Battle War; Magic, Sword and Dragon

28. Weird Bonds

"I know you hate me and want to kill me, but don't involve anyone else. Besides, I told you I didn't really intend to do it."

"Sadly, I never thought your words were just a joke."

"......?"

Kuro sits beside Otome and picks up the needle used to attack Otome. After that, he picked up the fish and ate again.

Seeing that the atmosphere suddenly becomes unpleasant, Otome finally realizes that even though they look familiar, they actually hate each other, or Kuro hates Electra.

And at the same time, Otome was a little relieved to know that Kuro's target was not herself but Electra, but why did he attack her?

"Why do you still hold a grudge against me, besides if I don't do it, you can't work for me."

"Tchh.."

Kuro now ignored Electra. He won't even look at Electra.

Realizing that, Electra could only sigh deeply. He looks moody too.

"Kuro, why did you want to kill Mrs Electra? I know you're strong, but you know it's impossible to beat him."

Although Otome can guess what makes the act is Electra, but he still wondered what caused Kuro to hate Electra.

He even forgot that he was almost killed by his student.

"Are you telling me to like someone who wants to destroy my village and kill my whole family? Otome, you must be crazy."

"Eh? Whatchu mean?"

"Have it, you already know the reason why I hate that grandma, so don't make me angry. Thinking of Grandma's actions is enough to make me want to kill her right now, or .. do you want to change into my impingement?"

"No, thanks for the offer. "

It was only the first time Otome had seen Kuro look so scary. In addition, his gaze also looked solemn and cold.

Electra must have made an unforgivable mistake by Kuro.

"Guuu. Umm... What's up Otome?"

"No, I'm just wondering what you're doing?"

"I'm just saying, if I don't want to work for me, I will destroy the village of the Blad clan. That's it."

"..............Apparently so. Kuro, I won't stand in the way of killing Mrs Electra. I'll support you too."

"Otome why are you saying that? You're so mean."

Although now Electra is acting cute and sweet, Otome is unaffected.

Otome could only sigh and shake her head.

As one of the Paladins, Electra had tremendous magic power, therefore destroying a small village like the village of the Blad clan was easy for Electra.

But Otome felt Kuro was angry for another reason.

"That's because of you. I'd want to kill you too if you wanted to destroy where I came from. That's why I chose to support Kuro."

"Guuu, but I just want to scare Kuro. It was Kuro's fault for not working for me."

"Do you want Kuro? Geez, I can't believe you could do such a thing for a young man."

"".......................Uh?""

Kuro and Electra instantly fell silent upon hearing Otome's words.

And then they finally laughed out loud. They even held their stomachs because they felt pain.

"What's so funny?"

"Otome, don't you realize why I want Kuro?"

".......?"

Otome tilted her head.

"Want youth? You're so funny. hmm.. Maybe that's your deepest wish for not having a boyfriend?"

Otome's face instantly flushed. He was angry after hearing Kuro's words and felt being played by the two demons.

That's when the idea came up to avenge Kuro and at the same time showed that he could not be played.

"Have it, I don't actually hate that grandma, but I just get annoyed when she's intent on destroying my village. Yeah, I don't think it's a bad idea working for him, but I can't leave the village for too long."

"That's why I guarantee the safety of the entire Blad clan. I even sent my trusted men to help them and give them news if bad things happen." Electra added

In other words, is everything just acting?

Otome was actually being played by the two of them.

"Then why are you after my head?"

"I'm just testing. That'sallthatis. Well, even though you're disappointing as a teacher for not being able to notice my attack, that's okay."

Now Otome could no longer contain his anger.

Not only was he being played, but he was also being humiliated.

He didn't accept being treated like that by the two of them.

"Kurou."

Suddenly Otome held both of Kuro's cheeks and stared intently at Kuro's eyes.

"Otome, stop-Ahh... "

But Electra's warning Otome didn't listen to.

He's angry and doesn't care about Electra.

Because of this, Otome uses Succubus Art to make Kuro fall in love with her.

Otome's special magic resembles hypnosis, but it's no ordinary hypnotist. He can manipulate the mind of the man who is exposed to his magic and make the man obey the court of Otome like a slave.

In addition, despite not knowing too much about Kuro, Otome realizes that Kuro will do anything for the sake of the people he cares about.

(In this way, I can repay them both.)

"Kuro, fall in love with me!"

After saying that, Otome's eyes glowed and a magic circle appeared on Otome's pupils. The magic circle was pink and revolved in Otome's pupils.

Although powerful, Otome's special magic can only be done if one looks into each other's eyes.

Not only can Otome fall in love, Otome's magic also allows Otome to see the memories of people affected by her magic.

"................"

Kuro was silent for a moment. His gaze was also a little empty.

"Did I succeed?"

Otome was curious. But no one has ever escaped his magic. In other words, Kuro is already in love with Otome.

Of course Otome could neutralize her magic at any time if she wanted to, but she wasn't satisfied if she hadn't retaliated yet.

Meanwhile, Electra could only sigh deeply and for some reason she slightly moved away from Otome.

"Fu fu's..."

Feeling that Kuro is already in love with him, Otome also wants to see Kuro's memory out of curiosity.

He concentrates and tries to look at Kuro's memories.

Otome saw what Kuro had done. Killing, the way he trains, people from the Blad clan. And he also saw a beautiful girl die in front of Kuro. And many more.

Then after a while, Otome suddenly let out tears without him noticing.

"Kuro.you..."

"Otome, do you know the saying 'sometimes curiosity can kill you.'"

"Eh? Ugh..."

Otome was surprised that Kuro was apparently unaffected by her magic, and Otome was startled again by Kuro's hand gripping her neck with incredible force.

Not only gripped Otome's neck, Kuro then lifted Otome's body up.

"God..."

Otome felt pain in her neck and could barely breathe. He struggled to get away, but it was free.

That's why he tried to use magic to escape Kuro, but-

"I wish you hadn't done that, I could've accidentally broken your neck."

".........."

Otome finally abandoned her intentions. He stared at Electra who seemed to be unconcerned and instead ate the fish casually.

Electra was like saying "I told you, right?!".

"Now I have two options for you, Otome. First, don't tell anyone about what you saw and make it your secret for life."

"........"

"Secondly, I kill you here so you can't tell anyone else, but honestly it's gonna bother me, so pick your decision. Blink once for the first choice and blink twice for the second!"

Feeling like he had no other choice, Otome blinked once. He chose the first choice because he knew Kuro was seriously intending to kill him this time and worse, it seemed Electra was not trying to stop Kuro.

After which, Kuro smiled faintly and let go of Otome.

"Coughs...Cough..."

Otome. He was finally able to breathe a sigh of relief and hold onto his sore neck. There were even red marks from Kuro's grip.

Meanwhile, Kuro sat back down and turned his head towards Electra.

"You can erase Otome's memory, right? Hurry up and do it."

"Did?"

Otome's eyes instantly widened. She's confused.

"Mrs Electra, I didn't know you had magic like that?"

"No, no, but I can erase someone's memory by stinging them, but unfortunately they're all mostly dead and if they're alive they'll be undead."

Electra said that in a relaxed tone. It made Otome smile wryly and at the same time horrified.

He didn't want Electra to do that to him.

"Yahh, but you're lucky that Kuro usually kills people who try to peek at his memories. So be thankful that you are not dead. Fufu....but why do you have to kill people who peek at your past, is it so secret that you killed them?"

"Not really. Actually, a lot of people know about my past, but when Otome takes a peek at my past, I'll remember it again, too, that's what makes me angry, isn't it Otome?"

"D-yes."

Although Kuro said that with a smile, Otome could not calm down.

He almost died twice.

And he finally understood why Electra wanted Kuro to work for him.

If Kuro stays in the Rukia forest, there is likely a person from the enemy side who knows the power of Kuro. And if they were Kuro working for them, it would be a big deal.

This was because the current strength of Kuro was still unknown.

Electra's decision was not wrong to make Kuro his man.

"Uhhmm. It seems I should leave immediately."

""...?""

Kuro then turned his head in the other direction. He saw 5 people coming closer while carrying barbeque equipment.

"Alright, but before you go, stalk some fish. That's easy."

Electra smiled small. He pointed his thumb towards the lake.

"of course. For Kuro's sake, I'll do anything."

After that, a small magic circle appeared from Electra's fingertips. Then from the magic circle appeared dozens of lightning bolts that precisely led to the lake.

But nothing happened.

"Thank you."

Electra then turned into lightning and disappeared.

That's the characteristic of Electra, come and go arrive. He looks like a ghost.

After confirming that Electra had left, Kuro turned to Otome and said:

"Otome, the rest I leave to you. Gather the fish, we'll party after everything comes."

"Huh?"

Otome doesn't really understand.

After saying that, Kuro went under the shady tree while carrying his sword and leaned back to take a nap.

A few seconds later, Kuro had already fallen asleep.

"Quickly!!"

Otome was startled by Kuro's sleep speed, but she also understood why Kuro was like that.

(He must be tired? It was natural that his body must have reached the limit because it released such strength.)

Otome smiled faintly.

He now understood a little about Kuro.

The reason why he can be so cruel, why he can smile, and why he can be so strong.

And the reason why he didn't hesitate to kill even though the one he killed was his own teacher. It's depressing.

"Well, now what am I supposed to do?"

Otome smiled bitterly as she looked at the middle of the lake.

Dozens of Rellfish appeared and floated like corpses, but all the fish were not dead, they just fainted.

Not only Otome, the staff who worked for Kuryuu Academy also smiled bitterly because they finally understood why they were told to bring barbeque equipment.

At the same time, Jinn, Ishi and Seta were resting under a tree to recover their strength.

Unlimited time allows them to do this.

"Hey...are you aware of Kuro's strengths and weaknesses?"

"Yeahhhh.."

"........."

Ishi and Seta nodded happily. Although they lost, they now understand Kuro's abilities and weaknesses.

They might one day face Kuro in Tribal again so this training is not free. Even though they are losing at the moment.

The problem is Kuro's intelligence in taking the opportunity to attack, which is after they all use magic art.

In other words, Kuro's strength is actually just to avoid attacks and counterattack when there is a pause due to using magic art

They realized this after recalling the fight against Kuro.

"Unfortunately, I don't think that's Kuro's only ability."

"Yahh. I agree." continued Ishi. "He was able to avoid my sacred magic art. He must have sharp eyes like an eagle."

"I also think like that." added Seta. "Well, maybe that's why our attack didn't hit him."

"........... "

Jinn remained silent. He didn't want to tell me what he knew about Kuro's true power.

Kuro's strength is not only limited to dodging and counter-attacking. Kuro's strength was more terrifying than they had expected.

"Jinn... What's wrong?"

"Ahh.no. I just remember that Kuro was carrying a sword, right? Do you know Kuro's sword skills?"

"".............................""

Ishi and Seta fell silent as they finally realized one simple thing they had forgotten.

Kuro always carries a sword. In other words, Kuro was a master of sword techniques.

But they had never seen Kuro use his sword. So the conclusion was that Kuro had yet to use his full strength while fighting against the three of them.

Realizing Kuro was stronger than they had expected, the three of them sighed in unison.

"Haa..how do I defeat a monster like him? If my guess is correct, Kuro's power is equivalent to Laila's or even stronger."

Jinn started to grumble. But at the same time, they also realize that if they become a permanent partner, maybe no one can beat Laila and Kuro.

Thinking of the possibility made them drown.

"If we can't defeat them with strength, then we can only defeat them with ingenuity."

"Tumben you can say that, Seta."

Seta looked unhappy when she heard that from Ishi. He feels underestimated.

"Well, thanks to Kuro, I realized my weakness. And isn't this a good opportunity to overcome our weaknesses?"

Jinn and Ishi smiled in agreement with Seta's words.

They realized one common weakness, which was relying too much on magic in battle.

In other words, if their physical abilities were to increase or at least have techniques like Kuro, they would become stronger.

"Alright, it's been decided we'll do a special exercise. That right?"

"Yeaahh, I'll take Ash to join."

Ishi seems to want her partner to also become stronger.

And after they finished discussing, they saw 5 girls running towards them.

Of course the five of them are the Laila, Serriv, Alva, Alvi, and Delia groups.

"Ahhh.."

"Yes I agree."

"Stop the disgusting gazes of you two.!!"

Jinn was unhappy when she saw Ishi and Seta fall into disobedience.

How else, Jinn actually knew what they were feeling because he was also a normal guy who was attracted to girls.

Not just one, but 5 beautiful girls approaching.

The faces of the three of them reddened as they watched the two objects swing up and down each time the five of them ran.

"Here you go, you look at them like us too, so shut up you, pervert!"

"Huhh.. What did you say? Wanna fight?"

"Well, if that's what you want. Let's go!!"

Ishi and Jinn start fighting for unclear reasons.

Seta could only sigh in looking at the perverted duo who were preparing to start a new fight.

It was fortunate that the two of them were just staring at each other as they were similarly exhausted.

"Geez, what are you doing?"

Serriv complains when he sees Jinn and Ishi fighting for no apparent reason.

The two of them did not even realize Laila's group had arrived near them.

"So what's going on here?"

Laila smiled wryly as she looked around them.

The crater is 15 meters wide, dozens of small craters, wet ground because of water ice and some ice chunks that are melting due to heat. At first glance it was like a storm had occurred in their current place.

"It's just a former fight. A little embarrassing, but we lost to Kuro hehe.."

"............"

Laila fell silent. He knew Kuro was strong, but this was more than he had imagined.

While Alvi and Alva smiled as they seemed to have guessed that Kuro would win.

"Ha ha. You must also realize that Kuro has not been serious against you, right? Yes it's natural that the two of us have also never defeated Kuro even though we used full strength."

"It's so thick."

The twins look enthusiastic when talking about Kuro.

After all the two of them were Kuro's training companions, so it was only natural that they knew how strong Kuro was.

"Yes that's it. It also made me realize I was still weak and knew that there were still a lot of strong people out there. One thing I want to know is, what do you two think of Kuro?"

"uh?"

Laila was a little surprised when Jinn asked that to Alva and Alvi.

And it seemed that the two of them were aware of the intent of Jinn's question because the three of them were people who knew Kuro's strength.

"To be honest we don't know how to say it, we know Kuro is strong, but somehow we sometimes feel something sad when we see Kuro fighting. Yep. Kuro is strong, but at the same time he is also so pitiful. I guess that's our opinion, isn't it Alva?"

Alva nodded, meanwhile Jinn smiled faintly as she had the same opinion as the two of them.

After that, Laila's group continued their run and left Jinn, Ishi and Seta.

"..........."

While running, somehow Laila looked gloomy since parting ways with Jinn's group.

He was still thinking about Alvi's words.

Kuro is so strong, but at the same time so pitiful.

Whatdoes thatmean?

"Hey.what are you thinking?"

Serriv tried to talk to Laila who looked glum. Serriv nudged Laila on the shoulder, but Laila did not care much about Serriv.

"....It's not what.."

Laila's answer made Serriv sigh. He just couldn't bear it when the atmosphere around him became unpleasant.

"Hey.. Laila, isn't it time you told us about the extent of your relationship with Kuro!"

"Eh? How far? Whatchu mean?"

"Of course whether you've been kissing, dating, or doing 'it' fufu.."

Realizing the intent of Serriv's question, Laila's face flushed red.

She did kiss Kuro once, but she couldn't possibly say that in front of the 3 girls who liked Kuro.

Serriv seems to enjoy teasing Laila.

"Hey Serriv, why are you asking like that?"

"Y-yeah.why are you asking me that?"

As expected, Alva and Alvi immediately panicked. The faces of the two of them also turned red. Of course Dellia was too, but she was still silent as usual.

"Fufu. I'm just kidding, umm no, I'm just curious."

"uh?"

"Aren't you guys aware of something strange between Kuro and Laila's relationship?"

""...........?""

Alva and Alvi put on dumb faces.

"Kuro loves Laila, but we know that Kuro rarely meets Laila at school. I don't think Kuro is as easy to fall in love as you two are, in other words....."

"Kuro and Laila had met before entering Kuryuu Academy? Is that what you mean? umm hey... What do you mean easily fall in love?"

"But Serriv's words are not wrong. The Kuro we know doesn't fall in love easily. She was also not a person who fell in love with Laila just because she was a paladin princess and had a pretty face."

And they finally kissed something wrong between them.

Bizarrely. Their relationship is too strange and suspicious.

Did they actually pretend they didn't know each other?

""Ji~~""

"Hey.stop the stares of you two. Me and Kuro met for the first time at school."

"But it still feels awkward. Did you ever meet, no, I think maybe you've forgotten you met Kuro. Hmmm.. try to remember back.., you must have met him even if only once, a strange man like Kuro must be easy to remember."

"Even though you say so.. "

Serriv's right.

Kuro loves Laila, but they rarely meet.

Unlike Laila who was curious because Kuro was similar to the white-haired man in her dreams, Kuro should not be able to fall in love with Laila just because she had a pretty face.

Because Laila is strong?

That's not possible. Kuro is already strong enough, so surely that's not the reason.

Because she's the daughter of a paladin?

A normal person would be afraid and not an excuse to fall in love. Moreover, Laila's father was the strongest paladin. Men would definitely think 2000 times before trying to get close to Laila.

If they dared to be like Laila, Laila's father would not stay silent.

But Kuro is a man who is unhesitating and afraid to kiss Laila even though she is a paladin princess.

Falling in love at first sight?

This is the most absurd reason.

This reason wasn't strong enough to get close to Laila. Besides, Kuro is not a person who falls in love easily. According to Alva and Alvi

Then what's the reason?

Sometimes people say falling in love doesn't need a reason. But is that enough to fall in love?

In conclusion Kuro and Laila must have met before.

This is the only answer, but Laila doesn't remember Kuro.

Although she admits that she is no stranger to Kuro, Laila feels it is because she often dreams about the 'that' man'.

"........"

There's no other choice. Laila tried to remember if she had met Kuro before.

"........hmm?"

Laila can't remember. When trying to remember it, it was precisely the shadow of the 'it' man that appeared. Maybe it's because they're similar.

"What's wrong?"

"No. I still don't remember ever meeting Kuro."

"Hmm. weird. Then try to remember if you've ever met anyone who has any resemblance to Kuro. His voice, height, nature, the way he talks. Youunderstand?"

"Ha..."

Despite understanding Serriv's intentions, Laila only smiled wryly when she heard Serriv's orders. Although it sounds difficult, but there is no harm in trying.

After deciding to try, Laila closed her eyes to concentrate.

But he had trouble finding a person who resembled Kuro in his memory.

"Try harder. This time increase your concentration!"

"Hey..."

Although it is a selfish order, but there is no harm in trying harder.

Laila closed her eyes again while running. Although a little dangerous, but it will certainly be fine if you fall. He also believed that Serriv would help him if anything happened.

(................... uh.... him?)

After concentrating for a long time. Eventually Laila finds someone who bears a resemblance to Kuro.

But his memory is still a little fuzzy. His face the person he had met was also invisible.

But it wasn't because Laila couldn't remember, but the person she met was wearing a mask that covered part of her face.

It was Laila's encounter with a mysterious man that happened a year ago.

"Brake!"

"Laila, Watch out!!"

"uh?"

Hearing Serriv and Alvi's warning. Laila opened her eyes.

But it's too late.

Bamm!

Laila hit the stone wall until she fell. His eyes turned and blisters on some parts of the head.

"Ohhhh......"

Serriv and the other three simply fell silent as they saw Laila faint from hitting the stone wall created by Ken and Knox to trap Kuro. Finally they decided to rest until Laila regained consciousness.