Chapter-09 · EP-139

Episode 139: Kyoya Murasakimura (Part 8) – Despair and Hope

The figure entered the dungeon entrance slowly, footsteps echoing.

Involuntarily, my and Mamoru's eyes were drawn to him.

In the backlight, a single tall silhouette.

I could tell just by the outline.

His stance, his presence.

Frustratingly, he walked with an overwhelming presence that I lacked.

"Kazuma Kujo…"

His name slipped from my lips.

Yes, it was Kazuma Kujo, the top of Class 3-A, one of the academy's most excellent explorers, and the heir to a Duke's family. The student council president.

Kujo glanced silently at the "LV1" displayed on the Skill Board, then slowly walked toward us.

"Kujo-san… do you need something?"

Mamoru asked, wary.

"I heard from my sister. That you're lamenting not being able to level up."

"…Did you come to laugh at me?"

My voice trembled as I answered. Why? Was I scared? Intimidated? Anyway, I was being overwhelmed by this man's pressure.

Kujo didn't answer the question. He just looked at us silently.

I couldn't help but glare back. I didn't care what he said. Anyway, it was already over.

Silence continued.

Finally, I spoke.

"That's right. My score reached 128 today, but I haven't leveled up."

I laughed self-mockingly.

"Laugh if you want. I'm the dropout who, despite saying grand things at the entrance ceremony about becoming the world's greatest explorer and abolishing the nobility system, can't even reach level 2."

Words I didn't need to say overflowed from my chest.

"The man who was once so eager to stand shoulder to shoulder with you and surpass you can't even beat his own classmates. I'm a hopeless level 1 who's been stuck forever! Go ahead and laugh! Hahaha!"

"Kyoya…"

Mamoru, worried about me losing control, gently reached out to my back.

I was ashamed of myself for saying such things. But I couldn't stop.

To my outburst, Kujo answered quietly.

"Is that all?"

"…What did you say?"

I frowned.

"I asked, is that all?"

Confused by the unexpected response, Kujo continued.

"How many months has it been since you entered the academy? Less than two months, right? Yet you're making a face like it's the end of the world just because you're a little behind everyone else―"

Kujo looked straight into my eyes.

"Was your dream that shallow?"

Please don't look at me like that. I'm… different from you.

Suppressing the surging emotion in my chest, I somehow managed to speak.

"Even if you say that… it can't be helped if my level won't go up…"

Kujo stared into my eyes, and with an expression that was neither contempt nor anger, but serious, he continued.

"You and I are quite alike…"

"Huh?"

For a moment, I didn't understand what he meant.

Then sudden irritation welled up.

I couldn't help but vent my emotions at him.

"How are we alike? You're a noble, the best explorer at the academy. I'm now the biggest dropout here."

At my words, Kujo chuckled softly and slowly asked.

"Your skill is 'Lightning Magic,' isn't it?"

"Yes… it's a dud skill."

What did it matter what my skill was now? If he wanted to laugh at my useless skill, go ahead.

"You have a magic skill, and I hear your swordsmanship is excellent."

Did this man want to praise me or make fun of me?

…Or had he simply been stating facts from the start?

Kujo continued.

"My skills are 'Fire Magic' and 'Physical Enhancement.' A magical skill and a combat skill. I have the characteristics of both."

It wasn't a boast.

Understanding that, Mamoru and I silently listened.

And Kujo announced the conclusion.

"In other words, you and I are both magic warriors."

"Magic warrior…?"

I'd never heard that term, never even thought of it.

Still surprised, I waited for Kujo to continue.

"A magic warrior possesses the characteristics of both a mage and a warrior."

Kujo continued his explanation calmly.

"The trade-off is that the experience needed to level up is twice that of a normal explorer."

…Twice?!

At those words, both Mamoru and I understood what Kujo was trying to say.

"200."

Kujo held up two fingers.

"At a score of 200, you will also reach level 2."

At the fact he revealed, I caught my breath.

Score 200. That was all it was. It just meant my effort hadn't been nearly enough.

"What? It's simple. You don't need to overthink it."

To us, stunned, Kujo finally smiled slightly.

"You just need to put in twice the effort of everyone else."

Leaving those words, Kujo turned and started to leave without waiting for our reply.

"Kujo-san… you…"

I couldn't find any more words.

I wanted to say thank you. But no words came.

Kujo's back grew distant.

This man wasn't an enemy. But a strong determination welled up in my chest. I still definitely wanted to catch up to him someday.

I remained silent, bowing deeply to his retreating figure.

"Kyoya!"

Mamoru grabbed my shoulder happily.

"We didn't have to give up! It might still take time, but we can just keep working hard every day! The number 200 isn't unattainable!"

Mamoru and I looked at each other, and I slowly nodded.

I stared at Kujo's departing back.

How much effort had you put in…?

Even though you need twice the effort just to raise your level by one, you've already surpassed level 15.

I witnessed the magnitude of the person I aimed to be.

My heart trembled.

I wouldn't give up. 200. Just put in twice the effort. That's all.

Kujo's words echoed in my heart.

I felt despair turning into hope.