Taniizumi and the others have been keeping the forest’s exit a secret. If I think about it, a lot of parts come together. They monitored the base group more than necessary and made sure that we couldn’t raise our Lvs. In other words, Tanizumi was afraid. The existence of an exit means the collapse of his kingdom after all.

“What awful people!”
“So you’re saying you kept it secret!”
“Do you understand what it’s like for all of us to endure this sort of environment while serving you people of the battle group?!”

Those of the base group each vent their frustrations at Taniizumi and the others. This reaction is natural. Still… something’s bothering me.

Taniizumi: “Shut up! Don’t oppose me! So, what if I can leave the forest!?”

In this situation where Taniizumi and the others are being pressured… I thought they would use their abilities to silence everyone. Instead, their gazes all gather and begin to wander in discomfort. Like I thought, something’s up.

“Shit! Why did my ability disappear!?”
“Can’t we shut them up? Shit!”
“What’s going on!?”

Taniizumi and the others are in complete disarray. It’s not hard to imagine what’s going on, but we’re not really in a position to say anything.

Ono: “For maintaining a fun, fun, adventure and maintaining an environment of esteem for themselves, what these guys did is nothing short of unforgivable barbarism. It was nothing more than oppression by force.”

Barrier Student: “Yeah, yeah! What bastards!”

The student with the barrier ability piggybacks onto Ono’s words and denounces Taniizumi. Are you part of the Ono faction too?

Taniizumi: “Why can’t I use my ability?”

As if making light of him, Ono provocatively draws his face closer to Taniizumi and the others while replying.

Ono: “That’s my expansion ability. It has evolved into deprivation.”
Taniizumi: “Wh-what!?”

Stealing… abilities? It must have been an ability he gained after reaching a certain level. Ono’s ability was copying, becoming able to steal abilities too isn’t that strange. That he got such an ability is no surprise either. So, this is why Taniizumi and the others can’t use their abilities?

But… isn’t this situation dangerous? In a different way from me being able to return to Japan, Ono has put himself in a position to be criticized by others. After all, there’s no knowing when an ability might get stolen by him. No one will be able to stay calm near him. If I were Ono, I’d be worrying about whether or not I should reveal it.

Ono: “Taniizumi, and the rest of you as well, you have committed unforgivable crimes. Now having had your abilities taken away by me, the value for your existences is none.”

…? Value for their existences? What’s Ono trying to say?

“Ah!? Don’t look down on me! Quit getting carried away!”
“That’s right! Don’t get carried away just because you won a one-on-one!”

Those of the Taniizumi faction take out their weapons and head towards Ono.

Ono: “Therefore, none of you are qualified to live!”

Ono stabs Taniizumi in the chest.

Taniizumi: “GAHA-!?”

Ono: “Disappear from this world!”

At the same time, a flame flows along Ono’s sword and Taniizumi bursts in a grand flash of light.

“…Ahhhhh…”

At Taniizumi exploding, his followers collapse. That’s to be expected. Someone they knew was just made to explode right before their eyes.

Shigenobu: “…Eh?”

From beside me I hear Shigenobu’s stunned voice. I can only watch this unbelievable scene with a stunned expression.

That guy… what did he just do? The calm part of me is telling me he’s dangerous. This is a warning. Terrible things will continue to happen. We need to leave immediately.

Ono: “You’re all guilty too! Since your abilities have already been taken… you have no value in existing! Die!”

Ono holds out his hand and sends blades of wind and water slicing through Taniizumi’s companions.

“GYAAAA-”

Without time to even raise a scream, they’re torn to pieces and scorched into ash. I’m not sure if even Minori-san’s base recovery would have any effect on that. Everyone there swallows. 

Ono: “That’s why! With this, we’ve killed off all the scum! What do you think, everyone, of my service?”
“Kyaa-! So cool-!”
“Taniizumi and his friends are dead!”
“With this, everyone will be falling for Keisuke-sama!”

Ono’s followers shower him in praise, but no one else is clapping. It’s natural. Rather, are Otsuka and the others complimenting him sane? Do those guys really understand what’s going on right now? 

Ono: “Ah? What’s with you all? I just erased the evil ones controlling you. Isn’t this a time to be happy?”

…He’s being serious. Ono truly believes it from the bottom of his heart. Then, Shigenobu and Meguru-san take a step forward and speak.

Shigenobu: “Certainly, Taniizumi and the others were excessively cruel.”’

Keeping everyone lock up and concealing the existence of the exit is an unforgivable oppression. Everyone here can agree on that. However, that’s not where the problem lies. 

Shigenobu: “But they didn’t go so far as to commit murder!”
Meguru: “You’re saying the violence of Taniizumi-kun and the others can’t be forgiven, but want us to accept you who killed people right in front of us?”

Both the battle group and base group are wary towards Ono. This isn’t a place where the head changed… flat out murder… a public execution was carried out right before our eyes. Even if social norms have collapsed… no, that’s probably why everyone can’t adapt to this situation.

What in the world was Ono thinking, slaughtering Taniizumi and the others in front of us? Did he think that killing Taniizumi, who was controlling everyone, would make him a hero? Everyone only feels fear towards you for being a murderer! So, I point at Ono and speak.

Yukinari: “Ono, although you might act like some sort of hero who saved us all from some great evil, everyone just thinks you’re a dangerous murdering monster even more dangerous than Taniizumi!”
Ono: “Haa? What are you saying? I’m a murdering monster?”

Ono replies in a tone suggesting that he couldn’t believe me from the bottom of his heart. That reaction gives me chills. This feeling… I remember it. During summer vacation last year, it’s the same horror I felt watching Ono pluck the wings from a cicada. No, this is worse.

Otsuka and the others, who adore Ono, glare at me due to not being able to understand the feelings of everyone else in the class. Somehow, those guys seem to think Ono did the right thing. 

Ono: “Aren’t I everyone’s savior? I just got my hands dirty for your sakes.”

As if offended, he says that while spreading open his arms. However, everyone keeps their distance, either to run away or to attack. Rather, what are you selfishly saying about getting your hands dirty? Who asked for this? That’s a line that would only work if Taniizumi had truly stepped foot into a hopeless area. Not to mention, there’s no meaning in saying it yourself.

Barrier Student: “That’s right. That Taniizumi, didn’t he go and hide such a thing? He was a terrible fiend after all.”

Then, the student with the barrier ability steps forward to protect Ono.

Ono?: “You…”

Barrier Student: “Ono, I respect you. Killing Taniizumi was right. With this, everyone’s daily life will improve.”

He then starts ogling at Minori-san. Until now, this guy…

Barrier Student: “Taniizumi, that bastard. He monopolized Minori-san, making her serve him. I’ve hated it for a long time. Minori-san is my- !?”

Ono runs him through the stomach using his sword with all his might.

…what just happened? Taniizumi… well, from Ono’s point of view, I can somewhat get it. Not that I want to though. But isn’t that your companion there? 

Ono: “I forgot to say it, but aren’t you guilty of the same? You had dirty thoughts in wanting to monopolize Minori for yourself.”
Barrier Student: “No, tha-”
Ono: “Ah, your ability is pretty useful. Since it’s everyone’s lifeline, I’ll receive it. You’ve got my gratitude.”
Barrier Student: “Sto-”

The moment everyone, me included, tries to interfere, we crash into a mysterious barrier that appears on all four sides.

Barrier Student: “Ie!?”
Ono: “Minori is already mine… don’t touch my woman. Go to hell!”

Ono pulls his sword free, causing blood to spill out of his victim. Then, as the Barrier Student collapses, he plunges it into his head.

Gusha, the unpleasant sound echoes.

Ono: “Wow…huh. Lv 1’s are this weak?”
“KYAAAAAAAAAAA!?”

Screams ring out. A murder using abilities is nothing compared to the vivid murder that occurred right before our eyes. In a situation like this, anyone would scream.

******

Cheat sheet

Yukinari Hanebashi:
1) Teleport objects /Self to Earth
2) Point/yen conversion. (Tells others it’s a shopping catalogue)
3) Remote viewing
4) Bestowal transfer
boxing gloves, strawberry wallaby medal, kangaroo knight medal, kitchen knife
Kangaroo Punching Glove +10 | Effect : Dynamic Vision Up | Wind Punch | Wild Sense
Instant Expansion Ability : Kangaroo Step | Boxer

Meguru Hiyama:
1) Teleportation
2) Clairvoyance
3) Material transfer (uses pillars of light)
4) Transfer to the other world
Metal turtle sword

Minori Himeno: Has a polite/formal way of speaking
1) Healing/recover mana
2) Charge with mana
3) Repair (doesn’t fix missing pieces/chips)
4) Item box
Crowbar??

Shigenobu Sakaede
1) Black Smith
2) Mining Correction
3) Equipment Strengthening
4) Grant Effects
Hammer??

Dai Hagisawa
1) Craft things
2) Identify
3) Trade
4) Collection Improvement
Hammer??

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Chapter 45>