" Mikoto, Hinagiku, kill the dogs first. I'll deal with that bunch of grunts, then we'll take on the big one!" Wu Yan said quietly to Mikoto and Hinagiku as he slowly drew Tessaiga.
"Don't worry. I'll keep an eye on Hinagiku!" Seeing Wu Yan look her way, Mikoto nodded in understanding.
"What..." Hinagiku straightened her back with slight displeasure at Mikoto's words. "I'm not a child. Do I need that much looking after?"
Wu Yan said helplessly, "Student Council President, it's for your own good. Your level is still rather low. Once it rises a bit, you can do whatever you want. For now, just be good and cooperate with Mikoto."
"I know, it's not like I don't understand." Hinagiku walked lightly over to Mikoto's side and said indignantly, "At least leave one for me. I want to help too!"
Wu Yan and Mikoto exchanged glances, only nodding after a moment.
"All right, Hinagiku. You can handle one, then. Consider it combat experience!" With Hinagiku's abilities, handling one should be fine. Although it was technically fighting above her rank, the gap between the second and third tiers was not insurmountable. Besides, dogs were nowhere near as cunning as people, making them much easier to fight.
With a casual flick, Wu Yan spent 100000 Item Points to exchange for a bottle of 'Brilliant Breath'. Holding it out before Hinagiku, he said solemnly, "If you run into danger, drink this. Don't take risks!"
"No, I..."
"Listen!" Wu Yan forcefully stuffed it into Hinagiku's hand, staring straight into her yellow-green eyes as he said word by word, "To me, you're far more precious than this lousy potion. Forget 100000 Item Points—even a hundred times that, a thousand times that, wouldn't compare to a single drop of your blood!"
Hinagiku stared blankly at