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Maou na Ore to Fushihime no Yubiwa:Volume 1 Chapter 3

2013-09-04T23:07:52Z

128.250.5.246: /* Chapter 3: The assigned mission */

==Chapter 3: The assigned mission==

The Ghoul that was suddenly delivered to my house — Zonmi Ra McKenzie.

The one that suddenly confessed to being a Nephilim — Kurose Kyouko.

Being currently trapped between the two of them, I was in a very dangerous position.

It was no joke, though it's not like I could tell how serious it was. If I found a green mushroom<ref>Mario reference.</ref> lying around, I'd pick it up and eat it.

Since I had to sleep soundly at the infirmary's bed until a while ago, the contents of the History lesson went totally over my head. Giving a quick glance at my surroundings, there was one female student giving me a glare as cold as ice. It was Zonmi.

It seems like my previous fleeing had somehow offended her.

Hu~m, I should do something about this. Nonetheless, this problem was already not something I could solve by myself. Surely, besides the fact that the conversation steadily grew out of proportion like that, the information was very scarce from the start...

I took a deep sigh.

Then, I remembered the conversation we had right before at the infirmary.

International Monster Association.

Quite a suspicious organization... But it piqued my interest. Giving it careful thought, that was the source of it all — it seems they are pulling the strings.

Maybe there I can find some kind of solution...

A ray of hope from the Heavens. I immediately looked for it, cell in hand. When in trouble, ask Google-sensei<ref>i.e. he's using the browser function on his cell phone to use a search engine.</ref>.

Results: 12,400 hits — It was faster than I thought.

It seems that the International Monster Association... In short, IMA, doesn't have a single head office, but instead they have set up a number of branch offices. Frankly, though I wondered if it was good to have all this information so easily accessible, I was thankful nevertheless.

After looking for the nearest branch office, I saved the address on my cell's memory. It seems that the place was in the area.

"Good! With this it'll be OK."

"... What's with it's 'oh-key'?"

Of course, this voice belonged to Zonmi. The umbrella she carried was sparkling.

With the point dripping red, I wonder whose blood it is.

"I think that this is not good too, I pondered about some things... A plan to overcome this situation."

"Hoho, you will finally make a contract with me, won't you?"

"How did you arrive to that conclusion! Nobody said so!"

No matter how many times you repeat it, I don't plan on getting such a shady job like monster tamer. Rather than that kind of job, I'd even wash corpses part-time.

"Or, how should I tell you? Why are you carrying an umbrella even if it's not raining?"

I'd been trying to ask it since a while ago. The water-blue umbrella in Zonmi's hand, it doesn't matter how you look at it, it's not one you could buy at a convenience store for 500 yen<ref>$5</ref>. Is this what you call "made on order"? It doesn't matter from where she brought it, in any case it's surely pretty expensive.

"What a foolish question. We ghouls are weak against sunli — any light-based attack. This is a necessary tool to protect ourselves."

In order to avoid saying "sunlight", she corrected herself like that.

"Hu~mpf. Then, when you face one of those... light-based attacks, what'll happen?"

"When the corruption advances too much, our life is in danger. For the same reason, heat is also a hazard; the season known in the Human World as summer sends to hospital 100,000 ghouls each year."

"Ugh..."

How should I put it, there are 100,000 ghouls?

That's a scene I don't want to picture.

"Ah! Could that be the reason why Zonmi, in the beginning, came to my house in only her underwear...?"

"Wha-wha-wha-what are you saying so suddenly!?"

"Wasn't that to reduce the body heat?"

"... Yes? Isn't that obvious!?"

"A~h, so that was it, like I thought. This solves another mystery..."

Seems like that cleared all the doubts in my mind.

Even ghouls have their problems. Surely, if they are confined in an airtight space for long periods of time, their body temperature would probably end up rising.

"... By the way, I'd like to ask you something as reference; until now, what did you think was the reason?"

"Hu~mph, I thought it was simply your hobby..."

BAM!

"Guah!"

I received a strong hit on my shin with the aforementioned umbrella.

A soothing nice sound resounded through the classroom.

"Ouch... Why, you idiot Chiharu... I got hit too."

Though I had the feeling that I could hear my buddy's moans from behind, I'd like to think it's the air.

That, wouldn't it hurt if it wasn't really a joke?

A lot of things happened and the end of classes drew near.

It was heart-breaking. I didn't know if mayhem would break before reaching there.

And in addition to that.

I was currently trapped in a real game of tag<ref>鬼ごっこ (onigokko) in Japanese, with 鬼 meaning "ogre"</ref> with two monsters that faced me each time with a "let's make a contract".

Once the lesson ended, I rushed to the toilet even though I didn't have the need.

At noon break, the lunch I ate while sitting on a toilet that had a strong smell of ammonia.

This kind of moving endeavor, if I don't stop that trouble by today, will end up being the norm.

That's why.

With the signal of the end of classes, because of the aforementioned, I rushed out at full power.

"Ah! Hey, Chiharu! Why are you fleeing, you coward!?"

"Oy, Chiharu! You promised to come with me to catch monsters after classes!"

However, I didn't look back. I had the feeling that I shouldn't look back.

Let's follow what my father told me. Let's head once and for all to the International Monster Association. Though it'll be good if I find some kind of valuable information... The timely end of the noon break + the full speed I came with till here = not a soul around.

I was careful that Zonmi and Kyouko<ref>It said "Zonmitachi", but since they are 2 as for now, I'll better put both names instead of "the others".</ref> didn't chase me. I ended up quickly leaving the school.

I hurriedly finished changing into my outdoor shoes by kicking the ground.

Then, as I approached the school gate, I was struck by a heavily uncomfortable feeling.

There there were trucks piled like bricks.

I blinked once. I rubbed my eyes.

It can't be, recently my eyes must be playing tricks to me.

Hahaha... It seems that somehow or other, the scene I'm seeing right now is not a hallucination.

The countless piled trucks were packed right before the gate, as if someone intentionally put them there to obstruct the exit. What a nonsensical view.

"Ha-ru~"

I looked at the source of the voice.

It came from far above. From the top of the piled trucks.

There, squatting slightly, was a slender girl. Blown by the wind, her ponytail swayed right and left.

"Kyouko..."

I couldn't do nothing but stood with my mouth shut.

Unbelievable. Could this all be Kyouko's doing...?

"Sorry, Haru. It's a dead end."

"Hey, hey, this better be a prank."

Is it because of the mood? This girl... gives a different feeling than usual.

The atmosphere froze from the tension.

"... Haru is a bad kid. Since you won't make a contract with me. That's why you ran away."

"Wait a minute! What are you planning to do!"

The time, after school.

Here and there were students going back home, it seemed that they would notice something strange going on.

"Though I think that Haru will somehow be somewhat fine, please don't die. Perhaps, since I can't go easy... I'll obligate you to make the contract by force!"

"Ehm... Hi?"

This is bad.

Kurose Kyouko.

Though it seems she has a reputation in the school of being an angel, right now her expression was, no matter how you look at it, that of a demon. She'll use any means to reach her goals... That's what her eyes were saying.

Then, as if she had thought of something, Kyouko removed her bracelet from her wrist and threw it to the sky.

I wonder what will happen.

The bracelet changed in a flash into a rod<ref>全属棒 (zenshokubou) or all-[included/affiliated/belonging] cane. I don't know how to translate this and I haven't found no info on it.</ref>, isn't that her weapon of choice?

That shape... It's something you usually see in games.

Its design was like a mix of a spear and an axe. Perhaps it's what they call a halberd.

I think Kyouko won't hesitate to thrust it from the top of the trucks,

"Secret technique: moonsault."

I had a hunch she muttered something like that.

The truck revolved in mid-air. Something incredible revolved in mid-air.

Though I don't think I know what to say, Kyouko, making use of her abnormal superhuman strength, as she started to make a piercing attack, she tossed with force the truck she was standing on.

Describing a beautiful arc, she turned in mid-air. She fell onto me like that.

Along with a thunderous roar as if the earth was splitting, a cloud of dust danced in the air.

"Wah!?"

I managed to narrowly dodge that. If my reaction was one second late, by now I would have become as flat as her chest.

"Ah~! Why did you avoid it...? Had it hit, you wouldn't have need to suffer."

Hey, hey. You must be joking... What ridiculous strength.

"What the heck! Didn't you want to make a contract until just now!?"

"... Maybe it's Haru who doesn't understand anything. To monsters, what's the meaning of the contract with a tamer... If it continues like this and that ghoul girl fetches the contract, I'll act like this."

"..."

That's right, Zonmi also said the same thing before.

But because of that, is it good this contracting by force...?

<nowiki>*</nowiki>GURUN*, Kyouko wielded the aforementioned truck.

That's bad, her reach is too long. I don't think I can avoid being hit.

And if I try to stop the attack, both my arms will end up totally smashed.

Like that, I had a single option left. I kicked the ground and dashed at full power.

"Ku..."

<nowiki>*</nowiki>GOTSUN*, a dull sound echoed through my bones. It seems like I couldn't avoid it by a paper-thin margin.

It seems that my left leg ended up taking serious damage. I don't think I can keep standing very long.

"Sorry, Haru. I really didn't want to show such violent behavior..."

"Why do you... Show me something like this, Kyouko!"

Or perhaps, could it be that it's bad manners to ask that?

However, I couldn't help but ask.

It's like that, after all? Till now, I was thinking of Kyouko as a human. I don't know nothing about Kyouko as a Nephilim...

"Right... For starters, why don't we talk about our clan?"

While looking from above me, my leg broken, Kyouko told with a serious tone.

"Us, the Nephilim clan, while being from the giant tribe, are a heretic breed born from crossbreeding between humans and fallen angels... In other words, we are incomplete beings that don't belong to either of the two.

Though our ancestors originally barely subsisted in a corner of the Netherworld, that became a good pretext. The persecuted Nephilim were chased off from their territory and ended up migrating to the Human world."

"... Really, to me it seems like other people's problems."

"They didn't have any other way. When I was born, the Nephilim clan had been already chased out of the Netherworld. That's why I don't know what the Netherworld looks like."

"..."

"Neither monsters nor humans, we are in between. If, once again, we had a chance to regain our place in the Netherworld... That would only be by making a contract with a Monster tamer and attaining some achievements... Although that's my father opinion."

Kyouko laughed bitterly.

Ah, somehow I'm absolutely pitiable.

Kyouko shouldered the destiny of the entire Nephilim tribe.

On one hand, I felt like I was under a kind of joke... About contracts with monsters, that much I understand. Though maybe I noticed it too late.

"Well, then. Haru... This is the finishing blow. You'll be sleeping soon."

<nowiki>*</nowiki>FIUU*, the wind blew. The truck was swung mercilessly.

This time I definitely won't be able to evade. When I closed my eyes with resignation...

"You are truly a useless master, indeed."

Silver hair gently brushed by the wind. A dignified appearance.

Opening my eyes, a slender girl had stopped the truck with an umbrella.

"Zonmi!?"

She was Zonmi. Had she blocked this forceful contacting? Her umbrella blown off to nowhere, her arm bent in an impossible direction with a snap.

"Hey, you, is your arm OK?"

"Don't make light of a ghoul. A wound of this degree is only a scratch."

"..."

That's probably true. I don't think she's bluffing.

"I was holding back. Quickly, move from there... Or do you have a plan?"

"... Ah."

I nodded.

What she said back then... I was reminded of it.

I ran. I ran at full speed.

Luckily, it seems like my injured left leg has recovered considerably. Really, I'm grateful of the seemingly magical constitution of my body.

"Ha-Haru... Don't escape!"

She swung the truck downwards.

However, this time I wasn't that scared... I felt an inexplicable calmness.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>FLASH!*

Moving as nimbly as a cat, Zonmi blocked the descending truck with her body.

"... Thank you."

"It-it's nothing, you don't have to thank me. If you want to repay me, do it with actions!"

I looked at Zonmi, whose skull had sunk; let's keep a secret what those bits that could be seen were.

I sprinted towards the gate. Looking carefully at the crudely piled up trucks, there is a gap I could pass through by bending myself a little. Praying that it wouldn't crumble, I quickly passed through the trucks.

This... It's seems like I won't go home empty-handed.

As I sensed a heavy pressure, I headed to the station as fast as I could.

Though I was curious about the course of Zonmi and Kyouko's battle, nothing good would come for me.

International Monster Association. Though that's quite a suspicious name it has, I couldn't help but feel that it had the key to the problem.

I was running with a speed that wouldn't lose even to that of Melos when he wanted to save Selinuntius<ref>Both Melos and Selinuntius are characters of the story [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Run,_Melos! Run, Melos!].</ref>.

I boarded a train that arrived with good timing.

<center>× × ×</center>

After reaching my target destination, I was speechless.

If I thought that it'd be an easily recognizable place... There was the indispensable necessity for a home's dinner table, the local based retail shop "Sakurazaka butchery".

Seriously...? Is this my hometown...?

Looking at "Sakurazaka butchery" like the map told, it was a run-of-the-mill tattered and inconspicuous building. It seems that the International Monster Association's branch office was located on the third floor.

Since I asked... I hope I can get some results.

Filled with anxiety, I went up the stairs. While I was going from second to third floor...

... A pink snake appeared before my eyes.

With its swollen belly, it looked like a never-before-seen species.

Is this... A monster?

Twirling it's tongue, it seemed to be saying "follow me" without words.

What the heck... Could this be some kind of trap?

But, even if I worry, it can't be helped. As if following the snake, I passed through the door of the branch office. Inside there was such a mess that it resembled, for example, a so-called "jumbled bedroom of a college student". There were so many books and documents scattered everywhere that it was difficult to find a place to stand.

Taking a look inside, there was a person collapsed on top of a slightly large desk. It was a woman.

She had long eyelashes on her narrow eyes. A well-proportioned nose. Long, glossy and slightly wavy fair hair.

With an overall composed atmosphere, a person that gave the feeling of an unbelievably pretty young woman.

[[File:Maou_na_Ore_to_Fushihime_no_Yubiwa_p101.png|thumb]]

"You were... Let's see... Chiharu-kun, if I'm not mistaken?"

"That's right, but... Who are you?"

Though having one's own name disclosed gave a tinge of uneasiness... That much was crystal clear.

Knowing my name, this person surely... is somehow related to Monster tamers.

"I'm Luka. Everybody calls me that.<ref>i.e. without honorifics.</ref> I'm the Monster tamer entrusted with the protection of this area... I's fine if you call it a kind of recognition."

The Monster tamer that guards this area... I've heard that there are many IMA branches throughout the world. Could it be that each one has a Monster tamer in charge of each section?

"This is the branch office of the International Monster Association, isn't it? Isn't the public information about it a bit too open?"

"That's right. It seems like in the olden days they liked to be a little more concealed, but now it's different. Wouldn't you understand by looking at the situation outside? That's not something you can hide for long."

"... How did the world end up like that?"

"That's what we want to know, Chiharu-kun. Before long, the world will approach an unprecedented crisis. That's why this time we assumed the risk of recruiting a large number of Monster tamers. We expect your participation."

"..."

Though she is talking about a risk, even I knew that she meant the Monster rebellion or the reports.

Softening the traffic through the Abyss Gate that connects the Netherworld and the Human World.

Is that the extent of the risk we must assume...?

"Then, did you want to ask only that?"

".. No, I came here to day to ask something."

"Fu, fu; what do you mean?"

Luka-san showed a captivating smile.

I told her the whole story.

My election as a Monster tamer. Being stuck in the middle of a conflict between the Ghoul and Nephilim clans. The scattering sparks of the confrontation those two had just a while ago.

'Ah, this person must be consulted about things like this a lot.'

Luka's attitude while listening to my talk was enough to make you think like that.

However, only a little.

If there was something that piqued my attention, was the manner in which, in the middle of my speech, Luka-san contained her laughter... I wasn't saying anything funny.

"Yeah, I more or less understand... Chiharu-kun is still a child."

"I'm... a child?"

"Yeah, a child. Specifically, the kind of child that eats his hamburger with ketchup."

"what's with that evaluation standard!?"

"Adults eat plain oroshiponzu<ref>A Japanese sauce made of soy, citrus juice and grated radish.</ref>."

"What, I didn't know!?"

I was worried to be told that my common sense didn't resemble the common sense of the world.

"Then, in the end. Which monster do you choose?"

"Which one... Would it be a problem if I don't choose?"

"Yeah, I'd say a big one. You are seriously a good-for-nothing."

"..."

Those words hurt deeply as if they were arrows.

How do I say it... Luka-san is someone with a mysterious atmosphere.

Rather talkative and loving to joke, it was like her eyes could see through anything as if it were totally transparent.

"Well, why don't you try to change your way of thinking? Which one would you like as a girlfriend?"

"What's with that kind of twist?"

We're not making any progress... Concluding that, I tried to get right to the point.

"Frankly, I'd like that you taught me a way so that no one gets injured. Please teach me a way so that Zonmi, Kyouko and me will all be happy."

"How sweet. Don't you think you are asking for something unreasonable?"

"... I suppose."

"There's one way."

"There is!?"

Looking at her eyes, I understood. She's like Manami... Someone born under the star of extreme sadism. Perhaps, making fun of people is her only way to have fun.

"However, though it would be fine to teach you, there are conditions. Will you do me a favor?"

Luka-san let out a captivating laugh.

Sincerely, even though I was annoyed because I felt like I was dancing on the palm of her hand, I nodded reluctantly.

"In short words, since about three days from now I want to go on vacation, I'd like you'd guard this area in the meantime. Could you? You seem like a reassuring comrade. You see, since while I'm entrusted with this task, I don't have the chance of traveling afar..."

"Wa-Wait a minute! Is it OK leaving that kind of serious duty to other people to do!?"

"Don't worry, don't worry. It's a special situation."

Even when you talk about it incredibly lightly, isn't that quite a serious duty...

"If something important happens like having to guide a newbie tamer, as long as you don't act unstylishly, that's fine. Be at ease."

"A newbie tamer... Hey, I haven't agreed to become a Monster tamer yet..."

"Is that so!?"

Luka-san began to talk like she had just remembered something.

Are you ignoring what I say...?

"I'll kindly give you some advice. As you know, newbie tamers have to choose one out of three monsters given that match their own aptitude, who will become their chosen partner. Do you understand the meaning of this?"

"Eehm, what's the meaning?"

"Right now, there are two monsters before you. Those two were both proposed as choices to you. As far as I know... Should there be one other more?"

"And that one... has yet to appear?"

"You should take that possibility into account. It seems... That your misfortune has only just started."

"... Don't say something ominous that seems like a line from a cancelled manga."

Though I was curious about the words Luka-san had said, I feel we should follow the track we were on for now.

To guard the area while Luka-san is gone... I don't understand well, but should I try to ask Zonmi and Kyouko to collaborate for the time being...?

With my chest filled with determination, I left that place.

<center>× × ×</center>

"I'm home!"

"..."

Zonmi appeared when I was changing out of my outdoor shoes at the entryway after returning home.

On top of the worn-out clothes I gave her, for some reason she was wearing an apron, but it was OK.

That's... Supposed to be a gag?

There was a large knife stabbed into Zonmi's forehead.

"Hey... Is your head OK?"

"Wha-Whaaat!?"

Zonmi raised her voice with her mouth open wide.

"What do you mean!? I'm normal, as you can see; don't lump me together with a pervert like you!"

"... No, it's not that. I mean this, this."

"Ah!"

*JAM*, I extracted the knife that was stuck into Zonmi's head.

If I remember correctly... The one stuck on Zonmi's head was my favorite.

"I mean, how couldn't you notice that you had a knife stuck in your own forehead...?"

When I pointed that out, Zonmi puffed her cheeks.

"It cant be helped, can it!? Since us ghouls don't bear such an illogical system like what's known as sense of pain!"

She rebutted angrily.

No, no, the sense of pain is something important. It's an important signal that our body sends us as an SOS... Though we could say... That ghouls were seemingly immortal from the start, they have no need of such a function.

"Well, who was the one who did such a horrible thing?"

Surely, that must not be self-inflicted.

While I had a hunch about who was the culprit, I had to at least ask.

"It was Chiharu's little sister. I don't know why, but she suddenly stabbed me."

"As expected."

Frightening.

Had Zonmi not been a ghoul, what did she plan to do?

Fiuu... I had been on the verge of shouldering a crime that would have haunted me my whole life.

"Well, I still have many questions..."

"Yes, like?"

"After that, how did end your battle with Kyouko?"

Though I'm worried by my sister's insurgence, that comes first.

I couldn't see any big injuries on Zonmi's body, with the exception of her forehead, and since she has returned to my home, does that mean she had won?

"I have no excuse. I managed to corner her, but... In the end, she managed to slip out at the last second."

"... Is that so?"

More than enough.

That Kyouko that boasted such a superhuman strength as being able to wield a truck with one hand managed to slip out. Zonmi's true ability is probably more than I expected, though.

"Mmm... Mmmm!"

For some reason, I could hear my sister shrieking.

"Hey, Zonmi... By the way, what did you do with Manami?"

"If you mean your sister, didn't I restrain her with ropes so she didn't act violently?"

"..."

She calmly told me. What are you doing with other people's little sisters, you punk.

When I was about to voice that, Manami appeared tied in a turtle-shell bondage...

"Oo... Mmm..."

She probably tried to mutter "Onii-chan!", but I couldn't understand it due to the towel stuffed into her mouth.

Even if I was curious of where Zonmi could have learnt to tie a turtle-shell bondage when there's no chance for that within a normal lifestyle, right now that didn't matter.

"Wait, I'll help you right now."

"... Please, stop. Once you unbind her, what if she goes on a rampage again? To contain her brutishness, isn't it better to leave her like that?"

"Is my sister some kind of beast?"

Come to think of it, the transfer student introduced herself like that on her first day.

Zonmi truly hates humans...

I thought about that while I removed the towel from her mouth.

This situation... Rather than your run-in-the-mill teasing, somehow I got the opposite feeling.

"... Haaah! O-onii-chan! Who is that!? She didn't die even though I killed her, she's totally weird!"

"Calm down, Manami, aren't you the weird one? For starters, it isn't ethical to kill someone.

I don't know why, but I seem to be surrounded by people without a speck of common sense. Crap, now my head is hurting.

"You zombie girl! Don't get near my Oniiiii~-chan! Scram!"

"I'm not a zombie. I'm a proud ghoul, Zonmi."

Zonmi muttered a complaint.

Ah, of course she'd fuss over that.

"Well, about stabbing kitchen knives on people's foreheads... it's bad, OK?"

"Bu-but sheee~! She came all of a sudden and said 'I'll live together with oniichan'! I won't allow that!"

"Did you say that... Zonmi?"

"Yes. So that something like today doesn't happen again. At least until the end of our agreement, don't leave my field of view."

"..."

Certainly Zonmi could also help me with other things when going out of the house. I don't know when Kyouko would try to make a contract by force again.

"Listen, Manami... We don't have another option. Even though I don't want to go along with that, but the circumstances don't allow us to not live together..."

"Wha-what? You have to cohabit even when you don't want to go along?"

"We~ll, there are some deep issues..."

"Onii-chan... Could it be that she's your sex friend?... That's it! I won't allow it! Kill, I'll kill her! Onii-chan, untie me! I have to kill her!"

"What things are you saying?"

"Urk!"

I poked Manami in the forehead.

As you see, Manami has a tendency to easily go on instant rampage, but if you talk things with her, she has good sense... Though even I wasn't sure if that's really the case.

"Mmmph<nowiki>~~~</nowiki>! Onii-chan, how cheeky. For this, I'll whip you later a hundred times as a punishment."

As I expected, she has always been like this...

"Se-se-se-sex fr..."

For some reason, Zonmi's face was as red as a tomato and muttering something under her breath.

"Hurry, untie me quickly! Onii-chan is being tricked by this demon! I must open your eyes!"

"If I untie you, you shall listen to the circumstances."

"Mmm~"

I unbound Manami's ropes.

I'd wish that once I'm done no more troubles arise, but maybe that's wishful thinking...

<center>× × ×</center>

Later. After wasting a whole hour persuading Manami, we went to have dinner. Over the round table there was a menu of karaage accompanied by salad and miso soup that, while simple, suited our tastes.

I was surprised that Zonmi made all of this without help.

Something that was bothering me, it seems that Zonmi was wearing an apron earlier because she was preparing to make dinner.

The sweet oily aroma of the deep-frying greatly aroused our appetite.

"Ooh, this is delicious."

The outside was crispy while the inside was juicy. At the same time, a nice spicy flavor filled my mouth.

"Is that so? I learnt how to make it to suit your tastes."

"Mmm~. Onii-chan exaggerates! When he's in front of a beauty, he just makes a stupid grin! You glutton!"

"If that's so, try to eat too."

Showing her dissatisfaction, my sister threw the karaage into her mouth.

"...!"

"How's it, delicious?"

"Hmph. It's really not a big deal! The food onii-chan cooks is a hundred times more delicious!"

Despite saying that, Manami moved the chopsticks with amazing speed... This fellow's not honest.

Since we have no father and mom has been living overseas because of work forever, I was usually in charge of cooking. It wasn't my intention, but something inevitable.

It's not like Manami couldn't cook... But if I let her, I don't know what she would mix with it. No, I'm not joking.

"That was surprising. Zonmi, you cook really well."

"Of course. That's because to us monsters, food is an indispensable source of magical power."

"Eeh~, so it's like that."

It seems like magic replenishment works like normal nutrition.

"This miso soup, in particular. It doesn't lose to the one I usually make, even though the ingredients are all the same... Huh?"

"That miso soup alone was done by your sister. She stubbornly kept telling me 'I'll make it'..."

What the heck. I had a very unpleasant premonition.

"... Sorry. I'll go throw this out the sink."

"Ah! Onii-chan, meanie! This time I didn't put anything weird!"

"As if I believe you! You have to many antecedents! Be sincere, have you put anything dangerous in it?"

"I really didn't put anything this time... Well, except for a handful of love..."

"... As I thought, I'm throwing it out."

"Uwaaaaaaaa! Time out, onii-chan! It was 30,000 yen for ten grams! I used up my meager savings to buy it!"

"As if I know!"

I had to take advantage of this momentum to get rid of the miso soup.

"Gyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"

Manami emitted a strange sound like that of an uprooted mandragora.

"..."

Zonmi stared at us siblings' usual behavior with such a cold gaze that could almost freeze.

No, what am I saying? Really... what was that?

"... Well, then, have you come up with a plan to overcome that?"

"Yeah, about that..."

I told her about what happened earlier with Luka-san.

"Is that so? If that's what Luka said, we can trust that information."

"Eh, you know her? Is Luka-san a celebrity?"

"The Snake charmer Monster tamer... Luka the Snake tamer. A competent Monster tamer that's first in the list to become the next Maou. Having accomplished innumerable achievements, she's a charismatic celebrity even in the Netherworld."

I see. I thought she was someone with an extraordinary aura around her, but was she such an amazing person?

"To protect the area... Is it? Since, in the first place, it's not like anything big will happen, the degree of difficulty of that mission should be very low."

"... There shouldn't be any big incidents in this area."

"That's why, we shan't be negligent. For that, from tomorrow onwards, we have to successfully guard this area."

"Eh, but school..."

"It ended half destroyed during my battle with the Nephilim. It will be closed for a while."

"..."

I take back what I said.

Police, help! Something big has happened!

My chest is filled with feelings of guilt.

Incidentally, when I looked at Manami, 'Mph!', with her lips pursed, she looked displeased for some reason.

"Hey, in other words, isn't that a date?"

"Absolutely not, why don't you listen to what people say?"

"Liar! Even if you give this or that pretext, isn't that two people spending all day together? That's a date, after all!"

"Ha, ha, what things you say, Manami. Hey, Zonmi, say something..."

"Da-da-date... Date..."

Zonmi was looking down, her cheeks dyed red for some reason.

... Hey, why didn't you deny it.

"Mmmmph. See, like I said! I definitely won't approve it! It's too early to go on a date with oniichan, how audacious!"

"And what would you expect me to do, spending all day sleeping at home?"

Even if I conceded and called it a date, I don't know why I would need approval from my sister.

"I will also go with you. It's only fair."

"Sorry, I don't understand. First, there's no benefit from your tagging along."

"There are benefits."

"Isn't that at best a punchline with something like a low-acidity shampoo?"

"It's not... Or should I say I have doubts of your sense of humor..."

While she threw me a scornful glance, 'Ahem!', Manami cleared her throat and continued.

"Onii-chan, wouldn't it be bad if you somehow ended up shopping for clothes or underwear with this Zonmi?"

"Wah!"

The moment she heard Manami's words, Zonmi's body twitched.

"Ah~. Now that you mention it, her clothes are indeed worn out. As expected, we should buy her new ones."

"Don-don't worry, I don't need them. These clothes are more than enough.

"... Now that you mention it, it seems that somehow you were able to wear our school uniform, from where did you get that?"

"That... I got it from Luka. She also helped me with the school admission."

"Eeh, so it was like that...?"

I had been wondering till now, but that cleared it.

During the two days I hadn't seen Zonmi, she was at Luka-san's place.

"I mean, was there where you changed into that zombie underwear? You didn't perhaps keep wearing it, right...

When Manami asked that with scornful eyes, Zonmi's body twitched like a golden fish out of water.

"Hey... Could it be... You..."

"I-I didn't have other way! I couldn't ask anyone to buy me underwear! I-I simply kept wearing those I like... Hey, Chiharu! Don't look at me with those eyes!"

"Ha, ha..."

This means tomorrow we three will end up going shopping.

Of course, about guarding the area, however... I'm certain even a monk would be worried.

<center>× × ×</center>

Later.

Zonmi decided to take a bath, and meanwhile I secretly slipped out of the house.

My aim was, of course, to see how things were going on at Kyouko's side.

Leaving behind a note that said 'I'm going to the convenience store', I went out.

Right now I could be easily attacked but, nevertheless, I couldn't simply leave it be. Even assuming that Kyouko is a monster, it didn't change the fact that she's my childhood friend.

Walking by the street at night, after a short while I saw Kyouko's apartment. It was made of wood and you couldn't call it nice even as flattery. When I was a kid, I often came here to play, but recently I didn't have many chances to visit.

Will she be fine... that girl?

Don't worry. Even if she gives an impression of stern behavior, she's unexpectedly softhearted...

""Ah!""

While turning a corner on the road, I ran into a jersey-clad Kyouko.

"..."

Kyouko held a supermarket bag. At this hour... Perhaps she aimed for the last-minute discount goods<ref>In Japan, supermarkets start giving discounts to unsold goods a little while before closing time in order to get rid of them. For more info, go see or watch the ''Ben-To'' series.</ref> I know since I often also do the same.

"Yo!"

Same as before, There was an awkward mood, but since it was this time, I loudly greeted her.

"What a surprise. You are a shocking idiot... You won't live long."

"Yes, I'm an idiot, did you notice it at last, you idiot?"

Of course it's not like I didn't feel uneasy.

But, right now, I shouldn't leave Kyouko, her eyes full of doubt, alone. That's why,

"Hey, do you want to talk for a bit?"

I made up my mind and broke the ice like that.

I hadn't been to Kyouko's place since elementary school, it really has been five years.

"Ha, ha, ha, it hasn't changed in the slightest, your house."

"Stop it! It can't be helped if since the start we didn't have many things!"

Kyouko's room had only the necessary minimum furniture, living with a simplicity you wouldn't expect of a girl her age. At school, Kyouko gives a gorgeous impression. If those guys in class knew, they'd surely faint.

"Would you like something to drink?"

"Aye."

"Calpis, perhaps?"

"No, I don't like the calpis you serve here because it's watery!"

Silent kick (omitted).

"Barley tea, please."

"OK."

As we conversed like that, I was relieved.

Good, Kyouko hasn't changed.

At least it seems I don't have to worry being suddenly attacked.

Unintentionally, I remembered the times I came to this house to play in elementary school.

When was it?... Since playing with girls was embarrassing, my relation with Kyouko ended up straining. Also, could it be because of the deep memories this place held?... As this house hadn't changed in the last five years, I felt a strange sense of security.

A while later, Kuoko returned with cups on both hands.

"Say, don't you think I could attack you?"

Muttered Kyouko while lowering her back to the floor.

"Did you plan on attacking?"

"Well. You've seen my battle with that ghoul. There's no reason for that kind of thing. Sorry, Haru, that time... Somehow it ended like that."

"Is that so? That's good. Since I also want my first time to be with the girl I like."

Playing dumb, Kyouko chuckled a little.

"Haru, please look behind for a moment."

"Why so sudden?"

"It's fine."

Being told that, I turned back.

Let me see, I feel that recently things always develop like that... Especially today.

When I turned around after hearing a 'Now it's fine', I found Kyouko had removed her clothes.

Wearing nothing but her underwear, Kyouko's upper body, though unconsciously trembling, gave a sense of earnestness as she said the following:

"I'll show you from now on, my true form."

"... OK."

As soon as she told that, black things clearly sprouted from Kyouko's back.

Covered by thin hair, they became the shape of wings.

It would be difficult to compare them with something of this world, but if you force me to do it, they were closer to bat wings... They weren't things you could call lovely even as flattery. They were eerie wings that stirred up unpleasant and disturbing feelings.

"This is only a part, If you wish I can fully transform. Want to see?"

"No, that's OK..."

Better refrain from that. As what I'm seeing doesn't give a very pleasant feeling, if I see more than that my head will probably hurt.

"Since about when..."

As a shadow covered her face, Kyouko muttered:

"I was aware I wasn't I human ever since I was born... I didn't learn it. It was harsh. Even while concealing my true self, I couldn't become close to anyone..."

"... Why didn't you tell me until now?"

"I couldn't, this form... is revolting, right?"

"..."

I couldn't either deny or confirm it.

While one must be able to solve his own problems<ref>The literal translations is "one must finish no matter what laundry", which I take it means "one must solve his own problems, no matter how difficult they are"; if you know an equivalent English expression, feel free to change it.</ref>, I couldn't make an instantaneous decision.

"While it may seem a trifling matter to other people, I often pondered about what kind of person I was. Always wondering for what reason I was born."

"..."

"But, you know? Recently, at last, I had a chance to make good use of this power. That was when I knew Haru had been chosen as a Monster tamer. I was glad. If I could display my power for the sake of someone close to me, I thought wouldn't it be a happy thing in the end?"

"Really?"

So she was thinking about those kind of things.

"But it's too late. It may be too late. Today, you know, when I gathered my strength and decided to open my heart, there was already another girl beside Haru. I was scared. I felt she had stolen the place I'd just found... that's why I made a fool of myself. Why did it end up like this?... In addition to this creepy things... I made myself be hated..."

Kyouko looked downwards, droplets dripping from her eyes.

... Now that I think, Kyouko has always been like this.

Really, who was it that she got this bad habit from, pretending to be tough with a composed face... She ends up shouldering all of her troubles alone.

That's why today I'm extremely happy.

This fellow has conveyed her true intentions to me.

I softly put my hand on Kyouko's head and gently stroked her hair.

"Aren't you always causing a ruckus? I got used to it long ago."

"But..."

Worried about Kyouko, I said.

"Kyouko, the elementary school graduation album. On the column of our dreams for the future, do you remember what I wrote I wanted to be?"

"... A stag beetle."

Those were records labeled as 'Dark History' on my internal memory folder.

"Correct, they have it good. They are free to eat nothing but watermelon. Moreover, they are cool because they have horns."

"... What do you mean?"

"Don't you understand? My dream hasn't changed since then, I still want to be a stag beetle! That's why, don't worry, your wings are honestly cool. They are not creepy at all."

"... Aren't you stupid. Saying these kind of things even though you are in middle school..."

"That's it, you hadn't noticed until now, stu~pid?"

That day, Kyouko cried.

What's more, they were happy tears.

Because of that, I got home late and was severely tied by the two girls awaiting there.

I cried too.

Since those two's punishment honestly wasn't a joke. Saying 'Human, it would be best if you died.', I feel you don't want to know the rest.

Perhaps, I won't forget in my life what happened today.

What I'm saying, I feel this is the most dense time in my life.

[[File:Maou_na_Ore_to_Fushihime_no_Yubiwa_p131.png|thumb]]

 

<noinclude>

==References and Translation Notes==
<references />

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica:Volume 1 Prologue

2012-10-15T21:33:12Z

128.250.5.246: /* Prologue */

== Prologue ==

===Part 1===

“Uwaaa! Tha- that is dangerous! Hey, are you trying to kill me?!”

Even though he knew very well it was futile, Ousawa Akatsuki couldn’t stop screaming. Since he was running at full speed his shout caused a Doppler effect. It was daybreak and the sky in the east had just started to turn white. Akatsuki was running in the depths of a dense forest. He was carrying a bag about the size of a sandbag on his back while strongly kicking the ground as he strode though. Half a step behind him arrows struck the ground one right after the other. Numerous footsteps chased him like they were trying to surround him. Akatsuki turned around and confirmed his followers. What he saw was blue and white colors completely unfit to the forest. It was aprons and servants' clothes. His pursuers were maids. Furthermore there were forty-four of them. In today’s recession it is difficult to see this many maids even in the streets of Akihabara. His chasers were beautiful girls and women. Akatsuki was thinking. It would be great if we were in the summer beach.

“But it is not summer and this is not even the beach!”

He straightened himself up and pulled his mind back from the illusions to the reality. Actually there was a fundamental problem apart from the season and the place. In the first place this is not Akihabara; not even Earth. This is another world.

The earth Ousawa Akatsuki is standing on belongs to a different world called Areizard. Which was why every maid was carrying a weapon of some kind. Like swords, spears and bows. To understand this situation it is necessary to know something about Akatsuki.

Five years ago. Akatsuki was summoned to this world called Areizard. In this world where swords and magic were used and a hero and the demon king existed there was a full scale war against the army of demons led by Garius the demon king. That’s right. There was already a hero in this world. Therefore this is not a story where the young boy comes from another world to become a hero. On the contrary the summoned Akatsuki had no powers whatsoever. He was an ordinary boy. He was only a bystander and had nothing to do about the future of this world. His luck was that after the summoning he woke up in the great magic nation Sherfiido. He was welcomed by the hero Leon, the queen Risty and others like the fighter Zeks and the mage Ruudye. Not only that, but they searched old books to help him return to his world. In the vast forest near Sherfiido. There is a <gate to another world> in the deepest part of the northern side of the forest. Then just as Akatsuki was about to return to his world ---- a tragedy occurred. The army, led by demon king Garius raided Erdia the royal city of Sherfiido. And in that fight the hero Leon lost his life. Protecting Akatsuki from the demon king’s blade.
Leon’s death caused despair in the world. This further deepened when Erdia fell. It was natural that the people held Akatsuki responsible. Risty was the only one who could protect Akatsuki, but she couldn’t accept Leon, her lover’s death. She also blamed Akatsuki. She cursed him--- If only you hadn't existed! Zeks and Ruudye didn't cover him either and after a while Akatsuki disappeared. Everyone thought that he fled and called him a coward. But he didn't flee.

Risking his life he went alone to the Divine World, where gods dwelt and trained as hard as he could. In the end he managed to learn a body control technique called Renkan Keikikou which allowed him to freely make chi in the body and returned to the battlefield. Then in the Erdia’s liberation war he saved Risty, Zeks and Ruudye when they got into a tight spot. Akatsuki suddenly become a hero but there were still quite a few who blamed Akatsuki for Leon’s death. It was especially infuriating for some Leon supporting people to see Akatsuki and Risty solving their ill feelings and fighting together. They started to call him cynically a rogue hero.

But Akatsuki quietly accepted his notorious name. Not only that but he behaved bohemian. Like he was saying I'm neither a champion nor a hero. Leon is the hero of Areizard. Akatsuki still felt that way. He is fine being a rogue hero. That is why on his way to defeat the demon king if he found a noble oppressing their peers he crushed him without question. If he caught a rumor about a beautiful girl or women he not only flirted but also molested them. Finally after a numerous adventures and hardships Akatsuki defeated demon lord Garius.

===Part 2===

Unlike the eastern and western parts of castle Erdia’s forest where temples and cemeteries were built, the northern part was left untouched. That is because the deepest part of the northern forest is considered a sacred ground. Thus there is no man made road, only natural paths between the trees. But even so the flora was growing as it pleased. If one is not careful enough it is easy to trip in the fallen trees, overgrown vines and ivies all around the forest.

---thirty minutes. Even though I've been running in a forest like that for thirty minutes already the number of presences behind me are not decreasing at all. They are serious about this. They really want to catch me.

While Akatsuki was thinking about what to do there was a voice above his head.

“Master Akatsuki, prepare yourself!”

Two maids fell from the sky. They held a long spear. They tried to attack me from both sides. Nonetheless I can’t be caught. How can I defeat them without causing damage?

Suddenly Akatsuki had an idea. He tried it right away.

“— gotcha”

Akatsuki narrowed himself and dodged the spears then when the maids landed and tried to turn towards him

“-----eh”

For some reason both of them sat to the ground with red faces. They realized they had been stripped.

“Well, well, what happened? Are you alright? “ Said Akatsuki with a sarcastic tone. There was a white piece of cloth in his hand. It was the panties these maids wore. He borrowed it in the split second they passed him.

“What? Did you sprain your legs? Let me see under your skirts for a little.”

“N- Noooooo!!”

The two maids run in panic.

“What can I say? It works like a charm.”

A bitter smile appeared on Akatsuki’s face. In the Divine Realm his master who taught him the Renkan Keikikou technique was the fist saint Granseiz. He was the user of the strongest martial art. Also he was the strongest perverted old man. For that reason Akatsuki not only learned how to use the body control technique Renkan Keikikou, but he also learned how to use it in a little—no in a quite perverted way. The rumor that the [Rogue hero likes women] is widespread throughout Areizard. Of course the maids know that as well. Akatsuki waved his hand towards the back of the fleeing maids, but a rope tied around his hand. There was also another rope on his other hand holding his bag.

“You can no longer escape, Master Akatsuki!’

“Come back with us to the castle peacefully.”

Two different maids appeared from the brush next to him. But Akatsuki stood firmly on the ground and put a little power in his hands pulling the rope.

“Ah---!”

With only that the two maids flew in the air. He used Renkan Keikikou. The girls as if pulled by a mysterious power flew right in front of him. Then while still with the bag on his back he skillfully caught the girls by their waist, one on each of his shoulders.

“Oh, that ear looks tasty.”

He bit the ear of the maid on his left shoulder softly. With that he changed the chi inside her body. Her body shook then fell to the ground. Renkan Keikikou has many uses. If you raise the chi in your body you can heighten your senses or make your body superhuman. And it can be used on others too. Akatsuki did that to the left maid. Her face was in ecstasy, her face was red, it was quite erotic to be frank. Clearly a pleasant feeling filled her whole body. The other maid watching this tried to distance herself from Akatsuki by pushing him away. But he didn't t even flinch, the maid was the one pushed back instead. Then something was slipping through her uniform’s sleeve. It was her bra.

“Ah---!”

The maid crossed her arm over her chest like she was trying to hide her breasts from him. Akatsuki talked to her.

“Tell this to Walkyuria. It means me a lot to me that she tried to stop me.”

“---“
Then the maid bit her lips and disappeared in a brush. Akatsuki shrugged his shoulder then turned to the other maid whose chi was changed and was sitting powerlessly on the ground.

“I’m sorry… you will be able to move in thirty minutes. Please give this back to the other maid.”

He threw the bra towards her then started to run again.

It was only yesterday that Akatsuki defeated Galius the demon lord. After that he immediately returned to the royal town Erdia where a victory party was held inviting the leaders of the allied kingdoms who fought together with Sherfiido against the demon army. Then the dawn of the next day is the present. Akatsuki silently left the castle of Sherfiido at daybreak. To return to his own world. Since he thought he shouldn’t be in this world anymore. He mumbled while running.

“That was all good but…”

Apparently his plans were seen through by his friends who fought together with him. Zeks and Ruudye while reluctant to let him leave, saw him off. The problem is princess Risty. Akatsuki didn’t understand what she was thinking.

Risty the talented mage was Akatsuki’s important partner. After they got over the same sadness that was losing Leon and reconciled, they formed a party with Zeks and Ruudye. The four of them traveled and fought together in the last few years to defeat the demon lord.

The hero who defeated the demon lord marries the princess and they live happily ever after. Indeed it wouldn’t be strange if it ended like that. It is completely possible that after they traveled all over the world risking their lives something special forms between them. To be precise there was a special feeling between Akatsuki and Risty. But they didn’t get together. The reason is that Risty had a lover she couldn’t forget. And Akatsuki also couldn’t forget that man. He was his first true friend after he was summoned to Aleizard. He was a hero among heroes. That is why Akatsuki fought as a rogue hero to the end. And that is why it didn’t take long for Risty to feel something special towards Akatsuki since she understood his feelings like they were her own. Just like the two of them getting attracted to each other due to sharing the same pain. Still they didn’t become lovers until the very end. And Risty wasn’t there to see him off. Zeks and Ruudye followed him. There is no way that Risty of all people wouldn’t realize his plans. That is why he thought that they ended like that. Then when he started to walk towards the northern forest where the <gate to another world> was. He was stopped by Sherfiido’s beautiful maids and head maid Walkyuria. Since they said they had a message from Risty he had to hear it. That is why.

“The hero who defeated the demon lord disappears the next day? Don’t kid with me! You should cool your head a little while being tied up!”

Even if they say that I can’t understand it so quickly. The moment Akatsuki tilted his head to the side. With a sharp metallic sound forty-four armed maids attacked him in unison.

“Then it turned out like this.”

Said as he stopped. A group of maids stood before Akatsuki blocking his way. Looks like they decided that two or three of them wouldn't stand a chance against him. So this time they are ten at once. It was quite a sight to see them forming a straight line. Akatsuki let out a sigh.

“I suppose you won't back out. Well… I guessed so. It is not easy to let go. Memories that is.”

Still that can be said about him too. Thus Akatsuki started to walk. And this was his last warning.

“If you still try to get in my way I'll be a little forceful ---don't t think badly of me, okay!”

===Part 3===

“Unit Alpha was broken through! The other units can’t surround him in time!”

“Unit Omega can you hear me? Unit Omega! – It’s no use there is no response!”

The head maid Walkyuria closed her eyes and listened to her subordinates screaming similar reports without moving an inch. Walkyuria and her unit was further in the forest than Akatsuki’s current position. Her objective is to capture him. If that is the case then intercepting has a higher chance of success then pursuit. Thus she used the first attackers to tie him down while she got a head start. She formed small units in perfect positions to surround and capture Akatsuki--- that was her plan. But he couldn't be stopped. He was not even trying to evade the maids surrounding him. Instead he was fighting them head on and cutting his way forward. And he still has time to grope the breasts, stroke the butts and touch the tights of the maids in the commotion while using Renkan Keikikou to enrapture them.

“Walkyuria if this goes on…”

We all fall—after hearing her subordinate stop her sentence Walkyuria silently opened her eyes at least.

“It can’t be helped. You should go too… I'll stay here.”

“But…”

“Walkyuria…”

Walkyuria’s orders were transmitted to the units via communication magic used by three of her most trusted subordinates out of the forty-three standing under Walkyuria’s direct command. They could use attack magic too but the northern forest is a sacred ground after all. They can’t destroy the forest. Therefore a lonely smile appeared on her face when Walkyuria saw that they still couldn’t give up.

“We already knew that there was nothing we could do to stop that man. Parting is only a matter of time now. Nonetheless Lady Risty gave us a last chance. That is why you must go. If you can't stop him then at least get a last memory from Master Akatsuki.”

“Understood Walkyuria!”

“I hope Walkyuria can say farewell without regret.”

“Ee… thank you.”

Walkyuria silently watched as her subordinates started to run after saluting. Then closed her eyes again. For a second silence filled the northern forest. Then she heard her subordinates screaming. The screams started to close in little by little. Walkyuria flashed back. Five years ago to what happened when she first met Akatsuki. Then a faint feeling started to well up from deep inside her heart.

…I mustn’t. Walkyuria’s cheek loosened a little as she was thinking. Then.

“Oh, you finally showed yourself, Walkyuria!”

A tall young man appeared from the bushes in front of her. It was Akatsuki. Uncombed hair reaching to his shoulders. Black clothes covering his robust body. They were all black as night. His shining eyes were black as well.

There are two types of faces a woman likes. It is either nice looking or sharp looking. Akatsuki’s face was clearly the latter. His eyes are piercing and his face captured many women’s hearts. Audacious expression. Confidence and pride that is almost like conviction which gives birth to an appearance of allowance. He is strong. So much that it is obvious to anyone. Akatsuki had a unique presence that could stop someone’s breath. Walkyuria thought. He is a completely different person from five years ago when they first met. This must be what it means to turn from an ordinary boy to a hero. Walkyuria expressionlessly watched Akatsuki.

“Master Akatsuki please forgive me—you pervert! Do you want to make a legend of an evil spirit who attacks women in the northern forest?”

“If you say that then shouldn’t it first be the legend of maids who attacks travelers?”

“You say that but you look unhurt to me--- was there anything inadequate in my subordinates?"

“That is not possible. They are your subordinates. They all did their jobs until the very end.”

She bowed to him thankfully. Walkyuria had a nostalgic light in her eyes as she asked Akatsuki.

Please tell me!

“My subordinates… were those girls able to make Master Akatsuki remember them?”

“Don’t make me say it. It is embarrassing.”

Akatsuki laughed then replied.

“I won’t forget. Not a single thing in this world.”

“Thank you. I’m sure the girls are happy to hear that.”

She called out his name and raised her spear then took a stance.

“Lastly---- would you please carve me into your heart?”

-- Then not long after the forest become silent again. It was Akatsuki who appeared from the bush. Probably there won’t be any more maids coming after him. After he looked back one more time to carve Walkyuria’s memory into his heart Akatsuki started to walk again. His goal is the sacred ground in the deepest part of the forest. There is the <gate to another world> leading to the world he used to live. There are a few gates in Aleizard that connect to different worlds. There are two in the religious Empire of Arekurasuta and in the Militarist Empire of Disdia. There are other gates too, seven altogether. But the gate he come through was the one in here Sherfiido. Thus to return to his own world Akatsuki has to use this gate.

“I didn’t think I would still remember.”

The path made by nature is labyrinthine. If someone unfamiliar with this place would enter by accident they would get lost for sure. But Akatsuki didn’t have any doubt. He relied on his memories from five years ago. Akatsuki had been here before. After a while Akatsuki noticed a great tree before him. That means his goal is close. The sacred ground lies beyond that tree. The <gate to another world> is about a kilometer from here. Then while walking his gaze went to the bottom of the giant tree.

“----“

A girl stood there. She was beautiful like a spirit of the forest. Those who saying that she is the treasure of Sherfiido are not lying at all. The one standing there was Risty El da Sherfiido.

The last time Akatsuki saw her was at the victory party hall yesterday. She wore an elaborately decorated shining dress worthy of a princess. But she can’t go to the forest in an outfit like that. Right now she is wearing white casual clothes. She made her waist long golden hair a ponytail. It is the same as she used when they travelled to defeat the demon lord. Her unchanging beauty is the same.

“---“
Risty noticed him. When they eyes met they recognized each other. Akatsuki continued to move forward while Risty stayed still. The distance between them decreases. They become closer and closer--- than Akatsuki passed her.

“--- He- Hey wait a minute!”

Probably she didn't expect this. She called out to him in a hurried voice behind him. But he ignored her. Akatsuki continued to walk without saying a voice.
“Stupid. Wait! Stop joking and wait a little, hey…”

Finally he stopped and made a sight when she grabbed onto his arm. Without turning to her

“What are you doing for a princess to sneak out the castle? On top of it you even sent after me your maids.”

“Th- they said that they wanted to say farewell to you so I gave my permission. I… only came here to check up on them.”

After she said that she leaned her back against his wide back. While Akatsuki felt her weight Ritsy gave out a faint voice.

“Are you really leaving?”

“Aa, I should’t be in this world anymore. You should know that too.”

“……..”

Risty couldn't say anything since she understood what he was thinking. Even though he defeated the demon lord Garius, he is still a rogue hero. Of course there are people who praise Akatsuki as a real hero and wants him to marry Ritsy. But if she and Akatsuki who has opposition forces marry that would certainly lead to serious troubles later on which very well could cause Sherfiido to split. Even if they would not marry his influence as the hero who defeated the demon lord remains. Certainly there are peoples both domestic and foreign who don’t think well of him. It wouldn't be strange if that would cause an another dispute. And this time it would be a war between humans. That is why Akatsuki decided. He will defeat the demon lord alone. Then he will bear all the praise, honor, regret, envy and disappear from this world. Aleizard will only than be at peace.

“Not to mention I have something to do in that world.”

There is no demon lord in the world he grew up, in Earth. But there is someone who must be stopped. And probably that is his job. Before coming to Aleizard he thought it was impossible. But it might be possible for him since he gained power. Also there is another reason for him to return to his world. That is why Akatsuki is here right now. Then…

“… forgive me!”

Suddenly he heard a wistful, faintly shaking voice coming from his back. He made a sigh unintentionally.

And I thought it would be the best to leave without saying a word.

Akatsuki scratched his head. Then he turned to Risty. He knew it is cheating. But when he looked closer tear flowed from Risty’s eyes. Thus he suddenly kissed her.

“----?”

After seeing Risty widen her eyes in surprise Akatsuki closed his. Then tasted her soft lips to the fullest.

“---ha…wha- what are you doing?”

After she hastily moved her lips away from him Risty pulled Akatsuki’s face with full force.

“Because you cried in front of me… sorry.”

Akatsuki looked in her face while rubbing his face. Maybe from embarrassment or from anger but she reddened her face. But she isn't crying anymore. Thus Akatsuki thought this is for the best.

Ousawa Akatsuki had an esthetic.

That is if there is a woman crying he can do as he wishes. This is what he thought. Always there must be a reason when a woman cries in front of a man. The man must never look away from those tears. Thus Ousawa Akatsuki felt he should be honest with his feelings at least in front of the women crying before him.
When a woman cries, if he wants to stop those tears Akatsuki would stop them immediately.

When a woman cries, if he holds those tears dear Akatsuki would hug her.

When a woman cries, if he thinks those tears just Akatsuki would leave her alone.

When a woman cries, if he feels those tears lying he would ask for the reason.

And he would do anything to accomplish that. It might be to forceful to call it esthetic. But sometimes in the world there are sad tears that must be stopped even by ignoring the woman’s feelings. Thus Akatsuki follows his beliefs. Hate me not your tears.

“—well this kiss was like a farewell present. Thank you.”

“Forcibly kissing a princess of a kingdom…you better remember this!”

“Unless you forget me I won't forget you either.”

Risty unpleasantly raised her chin as Akatsuki said that to her with calm face.

“Don’t get the wrong idea! I'll forget someone like you in no time!”

“Ah, really?”

Said Akatsuki as he lift his bag from the ground.

“—well it is time to say goodbye. I go this way and… you go that way.”

He pointed at the dimensional gate and Castle Erdia. They are in the opposite directions. Nevertheless those are the paths Akatsuki and Risty has to take.

“You don’t have to tell me that…”

Risty gave a snort.

“I feel relieved. Farewell, Akatsuki. I--- hated you.”

She said that much then turned her back to him and started to walk away. Akatsuki saw her off then when her as her figure getting smaller and smaller he suddenly called out to her. Those was his last words to her.

“ Don't forget what I said to you that day! If ever something happens call me! If you believe me I’ll definitely came for you.”

“--------“

Risty stopped silently. That is why Akatsuki talked to her. No matter what happens in the future, even if they never met again. Even if they never meet again--- he had to tell her this unchanging truth.

“No matter how far we are—“

I swear to you.

“I’ll always be your ally. Never forget that, got it?!”

After Akatsuki parted with Risty he didn’t made a stop anymore.

The further I go the more I can feel the forest become unusually silent. The sound disappears from the world. And even though it is deep in the forest the scent of the trees, grass and flowers can’t be sense anymore. When the scent of the flora disappeared my vision and sense of touch started to sharpen. I had clear vision and I could feel the invisible air on my skin like my senses were stretched out. I’ve entered the sacred ground.

When he realized Akatsuki walked in a nature made tunnel of trees. The tree branches covering the top of the tunnel were high so it doesn't feel cramped. Numerous leaves covered the sunlight completely. Yet it was so light as under the blue sky. Soft light flowed through the tunnel to the exit. It means the end of the tunnel is near. And not much further lies the goal of Akatsuki’s journey.

Well, at last. It was deeply moving sight. Right now there is gate in front of Akatsuki. On the stone pedestal there were a quartz pillars with decorated with geometric motives. These made up the giant gate. On the other side of the gate the forest still continued. But this was the <gate to another world> without a doubt. Because the space surrounded by the gate faintly fluctuated. It was a plane of discontinuity created by the dimensional instability. That proved that it connects to another world.

“I hope it will go alright.”

Akatsuki started to concentrate as he put the sack back on. This should work in theory. I’m going through.

Akatsuki slowly stepped in the gate. It was a firm step which moved him forward. Just before he stepped through the fluctuating space, Akatsuki turned back for the last time. That was his farewell. His last words to the world he spent so much time. He said it.

“Farewell, Areizard!”

Then Ousawa Akatsuki disappeared in the <gate to another world>. There was no sound. The sacred ground in the forest was silent like it was a lie that the hero departed. Still the only thing remained was the silent space fluctuation occurred when someone travels through the <gate to another world>.

===Part 4===

The wind strokes my cheek. Feeling comfortable Akatsuki slowly opened his eyes. His consciousness activated.

“Ah…”

He gets up, slowly shakes his head trying to gather his sleepy thoughts. When Akatsuki woke up there was a blue light piercing the darkness. His eyelids were closed all the time causing his eyes to get used to the darkness so he woke up feeling the gentle light too bright. Then the wind blew again. Like something was guiding him Akatsuki turned his eyes there. There was a white lace curtain dancing in the wind blowing through the window. Outside the window he saw the night sky. The moon in the sky faintly lightens up the world filled with the silent night. Akatsuki watched the word lighten up by the moonlight. He sees this scenery since he was a kid. The asphalt and concrete filled town feels somewhat lifeless. Then he looked inside the room. It was dark but he knew this room. It was familiar scenery.

It looks like he came home. On top of his bed, Akatsuki was thinking about his returning from another world absent mindedly. There is a precise electric clock embedded inside the marble object from Miyano. It showed the same date and same time. It made Akatsuki’s think he had a long dream. But it wasn’t a dream. There is something lying down next to him. It was the large sack he carried on his back when he returned from Aleizard. Usually only those coming from another world can pass the <gate to another world>. But the Renkan Keikikou he learned allowed him to control the flow of chi. He covered his clothes and the sack with his chi. This made the gate to falsely recognize that his clothes and his bag are part of his body. Thus he succeeded to pass the <gate to another world> with those. But the problem is the inside. Akatsuki slowly opened the fastener on the side of the bag. Then something appeared from it like it was flowing out. They were breasts.

“…ah”

The breasts talked. No it was something else. There was something other than breasts. A tasty looking ass and soft tights rolled out of the bag sleeping silently. A gorgeous sleeping beauty was inside the bag. A breathtaking beautiful girl. Fine looking nose, soft moist lips, shapely ears and shining long twin tails. Each one of them looked like it was carefully made by the goddess of beauty herself. Beside her beautiful face her bodyline was also attracting. Ample bosom that could stop all thoughts. Abundant round buttocks. Nipped in waist that makes men wanting to touch it. Anyone would dream a spectacular body like hers. Her beautiful white skin was slightly pink despite the temperature. The peacefully sleeping girl changed her pose comfortably. That made her eyelids open slightly. She looked this way with her amber like eyes.

“Where am I?”

“In my world. You are safe here.”

After hearing his answer she closed her eyes again. Then started to sleeping peacefully. Thus Ouzawa Akatsuki made a sigh.

It seems everything went well. He made a bitter smile. Even though he has something he must to. He accepted a troublesome thing.

“I want to trust my daughter to you, eh? I won’t hold responsibility no matter what happens.”

This is the start of a new tale.

Ousawa Akatsuki. Sixteen years old. High school first year. Job: ex-rogue hero

He was summoned to another world called Aleizard and after many hardships he defeated the demon lord Galius. After the dying Galius trusted Akatsuki his daughter, he had no choice but to return to his world with her in secret. Thus after the ending the tale enters its second stage.

Returned to the real world, it is the start of a New Game.

<nowiki>----------</nowiki>

You ask me with your hearth and I answer with deeds.

The thing the hero protects – what is that.

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