This was my chance. I charged straight for that psycho.

“Sacred Gear! Activate!”

“Boost!” A powerful voice boomed from the jewel embedded in my gauntlet, and my whole body surged with energy. My attack was aimed at the priest, but he’d seen me coming for him.

“How many times do I have to say it?! You really are pissing me off!” He leveled his gun right at me, blasting me with another soundless projectile.

This was it! “Promotion: Rook!” I cried out. The bullet ricocheted off me, vanishing.

“Promotion?! You’re a Pawn?!” Freed was clearly taken aback.

Yep, I’m a Pawn! And this Pawn is gonna crush you! “A Rook’s key attributes are incredible defense—,” I began, lifting my fist in front of his face. There was a strange, stiff sensation in my hand, but I didn’t let that stop me from letting loose. Freed was sent flying backward across the room. “—and unparalleled strength!”

I broke into a weak chuckle as I caught my breath. “That was for hitting Asia… Heh, it felt pretty good, actually.”

Freed hauled himself up from the ground, spitting out a mouthful of blood. His right cheek was badly swollen.

That’s it? It seemed promoting myself to a Rook wasn’t enough to match Koneko’s power.

Hold on… Upon closer inspection, I saw that the hilt of Freed’s sword had been completely shattered. Did he use it to shield himself? I wondered. That must have been the sensation I’d felt. He was fast, that was for sure.

Volume 1 - Diablos of the Old School Building
Life.4 (I'm Saving My Friend!)