her sword broke in pieces from parrying his last attack. She again shivered from imagining what would comes next, she made up her mind and threw her sword hilt to Hajime as distraction. She dashed past him and tried to rescue her friend, but unexpectedly ...she tripped.

The fight only lasted for seconds but it feels eternity for Shizuku.

[ Hmm. That was a good training Yaegashi. Too bad this will be the last. ]

At the last second before Shizuku could activate her Supersonic Step, Hajime uses foot sweep and destroyed her balance.

The pain was immense and Shizuku screamed in silent. Her foot was swelling and her eyes becomes teary, but she didn't had time to wallow because death was in front of her.

Shizuku pushed herself even further and starts crawling to Kouki's direction, her fear from knowing Hajime was behind her drives her even forward, but thanks to her, buying enough time... her hero finally arrived.

[ What is it Shirasaki?... I suggest you get- ]

[ Who are you? ]

Hajime's annoyed expression transformed to what nobody has seen before. Even Shizuku who was looking at Hajime and Kaori in front of her was surprised.

Yue who landed on that timing was even more suprised. Not even her had seen this expression of Hajime before.

The time Hajime starts approaching Kouki at the end of the match, Kaori was the very first to ran towards Kouki's direction, regardless of her fear she didn't stop unlike her other classmates who was still full of hesitations at that time. But to her surprise Shizuku was there and fights Hajime for the same reason, and the last thing Kaori ever wanted was to see her best friend getting hurt. Her mind go blank when she saw Shizuku tripped, she dashed in a speed nobody knows she possess, and she gets between Hajime and Shizuku arms spread wide, and glared at him, for the very first time.

She didn't know or even heard herself on what she said, but Hajime's expression that reflected to her eyes was the one she would never forget.

Hajime didn't even know why, but he felt extremely sad from hearing those words from this girl. His mind was filled with only survival down on the Labyrinth at that time, but now he's full of anxiety, and he starts thinking for the future.

He unconsciously held hope because of Kaori. Yue was the one who save it from sinking even lower and now Kaori's love for him adds heat to his stone cold heart.

But if this girl who loves him to the point that she was able to recognize him now before everyone else, doubted his identity, his classmates will also will, and when that happens everyone will also doubt him, and when everybody doubted for who he is... eventually his parents-

Hajime shakes his head and starts laughing to clear his mind on the one thing he feared.

[ HAHHAHA... I see... I see... I see!... HAHHAHAH ]

Everyone snapped back to reality. The classmates stops and gets creeps out on Hajime's hysterical laugh which was completely out of place.

Yue hugged Hajime and glared at Kaori who was too shaken to speak.

[ ... You've lost your chance. ]

It's quite ironic how Kaori manages to bring a piece of Hajime's humanity.

Yue starts pulling out on Hajime's hand to leave, but suddenly a horizal tornado, which was Shinji's advance spell, come to their way in high speed, but Hajime dispersed it by destroying its core using one of his prosthetic arm gimmicks.

Pshew* A silent sound resounded and Shinji drop down with a thud, there's 15 cm needle sticking on his shoulder and his body was convulsing.

Hajime's emotions resets and his cold gaze returns. He grab Yue's hand, collect his artifacts and left without saying anything.

Kaori crumpled to her knees and starts crying. Shizuku crawled next to her and pats her head. She ignored all the pain she felt and tried her best to console Kaori.

[ Shizuku-chan!... *sobs* What have I done!? ]

[ Kaori... Calm down. It's not over yet. ]

[ But... but... I doubted him! What should I do!? ]

[ No... that goes the same for me, for everyone. We don't know if he's the real Nagu- ]

[ He's him! I know it's him. For sure he's Hajime-kun... and yet. ]

Kaori's sobs echoed through the area. Everyone thought that she's crying out of concern for the injured, they snapped back to reality and hurriedly gathers all the injured. They lay down all of them next to Kouki, their eyes was teary from just looking at everyone's state.

[ Kaorichi... It's fine now. They're still breathing so stop crying. We can still save them. ] Nana talks while holding Ryutaro's severed hand.

Shizuku who was patting Kaori's back to calmed her down, convinced her to heal everyone first. Kaori nodded and stands, the tears was still streaming which makes everyone feel uncomfortable, they felt like they want to cry too.

[ *sobs* A-Aetherflow... ]

Kaori cast an AoE advance spell without chanting, thanks to her Spell Retention, she can chant her spells beforehand and activate it instantly when she desires.

Blinding white light covers the seven(including Shizuku) and their wound closed instantly. Ryutaro's hand was reattached itself like a joke.

[ !?... Call the other Priests right now! ]

Kaori said, panicking. She can multi cast healing magic so when she was healing them she also activated Magical Diagnostic to checked their status which will be displayed on her status plate.

[ W-what's wrong Kaori?! ]

[ Shizuku-chan! bring here all of the healing potions over there! Quickly! ]

Shizuku didn't understand why, but she had a very bad feelings about it and dashed quickly.

[ Here Kaori! What are you gonna use that for? ]

[ They're still bleeding internally except Nakano-kun over there, there's also bone fragments flowing through their veins now, especially Kouki-kun. Hiyama's wounds was also fatal, there's some blood trapped on his pancreas which will cause disorder on his breathing *sobs*. And the most deadly was these needle. I don't know what's in there but... it's poisonous and I haven't seen any of this kind. ]

[ [ [ [ [ What!? ] ] ] ] ]

Everyone gasp on Kaori's explanation. Some panicked and ran to get some help.

Kaori wipes her tears with her sleeve and continues to heal everyone, regardless on what she feels right now, everyone's survival comes first.

[ *sobs* A-Anyway I need to concentrate more and also extra supports is required! Lily can you grab all kinds of antidotes you have!? ]

[ Got it!... Helina! Everyone! Grab everything Kaori needs, I need to report this to my father. I also will call some help while I'm on it! ] Liliana left. She's powerless to their situation anyway, and her father tasked her to monitor Hajime, and that's what she prioritized.

[ Kaori, It's fine... Ai-chan-sensei will come back this night. She'll definitely talk to Nagumo-kun, y-you can apologize to him at that timing. ]

[ But... Shizuku-chan. I don't know what to say to him. ]

[ That's right! We should tell Ai-chan-sensei when she comes back. She'll scold him for sure. ] Suzu said. The others also chimed in and starts complaining.

[ Who was that anyway!? ] Mao asked.

[ That Nagumo... He's going too far. ] Nagayama said with a hint of anger on his tone.

[ W-well... we're cruel too back then, you know? ] Taeko said in guilt.

[ That's not the problem! Those were just jokes and it wasn't this bad! ] Tamai says in a loud voice.

[ Bullying Nagumo, is a joke for you? You're more insane than him!... ] Yuka replied. She clenched her fist tightly and glared at Tamai.

[ What are you saying Sonobe-san! He almost killed our classmates! ] Kentaro rebutted.

[ That was their fault! Yagashi-san warned all of you but none of you listened! They bring this to their self! ]

[ What!? Now you're taking his side, huh!? ] Tamai gave a questioning gaze and asked.

[ What if I am!? ] Yuka's glare grew stern.

[ Y-Yukacchi... a-are you serious? ] Nana interjected nervously.

[ I know what Nagumo did wasn't right, but that doesn't mean it's wrong. He protects what he must protect! And I can't blame him for that! ]

Shizuku who was listening to everyone decided to butt in. She was glad that Kaori was too distracted and it seems she didn't hear them.

[ Listen to me guys. Now that we know that he's that strong. We can't just act against Nagumo-kun without thinking, he won't hesitate to hurt you, you know? ]

[ Not you to Yaegashi-san... I mean in Amanagowa-kun's case was still reasonable, but... he tried to hurt you too. ] Ayako joined in the conversation. Her eyes was full of worries.

[ Wrong... I attacked him first, right? ]

[ But you only did that to protect them. Hurting you was out of question, you're still a girl, you know? ]

[ I attacked him, that's a fact. That's all it takes for someone to become hostile to the others. Genders has nothing to do with it. ]

Ayako looked down dejectedly. She knows Shizuki was right, but that doesn't mean it was fine.

[ Sate to!... When Ai-chan-sensei arrived, we will try and talk to Nagumo-kun on his room. This time none of you are allowed to accompany us. This will be for you own safety... ]

[ But what about you Shizushizu? ] Suzu looks at Shizuku in worry.

[ I'll try to apologize. That might helps, and he'll definitely won't display his aggressiveness when Ai-chan-sensei were in front of him. ]

Everyone nodded in comprehension. Some were still angry, but Shizuku was right, Hajime was definitely strong... stronger than their Hero.

But someone arrived. Someone who for better or worse will always support her students wholeheartedly.

[ E-everyone! ... I'm back! ]

Everyone looked at the direction where the voice comes from, and spotted a kid... no their teacher, Hatayama Aiko.

[ [ [ [ [ Sensei! ] ] ] ] ]