CHAPTER 88: ICISEI EPISODE 88

Episode 88: When it hurts... It’s okay to choose to run away

『 "What’s going on??" Reigen Arataka looked bewildered, seeing a confrontation between espers for the first time. 』

『 .....』

~Dimensional livestream, Chat Room~

[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "Just one more step, and we could have saved him." ]

[ Koro-sensei (Assassination Classroom): "I never thought that the ability to bluff could accomplish such a big thing. If it hadn’t been exposed by the higher-ups in the end, they really could have gotten out safely." ]

[ Tsukuyomi Komoe (A Certain Magical Index): "Yeah, it’s such a shame~" ]

[ Yukinoshita Yukino (Oregairu): "With such a powerful bluffing ability." ]

[ Yukinoshita Yukino (Oregairu): "With his ability, he shouldn’t have fallen to this point." ]

[ .....]

『 "Master, you specialize in dealing with spiritual phenomena, so please step back."

Mob took a step forward, offering his suggestion.

Ishiguro, who had been observing Reigen Arataka’s lack of action, relying entirely on his "subordinates" to block his attacks, suddenly realized:

"So that’s it. With enough elite subordinates, a large number of them can indeed contend with the Claw organization."

At this moment, the security personnel behind Reigen Arataka were terrified: "Leader!!! With your attack angle, we’ll be in danger too!!!"

However...

Ishiguro remained cold and heartless towards the pleas of these "traitors."

"Why should I care about you? Isn’t your boss that guy? Heh heh."

Ishiguro’s words stunned all the security personnel. Had they been abandoned?!

At the critical moment, Reigen Arataka spoke, shouting sternly: "You guys, quickly hide inside the building!"

Upon hearing Reigen Arataka’s words, all the security personnel were stunned.

Reigen Arataka then shouted loudly: "How can you achieve great things if you die in this godforsaken place! Isn’t this a great opportunity to escape this evil organization?!"

"Alright! Leave this to my disciple, you all retreat quickly!!"

All the security personnel stared blankly at Reigen Arataka, their hearts touched by his words, and tears welled up in their eyes!

"You really are... I’m sorry!!!!"

Their hearts were filled with gratitude, but their escape speed was also incredibly fast!

In an instant, everyone ran away, not a single person remaining!

Seeing this, Reigen Arataka also planned to follow their escape without hesitation!

After all...

There really were espers other than Mob!!!

And they seemed very strong!!!

However, just as he took a few steps, the ceiling above him suddenly cracked open!

"Rumble, rumble, rumble!!!"

The ceiling collapsed with a crash!

Completely blocking their retreat!

A rare look of panic appeared on Reigen Arataka’s face!

"Oh no!!!!" 』

『 .....』

~Dimensional livestream, Chat Room~

[ Wang Ling (The Daily Life of the Immortal King): "I have a feeling things are going to go wrong this time." ]

[ March 7th (Honkai: Star Rail): "It shouldn’t, right? As long as Mob unleashes his 100% power, everything will be fine." ]

[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "But, isn’t this Mob unable to attack humans?" ]

[ March 7th (Honkai: Star Rail): "Hiss, you’re right." ]

[ Saitama (One Punch Man): "So that means it’s time to watch another me get beaten up again, huh?" ]

[ Genos (One Punch Man): "I feel like what you just said, Master, sounds a bit strange." ]

[ .....]

『 Mob was firmly suppressed by Ishiguro!

Because he listened to his inner voice and refused to use his psychic powers to fight others, he could only helplessly remain on the defensive.

However, Ishiguro’s psychic powers were too strong. He simply stood there, and his psychic energy enveloped Mob like a giant wave, making it impossible for him to move an inch.

"Too bad, you don’t even have a chance to get close to me. Prepare to be crushed!"

Rumble!!!

A heavy pressure like a mountain poured down on Mob, causing him to involuntarily kneel to the ground, creating a large crater.

Ritsu and Hanazawa Teruki’s faces immediately showed worry.

"He can control gravity!?"

Hanazawa Teruki gritted his teeth. The power gap between them and Ishiguro was too great. Challenging him would be suicide!

Mob struggled to hold on, while Reigen Arataka asked from the side: "Mob, what are you doing?"

He couldn’t see the confrontation between Mob and Ishiguro, only suddenly saw Mob kneeling on the ground, and couldn’t help but wonder.

Ishiguro didn’t even put Reigen Arataka, a minor character, in his eyes. He stared at Mob and said with interest: "You actually have some skill to withstand my power."

As he spoke, he raised his hand: "Then let me add some more gravity!"

Whoosh!

As soon as he finished speaking!

In mid-air, a figure suddenly appeared, rushing straight towards Ishiguro’s head!

"An aerial kick against an esper!!"

Accompanied by a roar, a powerful flying kick landed squarely on Ishiguro’s head!

Bang!!!

Ishiguro completely did not expect this blow and was kicked flying by Reigen Arataka !!!

The gravity binding Mob instantly disappeared!

"Master!?"

Mob stared blankly at Reigen Arataka in front of him, never expecting his master to come to his rescue.

"Mob, are you planning to fight this guy with psychic powers? Didn’t I tell you it’s dangerous and shouldn’t be used on people?"

"Are you... trying to break the rules?" 』

『 .....』

~Dimensional livestream, Chat Room~

[ Peter Parker (Marvel Future Avengers): "What exactly is this teacher afraid of? Why doesn’t he use his power if he has it?" ]

[ Peter Parker (Marvel Future Avengers): "And it’s not even for harming people. It’s just for solving his own crisis. How can he be like this?" ]

[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "Perhaps, that’s the bottom line." ]

[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "A bottom line that can never be broken." ]

[ .....]

『 Hearing Reigen Arataka’s words, Mob froze, and Ritsu and Hanazawa Teruki behind him also looked at Reigen Arataka in surprise.

"That’s because I had no choice, I had to save myself!"

As soon as Ritsu said this, Reigen Arataka sighed: "Mob, have you really fallen to this extent?"

He knew Mob too well and naturally understood the discomfort in Mob’s heart.

"You must be feeling terrible inside..."

As he spoke, his gaze swept over the people in front of him, and he continued: "This kid, he’s terrible at fighting people, let alone dealing with adults like you! And you’re bullying such a naive and easily disheartened kid. It’s infuriating to watch..."

Reigen Arataka’s face was no longer peaceful, replaced by a surge of anger.

"Don’t add unnecessary psychological burden to my disciple!!"

But...

Boom!!!!

Ishiguro was furious!

Terrifying psychic power suddenly erupted!

Reigen Arataka was instantly pulled in!!

"Master!!!"

Mob’s eyes widened!

Psychic power activated!

That terrifying suction force forcibly pulled Reigen Arataka back!

However...

"Rumble, rumble, rumble!!!"

The entire base began to tremble!

Boom!!!

The entire base rapidly collapsed!!

Ishiguro’s psychic power was so strong that it caused the entire base to collapse!!

"Looks like... I played a little too roughly~"

Ishiguro sneered, emerging from the ruins completely unharmed.

Meanwhile, everyone else was engaged in a fierce struggle!!

Boom!!!

Reigen Arataka stood dumbfounded, watching Ritsu and Hanazawa Teruki struggle.

At this moment, both of them turned to Mob for help.

But the problem was...

Reigen Arataka fully understood that if Mob really used his psychic powers, the situation would completely spiral out of control!

He kept trying to stop him, his mind racing for solutions.

But what disheartened him was that his ideas were completely useless!

Why?

Because no one could help him, and he himself was just an ordinary person. How could he possibly turn the tide?

The only one who could fix all of this was Mob!

But unfortunately...

He really couldn’t bear to see Mob suffer!

Seeing Mob’s psychic aura growing stronger and stronger, Reigen Arataka anxiously shouted: "No! Mob, you must not fight back!!"

Continuing like this was clearly not a solution.

Especially when Mob saw his brother Ritsu injured, the anger in his heart flared up again.

Hanazawa Teruki was so angry at Reigen Arataka’s words that his lungs almost burst. He was fighting for his life, while their strongest weapon was being held back by Reigen Arataka. What kind of situation was this!!

"In this situation, we can only go head-to-head! If we drag this out any longer, we’ll all be finished!!"

Hearing Hanazawa Teruki’s words, Reigen Arataka gritted his teeth. He really didn’t want to resort to force. Psychic battles could kill people! He didn’t want Mob, this innocent child, to bear the heavy burden of taking a life!

"Just run away!"

After all, Reigen Arataka was just an ordinary person. His life was too comfortable, and he had never seen the true dark side. How could he understand the law of the jungle in the psychic world?

That’s right...

Simply running away wouldn’t solve any problems!

It would only make things worse.

Hanazawa Teruki grew up in battles, so he understood this principle perfectly and couldn’t help but curse: "Mob, you have to act! As we are now, we can’t escape their fierce attacks!!"

After hearing the plan discussed by the people on the other side.

"Hmph, trying to escape? Dream on."

Ishiguro sneered, waving his hand. Seeing Ritsu and Hanazawa Teruki being sent flying, he mockingly said: "You can all go to hell together!"

Mob froze, his eyes fixed on Ritsu in front of him.

"Ritsu... Hanazawa-kun, and Master Reigen Arataka ..."

"I can’t just watch them die!"

"I must seriously fight them!"

"To protect them, no matter who the opponent is..."

At this moment, Mob’s killing intent was almost breaking through the 100% limit!!!

Slap!!!....

Suddenly!

Two hands forcefully slapped Mob’s cheeks!

Mob suddenly came to his senses!!

It was Reigen Arataka!

Reigen Arataka stopped Mob!?

How could this be!?

Once Mob unleashed his power, wouldn’t he be able to take care of all those guys!?

Everyone watching this scene looked at Reigen Arataka with confusion, and some even showed disdain in their eyes!

This guy was indeed too naive!

However, they didn’t know that Reigen Arataka did this not only for Mob but for all of them!

Because...

When Mob fully unleashes his power, he loses his rationality and acts purely on subconscious impulses.

In other words...

An out-of-control Mob cannot distinguish between friend and foe!!!

Another loud slap!

Slap!...

Reigen Arataka stared at Mob and shouted loudly: "Mob, stop it!! This will only make you suffer more!"

Reigen Arataka knew exactly where Mob’s pain came from—an uncontrolled psychic outburst in his childhood that accidentally harmed his younger brother, a matter that had always filled him with deep guilt!

Therefore, Reigen Arataka absolutely did not want to see this innocent boy endure such torment again!

"When it hurts... It’s okay to choose to run away!!"

Reigen Arataka roared. He knew that every psychic outburst was a total eruption of Mob’s accumulated pain, anger, and other negative emotions reaching their limit!

And the consequence of that would only make Mob suffer even more!

Therefore, Reigen Arataka repeatedly stopped him, not allowing him to act rashly!!...... 』

『 .....』

~Dimensional livestream, Chat Room~

[ Fu Xuan (Honkai: Star Rail): "So that’s why this master doesn’t let Mob use his power to harm others." ]

[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "I take back all my previous thoughts. This master is a good person, a good person who cares about Mob." ]

[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "Indeed, he is a good person. Although at first glance, he seemed to be using Mob." ]

[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "But I have to say, he is also concerned about Mr. Mob’s mental state." ]

[ Yae Miko (Genshin Impact): "That’s good to hear." ]

[ .....]

『 Mob froze, staring blankly at Reigen Arataka in front of him.

Just then, a man quietly appeared behind Reigen Arataka, swinging a martial arts blade downwards!

Pfft!

Reigen Arataka spat out a mouthful of blood and collapsed to the ground! 』

『 .....』

~Dimensional livestream, Chat Room~

[ Oyama Mahiro (Onimai): "???, What happened???" ]

[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "He came to trick, to sneak attack!!!" ]

[ .....]

『 Mob stared blankly at Reigen Arataka, who had blocked the attack for him, his entire body frozen.

"I really don’t want to hurt anyone..."

"But if I don’t act, everyone will die here... So, to protect everyone, I must act! Now is the crucial moment."

"But Master told me I have the right to run away... so..."

Before Mob could finish speaking, Reigen Arataka, who should have been dead, slowly stood up and once again stood in front of Mob!!

This scene shocked everyone, because they knew Reigen Arataka was just an ordinary person!!

Why?....

How could he still be alive and standing!?

This guy was clearly just a mortal!

The Esper wielding the martial arts blade was also stunned.

"This... how is this possible..."

Reigen Arataka looked at him helplessly and joked, "Don’t mess with me, I thought I really went to heaven."

As Reigen Arataka teased, the esper roared again: "Then, next time I’ll cut off your head!!!!"

After speaking, he swung the plastic toy knife in his hand towards Reigen Arataka’s neck.

As a result...

With a clang, the blade bounced off.

"Ouch!"

Reigen Arataka didn’t know whether to laugh or cry: "I’m telling you... as a working adult, I don’t have time to play these childish games of fighting with you~"

That’s right, in his eyes, these espers were like children who hadn’t entered society yet, acting recklessly and impulsively, only knowing how to charge forward headlong!

But suddenly, a new scene appeared on the screen.

A gasp rang out.

"Sakurai! Get out of the way!!!"

In a flash of lightning, a hideous evil spirit lunged forward, delivering a heavy punch directly at Reigen Arataka!

Reigen Arataka was startled at first. This was a damn evil spirit!!!

Then he quickly dodged to the side and urgently shouted: "Mob, think of something!!" 』

『 .....』

~Dimensional livestream, Chat Room~

[ Genos (One Punch Man): "As expected, this teacher is still very afraid of evil spirits, just like at the beginning." ]

[ Hu Tao (Genshin Impact): "Customers one after another in front of me, but I can’t take them." ]

[ Yoshimori Sumimura (Kekkaishi): "Such a disgusting guy." ]

[ .....]

『 But then, the evil spirit’s fist landed on him in the blink of an eye.

"Hmm? So light?"

Reigen Arataka was stunned...

It didn’t hurt!?

He looked at the evil spirit. Could it be a doll!? A creation?

Thinking of this, he felt so frustrated. He was actually scared stiff by a doll!!!

Faster than words, he swung a punch at the evil spirit!!

The result...

That astonishingly powerful punch not only exorcised the evil spirit but also sent the esper controlling the evil spirit flying!

"Sorry, I didn’t mean to break your doll!" Reigen Arataka kept apologizing to what he thought was the doll’s owner.

And the doll’s owner, after seeing his doll being stopped.

Circles of clones suddenly appeared around Reigen Arataka!

"Don’t get too cocky!!!" 』

『 .....』