The Answer Is Up to You (9)

The white aura erupted around Kagami, spiraling outward with enough force to whip up powerful gusts. The sudden, unmistakable change left everyone staring at him in confusion.

“What is that...? Does he still have something else?”

“It’s a Skill I learned at Level 900. It’s useful, but I can’t use it. Once I activate it, I can’t move at all, and my HP drops to 10. In exchange, I gain twice the power from my base stats.”

“Twice the power...!?”

They couldn’t help being astonished. With Kagami’s current stats doubled, even if only for a moment, he would gain power close to that of a Level 999 Hero.

“I wanted to keep fighting that thing and get stronger, but that’s not our goal this time, right? So I got strong enough to take it down for sure... This is the last time. Let’s settle this with a contest of strength.”

At that moment, Rex scoffed. He’d realized why Kagami had grown stronger without needing anyone to explain it to him. When he considered the Skill that let Kagami grow stronger by gaining experience, what could be gained from fighting powerful enemies, and why Kagami insisted on fighting barehanded, only one answer remained. Kagami was trying to rise through his own strength, relying on nothing else.

“But our goal is different now. So, Villager... No, Kagami! Use this!”

Rex immediately hurled the sword he’d been carrying toward Kagami, who caught it in one hand.

“It’s not as good as a legendary sword, but it’s a fine blade forged by a master smith. Go! See this through!”...