Chap. 12 - Merger [4]

[Our Protagonist's State]

"Excuse me... isn't there something we want to talk about?" I asked in a curious tone.

However, it seems our stomachs have other plans. In front of us, the table was full of delicious food that we had ordered. Without hesitation, we started devouring everything with gusto.

"Wait, let us finish this food first," I said while trying to speak with my mouth full. "Trouble can wait, but not food!"

And so, our important conversation was delayed by the deliciousness on the plate.

The food here is completely different from the canteen. It felt so amazing, it's hard to express in just words. Every bite was a taste adventure that made us even more hungry.

In the midst of this enjoyment, suddenly there was a commotion coming from the cashier's desk. "P-please, don't take our money!" someone shouted in a panicked tone.

"Hand over everything or will I kill you?" a man's firm voice broke the silence.

He stands in front of the cashier, showing a frightening logo on his shirt that depicts his identity as a gangster.

The cashier looked scared, and the others felt scared themselves seeing his situation. No one dared to move or provide help. In these Dark Ages, caring feels like something far from words. An unexpected silence filled the restaurant that was previously bustling with deliciousness and lively conversation.

"I once read," I said in a deep voice, "when ignorance covers our hearts with cold, evil thrives in the darkness. Our world, like a candle that has run out of light, groans in silence, wishing that a loving hand would come to light it." hope returns."

"I don't care about things like that," I said, "Anyone, please." The cashier begged for help.

The man in front of me looked like he wanted to help, but didn't seem able to.

"Don't mind, Mamoru," said one of his friends, "our opponents are gangsters, that's beyond our limits."

So the man named Mamoru said it was bright at that time. We continue to eat food without caring about it.

"I beg anyone who can help me. I'll give you free food," insisted the cashier, strangled by the  gangster.

Hearing that, Hayden and I immediately acted, standing next to the gangster. With agility, we hit the gangster from the opposite direction, knocking him out straight away.

Everyone was shocked, including Mamoru and his friends. They couldn't believe our speed. In Mamoru's mind, 'A few seconds ago, he was in front of me.'

"T-thank you for helping me,"

"Of course, but you didn't forget your promise, right?" I said while smiling with Hayden.

"Y-yes, of course I remember," said the cashier with a tense face.

We sat back down at the table and decided to continue eating.

Mamoru suddenly patted the table, "You guys are very strong!" His eyes shone brightly.

Paying it no mind, we continued with our meal.

A few moments later,

Me, Hayden, and Miyu were full after eating the food we ordered plus the free food.

"Ahem... Can I talk yet?"

"Of course, why not earlier?" Hayden replied.

Suddenly the atmosphere became serious, and an aura of calm was felt all around.

"We want to form an alliance with you. Before that, let me introduce you to Mamoru, the leader of Henka High School. The one who looks lazy is Kohaku, the leader of Usagi High School," said Mamoru while pointing at Kohaku. "And another one who looks like a psychopath is Kazuki from Akaari High School. "Hello, if you need help in battle, I'm ready to help you."

"Wait, what is this alliance for?" Hayden asked.

"To defeat the Six Demon Kings."

"To defeat the Six Demon Kings," Mamoru answered firmly.

"Aren't three thousand schools unable to beat them? Why are you only three schools?"

"We have also contacted other schools, but the result is that none of them dared," added Kohaku. "We know it's too reckless against just three of them, but we had to because they've crossed the line. After all, this isn't just a fight for our own school."

Mamoru lowered his head.

"You are our last hope, I beg you to help us,"

"Since you have invited me to eat, I will help you," I answered while accepting their invitation. Initially, I wanted to face it myself, but they already treated me to a meal.

The light in Mamoru's eyes grew brighter. "I thank you for helping us," he said, holding my hand.

"Stop that, Mamoru. We're only recruiting them, not winning against the strongest schools. Doesn't that sound ridiculous," interrupted Kohaku.

"I think you're right," Mamoru's spirits dropped. "One of them is equivalent to a thousand schools, and there are only four of us. How to beat him?" Mamoru looked confused.

"What's so hard about it?" Hayden smiled. "Tomoe once beat one of them."

This statement shocked everyone, their eyes widened as if they couldn't believe Hayden's words.

"You... aren't kidding, are you?" Kohaku asked.

"If you don't believe it, try looking at the CCTV near the front alley."

"Front alley? Isn't that the scene of the fight that went viral a few weeks ago?" Mamoru asked.

After that, Mamoru stood up and ran outside. Two hours later, he returned looking tired while holding a card in his hand.

Then he held up the card, "He really beat him," Mamoru said.

They were even more shocked, as if they still couldn't believe it. Mamoru approached them carefully, trying to explain calmly, "Tomoe actually defeated him. One of the Six Demon Kings, and she is Emi Sato, the number 3 strongest known as 'Claw Station'."

The atmosphere became increasingly tense and shocked them. Not only the alliance members, but also all the visitors who heard that were stunned, "W-what..."

[TO BE CONTINUED]