Awakening to a Special-Grade Explorer
Vol. 5 - Ch. 238

"......A weakener type?"

Tenji was surprised when he heard about Mizue's calling.

When categorising callings broadly, they fall into six types: Offensive, Defensive, Magical, Support, Strengthening, and Weakener type. The first three were the most popular, while the last three were considered unpopular.

"Surprise, eh? Not the first time I have been told."

"Well, I mean, your equipment all are...... geared toward the vanguard role."

"Certainly, my calling was weakner type, but my role in the team is still vanguard."

"I see,"

As the two casually conversed, Hai finally stood up. He didn't fail to shot a murderous glare toward Mizue for interrupting his funtime.

"Ugh, my body is feeling too heavy. It should be the work of this water, but, that's crazy. There's no way weakner type's ability should've been able to act on me."

While showing his confusion at the state, Hai disappeared amidst the world of darkness.

For a few seconds, a silence reigned the battlefield.

"I know...... you're a nuisance, bastard!"

Timing it perfectly, a shadow flickered behind Mizue. Cloaked in darkness and wearing a monstrous mask, Hai had raised his sword of shadows to slash Mizue’s back.

"What a simpleton."

Mizue's expression were unfazed. It was as if he had seen this coming, the weapon in his right hand already slashing toward him.

Clang!

A metallic clash echoed through the air.

"What the hell!?"

Either at how he was intercepted, or perhaps over the fact that he was made to step back in surprised confrontation, a confused gasp escaped Hai's lips.

Mizue was clearly the winning in strength alone as clashed against the dark sword. He channeled his strength and pushed back Hai, causing him to roll backward.

Then, within the split second, Mizue stabbed his sword at Hai's right leg.

"Hng, arrrghh!? It hurt bastard!!"

Like a hot knife running on butter, Mizue's sword easily pierced through the cloak of darkness. In a follow up motion, and to nail him down there, Tenji also swung his Demon Executioner Sword, the hell flames covering the blade, in an upward slash.

"This isn't happening."

The development was, well, expected by Tenji.

Apparently realising he shouldn't let those flames touch himself no matter the situation, Hai immediately dived into the world of darkness before the sword could touch him.

Several meters away from their spot, Hai showed himself, standing as if nothing had happened.

"......It's like teleporation."

Eyes peeled back in surprise, Mizue sought Tenji's affirmation.

"It's his core move that he activate the instant he's in pinch. But it's not something he can use consecutevely however, judging from the pattern."

"Understood."

"But that said, what's with your sword?"

"What do you mean by what?"

"I am saying how it could stab through that black armor? You had me surprised there."

"Oh, it's just how the swords are."

"Just...?"

There's no way the swords were so simple. But maybe it was Mizue's stance to hide the truth, or perhaps the swords indeed had nothing special going about them.

He couldn't tell, but then again, it didn't matter.

Tenji had something else to ask.

"Can you capture him, Mizue-kun?"

"Of course. But I'll need to touch his body directly with my own hands."

"So, you can huh. Phew, thank god. My calling has no abilities to capture him, so I really thought I would have to beat him half-dead."

"You're still as goofy with your words huh."

"Yeah, yeah. Anyway, leave that armor to me."

"Be my guest."

Then Mizue and Tenji once again assumed their combat stance. And this time, they'd be moving to capture Hai Ukai seriously.

They're just about to make a move, but—

"—«Enhanced Hearing»."

Out of nowhere, Tachibana's voice rung in their ear, yet she was nowhere around them.

She should have already been evacuated by Tohka, but the faint voice of her startled both Tenji and Mizue.

"......Tachibana?"

"Yes, it's me. Can you hear me?"

"Crystal clear."

"Hmm."

"Phew, so glade. I will cut the explanation short since time is running out. I have shared my inherent ability with you two. Please use it to fight him, I am sure this should put you steps ahead of him."

It was abrupt, but they immediately understood what she meant.

Faintly, but surely, they could listen to the sound of future—the rustling of Hai's clothes, footsteps, and breathing. All of it came to them just before they could see it with their eyes.

They didn't know the details, but Tenji reasoned that her ability had evolved, granting her this new power.

"It's the best. It's like Group No.26 is back in action."