NOVEL NEXT Chapter 49
Chapter 49. Abel Leon
A red-haired man suddenly appears amidst the battle with the monster.
He scans the battlefield with a natural ease, devoid of tension.
(No way… A new player shows up at this timing?)
Considering he managed to bypass my detection and arrive here, it’s clear the red-haired man is a force to be reckoned with.
If there’s one saving grace, it’s that he doesn’t seem to be aligned with the monsters. The Oni has been on high alert and hasn’t moved an inch.
“Two S-classes and some other unpleasant stares. What, are you being targeted?”
The man says, descending from the soundproof barrier and landing silently.
“Let me ask again—do you need my help, kid?”
“If you’d lend us your strength, I’d be grateful, but…”
Can I rely on someone whose allegiance is unclear?
The others’ reactions bother me too.
Not just the escorts—even Igai-san is wide-eyed, staring at the red-haired man as if seeing the impossible.
Could he be someone famous?
◇
“Hah… Hahaha! This is the best! I’ve always wanted to face you! The Absolute One, Abel Leon!”
The Oni’s shout is met with a slight smirk from Leon, the red-haired man.
“Know your place, you fool. You’re out of your league.”
Leon takes a single step forward—
Passing by the Oni’s side.
“?!”
The Oni had been cautious.
He never once took his eyes off Leon, predicting his every move and preparing accordingly.
And yet, Leon shattered every expectation, standing beside him.
The Oni trembled, momentarily failing to react.
“Let’s start with a little test.”
Leon’s left hand vanished.
What followed was a devastatingly powerful blow, far from a mere “test,” aimed at the Oni.
The Oni, though briefly caught off guard, defended with astonishing reflexes.
Still, he couldn’t fully absorb the impact, and the shockwave hit him hard.
“Damn it, don’t underestimate me!”
The scenery blew away as the Oni was flung far off.
Mid-air, he twisted his body and landed, gathering energy in his legs before releasing it explosively.
With a burst of speed, he closed the gap with Leon and grabbed his detestable head with his left hand.
He slammed Leon’s head into the barrier and ran alongside it.
Sparks flew with screeching metal as an irritated voice rang out.
“Don’t touch me so casually.”
In the next moment, Leon’s fist swung upward, striking the Oni.
The punch sent shockwaves through the surroundings, shattering windows and raining glass onto the town below.
Thankfully, the battle’s noise had already cleared the area, leaving no casualties.
“Gah?!”
The Oni, taking Leon’s blow head-on, was launched into the sky, far beyond visible range.
Free from his grasp, Leon spun in mid-air, gracefully killing his momentum before landing lightly on the ground.
“Man, this was brand-new, and now it’s in tatters.”
He grumbled with an annoyed pout.
Indeed, Leon’s clothes were in shreds, but his body bore no wounds, proving the Oni’s attacks had no effect.
The Absolute One—a being beyond human comprehension.
It is said they can single-handedly defeat multiple S-rank monsters.
It is said they shatter even concepts themselves.
It is said their power rivals the gods.
Their overwhelming might has made governments abandon control over them.
The Absolute Ones are beyond human laws, impossible to restrain by mortal hands.
Only another Absolute One can judge them.
For the rest, the sole option is to avoid angering them.
There are currently eight such beings in existence.
And now, one of them—Abel Leon—is here.
The conclusion is inevitable.
The monsters will lose.
◇
“…So strong.”
No, seriously, is that guy even human?
He’s overwhelming the Oni.
Although, credit to the Oni for even putting up a fight—albeit with a massive handicap.
Leon-san? That guy hasn’t even shown his full strength because he’s paying attention to us.
Otherwise, the battle would’ve been over already.
We should leave this to him and move to our destination quickly.
I swiftly head toward Igai-san, who’s captivated by the battle.
“Igai-san, let’s leave this to him and move out. It seems he’s holding back because of our presence.”
“You’re right. I can’t believe an Absolute One is helping us.”
Still in disbelief, Igai-san lightly pinches her cheek.
Is he really that amazing? I’m starting to get curious.
“Everyone! Let’s move to our destination! Get on my sand!”
At Igai-san’s command, the escorts snap back to reality and begin boarding the sand platform.
Meanwhile, I head toward the Takamiya sisters, still inside the car.
Opening the door and peeking in, I see the two clinging to each other, tears in their eyes.
…Yeah, that’s understandable. The battle outside sounds like the end of the world.
“Ladies, it’s all right now. A ridiculously strong hero has come to save us. There’s no more danger.”
I try to smile as gently as possible to reassure them.
Though still trembling, the sisters glance at me, slightly lowering their shoulders in relief.
“Pardon me for this. We need to hurry.”
“Eek!”
Confirming they’ve calmed down a bit, I carefully lift them out of the car.
I carry them to Igai-san’s sand, completing our preparations.
“Let’s go!”
With that, Igai-san manipulates the sand, and we begin moving.
I glance back at Leon.
He looks at me too, and our eyes meet.
Let’s have a proper fight next time.
That’s the bothersome message I read in his gaze.
Spare me, please.