Deadly Confrontation

Ranked in the top two digits of the rankings known as the strongest in this world, in other words, within the top 100. Those within this range are called Celestials. It is said that the names of Celestials are always posted in the various temples around the world. That's the extent of their existence. In a world with a population of 200 million, one of the top 100 men is now directing fierce eyes at Kimishima in front of me.

"Sensei..."

Behind me, Kimishima let out a frightened voice. Of course, with words spoken alongside vulgar lines. Even though she's already a third-year high school student, she understands the meaning. I felt nauseous along with anger.

"You guys... This girl is... still a child, you know... What are you thinking?"

"Focal, this is annoying, man."

"Hehehe. Look. Even knowing the desperate difference, he's trying to protect her... Isn't that beautiful?"

"Is that so? Well, this woman is certainly beautiful enough. Hahaha."

"Kuh."

No, these guys... They enjoy killing people. Kimishima might be...

"Kimishima... Run..."

"Sensei, no!"

"Just go!"

Feeling Kimishima sensing my intention, she doesn't comply with my words. But... this situation. Women are tough. If she's caught, things will definitely get bad.

...

I won't let that happen.

I place my thumb on the guard, lowering my center of gravity.

"You fools... ugh, muri~~~~riiiii~..."

I won't engage with them anymore. As I intensify my focus to the limit, even Focal's words start to advance slowly. The timeline between me and the surroundings begins to shift. Carton, who caught my killing intent, slowly changes his expression to an angry one while raising a huge sword like an axe. As expected of a Celestial. Quick reactions. A type that doesn't hesitate to kill.

Regret can come later.

Once decided, there was no turning back. Grandpa used to say, "Talking about a living sword is just nonsense. This is a technique for cutting people." That's right. Protecting Kimishima was my duty now.

I cut the mouth guard and drew the sword. Even in front of a Celestial, time was completely under my control. Before Carton swung his sword, I took a step forward and slashed with my sword. Carton, who was cut, probably hadn't realized it yet. Wiping off the blood splatter, I sheathed the sword again without breaking my focus.

The three thugs on the other side, separated by the fallen giant man, had faces slowly turning to shock. He must have been quite a famous guy too, as he started creating a fireball in his right hand while looking surprised. Twisting my left hand, adjusting the angle of the sheath. The blade was facing upward. Pulling out the sword while slashing diagonally, I cut through the fireball and bisected at the magician in a sweeping motion.

... It was too easy. In an instant, the other three thugs couldn't comprehend what happened. They just stood there with open mouths, watching the situation unfold.

"Heh... you b*stard... I'll... hahaha..."

Focal just said that and collapsed on the spot. I felt exhilaration as I knelt down, theatrically wiping the blade with Focal's robe. Then I slowly stood up, sheathing the sword with a crisp sound.

Slowly, I looked over at the three people.

"Are you guys going to fight too?"

"Hii!"

"Please have mercy!"

Perhaps these two were the backbone of the group, easily cutting down the Celestial who was unquestionably trusted. The three, completely broken, fled from the scene. I had no intention of forcibly piling up more killings. As the three left, I sighed with a shiver while watching them go.

I killed... people...

As the men departed and the immediate danger in front of me diminished, a sense of guilt increased in intensity. Two corpses lay before me. They stared at me with expressions of anger.

I had no choice. I had no choice. I had no choice…

I tried desperately to instill it in my mind, but a dark emotion covered my entire body.

I killed... people...

Haaaaaahhh…

My heartbeat quickened, and breathing became difficult. Desperately trying to inhale, there was not enough oxygen. It was useless... Trying to take deep breaths failed; it didn't work...

"Sensei!"

In the hazy consciousness, Kimishima's voice could be heard.

Kimishima... Sensei killed... people...

"Sensei! Sensei!"

Despite hearing Kimishima's voice, I couldn't grasp where she was.

"A... ah..."

"Sensei!"

Kimishima's voice permeated my chilled heart. Kimishima... warm me...

Kim... ishima...?

In the flickering consciousness, right in front of me, just a few centimeters away, Kimishima's eyes peered into mine.

What... is it?

I was embraced tightly by Kimishima... and my lips were sealed.

...

...

"Nng!"

My consciousness suddenly became clearer. What?

That overwhelming... sensation...

…

…

How long did it last? Eventually, from somewhere, we separated. Kimishima must have been stretching. The arms were released, and the face position lowered, slightly distancing.

...

...! This was bad!

"A... ah..."

"I-I'm sorry!"

"Eh... no..."

"Sensei... seemed to be hyperventilating... and I had no paper bag or anything..."

"Ah, uh... right... hyperventilation."

"Yeah..."

Perhaps hyperventilation? ... Y-yeah, supplying carbon dioxide could... hyperventilation syndrome...

No, it was different. You should have understood that. But admitting that... was not possible.

Unconsciously, I placed my fingers on the lips where warmth still lingered. Seeing that, Kimishima blushed. Witnessing her reaction, I too became conscious as well.

"...Ah, Th-thank you. You saved me."

"No... "

"..."

"...It was a lie."

"Eh?"

"Hyperventilation... Sensei, for my sake, continuously sacrificed yourself..."

"Kimishima?"

"For my sake, Sensei pushed too hard, always indulging me! Even Sensei got scared! And then... I couldn't help it... and ended up kissing you..."

"Kimishima..."

"Did you... dislike it?"

"No! Not at all! ...But... you know..."

"What is it?"

"The suspension bridge effect and all... Was it really that kind of feeling? For someone like me, such an old man?"

“Isn’t the suspension bridge effect nice?”

"But... it might have been an illusion of the heart."

"But... still..."

That's right, I was a teacher, and Kimishima was a student... We were more than 10 years apart in age. The story of students falling for teachers with rich life experiences is a common one. Such things usually end once graduation happens, like a... spontaneous love affair.

Damn it...

I became unsure of what to say to Kimishima, who looked at me with anxiety. There was no doubt that Kimishima was beautiful. I understood that. Her personality wasn't bad either. Well, I honestly didn't understand the details of her relationship with Kohinata, but I was pretty sure they were childhood friends.

I didn't know...

No, somehow, I felt that Kimishima was directing emotions towards me beyond the camaraderie of this escape. Being relied upon by such a beautiful woman... Even if I thought it was hopeless, there was a part of me that couldn't deny the fluttering sensation.

...Was I too naive?

...

"For now, let's leave this place... The smell of blood is too strong."

"..."

"Kimishima?"

"Y-yes..."

.. As a teacher...

No, this place... It wasn't Japan. It was a different world.

Domoto's words echoed in my mind.

--This isn’t Earth. Everything here is different. Do you understand? Our relationship with you is no longer thought of in terms of teacher-student. We are in a completely different world.

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