vol 6 ch 1

Prologue
That Memory
“―Dragon kin, you say?”
On the evening of a certain day. The modern
magician Yakagi Suimei heard the name of that
famous imaginary being from his father, Yakagi
Kazami's mouth.
―Dragon kin. In the modern world filled with
fictional novels, it was a name widely associated
with monsters that had bodies like reptiles that could
breathe poison or fire and had wings on their backs.
In the Orient, dragons were considered as a
symbol of virtue, while in the west, they were
devils―regarded as the incarnation of deceased
spirits filled with malignancy, they served as an 'evil'
that was exterminated by gods and angels.
The origin of the image of dragons came from the
origin of the reptilian body, the snake. In the Bible,
the snake was evil, and was the symbol of sin which
tempted Adam and Eve.
Back in ancient times, religions based on the Bible
and the indigenous religions of Ancient Egypt which
worshipped snakes came into conflict, and as a
result, the thought that snakes equal devils spread
throughout many western spheres. Because of this,
dragons were drawn as the enemies of humankind
since ancient times, and were treated as evil.
... The reason Suimei turned around the question
like that, was because suddenly the phrase 'Do you
know about dragon kin?' came flying at his ears
from his father out of nowhere. Naturally, Suimei's
knowledge was nowhere near as deep as his father's,
so all he could do was shake his head from atop the
sofa.
“Evidence of dragon kin has been left behind in
history books and literature, but their actual
existence is not recognized. And, among us
magicians, they are an existence that we conceal.”
“Conceal...?”
“Which means...”
As Suimei frowned at the indirect phrasing, as if to
lend him a hand, Kazami tapped the armrest on his
wheelchair with his finger.
“In reality, they exist, right?”
“Though it's already a story of the past.”
As expected, his father was gazing out the veranda
at the cloudy sky while he spoke. As Suimei waited
for the conversation to continue, suddenly, his father
shot a gaze towards him.
“Suimei, make some coffee.”
“Right in the middle of this talk?”
“I suddenly wanted some. It can't be helped. It's a
privilege of a parent to have their son make coffee
for them.”
“What kind of privilege is that...? Is it fine if it's
instant?”
“I don't mind. But...”
“Black, right? Got it.”
“Are you also having some?”
“After putting in milk and syrup.”
“Hurry up and get used to drinking it black.”
“One day.”
Suimei returned a small smile to his father's
expression which didn't change at all. His father's
expression was always like a stone bust, but it wasn't
like he had no emotions. He simply lost his ability to
show his emotions outwardly, just like now, he
would still talk frivolously in good humour. Though
the only ones who knew this were the ones close to
him.
“So, what was that about dragons? They're being
hidden in the world of magicians right?”
“That's right. They're hidden because it's better to
have fewer people who know about it after all.
However, that is no longer the case.”
After taking a sip of his coffee, Kazami continued
speaking.
“The Revelation of Light indicates that a dragon
will show up in Europe from an alternate plane. It's
a mystical calamity on a scale bigger than any in
history so far.”
The Revelation of Light was a vessel which
predicted phenomenon in the world used by the
Thousand Nights Association. It predicted everything
from trite small phenomena to gigantic apocalyptic
ones―Frankly speaking, it could be described as an
object that could predict the future. It's true nature
was a little different than that, but setting that aside.
“A scale bigger than any in history so far you
say...”
“It's a vague way of describing it huh. But because
of that, it is only a matter of time before it is known
to other magicians. At this point, keeping it hidden is
extremely inconsequential. Because the last
survivors of the dragon kin were wiped out thirty
years ago, dragons cannot be born in this world ever
again.”
“Then, why did the prediction that a dragon will
appear come up?”
“That's because of the phenomena of the
apocalypse. An unexpected outbreak of instability in
cause and effect at a location in Spain will end up as
a A-grade class source on a grand scale. From there,
a beast like figure will be born, the prediction was
that the beast will have a dragon's form.”
“A beast...”
A beast. Short for a beast of the apocalypse, it was
one of the phenomena of the apocalypse,
apparitions. Suimei was still not clear on all the
details, but when the end of the world was
determined, it was a phenomenon that appeared to
accelerate the apocalypse by annihilating all living
beings in the world, they were conceptual existences
which took the shape of 'monsters which attacked
the living.'
Most of these took on the form of a C-grade class
mix of a dog and a wolf. In the times when an
existence known as an A-grade class appeared, its
form would change and take on a shape which
people naturally held a deep fear towards. To the
people of Europe, this likely ended up being the
symbol of evil, a dragon.
“But if that gets out into the world.”
“There would be tremendous casualties in
Europe... No, it probably wouldn't just stop there.”
The largest scale in all of history, and if it had the
special characteristic of taking on the form of a
dragon, it would be impossible to defeat without a
superhuman at the level of a hero or saint. But right
now in the world, people like Saint George or Saint
Sylvester who were written about in the golden
legends were nowhere to be found. If they made a
blunder in dealing with it, it was possible the world
would end.
“Then, father too?”
“Yeah, exactly. I was called for the gathering too.
This time around, twenty magicians were chosen to
take part in the dragon subjugation. The elite few are
going to go defeat it.”
“Who's leading it?”
“The Thousand Nights Association. Just this time,
they can't entrust everything to everyone else. The
group is unified under the eldest daughter of the
Katoraia family, the representative of the Enforcers
of the Thousand Nights Association, Formelkress.
The one aiding her is her little sister, Zealkis.”
“The two strongest Enforcers in history, are
leading...?”
“On paper. In truth, the duty of leading all the
magicians on-site will be left to someone else.
Though the two girls will be extremely dependable in
the battle against the dragon...”
Kazami quietly trailed off at the end. The two
names he brought up were the Katoraia sisters who
were currently the symbols of power of the
Thousand Nights Association's Enforcement Agency.
The two of them used magic which manipulated
time, and they had strength that they could boast of
as being completely unequal in battle. But because
the two of them were still youths in their early
twenties, even if they were considered the leaders,
they would end up handing over command to the
more experienced magicians on site. For Suimei,
who was still lowly ranked as a philosopher, this
conversation was simply in another dimension.
“A dragon, and the tops of the Enforcement
Agency. It's quite the amazing story. I've been to
Europe quite a few times, but it still feels like such a
faraway conversation.”
“No, you can't talk about this like it's not your
problem.”
Confused at the meaning behind his father's
words, Suimei's understanding of them was delayed
for an instant.
“Ha? What do you mean by...”
“From the prediction, the Revelation of Light
revealed several possibilities. From the outbreak of a
dragon kin, Europe's destruction, the death of many
and the acceleration towards the apocalypse.
Naturally, because those are only possibilities, it is
also possible to alter them.”
After that roundabout way of talking, his father
spoke of the heart of the matter.
“And so, the final piece of guidance that the vessel
which predicts phenomena gave us, was you,
Suimei. That you definitely have to be brought
along.”
After speaking, Suimei looked at his father's sharp
gaze. And then, Suimei raised his voice as he yelled
in shock.
“M-ME!?”
“That's right. The actual reason for it didn't seem
to come up yet, but it likely means that your power
will become the key to fighting the dragon.”
Yakagi Kazami spoke of a serious matter with his
usual blunt expression. However, from his father's
manner of speaking, just a little, he was able to catch
a glimpse of the prideful emotions swelling up inside
him. His son's power was necessary as a vital piece.
He was happy about that, but as expected, Suimei
could still only hear this like a bolt from the blue.
“But father, I can't help but think that I'll be
completely useless in that kind of place. I'm a
magician whose rank is quite low right?”
“The bestowal of your proper magician's rank is
simply something that has been deferred. I've taught
you in a way where you have acquired at least that
much ability, you're also confident in your own
abilities right?”
“I can fight as a magician. Up until now I've
followed along with father's battles after all, and
you've also taught me about dealing with mystical
calamities. But, when it comes to fighting together
with such high ranking users, in any event, I'm still
anxious...”
Suimei's voice trailed off quietly at the end. In a
sense, it was only natural for him to feel strongly
pressured. Regardless of whether low ranked and
high ranked magicians were opposing or cooperating
with each other, there was a magic law called 'Rank
Disparity Extinction' which applied. A low ranked
magic would be shut down by a high ranked one, so
the magics used by a low ranked magician would
become extinct if they drew near to the domain of
the magic used by a high ranked magician.
By all rights, it wasn't something that occurred
unless there was a large disparity between them,
there were also certain conditions for it to come into
existence so it wasn't really something to be too
worried about, but because the magicians gathering
this time were who they were, the problem would
rise to the surface.
In this case, if the high ranking magicians took
heed not to use magic which would cause Rank
Disparity Extinction to occur, their annoyances
would only increase by one. It was the important
stage of subjugating a dragon. On the battlefield
where high ranking magicians needed to freely use
all their skills, they shouldn't have any leeway to
take care of a low ranking magician. It would be a
different matter in the case of support or bestowal
magic where one did not need to worry about Rank
Disparity Extinction, but Suimei did not think the
support and bestowal magics he could use would be
of any use to the high ranking magicians in the first
place.
In that case, he just couldn't nod back if he was
asked whether he would be of any help. Kazami then
shut his eyes.
“The reason you are seized with anxiety right now,
could also be because my way of raising you was
poor. Kiyoshiro told me that he found faults
regarding that too.”
“... What do you mean?”
“Frankly speaking, it means I've been overly strict.
Unless it was something fairly extreme, I've never
praised you right?”
“Uh... Umm, well, you certainly haven't...”
While Kazami taught Suimei magic, even when
Suimei showed skillful manipulation of magic,
Kazami did not offer him much in terms of praise.
That was certainly true. However, Suimei thought
that it was something that couldn't be helped and
put up with it precisely because he knew his father
was of the disposition where he did not talk much.
He didn't understand why that meant it was a poor
way of raising him. He didn't see the point of the
roundabout way his father was speaking.
“... Suimei. You can use large scale magic right?”
“Eh...? Yes, of course. It was father who said that
for one who names himself a modern magician, it
was essential to be able to use at least one. But
taking into account the chanting speed, it would be
rather difficult to use in actual battles, but...”
Because of the tests his father imposed on him, a
little while ago, he worked out a few that could be
used in actual combat. Because he followed along
with the intense battles that were entrusted to his
father more often recently, he chose to develop those
magics, but to use them in actual combat, his
powers were still insufficient.
“In the fight in Spain, the number of magicians
who have the ability to use large scale magic
independently without using a major ritual,
including you and me, would only be about five
people at most.”
“So for the battle this time, other than those two
from the Enforcement Agency, there aren't that
many strong magicians coming? In spite of a
monster springing forth which could bring a great
calamity to Europe?”
“Aah, no, that's not what I meant, but... Fumu, to
think that my inadequacies would come out after
coming all this way.”
His father's figure with his eyes closed deep in
though, as well as the words he spoke, were all
nothing but mysterious to Suimei.
... However, for Kazami, he understood that the
way Suimei was unable to guess his intent, was also
because of his own inadequacies.
Currently, even compared to the other high
ranking magicians, Suimei held sufficient combat
prowess to take part in the battle against the dragon.
However, Kazami hated the idea of Suimei becoming
a magician filled with self-conceit, and imposed
nothing but difficult problems upon him as his
magic teacher.
Kazami never properly informed him that the
magicians around him, including Kazami himself,
were all magicians with unusual levels of skill. He
thought it would be bad for Suimei to live a life that
was soaked in nothing but magic, and wanted him
to focus on life as a normal person without any
relation to magic―originally, being a magician was
supposed to be an extra way of living for him, but it
could be said that that way of raising him led to
Suimei's misunderstandings.
He was a son Kazami could be proud of no matter
where he was. Even the other magic organization
would gladly welcome his skill and talent. However,
the negative effect of teaching him as much as he
could, was the birth of 'a timid magician who did not
correctly understand his own strength.'
It could be said that he destroyed that magician's
greatest enemy known as 'self-conceit.' But, to
compensate for that, his prudence was turned
around against him, and just what kind of enemy
that would turn in to was an issue for Suimei to
resolve on his own from here on out. But, right
now―
“You'll understand the reason if you go. Of course,
don't lose your focus. This battle will likely be the
most relentless battle you will ever face from here on
out after all.”
“... Yes.”
Suimei nodded back to Kazami, and after they
finished drinking, he stood up and brought their cups
to the sink. While staring at the water flowing out of
the faucet, he noticed a sense of discomfort towards
the unreasonable flow of events.
“A dragon, huh...”
He could feel an ominous feeling on the back of his
neck like it was being scorched. That strange red hot
sensation was just pulsing as it attacked him. From
what his father said, this was because of a power his
mother had. Though Suimei had no way of knowing
what it implied at the time.
... And so, it could be said that the magician
Yakagi Suimei's battle, started on this day.
Chapter 1
The Dragonnewt in the Moonlight
The complete stillness of the black tree forest
prevented any from trespassing. But along with the
sounds of a thundering blaze and conflicting air
currents, the forest had fallen into an incandescence
so bright it could burn one's eyes.
Right after Suimei and Hatsumi defeated the
demon general Vuishta, the dragonnewt Eanru
suddenly appeared and fired off a dragon's roar. And
because of that, the trees of the forest were burned to
ash, and all that was left was smouldering fires and
embers, a complete ruin where one could no longer
tell what was there before. Looking up at the
heavens, the colour of the blaze threatening the
evening looked like red waves under the darkness.
Everything present except for Suimei and Hatsumi
was blown away by the power of the dragon's roar.
The ruins of the hero summoning ritual that Suimei
had been looking for vanished without a trace.
Both of their gazes were lined up on Eanru above
the flames. His body could be described as a young
man who seemed to be an intellectual. He was
slender and elegant. Coupled together with his long
green hair which did not flow along his back, he
could easily be mistaken for an aristocrat who had
nothing to do with battle. However, in truth, he held
enough strength to blow away multiple demons with
a single hand and his feet were firmly planted into
the ground like the roots of a large tree.
The fighting spirit held within his body also did not
match his appearance at all. His scientifically
inexplicable pressure was conquering all in their
surroundings. Hatsumi had her blade aimed at his
eyes as the dancing flames damaged her golden hair.
Without loosening the tension born of her vigilance,
she sharpened her green eyes like a blade, and
questioned Eanru.
“You'll have me, come with you...?”
“That's right. I cannot reveal the reason yet, but I
need your power.”
“I believe the power of a little girl like myself
obviously does not amount to much though?”
“If it was only your power. However, you have
another power within you other than just the power
held by your own body. Am I wrong?”
The implications behind his words were likely
pointing towards Hatsumi's powers as a hero.
However, just what did he need the hero's power
for...?
“But, from how things went just now, it doesn't
look like you want it because you want to defeat the
demons right?”
“Naturally. Those guys are completely secondary.
If things are carried out well, they are fated to
disappear partway through anyways.”
Eanru spoke fearlessly, and it seemed his goal was
different from the reason the hero was summoned to
this world for in the first place. However...
“Frankly speaking, you're too suspicious. What's
with the 'I'll have you come with me?' Regardless of
my consent?”
“Because to us, it is necessary.”
“Don't you think it's normal to build up trust
beforehand?”
“I never had any delusions of sweet talking you so
that you would come with me after you believed me.
At any rate, I have no intention of treating you
politely. I don't care what you think about it.”
“What do you mean? What do you intend on
making me do?”
“I said that I cannot reveal the reason... But, it's
nothing much, it simply means you'll be used by us.”
“Treating people like they're objects...”
Listening to Eanru's manner of speaking,
Hatsumi's face visibly distorted as she took offence to
his words. People who wouldn't get mad at being
told they were just going to be used generally didn't
exist. On the other hand, Suimei, who was
protecting Hatsumi behind him slightly to the side,
looked directly at Eanru with a piercing red gaze,
and cut into their conversation.
“Aren't those shady parts something you don't talk
about and try to trick us about? Isn't it the
established tactic to use sweeter words to invite her if
you want her to come along?”
“You certainly have a point. But, the fact of the
matter is that we will use the hero. I have no
intention of fooling you.”
“Mu...?”
Despite being unable to reveal the reasons for his
suspicious request, he was still completely open
about this point. Suimei wrinkled his brow at that
somewhat mismatched interaction with Eanru.
“Though before that, first is, this.”
As Eanru spoke, he turned towards Suimei as if the
hero was a completely secondary objective.
“Man in black. I would like to hear your name.”
“Mine?”
“That's right. The name of the one who splendidly
defended against my howl. I must ask this of you
without fail.”
Eanru spoke while his unwavering eyes shined like
emeralds as they looked right at Suimei.
“Is that, something that you have to hear
beforehand no matter what?”
“Isn't it obvious? Desiring the name of another is a
courtesy reserved for the strong. Could it be you
intend on giving me a boring answer like you have
no name worth giving?”
Implying that such a reply would be a complete
disappointment, he was wrapped up in a bottomless
well of fighting spirit. However, showing courtesy
beforehand was something that lined up with the
etiquette of magicians as well. Suimei had no reason
to refuse, so conforming with that etiquette, he
began speaking.
“A magician affiliated to the Society, Yakagi
Suimei... To line it up better for you guys, would it be
better to say it as Suimei Yakagi?
As Suimei spoke, for some reason, Eanru's
eyebrow twitched as it jumped up.
“You said Suimei Yakagi?”
“That's right?”
Suimei was wondering what was wrong with his
name. While he was baffled by Eanru's reaction, the
power overflowing from Eanru's body was suddenly
dispelled.
“I see. So the one who did in Romeon was you...”
“Ah?”
“No, I just thought that I owed you both my
gratitude and an apology. To do so while postured
for battle would be inappropriate.”
There wasn't an ounce of his fighting spirit left as
Eanru spoke. But setting that aside, what held
Suimei's curiosity more strongly was―
“What do you mean? I may just be hearing you
wrong, but did you just say Romeon?”
“That's right. The elf Romeon. The man who
served as a librarian in the Imperial University's
Library. It is exactly who you are thinking of.”
Eanru confirmed Suimei's bewildered suspicions.
On the other hand, Hatsumi, who knew nothing of
what they were talking about, was completely
treated like an outsider. However, Suimei was the
same in that he didn't know what Eanru was trying
to say.
“Gratitude and an apology, about that guy?”
“The incident that Romeon brought about in the
Empire, I heard you were the one to bring an end to
it. For bringing about a clear end to the depravity of
a fellow member of the organization I belong to, I
must offer you our gratitude as a representative.”
And then, with a light bow of the head which
could even be considered a nod...
“―We are in your debt.”
“... In other words, that guy is one of your
companions?”
“That's right. He is a comrade who aimed for the
same ideal as us. Or at least, he was.”
His feelings of camaraderie towards Romeon were
already a thing of the past. Hearing of Romeon,
Suimei's distrust towards Eanru only grew stronger,
but having said that, he knew that before Romeon
touched upon darkness, he held honest desires.
However...
“I don't really get it, but if you're going to
apologize, then you should have at least properly
gripped his leash that much tighter. No matter how
you put it, that guy couldn't be saved you know?”
“You're precisely right, I can't say anything in our
defence. That guy's will―No, our inability to see
through the fact that he had been taken in by the
darkness, is all because of our oversight.”
“From the way you're talking, you're saying that
uproar wasn't your real intent, was it?”
“By and large it is exactly as you say. Though
naturally I'm not talking about the uproar that
happened in the Empire, but about the harm that
came upon that young girl.”
In other words, the uproar in the Empire was
something he, no, from the way he spoke, it would
by 'they,' had something to profit off of. So during
that incident, that meant the damage done to
everyone except for Liliana and Rogue was―
“I seem to have spoken too much.”
“I wouldn't mind if you spoke even more though.”
“I'll have to refrain from doing so. Your intuition
is too sharp, even when you are panicking, you are
still shrewd.”
Eanru spoke as he revealed a sharp gaze within his
eyes. As expected, this man had completely seen
through Suimei's timid attitude. And then, Eanru's
eyes suddenly shook with sorrow, as he sighed about
something regrettable.
“Romeon was someone we were originally
supposed to dispose of ourselves. However, before we
could make our move, you ended up defeating him.
We cannot even pay you back.”
The words he tacked on at the end, after all this
time, only sounded like an excuse, and he sighed...
His voice sounded like he was ashamed of his own
failures and self-deprecating himself. However, there
was something Suimei was more curious about.
“I get what you're saying about Romeon's case.
But, how do you know that I defeated that guy?
There shouldn't have been anybody present
observing us at the library that time right?”
“Let's just say that our ability to gather
information is just that good.”
They were bold words. But, just as he said, there
was likely no mistaking the strength of their
intelligence network. There wasn't much evidence
that Suimei was there. Having heard all that he had
to, Suimei lightly shrugged his shoulders as he spoke
once more.
“Hey, if you're that thankful for it, could you
maybe just step aside?”
“I refuse. There's my goal in bringing along the
hero, but above all else, I have an interest in you. In
that power you hold which overwhelmed Romeon
after he fell into darkness.”
“... Tch! Give me a break, seriously.”
As expected, Eanru pointed a ferocious gaze and
smile towards Suimei like a carnivore who had
found their prey. Exactly like Graziella, or even more
so than her, he was the type who found enjoyment
from battle. A dragon kin, and a battle maniac. To
Suimei, it was the type of person he did not want to
deal with the most right behind lunatics. Seeing
Suimei's harsh grimace like he was chewing on
something sour, Eanru suddenly narrowed his eyes
like he found it curious.
“I don't really understand, but why are you so
frightened? If you hold that much power, then
there's no need to show that much cowardice right?
How strange.”
“Mind your own business. I've got my own
circumstances to deal with.”
“Is that how it is...? Well fine, it's about time to
begin, but how will you come at me? I don't mind if
you both come at once you know?”
“So a fight's just predetermined?”
“From what we have been talking about, it's more
than obvious that the young hero has no intent of
quietly coming along with me. In that case, is it not
evident that I must now take her along by force?”
“...”
“There's no need to make such a grim face. If you
don't like it, then all you have to do is win against
me. It's a simple matter.”
Eanru gave a clear and simple answer towards
Suimei's scowling. And then, he once more fearlessly
wrapped his body in fighting spirit.
★
―Even though the conversation was fixed on her,
in truth, the conversation had completely cast her
aside and continued on.
In this unreasonable situation, Kuchiba Hatsumi
held on to her anger and many anxieties as she
pointed the tip of her blade at the newly arrived
enemy.
That enemy was a young man named Eanru who
was a dragonnewt. He plainly told her to come with
him, but wouldn't speak of the reason, and the
conversation had devolved into a battle.
On the other hand, bearing the full brunt of the
fighting spirit that man was letting out, Yakagi had
a cold sweat coming down his brow just as when
Eanru first showed up. The face he was making was
as if he had just met someone he definitely did not
want to meet. There was no fear showing on the
surface, but unlike the time he faced off against the
demon general Vuishta, she could see fear
dominating his heart.
Even now, Yakagi's index and middle fingers were
restlessly and rubbing against each other while he
fixedly kept his gaze on Eanru without faltering for a
moment. Hatsumi then called out to him from
behind.
“Yakagi. I'll take the front.”
If they couldn't avoid the battle, then their strategy
should remain the same as last time. She would
leave the support from the rear to him, while she
would take the position of vanguard. It was a
strategy which was obvious for a mage and a
swordsman. However, Yakagi fired out a strict voice
without even turning around.
“No. Step back. Just this time, you can't.”
“What are you saying? Isn't it better to fight
together? Aren't you making that kind of expression
because he's a bad opponent?”
“...”
“Hey!”
“... Yeah, that's right. He's a bad opponent. He's to
the point where he's bringing back up the absolute
worst trauma for me.”
After taking out her irritation on him, she realized
something from Yakagi's trembling voice. Right
now, the reason he was rubbing his fingers together,
was not because he was unable to calm down, but
because he was trembling in fear.
“... Are you that scared?”
“I'm scared. Cause at that time too, the opponent
was a dragon kin.”
“Is that, when Yakagi's father?”
“That's right. At that time we won, so I thought I
wouldn't have to overcome this again, but I was
naive. Thinking that I'm going to lose something
once more, I can't stop shaking.”
The reason he was sweating and shaking in fear,
was not just because he was standing in front of
someone strong. He held a deep seated fear of what
could be waiting before the defeat itself, for what the
defeated have to give up, and for having to face that
once more. Since he feared defeat like that, all the
more, it made sense for them to fight together. And
as Hatsumi was silently conveying that thought to
him...
“No, it's fine. Leave this one to me. This guy is
different from that demon. He's a being on a
different dimension. If you still had your memories it
would be one thing, but for you who cannot pull out
all of the Kuchiba's techniques and dharani and all of
your experiences up to this point from the depths of
your mind, this guy will be far too much for you to
handle.”
“But even so.”
“I've only fought against those demons earlier, but
you've been fighting constantly haven't you? After
going to the fortress to relieve them, you should have
been fighting non-stop ever since. Even if you think
you're fine, your concentration will be worn out.”
“That's not.”
True, and in the middle of trying to say that,
Yakagi then cut her off.
“That's my line. In reality, right now, how long
has it been since you've taken your eyes off him?”
As he said this, she suddenly realized. Just as
Yakagi had said, she had been completely focused on
their conversation. If at that time, Eanru made his
move, her reaction would be late, and she would fall
victim to the first blow. The fact that she was not
properly vigilant was proof that her concentration
had been worn down. Realizing her own
carelessness, she swallowed her saliva hard. Without
saying anything more, Yakagi stepped forward. As if
protecting her from the unbeatable opponent in front
of them, his back spread out in front of her eyes.
She had more to say, but the words wouldn't come
out of her mouth. As she tried to let out her voice,
she unconsciously kept her mouth shut tight. The
reason her words were stolen from her, was because
of that back.
That wide back like he was obstructing her from
the fight, overlapped with something she saw in her
dreams multiple times. Though the back she saw in
her dreams was much, much smaller. But even so,
the back in her dreams looked far larger than it
actually was. Perhaps, to her eyes, that back just
appeared to be that much more reliable.
“Ah―”
At that time. In that dream. It was same as that
past that she would recall in her sleep. It hadn't
changed. That figure which put itself forward to
protect her from an incoming threat. The profile of
the young man's face who she held earnest
aspirations for. That gentle expression and kind smile
which told her not to worry. Standing up against the
stray dog before them, it was a tiny but priceless
courage. Therefore, that thought came back to her.
―I hated being the one who was always protected,
isn't that why I became stronger?
“U, guu...”
At the sudden pain in her head, her knees folded.
After a thunderous noise reverberated in her mind
for an instant, the next thing she heard was the
sound of her knee striking the ground. Perhaps the
sudden recurrence of a memory put a heavy burden
on her mind. However, that question which caused
that electric shock like pain, immediately vanished
somewhere. And then, she could hear Yakagi's voice.
“Hatsumi? What's wrong? Are you alright?”
“U-uun. It's nothing.”
“Then step back... I'm begging you.”
The voice that quietly pleaded this of her, was
certainly heavy. That was not from its persuasive
power, but because she realized that it was a petition
from his heart, so she no longer had any will to cling
on. Silently nodding back to him, Hatsumi took her
distance. While she was doing so, he showed slight
signs of relief. After she got a fair distance away,
Yakagi fired off provocative words towards Eanru.
“You sure waited for us politely.”
“It wouldn't be interesting to make a surprise
attack for this long awaited fight right? To properly
enjoy a fight, it's only proper that it begins fairly.”
“It's a world I don't get. Despite having a mission,
you're just completely neglecting it.”
“No matter what battle a warrior faces, isn't a
battle something that must be carried out in one's
own style? No matter what price needs to be paid to
do so. Is it different for you?”
As Eanru spoke with dignity, as expected, Yakagi
replied in a provocative tone.
“A magician's fight is one where we attack the
enemy when they're unguarded. Testing each other
out is one thing, but in a fight to the death there ain't
such a thing as fair and square.”
“So attacking the enemy unguarded is your style
huh. Certainly that is similar to those mages who are
unable to fight head on. However, is that something
you should reveal beforehand?”
“That's for you to think about. Do your best to
suspect anything and everything.”
As Yakagi's expression went from showing fear
towards the impending crisis to bearing his fangs,
the surroundings began to shake unnaturally.
Perhaps as evidence of the extreme instability of the
physical laws in that place, the area around him
crackled as blue flashes of lightning like electric
currents flickered. Due to the change in the
electromagnetic field, debris and soot floated into the
air and vanished as they were used a medium for the
lightning to pass through. Everything began to
shake. As Hatsumi put her hands to the floor, she
could feel her body contracting as if enduring a
severe earthquake. And Yakagi Suimei quietly
opened his mouth at the centre of that mysterious
phenomenon.
“―Archiatius Overload.” (Mana Furnace, Load
Activation)
Without being drowned out by the thunderous
shaking, a chant with a mysterious echo to it rang in
the air. And immediately after that, mana and the
ether wind born of it explosively fired out of Yakagi's
body, and a powerful shockwave broke out as if an
actual explosion had just occurred, blowing anything
and everything away.
Hatsumi stabbed the tip of her sword in the
ground, and used it to support herself as she endured
the blast, and from her thinly opened eyes, she could
see Yakagi leap into the sky. Perhaps because he was
using magic which allowed him to fly in the sky, he
seemed to be able to freely control his movements in
mid-air, and after taking a trajectory like he was
flapping his imaginary wings in the wind a few
times, from what she could see, he came to a stop.
Seeing this, Eanru raised his voice in admiration.
The reason he had a smile on his face was likely
because he thought it was an interesting technique.
Even after having air superiority taken from him, he
still seemed to have plenty of composure. In regular
circumstances, this would put him at a considerable
disadvantage, but just as Yakagi had said, because
he was an enemy in another dimension, her
common sense did not likely apply.
“That is some excellent mana. The last time my
heart throbbed so much would be back with the
'Man-Eating Evil.'”
After Eanru spoke with a faint smile on his face, as
if the two had arranged to do so beforehand, they
each fired out their words.
“Here I come.”
“Now come―”
As Eanru and Yakagi's voices overlapped, the
curtain of the battle was raised.
―However, the first thing that Hatsumi saw, were
Yakagi's movements completely beyond her
expectations. From what she had seen before, the
way a mage fought was to constantly keep their
enemy at a safe distance and fire out magic from
long range. That way was safe, and made fighting
easier.
But right now, Yakagi's way of fighting did not
follow that trend. After flying into the sky, it would
have been fine to just fire off magic from a place that
Eanru could not reach. But in spite of that, he began
to fly around Eanru's vicinity without firing any
magic. He was throwing away his own advantage.
Despite having more combat experience than her,
she couldn't understand the reason that he would
dare to do so.
Just as she thought that man was just flying
around the sky as he zipped about, once in a while
he would land as he crouched down, and would once
more leap into the air and repeat his actions. When
he changed course in the air, he fluttered in the air
softly with a very small break in movement. And for
some reason, he seemed like he was moving in a
way as if to bewilder his opponent.
On the other hand, Eanru, who was facing those
movements as an enemy, was conducting himself
skillfully. To him, an attack could come from any
direction in an entire hemisphere. He had to be wary
of the possibility that an attack could come from
every single direction that could come to mind.
However, whenever Yakagi entered his blind spots,
he immediately coped with it, and evaded. On top of
that, the low powered magic Yakagi had been firing
off to keep him in restraint seemed to have no effect,
and even when he took it head on he would just
make a nonchalant expression.
And then, there was his attacks. Matching up with
Yakagi who was firing short ranged magic and
drawing nearer, he would leap in aiming for the
moment Yakagi landed. He moved with the
sharpness of a bird of prey rushing in on its target.
Just like a green thunderclap, he came in from
above, and fell downwards. Right before reaching
Yakagi, he would regain his form as a person, and
attack. It was as if he was a god of thunder. This
intersection repeated many times, when finally, the
thunderclap caught Yakagi's figure.
“Tch―”
As Yakagi clicked his tongue, he snapped his
fingers. The air in front of the approaching
thunderclap exploded, but the thunderclap passed
through it with no resistance at all, and caught him.
Before Eanru's far too speedy fierce attack, Yakagi
did not seem to have time to spin any words
together. Without being able to put up his defensive
magic, Eanru's open palm attack swooped down on
him.
And just as expected, it's destructive power was
tremendous. That Yakagi, as if he was a pinball
struck by a plunger, was sent flying all the way to
the trees that the dragon's roar did not reach.
... Watching that spectacle, Hastumi held her
breath, and the sound of her swallowing could be
easily heard. If he didn't land properly, it would be
fatal. However, it did not seem that was all there was
to Eanru's attack. The moment Yakagi crashed into
the trees and the ground, the black wood trees,
plants, and even the ground itself turned to pulp and
were smashed to pieces.
“You're kidding...”
Hatsumi could not believe the scene happening
before her eyes. Just how could that reliable man be
defeated so easily? Obstinately refusing to fall into
despair, she strongly gazed in the direction he was
blown away, but even after the cloud of dust
dispersed, there was nothing there but the vestiges of
destruction―
“Yakagi!!”
“... Don't scream like that. I'm alive.”
“Eh―?”
As she let out a scream like she thought he had
been completely done in, she could hear a voice
coming from another place. As she turned towards
that voice, standing there while holding down his
stomach and leaning forwards a bit, was Yakagi. He
seemed to be healing his wound with magic. While
sweat was pouring down his brow, a pale green light
was coming out of his hand holding down his
stomach.
“―I thought I managed to get you with that one
though.”
“As expected, you can use the draconic eye huh...”
“As expected would be my line. Knowing that you
moved around to try and run from my sight.
However, is it not careless to stop just to heal your
wounds?”
Eanru boldly warned him as he criticized Yakagi's
fault. However, Yakagi did not seem to think that
was the case.
“I wonder about that?”
“―Nu?”
As Yakagi spoke while making a face like he was
laughing scornfully at Eanru, for some reason,
Eanru let out a puzzled groan. Immediately
following that, Eanru staggered, and then shook his
head like he was trying to shake something off of it.
Hatsumi couldn't tell what happened at all. His
reaction was like he was suddenly stricken by
dizziness or vertigo. And while that was happening,
she suddenly realized something.
“A picture of an eye?”
On the ground right next to Yakagi, different from
the one used when they had defeated Vuishta, a
simple picture modelled after an eye was drawn
there. Looking at it carefully, copies of the same
picture were drawn on the ground all over.
“It's a picture of a nazar bonjuk, a charm against
the evil eye. Since the draconic eye's origin is based
on the concept of the evil eye, this will avert it. I'm
not just recklessly fighting here you know?”
“What a surprise, to think that there is a means of
defending against this. Could it be that I came across
an unfavourable opponent?”
Behind those words, Eanru was stifling his joyful
laughter. Seeing that he was completely joking
around, Yakagi scowled at him like he was being
annoying.
“Shut up. It's seriously unfair that I can't properly
put up a fight unless I take the time to do something
like this.”
“I guess so. Generally, everyone I meet is simply
unable to cover for that difference between us, but
you really do know a lot about a technique that a
human should know nothing about.”
“Humans from this world, right?”
“I see! You are a citizen of another world huh. No
wonder the magic you use is different from the
magic used here. The reason you are intimate with
the hero, is also because of this right?”
“That's how it is. That's why I won't let you take
Hatsumi with you.”
“In that case, it is only natural. However, I also
have a reason that I must bring her along for no
matter what.”
As he stopped speaking for a moment, Eanru
slowly took up his stance once more.
“I won't ask for forgiveness. I'm more than aware
that I'll be resented from the very beginning.”
“I can tell that much. After starting and coming so
far, I don't intend to bitch and whine about it. I'll at
least have you let me speak frivolously and be
disagreeable though.”
And then, Yakagi boldly stuck out his tongue as he
wiped off his sweat from the fear that he was unable
to escape from. Seeing him like that, Eanru smiled.
“That's good. At times like this, the type who
whine and complain that I'm mistaken and are
unwilling to accept defeat are in the majority
though.”
“Unfortunately, I'm not very good at appealing to
my opponent's emotions you see?”
“You sure can talk for someone who seems to
specialize in talking impudently.”
“Shut it.”
Saying that, Yakagi snapped his fingers. The air
explosion marked the opening to the second act of
their increasingly ferocious battle like a violent signal
gun.
★
―After one of Eanru's moves was sealed, just as he
would expect, the attacks of the mage before him
grew even more intense than before.
Just as Suimei Yakagi had said, this was likely
because he was freed from having to spend time to
make preparations. He was still racing through the
sky while touching down on the ground
intermittently, but the magic that he was firing out
had become stronger, and both his casting speed and
frequency had doubled. All of that was within the
realm of expectations that Eanru had, but that was
not what he wanted to complain about.
The point that deserved high praise from this man
named Suimei Yakagi, was that he knew of the way
to fight against dragonnewts, and that he seemed
more knowledgeable of it than the dragonnewts
themselves. Whenever he drew close, he would
absolutely never come in close enough to be within
range of Eanru's fists. He fought well beyond the
distance that one could measure by eye and kept that
distance.
Normally, when Eanru swung his fist, just like
when he blew away the demons, the wave of wind
that followed would be enough to blow away
absolutely everything in its path. But that man was
moving around in a way like he had completely seen
through this power as well and would not get caught
up in it.
And then there was the howl wave Eanru used
right as they met. Suimei Yakagi called it a dragon's
roar when he yelled, but in reality, he clearly
understood the true nature behind the howl wave. If
he was a normal human who knew nothing of the
dragonnewts' techniques, he would have done
nothing but stand there dumbfounded as he was
evaporated. But this man quickly sensed what was
happening during Eanru's preparatory stage, and
played his defensive hand immediately.
Speaking of things he knew of beforehand, this
also applied to his dragon's eye. Judging that Eanru
held the technique to crush all within his line of sight
by just looking at it, he jumped around the
surroundings without staying within Eanru's gaze
for any extended period of time. And then, he
splendidly prepared the technique to break through
it.
All of these techniques were certain kill strikes. Of
course, they were difficult to understand if one were
to only hear of them. All of them were techniques
where even if you understood how they worked,
most anybody would be unable to evade them and
would just die on the spot. But this man slipped
through all of them. And he was continuing to fight
Eanru just as he was.
“Fu, fufufu...”
Without being aware of it, Eanru's laugh began to
leak out. Before him, he could see the figure of a
man who was using magic incessantly. Suimei
Yakagi tapped the ground with his finger, and
behind him, magic circles which differed from the
ones on the ground appeared. The magic circles that
were appearing continuously seemed to be
substitutes for chanting. From those circular shapes,
magic was fired out, the attributes they carried
varied, and a completely unknown type of attack
filled Eanru's field of vision to capacity as it came
rushing in.
And just like that, just like when the fighting
began, his predictions were all being betrayed one
after the other. His casting speed and frequency were
good. However, what he was unable to unravel was
Suimei Yakagi's consecutive use of magic. Eanru
understood that magic casting speed was something
that could be done quicker by performing the spell
quicker, thus he was not particularly surprised at
that fact. However, the fact that he was not taking a
single breath was something he could not grasp at
all.
When magic was used consecutively, mana had to
be expelled from one's body to do so. As mana is
transmitted to the outside, body heat would also
increase. The body would confuse this with a
deficiency of air in the atmosphere, and cause one to
be short of breath. Normally, because of the time it
took to chant spells, most mages never encountered
this situation. However, it was supposed to be
unavoidable that a mage had to take a break when
using magic consecutively.
But this did not apply to the man before his eyes.
In spite of the container of his soul being nothing but
the body of a human, Eanru could not hear the
sound of the cycle of inhaling and exhaling coming
from his mouth.
In its stead, he could once in a while see a pure
white vapour made of mana being expelled from his
mouth. He was guessing that there was likely some
sort of strange organ inside that body responsible for
all this.
The consecutive use of magic was a menace, but
in a sense, this non stop attack could be said to be
Suimei Yakagi's means of defence. From the hail of
fire, lightning and light magic, one would assume
that he was going on the offence, but it could also be
interpreted that the incessant attacks were a means
of keeping Eanru restrained without allowing him to
attack on his own. As evidence of that, Suimei
Yakagi had yet to fire off any magic that could
deliver the final blow.
“If you aren't going to push in, then I'll be the one
to make a move.”
As Eanru spoke, he stomped on the ground. And as
if an explosion occurred, the surface of the ground
split and sent large lumps of earth flying. With that
one move, he slipped through the magic, and when
he arrived right in front of Suimei Yakagi, Eanru
could see him swallow his saliva as he trembled.
“Dammit, you move too fast!”
Suimei Yakagi let out a shriek in complaint on the
spur of the moment. As expected, he was quite
flustered. Perhaps due to some terrible memories,
this man held a deep seated fear towards Eanru, no,
towards those known as dragonnewts.
However, that was none of Eanru's concern.
Aiming for his lower jaw, he let out a kick. To evade
the attack from below, Suimei Yakagi threw his
body to the ground. Just as Eanru thought that he
had discarded any thoughts of landing properly,
because he could freely fly through the air, his
posture did not seem to matter at all. Being pulled by
an invisible force, his body took an unnatural path
through the air, and Eanru chased after him with a
backhanded fist.
Suimei Yakagi anticipated the serious blow from
the waves, but even so, they still caught up to him.
The wave of power blown towards him struck his
leg. And at the same time, Eanru could hear the
sound of bones breaking. The immediate moment
after Suimei Yakagi made an anguished expression,
a green circle with letters and numbers inscribed
within it took shape around the broken bones. It was
recovery magic. Every time he was dealt a serious
wound, Suimei Yakagi would use that magic to heal
the damage.
―The fact that he couldn't get enough offence in,
was just the same for Eanru as it was for Suimei
Yakagi.
As that self-deprecating thought passed through
Eanru's head, fire magic was shot out towards him.
“Mere desperation!”
“Just take it!”
He let out a shout like the attack was meant to
finish Eanru off, however, the actual attack was
somewhat different. The large fire magic which
blocked his entire field of view was nothing but a
smokescreen, just an inch in front of Eanru's head, a
tiny magic circle took shape.
“Tch―”
It was too close. The moment Eanru's mind
judged that he wouldn't get off lightly if he was hit
by that, his body reflexively took evasive action.
However, the moment he distanced himself from the
tiny magic circle, another tiny magic circle took
shape, and just like that, they chased after him. No
matter how fast he moved, how much he changed
directions, whether he took to the skies or not, the
tiny magic circles formed a line as they chased after
him perfectly. Thinking that it looked like some out
of place child's toy as they formed an accordion like
shape in the sky, those magic circles finally pointed
their fangs towards him.
―'Chain Explode.' Along with that keyword,
consecutive explosions erupted. In the blink of an
eye, they caught Eanru's face.
“Gu, Ah...”
Eanru took evasive action, but he was too close to
avoid the shockwave. Its power was on the same
level as a strike from Jillbert's superhuman strength.
Just as he would expect, he was unable to endure it
and threw back his head. However, it would not be a
hindrance to the battle. After lightly shaking his
head, he could see an ultramarine light coming
down from the starry night sky.
―Did he set this attack up beforehand?
The moment Eanru sensed the impending crisis,
Suimei Yakagi began speaking.
“―Adcentum transcription. Augoeides randomizer
trigger.” (Brilliant spell simplified operations.
Randomly deploy bombs from number one to a
hundred. Strategic bombing.)
Immediately following that, a hail of light fell
from the sky. The magic lights falling from the sky
reminded him of the falling stars he saw in the
Empire, but it seemed to be a different kind of spell.
Having lost his chance to evade, Eanru overflowed
his entire body with mana and took a defensive
stance. Soon, the magic would come to an end, but...
“This isn't the end of it.”
And just as he said, Suimei Yakagi prepared his
next magic. Before Eanru could notice, Suimei
Yakagi had leaped backwards and was weaving his
words while taking a landing posture.
“―Fiamma est lego. Vis Wizard. Hex agon Aestua
Sursum. Impedimentum Mors.” (Assemble flames.
Like the cry of the magician's resentment. Give form
to the agony of death and burst into flames, bestow
the one who obstructs me with a dreadful destiny.)
Many red magic circles were forming in the air,
and at Suimei Yakagi's feet, a single large magic
circle was expanding. The shape filled with words in
the centre of the magic circle and the two fold circle
on the outer circumference of it began revolving in
opposite directions, and the ground around it was
wrapped up in flames. The red blaze was reflected in
Suimei Yakagi's eyes. The red hot brilliance held a
zealous purpose. And the moment Eanru was
captivated by that scene...
“―Fiamma. O Ashurbanipal!” (Shine. Oh
Ashurbanipal's revolving stone!)
He crushed the light in his right hand. At the same
time that gem like object was smashed to pieces, a
flame burst out of the large magic circle, the blazes
in their surroundings were repelled, and the earth
boiled like red hot iron.
The common sense that dragonnewts were
immune to fire came to Eanru's mind, but at the
same time, a bad premonition struck Eanru's back.
Rather than common sense which was useless on
the battlefield, he put more trust in that sensation,
and before the boiling earth could catch his feet,
before the snake like extending flames could entwine
him, he put all of his strength into leaping back.
He managed to evade, but the heat spreading in
the air scorched his body. What he felt on his skin,
was a pulsing pain that he had never felt before in
his life. As he thought, this was no simple flame. It
was likely that other than just the outbreak of fire,
there was another curse applied to it. Judging that it
would be bad to take the fire head on, alarm bells
began to ring deep within his head.
Piercing through the flames in front of him, was
Suimei Yakagi. Just as he was caught in
bewilderment at the sight of a mage closing in on
him on his own, the man in front of his eyes turned
into smoke and dispersed.
Seeing that, Eanru once more let out a smile.
Before he could ascertain where the smoke went as it
dispersed in all directions, he could feel a presence
behind him. As he hastily turned around, Suimei
Yakagi's figure was right in front of him with a
small magic circle in the palm of his hand.
“OOOOOOOOOOOOH!” “HAAAAAAAAA!”
The two of them let out their fighting spirit at the
same time. A crash of howls. Meeting the palm
thrust with the small magic circle in it, was the
dragonnewt's fist. Immediately following the
collision of power, an explosive shockwave broke out
and sent Eanru's body flying.
As he corrected his posture and looked forward,
perhaps because he also suffered from the same
shockwave, Suimei Yakagi was also sent flying
away.
―Just how much will this fight make his heart
dance? Eanru had not had a good fight like this since
the day he was born. To think that he would be
blessed right now with the ceaseless fight that he had
been seeking all this time.
“What's so funny?”
“Hm? Was I laughing? Aah, no, it's just such a
battle. Doesn't it make you happy?”
“Now that I think of it, you're just that kind of guy
huh...”
Suimei Yakagi spoke like it was an annoyance, he
muttered 'battle maniac...' quietly. Those were likely
words that described people like Eanru. However, to
him, those loathsome words spat out of his enemy's
mouth were unmistakably words of praise. Being
considered a formidable enemy by the strong gave
meaning to everything he had accumulated to this
point, it allowed him to accept himself.
Therefore, this battle had significance. The
meaning of life Eanru sought was certainly right in
this place. The only regret he had, was the fact that
the fate he had with this man was happening at
exactly this time. It was an unparalleled fortune that
he was embroiled in such a fight in such an
unexpected place. However, because he was in the
middle of a mission, he was thinking that he couldn't
fight until his heart was content, and he couldn't
help but feel unhappy about it.
“―Aah, it's beyond my control.”
It seemed that the voice that he quietly leaked out
reached Suimei Yakagi. Due to his tone being in
complete contrast to his earlier ecstatic voice, Suimei
Yakagi's brow noticeably wrinkled. However, for
some reason, he wasn't shooting out any magic.
Despite the fact that he had been firing ceaselessly
until now and that he showed no signs of being short
of breath, it seemed that he was taking a short break
in the battle.
It was also possible that he was simply preparing a
technique, but concluding he would deal with it,
Eanru stepped forward. Eanru began with
consecutive strikes. However, the mage before him
seemed accustomed to not only close range combat,
but also to fighting at the range of a fist fight as he
skillfully warded off Eanru's strikes. For a mage, this
was a fatal range, but he was able to deal with it
effectively, it left Eanru astonished.
However, even so, he was poorly matched against
Eanru who specialized in fist fights. Naturally, a
human could never compete with the physical
strength of a dragonnewt. The arms he was using to
ward off Eanru's strikes were showing signs of
becoming red, and in a flash, they were becoming
more and more tattered.
“Gu, ah...”
While letting out a groan, Suimei Yakagi
immediately took some distance between them. After
Eanru refrained from chasing after him, Suimei
Yakagi looked back with a puzzled gaze.
“It is such a good feeling to have a difficult battle.”
“Ha?”
“Isn't it? If the opponent is that much more
difficult to deal with, you'll be able to fight that
much longer. And then, it is possible to test out all
the techniques you have been fostering too.”
“... Bewitching others with techniques and having
that reciprocated is certainly enjoyable. Though
that's only if it wasn't in a situation like this.”
“Agreed. Don't we unexpectedly get along?”
“No, my grief is different from yours. There's no
mistaking it.”
“That kind of thing is trivial.”
“... You're that right? Your personality is one
where you just get everything you're not interested
in over with quickly right? You really do have quite
the character, seriously.”
“Fu.”
While amusing himself with their conversation,
even now, cold sweat was pouring down Suimei
Yakagi's forehead. But, it was also a fact that his fear
was somehow becoming weaker. It was likely that
this man also became stronger just to accomplish his
goals. Even though he spoke to the contrary, their
conversations up until this point were on the same
wavelength, so he may have softened up somewhat.
Even if the places they were aiming for were
different, the thing they desired to get there was the
same. That elevated peak that nobody could reach,
and the dream which stimulated that desire. This
man had that. He was definitely looking at a dream.
“It's hard to get huh. Really. You have a different
kind of radiance from that man.”
“...?”
Just like the light within the darkness was more
dazzling than anything else, the man before his eyes
was also dazzling within the darkness. That dwarf
woman's question could certainly be said to be right
on the point.
“At any rate, you sure talk a lot.”
“Good grief, that is even surprising to me. Even
though speaking in the middle of a battle is the
height of folly―Aah, that's it isn't it, this is that. That
thing where you become overexcited and start
talking as you get worn out right?”
This useless consideration and conversation was
something Eanru had never done in a battle before.
However, the reason he was unable to stop this
excess despite that, was because it was something
hard for him to understand. Things that were hard
to understand, were important matters. If he was
exposed to it too much, he would no longer want to
destroy it, and unconsciously, he may have been
taking that into consideration. Even though he
fought for the sake of destruction, this was a
tremendous contradiction.
And then it seemed that Suimei Yakagi finished his
break. Just as Eanru was thinking that the trees
behind him were being mowed down by his magic,
they were swept away, and began flying. Pushing
through the air, numerous big trees roared through
the sky. The trunks of the black wood trees were
thick and sturdy. If a human was struck by such a
thing, it wouldn't end well―But that only applied to
humans.
“Such a thing won't even serve as a distraction to
me.”
Just as he said, he could see the shadow of Suimei
Yakagi running behind the large trees between the
gaps. After Eanru smashed the first tree trunk with
his fist, Suimei Yakagi used that opening to close in
right before his eyes. Wielding a silver sword, the
mage came in with a thrust, however―
“That won't pierce...”
The point of his blade reached Eanru's chest, but
the blade could only pierce his clothing. There was
no way a mere blade made by a human could pierce
a dragonnewt's skin. In that case, just who was the
one who would take advantage of this opening?
“I'll be taking that arm.”
Forming his hand like a blade, Eanru severed
Suimei Yakagi's right arm. Losing his dominant arm
was the price he paid for closing into close combat
where he had the disadvantage. His right arm flew
off, and blood started gushing out of the opening.
From a distance, Eanru could hear the hero's
scream. And before him, he could see the man's face
twist in anguish. However, Suimei Yakagi did not
fall back. Far from that, he stepped forwards as if to
say an opening was made by having his arm cut off.
But even this was within the range of Eanru's
expectations. Striking first, and then sacrificing one's
own flesh and bones to create an opening, was a
technique which was pretty much commonplace.
However, what he thrust out was outside of Eanru's
expectations, for some reason, it was the arm that
had been reduced to a round slice.
It wouldn't reach. It wasn't long enough. Did he
misread the distance? No, the reason he thrust
forward his right arm was likely just simple
desperation. It could be summarized as the limits of
a human, instead of thinking of it properly, they
prioritized attacking. And just at that moment,
Suimei Yakagi's mouth moved.
“Is it alright? Like this.”
―The severed right arm that was fluttering in the
air suddenly changed its trajectory, and jumped
towards Eanru. Seeing that movement, he
involuntarily made a broad grin.
“―Haha. So it's come to this?”
The reason his words were coloured in joy, was
because it was the first time in a while that a
technique completely exceeded his expectation. But
the unexpected events did not stop there, the opening
of the flying right arm lined up with the stump
Suimei Yakagi was extending and pressed against it.
“SEAAAAAAAH!”
Immediately following that, a magic circle formed
at the opening of the lined up wound, and rotated as
it gave off a green brilliance. At the same time, he
stepped into the ground intensely. The air he drew in
to its limits. The ether wind he scattered. The
breaking ground. And with a fist which was in no
way inferior to one he could make when he was
unhurt, he let out a single strike.
“T-tch!!”
The fist caught Eanru right in the face. He never
once thought that a human would hold such
destructive force in their fists. The earth beneath his
feet was unable to withstand the force on its own,
and as his feet shaved away at the earth beneath
them, he was pushed backwards a great distance.
Withstanding all of the power, he came to a stop
while still standing, and put his hand to his jaw, and
as if to check its condition, he twisted around his
neck as it cracked. Without wasting any time, Eanru
leaped into the sky and came closer again as Suimei
Yakagi let out a loathsome voice.
“Really? It pretty much didn't work at all...”
“Unfortunately, I'm quite the resilient being.”
“Despite being shaped like a person there wasn't
any damage to the brain? That's why this is a damn
scam.”
Both that complaint and the pain he received felt
good to Eanru. He pushed on his neck with his hand
and cranked it around as he once more checked on
its condition. The man who had dealt him pain that
went beyond his expectations was already making
his next move, but Eanru couldn't help but yield
himself to such a pleasant feeling that he hadn't felt
for so long. As Suimei Yakagi shot out his magic,
Eanru kicked the ground and created a grand cloud
of dust.
“You punk! Copying humans now!?”
“Not at all, a smokescreen is not to be
undervalued.”
The cloud of dust completely covered Eanru up.
He couldn't see, but with this he also couldn't be
seen. Abandoning his needless sensations, he devoted
himself completely to reading presences. The
opponent was a mage who held a vast amount of
power. If he followed the mana, he could accurately
locate Suimei Yakagi even without his eyes.
―That was as long as the person in question didn't
multiply.
“He split? No, multiplied?”
“Fast Replication, I'll be using it here―!”
It wasn't only the presence of mana that
multiplied. Within his closed field of vision, exactly
identical presences were increasing in number. It
was as if multiple Suimei Yakagi's suddenly
appeared. Right after Eanru heard his voice, the
ground suddenly broke apart.
“What―”
Eanru was tripped up. He couldn't tell what
happened. Even as he reached into his memories, he
could not find the magic's origin. The ground that
was boiled by Suimei Yakagi's fire magic was not so
weak that it would crumble so easily like that.
As he promptly focused his gaze right below his
feet, he could see a bright light made of mana. Just
when did those magic circle get set in place? As he
raised his eyes from his current crisis, he could see
Suimei Yakagi make a smile.
(I see, that light spell from before―)
What suddenly came to his mind, was that magic
which brought down a rain of light. He wasn't just
firing it down, the scars left in the earth seemed to
have become magic circles.
―Before the fight began, Suimei Yakagi said that
'a magician's fight is one where we attack the enemy
when they're unguarded.' Certainly this chain of
attacks was outside his expectations and could be
said to be a splendid tactic. Eanru did not receive a
single wound from the ground crumbling beneath
him, but he could not move well without being able
to brace his legs properly. Because of that, Suimei
Yakagi's next strike would get through.
The earth in his surroundings began to rise up.
Coiling like a vortex, it stretched out to the sky, and
then came flying in towards him. His opponent was
supposed to know that an attack of such a mass
would be ineffective against him―No, in that case
this had a different purpose.
“―Ground Seal.”
Looking up, all Eanru could see was an incessant
avalanche of dirt. Before long, it completely covered
him up.
★
... As the rising clout of dust settled down, the
ground was smoothed out without any undulations,
and at its centre was a shape like the ground had
been coiled into a whirlpool. Seeing Eanru sink
under the Ground Seal spell, Suimei could hear
Hatsumi shout in exaltation as she was convinced he
had won.
“You did it!”
“Nope.”
It was too soon to think of victory. Hatsumi could
only let a puzzled 'Eh?' at the complete contrast
between what she saw before her eyes and the way
Suimei was speaking. Suimei held out his hand and
urged her to step back, and just as he did, the
whirlpool of earth burst open with a thunderous
roar. And from the earth that once more soared into
the sky, the dragonnewt Eanru made his
appearance.
“―When I heard you say 'attack when they're
unguarded,' I thought it would be a surprise attack.
But I see, so it held this kind of meaning huh.”
As he gave out words of praise, he spoke in a
refreshing tone as if he had not received any damage
at all. Grinding his teeth secretly while seeing his
opponent like that, Suimei replied frivolously.
“It's just the difference between cowardice and
elegance.”
“My goodness, I've learned a lot from you. Since it
was standard for mages to chant and fire, my
actions have unexpectedly become quite
monotonous and dull it seems, but―It feels good to
be overthrown?”
“Well, you're welcome.”
As Suimei replied while implying he was also
saying 'Shut up,' Eanru questioned him in a puzzled
tone. At the same time, he fired off a harsh gaze with
a topaz like glint in his eye.
“You realized I wasn't defeat from that just now
right? Why did you not fire in the meantime?”
“Who knows?”
“I don't think you would be one to overlook such
an ideal opening. It was the same when your magic
unnaturally paused earlier. In that case, there must
be a reason you couldn't fire.”
“...”
“From the looks of it, it seems I hit the mark.”
Seeing that expression filled with confidence,
Suimei once more ground his teeth. It could be said
that Eanru's guess was a complete bull's-eye. Just as
he said, the reason Suimei stopped firing magic was
because he wasn't able to. Due to the consecutive use
of magic, entropy in the area was nearing its limit.
In that situation, he was unable to deal a decisive
blow, having said that, using some half assed magic
that would not cause the magic melt phenomenon to
occur would be completely futile. That's why he
chose a spell that would at least buy him some time.
Magic woven together using modern magic theory
could be cast quickly. However, it also increased
entropy greatly, so it was unable to separate itself
from the bottleneck of needing an interval between
spells. Because of that, he could end up in a situation
where he was just a single step away like he was
now. He knew of the merits and demerits, but
nevertheless, falling into this kind of situation was
vexing all the same.
After wiping off the dirt and sand from his body,
the man before his eyes once more took a combat
stance. That figure which stood in front of Suimei,
who had been blocked by his own bottleneck, was
composed and did not have a single blemish. He was
just like the very representation of a powerful being
who could not be hindered.
From his outer appearance, he reminded Suimei
more of an oriental dragon, but his fighting style
lined up perfectly with the one of a western dragon.
This also applied to the etymology of the dragon
itself, the origin of the evil eye which became the
draconic eye. Since the eight great dragon kings
from the Lotus Sutra also had poisonous eyes, he
couldn't be absolutely certain of the distinction. But
because his ground sealing spell didn't work, it was
difficult to imagine that his origins lay in those water
gods. The power to suck up and scatter the earth
came from western dragons. There was no
mistaking that fact.
Just the fact that he resembled the existence
known as a dragon posed a considerable threat to
Suimei, but what was truly dreadful were his attacks
and the weight behind them. For a while now, he
had been observing those powerful shockwave
attacks right before his eyes. It was physically
impossible to do with Eanru's slender body, but if his
weight wasn't properly reflected by his appearance, it
would be a different story. This was especially the
case for creatures which were not human, they often
carried weight far beyond how they appeared.
Therefore, it was a power different from magic, just
from pure brute strength, it held the same 'principle'
as the suprarational Long Sword of the Morning Sun
that Hatsumi used. Those attacks just held that
much power.
That man was a master in close range combat.
However, it could also be said that it was a poor
move to stay too far away from him. Looking at it
from a scientific angle, he had something like a high
output microwave shockwave combined with a noise
weapon which formed a plasma emission device.
From a magic angle, it could be described as
exponentially increasing the heat in the area and
causing forced combustion, leading to that end
result. The thing he used before the fighting began
burned their entire surroundings to nothing. Just like
his breath, it was possible to control its directionality
as well.
“Though lightning breath is way scarier...”
Suimei was reminded of a similar attack he had
seen before. It was different from the dragon's roar,
but it was also a creature who took on the shape of a
human and let out a 'breath that killed all living
beings' from the depths of its mouth. Among the
destructive organic attacks that human shaped
creatures above ground could use, it was considered
one of the most atrocious. Because it held a unique
nature which dulled defences, it was an absurd
technique which no defensive spells could dampen.
Even in the modern world, that sort of creature
which used such an excessive attack against people
existed. They could be said to be the strongest kin
which stood at the summit of the entire ecosystem.
That power far surpassed human intellect, and was
like an illusion that came right out of those legends
and fairy tales where heroes would appear. It could
be said to be a power from a completely different
dimension.
And all of those creature, without exception, took
the shape of a human. It could just be that in this
world as well, that law also existed, and the life-form
known as a dragonnewt was just one such creature.
As if to prove this, the dragonnewt Eanru began to
show movements that could not be described as
merely 'superhuman.' Eanru leaped around the
surroundings like he was toying with Suimei, even
with the eyes of a magician, he was unable to see
everything. The reason he was unable to follow
Eanru with his eyes despite Eanru's movements not
being that quick, was because he was moving in a
way that a human could not possibly imagine doing.
As the green thunderclap struck the ground and
leaped to a new location, Suimei would follow the
trajectory with his gaze, but before he could notice,
he had looked too far. When he realized and
returned his gaze backwards, the only thing he could
catch a glimpse of was the trail of light left behind
Eanru's movements. Like chasing a fly with his eyes,
he constantly lost sight of Eanru, and eventually, no
matter where he looked, he was unable to grasp
Eanru's figure.
Before these movements from another dimension,
Suimei had no hands he could play. Therefore,
Suimei decided to increase the output of his mana
furnace. With that single thought, the reactor core
within his body was released, and with that
figurative fire thrown into the furnace, his heart rate
was agitated. The throbbing sound was louder than
any other he could hear as it assaulted his body,
going even further than his limits, he pushed his
body on as far as it could.
“Just how much mana...”
Eanru was still untraceable, but he let out a voice
in admiration.
―The mana furnace was a sort of organ which
generated mana which matched the scale of a
magician's mana consumption and helped support it.
For a normal magician, the limits of their own mana
that they could use stably without triggering an
overflow, called 'regular mana,' was established.
And then, when they used magic, that regular
mana was accompanied by the mana generated by
the mana furnace, and manifested mysteries. After
regular mana was exhausted, the mana from the
furnace would overtake it and cause the magician to
run dry. The technique known as reactor core release
was used to avoid that condition by overflowing the
regular mana and raising the output of the furnace.
When that happened, up to the limits that the
magician's flesh could withstand it, it was possible to
continuously cause the mana produced to swell. And
then, when the scale of mana increases greatly, the
use of magic which consumed a tremendous
amount of mana became possible, and the effective
range would also widen. It pushed one's body to a
higher-order existence, and increased the mysteries
that one could perform.
He still couldn't see Eanru's figure. It was fatal
that he was unable to grasp his location, but he had
one way that came to mind to do so. The moment
Eanru went on the offensive was the first time
Suimei was able to identify the monster's location.
Suimei applied spells which strengthened his
physical abilities and elevated the strength of his
body. After he finished casting both of these, he
struck light lightning at Eanru's back. The strike
itself could be said to be good enough to bestow
certain death, Suimei's body was pushed well beyond
its limits, and after that strike, Eanru held his
ground. Seeing how he was not blown away, Eanru
had no openings at all, but Suimei still judged it to be
a good opportunity.
Eanru came to a stop with a fist still pushing into
his back. Before he could attempt to escape from
Suimei's domain, the surrounding atmosphere was
warped by magic. And then, changing the location of
Eanru's centre of gravity, Suimei dulled his
movements. And in no time at all, he strengthened
gravity's hold.
“―Gravitatem Bis Coniuctum!” (Gravity
Equation, Two-Fold Multiplication!)
This was not enough. Without piling up magics, he
concatenated the next magic with the previous one,
and erased the time lag between them.
“―Gravitatem Triple Contexitur!” (Gravity
Equation, Three-Fold Multiplication!)
If Eanru had even a single free moment, he would
be able to escape from the gravity cage. Thus, Suimei
could not stop his hand, mouth, or magic.
Suimei could catch a glimpse of Eanru's bitter yet
delighted face. 'Enchant me more.' 'Make me grind
my teeth harder.' Suimei could understand those
thoughts of his just from that expression. That
appearance did not waver at all even inside the
gravity cage, it could only be described as terrifying.
In that case, Suimei fired magic from the five
elements. Using the teachings of the five practices of
the Bodhisattvas which mutually helped each other
and organize the world, he manifested the chemical
elements which antagonized each other and gave
birth to destruction. After creating a defensive circle
below Hatsumi, the raging five elements gradually
reacted with each other and caused an annihilation
effect―and blew away the world.
The scale of the blast surpassed that of Eanru's
dragon roar. This time, the black wood tree forest
was scattered away from the northern Alliance
territory without a trace. However, even after
blowing away the forest, he was still unable to defeat
a dragonnewt. Seeming to have a resistance to this
sort of attack which depended completely on
destructive force, Eanru was standing outside
Suimei's range while laughing enjoyably.
The effect of the five elements was too weak, an
attack based on a higher order concept did not seem
to be able to provide a telling blow to the
dragonnewt. At the same time that Suimei came to
this conclusion, he let out a deliberately loud scream
from the pain which assaulted his back.
Unexpectedly, his feet wavered. Because of that
opening, his cold sweat turned to ice as it slipped off
his back. And before his eyes, was the figure of a
thunderclap that did not overlook even the smallest
opening.
“I've got you, Suimei Yakagi.”
Suimei immediately protected his head with his
arm, and a fist came flying through his defences and
jolted his head. The left arm he put up as defence
was bent backwards, and as if that was not enough,
each of his legs took a strike, and finally an
extraordinary kick was driven into his torso.
“Guu, ha―ah...”
Sent flying by the kick, Suimei's body rolled across
the ground. While conscious that he was rolling
around as his head was whipped around and jolted
into a haze, he immediately started to apply healing
magic to the broken parts of his body. Even as he
immediately made a comeback, Eanru's shadow was
right before his eyes. He once more showed Eanru
an opening, and it was absolutely necessary to
withstand this attack.
“Zuu, gu, gahaa....”
With every strike he received, Suimei applied
healing to his body. However, naturally, his healing
gradually could not make it in time, and the
movements of his body began to falter. While taking
strikes which could be compared to being struck by a
massive iron ball, he was reduced to tatters and sent
flying.
―I am, going to lose here? Me?
Rolling across the ground multiple times, Suimei
came to a stop lying face down. He could taste blood
and dirt in his mouth. From the consecutive wounds
without any time for a break, both his body and
heart were screaming. But even so, he tried to stand.
He clawed at the ground and grasped lumps of earth.
And then, a voice was fired at him from the front,
as if it had seen through him completely.
“Is this the end?”
“Shut up...”
“But, you can't stand right?”
“Shut up!”
“If you can't come after me, then I'll take that
woman with me, you know?”
“SHUT UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUP!!”
“That's it! Scream! If you can never hand her over
then scream out your feelings! Howl! And lay
everything bare! There should be more to your
power than this! It isn't something that you hold
back this late in the game!”
He didn't need to be told. Just as a swordsman
drew their sword deciding that they would gladly
accept death when they did, a magician also put
their life on the line the moment they decided to take
action, and ought to burn to exhaustion both their
soul and mana.
Therefore, he stood. Until his body would was
rendered completely immobile. Until his heart
twisted and broke. Until the day that he lost sight of
that dream that he was aiming for ever since that
day with both his eyes.
“―Fiamma! Est lego! Vis Wizard! Hex agon
Aestua Sursum, Impedimentum Mors!” (Assemble
flames! Like the cry of the magician's resentment!
Give form to the agony of death and burst into
flames, bestow the one who obstructs me with a
dreadful destiny!)
“You've already shown me that magic earlier!”
That was right. He had shown him. He had shown
him, but this was the opening move.
As if replying to the thought deep within his heart,
the magic took on a different shape. As if it was a jet
engine, the fire shot out behind Suimei, and as he
grasped Ashurbanipal's stone within his right hand, a
dazzling conflagration wrapped around his arm.
Pouncing at the opening, Eanru leaped in from the
front. Showing contempt for that lapse in judgment,
Suimei slipped into the chest of the leaping
dragonnewt. As Eanru opened his eyes wide in
surprise, Suimei enacted his magic with all his
might.
“―FIAMMA! O ASHURBANIPAL!” (Shine! And
pierce through! Oh Ashurbanipal's revolving stone!)
The right hand which grasped the gem became a
fist, the flames bursting towards the back became a
mechanism to aid in acceleration, and that fist
buried itself in Eanru's solar plexus. This time more
than ever, Eanru was unable to get away from
taking damage from that fist, and was sent flying
backwards. And then, before he could regain his
posture, Ashurbanipal's flames rushed in after him.
From within those flames, Suimei could hear
Eanru's howl.
“NOT YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!”
He let out loud roar that pierced the eardrums and
which seemed like it could even blow away the
flames that were wrapping around him. Even after
receiving the brilliant radiance from the gem which
granted the fate of ruin to all living beings, the
dragonnewt's knee did not strike the ground.
In that case, their next collision was approaching.
Without basking in the lingering memory of his
magic, Suimei prepared his last hand as he gazed
towards the short ranged battle that was once more
about to begin.
Immediately, a light made of mana formed
around his right hand shaped like a blade. It sparkled
like the light of dawn, and using that, he quietly
drew out letters and symbols which would give birth
to magic.
A magic circle instantly sprung forth at his feet. As
he continued his actions, magic circles began to take
shape outside the circumference of the first. As he
wove his magic, his inescapable past rushed through
his heart. Despite having power, his heart was weak.
So on that day, that time, that battlefield, that
unrecoverable event happened.
In that place, he had lost something important. All
because as he stood before an excessively powerful
existence, all because he was unable to move. His
defences were late. Because his father protected him,
the red dragon's roar that was supposed to strike
him, ended up taking his father as a substitute.
And at that time, he succeeded his father's will. In
exchange for his own self which was not saved, he
would save the women who couldn't be saved. He
certainly swore to this. That's why, on that day, in
that place, that weak Yakagi Suimei died. That's
why―
“I'll never let anything like that happen again...”
What he wove as he muttered like he was
expelling all the air from his lungs was―a true
chant.
―The Progenitor emerges from the sky at dawn,
and accomplishes the wishes of all heaven and earth.
―To release the Apostle from his mission, and to
release the Apostle from his own hands, the
Progenitor descended before the Apostle.
As the chant was exposed, the world began to
shake. Quietly, steadily, and eventually violently,
and as if nobody was allowed to stand in that place,
greatly. Having finally shaken off the flames, Eanru
held his breath at the change in his surroundings. At
this distance, even if he ran right away, he would be
unable to stop the magic from completing.
Therefore...
―And thus the Apostle fell to the ground. Because
his wings of light were plucked.
―And thus the Apostle fell into hell. Because his
body deemed a nest of malice to be acceptable.
―And so he fell. And the Progenitor passed
Judgment, and drove the Apostle away.
―And so I pray. Just as the Progenitor
demonstrated. Yes, to manifest that infinite light
with no end just as he did.
And just as Eanru got into range―
“Everything becomes unknown and is ■■■―!”
He was screaming 'delivered.' Towards that
domain he could not see. He was howling 'delivered.'
So that he could surely grasp that infinite light in his
hand. However, that light that Suimei was trying to
grasp, was still too strong, and it was still too early.
“U, gu... Shit, DELIVEEEEEEEEEEEERED!!”
No matter how strong their will, a magic whose
words were not complete would end in failure. The
aftermath of that torrent of power and notions that
he was unable to control wrapped around the two
colliding men and caught them.
As the blinding light died down, a cold night air
blew through the battlefield. All that was there, was
the scorched earth and the carbonized wreckage of
trees that piled up as charcoal on the ground.
Looking from where he was blown away to, Eanru
spoke doubtfully.
“... What did you do? The air has reverted to how it
was a little before?”
“The aftermath, stagnated time it seems, it's
something like space rewinding. It's probably an
effect of the outbreak of low speed light. Because it
broke out, time is flowing to match it or something...
Well, that kind of thing doesn't matter...”
From the heat filling his inner organs and the red
hot feeling assaulting his throat, Suimei let out a
bloody cough. His internal organs were slightly
damaged from that just now.
But even so, the single strike that he staked
everything on had failed. What had happened here
was a far cry from what he imagined in his head.
Because he was unable to make that last sound
needed for the spell, it ended in failure. No, because
he was still insufficient to use such a magic, the last
sound needed for the spell couldn't come up.
Due to the rebound caused by magic failure,
'return over,' Suimei slowly fell to his knees. Because
he threw his entire being into this high stakes bet, he
had no spare energy left to prepare for any counter
measures. A strong numbness assaulted his body. He
would be unable to move for a while.
“...”
It was a fatal mistake in a battle, but the other side
was also not moving. No, couldn't move. It was
likely that Eanru was also wounded. He had
completely taken the surprise attack from
Ashurbanipal's flame, and he took the torrent from
the 'infinite light without end' to his body. Even
without the magic manifesting, it still had an effect.
As Suimei remained immobile, a shadow suddenly
appeared before his eyes. As he raised his eyes, he
could see a girl in a uniform drawing her sword from
its sheathe.
“Hatsumi... I told you, to step back...”
“You can't move right? Then, someone has to step
forward right?”
“If you were watching just now, you should be
able to tell that you don't stand a chance.”
“Tch― , I can tell without you saying it. But, even
so, I can at least buy time until you can move
again... And besides, both you and him didn't get out
of that lightly right?”
“Kuku, certainly so.”
Eanru smiled, and just as Suimei thought, he still
did not move. If Hatsumi stepped forward, this could
be a once in a lifetime chance, but even so Eanru
was being finicky about putting his burned clothing
and smashed body in order. On the other hand,
Hatsumi took her stance and aimed the tip of her
blade at Eanru's eyes. However, the hand which was
gripping the hilt of that sword was letting out a cold
sweat, and was trembling ever so slightly.
“Are we doing it?”
As Hatsumi asked, Eanru shook his head.
“No, I'm done. I'll have you allow me to leave
here.”
“Eh?”
“What?”
Hearing Eanru's unexpected words, Hatsumi and
Suimei both raised their doubts.
“What, is it strange?”
“Well that's...”
“Since the fight has been interrupted, it just means
that I'll leave it at that. The chance to retreat has just
come around is all.”
They couldn't tell if that was his real intention.
Hearing his superstitious way of speaking with no
purpose, Suimei questioned him in a dubious tone.
“Is that fine? Weren't you gonna take Hatsumi
with you?”
“That's true, but it is something I was to acquire
after being victorious over you. Besides, I don't want
to leave you behind with a grudge.”
“A grudge?”
“That's right. If I took the hero with me, a grudge
would be left between the two of us. The fight
between us would become a fight filled with a
surplus of hatred. That is not what I wish for. An
enjoyable fight, even if it is unfair, is something that
must be done honestly from the front.”
“That's why, since there was an excess of that this
time, you didn't fight with me to the end?”
“That's right.”
Eanru closed his eyes as he quietly nodded. It was
an absurd reason, but precisely because this was a
man who sought enjoyment from the battlefield, it
was not necessarily a lie.
While Suimei still held his suspicions, Eanru began
to show movements that he was about to withdraw.
It seemed he really did have no more intention of
fighting. Dispersing his overflowing fighting spirit,
the hot atmosphere returned to a cool breeze. Seeing
that figure just before his eyes, Suimei sat cross
legged where he was, and let out a somewhat
astonished laugh.
“... You're really outrageous huh. I've never met a
guy like you up until now who so genuinely liked
fighting.”
“I can think of no better words of praise. They
make all the time I spent polishing my skills
worthwhile.”
Eanru humbly smiled and turned around, then
began to leave. And as if leaving behind words for a
fellow comrade in arms...
“Now then, Suimei Yakagi. I shall see you again.”
“Yeah.”
It was a promise for a rematch. Even though
Suimei didn't want to ever fight someone like that
again, even though he was completely reluctant, he
couldn't help but acknowledge Eanru's implicit
request. His heart may have simply been replying to
his opponent's sincerity.
After Eanru left, the quiet forest eventually
returned. There was still the sound of crackling
embers, but even so it felt silent because what had
been making a racket in his heart had finally
vanished. The stress that had been piling up in
Hatsumi's body seemed to have dispersed, and she
sat down right where she was with a thud.
“He's gone...”
“Yup.”
“Just what was he, that man?”
“Who knows. All I can say for now is that he's a
strange enemy. Also, that he's a battle maniac.”
After giving his brief personal opinion on Eanru,
Suimei let out all the breath in his lungs.
“Shit, next time, I won't lose...”
After spitting out all the unpleasant air in his
lungs, he leaked out vexed words as he would
overcome the next obstacle. He wasn't defeated. To
the contrary, he accomplished his goal this time
around, if he was pushed to say it, it was a victory.
However, the battle ended with Suimei at a
disadvantage. It didn't make him feel like he won. So
conversely, he could only say that he was defeated.
“Are you alright?”
“Well, as long as I'm alive I'll manage somehow or
other.”
“I see.”
After answering Hatsumi and hearing her brief
reply, she suddenly seemed to remember something
and once more began speaking.
“Now that I think of it, you seemed to be listening
carefully to his words quite a bit though.”
“Hm?”
“You talked right? With that guy.”
“Now that you mention it, you're right.”
“Why? There's no need to listen to what the enemy
has to say right? You also talked to him pointlessly
in the middle of the fight.”
“Well that kind of thing happens. The subtleties
behind that kind of fight to the death that turns into
different kinds of matches and gets all jumbled up
has kind of a tacit understanding behind them.”
“It would have been fine to trap him while he was
talking.”
“I agree completely. But with that kind of
opponent I just can't help but feel it's too boorish.
Isn't it? An enemy you have to defeat head on,
anyone out there has one or two of those no matter
what. That's why I don't want to lie to myself. Of
course, I was thinking of ways of letting only you get
away you know?”
Honestly speaking, that was Suimei's true desire. If
Eanru's objective was Hatsumi, in the worst scenario
he could just transfer Hatsumi on her own to a place
he couldn't reach. However, Hatsumi showed him
an expression like she didn't consent of that at all.
“... Even so, you're making a face like you wanna
say I wasn't thinking at all.”
“Well, yeah.”
“Hey, you saw my power right?”
After Hatsumi nodded once, Suimei continued.
“I'm still midway on my path, but I'm well aware
that the power I hold is great. In short, I'm
something like an autonomous powder keg. If a guy
like that did as he pleased, and flung around his
power without knowing anything, you can tell what
will happen right?”
“That's...”
“I'm a magician. Not just monsters, I've also
beaten many people to death with magic. Of course,
at those times, it was nothing but guys who were
attacking me, I had not other choice, so I did it. But
what if that was not the case? If I swung around my
power without properly understanding the
circumstances of those around me, and if that
turned into something that could not be undone―”
A heavy silence filled the air. Hatsumi could not
say anything back to him. It was obvious. This was
something that Hatsumi, who had no memories yet
possessed power, had to be acutely aware of
regarding herself as well.
“I don't want to regret anything after I've done it.
That's why I'll have things I want to know, and
things I'll doubt partway through. The opponent's
personal circumstances is occasionally something
that can't be seen. Just because they're hostile, it is
far too hasty to decide that they have to be defeated
no matter what. Well, if you're too cautious it's also
possible to lose an opportunity, so I can't really say
which way is better. It's nothing but things to worry
about huh? So many things...”
After letting out a self deprecating laugh and
looking down on himself, Hatsumi had nothing to
say back to him. While Hatsumi made a face like she
was carefully scrutinizing something, Suimei gave
her his impression of Eanru.
“Well, even so, it didn't seem to me that he was
trying to do something just though.”
“The moment he said he'll use me, there was no
more room for negotiation.”
Hearing Hatsumi's gloomy declaration, Suimei let
out a spiritless 'You're right huuh,' in reply. And
then, he suddenly fell to the ground with his arms
and legs spread out.
“Yakagi?”
“... I'm so tired I could die. I really, really want a
futon.”
After his idiotic declaration, Hatsumi dropped her
shoulders in a crestfallen manner. It didn't seem she
would be able to pull him up any time soon.
★
The battle that was taking place on the plains
between the Alliance army and the demon army,
had already come to a close. The battle came to an
end as it ended up in a draw due to sustained
casualties, but the Alliance army who misread the
strength of their enemy had suffered significantly
more damage than the demon army.
Currently, outside the fortress which served as the
stronghold in the area, the army was maintaining
itself. Inside the main tent, the surviving generals,
Hatsumi's companions, Rumeya, Lefille and the
others were all present. And right now, hot air was
suffocating them within that tent. It was a heat born
of the war council they were holding on how the
army should move from here on out. Weitzer, who
was in a position where he had to carefully scrutinize
all their plans, was listening to each and every
proposal from the generals and staff officers.
“Your Highness, how about we pull the army back
for a short while? If we pull them into an area with
a ravine, it would put us in an advantageous...”
“No, in an area with a ravine it is also possible that
we are put at a disadvantage. There are those among
the demons that are able to fly through the skies. It
would be better to resolutely pull back the entire line
at once, and rally the army...”
“Both are out of the question. Until Hero-dono has
returned, we cannot pull back.”
Opinions were being brought up indecisively, but
Weitzer replied in a thundering voice. However, the
generals and staff officers did not seem to be able to
withdraw their opinions, and one among them clung
on.
“However, if we remain like this too long, we will
be unable to break the deadlock. If it comes to a fight
on the open plains once more, we will take
catastrophic casualties.”
“That is exactly why we have requested
reinforcements from every vassal state. Wait until
the soldiers and goods arrive.”
“Even while we wait, the anxiety of the soldiers
will only increase! At this time we must display to
them a firm plan! If we do not move the soldiers,
they will believe that there is no plan and become
shaken!”
It seemed Weitzer had reached the limits of his
irritation before his officers and men who would not
listen to him. Slamming both hands on top of the
desk before him, he kicked aside the chair as he stood
up abruptly.
“It is certainly as you all say, if we do not put
ourselves in order, the soldiers will become shaken!
However, if we lose Hero-dono, there is no hope that
our army will recover at all! Moreover, if we
abandon Hero-dono and run away after she saved
us, do you all really believe it is the proper choice to
make?”
“... Ku!”
“You hear me!? In our position where we were
saved by the hero, we have a position to protect that
same hero! Those who make light of that have no
right to rely on the hero! Everyone engrave this on
your hearts!”
That thunderous shout held enough force to cause
everyone present to sink into silence. It was as if they
were tied down and no longer able to move. In the
meantime, Rumeya, who was sitting at the foot of
the table at the war council, began speaking to Lefille
who was sitting beside her.
“... My goodness, seems like it's quite difficult for
them huh.”
“Please don't talk like it's none of your business.
Doesn't Rumeya-dono also have the right to speak
here? As the guild master of a branch, please make
some sort of beneficial statement.”
Hearing Lefille's somewhat exasperated opinion,
Rumeya shrugged her shoulders.
“I've got no sense for the delicacies of tactics. Well
no matter how it turns out, I'll at least listen.”
“Is that really alright...”
“It's fine it's fine~”
After giving a completely irresponsible response,
Rumeya puffed away at her pipe. Both Felmenia and
Liliana, who were also sitting next to them, made
expressions like they were troubled at her indifferent
attitude. Setting those girls aside, Rumeya called out
to one of the nearby soldiers.
“... Hey hey, you over there. How are the reports
from the scouts?”
“Ha! The demon army has already resigned. It
seems even the reports from each of the fortresses
state that the demon army has retreated. However,
regarding the possibility of an advance, they are still
unable to come to a conclusion.”
“Even so they're beginning to retreat right? It's
weird isn't it~. Even if we rallied at the end, if I had
to say, they still held the advantage. Lefi, what do
you think?”
“There are two reasons for them to resign their
army. They fulfilled their goal, or they sustained
unmaintainable casualties. Certainly those demons
took quite a lot of damage, but I don't think it was to
the level where it would cause the army to resign.”
“Then, the demons accomplished their goal. That's,
how it, ends up.”
“It's just as Lily says. In that case, the problem
is...”
“Just what that was goal right...? So, Lefi. What's
the answer you came up with?”
“The Alliance army had suffered great casualties
and is at a disadvantage, while the hero Hatsumidono
is currently untraceable. It's hard to say that
the damage done to the army was flawless, so in that
case there is an eighty to ninety percent chance that
their goal was the hero Hatsumi-dono.”
Lefille's answer was pretty much conclusive.
Felmenia then showed a somewhat perturbed
expression hearing that.
“S-so Suimei-dono failed? Is that what Lefille is
saying?”
To Felmenia who had complete and absolute faith
in him, Suimei's failure to rescue Hatsumi was
something she could not suddenly believe. However,
Lefille shook her head.
“No, it is not necessarily as Felmenia-jou says. The
demons' plan was centralized on separating
Hatsumi-dono from the army. Just from that fact
you could say that their goal was accomplished. In
that case, there wouldn't be much in terms of
consequences to pull the army back. And besides,
there haven't been any declarations from them that
the hero was defeated. There's a higher probability
that she's alive.”
“Ah...”
If the hero was defeated, the demons would surely
raise her head to the sky as they let out a great roar.
If that happened, the morale of the Alliance would
fall to the lowest depths. And then just like that, if
they attacked while ignoring the casualties, it would
be the shortest path to annihilating the Alliance
army.
“'That's assuming that the demons have that kind
of craftiness and intelligence though.”
“Those things are cunning. They take advantage of
weaknesses immediately. That's why they aimed for
Hatsumi-dono specifically.”
Saying that, Lefille brought her predictions of the
demons' plans to an end. And then, she gave the
answer to what Rumeya had asked about in the first
place.
“The Alliance army will likely be licking their
wounds here for a while. If they poorly pull back
their army out of fear of casualties, the other side
will only perceive that as a chance, and it would
affect morale here as well. In the worst case, the
retreating demon army could just turn around.”
“So, you're telling me to say that to them?”
As Rumeya pointed her finger at Weitzer's group,
Lefille and the others nodded back to her. Rumeya
then turned towards Weitzer, and then once more
looked back at Lefille. That side of the tent had still
yet too cool down from their heated debate. If
anything, they were just getting more heated up. The
staff officers were unable to let go of the idea of
retreating the army, and even Gaius and Selphy who
had been quiet up to this point were suddenly
speaking to the war council.
“Aaaaaaaaaaah no way no way no waaaaay.
Instead of jumping into that kind of crap I'd rather
just go cut into the demon forces... Hey, I said it on
impulse but should we just go do it? We can just go
right now in a jiffy. Hey? Don't you think it's a good
idea?”
Rumeya's tails were shifting around restlessly as
she winked at them. Seeing this, Lefille let out a
grand sigh like she was fed up with her.
“Why are therianthropes all like this...”
“It can't be helped. They're just that kind of
people.”
“Clarissa-dono is the peculiar one huh...”
“Seems so.”
“Yup.”
As Lefille agreed, Liliana also nodded her head
repeatedly. While the girls were talking among
themselves like that, suddenly the cloth covering to
the tent was flung open. And at the same time, a
soldier came jumping in while panting.
“I-I have a report!”
“What is it!?”
The one to respond, was the one at the centre of
the war council, Weitzer. The soldier then caught his
breath, and replied happily.
“Hero-sama is returning to the camp!”
Hearing that happy report, the tent was filled with
relieved voices. Weitzer immediately restrained the
others, and once more spoke to the soldier.
“And so, is Hero-dono safe?”
“Yes. She is walking towards the camp on her own
feet.”
Finding a pause in their conversation at her own
discretion, Lefille questioned the soldier.
“Is Hero-dono alone?”
“No, the young man in black clothing was with
her. However, it seems that Hero-dono is lending
him her shoulder as they walk...”
Hearing that report, Lefille and Felmenia bolted
out of their seats.
“Is he wounded!?”
“Is he safe!?”
Pushed back by their menacing looks at the
thought of a crisis, the soldier fell on his butt. But
even so, Suimei's condition was a much higher
priority for the two of them, and they pushed the
soldier for answers without any restraint. While
completely bewildered, the soldier somehow
managed to answer them.
“Eh, ah, no. From the looks of it he didn't seem
injured, but it wasn't a condition where you could
exactly say he's safe either...”
“Get to the point! Speak clearly! Clearly!”
“It's extremely important! Please pull yourself
together!”
“Don't say such unreasonable things you two.
Come on, step back a bit.”
As Rumeya was trying to soothe them, Liliana got
straight to the point in an easy to understand way.
“First, let's go.”
And then, everyone inside the tent decided to take
a break from the war council, and left the tent in
succession.
★
After passing through the black wood forest,
Suimei and Hatsumi returned to Alliance territory,
arrived at the fortress, and were now within its
protective walls. Hatsumi took a seat on a wooden
box while Suimei plunked down onto the ground to
take a break. Before long, Felmenia and the others
came running over. Spotting their figures, Suimei
waved at them with a smile.
“Oooh, I'm back.”
“Welcome back, Suimei-dono. It seems that you
were safe.”
Felmenia replied in a somewhat relieved voice.
And sitting as he was, he gave her a high five. On
the other hand, Lefille put on a pleasant yet
astonished smile as she spoke.
“You're always worn down to tatters huh.”
“I can't say anything back to that.”
“Welcome, back. Are you alright?”
“Oh. I'm super tired though.”
Due to the fatigue and the exhaustion of his mana,
he wasn't able to move, but the damage he received
had all been healed. Looking at this scene from the
side, Hatsumi bent her head slightly to one side, and
questioned Suimei.
“These people are?”
“My companions.”
“That's right.”
“Mhmm.”
“... Not that I care, but it's nothing but girls huh.”
“Eh? Well, that's right.”
“Fuu...”
While Suimei casually replied, Hatsumi looked at
him suspiciously. Suimei however, couldn't tell why
her attitude suddenly changed, and was just making
a boneheaded expression.
“What?”
“Nothing. At any rate, aren't you too carefree?
Despite coming to save me, I had to lend you my
shoulder to return.”
“Ah? It can't be helped right? It was a pain to walk
on my own.”
“How lame.”
“It's not something I should be saying after
coming out to save you on my own, but. Whose
fault is it? Whose?”
“Uu... If you say that, I can't put up a strong
front...”
As Suimei looked at her with half closed eyes,
Hatsumi could only groan with a 'Gunununu...'
Since she was a serious person to begin with, if she
was told something that was completely true, she
couldn't say anything back. While they were having
that little exchange, the next wave of people came
out of the tent. Spotting Hatsumi sitting on the box,
Selphy leaped towards her.
“Hatsumi!”
With a delighted voice, Selphy embraced Hatsumi.
Hatsumi was both surprised and flustered at the
sudden embrace.
“Oomph! Selphy, just a little, if you suddenly do
that...”
“Hatsumi... I'm glad you're safe.”
“... Thank you. I'm safe because of all of you.”
As Selphy raised her voice happily in relief,
Hatsumi also replied to her with a relieved voice as
she showed her gratitude. After her conversation
with Selphy calmed down, Weitzer and Gaius, who
had been watching from the side, called out to her.
“Hero-dono. Welcome back.”
“Aah, I'm back. Thank goodness you're all safe.”
“With this I can finally relax and have some
booze.”
“That's all Gaius cares about huh.”
Going along with Gaius' carefree attitude, laughs
began to burst out in their surrounding. Looking at
them from the side, Suimei made a broad grin.
“Ooh, I properly accomplished my goal right?”
“... I see.”
“Yeah, you're really outrageous huh.”
On one hand, a complicated expression as he
averted his gaze, and on the other, a pleasant and
cheerful expression. During their exchange,
Rumeya, who at some point in time had seated
herself on a nearby box, called out to Suimei while
smoking her pipe.
“Suimei. I heard you were borrowing her shoulder
though?”
“That's it that's it! Just what happened!? For
Suimei-dono to be unable to move...”
“Certainly. If you had just gone to search, it is
weird, for Suimei to be, unable to move.”
After Liliana raised her suspicions, next was Gaius.
“Was it demons?”
“That's, hard to imagine.”
After Liliana's declaration, each and every one of
Suimei's party were nodding repeatedly. To them, no
matter how many mere demons came flying at him,
they wouldn't pose a threat to Suimei. Wanting to
cut to the core of the issue, Lefille pointed her gaze
towards him.
“So? Suimei-kun.”
“Aah, there was just a little formidable enemy that
showed up is all.”
“By that you mean, a demon general?”
“Hm? Demon general?”
In reply to Gaius' question, for some reason
Suimei cocked his head to the side. Looking at him
act like that, Hatsumi made a completely stunned
expression.
“There was one, right? Did you actually forget?
You're kidding right? No matter how you look at
it...”
Hearing Hatsumi's dumbfounded tone, Suimei
started to think seriously with his head which had
poor blood circulation at the time. Now then, just
what were they talking about with that demon
general? Making a groan as he thought of this, he
looked up at the sky, then the ground, and then
finally he remembered that there was in fact
something like that.
“... Ah. Aah, AAH! Now that you mention it, there
was that guy who used the shitty imitation
technique!”
“Seriously...?”
Hatsumi's exasperated voice rang in the air. She
didn't think at all that he would just up and forget
about it. Seeing her strike her forehead with her
palm like she had a headache, Suimei could only
make a bitter smile. The shock of fighting Eanru was
just so big that he had completely forgotten about
Vuishta. Judging that she wouldn't be able to get to
the point with Suimei like that, Selphy turned to
Hatsumi.
“Then a demon general really did appear?”
“Yes. We fought with a demon general.”
“We fought, but that kind of small fry wasn't really
a problem. More importantly...”
“A-a demon general, a small fry... Small fry... is
it?”
As Suimei treated matters concerning the demons
like they didn't matter at all, Selphy began to mutter
his words repeatedly in a dumbfounded tone from
within her hood. To them, the demons were a major
threat, so they couldn't imagine what Suimei was
saying at all. It was not just her, both Weitzer and
Gaius were frowning as well. As if to urge on the
conversation to the next stage, Lefille spoke up to
Suimei.
“From the way you've been speaking, some other
opponent other than the demon general was the one
to wear you down to tatters like that?”
“Yeah.”
After Suimei nodded, Hatsumi cut in.
“Thanks to Yakagi we were able to defeat the
demon general successfully, but after that, he
showed up right away.”
“And, just what was he?”
“He called himself a dragonnewt.”
“Dra!?”
“A dragonnewt!?”
Both Gaius and Weitzer yelled out in surprise as
Hatsumi looked at the two of them curiously.
“... Is it bad?”
“Bad you say... It ain't bad but, no, rather than
bad it's better to say...”
Gaius was seized by shock and unable to get to the
point. Suimei looked around to get an answer from
someone else, but every one of them was making a
surprised expression. The only one who seemed calm
was Rumeya, so he fixed his gaze on her.
“Haa... A dragonnewt huh. They're a race that live
in the mountain range to the north of the Alliance.
It's said that they have the strongest bodies among
all beings in this world. Well, in reality, they are
outrageously powerful beings. They're the type who
don't stick their heads into worldly affairs though.
Rather, you fought that kind of guy?”
“Yeah.”
“Don't tell me you also absurdly did him in?”
“Not at all. It took everything I had just to have it
declared as a draw due to injuries. Though it was
closer to a loss.”
“You're really beyond common sense huh.”
Even with the addendum Suimei slapped on to the
end of his declaration, Rumeya's astonishment only
deepened. As their exchange finished, Suimei looked
towards Lefille.
“I'd like to get Lefi-san's opinion as a reference
too.”
“I'm of the same opinion as Rumeya-dono. The
dragonnewts are strong. Moreover, even though
they live in a land close to the demon territory, not
only have they not been destroyed, they've been
spreading. Despite being completely outnumbered,
they have enough power to put up a fight with room
to spare.”
Hearing her say that, Suimei was reminded of
Eanru's monologue when he showed up.
“Aah. Now that you say it, he said they were pests
or something huh.”
“That's right... After seeing that, I can only nod
and say that he was an outrageous guy.”
As the two of them remembered what had
happened and let out a deep sigh, Selphy brought up
her doubts.
“But why was a dragonnewt fighting with you
two?”
“Who knows? He said he wanted to take Hatsumi
along, but we weren't able to get more out of him.”
“T-take Hatsumi along!?”
“He said something like needing the hero's power,
I wonder what it was?”
As Suimei nodded his head heavily, Weitzer let out
a thunderous shout.
“Bastard, why did you not get such important
information!?”
“Ha?”
“It's an important matter which involves Herodono
you hear!? To not get such an―”
“Aaah dammit just shut the hell up already. He
wasn't the kind of opponent you could get an answer
out of using force. It can't be helped right? Ah? Or
are you saying that you wanna go give it a try
yourself? From the beginning to the end it was
nothing but a trauma festival for me you hear? It
was a dragon, a dragon! Can you fight against that
monster that can bring ruin to the world's seven
billion people and the civilization they created!? AH!?
AH!?”
“Th-that's...”
Suimei bore his fangs as he stared daggers into
Weitzer in anger. With a 'Gurururu...' he even
started growling like a beast at him. Seeing this,
Felmenia and Lefille started to try and soothe him
with a 'Whoa there.'
“Am I a horse!?”
“Please calm down Suimei-dono. This isn't like
you...”
“I'll end up unlike myself with this crap!”
“Suimei-kun. You're starting to become
incoherent. He's different from the opponent you
fought in your world right?”
“He's different, but a dragon is a dragon!
UGAAAH!”
“You can't act violently Suimei-kun (Giyu!)”
“GYAAAAAAAAAAH! Lefi-san I'm breaking I'm
breaking I'm breaking you're pressing down too hard
dammiiiit!”
As Lefille pinned down both his shoulders,
everyone around them were looking at them in
bewilderment not just from their actions, but from
what they were talking about.
(Suimei, it's, not like him.)
(I think he must have been driven into a corner
quite hard right? I have seen Suimei-dono act like
this before too...)
Felmenia was reminded of the time that Suimei
came to this world when he went on a rampage in
the audience chamber. At that time, Suimei also
completely lost his composure at the unreasonable
situation thrust before him. He at least had the self
control not to go berserk when he was using magic,
but as one would expect, such behaviour that was
more fitting for one his age would come out once in
a while. Before long, after Suimei managed to calm
down, Gaius decided to move along the
conversation.
“Did you at least get his name?”
“Y-yeah... He called himself Eanru.”
“Eanru you say...”
“Fuu? Now then, just where have I heard that
name before...”
Gaius didn't seem to have a clue, but Rumeya
seemed that have heard it before. Having suddenly
realized, Selphy's face became completely pale.
“Selphy?”
“... I have heard that name before. Over a hundred
years ago, there was a terrifyingly strong
dragonnewt. At that time, he was the one who
defeated the 'Man-Eating Evil' that nobody was able
to take down.”
“That's who he was?”
“If I remember right, my master called that
dragonnewt Eanru. It is probably...”
“... Good grief, so that samurai-like guy was that
kind of opponent―Rather, if it was something a
hundred years ago then he has quite the long
lifespan huh?”
Suimei let out a sigh like he was fed up with up,
and Rumeya answered him.
“The dragonnewts, elves and dwarves are all the
same in that they have long lifespans. I've also heard
stories of that man eating evil too, that dragonnewt
has probably already lived a hundred or two hundred
years hasn't he?”
“Uheeeh.... There's that many people in this world
who live that long? That gives me chills.”
As Suimei acted out by grabbing his shoulders and
trembling, Felmenia joined the conversation.
“Is it bad if they live long?”
“Back in my world most of the guys who live for a
long time are dangerous, or rather that's the
standard. Even those who live for a hundred years
are all dangerous, super dangerous.”
“For Suimei-dono to go so far...”
While Felmenia made a grim expression as she
muttered, Suimei recalled those monsters with long
lifespans. This applied to leader of the Society, the
chairman, the monster professor, and the Ten who
Fell to Greed. They were all magicians who
possessed dreadful power. During this pause in the
conversation, Hatsumi suddenly raised her voice.
“Can we bring this talk to a close then? I'm alright,
but...”
Hatsumi turned a somewhat timid look over to
Suimei, and Suimei didn't bother putting up a strong
front towards her consideration.
“I just want to sleep. Let's call it a night here.”
Guessing that Hatsumi was also tired, Suimei
expressed his own desire to get some rest. It may be
the case that a man should pretend to be tough in
these cases, but it would also do well for the soldiers'
mentalities to give the hero some rest. Just as he was
thinking of finding a place to rest and stood up, a
presence suddenly appeared behind him. And as
Suimei tried to confirm who that presence belonged
to―
“Suimei-kun doesn't seem able to move. In that
case.”
“Heh?”
Just as he thought he heard Lefille's voice, his arm
was suddenly grabbed. And then, his body was pulled
up. After being confusingly rotated and twisted in the
air, when he realized what was going on, Suimei's
body was placed on Lefille's back.
“Wai―, ＠×〇△!?”
“Suimei-kun, you're speaking gibberish you
know?”
“Whatever! What the hell are you doing Lefisan!?”
“It seemed like it was troublesome for you to move
around, so I thought I would carry you?”
He was thankful for her consideration, but because
a man was being carried on a woman's back, he was
getting weird looks from his surroundings.
“St-stop stop stop it! Let me down! I'm fine so just
let me down!”
“No way. You're tired right? It's better not to force
yourself.”
“Forget forcing myself, being carried by a girl is far
too lame!”
“That can't be helped. It's because you used your
power up to its limits.”
“That's not my...”
Fault, was what Suimei was trying to say, but then
he suddenly noticed that Rumeya was snickering at
him.
“Ku, kukuku...”
“Wha-, you! Don't laugh!”
“But, you know....”
“I don't know dammit! Menia what the hell are
you laughing for too!?”
“Even if you say that, it's just so unusual for
Suimei-dono to be so intensely perturbed. Fu,
fufufu...”
Felmenia pointed this out to him, but she was
making a gentle smile the whole time. He had no
more allies in this place. And then, even though
Suimei was at the limits of his patience, Liliana took
her turn.
“Suimei, accepting the good will of others, is the
generosity of an adult.”
What dealt the final blow, were those ever
innocent words. In the end, judging that he was
unable to escape his fate of being carried away,
Suimei could only grandly scream out his
resentment towards them.
“God dammiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit! You guys! I'll
fucking remember thiiiiiiiiiiiiiis!”
After spending a night resting in the fortress,
Suimei's party returned to Miazen.
Chapter 2

vol 6 ch 1 2018-12-13T05:10:00-08:00 Rating: 4.5 Diposkan Oleh: Unknown