The Banished Villainous Noble Son Who Was Used as a Stepping Stone in the Original Work Awakens to Combat and Destroys the Laws of the World - Episode 43: It's Still From Here

Episode 43: It’s Still From Here

――The flash released by the ice monster sliced through the air and froze one of the cords. Following that movement, I cut another one.

There were no words. But a clear form of cooperation was there. We were reading each other’s movements… No, it was more than that.

The ice monster was apparently aware of my position, It fired its attacks while avoiding my line of fire.

I too, by “reading” the ice monster’s movements and breathing, unleashed slashes without overlapping.

The coordination was so natural, it felt almost strange.

(…I see, so this too is experience.)

Unintentionally, my lips almost curled into a smile. But at that very moment, a strong “surge” came from deep within.

The entire cave shook. And the cords crawling along the walls writhed all at once.

“…It’s coming.”

Ahead in my vision, the purplish core throbbed more intensely. The magical trembling was like “rage.”

From its center, a single—no, several bundled together—”thick cord” shot out.

(That must be the main body…!)

Its speed and mass were on a whole different level from the other cords. Even one hit would not leave me unscathed.

Perhaps sensing this, the ice monster immediately took distance. But I, on the other hand, deliberately stepped forward.

Gripping my sword in a reverse grip, I faced the thick cord head-on.

(My aim is the core. If I can read its movements, I can reach the root of that thick cord—)

At the same moment I raised my sword, I kicked off the ground. The enemy wasn’t just one. Countless sub-bodies rushed at me like a swarm.

But now, I could “see” all of them.

Presence. Wind. The flow of magic. I didn’t know every detail of what was happening inside the cave. But I could “read” it.

Move a step ahead. Just that alone caused holes to open in the enemy’s encirclement.

I dodged one coming from the right. I then slashed down the two on the left with a reverse diagonal cut. Then I leapt—the target was the massive “core.” The pulsating heart of purple magic at its center.

In my view as I leapt, the pulsing glow of the “core” intensified even more.

Perhaps realizing the situation, the cord sub-bodies surged in from all directions.

The purple core… the magic gathering there was abnormally dense. It was as if it were alive.

It wasn’t just a power source. Something more “fundamental”—that was the true nature of the monster.

(…So this is its “heart.”)

The flow of magic circulated through its entire body like bl00d vessels. And the moment I approached that core, the monster’s reaction clearly changed.

The cords were without any disorder. They were all focused on me at once—like they were trying to protect “with all their might.”

(It knows the core is being targeted.)

In the monster’s actions, I caught a glimpse of a thought-like “instinct to defend.” That core wasn’t just a weak point. It was its very “life”—yes, as if it were the source of its “will.”

(…Out of the way!)

Twisting my body midair, I swung my sword. A spinning slash that was carried by momentum. It swept away several approaching cords at once.

But even the briefest moment of stillness in my movement wasn’t overlooked by the monster.

The thick cord rushed in, as if to protect the core.

(Am I not going to make it!?)

At that instant—with a sound like a freezing wind, an ice arrow was fired.

The released ice arrow came at such perfect timing. It was as if saying “fire here.” An exquisite support that matched my movement.

It wasn’t a coincidence—it had read my trajectory. No, it was more than that. It sensed my “intention” and layered its own will over it.

(…This one understands.)

There was no hostility. Thinking back, that ice mass earlier might have been a test.

This very strike—its aim, its timing—was so perfectly aligned it was almost frightening.

I stepped in as I was. I poured power into my sword. My only goal: the pulsating purple “core.”

With all my strength, the sword tore through the frost-stained air.

“――Shatter!!”

A full-powered flash reached the core. At the same time, another strike from the ice monster—a sharply pointed ice spike—pierced from the opposite side.

The moment the two attacks “simultaneously” struck the core—a crack ran through it.

Next, a burst of magical pressure illuminated the cave. The purple light exploded and scattered.

“Giiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiihhh…!!”

A death scream echoed. And all the cords collapsed at once. The oppressive air that had filled the space disappeared like a clearing mist.

The scattered remnants of magic still drifted in the air. The scent of something burned, and the lingering chill of ice.

My whole body was flushed. The aftermath of battle had not yet faded.

I exhaled a breath and composed myself. I turned to the ice monster. But it was no longer looking my way—it had already turned its back silently.

Before long, as its figure disappeared from sight, I could feel the “cold air” that had filled this place slowly recede. At that moment――

《Level-up of specific skill confirmed》

《Skill: Frost Resistance Lv.1 → Lv.2》

(…So that’s what it is.)

Apparently, for the skill judgment of “Frost Resistance”, “cold air” is included as well.

Considering the times I had faced the ice monster, I had been bathed in that “cold air.” That’s probably why I had gained “Frost Resistance” at that time through multiple checks.

My heart was elated. And yet—there was something unfulfilled.

What is this “lack” lingering deep in my chest? I had gained strength. My skill had grown. And yet, something was still missing.

Even though I had been fulfilled by the “battle,” I wasn’t satisfied.

(Not yet. It’s still not enough.)

I had strength. There was tension, there was pleasure. But still, “something” was missing.

Holding onto that feeling, I sheathed my sword.

Original Author’s Comment:

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