Chapter 5 - The Outrage (2/2)

”A war!? You can't be serious! Take us the f.u.c.k back right now!”

”This can't be happening, this can't be happening, this can't be happening...”

As the students fell into a panic, Rio was still indifferent, left forgotten. Sitting next to Rio, Hajime was shaken by this development as well, but his reaction was not as bad as the rest of the students. Rio finally spared his attention at Ishtar who said nothing and silently watched on as all of the students panicked. Though Ishtar was silent, Rio could see contempt hidden within the depths of the old man's eyes.

Finally, a brown-haired pretty boy with a good figure stood up amidst the hysterical group of students and slammed his fist down onto the table with a bang. That managed to get the attention of most of the kids. Once he had confirmed that everyone's eyes were on him, he began speaking.

”Everyone, there's no point in complaining to Ishtar. There's nothing he can do about it now. And... And I, at least, have decided to stand and fight. These people are about to be annihilated. Knowing that, how can I possibly leave them to such a tragic fate? And besides, if we've been summoned here to save humanity, it's possible we'll be allowed to go back once we've saved them... Well, Mister Ishtar? Do you think that's possible?”

Rio finally realized that this boy was Kouki Amanogawa. His self-righteous speech was a dead giveaway. He was speechless at Kouki's declaration and thought that this boy's mental sickness was worse than the novel portrayed it. 'Did he not realize what 'war' means?' Rio wondered silently as he viewed Kouki in perplexity. Even Rio who lived in a peaceful country knows the cruelty of war from footage and videos. He stopped his train of thought when Kouki and Ishtar began exchanging a short talk.

”It is as you say. Lord Ehit is not so unkind that he would ignore a request from his chosen heroes.”

”And we've all gained some amazing powers, right? Ever since I arrived here, it's felt like I've somehow grown way stronger.”

”Yes, that is correct. It would be safe to assume that each of you has the equivalent strength of anywhere from a few to a few dozen regular men.”

”Alright, then we should be fine. I'm going to fight. If we save everyone, then we can go home. So just you watch! I'm going to save everyone, including us!” Kouki clenched his fists tightly as he proclaimed his noble intentions, flashing an almost sickeningly dazzling smile at the end.

When Rio saw that, he had a sudden urge to punch Kouki's face. Kouki's face was just punchable when he smiled like that!