Sousetsuka

622 Severing Relationship

I was led to a guest room and waited for quite some time. Selram showed up with her usual China dress. Apparently that's her daily attire, not worn especially to cajole me.

"Thank you. I'm in your debt, Saito. A really huge one at that. I read the brief version of the report. I can't believe you took down such a powerful magic beast with so little wound. You're even terrifying than I imagined, Saito."

Is that supposed to be a compliment? Guess I'll just ignore it.

"I'd like a different reward. Is that okay with you? Think of it as a way to return your debt."

I decided to get straight to the point. I don't need pleasantries.

"Oh what would it be? Perhaps you would like a larger sum? That's perfectly fine by me."

Selram thought I was going to demand more money and prematurely agreed.
But that's not it. What I ask is the opposite. Of course she wouldn't know my circumstance.

"I don't need money. Instead, I want to go separate ways. This is one and last time. Do not approach me ever again. Fate might have played a role to get us acquainted, but I don't want to keep doing your bidding for profit."

A silence ran. Berume who's present in the room is keeping quiet too.
Selram had a long sigh before she spoke.

"...I understand. Once you've left this store, you're no longer our acquaintance. Good enough for you?"

I only nodded at her question.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
"Then allow us to service you while you're here. We have high-class snacks and tea ready. Do take it easy."

"No, I'm leaving now. I'm thankful for your hospitality but I don't want to keep dilly dallying. Not when it's my demand. I can't exactly stay here and act like everything is fine now, can I?"

I stood up and walked up to the door. Selram made another attempt to detain me.

"My? I don't mind, you know. I bet you're tired, no? Please use this chance to sit back and relax."

"You don't, I do. I can't stay calm."

"Fufufu, I suppose that's that. Berume, see him off."

"No you don't have to do that. I'm just gonna make my way outta the door."

"You're so cold to the very end."

I left the disappointed Selram and her store behind.

(There won't be any more requests from Selram. Well now, how do I go about killing the rest of my time here.)

I decided to go to the weapon store that stocked up a knife from Dwarf Kingdom I saw earlier.
To find out more about the country naturally.

"Next up. To Dwarf Kingdom!"

I walked on while imagining what kind of country is it. I arrived at my destination in no time.

"Welcome, come on in! What are you looking for? We only sell weapons and utensils from first rate workshops! Everything here is worth more than their price tags! Guaranteed, dear customer!"

Worth more huh. The barker's promotion line hooked me so I decided to go in the store to see the goods inside.
I could have asked the barker about Dwarf Kingdom stuff, but he's not the person who talked about the dwarf-made knife earlier.
I surveyed the store looking for that person in question.

Previous Chapter

It Me

This chapter starts from Radia's POV

"Radia-san, have you had a meal yet?"

"! ...Reina."


I was taking a breather after having my gruel when someone called me from behind.
Reina spoke to me with her usual curious-sounding speech.


"I'll take this side, okay."

"...Ou."


She sat down right next to me even though there's plenty of space left.
She's got her usual gentle smile but I could see a hint of worry for me on her face.


"...I'm sorry to hear about your onii-san (Lavijia)."

"Well. Things wouldn't have come to this if only he was a bit more patient. He's a huge moron through and through."


He had many chances to start over.
Yet he kept running, dumping and shoving them away until he met that end.
...There was, no other way. Aniki's path was completely blocked off.


"Well, he got his just deserts. It's a pity yeah but I got to put an end to him with my own hands. There was a part of me that felt good about that even though he's my flesh and blood brother, haha."

"Radia-san."

"What?"

"You look like you're about to cry."

"Eh...?"


'You look just as sad though, Reina', but I couldn't voice that out.
The corner of my eyes are getting hot. Accumulating hot water that would burst out if I tried to utter a single word.


"Huh, why."

"Radia-san is never the kind of person who'd happily cut down his own brother. Of course you want to cry."

"I, I always thought of him as the worst brother ever, he always took my and our little brother's snacks for himself."

"...So he was."

"But I just don't know why I'm now recalling the times we're playing together, that time mom scolded us together... or when we cried together, now after all this time..."


Hot water is dripping down my cheeks.
No, I can't show her, this face...


"Sorry, look away, from, me..."

"...It's okay, you can cry. Nobody is here to peep at you, and of course I won't say a word. Let it all out today so you can stand tomorrow."

"U, gu... Uuuu....!"


I could tell the dam broke down with Reina's words.


"Uwaaaaaaaa...!!"

I bawled out without caring about how I look.

Reina quietly kept patting my childish head without saying anything.




<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >


~~~~~~~~~Peeping Tom Kajikawa's POV~~~~~~~







Hm, Menu-san is reporting live about Radia-san's wailing in the backroom.
...That guy might have been a bastard but I suppose he was still his elder brother. Must have been a huge shock.

Who knows what he's gonna do under that kind of mental burden. Radia-kun needs a mental care urgently.
Dunno if Reina knew about it, she had already gone to console Radia-kun.
He's probably non-functional today. He'll get back on his feet tomorrow. I think.

No I mean, it's not like I'm into peeping but I can't help getting curious like (etc.)
Radia-kun is a crucial member for the final battle, and most importantly, I can't stand watching him like that.
...But I really should stop here.


Now then, I've still got plenty of things left to do.
First of all, I'll have to take the townspeople to safety on another continent with Fast Travel.

I can't put Markings on this many people so they all have to huddle up which needs time to prepare.
I had already made an arrangement with Kanakmatt-san to set up refugee camps and temporary dwellings for these people.
I discussed about this possibility with Kanatt-san before we set off and he should get help from the kingdom too. Things should go smoothly with him on the case.


Next up, I gotta join up with the Resistance and heal their leader.
Actually, pretty much all of their members are suffering from injuries from their daily battles with demons.
I'm seeing people with prostheses, and people with lost organs here and there.

...I'd rather not stand out, but leaving this tragic scene be is not an option.
I'm gonna go ahead and heal them all back up, no one left behind.


"Eyes, I can see with my eyes! It's clear as daaaaay!!"

"No way, my arm really grew back...!"

"Uwoooooaaaaaaaaaa!! I'm alive! It's so wonderful to be aliveeeeeee!!"

"T-that charred guy who's been whispering 'kill me' is already jumping around everywhere...!?"

"Are you a High Priest, no, a Saint....?"


No I ain't. Who's that again.
Heck, what's even a Saint.

<<'Saint' is a Job attainable by Sacred-type Job Holders who have acquired specific Titles and reached Lv70. The Job is capable of healing loss limbs as well as all types of illnesses, toxins and abnormalities. It is also possible to resurrect the dead as long as the act is done immediately after death and with met conditions. It is called 'Saintess' for women.>>

So like the highest upgrade of 'Priest' lineage huh.
Would have loved to have someone like that as a member of Hero party. Then again, Olivier can already handle both Offensive and Healing roles as a Sage.
Well, I don't plan on adding more people to Hero's party to begin with though.


Once I was done with the treatment, I had the resistance leader share intel about the progress of battles at each their bases.
My Map has gotten larger thanks to all the people I've Marked but this continent is just too vast.

The Resistance leader turned over some documents with the left arm I regrew as he collected all reports that could be of use to me.


"Big fights always broke out all over the place even before you all came here but those demons got even more active ever since. Be careful out there."

"Understood. You have my gratitude for sharing your intel."

"We gotta be thanking ya instead. No really, I was all prepped up to live with one arm and one leg the rest of my life before you came along and got these all fixed up. I feel better than ever in fact."


That's cause you got lots of issues all over your body. I went ahead and healed them up as well, must be that.


"Oh yeah, we've been getting reports about a being suspected to be Demon King showing up on this continent. You seen the guy yet?"

"!!?"


W, what...!?
Hold it. Demon King shouldn't have got his Menu Function back online yet.
No, he could use Teleportation and forced his way through I guess?
But why would he go all the way here on his own!?


"Apparently, the guy's got black hair and an inhuman level of intimidating pressure."

"Where, and when did you see him...!? What was he doing!?"

"Calm down now. I'll start from the top, keep it together."


I'm breaking out cold sweat.
My teeth are clattering.
This is bad, I'm not done preparing everything yet, if Demon King finds out I'm still alive, he'll kill me dead for sure...!!


"First of all, that guy was flying around at tremendous speed, leaving everything in his wake to dust."


No uh, that me.


"He got into a fight with Firie Kingdom's Black Dragon which turned the vicinity to a hellscape no grass can grow."


That me too.


"Also, he led a herd of magic beasts with the face of an ogre. Marching on like an army from hell."


Me.


"Furthermore, he beat, cut up and tore off some super massive high S-ranked snake beasts. Also got some witness reports about him chasing down a Jormungand before mercilessly slicing it off."


Told ya, it me! Give it a rest already!


"What's curious is the fact that he seemingly only caused damage to demons with virtually zero reports to our side. Yet the only being capable of all that is the Demon King himself, our intelligent network is in chaos trying to find the truth... I gotta apologize for this vague intel."

"Oh not at all. It's-been-very-helpful-hahaha."


【Good News】 Demon King emergence was a fake news.

【Bad News】 I got branded a Demon King.


...I really can't decide if I should feel happy or sad.

Previous Chapter

621 Where to Next?

"You're back early. What happened? Did you retreat due to unforeseen circumstances?"

A man asked.

"Oh it's you of all people, found some rare spare time? You're usually knee deep in your job."

Berume stood up and walked into the room they prepared us. They seem to know each other.

"They were looking for someone to handle you. That was when I walked in here after finishing my share of work. Those guys really don't know how not to overwork someone. This was supposed to be my rare free time."

"My condolences, but no worries, it'll be done in a jiffy. You just gotta carry the thing I'm handing over."

The room they prepared us was neither too small or too big.
Two sofas facing each other with a table interposing them. There's not much furniture.
Berume and me sitting on one side and the man on the other.

"I got nothing much to report. Well then, the magic beast is dead, the wound is clean. No casualty on our side. You'll be delivering this. To the usual place."

"...Oy? Say that again. Didn't you just set off the other day. How's it done already? Quit joking around... Are you?"

"Even if I'm joking, they won't blame you for it. Your job is to deliver this. You're in no position to nitpick. Go there and go home, that's all you need to do, what's the problem?"

"...Do you mind if I check it here?"

"Absolutely not. You wanna lose our trust?"

Berume put a magic bag on the table. The man took and stared at it.

"I've done my part. I'm heading off to see Selram now. See ya."

I stood up and followed Berume.

"Oy, hold it! Did he really do it? How?"
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
The man looked at me as he asked. He's trying to dig intel on me.

"Are you seriously asking that? Or is that supposed to be a bad joke?"

Berume glared at the man before exiting the room. I lightly bowed at him before leaving as well.

I have nothing to say to all this. My share of work is eliminating the magic beast. With that over, the only thing left to do is see Selram.
I'll take my reward and leave this city. Back to wandering aimlessly.

(Right, Holy State... Hm. The name alone screams it's not gonna mesh well with me.)

I'm now thinking about my next destination. Staying here will only get me involved in more mess for sure.
Might as well look for a new place. I didn't find a good spot to live a secluded life around these parts.
Therefore I'm merely resuming the journey to find one.
Berume quietly walked to Selram's place. I followed along obediently. There's no conversation.
Naturally I ended up overhearing street chatters.

"Look at this, knife. Look at this fine specimen if you will. I've finally got new stock from Dwarf Kingdom the other day."
"Hee, is this really good. It must pricey."
"I mean, go ahead and gaze at this design! Naturally it comes with a price. Fret not however, we're having a sale just for today!"
"Why would you? Something's not right."
"It took me a lot of effort to stock this up! We're celebrating the sponsorship."
"Hmph, so how much?"
"This work of art is worth five gold coins! But, you can have it for three! So cheap! Don't you think?"
"Yep, something's amiss. I can tell it's a good knife, but I wonder if it's really worth that much?"

Such and such.
Someone is trying to sell their ware to people gathering in front of their store it seems.

Dwarf Kingdom huh. Quite a timely topic to overhear since I've been wanting to have my katana maintained.

(Guess that's where I'm going next?)

I'm gonna take my reward and leave without saying anything to anyone.
Or else, I might get dragged in another event I can't run away from.

(We got back here early. I'll depart by noon today, or tomorrow at the latest...)

My thought is occupied with this yet unseen Dwarf Kingdom.
In the meantime, Berume led me to a store.

Previous Chapter 

Next Chapter

 Whole Roast Steak Hamburger

"Are the 『Sacrificial Pawns』 ready?"

"Yeah, they should be usable in a few days."

"What of Black Dragon?"

"It's raising its level on the Arcane Dragon Continent per Demon King-sama's order. It should undergo an evolution in less than a week time."

"...That thing is already monstrously strong as is. It will now grow even stronger. I cannot help but feel it is slightly excessive."

"Are you doubting Demon King-sama?"

"Nay. Unlike all previous Demon Kings, our great lord bears a clear will and ideal over the extinction of humanity. Everything his majesty asks must be necessary."

"Then all is well. Let us proceed with the plan."



<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >



~~~~~~~~Kajikawa's POV~~~~~~~~~






We're finally left with a breathing room.

White Dragon, abbreviated 'White', passed out when I squeezed it a tad with a mana-made hand so their fight ended prematurely.
I felt bad at Juurou-san but the person in question didn't seem to mind. Oh good.
In exchange, he made me promise to have a match with him after the war... Well, still better than fighting Oni-sensei.


I'll decide how to punish White later.
I was gonna turn him into an ingredient had he killed even a single soul but apparently he only barked orders around and never actually killed one personally.

But it still doesn't change the fact that he's indirectly responsible for the slaughter so while I won't kill him, I'm gonna work him to death.
This accident reinforced my belief about dragons and their crap attitude. Ah, that Lava Dragon I beat in the dungeon is the sole exception.


We've feed all the townspeople and all. Time for us to have a meal as well.
We can't exactly have a feast in front of all these poor people though so our menu is the same as them, rice gruel.
Hiyoko protested. Bear it in for now, I'll feed you whale meat for dinner.


After mealtime, I'm sorting out all the info we have.
Itemizing everything that's happened so far.


- The demons jammed our teleportation, leaving us isolated and stranded.

I really didn't expect the scale would be this massive.
Menu never gave a warning either cause I had never been to Continent 3 before.
This scheme alone had caused a lot of casualty on our side. Those below Intermediate Job likely don't survive.
We might have saved some of the people used as 'Fuel', but there's probably more of this case in other towns, we can't expect reinforcements from other continents for the time being...


- The existence of facilities used by demons to raise a huge amount of powerful magic beasts.

Continent 3 was originally destroyed by hordes of magic beasts under demons' control so this was always expected.
They may be difficult to handle for most combatants besides Special Job holders and me, yet we could also use this to turn the tables on them if we had people with Tame Skill. Like Souma.
Gonna need to Fast Travel Magic Beast Tamers from other continents here. Guess I'll run an urgent recruitment drive later.
Speaking of, wonder if Souma is still fighting on the frontline with the magic beasts. Keep at it~.


- Confirmed sighting of a demon leading a group of brainwashed people to their hideout in order to brainwash them harder.

That Long Purple female captain also got brainwashed.
I'm guessing they're gonna pit those people against us, but I can use this to pinpoint their hideout instead.
The problem is Aizawa-kun was found among them. What're you doing, man.
Hyula-san and Ganan-san are tailing them. No uh, you two please don't chase them too far and get back to the frontlines.


- The situation with Black Dragon.

...Frankly speaking, he's the biggest threat here.
I've had him Marked so I know he's been healed fully, albeit a bit anemic, and is currently moving all over the place.
He's gaining more experience points day by day. At current pace, he should gain 2, 3 levels each day.
If he managed to evolve from this, his strength would be in the realm of the unknown. There's even a chance of him outpacing me.
It all hinges on whether the things I ordered Julian and Granny would be finished in time. I'm pining my hope on you two, please get them done before he (Black Dragon) shows up again.


- Marking progress of skilled people.

I'm still Marking every single Special Job and high level Advanced Job holders I see.
I need those at Advanced Job or higher at least to deal with the worst possible outcome that might happen after the war, not during.
Heck, anyone below Special Job likely would only drag us down. I can't believe how high leveled the current generation demons are. They're Chief-class.


Phew, I think that's about it. Really, hahaha.

Ain't things real dicey?


We suffered a huge loss due to the first three issues, but it's still within an acceptable level. We should manage somehow.

But Black Dragon has gotten too strong for anyone but Hero or me to handle. And it's on the process of evolving now.
Heck, I'm not even sure if the two of us fighting together could win.


What's even more headache-inducing is the 'Current Generation Demons'.

Demons are created by Demon King and their strength are proportional to their creator's.
Average Demon Kings can only create Lv20-50 demons, while Chief-class are at Lv80 or higher.
That's how all the demons we fought so far were like. They were survivors from previous generation Demon King's era.
Current generation Chief-class are previous generation demons chosen for their high level or something along that line.


But current generation Demon King is capable of easily creating demons over Lv80s.

What if an army of these demons stage an invasion on human world for real?
What if powerful Combat Job holders are incapacitated when that happens?
...The result is obvious. It'll take no time for humanity to go extinct. Poof.

They haven't made a big move yet. They're either still amassing their number or standing by right now, but humans will die out if they do when we're busy fighting Demon King if we don't come up with a counterplan.
That's my reason for getting in touch with all those powerful people.


"Kajikawa-san, you've got this real difficult look on your face. What's up?"

"Something, on your mind?"


Reina and Alma asked me worryingly.
Oh shoot, all those conundrums must have shown on my face. Can't make these girls worry.


"Err, I'm just wondering what to do about that Black Dragon."

"Ah, un. He's gotten really strong now."

"Your fight against Black Dragon made me go all tingly even though it happened so far away... Can't you beat him, Kajikawa-san?"

"Naw, I was wondering how to cook him up. Steak maybe, or that Hamburger thing I made the other day, oh but frying sounds good too. Uumu, can't decide."

"Isn't there like something else than cooking you gotta think about!?"

"...Give me back my worry. That's so like you though, Hikaru."

"How do you like him cooked, Hiyoko?"

『Pipii!』

"...Uh, I dunno about roasting that thing whole."


I get that I'm putting up a bravado, but I gotta do this to ease their worries.
Gotta stay firm even if it's an act.
...Well, I do admit I'm curious about the evolved Black Dragon's taste. 20% anxiety, 80% anticipation.


"Serious talk, I'm not sure if I can handle him by myself. I know it's dangerous but I'm gonna need your help if we want to ginger pork fry that thing."

"Un. You have all of me at your disposal. Please don't carry that burden alone, Hikaru."

"I-I'll do my best too... To be honest I'm scared of fighting against an opponent not even Kajikawa-san could handle."

『Pii!』

"Thank you. I do have a plan but whether it's gonna make it in time or not is still up in the air. Regardless, I want you all to be prepared for a fight to the death if we want to turn him into an egg meatloaf."

"But please don't go overboard. Whenever you're off to a big battle, you always find a way to get yourself in a precarious situation."

"But of course. I won't let anyone die, me included. I'll make doubly sure to treat you all to his kebab."

"Uh, I get that you can't wait to cook him any longer, but can't you quit rotating all those dish names..."


Now that's settled and I've got my postmeal break, time to clear my to-do list.
Like healing the resistance leader's left arm and leg Radia's aniki cut off and to give a mental care to Radia-kun himself.
I'll leave him to Reina. Actually, she'd already gone off to see him without me saying anything.
...Is this how it feels to be the father of a daughter who got a boyfriend. Pretty sure this isn't the first time too, I can't describe this feeling.

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

620 Normal Way Back

A man is holding the reins of two Grudoses in front of the village.
A different person from yesterday's guide. But Berume seemed to know him and greeted.

"You're going back to the city right? Good work. Got the short end of the stick eh?"

"Nah, I got no complaint I finished early. But you know... Knowing I gotta stay with this guy all the way back..."

So she said as she glanced at me.
I don't ride the Grudos. I'm running on foot, normally you wouldn't think that's gonna be faster than a Grudos.
'What are you talking about?' Thus the man's line of sight seemingly asked Berume. That's a normal reaction since he doesn't know me.
What Berume was trying to say didn't get across.

"Ah, never mind. We're off."

Berume rode a Grudos. The other Grudos followed them.
Followed by me running behind them. The man had a dumbfounded look on his face and blurted out 'Ha?' after a silence.

We ran together for a little while before it hit me that it's not like we have to go back together. I know the road already.
I could have gone back ahead on my own.
So I asked Berume, but she pleaded to let her stay with me since monitoring me is part of her job.

(Monitor huh. I won't ask for what. Most likely it's to decide whether I'm someone they can trust or not.)

Selram tried to get me join her company. But she backed off following her intuition.
Yet she managed to have me undertake her request.

She must be trying to see if her intuition made a mistake.
A monitor is likely part of her effort toward drawing a conclusion.
Berume is definitely going to report everything I did to Selram later.
Selram would base her decision off that. Whether to stay involved with me, or not.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
(But sure she could just blurt that out? Shouldn't stuff like this be kept secret?)

Of course, I don't mind either way but I'm not sure if she could do that.
As it appears, Berume trusts me.
Which made her feel comfortable to divulge that information.

(I dunno how to feel about this... Should I be happy.)

The glances Berume sent my way as I light jogged to keep up with the Grudoses are that of someone looking at a total oddball. But why.
And thus regardless of anything, it took us three days to arrive at the city just as scheduled.

By the way, we came across exactly zero hitches along the way which made me all the warier instead.

(Will there be a huge scale event breaking out at the city the moment I step inside...)

We passed by the city's gate checkpoint smoothly and Berume led me straight to a perfectly ordinary looking cafe.
I could only follow along.
Berume didn't seem to care all the questions I had in mind as she took a seat and made an order to the clerk.

"We're having the 'special'. For two. Oh and there will be more guests coming later, can we borrow the back room?"

I got it after she said that.

(Ah, this must be the base of operation for reporting mission completions and stuff like that.)

I also realized that our seating area is a blind spot from the entrance and took a sip of this cafe's 'special' as I waited.

Previous Chapter 

Next Chapter

Feeding Kindling

Alright, it's cooking time. Haven't had one in a while.
It's a whole town-wide feeding project. With Alma and Hero-kun as my supports.

I chopped carrots, onions and pork, and then boiled them together in a pot.
They get softened up right away with 'Spacetime Acceleration' Feature, so handy. Woulda taken tens time longer if not for it.

After all, I had to use some real gigantic pots if I wanna feed the town's entire population.
I'm not talking five or six of them too. Nope, dozens.
By the by, I got Hero-kun help me out with his own Spacetime Acceleration.


"Isn't there way too many of these people. You sure just us three can do all the cooking?"

"Moving them to another continent with Fast Travel is not an option when so many can't even move on their own yet. Quite a few of them are nearing their Stamina limit too, we've got to feed them something fast."

"Well, I guess we can get it ready as fast as cup noodles with our Menu, but do you even have enough ingredients?"

"No worries. I bought a stupid amount of food from this world and Japan."

"Oh okay... So why can't I go to Japan anyways? I won't run away before Demon King is dead, you know."

"Ah, it's not because you can't, it's more 'Hero disappearing from this world' is a big no no."

"?"


Taking Hero-kun to Japan could potentially risk it all with no way to undo what's done.
Why you ask? It's simple.


If a Hero were to disappear from this world before they defeated the Demon King, they would lose the Grace of Revival.


According to Menu, the formula for Hero's Grace of Revival is engraved on the world itself by the goddess and the Hero has to permanently stay connected to it.
It's an unimaginably massive yet delicate formula, if the connection is severed for even an instant, there is no reconnecting them again.

In other word, if Hero were to lose his revival and died during this war, everything would all come to waste. Nobody can defeat Demon King anymore.
That's the reason I can't bring him back to Japan until that point. Sorry.


...Well, regardless, we can't pin our hope on the Grace of Revival though.
If everything goes according to Menu's plan, the battle with Demon King will be decided in one fell swoop.

Unlike all the previous heroes, dying in the middle of our combat against Demon King this time will mark the end.
Not only is the Demon King this time super strong with New Game+ Cheat, we also have no continue left... What the hell is this impossible game.


Whoops, gotta focus on the cooking.

Once the heat is passed enough, I put in solid consomme, salt and then washed Aro Rice once everything melted down.
Washing the rice beforehand helps un-clump them and gets you better texture, but there's probably no point to that anyway with this amount...

I shoved in beaten eggs as a final touch, put the lid on and stopped the heat to let it steam itself.
Half-cooked eggs should make for better nourishment. Rice gruel, order up.

Umu, it's done way faster thanks to Spacetime Acceleration.
One pot is enough to feed around a hundred people, we only need to do this like a few dozens more to feed them all.


"Put this in bowls and distribute them to those who need them. Prioritize children and the elderly."

"Ha, haee, it ain't even take five minutes to cook one pot for 'em..."

"They should be able to cook enough in two, three hours. Get them to the tables, pronto!"

"Those who've gotten their shares, take your time eating! You're gonna die if you wolf 'em down with zero stamina!"

"Uu... Thank you, it's so good..."


Adventurers and Anti-demon Army folks helped distributing the piping hot rice gruel to the town's populace.
It's not that luxurious but they need the nutrition more than the taste. Please wait a little bit more for actually good food.


"Uu, I haven't had a decent meal in a lifetime... Yummm...!"

"Those demons took away all the good food... They did give us scrapes to keep us alive as sacrifices, but it was flavorless and so little, they were definitely planning to starve us death one day..."


The people took relish eating such non luxurious food.
I guess any food tastes good when you're famished. What a sorry sight.


"...Hikaru, you're so fast at cutting."

"Well I've been cooking everyday. I'm sure you'll get even faster than me once your Cooking Skill levels up more, Alma."

"Nn, I'll do my best."


I got Alma to help finely chop vegetables.
I may be fast but there's only so much I can do alone. Thank goodness Alma chose Cooking as her Gift Skill.

We kept at it for a while and eventually managed to feed all the townspeople.
The place kept experiencing tremors while we were cooking. Apparently someone's fighting up there.


"An uncle with red lion-like hair is fighting the white dragon, y'see. I got saved by him myself."

"Hmm, should I go lend him a hand?"

"Nope. That uncle happily said, 'Don't butt in, that thing's my prey'. Think you'd better not."


Another battle junkie. Hyulan-san #2.
All the tremors are spilling out the gruel though. Wish they'd keep it down.


"Seeing as he's holding his own against a dragon. Is that man a Special Job holder?"

"Yea. He's called 'Juurou', a real Lv95 monster of an old man."

"...I'll be off for a bit."

"Oy, weren't you listening? You really don't wanna get in there."

"I'm just gonna see his face real quick. Be back in a bit."


I've got to meet him if he's a skilled Special Job holder at that.
Gotta mark as many powerful people as I could.

Otherwise, there will be no way to deal with what's coming after this war.


...Damn you Demon King, sure came up with a real nasty plan.
I'm gonna turn it aaall over your head kekeke. Serves you right.


<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >




~~~~~~~Juurou's POV~~~~~~~~~~






"Ooraaa!!"

『Gwoaaaa!!』


Sparks fly every time my arms fashioned like blades and White Dragon claws clash, letting out shrill metallic sounds all around us.
Ow ouch, dang thing's a tough nut to crack. The title world's strongest dragon ain't just for show huh.

But that's good. It's the best.
Ain't nothing better than having a full blown fist fight!

I blew its claw away and went in during the slight opening. Punching the dragon hard on its side face!


"Take this!!"

『Ogoa...!? Y, you, blasted vermiiiiiiin!!』


The dragon's jaws went for my head. It's tryina chomp my head whole eh.
Niice, I like that merciless instinctual bloodlust. Ain't no humans can emanate that.


『Aaagwuuaaaa!!』

"Aaaaaggu!!"

『Gyaaaa!!?』


I twisted my head and dodged by a hair's breadth before taking a bite of the dragon's face, skin and meat whole.
Guy's got some real thick skin. But the taste's pretty good even raw, that's a high ranking dragon for ya.


"Yer' surprisingly tasty. Gimme more!"

『Utter drivel! I shall eat you alive myself!!』


The white dragon's bloodlust shot right up.
It's finally getting serious at killing me.

That's good.
No hold barrel pure bloodlust. Can never get enough of this tingling sensation.
This sensation that could only be transmitted through exchanging fists, I've gone through it countless times. No matter who they are, be it allies or enemies, be they intelligent enough to speak or not.
Fighting is the ultimate way to communicate with each other!



"Ah, excuse me for interrupting when you're so busy."


............


!?


In the flash I took to blink, a man suddenly stood between me and the dragon.
I almost lost my ability to think for a moment there.
At the same time, I got the heebie jeebies the moment I laid my eyes on him.

He looks nothing more than a rather unreliable looking mild-mannered black haired man.
But who gives a hoot about exteriors. My brain, the cells in my whole body are screaming me.

When did, he show up there.
And what the hell's up with this bizarre presence...!?


"Nice to meet you. Err, am I right to assume you're 'Juurou'-san?"

"O, ou?"

"My name is Kajikawa Hikaru. I'm here to extend my gratitude to you for saving my party member, Reina, from those dragons' jaws a few hours ago."


Besides the way he refers to himself, his speech is the epitome of politeness and his bow is the perfect form.
Eh, what the heck, he got between my fight just for this? Read the room dangit.


"Ah, sorry for getting in your fight. That's all I wanted to say. Please go ahead and continue."

"...You shoulda not come if you knew. But eh, I got ya loud and clear."


The mood went south cuz of some real unexpected intruder, but meh.
Gonna get back in the gear and fight.

....?


『Gwooooooo!!』


White Dragon soared up high in the sky.
Oy oy, it ain't gonna run away on me, ain't it.


『Guhahahaha! Fool, you left an opening! I shall blow you into smithereens!』


It started prepping up for a breath attack after stopping quite high up.
Tch, petty trick. I woulda taken it head-on without all that crap.
No, wait. Ain't shooting this way from there gonna drag everybody underground in the blast...?

Crap, that just don't sit right with me.
Maybe I should swat the breath away? No, not 'should', I will!

Come, at me---


"Oy."


A quiet yet firm cold voice entered my ears.

The voice came from the gentle looking black haired man who made a grabbing motion. That alone stopped the white dragon from moving.
It's struggling hard as if something is grabbing it by the neck.


『Gah...!? Ka, ka...!!』

"Yer' free to fight all you wanna even if I don't agree with it, but who died and gave you permission to shoot breath here. Don't drag those people below into your mess."

『Gaaa...!! W, what, did, you, do to me...!?』

"Who said you can speak. Shut up."

『Hii...!?』


He's looking up at the white dragon with cold eyes like it's trash.
It's such a drastic change I question if he's even the same mild mannered man from earlier.

...This guy is that, the same type as that world's strongest couple and the guild's grandmaster.
They act amiable normally, but their mood swing is so intense, the damage to their surroundings is unfathomable. The fact that the reason for that is usually reasonable makes it even worse.
...Fighting this guy's probably gonna be the fight of a lifetime, quite literally for me. But I guess I'm gonna stop myself from kindling that during this war.

Previous Chapter 

Next Chapter

619 Accept It

We arrived at our inn. It's fashioned like, a loghouse, I think? One silver coin and six copper coins for a night stay and two meals.

(Can't tell if that's cheap or pricey... but I guess this is reasonable for somewhere out in the bony like this? Or maybe a tad high?)

It's past noon now. The inn will offer meals for tonight and tomorrow morning. I haven't had lunch yet.

"Innlady-san, can we order a meal now?"

"Sure thing! You wanna the bellyfull or bellyless portions? Three copper coins for the full one, half that for the less."

Both Berume and I were famished so we took the full ones.
It was a set of steak, soup and salad. It's a seaweed soup for some reason.
Dunno what's the meat from. But it looks like poultry.
The salad got tomato-like thing with overall red color. As well as some sort of vegetables and dressing.

I've come to accept unknown food these days.
It's normal in this world. No need to fuss over it.
The salad was crunchy while the dressing tasted like mayonnaise.
The steak had a tender texture to it, spreading out meat juice with every bite.
The soup had a thin salty flavor.

"These are all so good... No, seriously."

"What? You? Yer' moved from something like this? I mean, I do admit it's good stuff yeah."

"My oh my? Taken fancy of our food, have you? That's so nice of you. Here, on the house."

The innlady got into a good mood seeing me eating in delight and gave me a cup of tea for free.

"Thank you. Ah, this must use good tea leaves. It's got this strong scent and tastes so fresh."

"You can tell? Couldn't help myself giving extra seeing how much you relished our food."

Apparently her husband is in charge of the food. The fresh tea filled my belly with comfort.

'Thank you for the food', after finishing my tea, I turned to Berume and threw a question.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
"So what's the plan. Should we depart tomorrow morning after a night rest?"

"Hm~? Well, yeah. Actually still got some work to do, but there ain't no point anymore. Nothing left to stress over now. I mean we took care of everything real early and all. Guess taking a nap in my room sounds good."

Berume's supposed work probably had to do with the preparations for the beast hunt.
I thought it'd be a waste having a siesta now so I decided to walk around the village. I informed Berume before leaving the inn.
Who knows I might find a 'good spot' near this village. The spot where I could live in seclusion.
I have given up. Partly. But that's no reason to not search.
My stroll around the village bore no fruit. I went back to our inn and had a nap.

The following day, I had a good night sleep despite my siesta and woke up before sunrise.
I groomed myself like usual. Would get cavities if I slacked off on brushing. Only to me and me alone in this world.
This divine blessing thing works on the weirdest thing.

(No wait, it actually does more but I still can't accept it...)

That doesn't really bother me so I gargled out my doubt and pulled myself together.

"We're departing. You done prepping?"

Berume knocked on the door just as I was about done.
I got out my room to greet her.

"I got our breakfast boxed up. We're leaving right away. Ah, put these in your bag."

Thus we left the village after saying our thanks to the innlady.

Previous Chapter 

Next Chapter

Balloon

You've got it wrong. It's a misunderstanding.
I had to wash away all the dangerous toxin sticking to my body, is all.

I was having a bath and taking a little breather after beating down all those big snakes when Menu suddenly warned me about Alma's imminent danger (Etc.)
I didn't think twice and went straight to pile bunking the whale charging at Alma only to realize I was buck naked. How'd it come to this.
Radia looked like he couldn't believe me, while Alma let out a silent scream while covering her face with her hands.


"Why would anyone take a bath in the middle of war...?"

"No well, you see here. My whole body got covered in toxic substance due to some circumstance so I had to wash it off. I got here in a hurry when I found out Alma was in a pinch. But that happened while I was taking a shower as you might've figured out."

"Just put some clothes on."


Yes, you're right... Gotta tidy up.
I wiped my body with a towel, dried myself with Mana Control converted hot air, and got Menu put clothes on me.


"Thanks for waiting."

"That was quick..."

"Alma, it's all good now, you can lift your face now... Alma?"

"...Sorry, give me, some time..."


Alma kept her hands on her face and wouldn't budge. I can tell her face is beet red under those fingers.
Well, guess that's gonna happen when you bear witness to an old man's body outta nowhere. I'd personally shrink back even harder.
...Oh boy, I must look like a pervert after that, oh maaan.


"Looks like it's gonna take a while. Let's give her some space for now."

"...I'm sorr..."

"But geez, here I thought you two were tight as a knot yet she got like this just from seeing yer naked. You two haven't actually gone far huh? ...Actually that was the shocking part to me."


What do you mean by that, Radia-kun. Heck, why'd she be alright seeing naked.
...Ah, aa, you mean that way huh... Would be nice if we could make a progress...



『CLUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!!』


Uwah, what the heck!
What was that super loud voice. Kinda sounded like a chicken's cluck, is there a giant chicken beast or something... here...!?

I turned around and saw mountain-sized whales, but that wasn't the surprising part.


No it's the scene where a super gigantic chicken trampling down on a whale while letting out a cry.


What is that.


...Err, the mana I sense from that chicken feels really familiar somehow.
Menu-san, let me check up its Stat for a bit.



Hiyoko

Magic Beast: ★Balloon Bird

Lv63

State: Uplifted - Agitated - Enlarged Body (Great) - Tame (Kajikawa Hikaru)

【Attributes】

ＨＰ：９４７３/９４７３
ＭＰ：８９７/１３５４
ＳＰ：３４５/１１５１

ＳＴＲ：５３１２
ＡＴＫ：５３１２
ＤＥＦ：４２８９
ＡＧＩ：５４２
ＩＮＴ：７５８
ＤＥＸ：３１４
ＰＥＲ：２７８４
ＲＥＳ：３９８７
ＬＵＫ：９７８


【Skills】
Magic Beast Lv 7 - Claw Arts Lv 10 - Sharp Claw Arts Lv 6 - Fang Arts Lv 10 - Piercing Fang Arts Lv3 - Martial Arts Lv 10 - Ultimate Martial Arts Lv7 - Kempo Lv 7 - Throwing Lv 4

【Master Skills】
Drain Claw
Eat Beak
Aura Trans

【Unique Skill】
Balloon Body

Equipment
Safety Necklace
Abnormal Status Resistant Enchanted

【Titles】
Superior Slayer
Fearless
Reckless
Foolhardy
Brave Preemptive Stopper of Final Catastrophe
Living on the Edge
Magic Beast Killer
Magic Beast Genocider
Demon Slayer
Skill Master
Inheritor
Ally of Humanity
Gourmand Magic Beast
Body of Balloon
1000 Wall Breaker
Beyond 2000
To the World of 3000
Crossing the Sea of 4000
At the Sky of 5000
Counting 6000 Stars
Going Up 7000 Stairs
Fastening 8000
Going Beyond 9000


<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >

Ah, it really is Hiyoko.
Oh boy, she sure has gotten real big the short time I missed her hahaha.

Hold up! This ain't right!
I can see that she evolved to a Unique Magic Beast after meeting some sort of conditions. That's good and all.

But, what's up with those crazy Attributes! Her STR shot up 4-5x, the heck!
And what's the deal with that size! That's way too big! She can never stay in the same inn with us now!

<<Hiyoko's current transformed volume as well as Attributes are due to the effects of a Unique Skill, 'Balloon Body'.>>

Eh, what that.


<<'Balloon Body' is a Skill that allows its user to freely enlarge and shrink their own mass and volume. Enlarging gives a large boost to ATK, DEF, RES, and PER while inversely decreasing AGI, INT, DEX. Shrinking works vice versa including the affected Attributes. The size limit increases by Level.>>


Err, so in short, Hiyoko can freely change her body size?
The bigger she becomes the stronger, and tougher she gets at the expense of slower and rougher mobility. Meanwhile smaller size penalizes her strength and defense while raising her maneuverability and speed.
...Umu, she's pretty much a one chicken army now.


『CLUUUUUUUUUUCK!!』

『Vagyaaaaaaaaaa!!?』


I mean, she just beat a mountain sized whale with mere punches and kicks.
She'll prove to be an incredible asset seeing how well she can go up against opponents that size.
Add Energy Control to the equation and she can get multiple times stronger... Huh wait, can't she beat Black Dragon too if she gives it a go?


『Vaaaaaaaaa!! .....Gaba....!!』

『CLUCLUCUCLUUUUUUUUUUUCK!!』


Ah, that's the last whale down. She's way too loud though.
In the end, Hiyoko took care of all the whales besides the one I took down. Well done.


『CLUUUUUUUUUUUCK!!!』

"Oy oy, that chicken's still raring to go!?"

"Hiyoko! It's all taken care of. Calm down!"

『CLUUCK! CLUUUUUUUCK!!』


I tried to soothe the still rampaging Hiyoko as she stomped the ground, to no avail.
Cool your jet chicken! Actually quit clucking so loud! My ears hurt!


"Save it against the demons if you still don't have enough! No point going wild here!"

『CLUUUUUUUCK!!』

"Kajikawa-san, it's not listening at all! Actually, it's charging this way!"

『CLUUUUUUUUUEAAAACK!!』


"...Cool off your head right this instant or become part of tonight's crab miso soup. Choose."


『Clu...!? ...Pssssss... Pi...』


The threatening word I quietly muttered was effective at turning Hiyoko back to chick size.
I knew she could heard us. I get you're in high tension from evolving but you gotta know when to lower your wings.


"Alright, good job. You did great, Hiyoko."

『Pipii.』

"...This man just stopped that rampaging chicken with nothing but word..."

"We've got so much whale meat to go around for everybody. All thanks to you, you can have any whale dishes you want later."

『Pi!』


Hiyoko chirped happily with a palm-sized body.
Just don't turn into a giant while you're on my shoulder okay. You're gonna crush me dead.


"Welp, now that Alma and Hiyoko are with me, guess it's time to join up with Reina."

"...Alma-neechan hasn't recovered yet."

"...Err, we'll be Fast Traveling to Reina's place, Alma. You good?"

"...Un."


Alma replied whisper quiet.
Was my bare body such a trauma to her. Kinda shocking.

...? Is it just me or is there blood coming out of her nose under those fingers? Eh, did the blood rush to her head? Is she alright?



Fast Traveling to Reina's place, we were greeted with people running all over the place like in an emergency room.
Apparently the people Reina saved with her Shadow Dive are taking care of the weakened town populace.


"Anyone here with Healing Potions?! This man really needs it!"

"Uu... My stomach... stomach..."

"Oy, get it together! What's wrong with your stomach!?"

"It's... Empty..."

"That's way too cliched!"


...The populace looks like they would make it out alright.
But there's some elderly and children in seriously bad conditions.

Ah, I see Anti-Demon Army's captain and vice captain here too.
The captain is holding one of the populace's hand while talking with them.


"Y, y, you're..."

"Hey, pops. It's me."

"J, Jan... What was it again...?"

"Uh, kinda wish you got that right..."

"Captain, please wipe your tears. Although I understand this reunion must be moving to you."

"No, I'm just down in the dump cause he forgot my name..."


...The situation is rather critical yet all the random skit-like interactions here and there kinda soften it.
Guess I'll go help those in need with Life Force Control and cook some nutritious meals for them.

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

618 That Time I Got Told Stuff I Didn't Need to Know

After tying our assailants up and before we started making our way back to the village we're staying at tonight, Berume grabbed one of the men by their collar and started interrogating.

"You guys want to live? Then speak. You were all sent here by the Holy State, ain't ya?"

I have absolutely no clue what she's on about. What even is this Holy State thing she spouted out of nowhere.

(I'm not a fan of these sudden flag raising events...)

I'd rather not know but there's nothing I can do now that I heard it.
That State is for sure gonna be my destination later. That's just how it goes with flags.
For what purpose? Or maybe it's just a whim? I'm heading there?
Dunno if that's still far or near in the future, but the fact that that country's name fell on my ears can't end up any other way.

"Guh! You... How much do you know?"

The pale faced man was in pain and grimaced further at this question.

"I'll let y'all off hook at least if you answer me. I've dug up some dirt 'bout y'all. You folk messed with one of our merchants once. Sniffed out some Holy State's secret service mixed in among Coliseum Committee."

"Bastard... How did you find out!? We made sure to erase our background..."

"Who cares about that now. I'm just gonna say that it's nothing impossible with some due diligence. And I just got my answer from your reaction. Your job was to gradually plant your people among the chief positions of the coliseum city, yeah?"

"...You don't need to hear from me if you've done your research! That's right! There's no end to interest toward that city! Every country is doing exactly the same, they've got people maneuvering on the undersides. Slowly and surely that is. In fact, I'd like to throw a question instead. How are they so united as one?!"
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
The man seems to have given up. He won't stop talking. He even started grumbling.
United as one. What does that even mean. I could tell that was the reason these guys couldn't finish their job at least.
I shouldn't bother, it's got nothing to do with me. In fact, of course it doesn't.
I only arrived at the city the other day. I don't know anything about the city's inner working.

"Got it. I'm gonna be hands off with y'all now. Be thankful you got off with your lives. Consider you've forfeited your life the moment I set my sight on you the next time you wanna have a go. Do your worst to stay far away from me. Go home and report back this matter."

She started the event on her own and ended it on her own. I'm not gonna comment on it.
Gonna keep my mouth shut. It's the secret to success in life. It's not without a fault though. Yep. You can't stop the other party from blabbering on their own.

"Ah, you're clueless 'bout it huh. I work in the dark side of things. Been through countless hell already. Was an orphan, y'see. Got picked up, trained and here I am. Shocking huh?"

It sure is but I'd prefer not to have that on my mind.
The fact that Selram is a merchant that has a strong influence on the dark side.
I couldn't see her as someone who'd dabble in illegal things just to go up in world.
My thought seemed to have shown on my face, Berume tried to correct me.

"We ain't done anything against the laws. Our business is purdy clean. Or what, did you think otherwise? Well then, ya gotta brush up your eyes. There are all sorts of dynamics on the underside of things. We don't do crime. Honest."

She explained with a serious yet humorous-sounding tone. It's just that she doesn't seem to care if I don't believe it either.
It must not be important to her.

We left for the village while ignoring the men's groans.
I decide not to bring them to the authority. Berume made the promise after all.
They'd protest, 'This isn't what we agreed on!' if I did.

(It was Berume who said that, so they'd have no right to protest whatever I did.)

It's just that doing all that takes a lot of work and time.
Knowing how much of a pain in the arse all that is, I got on board with Berume's idea.

Previous Chapter 

Next Chapter

This Pattern Again

Hero-kun told me not to come here until I took care of all those snakes, but I couldn't stay till when I found out about Reina's situation.
Well I offed them already and was in the middle of cutting them up and storing them in Item Screen when Menu warned me 'Reina is in danger' so I left some parts behind... I'll retrieve them later.

I was all bloody thanks to that which made Reina scream in terror like she was in a horror movie.
Her reaction is understandable, but I dunno man, I did come all the way here to save her after all.


"...Who, are you...!"

"Strong black hair, could you perhaps the hero? We lured in another big fish I see."


The two remaining demons muttered. Um no. Heck, present hero is a blondie.
Actually, these demons seem plenty strong, the one I just defeated included. Demon Chiefs? No wait, there should be only one Demon Chief on each continent.


"No matter. You shall perish here regardless!"

"Taste the power of True Demon!!"


The both of them doubled their Attributes. True Demon Release huh.
Hm, they're not Chiefs, just normal demons that match one I guess?
Most demons I came across so far were below Lv50. So stronger ones finally start popping up now huh.


Well, the higher their level the better. Experience wise, that is.


"Now, die   gopa!!?"

"Hahn? Oy, what's, wrong...!?"


One of the two demons' head popped up without me touching it.
I simply blew it up with Remote Mana Controlled pile bunker.

Fumu, their stats may be high but they can't seem to detect invisible mana like Oni-sensei and Alma parents.
It's like they're instinct isn't at all honed. Or more like, they lack practical experience?


"B, bastaaaard, what did you dooooooo!!?"


The last demon lunged at me with a face mixed with anger and terror.
I could've easily dodged that but I let his fist hit my face unimpeded.

Eh, why you ask? It won't work anyway. And anyway, punching me right now isn't gonna end up well.


"What what the hell are you! Why won't you die, that was a direct hit!? ...Wha, my hand, it's burning, it's, melting, u, ugaaaaaaa!!?"


The fist he used to hit me is melting down. Oh my, condolence.
That's what happens when you're smeared with the blood of a Jormungand capable of killing an ordinary human with a single drop.

I waved my hands like I'm trying to dry them, sprinkling the remaining toxic blood at the demon.


"Lookie here, papapa."

"Higyaaaaaaa!! Stop, stop iiiiiiiiiiiiiit!!"


The demon's body rotted and crumbled down with every drop of the toxic blood.
Can't believe I'm perfectly fine getting bathed in this stuff...
I feel bad tormenting the thing for too long, let's end this.

I cut off the writhing demon's neck with Mana Blade Rev, and that's that. Chop chop.


"Sheesh. Reina, are you hurt anywhere?"

"I'm fine. Thanks to you Kajikawa-san."

"All good then... Mind if I go away for a bit and get some much needed wash up? Can't let you get close to me like this."

"That's fine, but what have you been up to anyway, Kajikawa-san...?"

"Had to deal with some real chancy snakey magic beasts. Ah, make sure you don't touch the blood that was on me. You're gonna die."

"T-that's scary... Uh, how are you alright again then...?"


I'll leave liberating the confined people underground to Reina's deliberation. Oh, I wasn't trying to make a dad joke (Etc).
Hero-kun seems to be heading there too anyway, they should have enough hands.

I'll go wash up for now.
Can't do that in a bath house for risk of polluting it. Guess I'll make an impromptu one with Mana Control.
So yeah, time to Fast Travel away somewhere uninhabited.







~~~~~~~~Hyula's POV~~~~~~~~~







"Oh boy, it's demon demon demon as far as you can see. I love that I can go wild as much as I wanna, but it feels kinda lonesome without anybody you know around."

"Uh, that's always been your style isn't it. Going wild on your own. I'm gonna need two or three more lives I wanna fight alongside you again, no seriously."

"Ahaha, don't worry about it, I don't mind."

"It's all you, darn it!? Why'd you make it sound I'm the one dragging you down!?"


Getting stranded in a den full of demons is both bewildering and exhilarating.
I can go as hard as I can without hurting allies.
I thought I was being more careful since Ganan joined up, but I guess I'm still as bad as ever at working with someone else.


"We gotta find other folk asap. Bet they're getting ambushed left and right like us. We must regroup."

"Eh, I'm good on my own. You just gotta beat 'em up, easy."

"No normal guy can deal with dozens of demons on their own, you berserker. I'm worried about them, not you."

"Okay, okay... Hm? The heck is that."


I saw rows of people far away.
I used Clairvoyance thinking they were Anti-Demon Army forces, but something amiss.


"Those people all got deadfish eyes. Their complexions got no vigor either. They steps look just as lifeless."

"There's men and women of all ages, heading in the same direction... And the woman leading the way there, she's got this sinister aura around her, demon?"

"Must be. She's the only one grinning among those lethargic group of people."


Were they brainwashed? What's that demon up to anyway.
Well, it's probably something like sacrificial pawns she'd send against our forces or something.

Ah, upon a closer inspection, she's even got a female captain of the Anti-Demon Army in their ranks.
Gal got herself captive just like that. She got no backbone at all, geez.


...Tch, I don't like this crap.
It's gonna get ugly if she takes those people hostage.

That demon seems pretty skilled too, ambush likely won't work on her. Prolly even stronger than the Demon Chief that attacked Continent 5.
Might be a tad too much for me and Ganan.


...It ain't like me at all but our best move now is to keep our distance.


"! Oy, that's!"

"W, what?"


Turning where Ganan pointed his finger at, I caught sight of someone among the brainwashed people.
...Isn't that...!?


"The heck you doin' over there, Alan...!"

"Did he, fall victim to brainwashing too...?"



<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >




~~~~~~~~Alma's POV~~~~~~~







From the Resistance hideout, I picked 'The area where giant whales and a giant chicken are having a showdown' as my destination.
Resistance members tried to stop me but I just have a feeling that this chicken is Hiyoko.
In fact, I can't think of any other possibility. The mana I feel in the distance is Hiyoko's.

But, it's overwhelmingly powerful.
I wonder if she evolved. To a giant magic beast.
...I understand evolving to one in order to fight on equal ground against another giant magic beast, but it's gonna be quite a handicap in daily life.


I clashed with many demons on my way there.
Their levels weren't that high, but the sheer frequency makes it quite draining.


"Ah, I think those are whales way over there... How the heck are they so big."

"They really are... They must be over Level 80."


Radia who tagged along with me was dumbfounded as he gawked at the whales.
I see, normal sized Hiyoko would have a hard time defeating something that big.


And where's Hiyoko?



『CLUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!!!!』



"Yii!?"

"...!"


A roar so loud it created a ripple throughout the air.
My eardrums would have ruptured and knocked me out if I didn't immediately covered my ears. It was just that tremendous.

Was that a chicken's cluck? Which means....


!?


『Vavoaaaaaaa!!』


One of the whales started ramming this way.
Oh no, I have to stop it with 'Grand Blade'!


"Guuuuu...!!"

『Vaaaaaaaaaa!!』


The whale is just as tremendously heavy as it looks.
I managed to somehow stop its ramming attack with my gigantified Grand Blade, but this can't go on for long.
Radia is just as drained, he can't transfer mana to me.


『Vavuu!!!』

"Uaa...!!"


No, it's trying to brute force its way with 'Roaring Rush'.
Both of us will get trampled underfoot if this--


No, we'll be fine.

Because






"This pattern again... Cut the darned crap already y'all!!"



An explosion on the same level as the chicken's cluck earlier could be heard from the whale's head.
That's the sound of 'High Power Pile Bunker'...?


Ah, I knew he'd come.

He'd always come to protect me who couldn't even manage to defend myself.


"Hika...!"


I froze up before I could finish calling Hikaru's name when my eyes caught him.


"K-Kajikawa-san, why are you looking, like that...?"



Because Hikaru is standing there without even a single piece of cloth on him, baring it all like the day he was born.



"~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~!!!!"


An unintelligible scream escaped my mouth.
Louder and more high pitched than the cluck and the explosion earlier.


"...Ah, my bad. No, please don't take it wrong, I was taking a bath, absolutely not because I'm into flashing, no really please believe me, you've got it wrooooong!!"

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

617 Passed By

I walked up and slapped the cheek of a man as the group inched on Berume to gang up on her.
PAM, the sound of air getting clapped. That made for a nice sound, I thought to myself.
The slapped man ended disastrously. His neck bent unnaturally as he spun in the air before crashing down.

"Gotta be an instant death... But, I gave them a chance to run and they instead tried to take someone hostage. There's no reforming them, is there? Not when they don't have the will. It's fine, no?"

The sound must have been so melodious, the other men turned their attention back to me.
One of them lying on the ground, me standing.

"That's a no no. You're in for hell if you shift your focus here."

I'm talking about Berume of course. There's no way she'd overlook this chance. She went and stabbed a nearby man's neck with her knife.
Her carriage must be how assassins do their thing. Never staying still after striking. She's quickly backstapped away, never idling in one spot for long. Who is she really?

It's turned into a mayhem. Another man downed.
The sound of him collapsing drew several men's attention.
This is a group of amateurs. They've got way too many openings. Four of them died in no time. There's only six left. There's not even a shred of coordination anymore. The formation they made to surround us has already collapsed.
Their confusion might be unavoidable. Or not. They simply never thought of the worst case scenario. They lacked conviction and could only imagine themselves coming out on top.
How stupid. They knew my power. Or at least it should be a mystery to them. Despite that fact, they were convinced they would win through sheer number alone.

I walked up to another man who looked away again. I fetched the most pristine sword I had among the swords I put off selling.
I held it high and swung it down on the man's crown of head.
But he managed to block my strike. Barely by a hair's breadth, he put up his sword to stop mine.
But it's too late. Getting in a contest of power with me is a bad move.
Did he think I'm just your ordinary brat? After all that?
I gradually pushed his sword down. The man gradually got pushed back.
He's losing in power. He missed his chance to parry my attack. The only outcome left is for him to get pushed down or fall down with his back on the ground.
He should have dodged my attack. I didn't even swing that fast. I also didn't put much power into it which invited this man's misunderstanding.

But I was stopped by a slash from my side. His friend covered for him.
I'm not particularly fussed. Not even enough to click tongue. No irritation.

I saw the man going in for a slash, dodging it was simple.
No need to Accelerate. Berume had already made her next move.
She stabbed the man slashing me. She was so fast nobody other than me perceived her.
And of course she twisted her knife immediately after.

"Gguooooooooooooo!"
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
The man fell down and foamed at the mouth. The wound must have reached his organs. Just how good she is at quickly making grievous wounds anyway?
Frankly, I'm even scared of Berume now.

(Forgive me for taking you as a delinquent inwardly! For real! So please don't stab me!)

"Ah? You callin'?"

Berume asked at the most opportune timing, I almost believed she could read my mind.

"No, no not at all! I said nothing at all, okay?"

I was sweating a bit when the men decided to take the chance to turn tail and run away.
'Oh?' I thought but it's too late for that. They should have done that sooner. I don't plan on giving them mercy now.
They've long passed by the point of return.

"I won't kill them, but I guess I could drag them to the authority?"

I entered Acceleration, went after them and kicked their left or right shins, all of them, to stop them from running.

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

Told You Don't Come (Etc)

<<Aa, aa, test test, can you hear me?>>

<<Uwaa, what what? Eh, what was that voice? Who's there? ...Don't tell me, Kajikawa-san?>>

<<Oh yes. Looks like my Chat Feature got an update after I leveled up some. We can voice chat together now.>>

<<I thought my heart was gonna leap out hearing a voice outta nowhere... So, what's up?>>

<<Soz soz. Uh, just wondering how's it going over there. Is Reina safe?>>

<<Yeah. She got away while sheltering people inside her shadow along the way... No wait, she's up to something beneath the town?>>

<<Hmm, looks like she's rescuing the original populace of the town held underground.>>

<<Ah, you're right... Wait, all of those people are barely hanging by!? Their HP/MP/SP are decreasing as we speak too. What's going on...?>>

<<...They're being used as an energy source of the magic that jammed our teleportation. Killing those people while getting in our way, two birds with one stone, huh... I'mma leave no demon alive.>>

<<Agreed. Maybe I should help out down there once I'm done cleaning up these dragons.>>

<<Hm, should I head there too? I can transfer my life force to those people. Also, I want some dragon meat.>>

<<Yeah, that's gonna be a big help... Hold up, what are you doing right now?>>

<<Playing tag with a huge snake.>>

<<My Map shows there's a magic beast called 'Jormungand' close to you, you talking about that? ...What, isn't this thing way too big, heck, the zone around the thing is turning red indicating danger zone!?>>

<<Ah, that's cause this thing is spreading around super lethal toxin everywhere. Apparently even a single drop is an instant death to ordinary men.>>

<<You, stay, there! Get on to beating that thing stat and put it away in Item Screen or this continent isn't gonna last!>>

<<Eh, but I want some dragon meat.>>

<<Save that till you beat that thing dead dangit! Don't you dare bring it here! You're gonna get us all killed, Reina and the townspeople included!!>>

<<Aye aye, hero. Well, things should be fine there with you on the case, Neora-kun. Dragons net lotsa exp, don't listen to them if they surrender, kill 'em all.>>

<<Yeah, that's the plan. They looked real happy slaughtering both humans and demons. At least demons fought for their king.>>

<<I'll leave them to you. Share some dragon meat once it's all over will you. I'll even buy it off you.>>

<<Sure, just get me stuff I can't get here like cup ramen.>>

<<Alright, you got yourself a deal. Later then... Oy, quit running away already! Give it up already you snake bastard, I'mma make roast eel outta youuu!>>

<<...You gotta hang up, man. That threat's way to scary.>>







~~~~~~~~~Hero's POV~~~~~~~~~







Ah, that was a shock. Please stop voice chatting me without warning, Kajikawa-san.
Can't believe Chat function got this new feature after all this time. Dunno why does it even need an update when it's supposed to be a hidden feature.


『H, how dare a puny human wields such tremendous strength...!!』

『This gal must be the hero! I did not expect her to be a female.』

『W, wait! It's our loss, we surrender! At least let us live...!』


Wha? What's that dragon even saying? They were all, 'Nobody coming to save you', while slaughtering people, and now they're begging for mercy?
I see, I see. Hahahaha.


"I can't think up a single reason to hear you out. I'll leave none of you scum alive."

『Guh...! Y, you bastard! We surrendered! How could you call yourself hero!』

『Know it in your heart that we are the proud and noble dragon race!』

"You mean a race of stuffy lizards who went on a temper tantrum like children cause they got summoned uninvited? Just die already."

『Daaaaaaaaaamnnnnnn youuuuuuuu!!』


I reaped the neck of a lunging dragon with the combination of Short Sword Arts and Dimensional Blade.
You're the damned here. Crawl and beg forgiveness to the people you burned alive in the afterlife.

Well, they did make for some delicious exp. It's gonna prove useful for me.
Also this continent should have a food shortage due to the war, they'll make for some nice provisions.


Welp, done taking care of all the small fry. Guess I'll go beat their white dragon leader.
My Level went straight to 85 from defeating hundreds of dragons. Should get a few more with that white one.


"What's wrong? That all the strongest and noble dragon-sama amount to?"

『Gwu...! To think there was another mighty human asides from hero...!』


Ah, that white dragon got its arse handed down to it by a muscle bound man with lion-like hair.
He's strong. Lv95, he's on par with Instructors.
...Even I'm probably no match to him without Valorous Fusion.


『Inevitable, I shall show you my true power!!』

"Oh? Why didn'tcha used that earlier. Was about to end you, good think I didn't get hasty eh."

『To hell with youu!!』


The white dragon's body swelled up as it roared.
No wait, it's getting bigger as a whole? What the heck?

<<Ah that's got to be Dragon Skill, 'Arcane Dragonize'. It's a cheat skill that not only powers them up by twice, thrice their Attributes, it also lets them use Dragon Skills in parallel... Might be a tad too much for that lion-like man.>>

So, kinda like True Demon Release that white demon used?
Ah, it's strong alright. The dragon's key Attributes went over 10,000. Is that man's gonna be alright.


『Eat diiiirt!!』

"Ooh!? That's, some serious, firepower...!"


He blocked the incoming gigantified claw in between his knee and elbow.
He doesn't look discouraged at all even though the opponent is almost twice as powerful. Heck, guy seems like he's having the time of his life.
...I'd better not swoop in there, do I?


"Stay outta this, lil' lady! This one's my prey!"

『Fuhaha, fool! Your frail puny body cannot possibly measure up to my true power!』

"Yeah? Wanna have a bet?!"

『Diiiei!!』


...He's got it under control it seems.
They're even getting needlessly fired up, I'd better head down there and save the captive townspeople.



<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >


~~~~~~~~Reina's POV~~~~~~~~







"Uu..."

"Aa..."


Feeble groans could be heard in the dimly lit corridors.

Every single townspeople held captive underground was skin and bones.
As if they haven't had a meal in months, even looking at them is heart wrenching.


"...This is just, terrible."

"Those demons did it... They're using these people as fuel for the jamming magic...!"


I gritted my teeth without thinking as I looked at how awful their conditions were.
Even Kyoukuhalt-san put on an unusual grim look as he scanned the surroundings.


"Nobody has died yet, but it's only a matter of time if this goes on."

"We've got to feed them potions and meals quickly... But, before that!!"


I threw a shuriken at the corner of the room.
The thing that lurked there swiftly and easily dodged it.


"First, we gotta beat the pulp out of the culprit."

"...Oho, so you knew."

"Quit lurking around and show yourself up already."


Not like I'm one to talk though.
In fact, I don't know myself why am I acting out in the open like this.

The strength I sense from the black demon that showed itself up rivals that of the white demon we fought on Continent 5's capital.
Is this guy the Demon Chief on this continent...!?


"Fumu, I did receive a report about a shadow massacring our brethren above ground, but never would have I thought it was a young lass. I am struck with wonder."

"Okay. You look real strong, you Demon Chief of this continent or what?"

"Nay. I am but a common foot soldier. At least in this life, not my previous one."

"Wha? What are you going on about?"

"It is none of your concern. This is the end of the line for you."

"You're by yourself, I'm more than strong enough to beat you to death."

"Hou, confident are we."


I might have been too weak back then on Continent 5.
But I just know the me now is capable of defeating this demon here.


"How about this."

"Eh...?"


The demon unfolded some sort of object.
Is that, a Scroll? Just what is he...?


Wha, wait, eh...!?


"Did you catch the rat?"

"All that meticulous planning has borne fruit I see."

"Demon King's stratagem is ever so cunning and effective."


E, err, I didn't see this coming at all...
Three more demons on par with Black Demon came out of the Scroll.

...Oh no, I don't think I stand much chance against the lot of them.
I had everyone but Kyoukuhalt-san taking shelter at the edge of the town too so we don't have much manpower right now. Actually they probably wouldn't do any good being here anyway.


I should retreat for now and...


"Ah, you shall not contemplate fleeing. Do so and we shall exterminate every last human here."

"Wha...!"

"They pose little value as fuel now. The time is ripe to cull them all... Do your worst to stop us."


You scumbaaaag!
Going as far as taking hostages!? So childish!


"Look, hurry it up now."

"Uaa...!"


The demon was about to push a knife on one of the lying townspeople.
Just as I was about to rush there and stop him, one of the demons next to him shot magic my way.


Ah, crap, won't make it in time, to absorb with my dagger!



A head blew up, scattering the content everywhere.


"! ...?"


Not mine.
The head of the demon who was about to shoot me with magic.


"W, what!?"

"You cur, since when were you there...!?"


"It's y'all favorite little trick. What, aren't you all used to teleport, scumbags."


It's a familiar voice.
I can tell a sense of relief filling my chest.


"My bad Reina, got here late. That big snake took some time to kill."


I timidly turned at the voice.



Kajikawa-san smiled gently as he stood there, all bloodied up.



"Giniiyaaaaaaaaaa!!?"

"Eh, why'd you scream now of all time!? Ah, no, you got it wrong! This isn't my blood okay! All is fine!"

"That's even scarier!!"


He came to save me and all but the sight of him covered in blood in this dimly lit place is way too horror!
Rather than a big dang hero, he looks more like a new monster entering the scene...

Previous Chapter 

Next Chapter

616 Quiet Counteroffensive

Likely due to me leaving Berume's side, they grabbed and threatened her with a sword.

"Watch it if you want this woman alive!? Move the slightest bit suspicious and she's dead!"

This stumped me. Are they for real?

"Template... They couldn't even see me moving, and now they're demanding me not to move... Seriously? Are they all morons? Eh? Like for real?"

Looks like they won't back down until I'm dead no matter what.

"Got it... I'm putting my sword back in, you okay with that?"

I sheathed my katana and put it in magic bag. Then I raised my arms up.
This made them relax, they all started grinning.
Seems like they seriously believe I've given up because they've got a hostage.

Now then, the reason why I'm playing along with this charade is Berume.
She looks unfazed despite her predicament. Completely and utterly.
In fact, she almost looks like she pities the fools these men are. Fully composed.

"Ha! Going meek just cuz we took a woman hostage! Oy, beat him up to death!"

The moment the leader man flapped his gums, Berume made her move.
She was already holding a knife in a reverse grip out of nowhere.
None of our attackers noticed her as their attention was drawn to me. Berume herself wouldn't let them.
She was simply too swift and too adept at moving out of sight.

She aimed her knife at.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
"Ow!? Gueeeeeeee!? Howw! How come there's a knife on my tummyyyyyyy!"

Berume's knife got lodged deep in her captor's side belly.
There was zero hesitation in her motion. That's the least nasty thing she did too.
She then proceeded to twist the deeply stabbed knife in one swift motion. Gouging out the wound.

"Ogeeeeeeeee!"

Her movement was so fluent, you could tell she was trained at it.
Must be an art of self-defense. The type that goes for your target's certain death.
Kill or be killed. An unsparing form of self defense.
This world weighs lives lightly. Death can easily come at every corner unless you've equipped yourself with a defensive mechanism.
You cannot half arse things if you wish to come out alive.
There is no need for mercy to those who come for your life. I'm betting that's the word to go by during her training.
Berume swiftly pulled her knife and took some distance away from the man.
That wasn't the end of it. She delivered the finishing blow to the crouching man she'd wounded.
Aimed at the man's neck artery. Her knife ran through it before a sound of gushing blood could be heard.

The man stopped moving altogether. Absolutely no mercy. Berume had long backstepped away so she never got bathed in the blood.
There's no particular expression on her face. It's like she's looking at some insignificant insect. Stone cold.

"Uwoooooo!? The hell d'ya think yer' doing! You soooooow!"

The men finally realized what happened and started making a racket. Their lines of sight shifted from me to Berume.

"Oy oy, aren't you all here for me? Heck, recall all the crap you said to her, you think anyone's gonna take that lying down? You got a flower field for a brain or what?"

I'm sure to them women can only cower in terror.

(No delinquent's gonna take such a lame threat seriously.)

My impression of Berume is that of delinquent. Seeing how dauntless and composed she is even in this situation, I'm convinced.
And the way she carried herself. It's clear how strong she is from it. I could tell she was highly trained. The utter devoid of hesitation in the act of killing cinches it.
She's well experienced in the matter. Berume is strong enough to get out of this situation on her own, without any help from me.

While Berume got all their attention, I made my next move.

Previous Chapter 

Next Chapter

Condemn Me Not At the End

This chapter is from Radia's POV

『It's your fault! Your fault! All, you, youuuuuu!!』


Aniki (monster) lunged at me, baring his wolf-like fangs.
Screaming blaming me all the while.


『Aaaaaaaaaaaa!!!』

"Radia!"


Alma-neechan stopped his magic beast-like extended claws swung at me.
An intense explosion-like shockwave swept through the surrounding area the moment her sword and the claws clashed.


"Guuu...!"

『Get, outta my waaaaaaaaay!!』


He swung his arms around like a child throwing a tantrum in an attempt to send Alma-neechan flying.
It's obvious at a glance that his strength and speed have shot through the roof, incomparable to how he was before.

The remaining visage of his face is warped in anger. Looking at it almost makes be break down in tear.
Why, how come, it's so...


It's, my fault?


Is it because I cornered him so much Aniki turned into that...?


『Gill! Gammit! ...Why, why is it only me! I just wanted, to keep living!』


He kept shouting as he clashed with Alma-neechan.


『What's wrong with snatching cash from my own home!? I only wanted to cover my expenses! I was gonna pay it back, once I made it big one day!』

『And what's so bad about leaving my party without telling!? Everybody else got their brand new equipment. I felt like crap dragging them down with my crappy old stuff!』

『So I, joined the military for its huge pay, but then I got stranded and swarmed by demon, by myself, there was no other way, to survive even if I had, to sell out military, secrets...』


He recounted what he did while sobbing as if he was confessing out.


『I didn't wanna die! I don't want to die! Who would want to?! Of course everyone would think that! Is it wrong to cling on to life no matter what!? Or what, am I not allowed to keep living ooon!』

『...It's, over! I thought I could get off easy if I went back to the military with demon's intel! Ah, damn, dammiit!』

『The moment I saw Demon King, I knew it was 'over'! Nobody can win against, that! Humans are all gonna die off! Not a soul left!』

『No! I don't wanna die! I don't wanna die, do you even know the hopeless despair, creeping at the sheer terror, of certain death!? Y'all can die if got no clueeeee!!』

"!!"


He sent Alma-neechan flying with a large swing and went for me again.
Nee-chan managed to guard that so she wasn't hurt bad, but she'd need time to regain her balance.


"Radia, run! That person is, no longer, your brother!"

『Radiaaaaaa!! Die! Please! Die with meee!! I don't wanna be alone anymore...! Someone! Someone! Save meeeee!!』


No.

You're mistaken, Alma-neechan.


And you too, Aniki.


"...Aniki."

『Aaaaaa!! Dieeeeeaaaaa!!』


Aniki's claws are closing in on me.
My heart would be pierced in less than half a second.

I don't feel hatred in Aniki's eyes. Just a wish, to let me die, with him.



"I'm sorry, Aniki."



I used all of my energy with 'Energy Control' to fill my entire body with power if only for an instant.
I swatted the incoming claws and broke Aniki's wrist along with it.


『A, aaaa...?』


I drew the 'Dagger of Black Dragon King' Kajikawa-san gave me and swung it with all my might.


"Giyiigaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!"


I unconsciously shouted out loud. I did the unimaginable, I wouldn't be able to bear it if I didn't.
Aniki stood dumbfounded as he was cut in two from shoulder to waist down.

His body gradually slipped and fell down.



Cut.
I cut, Aniki, with these, hands of mine.



"U, u, gu, uuuuuuu...!"


My brain, my body is trembling.
Even though the hand I used to cut is burning hot, I can't stop the chill.
I feel like throwing up. No. The sensation on my hand sticks, it won't go away.


『Ra, diaa...!』


Aniki's looking up at me while growling using the remaining half of his torso.
...He, won't be long in this world.


"Sorry, I'm sorry, Aniki. I know how lonely it gets, to be by yourself. I know, the feeling of wanting to have a fun life. I also know, how desperate it is to cling on to dear life. I'm, just like you. I wanted to live on, even if it meant cutting down, my crying brother."

『A, gu, uu... Hey, Radia... What, should, I have done... Nobody, came, to save, me... Hahaha, well, guess that's my just dessert. I never, saved anybody after all.』

"No, you're mistaken, Aniki. You might have been a selfish bastard. But, your timings were just off by a tiny bit."

『What...?』

"Mom and dad had been setting things aside for the day you set out as an adventurer. Equipment, potions, all sorts of stuff that would help you out once you came of age. You never figured that out and took their savings on your own the very day before you came of age...!"

『W, what did you...』

"This adamantite knife I hid in my shoe is something I got from your former party members as an apology. 'Sorry for not getting you new stuff earlier', they said."

『Lies...!』

"It's not. As for that time you got left alone during Firie Kingdom's anti demon operation. They were mobilizing a rescue squad that would have made it in time to get you if only you held out for a little bit longer, they said..."

"Lies, it's all lieees...!! Like, I'd, believe all that...! You're telling, me, I've been, the moron, all along..."


Seeing my brother weeping like a child makes me hopelessly pity him.


"Yea, you're a moron. You're a big moron... Why, why didn't you bear it in, just for little bit more...!"

『...Higu...! Guuu...!』


Aniki sobbed while covering his eyes with his remaining hand.
I can tell he's feeling regret, nothing else but regret.


"There's no saving you now... But I can at least keep you company until the end..."

『Radi, a...』

"I won't blame you anymore. Just, rest, in peace."


His sobbing voice suddenly ceased, replaced with agonized breathing.
After a pause of several seconds, Aniki spoke.


『...Oy... Listen...』

"...What."


『The citadel, of this continent's demons, isn't above ground, it's under...』


"...Eh?"

『There's a, deserted, rockface, near the, town of, 『Harkaba』. One of, the rocks, there, is, an illusion, made of, magic. Pass through that, rock, and go under, then...』

"What, are you saying..."

『...See, ya... Snot-nosed... Ra... Di...』

"Aniki...? Oy, Aniki...!"





With that last mutter, Aniki's voice could no longer be heard.
He looked so at peace despite his transfiguration into a magic beast.




<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >


~~~~~~~~Alma's POV~~~~~~~~~







"Radia, are you okay...?"

"...Ah, sorry. I feel bad asking your help to bury someone like this."

"Un... I might have said that earlier, but this person is truly your brother in the end..."

"...Right. Thank you."


Radia wiped his teary eyes as he stabbed a dagger on the ground.
Looks like he's going to use the adamantite knife he was going to give to his older brother as a gravestone.


"He might have been the worst, but he was still my older brother... Looking back, I never even got a meal together with him."

"...I see."

"But we ain't got no time to waste no more. Dunno if it's the truth but we gotta tell everybody that message Aniki left behind."


I believe, it's true.
That was the one and only time I could sense brotherly love from his word.



"Ya done with the burial? We gotta get going to save other folks. Oh man, lost both my left arm and leg. Ouchie ouch, gonna be sore for a while..."


Leader came to fetch us hopping on one foot after getting his wounds bandaged.
He looks a bit pale likely from blood loss, but his life doesn't seem to be in danger.


"You're Resistance Leader, aren't you. Sure you're gonna be alright with those limbs?"

"Sure as hell I ain't, it super hurts! Argh, am I gonna keep hoppin' round like this forever now, tohoho..."

"My party leader, can probably fix you up."

"Eh, for real!? Your party leader's some sacred job bigwig or sumthin', missy?"

"He's not, but he can heal you. I'll try to ask him once he's here."

"Hm, can't say that filled me with confidence, but eh, I ain't got nothin' to lose... Not gonna get my hopes up tho'."


Despite losing an arm and a leg, he doesn't look too down. It does look like it's gonna be hard though.
...I suppose he can't show a weakness as the resistance leader.


"We've got contacts from our other hideouts. Let's hurry to reachable spots first. Make sure you don't get close to danger zones."

"Danger zones...?"

"Yeah, say there's a big skirmish going down between giant legged whales and a stupidly huge chicken at the highway to the east from here. Ain't no escaping that unscathed."


...Chicken? Wonder if it's Hiyoko.
But, 'stupidly huge'? Maybe not.


"Oh, and ya better off staying away from town of 'Jangu' a bit off from here. Lotsa dragons are flying above the town, which is in ruins now."

"We also got creepy reports about people getting dragged into shadows one after another. Just stay clear off that place till things calmed down."


Dragged into shadows... That's probably Reina.
She must be rescuing people into her shadows. I wonder if she's okay with that dragon thing.


"Apparently a man is marching through a nearby ranch with a swarm of magic beasts, overrunning all demons in their wake. Guy seemed to take control of magic beasts raised by demons."

"Damn, simultaneously whittling down enemy force while adding to his own, guy's dang good. Might be a good idea to join up with him."


I guess it's a tamer taming magic beasts raised by demons.
Could it be Ranaia Souma... Hope he got out okay.


"...Lastly you absolutely don't wanna get anywhere near the continent's center."

"Eh, what's wrong?"

"We've confirmed the sightings of three 'Apocalyptic Calamity'-class magic beasts there. 'Jormungand', 'Hydra', and 'Yamata no Orochi'."

"W, what the hell!? If those beasts run rampant all over the place, this continent won't..."

"No, uh, we've got an even weirder intel on that..."

"Eh?"

"Some nonsensical stuff about a flying black haired man beating, throwing down, biting off and getting swallowed only to tear through those beasts' stomach, then he proceeded to chase down the fleeing Jormungand with the look of an ogre..."

"...You sure our wireless magic comm devices weren't having a breakdown?"


That's Hikaru. Can't be anyone but him.
I was wondering what was keeping him. Looks like he's been going wild someplace else.
...Is this continent going to last, I wonder.

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