The Betrayed Necromancer - Chapter 7

 Reunion

"Senko tribe...!?"

Gaoran muttered as he placed his hands on the floor and somehow managed to raise his body.

The damage from the palm strike was immense; multiple internal organs were damaged, and several ribs were cracked. Yet, thanks to his extraordinary vitality, Gaoran was still able to move.

(Even I know this—the Senko tribe is a legendary race that flourished in ancient times! Why is someone like that in front of me!? Moreover, she's Crow's subordinate? He's supposed to be dead!)

Gaoran stood up while grumbling inwardly.

His whole body ached, and he felt an urgent impulse to just lie down right now. However, if he collapsed here, he would surely be killed. Gaoran gritted his teeth and somehow forced himself to stay on his feet.

"You're tough. I held back so I wouldn't kill you, but to think you can still stand."

"Hah, hah... Don't talk nonsense. Do you really think you have a reason to keep me alive?"

"Yes, of course. It wouldn't do for me to steal that person's revenge, after all."

"That person? Revenge? What on earth are you talking about... Who would want to take revenge on me?"

Gaoran prolonged the conversation to buy time for his recovery.

Just as he thought he was recovering enough to finally make a run for it... it arrived.

"That's obviously me, Gaoran."

Accompanied by a man's voice, the door creaked open.

Then, a young man clad in black clothes walked into the room.

For a split second, Gaoran couldn't tell who the person was. But the moment their eyes met, he instinctively understood who he was.

"Could it be... Crow!?"

"Yeah. It's been a while, Gaoran. I came back from hell to see you guys."

Seeing Crow—who was supposed to be dead—appear right before his eyes, Gaoran was thrown into violent agitation.

It was impossible for him to be alive after being tormented so much and then cast into the Abyss. Yet Gaoran's instincts told him that the person in front of him was none other than Crow himself.

"Lord Crow! Have you already arrived?"

"Yeah, the perimeter of this building is already sealed off. With this, Gaoran can't escape anymore. All thanks to Gina keeping Gaoran distracted. Thank you."

"Think nothing of it, Lord Crow! I merely did what was natural. This body belongs to you... please command me to do anything... ❤️"

Saying this, Gina snuggled up to Crow like a spoiled pet.

Seeing the fluffy tail growing from Gina's lower back wagging happily back and forth, Gaoran was consumed by anger and jealousy.

"Now... Gaoran. Do you know why I'm here?"

"Heh, you're gonna say it's revenge, right? I've already tormented you plenty enough, though."

Gaoran said this while keeping his distance from Crow.

Crow's body had grown larger and more developed than it used to be. He was definitely stronger.

However, Gaoran didn't think he was stronger than Gina of the Senko tribe. He figured Crow was only alive now due to some necromancy effect, and that he was probably brainwashing the Senko tribe using necromancy as well.

(If that's the case, I have a chance! If I assassinate Crow right now, the brainwashing should wear off too!)

Gaoran changed his objective from running away to killing him, and assumed a combat stance.

Seeing this, Crow stepped in front of Gina and moved forward.

"That's right, you'd want to exact revenge with your own hands, wouldn't you, Crow? Don't worry, I'll thoroughly kill you one more time."

"…You talk an awful lot, Gaoran. Are you scared...?"

"Cut the crap!"

Gaoran dashed forward in a single burst and lunged at Crow.

The necromancy Crow used was unfathomable. If so, he just needed to kill him before the necromancy could activate. Gaoran approached at a speed imperceptible to the old Crow and unleashed a punch aimed right at his head.

(――I won!)

Gaoran was certain of his victory.

However, Crow effortlessly caught that masterpiece of a blow with just one hand.

"…Huh?"

Gaoran stood frozen in bewilderment, unable to understand what had happened.

Then, Crow slammed a tightly clenched fist straight into his face.

"Gah...!"

A sharp pain pierced from his nose straight through to the top of his skull.

Gaoran staggered for a second, but regained his balance and lunged at Crow once again.

"Impossible... This has to be some kind of mistake!"

Gaoran poured magic power into his fist and struck out at Crow.

The name of that technique was Hakonken (Soul-Breaking Fist). It was Gaoran's ultimate finishing move.

A punch that could shatter even dragon scales upon impact struck squarely into Crow's face. Feeling the solid impact reverberating from his fist, Gaoran wore a grin. But,

"…Ha. Is this all?"

When he lowered his fist, there was Crow, wearing a look of sheer exasperation.

Despite taking a direct hit from the Hakonken, Crow hadn't sustained a single scratch.

"I trained for two years just to kill you guys... but it looks like I overprepared. To think Gaoran was this weak."

"Idiot... No way! The total weakling Crow withstood my attack!?"

"I've changed, Gaoran. Not just necromancy—magic, hand-to-hand combat, swordsmanship, and other techniques... Trained by the heroes, I've grown stronger. And it's all to take revenge on you guys."

Terrifying magic power radiated from Crow's body, causing Gaoran to shrink back with a frightened expression.

At long last, Gaoran finally understood.

The weak Crow who used to be their comrade was no longer here; the one standing before him was a monster transformed into an ogre of vengeance.

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