An ordinary profession creates the world's strongest

Although Guanghui and the others immediately dodged to the side, the shockwave from Behemoth's landing still hit them head-on and swept them away. After rolling several times on the ground, they finally came to a stop, but by then they were already covered in wounds.

Captain Meld, barely able to move, ran over. The other Knights were still receiving treatment from Kaori. Behemoth was struggling to free its head from the ground.

"Can you guys still move!?"

Captain Meld roared his question, but only groans answered him. Like Captain Meld and the others just now, Kouki and the others had likely been paralyzed by the shockwave. Their internal organs seemed to have suffered significant damage as well.

When Captain Meld turned around to call Kaori, his eyes caught sight of Hajime rushing towards him.

"Kid! You and Kaori help Kouki back off!"

Captain Meld gave this order to Hajime.

Escape with only Guanghui means only one more person can escape. Captain Meld bit his lip, raising his shield until it practically broke. He considered this place his own burial place, prepared to risk his life to stop the enemy.

With a serious expression, Hajime made a proposal to Captain Meld. It was the only way to save everyone present. However, it was a foolish method, with an extremely low probability of success, and Hajime would be taking the greatest risk.

Captain Meld hesitated, but Behemoth had already prepared for battle again, its head armor blazing once more. They were running out of time.

“…Can you do this?”

"I'll do my best."

Seeing Hajime's resolute gaze, Captain Meld smiled.

"I never thought I'd have to trust you with my life... I'll definitely save you. So... I'm counting on you!"

"yes!"

Captain Meld said this, then leaped in front of Behemoth and cast a simple spell to provoke his opponent. Just like when it had targeted the Radiance, Behemoth was accustomed to targeting those who resisted it. It stared intently at Captain Meld.

Then, raising his blazing helmet, he charged forward, leaping high into the air. Perhaps attempting to distract Behemoth as much as possible, Captain Meld widened his eyes, struck a pose, and chanted briefly.

"Blow it away, Wind Wall."

Amid the chanting, Captain Meld stepped back.

Immediately afterwards, Behemoth's head struck the spot where Captain Meld had been moments before. The "Wind Wall" barely deflected the resulting shockwave and debris. Since Behemoth's attack was rather sloppy, simply dodging was manageable. However, if he had distracted himself with Kouki and the others lying on the ground, they would have been completely destroyed by now.

As Behemoth's head sank into the ground again, Hajime leaped forward. The lingering effects of the incandescence burned Hajime's skin. But Hajime ignored the pain, letting azure magic flow out as he chanted. It was a chant with only a name. Not only was it the easiest, it was also the only magic Hajime knew.

“‘Refine’!”

Behemoth had been trying to pull its head free from the rubble, but now it stopped. Even if it tried to break the surrounding bricks to free its head, Hajime would still be able to repair it through refining.

Behemoth struggled to steady its legs and pulled its head free, but this time, Hajime used his power to transform the ground beneath Behemoth, causing it to sink over a meter. As a precaution, Hajime used his power to stabilize the pile of rocks that buried Behemoth's legs.

Behemoth's strength was incredible, and the slightest misstep would instantly crack the surrounding bricks. However, Hajime would always regenerate it, preventing it from escaping. Behemoth struggled with its head buried in the ground, looking quite ridiculous.

During this time, Captain Meld gathered the recovered Knights and Kaori, preparing to help Kouki and the others escape the scene. A few students on the Nightmare Warrior side seemed to have regained their composure, calling on their companions to join forces against the enemy. Their resilience was due to the female student Hajime had saved. Hajime quietly contributed.

"Please wait a moment! Nagumo-san is still there."

Kaori strongly protested against Captain Meld who was urging everyone to retreat.

"This is the battle plan I proposed! First, we'll break through the Nightmare Warriors to secure a safe zone, then we'll simultaneously attack with magic! Of course, that's only after I've retreated enough! Once I return while Behemoth is being held back by magic, we'll retreat upstairs!"

"Then I'm going to stay too!"

"No! Kaori needs to retreat while healing Kouki!"

"But!"

Kaori became more and more excited as she spoke, but Captain Meld angrily scolded her.

"Do you want to waste my efforts?!"

"Ugh——"

Among the members, including Captain Meld, Glory undoubtedly possesses the strongest attack power. If healing magic isn't cast quickly, there might not be enough firepower to stop Behemoth. To prevent this, Kaori must heal Glory while on the move. Behemoth will resume its action when its primordial magic power is depleted and unable to be transformed.

"The breath of heaven overflows, bringing holiness and healing, 'Heaven's Grace'."

Despite a tearful expression, Kaori continued to chant accurately. A faint glow enveloped the radiance, echoing from the long, white staff, the sacred artifact she held. This healing magic not only healed physical injuries but also restored magical power.

Captain Meld firmly grasped Kaori's shoulders and nodded. Kaori nodded in response, then turned back to look at Hajime, who was still training desperately, and retreated with Captain Meld, who was supporting Kouki, and the other Knights supporting Shizuku and Ryuutarou.

The number of Nightmare Warriors continued to increase, and there were probably already two hundred of them. The bridge leading to the stairs was swarming with Nightmare Warriors.

But in some ways, this might actually be a good thing. If the enemy were more sparse, the students who rushed into the enemy camp would probably be surrounded and slaughtered. In fact, when there were only about a hundred of them, many students were in trouble because of this.

Even so, no casualties have been reported so far. This is entirely due to the Knights' members. It's no exaggeration to say that the students were saved because of their desperate protection. However, the price they paid was a body covered in wounds.

Without the support of the Knights, most of the students panicked at the increasing number of monsters, wielding their swords, spears, and other weapons recklessly, forgetting to use magic. At this rate, it looked like they would be completely destroyed in a few minutes.

Perhaps they vaguely understood this, but a lingering despair hung over the students' faces. After the female student Hajime had saved them, a small number of students joined forces to fight, but they seemed to have reached their limit, their faces all mournful.

Just when everyone thought there was no hope...

"[Sky Flash]!"

A pure white slash split through the center of the Nightmare Warriors, blowing them away before finally exploding.

The Nightmare Warriors on either side of the bridge were also pushed out and fell into the abyss. Although the Nightmare Warriors immediately rushed up like an avalanche to fill the gap after the slash, the students did catch a glimpse of the stairs leading to the upper level in the momentary gap. The hope that had been so desperately sought and invisible before, now finally came into view.

"Everyone, don't give up! I'll clear the way!"

As the words were spoken, [Tenso Flash] slashed the enemy once again. The charisma of the leader radiating from Kouki excited the students.

"What have you been doing?! Think about your training! Team up and take down the enemy! You idiots!"

Captain Meld, trusted by everyone, unleashed a blow comparable to "Ten-Shou Flash," defeating enemies one after another. His usual reliable voice lifted the dejected spirits. The students' limbs surged with strength, their minds becoming increasingly clear. Kaori's magic was also working. While this soothing magic only provided relaxation, when combined with the energetic performance of Kouki and the others, it had a remarkable effect.

Those with healing magic aptitude all devoted themselves to treating the wounded, while those with high magical aptitude returned to the rear and began to chant powerful spells. The vanguard formed a tight formation and moved cautiously, prioritizing the defense of the rear over defeating the enemy.

The Knights, having finished their treatment, joined in, lighting the signal for a counterattack. Waves of powerful magic and martial arts, activated through cheats, descended upon the enemy like a raging tide, annihilating them with astonishing speed, ultimately surpassing the speed of the magic circle's summoned monsters.

Then the way to the stairs opened.

"Everyone, keep moving! Make sure the staircase is clear!"

Guanghui shouted loudly and broke into a run.

Ryuutarou and Shizuku, who had recovered to some extent, followed closely behind, killing the Nightmare Warriors as neatly as if they were slicing butter.

Just like that, everyone finally broke through the encirclement. Although the bone wall behind them once again blocked the passage on the bridge, Guanghui cast magic to dispel it, never letting the enemy have their way.

The classmates looked skeptical. That was understandable. After all, there were stairs right before their eyes. It was only natural to want to reach safety as quickly as possible.

"Everyone, wait a moment! We need to go help Nagumo-san! Nagumo-san is suppressing that monster all by himself!"

After hearing what Kaori said, the classmates looked confused. It was no wonder they thought so. After all, Hajime had always been "incompetent".

However, when the confused students looked towards the bridge through the dwindling number of Nightmare Warriors, they could indeed see Hajime's figure there.

"What's that, what is he doing?"

"The upper body of that monster is buried?"

Facing the students' continued expressions of doubt, Captain Meld issued an order.

"That's right! It's because of that kid who single-handedly suppressed that monster that we were able to retreat here! Vanguard! Keep the Nightmare Warriors away! Rearguard, prepare long-range magic! The kid's magic power is almost exhausted. Once that kid retreats, everyone attack simultaneously to stop the monster!"

Hearing the powerful voice that seemed to echo from deep within their hearts, the students perked up. Some of them looked towards the stairs with a reluctant expression. It was understandable, having just nearly died, it was natural to want to be safe as soon as possible, even if it meant just a second. However, Captain Meld's furious roar of "Hurry!" caused them to sever their attachments and return to the battlefield.

Among them was Daisuke Hiyama. Although he had caused the trouble himself, Hiyama was truly frightened and wanted to flee the scene immediately.

However, the scene of that day suddenly emerged in his mind.

That happened the day before entering the labyrinth, when he was spending the night in the town of Holyard. Perhaps because of nervousness, Hiyama couldn't fall asleep, so he went outside to get some fresh air while using the restroom. Feeling the cool breeze soothe his mood, he prepared to return to his room, but on the way he saw Kaori in her pajamas. Since it was the first time he saw Kaori dressed like this, Hiyama couldn't help but hold his breath and hide in the dark. However, Kaori didn't notice Hiyama and walked over. Hiyama followed her curiously all the way, and finally saw Kaori stop in front of a room and knock on the door. The person who came out from behind the door was... Hajime.

Hiyama's mind went blank. He had feelings for Kaori, but he felt he wasn't good enough for her. And opponents like Kouki weren't from the same world as him, so he had given up long ago.

But Hajime was different. It was strange that someone who couldn't compare to him (or so Hiyama thought) would stay with Kaori. If that was the case, then he should be able to do the same, right? While others might question Hiyama's madness, he truly held that thought.

Hiyama already harbored deep resentment, and now his dissatisfaction had escalated to a level of hatred. His desire to obtain the Granz Ore, which Kaori had been fascinated by, was probably due to this anxiety manifesting itself.

Kaori saw Hajime suppress Behemoth alone, and now she still thinks of Hajime as if praying. Hiyama, recalling that time, saw Kaori like this... and a dark smile suddenly appeared on his face.

At this moment, Hajime felt his magic power running out. His recovery potion was also gone. He quickly glanced behind him and saw that everyone seemed to have successfully retreated. They were forming up and preparing to chant.

Seamus continued to struggle, but given the situation, even stopping the infusion would probably buy him a few seconds. Hajime had to create as much distance as possible during this period. Sweat streamed from his forehead into his eyes. His heart, pounding with extreme tension, was pounding like never before.

He calculated the timing perfectly, and when the stone bricks cracked for the dozens of times, he trapped Behemoth with his final refinement and rushed out in one breath.

Five seconds after Hajime's sudden escape, the ground cracked and shattered, and Behemoth rose to its feet, roaring. There seemed to be a glint of rage in its eyes; it was probably no illusion. Its sharp gaze sought the enemy who had made it such a fool of itself... and finally locked onto Hajime. Behemoth roared again, gathering strength in its limbs to pursue Hajime.

However, in the next moment, attack magic of various attributes swarmed in.

Like a meteor streaking across the night sky, all manner of magic assaulted Behemoth. While it seemed unable to inflict any damage, it certainly managed to contain it.

"It works!" Hajime confidently lowered his head and sprinted at full speed, careful not to fall. Deadly spells shot through his head one after another, frankly scaring him to death, but trusting the hacking group wouldn't make a mistake, he continued running. The distance between him and Behemoth had already widened to thirty meters.

I couldn't help but smile.

But then his face froze.

Among the numerous magic spells flying across the sky, a fireball slightly deviated from its trajectory... The fireball was directed in Hajime's direction, clearly heading towards him.

(Why!?)

Questions, confusion, and astonishment raced through his head in an instant, and Hajime couldn't help but feel stunned.

He immediately steadied himself, skidding to the ground to brake, but the fireball still hurtled toward him. The shockwave from the bullet struck him head-on, sweeping him back down the path. While he'd escaped direct impact and his internal organs hadn't been damaged, his semicircular canals had been damaged, throwing off his balance.

Even though his body was staggering, Hajime still stood up and pushed forward...

But Behemoth wouldn't remain unilaterally suppressed forever. Hajime had barely stood up when a roar echoed from behind him. He instinctively turned around to see Behemoth emitting red and black magic power, completing its third incandescence, its eyes fixed on him.

Then Behemoth raised its fiery head as a shield and charged towards Hajime!

My head was shaking, my vision was blurry, Behemoth was approaching, and my classmates were screaming and shouting anxiously in the distance.

Hajime used his remaining strength to desperately flee. The next moment, a powerful impact, like concentrated rage, struck the bridge. Under Behemoth's attack, the entire bridge shook, and cracks rapidly formed around the point where Behemoth had landed, emitting a mournful creaking sound.

Finally... the bridge finally began to collapse.

After suffering repeated powerful attacks, Shiqiao finally broke through the limit of his endurance.

“Guaaaaaaaa!?”

Behemoth desperately clawed at the bricks that crumbled and collapsed with a loud noise, but even the places where the melon seeds had hooked were completely broken. Finally, Behemoth vanished into the abyss in vain, leaving only the last wailing sound before death.

Hajime struggled to climb, trying every way he could to escape, but the places he grabbed onto kept collapsing.

(Ahh, no more…)

Hajime naturally murmured the words of resignation in his heart, and casually glanced across at his classmates. Shizuku and Kouki had held Kaori back as she attempted to run towards him. The other classmates either had sullen faces or were covering their eyes or mouths with their hands. Captain Meld and the other Knights also looked at Hajime with regretful expressions.

Then the floor beneath Hajime completely collapsed, and he fell headfirst into the abyss, reaching out towards the dwindling light source...

Behemoth's dying wail echoed all around before slowly fading. The stone bridge collapsed with a resounding roar. And then... Hajime disappeared amidst the rubble, as if sucked into an abyss.

As time slowed down as if in slow motion, Kaori could only watch the scene and feel despair for herself.

Kaori's mind replayed the scene of last night.

In the moonlit room, Hajime brewed a black tea substitute that wasn't particularly delicious, and the two of them chatted over the tea. It was the first time they had sat down and had a proper conversation like that.

Driven by anxiety from a nightmare, Kaori suddenly visits, startling Hajime. Even so, he listens intently. When he regains consciousness, his anxiety has completely dissipated, and the two of them discuss their past passionately.

After returning to her room, beaming with joy, Kaori realized her bold outfit and leaped with shame. She also wondered if she hadn't gotten any noticeable reaction at first, and wondered if she was completely unattractive. Shizuku, her roommate, was stunned by Kaori's ever-changing expressions, wondering if this was just another dark chapter in her past.

The most important thing that night was the promise Kaori made.

The content of the agreement was to "protect Hajime." Hajime offered this thoughtful suggestion to soothe Kaori's anxiety. Watching Hajime disappear into the abyss, the memory of that time swirled in his mind again and again.

When Kaori realized that the screams coming from afar actually came from herself, her brows suddenly furrowed as she quickly returned to normal.

"Let me go! I have to get to Nagumo-kun! We made a promise! I, I have to protect him! Let me go!"

Shizuku and Kouki desperately held onto Kaori, who was about to burst free. Kaori struggled with incredible strength, making one wonder where the strength came from within her slender frame.

If this continued, Kaori might get hurt. But even so, they couldn't let go. If they let go of Kaori now, she might just jump off the cliff. Kaori's expression was one of desperation, her usual composure gone. No, perhaps it was more like grief.

"Kaori, no! Kaori!"

Because she understood Kaori's feelings, Shizuku didn't know how to put it into words and could only shout her name with all her might.

"Kaori! Do you want to die too? Nagumo is beyond saving! Calm down! You'll get hurt if you keep going like this!"

Guanghui tried his best to express his concern for Kaori in his own way. However, for Kaori who was already confused at the moment, those were words that should not be said.

"What do you mean 'no hope'? Nagumo-kun isn't dead yet! I have to get to him, he definitely needs help!"

No matter how Hajime thought about it, there was no hope. After all, he had fallen into a precipice that looked like the eighteenth level of hell.

But Kaori didn't have the energy to accept this fact right now. Saying it out loud would only trigger a backlash, making her even more unreasonable. Ryutaro and the students around him were at a loss, unsure what to do.