Despite the middle-aged man's sudden increase in power due to the strange capsule, it seemed that he was completely powerless against the giant humanoid monster. No matter how he attacked, it had no effect and he was always on the receiving end of the attack. Even after being hit by the monster's powerful attacks repeatedly, the middle-aged man continued to stand up again and again, with the sound of intense impacts echoing around them.
Therefore, although there was a significant difference in strength between the two sides, it seemed that this battle wouldn't end so easily.
Ryuto was surprised by what he was witnessing, not because of the immense power of the giant humanoid, but...
"Hiyori, what is happening to your body?"
Ryuto looked at the scene before him, his voice trembling.
Since the moment Hiyori's body was summoned from the giant humanoid monster, it had gradually been absorbed by it, slowly merging into the monster's body. No, to be more precise, the giant humanoid monster was actively absorbing Hiyori's body.
Hiyori, however, remained unusually calm, which only heightened Ryuto's unease.
"Susano-o is a very powerful shikigami, so summoning it also requires a corresponding cost."
"Cost?"
Hiyori did not answer Ryuto's question. It seemed she had known that this would happen and simply smiled quietly at him, a facial expression Ryuto had never seen before but felt strangely familiar. Then, in an inexplicable tone, she said,
"Lord Ryuto, even though we've only known each other for less than two days, I have been very happy during this time. Happier than I have been in the past dozen years. Especially today, I have witnessed many things I have never seen before, such as that little bear whom I also carry with me."
For some reason, tears suddenly welled up in Hiyori's smiling face, rolling down her cheeks. Yet Hiyori paid them no mind and continued with that same expression, an unknown expression that made Ryuto feel extremely uneasy.
Why? Why am I feeling so uneasy?
Ryuto's inner turmoil grew restless.
As a result, Ryuto's body moved without his conscious control, rushing forward in an attempt to prevent the giant humanoid monster from absorbing Hiyori. But soon he realized it was in vain. Whether he tried to destroy the spell or pull Hiyori out, it was all futile. The force of absorption was too strong for Ryuto to resist, and destruction was out of the question. Ryuto had to face this cruel and harsh reality that, as an ordinary person, there was nothing he could do. Even his strategizing abilities that could defeat almost anyone had no effect now. Even if he was unwilling, all he could do was watch the scene unfold before his eyes.
At this moment, those words continued to resonate.
"I don't know why, but as long as I stay by Lord Ryuto's side, I am happy, and I feel an indescribable sense of security. I am grateful to have met Lord Ryuto, and if possible, I would like to stay by your side forever. Originally... we would soon have become lovers, but it seems there won't be that chance anymore..."
As she spoke, Hiyori's breathing became more rapid, her voice barely audible, yet her expression remained unchanged.
"Lord Ryuto may... not be aware, but I have always been troubled by my lack of talent... It was Lord Ryuto who affirmed my efforts and showed me what is most important. Undoubtedly, it was Lord Ryuto who changed me. When Lord Ryuto said those words, I had already found redemption. I finally understood that this might be the meaning of my existence. Even though I may not be able to complete the trial now, becoming the next head of the household has always been my goal since I was young, and I have always strived for it. I don't know why, but... it doesn't matter anymore. This is the first decision I have made for myself from beginning to end, and I have no regrets. Even if I had a chance to do it all over again, I would still make the same choice because... if Lord Ryuto were not here, I feel like I would have no courage to go on. I can't imagine what a world without Lord Ryuto would be like. I can't imagine anything at all... that's why... if it's for Lord Ryuto, I am gladly offering up my life."
At this moment, Hiyori's body had already been completely absorbed by the humanoid monster. It seemed as if it had gained ample strength, and the humanoid monster roared once again, lunging towards the middle-aged man. The middle-aged man was knocked down by the powerful force, despite sustaining heavy injuries. However, he quickly stood up, his movements mechanical. It seemed that he had lost his sense of pain due to the capsules he had taken.
Even though the battle on one side was intense, Ryuto still couldn't pay attention to it. Ryuto simply widened his eyes, standing in place without uttering a word. Or rather, he wanted to speak but couldn't. Somehow, his entire body stiffened and refused to obey his commands. No matter how hard Ryuto forced his body to move, it remained immobile.
It's happening again, just like this, I haven't been able to protect anything. Ryuto shouted in his heart. Why am I so weak? I'm not that great, and I'm not even worth you doing this for me, because... I simply don't have the value to make you do this for me.
Thinking this, a thought suddenly flashed in his mind.
Is it going to end like this? Is it going to end so easily? I haven't done anything, how can it end so quickly?
What a joke. Power, as long as I have power... I need power, the power to break free from this situation, the power to do anything, even the power that won't lose to the world.
Suddenly, a strong feeling of powerlessness overwhelmed Ryuto's body. He didn't know why, but he was not unfamiliar with this feeling. It had a special kind of familiarity, as if he had experienced it before, along with some incomprehensible images flashing through his mind.
What is this...
Before he had a chance to ponder, Ryuto lost consciousness.
