Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 705

I see. Holding back, huh? I'm flattered.

A shiver ran down my spine.

Johann had only recently started wielding tonfas to spar with me, who uses a wooden sword. This meant that even if he was serious right now, he wasn't in a state where he could fully unleash his true strength.

And yet, I was already struggling. If this wasn't his full power, then just how strong was Johann really?

Just as I tightened my grip on my wooden sword, Memory's voice echoed in my mind—"Ridd, sorry to keep you waiting"—and my shadow clone revived, standing beside me once more.

It won't go like last time.

Now the tables have turned.

As Memory and I locked eyes with Johann, he bared his white fangs in a grin.

Took too long, huh? But I'll just break it again... like this.

He leaped forward, closing the distance between us with terrifying speed.

I won't make the same mistake twice. Memory, this time we attack together.

Got it.

Johann's relentless assault forced Memory and me to coordinate our defenses. I deliberately stepped slightly forward, focusing on guarding while counterattacking his upper body, while Memory concentrated on defense and used magic to target his lower half.

Memory and I shared sight and thoughts to some extent. No matter how high Johann's physical abilities were, if we pressured both his upper and lower body simultaneously, gaps would eventually appear in his movements.

Wooden sword clashed against tonfa, magic collided with magical barriers, and explosions of sound and smoke filled the air. With Body Enhancement: Blazing Flame and Lionization active, the mana waves radiating from our movements whipped up fierce winds. The training grounds trembled under the ceaseless roar of our intense battle.

Haha, this is amazing. More—give me more! Make me go all out!

You're awfully relaxed for someone in this situation, Johann.

When I answered sarcastically, he flashed me a carefree smile.

Not relaxed. I'm overjoyed. Finally, I've met a rival who can push me to my limits—you, Ridd.

What's this, Johann? Didn't you have any friends?

Memory replied with exasperation, and Johann's face flushed red.

Sh-shut up! Of course I have friends! A hundred, at least!

Seems like the "no friends" comment hit a nerve. For a brief moment, his movements faltered.

Seizing the opening, I activated a Magical Barrier at point-blank range, blasting Johann back to create distance.

Gh—?!

He twisted midair to land gracefully, immediately settling back into his stance. Even outnumbered two-to-one, Johann's movements—enhanced by Lionization—didn't slow. If anything, he was only getting faster.

But maintaining Memory's physical form was nearing its limit.

Memory, we end this next move. You know the plan?

To keep Johann from catching on, I spoke to him mentally.

Understood. But are you sure this'll work?

Yeah. Even with his training, reacting will be tough. And your taunt made him lose a bit of composure.

Johann, standing a short distance away, puffed out his cheeks in irritation. The remark about having no friends must've struck deeper than expected.

Johann, the Beast King's son, blessed with prodigious talent. Yet, the one thing he might've lacked—friends his own age—could've been his greatest insecurity.

...That was dirty.

Johann scowled, his tone prickly as he glared at us.

What's there to be mad about? It was just a joke. Besides, if you really have a hundred friends, why let it bother you?

Memory rolled his eyes and shrugged, making Johann's ears and tail stiffen in shock.

W-well, if we're talking about that, then what about you, Ridd? Creating some pitch-black version of yourself to talk to? For someone who looks so normal, you're actually kinda gloomy, aren't you?

Me? Gloomy...?

He jabbed an accusatory finger at me. Before regaining my memories, I was fated to fall into darkness and be judged. Considering Memory's personality was shaped from my own memories, maybe my true nature was that of a sarcastic, sharp-tongued cynic.

Haha, fair point.

Rude, Ridd. I am absolutely not a 'gloomy, sarcastic cynic.'

Ah, right. Sorry, Memory.

I burst out laughing, and Memory pouted, turning his face away. Johann, watching our exchange, tilted his head in confusion.

Huh? You're not mad?

Well, everyone has a dark side. And it's true I sometimes talk to Memory.

Though "consult" would be more accurate.

O-oh. Guess you can't judge a book by its cover. But I won't dislike you for it, Ridd. After all, you're my best friend and rival now.

Johann puffed out his chest proudly. Somehow, in his mind, I'd been promoted from "friend" to "best friend." But... I didn't hate it. In fact, it made me kind of happy.

Thanks, Johann. But it's getting late. Let's finish this next move.

Haha, fair enough. But I'll be the one ending this with a win.

Memory and I took our stances. Johann smirked and did the same. Silence fell over the moonlit training grounds as a night wind kicked up dust.

Then—just as clouds obscured the moonlight—a bead of sweat trickled into Johann's eye.

...?!

Now!

I didn't miss the opening when he reflexively blinked. Combining water and fire magic, I generated a thick smokescreen and lunged forward.

A smokescreen? I'm impressed by your tricks, Ridd. But don't underestimate my nose.

Johann's nostrils twitched as he focused on a single point in the smoke.

This scent... There!

Correct.

I burst from the smokescreen, closing the distance in an instant.

Just Ridd? Planning to have Memory support from the smoke?

Wrong again.

At the last second, I veered right—revealing Memory charging from behind.

So Memory's the real threat?

Nope. Still wrong.

Johann's eyes widened as Memory smirked and darted left.

W-what...?!

The sudden split forced hesitation into Johann's movements. He froze, unsure which of us to prioritize. The smokescreen had only ever been a diversion—to hide the fact that Memory and I had lined up perfectly.

Though my wooden sword strike was blocked by Johann's tonfa, the dry clack of wood against metal echoed through the grounds.

Tch...! Nice try. Sharp, but not enough to—

Johann grinned victoriously, but I narrowed my eyes.

Wrong again. This wasn't the real move either.

What—?

Before he could react, a voice rang out—Fly.

Johann's gaze snapped downward just as Memory, palms pressed to the ground, smiled. The earth beneath Johann's feet erupted, launching him skyward on a pillar of earth.

Normally, Johann could've dodged. But caught off-balance from blocking my strike, his focus on Memory slipped just enough—leaving him wide open.

D-damn it...?!

The next instant, the earthen spike launched him high into the air. He'd likely put up a barrier, but while that could mitigate damage, it wouldn't nullify the impact.