The beast tamer exiled from the hero’s party and the cat eared girl from the strongest race meet

Chapter 293: Request and test of strength

(TL:By Rafael,valhallatls.blogspot.com)

I feel a bit weird saying this about myself, but...

I'm called the 'Hero of the Horizon.'

It's because I exposed the corruption of a corrupt feudal lord before and defeated the demons that suddenly appeared in the town. That's why the people in the town started calling me that.

I don't really feel like a hero, but it's kind of like a token of affection from the townspeople, so I don't mind.

"Um... Rifa?"

"Hmm?"

"Do you not know the name of that hero by any chance?"

"No, I don't."

Rifa nodded slightly.

"But I've heard he's very famous. I thought I'd find him right away if I came here."

"I see."

"Does Rain know the hero? If so, I'd like you to introduce me."

Rifa bowed her head slightly.

Then, she looked straight at me with her clear eyes.

Her eyes were so clear and didn't seem to be thinking anything bad. There must be some important purpose behind them.

"Um... I'm that hero."

Thinking there was no malicious intent, I decided to honestly reveal my identity.

"...Rain?"

Surprisingly, Rifa widened her eyes. She doesn't show much expression, so this reaction was fresh.

"Really?"

"It's true."

"...But you don't seem strong."

That was a bit of a blow.

"Rain is strong! He's contracted with the strongest species, and not only that, Rain is also an excellent Beast Tamer."

When Kanade said that to cover for me, Rifa made a thoughtful gesture.

"Contracted with Kanade... That's amazing. Tina too?"

"Yeah, that's right. I'm contracted with Rain-sama too."

"But Tina is a ghost."

"Rain-sama has some power called Phantom Tame or something."

"Phantom Tame...?"

Seemingly unheard of Phantom Tame, Rifa was flustered. Well, it's rare to command ghosts. The only other one I've seen besides me is my neighbor next door.

"In that case... But..."

Muttering to herself, Rifa seemed to be thinking about something. What kind of purpose could it be?

"Rain."

After a pause, Rifa looked at me. She had the most serious expression she'd had so far.

"Fight me."

"Huh? Why?"

"I want to confirm Rain's power."

"Even if you say that..."

I can't fight without a reason. Especially against a girl.

Well, since she's the strongest species, maybe I don't need to worry about that...

But still, hesitance arises when it comes to fighting.

"Could you tell me the detailed reason? Just saying you want to fight to confirm my power isn't convincing enough."

"Hmm."

Rifa looked troubled. It seemed she hesitated to say the reason.

She might tell me if I persist, but it seems like it's a somewhat important reason, so I don't want to force it out of her.

"...Alright, let's fight."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Since I understand that it's something very important to Rifa... I'll fight. Whether you want to tell me the reason or not, I'll leave that up to you, Rifa."

"Thank you."

"But I'm not that strong, so don't complain if you're disappointed, okay?"

"When will Rain-sama stop misunderstanding?"

"If Rain is weak, what would happen to everyone else? It's that kind of story, right?"

"I'm looking forward to it."

"...Please, both of you, don't provoke each other unnecessarily and make me sound like something outrageous."

――――――――――

Since fighting inside the house wasn't an option, we moved to the garden.

It was still cloudy, but the rain had stopped, so it was just right.

Facing Rifa with about a 10-meter gap between us.

"Go for it, Rain!"

"Rifa, do your best!"

Kanade and Tina cheered us on.

Next to them, Luna sat on the ground, munching on snacks she had brought from the house.

"Hmm, I hadn't heard of such an event. It's exciting," Luna remarked.

Apparently, she came to watch after hearing about it from somewhere.

It's not really a spectacle, but... oh well. Luna should be fine even if she gets caught in the aftermath of the fight.

"Let's go."

"Yeah, bring it on!"

Rifa kicked the ground, and the battle began.

"Hah!"

Rifa charged at me.

Fast!

Even though there was about a 10-meter distance between us, she closed in on me in an instant.

It seems Rifa's physical abilities are quite high.

However, I can handle this much.

Thanks to my contract with Kanade, I have the strength of a cat spirit tribe.

I quickly suppressed my surprise.

I calmly parried Rifa's punches coming at me barehanded.

She probably didn't expect to be stopped.

With wide eyes of surprise, Rifa jumped back cautiously to create some distance.

"You're good."

"I've been through quite a few tough situations."

"I'll get a little serious."

The pressure emanating from Rifa intensified.

Naturally, I found myself taking a defensive stance.

After a few seconds of staring each other down, Rifa charged at me again.

Her speed didn't particularly change.

She said she'd get a little serious, but does that mean her physical abilities will increase?

I found it strange, but for now, I just need to counter Rifa's attacks.

Rifa's charge is indeed fast.

I think it surpasses human limits.

However, I've dealt with non-human opponents before...

And above all, you get used to it after the second time.

With my right arm, I swept to counter Rifa's charge and landed a counter blow.

The blow was sure to catch Rifa, but...

"What!?"

Just before my fist hit Rifa, her body scattered.

No... it only seemed like it scattered; in reality, a completely different phenomenon occurred.

Rifa's body transformed into countless black bats and scattered around.

"What!? Did you transform into bats!?"

"What... what's going on...?"

"Oh my, this is quite unexpected..."

Even the spectators seemed surprised by the unexpected turn of events.

Meanwhile, countless bats flew around...

Taking advantage of the moment, they gathered behind me.

Then, the bats took on a human form again, and Rifa reappeared.

"What... what's that!?"

"My ability."

Rifa charged at me from behind.

I tried to defend myself in a hurry, but I was so shaken by the unexpected sight that my guard was late.

"Ugh!?"

Impact.

In an instant, the heavens and the earth reversed.

I was sent flying, tumbling on the ground over and over.

I finally managed to stop by thrusting my arms into the ground...

"Ugh... that hit hard..."

It doesn't seem like any bones are broken, but the bruising is definite.

I'll have to cast healing magic on myself later, or have Sora or Luna treat me.

"Is it over?"

Without pursuing further, Rifa asked with a somewhat disappointed tone.

"For a human, you're strong. But, that won't be enough."

"...It's still too early to make that judgment."

Refusing to accept defeat, my competitive spirit flared up, and I got up.

Now... it's time for the counterattack.

TL Note- Rain strikes back.

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