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This chapter is translated by Durasama and is unedited.

Silver wings fluttered under the moonlight.

However, it was not to fly. It was to shoot out magic bullets made out of silver feathers which leaked out murderous intent from the silver wings. The magic bullets of silver held terrifying power along with the ability to continuously fire at will, the darkness was torn up in the sky 8,000 meters above ground, and a great number of flashes of light pours onto its target.

What stood up against it was a steel weapon which sparked out bright red light. Every time the monster who crushed all his foes released a roar, the silver feathers that came flying in would scatter tragically and disperse. Although they were well-calculated trajectory shots, it’s meaningless if they all get knocked down in one blow, a hole was created in the barrage which could be mistaken as a wall. What was needed was the courage to progress. That was how the perfect evasion was carried out.

“Hiyaa~!”

An out of place lovely voice resounded from the situation which gambled their lives. It was Hatanaka Aiko-sensei who couldn’t endure any longer and released an improper voice. Hajime used Metsurai¹ to shoot down the large barrage of silver feathers that “God’s Apostle” Nointo shot, Aiko was being held by his right arm and he continued to dodge at the very last second. She experienced her first dogfight in her life (Flesh and Blood version).

“Sensei! Keep your mouth closed! You’ll bleed like crazy if you bite yourself!”

“Even if you tell me tha-aa!? I, I bit myself……”

Hajime’s advice was in vain, Aiko immediately had tears in her eyes. Actually no, she already had tears in her eyes at the start of the air battle, so it wasn’t only because she bit herself.

Hajime as well, because Aiko doesn’t particularly have high physical strength, in order to avoid using intense movements he used “Light Speed²”, he knocked down the oncoming barrage and dodged with minimum movements, however the movements were still more intense than a roller coaster, Aiko was already in a groggy state.

However, he couldn’t just go ahead and toss her away either. Nointo’s merciless attack gave no room for Hajime who was holding Aiko to do that, plus as soon as he threw her, the attacks would likely be aimed at Aiko. Fighting with Aiko behind him could work, however moving together while holding her would be the better choice.

Besides, this situation won’t be continuing forever. A reliable companion should be coming to their rescue soon. Hajime used Schlag to shoot down the silver feathers which surrounded them from all directions while evading, Hajime spoke to Aiko who had shut her eyes tightly and was clinging tightly onto him.

“Sensei, hold on for just a bit longer. Right now my companion is heading here. When that fellow gets here, you’ll be able to get to the ground”

“Al, alright! But, what about you!?”

“Of course, I’m gonna kill that arrogant person”

“U~u, I’m sorry for holding you back….”

While grinding her teeth, she was aware that she was literally extra baggage. Hajime embraced Aiko closely and performed a somersault. In the inverted world, the silver bombardment passed over Hajime’s head. The flash of light erased the upper part of the isolation tower which Aiko had previously been held captive.

Again, a shriek was let out, however, it was drowned out by the shockwaves, while pressed onto Hajime’s chest, his heartbeat could be heard and wasn’t erratic at all, Aiko understood and obtained a strange sense of security from hearing it. Really, what am I thinking about in this situation, she rebutted herself however she gave in and clung onto Hajime with even more strength.

“Don’t worry about it. I’ve expected an unreasonable situation since the beginning”

“! Wa, you’d go that far……just for me…..”

Of course, Hajime meant that in the sense of colliding against the church for the Age of God’s magic, not in the sense of helping Aiko…..Just that, Aiko who was drunk from the situation splendidly misunderstood its meaning. And, in a situation where she was being embraced and protected further increased her misunderstanding. It’s necessary that she wakes up quickly.

“…….So you still have room to talk, irregular”

“Nuguo~o!?”

Immediately after the exchange of silver bombardments and barrage of silver feathers, a mechanically cold voice sounded out within striking distance of Hajime’s side. At once, he used his artificial arm to shoot out behind himself from the elbow, he also used the recoil to turn himself around. What jumped into his eyes was, one large sword used to defend the attack, and the other large sword was swung sideways. The large sword was 2 meters in length, 30 centimeters in width, and cladded in silver light, just being there was enough to make you feel a sense of overwhelming intimidation being released from it. And, its ability that it bears is also quite merciless. After all, it was clad in the silver inherent magic “Decomposition” that Nointo used. It would be against the rules to even touch it.

However, even if he knew that, he couldn’t perform any unreasonable movements because Aiko was still there, Hajime immediately used Schlag to hit the center of the large sword to divert its trajectory and allowed himself to fall back backwards, with that he just barely managed to dodge it. The large sword passed by and grazed his bangs which caused him to break out in cold sweat.

He instantaneously used his artificial arm, Schlag, and “Vajra”, the azanthium managed to hold off against the “Decomposition” but, it’s inevitable that it would take damage every time they came into contact. This time around, Schalg’s surface was scraped down slightly. If the same thing is done over and over again, it’ll probably be destroyed quite fast.

Nointo didn’t stop the centrifugal force caused by the large sword, while rotating the moonlight was reflected and caused her silver hair to glitter beautifully, she then turned to Hajime and brought down her sword that she used to block the bullets. With immense power the speed of the sword already far exceeded the commonsense of its large frame.

Once again, Hajime shot out a shell from his artificial arm to fend off the large sword and used it’s recoil to rotate, he then pointed Schlag’s muzzle at Nointo and pulled the trigger 3 times. Three flashes of light roared out as they headed towards Nointo’s heart, he accurately shot them towards her abdomen.

However, Nointo’s reaction speed wasn’t normal either. She had already held up her large sword to protect her stomach the moment Hajime aimed his gun.

Hajime then used the cross bitt’s to pursue Nointo who was distanced due to the power of the railguns. The loaded exploding slug bullets gave out a wave of bright red ripples in the night sky and a created a terrifying shockwave. Although Nointo managed to easily negate it with her silver wings, just as Hajime planned it out, they were distanced from one another.

“Hawa, hawawa…..what, how did….”
“…..Sensei. I’m begging you, while we’re still trying to kill each other please don’t release such cute sounds. It’s like it’ll ruin the mood?”
“C, cute….Nagumo-kun! Wh, what are you saying to your sensei…..”

They were in a super high-grade battle where victory or defeat could be settled in a matter of seconds, however, Aiko’s cute screams would be heard in intervals, Hajime’s vigor was being cut down each time. “You’re surprisingly comfortable while being protected?³” was said while looking at them suspiciously, actually half of that was correct, Aiko had never thought in her wildest dreams that she would feel so secure while being embraced by Hajime.

“…..Even while holding extra baggage, in order to overpower you…..as expected, you are too strong. You’re not a suitable piece for my masters”

“Well, I’m glad. Finally aggravating the Neets, being called an unneeded nuisance and unqualified piece is of the highest evaluation. Thanks a lot”

“……..It’s useless if you’re trying to make me angry. I have no emotions”

“Ha? What are you saying? Those were obviously my real feelings”

“…………”

Nointo expanded her wings and steeled her eyes then posed her twin swords in a cross. As she said, there really were no feelings, was it just a useless conversation then…..in Hajime’s eyes, some anger began to swell up, his useless thoughts were then omitted immediately. Anyhow, he’ll still kill her. No matter what he thinks of Nointo, in the end, it’s a trivial thing.

Nointo’s silver wings began to flutter again, the silver feathers were released and scattered in the sky. However, this time it wasn’t shot at Hajime. Instead, they gathered around Nointo in an instant, several silver feathers were piled up on top and overlapping each other. Right, it was a magic formation. The magic formation glowed out silver lights and Nointo glared at Hajime.

And…..

“[Disastrous Flame Wave]⁴”

The magic that was used created a huge tsunami of fire that scorched up the sky.

It appears that she was able to not only use magic bullets, but also attribute magic. Though she’s never used it up till now, it was because she judged that silver magic bullets would be enough. In other words, she’s become serious.

The huge wave of flames raised up and down and completely towered over their heads, towards the extraordinary waves of flames, Aiko momentarily sees an illusion that the world was engulfed in great flames. She glanced up at Hajime from his chest, he was searching desperately for something and sweat could be seen on his cheeks.

What Hajime was looking for was the core of the magic. If he can find it with his Magic Eye, he can make the whole thing disappear as long as he shoots through it. Of course, it would take god-like pin-point accuracy to shoot through a needle-like hole, but for Hajime it was already a normal skill.

However, the magic that Nointo used was a super-wide-ranged magic, it was large enough to completely illuminate [Kamiyama] which could be comparable to daytime. It was like searching for a needle in an ocean, the position of the core was unknown.

And, the time limit ended without mercy.

The tsunami of flames that reached several hundred meters completely swallowed Hajime and Aiko without letting them escape. It was checkmate no matter how anyone looks at it. It would be normal to assume that the 2 people were completely burnt down and left no traces at all.

However, Nointo didn’t look away from the center of the great flames that burned brightly.

“…….Will you also surpass this”

Immediately after Nointo muttered that, the attacks effects ended, at the center of the great flames, Hajime and Aiko were flawlessly enclosed by 4 cross bitts.

With Hajime and Aiko at the center, the 4 cross bitts created a triangular pyramid and connected with one another through wires. A film of bright red light stretched in between the field where the wires connected.

“It’s still only in its experimental stage but…..it seems to have worked quite well”

“Th, this is…..”

Hajime’s slightly relieved expression could be seen. This was possible because the wire and ore’s which carried space magic through generation magic were built into the cross bitts, when four points were united a boxed-type barrier would be formed. It’s not just a simple barrier though, it’s the type that shuts out space itself, theoretically, its defensive powers were guaranteed. However, it was still in the experimental stages, because there was no solid proof on how much it could actually endure, Hajime was slightly uneasy for a moment.

Nointo looked at the barrier in amazement and saw Aiko who was still embraced being restless, once again she formed another magic formation.

But, there were more than 20 magic formations this time, their forms unfolded as silver feathers were shot towards Hajime simultaneously.

It was exactly like an attack of angry waves. Most likely, although the four point barrier might demonstrate considerable strength, it would be a problem for those inside of it to be caged in. moreover, it’s uncertain if it could endure Nointo’s waves of all out attacks.

The bad side of this barrier was that Hajime could not attack while enclosed because space itself is cut off. Therefore, Hajime quickly released the barrier and distanced himself greatly away from Nointo, he tried to devote himself to evading until Teio arrived.

Then suddenly at that time, a song began to resound throughout [Kamiyama].

Hajime looked at where the singing was coming from as he dodged the silver feathers, there, he saw a gathering of church priests, their hands were crossed in a prayer pose and they continued singing. The chorus consisted of 100 priests gave out a solemnity feel to it, just like those that you’d be able to see at Earth.

Just what, immediately after Hajime questioned himself,

“….~!? What’s this? My body is…..”

“Nagumo-kun!? Au~, wh, what is this……”

Hajime and Aiko’s bodies felt weird.

Strength couldn’t be found in their bodies and their magic powers were quickly diminishing. It was as if all their energy were being sapped out of their bodies. Moreover, particles of light began to cling on them and their movements became more obstructed.

“Ku, a magic that causes an abnormal state…..as expected of the head temple. Their measures against enemies are perfect”

Hajime’s guess was right on target.

Ishtar and them noticed that Nointo, [God’s True Apostle], was fighting and supported her with the “Hymn of Supreme Degeneration⁵” magic. This was a brutal magic which weakened the enemies and restrains them as well, it was an irregular magic which could only be sustained if continuously chanted by multiple priests at once.

“Ishtar huh. ……He seems to understand his duties well. Quite a good piece”

Ishtar was looking at Nointo with an ecstatic expression from the ground and Nointo looked back at him with eyes that showed no feelings. If you looked at Ishtar’s expression, you’d know right away that he wished to cooperate with Nointo and it seemed to also be the height of his lifetime. Certainly, it was a convenient existence that moved along with God’s will.

Ishtar and the other priests aside, currently, the magic invoked was definitely a troublesome one.

Hajime gradually lost his powers, while supplementing it with his huge magical powers, he managed to dodge Nointo’s attack. However, it was obvious that his reaction time was cut down drastically. And while continuing on with that body state, Nointo’s attacks weren’t letting up at all.

Several magic formations formed around Nointo and lightning bolts came dashing out, it rushed towards Hajime while drawing irregular movements in the sky. Hajime shot through the lightning bolts core with Schlag and they dispersed, however he couldn’t get rid of the electrified air caused by the lightning bolts and they got shocked a little.

Momentary stiffness. However, that was a fatal chance against Nointo.
“~!?”

Nointo moved in at super-speeds and crossed her twin swords together. Due to the momentary stiffness from the electric shock, Hajime’s reaction was slightly delayed, he somehow managed to divert a blow away using Schlag but the second blade couldn’t be avoided and it sank into his shoulder.

“Guu~u!”

While raising a painful voice, he flipped his body by using the outburst from his artificial arm, while using “Aerodynamic” he desperately attempted to get outside of Nointo’s sword range. Naturally, her severe sword attacks didn’t allow him to have that much free time, he made the cross bitts self-destruct and managed to distance himself away from her.

“Nagumo-kun~!?”

“I’m alright so be quiet!”

Blood dripped down from Hajime’s shoulder and onto Aiko’s cheeks. From the shockwave that the cross bitts created, “Vajra” was used to defend themselves, although Aiko didn’t get hit much by the impact, she desperately tried to keep her consciousness and raised a worried scream towards Hajime.

But, Hajime no longer had time to worry about Aiko. While replying coldly, Nointo began to shoot out silver feathers. Hajime used [Vajra], [Air Claw], and Schlag to bring them down. Because of the particles of light, his body felt sluggish, it wasn’t possible to evade everything after all.

Towards that kind of Hajime, Nointo charged forwards from the front…..was a feint and spread her silver wings! The wings flickered with bright light and blinded Hajime’s sights.

However, Hajime’s perception ability was first class. Immediately, he felt Nointo’s presence behind him and turned Schlag around and rapidly fired. Consecutive explosions were heard, turning around…..he saw a bundle of silver feathers scattering around. Right, it was a decoy that Nointo made with a bundle of her silver feathers.

“~!?”

Hajime’s spine stood up straight. His instincts were ringing out loudly, warning him. Hajime regretted that he had turned around, he could only pull the trigger without properly aiming with his arm backwards.

Bullets were shot, and luckily enough it flew towards Nointo’s head, but she easily evaded by ducking her head. And, one of the large swords cut down onto Hajime’s back. Hajime used the derivation of “Vajra” which was [Intensive Strengthening⁶] to the best of his abilities, he steeled himself in preparation.

Although Nointo’s large sword was equal to Hajime’s [Vajra] for an instant, the wall was immediately torn apart, the sword’s tip swung down onto Hajime’s body.

“Gaa~a!!”

“Nagumo-kun!”

He felt pain burning on his back, Towards Hajime who instinctively leaked out his voice, Aiko’s expression and voice were impatient. However, Hajime countered Nointo by somersaulting forwards from using the impact of the cut.

Nointo immediately pursues them with her sword held high.

Hajime whose body was sluggish placed “Vajra” onto a cross bitt to make it into a shield, other cross bitts were sent to the left and right of Nointo and released their built-in exploding bullets.

As Nointo rushes in she used her silver wings to brush off the bullets from the cross bitts, and used her large sword to cut down the cross bitt acting as Hajime’s shield, furthermore, she flung her second sword onto the first one in order to devour the cross bitt, it easily cut through.

Hajime’s eyes were opened wide, Nointo’s eyes were literally right in front of his. Her eyes showed clearly that this was their difference. In other words, “This is the end”.

Hajime’s eyes showed no sign of giving up. However, in order to not let Aiko die in this situation, he needed to consider things. If it comes to it, Hajime decided that he would get hurt instead. In such cases, if he became too weakened, he’d have to regrettably use “Limit Breakthrough” without waiting for Teio to arrive, he prepared himself to sacrifice his left arm first.

And, against Nointo’s large sword, Hajime’s held up artificial left arm was torn into, the moment when it was about to break through and deal a fatal injury,

Guugaa~aaaaaaa!!!

Along with a dragon roar, a black flash approached from beneath them with terrific power. It was a scorching breath which eliminates everything. The violent black storm was accurately aimed at Nointo.

Immediately, Nointo’s silver wings wrapped around her body in a defensive stance.

Just after that, the black breath directly hit Nointo’s wings, although it was being decomposed the force of the blow pushed her away. The black and silver magics collide with one another and caused black-silver magical powers to scatter in the air, Nointo was flung backwards into one of the churches towers. With the sound of the impact, the tower began rattling and crumbled down.

The screams of the priests led by Ishtar could be heard from underneath. They seemed to be upset because an apostle of God was blown off.

Hajime took out Orkan⁷ from the “Treasure Warehouse” and without looking he shot all 12 rockets towards Ishtar’s group. This time around he ignored the different kind of screams being heard. Because another voice echoed and drowned out theirs.

“Master. Are you alright?”

Towards the voice, Hajime’s cheeks loosen up although he’s still on the lookout for Nointo. The arrival of the dragon that he was waiting for came.

“You saved me, Teio. It was a bit dangerous just then”

While happy because of Hajime’s words, the black dragon which was Teio was seen regaining steepness after bringing down the powerful enemy and came besides Hajime while fluttering her wings.

“I’m glad above all else that I made it on time, later chastise…….I want a reward”

“…….I’ll think about it if you manage to protect sensei”

“Really! Don’t go forgetting those words now! Sa~a, sensei-dono, you should get on mistress’s back”

Hajime, in such a situation Teio is still faithful to her own desires (In retrospect, Yue, Shia, and Kaori are too but,) with an amazed expression, Aiko who was embraced closely was put on her back.

Aiko somehow felt an odd sensation from the two’s conversation, she clung obediently on Teio’s back because now she won’t be weighing him down any longer.

“Ehtto, Teio-san. My best regards”

“Umu. Leave it to me. After all sensei is an important person to master (in the sense of a teacher), I won’t let you fall into enemy hands”

Aiko further increased her misunderstanding from the words “important person” that Teio said, and anxiously looked at Hajime. However you looked at it, it wasn’t the expression of anxiety that a teacher has towards a student, it was the air of a lady in love, however there wasn’t anyone there to tsukkomi.

And at that time, the tower which Nointo plunged into blew off from the ground with a roaring sound. A thick cloud of dust danced around and from the wind pressure of Nointo’s silver wings, it was all blown away and showed her unhurt form. Teio’s breath didn’t seem to be able to pierce through the silver wings defenses.

“……Teio, go”

“Aye. However, I’ll come back to help after sensei-dono’s safety is secured? At the very least, mistress will do something about the people of the church”

Towards Hajime who was already staring at Nointo with intense bloodthirst, Teio managed to guess awhile ago the cause of the magic which was weakening Hajime, she reliably declared while staring at Ishtar’s group. Hajime continued to focus on Nointo.

When those words were heard, Hajime simply nodded once and then charged fiercely towards Nointo through the air.

“Nagumo-kun! Be careful! Please…..”

“…….Fumu? Ho~o…well well…..”

Towards Aiko who was posed with both hands united in front of her chest praying, Teio seemed to have guessed what was going on and became interested, in other words, she let out a, this is going to be interesting, voice.

“Sensei-dono. Though I understand you’re worried about master, I’m in a bit of a rush. I’ll send you onto the ground, then mistress will beat around the old damaged group over there. It wouldn’t do for master to be obstructed after all”

Aiko said, wait, as Teio began to turn around. For what though, Teio glanced at Aiko who was on her back by bending her neck, Aiko returned the glance with a determined look.

“Teio-san. If you put me down on the ground now, wouldn’t having to come back after dropping me off take up quite a bit of time? This is 8,000 meters in the sky. Going back and forth should be quite harsh…..”

“Mu? Certainly, that’s absolutely right, but……sensei-dono, you can’t be thinking to”

“Yes. If Teio-san intends to fight for Nagumo-kun’s sake then, please allow me to help. If you don’t immediately do something about Ishtar-san’s group, Nagumo-kun would quickly weaken. It would be a waste of time to send me back down onto the ground”

What Aiko says is possible however honestly Teio is reluctant.

Although a lot of people seemed to have been injured by the Orkan’s attack, if you looked Ishtar is preparing to sing the hymn again while also constructing a barrier, Teio wanted to blow them all away as well. But, if by chance Aiko gets hurt, the promise with Hajime would disappear.

“But, it may be bad of me to say this to sensei-dono, but what can you do? Without magic formations nor battle experience? Can you fight against the priests and their knights?”

Teio’s opinion was severe which caused Aiko to strongly grit her teeth and then she slowly moved her finger towards her mouth. And with her eyes closed, she bit and made a cut on her finger, the blood that dripped from her fingertip was used to draw magic formations by smearing it onto the back of her opposite hand.

“I, may not look like it but in terms of magical powers I’m equal to Amanogawa-kun who is the hero. Though I don’t have any battle experience……I’ll show you that I can properly assist you! Fighting against another person….honestly I’m scared, but I have no other choice but to do it. From now on, in order for everyone to survive and return to Japan, more than anyone else, I must not run away!”

The kingdom that was skeptical to invasion, even the king had become a fanatic like the priests. Relying on God who planned out everything in the first place is no longer an option. In order to survive in this world now, Aiko and them must continue advancing ahead.

If that’s so, as the teacher, even if she was avoided for it, what must be done, must be done. Teio understood from the determination in Aiko’s eyes, though she still hesitated, she decided to permit Aiko tagging along because there was no other way.

“It’s inevitable if you’ve already made your final decision. If it’s Sensei-dono’s will, then Master wouldn’t have any complaints. As you wish. Shall we blow up those fools together!”

“Yes!”

Aiko’s tension and fear, and the answer which made up the decision that signaled their movements appeared, Teio flew towards the great church which symbolized the priests in a quick dash. Their enemies were the priests and temple knights which were made up of hundreds of people.

Now, a different tag team named Teio and Aiko challenged this worlds largest religious head temple.

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This chapter is translated by Durasama and is unedited.

The shining moon became invisible behind the crowd of ash dragons.

There’s likely over 100 figures that could be seen. And at the center of it all is the white dragon, the appearance of Freed Bagua could be seen riding it’s back.

“Don’t think less of us. Dividing up the enemy forces is a standard technique in battles”

Shia and Mikhail had just disappeared into the transfer gate “Field Pierce” made through space magic. Then Freed ordered the black eagle force to pursue them, as they passed by they glared and trash talked Yue who was stationary.

Although there wasn’t any signs of wind magic being used at all, to the appearance that floats in the skies just like the moon that floats in the nocturnal sky, a smile appeared even when their reactions were heard, Yue is only quietly staring at Freed expressionlessly.

Freed is a proud Majinzoku, rather than looking at others equally, they’re looked down upon. He is a pious believer in their Majinzoku God whom they worship, he’s the type of man that would not accept any other way of life or values.

Hence, it was impossible that he would have an interest in a woman from another race. However, that Freed is now, while the ash dragons and his subordinates were still blocking the true moon, to the girl with a pretty face that shines just like the moon, felt charmed with the thoughts “It would be regrettable if such a gem were killed”.

With those thoughts, although he understands it’s necessary to kill Hajime, and though he holds hatred because his brethren were killed, still, foolish words came out of his mouth.

“How regrettable. …..Woman, as a spellcaster, no matter how much I want the ability to cast magic without chants, though this may be reckless in this situation. How about it? Will you join me? We won’t treat you badly just because you’re a woman”

Towards Freed’s invitation, Yue’s reply was….

“…..Fu~, come back after being reborn. Ugly man”

It was indescribably severe, a reply of severe sarcasm mixed with ridicule was returned.

By the way, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration that Freed’s figure if evaluated by ten people, every one of them would agree that he was a good-looking man. Combined with his vast powers, he was extremely popular to the Majinzoku women. Therefore, he’s not an ugly man at all.

However, Yue saw Freed’s desolate expression at the [Mountain of Great Flames] when he talked about his god, in her memory it was awful and sickening. Such a man, invited her with a clarified face. The only thing seen was already just a sickening foolish man. To begin with, she doesn’t feel anything for any other man but Hajime, so it was nothing but foolish talk to begin with.

When Yue’s response was heard, Freed’s eyes twitched and cramped up.

“Have you chosen your path as a martyr? Or, because of your loyalty to this country? Discard your teachings, do not simply follow a country in blind faith, do you plan on sacrificing your life for those kinds of things? That is the highest reaches of stupidity. Once you know of our god, “Aruvu-sama’s” teachings. Then, you’ll be purified after just closing your eyes just once!?”

To Freed who began blabbering on about unrelated topics, Yue simply answered by rapidly firing out Wind Blades. It was merely because she couldn’t endure hearing him babble on any longer.

A spray of blood dances on the evening winds. Because Freed managed to dodge his body, the Wind Blades that Yue shot out only managed to cut his shoulder shallowly. Immediately, Freed was able to react to the Wind Blades, he was definitely one of the few great people who conquered a labyrinth. If not, he would have lost an arm immediately.

To Freed who was glaring at her with anger, Yue only returned it with a cool gaze. Then, she announced to the foolish looking demon leader.

“……Your question is unnecessary. The moment you hurt Hajime, you were already sentenced to death in agony”

As if the words were a signal, extremely cold ice and snow blew around Yue.

It instantly turned into a huge tornado, it climbed up towards the heavens as it surrounded Yue. A white storm which connected the heavens to the ground, the surrounding temperature is quickly reduced to absolute zero, the ash dragons which were blocking the moon were completely frozen.

This was a compound magic of ice at a superlative degree in the system attack magic “Frozen Prison” along with the intermediate wind system attack magic “Storm Emperor” which created a wide range tornado at absolute zero temperatures.

Almost like a mammoth being frozen instantaneously due to the climate change that brought upon the glacial epoch, the ash dragons all died without damage to their exterior, they fell and crashed onto the ground, breaking their bodies into pieces. It appears that their insides were completely frozen as red crystals of blood bounced around on the earth.

“Did you not hear me. ……Guess there’s no helping it. Shoot her down!”

Freed who lost nearly 20 ash dragons instantly, ordered the attack while gritting his teeth. As a result, the ash dragons all deploy together from all directions, top and bottom, they shot out aurora’s disorderly from every direction.

As if they were meteor showers, over 100 aurora’s were shot out in the night sky. The dark night was torn up by the flash of lights, as if the spellcaster in the center was committing suicide, an absolute zero blizzard blew out and raged like a flower pinholder.

From the impact of the countless auroras, the tornado of ice and snow dispersed as if melting in the air. The scattered ice and snow created a spiral, what appeared from the center was the appearance of Yue who was wounded from the powerful blast….actually no, it was an unhurt Yue accompanied by the black swirling star which circled around her.

Without wasting a second, over 100 aurora’s were once again seen after they confirmed the small enemy was still there.

However, the matchless lights of death which would normally eliminate everything, one after another is swallowed into the black star that was tossed around by Yue, or bent and reflected outwards towards the horizon, none of them reached her at all.

Yue used gravity magic to further increase her altitude. While being exposed to countless auroras, there is no unrest in her expression at all. “Exceeding Curse” was used to swallow up everything and “Cursed Sky” was used to move the ball of extreme gravity, as if it were a protection satellite orbiting and defending the moon.

“The breaths are ineffective, directly swat her down! Go!”

To Freed’s change of strategy, the ash dragons didn’t lag behind at all and followed the orders obediently. While releasing the roar of a dragon, murderous intent was shown in its eyes from wanting to tear up the slender girl with its sharp claws and teeth.

They intended to attack in waves. Yue’s environment was immediately buried under the gray crowd of ash dragons.

Yue who was being confronted didn’t worry at all at the incoming ash dragon’s murderous intent, she calmly closed her eyes. While deeply concentrating. It could be said that it was convenient for the ash dragons that she wasn’t moving, their claws expand, and their strong jaws spread open.

At the moment where they thought that it would be impossible to escape death, while facing them, Yue’s eyes opened up! And then, her lovely thin lips voiced out.

“[Beheading Threads¹ (cut)]”

At that moment, their world shifted in unison (. . .).

Like a mirror which had cracked, countless lines are drawn out in the open space, the lines were purposely made adjacent to the starting point. And then, the ash dragons which were coming in succession into the cracked space, after stiffening for an instant, fell to the ground while hearing the sound of their scattering and spraying blood from their cut body parts that came into contact with the broken space.

Space magic “Beheading Threads”. Through cracking space and moving it, it’s a no brainer that it’s a magic that will cut apart any object.

By Yue’s unseeable cutting magic, more than 30 ash dragons died without being able to do anything but scream out their last moments. Freed’s expression trembles from the activation of space magic, motion speed, and development scale that were far from what he could do.

“What great ability. ….By chance, are you one of the people chosen by God! If that’s so, then your rejection of my proposal is understandable”

Freed sweats a good amount while nodding in consent, Yue, “This misunderstanding imbecile, it’s extremely sickening though….”, anyone could understand that she had an unpleasant expression.

“……What a joke. Whenever I fight, it’s always for Hajime’s sake. Don’t place me in the same group as you”

Towards the harsh words, Freed whose personality holds the gods in high esteem, love and respect, (he couldn’t imagine it) and became expressionless. It appears that mentioning that was taboo for Freed.

“Rejoice. I won’t be saying anymore than this. We’ll kill you and I will throw your corpse in front of that man. If I step on it, it may provoke some unrest. At that time, it would be that man’s end”

“….That mouth sure runs a lot. Can’t you just show it through your actions while being silent? Ugly man”

Towards the words that subdued his angry rant, multiple veins showed on Freed as he was ridiculed. Just as Yue had said, he decided to show it with actions.

But it was already seen at [Mountain of Great Flames], Freed issued instructions to a small bird-type demon that rode on his shoulder. Then, a part of the crowds of demons that had invaded and broke the outer wall of the Kingdom’s capital, surged towards Yue from the ground. It appears that they intend to attack from the ground.

Yue, while protecting herself from the ash dragon’s auroras with her gravity ball, summoned the “Thunder Dragon”. The golden dragon appeared from the dark clouds in the sky and let out a roar of lightning. It approached as the auroras from the ash dragons and Freed were being restrained by “Exceeding Curse”, the thunder dragon was then sent to wipe out the ground troops.

As usual, it was a no brainer that the thunder dragon’s mouth sucked in everything…..was what was supposed to happen, but the advance was stopped by 6 pairs of turtle-typed demon Abusodo⁴ that exceeded 5 meters in length. One of the huge Abusodos opened its big mouth and in reverse, actually started consuming the dragon instead.

Abusodo was also seen before with the Majinzoku woman named Cattleya at [Orcus Great Labyrinth], it’s a demon whose inherent magic is able to take in other magic into its body. However, the Abusodo that was consuming the thunder dragon on the ground was a different size from the Abusodo seen in the labyrinth. Most likely, it was improved and strengthened.

Still, as expected of the thunder dragon. Though it’s being swallowed by the Abusodo, with its large body, though slowly, it’s surely lifting it up. It appears that the limitation of only being able to swallow one type of magic hasn’t been changed yet. Even if the thunder is being swallowed, it cannot swallow the gravity magic.

The 6 Abusodos were gradually floating and they flailed around hastily, before their big bodies were carried off by the thunder dragon, another Abusodo began to swallow the gravity magic. As expected, the thunder dragon couldn’t endured the 2 strengthened Abusodo’s with their inherent magic “Magic Storing”, the body of the thunder dragon was consumed.

Immediately after that, the compressed magic was launched at Yue.

“…..Annoying”

Just like an anti-aircraft homing missile was launched from the ground, it accurately attacked Yue. Yue who was using the gravity ball to the best of her abilities to block the ash dragons and white dragon’s auroras, immediately evaded by “falling” from the sky.

“Fu~, I understood that you used strange thunder system magic. As long as Abusodo is here, your magic will be sealed off”

Freed laughs while grinning. However, Yue isn’t particularly worried, only quietly observing the Abusodos, only after a short time, her eyes wandered in the sky while thinking something and then concentrated on them again.

“Are you trying to tear space again? I won’t be giving you that kind of time!”

The white dragon and ash dragons further increased the severity of their attacks, a black panther typed demon approached by kicking off the ground and into the sky.

Although the storm of aurora’s was blocked by the gravity ball, most of Yue’s consciousness was used to construct another magic, her movements were lacking compared to before. There, the appearance of the black panther approached quickly from the ground, it began releasing countless tentacles⁵, furthermore, its sharp claws also bypassed the gravity ball which was focused on preventing the auroras from hitting.

Between offense and defense, countless wounds appear on Yue’s body, red blood splashes in the night sky. However, because it was only a flesh wound, it wasn’t much of a problem. To begin with what is Yue’s true defensive powers, certainly not barriers nor gravity balls. It was the cheating “Regeneration Power”.

A barrier would be placed if there was a companion, or evaded if the attack will cause clothes to tear because it would be a nuisance, originally she would just disregard the other parties attacks and leave it up to her regeneration powers, Yue’s true battle style was simply, one-sidedly attacking.

To Yue who was spraying blood, Freed’s expression was that of one who was convinced of their victory, when Yue’s wound was automatically restored, his eyes could only open widely in astonishment.

“Is that also an Age of God’s magic? Just exactly how many have you acquired!”

Although he wasn’t completely wrong, while voicing out his misunderstanding to Yue, he gave out orders for all demons to continue attacking until they beat her recovery rate. And then, Freed also started chanting an Age of God’s magic.

However, naturally, Yue was already concentrating on her magic previously. Yue’s eyes opened up and showed strength, in the space of the thundering roars and flashes, her lovely voice resounded.

“[Five Heavenly Dragons]”

Immediately afterwards, dark clouds appear and the thunder roared, the swirling wind turns into a storm and blew harshly, the water currents produced were frozen into ice, a gray cloud of sand took shape like a big snake, and flames strong enough to burn up the atmosphere were condensed.

As a result, the appearance of 5 demonic dragons were seen in the night sky of the Kingdom’s capital. Although they were dragons created from gravity magic, they all had their own respective attributes.

Gooaaaaaa~!!!

The 5 dragons roared out greatly enough to make the atmosphere tremble.

The group of gigantic demonic dragons looked divine, the ash dragons probably realized on instinct that they were greatly outmatched and leaked out a small miserable cry in their fright. In their eyes, there’s already little to no murderous intent towards Yue, instead fear and shock settled in its place, their eyes glanced over to their master Freed, demanding for help.

Freed once again exposed his disgraceful behavior of having his jaw drop down from the magic that lacked common sense while riding the white dragon. That chance wasn’t missed, Yue sent the 5 heavenly dragons to assault the ground troops.

The thunder dragon charged at Abusodo and swallowed it first, Abusodo put up a fight and opened its large mouth as well. Although the thunder dragon was slightly consumed, it was different from a while ago, the blue⁶ dragon dashed out from behind the thunder dragon, when they both collided together, Abusodo melted due to the intense heat.

“Kuaaaaaan~!!”

The pain generated from its shell melting down while still alive caused Abusodo to cry out painfully as its inherent magic was completely bested, the thunder dragon then aimed at another target. It was, another Abusodo that was swallowed by the storm dragon. While letting out a godly roar, it bit into the other dragon where Abusodo was, the edge of its body transformed into ash from being scorched.

Again at a nearby place, the ice dragon is freezing Abusodo and the stone dragon rolled up and caused all surrounding areas to petrify. The storm dragon which was freed by the thunder dragon, advanced onwards and cut the demons such as the black panthers besides Abusodo into pieces.

As expected, using the 5 heavenly dragons was harsh, Yue was panting and her forehead was drenched in sweat. After quickly disposing of the Abusodos, her next target was the ash dragons in the sky.

Freed’s group of matchless dragons were similarly challenged by Yue and her dragons. Without a doubt the figures of the ash dragons becoming food to the 5 heavenly dragons could be seen, this seemed to just show the difference in ability between Yue and Freed.

Freed finally realized after coming this far. The shape of a terrible monster which would normally be avoided. It was not just the boy who took heavy damage from the surprise attack at [Mountain of Great Flames], but also the girl in front of his eyes, she was without a doubt someone that he had to risk his life against when fighting.

He was ashamed at himself for becoming arrogant for saying what he had said before the fight.

Therefore, this next magic attack is literally with all of Freed’s energy put into it.

“——————World which is always swaying, giant’s iron hammer, roar of the dragons, Army of trampling legs, both worlds are never met, hearing rumbles, bringing screams, It’s God’s sigh! It’s God’s grief! Thou, be crushed with despair! [Trembling Heaven]!”

The surrounding space rumbles intensely. Sounding lower than a hungry bellies groan, as if the world itself was screaming.

Yue’s thoughts, “Mu~!” her cautiousness intensifies as she has knowledge of this magic, a defensive system was immediately thought up. The range of the blast magic was far too wide to evade in time. And all average defenses would be completely broken in an instant.

After canceling the 5 heavenly dragons and the gravity ball, she immediately constructed space magic. This is because she has no room to spare resources on other magics. Yue with the quick use of space magic and simultaneously, the space shrunk momentarily and caused a great explosion.

Space itself exploded. Without a doubt, it was had great force, even the leftover ground troops and ash dragons were obliterated in an instant, it gouged out the earth and even blew away all clouds within the area.

Space magic [Trembling Heaven]. Space is forcefully compressed, it’s a magic that generates an extremely powerful impact from letting loose the compressed space.

“…..N~, as expected….of Age of God’s magic”

However, Yue had survived even though she was at the center of the impact. Her clothes were torn in some places, blood dripped from her mouth, some of her internal organs were probably damaged, however it was all too light compared to the impact that went off.

Her slight injuries were also quickly healed.

Normally, it had enough power to completely wipe out everything without a trace……

The reason was because Yue had used the space magic [Restraining Threads⁷] before [Trembling Heaven] activated. This was a magic that restores space. In use, it was an convenient magic that could be used for defense and restraining. More so, it’s magic consumption wasn’t at the point of wanting to tear out the whites of ones own eyes out.

The space wasn’t completely restored because it was instantaneously created, though Yue took some damage, other than physical restoration from “Automatic Reproduction”, her clothes were also restored through reproduction magic, her appearance in both the inside and outside were flawless.

At the center of where everything in the surroundings were destroyed, a figure was seen bathing in the moonlight as if nothing had happened at all, it was an amazing combination of divineness and strength.

However, there was one person who didn’t doubt Yue’s strength. He assaulted Yue from a blind spot.

“I knew you would withstand it! Monster disguised as a girl!”

Passing through the gate behind Yue, Freed who rode on the white dragon appeared while shooting out an aurora.

Though Yue evaded the aurora by immediately “falling”, she could not dodge the white dragon’s opened mouth as they intersected, it tried to devour her arm from the shoulder down in one go.

Bushu~! blood gushes out from the wound. The white dragon was unable to completely tear off Yue’s arm, when its sharp fangs sank down onto her soft skin, it tried to shoot out an aurora at point blank.

It seemed to be improvised as Freed continuously shot out great magics, this time he was once again convinced of his victory, he turned to look at Yue in delight. However, the moment he saw Yue’s expression, an unspeakable chill ran through Freed’s spine, his eyes full of delight turned into fear.

Because, on Yue’s lips was a smile in the shape of a perfect crescent moon. Her thin pink lips easily stood out. The smile no longer showed the divineness that was shown awhile ago. The moonlight which shined on Yue, changed into one not of solemnity, but one of devilishness.

Through the night wind, deep red eyes shining brightly between the gaps of her beautiful gold hair could be seen.

In other words

——-You touched me?

and.

The chant of the Age of God’s magic was quietly voiced from Yue’s mouth.

“[Destruction Engraving]⁸”

Immediately afterwards, in the night sky where the devilish moonlight pours down, the scream of two were simultaneously heard.

“Guuaaaaa~!!”

Kuuruaaan~!!

The white dragon writhed from the impact, this time Yue’s arm was completely torn off, However, she didn’t have an anxious expression and manipulated gravity magic to go up into the sky. And, in an instant, the appearance of the missing arm returned, she then glared at Freed and the white dragon that was in agony while gushing blood from their whole bodies.

“……How is it? The same wounds that Hajime received. Does it hurt?”

“Guuu~! Damn you, this…..”

To Yue who was expressionless and shouldering the moon on her back, Freed grit his teeth in fierce pain and glared sharply back.

Freed and the white dragon’s states were severe. The white dragon suffered a hollowed chest through combustion, in addition it was bleeding throughout its entire body, it seemed that it would crash at any moment. As for Freed, he was bleeding slowly from an incision wound on his chest, his left arm was broken and lowered lifelessly, and he was coughing out blood intensely as his internal organs were damaged. In addition there were big and small wounds throughout his whole body.

All of the wounds were the same as the time where Hajime was injured at [Mountain of Great Flames]. Reproduction magic “Destruction Engraving”——–a magic that reproduces the wounds and destruction that an object once received in the past. Although not direct nor indirect, if it’s not touched within a radius of less than 3 meters it wouldn’t work, the wounds that can be reproduced is proportional to the magic power being used.

Yue if possible, wanted to corner Freed with this magic. This fight was personal revenge from Yue to the end. At the [Mountain of Great Flames], her lover was greatly injured and anger took root in her heart, unable to escape unless revenge was carried out. Since then, “……The next time we meet, I’ll definitely beat the hell out of him”, she promised.

And when she obtained the reproduction magic at [Merujine⁹ Undersea Ruins], while remembering the events at [Mountain of Great Flames], now that she could, she intended to use “Destruction Engraving” on him. Yue’s “Yan¹⁰” whispered out so there was no helping it.

However, Yue was weak in close combat. it would be futile as she wouldn’t be able to activate the magic in time before Freed and his white dragon which flew away at high speeds before they could touch. Therefore, she thought she’d have to substantially damage the enemy before she could use it but…..Freed and them purposely touched her instead. There was no helping it that she unintentionally leaked out a smile. To Hajime’s enemies, her mind cannot stop the “Yan Yan”.

“……The me right now…..does it mean I wasn’t chosen to be the victor this day. …….I was unprepared¹¹”

“……I wouldn’t let you”

Freed guessed that it was checkmate and grits his teeth, at the time when Yue was about to deal the finishing blow, waves of attack magic that shot from the ground were aimed at Yue.

“Freed-sama! Please pull out at once!”

“We will buy time!”

They were the ground troops that had gone to invade the Kingdom’s capital. They seemed to have guessed that Freed was in a predicament and came to rescue him.

“You guys! ….Ku, sorry!”

The Majinzoku’s that came to the rescue, after seeing Freed and the white dragon covered in wounds, their eyes borne hatred, they carried out suicide attacks without thinking about defending at all. Naturally, there’s no way they could kill Yue with just enthusiasm. However, it seems that the very limited time earned was enough for Freed to open a gate.

Immediately before the flame spear that Yue shot could pierce Freed and his white dragon, they both jumped into the gate and disappeared.

“…..Obstructed”

Yue after Freed successfully ran away, still, “You dare do that to Freed-sama!”, coldly looked down at the Majinzoku who attacked repeatedly while yelling the same thing, the space magic “Trembling Heaven” that Freed used awhile ago was used once again. Although Yue completely annihilated their snarling feelings in an instant, you could see some irritation on her expression. Her pent-up anger wasn’t cleared.

While Yue was taking deep breaths to calm herself, an unbecoming bright voice resounded on the battlefield.

“Yue-sa~n! Is that guy still alive? If he’s alive, let me hit him once……uwa~a what happened here? Was there a natural disaster?”

Shia’s usamimi’s¹² waved as she jumped to the floating disk and asked while looking at the surroundings with an amazed voice.

“…..Fled”

Shia understood roughly what went on from that single phrase, while being slightly surprised at Freed’s unexpected tenacity, she soothed Yue with a wry smile.

And while waiting to replenish their magical powers, they exchanged their information, then an explosion occurred in the corner of the royal palace, following that, a huge pillar of light poured down from the sky, an impossible scene of the large army of demons consisting of tens of thousands that were outside of the outer walls were completely obliterated, then they looked at one another.

“”……Hajime (San)””

The two answered at the exact same time.

“……For the time being, should we go to the royal palace?”

“……N”

Shia and Yue concluded that the perpetrator of the lack of commonsense was Hajime, they smiled as they glanced at the huge crater where the demons had vanished, together, the two went to the royal palace where Hajime would be.

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This chapter is translated by Durasama and is unedited.

To the sudden attack which broke the barrier and appearance of the Majinzoku, the Kingdoms capital has fallen into chaos.

As people start running out of their houses, what greets their stunned faces is the great barrier shattering, to such a site, the patrol groups could only angrily shout, “Don’t leave your houses!”. The ones with quick thinking quickly pull themselves together, they attempt to leave the capital with only the bare minimum luggage, meanwhile a significant amount of people gathered at the royal palace gates to seek shelter! Screams were heard.

Although it was late at night, with this amount of noise, it wouldn’t be weird for a mob to be formed in the next few minutes. Especially because the royal palace wasn’t able to calm down the confusion either. Anyways, right now the royal palace is confused the most about the situation. Especially when everything happened in the flash of a few seconds, by the time they noticed they were placed into a situation where a sword was already drawn before their throats. It’s to be expected.

Although they were trying to quickly assemble their army…..

Pakyaaaan~!!

It was not on time.

The last barrier was finally broken, the force of demons that were created through Age of God magic and Majinzoku soldiers surged in on them making the land rumble in the process. Their last defensive line was only a wall made of stone which enclosed the Kingdom’s capital. Although that’s the only thing, it was still boasted of having considerable strength…….however thinking that it would last very long would be too optimistic.

In order to crush the wall, the Majinzoku assembled multiple people to cast advanced magic. Along with that the demons casted peculiar flame and lightning magic, ice shards and rock shards shot out, and a group of cyclops-beetles which were 4 meter in length started scraping the walls with their maces.

Even at a different location, there were boar typed demons which measured up to 5 meters in length, bashing against the wall with intense force while clad in wind to increase their power, with that, a destruction on the level of an earthquake struck the wall with every impact. Furthermore, the demons with flight such as black eagles and grey dragons were in the skies and completely ignored the wall and continued in to invade the capital.

Though the soldiers that were stationed on top of the wall were fighting back desperately, towards the unexpected large army, their interception was badly carried out. It was as if trying to counterattack a steel train’s rush with an airsoft gun.

In such a situation, standing by Teio who was watching the overall situation from the big clock tower in the capital, were Yue and Shia who had just left the royal castle.

“…….Teio, have you found that guy?”

“Teio-san, where’s the idiotic guy at?”

“….You guys….no, ma~a, although I understand your feelings? [It’s much more reassuring with everyone gathered together!] is what I remember Princess Ririana saying, shes quite pitiful…..to be discarded so easily”

“……Don’t mind”

“It’s a minor thing”

Teio was staring at Yue and Shia with an amazed expression, the 2 didn’t seem to think much about it at all. This must also be Hajime’s influence. they’re not interested if they have no opponent.

Yue and Shia both have their eyes opened wide while looking for Freed Bagua, then their telepathy stones reacted. Hajime’s voice came from it.

“Oi! Teio! Come over here immediately!”

“Nuo~! Master? What’s wrong?”

Due to the unexpectedly strong voice which came from the telepathy stone, Teio who was called instinctively expressed her surprise.

“A dangerous one came out. I want you to take care of Sensei. Otherwise I won’t be able to go all out”

“!? Alright, I understand! I’ll head over there immediately!”

Teio who recognised that Hajime was fighting an opponent where he needed to be at full power, in an instant used “Dragon Transformation”, then quickly dashed towards the target which was 8,000 meters in the sky.

“…..Hajime, be careful”

“Hajime-san! Yue-san and I will be going to finish off the demon tamers so don’t worry!”

“Ha? Aren’t you guys with the Princess….U~uo, that was close! Sorry, it doesn’t seem like I’ll be able to talk in this situation! Though I don’t know what you guys plan on doing, be careful as well”

Though Haime seemed doubtful about what Shia said, due to the intense battle he was in, he had to cut the connection. While protecting Aiko, the opponent wasn’t letting up against Hajime at all, in an instant, Yue and Shia started thinking if they should go and help.

“Yue-san, what will you do?”

“……If its Hajime then it’ll be alright. Teio will be there too. More so, we need to take care of the demon tamer. Also, we can’t allow them to break the Age of Gods magic’s magic formation”

Right, the reason why Yue came out to the battlefield, though there was also the reason for getting revenge for Hajime, she couldn’t just let the other Age of Gods magic bearer, Freed, run around unchecked.

In the case that Freed knew where the great labyrinth at [Kamiyama] was at, Just like before at [Mountain of Great Flames] he’ll likely head there first. Moreover, he might destroy the magic formation afterwards. They noticed that monsters and structure of [Mountain of Great Flames] will gradually be restored, so it’s possible that over time everything will be restored, but it’s unknown how much time it would actually take. Therefore, Yue who wanted to avoid that at any costs, decided to attack Freed.

In the first place, retaliation was 90% of the reason…..

then, at that time, while on top of the clock tower Yue and Shia noticed, two demons looking like a black eagle at approximately 3 to 4 meters in length, while eyeing Yue and Shia they then dove down to attack from both the left and right.

Ku~eeeeee!!

The black eagles let out a courageous shout and approached, without looking Shia takes out [Doryukken][/efn_note]Her hammer[/efn_note] from the “Treasure Warehouse” and sets it to shooting mode, then without hesitation shot out an exploding slug bullet. Yue as well, without looking just snaps her fingers with her right hand and innumerable wind blades shot out like heavy rain.

Of the two black eagles which were approaching the girls, one’s head blew up due to a shock wave, and the other, like being executed by a Guillotine was chopped up into pieces, their tragic appearances fell onto the roof of a civilians house. At that time, the people who were inside the house heard the noise and became extremely nervous from the sound.

After those two were killed, all demons with flight turned around and noticed Yue and Shia. If you looked closely, you’d notice that about a third of them had Majinzoku riding on them. After looking like they were surveying the situation when noticing the two eagles dropping down, understanding that the other party was an Usagininzoku and petite girl, as if looking at an idiot, they snorted at Yue and Shia, then began chanting their magic.

Both Yue and Shia didn’t have any intentions to guard the kingdom from the big army, however their purpose was Freed Bagua, it was like trying to leave without permission, there was no other way but to counterattack when being targeted.

For now, Shia says, “We aren’t enemies~, just now we were attacked so there was no other choice~”, although they were laughing at the foolishness it didn’t seem like they had any intentions of stopping their attacks.

The Majinzoku thought the opponent was worthless so they proceeded and left a few friends behind to deal with it, in the next moment, the screams and roaring sound of their last moments resounded out from behind, and when they turned around to see the cause, their eyes became wide in astonishment.

Googaa~aaaaa!!

It was a dragon made of thunder, roaring as it devoured their friends and demons one after another.

To the spectacle, the Majinzoku could only stare in blank surprise. Trying to escape from the thunder dragon, is a Majinzoku desperately trying to get away towards his friends on his demon, stretching out his hand, as if asking for help.…..however, in the next instant an exploding slug bullet flew through the wind with murderous intent from behind, and the gray dragon and its rider broke into pieces.

The situation just now wasn’t understood, although the blood relatives of those who died became ferocious.⁸

The Majinzoku that became stiff, pulled themselves together and prepared to pursue the cause. And, looked for the girls who crushed their companion in an instant. Due to the unexpectedness, they began seeing illusions of their own deaths, with the high tension they forgot to even wipe their own sweat as they strained their eyes. And, in front of them appeared Yue and Shia.

However, to them their appearance was completely unexpected. Because, rather than hiding from the group pursuing them, they stayed in the same place, Yue and Shia didn’t even bother looking at them. Just like the first time, they concentrated their sights on searching for something outside of the wall. Their backs spoke louder than words.

In other words, they couldn’t care less.

The moment they guessed that, the Majinzoku’s expressions which were stiff with high tension distorted into anger and rage. While breaking their comrades into pieces, in Yue and Shia’s eyes, they were nothing more than pebbles being kicked on the roadside, as a warrior, or due to their pride as Majinzoku being trampled. Heat runs through their entire bodies and their blood boiled.

“Damn you—!!”

“U~ooooooo!!”

“Die–!!”

While consumed by anger, their abilities as soldiers were naturals and they got into their positions, they showed great teamwork. They formed a box on all sides to surround them and then they all shot magic at the same time. The magic of the Majinzoku were excellent. Normally, the scene would cause someone’s expression to twist in despair.

However, they were amazed by Yue’s bored expression. Then, she flexed her finger like a thin baton.

“……The difference in ability, you should learn to realize it instinctively”

At the same time that she said those words, all the magic were completely blocked out by the thunder dragon coiling around Yue and Shia like a cocoon. And, the thunder dragon once again opened its jaws like a gate, as if they were committing suicide, they all looked as if they were voluntarily jumping in.

Then expecting that multiple people on the other side would begin chanting magic which excel in penetration, another part of the thunder dragon opened, there Shia who’s Usamimi’s were fluttering dove out with the speed of a cannonball.

In an instant, all the nearby Majinzoku knew that she planned to obstruct their chants, so they all casted the beginner class magic flame bullet which practically took no time to cast at all.

However, Shia, as if she didn’t even care, dodged all the bullets with simple outbursts from using Doryukken to change her orbit, she then swung Doryukken sideways aiming at the three Majinzoku who were chanting.

“Ri~ya~aaaaa!”

With one shout. Doryukken which was held, due to gravity magic obtained the weight of 4 tons on momentary impact. With that, her body was also strengthened through physical reinforcement. The result was better off unsaid. The three Majinzoku’s upper bodies were blasted away, even the demons that were being ridden, their spines were crushed due to the shockwave and they were blown away while raising the screams of their last moments.

Shia who was still in the air, in that instant cut down Doryukken and her own weight to 5 kilos or less, and again, danced through the air like a feather. Then, switching Doryukken back into shooting mode, exploding slug bullets were let loose aiming at the Majinzoku’s that shot the flame bullets. As intended, once again in the night sky of the Kingdom, bright red flowers bloomed.

Shia, she pulls out 2 colorful disks which shot out into the air from the “Treasure Warehouse”, they floated in the air disregarding gravity and was being used as a stand. She looked over the surroundings while in place, tapping Doryukken on her shoulder.

Just then, in a place a little away, the last Majinzoku left was about to desperately commence a suicide attack on Yue.

“Little girl(..)ga~aa!! I’m gonna kill you!!”

With bloodshot eyes, and a, even if I’m stabbed! kind of feeling could be felt from his desperation. However, Yue’s attitude towards him was cool like a wet blanket.

“……..You’re 300 years too early, boy(..)”

He probably planned on attacking when the thunder dragon was still dealing with his friend. However, his lips distorts when he thinks that what Yue’s words meant was that the thunder dragon had already returned, immediately after that, his head was cleanly cut off by a wind blade that came from below and it flew into the alleyway with spinning eyes.

After time was meaninglessly taken, Yue began to search for Freed once again. Next to her, Shia landed while carrying Doryukken.

“They completely think that we’re part of the Kingdom’s fighting forces right?”

“…….It doesn’t matter. They can think that if they want”

“How dry. ….Ma~a, it certainly seems that way….”

The two joked around with each other as Freed was not easily found, Maybe, he’s already gone to the great labyrinth through space magic…….they began to become uneasy, then,

“~!? Yue-san!”

“N~”

At the same time as Shia’s warning, Yue jumped away from the clock tower without hesitation. Immediately after that, an oval film appeared in the middle of air, a large aurora gushed out from it. The aurora completely erased the upper part of the clock tower where Yue and them were standing, however it was so powerful that the building was blown off radically.

“As expected, some kind of foresight. How annoying…..”

At the same time that the masculine voice resounded, the Majinzoku, Freed Bagua who had red hair and was the white dragon’s rider, appeared from the oval film. From his expression, you could see irritation from the ease of dodging the surprise attack.

Then a white dragon’s appearance came through the “gate”, along with several Majinzoku riding on the back of black eagles and grey dragons appearing by the hundreds, Yue and Shia were completely surrounded.

At the same time……a terrible roaring sound is heard and a part of the outer wall was finally destroyed, afterwards demons and Majinzoku’s invade the capital one after another, some of the troops saw Yue and Shia and rushed up fiercely at them. It appears that they intend on completely killing Yue and Shia here once and for all.

“I can’t believe that you’ve managed to survive from that situation. …..As I expected, that man’s passion to survive……is too dangerous. To start with, we’ll completely kill you who is that guy’s companions”

Towards the words of Freed which contained hatred, however, Yue and Shia were both fearless. And, they both replied back at the same time. It strangely, was the same words that the boy whom they loved currently in the sky 8,000 meters above the ground had said.

“”Kill us if you can (please)””

As if those words were a signal, the surrounding demons and Majinzoku’s shot magic all at once.

Flame spears of the caliber which was enough to even scorch the atmosphere were flying around, lasers of water were shot out cutting through space, wind of murderous intent became blades and attacked, a bombardment of ice and snow roared out, sands of petrification and permanent poison scatters about, and a whip of thunder shaped like a snake moved around in the night sky. And, an Aurora tore through the sky just in case.

A group of 40 Majinzoku or more and over 100 demons. In every direction, lies an enemy. The sight is filled with a storm of attacks.

However, Yue and Shia, were still calm despite being surrounded by death on all sides, their postures showed no sign of attempting to dodge. Some Majinzoku, “Have they given up……”, as their expressions showed that they were losing momentum, only Freed raised his awareness because of an unpleasant presentiment which rose intensely from within.

“[Field Pierce]⁹”

Yue activated her Age of Gods magic.

Immediately after that, two shining gates appeared before the Aurora. Freed dubiously drops his eyebrow. When connecting the gate to such coordinates, even if they teleport the aurora, it’ll likely appear out of the other gate for a direct hit.

However, that expectation could only be assumed if only one pair of gates were created. Freed based his expectation on his own limitations.

Therefore, he couldn’t understand why Yue and Shia jumped through the gate, it wasn’t possible for him to notice immediately that a gate had already appeared behind them.

“Cra-, evade it!”

Yue and Shia disappeared through the other gate, the moment when the aurora connected with the gate, though Freed who noticed his misunderstanding warned his companions, but it was already too late.

Although Freed himself was able to evade on time, many subordinates behind him (…….) while being directly hit by the aurora became slightly conscious that they were dying, and with that only a few were left.

“Curse you, killing my subordinates. ……I didn’t expect you to be able to open 2 at the same time….does that mean I’ve still underestimated you……”

Rage filled his eyes, at the same time, he was also in awe that Yue was able to create both gates simultaneously and properly succeeded to use it in combat. There was also no traces of chanting or using magic formations either, though he confirmed their true nature in his mind, right now, it’s necessary to look for the 2 missing people.

“Freed! Over there!”

One of Freed’s subordinates pointed outside the outer wall. Certainly Yue and Shia were there.

It was difficult to fight as houses were right underneath them. If Freed truly hopes for a confrontation between them, it would be unlikely that he would just continue invading the Kingdom’s capital, and so he would transfer himself directly outside of the outer walls. Of course, it would be an emergency situation if he actually continued his invasion instead of confronting Yue and Shia, as the sickle of the death god would surely swing down on his back.

Because Freed also understood this, he couldn’t turn his back against them. Yue stretched her right hand out and with her finger ~Kui Kui~ bent it as gesture to approach, from this action, all Majinzoku’s rage exceeded their boiling point.

It was obvious that the young girl with a childish appearance was provoking them, and the detestable Usagininzoku who slaughtered their comrades was also there, with that in their minds, “We’ll be your opponents”, while lining up their sights….the provocation wasn’t possible to ignore due to their own pride as the superior race even if the opponents were few in numbers.

“You’re only a little girl!”

“You dirty beast, don’t get so full of it!”

While shouting such abusive words, all the Majinzoku attacked at the same time. They sent the demons after Yue who was able to fire off fatal magic in rapid succession without time lags at all. From the ground, part of the large army also attacks Yue and Shia fiercely.

Shia, thanks to the “Treasure Warehouse”, was able to continuously fire out explosive slug bullets which were practically unlimited in number. In the sky, and even on the ground, Shia’s magical power emits a color resembling moonstones, rippling out, in the next instant, it was converted into a shockwave and destruction scattered everywhere. The only thing that remained was only their broken corpses, crushed as if they were run over to death.

And, there, the white dragon and grey dragons all vomited out their breaths at once. The attack would be fatal to Shia even with physical strengthening applied when hitting directly. However, Shia wasn’t panicking at all.

“[Exceeding Curse]¹³”

Yue shot out a black swirling globe which appeared before Shia’s eyes. The jet black sphere contained supergravity, just like a black hole, the aurora’s approaching Shia were twisted then completely devoured.

“Ku, you used it last time too. …..that Age of God magic that I don’t know of. All members,listen! I’ll take care of the blond caster! You all gang up and kill that Usagininzoku! Separate them apart, don’t allow them to cooperate!”

“””””Understood!”””””

It appears that, Shia serves as Yue’s vanguard and while away looked like she was breathing exhaustively, the rear guards decided to separate Yue in order to defeat them both. Though that’s what it seems, when Shia started to evacuate towards Yue, the Majinzoku riding an especially huge black eagle which was clad in a huge tornado, charged out like a cannonball.

Shia who was in the air, wielded Doryukken and looked as if she was going to throw it, due to the unexpected timing, the Majinzoku prepared themselves in a suicide attack, the other side wasn’t supposed to be able to respond on time. With one rotation while in place using the outbursts from Doryukken, all attacks coming from the Majinzoku were stopped and they were all blown away radially.

In a rush, the Majinzoku on the black eagle cladded in a tornado tried to confront her, as expected there was no time for her to counter the attack, even evading wouldn’t be on time either, so she took up Doryukken as a shield and increased her physical power as well. One of Doryukken’s gimmicks activated, while making a sound ~Kashun Kashun~ a round shield formed.

“Even if it’s just you! I’ll definitely kill you without fail!”

the Majinzoku with short blond hair shouted out, while looking at Shia with eyes filled with hatred from his companions being killed, and collided with Doryukken which was held up.

Shia who was pushed back was separated from Yue, although she tried to increase her weight to withstand the push, before it was actually carried out, a black teleport gate had already opened up behind her. In that instant Yue and Shia’s glances overlapped, the rash suicide attack was meant to buy time for Freed to cast his space magic.

“Yue-san! I’m sorry! We’ve been separated!”

“N…..there’s no problems. I’ll kill this fellow here.”

Immediately before being pushed into the gate, Yue with a thumb sticking up said, “Good luck¹⁴!”, Shia smiled a little from that. The smile was seen by the Majinzoku riding the huge black eagle, his face twisted into rage, although he didn’t really mind Shia, It was Yue’s own comrade that was swallowed into the gate, which meant that they were now both separated.

“That frivolously smiling face, how disgusting. When your Limbs are torn apart we’ll drag them in front of your man”

The first Majinzoku that passed through said while exiting the gate. Seeming unlike the rest of the Majinzokus, Shia guessed that it was due to a personal grudge, while frowning dubiously she asked him.

“…….Have we met somewhere? I don’t remember having done anything to receive such stares though?”
“Do you still remember that Majinzoku woman with red hair?”

Shia who couldn’t understand why the sudden talk of a woman turned up could only incline her head in wonder. But, the male Majinzoku, took that act as not being able to remember, while clenching his teeth together, he voiced out further information about his grudge.

“You b̲a̲s̲t̲a̲r̲d̲, the woman that you guys killed at [Orcus Great Labyrinth]”
“…………Ah! That person!”

“You b̲a̲s̲t̲a̲r̲d̲~”

It was very clear that Shia had forgotten all about it until now, the man who was already mad till the boiling point shot out numerous blades of wind with short chants. There, Shia avoided them as if they were nothing.

“Wait a sec, who was that person to you? With just what was said a while ago I still don’t understand”

“Cattleya, the woman that you guys murdered…..was my fiancee!”

“! Ah, I see…..what about it”

Shia nodded as she consented.

It seems that the man in front of her, was the lover that the woman at [Orcus Great Labyrinth] whispered her love to for before dying——-it was Mikhail¹⁵. Though she doesn’t understand how he found out, he knew that Hajime was the one that had killed his fiancee, he looks as if he’s burning with revenge. To make Hajime feel the same feelings that he did, he plans to bring both Shia and Yue’s corpses forth in front of him.

“How dare you, Cattleya……was wise and gentle, she always thought of her country…..”

Mikhail who was shouting out his grudge with bloodshot eyes, Shia’s usual brightness became cold as if it were a lie, and replied with extremely light words.

“I don’t know anything about that”

“Wh, what was that!”

“No, if she didn’t want to die she could have just not fight? In the first place she was the one that challenged us. Hajime-san even warned her. We won’t chase if you run away. If a important person was killed, it’s obvious that they’d bear a grudge….even if you told what the person who was killed was like……we’re not interested……do you guys hear me? Just like all the lives of the ones that you’ve taken up till now…..there’s no way you’d be interested”

“Sh, shut up, shut up, shut up! Cattleya’s enmity¹⁶! I’m going to torment you until you go mad, then kill you!”

Mikhail, yelling as if he lost his temper, another tornado was produced again to increase the huge black eagle’s speed while plunging towards Shia. It appears that the tornado was Mikhail’s magic and not the huge black eagle’s inherent ability. While riding, Mikhail continued chanting and numerous wind blades shot out from the tornado in an attempt to block Shia’s escape routes.

Shia, wielding Doryukken, knocked down the wind blades and then lightened her weight as she jumped to a disk as a stand in order to avoid the charge of the tornado cladded eagle.

However, before she avoided it, troops of Majinzoku riding black eagles gathered as Shia and Mikhail were talking. Because Mikhail was riding the huge black eagle, they were likely his subordinates.

Shia was in a situation where all the black eagle forces that were in the skies shot out needles of stone at her. It was exactly like a downpour of rain. Shia shot out exploding slug bullets to create shockwaves in order to knock down the needles.

And, jumped to a nearby black eagle after opening a way through the barrage. Disregarding the startled Majinzoku, she swung Doryukken without any hesitation. The Majinzoku that was hit vanished into the darkness of the night as all his internal organs and bones were crushed.

Shia further continued to use her momentum of the attack and crushed the Majinzoku and the black eagle that were away from the rest.

“Ku, do not engage in close combat! The sky is our domain! Attack with waves of magic and stone needles from a distance!”

Towards the comrades that were blown away like a pinball, Mikhail judged that close combat would be impossible and ordered for all attacks to be strictly ranged. Again, Shia was forced to avoid their magic and stone needles that came from all directions by continually jumping off the disks that she sent out as stepping stones.

However, she never got within range to attack, every time she moved up they distanced themselves and she was becoming irritated at that fact. And then, she judged that it wouldn’t be efficient if she only used exploding slug bullets, she pulled out a new item from the “Treasure Warehouse”.

It was a red metallic ball. It was approximately 2 meters in diameter. A chain extends from the metallic ball and Shia attached it to the top of Doryukken. Then, she used her leg to kick up the metallic ball that was dropping due to gravity and swung horizontally at the metallic ball with Doryukken.

Gagin~!!

With a roaring sound the metallic ball flew out at an unbelievable speed.

While panicking the targeted Majinzoku tried to quickly evade it, however suddenly, the side of the metallic ball bursted out and with that it’s course changed. The Majinzoku and his black eagle were not able to respond to the suddenness, the metallic ball which weighed up to 10 tons collided into them, they were instantly killed as every bone in their bodies were crushed in the night sky.

Shia pulled back the chain with Doryukken and the metallic ball which just slaughtered its enemy quickly returns to her reach. And as it was returning she was firing out exploding slug bullets in rapid successions in order to keep the others in check, or, simply to kill them. When the metallic ball returned, it was then once again launched at another target.

Right, what is Doryukken’s newest gimmick, it’s basically “Kendama”¹⁷ with a built-in system that allows it to change its weight and shoot out shells in order to change its trajectory.

“Uriyaaaaaaaa~!”

Shia continued to play kendama in the night sky of the Kingdom’s capital while letting out shouts. When the ball was sent off, its trajectory was always changing and it always returned after blowing away its target. The “Kendama” became a red meteor that shot out irregularly throughout the night sky, it began to turn even more red as the blood of enemies were smeared on it.

“Curse you, such strange techniques! Above! Attack her from outside of her range!”

Mikhail, while biting his lips from his subordinates being killed one after another, gave out orders for a barrage of attacks to be sent out in order to keep her in check and buy time for him to cast his own magic. Shia easily avoids the attacks as if dancing in the air weightlessly.

Then, Immediately after avoiding the last attack, ranged attack magic poured down over her head like a wall.

Shia held the center of Doryukken over her head and began to turn it in circles. With that, the metallic ball that was connected by its chain also began to rotate due to the centrifugal force and was swung along with Doryukken. Doryukken and the Kendama rotated at high-speeds with intense force, it became an improvised roundshield which was also bordered with a red color, the magic attacks that were pouring down were all blown away and dispersed because of the matchless force.

“You’re mine!”

Mikhail who judged that she would be too busy dealing with the overhead attacks, charged at Shia. The huge black eagle shot out an extraordinary amount of stone needles which ran along with the wind magic [Cannon Emperor]¹⁸. The local storm raised a howl as it rushed towards Shia.

Shia allowed herself to free-fall in order to reduce her altitude quickly and avoided the bombardment of wind. Mikhail’s lips twisted as expected, again he decided to aim for the moment when she lands due to evading, he planned to shoot out more blades of wind.

However, In the eyes of Mikhail who was watching his target, Shia did not have an expression wrapped in despair, the spectacle that he saw was that a fist-sized iron ball appeared from thin air underneath Shia’s feet and she bounced off it.

Shia took out the iron ball from the “Treasure Warehouse” and used her legs at maximum strength to launch herself off of it. The iron ball that was kicked out at an overpowering velocity, with perfect aim, hit the Huge black eagle which Mikhail was ridding! The vivid sound of flesh caving in could be heard.

Kuueeeeeeee~!!!

The huge black eagle screamed from the pain of the impact as it falls while spinning. Mikhail again, shot out a cannonball of wind that contained stone needles in desperation as he fell with the huge black eagle.

Shia who finally passed by all magic attacks that came down at her head, bounced away the quickly approaching cannonball of wind using Doryukken. However, the needles made of stone couldn’t be completely avoided, some of the needles pierced into her shoulder and arm.

“We did it! she was struck by Kotorisu’s stone needles!”

“With this it’s over!”

The needles themselves didn’t deal much damage, however all the Majinzoku looked equally joyful that Shia was hit by the stone needles.

Shia looked at their suspicious expressions.

The answer to her question was answered immediately. Starting from where the needles were sticking out, she began to petrify. It appears that Kotorisu was the name of the huge black eagle, it’s inherent magic seemed to allow its stone needles to petify upon contact. it was an unpleasant and troublesome ability.

Normally, when afflicted with an abnormal status you’d use specific medicine to cure it, or purify it with recovery light magic. However, right now Shia is alone on the battlefield so the Majinzoku’s thought it was already over. As long as they continue attacking her without giving her a chance to take medicine she’ll be completely petrified.

However, in the very next moment, their expressions which were convinced of victory, changed into one that was dumbfounded, and finally changed into despair.

Because…..

“Mmm~, what a blunder. However, if it’s just this much!”

While saying so, Shia pulled out and threw away the needles and in order to concentrate she closed her eyes. Then in one moment, the petrification that was gradually spreading, stopped suddenly, following that, the flesh that had turned to stone regained its former color. And, finally, the wound from the needles were also patched up, she returned to her normal state as if nothing happened.

“W, Why!”

“What’s going on!”

There weren’t any signs of recovery magic being used, there also wasn’t any behaviors of using medicine either, however Shia easily cured the petrification and damage from the needles by just concentrating a little, fear began to appear on the Majinzoku’s expressions. Fear of the unknown which couldn’t be understood. Their voices were upset and trembling.

There’s no need to think much about how Shia managed to heal herself. She simply used reproduction magic. As usual, her aptitude with it was rather bad, it was only enough to be able to heal wounds and abnormal statuses within her body.

Her self heal was like the downgraded version of Yue’s “Automatic Reproduction”, she can even cure serious illnesses, however it’s not automatic and she cannot reproduce something external. However, a few wounds or simple fractures would heal within several seconds with a little bit of concentration and if she spends more time she can also recover from serious illnesses.

There’s no helping it that the Majinzoku were despairing. Because including her overwhelming power she also possesses the ability to recover, they couldn’t think of any methods to corner her. The eyes that were looking at Shia were the same eyes that the people who confronted Hajime had. In other words, a monster! Then.

“Sa~a, here I come?”

Shia while holding Doryukken quickly appears before the eyes of the stiff and confused Majinzoku. Then, a deadly blow! with just one hit, another Majinzoku died. At that moment, the remaining Majinzoku went into a panic and yelled out an incomprehensible cry, there was absolutely no cooperation and they began to suicide attack recklessly.

Shia calmly, while brandishing the Kendama, or through the use of exploding slug bullets, quickly and surely reduces their numbers.

Finally the last man of Mikhail’s forces became food for Doryukken, however the moonlight was suddenly shut out and a shadow covered the entire area.

Shia looked up above, behind the dark clouds, Mikhail was falling from the sky. It looks like the huge black eagle was also at its limits, a straight dive attack might have been all it was capable of now.

“Innumerable thunder pouring down from the sky, avoid it if you can!”

At the same time that Mikhail shouted, innumerable amounts of thunder poured down while roaring out disorderly. It was like an intense rain of thunder. This magic originally caused a very large thunder strike to fall from the dark clouds, an advanced attack magic “Thunder Mallet” of the wind system, he daringly multiplied it, he likely created it as an Area of Effect magic. With that alone, you could tell how advanced Mikhail was with magic.

The thunder quickly overtakes Mikhail and pours straight down towards Shia.

Most likely, in order to absolutely kill her, he took up the resolution to stab her despite his own thunder raining down as a suicide attack. He’s already used up a lot of power just multiplying the thunder, however superhuman Shia may be, she’s not fast enough to avoid the thunderbolts.

The speed of which thunder falls is 150 kilometers per second. It’s not possible to avoid it after recognizing it. In Mikhail’s eyes, as his subordinates were killed one after another he was enduring it while single-mindedly continuing his chant using all the magic power in his body, this time for sure, she’ll fall! His will of strength could be seen.

However, immediately afterwards, Mikhail saw an unbelievable scene. Unexpectedly, Shia had avoided the thunderbolts raining down. No, more accurately, it was as if she knew exactly where the area that wouldn’t be hit was and moved there before the thunderbolts fell.

It was Mikhail’s miscalculation. Shia had a technique that allowed her to avoid things even before it became recognizable.

A deviation of her inherent magic “Future Sight” and “Revelation Sight”. It allowed her to see up to 2 seconds into the future. Although it’s a downgraded version of her “Future Assumption” sight, rather it doesn’t even use magic power, it’s a convenient ability that can be used in rapid successions several times. It was the result of Shia’s efforts from continuously training.

“What are you, what exactly are you!”

“…..I’m just a rabbit-eared woman”

He couldn’t believe what he saw, Shia had avoided every thunderbolt, naturally, Mikhail’s attack while diving down can easily be fended off, she wielded the Kendama and waited for him to pass by.

Then, the Kendama circled greatly around Mikhail, the chains coiled around him and he was instantly restrained.

“Nuguo~o! Let go!”

“I’ll release you, just as you wished!”

Mikhail who was caught by the chain was flung by Doryukken, as he was freed the centrifugal force caused him to fly towards the ground. The centrifugal force caused by the heavyweight lump of iron was terrific, Mikhail was flung towards the ground like a meteorite.

At once, he set up a barrier of wind and escaped instant death, however it’s likely that every bone in his body was crushed as he layed on his back without moving an inch. ~Gobog Gobo~ he coughed out blood.

Shia landed by his side.

Carrying Doryukken on her shoulder, she had compromised Mikhail. Mikhail while still faintly conscious, his vacant eyes turned to Shia. On his lips, due to being unable to bring down his enemy, or, due to the impossible situation of being completely annihilated despite having close to 100 subordinates, a smile of self-ridicule that even Mikhail himself didn’t understand was shown. To be beaten down into this state, it’s possible he could do nothing but laugh at himself.

To Shia who was looking down on him, Mikhail realizes his end. In his heart, he apologized to his dear fiancee that he couldn’t take revenge, then he spoke his last words.

“….Goho~, this….goho~…..monster!”

“Fufu, Thank you very much!”

Mikhail’s last retaliation seemed to only have made Shia more pleased.

At last, while watching absentmindedly as the hammer was swung down at his head, Mikhail thought that if there was an afterlife, he would go and search for Cattleya, he lost consciousness as he was thinking such dark things.

While carrying Doryukken after giving the final blow, Shia’s cheeks are loosened because of Mikhail’s final words.

“It seems that finally I’ve become strong enough to be called a monster….fufu, it seems I’ve become closer to Hajime and them. Now then, how about Yue-san’s side…..”

Shia looked towards Yue’s direction, they’ve been considerably distanced. And, even now she expected that she might still be able to give Freed one good hit, she began to dash out to join up with Yue.

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This chapter is translated by Durasama and is unedited.

In a room where the only light source was produced by the moonlight rays, causing a contrast of black and white from the narrow grate window.

A simple and plain room can be seen. It’s only around 6 tatami mats in size with a small desk, chair, wooden bed, and a simple toilet. If compared to Earth’s prison cells, it’s obvious that this is much worst.

In such a bad prison, sitting on the bed in the corner, is Hatanaka Aiko who is currently burying her face in her knees.

It’s been 3 days since Aiko was brought to this room.

Due to the bracelet artifact worn on her wrist, Aiko could not use magic. Still, though she tried to escape at first, as expected, it wasn’t possible to pry open a steel door with her physical strength alone, moreover, the opening of the grate window is only big enough for one of her arms to just barely pass through.

Even then, the current rooms position is at the very top of an expensive temple, it is the [Kamiyama]¹⁹ temple, even though it should be impossible to reach the ground safely, there are members of the church standing on watch.

In such a position, while worrying about her students safety, Aiko who cannot do anything is dejected and gloomy, Her already small body stature becomes even smaller on the bed.

“………I need to get to my students……but how……”

Aiko while looking up muttered slightly, she remembered what the nun with the silver hair had said to her as she was kidnaped. Aiko’s thoughts, if what she heard from Hajime would become an inconvenience when told to Kouki and them, it’s obvious who the “master” that she spoke of is. And it appears that they’ve taken interest in a student as well.

Aiko’s mind became filled with unspeakable uneasiness. Recalling, the events of Ulu²⁰, where one of her students lost their life, Yukitoshi Shimizu. Possibly, again, another student will…., with these thoughts in her mind Aiko became more anxious.

Being confined in this open room, she tried to think about things that she could currently do. If she settled down and look back calmly, the royal palace felt too unnatural and covered with a thick sense of incongruity. In Aiko’s mind, with a strong posture, she remembered the dangerous atmosphere that King Erihido and other leaders carried.

Surely, Aiko began to guess that the nun with silver hair had done something. She definitely said, “charm” if that was true then, surely, something along the lines of brainwashing was done.

However, at the same time, when talking with Shizuku and Ririana, such odd sense of incongruity was not there. Though becoming relieved about that, there is still a strong uneasiness built up in her chest due to being confined.

While praying for their safety, another concern was remembered. it was the words, “elimination of the irregular.” Those words were she heard just before completely losing consciousness, for some reason Aiko recalled a certain student.

The person that she owes her life to, the student that killed Yukitoshi Shimizu. While holding strong will and overpowering strength, the boy who thought seriously and listen to Aiko’s words. And, a lot of things happened, a various amount of things, deep inside, as expected deep inside, though she shouldn’t think about it, but she still ended up remembering.

The memory that she desperately tried to seal in her mind, is once again remembered, for some reason her cheeks become hot. Though Aiko was shaking her head to clear her mind of it, she begins to worry about Hajime’s safety, and carelessly muttered his name.

“……Nagumo-kun”

“Ou? what, sensei?”

“Fe!?”

From the sudden answer to her unconscious mumbling, she instinctively let out a unexpected voice. There shouldn’t be anyone else in the room, while looking throughout the room, Aiko inclining her head, “Was it a hallucination?” she said. However, Aiko was definitely not hallucinating, again, she heard the voice.

“Over here, sensei”

“Eh?”

Aiko’s body became alerted to the voice, it wasn’t a hallucination after all! Her gaze peered towards the narrow grate window. There, it was the appearance of Hajime that was peeping through from the otherside.

“Eh? Eh? Nagumo-kun? Eh? This is the top floor….of this temple….eh?”

“Ah~, yes. First of all, calm down sensei. Im almost done confirming for traps……”

Disregarding Aiko’s confused stare, Hajime confirms whether there are any traps with his Magic Eye, then “Transmuting” was used and bright red sparks appeared, a hole big enough for one person to pass through was made and with that the invasion was complete.

The room Aiko is confined in is about 100 meters above ground level. However, he entered as if he was on solid ground! That is to say, for Hajime to casually opened a hole and walked right in, caused Aiko to stare in shock.

Hajime shows a small smile towards the amazed Aiko.

“What, is it really that surprising. Didn’t you notice that I was coming? Though I should have already cut off all traces of my presence……I’ve lost a bit of my confidence now”

“He? Noticed? Eh?”

“No, because, you call out my name. Didn’t you sense me outside the window?”

Obviously, in order for Aiko to feel Hajime’s presence shouldn’t be possible unless “Perception” was used, but Aiko simply called out his name because of her desires, while thinking that, Aiko couldn’t say that she unconsciously muttered his name, she quickly thought that changing the topic would be the best choice.

“Um, besides that, why are you here……”

“To help, of course”

“Wa, for me? Nagumo-kun? You came all the way here to help me?”

To Aiko who began to blush and mumble strangely ~awaawa~, Hajime carefully examined her stature, surely she hasn’t already been brainwashed? Hajime thought while frowning. With a serious look in his eyes, he began to closely examine Aiko with his Magic Eye to look for signs of magic manipulation.

While walking up towards Aiko who sat on the bed, observing in great detail, Aiko started blushing a great deal and her heartbeat escalated. Anyways, the boy that she was just thinking about, came to help after hearing about her predicament, beside her on the bed at night, being watched by such an intense expression. It’s just a student and teacher, there shouldn’t be any particular problem right? Though she thought so…..Aiko wasn’t confident to say it out loud, she became stiff as she could do nothing but return the gaze that Hajime is giving her.

Hajime, thinking that it’ll be ok now that the Magic Eye didn’t pick up any kind of magic manipulation, grabs onto Aiko’s hand. He was going to remove the artifact that was binding her magic.

However, Aiko whose hand was suddenly grabbed “Hyau~!” a strange voice leaked out and she shrunk down a bit, “Stop! It’s no good! Nagumo-kun! Such thing can’t be permitted! I’m a teacher!”, she began to yell.

“No, isn’t it inconvenient if your magic is sealed? Or, is there something wrong with it? Though there doesn’t seem to be any traps”

“Eh? Ah, this thing…..”

“…….what else is there”

“Ah, ahaha……sorry. It’s nothing……”

Suspicion passes, Hajime’s eyes began to show a disappointed look, Aiko tried to deceive him with a fake smile. And, changing the topic, asked how he knew where she was being locked up.

“The princess told us”

“Princess? Princess Ririna?”

“Ahh. She witnessed you being kidnapped. While judging that Amanogawa²¹ and them were under surveillance, she decided to escape the royal capital. Then she requested our help”

“Riri did…..then Nagumo-kun accepted her request”

“Maa~na, I seem to be responsible for this situation too…..though sensei might not have wanted to see me……well, please endure it until we return to everybody”

After Hajime finished removing the artifact that sealed Aiko’s magic, he stood up. Aiko, predicted that Hajime’s last line was about Shimizu’s death. And, Aiko’s eyes looked straight at the dubious Hajime, then began saying what she truly felt about it.

“Not wanting to see you, there’s no such thing. You’ve come to help, I’m really glad. ……Certainly, Shimizu-kun’s situation can’t be completely forgotten, and it’s likely to never to able to forget it….still, your intentions you had when you pulled the trigger….. I think I understand them. I don’t hold a grudge against you, I don’t hate you either”

“…….Sensei”

To the wide-eyed Hajime, Aiko revealed an anxious smile with gentleness.

“At that time, because I couldn’t say it properly…..now, please let me say it. ….Thank you for helping me. I’m sorry for making you pull the trigger”

“………”

Hajime had a wry smile because it appears that Yue was correct, still, it’s a fact that I’ve caused Aiko pain, however he couldn’t bring it up.

“I, I only did what I wanted to do. Though I’ll receive your gratitude, you don’t have to apologize. Rather than that, lets leave soon. The princess should have reached Amanogawa and the rest already. After we join up with them, it’s necessary to talk about the future”

“I understand. …..Nagumo-kun, please be careful. The church sees you as a heretic. And, to the one that kidnapped me, you are probably…..”

“I know. Either way, after I deliver you, I’ll be taking care of the unfinished business, probably, at that time, the church and I will clash against one another. ….I’ve already prepared for it though”

Hajime nodded to Aiko with a gaze of strong will. Aiko’s cheek becomes hot again due to the gaze, Aiko tried to word out her concerns once more.

but, at that time, a roaring sound of something breaking was heard from afar, the air also trembled a bit.

With that Aiko’s body stiffens up and turns her eyes towards Hajime, Hajime was staring out and concentrating on something in the far distance. At that moment, Hajime gained information from Yue’s group who’s on the ground.

“Che, with this timing. …..well, in a sense it’s convenient……”

After a while, Hajime glances back at Aiko while clicking his tongue. Though Aiko doesn’t know that Hajime has telepathy, but because she knew he had a lot of artifacts, she guessed that he learned something, her glance gave off the impression of wanting to know what was going on.

“Sensei, it’s a surprise attack from the Majinzoku²². It seems that sound just now was the outer barrier covering the kingdom being broken to pieces”

“A surprise attack from the Majinzoku!? That means…..”

“Ahh, right now, the Hairihi Kingdom is being invaded. I’ve just gained information from my companions through [Telepathy]. It appears that the Majinzoku also brought along a large army of demons. It’s a complete surprise attack”

To Hajime’s briefing, Aiko’s face becomes pale, “That can’t be”, was leaked out while shaking her head.

Thats true. First of all, its impossible to not notice an invasion with the amount of forces that was advancing towards the kingdom, the great barrier that surrounds the Kingdom’s capital was also strong enough to ward away all average attacks and was unexpectedly stubborn against powerful ones. No one would believe that the 2 biggest hurdles were completely cleared so easily.

“Sensei, first of all we’ll temporarily join up with Amanogawa and the rest of the group. Then we’ll talk about what to do.”

“Ye, yes…”

Aiko who stiffened up from the tension, is now being held by Hajime’s right hand. “Uhya!” A strange voice was leaked out, she wrapped her arms around Hajime’s neck to the suddenness of the action.

Then in that moment….

Ka!!

A severe silver light poured in from the outside.

“~!?”

A light as strong as the moonlights rays came pouring into the room, instinctively alarm bells were raised in Aiko’s mind.

However, Hajime wasn’t shaken at all and proceeded to jump out of the room through the hole he previously made. Aiko screamed while clinging onto Hajime due to the rapid movements, there wasn’t any time to worry.

Hajime, it was simultaneous, grabbing Aiko and dashing out of the room before the light completely eradicated the room in the very next moment.

Boba~!!

There wasn’t a roaring sound when the room was crushed, it just simply evaporated, scattering into particles. The top of the temple was made of steel, now its become nothing more than particles much finer than sand, it was then blown away due to the night wind and disappeared into the sky.

To the specific phenomenon, Hajime while using “Aerodynamic” to stand in the air, opened his eyes wide and muttered.

“…..Was that…..decomposition?”

“Nicely answered, irregular”

To his short muttering came an unexpected answer, a voice resembling the ringing of a bell, however, it was cold and void of all emotions.

When Hajime turned his glance to where the voice sounded, there, a woman with silver hair and blue eyes glared at Hajime from the nearby rooftop. Hajime, then guessed that this was the woman that kidnapped Aiko.

In the first place, though unlike Ririana’s description she wasn’t wearing a nun’s habit, instead, this woman was clad in a completely white dress and armor. The dress was sleeveless and only went up to knee height, her arms, legs, and head were clad in protective armor, and a metallic plate hung on both sides of her waist. Its the figure of a warrior no matter how you look at it. Exactly like a Valkyrie.

The silver-haired woman, leaped through the air as if gravity had no hold of her. And, in one rotation positioned herself in front of the moon, a pair of silver wings expanded behind her back.

~basaa~ the wings expanded, it appears that the silver wings were shrouded in a silver-light magic. With the moon behind her, she looked mysteriously divine as her silver hair drifted in the wind, she carried beauty and charm that was out of this world.

However, unfortunately if not for her eyes. Despite her immense beauty, only her eyes gave off a cold impression as if frozen in ice. Not the coldness of hating another being. it was exactly like a single-minded mechanical tool. It was the eyes of a doll.

The silver haired woman, while looking down on Hajime with Aiko being held closely, slowly extended both arms out horizontally.

Then, the gauntlets shined momentarily, in the next moment, a large white sword was gripped in both hands. The large swords were nearly 2 meters in length and it was also clad in a silver-light magic, the silver haired woman who seemed unaffected by its weight, calls out to Hajime without an ounce of feelings.

“I am Nointo. I am “God’s Apostle”, for my master, I will remove all unnecessary pieces”

A declaration of war. The woman that introduced herself as Nointo, in the truest sense, she is “God’s Apostle”. Finally, it seems they’ve decided to intervene with Hajime. To directly remove us from “god’s game”.

Silver magic gushes out around Nointo. A huge pressure attacked Hajime and Aiko, it was as if they were standing underneath a huge waterfall.

Though Aiko was trying to endure it desperately, her expression turns blue then white, her body starts trembling uncontrollably. “We’re finished” nearly losing her consciousness, a bright red magic surrounded Aiko. The bright red magic shined even more to protect Aiko, it completely blocked out the pressure that Nointo released.

Aiko opened her eyes widely, she turned her face to Hajime who she assumed was the cause. Then, there, without even shaking one bit, he received the pressure, she saw Hajime’s appearance who was bearing his teeth ferociously.

As he received it, Aiko’s skeptical gaze was no longer on his mind, Hajime, just like Nointo, declared war.

“Kill me if you can, puppet of God”

With those words as the signal, at an altitude of 8,000 meters in the sky over [Kamiyama], “God’s Apostle” and the “Monster” that rose out from hell clashed with one another.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Shortly before Nointo’s raid on Hajime, Yue, Shia, Kaori, and Ririana advanced through the royal palace using hidden passages. Their purpose was to take Ririana to Kouki’s group.

Originally, it was decided that Yue and them were to rescue Aiko at [Kamiyama] and also search for the great labyrinth for the Age of Gods magic, because Ririana situation of finding Kouki’s group to help with her current situation was a trivial task.

However, in order to ensure Aiko’s safety, they needed to make sure that Kouki’s group has not been brainwashed, It was necessary to confirm whether they were safe.

Besides, [Kamiyama] is literally the head temple for the church, even to rescue Aiko, its preferable that they don’t cause an uproar, in order to not be noticed, one person would be enough to search for Aiko’s place of confinement so Hajime went alone.

Therefore, Yue who remained at the Kingdom’s capital, to Kaori who insisted on helping Ririana, decided to tag along because it wasn’t that much trouble in the first place.

Still, just in case of emergencies, Teio was put on standby somewhere in the Kingdom. This was because they needed someone to overlook the overall situation of the Kingdom.

As such, Yue’s group traveled in the palace through hidden passages, and appeared into a guest room. Behind where they came through, the antique quietly returned to its natural spot, hiding the passageway as if nothing had happened.

“At this time, everyone is likely sleeping in their own rooms. ……For the time being, lets head for Shizuku’s bedroom”

Ririana lowered her voice in the darkness. Then turned to face the direction of Shizuku’s room. Rather than relying on Kouki the hero, her evaluation is realistically shown.

Nodding in agreement with Ririana, Shia leads the group because she has the highest perception in the party. Shizuku and the others are currently sleeping in the higher class rooms so they are currently in a separate building²³, the group is advancing through the corridors with silent steps as the moonlight seeps through.

And, after advancing a while, it happened.

Zudoooon!!
Pakyaaaan!!

The roaring sound resembled that of a bombardment, right afterwards, the sound of glass breaking could be heard throughout the Kingdom’s capital. The air shook and trembled from the impact, the windows in the corridor that Yue’s group was taking was also rattling.

“Wawa, what on earth!?”

“This is…..it can’t be!?”

Shia while using her rabbit ears to their maximum point in order to hear people who might appear, instinctively covers up both of her rabbit ears while leaking out a voice. Right afterwards, Ririana’s face turned pale and she rushed up to the window. Yue and them also approach the window to see what’s going on.

And, to the spectacle that greets their eyes……

“Such a thing…..the great barrier…..it was broken?”

Ririana covers her mouth and says in a shaking voice. It’s just as she said, in the night sky of the Kingdom’s capital, the great barrier broke into particles of magic and scattered like dust.

Ririana can only watch the spectacle in amazement, a light flashed at that next moment, the roaring sound was heard once again. And, the thin film of light which covered the Kingdom’s capital began wavering.

“Even the second barrier….why…..is it so fragile? With this, soon…..”

What is the great barrier that Ririana speaks of, there are three huge magic barriers that defend the Kingdom from foreign enemies. An artifact generates the barrier into three points, magicians of the imperial court pour their magic powers into it regularly in order to sustain the barriers. Its strength has been proven many times, the Kingdom has been defended from the Majinzoku’s invasion for hundreds of years. This was one of the reasons why the war is still at a state of standstill.

A barrier of absolute protection was broken down in a single moment. And, just now, the second barrier was also close to breaking. The closer the barriers are to the Kingdom, the stronger they become, but if the second barrier was about to break at any moment now, it’s only a matter of time before the last one falls as well. The royal palace is getting noisy, it appears they’ve noticed that the barrier was broken. Lights begin to flicker on at many places.

“It can’t be, an inside job? ……But, giving a hand….to the enemy forces? Just what is going on….”

It was Yue and them who answered Ririana who was too absorbed in the idea while being stunned.

“Do you hear me? Mistress, should I brief you of the situation?”

Their telepathy stones started shining, a voice resounded from it. It’s the voice of Teio who was left at the Kingdom’s capital. From the way of talking, they’ve seemed to roughly grasp what’s going on.

“N…..please do, Teio”

“Understood. About one kilometer south from the Kingdom’s capital, there are Majinzoku leading a large army of demons. The white dragon from that time is there too. Its breath was what had destroyed the barrier. However, I don’t see the leaders figure”

“It can’t be, an invasion? How, how on earth did they manage to get so close……”

To Teio’s report, Ririana frowns with a doubtful expression.

Towards that doubtfulness, Yue and them could also imagine it. The rider of the white dragon, Freed Bagua, the Majinzoku from the time where space magic was obtained at [Mountain of Great Flames]. Even for Yue, it’s virtually impossible to open a “gate” for a whole army to pass through, but if there was some assistance it might be possible.

To actually warp across the entire continent²⁴ without attracting attention, in order to appear right underneath our noses at the Kingdom’s capital. There is no other way but that. Though the white dragon is attacking, he probably can’t move around much if that were the case, he’s probably resting in the back giving orders.

In the mean time, the sound of glass being broken resounds through the air again. The second barrier was broken. While frustrated, Ririana urges to meet up with Kouki and them. However, Yue shook her head.

“…….We separate here. You guys go on”

“Na, here? what do you…..”

Ririana frowned dubiously and started to say that quickly meeting up with Kouki and the rest and planning their next actions would be best. While Yue was opening the window, her eyes narrowed and spoke of her reason coldly.

“……The Majinzoku rider of the white dragon hurt Hajime. …..I’m going to beat him until he cries”

Apparently, due to the surprise attack at [Mountain of Great Flames] Yue carried a deep grudge against Freed. All members at the place could do nothing towards Yue’s dangerous atmosphere.

“A, are you angry, Yue-san…..”

“…..Shia? Have you already forgotten?”

“No way. I’ll continue to beat him even if he starts crying and apologizing”

Though Shia instinctively tsukomied at the angry Yue, towards Yue’s words that were expressionless, Shia started saying something even more extreme. From Shia who usually had a bright smile²⁵, with an expressionless face she powerfully declared her stance. Shia also seemed to not be able to forgive what had happened before.

“And that’s why, Kaori-san, Riri-san. Yue and I, in order to discipline the owner of that giant lizard, we’ll be leaving here”

“…..N, anyone else who obstructs us as well”

As soon as they said that, both Yue and Shia went out the window without hearing what Kaori and Ririana’s had to say. Freed’s life is on the line. Escape, Freed! Quickly, run away! is what his companions would have said if they were there.

The night breeze and noise entered through the open window. For a while, Kaori and Ririana stood silently still in place, then they began to advance once again like nothing had happened.

“…..Nagumo-san….is very loved….”

“Yes…insanely.….if not…. they’re quite the powerful enemies”

“Kaori….in order to survive, work hard ok? I’ll support you”

“Yes. Thank you, Riri….”

Afterwards Riri turned around mutters in a sad voice, “The way I’m treated is becoming more and more crude….”, the yell was admirably sent to Kaori. “Actually, would Riri cry if I said that I also wanted to go?” while thinking in the corner of her head, Kaori and Riri quickly hurried towards Kouki and the rest of the group.

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This chapter is translated by Cobalt and is rehosted due dead link.

It was Shia who first noticed the commotion.

“Isn’t that someone being attacked ahead?”

As usual, Yue was pressed up against Hajime. Kaori tried to get between them, the aura of her dragon pressed up against Yue’s lightning aura. The result was that Hajime had to be careful driving and thus didn’t have his attention on what was in front of him.

As Shia said, there appeared to be a caravan ahead with two groups, one attacking the other. As their vehicle approached, Hajime’s “distance vision” allowed him to see two groups in the middle of a battle, one offending and the other defending. Shea’s usamimis picked up the roar of battle before Hajime could see them.

“They appear to be bandits. The bandits seem to outnumber the caravan guards over 40 to just 15. The difference in their combat potential is clear.” Hajime describes the situation to Yue and Kaori.

“… Nn, the guards are putting up a good fight,” Yue adds.

“They have a barrier spell surrounding the caravan, but it’s not going to hold out. The bandits are trying to break the wall with magic.”

“But their defense is holding for the moment.”

“Having a barrier cover the entire caravan stretches it pretty thin. It will not endure long. They’ve bought themselves some time, but it won’t hold.”

It appears like the caravan faced a surprise attack. Numerous people within the barrier were crouched down with injuries, or worse dead. They had managed to take out a few bandits, but the bandits were still proportionally more. They had managed to erect a barrier, but once it failed the people of the caravan would undoubtedly meet a gruesome end.

Hajime’s conversation was cut short as the barrier melted to nothingness. The bandits raised a shout and surged forward, breaking through the caravan’s remaining defenses with vicious grins on their faces. The escort squadron fought back desperately, but they were outgunned. One person after another fell to injuries from the bandits.

Kaori had a determined expression on her face, she turned to Hajime and requested he help rescue them in a tone that suggested she was agitated.

“Hajime-kun, please! Help them, if you can…”

Hajime didn’t respond, but accelerated his 4 wheeler instead. Since it was obvious the caravan would be wiped out if he didn’t help, he had already decided he wanted to know their story. He wanted to say that to Kaori, but didn’t.

The 4 wheeler chewed into the ground producing a “garri garri garri” sound as he accelerated with a vengeance, the car moving as if it was attached to a rocket engine.

“Hajime-kun, thank you…”

Kaori smiled happily as he began to take action. Hajime shrugged in response. Hajime was simply doing what he wanted to do. Yue tightened her seatbelt.

“Oh, that, Hajime-kun? Isn’t this a bit…”

The feeling seemed to be ruined as the four wheeler continued to accelerate moment by moment. Although she asked him to help, she knew how cars worked on earth, and the speed he was charging at them didn’t leave time to stop. Was he going to ram them with the 4 wheeler? Kaori could not help but think so.

With Haori concerned, Hajime responded clearly.

“Don’t they teach you to stomp the accelerator when you see a criminal in driving school?”

“Of course they wouldn’t teach that. Don’t twist the traffic laws to your discretion. Hey, Yue, don’t agree with him, stop nodding!”

While Kaori tsukkomi’d, Hajime ignored her, turning the vehicle towards the bandit sitting in the rear who appeared to be the leader. Hajime intended to kill the bandits by running them over without hesitation.

The bandit leader finally noticed the strange object approaching them leaving behind a cloud of dust. He issued instructions to nearby bandits, and they began to chant magic. To them, the 4 wheeler appeared to be some new kind of demon or monster. They would not have believed it was man-made, let alone operated by people.

Hajime poured magical power in to the four-wheeler, operating one of its many functions. A blade of approximately 1 meter protruded from the sides and roof. The bandits fired flame bullets at the vehicle, but they bounced harmlessly off the four-wheeler, so Hajime chose to ignore them and kept driving forward. Even though the flame bullets were striking the vehicle, its steadfast rush towards the bandits put sour expressions on their faces.

Dogoo! Baki! Squish!

Horror, despair, and embarrassment – those were the expressions on the bandit’s faces as they collided with the hood of the 4-wheeler.

As bandits flung over the roof, the blade on top ripped them to shreds. Some tried to jump to the sides to avoid the blades and were blown away instead. At 80 km/h, anyone who was lucky enough to miss the blades ended up with shattered bones and ruptured organs.

The rear group of bandits were wiped out in a moment, leaving seven dead.

After taking out the rear bandits, Hajime spins the car, putting it into a drift. The area becomes a slaughtering ground as the 4 wheelers cuts into the bandits, leaving the surviving members of the caravan staring with stunned looks. Bandits and caravan guards in close combat suddenly stop to stare at the scene.

As the bandits and caravan guards eye them cautiously, Hajime turns to Kaori as she leans forward eagerly.

“If they attack us without compassion, we must be willing to do the same. Do you understand?” Hajime explained to Kaori.

“… yes, I understand.”

Kaori understood that despite being kind, she wasn’t allowed to heal or protect the people she would call enemies. If she did, she wouldn’t be able to follow Hajime. She had made her resolve to be in his party. Hajime feared that Kaori would get in his way, but she gave him a resolute nod to alleviate his suspicions.

“I won’t get interfere. So do what you need to do.” Hajime sighed.

“Yes.” Kaori let out a smile, getting out of the four wheeler and racing to the closest injured person. She was surprised that it turned out to be a young woman. The bandits who had regained their resolved immediately approached Kaori aggressively, their faces twisted in anger over the bandits the 4 wheeler had killed.

“You w̲h̲o̲r̲e̲! Die!” While raising an angry voice, one of the bandits brandished his long sword.

Kaori spared him a sideways glance and then brushed past while ignoring him. She continued at a full sprint towards the injured person while beginning her chant. A moment later there was a loud bang, and man’s head exploded, easily ending his life.

Dopan! Dopan! Dopan! Dopan! Dopan! Dopan!

The wind continuously carried the sounds of death with each crack of thunder. Each explosion resulted in the destruction of another head in a spectacle of blood. It was overwhelmingly harsh. The more than 40 bandits were reduced to half their number in a matter of seconds.

In a panic at the unbelievable sight, a few of the bandits tried to grab Shia and the other girls in an attempt to gain a hostage. One of the guards tried to shout out to the girls to give them a warning, but his worries were pointless. Shia’s superhuman growth was progressing quite nicely, and there were no openings in this combat rabbit!

Shia pulled out Doryukken from the treasure room, which appeared to the bandits like nothingness behind her. Passi! It made a satisfying sound as she swung it, the hammer stretching to size. As she swung, a circular white membrane formed on end. It was a wall of air which struck the upper bodies of three of the bandits, blowing them away in a single hit.

“Oops! Too much blood!”

Apparently, as they hadn’t fought any small fries in a while, Shia had forgotten to restrain herself when fighting a weaker enemy. She had intended to just toss the enemy back, but with her absent-minded spirit, she had sent their upper bodies flying without the lower. The sudden splattering of blood causes Shia to back up several steps in surprise.

Yue and Tio spared Shia amazed looks, even though they were in the middle of decimating the other bandits with a storm of magic.

The remaining 10 bandits were unceremoniously shot by Hajime, death immediately following without time to plead for their lives. It was pure destruction without any forgiveness.

Kaori used the recovery magic restoration to heal numerous people at once scattered across the caravan. Regrettably, many of the caravan guards who had fallen earlier had already breathed their last breath. Even reproduction magic could not help bring them back from the dead.

As Hajime approached Kaori, a person raced up to her quickly. The stranger was small-statured, their face hidden with a hood, causing them to appear suspicious. However, Hajime knew this was the person who had kept the barrier up to desperately protect the caravan. None of the caravan guards got in Hajime’s way as he approached them.

“Kaori!”

The hooded person threw out her hands and used her momentum to leap at Kaori while calling her name in a pretty voice. Kaori didn’t hide her astonishment, muttering the name of the person in the process.

“Lily (She’ll be called Riri or Ririana in the next chapter on)? After all, it is Lily? That barrier looked familiar. I didn’t think I’d find you in such a place, but I suspected…” It appeared Kaori recognized the hooded person as Lily.

—– Rather, Liliana S.B. Heilig (Hairihi), the third princess of the Heilig (Hairihi) Kingdom was the person in the hood.

Liliana hugged Kaori with relief, offering a glimpse of her big, blue eyes and apparent beauty hidden by the hood. Her eyes squeezed shut as she began to cry, speaking to Kaori quietly between sobs.

“I also did not think I’d find Kaori in this place. It is… good fortune. It seems that I haven’t exhausted my luck yet.”

“Lily? What’s wrong?”

Kaori didn’t quite get the meaning of Liliana’s words, but she noticed something was off and pulled back. Liliana put a finger on Kaori’s mouth, urging her not to use Liliana’s name.

Apparently Liliana was alone and had managed to slip into the caravan to get this far. Kaori gave a sympathetic look as she tried to emphasize with the struggle the princess must have faced.

“Kaori, are you guys done?” Hajime interrupted, oblivious to the mood.

Liliana gave Hajime a blank look. Suddenly, Liliana raised her voice and shouted “Hya!” Looking up at Hajime from within her hood, a light bulb seemed to go off in her head and she immediately began to greet Hajime.

“It’s Nagumo, isn’t it? Long time no see. We had heard about your survival after the fall. The strength and ability to survive is worthy of respect. It was good you survived. While you were missing, Kaori was a wreck.”

“Wait, Lily, we’re fine now.” Kaori spoke in a fluster.

“I heard about how Kaori confessed to Hajime from Shizuku, but you’ll have to tell me more about it later.”

Liliana was teasing Kaori in a fun tone, smiling from the back of her hood. Kaori turned bright red from embarrassment.

The princess’s smile must be very popular with the public. There was no doubt that if she aimed it at the young and old alike, they would fall for her. However, Hajime wasn’t particularly moved by her smile.

Without reading the atmosphere at all, he eyed her suspiciously and demands,”…And who exactly are you?”

“Heh?”

If Hajime didn’t interrupt them, Liliana and Kaori would undoubtedly keep talking about the status of all the other students in the kingdom. Hajime didn’t have the patience to be subtle. He wanted a direct answers.

Liliana was a princess with a great personality and who was loved by everyone she met. She was shocked to be addressed so improperly by a man who normally wouldn’t even be worthy of meeting the princess, thus she let out a goofy voice involuntarily.

The panicked Kaori immediately tried to smooth out the situation on behalf of the dazed Liliana. She spoke in a low voice so no one else could hear them.

“Hajime you… Princess! It’s the Princess! It’s the Heilig Kingdom Princess Leliana that you’re speaking to!”

“……………………………………….. Ah…”

“Gusu (sobbing), you’ve forgotten me, haven’t you? Gusu.” Leliana whined.

“Lily! Don’t cry because of that! Hajime-kun is kinda whatchamacallit. He’s special. No one normal would forget Lily. So you don’t need to cry!” Kaori attempted to smooth things out.

“Hey, can you not say those rude things so casually?” Hajime sighed.

Since Liliana’s watery eyes looked quite terrible, Kaori was desperate to comfort her. Hajime involuntarily tsukkomi’d, however Kaori gave him a dirt look that said “be quiet right now!” Meanwhile, Liliana was explaining “No, it’s okay Kaori, it just hurt my pride a little…” Across the board, the conclusion from the conversation seemed to be that Hajime was wrong for having completely forgotten who Liliana was.

With the atmosphere already delicate, a man from the caravan approached them.

“It’s been a long time…. It looks like you’re in good health…” the caravan leader stated.

“From health drinks…” Hajime responds

“Really? A health drink? A company that can make that must be a famous and wealthy company. Can you give me their name?”

“Oh-, no, nevermind. But how are you, Mottou?”

“Yeah, I’m glad you remember Mottou from the Yunker trading company. This is the second time you helped us out of a dangerous place. It looks like we were fated to meet again.” The man laughed and shook Hajime’s hand.

It seemed like the leader of the caravan was the man they escorted to Fhu-ren from Brook town some time ago.

Hajime also remembered when his commercial spirit got the better of him and Hajime had to put him in his place. Hajime had learned a bit about human nature from the man named Mottou. Although it seemed like Mottou’s commercial spirit hadn’t declined in the slightest. He casually touched Hajime’s ring of storage as he let go of his hand. His eye’s weren’t laughing, but seemed to ask “Are you sure you’re not going to sell that soon?” Maybe it was just Hajime’s imagination.

Shia explained to Kaori and Lily their relationship with Mottou.

“A random person you met only once you can remember, but a princess?” Lily became even more depressed and Kaori struggled to comfort her in spite of the story she just heard.

As Mottou told it, they were heading to the Ankaji dukedom via Horuado. The plight of Ankaji had already been known, and as a merchant he was ready to head out there to earn a profit. It seemed that he had already been out there once and this was his second journey after a stop in the Imperial City. From the look on his face, it was clear they were making big profits.

Hajime explained that they were heading for the Sea of Trees after a stop in Huruado. Mottou begged them for an escort until they reached Horuado.

However, before Hajime could answer, Liliana put it a stop to it.

“I’m sorry for interrupting you, Merchant. I must speak with you for a moment. Thank you for transporting me this far. I’m sorry for my selfish request, but I won’t be joining you the rest of the way to Horuado.”

“Oh, you’re not heading to Horuado anymore?”

“Yes, this point is fine. I will, of course, pay for the entire trip.”

It seemed that Liliana was taking advantage of the caravan to make it to Horuado. Having met Hajime on the way, she no longer felt it was necessary. At the point, Hajime received a tap on his shoulder and Kaori whispered in his ear.

“Don’t be cruel to Lily anymore!” she gave a silent plea with her eyes.

“Is that so? Well, it’s been a pleasure. Don’t worry about the money.” Mottou continued.

“Huh? No… why?”

Mottou had refused to receive money, which confused Liliana. The caravan had provided bed and food along with an escort. Coming from Mottou the merchant, those words seemed completely unexpected. Liliana gave Mottou a troubled smile.

“Don’t trouble yourself too much on it. But here’s some advice. Typically, a caravan will charge extra passengers before they depart. To not have to pay before you leave typically suggests they’re up to something, or don’t plan to charge you in the first place. This is the latter.”

“Is that so…”

“I don’t know what your circumstances are, but since you’re traveling alone I assumed it was serious. During a crisis, if a merchant such as myself helps, then in the future the people of this country may find confidence with this merchant.”

Liliana realized that Mottou knew her identity from the beginning. He pretended not to know her so he could help without drawing attention.

“Then at least I should offer a token of my appreciation. Without your help, I never would have made it out of the Imperial City.”

“Heh… the thing you want most is often the most difficult purchase for a merchant, you know?”

“Eh?…. No, I don’t know.” Liliana responded confused.

“It’s trust.” Mottou explained.

“Trust?”

“Yes, a business without trust can’t thrive and never will makea profit. However, to help a young lady out in a serious situation, the Yunker Trading Company might become known as a company you can trust. Your fare will be paid no matter.”

Liliana held a wry smile at the words he spoke. If you use money unreasonably, it’s synonymous with a lack of trust. There were some contrary feelings welling up in Liliana. Eventually, she gave up on them and took Mottou’s good will straight on.

“Your trading company is truly worthy of relying on. This Heilig princess will never forget your kindness and dedication. Thank you!”

“Your words are wasted on this one.” Mottou bowed deeply with respect.

Then Mottou turned, leaving Liliana and Hajime on the spot as his caravan headed down the planned route to Horuado. He left in a manner of knowing that he’d receive his own heretic certification for aiding the princess. He had already received the information that the Ankaji dukedom had recovered thanks to Hajime. Hajime could only guess why he chose to help in this manner. He supposed Mottou would say he did It to “Earn favor for a better tomorrow”, the slogan of a genuine merchant.²⁶

After Mottou had left, the remaining party headed off in the magic four wheeler while Liliana began to explain her story. Liliana’s expression was full of tension and impatience which gave Hajime a foreboding feeling. Finally, she began to speak.

“Aiko was kidnapped…”

Hajime sensed that there was more to it than that.

To summarize Liliana’s story:

Recently, the mood inside the Royal Palace seemed more uncomfortable than Liliana remembered.

The King committed himself to the Seikyo church more fervently than he had ever done in the past. The Prime minister and the other leaders also seemed to get caught up in his fervor, their belief strengthening unreasonably.

If it was just that… but there was also the fact that one after another, everyone seemed to fall in line with the church. Their collaboration was enhanced like never before. Leliana kept telling herself it was her imagination.

The discomfort didn’t stop there. Everyone seemed oddly devoid of any ambition. She had attempted to talk with knights and soldier she knew, familiar faces, and they all responded properly, but their responses seemed mechanical. Maybe even something like an illness.

She even tried to consult with Meld, the one knight she had the most trust in, but he always was kept out of sight and busy. Liliana couldn’t manage to catch him even once to talk.

Meanwhile, Aiko finally returned to the Imperial City with details on Ur town. Liliana seemed to have been present at the time. Suddenly, an abnormal demand was made. It was the call to make Hajime a heretic. Credited with saving Ur, the objections and opinions of Aiko, who boasted great name recognition and popularity as the “fertility goddess”, were completely ignored.

The conclusion seemed unreasonable, and Liliana had been a fierce protestor, although her father didn’t budge no matter what she said. His stubbornness seemed to border on obsession. Instead, Liliana herself was accused of having a lack of faith, and her father started to see her as an enemy, rather than a daughter.

Liliana pretended that they had convinced her, and then immediately made plans to run away. She wanted to discuss what was going on with Aiko first. Liliana knew that Aiko was planning to meet the rest of the students to discuss the events around Hajime fall at dinner, so she wanted to meet her beforehand and discuss her fears.

She had been approaching Aiko’s room when she heard her arguing with another woman in the corridor. When she peeped around the corner, she saw Aiko unconscious and in the hands of a woman with silver hair wearing a church frock.

The woman made Liliana afraid, and she immediately dashed into a nearby hidden passage only known to the royal family.

Although the silver-haired woman had noticed and looked for her, she didn’t notice the hidden passage itself and left Liliana in peace. Liliana was convinced that the silver haired woman was the mastermind behind all of this. That everything was connected and that she needed to tell someone.

However, since Aiko was ambushed, it stood to reason that the students were being watched. She also didn’t know Meld’s whereabouts. Then she remembered that one of the students, a dependable friend, wasn’t in the capital. So she decided she had to find Kaori. She had heard the story that Kaori was with Nagumo Hajime. That means it wouldn’t be just the two of them she could rely on. She escaped in a hidden passage way with the plan to head to the Ankaji dukedom.

Based on the news that Ankaji was recovering after a public emergency, in seemed like there was a high probability the person responsible was Hajime and company.

“And after that, you know, I was allowed to travel with the caravan of the Yunker Trading Company. I did not think I’d get noticed, let alone find myself getting attacked by bandits, or that I’d be helped by Kaori… not even in my dreams… a little while ago did not… but… I… it was scary… the church… What is happening? The nun with that silver hair… my father…”

Liliana hugged her body, trembling with fear. Rather than the talented princess she usually was, she just looked like a scared girl. Although that was no wonder. All the people she knew were turned into strangers, and she was afraid she’d be next.

Kaori hugged her tightly, trying to ease the fear that dug into Liliana’s mind even a little.

While watching the scene, Hajime went through the events in his mind. Lilliana’s story reminded him of the Merujine underwater ruins and the scene they had been shown in the end. The people had been built into a fervor with their belief in god. This was very truly a dangerous situation.

He didn’t know if those visions were true. Could it be happening? No, rather they should get the god level magic quickly, and leave this world as soon as possible.

However, Hajime couldn’t make the decision immediately, as he had to consider Aiko-sensei. Most likely, what Aiko was going to tell the students was true about their being brought to this world to fight for the god’s amusement. They liked to use people as pawns, and her words would have put a wedge of suspicion that would have inconvenienced them. It seems Hajime’s theory was spot on.

For them to decide to kidnap Aiko, it must have been Hajime’s fault. They probably don’t want to kill her, but the people who take pleasure in manipulating everyone like a hand puppet might decide to eventually make use of her.

Hajime was indebted to Aiko for the advice that she gave him. It’s not as bad now that he is not alone.

For that reason…

“We’re going to help my teacher.”

Hajime chose to save, rather than abandon the one that needed him.

With those words, Liliana raised her face in hope. She wore an expression of relief over the fact that he’d come back with her to the city. She had heard that he was indifferent towards his classmates in this world and she had feared he would have abandoned them. She expected that convincing him to go would be difficult.

“You really will?”

Liliana asked for confirmation, but Hajime only shrugged.

“Please do not misunderstand. It’s not because of your kingdom. It’s for my teacher. She’s been kidnapped because of me. I have to take responsibility.”

“For Aiko…”

Liliana was a little discouraged when she realized that Hajime had no plans to lend his force to the kingdom, but she had some hope that he’d change his mind on the way. Despite his harsh words, she still broke into an involuntary smile.

“Well, in the process of helping my teacher, I might end up aiding the kingdom by accident.” He admitted.

“…. Fufu, I hope that is the case. I thank you, Nagumo.”

Since the woman who had kidnapped Aiko was wearing a frock of the church, and since the king was listening to the church to an abnormal degree, likely the church was the cause of all these problems. The church would likely get in Hajime’s way, and they’d end up as his enemy. Helping Aiko and the fixing the kingdom seemed to be one and the same. By helping Aiko, Hajime would help Liliana.

Liliana shared a smile with Kaori, causing Hajime’s mouth to distort a bit.

In addition to saving Aiko, Hajime had another purpose. It’s the Kojiri (Spirit) magic in Kamiyama. From what they had heard from Miledi (armor-possessed prankster who gave them gravity magic), Kamiyama is also one of the seven major labyrinths. However, whether there is a large labyrinth entrance hidden by the church, Hajime had no clue. It was still worth a check although the church officials would likely get in his way.

So even though he had originally planned on going to the Sea of Trees, he now had a good reason to go for Kamiyama. And, in the process he’d rescue Aiko, with the likelihood of a fight with church very high. If he attacked the head temple, maybe that’s all he’d need to get the Kojiro (Spirit) magic, or so he thought.

With regards to the silver-haired woman, Hajime mentioned that he thought he had seen a silver haired person in the visions given to them in the Meljeene Underwater Ruins. On the luxury liner, there was a woman in a hood who disappeared and they most certainly had silver hair. Hajime couldn’t guess if it was the same person, the age was too different. However, there was a feeling from the beginning. Something to do with this woman with silver hair.

Hajime’s fighting spirit burned. He would stop them, no matter who the other party was. He’ll kill anyone who gets in his way. He puts on a ferocious smile like that of a wild wolf.

“…. Hajime, nice.” Yue responded to his look.

“Hajime… your face looks a little tight…”

“Thank you for showing me such a vicious look. You’re making me wet!” Tio added.

The atmosphere between Hajime in the girls was anything but subtle, Liliana blushed at the sight.

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This chapter is translated by Cobalt and is rehosted due to dead link.

It’s been a day and half since they set foot once again into the world of brown.

Hajime aimed straight for the Ankaji (Ancadi) dukedom with the help of the magical powered four-wheeler while great heaps of dust rose from behind. Their original destination was the Sea of Trees, but they changed directions because they thought they might be able to repair the oasis if Koari used her reproduction magic.

The reproduction magic has the effect of literally returning anything back to its original form. So Hajime judged that he should be able to restore the polluted oasis, succeeding with reproduction where recovery magic’s purification failed.

Hajime had no reason to particularly object. They hadn’t had a chance to try the local specialty fruits last time, so he easily took Kaori’s suggestion to return.

Unlike last time, the entrance to Ankaji was full of people waiting in line. A lot of big wagons lined up, and judging from the atmosphere, it felt like a line of merchants.

“That’s a very large caravan.” Hajime stated flatly.

“…. Nn… will take time.” Yue added.

“They’re probably bringing in new supplies?” Kaori suggested.

Kaori’s guess seemed to be right. The reason behind the long line was from relief request from the Heilig Kingdom. Merchants were taking advantage of the troop’s movement and traveled with the relief corps. The Heilig relief corps seemed to accept the Ankaji merchants as long as they didn’t cause problems.

Anyway, because the oasis had been ruined, other than the stockpiled crops, it was necessary to destroy the tainted crops for safety reasons. This caused a large need for food as well as water. Ankaji couldn’t afford to be choosy who they got help from.

Hajime disregarded the caravan. Not wanting to wait under the desert heat, he drove the four wheeler up to the gate without waiting in line.

People of the caravan began to notice the black object and started to run, their hearts likely screaming out “Is that a demon they’re sitting in?” Towards the dangerous stares mixed with fear and wariness, Hajime brandished his weapon as the vehicle approached the gatekeeper in a cloud of dust.

As they drew near, the soldiers saw the 4 wheeler and suddenly became noisy. They moved to challenge Hajime, but colleagues who recognized the 4 wheeler convinced them to approach without their weapons. As they approach Hajime, they dispatch a messenger to run back to the city.

Hajime and his company left the 4 wheeler while ignoring the chaos their presence caused. As always, several people are enchanted by Yue’s good looks. As Hajime placed the 4 wheeler back into his treasure warehouse, their eyes turned to wonder.

“It’s like that. Has the God of the Apostles returned?” the gatekeeper asks as he watches the figure of Kaori.

The soldiers were relieved to see Kaori. Perhaps they recognized her from the time they had brought Randzi back or when they went to recover the serene stones from the Guryuu-en Great Volcano.

It appears like the 4 wheeler had become known as Kaori’s transport, and they named her the “God of the Apostles”. Hajime didn’t feel the need to correct them as they were not exactly wrong. Since they recognized Kaori the best, they put her out in front.

“Yes, we returned to try to purify the Oasis. Please pass this on to the lords…” Kaori began.

“Oasis! Is it true?” The gatekeeper responded.

“I’m only saying it’s possible…”

“Nevertheless, if it’s an apostle… and we apologize for the impoliteness in such a place. We’ve already sent a messenger. I cannot leave my post, but a lord should be coming immediately to escort you if you’d like to come to our waiting area.”

It seems they’ve gained recognition for previously rescuing the country. Hajime can see the respect in the eyes of the soldiers as they gaze at him. They were getting the VIP treatment. While cautiously watching the merchants that gave him curious looks, Hajime once again set foot into the Ankaji Dukedom.

_______________________________________________

The lord Randzi ran up breathlessly after about 15 minutes of waiting. It was pretty quick arrival. At least to Randzi, it looked like they were important.

“It’s been a while. I’m glad you’re all safe. I was worried when you did not come back after entrusting the serene stones to Tio-dono. It would have been troublesome if our savior had died before we could express our gratitude.”

“I’m just a mere adventurer. But well, I thank you. As you can see, your relief is safely received.”

“Oh, and we finished stockpiling the food with the assistance we received. Along with the reservoir that Yue made, you’ve bought us sufficient time. The people won’t go hungry thanks to you and the merchants.”

Randzi gently laughed with slightly hollow cheeks. It seemed he had been run ragged to save Ankaji. The fatigue seemed to ooze out in his expressions. He wasn’t getting enough time to rest.

“Lord. As for the purification of the oasis…” Kaori began.

“Apostle-dono… No, Kaori-dono. The Oasis is as usual. Thanks to the fresh groundwater, the purification is proceeding little by little. At least half a year and the oasis should be completely purified. One year before it soaks into the nearby soil and purifies it so that we can plant again.” Randzi responds a little depressed.

Kaori explains that she might be able to immediately purify it. Randzi’s response is dramatic. Taking a moment for it to sink in, “Seriously!?” Randzi spits out feverishly. Kaori shyly nods in verification while moving to hide behind Hajime, taken aback by his exuberance. The distraught Randzi corrects himself, then asks for the purification politely.

Since that was their intention anyway, Hajime nodded and Randzi led them to the oasis. The oasis is not very popular right now. In the past, it was a crowded place where people relaxed. Randzi was expressionless, but gave off a lonely atmosphere as he remembered the former oasis.

Kaori moves up to the shore of the oasis and begins to cast reproduction magic.

Although Hajime had obtained the reproduction magic, as usual his aptitude for it was virtually nothing. However, in the case of Shea, it seems there is an automatic recovery effect, but it had to be activated consciously. Also, her physical and mental strength seem to recover far faster. Steadily, Shea is becoming even more superhuman. Along with her proficiency levels, body weight manipulation, and body strengthening, she has come to be like a heavy tank with automatic recovery installed.

The one with the most aptitude was Kaori, followed by Teo, and finally Yue. In the case of Yue, as usual, as a consequence of her own special auto-regeneration, this magic seems to have a poor recovery in comparison. On the other hand, for the healing Kaori, her high aptitude for recovery magic seems to lead to her having a strong grasp on “reproduction”, allowing her to use it more comprehensively and efficiently than anyone else. It’s a bit sad that Yue won’t be able to use it to improve her combat prowess.

Kaori’s begins to chant. It’s a long cast. It initially took her 7 minutes but after practicing she was able to bring it down to 3. Since it only took her a week to learn it, it was practically a cheat. However, since Yue was present it was hard to truly call her a cheat in comparison. Compared to Yue’s abilities, this seemed easy.

“—-Stopping elephant” she extends a white staff while closing her eyes and murmuring the final words.

In the next moment, a pale light resembling a firefly appeared, and then fell into the middle of the oasis. The entire oasis started to shine, and pale light particles began to bubble up to the surface and float into the sky. It was a majestic scene that touched the heart. It truly felt like the corruption was being purged by heavenly light.

Everyone forgot to breathe as they admired the sight. Even after the mysterious glow covering the oasis floated away into the sky, Randzi stood without a word, immersing himself in the afterglow.

While supporting Kaori who was swaying a little from exhaustion, Hajime taps Randzi. Randzi snaps out of it and orders his men to survey the water quality. His subordinates hurry to examine the oasis with detection magic. After making a hard swallow, Randzi watches over his men, whom upon finishing their inspection report their results with expressions of disbelief.

“…. It’s recovered.” A subordinate mutters.

“Repeat that?” Randzi demands.

The subordinate adds words of confirmation and Randzi sucks in his breath, now knowing the truth.

“No abnormalities in the oasis! It is the original oasis! It has been completely cleaned!”

At that moment, Randzi and his subordinates cheered in unision. They threw whatever documents they had and abandoned whatever they were holding as they hugged each other and slapped their backs, expressing their joy. Randzi also looked up at the heavens, exhaling deeply and wondering if this was a bit too easy.

“After that, soil regeneration. Lord, where were the crops you discarded?”

“… Well, it is all collected in one place. Because of all the time and labor, it was regrettable that we had to toss them… wait, you don’t mean…?”

“If Yue and Tio join, it should be possible…”

“…. Nn, no problem.”

“They were grown with effort, it’d be a shame to throw them away.” Hajime added.

As Randzi realized they might be able to not only recover the soil, but the lost crops as well, his hand went to his chest and he lowered his head deeply without hesitation. It was not something a lord should do, but that was the extent of his appreciation for their actions. The love for them was deep in this country. It was the kind of thing that transforms your sense of appreciation.

After receiving Randzi’s bow, Hajime tried to move them towards the farmland. However, he suddenly stopped when he felt a disturbance. A frenzied group of people were approaching in the distance. The soldiers of the Anjaki Dukedom were coming towards them in a straight line with numerous soldiers of different attires. Using “far vision”, Hajime could see that the group was populated with Seikyo church officials and temple knights from this town.

As soon as they approached Hajime’s group, they immediately surrounded them in a semicircular shape. An elderly man in white regal robes of the temple knights stepped forward. The dangerous atmosphere between the man and Hajime was only divided by the presence of Randzi.

“See them, they are dangerous.”

“Foribin Bishop, what the hell is this? They are dangerous? This hero has saved out dukedom twice already. I will not ignore disrespect to them as a lord of Ankaji.”

“The elderly man who was called Forbin Bishop snorted a laugh at Randzi’s words.

“Hmph, hero? Hold your tongue. They are already accredited heretics. Careless words will come crashing down around you!” the Bishop snarled.

“They’re branded heretics? Ridiculous, I have not heard of this.”

Randzi was shocked at the word heretic being attached to Hajime. Randzi was a follower of the church though. He was aware of the weight of those words. Did they make a mistake? He met the Bishop with disbelief.

“Of course you wouldn’t know, the news just arrived this morning. And the heretic showing up right now, don’t you think that’s exquisite timing? Surely this was a message from God. Destroy the enemies of God… now on to Center…”

Hajime couldn’t hear the voices of the last lines, but apparently Hajime has been branded a heretic. Randzi and the Bishop eye him unintentionally.

Hajime seems neither shocked nor in any particular hurry, only offering a shrug as if to ask “What was I supposed to do?” to Randzi.

Randzi wrinkled his eyebrows after seeing Hajime’s response. However, the bishop opens his mouth and openly laughs.

“And now, I have to subdue the enemies of God. They say this man is quite brutal, but I have a hundred temple knights behind me. Come with us quietly so we don’t upset the public peace, and we won’t make things more difficult for you.

Randzi closes his eyes. Without any more information, he could guess why Hajime was branded a heretic considering his power and his personality. Hajime was a force the church couldn’t manage and thus couldn’t allow.

However, given the strength of Hajime’s companions, stopping them was a decision equal to suicide. Randzi doubted the sanity of picking a war with Hajime. He was wondering if they had their priorities straight.

It is a fact that Hajime saved Ankaji. He healed the people who were fallen by poison, prepared the water that was their lifeline, subdued the monster lurking in the oasis, and further purified the oasis back to how it was before.

To this huge debt, it was troubling considering what they could provide as an award. Randzi’s eyes grew wide at the realization that an opportunity just presented itself. And, with a serving lord’s dignity, Randzi broke the silence and provided the impatient Bishop an answer.

“Rejected.”

“… I’m sorry, what?”

To the totally unexpected words, the Forubin bishop provided an interesting goofy expression. The appearance of the bishop, inwardly, put a wry smile on Randzi. It should have been impossible for Randzi to go against the decision of the Seikyo church. Randzi repeated the words with unexpected determination.

“I said I refuse. These heros are our national salvation. If you would make them an enemy, then I cannot forgive the Seikyo church.”

“Are… you… insane? You cannot go against the church. Do you want to be branded as a heretic as well?”

In response to Randzi’s words, the bishop raised a startled cry clogged with anger. The temple knights also looked at each other with puzzled looks.

“Bishop, does Central not know their accomplishments? He saved the dukedom when we were attacked by a deadly poison. Your reports should also mention that he rescued Ur town, don’t they? I don’t understand the sanity of this heretic claim. Reconsider the heresy on account of these new facts.”

“Silence! The decision is final! This is God’s will! That is unforgivable. If you continue to protect this heretic, then Ankaji itself will be branded. Take heed!”

The bishop’s pupils had the light of mania in them. The way he was screaming gave an atmosphere that did not seem very clergy-like. Randzi stared at him with a cold eye. Hajime had come up beside him with an imperceptible motion and asked with a surprised look.

“Are you sure about this? Both the Kingdom and the Church are going to retaliate. As a lord, will you be alright?”

Randzi does not answer Hajime. Instead, he turns Hajime’s gaze to the surrounding men, who gave off an aura of preparedness and acceptance. Their eyes shown with death as if saying “to die killing is the way to go.” It was that kind of expression.

The bishop also seemed to read the change in mood and shouts out a last warning while his face reddened and became more frenzied.

“Is this your answer? Public, your way ends here. Well, your way is not. This is the end for anyone who gets in my way. You’ll receive God’s divine punishment and fall to ruin!”

“This is Ankaji, we’re not so shameless as to sell a hero who saved us. Divine? Like I’d believe God’s judgement would be so shameless. I guess my faith differs from the Bishop’s God.”

The Bishop’s word became expressionless afer the angry words from Randzi. He raised one hand to try to send a signal for the Temple Knights to attack.

At this time, there was a thump! Something flew at the knights and struck one of their helmets with a clang. At their feet was a pebble. It didn’t do any damage to the Knight, but why was it there? Such questions were fleeting as another stone was thrown, bumping noisily against the temple knight’s armor.

If you looked where the stone’s came from, many of the inhabitants of Ankaji had gathered in the intervening time, surrounding the Templar knights.

They had come in response to the mysterious lights that had previously come from the Oasis and came upon the scene of the temple knights surrounding their lord and Hajime.

They remembered the treatments they had the received from Kaori as “God of the Apostle”, the serene stones, and the magic bullet challenging the labyrinth to save them. They were indignant at the behavior of the church which turned into hostility as they began to throw stones.

“Stop! People of Ankaji! They are God’s enemy. Heretics! You are going against the will of God!”

Forubin is shouting loudly, trying to solve the excited inhabitant’s misunderstanding. They just didn’t know that Hajime was labeled a heretic and will relax once the bishop explains things to them, or so the bishop thought.

In fact, the words of Seikyo church bishop caused the inhabitants to stop throwing stones and look at each other in confusion.

This time, Randzi spoke out with dignity.

“My beloved people, Listen! I was just informed that the oasis was purified. Our oasis has been returned to us through Hajime’s efforts. As well as the contaminated land. And the crops. They used their purification to return our Ankaji back to the way it way. They also brought me back to Ankaji. Make your decision with your own mind. Keep our hero of national salvation, or turn on him. I decided to keep him!”

The Bishop tried to mock Randzi’s speech, “in such empty words, there is no reason to go against the majesty of the church,” however, his smile of ridicule slowly dropped.

The inhabitant’s intention is shown in the form of stoning.

“and I, a….” The bishops words were sounded out by the slams of stones hitting armor.

“You act playfully, this is a matter of life or death!”

“The church did not do anything. Yet your insanity makes you want to harm the apostle who helped us!”

“What’s a heretic anyway? You’re abusing the term!”

“It must have been heretics that authorized this!”

“Defend Kaori!”

“Long live the lord!”

“Kaori, I dedicate myself to you!”

“Let’s start a Kaori fan club!”

Apparently, the inhabitants seemed to have a sense of deep love and respect for Rindzi and Kaori. Pushing aside the faith, they defended Rindzi and Kaori with all of their spirit. No, it’s more like they changed their faith itself. However, it seems like they have a faith of their own, belief that no one will harm Kaori who saved them as the “God of the Apostles”. In short, it was a faith that exceeded the confidence of the bishop. It wasn’t known where that trust was to begin with.

Residents gathered one after another. The people’s forces are not at all inferior to the Temple Knights, but the bishop became a beacon of anger and hostility that raged endlessly. The Temple Knights started to back up in retreat.

“Bishop-dono, these are the intentions of Ankaji. What of your previous allegations?”

“It’s not as simple as you think…”

The Bishop turned his heel while grinding his teeth, a scowl leveled at Hajime. The knights rapidly move to follow after him. The bishop seemed to lose steam, giving off the last of his passion with loud footsteps as he headed back to the church.

“Is this really okay? Will they leave it at this?”

Hajime had a concerned look, having been left out of the loop until the end. Kaori’s direct involvement with the crisis with the church left a worried look on her face.

Despite this, Randzi replied with a cool look like it was no big deal.

“This is the choice of Ankaji. The people who live in this dukedom are grateful to you. It’s unthinkable to have you die in our territory that is why they would have killed to protect you. I don’t want such a coup in this country.”

“That aside, I wouldn’t be hurt by someone of their level…” Hajime responded scratching his cheek.

Randzi laughed at his words.

“If that’s so, then that means you guys are scarier than the church. Being the nation’s hero is only half the reason we protected you. We also don’t want to become your enemies. I can’t even imagine the amount of magic you possess to slaughter an unknown monster in a breeze and capture a large labyrinth in just a few days. You ignore the church and don’t respond to the threat of a hundred knights either. You’ve defeated an army of ten thousand and there are even rumors you defeated a demon instantly. No, it’s downright scary. There will be a time when I succeed after my father passes, but I’ll take pride in having made a wise decision between the two.”

So Randzi had no intention of catering to the church’s hostility towards Hajime. He put the church and Hajime on a scale of who was a stronger ally and chose the latter. Indeed, it could be said the country itself would act against the majesty of the church. To say this was a bold decision would not be an exaggeration.

Hajime smiled at the thought that his confrontation with the church was thwarted by the people themselves. As the people moved around them in a fluster with care for their safety, Kaori laughed happily. Hajime realized this was the path Aiko had hoped for him, one that was not a “lonely way of life.”

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Three days after the turmoil from the church.

Hajime’s party had finished purifying the agricultural areas, and he was watching the oasis shine from a hilltop.

Hajime could see the sparkling surface of the water. People had gathered around the oasis once again with liveliness and smiles. Couples sat in the grass watching the kids frolic in the water. There were people pier fishing, and lovers in their own little worlds on boats. People had returned to the oasis, and they all had smiles.

This is how Hajime passed this day in Ankaji. He had intended to leave as soon as he had bought some of the specialty fruit, but he had been kept there by the lord and the inhabitants’ generosity and ended up staying a few extra days.

Hajime worried that with the current mood in the city, their departure from Akanji would be met with a parade. He had to make a request to Randzi to keep things modest. They were able to finish their send-off at the lord’s mansion, and finally Hajime made it to the gates, taking one last look at the oasis before they left.

“You stand out, perhaps you can wear something a little less conspicuous.”

Hajime mentions to Yue nearby as he turns to leave.

“It does…? Tired of?”

“What? Is that so? Hajime-kun.”

“Well, Yue, Kaori. From my view, you guys just stand out.”

“Well, I – it’s because this dress is not to pass through the gates…”

Shea had said these outfits where part of the so-called belly dance costume. Their navels were visible between a high top and short pants. It was very sensational, their tiny navels dazzling. It guaranteed that every eye would be on the one wearing it.

It seems like a common way of dressing in Ankaji. When Yue received the gift from a lady of the manor, she immediately began wearing it to show off. Upon seeing Yue in it, Hajime’s eyes became like a wild beasts. Apparently, Hajime seems to be weak to that kind of costume. His eyes were glued to Kaori once she started wearing it, prompting Shea and Tio to do the same.

Other than with Yue, they didn’t elicit enough response from Hajime. As a result, they started wearing the outfits all day. However, Yue’s outfit collapsed all reason in Hajime.

Even now as the set out, everyone remains in their erotic costumes. Finally, Hajime had reached his wits end and started to poke the point loudly and aggressively, despite being somewhat happy, to make them dress normal once again.

________________

It’s been two days since leaving Ankaji.

They were on the road leading to Horuado. Hajime’s four wheeler steadily approached a caravan that was being attacked by Rashiki thieves.

It was at this point that Hajime and Kaori would meet a surprising person.

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This chapter is translated by Durasama and is rehosted with due permission.

“Papa-! It’s morning-! Wake up-!”

At a corner of the maritime town Erisen, an infant’s voice resounded in the second floor of a certain house. The time, passing through the early morning slowly, was around when one started to feel the warmth of the day. From the window, like forecasting that it will become good weather today as well, the morning sun streamed in brilliantly.

Dosun!

“Aa~?”

It was Hajime who was fast asleep in bed that was being shined on by such a morning sun. And, calling such a Hajime Papa was Myuu who came to wake him up with an energetic voice.

Myuu, when determining the magnificent leap that does not make the weight felt just before the bed, the landing of a ten point perfect score was determined on the belly of Hajime who was her Papa as it was. Of course, it was not from her feet. It was a form that became her straddling him.

Although she was still a four year old child, the body weight was already around 15-6 kilograms. If such a weight jumps on the abdomen with added force, a normal person should even let out a groan, but naturally Hajime does not feel any kind of pain. Nevertheless, a sleepy groan did come out because of the forced way he was woken up.

“Papa, get up. It’s morning. Good morning.”

“……Aah, Myuu? Morning. Please stop pechipechi-ing since I’m up.”

Was she happy that Hajime had woken up? While showing a bright smile, Myuu drummed on Hajime’s face with pechipechi sounds with hands like tiny red leaves. Hajime, when holding Myuu as he raised his upper body while doing a morning greeting, he combed her emerald green hair gently. At Myuu who narrowed her eyes like it felt good, Hajime’s cheeks also loosened.

“……N……au……Hajime? Myuu?”

Inside such a heartwarming atmosphere, all of a sudden, a voice that made one feel seductiveness somewhere resounded. Hajime, when turning the sheets a little as he shifted his attention that way, the sleepy figure of a beautiful girl rubbing her eyes with the back of her curled up hand like a cat was there.

Long blonde hair hung down in waves that was not bed hair at all even though she had been lying down, and it sparkled because of the morning sun pouring in from the window, causing her to blink her crimson eyes that were the same as red spinel. Because she was not wearing clothes the same as Hajime, with her pure white skin without a single blemish, the pair of hills that could be seen from the gaps of her hair that hung down the front made one feel seductiveness together with loveliness coupled with the sound of her voice.

“How come Papa and Yue-oneechan are always naked?”

Myuu’s innocent question meant “the time they got up in the morning” to the utmost. By no means did it mean that the pair were nudists.

And, seeming to wonder, “Maybe they don’t have pajamas?”, Myuu looked alternately at Hajime and Yue with eyes that were possibly seeing someone a little pitiable. To the childishly pure question, with the likes of “That is, you, because clothes are obstructive?”, Hajime, who must not have even been able to do a response that was mistaken for sexual harassment, requested Yue to help him with a slightly troubled expression.

In her consciousness that cleared up gradually, Yue who guessed Hajime’s distress returned an adult’s template to the child’s innocent question.

“……Myuu will also come to understand it if you become even bigger.”

“You understand when you become bigger?”

“……N, you understand.”

To Myuu who tilts her head, Yue avoided clearly answering by force. Myuu’s sex education was left to Remia who was her mother. However, Myuu who tilted her head to the side with an expression like she was not quite able to agree with an “U~n”, when looking back slowly, she let out an innocent question again while staring at a certain spot, and cornered mainly Hajime.

“Papa also, do you know why this place became big? But, Myuu doesn’t have this. Myuu doesn’t understand?”

Saying so, at a certain place where the characteristic morning physiological phenomenon was caused, Myuu started to drum on it with her hands going peshipeshi. Although it was not with a significant power, Hajime, who shook at the impact on his delicate place, fixed how he held Myuu in a hurry to separate her as much as possible from “that”.

“Myuu, don’t touch that. Listen. It’s natural for Myuu who is a girl to not have it. It’s fine if you don’t worry about it. Another ten years, no, twenty years, better yet your whole life, it’s something you don’t have to be concerned with no matter what.”

Hajime said something foolish with an extremely serious face. Myuu nodded her head with a kokuri because it was something said by her beloved Papa even while floating “?” in her mind. Making a somehow satisfied expression at that, Hajime again untangled Myuu’s hair by combing it with his hand. Myuu also, like her questions from just now were forgotten, started to concentrate on being satisfied by that gentle feeling.

To such a Hajime, a gaze was turned towards him like feeling amused somewhere from Yue who was next to him. In those eyes, “Overprotective”, “Energetic because of the morning”, and “One advantage because of the morning?”, such feelings of this or that seemed to be contained in them.

Hajime faced the other way at that. Inside the warmth that increased a little at a time because of the light of day, that heartwarming scene continued until Remia and Kaori and the others, who fretted at the situation where Myuu did not come to wake them up, came crowding into it.

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Hajime and the others, capturing Merujine Undersea Ruins, had returned to Erisen by getting on the back of Tio who used Dragonification because they had lost the submarine, and again six days had passed since they had supplied topics to the town. Since the day they had returned, Hajime and the others had been indebted to the house of Remia and Myuu throughout.

The town called Erisen was a floating island of intertwined wood with a huge population. Since the vast sea itself becomes an infinite plot of land, the whole town became an appearance where there is basically space made in the architecture and in the streets. Remia’s and Myuu’s house also, the largeness of it was more than enough for a house with two people living in it, and it was a comfortable living space to the extent that even with the five people of Hajime and the others staying there they did not even feel any inconvenience.

Thereupon they set aside time to replenish their equipment and master the Age of Gods magic that they had obtained. Though half of it was a vacation mood because Erisen had perfected seafood cooking, the wind and waves were also pleasant, and the location was very comfortable.

But, nevertheless, they felt that the rest was over a little on staying the sixth day. The reason, it goes without saying, was Myuu. It was not possible to take Myuu along on the journey beyond this point. A four year old girl without even any sort of power, it was absurd to take her along to the Great Labyrinth of the far east.

Not to mention that the two Great Labyrinths excluding Hartsina Sea of Trees were in even more troublesome locations. One was in the Majin tribe’s territory, the Freezing Cave of Schnee Snow Field. And the other one was surely that whatever Kamiyama. For either of them, they would need to go into the heart of a great power. To such a location, they were absolutely unable to take Myuu along.

Because of that, though they should bid farewell to this town, was it guessed somehow? When Hajime and the others tried to start that conversation, Myuu always went into ultra spoiled child mode, and they could not easily start talking because she invoked “Certain kill! Little Girl, Petition of Silence!” Eventually, dragging on the Age of Gods magic’s training and the new equipment’s completion, they stayed even the sixth day even though it was a made up excuse.

“Even so, if I don’t make reasonable departure……haa, what should I say to Myuu……will she cry, I wonder? Her crying……haa, it’s depressing.”

Hajime, while preparing some equipment with Rensei as he sat on the pier, muttered a soliloquy in seeming melancholy. The time when he had just exited from hell, although he thought that all of this world was inconsequential, now he was racking his brains at one farewell with a small child. At such a present state, in his mind, Hajime held complex feelings.

“I blame you, Sensei……”

To discard everything of this world, the thinking that did not dislike all of the sacrifices for the sake of just his objective had completely vanished, and Hajime used abusive language remembering his former teacher who was the impetus that led him to carrying such thoughts. However, Yue, Shia, Kaori, and Tio in front of his eyes, and seeing the smiling face of Myuu who was playing a game of underwater tag with the girls, the smile he floated on his face was the opposite of his words.

When it was unrelated to him, at that time, if he had abandoned Myuu, or if he had left Ankaji as it was, then if he left Remia alone, and if he quickly separated from Myuu…… surely, the girls might not have those first rate smiling faces.

Even if he discarded them for example, though it was separate from Yue and the others feeling unhappiness and it might not be a cause for their smiles to disappear, but could they possibly compare to those being shown now? That was surely because there was no doubt that the way it was for Hajime until this place was not “the lonely way of life”.

While watching Myuu who was enjoying the irregular game of tag splendidly running from place to place from the incarnations of cheats with all of her power(everyone excluding Myuu was “it”) as she perfectly showed the traits of the Sea-person tribe, again, Hajime let out a sigh. From between both legs of such a Hajime that were stretched out from the pier, suddenly a person’s figure appeared making a splashing sound. Having appeared dripping water from in the sea, it was Remia who was Myuu’s mother.

Remia, who had her long, emerald green hair in one loose braid on her back, was wearing a splendidly suggestive, light green bikini. At first when she reunited with Myuu she was considerably haggard, but now, having perfectly regained her previous healthy body because of the recovery effects of the foul play class Reproduction magic, you would not think that she was the mother of a child, no, it was so but she was clad in her former seductiveness.

The man company of the town, all of them aimed at being her second marriage partner, as she was a gentle system beauty, to the extent that one could nod even if there was a strange fan club of the mother and child set. She boasted a splendid figure almost equal with Tio, and the drops of water that ran off the surface of her body were absolutely bewitching.

Such a Remia, who was charming even under normal circumstances, appeared between his thighs suddenly. Hajime, who was racking his brains about Myuu, was inadvertently taken by surprise. Remia, as she supported her body setting her hands on Hajime’s lap, she looked up at Hajime from a place that was a considerably dangerous position.

However, in her face was the opposite of the position and the body that emitted seductiveness, and in Remia’s kind expression, instead it carried a color like she was worrying about Hajime.

“Thank you very much. Hajime-san.”

“What is it all of a sudden? Something like saying thanks……”

Hajime made an expression like he was doubtful at Remia who stated her gratitude suddenly.

“Ufufu, the person who also worries so much for the sake of the daughter……as her mother I also came to want to say one expression of gratitude.”

“That……was it found out? For the time being, though I was intending to hide it.”

“Ara ara, there wasn’t a person who didn’t know? Yue-san and the others also all seem to be thinking about it…… Myuu was able to meet with really wonderful people.”

As Remia looked back over her shoulder, though Shia had been stripped of her swimsuit by Myuu’s prank, even though they saw her figure chasing Myuu frantically while making a hand bra, she was showing a smile. And, again when turning her gaze to Hajime, this time she opened her mouth with an expression that was a little serious.

“Hajime-san. It’s already enough. Everyone has done more than enough. Therefore, please don’t be worried, and go forward for the sake of the things that you must do.”

“Remia……”

“Meeting with everyone, that child has grown up greatly. Although she only behaved like a spoiled child, she has come to be able to worry about someone other than herself…… That girl understands. That Hajime-san and the others have to go…… although she completely acted like a spoiled child unintentionally because she is still immature, even so, ‘Don’t go,’ was never said, right? That child also knows that it is wrong to detain you all more than this. Therefore……”

“……Is that so? ……If I’m being worried about by a child, it’s not taking care of her……I got it. Tonight, I’ve decided to tell her clearly. Tomorrow, we’ll depart.”

Myuu’s silent appeal, though she didn’t want them to go, he noticed that it was a manifestation of her fear about not wanting to trouble Hajime and the others by saying it, and Hajime, who looked up at the sky as he covered his eyes with one hand, became determined to say farewell. To such a Hajime, Remia again turned a gentle gaze towards him.

“Then, tonight let’s have a feast. Because it’s Hajime-san’s and the others’ farewell party.”

“That’s right…… I’m looking forward to it.”

“Ufufu, yes, please look forward to it, Dea*r?”

“No, that way of calling is……”

To Remia who was floating a mischievous smile somewhere, though Hajime started to insert a tsukkomi, because of a voice that contained a chill like a blizzard, it was interrupted like always.

“……Remia……good courage.”

“Remia-san, since when…… There was neither negligence nor a chance.”

“Fumu, by the angle seen, she even seems to be servicing Goshujin-sama…… Exposure play…… nice!”

“Um, Myuu-chan? Onee-chan’s swimsuit, can’t you return it soon? The public gaze from some time ago is……”

Yue and the others who returned to Hajime’s location unnoticed glared at Remia with half closed eyes. “It can’t be, is she aiming at Hajime for a second marriage partner for real?” seemed to be what was making them vigilant. These last few days, it was a sight seen often. The pervert was ignored. The swimsuit stolen by the four year old girl and the half crying rabbit ears were also ignored.

On the other hand, if one were to speak of Remia, who was in a state of being glared at, the appearance of her pulling back was not especially seen because she merely smiled with, “Ara ara, ufufu.” That easy breezy smile, because it hid Remia’s true feelings, the approach that was shown sometimes towards Hajime was difficult to distinguish whether she was being serious or joking. This, is it said to be a widow’s dignity or something……?

If speaking of the Hajime in question, he was captivated by the swimsuit appearance of Yue who was glaring at Remia in a state of crawling on all fours as she raised herself onto the pier. Though he saw her every day, his gaze was attracted at an unconscious level already.

It was a black bikini type. It was splendidly suggestive because it was the type that was tied by a string. The contrast coupled with Yue’s skin’s whiteness was exceedingly lovely. Doing up her hair in a rare twintail, although it made her feel more childish than normal, the gap one felt with the adult-like swimsuit was unbearable for Hajime.

Yue who was hurling sparks with Remia, when she noticed Hajime’s gaze, she spilled a smile seemingly in good humor with a “……Fufu,” because it seemed like she guessed that his heart had been stolen by her, and she approached Hajime as she was on all fours.

However, when she was absolutely not permitted to be far ahead forever, Kaori took Hajime’s arm from the other side. She pressed Hajime’s arm into the cleavage that peeked out from the white bikini with a munyu, although she was dyed red up to her ears from embarrassment. Her glance that looked at Hajime with upturned eyes was appealing in silence with “Look at me too?”

Furthermore, Shia from behind leaned on him while pressing her prided pair of hills onto Hajime’s back. Because her swimsuit was still taken by Myuu, she seemed to have the intention to hide her body too. But, for Hajime, besides the first-rate softness, the characteristic feeling of the two that were touching him was a place where he was extremely troubled.

Incidentally, though Tio also displayed a very charming swimsuit appearance, because the feeling was very bad as she started “Haa Haa”-ing in her delusion, Hajime made her cool off her head by force as he attacked with the piece of metal he was holding. That being the case, currently she had become a drowned body.

Like that, to the location of Hajime who was surrounded by by beautiful women and girls, Myuu came rising to the surface from in the sea. Myuu, who appeared like she was cutting in between Hajime and Remia, she jumped at Hajime as she was from the front. To Hajime who caught her in his arms in an instant, Myuu, with “Taken booty!” just hoisted Shia’s swimsuit and placed it on Hajime’s head. Apparently, it seemed to be a gift from his daughter.

“Mi-Myuu-chan!? Why, such a thing……is!? It can’t be…… was it requested by Hajime-san? Re-really! Hajime-san, if my swimsuit was on your mind, if you said so…… as much as you liked……”

“……Hajime, I’ll give mine too.”

“M-me too! If Hajime-kun wants it…… but because it’s embarrassing undressing here…… in the room later, alright?”

“Ara ara, then, me too…… Top or bottom, which one is better? Or else, both of them?”

Placing a woman’s swimsuit on his head, a man to whom girls from all sides were presenting swimsuits, Nagumo Hajime.

The water that dripped from Shia’s swimsuit with a potapota was quite surreal coupled together with Hajime’s expression that had stiffened his face. The man company who witnessed that scene were made to drop tears of blood. And, to what extent did rumors spread in the area that day? With a story of, “Be careful of the white haired eye-patch boy. That guy’s favorite dish is stripped off swimsuits. He is a pervert that finds supreme delight in wearing them from his head.”

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The evening of that day, Hajime and the others informed Myuu of their farewell before dinner. Myuu who heard it grasped the hem of the one piece she wore tightly with both hands with a gyu, and earnestly resisted crying. The short silence continued for awhile, and it was Myuu who broke it.

“……We can’t meet anymore?”

“……”

It was a question that he was hard pressed to answer. Hajime’s goal was to return to Japan which was his birthplace. However, the concrete method was not yet known, and he did not know in what timing or in the shape of how he would return.

Before, Miledi Raisen said to collect all of the Age of Gods magics if he wanted to fulfill his wish. Perhaps it might become a thing where he immediately returned in that timing. Because it seemed that there was no need to come back to Erisen until the end of the journey, possibly, he could not deny the possibility that this would become the final farewell.

“……Papa, will you always stay Myuu’s Papa?”

To Hajime who was troubled over how he should answer, Myuu piled up words before listening to the reply. Hajime met her gaze directly and firmly grasped both of Myuu’s shoulders.

“……Myuu, if that is your wish.”

When replying so, Myuu made a smile with a ni as she loosened her mouth that had been clenched to resist tears. It was Yue and the others who made a ha in their expressions. In some respects it resembled Hajime’s expression at a time when he was challenging a difficult fight, and, for an instant, they appeared like a true parent and child.

“Then, take care. And, next time, Myuu is going to go meet Papa.”

“Going to meet……Myuu. I’m planning to go very far away. Therefore……”

“But, if Papa can go, then Myuu can go too. After all…… because Myuu is Papa’s daughter.”

For she who was worthy of being Hajime’s daughter nothing was impossible. Sticking out her chest as she seemed to be self-confident, if Hajime could not come to meet her, Myuu made a declaration to go to meet him herself. Of course, it did not mean that Myuu accurately understood that Hajime was going to be returning to his birthplace by crossing over worlds. Not to mention, the likes of Myuu obtaining all of the Age of Gods magics capturing the Labyrinths or crossing over worlds was impossible.

And so, it was an impossible objective to realize that came out from the child’s poor conception.

However, who in the world would laugh at that powerful declaration? Who in the world would foolishly discard her will? It was impossible to do. It should not be done. The words Remia said about Myuu having grown was well understood. Myuu, though it was a short time, nevertheless she came to grow watching the reliable backs of Hajime and the others. Can such a beloved daughter be parted with now? Was it fine to part with her? No, there was no way such a thing could be done. There was no way that doing it was fine.

Because of this, Hajime decided. Now, as he made one more vow here.

“Myuu, please wait.”

“Papa?”

Myuu, who sensed that Hajime’s atmosphere changed, tilted her head as she made a face that seemed curious. Until just now, there was not at all an expression that was worried anywhere, and the straightforward gaze that was always powerful pierced Myuu’s eyes. It was the eye that Myuu had always watched.

“When everything is over. I will come back to Myuu’s place without fail. Taking everyone, we will come to meet Myuu.”

“……Really?”

“Yeah, really. Have I ever told a lie to Myuu?”

At Hajime’s words, Myuu shook her head with a furufuru. Hajime gently stroked such a Myuu’s hair.

“When I come back, next time I’ll take Myuu along too. And, my home town, I’ll show you the place I was born. You’ll surely be surprised. Because my home town is a place like a surprise box.”

“! The place Papa was born? I want to see!”

“Are you looking forward to it?”

“A lot!”

Myuu made a delighted expression while jumping up and down with a pyonpyon. At such a Myuu, Hajime gently narrowed his eyes. Myuu, who smiled with her whole face had blown away the anxiety over the matter of meeting with Hajime again, and without changing the force of hopping up and down, she jumped at Hajime. Hajime, who caught her firmly, held Myuu in his arms as it was.

“Than, can you be a good girl waiting with Mama? Don’t do something dangerous. Listening well to what Mama says, can you do your best to help?”

“Yes!”

Hajime made an apology with his gaze to Remia who was staring at the exchange of the two such people while smiling. With, “Sorry, I decided it selfishly.”

In contrast with that, when Remia slowly shook her head, she nodded as she matched gazes with Hajime firmly. With, “Please don’t worry about it.” That warm gaze, there was not even a bit of the color of condemnation, instead it contained feelings of gratitude.

Was the eye contact of such a Papa and Mama noticed? While Myuu watched Hajime and Remia alternatively, she pulled Hajime’s clothes with a kuikui.

“Papa, Mama too? Is Mama also the same?”

“Aah, that’s……Remia?”

“Yes, what is it, dear? You’re not saying that only I am left out, right?”

“No, that is so, but…… seriously, this place is ‘another world’?”

“Ara ara, to the place that the daughter and husband go, is there any way that I won’t follow? Ufufu.”

With Hajime holding the daughter, the figure of Remia nestled close to there. It was a normal married couple. Kaori and the others cut in as if to say, “Like we’ll let you-!” and the tumult spread. Where did the serious mood that was done in the beginning go? With Kaori and the others and Remia unfolding a war of smiles, to Hajime who was left out of it before anyone noticed, Yue stepped up with a tokotoko.

“……You’re taking them along?”

“Are you against it?”

When Hajime responded so to Yue’s question, Yue shook her head, staring at Hajime with a gentle look somewhere, and replied.

“……If it is something that Hajime decided.”

“Is that so?”

“……But, what about if you can’t choose the timing?”

It was the same question as Hajime’s concern. Obtaining the Age of Gods magics, assuming that he even obtained the means to return to his home town somehow, it was not necessarily so that he could cross over worlds at a time whenever he liked. Or, there was fully the possibility too of it becoming a situation that was different from what he promised with Myuu. If it became such a thing, Myuu’s heart would surely be deeply wounded.

However, when Hajime shrugged his shoulders, he turned a strong look that carried determination towards Yue while floating a smile on his mouth. Yue also, because she just tried to ask tentatively, her mouth loosened like the reply was said that it was understood.

“I’ll do it one way or another. No matter what I’ll return to the place of Myuu, and show her Japan too. If we crossed over worlds leaving Myuu, then by all means, it’s fine if we come back to this world again. It’s fine if we cross over worlds any number of times. Is that the only difference?”

“……N. Only that.”

Floating smiles that they were understanding each other, Hajime and Yue matched their gazes closely. Yue thought she was feeling happy that Hajime was able to value something to the extent that he made a vow. Hajime also, appreciating that sort of her, again filled his heart loving Yue who was smiling at him. As always, Hajime’s and Yue’s combination ability “Pink Space” was invoked.

Neglecting the others’ tumult, to Hajime and Yue who were making a world of just two people, already Kaori and the others made amazed expressions. However, to Myuu who was the daughter, such an ability seemed not to apply, and when she forced her way between them magnificently, she demanded to be held again to Hajime-papa. Although they made a promise to meet again, it did not change that they were separating for awhile. The last night seemed to become a situation where she acted spoiled with all her might.

The next day, Hajime and the others, seen off by Myuu and Remia, began a trip from the marine town Erisen.

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This chapter is translated by Durasama and is rehosted with due permission.

Faint light shone on the surface of the sea, and it made the swaying waves a ceiling.

In that space, a building that was like a temple existed in the center, which was supported by four huge columns. There was no wall between the columns. A delicate, complex magic formation was drawn at the place that seemed to be an altar at the center of the temple. Still, from the temple whose surroundings were filled with ocean water, the pathway that floated on the surface of the sea extended in four directions, and the end went on to become a circle. And, a magic formation was also drawn on the footing of that circle.

One among the four magic formations began to shine suddenly. Then, after the momentary light that was like an explosion, the shadows of people stood there. It was Hajime and Kaori.

“……Here is…… Is that a magic formation? Unexpectedly, was it captured?”

“Um, is there some problem?”

“No, I didn’t think that it was really already cleared…… Though I felt it was a little easy when compared to the other Labyrinths…… Though I expected that clione to at least come out at the end……”

Apparently, understanding that they seemed to have arrived at the dwelling of Meiru Merujine, Hajime made an expression like he was a little let down. In contrast to that, Kaori, peeking at his face from over Hajime’s shoulder, replied while smiling wryly.

“You know, Hajime-kun. This place was plenty difficult. The beginning is an undersea cave after all, and because normally you would not possess something like a submarine, you would continuously be consuming a lot of magical power the whole time until it was cleared, and if done poorly, as it is you would drown. The clione-like thing was an almost impossibly tough enemy, and because physical attacks were ineffective against the things that looked like ghosts, you will again rely on magical power. Because of that, breaking through cannot be done without fighting a large army. It’s a sufficiently ridiculous degree of difficulty.”

“Yeah, though I guess it might be so if you say so.”

“Not to mention, as for the people of this world the piety seems to be strong…… To display such madness……”

“Too much mental intensity……?”

Kaori’s point was, in short, that Hajime was too strong. When saying up to there, certainly, Hajime agreed that Guryuen Conflagration Mountain would have also been able to be captured flawlessly if not for the attack of Fried at the end.

And, come to think of it, they had arrived before joining up with Yue and the others, but at the time that he thought about what they were doing, the magic formation that was at the end of the path to the right began to shine like it had read Hajime’s thoughts.

When the bursting light had settled down, the figures of the three people of Yue, Shia, and Tio were there. It was exquisite timing.

“Good timing. Was it OK over there?”

“N…… Over there…… was it not safe?”

“Ah, Kaori-san are you alright!?”

“Mu? Are you hurt? What happened to recovery magic?”

To Hajime’s calling out, even though each of them showed an energetic appearance, they sent gazes like they were worried at Kaori who was being carried on Hajime’s back. Kaori’s reply regarding that was……

“Thank you for worrying. But, I’m fine. Because half was just me being spoiled.”

To Kaori who declared that boldly as she floated a truly cheerful smile, as Yue narrowed her eyes, Shia appealed with “I’m jealous. Please switch places with me~,” and Tio raised a broad smile with a “Hohoo,” seemingly amused.

“Hey, Kaori. Perhaps, can you already stand up?”

“Ehehe, actually from the beginning there was no problem with walking…… I’m sorry?”

“Haa, hurry up and get down.”

To Kaori who laughed like a little evil slipped out, Hajime let Kaori down while showing an amazed expression. And then, they joined with Yue and the others and faced the temple.

“And? What happened? Hey, try to say it, Goshujin-sama. It seems something happened with Kaori? Hey, hey, what happened? Say it without hiding – hebuu!?”

Because she began to question him with an absolutely annoying feeling while Tio smirked, Hajime who became irritated dispatched an open handed slap at once. As she sat at ease, Tio, who had crumbled down with a fascinating slanting posture, colored her cheeks while breathing roughly.

“I-impact after a long time~, haa haa, n, Goshujin-sama, isn’t it fine punishing me more? Isn’t doing a kick instead good?”

In the atmosphere that was expected somewhere, ignoring Tio who said such things as she pleased, Hajime and the others went towards the altar inside. From the back, “One more time, it is fine with one time! Please, hit me~,”though the disgusting words were heard, everyone ignored it with all of their power.

“……And? What happened?”

Yue asked the same question as Tio. However, the look was not at Hajime, it was faced at Kaori. Kaori, smiling sweetly in good humor as she matched gazes with Yue, dropped a bomb of words like the other day.

“I only kissed with Hajime-kun a little.”

“……Hou.”

“Eh!? Is that true!? From which one!? From which one was it!? It can’t be, from Hajime-san!?”

To Kaori’s words, Yue’s voice lowered one level, and Shia drew closer like she was excited.

“It was from me. ……Hajime-kun was angry for my sake…… I stole it not being able to endure it.”

“Waa, it’s the same as my time! I also stole one because I could not endure it. We’re comrades! Kaori-san!”

“Ufufu, that’s right, Shia. Next time, shall we steal one with two people?”

“In that case, should we rather make it to a fait accompli?”

Right at Hajime’s side, the two girls began to refine the Hajime attack plan. A cold sweat flowed on Hajime’s face. Though it looked like they were in high spirits going “Kya Kya” as they appeared to be joking, in fact, it was because the eyes of Kaori and Shia were serious. In the old days he never would have imagined Kaori turning carnivorous eyes towards him.

“……I thought you would run away with your tail rolled up.”

Yue turned a probing look at Kaori. Yue had noticed that Kaori was tormenting her heart as she felt an inferiority complex. Therefore, this time that became the first Great Labyrinth challenge for Kaori, possibly she thought about if she would run home failing. Of course, she had no intention to comfort the other party who had proclaimed a declaration of war to her. If she drew back here, it as just fine if she declared victory when she considered the extent of it.

However, it seemed that Kaori had gotten back on her feet, or rather, there was even an atmosphere of determination being made since before. She was anxious about what had happened.

“……That’s right. From Hajime-kun as well, I was told that doing so sooner was better. But, the various differences among other things with Yue…… I will show them now.”

“……Did you become defiant?”

“Indeed it might be called that. Or perhaps I should say, although I came along with you all becoming defiant from the start, showing the difference, it was surely only forgotten. I showed you a shameful place.”

“……Although it would be fine if you gave up as you were.”

“Fufu, are you scared? To compete together?”

“……Don’t get carried way by the rhythm. Troublemaker.”

“That, it was said also by Hajime-kun. ……I, do I have a constitution to make trouble like that I wonder……?”

To Yue’s sharp words, Kaori’s face stiffened. Though she felt a little down being called a troublemaker similarly by both her rival in love and the one she loved, she immediately pulled herself together. Incidentally, actually Yue as well, or perhaps you should say Hajime and the others, because everyone comparatively has a constitution to make trouble, though the words surely boomeranged considerably, the self-consciousness of it was not in Yue.

“Well, although it might be as Yue says……because I am at least Hajime-kun’s ‘Importance’, I decided to aim at ‘Special’ doing my best. Whatever anyone might say, right?”

“……I see. In that case I will accept your challenge the same as before.”

“Yes! Ah, even so, I don’t hate Yue, you know? A fighting friend or something like that, that sort of thing was yearned for just a little.”

“……Friends? Kaori and I are?”

“That’s right, friends. In Japan, there is something like a person who represents friend writing rival. In that case, isn’t it fine to read friend by writing love rival too?”

“……Japan…… Hajime’s birthplace…… It is a more mysterious country the more I hear about it. But…… I think it is a good sense.”

“Right. Ufufu, that’s why, please take care of me after this too?”

“……N.”

Though Yue and Kaori were emitting an atmosphere of good feelings somewhat, at the side, Hajime who heard the two people’s conversation was terribly uncomfortable. It was a feeling like a young man alone even inappropriately slipping into the midst of girls that were making girls talk. And, such things as Kaori knowing the words of a certain end of the century person called strong, although it cannot be helped wanting to tsukkomi because Yue’s return was the words of a certain cardboard box loving snake, he controlled himself because he read the mood.

Hajime and the others who arrived at the altar set foot on the magic formation with everybody. Going by the usual, it carefully examined the inside of their minds, and their memories were read. However, it was not just that this time, it was like looking at what the other people experienced at the same time. In other words, what Yue and the others experienced was shared with Hajime and Kaori too.

Somehow or other, it seemed that Yue and the others finally arrived at an abandoned metropolis that should even be called an undersea city in a huge underground space. Thereupon, the space warped the same as with Hajime and Kaori, and it was like war came in the metropolitan area with the armies of two countries. Because, that metropolis seemed that it was a place being invaded by the army of the Majin tribe in the human capital, and in the end, it seemed they were attacked from both the same as Hajime and Kaori.

There was a huge architecture that appeared to be the royal castle in the interior of the capital, and Yue and the others who pushed on while kicking about the armies heard the speech of the leaders in the invaded royal castle.

By all means, because the incident where the Majin tribe destroyed a human village was the impetus, although the humans’ country that made this metropolis the capital city began a war with the Majin tribe side, actually, that was like a conspiracy of the human side that did not hope for peace and desired the Majin tribe’s extermination. By the time it was noticed, the war that was already getting out of hand expanded, and finally it had become a situation where the united human side had the tables turned on them and was invaded until the royal capital….. It seemed that was the situation.

And, the person plotted that conspiracy, it seemed it was the high priest of the Light Faith Church that was deeply connected with the country, and this Light Faith Church apparently was the predecessor of the Sacred Faith Church. Furthermore, they appeared to be violently cornered. As though they were entreating a deity in troubled times, they tried to obtain the support of God offering sacrifices. As a result, several hundred human women and children were gathered from the metropolitan area, and it became a ghastly situation of a mass killing being done in the church’s cathedral.

Even Yue and the others, when they saw that scene it seemed to be quite intense as expected. Because the confirmation of memories by the magic formation compelled them to remember, it made their faces pale. Especially, Shia seemed like she would vomit at any time.

Finally the confirmation of memories ended, and everyone seemed to have been recognized as someone who had captured it safely. The new Age of Gods magic was etched within Hajime’s and the others’ minds.

“Was this magic here? ……Wasn’t it end to end of the continent? Damn Liberators.”

“……Found it, ‘power of regeneration’.”

Hajime breathed out abusive language. That was because the Age of Gods magic of Merujine Undersea Ruins that they obtained was Reproduction magic.

He remembered the wording of the lithography that was under the Great Tree of Hartsina Sea of Trees. He was certain that it was written that the “power of regeneration” was necessary before advancing. In other words, to capture the Great Labyrinth that was at the end of the east, it would not be obtained if you did not go until the end of the west, and it was absurdly troublesome for a person who had arrived at Hartsina Sea of Trees first. Though it was still better since Hajime and the others possessed the means of high speed movement with the magic driven vehicles.

When Hajime puckered his eyebrows at the repulsiveness of the Liberators, and simultaneously with the magic formation’s light paling, a parallelepiped came out from the floor and approached. It seemed like a small altar. When thinking that the altar shone faintly, in the next moment the light took the shape of a human form. Somehow or other, it seemed to be a message left behind similarly with Oscar Orcus.

The human form clearly changed into an outline gradually, and it became a single woman. The girl who sat on the altar was wearing something like a white one piece dress that became loose, and she possessed fan shaped ears and long, emerald green hair. It seemed that the Liberators’ one person Meiru Merujine was a woman who was related to the Sea Tribe.

She, the same as Oscar, told the truth of the Liberators after she introduced herself. She seemed to be a gentle woman, wearing a kind atmosphere even while carrying grief. Before long when she finished the same talk as what Oscar had reported, she spoke words at the end.

“……Please, do not cling to God. Do not rely on it. Do not get used to things that are given. Struggle for the sake of grabbing hold of and taking it. Decide by your own will, and advance ahead by your own feet. Any difficult problem, the answer is always within you. It is only within you. Do not be misled by the sweet answer that God deludes you with. Under free will for sure, there is happiness. To you, I am praying that a rain of happiness pours down on you.”

Finishing it so, Meiru Merujine vanished, becoming faint light again. Immediately afterward, a small magic formation shone as it appeared in the place where she had sat, and when the light settled down, a coin where the crest of Merujine was etched was placed there.

“The number of proofs is four, Hajime-san. With this, we are surely able to challenge the Sea of Trees Labyrinth too. I wonder how Father and the others are doing~?”

Shia was quick to think about her family and hometown that she really missed. However, because what came to mind was her father and the others going “Hyahha-!”, she dispersed that scene by shaking her head. As Hajime put away the coin of proof in the Treasure Warehouse, he recalled the Haulia going “Hyahaa-!” the same as Shia, and drove out the scene by shaking his head.

And, just as the proof was put away, the temple began rumbling. And then, the ocean water of the surroundings suddenly began to raise the water level.

“Uo!? Tch, forced expulsion, huh? Everyone, hold on!”

“……N.”

“Wahwah, it’s too unreasonable!”

“It’s like Raisen Great Labyrinth, no mooore~.”

“Water torture…… is being done.”

To the sea water that terrifically increased in force, Hajime and the others who did not even have time to take out and board the submarine were submerged in the blink of an eye. Right away, they were again individually no match for the draining, and everyone firmly grabbed on each others’ clothes and equipped a compressed oxygen cylinder in their mouths that was taken out from the Treasure Warehouse.

And then, immediately after that, the ceiling part opened like the shortcut of Guryuen Conflagration Mountain, and ocean water poured in with violent force. Hajime and the others also, flowing into the shaft, were blown away to the upper regions by the violent force like being pushed out in a water fountain from below.

Perhaps, though it might be the shortcut of Merujine Undersea Ruins, different from the Meiru Merujine with an atmosphere such as a kind onee-san being gentle, it was an absurdly violent shortcut. Furthermore, it was like compulsion. Unexpectedly, she might have been an extreme person.

Hajime and the others who were forced up finally noticed that overhead was a dead end. However, the moment they collided with it, the ceiling part slid again, and they were thrown out into the vast sea vigorously outside of the ruins. Hajime was convinced. Meiru Merujine was absolutely an extremely sketchy character contrary to her appearance.

Hajime and the others who were thrown out in the sea hurriedly took out the submarine from the Treasure Warehouse. And then, though they tried to board it from the hatch, that plan was obstructed. Mostly, because of an opponent they did not want to meet.

Zubaaaaaaaa!!!

A semi-transparent tentacle passed before their eyes with terrific force, and the submarine was sent flying.

[Yue.] [Frozen Coffin!]

In the gaze that Hajime turned ahead, although it was a seemingly fairy-like modeling, making everything melt, it was the worst, brutal creature that regenerates infinitely – the huge clione. While grinding his teeth at the thing that appeared especially after the capture was finished, Hajime called out to Yue by invoking Telepathy.

The huge clione again shot a countless number of tentacles with a violent force like they were not resisted by the water. On the other hand, Yue froze the surrounding ocean water in a spherical shape by harmonizing in response to Hajime’s call, and formed a barrier of ice.

The barrier of ice was mightily blown away in the sea by the force of the tentacles that hit directly with Hajime and the others inside. Everyone was made to shake within the barrier at the violent impact.

[What should we do!? Goshujin-sama!]

To Tio who communicated by using the telepathy gem, Hajime answered.

[Everybody aim at the sea. We’ll be tortured to death underwater. I’ll buy us time!]

Hajime remotely manipulated the submarine by operating the ring type induction stone while saying so. From behind them, the submarine that should have been blown away and sunk plunged forward with extreme speed, and evaded the countless tentacles that came to attack while wrenching the hull. And then it shot a countless number of torpedoes from the bottom of the ship.

The number of torpedoes that could be shot all at once was twelve. If one thinks about it normally it would be plenty of destructive power. However, Hajime, judging that the situation would gradually get worse if he did not make a certain chance here, did not loosen his hand and shot all of the torpedoes consecutively that were loaded on the submarine. Making it navigate like making the hull slip sideways, he made a circle with the huge clione in the center. While implementing impossible movement if it was an ordinary ship, the number of torpedoes that were fired successively were 48 in general.

Those that rushed while drawing a line of bubbles brought violent destruction, directly hitting the huge clione without varying their aim.

Doou! Doou! Doou! Doou!

Such muted impact sounds reverberated, and the ocean water rose and swelled like it had expanded. From the sea, if one were to look above the huge clione, the sea level would instantaneously rise, and next they would have observed an enormous column of water spout.

Hajime and the others tried to surface by manipulating the water current immediately after all of the torpedoes exploded. However much it looked like a monster that even possessed regenerative power, it should have bought some time for a little while. However, the huge clione’s nonsensicalness seemed to have easily exceeded their predictions.

[Yue, above!] [Tsk… no good, I won’t make it!]

A semi-transparent jelly was drifting above Hajime and the others who were trying to surface while recovering the remote controlled submarine, and it became a clione of three meter size when it gathered and solidified in several blinks. And then, when it opened its large head with a “Gapa!”, it swallowed the barrier of ice as it was. Naturally, Hajime and the others were in the clione’s belly together with the barrier.

[S̲h̲i̲t̲, the regeneration is too fast!] [It looked like it regenerated from a tentacle that was torn off!] [This is bad, Hajime-san. The surroundings are full of jelly!]

Apparently, it was not just the tentacle that was torn off, the semi-transparent jelly seemed to have been distributed here and there by getting on the ocean current from the beginning.

[……Hajime. There is not much to maintain it! I can’t reinforce it because there is no ocean water in the belly!] [Tch, everyone prepare for impact!]

Yue frantically resisted the barrier of ice melting with terrific force. Hajime, while strengthening its defensive power by cladding the barrier with Vajra, took out a large quantity of rockets and torpedoes from the Treasure Warehouse outside of the barrier, namely, in the belly of the clione.

Once more, the clione’s body exploded and scattered together with a thunderous roar. Because it began to melt even with Vajra in a short time, even Hajime and the others who bathed in the shock of the nearby explosion were grandly blown away, and the barrier of ice was also smashed.

They were thrown out into the sea. Hajime remotely controlled and moved the submarine in the sea as he caught Kaori and Shia who could not directly fight underwater.

However, this time the submarine was caught. One part of the huge clione had clung to the ship’s bottom before anyone was aware and opened a hole in it. In the gap where the cruising speed dropped as ocean water flowed into the interior of the ship, the surrounding semi-transparent jelly that had been scattered gathered in one go and wrapped up the submarine.

Furthermore, Hajime and the others noticed when they were surfacing that a large amount of semi-transparent jelly was expanding to cover overhead of them. Judging by the huge clione’s unusual recovery speed, it was not possible to break through in a halfhearted manner.

While spewing abusive language in his mind at his prided submarine being melted, Hajime called out to Yue with telepathy.

[Yue. I’ll rely on you for Spatial Piercing] [……It will take forty seconds.] [Hindrances will not be done. To escape from the sea, we have no choice but that.] [N…… Leave it to me.]

Yue closed her eyes to concentrate and did not move. Kaori and Shia clung to her so that she did not get washed away by the current. The Spatial Piercing that Yue was attempting to use was one of the Space magics that was the Age of Gods magic acquired in Guryuen Conflagration Mountain. Making a hole in a point of two spaces, the space of the two spots were connected. In short, it was magic that made a warp gate. Still, because it hasn’t been long since it was learned, being used by Yue it will take that much time.

The tentacles that came attacking, Tio somehow mowed them down with a rapid fire of reduced version breath. However, since the breath’s magic power consumption is intense, and since the power and range fall considerably underwater, it was difficult to hit the tentacles because of the straight line attack and the annihilation power was weak. It will likely break through without being held for even several more seconds.

Hajime, taking out ores successively from the Treasure Warehouse, proceeded to continuously use Rensei, and like the barrier of ice that Yue formed not long ago, formed a physical barrier in the shape of a sphere.

[Goshujin-sama! It has already broken through!] [I was able to do it, so everyone get in!]

The metallic barrier sufficient enough to take in five people was completed, and simultaneously with Tio getting into it last the hole was closed as it became a perfect metal sphere. Furthermore, that metal sphere was covered in red magical power. It was strengthened by Vajra. Tentatively, because gravity stones were also included, it would not keep sinking as well.

Immediately after that, the tentacles rushed the metal sphere, and began to wrap it up in one go.

The semi-transparent jelly that melts even magic power itself immediately destroyed and consumed the Vajra. And then, even the surface of the metal sphere was melted in a moment. However, when thinking that red sparks ran on the metal sphere, metal swelled from the melted edges, and the protective wall was just barely maintained.

That was because Hajime continued to constantly use Rensei from within. Fortunately, there was a kind of ore that was contained within the Treasure Warehouse to a literally rotting degree. Repeated Rensei seriously as he opposed the rate of melting, and then, the moment he impatiently waited for finally came.

[Spatial Piercing!]

Yue’s spatial transference magic was invoked. Within the metal sphere, a shining membrane of an elliptical shape was completed in the immediate vicinity of Hajime and the others. It was the gate that connected space.

[Everybody jump in!]

In accordance with the command of Hajime who continued to use Rensei by applying his hand to the metal sphere, everyone jumped into the gate all at once. Hajime also jumped in last. After Hajime passed through it, the gate immediately terminated, and several seconds later a countless number of tentacles pierced the metal sphere and melted it.

Hajime and the others who passed through the gate were attacked by a terrible floating sensation. It was because the movement done before was to the sky. To be separated from the sea even a little, Yue had established the exit one hundred meters in the sky.

Immediately Tio used Dragonification and floated as she placed Hajime and the others on her back. On Tio’s back Yue started to crumble down, and Kaori and Shia supported her from the sides. It was a state of magical power completely drying up. Hurriedly, she replenished it taking out magical power from the magic crystal stones.

“Yue, you saved us. As expected of you. Space transference is proportionate in difficulty.”

“……Haa haa, n. I did my best. But, it’s still not a level for combat.”

As Yue said, the handling of Space magic was difficult to the extent that it could not be compared with Gravity magic, and in the view of Yue it was still not at a level where it could be used in actual fighting. Much time is taken to construct the magic formation image by means of Imagination Composition, and the magical power efficiency is also still bad, as even though they made a spatial transition of one hundred meters, it was to an extent that it consumed magical power of two times that of superlative magic.

Nevertheless, because of Yue being skilled she was able to attain it and put it to use in a short period, and their escape was able to be done. Admiration was sent freely from Kaori and the others too, and to a certain extent, Yue who blushed was embarrassed.

Though everyone loosened their faces at the situation, the next moment, their expressions became frozen.

Doogoooooooo!!!

Zabaaaaaaaa!!!

Together with such a roaring sound, suddenly a huge tsunami swept down on them from the back of Hajime and the others. No, even calling it huge is presumptuous. Already there was a wall and the sky. The tsunami that seemed to easily exceed five hundred meters in height came to attack while raising wave crests in the distant sky where Tio flew about one hundred meters high in the sky. And the diameter seemed to be about one kilometer.

“Tsk, Tio!”

[Acknowledged!]

Tio recovered herself at Hajime’s shout, and accelerated in one go as she fluttered her wings. There was no escape anyway. Space transition would not be in time. If it was, there was nothing to think about but “To the other side”! She flew with a high speed that seemed to rival the time she escaped from Guryuen Conflagration Mountain.

“–Restraining Seal, Beyond Sage!”

“Beyond Sage.”

Kaori produced a rope of light that connected everyone to prepare for when they would be swallowed, while at the same time she expanded high grade defensive magic together with Yue. Shia gave a warning the next instant as she widened her eyes when concentrating on something.

“Tio-san, be careful! That is inside the tsunami! Tentacles are coming!”

She seemed to have reported the scene that she saw with her characteristic magic Foresight’s derivation Future Assumption. Tio, without even confirming Shia’s words, twisted her body instantaneously. Right afterward, countless tentacles extended from the tsunami and pierced the space where Tio was until now immediately.

She was able to avoid them successfully. However, the difference with the tsunami had been shortened because of that reason. The tentacles that still came attacking, though Hajime intercepted and burned them to ashes with a flamethrower……

“Damn it! Everyone get together!”

Hajime who was on Tio’s back covered Yue, Shia, and Kaori like he was hugging them, and then, right after that, the huge tsunami that should even be called a natural disaster swallowed them.

Because there was the Beyond Sage of the pair of Yue and Kaori, though they did not receive the impact of the tsunami directly, even so they were unreasonably tossed around by the fierce torrent and were sent back into the sea.

One piece of the Beyond Sage was completely smashed, and the other piece was already cracked. Supposing if they had not expanded anything but one piece, then at about this time they might have gone to a watery grave. Hajime and the others who shook their heads at the shock from being thrown into the sea raised their faces as they made grim expressions again.

“How should I put it, the aimed at prey isn’t let go?”

The huge clione was already in front of Hajime and the others who were protected by Beyond Sage. Furthermore, that figure was becoming even larger, and had already exceeded twenty meters. Was it still insufficient? While gathering semi-transparent jelly from the surroundings, it continued to grow even larger.

“I-it can’t be…… Things like not dying, melting anything, and manipulating even the sea…… What should we do?”

“……Hajime-san. Can you give me a serious kiss? I want to do it with Hajime-san at least at the end.”

“…….Fuu, Goshujin-sama. Me too, I desire a kiss at the end.”

Kaori darkened her expression in despair, and Shia pleaded to Hajime while floating a smile like she was embarrassed. Tio was also the same.

However, the girls who turned their gazes at Hajime shook their bodies with a “Biku”. Because, Hajime’s eye glittered with flames. The glint in his eye was sharp, carrying murderous intent of an insanely thick degree, and he was glaring at the clione that had become huge as he bared his teeth.

Hajime would not do something like giving up. There was not even a tiny bit of such a thought. What was in his head was: what should they do to kill the enemy before their eyes and how could they survive, it was only just that. Confronted with a formidable enemy of an impossible degree, if that was enough to give up, Hajime would not be standing in this place now. He surely would have perished in the abyss a long time ago.

And, understanding that, surely because they had escaped the verge of death in the abyss together, Yue also still frantically worked out her thoughts without carrying the likes of resignation at all.

At the eyes of Hajime that glittered, Kaori, Shia, and Tio, though they stiffened as they were and gazed at him with expressions that were engrossed for a little while like their hearts had been stolen, they regained their consciousness because the huge clione commenced its attack finally becoming a thirty meter class.

Panicking, Kaori formed Beyond Sage over again. Shia grasped for possibilities of victory with Future Assumption. Tio fired breath. In the girls’ eyes, there was no color of giving up anymore. The likes of a brave woman, if that was not a person who should be at Hajime’s side, it was because it was thought so.

Yue also, although she had not thought of a plan to to break the deadlock yet, for now she was going to crush both offense and defense for the sake of surviving.

Hajime did not do anything in particular, and just intently worked out his thoughts. In the given time that Yue and the others earned, he continued to search for a path to victory with high speed thoughts while invoking Lightspeed. He ordered himself to recall all of the information there was now. With terrific force within Hajime’s brain, the scenes until now flashed back.

And then, he remembered. He and the others had once gotten away from the huge clione. That changed into a question. “Although so much power exists, why did it overlook us once?” At that time, what differed with the present fight? ……That was…

“We’re not using fire much.”

Right, last time Tio and Yue grandly used magic of the fire system with reckless abandon. That time, the tentacles became ash, and should not have been used to regenerate.

Hajime found hope there. Though it was a guess without positive proof, probably, the regeneration of the clione was not infinite. The semi-transparent jelly that composed its body and appeared to be equal to infinite existed in mass quantities.

Also, it appeared likely that it was able to even create it on its own just by seeing the situation until now. Though, if it were annihilated in one go, it might need time to replace it. Therefore, last time because it replaced a large quantity of its annihilated body, it prioritized regeneration over pursuit, and Hajime and the others seemed to have been able to escape.

In that case, it was the same. It was fine if they could annihilate it faster that it could create or regenerate the semi-transparent jelly that composed the clione. However, this place was in the sea. It was sufficient to say that fire magic could not be used the most effectively as one might think. Though Tio’s breath is high temperature, it did not seem to be able to finish annihilating it. There was no method. There were no stored arms that could annihilate it. In that case……

“It’s just fine if I make it.”

Hajime, taking out torpedoes and ore successively from the Treasure Warehouse, began to produce something with terrific force for some reason.

“……Hajime? Did you think of something?”

“Yeah. To use fire in the sea there’s no choice but this. It should defeat it if it goes smoothly.”

“Hajime-kun, is that true!?”

“As expected of Hajime-san! I believed in you from the beginning!”

“……Shia, you, didn’t you solicit a kiss as you gave up in the beginning……? No, that aside, that’s our Goshujin-sama!”

“However, it will take time. You all, I’ll leave it to you.”

At Hajime who said so while smiling fearlessly as he lifted his lips, Kaori, Shia, and Tio immediately nodded their heads strongly, and even more, they confronted the huge clione increasing their concentration.

Hajime expanded his perception ability to the maximum using Lightspeed, and furthermore he demonstrated concentration power that exceeded the limit by using Limit Break at the same time too as he poured all of his power into the weapon creation.

One, though he completed another one, the mass production in one go does not go like the bullets whose degree of difficulty to create is extremely high. Nevertheless, when using them sporadically, the huge clione might finish regenerating or creating the semi-transparent jelly. The situation would gradually get worse if it became so. If he was going to do it in, he should do it in instantly. While wearing red magical power — the proof of Limit Break, Hajime’s frantic Rensei was repeated.

However, reality is heartless. As far as the huge clione is concerned in the sea was a place of its overwhelming advantage, and even with Yue and the others of the cheat group doing it, they did not seem able to rival it for long.

Though Yue, Kaori, Shia, and Tio were desperately standing firm with expressions that seemed strained, they did not seem to be able to hold out until the preparation was complete.

[Three minutes, the end at most, if there is three minutes!]

While invoking telepathy instinctively, Hajime shouted so. Finally, the huge clione whose fierce attacks they could not contain approached before their eyes, and swept down to swallow Hajime and the others as its head split with a Gapa!

Hajime reluctantly decided to fire even though it was only as much as he was able to now to try to survive this moment.

But, at that moment, neither Yue, Shia, Tio, nor Kaori either, it was a refined old man’s voice that responded to Hajime’s shout with telepathy.

[Yo, Ha-bou. Doesn’t it seem dangerous? Occhan will help you out.] [-!? T-this voice, it can’t be, Li-san?] [Yeah. Ha-bou’s friend, it’s Li-san.]

Yes, having appeared, the one who had been captured in Fyuren’s aquarium before, it was the human faced fish demon Lieman who Hajime called Li-san. Hajime, when he looked at the surroundings as he widened his eyes in surprise, suddenly a huge silver shadow rammed a hit into the huge clione’s body from the side. The huge clione that was in a posture of just being about to prey upon them as it opened its mouth was blown away as it received the perfect surprise attack, and was pushed away.

In that space, the human faced fish that was certainly remembered swam to the immediate vicinity of the Beyond Sage. At the abrupt situation, Yue and the others also were completely not able to follow. Seeing Lieman’s figure, Yue and Tio stared in wonder, Shia widened her eyes in surprise with “That time!”, and arriving at Kaori, she screamed with a “Hii!?”

[Was Shia jou-chan also in good health?]

“Fue!? Um, y-yes! I’m healthy.”

[That is splendid. Then, Ha-bou, what are you doing lazily? If you had three more minutes, would you be able to deal with the Akujiki somehow? If you have to do it, do it quickly. Do you not have so long?] [Y-yeah. Although something wasn’t understood well, at any rate you saved us. Thank you, Li-san.]

Hajime moved the hand he had stopped at the sudden appearance of Lieman, and resumed the weapon creation in a hurry.

Meanwhile, the huge silver shadow, suicide attacking the huge clione, bought time doing an exchanging of attacks. Somehow or other, the silver shadow’s true identity seemed to be a group of fish. They were not even demons or the like and were just fish. Though they were just fish, tens of thousands, or, if the number equaled several hundreds of thousands, it seemed that even a monster opponent was able to be held off. Because they decreased in number by the staggering force, certainly, they did not seem able to keep it up for long.

Why was Lieman here? Shia, who was put out ahead forcibly as the representative because she seemed to be an acquaintance, asked that question.

[U-um, Li-san? Is that fine? Uh, what in the world is going on?] [Hmph, it isn’t anything in particular. As I was properly hanging around this area, a telepathic communication was heard accompanied by a huge, familiar magical power. What I saw when I rushed over, wasn’t it Ha-bou being attacked by the Akujiki? Though there were a lot of questions, it was my friend’s crisis. It is the shame of a man to not do anything.]

“Uh, that group of fish…… is the Akujiki in it?”

[The Akujiki is that thing. Long ago, a monster that haunted the sea from ancient times… no, that fellow is a natural disaster. It could also be called an ancestor of demons. That crowd of fish is being guided by my ability. To our species that uses telepathy, the ability is possessed to manipulate the normal sea creatures to a certain extent.]

A surprising fact came to light. The human faced fish Lieman seemed to have been a fish user. The group of fish was almost destroyed in the timing that Lieman’s conversation ended, and the huge clione again attacked while opening its mouth as it went toward Hajime and the others.

However, the time that was earned by the noble sacrifice…… was precisely three minutes.

A group of larger than normal torpedoes were spread out in the surroundings of the Beyond Sage that enclosed Hajime and the others. The number was roughly 120. And, rings of the same number floated in the surroundings of Hajime who smiled fearlessly.

When Hajime activated the induction stone on hand, the group of torpedoes were shot all at once. 120 torpedoes rushed towards the huge clione that had opened its mouth at high speed while drawing a line of bubbles. However, only the torpedoes, because they would just scatter the body of the huge clione even if they exploded, there would not be substantial damage either and it seemed that it would immediately regenerate.

The huge clione attempted to intercept the group of torpedoes, sending out a large number of tentacles as it was upset at them becoming a hindrance to its meal, and everyone stared ahead wondering what they should do. Hajime who had exceeded the limit manipulated the torpedoes with the very limit of his concentration power and barely evaded them.

“Are you not going to avoid them? Then, I’ll let you eat to your heart’s content.”

Hajime’s mutter resounded. The huge clione that was previously the Akujiki, at the reason that it was able to melt anything, Hajime thought that might have been why it did not avoid the attack.

And then, the expectation was correct. The group of torpedoes that had finished dodging the barrage of tentacles directly hit and pierced into the huge clione’s whole body uniformly without it even showing an attitude of avoiding them.

However, an explosion did not happen. Buried in the huge clione’s body, although they were melting there was not an explosion of even one shot. The huge clione that had embedded the group of black torpedoes throughout its body was in a state like a flecked pattern was made as if poison had invaded the previous position.

Hajime, before the group of torpedoes completely melted, carried out the next move. He took out a massive quantity of black liquid into the empty space from the Treasure Warehouse. It was the tar that was made from liquified Flamme ore. To the inside of the surrounding floating rings, it was poured there like a waterfall.

Then at the same time, the whole body of the huge clione began to be stained black. As though, like water soaking into paper and changing its color all at once, the black liquid was encroaching on the semi-transparent, huge clione. The identity was the tar of liquefied Flamme ore that Hajime had poured into the surrounding rings.

These rings and the group of torpedoes, all of them were connected by a small gate. What passed through the inside of the ring jumped through space and arrived at the same ring used as an exit that had been built into the inside of the torpedoes. In other words, the torpedoes were not explosives, they were things to carry the rings, and at the same time, they were also a physical barrier of the rings while sending in the tar.

Naturally, though the tar itself was also melted, because of the total of 120 gates, the melting speed of the large quantity of tar that poured in without pause could not catch up to the encroachment of its whole body by the tar.

In an instant, the huge clione, though it tried to escape the encroachment by separating its body, Yue and the others did not allow it. The separation was thoroughly hindered with a barrier, freezing, and breath. Still, Yue’s gate was unable to be used because she was not able to open the gate on a pinpoint on a moving target yet. To be able to do it, two established points of space just had to be connected.

The huge clione, because it became serious, though it had been on the verge of finishing off Hajime and the others by a war potential with a volume of the maximum class done by gathering the semi-transparent jelly of the surroundings, now it had backfired. The tar that Hajime poured into it finished dyeing the huge clione black without leaving anything in the end.

Hajime, as he curved his mouth, he pierced the huge clione with fiery, glittering eyes. In his hand a tiny ember was being held.

“Burn in hellfire from inside of the body and die.”

The ember that was flicked by Hajime’s thumb, while drawing an arc, it hit directly like it was being inhaled in one of the tars that was pouring down. At that moment, a scorching heat of 3000 degrees Celsius surged and spread through the gate instantly.

Not long ago, it was dyed black, and the huge clione had tried to melt the tar inside its body with an atmosphere that it felt desperation somewhere, and this time, it had become dyed a scorching red. As Hajime said, from inside of its body, hellfire that was not able to be opposed did not allow even a moment of resistance, and its body was completely burned.

A large, crimson flower that bloomed in the sea finally appeared from inside the body of the huge clione accompanied by the coloring of a name called a mass of bubbles in the sea, and it was destroyed, frying even through the exterior. And then, the super high temperature flames raised a violent steam explosion as they evaporated the ocean water in an instant.

Goobaaaaaaa!!!

A terrific impact surged, and the distant sea burst open like a joke. In the sea that was also still raging, it was a state like a storm was called in. Inside the rough sea, Hajime and the others who let the impact go past them searched for the form of the huge clione beyond the barrier.

Though their gazes went around without negligence in the sea that was calming down moment by moment…… the form of the clione that was like a nightmare was nowhere to be seen. Hajime, though he carefully investigated using the magic eye stone and Farsight, as expected the huge clione’s traces were not reflected.

Hajime and the others were convinced. The monster of ancient times — the Akujiki subjugation had been completed here.

“Guh…… Somehow, is it over……?”

The rings that had floated in the surroundings scattered and sank as they lost their power, and the red magical power that covered Hajime’s body also quickly dispersed and vanished. At the same time, Hajime who staggered by the side effect of Limit Break went down on one knee inside the barrier of Beyond Sage, and distorted his expression from an intense headache because of overworking.

However, in his eyes that said “I killed it!”, great joy overflowed at having survived victoriously.

“……Hajime, are you alright?”

“Hajime-kun, I’ll heal you immediately!”

Yue immediately approached Hajime’s side and supported his body. Kaori also went to heal Hajime as she chanted recovery magic immediately. Shia and Tio also came to approach at the sides and embraced Hajime.

“You did it! Hajime-san!”

“As expected of Goshujin-sama…… you made a harsh killing scene. I felt chills.”

At Kaori’s healing, while feeling his headache lessen a little at a time, Hajime also loosened his cheeks at his companions that had gathered. While soaking in the reverberations of their victory, when it became peaceful, an old man’s voice who seemed to be a little displeased resounded.

[Yoo, Ha-bou. Please tell me if it’s going to explode. Didn’t you consider if I might die?] [Ah, Li-san. Sorry. I thought about nothing but what I was killing.]

Apparently, Lieman seemed to have been completely blown away by the last explosion. Because he had used all of his power to kill the huge clione, his consciousness had not been turned toward Lieman. Moreover, the last explosion was not something Hajime had intended. For a bit, Hajime had also been surprised.

[Well, can it not be helped if it was to kill the Akujiki? Whatever was done, it was splendid.] [If Li-san hadn’t come it would have been seriously terrible. Thank you.] [You’re welcome. Well, I only stuck to my moral code. Don’t worry about it.] [You’re an honorable man as usual. As expected of Li-san. I’m thankful too for the coincidence that you were here.] [Ha-bou, coincidences that have accumulated, isn’t it already called inevitable? That Occhan was able to assist you was also inevitable, and that you survived like this is also an inevitability.]

Hajime loosened his mouth with a “hah” the same with the fish with the old man face that smiled broadly. At the two people who were communicating something to each other, the female formation in the background were discussing together with whispers.

“……What’s that? Aren’t they excessively communicating something with each other?”

“……Honorable man’s friendship?”

“Hajime-kun…… the friend that he was able to make in the other world is a Seama○? Even in Japan the appearance of him hitting it off with someone to that extent wasn’t seen!”²⁷

“There was such a feeling even before. Girls’ talk can’t help becoming boys’ talk if it’s a guy? Well, though the other party is an old man……”

From themselves, to the intimate atmosphere of Hajime and Lieman of a certain meaning, when Yue and the others turned complex expressions towards them without either trembling or bewilderment attached, the two people’s conversation also seemed to have just ended.

[Then, Occhan is already going. Ha-bou. Let us meet again if fate allows.] [Yeah. Li-san also take care.]

With one mutual nod, Lieman turned back. However, when looking back as he advanced a little, he talked to Shia.

[Jou-chan. There seems to be many rivals, but do your best. When you are able to have children, let’s have them play with my children sometime. I will introduce my wife also. See you.]

When leaving only those words, without looking back this time, he disappeared into the ocean as he was.

Those that remained behind……

“””””You were married—!!?”””””

It was a grand tsukkomi of such a Hajime and company. Though he put on the airs of a wanderer, when thinking that he possessed a family, nothing but a normal useless old man was seen. For awhile, their tsukkomi echoed in the ocean.

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This chapter is translated by Durasama and is rehosted with due permission.

Hajime and Kaori looked up at the sailing ships. Even on Earth, early sailing ships couldn’t match the gigantic scale of this one.

No less than 300 meters in length, and as large as a ten-story building, it was only being partly visible from the ground. All along their hull magnificent decorations were mounted. Although rotted, they still gave off a strong impression that made you want to admire them. On their wooden ship, Hajime, who also specialized in manufacturing the same decorations, was grudgingly impressed with the extent they had detailed their ships, and couldn’t help but admire the time and effort the artisans put into creating them.

While hugging Kaori, Hajime jumped up using “Void Grip” and landed on the Terrace at the top of the Luxury liner. Then, sure enough, the surrounding space began to distort.

“Again?… Kaori stay alert. Something is bound to happen.”

“Un. It looks fine to me.”

Hajime felt that Kaori’s laidback response wasn’t suitable for someone still in the middle of challenging a Great Dungeon. It had become clear for a while now that Kaori’s tension had dropped sharply. Even though she was still putting on a smile, Hajime could tell that it was different from all her usual ones. He was sure she wasn’t doing it on purpose, but her new distracted attitude wasn’t good for their current situation. She should at least hold it in check until the exploration of 【Meljeene Deep Sea Ruins】was done, Hajime thought while sharply scratching his cheek.

Hajime took a quick survey of their altered environment, this time it seems they were on top of a luxury liner sailing out at sea.

Presently it’s night time, with the full moon shining in the heavens. The luxury liner is shining with light sparkles, and on the deck there are various arrangements buffet-type style cuisines lined up with many people who were chatting about while having delicious-looking food in one hand. Presently it was night time, with a full moon glowing in the heavens. The luxury liner shone with sparkling lights, and on the deck were various arrangements of buffet-style cuisine lined up with a crowd of people chatting together while holding delicious-looking food in one hand.

“This is a party…isn’t it?”

“Haa, it sure is dazzling. Did we misunderstand Meljeene’s concept?”

Hajime and Kaori were standing upon a raised terrace, probably an area reserved for the crew, while looking down on the enormous deck and trying to get their heads around the difference between this cheerful party and the ghastly sight they had witnessed last time.

Then, just as they decided to take a brief rest, the door behind them opened and several chatting sailors walked out. Rather than risk losing this chance while they took a rest, they decided to mix in with the sailors and listen to their conversation.

From listening to the sailor’s stories they learned that this maritime party was apparently being held in celebration of the end of the war. The war that had continued for so many years, rather than ending through invasion and annihilation, had been resolved by signing a peace treaty. The sailors seemed happy, and if they looked closely they were able to see that not only were there humans on the deck but also devils and demi-humans. Without distinction for race, everyone was freely chatting among themselves.

“There was an age such as this, wasn’t there?”

“It certainly was a great achievement for all those people to give so much effort to end the war. Although I’m not sure how many years have passed since the end of the war, surely not all of the ill feelings have faded, yet they are still able to laugh so freely…”

“Surely the people down there must be similar to those who tried their best to end the war. Everyone is different, seeing this doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone is able to laugh together so soon.”

“That’s true…”

Getting caught up in the atmosphere and bright expressions of the people, Hajime and Kaori also naturally loosened up. After a while they saw an elderly man climbing up onto a stage prepared on the deck. There was a sense of respect in the eyes of the people below as they noticed him on stage and abruptly stopped chatting to focus on him.

There was another man who appeared to be an aide standing near the elderly man, but for some reason he was wearing a hood and trying to blend in with the background. Given the occasion, Hajime thought that his appearance was a bit rude… however it didn’t look like anyone else was concerned about the hooded man.

Eventually, when all the chatter had subsided, the elderly man began his speech.

“Gentlemen, those who wished for peace, the brave souls who ran through the war risking their lives, are the messengers of peace. Today, at this place, I truly feel that it’s a great fortune for all of us to be able to meet here together. It was a war that begun a long time, even for my generation, yet we were able to stand together in peace after bringing an end to the war. To see such a dream come true… my heart still trembles.”

Everyone was listening in silence as the old man spoke. As the speech continued, events such as doubt, crossing paths and incidents became stepping stones towards peace. He spoke of those who were often reckless in their attempts to overturn this, and the friends who scattered during the middle… as the speech progressed everyone eyes begun to look far away, yearning for their missed ones and suppressing moisture from the corners of their eyes, enduring the urge to let their tears flow.

It would seem the old man is the king of the Humans. Among the humans, even at the early stages of the war, it seemed as there was a movement behind the scenes for peace. The people now nod to show their respect.

Finally it seemed as though the speech ended. The king still seems quite worked up after his speech, the atmosphere on the deck is also still quite worked up. However Hajime is attacked by a bad premonition. Something feels off, he has seen the expression the king is wearing somewhere before.

“–and thus, one year has passed since the signing of the peace treaty …….. It was all so foolish.”

At the words of the King, for a moment the crowd appeared puzzled, Hajime thought he had misheard him. Everyone was looking at each other in confusion. In the meantime the King’s heated speech continued.

“Yes, it truly was foolish. To see both the beasts and the heretics talking about the future and exchanging drinks, it was ridiculous. Do you understand, gentlemen? That’s right, I am talking about you.”

“What on earth are you saying Aleist?! Hell, what’s wrong with sayin- gaah!?”

With the sudden change of King Aleist, one of the devils who was agitated stood up before him. Then, as he tried to question King Aleist…. the sudden result was a sword growing from his chest.

The demon tribe man who was stabbed, looked back over his shoulder to see the startled expressions of the human tribe. By looking at their faces you could tell they were all honestly surprised. With a final expression of disbelief, the man of the Demon tribe collapsed.

Screams arose and the entire deck fell into an uproar. “Your Majesty!”, cried several men and women as they rushed to the collapsed body of the Demon tribe man.

“Well gentlemen, as I stated originally, I am truly happy to bring everyone together tonight. We will create a country free from the races that were abandoned by god, where all can be equal.

From the Genesis there was only one god, ‘Ehito-sama’. Those who turned their backs on him, foolishly worshiping a false god, such pagans mustn’t be allowed to leave! It will end today! The only path to peace is through destroying all the heathens! Therefore, this day, as we sweep away the leaders of the non-believers, I cannot help but rejoice! Now, servants of God, pass judgement on these heathens with the hammer of justice! Aah! Ehito-sama, please watch over our work!”

King Aleist’s laughter echoed loudly as he fell onto his knees and gazed up towards the heavens. At the same time he signaled soldiers, who had been dressed as sailors, to completely surrounded the party on the deck.

The deck is positioned in the middle of the ship, sandwiched between a gigantic mast and the main structure, 10 floors high running from front to back. If you look, the soldiers are occupying the scaffolding on the terrace and mast, arranged so that they can focus on the targets below them. Out at sea there is nowhere they can escape to, the geographical advantage is entirely on the soldier’s side. Hajime would’ve been aware of this already, but the countries leader’s expressions of despair showed they were only just realising it now.

In an instant, all the magic was finally released and bombarded the deck. Although the passengers fought back desperately, they were at a disadvantage… it was a one-sided massacre as those who resisted were slaughtered.

Those who ran fled towards the inside of the ship, however most of them were killed as they ran. The deck had been completely changed into a sea of blood in only an instant.

“Ugh”

“Kaori…”

Kaori covered her mouth with one of her hands to suppress the nausea as she leant on the railing. The sight was so horrific that it was no wonder Hajime reached out and offered Kaori his support.

It appears King Aleist felt like hunting as he soon joined his subordinates in pursuing the remnants who had fled into the ship.

The hooded man followed the king into the ship. Just before he stepped inside he turned and looked back at the deck. In that instant a tuft of silver hair escaped from the fringe of his hood and shone brightly in the reflected moonlight. His hidden eyes met theirs and for a moment Hajime’s thought they had been seen.

The surroundings distorted, apparently the dungeon only want to show them that previous scene, Hajime and Kaori were soon back to on top of the derelict luxury liner.

“Kaori, rest for a little bit.”

“No, I’m fine. Although it was somewhat intense… but I wonder if that was really the end of that trial… we didn’t even do anything.”

“I think this ship graveyard is its ending point. Although we could’ve explored the sea beyond the barrier… if you think about it normally, people who wanted to proceed out into the depths of the sea would need to use the ship. Perhaps witnessing that scene was itself the purpose of the vision. To burn the gruesomeness of the gods work into your memory so you would feel compelled to explore this ship as a result. It’s a pretty nasty idea, especially for the people from this world.”

The people of this world, though few of them would make it here, are expected to have faith in the gods. To show them such a gruesome result of their faith… it would surely torture a gentle spirit, and this Labyrinth’s vital point for exploration is the power of magic which heavily relies on one’s mental state. In that sense, it was the reverse of Raisen Great Labyrinth. It was only because Hajime came from another world that the results of this mental pressure was of such a small degree.

Hajime and Kaori both looked over the deck with an expression indicating their reluctant remembrance of the ghastly massacre that had occurred here. However in Hajime’s case, his face looked more like he was remembering a bad sports foul.

Having made their resolve, the two of them jump down onto the deck and set foot near the door that King Aleist once entered who knows how long ago.

The inside of the ship was completely enclosed in darkness. Since the outside was bright, it wouldn’t have been strange for light to shine in through crevices in the rotted wood, but for some reason there was no light at all. In order to push forward into the darkness Hajime took a light out from his ‘Treasure box’.

“That sight earlier… Even though the war was already over… I wonder, did king really betray them…?”

“That’s what it looked like… However, wasn’t it a little bit strange? When he stood up on stage those people looked at him with eyes full of love and respect… If deep down you truly hated Demons and Demi-humans, would you really be able to earn such deep respect?”

“That’s true… Based on the way those people were speaking to him, it seems like there must’ve been a sudden change sometime during the one year after the end of the war… What could have happened to cause such a change of heart?”

“Well, without a doubt they were fighting for their god, they were shouting it loudly enough. They gave off an almost deranged feeling.”

“Yeah, they looked like Ishtar-san, abusing their religion to look down on others. It’s pathetic isn’t it?”

Apparently, from the high school girls perspective, the Pope of the Sacred Church was a pathetic person. However, Hajime only had the smallest feeling of sympathy for him upon hearing it. The two of them continued forwards, still thinking about the earlier scene, until they spotted something ahead shining in response to Hajime’s light.

Hajime and Kaori stop their feet and watched as the light slowly approached them. When it got closer they could see that it was a girl in a fluttering white dress. She stopped in the hallway in front of them and stood there, swaying slightly with her head looking downwards.

Kaori and Hajime felt something unpleasant and shuddered violently. Kaori’s expression became particularly stiff while Hajime, deciding that an ordinary girl wouldn’t be in a place like this, pointed Donner at the girl with the intention of killing her.

Instantly, the girl collapsed into the hallway with a soft thump. Then, at an angle impossible for a normal human’s joints, raised herself up onto her hands and feet like a spider and launched herself straight at them!

Ketaketaketaketaketaketaketaa!²⁸

Her bizarre laughter echoed throughout the hallway. Shining eyes, just like those from urban legends, glared at them from between her bangs, as Hajime shot at the approaching figure.²⁹

“NOOOOOOOOO!!!!”

“Wah!? Calm down Kaori! Don’t grab my arm!”

Just like the template for this situation called for, Kaori clung onto Hajime and let out a scream. The girl approaching them laughed at her mockingly. Hajime, who was trying to shoot the girl with Donner, had his aim shifted due to Kaori clinging onto him.

“Kegya!!”

In a moment the girl was at Hajime’s feet. Then, with her bizarre cry, she lept straight at Hajime’s face.

Hajime reluctantly gave up on trying to shoot her, and instead delivered a sure-kill yakuza-style kick straight into her still laughing stomach . As a precaution, he had clad himself and magic and used ‘Grand Legs’ to deliver the blow.³⁰

The moment Hajime’s kick hit her stomach the girl was blown away into the wall, before bouncing several times and coming to a stop at the end of the hallway. Her limbs were now in an even more unnatural position she slowly vanished, as though melting into the darkness.

Hajime let out a sigh and then gave the still shaking Kaori clinging onto him a bonk on the head with his fist. With a start Kaori looked up at Hajime, an expression of fear still on her face. Tears clung to her eyes as her mouth let out a small squeak, anyone could see she was still terrified.

“Hey Kaori, are you bad with these ghoulish type of things?”

“Is there such a person who is good with them?!”

“Wouldn’t you be fine if you just thought of them as apparitions?”

“…. Gusuu, I’ll try my best.”

As Kaori promised, she separated herself from Hajime, however she didn’t let her hand go of Hajime’s clothes.

Until earlier she had been worried about what to say to Hajime, she had seemed more reserved than usual, but now a strong will dwelt in her eyes. She would absolutely not allow herself to be separated from him! It was a type of desperation, while simultaneously being an expression of her love for him.

Just as Kaori had finished gathering her resolve the door ahead of them in the hallway flew open with a bang. On the other side of the door there were countless bloodstains on the floor, and when they looked up they saw the head of a woman with long, dripping wet, hair hung up on the ceiling looking down at them. At the same time they heard a noise and turned around to see a headless man dragging an axe along the floor behind him.

Hajime delivered another one of his yakuza-like kick to the headless man and readied his gun to follow up, but there was no need. The headless man was already dead from the kick.

“No more… I want to go back now… I want to see Shizuku-chan~”

As the proceeded further into the ship the strange phenomena became more and more violent, which caused Kaori to regress back into a child, clinging onto Hajime’s back and refusing to come out.

Ever since Kaori was small she had looked up to Shizuku as her knight & protector whenever she entered haunted houses or had to deal with Kouki and the boys. However, those feelings never crossed the boundary into being yuri.

Meljeene, the founder of 【Meljeene Deep Sea Ruins】, seemed to be trying to back them into an emotional corner. Hajime, having survived The Abyss, already had experience dealing with being surrounded by darkness and didn’t really find it very difficult to cope with, though he could understand how it would be difficult for someone with a more normal psyche to handle. However, he couldn’t imagine Tio or Yue sobbing from such surprises.

That was until a while ago when Kaori, while still half crying – half flirting, had stepped out and begun to repel the horrors using her healing magic. Seeing her sudden change in attitude had made Hajime want to tsukkomi “where did the scared and lost little girl like atmosphere from earlier go?” as he watched her. As they advanced Kaori began to get more unsteady again, but together they eventually arrived at the ship’s hold.

They stepped through the opened heavy doors. They proceeded towards the back of the ship’s hold, moving in between the sparsely spread out cargo. However, before they had progressed far the doors behind them shut themselves with a loud ‘boom!’

“Pii!?”

Kaori let out a strange voice at this surprising sound and Hajime began to worry whether or not she was keeping in mind their important talk about what she should do after finishing the labyrinth. It wasn’t the first time this thought had crossed his mind.

However Hajime just let out a sigh and began to calmly stroking Kaori’s shoulders. However the effectiveness of this tactic was disrupted when a thick fog began to slowly block their field of view.

“Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha-Hajime-kun!?”

“You’re beginning to laugh just like a cheerful foreigner. Don’t worry, just handle it like always. You’ll be fine if you just crush them with your magic.”

The moment Hajime replied they heard the ring of something as it tore through the wind, flying towards them. Hajime moved like a bolt of lightning and blocked the attack aimed at his neck with his left arm. When he lowered his left arm they could see an extremely thin thread stuck into it. They didn’t have time to stare, soon there was the continuous ring of the wind being cut as arrows flew at them from all sides.

“To come so far just for a trap? It’s so disgusting! That’s just typical of those damn liberators!”

“Come forth, Guardian of Light. Absolute Light!”

Hajime was caught by surprise for a moment, however, since they were only a primitive weapons Kaori was able to block them with her defensive magic. Soon though, the fog ahead of them began to swirl violently and a fierce storm struck Hajime and Kaori.

“Kya!?”

Kaori was blown away in the storm, her screaming figure disappearing into the fog. Hajime, made a sour face as he tried to find her using his perception ability. Unfortunately, it seems the fog had a function that inhabited skills of the sensing system, similar to inside the【Haltina Sea of Trees】, thus he quickly lost track of her.

“Che. Kaori, don’t move!”

With a sour face Hajime called out to Kaori, but instead of Kaori a knight wielding a longsword came tearing out of the fog ahead of him. Using an unusual technique, he lunged fiercely and swung the sword at Hajime.

Parrying the attack calmly with Donner, he struck the his large opponent in the chest with Schlag then fired a magic bullet into his stomach with Donner. A hole opened in the knight’s stomach and he silently vanished into the mist.

However, immediately after a line of swordsmen and knights with abnormal strength emerged from the fog. These warriors held a variety of different weapons, and used the fog to launch attacks at Hajime one after another, fading back into the mist after each strike.

“Damn, so troublesome…”

While spitting out curses, Hajime expanded red magic bullets around his body like a satellite, also activating “Lightspeed”(瞬光) swiftly tidied up his surroundings. It was a concern to him that he could not hear Kaori’s voice.

Hajime was concerned that he couldn’t hear Kaori’s reply. While spitting out curses Hajime launched bullets of red magic and made them orbit his body like satellites. At the same time he activated ‘Lightspeed’ and swiftly tidied up his surroundings.

Shifting to Kaori, with Hajime gone from her sight she was finding it hard to keep up a brave front. Kaori was really bad with horror, it would be very difficult to overcome her current predicament even under normal circumstances, but now her body wanted to freeze up just from the fear of being alone. Add in her strong inferiority complex, though she wouldn’t admit it to herself, and the bottom line was that all she wanted to do was curl herself up and cry.

Kaori scolded herself, she mustn’t let herself be found cowering like this, and forced her body to stand back up. As soon as she was upright again she felt a hand on her shoulder. Hajime would often encourage her by patting her on the shoulder. Overcome by happiness, Kaori found herself turning around in delight.

“Hajime-ku-”

However, as she turned around Kaori noticed that something felt off about the hand on her shoulder. To be more accurate, it felt too thin and too cold. Kaori felt chills run down her spine as her intuition warned her that what was behind her was not Hajime.

If it wasn’t Hajime, then who on earth was it? Continuing to turn, now like a rusty machine, Kaori saw it. Eyes, nose, mouth… and then even more holes. It was the face of a woman dyed in a darkness as black as the abyss.

“Fuwah~”

Kaori’s spirit was over in an instant, and her defensive instincts rendered her unconscious.

In the 2 minutes it took Kaori to get up and faint, Hajime had already destroyed 50 ghostly warriors. This was only his rough estimate based on killing one of the ghostly veterans every 2-3 seconds.

Just as he was beginning to think he had wiped them all out, a large man wielding a greatsword tore out from the fog, charged straight at him and swung a blow that boasted of enormous hidden strength.

Hajime dodged the attack with the smallest movement of his body. However it wasn’t over yet. The warrior bounced the greatsword back into the air using the recoil from the blow to the ground and moved to attack again.

Hajime responded by activating ‘Vajra’, stopping the blow with his mechanical arm and jumping up onto the greatsword with his knees, forcing it from his opponents hands and trapping it against the ground. Then, with a swift motion he raised his gun and fired a magic bullet straight into the large man’s head.

At the same time the large man’s head was blown off the surrounding fog begins to fade away.

“Kaori! Where are you?”

Hajime focused all of his senses on finding Kaori’s presence. However, even without doing that Kaori was easily found.

“I’m over here, Hajime-kun.”

“Kaori, are you alright?”

Hajime divulged a sigh of relief upon seeing Kaori walking towards him with a smile. Once Kaori reached his side she snuggled up against against him with a beautiful smile.

“It was… very scary…”

“Is that so?…”

“Un. That’s why I want to be comforted”

As she said this Kaori threw her arms around Hajime’s neck and hugged him. At a distance so close they were practically nose-to-nose, Kaori locates Hajime’s mouth with her eyes and began to draw herself closer…

Gotsu³¹

With a Gotsu~tsu sound³² Donner’s muzzle met Kaori’s temple.

“Wh-what…?”

Kaori appeared to be confused as Hajime narrowed his brutal-looking eyes and directed murderous intent towards her.

“What? Of course I’ll kill enemies, no matter how they look like” and without a beat of hesitation he pulled the trigger.

Karankara (Clang-clang)

There was the sound of a knife hitting the ground, it had fallen out of the hand of Kaori when she was shot. She had intended to stab him in the back as she was hugging him. With steady footsteps Hajime approached the collapsed Kaori.

Getting back up, Kaori begins talking to Hajime in a frightened and trembling voice.

“Hajime-kun, why would you do such a thing!?”

However Hajime response was to fire another magic bullet at Kaori.

“Don’t you dare speak with Kaori’s voice! Do not degrade her body by moving it! Did you think I couldn’t see the truth? You are nothing but a piece of trash possessing her body.”

Hajime’s ‘Magic Stone Eye’ had already revealed to him that there was a ghostly woman possessing Kaori.

With the truth clearly exposed Kaori, who until just a moment ago had been cowering on the ground, instantly changed her expression and burst into mocking laughter.

“Nyahahaha, even if you know the truth it is of no matter. You can’t do anything…this girl’s body is already mine!

As she said this the possessed Kaori raised herself off the ground and pushed Hajime down onto the ground into the mounted position.

“Wait, what are you doing? This is your woman! Do you plan to hurt her!?”

“Shut up! You’re giving me a headache. Didn’t I tell you not to move? I’m not going to hurt Kaori, the magic bullets will pass right through her body, the only one who will suffer is you.”

“If I disappear this woman’s soul will shatter! Is that really alright with you!?”

At those words Hajime inclined his head slightly in thought. Although there was a good chance it wasn’t a bluff, there was no way to verify if it was true.

Most people would probably become trapped by indecision in this situation, was the possessed Kaori hoping for this? She was giving her cat-like laugh again while motioning for him to step aside. Seeing this Hajime gave her his reply.

Zupan~! Zupan!

It was a pair of magic bullets. The possessed Kaori’s expression was too shocked to reveal as to whether she had felt any pain. Soon her expression shifted into one of frustration as she shouted at Hajime in an angry voice.

“Are you insane!? Do you not care what happens to this woman!?”

“Shut up you pile of trash! If I don’t attack then Kaori’s body would remain possessed. However, as long as you aren’t killed her soul won’t break, right? Until you feel like leaving her body everything will be fine if I just torment you without killing you.”

The ghostly woman was left speechless at his words. When she looked into Hajime’s eyes she was being stabbed by his murderous intent that dwelt there.

“I’ll make you regret thinking you could touch what’s ‘important’ to me. Even though you’re an enemy I won’t kill you, I won’t let you experience the relief of death. I’ll make it so you can’t escape Kaori’s body even if you want to. I’ll force you to suffer until you go mad from the pain.”

Red magic flowed out from Hajime’s body, his white hair was caught in the eddies and slowly began to sway in the energy. There was no rage, bloodthirst or insanity in his eyes, they were like frozen chips of ice.

Hajime was furious, more so than ever before. He wouldn’t be satisfied with just kill his enemy this time, they must experience cruelty akin to the depths of hell.

The ghost possessing Kaori had been too dense to realise she had picked a fight with something that should never be disturbed. Only now, as she felt her gaze trapped in Hajime eyes, did she finally realise what she had awakened; a monster, one you would normally pray to never meet.

With Donner’s muzzle again pressed against her forehead, the ghostly woman earnestly begged for release. Even if all it bought her was permission to disappear a single second faster, when she imagined what this monster would probably do to her even one second seemed like a blessing.

She was just an ordinary ghost. Although it did seem that her lingering essence was greater than than any of the other apparitions they had encountered, in the face of this atmosphere it all amounted to nothing. The frozen wrath Hajime was giving off was just that terrifying.

“Iwanttodisappear!Iwanttodisappear!Iwanttodisappear!Iwanttodisappear!Iwanttodisappear!Iwanttodisappear!”

The ghost’s sobs echoed louder as Hajime’s finger moved to pull the trigger, when suddenly the Kaori’s body began to shine. It was the sparkle of the restore-all-abnormal-status recovery magic ‘Ten Thousand Heavens’, which Kaori had prepared as a precaution ahead of time using the ability of ‘Delayed Invocation’.

While left dumbfounded by the feeling of unbelievable relief the ghost heard a voice from inside her.

“–It’s okay, I’ll send you off properly.”

Alongside these words the shining, pure white, light intensified. The ghost felt afraid as the light wrapped around her, dragging her gently along with it towards the heavens. However, as she gradually passed on to the next world and her consciousness began to fade she was overcome with a feeling of peace and relief.

With one clap, Kaori sent her off and slowly began to open her trembling eyelids. Hajime, still lying underneath Kaori in the mounted position, looked directly up into Kaori’s eyes. Ever since Kaori began to shine, the fading presence of the ghost’s existence had been reflected in Hajime’s Magic Stone Eye. For the moment he released his killing intent and focused on confirming whether the ghost had truly left Kaori.

Their faces were so close, and with Hajime’s lying underneath her, his gaze filled with a mixture of relief and worry as he focused his eyes intently on her pupils, it would’ve been enough to make anyone feel moved.

Gently lowering her head Kaori pressed her lips on Hajime’s. It was only the barest meeting of their lips, but for Kaori it was still her precious first kiss.

Hajime whole body went stiffened in surprise for a moment. In order to be certain that Kaori had been released Hajime had used almost all his concentration to examine her. With his mind so distracted, naturally it wasn’t possible for him to avoid a kiss.

After a while Kaori gently released his lips.

“What are you…?”

“Perhaps it’s my answer?”

“Your answer?”

“Un. Why did I follow you? Why do I want to keep on following you?…. This is my answer to Hajime’s questions.”

When she said this Kaori smiled at Hajime. It was smile he had always seen her wearing, warm like a ray of light from the sun. Ever since coming here it had become clouded and covered up by a false laugh, but now it shone once again.

In fact Kaori had still retained her consciousness while possessed, though it felt like watching the world outside while trapped inside a glass room. She had still been able to see Hajime in never seen before state of fury, saying things like Kaori was ‘important’ to him. It had flowed right through the ghost and reached her heart.

At the sight of this Hajime unbearable sadness had risen up in her chest, but at the same time she felt the nervous passion she had when she first confessed to him.

If she wanted to explain it, it was a feeling of selfish, of always wanting to be indulged, always make them vividly aware of your presence. Mixed in amongst the circle of girls Yue allowed to surround Hajime, Kaori found it intolerable that she wasn’t allowed to hoard him all to herself, yet at the same time she didn’t even want to imagine a future where she wasn’t by Hajime’s side.

She wanted to make them recognise that even if her capabilities were nowhere near Yue and the others, her feelings weren’t any less.

“I like you Hajime-kun, no, I love you. That’s why from here on I want our futures to be entwined.”

“Won’t it only leave you feeling bitter? Just like it is with Shia, even if Yue weren’t there, it doesn’t necessarily mean that I will love you back.”

“That’s true, it’ll probably be painful at times…. I want to be monopolised, I want you to only look at me. I feel so jealous of Yue sometimes, and so inferior when I compare myself to her”

“If that’s the case…”

“But I’ll only regret it if I allow myself to be separated from you here, I’m sure of it. For me, just being near Hajime is wonderful….and that’s how I’ve always felt. In time I want to close the gap between us even more, but for right now this is enough.”

Pinching Hajime’s cheeks between both her hands, Kaori smiled softly.

The expression on Hajime’s face was a complex mix of troubled and amazed, but Kaori had decided on her own, and if she believes that it’s the best decision for herself, Hajime wouldn’t say another word. Each person had their own idea of happiness, deciding Kaori’s happiness for her is something he couldn’t do, nor did he want to.

“…. I see. If Kaori is fine with this then I won’t say any more.”

“Un. Although I’ll probably cause a lot of trouble, please don’t hate me, alright?”

“What are you saying at such a late hour? From our time at school, up to our time here, you have always been an terrible troublemaker.”

“That’s not true!”

“Really? Back at school you never read the situation and would casually come over and talk to me, completely unaware of the word bombs you were dropping everywhere, and never noticing that every time the guys around us would seethe with anger. And then let’s not forget when a negligee-clad lady decided to visit a man’s room in the middle of the night…”

“Uu, I remember, all I wanted to do was talk to you…. Un, it was really embarrassing when I realized later that I had come to your room dressed like that.”

While Kaori was covering her blushing face with her hands, Hajime got up and offered Kaori a hand up. Then, with a grin, patted Kaori on the shoulder gently, and turned to start walking towards the magic circle that had begun to shine further inside the storeroom once the fog had lifted.

However, he was stopped by Kaori tightly grabbing onto his sleeve. If he looked carefully he could see that she was still a little unsteady. Apparently the possession had dulled her body’s senses a little. Now that the body had been released it hopefully wouldn’t take long for it to return back to it’s normal state.

“Let’s rest for a little bit.”

Hajime had suggested this, but it seems Kaori had an idea of her own and with a smile she hopped up onto Hajime’s back.

“….What are you doing?”

“Isn’t it better if we progress quickly? I don’t know when my magic power will return and if we hang around here the fog will surely come back, right?”

There was definitely some truth to her words,so Hajime replied with a “It can’t be helped” while scratching his head, and walked towards the magic circle while carrying Kaori.

Kaori wrapped her arms around Hajime’s neck and clung on tightly to his back. Although he didn’t say anything, Hajime was trying his best to ignore the soft feeling that pressing up against his back.

Kaori moved close enough that he could feel her hot breath in his ear. Her lips, close enough that they were almost touching his earlobe, opened gently and a sweet sound reverberated inside his ears.

“Hajime-kun… I want to asking you something about what happened earlier.”

“Earlier?”

“Yes. Why was it that you got so angry during that fight?”

“Saa, why was I angry? I don’t know.”³³

“Mouu, please tell me~.”

Refusing to answer her questions or get caught up in her flirtatious atmosphere, Hajime continued to carry Kaori while moving forward at a brisk pace and without hesitation stepped into the magic circle.

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