Published: January 22, 2026
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“Oh, today we’re in the same waiting room as Orun.”
As I was watching Will’s fight from the waiting room, a voice called out from behind.
“Mr. Haruto, and Fuuka too.”
There were two members of the red copper twilight.
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Harto Tendo.
He’s the leader of the red copper twilight seekers.
He’s about ten centimeters taller than me.
His outfit combines elements of traditional kimono and modern clothing.
As for his ability, I think he’s more than worthy of being an s-rank.
In the joint hunts, it seemed like he wasn’t using his full power, but even so, he performed on par with those around him, so his potential must be high.
His fighting style is unarmed combat—he doesn’t use weapons—and from his light movements comes a surprisingly powerful strike.
In yesterday’s first round, he even broke his opponent’s weapon with his fist.
I can tell there’s some trick behind those blows, but I haven’t figured out what it is yet.
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“Long time no see, Orun. Has it been a bit over two months? I hear you’ve been doing great lately.”
“Since the last joint hunt, so about that long. But my success is just because I was lucky with my team.”
“Don’t be so humble. — Oh, Oliver’s in the lead, huh?”
Mr. Haruto commented on the battle between Will and Oliver.
“Fuuka, have you already seen the outcome of this fight?”
I casually asked Fuuka.
“Well—”
“Whoa, not so fast. Fuuka, you’re not going to be so honest, are you?”
I wanted to check just how far Fuuka’s future sight could see, but Mr. Haruto noticed my intent and stopped me.
Guess they won’t tell me.
...Though I feel like I could’ve asked if Haruto wasn’t here.
“Because I was asked a question.”
“Do you answer questions no matter who asks? Even if they’re the enemy?”
“...Huh? Orun, you’re not the enemy.”
Fuuka tilted her head and gave off an expression that clearly said, “What are you talking about?”
“...Huh? Did I say something wrong? Am I the one who’s mistaken?”
Yet Mr. Haruto seemed to be the one doubting himself as if he’d made a mistake.
In that exchange, Mr. Haruto was clearly in the right.
I thought they were as entertaining as ever as I watched their interaction, when there was progress in the fight between Will and Oliver.
Just when it looked like Will was going to be pushed through, he somewhat forcefully parried Oliver’s sword and deflected its trajectory.
The double-edged blade caught Oliver, sending him flying far backward.
“Oh, Wilkes is impressive. That must’ve hurt Oliver too.”
Talking with Fuuka, Mr. Haruto admired Will’s counterattack that should have been out of sight.
However, contrary to Mr. Haruto’s expectations, Oliver stood as if nothing had happened.
Will’s face showed surprise as mana gathered on Oliver’s blade, materializing into golden mana.
Will probably judged it to be a heavenly flash.
As he closed distance to respond before the slash was unleashed, Oliver slipped into Will’s guard and swung his sword at his abdomen.
“Here’s the finish~! The winner is hero Oliver! Wilkes fought back bravely, but couldn’t reach him after all!”
Will’s counterattack was likely stopped by mana convergence.
Oliver used to revere mana convergence as something sacred, almost to the point of over-specializing it, and never applied it outside of attacks.
But now, in this battle, he had twice diverted mana convergence to defense.
I wonder if his mindset has changed.
My feeling of unease toward the hero party continued to grow.
(Does Luna know anything? But I want to avoid drawing attention by going to the mansion. What should I do—no, maybe it’s none of my business anymore.)
Will was carried back to the waiting room on a stretcher, unconscious.
He looked pale.
“How is Will’s condition?”
I asked the attendant who brought him.
“He’s not in any life-threatening condition. However, there’s a possibility of broken ribs, so we’ll take him to the infirmary for treatment.”
“Understood. May I accompany you?”