Episode 343: Breakthrough
McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas.
Primarily tasked with providing airlift and refueling, the base was currently being used as a transit point for the Air Force.
Yuma, heavily injured, had been transported to the base’s medical facility.
He was receiving round-the-clock medical care and treatment from the Messiahs, barely clinging to life.
Rui, Akito, and Albert rushed to Yuma’s side.
“Albert! You’re safe!”
Mia’s face lit up with joy as Albert appeared at the facility.
“Yes, somehow. So, how is Mitaka Yuma’s condition?”
“He’s currently undergoing treatment. He was in critical condition at one point, but he’s stable now.”
Akito, who was behind him, interjected.
“There are Messiahs, right? Can’t they heal him right away?”
Mia shook her head, saying, “Unfortunately.”
“Four Messiahs are focusing their magic on him, but the wounds are healing slowly. Even if he survives, there’s a chance he might not be able to move again…”
Seeing Mia’s pained expression, Rui said firmly,
“It’s alright. Yuma has Self-Regeneration. It might take time, but I believe he’ll make a full recovery.”
“Self-Regeneration!?”
Akito narrowed his eyes and glared at Rui.
“I haven’t heard anything about that! Isn’t that an ability that Abyssal Monsters have? When did that happen!?”
“Around the time we entered England, I think. I believe it’s a Recovery Magic from the Third Stratum…”
“Then why didn’t you say so! That’s extremely important information!!”
“Didn’t I mention it?”
“No, you didn’t, you idiot!”
Albert and Mia exchanged glances as they listened to the bickering duo.
“You two are having a rather heated discussion… Is it true?”
“Well, who knows. Recovery Magic from the Third Stratum? Self-Regeneration? It’s hard to believe right away. But if it’s them, it’s possible.”
The four arrived at the hospital room, opened the door, and entered. Inside, medical personnel were bustling about, and Yuma was lying on a bed.
The figures of the four Messiahs could also be seen beside the bed.
“Yuma!”
Rui tried to approach, but Mia grabbed his arm.
“Wait. Visitation is currently prohibited. If we’re wandering around, it’ll only hinder the treatment.”
“…You’re right.”
Rui’s shoulders slumped, and he muttered weakly.
“For now, let’s leave it to the American Messiahs. Once Yuma regains consciousness, he can use Recovery Magic himself. If that happens, he can heal his injuries in one shot.”
Rui nodded at Akito’s words and left the hospital room.
They were led to another meeting room, where Akito and Rui sat in front of a long table, with Mia and Albert sitting opposite them.
“Well then, we need to discuss what to do from now on.”
Albert said with a cheerful expression. Rui and Akito nodded silently.
“I need to report this to the American Military headquarters. I also need to ask headquarters what to do with Mitaka Yuma.”
“What do you mean, ‘what to do’!?”
Akito stood up, agitated. Rui nervously averted his eyes from the gaze that looked ready to bite.
“I think Mitaka should be hidden in a safer place. But all such places are under the jurisdiction of the American Military. I intend to ask for their cooperation in escorting him.”
“Oh, is that what you meant?”
Akito sat back down in his chair and leaned against the backrest.
“I believe that he is the only force capable of defeating the Yellow King. But you saw it in this battle. He’s not an opponent you can easily defeat. Even if Mitaka’s injuries heal, he has no chance of winning as he is now.”
Akito and Rui lowered their eyes, looking serious.
Indeed, the Yellow King’s power surpassed Yuma’s Giantification. Even if they fought again, it was unlikely they could win.
Seeing the two deep in thought, Albert continued.
“That’s why I want to ask you. Is there any way for him to become even stronger? Mitaka had become much stronger than before. Could it be that he is a ‘growth-type’ King like the Yellow King? I thought you two might know more about it.”
“Well, certainly… Yuma is the type who gets stronger by fighting. There’s a good chance he could become strong enough to surpass the Yellow King.”
As he said that, Akito noticed something and exclaimed, “Ah!”
“That’s it! We should feed Yuma all the Magic Gems that America has! Then Yuma’s Magical Power will skyrocket, and he’ll be able to defeat the Yellow King!!”
Albert and Mia looked surprised at Akito’s words.
“All the Magic Gems… Does Mitaka have that much Mana?”
Akito snorted at Albert’s question.
“Yuma has hundreds of thousands of units of Mana. No matter how many Magic Gems there are, he can digest and absorb them.”
Albert and Mia were perplexed by Akito’s triumphant statement.
“If that story is true, then ingesting Magic Gems might indeed be effective. I’ll negotiate with the American Military and see if they can prepare them.”
“Yeah, yeah, that’s the best thing to do!”
Just as the conversation was about to conclude, Rui interjected with a dissenting opinion.
“Please wait a moment. As Akito says, Yuma can ingest a large number of Magic Gems. But he won’t be able to master them immediately… And, how should I put it, I don’t think he can defeat the Yellow King just by increasing his Magical Power. I feel like something more fundamental is missing.”
Having said that, Rui shook his head.
“I’m sorry. I can’t explain it well…”
“No, I understand what you’re saying.”
Albert looked at Rui with a gentle gaze.
“The Yellow King’s strength is a combination of his physical abilities, combat skills, and the robustness of his Magical Barrier. Even if we increase his magic, that alone won’t be enough to counter him.”
The four fell silent in the meeting room. Yuma was the only one who could defeat the Yellow King.
Albert and Mia seemed to understand that as well. However, they couldn’t see a clear path to victory.
Rui put the back of his hand to his nose, pondering if there was any way to break the deadlock.
Next to him, Akito was scratching his head while saying, “Damn it!” It might be cruel to think about this while Yuma was still unconscious.
Even so, they had to do something—
“Ah.”
Something came to Rui’s mind.
“What’s wrong, Rui? Did you come up with a good idea?”
Akito, who had stopped scratching his head, looked at Rui. Albert and Mia also turned their gazes towards him.
“Well… I don’t know if this will work…”
Rui took a breath before continuing.
“What if… we take Yuma to Australia?”