Unfortunately, that strategy won’t

Unfortunately, that strategy won’t work against me” (Hiiro)

Although Hiiro muttered so, Crouch did not react. However, Hiiro had not said that while anticipating any reaction. He honestly was just saying that it wouldn’t work because it really wouldn’t work. The reason being that………..

[Find Enemy] / 『索敵』

Instantly, the written word activated. As it did so, the location of Hiiro’s enemy directly entered into his head. He then quickly wrote the word [Extend] / 『伸』onto his sword’s blade, and directed the blade towards his opponent as it extended.

“Nya!?” (Crouch)

As it pierced through the building, the blade attacked Crouch, who had been hiding behind it. Crouch barely dodged it, but even so, his face was warped in surprise.

Hiiro wrote the word [Origin] / 『元』on the sword’s blade, and smirked as it returned to normal.

“Like I said, right? Your stealth abilities won’t work against me” (Hiiro)
“Uu~ nya~” (Crouch)

Crouch gritted his teeth as though mortified, and stomped his feet against the ground numerous times.

“How did you know-nya?” (Crouch)
“Did you think I’d answer that?” (Hiiro)
“……nyen, this time I’ll be serious-nya” (Crouch)
“Hurry up and come at me seriously, Nyanko-guy” (Hiiro)

Crouch placed both hands on the ground. A black shadow which then appeared there sped towards Hiiro. Hiiro reflexively flew in order to avoid it, but-

“It’s futile-nya!” (Crouch)

From the shadow, a black tentacle-like thing extended and twisted around Hiiro’s body.

“Hiiro!” (Eveam)

Seeing that, the Maou Eveam raised her voice. In an instant, the captured Hiiro was ruthlessly dragged into the shadow just like that.

“Hiiroooooooo!” (Eveam)

As Eveam screamed bitterly, Crouch smiled as though his victory was decided.

“With this it’s over-nya. My 《Binding》is darkness, nya. This 《Shadow Prison》is a handy ability capable of storing away anything-nya. However, inside of it, there isn’t anya oxygen-nya” (Crouch)
“Th-that sort of!” (Eveam)

In that sort of situation, Hiiro wouldn’t be able to breathe, and would die.

“However, nya, inside it are the monsters I haven’t released yet-nya. There’s only 5 of them, nyut they’re all Rank-SS monsters, with one Rank-SSS-nya” (Crouch)
“No……way!” (Eveam)

If that truly was the case, then Hiiro would have to single-handedly face off against 5 vicious monsters. To make things worse, he had to face them without being able to breathe.

“Aquinas, save Hiiro right now!” (Eveam)
“Wait” (Aquinas)
“Why! At this rate, Hiiro will-!” (Eveam)

As Aquinas appeared like he didn’t understand the current predicament one bit, Eveam unintentionally yelled. However, his eyes were currently focused on the shrunken shadow at Crouch’s feet.

“Aquinas….?” (Eveam)
“Your Majesty, if it’s him, then he’ll be fine. So long as he can use magic within there……..right” (Aquinas)

At those words, Eveam’s gaze also fell to the shadow with realization.

“Nyahaha! I don’t know nyat you’re expecting, but once you’ve entered it, you can’t exit without my approval, nya……..guh…..!?” (Crouch)

Everyone’s eyes widened at the scene. It was only natural. Because from the shadow that stretched out at Crouch’s feet, an arm had appeared. The katana that the arm was holding was currently piercing through Crouch’s chest.

“Nya……….nyat………ha-……….” (Crouch)

Bushuu!

As the katana was vigorously pulled out, blood spurted from the wound. And as Crouch unsteadily staggered while looking behind him, there-

“Whup” (Hiiro)

-completely unharmed, Hiiro had reappeared