Darn it! This Eis-Golem can't be taken down without my sword! I should've have it with me at all times!

To sum up my current fight with this icy monster, I am on the defense for some time now. I'm able to dodge its punches and arm swings, but I get a feeling I'm not gonna outlast this thing. I'm running out of energy probably because I've no idea what's causing it.

My last meal being edible berries at Greenshore Forest? My injuries from that wretched battle back in Tolldon? My current injuries I've got from this world? Either way, even if I was in my perfect shape, it's still impossible to punch this icy monster with my bare fists. Still, I've to knock it out and down for me, Atsushi and Suzuki to be able to run away from this place.

"Suzuki, take Atsushi and run with all your might. Get away as far as you can."

"But, Francis! How are you able to beat that monster down? Plus, you don't look so good. Is your magic running out?"

"I'm fine, Suzuki. Trust me, okay? I can't be responsible for the deaths in this world, including yours. Please."

"... Alright. Don't you die early, Francis."

"Wait, wait!! We can't leave Big Bro here!! Let's all run away..."

"I need to distract it, Atsushi. Besides, I don't think I've got enough strength to run away. I'll fall down sooner than you think."

"What about the purple lady?! Can't we ask her for help..."

"There's no time, kid!! That monster is about to charge right at us. Now, run away, you two!!"

They jump out of the way, well more like sideways, just in time when the Eis-Golem lunge at us. Fortunately, it's eyeing on me as it chases me running along the riverside.

I know I'm about to trip at any moment, but I've no idea how to punch that monster down. Punch?? That's it!!

I stop running and immediately, my right hand lits up as I summon my fire power on it.

"BLAZE PUNCH!! Take this, you monster!!"

I jump with all my might to punch several times in its face and chest and shoulders, but to no avail, the Eis-Golem is still intact despite the logical rule of ice is always melted by fire. I get knocked down by its left arm. I struggle to get up on time, but another blow from its arm is coming right at me. That's until someone grabs my whole body and avoid the monster's dangerous arm attack.

It's Demon Princess Nelly who seems to be the hypocrite given her vow to not help humans because she isn't one...

Alas, she speaks up, but somehow her words to me seems to make her laid-back despite the dangerous situation we're in right now. Of course I've got pulled in with this silly conversation that I begin to sound like I'm perfectly fine.

"Hey, Plank. Lose some weight, will you? Third time should be my limit for the past whole day."

"Hey, woman...now this isn't the time to insult my refined muscles! We got an Eis-Golem to knock out!"

"We?? That's sounds odd considering your determination to slay a monster like me..."

"Oh man! Enough with your naggy reminders! I've to think of another way to use my Blaze Punch."

"Hmm...so is your fiery punch functioning at 100%?"

"Geez! I'm certain I'm able to use all my energy for the next and last punch! Heck! Why are you asking this sort of question?"

"Because the first day you met me has let you experienced a useful technique."

I notice the icy monster is heading towards us at a slow pace. Suzuki is yelling, telling us both to run away while we still can. That's until I realise what she means.

"Useful technique...do you mean that final attack of yours? But I thought you say you won't help..."

"I say I don't have THE RIGHT TO SAVE. As for helping, I've a right to do so. That's why I'm gonna help you launch yourself up in the air. The rest of it... you'll know what to do."

Right as she finish her last sentence, the Eis-Golem nearly punch us. We manage to dodge another deadly attack again by leaping backwards a few times. Then, Demon Princess tells me:

"A few metres between here and that monster's position... Alright! Get ready, Plank. You're about to become a meteor that'll punch its face on fire."

Before I can respond with a What question, I'm being spun by her just like she did back in Tolldon. Again, I yell like the time I arrived in this world. Oddly enough, I don't feel like I'm about to throw up. Instead, I feel anxious and excited at the same time. The hundredth spin has me "flying" towards the sky. Well, more like being shot like a canonball to be precise.

I manage to look downwards and see what's happening before I reach my highest point. What I see below is the monster is trying to catch Suzuki and Atsushi, but the Demon Princess manage to intervene by kicking its chest with both of her legs. Obviously, that isn't enough to make it stay lying on the ground. It's able to get up, but just when it wants to move forward towards them, something stops it.

I can see the monster's shadow being held back by another shadow. I know it's none other than the Schatten-Richter. It seems its duty has not been fulfilled yet given that I'm able to break out of its clutches back at that bridge just now. Thankfully tonight is still a full moon that the Eis-Golem's shadow is clearly visible.

For a moment, I see Purple Lady's face, telling me to focus on powering my 100% punch right now. And so I will. I can't remember when was the last time I felt this much excitement. I never feel it even after I was chosen as The Hero. Without further ado, at my highest point...

"Here's my most packful punch, you Eis-Golem!!"

Raining down like a canonball on fire at its fastest pace, the monster has a shocked expression for a moment before I punch its face. We kind of explode in the middle of this battlefield, making anything nearby shrouded in thick gray smoke. I'm sure nothing got in harm's way, including Suzuki and Atsushi. Though I'm human, I can assure you I'm in one piece due to my ability to withstand my Fire Magic. It seems to me the monster is out of sight. That means he must've been evaporated by my most fiery punch. As the smoke begins to disperse, I feel chilly below. I look down to see myself...

"Oh my. Where are my pants?"

Suddenly, a thick book comes flying into my face, making me fall flat backwards on the ground. When I notice its pages are yellow, I should've known she has received a big stash of them from that Mizukami lady as several more land, toppling and covering over my body. Luckily I still can breathe through the gaps in between them. Also, I don't have the dignity to face anyone since talking to a naked man doesn't lead to a nice closure. I know I should be glad I'm able to hear what's happening outside, but the words coming from the Demon Princess's mouth is still annoying to my ears...

"Francis! Are you alright?"

"Big Bro!"

"Hey, you two. I'm sure Plank needs reflecting time on his stupid stripping act. Talk about ending a fight in a COOL way."

"Hey, woman...I'm not in the mood of your sarcasm...and just get me out of this ridiculous mess you made!!!"

"Atsushi! Is that you?! Atsushi!"

"Mom! Dad!"

"Oh! Thank God! We had a bad feeling when we saw a fire explosion coming from here. What happened here?"

"Miss Nelly! You're here too?"

"Oh. Hello, officers. Satou and Kaji...if those are your correct names..."

"Yes, yes, our dear beauty~ It's us and... what's beneath the big pile of yellow...phonebooks?? Satou, go check..."

"I'm a who with the name, Francis on it."

"Fran...you mean! Pervert Goodlight is beneath that big pile?!

"I'm not a pervert!...but...for now, just let me be..."

"We can't let you be! You're precious to Miss Nelly!"

"Uhm...officers. I can handle my husband's situation so it'll be right to take the kid and his parents back home."

"Oh. If you insist, we'll obey your command, Miss Nelly!"

"Uhm...miss. Before you go, we want to thank you for saving Atsushi..."

"Oh. It's not me who save him. It's the man beneath the pile along with Sensei here. They were on time to save Atsushi from a dangerous being."

"Dangerous being...now, Atsushi..."

"In fact, it's great you've a son who's willing to fight and save someone. I hope you allow and trust him to become a rescuer. Because this world may need people like him and Sensei. Isn't that right, Sensei?"

"Oh! I... I'm not sure if I did anything...ah...Haha..."

"Well, if you say that...then it can't be helped that we want Atsushi to be happy with his choice no matter what. So Atsushi, I believe becoming a doctor is the possibly the safer way to save lives."

"Mom...Dad... I'm sorry... for worrying...you. But thank...you...for loving me...and... accepting my choice...hic..."

I feel like I'm smiling. Despite the pitch black view beneath this pile, I feel relief and gladness that the boy is saved...and that he's able to live the rest of his days with his parents... parents huh...

I'm having some glances of flashbacks of my parents until...my stomach rumbles like there's a hungry monster in it. Well, that killed the mood...except I can hear laughter among them. Maybe I should be glad I'm beneath this big pile of phonebooks because I've no idea how to face them as I can feel the blush on my face getting warmer.

"Well then...I guess we're late for dinner, Plank. Sensei, what shall we eat?"

"Oh... I'm okay with anything... I guess..."

"Miss Nelly, how about you have our Burger Queen coupons? As our appreciation for your words and your family's help saving our son."

As their conversation goes on with small talks and a long explanation on how to get to whichever restaurant they're talking about, I somehow feel peaceful even if it lasts for tonight only. Before I get bored waiting for her to give me new clothes and pull me out of this "booked rubble", I fall asleep without a care about what will happen to me.