Chapter 61 - Bounty Head and Awakening [4] (1/2)

I somehow managed to repel Zack, and

「Haa Haa…」

Heavily breathing, I dropped my gaze on my right hand.

「What… happened……?」

That moment when I was completely absorbed in unleashing a straight right.

A tremendous density of『Black Something』was produced in my hand.

(That’s right… It was very similar to the feeling of when I annihilated Dark Roar in the finals of the First-Year War …)

If there is one difference, it is the power.

At that time, the scale and destructive power was not as excessive as it was this time.

And above all – this amount of jet-black darkness was not produced.

(What the hell… is this power…?)

When I was thinking about that – a huge pillar of fire rose from afar.

「Wha!?」

And then,

「Zhahahahahahaha! I can see it, I can see it …! You were『sparkling』brilliantly, gahahahaha!」

Zack, wrapped in flame armor, approached me with long strides.

「N-No way…」

There was not even a slight cut on his body.

「Unscathed after taking that attack head on…!?」

As I stood there, stunned,

「Yo, what’s your name-… oops, no good no good.『When you ask a person for their name, you must start with yourself!』!」

All of a sudden, he started laughing, 「Zahahahaha!」

「My name is Zack Bomber! Currently, I belong to the Black Organization due to some reasons! Now, tell me your name!」

For some reason, the guy who started introducing himself, waited for my reply with his arms folded.

To be honest, he didn’t make any sense, but since he named himself, it is necessary to name myself too.

「…Allen Rodore.」

When I answered, he nodded satisfied.

「Allen Rodore huh… Zahaha! That’s a good name! I’ll make sure to remember that name!」

And then,

「Now, bring out that『black darkness』again!」

「…Ha?」

Zack began to say something even more nonsensical.

「Not『……Ha?」! The attack just now was Allen’s soul dress, wasn’t it? Come on, don’t keep it a suspense! Show me that sparkle! Come on, hurry up! 」

He thrust his right hand forward and told me to hurry.

「… I’m sorry for not meeting your expectations, but I haven’t manifested my soul dress yet.」

「What!? Which means… that power was an undeveloped manifestation !? Za-Hahahaha! A wonderful, tremendous talent! That’s fine, then tell me this!」

I don’t know just what was so fun, but that guy started talking excitedly.

「There are three main ways to bring out the power of soul dress! One, talk to the spirit core and borrow the power. Two, negotiate conditions with the spirit core and borrow the power. And the last way is – to make the spirit core submit and forcefully take the power!」

Zack explained so while folding one finger at a time.

「This is my impression after taking that black blow… Your spirit core is a pretty rough-tempered guy, ain’t it?」

「… You figured well.」

「Zahaha, that’s right! It is impossible to talk and negotiate with such a ferocious spirit core!　There is no other choice but to make the spirit core submit! 」

「… If I could do that, I wouldn’t be having such a hard time.」

It’s like the ultimate example of『easier said than done』- to make that guy submit by force.

When I quietly shook my head sideways, he had a strange expression.

「Mu? With as much courage that Allen has, it shouldn’t be impossible, right? At any rate, you were able to push forward through〈Blaze Cross〉- because of your monstrous mental strength!」

「…Let’s just say that my mental strength slightly excels compared to ordinary people. Even so, as long as I don’t make that guy submit – get the spirit core to yield, I can’t manifest my soul dress.」

Then he frowned.

「Allen, aren’t you mistaking something? In order to draw out the『entire』power of the spirit core, it is necessary to physically make it submit as you say. But if you just want to snatch『a portion』of its power – it’s enough if you just make it yield with your mind!」

「…Make it yield with my mind?」

「That’s right! Have a strong mind! Be resolved! Don’t bend your beliefs! With that strong mental strength, make the spirit core yield! And more sparkle – show me the sparkle!」

The moment when the excited Zack spoke so passionately.

「-Cut it out! You simpleton!」

「Guha!?」

A mysterious woman suddenly appeared, kicking him in the back of his head.

「Ouuuuch… Oi Oi, Thor! It was just getting good. What are you doing!?」

「『What are you doing!?』is my line, you damn idiot! I was wondering where you were even though it’s already the meeting time, and I find you playing the fool here!」

「Oh, that’s right! Listen to me, Thor! I found some wonderful sparkly gem! In my judgement, it’s the best I’ve ever seen!」

「Tch… Don’t bring in the nonsense『sparkly』when you’re at work! You’re gross as ever…!」

Thor was a short, slender girl in a black cloak.

Judging by the appearance, she seems to be a rowdy girl in her early teens.

Light pink hair, curled at the end.