Episode 6 — Even If I Can’t Fight
Soma Amagi tried to learn about Malefic Spirits from Toka Kamishiro and Kanosuke Toma inside a classroom.
However, the moment they stepped inside, they were met with a shocking sight—
the room was stained red, and the students who once had futures were now lying motionless.
The scene pulled Soma back to that night.
His body reacted before his mind could, and he felt sick.
Toka and Kanosuke quietly paid their respects to the students,
then began the lesson once more.
After learning the basic rules of this world, Soma was supposed to return to the gymnasium with them.
But once again, a Malefic Spirit appeared.
When Soma tried to step forward, Toka stopped him.
Toka and Kanosuke stood their ground in the classroom.
Soma—the boy who could not fight—ran.
—Even if I can’t fight,
—I’ll do what I can.
“Come on,” Toka said calmly. “Try it.”
Provoked, the Malefic Spirit charged.
Toka’s blade met the creature’s hardened limbs, sparks flashing through the air.
(This one’s fast… like a mantis, she thought.)
Its movements were sharp and relentless.
For a moment, Toka found herself cornered.
But Kanosuke moved.
“Here!”
With incredible strength, he lifted a desk and threw it.
The impact created an opening.
“Now!” Toka called out.
She struck decisively—but the Malefic Spirit managed to withstand it.
“Tough one,” she muttered.
“Man, what a hassle!” Kanosuke shouted as he unleashed his power.
The creature avoided the attack and countered, forcing Toka back.
“That stings,” she said through clenched teeth.
Kanosuke followed up with a powerful strike, sending the spirit crashing into the blackboard.
“Did we finish it?”
The Malefic Spirit was still moving.
“Guess it’s time to get serious,” Kanosuke said.
“You should’ve done that sooner,” Toka replied.
---
Meanwhile, Soma was running.
(I’m useless…)
Toka’s words echoed in his mind.
If you can’t fight, don’t force yourself.
No one wants you to die.
(I’m weak. I know that.
I’m not like them.
I’m just a normal high school student.)
That night—
when his family was taken from him.
When he couldn’t move.
When he could only watch.
When even standing became impossible.
And now—
Once again, he could do nothing.
(I can’t fight.
But I can still help.)
He ran back to the gymnasium.
There, Kei Himuro was training alone with a wooden sword.
“Still not enough… I have to become stronger…”
His hands were worn and damaged from repeated training.
The evacuees watched with unease.
“That man… something’s not right.”
“He looks cool! Like a hero from a show!”
Kei glared at the child.
“This isn’t a game,” he said coldly. “This is war.”
The child’s mother reacted sharply.
“That’s inappropriate! He’s just a kid!”
The father beside her said nothing.
“…I see.”
Another man spoke up.
“Excuse me. You’re in the way. Could you move?”
Kei’s frustration boiled over.
“You know nothing about me…!”
He lashed out, causing the man to stumble.
Gasps spread through the gym.
At that moment, Soma rushed in.
“Please, stop!”
He grabbed Kei.
“You again,” Kei said quietly. “Interfering.”
The pressure of his presence was overwhelming.
(I’m scared… but I can’t back down.)
“Stop it!” Soma shouted.
“They’re civilians! This isn’t right!”
Kei shook him off.
“They judged me without knowing anything.
That’s what angered me.”
He struck Soma, sending him to the ground.
(It hurts… but I can endure it.)
Toka’s voice echoed in his mind again.
I don’t want you to die.
(Then I won’t.
I won’t make them worry.
I have to face this.)
Soma slowly stood back up.
“Himuro…
I don’t know what happened to you.
I don’t know why you’re hurting this much.
But neither do they.”
His voice rang through the gym.
“If you’re part of the Malefic Suppression Force—
If you were given strength—
Then your duty is to protect the weak!
Hurting them, abandoning them, dragging them into danger—
That’s wrong!
I can’t accept your way of thinking!
If that’s how you act—
Then you shouldn’t be part of this force!”
Kei froze.
A memory surfaced.
“Kei… please quit.
You’re kind. You deserve a normal life…”
“…Quit?” he whispered.
Then he shouted.
“Enough!”
The air trembled.
(I’m scared… I’m in pain…
But I won’t lose.)
“Face me, Kei Himuro!”
The two stood opposite each other.
Their beliefs were about to collide.
—From this moment on, there was no turning back.
