Do you know my combat power now?

“To start with, I really like Crown Guard. Right after I was officially judged to be an Awakened, the first job I ever got was as a prototype equipment researcher at Crown Guard.”

“Oh wow, so you know weapons well too?”

“You could say that.”

Malcolm Redington, director of the British Hunter Association’s Crisis Response Bureau. The older man I met again in the basement level 4 training room at the British Hunter Association headquarters gave off a slightly intimidating vibe. Not in a suit, but dressed a little loosely in techwear that held his arms and legs firmly in place.

“There are several Crown Guard weapons here. Use whichever ones you want, Miss Eve. I’ll only defend.”

“Still, is that okay?”

“Yes. If you can land even one proper attack on me, I’ll hand over the Crown Guard weapons.”

Uncle Malcolm picked up one cool-looking sword and one shield from the weapons lined up on the rack beside him and took them in hand. The moment magic flowed into the shield, it whirred—then split apart with a crack, releasing an energy barrier.

The sword also began absorbing magic and glowing red, exuding an ominous aura.

“I-I’m going to be attacked too...