Baka-Tsuki - User contributions [en]

User:Onizays

2014-03-03T08:47:59Z

Onizays:

normal guy with normal lifestyle

==It a pain to make a talk page so just write anything here==

Psycho Love Comedy

2014-02-17T07:23:59Z

Onizays:

[[image:PsyCome V1 Cover.jpg|250px|thumb|Volume 1 Cover]]
Psycho Love Comedy (サイコメ) is a Japanese light novel series by [[:Category:Mizuki Mizushiro|Mizuki Mizushiro]](水城水城) with illustrations by [[:Category:Namanie|Namanie]](生煮え).

== Story Synopsis ==

Sentenced on false charges, Kamiya Kyousuke was forced to enroll in the "Purgatorium School of Rehabilitation" where juvenile convicts are gathered. His surroundings include pretty girls with beautiful legs or fluttering hair... But they are actually convicted murderers. Attracting extra attention in school as the special 'Mass Murderer of Twelve', Kyousuke is also drawing the advances of the unidentified gas mask-wearing beauty with the giant rack, Hikawa Renko. In order to graduate safely, will Kyousuke be able to resist temptation laced with death!?

Winner of the Excellence Prize in the 14th Enterbrain Entertainment Awards.

Every single classmate is a murderer. LOVE＝KILL！The deeper the love, the greater the risk of death, a hardcore romantic comedy!! Let the lessons begin!

== Updates ==
* 2014-02-14 - Volume 1 Chapter 5 + Outroduction + Secret Track + Afterword Completed
* 2014-02-13 - Volume 1 Chapter 4 Completed
* 2014-02-11 - Volume 1 Chapter 3 Completed
* 2014-02-10 - Volume 1 Chapter 2 Completed
* 2014-02-09 - Project Page Created, Volume 1 Introduction + Chapter 1 Completed

== Translation ==
=== [[Psycho Love Comedy:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

Those who wish to contribute are asked to first notify a supervisor beforehand.

'''Translators are asked to [[Psycho Love Comedy:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on'''

=== Format Standards ===
'''Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''
* [[Format guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]
* [[Psycho Love Comedy:Names and Terminology Guidelines|Project-Specific Guidelines: Format, Names, and Terminology]]

=== Discussion ===
'''Discuss this series: [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=6423 in the forum]'''

== The 'Psycho Love Comedy' series by Mizuki Mizushiro ==

=== Volume 1 - Murderers and Death/Adolescence ([[Psycho Love Comedy Volume 1|Full Text]]) ===
[[image:PsyCome V1 Cover.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
:* [[Psycho Love Comedy:Volume 1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
:* [[Psycho Love Comedy:Volume 1 Preliminary Bell|Preliminary Bell - Introduction]]
:* [[Psycho Love Comedy:Volume 1 Period 1|Period 1 - Goodbye to Normal Life, Hello to Abnormal Life / "Sludge Over Ground"]]
:* [[Psycho Love Comedy:Volume 1 Period 2|Period 2 - Boy Meets Gas Mask / "Brutal Under Ground"]]
:* [[Psycho Love Comedy:Volume 1 Period 3|Period 3 - Disaster Born from the Worst Clumsy Girl / "Destructive Hurricane"]]
:* [[Psycho Love Comedy:Volume 1 Period 4|Period 4 - Rusty Nail, Rusty Heart / "Smells Like Rotten Blood"]]
:* [[Psycho Love Comedy:Volume 1 Period 5|Period 5 - Purgatory's True Face and Rhapsody's Growl / "Lucifer in the Cocytus"]]
:* [[Psycho Love Comedy:Volume 1 After School|After School - Outroduction]]
:* [[Psycho Love Comedy:Volume 1 Supplementary Lesson|Supplementary Lesson - Secret Track]]
:* [[Psycho Love Comedy:Volume 1 Afterword|Afterword - Master of Ceremonies]]

 

=== Volume 2 - Murderer Princess and Outdoor School/Prison ===
[[image:PsyCome V2 Cover.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
:* [[Psycho Love Comedy:Volume 2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
:* Departure Ceremony - Introduction
:* Day 1 Hell - Following the Leadership of that Lady and Serial Killer / "Gothic Sick Amplifier"
:* Day 2 Purgatory - Peace Breaker, Trouble Maker / "Unbreakable Breakdown"
:* Day 3 Heaven - Dreamy Paradise of Heaven / "Knockin' on Heaven's Door"
:* Closing Ceremony - Outroduction
:* Day 0 Fall From Heaven - Secret Track
:* Afterword - Master of Ceremonies

 

=== Volume 3 - Murderer's Hope and Death/Final Exams ===
[[image:PsyCome V3 Cover.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
:* [[Psycho Love Comedy:Volume 3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
:* Preparation - Introduction
:* Question 1 - Core Crisis / "All Hope Is Gone?"
:* Question 2 - The Murderer With A Lady on Each Arm / "The Silence Is Suicide?"
:* Question 3 - Hate Breed / "You Call That A Knife?"
:* Question 4 - The Gradually Breaking World / "Can You Feel My Heart?"
:* Self Question - Turning Black / "May I Give You Hell?"
:* Question 5 - Serenade of Sickness / "Farewell, Jane Doe?"
:* Review - Outroduction
:* Supplementary Examination - Secret Track
:* Afterword - Master of Ceremonies

 

=== Volume 4 - Murderer's Taboo and Bon Festival ===
[[image:PsyCome V4 Cover.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
:* [[Psycho Love Comedy:Volume 4 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
:* Opening Scene - Introduction
:* Scene 1 - Cage Smeared With Blood / "Blood Stain Cage"
:* Scene 2 - Broken Wings / "Fear, and Loathing For Loss"
:* Scene 3 - Rusted and Rotten Claws / "Scarlet Scared The Sky"
:* Closing Scene - Outroduction
:* Bon Festival - Secret Track
:* Afterword - Master of Ceremonies

 

== Project Staff ==

* Project Administrator:
* Project Supervisor:

=== Translators ===
'''<big>ACTIVE</big>'''
* '''Guest Translator''' (Anonymous badass in forum)

=== Editors ===

== Series Overview ==
*サイコメ 1 殺人鬼と死春期を (February 28, 2013 - ISBN 978-4047287297)
*サイコメ 2 殺人姫と林監学校 (April 30, 2013 - ISBN 978-4047288539)
*サイコメ 3 殺人希と期末死験 (August 30, 2013 - ISBN 978-4047290969)
*サイコメ 4 殺人忌と裏盆会を (December 26, 2013 - ISBN 978-4047293236)

[[Category:Light novel (English)]][[Category:Famitsu Bunko]]
[[Category:Mizuki Mizushiro]]
[[Category:Namanie]]

Psycho Love Comedy:Volume 3 Illustrations

2014-02-17T07:07:46Z

Onizays:

Novel illustrations in Volume 3:

<gallery>
image:PsyCome V3 Cover.jpg
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| Return to [[Psycho Love Comedy|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Psycho Love Comedy:Volume 3 Preparation Introduction|Preparation - Introduction]]
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2014-02-17T07:06:40Z

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2014-02-17T07:02:57Z

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Psycho Love Comedy:Volume 4 Illustrations

2014-02-17T06:58:10Z

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Novel ilustration in volume 4

<gallery>
image:Psycome v4 cover.jpg
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| Return to [[Psycho Love Comedy|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Psycho Love Comedy:Volume 4 Opening Scene - Introduction|Opening Scene - Introduction]]
|-
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2014-02-17T06:57:40Z

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2014-02-17T06:48:05Z

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Psycho Love Comedy:Volume 4 Illustrations

2014-02-17T06:46:19Z

Onizays: Created page with "Novel ilustration in volume 4 <gallery> image:Psycome v4 cover.jpg image:002.jpg image:Psycome v4 01.jpg image:Psycome v4 02.jpg image:005.jpg image:Psycome v4 03.jpg image:..."

Novel ilustration in volume 4

<gallery>
image:Psycome v4 cover.jpg
image:002.jpg
image:Psycome v4 01.jpg
image:Psycome v4 02.jpg
image:005.jpg
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</gallery>

<noinclude>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Back to [[Psycho Love Comedy:Volume 3 Afterword|Volume 3]]
| Return to [[Psycho Love Comedy|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Psycho Love Comedy:Volume 4 Opening Scene - Introduction|Opening Scene - Introduction]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

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2014-02-17T06:44:00Z

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2014-02-17T06:42:22Z

Onizays: Onizays uploaded a new version of "File:Psycome v4 03.jpg"

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2014-02-17T06:41:49Z

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2014-02-17T06:37:38Z

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2014-02-17T06:35:09Z

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Tsuki Tsuki!

2014-02-17T02:51:51Z

Onizays:

[[Image:Tsuki Tsuki Vol 5.jpg|325px|right|frameless|Volume 1 Cover]]

''''''Tsuki Tsuki!'''''' (つきツキ！) is a light novel series written by Yujin Goto (後藤祐迅) and illustrated by Korie Riko, published in MF Bunko J. The series has currently 12 volumes published.

=== Story Sysnopsis ===
------------------------------------------
One day Shinobu wakes up just to find a naked blonde girl sleeping besides him. He has no memory whatsoever of her. Who is she? Why is she in his bed? Why is she naked? To make matters worse, his sister comes in and sees them. What will happen now?

==Novel available at==
[http://unlimitednovelfailures.mangamatters.com/tsukitsuki/ UNLIMITED NOVEL FAILURE]

== PROJECT ==

===Volume 1([http://unlimitednovelfailures.mangamatters.com/tsukitsuki/tsukitsuki-volume-01/ Volume 1 full text ])===

[[Image:Tsuki Tsuki Vol 1.jpg|325px|right|frameless|Volume 1]]

===Volume 2 ([http://unlimitednovelfailures.mangamatters.com/tsukitsuki/tsukitsuki-volume-02/ Volume 2 full text])===

[[Image:Cover2.jpg|325px|right|frameless|Volume 2]]

== Translator ==

PROzess
-------------------------------------------

Tsuki Tsuki!

2014-02-17T02:37:32Z

Onizays:

[[Image:Tsuki Tsuki Vol 5.jpg|325px|right|frameless|Volume 1 Cover]]

''''''Tsuki Tsuki!'''''' (つきツキ！) is a light novel series written by Yujin Goto (後藤祐迅) and illustrated by Korie Riko, published in MF Bunko J. The series has currently 12 volumes published.

=== Story Sysnopsis ===
------------------------------------------
One day Shinobu wakes up just to find a naked blonde girl sleeping besides him. He has no memory whatsoever of her. Who is she? Why is she in his bed? Why is she naked? To make matters worse, his sister comes in and sees them. What will happen now?

==Novel available at==
[http://unlimitednovelfailures.mangamatters.com/tsukitsuki/ UNLIMITED NOVEL FAILURE]

== PROJECT ==

==Volume 1==
[http://unlimitednovelfailures.mangamatters.com/tsukitsuki/tsukitsuki-volume-01/ Volume 1 [[Image:Tsuki Tsuki Vol 1.jpg|325px|frameless|Volume 1]]]

==Volume2==
[http://unlimitednovelfailures.mangamatters.com/tsukitsuki/tsukitsuki-volume-02/ Volume 2[[Image:Cover2.jpg|325px|frameless|Volume 2]]]

== Translator ==

PROzess
-------------------------------------------

Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 2 Chapter 1

2014-02-17T02:34:20Z

Onizays:

==Chapter 01: Yakiniku and Youth Special Edition==

==PART 1==

A sight that was worth being called a masterpiece.

A contrast of white and red, stimulating the appetite of the watcher. A brilliant colourfulness that covered the whole of the big table. It was beef that was cut so that it looked extremely delicious from any angle.
Yakiniku. In the restaurant, which was like an everlasting absolute justice for him, Toujou Basara sat at the table across his classmate Takigawa Yahiro.

“Wh- What’s with these beef tongues that look like they‘re laying sideways… They’re at least 1cm thick, Basacchi.”

“Yeah, let’s grill them quickly and eat… There’s still lot of other meat too.”

“O- Okay… Then here I go.”

Making his resolve, Takigawa threw the beef tongues on the field called charcoal grill.

Along with a sizzling sound, the delicious smell of grilling meat instantly hung in the air.

“Th- Then I’ll help myself first.”

With a gulp, Takigawa nervously carried the beef tongue towards his mouth--- In the next moment,

“S- So, gooood. What’s this!? This is no longer just beef!”

He widened his eyes and shouted. Basara inadvertently made a wry smile.

“No, it’s beef alright.”

“Watcha doing, Basacchi, eat up! Sweet… This meat’s so damn good.”

“Yeah, I’ll. But don’t hold yourself back, Takigawa. The fine meat will burn if it grills too much.”

Basara said so to Takigawa, who started to put the beef one piece after another on the grill.

“Pfft, like I would let them get burned. I’ll nicely eat them all!”

Welcoming the peek of joy and excitement, the hands controlling the chopsticks and the mouths eating the meat didn’t stand still.

Basara and Takigawa’s meal started for real.

“---But is it okay, Basacchi? Treating me at such an expensive restaurant.”

Takigawa asked without stopping his eating hand, whereas Basara nodded with “Yeah”.

Basara had taken Takigawa to a Yakiniku restaurant called “Akagi”.

“I told you, this restaurant has an all-you-can-eat only for students… and even at a student charge.”

“But together with my share, it’s 5000 yen. That’s quite the sum.”

Considering it was a high schooler repaying a small favour, 2500 yen per person was certainly expensive. However Basara had a different reason for bringing Takigawa here.

---The devils were currently divided into two big forces. Into the “Current Devil Lord Faction” which was a hardliner faction that wanted to resume the invasion of the human world, and into the “Moderate Faction” which followed the will of the previous Devil

Lord Wilbert, who wanted to avoid conflicts with humans as much as possible. Nonetheless, after Wilbert’s death, the once the powerful moderate faction quickly lost their influence. And Mio was chased by the current Devil Lord faction, since she unwittingly inherited the Devil Lord’s power from her father.

Furthermore--- Takigawa Yahiro’s real identity was an observer for Mio, sent by the current Devil Lord faction.

Basara had fought with him due to some development. In fact, that was just the other day.

And now, Basara had formed a secret alliance with him under the mutual conditions that Basara wouldn’t spread the news about
Takigawa’s failure to the current Devil Lord faction

…And
that Takigawa implicit admitted to be a secret spy from the moderate faction, which worked on protecting Mio like Maria does, in the current Devil Lord Faction, which was after Mio.

It was an alliance on equal grounds. Even so, Takigawa gave Basara an important information.

About the true identity of the culprit, who killed Mio’s faster parents and thus drove her to fight the Devils that came after her.

But Basara hadn’t told Mio about that yet. Mio’s reason to fight stemmed from taking revenge for her killed foster parents. It would be bad if she were to emotionally go out of control when he carelessly told her, and the situation wasn’t all too clear anyway. Thus it was better when only Basara knew about it for now.

Because of that he owed Takigawa big time. Of course he didn’t think that treating him to Yakiniku would make them even, but

“Don’t worry about that. I still have my savings from each month.”

“Okay then. But your dad is away these days, right? Didn’t you get some money for living expenses? And this here practically falls
under necessary expenses.”

“You sure know your stuff… But I can’t use my dad’s money to treat you.”

Currently he had gotten Jin’s credit card. But Basara formed the alliance with Takigawa on his own judgement. So he couldn’t use the card for it.

“Mhm, I see…”

Takigawa had finished eating all the meat on the grill and said so like he was seeing through Basara’s intention.

“I thought for sure you were going to ask something of me again in exchange for the Yakiniku.”

“I’m not so dauntless that I could demand valuable information or assistance just because I treated you once. Today’s under the
motto ‘Let’s get along from now on’, that’s all.”

Therefore,

“I’ll repay you for taking over my task from Sakasaki-sensei another time and the debt for telling me about Zolgear--- the murder of Mio’s foster parents, I’ll pay back from now on as best I can.”

“Jeez, why so serious, Basacchi~ All the stories I heard about Toujo Jin were epochal--- Are you really his son?”

Jin once was a Hero that hogged the title of the strongest Hero in the <village> all to himself. The stories Basara had heard were
all unbelievable battle legends of Jin during the great war. According to the stories he had heard in the <village> from all those that knew the past Jin, Jin had apparently become quite pacific now, but

“…Guess he’s famous in the demon realm too?”

“Well, duh. He killed quite the number of our high class devils in the great war. Amongst us devils, Toujo Jin is feared as our strongest enemy--- like a war god. When the previous Devil Lord Wilbert ordered the retreat, there were two reason why the guys, who wanted to keep fighting, reluctantly obeyed. One was Wilbert’s clout, who was the strongest devil back then even as a centrist, the other was the fear of Toujou Jin’s monstrous fighting strength.”

As except Jin was such an outstanding man that Tokigawa, a devil, told him the same again. As his son, it didn’t feel bad to have
his father praised and he was proud of him.

And then--- their conversation temporarily came to a halt and they nicely ate the Yakiniku with relish for a while.

Continuing to eat even more silent than at a crab meal, they were about to get to the last plate of their first order.

“Oh, right, reminds me, I have some information I better tell you, Basacchi.”

“Information? …You sure?”

“Well, seems like I can trust you. Besides now that we teamed up, it would be bad for me too in various ways when you’re at a disadvantage.”

With that, Takigawa wearily made a wry smile, then suddenly only turned his eyes serious.

“---During that incident at the park before, Naruse Mio let her power go out of control, right? It was quite devastating. I secretly patched it up afterwards with magic, but the news of it reached of course the current Devil Lord faction, but also the moderate faction. I don’t know yet how the moderate faction will make their move, but--- at least the current Devil Faction decided to appoint a new observer, since they judged that Naruse Mio awakened the inherited power from Wilbert.”

Basara froze up on these words.

“A new observer… Don’t tell me, you’re replaced and will return to the demon realm?”
He had no plans to fully rely on Takigawa, but right now Basara and the girls overwhelmingly lacked battle strength compared with the current Devil Lord faction. Thus he wanted to borrow Takigawa’s strength until he could read the situation a bit better, and counted on it. When Takigawa went back to the demon realm now---

“---No. My surveillance mission continues. The point is, it feels like they’re sending in reinforcement just in case, since there’s been development. I mean, the top brass have always been after the power Naruse Mio inherited.”

“I see… I got cold feet, thinking you would leave.”

“Still, don’t let your guard down. With another observer, it surely will be harder for me to cooperate. And while I said reinforcement, it isn’t necessarily someone weaker than me. Besides, the Master and Servant Contract between Naruse Mio and you is
still new, right?”

“? What do you mean?”

Was there something with the Master and Servant Contract that he had to be careful about?

“That magic has a long history… Since long ago, it has been used quite often and was improved on various occasions. At first it only made you able to localize each other and activated the curse on betrayal, but now it can even amplify the power of the Master and Servant, when they share a strong loyalty and trust. The master powers up for his servant and the servant for his master. That’s why high-class Devils have a lot of servants with the Master and Servant Contract to increase their own strength.”

“Is that so…?”

Maria didn’t explain it to him to that extent. Most likely the important part for Maria was that it was a countermeasure that allowed them to localize Mio when she was in danger.

“---And on the other hand, it also serves the purpose to prevent information leaks, should the servant be caught by the enemy.

Because being caught by the enemy and thus becoming a burden to the master is the biggest betrayal towards the master.”
said Takigawa.

“Regardless of the characteristic, the servant won’t be able to survive when the curse activates at maximum.”

“…Seems so.”

The characteristic of the curse from the contract between Basara and Mio came from Maria, since she lent her power for the chanting of the contract spell, and was thus the succubus’ “aphrodisiac”. But Maria had said that when the curse activated at maximum, the brain nerves would fry from the intense pleasure. She was being half-serious, but it surely was the truth. It was quite a well-made contract magic, considering it even prevented information leaks from prisoners.

“So you better be careful. You guys made the characteristic from the succubus, since the one from Mio’s inherited power would be dangerous, right?”

“Yeah… Guess so.”

“This isn’t an all too pleasant story--- High-class Devils live a long time and some of them purposefully make a Master and
Servant Contract with the succubus’ characteristic instead of their own. Living a long life makes them crave for some amusement.”

“Amusement…?”

“For sex plays. Just like drugging a woman, the ‘aphrodisiac’ chains her with pleasure.”

“…I see. Really not pleasant.”

“Nah, that’s still innocent. The real assholes switch servants amongst themselves and play around by purposefully letting the curse activate.”

“Play around… wait, don’t tell me they’re meaningless killing their own servants?”

“Nah, not like that… Well, since you’re so sincere, it’s an unknown world to you.”
said Takigawa with a wry smile.

“The servant devotes his soul and body to his master and when someone else does something to the servant, it will be a perfect betrayal against the master. Because the servant couldn’t protect his chastity--- What do you think will happen then?”
Ah, Basara changed his expression on finally realizing it, whereas Takigawa nodded.

“Yeah. Being done by someone else than the master--- That immoral feeling activates the curse. If you’re lucky, the curse is too strong and you can die, but at worst you lose your sanity and can’t even feel the immorality anymore. But they have no use for a broken toy. They dispose of them, get a new toy--- and repeat everything.”

And,

“Incidentally, the deviser of this sick play was--- the murderer of Naruse Mio’s foster parents, Zolgear.”
Basara swallowed down his breath with a gulp.

“Th- Then… the reason you relieved him on the observation.”

“Exactly. There’s a possibility that Mio’s inherited power will disappear should she dies from a weird stunt from Zolgear. The top brass judged that there was a risk that Zolgear, after killing her foster parents who belonged to the moderate faction, would lay his hands on Mio as well.”

Basara was at a loss for words from the shocking story.

“So be careful. Zolgear can easily tell that Naruse’s under the Master and Servant contract. Should she ever fall into his hands, she would never be sane again when he does something to her, since he’s the all so hateful enemy that killed her foster parents. Well considering her personality, she would bite off her own tongue before someone does anything to her--- But you would like to avoid that, wouldn’t you, Basacchi?”

“Obviously…!”

That alone he would never let happen. Looking down, Basara tightly clenched his teeth.

“Well, the top brass won’t let Zolgear near Naruse anymore and I don’t believe they would do anything strange, since they don’t
want Wilbert’s power to disappear when Mio dies from the curse after it’s known that she’s under the Master and Servant contract.”

That certainly was a big advantage. Quite big, but

“…But, they aren’t the only enemies going after Wilbert’s power.”

Besides the moderate faction that tried to protect Mio, there were other forces that opposed the current Devil Lord faction. From their point of view, they could deal damage to the current Devil Lord faction by killing Mio.

The enemy of their enemy wasn’t necessarily their ally.
Once again noticing how difficult it was to protect Mio, Basara made a serious expression, whereupon Takigawa suddenly said quietly.

“---Well, it’s not like I‘m not of plans.” “Really?”

Basara raised his head in a flash.

“There are two ways to cancel the contract. The first is to annul it with the same spell in agreement with both parties. The other way is to ‘change it into a vow’.”
said Takigawa.

“As a symbol for the contract, a mark like a collar appears around the neck. It’s colour changes depending on the level of loyalty. With a low loyalty level the mark is blue, but with rising levels it gets violet-blue, then violet-red and lastly crimson red.”

And,

“When it then raises another level--- gets to the maximum loyalty, the mark disappears and the curse won’t activate anymore. After all, the servant won’t ever betray the master at this point. That’s the phenomena where the ‘contract’ sublimates into a ‘vow’. Though there are not many cases of reaching that state, even from the past. But it’s said that no one was able to win against a master and his servant in that state.”

“In other words, when Mio and I get a loyalty on that vow level, we’ll become as strong as the former examples… But Mio and I only know each other for a little while, you know.”
It surely was possible precisely because Devils had a long lifespan.

“Guess so. But even if the vow level is impossible, it’s worth to deepen the trust and loyalty between you two. I mean, the contract magic changes your feelings for each other into strength… That said, if you give up before even trying, it certainly will impossible for you.”

Being told with a sharp cynicism, Basara inadvertently fell silent, whereas Takigawa said “Well,”.

“You can’t decide it by yourself. Discuss what to do with Naruse.”

“…Yeah, I’ll.”

In regards, Basara said just that with a low voice.

---It wasn’t like he couldn’t trust Mio. Basara had no confidence in himself.

He was not a person that could ever get Mio to trust him.

Toujou Basara could not believe in Toujou Basara.

In himself, who once committed a sin and banished a lot of comrades.

He couldn’t tell her to trust him as he was, even if it ripped his mouth.

Basara once again recognized the grave situation they were in and fell silent, whereupon

“We have fine meat here, so let’s stop the gloomy talk now… To begin with, you can’t do anything about worst case scenarios, no matter how hard to think.”

“……Yeah.”

“I mean, this is an all-you-can-eat, right? Then we gotta order more for our money.”

He felt Takigawa’s kindness from the topic change.

“You’re right… Okay, let’s stuff ourselves!”

Basara temporarily got his spirit back and called the waitstaff with “Excuse me~”. While looking at the menu with Takigawa, they discussed if they should get beef rips, pork loins or guts, and ordered.

Then they watched off the waitstaff leaving and wetted their throats with the soft drink cola. At that time.

“---Oh. I thought it were familiar voices for a while now and it was indeed you guys.”

The boys looked up to the sexy female voice coming from the side.

“Hasegawa-sensei…”

There stood the school nurse of the Hijirigasaka Academy that Basara and Takigawa attended--- Hasegawa Chisato.

Hasegawa spoke like a man, but with her pretty features and overly glamorous breasts--- she had a sex-appeal and beauty that were
not appropriate for pubertal high school boys.

“Toujou and Takigawa… It’s just the two of you?”

“Eh? Yes, that’s right.”

“Great. Sorry, but could you let me sit at your table? Actually I was supposed to met a friend, but I just got a call that some
urgent business came up.”
said Hasegawa.

“Since I’m here anyway, I wanted to eat alone, but guys from other tables keep calling out to me with ‘Wanna eat with us?’. Is it
that such a lonely thing for a woman to eat Yakiniku alone?”

“Well, probably…” “Ahh, not at all, Sensei.”

Basara and Takigawa looked at each other and told her.

[[Image:Shinmai v02 049.jpg|thumb]]

“Anyway, they were just so persistent that I considered giving up on my meal and going home, but I always wanted to try the food here. As students you might be opposed to eat together with a teacher, but I would be grateful if you let me join you.”

“Hah… If it’s like that, I don’t mind.”

That said, if Takigawa was against it, he could only apologetic turn her down. Today they were here for their formed alliance.
Basara asked Takigawa with a look that said “What about you?”.

“Nah, I’m okay with it too, of course. There are a lot of people, students and teachers alike, who want to eat together with you,
Hasegawa-sensei.”

“…So he says.”

“I see. Then allow me to take a seat.”

“Okay Sensei, since it’s decided, next to me is free.”

Takigawa grinned and offered Hasegawa the seat next him, but the Hasegawa in question readily sat down next to Basara with “Excuse
me”.

“Ah, but we’re having the student all-you-can-eat, so sharing a table would be---”

“Don’t worry about that. The shop isn’t at fault, but they don’t want to have me troubled. I’m sure they’ll comply with it.”

Just like she had said, the waitstaff came with a cold and wet towel and bowed with “We’re sorry” right after Hasegawa sat down at
the table. Apparently the staff felt sorry for not being able to keep the other customers in check. Hasegawa ordered a drink and a
few kinds of meat at the waitstaff.

“But I must say, I didn’t know this restaurant had an all-you-can-eat for students. Could it be our students often come here?”

“I doubt it. Because it’s quite a distance from school, with the station in-between. And while it’s cheap considering the taste,
it’s still a bit expensive for a student to casually come here.”

“Right. I didn’t know of it either until Basacchi took me here today.”

“So you knew about this restaurant beforehand, Toujou. Do you come here often?”

“No, it’s my second time today. I only moved here during summer vacation… But I once came here with my father.”
said Basara.

“My father is a professional photographer and the owner here is apparently a fan of my father. He once requested a photo and the landscape photo at the entrance--- That’s taken by my father.”
And additionally to the fee of the photo, we were invited here and treated to a meal.

“Hoo… To think this restaurant had a fan of ‘JIN’ too.”

“You know my father?”

“Surprised? I’m not a passionate fan, but I like his photos. A critic said in a magazine or so that his photos capture the
original charm of the subject--- a moment that no one else can capture. It can be called an art. Even an amateur like me gets fascinated by it.”

“Thanks… I’ll tell my father that you said that next time.”
with that, Basara lowered his head embarrassed, whereupon the ordered meat and drink arrived.
Since Basara and Takigawa’s additional order and Hasegawa’s order arrived together, the table was filled with plates at once.

“Well then, time to eat.” “Okay, we better get serious too.”

Along with their words, the various meat started to dance on the grill and giving off a delicious smell.

---Amidst that, Basara remembered Hasegawa’s earlier words.

Jin had left the village along with Basara to protect him. The new path Jin chose to make a new living was the camera. Basara had a suffered deep mental wound from the tragedy five years ago, and seeing Jin’s photo that stirred up one’s emotions from the bottom of the heart, saved him numerous times.

At that time, Jin had no longer been the Hero that saved the world, but even so, for Basara he was the Hero that saved him.

Precisely because he saw Jin like that, Basara could honestly think now that he wanted to protect Mio and Maria.

==Part 2==

Basara and Takigawa kept eating until the time limit and this Yakiniku day ended full of satisfaction.

Since their house were in the opposite direction, he split up with Takigawa right after leaving the restaurant.

And currently--- Basara walked home together with Hasegawa.

“But you really don’t mind, Toujou?”

Hasegawa next to him asked.

“I asked you to let me sit with you, so I could have paid your bill.”

“No, it’s alright, really. I had to pay for it today.”

It would have been meaningless if Basara hadn’t paid for Takigawa’s share. However,

“Still…”

As Hasegawa still couldn’t agree, Basara made a wry smile, thinking what a duteous person she was.

“Then please treat me on the next occasion, at the restaurant of your choice.”

“Mhm… Okay. If you’re fine with that, I’ll invite you another time.”

Huh, she won’t invite Takigawa. Well, I did pay for his share.

“But I must say… All this about ‘Devils’ and ‘Loyalty’, you two sure talk about strange things. I don’t know if it’s a game or
manga, but is it popular these days?”

Apparently she had heard their conversation. Even so, Basara did not panic. Even if they were overheard, most people would mistake it for a game or something on their own, like Hasegawa did. In fact, when you openly responded, it would be no problem. Thus,

“Well, yeah… It’s a game.”

“I see. I have no clues about these, so I don’t understand their fun, but youngsters sure get hyped up on it. Is it that fun?”

“Well, depends on the person. Everyone has his own enjoyment.”

“I guess so. But at least it seems like you’re quite hooked on it, Toujou.”

“What makes you say that…?”

“Because you sounded so serious when you talked about it with Takigawa.”

Hasegawa pointed out with a teasing tone.

“…Yeah, you might be right.”

While dropping his gaze a little bit, Basara declared.

“Even if it’s a game--- I definitely can’t afford to lose.”

It wasn’t like he was optimistic. The situation they were in was indeed severe. The new dispatched observer. The existence of
Zolgear, who killed Mio’s foster parents. The advantages and problems of the Master and Servant Contract. There were a lot of things he had to consider dealing with. There,

“---Eh?”

Suddenly Basara was enveloped by a soft warmth. Then he noticed in what kind of situation he was.

Hasegawa, who had walked next to him, had entwined her arms around his neck and embraced him.

Her big breasts enveloped his face like burying it.

“S- Sensei…!?”

Not knowing how to respond to the sudden happening, Basara was in a flutter.

“Don‘t move. It’s okay, so stay still.”

Hasegawa said with a rebuking tone.

“Geez… Out of the blue you fall silent, only to make such a worried face then. Think about how a teacher feels when her student makes such a face in front of her.”

He thought he had suppressed it, but his irritation and impatience must have shown on his face.

“…….Sorry.”

“There’s no need to apologize. Worries are a part of life. Specially for a boy your age. But remember that there are people, who
can’t leave you alone when you’re like that.”

Basara nodded lightly, then allowed himself to rely on Hasegawa’s attention a little bit.

When he closed his eyes, he could feel her kindness and softness much better.

“……..Thank you. I’m fine now.”

Before long, he declared his gratitude, whereupon Hasegawa released Basara’s head. But even though Hasegawa pulled away both her
hands from around his neck, she now entwined them around his waist.

“Ehm, what… Sensei?”

“I told you that I can’t leave you alone. You can consult with me now for as much as you can tell me.”

“Well, but…”

Basara inadvertently uttered hesitation, whereas Hasegawa slowly brought her face closer.

“Or--- are you against talking with me, Toujou?”

He couldn’t say no. It was none other than Basara, who made Hasegawa worried. Therefore,

“Actually… my father’s currently out of the house.”

Basara spoke own his own worries as much as he could afford to.

The feelings he couldn’t speak out because he didn’t want to worry Mio and Maria, or because it would be complaints towards

Takigawa--- Toujou Basara’s distress.

“I’m the only man in the house, so when something happens, I want to protect Mio and Maria--- Ah, Maria is Mio’s little sister.”

“Okay…”

Hasegawa’s gentle nod urged him to continue, so Basara made a wry smile.

“But it’s not that easy… to truly protect something. People are faced with all kinds of worries in life and some of them can’t be
told to others. When you want to protect them despite that, you also have to keep secrets… But I seems impossible to do everything by myself.”

He bit down on his lips and tightly clenched his fists.

“I want to protect them. Whatever may be, I definitely want to protect them… But I once again realized how hard it is to properly protect something you want to protect. My own strength and existence may be actually really small and unreliable.”

He didn’t really think he could pull off everything just fine. If he managed to protect them, even in whatever unsightly shape, he
wouldn’t complain. Because whatever might happen, he would just exert all of his strength.

…But.

If he should be unable to protect them--- When he thought like that, Basara felt like going crazy. He never wanted to lose something precious again, never repeat the regret and pain from five years again. There,

“……You’re taking too much upon yourself.”

Hasagawa, who had silently listened so far, opened her mouth.

“I somewhat could understand your worry. And also that you don’t want to worry Naruse and her younger sister because of it… But,
when you’re treasuring your new family, your little sisters, then you should properly communicate with them.”
After all,

“If it’s something you absolutely don’t want to lose, you need to properly grasp and understand the situation and position you’re in. The most important thing for that is the cooperation and mutual trust between the protector and protected. Once you have that, you can start to come up with an actual counter-measure. But you know--- It’s mostly impossible to accomplish everything perfectly. So you set your priorities and draw a line from where you won’t back off at all costs, and just protect that no matter what.”

“A line from where I won’t back off at all costs…”

“Yes. For example, you certainly have to keep secrets, but it’s not the secret you’re supposed to protect. Toujou--- closely think
about what it is that you truly want to protect, once again.”
What he truly wanted to protect--- He ruminated the words that Hasegawa spoke out in his heart.

“……..I understand. I’ll do so.”

When Basara affirmed, Hasegawa nodded satisfied with a “Good”.

---In the next moment, Toujou Basara was kissed on the cheek.

“Eh---?”

When his thoughts stopped on the sudden happening,

“…blessing and guidance…for the future of…“

Hasegawa removed her lips from his cheek and he heard her mumbling something. He inadvertently became dumbfounded.

“S- Sensei…?”

“Ah, sorry, it was a reflex… It’s a little charm in the countryside I‘m from.”

Don’t worry about it--- smiling with that, Hasegawa removed her hands from Basara and started to walk.

Even if it was on the cheek, a kiss was a kiss. He had thought for sure that there was something behind it, but apparently there really was no deep meaning to it, judging by how relieved he felt.

Therefore, Basara went after Hasegawa and walked next to her, matching her pace.

While thinking about--- what he truly wanted to protect and the line from where he wouldn’t back off at all costs.

==Part 3==

After parting with Basara and Hasegawa, Takigawa Yahiro headed in a different direction than his house.

It was a sport grounds in a somewhat tasteless area between a sewage plant and an industrial waste treatment plant.

In the middle of the lawn on the grounds--- Takigawa stood still all alone.

The grounds were dark, since the opening hours were long over, and no one else was there. However,

“…Took you long enough.”

Suddenly a throaty voice called out to him from behind.

“My bad. There are a lot of customs I have to follow when acting like a human.”

Takigawa turned around to the voice. Upon that, there stood a devil in front of him that was so big that he had to look up. Just the presence of this huge stature gave off an intimidating air.

“To think the reinforcement would be you--- Vargar.”

“What do you mean by that, Lars? Got a problem with me?”

Takigawa, called by his devil name, shrugged his shoulders with “Not really…”.

---The other day Takigawa had filed a report about the incident with Mio letting Wilbert’s power go out of control, to the current

Devil Lord faction. It had three main points.

First, Mio temporarily released Wilbert’s power, but it didn’t awaken fully.

Second, the surveillance from the Hero Tribe through Yuki.

And third--- The previous Hero Basara had become Mio’s current family.

It would be troublesome when the Hero Tribe interfered at worst. Takigawa had thought for sure that the top brass would peacefully advance things by observing the situation for a while, but of all things, they sent over the aggressive fighter Valgar. It seemed the top brass only saw that Wilbert’s power sleeping in Mio started to awaken. And as expected,

“---Now then, I shall have a look at the target.”

Valgar tried to make a move at once.

“Hey, hey. Selfishly going out all of a sudden, you must be joking. You just got here and don’t even know what’s going on, so
where do you think you’re going so nonchalant?”

“Huh? That’s why I’m going to check on the situation. Got a problem?”

“I’m telling you to not act on your own. You’re just additional staff, a support to my mission. It’s only natural you listen to me, your superior.”

“I don’t give a poke. The higher-ups sent me here, knowing my personality. That basically means I can do what I want.”

Heh, Valgar smiled.

“You’re so positive… I could do without that manliness of yours though.”

There Takigawa suddenly turned his expression into a serious one.

“You should have read the report. The Hero Tribe is already on the move. If you carelessly agitate them, they start to mobilize full-blown and something happens to Naruse Mio--- the top brass will kill you.”

“Hey, hey. Don’t be so scary, Lars. It’s not like I wanna pull something right off the bat. But a former Hero became family with
Naruse Mio and took her side, right? Then I ought to know the situation accurately.”
Saying so, Valgar disappeared along with the wind.

“Geez…”

With Valgar’s personality, it wouldn’t end with only checking upon her. Takigawa considered going after him, whereupon

“---Please wait.”

Suddenly a new voice came from the side. When Takigawa shifted his gaze there, the airspace bended and a beautiful female devil appeared from the empty space. Takagiwa offhanded stiffened his expression on her appearance.

“…I only know of one reinforcement.”

“Indeed. After all, I am not your reinforcement.”

“Then--- what’s the reason for Sir Zolgear’s right hand itself to appear here?”

Yes. In front of Takigawa stood the subordinate of Zolgear--- the high-class devil that had observed Mio. Her name was Zest. The one Zolgear had the most trust in, both in intelligence and strength.

“Sir Zolgear was already relieved off his duty to observe Naruse Mio. Even if you’re just his subordinate, you didn’t selfishly approach the target without the Lord’s approval, did you?”

“Of course not. Before the Lord relieved him off his surveillance duties, my master Zolgear had already done his preparations.
You, Lars… should know of that.”

Indeed. When Zolgear was relieved of his duty, he set up a trap for Naruse Mio.

And--- this trap was still existent. Takigawa still hadn’t told Basara about this fact.

It was a circumstances he couldn’t talk about carelessly.

“It has been more than half a year in this world since then, and I came here to check if the arrangements are still in effect now-

--- I properly got the permission from the Lord.”

Therefore, Zest said.

“For that, I need to accurately confirm the situation from when my master Zolgear was relieved off his duty until now. You will assist me, right Lars?”

Takigawa clicked his tongue on her cold eyes.

…Not good.

When she investigated, at worst he wouldn’t just get under suspicion, he would be totally exposed. He had carefully taken precautionary measures so that a third party wouldn’t find about him teaming up with Basara, but this was different than with a simple guy like Zogear. Zest wasn’t Zolgear’s right hand just for show.

Moreover--- Takigawa didn’t mention Basasa’s <Banishing Shift> in his report. If that were to get known, Basara’s existence would surely be deemed dangerous. Because there was no guarantee that a skill that could banish everything, wouldn’t banish Wilbert’s power sleeping inside Mio.

Due to that, Takigawa didn’t tell that to the other side he was working for either. There were still many parts about Basara’s
skill that Takigawa himself didn’t know. If he reported carelessly, it would complicate the situation instead. Above all, he
couldn’t let Basara die just yet. Therefore,

“My mission is just to observe Naruse Mio… I have no reason, nor obligation to work for Sir Zolgear.”
Takigawa tried to play dumb.

“I did not come on Sir Zolgear’s instructions. I am here by his Lord’s order. So I believe you have a reason and obligation to comply.”

Or, said Zest, suddenly narrowing her eyes.

“---Do you have some kind of reason that keeps you from assisting me?”

So that was how she was going to play. If that was the case. Takigawa changed his plan.

“Nah, no way. I will gladly offer my assistance in that case.”

He grinned at Zest. No matter how much he complained, Zest would surely act on her own anyway. Instead of having her get closer to the truth, it was better to be the guide himself and keep her away from the troublesome truth. He was also concerned about Valgar’s actions, but

…Well, good luck, Basacchi.

After all--- he had to take care of an even more troublesome fellow now.

==Part 4==

Basara arrived at home around ten in the night.

Since the stuff in the bath happened with Mio, Basara headed to his own room only with Maria for now.

And then they conducted a discussion about what to do from now on, including his newly surfaced worries.

First he asked about the merits and demerits of the Master and Servant Contract. Upon that,

“Indeed--- Like you have said, the Master and Servant Contract has both it’s advantages and risks.”

While facing each other with the table in-between them, Maria, sitting on a cushion, made a diligent expression.

“But the current Devil Lord faction is not after Mio-sama’s life, but after Wilbert-sama’s power itself. Since it would trouble
them when Mio-sama dies, the thing we have to be cautious about it---”

“---A kidnapping.”

Even if they couldn’t kill her, it was possible that they abducted her and forcefully awakened her power by using magic or magic tools. Maria nodded with “Yes”.

“However the Master and Servant Contract allows the Master and Servant, who have linked their souls, to localize each other when they want, so it is easier to guard, but it also makes it possible to come to one’s rescue when abducted. The reason I had you two form the contract was to have a precautionary measure for such kidnappings.”

The enemy certainly couldn’t afford to let Mio die, so more importantly than the risk of having something happen to Mio because her curse activates from the guilt of being kidnapped, it was to not have her get abducted at all. And even if she were to get
kidnapped, they ought to think how to save her.

---In fact, Mio tried to solve things all by herself the other day, as to not drag anyone else into it, when Basara suffered a severe wound in the fight with the masked Takigawa on the rooftop of the school.

And the reason Basara somehow could make it in time for Mio’s dilemma was that he could localize Mio due to the Master and Servant
Contract. Of course Takigawa had anticipated Basara’s arrival back then and purposefully took his time, so that Basara would make it in time. ---However, from now on, it wouldn’t go like that. According to Takigawa, a new observer for Mio was dispatched.

“I get it… But Maria, why didn’t you tell us so then?”

Including the case of hiding the matter with the curse, she was being way too secretive. Upon that,

“I am sorry… Considering Mio-sama’s personality, I believed it was wiser not to mention it.”
said Maria.

“Mio-sama may not be all that honest, but she is genuinely kind and above all, very earnest. The instant effective merit of being able to localize each other aside, if I had told her that both your powers would level up when her trust in you increases, she would have unreasonably tried to do something about it and thus screwed it up instead.”

“…Sounds plausible.”

Mio was different from Basara, who had trained as a Hero from a young age on. Until her foster parents were killed half a year ago, she lived as a normal girl. To tell Mio to handle her emotions objectively was absurd and impossible. So instead of carelessly telling her the truth, Maria must have thought that it was wiser to wait for her trust to develop naturally. But,

“Then you could have at least told me… Well, we haven’t been together for long, so it might be difficult to blindly trust me.”

“Oh no, I perfectly trust you, Basara-san.”
But, said Maria.

“If Mio-sama were to find out later that only we two knew about it while she was left out, it is possible that she would lose all trust in both you and me.”

Before, when the living together with Mio and Maria was decided, Jin knew all about their true identities and aims, but stayed quiet and pretended to be deceived. Precisely because of that--- Basara and the girls could repair their once broken relationship after finding out that fact. The reason Maria kept quiet about all kind of facts regarding the contract was surely out of her consideration for Basara and even more so, for Mio.

“Therefore I would have liked to keep it hidden from you two, but… I never expected that you would investigate about the contract,
Basara-san.”

A miscalculation, said Maria.

“Either way, where did you hear this from, Basara-san? The power enhancement from a deepening trust aside, the information about some high-class devils using the succubus characteristic in the contract for fun should be only known to very few devils.”

“Well, I have my ways… I’m a former Hero after all. Even if I was chased out of the <village>, I still have one contact or the other.”

Since he couldn’t tell her about Takigawa, Basara said in a roundabout way to hide the truth.

“But I guess it’s better to keep the contract for now then… We have to make our plans with that in mind.”

“---Please leave it to me, Basara-san. This may sound pretentious, but I came up with the best plan for this situation.”
Maria expressed her approval.

“Please come this way.”

Saying so, she invited Basara over to the back of the room--- to in front of the computer. He sat down on the chair and naturally faced the PC monitor on the desk, whereupon

“Now excuse me.” “H- Hey, what are you…!”

Maria lowered her waist onto Basara’s lap, who was bewildered. She must have taken her bath already. Maria wore a defenceless
attire of just a pyjama at the top and shorts below. Basara regretted his own decision to change into a T-shirt with matching shorts when he came home and anticipated their discussion to be long. The supple material of the shorts Maria was wearing and her smooth thighs--- Both of these were strongly emphasizing that Maria was a girl. Her body washed with body soap gave off a sweet fragrance, which only her body could produce with her body temperature.

“Do you like it? The smell of a girl fresh out of the bath.”

Like she had seen through his inner turmoil, Maria turned around in his lap. Maria pressed her bottom onto his groin area and
fidgeted around.

“N- Not really… Anyway, get off!”

“No. What we will do now is something necessary for Mio-sama and you.”

Saying so, Maria started up Basara’s computer.

“Hey, don’t---”

Maria skilfully operated the mouse and opened a folder on the hard drive, starting a program that Basara had never seen before.

The started software first showed the designer logo in English. And as soon as he saw the next scene, Basara inadvertently widened his eyes. He had only seen it for a moment, but

“Maria… Are my eyes playing a trick on me? I think I just saw ‘This game is a product of fiction’ written there.”

“Oh please, Basara-san. All game software are basically a product of fiction.”

Yeah, right. He wouldn’t deny that.

“But the next line saying ‘Scenes of the game re-enacted in reality are punishable by law’----”

Basara said along with a bad feeling, whereupon it was finally displayed in front of his eyes.

It was a cute girl. But regretfully there were a lot of instances, where he wanted to retort to the girl.

First, why was she wearing a leather collar with a chain?

Second, why was she wearing no clothes, except suggestive underwear?

Third, why was she embraced by a man from behind?

And above all, why was the girl looking at him with wet eyes from ecstasy, even though she was in such a situation?

All these questions were resolved right away. Because the displayed title taught him.

“Youth Special Edition: My real little stepsister and I”--- It was an erotic game.

“The heck are you installing on my computer without my permission!”

Are you stupid? Or rather, that’s the game that was snuck into my bed without my knowledge for a supposedly moving gift. The
morning of that day was the worst day of my life in the ranking in my head. Basara cursed in his mind.

“I understand your resentment towards this game, Basara-san. However, please bear with it. This is also for Mio-sama’s sake.”

“No, I don’t really have any grudges with this game.”

Only with the criminal, namely you, who placed a landmine in my bed.

“Actually, how is this game for Mio’s sake…”

“I told you that considering the future, it takes priority to deepen the trust between Mio-sama and you. If that happens
naturally, it would be ideal, but the enemy will not wait and you ended up knowing various things about the contract. So we can
only try for the best in this situation.”
In other words,

“We will increase Mio-sama’s trust in you so much that it will not cause any problems when she later finds out about the
circumstances--- That is to say, you will become an absolute Master to her. An existence Mio-sama would never oppose, not even
consider opposing and vowed her loyalty to from the bottom of her heart. For an obstinate girl like Mio-sama, there is a limit to how much you can make her open up her heart with just kindness. This software serves as a reference to how you can discipline Mio-sama.”

“…Sorry. This is a good occasion, so I’ll tell you something I thought for a while now--- You’re an idiot, right?”

“Oh my. We have to fight the current Devil Lord faction, even though we lack in battle strength, so I get the feeling that trying
to resolve the situation with a pretty frontal attack is far more stupid. You do not mean to say that we have the leisure to choose our methods, do you, Basara-san?”

“No… But, we can’t forget about Mio. Her feelings are important in the matter.”

“Indeed, they are. However, if you had to choose between Mio-sama’s feelings or her life--- I am sure the answer is obvious.”

“That’s… But what about laws and morals?”

“Will Mio-sama be protected when you tell the country or laws--- the police or court ‘Please help us, we are being chased by the
Devil Lord’? Please do not forget, the only ones that can protect Mio-sama right now are you and me. Only us two.”

“……Yeah. Sorry.”

Basara said with a low tone.

“But even so, I’m doubtful about using a game as a reference…Disciplining Mio isn’t the only option to deepen the trust, is it?”

“It is not like there is no other, but the curse is an aphrodisiac. Would you not say it is wiser to make use of that? Besides, I
am not telling you to do it exactly like in the game. At best, we are just looking for hints to deepen your relationship with Mio-
sama.”

Saying so, Maria handed him the manual of the game. Basara somehow read out the outline of what was written in there.

“’Your little stepsister got a sex up curse from a devil. Her new cuteness makes her the target of the guys around her. To protect
her, you, the protagonist, have to change her into your ideal girl. When the bonds between you two deepen, you should be able to
overcome all kind of obstacles. That is the ultimate form of familial love. Let’s discipline the little stepsister~’… What has the
world come to!”

“Here, Basara-san, earphones. Because the same sentence can have a different meaning depending on the tone and expression. I want
to assist you, so I will take one earphone.”

“Eh? I’m going to play this game while I share the earphones with you on my lap?”

Seriously? Literally and imaginary, that was the worst state.

“Please bear with it. It is for Mio-sama.”

“……Fine, whatever.”

And then the lesson started with Maria on his lap. The prologue of the game alone took 30 minutes and main characters’ upbringing, current circumstances and feelings for each other were not explained by simple narration, but was properly portrayed through a drama of their life. At the end of the prologue--- An anime part with the theme song played, where the little stepsister got cursed and the protagonist and heroine decided to go down the forbidden path, because even though it was wrong, they had no other choice.

But the main part started now. Finally welcoming their first night, the two were having an awkward conversation, then the first option screen was already shown.

1/ Relief her nervousness by behaving like always

2/ Be a really nice gentleman

3/ You won’t be half-assed, since you know your sister’s resolve. To respond to her feelings, you’ll be rough and forcefully with
your love. You have no regrets. Because you believe---- that it’s your responsibility as her family, as her older stepbrother.

“…The heck’s up with #3. Instead of an option, I only see it as a joke.”

Were the staff all idiots?

“Now then, please choose the option you deem fitting. Show me your skills, Basara-san. Ah, but please save just in case. We might
have to load later on.”

Maria on his lap said so, totally used to erotic games even though she was a devil.

…But showing his skills was easier said than done.

Thinking rationally, the answer was already decided. Basara chose number 1. At that moment,

“Ah, I knew it.” “What? Got a problem?”

Maria said disappointed, whereas Basara asked.

“Ah, I am sorry. Just a reflex… P- Please continue.”

While he felt that she wasn’t satisfied with his choice, Basara started to go through the text. The heroine nodded approving to
the protagonist, who wanted to take things slowly and in order. I won’t do anything, but let’s sleep together tonight. It’s been a
while. While such a conversation unfolded, the scene ended. And on the next day,

“…Huh?”

When the protagonist woke up, the heroine was gone. Instead there was a letter. In the letter it was noted that the heroine apparently had made a bet with the devil to see if the protagonist would show courage, and she lost that bet, so she was going to be the plaything for the devils in hell now, but she was happy to be treated so kindly by the protagonist until the end.

Then the screen turned black. The words BAD END were displayed.

“…What kind of development is that?”

“You cannot tell? This is a tragedy caused by your kindness, Basara-san. It means a man cannot protect a woman with only kindness.
Good grief… You are so deplorable that I am going to cry.”

“I don’t want to be called that just because of a single choice in an erotic game--- Actually, when 1 is already no good for kindness, then 2 as well?”

“Obviously! Do you want to kill the heroine that bad? I did not expect you to push on this all too grotesque option. Were your
parents killed by her in your previous life, or something?”

“Wait. How are you imagining my previous life?”

A previous life, where the heroine of an erotic game killed my parents, was just too miserable.

“Geez, you are so hopeless…”

Maria sighed, then overlapped her small hand with Basara’s, which was grabbing the mouse.

“---Now then, let us save her.”

Saying so, she loaded the earlier save data. Through exclusion, Basara chose option 3 and resumed the game. However, even though
Maria had been so confident, the heroine in the game was bewildered by the protagonist, whose attitude had suddenly changed, and resisted heavily.

“See. It wasn’t 3 after all.”

“Come again? Please take a closer look.”

When he looked at the text window on the screen like he was told, the supposedly resisting heroine had suddenly become submissive and accepted the discipline from the protagonist. Not just that, she somewhat felt pleasure and happiness from being treated
forcefully.

“Listen, Basara-san. This heroine included--- All obstinate girls are basically hardcore masochists when you bring them out of
their shells.”

“What nonsense are you saying out of the blue!?”

“No, it is a fact. Therefore, please forcefully bring Mio-sama out of her shell. You have nothing to worry about. She will only resist in the beginning. After all, Mio-sama is actually quite the masochists, according to my evaluation. She is the type that feels happiness from being treated forcefully by the one she devoted herself to and draws pleasure from submitting to that person despite that.”

“What’s with that harsh analysis!? Are you really her retainer?”

“Precisely because I am her retainer, I want Mio-sama to be true to herself without putting on a front.”

Maria proudly puffed up her chest.

“Well then, Basara-san, let us continue. You are going to learn the right way to discipline your little stepsister, so that you can knot an unshakable bond with Mio-sama as fast as possible.”

Saying so, Maria faced her head towards the monitor again--- where it was grabbed by an extended hand over Basara’s shoulder.

Basara froze up and looked up, whereupon there stood, unknown since when, Mio with a cold smile.

[[Image:Shinmai v02 079.jpg|thumb]]

“I wondered why there was no reply when I knocked numerous times… But it seems you had quite the interesting conversation.”

Maria’s body went rigid on the uttered chilly voice.

And she turned around while instantly breaking out a cold sweat,

“Mio-sama…” “…Yes?” “Let… Let me explain.” “Yeah, go on. I’m curious what you’ll tell me.”

But,

“Do you have a minute before that, Maria? Don’t worry, it won’t take long.”

Mio said so and walked away, dragging Maria along at her head.

“Wh- What are you doing, Basara-san… Stop looking and please help me. Did I not teach you? To be forcefully. Now is the time to forcefully take Mio-samoww, ouch, it hurts, Mio-sama.”

Maria struggled when the pressure in the hold on her head was increased, whereas Basara put his hands together in a prayer.

“Forgive me. It’s just impossible. Sorry, but rest in peace.”

He sighed with “Phew, saved”, but Mio turned around to him at the door.

“Basara… Just to tell you, you’re the next one.”

Glared at with sharp eyes that could only be labelled as super sadistic, Basara could only nod.

And afterwards, it took quite some time to explain the circumstances to Mio and have her understand, after she finished her lecture with Maria. It were difficult hours that reminded them of the value of life.

==Part 5==

There was something that gradually became darker proportional to the night.

A place all the moonlight or streetlights of the world would never reach.

Darkness. People avoided the pitch-black darkness, where they couldn’t see ahead and seemed to get sucked in. Because they
instinctively understood that danger lurked there.

---However, there were those that loved the darkness, in contrast to humans. They, who tried to make the dark abyss their habitat,
the low-class stray devils. Even amongst the devils, low-class devils had no ego. It was said that because of that they had no considerable powers, but instead an ill-nature.

To avoid an all-out-war with the Heroes, the devils didn’t excessively attacked humans in the human world, but the low-class devils lacked the intelligence to process that. They only had a desire loyal to their instincts.

And in this night, when everything except convenience stores, family restaurants or fast-food stores had closing time.

Something arose from the darkness in a back alley in the corner of the shopping district.

That “something” blended in with the darkness and kept staring at the main street from the dark back alley. Just like it was waiting for it’s prey to pass by. And then--- The moment when a young woman passed by before it.

The stray devil merciless attacked the woman. A human without any special abilities could not see a devil. And while a stray devils was weak compared to devils, it was far superior to an average human.

Thus the woman had no way to oppose and became the stray devil’s prey just like that--- or was supposed to.

---However, in the next moment, a suddenly released slash cut off the stray devil life and existence itself. It most likely it didn’t even realize that it was erased. The remains of the stray devil vanished into empty space.

“---I knew it, a lot are attracted.”

A voice said so by spitting out a Heh. At the same time, three silhouette emerged from the darkness in the back alley--- from
behind were the stray devil had been. It were two young men and one girl.

“Was that wise, Takashi? With a victim, we would have gotten a reason to terminate the ‘target’.”

To the right young man who said with a casual tone, the young man called Takashi---- The one, who slayed the stray devil, said with a displeased low tone.

“There’s no need to unnecessarily increase the victims. Shiba-san, the <village> has already made their decision.”

One breath,

“To change the ’target’--- Naruse Mio from a surveillance target into a termination target.”

That was the decision of the Hero Tribe, who received Yuki’s report the other day. In light of the danger of the possible awaken
of the power of the previous Devil Lord, they concluded so.

In other words, the daughter of the previous Devil Lord--- Naruse Mio was to be terminated.

“…Besides, how could we allow a victim to fall before us? We are from the Hero Tribe.”

“You’re so earnest, Takashi… Geez, working for justice is such a pain.”

Shiba shrugged his shoulders jokingly.

“---Don’t you agree, Kurumi-chan?”

He called out to the girl, who stood on the opposite side of him with Takashi in-between them and wordlessly stared at the empty space into which the stray devil had disappeared.

“…No. It’s our mission.”

In regards, the girl called Kurumi answered bluntly.

“How rare… for the two of you to make a stiff expression.”

While Shiba made a wry smile,

“Are you that bothered by it? That he--- Basara is involved with this case?

Takashi and Kurumi remained silent to these uttered words for a while. Directed at them,

“Well, you’re a childhood friends with him, close in age. Before the incident five years ago, you have always been together. I’m
sure you have special feelings for it and it’ll be tough for you in all kind of ways.”

But,

“We volunteered for this mission despite having heard the report from Yuki-chan. Please don’t ruin the mission by getting swayed from some weird attachment.”

“…You don’t need to tell me.”

said Takashi.

“I’ll kill Naruse Mio and show no mercy to those who interfere. Even if it’s Basara.”

“…Same for me. I no longer have a reason to hesitate about Basara.”

There was no doubt in Kurumi’s utterance. Because she already had taken an influential different path than Basara--- Ever since
the day “five years ago”. Toward these two,

“Good. Your emotions are your own. I’m not going to pry into them. Because I’m just a supervisor this time. You two will do the
job. I’ll just watch.”

While smiling a “It’s up to you”,

“Well then, let’s go. To fulfil our duty as Heroes, the protectors of the world---”
Shiba Kyouichi declared.

“---To kill the one that might become the next Devil Lord.”

==Translator Note==

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|-
| Back to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 2 Prologue|Prologue]]
| Return to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 2 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha

2014-02-17T02:30:40Z

Onizays: /* Volume 2 */

[[File:Shinmai Vol1 0000.jpg|thumb|250px|'''Volume 1 Cover''']]
Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha “Tesutamento” (新妹魔王の契約者『テスタメント』) series is written by Tetsuto Uesu and illustrated by Nekosuke Ookuma. It is being published by Kadokawa under their Sneaker Bunko label. The series currently has 4 volumes released.

==Story Synopsis==

"Hey, you said you wanted a little sister, right?" First year highschool student, Toujo Basara, was suddenly asked this question by his father, and he fell into a state of panic. On top of that, the eccentric father told him that he will be getting remarried. He then departed overseas after bringing Basara two beautiful step-sisters. But Mio and Maria's true forms are actually a newbie Demon Lord and a succubus!? Basara was almost forced into a master and servant contract with Mio, but a "reversed" contract was formed by mistake, and Basara is now the master!? Moreover, Basara is being hit by ecchi situations one after another due to the contract, but Mio's life is being pursued by other demon tribes and hero tribes!! The most powerful contractor's desire action drama begins!

==Series Information==

*'''Genre:''' Action, Ecchi, Fantasy, Romance, Shounen
*'''Original Title:''' 新妹魔王の契約者(テスタメント)
*'''Author:''' Tetsuto Uesu
*'''Illustrator:''' Nekosuke Ookuma
*'''Published Volumes:''' 4
*'''Series Status:''' Ongoing

==Translation==
===Format Standards===

'''Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]

===[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha Registration Page|Registration page]]===

'''Translators are asked to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha Registration Page|Register]] the chapters they want to work on.'''

===Feedback Thread===

'''If you enjoyed the translation, why don't you tell us at the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=6060&p=205567#p205567 Feedback Thread].'''

==Updates==
*4th February 2014 - Volume 1 Epilogue completed.
*11th January 2014 - Volume 1 Chapter 4 completed.
*2nd January 2014 - Volume 1 Chapter 3 completed.
*20th October 2013 - Volume 1 Chapter 2 completed.
*2nd October 2013 - Volume 1 Chapter 1 completed.
*12th September 2013 - Teaser project started, Volume 1 Prologue completed.

==Shinmai Maou no Keyakusha by Tetsuto Uesu==

===Volume 1 ([[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 1|Full Text]])===
[[File:Shinmai Vol1 0000.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
'''Volume 1 was translated on the forum by user PROzess'''
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 1 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations ]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue - The day he got a little sister]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 1 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The way to conquer your little stepsister]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - First Master and Servant Contract]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 1 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - At the Threshold of Trust and Reunion]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 1 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Until your Sadness becomes Nil]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 1 Epilogue|Epilogue - What he wants to protect]]

 

===Volume 2===
[[File:Shinmai_v02_000.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations ]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 2 Prologue|Prologue - Peerless Devil Lord Sister in the Morning]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 2 Chapter1|Chapter 01: Yakiniku and Youth Special Edition]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 2 Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 2 Chapter3|Chapter 3]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 2 Chapter4|Chapter 4]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 2 Epilogue|Epilogue]]

 

===Volume 3===
[[File:Shinmai_v03_000.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations ]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 3 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 3 Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 3 Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 3 Chapter3|Chapter 3]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 3 Epilogue|Epilogue]]

 

===Volume 4===
[[File:Shinmai_v04_000.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 4 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations ]]

 

==Project Staff==
:*Project Administrator:
:*Project Supervisor:

===Translators===
'''Active'''
:*PROzess

===Editors===
'''Active'''
*[[User:Mytsy|Mytsy]]
*[[User:Rohan123|Rohan123 ]]
*[[User:Deathmailrock|Deathmailrock]]
*[[User:Dual Blades|Dual Blades]]

==Series Overview==
*新妹魔王の契約者I (September 29, 2012 ISBN 978-4-04-100495-1-C0193)
*新妹魔王の契約者II (January 31, 2013 ISBN 978-4-04-100670-2-C0193)
*新妹魔王の契約者III (June 1, 2013 ISBN 978-4-04-100860-7-C0193)
*新妹魔王の契約者IV (November 1, 2013 ISBN 978-4-04-101061-7-C0193)

[[Category:Kadokawa Shoten]]
[[Category:Sneaker Bunko]]
[[Category:Genre - Harem]]
[[Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[Category:Tetsuto Uesu]]

Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 2 Chapter 1

2014-02-17T02:30:04Z

Onizays: Created page with "==Chapter 01: Yakiniku and Youth Special Edition== ==PART 1== A sight that was worth being called a masterpiece. A contrast of white and red, stimulating the appetite of th..."

Tsuki Tsuki!

2014-02-13T08:47:52Z

Onizays:

[[Image:Tsuki Tsuki Vol 5.jpg|325px|right|frameless|Volume 1 Cover]]

''''''Tsuki Tsuki!'''''' (つきツキ！) is a light novel series written by Yujin Goto (後藤祐迅) and illustrated by Korie Riko, published in MF Bunko J. The series has currently 12 volumes published.

=== Story Sysnopsis ===
------------------------------------------
One day Shinobu wakes up just to find a naked blonde girl sleeping besides him. He has no memory whatsoever of her. Who is she? Why is she in his bed? Why is she naked? To make matters worse, his sister comes in and sees them. What will happen now?

Novel available at:
[http://unlimitednovelfailures.mangamatters.com/tsukitsuki/ UNLIMITED NOVEL FAILURE]

'''=== PROJECT ==='''

[http://unlimitednovelfailures.mangamatters.com/tsukitsuki/tsukitsuki-volume-01/ Volume 1 [[Image:Tsuki Tsuki Vol 1.jpg|325px|frameless|Volume 1]]]

[http://unlimitednovelfailures.mangamatters.com/tsukitsuki/tsukitsuki-volume-02/ Volume 2[[Image:Cover2.jpg|325px|frameless|Volume 2]]]

'''=== Translation ==='''

PROzess
-------------------------------------------

Tsuki Tsuki!

2014-02-13T08:39:21Z

Onizays:

[[Image:Tsuki Tsuki Vol 5.jpg|325px|right|frameless|Volume 1 Cover]]

''''''Tsuki Tsuki!'''''' (つきツキ！) is a light novel series written by Yujin Goto (後藤祐迅) and illustrated by Korie Riko, published in MF Bunko J. The series has currently 12 volumes published.

=== Story Sysnopsis ===
------------------------------------------
One day Shinobu wakes up just to find a naked blonde girl sleeping besides him. He has no memory whatsoever of her. Who is she? Why is she in his bed? Why is she naked? To make matters worse, his sister comes in and sees them. What will happen now?

Novel available at:
[http://unlimitednovelfailures.mangamatters.com/tsukitsuki/ UNLIMITED NOVEL FAILURE]

'''=== PROJECT ==='''

[http://unlimitednovelfailures.mangamatters.com/tsukitsuki/tsukitsuki-volume-01/ [[Image:Tsuki Tsuki Vol 1.jpg|325px|frameless|Volume 1]]]

[http://unlimitednovelfailures.mangamatters.com/tsukitsuki/tsukitsuki-volume-02/ [[Image:Cover2.jpg|325px|frameless|Volume 2]]]

'''=== Translation ==='''

PROzess
-------------------------------------------

File:Tsuki Tsuki Vol 5.jpg

2014-02-13T08:35:54Z

Onizays:

File:Cover2.jpg

2014-02-13T07:09:18Z

Onizays:

Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 1 Chapter 4

2014-02-13T06:03:24Z

Onizays: /* Part 1 */

==Until your Sadness becomes Nil==

===Part 1===

Around the time when Basara engaged the enemy--- Naruse Mio had already left the infirmary.

Right now, she was at the place closest to sky on the school grounds.

The rooftop.

Under the pale moonlight, Mio confronted a single girl.

It was her classmate and the Hero in charge of observing her--- Nonaka Yuki.

"---So, what's up?"

When Mio woke up in the nighttime infirmary, Basara was gone, as he had left his seat. The one that entered through the door of the infirmary a little bit later was not Basara, but Yuki. And,

"…I need to talk to you."

Following Yuki, who had told her so with a cold expression, Mio had come to the rooftop.

To Mio's uttered question, Yuki answered quietly--- yet clearly.

"Basara should have told you… about why I'm here."

"Yeah, he certainly told me."

said Mio.

"About who you are--- and your relation to him."

Mio, the inheritor of the previous Devil Lord's power, and Yuki, a Hero. Originally, their relationship should be that of archenemies. Still, so far they had avoided to get on that topic.

Mio wanted revenge on the current Demon Lord, so it wasn't wise to clash with Yuki and make the Hero Tribe her enemy. As for Yuki, she surely just acted out her duty as an observer of Mio. But there was something she understood one week ago--- when Basara transferred in at the beginning of the new term.

"So? I know about you, but so what?"

When she glumly told her "Get to the point", Yuki straightforwardly gazed at her.

"---Leave Basara. He'll suffer when he stays with you… Therefore, leave him."

"….. I figured it would be about that."

Mio knew, Yuki didn't consider Basara a simple childhood friend, she harbored a greater feeling for him. From Yuki's standpoint, the warning was more than warrantable.

Mio could relate to it. But… despite that,

"---Nope."

Mio denied outright, whereas Yuki narrowed her eyes. But, Mio didn't back off.

"Even without you telling me, I was quite worried about that fact. I pondered a lot about what to do. I even tried to chase him out of the house once, to prevent him from getting any more involved with my matters and dangers."

Yes. At first, Mio didn't want to get him involved either.

"…But you know, after knowing my circumstances, he still said he would protect me. That it's no troubles and that we're family. Therefore I thought about what I should do for him, since he said all that."

And she came up with an answer.

"When he's trying to protect me and fighting together with me, even though I don't want to involve him--- Then at least, I won't waste even the slightest bit of his sentiments."

Because,

"What I can do right now is to live up to his feelings."

If she were to obey Yuki's words here and leave him, that surely would be a betrayal towards him.

Mio spoke out her unwavering feelings. In regards,

"………I see."

Yuki muttered only that. At that time.

Along with a shrill SCREECH sound, a shock wave struck Mio. However--- before hitting Mio, it crashed into an invisible wall and dispersed. Mio had set it up beforehand. A magic barrier.

Mio gazed in front--- at Yuki, who emitted a green aura on her hand with the materialized sword.

"---Using force when words don't work?"

Right after saying so, she raised the corners of her mouth.

"Then--- I won't show any reservation either."

She didn't want to make the Hero Tribe an enemy on her initiative, but she would respond when someone picked a fight with her.

Kill her a hundred times. When Mio released her wind magic, the strong sweeping wind pressed Yuki.

"----"

However, a few lines of white sword flashes sparkled and the wind magic was cut off.

Seeing that, Mio clicked her tongue in her mind on her battle affinity with Yuki.

''…She isn't a Hero just for show…''

The parameter for battle strength could roughly be divided into four classes: "Power", "Speed", "Skill" and "Mana". In short, like the stats in RPG or simulation games, so she was taught by Maria. An omnipotent type would be the ideal, but basically one would strengthen the class he's compatible with. This meant power for Maria and magic for Mio, so they each chose a battle style most suited to their abilities. For Maria that would be a Hard Striker that utilized her abnormal strength, for Mio a High Wizard that released powerful magic at the enemy from a safe distance.

And--- most likely Yuki's type was Skill. Inferior to the Power type at close range and the Mana type at long range, but a class that utilized it's strength to the fullest at all kind of ranges.

Above all. Yuki most likely had real battle experiences that Mio could only dream of. But,

''…That's not a reason for me to pull back here!''

When Mio glared at her straightforward, Yuki said with her cold expression.

"You want to exploit Basara's kindness so bad that you would go this far?"

"If I'm exploiting his kindness, then what're you doing? Your ignoring his will and forcing your own selfish kindness onto him!"

"! I…"

Yuki inadvertently stiffened her expression, whereas Mio shouted.

"I won't make excuses--- Nor will I regret it! Apologizing to him about involving him at this point would be rude to him! That's why I'll fight together with him unreserved!"

Mio exclaimed with a decisive tone. What she spoke out was her own answer towards Basara's sentiments. This genuine feeling towards him--- She trusted it without a shred of doubt. But,

"….once more."

A chilling voice came out of Yuki's mouth. Inadvertently overwhelmed, Mio gulped.

"If you say that once more, I won't forgive you… You don't even know Basara in the slightest."

"That's…"

It hadn't even been a month since they met. There were things they were hiding from each other or couldn't speak about. But,

"Sure, I don't know him as long as you… Nor do I know anything about his past. But you see, I believe I know his current self!"

She knew more about the current Basara than Yuki, who only reunited with him a week ago after a long separation. How kind he was, how much he was thinking of Mio and Maria. But,

"…That's not true. If you properly knew him, you wouldn't drag him into battles to begin with."

Because, said Yuki.

"He can't fight like in the past anymore… actually, it should be painful for him to even wield a sword."

"What the… What do you mean…?"

Mio inadvertently asked back, whereas Yuki said. The truth about Toujou Basara--- to make Mio give up.

"Five years ago, to save us, he---…"

One breath,

"-----------"

These words from Yuki

"…..Eh?"

made Mio asked back dumbfounded. For a moment, she didn't comprehend what Yuki had said.

---It was the reason why Basara was chased out of the Hero village.

Toujou Basara's sin, and the wound in his heart that plagued him even now. And like Yuki had said, Mio knew nothing of it. Thus, her thoughts couldn't keep up with it right away. But,

"That's why Basara and Jin left the village… they lost their Hero qualifications."

added Yuki.

"You must have found it strange too. As to why two Heroes were living as normal humans."

"Ye… ah…"

Naruse Mio realized. Why Yuki was so angry at her. And above all--- How cruel she had been to Basara. Then Mio remembered Basara's words.

'In the past… when I lived in the country-side, some stuff happened. Guess you can call it a trauma… Even now, I sometimes dream of that time.'

''…No way…''

Mio was in a daze from her ignorance--- Suddenly the door to the rooftop opened.

Rushing in came Basara with a haunted look.

"Here after all…"

He must had run at full speed. All out of breath, his forehead was covered in sweat.

And seeing the traces of their battle and the sword in Yuki's hand, he frowned.

"What's going on, Yuki… She's still supposed to be an observation target. So why are you, the observer, drawing your spirit sword?"

When Yuki averted her eyes by looking down without a word, Basara faced Mio next.

"Mio, same for you… I told you not to fight with the Hero Tribe. Yet---"

At that point, his expression suddenly changed into a doubtful one. He must have noticed the look on her face.

"I, I'm…"

Mio tried to say something right away, but she couldn't speak well.

Because she was scatterbrained. Therefore,

"What's up? Why do you…"

Saying so, Basara tried to come over to her. As to stop him,

"---Well, she just heard about your past."

A smiling voice came at them from a different direction.

Toujou Basara looked. Apart from the rooftop they were on--- there was someone standing still.

A white mask and a black tuxedo. It looked human, but his other senses felt an ominous and overwhelming negative aura from it. He could tell by just confronting it. It was a devil with a considerable power.

''…Not good.''

Basara changed his expression into a stern one. It likely was the string-puller here, but it was unexpectedly strong. He didn't know it's type yet, but it most likely had an A Rank power.

Mio was set as an S- Rank, but only in consideration for the possibility that she kept the previous Devil Lord Wilbert's power in her. By the normal standards of the village, she would probably be a B Rank. Yuki was a B+ Rank. It would be one thing if the opponent were an A- Rank, but at A or above, it might become a severe fight even with Basara's assistance, let alone Yuki by herself.

Currently it looked like it was standing there easy-going, but there was not a single opening for an attack.

Mio and Yuki must have comprehended the opponent's strength too, as they remained still like Basara, whereupon

"---Well, well, that was a really intriguing story. I knew there was an odd interference before, but to think the exiled Hero had shown up again. What's more, it's the son of the War Hero Toujou Jin. Quite the surprise."

Hearing the white mask say it so happily, Basara narrowed his eyes.

"The attack in the park before was your doing as well, huh…"

"Yeah. I had my eyes on you for a while. I thought for sure you were a normal human, but it turned out you were an ability user--- and even siding with the orphan of the previous Devil Lord. Moreover, you are quite skilled. It appears you also took out the other guys earlier."

"------!?"

On the white mask's words, Mio gulped next to Basara.

She must have been surprised that only Basara was attacked while they were separated. Furthermore,

''…My past, huh…''

Without a doubt, Yuki had talked about the incident five years ago to separate Mio from him.

Then Mio already knew about it, though he didn't know how much.

About the sin that Toujou Basara committed--- and that his sword was hesitant because of that. There,

"---Oh my? Why the long face?"

The white mask told Mio, whose expression was pale.

"Could you be regretting involving him now? If so, it's too late. It wasn't just at the park or today. The past few days, he swung his sword and fought numerous times without you knowing about it--- After you went to sleep, he kept fighting until dawn."

"Eh---?" "---Shut up!"

When Mio widened her eyes in surprise, Basara dashed toward the white mask at the same time.

Materializing Brynhildr, he swung it down on the white mask. But,

"Whoops."

The moment the white mask said so, the sword that came down with a SCREECH! was repelled by an invisible power.

Thrown backwards, Basara twisted his body at once and somehow landed on his feet.

''…I knew it, he's strong…!''

It was just a spontaneous attack to seal his loose mouth, but he firmly put his strength into it. It should have sliced the likes of these "Shadows" that appeared in the park and school store in two easily. That very attack was completely blocked and repelled.

Above all, it measured up to the speed of Basara, who was a "Speed Type".

"….Basara."

Basara nodded a "Yeah" to Yuki, who came running over to him. Yuki most likely had made the same judgment.

''…It's an A-… No, A Rank.''

The strength of the white mask surpassed his expectations. But, he realized something else as well.

He didn't comprehend the full theory behind it, but the defence just now was either a skill or magic type.

If he knew the opponent's type, he could come up with a tactic. But,

''…Damn, if only Maria were here…''

[[Image:Shinmai Vol1 0008.jpg|325px]]

Unlike Basara's speed or Yuki's skills, Maria's power could break the white mask's barrier with a direct attack. However, it would still take a bit of time until she came here. Basara and Yuki could buy some time while Mio attacked with powerful magic, but should the enemy be a magic type, his barrier wouldn't break from Mio's magic. Then, they would be in a stalemate.

''…What do I do?''

When Basara tried to somehow work out a tactic,

"H- Hey… Is it true what that guy just said?"

From a bit apart, a doubtful voice called out to Basara.

Basara remained silent and made a bitter expression. Looking at him,

"…Really? Basara… you were fighting the enemy without my knowledge….?"

"Why"--- mumbled Mio.

"Isn't it obvious. For your sake…"

said the white mask while smiling.

"The power of the previous Devil Lord sleeping inside you--- even if it isn't fully awakened, it's leaking strong power surges and attracts low class Stray Devils by it. If any of these low class devils were to harm a human, your existence would be the reason for it. Naturally, the Hero Tribe would deem you harmful then and change you from an observation target to a termination one."

On these words, Yuki remained silent. It was a silence of affirmation.

"If he were to protect you, a termination target, he would become a traitor to this world. The Hero Tribe wouldn't be able to overlook it… Thus, the girl over there told you to leave him."

"Well," said the white mask.

"To prevent that from happening, that boy and your retainer Succubus have been desperately patrolling the city and hunting low class Stray Devils in the past few days… They worked quite hard, really."

"Th- Then the reason Maria didn't come to pick us up at school was also the patrol…?"

On Mio's question, Basara replied with a nod. Unfortunately, he couldn't hide it anymore.

If he were to keep lying now, he would completely lose Mio's trust.

"Sorry… If I had told you, you surely would have blamed yourself."

At night of the day with the bath incident--- Basara had told Maria, who had snuck into his bed, the circumstances and acted behind the scenes to prevent the Stray Devils that were attracted to Mio's power from doing any harm.

So far he avoided telling that to Mio because of the mental burden she already had from the curse, but had decided to do so after at least a month--- when they cancelled the Master and Servant Contract and harmonized her mental state.

"No way…"

Mumbling dumbfounded, Mio just stood there. Then,

"If it shocks you this much, how about you hand over that 'Power' which is the reason for all this."

The white mask declared. At the same time, a "Shadow" appeared behind Mio.

It was already swinging down it's large scythe. But, Mio didn't notice it. Instead,

"Kuh-----!?"

Basara reacted at once. With one leap, he tried to slash at the "Shadow",

"Hee--- Now you're going to erase even her?"

There, the white mask called out to him with a teasing voice. The result was grave.

"----"

The wound in his heart was exploited. Brynhildr vanished from the hand of the agitated Basara. But,

"---UUOOOOOOOH!"

Even so, Toujou Basara clenched his teeth--- and kicked the floor for a forward leap.

At first--- Naruse Mio didn't know what was going on.

"Eh…?"

Before she noticed it, she was looking up to the sky. She had collapsed onto the ground of the rooftop.

''….Just what happened?''

Thinking so, Mio tried to stand up--- but she couldn't. And she finally noticed.

That a weight was pressing onto her. That someone was lying on top of her.

She looked.

"…Basara…?"

Basara didn't respond to Mio's dumbfounded mumbling.

He didn't move. Therefore she tried calling out to him--- Her hand that touched his shoulder was wet.

It was blood.

"-------!?"

Mio's consciousness fully awakened and she remembered the moment like a flashback.

A "Shadow" had appeared behind her--- And Basara had protected her from it's weapon.

By doing so, he ended up being cut on the back.

"You might be from the Hero Tribe, but you're only a shadow of your former self… Surprisingly fragile."

She could hear the disappointed voice of the white mask.

"No… Get a grip, hey!"

When Mio raised an aggrieved scream, something moved in the corner of her vision--- right next to her.

It most likely Yuki, who defeated the "Shadow" that cut Basara.

"…Unforgivable… How dare you!"

Yuki draw her spirit sword and swung it down at empty space.

"Hoh… That's quite some power."

While saying so kind of impressed, the white mask easily jumped aside and dodged it.

But--- Yuki was already waiting for him there.

As she predicted his evasion, she rushed ahead in anticipation of his movements at the same time as she released her attack.

From a half-sitting stance, she unleashed a sideways sweep with her sword.

It cut through.

But only through air. The white mask dodged to the top--- into midair.

"You sure you should be attacking me? His wound is deep. You need to treat it quickly--- or it'll be too late, you know?"

"……"

The white mask shifted his gaze away from Yuki, who bit down onto her lips frustrated, to Mio. To Mio, who stood up while holding the wounded Basara. And then he declared with a smiling voice.

"Get it? This is the result of your own decision."

"My, own…"

In front of Mio, who became dumbfounded from the result that her decision brought about, the white mask erased his appearance like melting with the air. The night wind carried only his voice over.

"I'll pull back for now. Give it some thought. What that girl said is the truth… You involve others, involved him and got him hurt. Are you still going to continue to fight a lost battle? You should reconsider about who you want to sacrifice for your revenge, others or yourself, and make your decision."

And lastly, Mio heard him add this.

"But--- Depending on your choice, you can end all of this at once."

===Part 2===

---In the past, when he was at the Hero Village.

Toujou Basara already had a promising future at a young age.

He was the only son of Jin, the Hero of the Great War, and as he inherited his father's talent, his strength surpassed that of the other boys and girls his age. Moreover, the reason a lot of people set their hopes on him was that Basara could use a special skill that no one else could imitate.

<Banishing Shift>. That skill, which could only be unleashed as a counter of an opponent's attack, could repel or disperse any kind of attack, physical or magical.

Moreover--- When he could feel out the <Heavenly Energy>, the "Source of Existence", and cut it, he could banish the existence - the matter of the opponent's attack itself into zero-dimensional space.

Thus Basara was raised with Yuki and the other kids his age, as the hope for the next generation.

---But, these happy days suddenly came to an end one day.

A certain young man from the village, who complained that the already retreated Devils should be tracked down and killed, was fed up with the elders, who wouldn't give their approval, and all by himself… resorted to forcible means. He drew the powerful magical sword Brynhildr that was sealing a S Rank Evil Spirit in the recesses of the mountains near the village.

Devils were supposed to be tracked down and killed. Needless to say, the young man was confident in his own power. Everyone else acknowledge it too. Jin excluded, he was undoubtedly the number one. So he intended to defeat the released Evil Spirit with the magic sword Brynhildr.

However--- it didn't turn out like that. The Evil Spirit took over the young man's mind and body.

And it attacked the detested existence that sealed it---- the Hero Tribe Village.

---To make matters worse, the incident happened when Jin was away from the Village.

Still, it was the Hero Tribe. There were a lot that could fight. They desperately fought and tried to put an end to the tragedy. But, the S Rank Evil Spirit's power resided in the body of someone that was nearly unrivaled in the village. The tragedy couldn't be stopped and claimed more and more victims.

And then--- The Evil Spirit was defeated by Basara. But it happened by Basara losing his mind on the sight of his friends getting killed before him and Yuki getting attacked, thus letting the <Banishing Shift> go out of control. When he woke up, Basara was lying in a hospital bed. And he was told. That the crisis was over. By the hands of none other than himself.

Proof for that was that the magical sword Brynhildr, who didn't even allow Jin to use it, chose Basara as it's master. Thanks to Basara, a lot of people were saved. Yuki was one of them.

---But, it couldn't save the hearts of the survivors.

Basara's <Banishing Shift> mercilessly annihilated the surrounding area to oblivion.

The possessed young man, the Evil Spirit and even some limbs from the victims--- All of it was erased.

Accordingly, it was discussed in no time that <Banishing Shift> was too dangerous and that Basara should be locked away along with Brynhildr to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.

Regardless of the fact that Basara no longer could use <Banishing Shift> due to the shock from the incident.

But--- Basara didn't really care. Basara himself couldn't bear the burden of having erased his precious friend and became like an empty shell. However--- Jin, returning to the village, stood up for Basara. Others too, like one of the elders or Yuki's Nonaka Family, eagerly took Basara under their wings. And then a conclusion was made. Basara was stripped off his Hero qualifications and chased out of the Village along with his utilized magic sword Brynhildr. And Jin should go with him to oversee that his ability wouldn't go out of control again.

Basara obediently obeyed that decision. But Jin gave a straightforward objection.

"If being a Hero prevents me from protecting Basara--- Then I'll quit being a Hero as well."
Saying so, he left the village together with Basara.

And then--- Five years passed since then.

The memory of that tragedy was still vivid and kept plaguing Basara in his dreams even now.

He couldn't discover an atonement for his sin, nor how to face it.

Like proof for it, he still couldn't use <Banishing Shift>.

Not counting the one time he erased Maria's wind magic as a fluke.

''…But.''

While his consciousness was clouded in darkness, Toujou Basara thought.

That even his half-hearted self found something he wanted to protect. That he made a new family.

At first, he wanted to protect her as her older brother. But their relationship was a fabrication. The girl he considered a little sister actually inherited the Devil Lord's power. But, she didn't ask for that. Yet--- her life was in danger.

Despite that, she desperately tried to live on positively. Trying to fight against it.

--- In the past, Jin gave up being a Hero to protect Basara. Basara already lost his qualification as a Hero.

But right now, there was a girl that obviously wasn't protected by the Hero Tribe, but neither by her own Devil kin.

So the one to protect her--- to protect Naruse Mio must be himself.

Basara no longer had his previous strength.

Still, Brynhildr reacted to him. His arms and legs moved. And he had a will.

"Therefore---…"

Saying so mumbling, Basara then opened his eyes.

Light pierced through the darkness. Upon that, there was a familiar ceiling before his eyes.

"Good… Do you know me?"

On a look, a young girl was peeking at up relieved.
"Mar, ia…?"

"Yes. Please rest assured. We are at home. In your room, Basara-san."

"My---"

Basara frowned on his mental blank--- and then remembered.

Suddenly a dull pain run through his torso and he scowled.

"I see… At the rooftop, the enemy…"

"I am sorry… If I had only arrived a bit earlier."

Maria said apologetic.

"I took the bandages from the infirmary and gave you first aid on the spot, but it would attract attention at school, so I carried you here."

"I see… Thanks, really."

That he was home with Maria by his side meant that Yuki pulled back for now? A look at the clock revealed that it was already half past three in the night. Apparently he was sleeping for around seven hours.

"Uhm---"

said Maria.

"''I did as you said, but''--- do you really not need to go to the hospital?"

"Yeah… This is fine."

If anything happens to me, don't take me to the hospital--- That was what he asked of Maria after the fight in the park. Sure, he would get treated at a hospital. But the medicines for treatment and recovery influenced one's senses and ability to think. It easily created an opening for the enemy.

"Kuh---…"

Basara slowly raised his body. And then, he tightly clenched his fist.

''…Good.''

It still hurt, but he could move. His thoughts were clear too.

"Amazing… To think you already regained consciousness from such a deep wound. It would not be strange for a normal person to be unconscious for a few days."

"Our tribe gives special training to our bodies from a young age on… So we recover faster and have better self-healing powers than normal people."

Yuki left his nursing to Mio and Maria specially because she knew of this.

It was an ability that was acquired for fights, to win fights.

Yes--- They had to be victorious. On the rooftop he was overpowered. By that Devil.

"Right, how's Mio---… Maria?"

Basara spoke the name, whereupon Maria reacted by shivering her small body.

Her so far sad expression turned even more bitter.

"…Seeing you wounded made her remember the time when her foster parents were killed. By the time I arrived on the rooftop, Mio-sama was gravely agitated. She was partly in a panic, yet she tried to treat your wounds by herself… I made her rest a bit to let her calm down a bit. And about an hour ago, I told her that you are over the worst, but then"

"Hey, don't tell me----"

"Yes… The next time I checked upon Mio-sama, she was no longer in her room…"

"That idiot…!"

She must have felt a strange responsibility and went to settle it by herself!

"---Basara-san!"

Maria put her hands on knees on the floor and lowered her head as much as possible.

"I am aware that you are greatly injured… But right now, you are the only one who can pinpoint Mio-sama's whereabouts with the Master and Servant Contract! I will not ask you to fight. But at least please tell me where Mio-sama is…please…"

A desperate plead with her body shivering. Therefore,

"---This isn't funny."

Saying so, Toujou Basara pushed aside the blanket and got off the bed.

He didn't mind the scorching pain that ran through his whole body.

"Obviously I'm going too--- I don't want to be a pathetic older brother that sleeps while his little sister is in danger."

===Part 3===

Leaving the room and house, Mio headed for that park on the hill.

It was a famous spot in the city and normally even at night people came by now and then, but on the vast grounds expanded a thick mixed forest with all kinds of trees and people didn't come to it's deepest part.

"…Good."
Inside the mixed forest, Mio used a magic to keep humans away just in case and cast down her eyes after a deep breath. Preparations to wait for the enemy were done.

''…Sorry, you two…''

In her heart, Mio apologized to Basara and Maria. By now they must have noticed that she left. She knew that she was being reckless. But Mio couldn't think of any other plan.

---Naruse Mio did not know anything.

Dragging them into her fight, they fought for her unknown to her.

And Basara was gravely injured by protecting Mio.

At that time--- The image of the bleeding Basara overlapped with that of her killed parents.

Her heart was unsettled. So much that she fell into a pathetic trembling, even though the enemy was still around.

Therefore--- Maria had told her that she had to calm down first if she wanted to treat Basara. While she trembled alone in her own room, she kept thinking.

The words of the white mask spun around inside Mio's head. You involve others, involved him and got him hurt. Are you still going to continue to fight a lost battle?

Who do you want to sacrifice for your revenge, others or yourself?

---And the answer Mio finally came up with was this.

Still, while she stood here like this, she could only think about one thing.

''…Please be safe, Basara…''

Mio tightly closed her eyes like for a prayer. Maria had said he was over the worst, but it was still a precarious situation. She could watch over him while praying for his recovery.

But to put it another way, she could only watch over him while praying for his recovery.

''…If so.''

Mio thought while opening her eyes. She should do the thing only she is capable of. Upon that,

"---Seems like you made your decision."

Suddenly a voice called out from behind. Mio turned around with "Yes".

There in the forest--- in her vision stood the white mask.

Mio fixed her glare wordless onto the white mask. When he left the rooftop, he had said "Depending your choice, you can end all of this at once". Naruse Mio perfectly understood the meaning behind these words. There, just as if he was reading her mind,

"Hee… You're more honest than I thought. But, I believe this is the correct choice."

The white mask said.

"If you were to keep fighting, it would claim more victims. But if you were the only victim, everything would come to an end."

"….Yeah."

Mio nodded. She agreed from the bottom of her heart.

''"I alone will be enough for a victim--- for a fight."''

The next moment. The white mask was enveloped by a huge flame pillar. She had released Hellfire--- the strongest fire magic Mio was capable of at the moment. With it on stand-by, she had waited.

All for the sake of a perfectly timed surprise attack. Furthermore,

"That's not all!"

Mio released attack magic one after another. Without ceasing her attacks, she released two consecutive lighting attacks, wind blades from eight directions and countless ice spears. These hit into the white mask in succession.

All of them were at full power. An absolutely annihilating preemptive strike that used up all of her magic and mental power.

Lastly she used a blazing explosion magic and while she watched the brightly flames,

"Hah… Hah… N- Now…"

Mio was breathing heavily.

A voice sounded.

"---Now you're satisfied?"

Along with a WHOOSH wind sound, the flames were erased. And the white mask stood easy-going on the same spot, as he didn't receive any damage.

"No way…"

"What are you surprised about? There's no way I would face a waiting opponent unprepared. Don't tell me, you really thought this could finish me off?"

"Kuh…!"

Retreating backwards like pushed back, Mio tried to chant a new magic, whereas the white mask laughed.

"Oh right, it's a wonderful house, where you're living with that former Hero boy---''Looks like it would burn easily.''"

"----!?"

"Maybe I should order my subordinators? To see which brings out a prettier flame, your magic or that house."

"Coward…"

The wounded Basara was in there. With Maria around, they might not get burned by the flames, but most likely it would take their everything just to escape. They couldn't stop the flames. There,

"Coward or not, it was you who involved him… If you want to blame someone, blame yourself."

"……."

Mio bit down on her lips. Yielding to such a threat and giving up wasn't funny.

But what Mio tried to chant at the moment was only a filler magic to keep the fight going.

Something like that wouldn't defeat him, since the consecutive attacks earlier didn't work.

Still--- For starters she could resume the fight with it. She had planned it out in her head.

However, Mio slowly relaxed her stance and halted the chanting for the magic.

"…You're after me, right. Please, don't lay hands on Basara anymore."

But,

"If you were to hurt him any further--- I'll never forgive you. No matter what I have to do, I'll kill you a hundred times."

"I don't mind. If it doesn't cause me any more unnecessary trouble, that is."

The white mask showed a serene smile at the end of his words.

She was disgusted. Her own fight had only just started. It would get serious from now on.

She would rather die than yield to the enemy here.

''…But…''

Still, she would rather die twice than endangering Basara's life. Then there was only one way.

In front of Mio, who stood there silent, the white mask came over like gliding on air.

"Your hand---"

When she held out both her hands on his request, a purple rope wrapped around Mio's wrists.

"This is…"

"A binding magical tool that seals your magical power. From your earlier attacks I don't think there'll be any problems, but I'll seal it just in case. Now then--- Let us go."

"….Where to?"

Mio had given up on fighting, but not on her hostility. The white mask answered.

"You need to ask?… To the demon realm. My Master is waiting for---"

The moment he said all that, the white mask suddenly jumped back widely to take a distance from Mio.

At the same time. The space where the white mask had been so far was cut through by a wind blade.

"Don't tell me…!"

Like looking up, Mio tried to look behind her--- the direction from where the attack came, whereupon a human silhouette swiftly rushed past her at the same time.

It was a girl that wore the same Hijirigasaka Academy uniform as Mio and carried a spirit sword in her right hand.

It was Nonaka Yuki.

"---Why!?"

While hearing this question from Mio behind her back, Nonaka Yuki didn't slow down on her dash.

Regardless of the unsteady foothold in the mixed forest, she attacked the white mask at once.

However, Yuki's slash was easily warded off by the barrier that the white mask had erected.

"What a surprise, that you would take her side… Is that the judgement of the Hero Tribe?"

"…I'm, not really taking her side."

Yuki indifferently told the white mask, who spoke with a carefree voice.

---Yes. At first, Yuki didn't have any intentions to help Mio.

The dispute about the Devil Lord's power that Mio inherited was something to be settled amongst devils.

Thus, the Hero Tribe didn't plan to intervene actively.

Yuki, an observer, had no objections to that either. She only felt resentment towards Mio, who disturbed Basara peaceful lifestyle, and wouldn't have really minded if she sacrifices herself.

''…But.''

Basara still tried to protect Mio. When she watched Basara at school, he was looking at Mio without her finding out about it. At any time, he was concerned about her. And unknown to her, he fought for her. Yuki couldn't understand if Mio was worth it. That was why she told her on the rooftop of the school. To leave Basara. To not involve him. And after Basara collapsed from the enemy's attack and the white mask was gone.

Nonaka Yuki tried to vent her fury at Mio.

---It's all your fault. Because you dragged Basara into this.

But she couldn't say it. Because Mio was even more shaken in front of the collapsed Basara than Yuki.

Gravely flustered and agitated, she was still worried over Basara. I'm sorry, I'm sorry… She repeated numerous times while crying. Yuki ended up hearing that grief-stricken scream. That was the reason she left Basara's treatment for now to them when Maria showed up. And then she saw how Mio tried to fight alone and gave up on it again for Basara's sake.

Yuki got the feeling that she understood a bit now why Basara tried to protect Mio.

Besides, there was another reason to why Yuki came here. Yes--- an important reason.

"I believe I clearly told you--- That I won't forgive you for hurting Basara."

So, at the same time she declared these words filled with killing intent, Yuki's whole body was enveloped by light.

Together with the materialization of her spirit sword "Sakuya", her clothes changed into a battle wear.

Nonaka Yuki's resolve. An embodiment of her will to slay the devil in front of her as a Hero.

Then the battle started. In light of Yuki's consecutive repeated attacks,

"Your sword or skill can't defeat me… You should have realized that on the previous battle on the rooftop."

Behind his barrier, the white mask sighed in disappointment. But, Yuki showed no impatience.

"…Yeah? Then--- take this!"

She launched a counterattack. It--- broke through his supposedly impregnable barrier.

"Wha…?"

Yuki lunged a slash in no time at the surprised white mask.

Instantly jumping backwards and barely dodging her sword, the white mask was puzzled.

"My barrier, how…"

"It won't break with one strike. ''Therefore I continued until it did…'' that's all."

said Yuki.

"Wait… You accurately kept attacking the same spot…?"

"If it brings you down, I'll do so."

Yuki declared without hesitation. It was a feat that even only a few skill type fighters could pull off.

In the five years apart from Basara, Yuki excessively trained with the sword.

"---Don't underestimate a Hero."

Then Yuki approached forward again. For a moment she dared to sheathe her spirit sword, then she drew it with Godspeed. The cutting edge of quick-draw technique that came from making use of the slip of the sword out of the sheath, was several times greater than normal. In one attack she cut through the oppenent's barrier, and it didn't end with that. Combined with the quick-draw attack, Yuki kept spreading out her attacks.

The white mask couldn't help but to jump backwards widely to distance himself from her.

"Okay… I'll play with you for a bit."

Saying so, he held out his palm towards her--- In the next moment, a black darkness came flying over.

"-------?"

Yuki jumped to the side at once. It was a reflexive movement that didn't consider her landing at all.

[[Image:Shinmai Vol1 0143.jpg|thumb]]

Right afterwards. Along with a roaring sound, the ground trembled. Yuki, tumbled on the ground, looked. The place where she was at a moment ago--- The ground of the forest was completely hollow out by an explosion.

"Hee, you dodged that…"

The white mask said in admiration. And then,

"Then--- how about this?"

At the same time he said that, numerous dark spheres appeared around him.

''…Not good…!''

It was impossible to dodge all these. Defending against them too. What to do--- That short hesitation completely deprived Yuki of her chance to evade. When she noticed it, she was already swallowed up by a fierce impact and blown backwards--- Right afterwards, the roaring sound of explosions sounded. The force of it threw Yuki against a huge tree trunk and the impact made her lose her breath.

"---Nonaka!"

Mio's scream sounded distant. But, Yuki couldn't respond. Her body wobblingly inclined forward.

"---…!"

Even so, she thrust her spirit sword into the ground and refused at least to collapse.

Yes, not yet. She could still fight. Because her life was saved by him--- by Basara.

Five years since that tragedy. What did she become strong for?

''…That's, obvious…''

Basara sacrificed his own future and saved her. Therefore. This time, she would protect him and those he wanted to protect. She would protect the world Basara lived in--- his every day life.

For that she underwent harsh training and became strong, didn't she.

"Run… quickly, Nonaka!"

Yuki ignored Mio's shouting. Giving up here? Nothing of the sort!

"…Uh…"

Yuki frantically clenched her teeth and slowly raised her head.

And she realized. Why Mio told her to run.

Nonaka Yuki looked. At the huge sphere of darkness that the white mask created over his head.

At this rate, Yuki would die--- Thinking so, Mio acted quickly.

"….Enough---!"

With her hands tied, she still tried to ram the white mask with her shoulders. But,

"---You're in the way."

In response, the white mask casually launched a shock wave at her.

"Kyaaaaaa---!"

Mio, who had her magical power sealed by the binding magic tool, had no way to defend against it. Taking a direct hit, Mio was sent flying to the ground.

"…Kuh… Uh…"

Even so, Mio desperately tried to stand up.

''…Like I, would let him…''

There was no way she would let get anyone else get dragged into her fate.

She wouldn't sacrifice anyone. Not even Yuki, a Hero.

But--- Emotions alone couldn't stop a tragedy.

"This is the end."

The white mask declared so. At the same time, the huge sphere of darkness was released towards Yuki.

"No… STOOOOOOOP---!"

Mio shouted at once. But the white mask ignored her. And the sphere of darkness heading for Yuki, as well as the cruel reality ignored her too. No matter how much Mio shouted, she couldn't help Yuki.

Therefore, Yuki's death was inevitable--- ''Or it was supposed to be''.

---However. There was still one person responding to Mio.

"…Eh?"

She heard the blowing wind. And then,

"---Leave it to me."

Together with that short mumbling.

Faster than the wind--- A boy got in between the sphere and Yuki.

Toujou Basara arrived at the battle in the moment when the white mask released the huge sphere of darkness.

Basara, standing protective in front of Yuki, was immediately pressed for a decision.

It was impossible to evade while carrying a wounded Yuki. That left only one choice. He chose that sole possibility without hesitation. It wasn't like he couldn't use it at all. But,

"Here I go… <Banishing Shift>!"

Toujou Basara struck his magic sword Brynhildr into the pale sphere.

''…Even if I can't erase it completely…''

Even if he was still trapped by his past. He should be able to repel or disperse it. Therefore,

"OOOOOOOHHHHHHHH!"

Steadying himself on the ground, Basara put all his strength into his arms and pulled Brynhildr through the sphere.

At the same time he felt it's resistance--- the pale sphere broke up and passed by Basara and Yuki's right and left.

An explosion arose. But, only the ground of the forest was destroyed. Basara and Yuki were safe.

"Wha… Just what was that?"

"…Basara…"

In front of the dumbfounded white mask, Yuki called from behind his back. Basara only turned around his head.

"Everything's alright now, Yuki… I'll take care of the rest."

When he said just that with a smile, he faced forward again.

And then, he scowled a bit. He felt a burning pain on his back.

''…My wound reopened from that.''

He could endure the pain, but if he kept losing blood, he wouldn't be able to move anymore. He had to settle it quickly.

"-----"

Therefore, Basara kicked the ground and leaped forward. That resulted in the Godspeed of a Speed Type.

Moreover, the speed was close to one in his genius childhood, where he was noted for his talent that surpassed even his father, the hero of the great war.

In an instant the distance between them was closed. The Godspeed attack went straight for the white mask's torso. SCREEEECH! But with a shrill metallic noise, Basara's hand that held Brynhildr got numb. The attack was repelled.

"I'm impressed. That's some excellent swordsmanship. With a normal barrier, even I might have gotten split into two."

The white mask raised a praising voice and continued with "But".

"Unfortunately for you, I strengthened my barrier after that girl broke it…Too bad."

"…Yeah, too bad."

Basara nodded.

''"For you, that is---"''

And then he shouted.

"---MARIA!" "Roger!"

A young girl jumped up from behind Basara. Her small body was swinging it's right fist.

She, a succubus, was their "Power Type" ally that was lacking on the rooftop.

Her one attack--- smashed the white mask's barrier, weakened by Basara's attack, into small pieces.

"Wha---!"

The shocked white mask tried to re-erect his barrier at once.

"---Too slow!"

Basara was faster than that.

Basara's fighting style that utilized the characteristic of the speed type to the maximum was Infinite Slayer.

Furthermore, his Godspeed sword flashes that looked like thin lines continued a series of attacks.

Kill! That kind of sound started.

Kill, Kill, Kill, Kill, Kill, Kill, Kill, Kill, KillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKill KillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKill KillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKill KillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKill KillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKill
KillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKill
KillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKill
KillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKill

The speed transcended power, as well as magic, skill and all kind of strengths.

"OOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAHHHH!"

And then--- The last hit struck.

It was an attack with all his might that perfectly cut up the white mask's torso and banished him into the empty darkness.

Mio witnessed that moment.

Basara, having defeated the white mask, stopped moving for a moment, but before long,

"…..Fuh."

When he made a breath of exhaustion, he first confirmed Yuki's well-being behind him.

After exchanging a few words with her, he came slowly over to Mio.

--- But, somehow Mio still couldn't believe it.

However--- Basara's face, looking at her, was showing a gentle smile.

"Ah…"

She finally realized. That she was saved. That Basara came to her aid. Therefore,

''…I- I…''

What to do, Mio panicked at heart. She didn't know what to say. She knew she had to thank him. But she still hadn't apologized for getting him hurt. When she was puzzled about what to say,

"Mio-samaaaaaaaa---!"

Passing by Basara, Maria clung to her with a dive.

Maria didn't criticize Mio for trying to settle it all by herself.

"I was worried… So worried… Waaaaaah."

Looked like she was really worried. Maria sobbed, like all the worry she had desperately suppressed suddenly exploded. Mio's surprise changed into gratitude before long. She finally realized what she should say first. Therefore she shifted her gaze down to Maria at her waist.

"Sorry… I'm sorry…"

For her selfish act. Mio apologized for making Maria worry. Upon that,

"…Looks like you're okay."

Mio heard Basara's relieved voice. So she raised her head with "Yes".

Her expression froze up.

"What's up…?"

Basara was puzzled--- and right behind him stood a "Shadow".

She had no time to call out.

A short sword pierced Basara's body from behind. The tip of the sword came out of Basara's stomach.

"---?"

At the same time as Basara looked down at his own torso, the short sword was pulled out.

Basara's body collapsed like a loose string.

"No… NOOOOOOOOOOOO."

Yuki, standing apart, raised a mad scream.

The red of blood spread over Basara's clothes on the back. Therefore,

"A, Aw…"

The moment she let out a dumbfounded voice--- Mio's reasoning snapped.

"AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW------!!"

She raised a screaming shriek and at the same time, a red surge was set free in Mio's heart.

===Part 4===

The wind howled in the distant. A wind that brought with it a low and heavy ring like a coming storm.

The wind at his cheeks was still balmy. But before long a downpour would surely come.

Then he had to go home quickly.

---With whom?

He immediately got an answer for the sudden question. It was obvious. Together with Mio and Maria.

And they should bring Yuki too. Yes--- They all had to return together. Therefore,

"…Uh…?"

Basara opened his eyes. But even though he tried to straightened up his body, he couldn't muster his strength well.

Even so, he somehow raised his head. And then Toujou Basara saw it.

"This…"

The surrounding space was colored red and rumbled like a from a tremor. Like a tornado, the wind beat furiously. A bit apart, he saw the collapsed Maria. On a different spot, Yuki had collapsed too. Looked like they received some kind of impact and lost consciousness.

And then. In the center of the torrent of red surges that shook everything--- there was Mio.

The color of her long hair had changed into a deep crimson which gave the impression of a blaze--- and on her back grew small wings.

Basara understood right away that Mio's own power was out of control.

And that precisely this was the inherited power of the previous Devil Lord.

Most likely the trigger for it was,

''…me, huh.''

Just when she was saved and relaxed, Basara collapsed in front of her eyes from an ambush.

She must have felt responsible for it and couldn't forgive herself.

"…I- Idiot… I'm just fine… Hey, Mio!"

"B- Basara…?"

On his outcall, Mio, bewildered, met his eyes.

Apparently she had her senses.

''…Good…''

There was a ray of hope in the worst situation. With that, the situation might still somehow be saved. With no sign of the enemy, it must have retreated for good now.

Or it was destroyed. Either way, it should be safe to assume that there was no more danger from them.

"Calm down… I'm fine… Everything is over… Okay?"

"I, I'm trying… but it's no good…!"

Mio shouted and shook her head.

"I can barely restrain my power. I, I can't subdue it all. It's not working… Wh- Why?"

The flustered Mio was partly in a panic and Basara changed his expression into a bitter one.

''…Damn, she can't calm it down after all…!''

But--- that said, he couldn't leave it at that.

''…Wilbert had the power to control gravity.''

Then, what would happened if it went out of control? --- Before long, that took place.

"Eh…?"

Mio raised a surprised voice. The space around her started to flicker like a heat haze.

"…Here it comes, huh."

Basara clicked his tongue. An excessive mass that couldn‘t be controlled ended up--- at the singular point of gravity.

At this rate, a black hole would form around Mio and suck in the surroundings.

---Naturally, as Mio was the source of it, the singularity would disappear if Mio were to be erased.

It certainly wouldn't cause the destruction of the world, but even so the vicinity space would get completely wiped out. Most likely it couldn't be prevented that part of the town within the radius of several kilometre would get erased.

However--- that was only Basara's guess. The mass of energy from the rampage was an unknown quantity. It might cause even less causalities, or even more. Thereupon,

"P- Please, Basara… I can't, restrain it any longer… So"

Knowing what Mio was trying to say with her trembling voice, Basara raised his voice.

"Wait! I'll think of a solution now! I'll come up with some kind of---"

"---Listen! There's no more time. Before I destroy the world like this, before I drag you and others into it,"

With a grim voice, Naruse Mio stated her last request.

"Please--- hurry up and kill me…"

It certainly would solve the problem. The fastest solution.

If Mio was sacrificed, the town, Basara and the others, everyone would be saved. But,

"……I refuse."

Saying so, Basara slowly stood up, whereas Mio shouted flustered.

"I, Idiot… Between the world and me, it's obvious which is more important!!"

"Like I care… Tell that to the oh so great Heroes. I'm afraid I'm no longer one of them. I neither plan, nor have the power to do something about something as large-scaled as world peace."

But--- He had the power to save Mio. Toujou Basara knew of the one and only way for that.

In the past he could use it, but not anymore. The unique power in the world that was just his.

''…Yeah, right.''

It was easy. The situation called for it. For the sake of the future, right now--- he had to overcome his past.

Therefore, Toujou Basara slowly advanced forward.

"…I'm no longer a Hero. But you know, I'm your family. Your older brother. Even if it's only temporarily for you, I seriously believe so. And, as your brother--- I'll protect my little sister, even if it turns the whole world against me!"

Basara threw out the words yelling. To convince not Mio, but himself.

"…I'll bring you back home."

"Eh---…?"

On his mumbled words, Mio asked back.

"I'll definitely bring you home… You'll go back, with me, to our house! As a little sister, shut up and let yourself be protected by your brother at a time like this--- Got it!"

Basara threw his own feelings at her. It wasn't about logic or reasoning, just pure emotion.

But, precisely because of that, it was conveyed.

It reached her.

"…Okay."

While looking close to tears, Mio nodded. Over and over again. And then,

"Please--- save me, Brother."

Mio said. She certainly said it. Therefore, Basara nodded with "Yeah".

"Just you wait. I'll erase it now. Your pain, your sadness, all of it--- I'll make it Nil."

There he halted. It was as close as he could get to Mio, who rampaged her power.

While the gravity urges shook the atmosphere, Toujou Basara took a deep breath and relaxed his whole body.

He started the preparation for a perfect <Banishing Shift>.

He had to feel out Mio's rampaging power--- It's source of existence, the "Heavenly Energy".

But all kind of matters - substances were faintly swaying it's existence.

Naturally, the position of the Heavenly Energy constantly changed. Furthermore, Basara tried to erase the torrent of a raging power. The Heavenly Energy was moving irregularly around at apex speed. If he missed, it was all over. Moreover, even if he cut the Heavenly Energy, he couldn't afford to harm Mio. Not to mention, erase her with it. Not the slightest mistake was allowed. Only 100% success was valid.

From the great blood loss, his vision was hazy--- That alone made it harsh already,

"----"

yet Basara felt his own heartbeat jump up. And his hand started to shake.

''…Damn…!''

It happened because he factored in a failure. The words of the white mask resurfaced at the back of his brain.

‘---Now you're going to erase even her?'

He remembered the tragedy from five years ago. The never healing wound in his heart and his guilty conscious over his past mercilessly trying to swallow his heart. Therefore,

''…I can't do it after all…''

Toujou Basara thought. That he absolutely couldn't do it--- Yeah, right.

''He definitely couldn't do something like let Mio learn the same pain as him.''

When he suddenly looked, Mio was watching him with gentle eyes.

When he met her eyes, she closed them.

Her mouth formed a--- "I believe in you".

In that moment, Toujou Basara made his resolve. Like Mio, he closed his eyes.

"------"

Basara entrusted his body to the fiercely blowing wind, the torrent of the raging power.

On top of that, he sharpened all his senses, his mind and soul--- to feel it.

The one and only possibility for Toujou Basara to save Naruse Mio.

And then--- In the next moment, all noise vanished from the world. The rampage of Mio's power had gone up in one go.

The spreading destruction and surges of nothingness.

Toujou Basara just--- quietly swung down Brynhildr.

[[Image:Shinmai Vol1 0153.jpg|thumbnail|right]]

===Part 5===

---Right afterwards, Basara's world turn snow-white.

He didn't know if it was from activating <Banishing Shift> or from being swallowed up by the black hole. He didn't even know if his eyes were closed or open.

Just that he used all of his power.

"----"

Basara slowly collapsed forward. Suddenly--- a soft warmth enveloped him.

That pleasantness made him smile inadvertently.

Because he was convinced.

Then he slowly moved his mouth. Even now, he had barely any strength left.

Even so, just one sentence. Basara spoke just one sentence. It was something he absolutely wanted to say.

So he quietly prayed that his voice would somehow come out.

Toujou Basara mumbled quietly.

"---Let's go home."

<noinclude>

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|-
| Back to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 1 Chapter 3|Chapter 3]]
| Return to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 1 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
|-
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</noinclude>

Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 1 Chapter 3

2014-02-13T06:00:14Z

Onizays: /* Part 7 */

==At the Threshold of Trust and Reunion==

===Part 1===

The Master and Servant Contract immediately activated the curse when the Servant betrayed the Master.

After almost a month--- On the next full moon, it was possible to annul it.

At first they believed it to be hopeless, but they somehow managed to overcome the first week.

---Regardless of how it came to be, the contract was bound, so they had to deal with the situation.

To successfully avoid the curse from activating, they persuaded Mio now and little by little they confirmed the activation conditions for the curse and other effects.

And as of now, they had a good understanding about the contract magic.

First--- The servant wasn't forced into absolute obedience and could defy an unreasonable order. Apparently it was done, so that the contract wouldn't be used one-sided, but interactive.

Consequently, the master needed to reward his servant with an adequate attitude as a master. It was close to the "Reward & Service" relationship between the Shogun and Samurai, which takes it origin during the Kamakura period.

That said, even if the Master makes an unreasonable order, the curse will not activate for him due to the superior stance in the contract. Still, the fact that the servant could disobey a strange order was a salvation for Basara and Mio.

---Then what determined a betrayal from the servant, leading to the activation to the curse?

It was a bit complicated, as the condition for the curse's activation was "a mental betrayal".

That said, the servant wasn't forced into absolute obedience. He had the right to "oppose" an unreasonable order.

Also, actions that appeared like a "rebellion" or "betrayal", but were for example to "correct" a mistake, meaning an action for the sake of the master, were apparently forgiven.

But on the other hand, if the Servant disobeyed a legit order or took an unreasonable attitude, the curse activated without mercy.

And it seemed that the power of the curse was determined on the Servant's feeling of "guilt"--- in other words, his "mental betrayal".

When the curse activated, a mark appeared on Mio's neck like a collar as proof.

But--- Basically the curse wouldn't activate as long as she trusted and believed him.

Because the contract between Basara and Mio was conducted uncommonly, there had been confusion in the beginning, but originally it was a magic that strengthened the trust between Master and Servant, allowing them to keep track of each other's positions.

Therefore there was no problem. A week passed while desperately convincing themselves like that.

And then--- summer vacation came to an end.

That said, even with summer vacation ending, it was not the end of summer.

On sunny days, the temperature easily crossed 30°C.

A day with boiling heat from the morning on. Toujou Basara walked the street to school for the first time.

The second term from today onward. The start of his new school life.

"Aw, so hot… Damn."

He was wearing the summer uniform, but that didn't mean that his trousers were shorts. Additionally the surroundings were full of students with the same uniform. He hated crowds.

"Girls have it good… They get to wear short skirts."

"---Hey, could you stop being so egoistic? In exchange for that, it's cold in the winter."

A cold voice beside him answered the grumbling Basara. It was Mio wearing the same school uniform.

Since they mostly made sure of the activation boundaries of the curse, making an impudent remark in the middle of a normal conversation was no problem.

Malice or a guilty conscious were the problematic ones.

"But, in winter you can easily wear shorts or at worst tracksuits pants under your skirt, right."

Each of them cold-blooded spoiled a boy's pure heart. Upon that,

"That goes without saying. What's the point of letting yourself freeze."

"Then in the end, you're warm in winter!"

Not good. He inadvertently retorted, but what good was it to even get hot-blooded himself. There,

"Right, please calm down, Basara-san."

A young voice from behind. When he turned around, Maria was following behind them.

Needless to say she didn't wear a school uniform, but a refreshing dress.

"It is hot, because you think it is hot. At time like these, just look at me."

Saying so, Maria searched rustling in the convenience store bag in her hand.

Then she pulled out a pet bottle, drinking it with big gulps.

Next she ripped open a popsicle wrapping, taking a mouthful. Narrowing her eyes pleased, she faced him with a smile.

"How is it? When watching a refreshing scenery, you feel refreshing yourself, right?"

"As if!"

"Muh, I just wanted to cheer you up a bit, since I am asking you to guard Mio-sama at school."

While feeling despondent, Maria licked her ice. That appearance looked unnecessarily erotic.

In casual moments like this, he was reminded that she was a succubus.

"…I'll just be grateful for the idea."

Basara wearily faced frontward again. Upon that, his gaze fell on the wave of students with the same school uniform that flowing through the gate. Shortly thereafter, Basara and the girls arrived there as well.

"Oh, so this is it."

Basara stopped in front of the gate and looked up the big building.

Private [Hijirigasaka Academy]. That was the school Mio attended and which Basara would attend from today onward.

"Well then, Mio-sama, I will be on standby nearby."

"Yeah, thanks."

On the night of the screwed up Master and Servant contract, she had been filled with rage, but after a week, Mio's anger certainly had subdued. Mio and Maria had returned to their quite close sister relationship.

When Maria showed a smile on Mio's "Yes", she suddenly looked up to Basara.

"Okay, Basara-san, I leave Mio-sama to you. Though I doubt there will be any troubles in a place with so many people."

"Yeah, if anything comes up, I'll let you know right away."

However, suddenly doubt arose in him.

"But… You said you would be on standby nearby, but it's a weekday, you know? Won't it be troublesome if the police finds you loitering around here?"

Upon that, "Fufufu. Do not worry. It will be completely fine."

Maria laughed with Fufufu and pulled out a single card from the pouch she was carrying over her shoulder.

"Look, in preparation for such cases, I have a fake ID that testifies me as 18 years old. 18 years, you hear? With that I can loiter around during noon all I want."

"Oh really…"

Basara lost his strength. Just because she was 18 didn't mean she could loiter around all she wanted.

Or rather, normally anyone would doubt that age from her appearance--- even when she was smiling so radiant.

===Part 2===

Upon entering the school grounds, the flood of students got to it's peak and the hallways were crowded with students.

Basara, a transfer student, parted from Mio and headed to the staff room first. When he told them at the door that he was the new transfer student today, he was told to wait for a bit in the waiting room next door. And after the chime rang a few times, a young male teacher came to pick him up with a class register in his hands. He held out his hand with a brilliant smile.

"I'm Sakasaki Mamoru, your homeroom teacher. Nice to meet you, Toujou."

"Yes, hello…"

Even while being overwhelmed by the unnecessary refreshing aura, Basara replied to the handshake.

Since the morning home room followed right after the staff meeting, they moved to the class room right away.

"Well, we often get transfers due to family circumstances, but your case seems a bit more complicated, Toujou."

"Yes, kind of…"

Nothing would come from hiding the fact that he was living with Mio. Therefore Basara told just the school that they were currently living together to see if they could be a family before the remarriage, when he was asked at the beginning. That said, he wouldn't announce that to the classmates though.

"But making a trial period like that shows that your parents are good people, who properly consider the feelings of their children."

Basara replied with the vague answer "Sure". He couldn't tell him that all of that was made up.

Although, it all happened from Jin's considerations, so Sakasaki's words weren't wrong.

''…Ah, reminds me.''

Basara asked Sakasaki what he suddenly remembered.

"Uhm… I heard that a friend of my father is at this school, but do you know anything of it?"

Jin might have received a favor from that person when he took care of the transfer papers.

Then it would be better to express gratitude to that person. However,

"Is that so? Well, I haven't heard anything in particular about that. Should I look into it later?"

"Ah, no, thank you."

If the homeroom teacher Sakasaki didn't hear about it, it might be better not to pry into it.

When he politely turned him down, they arrived in front of the classroom.

"This is our class. A new family and new school might bring various hardships, but you'll get used to it in no time. Besides, we have Naruse in our class."

Ohh, Basara was a bit surprised. It was rare that siblings or relatives were put in the same class. He thought for sure he would end up in a different class than Mio. They must have been considerate.

"Moreover there is our serious class rep and me as your homeroom teacher. If there's anything you don't understand, just ask without reservation. Okay, let's go in."

Saying so, Sakasaki moved into the classroom and Basara followed after him. The news of a transfer student coming must have spread already. When he stood in front of the blackboard, he could look over the whole class.

''…Geez.''

Basara made a sigh at heart. All gazes in the classroom were focused on him and all at once they started to evaluate Basara. That was the unavoidable fate of a transfer student.

First of all, he saw everyone get discouraged, boys and girls alike, just by the fact that he was a boy. He was prepared for it, but before his self-introduction it already felt like a lost battle, which truly depressed him. He believed his looks to be average, but there were still a few girls that hadn't lost interest in Basara yet.

''…Ah.''

Amongst them was Mio sitting at the window in the back.

''…She really stands out after all.''

Seeing her like that, he once more realized Mio's cuteness. In the classroom space, everyone wore the same uniform and sat at the systematic ordered desks. The conditions were the same. Due to that, one's characteristic stood out excessively. When he stared at her, she averted her eyes towards the window.

He lost another interested one. Who remained was,

''…Mh?''

In the same window-row as Mio--- the girl at the very front was looking at him.

It was a pretty girl. Contrary to her vivid presence, similar to Mio's, she had an aura like clear water.

Their types were different, but she was a beautiful girl on par with Mio.

Seeing as the desk next to her was empty, it most likely was going to be Basara's.

Indeed, it was understandable that she was interested in him when he was going to sit next to her. But,

''…Ehm, what to do about this?''

He considered her a cute girl, but if she stared at him so directly it certainly was a bit awkward.

At that time, Sakasaki, standing besides the teacher's desk, eloquently wrote his name on the blackboard,

"Okay, as you can see, we have a transfer student. ---Toujou, introduce yourself."

"Ah, yes…"

coming to his aid in the silence.

"Ehm, I'm Toujou Basara. My name is a bit showy, but as you can see, I'm an average guy. Please take care of me."

Since they would inquire about it anyway, he made a self-deriding introduction, whereupon the expressions of the guys softened a bit. The atmosphere became somewhat welcome and Basara made a sigh of relief.

Then it was time for questions and with the silly questions and answers repeating numerous times, the chime tolled the end of the homeroom soon enough. Sakasaki clapped his hands together.

"---Okay, that's it for now. Save the rest for after the opening ceremony. Toujou, your desk is the empty one over there. Nonaka, you're the class rep, so look after Toujou."

"…Yes."

The beautiful girl from earlier stood up and nodded short. Apparently she was the class representative.

"Well then, everyone line up in the hallway. We're going to the gym."

On Sakasaki's words, everyone started to stand up from their seats.

"He tells us to line up… but in what order?"

Amidst the students pouring out of the classroom, Basara just stood there with no idea what to do, whereupon

"---Basara."

Suddenly his name was called, and Basara faced it startled.

"Ehm, what is it, class rep…?"

Before he had noticed it, the girl had stood right besides him. He was surprised by suddenly being called by name, but for Basara, the transfer student, she was the one to take care of him. Therefore,

"I hope we get along, class rep. I'll try not to cause any---"

troubles… was what he wanted to say, but couldn't. Because she suddenly hugged him.

"Eh---?"

For a moment, he didn't understand what was happening.

But the soft touch of a girl and the faint, sweet fragrance told him that it was reality.

"W- Wh- What are you two doing!"

Mio, who noticed the two of them before anyone else, pushed the dumbfounded classmates aside and came over with a bright red face. Her eyes were lightly bloodshot.

"Ohh!? Class rep, can you get away? Otherwise I think it'll be dangerous!"

Mostly for my own body though.

"Moreover, you call me by my first name and hug me, could it be you lived overseas?"

"…No."

On the question, Nonaka raised her face while still hugging onto Basara.

"Basara… have you really forgotten?"

Then she showed him a little sulking expression.

"Mh? Reminds me, the name Nonaka… Don't tell me,"

Basara remembered the last name of the class rep, which the homeroom teacher had called, very well.

"You're… Yuki?"

Upon saying the name of his childhood friend after a few years, the girl in front of his eyes nodded short with "Mm".

"Basara, it's been a while…"

[[Image:Shinmai Vol1 0086.jpg|thumb]]

Saying so happily, Nonaka Yuki showed a smile. Then,

"Get off him already!"

Mio forcefully got between them. When she pulled Basara and Yuki apart,

"H- Hugging him out of nowhere… A- Are you nuts?"

She flared up at Yuki with a bright red face. However Yuki stayed composed.

"Not really. This is normal between Basara and me."

"N- Normal…? H- Hey, Basara, what does she mean?"

Basara was troubled by Mio's ogre-like glare.

"Well, Yuki's my childhood friend… She was quite attached to me."

"Attached… You aren't a dog or cat!"

"Well yeah…"

But the fact remained that it was true. They were of the same age and lived nearby, so they grew up like siblings. Actually, it hurt. The gazes of his classmates, Mio's included, that is. Specially the ones from the boys.

Well, obviously. For a bystander it only looked like Mio and Yuki were fighting over Basara.

''…Not good. At this rate, the friendly atmosphere I created with my introduction will…''

But, how to explain it? While he was like that, the situation kept getting worse.

"…It doesn't concern you, Naruse-san."

At last, Yuki declared coldly--- But it provoked Mio's emotions.

"It, It does concern me!"

Before Basara could stop her, Mio shouted with a voice that reached down the hallway. The all decisive sentence.

"I'm… living together with him after all!"

===Part 3===

The opening ceremony ended and it became lunch break after a couple of classes.

A happy lunch-time atmosphere spread over the school.

Basara sat bored and alone at his own seat in the classroom. Inadvertently he mumbled.

"……For real?"

Wow. This was beyond his expectations. Could a person on his first day of transfer become this isolated?

First of all, it seemed like he made an enemy out of every boy. Just getting hugged by Yuki was bad enough, but Mio's declaration of their living together totally ruined everything.

For example, the girls showered Basara with question without mercy once they returned to the classroom from the opening ceremony. He got information about Mio or Yuki, but they sucked out all the information from him they wanted, then left satisfied and never spoke to him again.

Therefore Basara had no longer anyone to speak with, except Mio and Yuki.

---However these last two rays of hope weren't here either right now. Yuki left after being called by the teacher for some class representative work. When he then invited Mio to eat lunch together, she said "You finally reunited with your childhood friend, so eat with her for all I care" and left with the girls from class to somewhere. Probably because it was a suggestion that was considerate to him in a way, the curse of the Master and Servant contract didn't activate in particular.

And this--- led to his current solitude. Basara sighed wearily.

"Guess I should get going…"

There was no point in staying here. As he didn't have a lunch box with him, his choices were either the cafeteria or the school store. And when he stood up from his seat and left the classroom, Basara was suddenly called out to.

"Yo. Making most of the boys in class your enemy in an instant, you have some tough luck, Mr. Transfer Student."

When he turned around, there stood a boy, showing a friendly smile. One of his classmates.

"Ehm… Takigawa, was it?"

"Oh, you could tell? Have we met before somewhere or what?"

Takigawa made a puzzled face. Only Basara had introduced himself in front of the class. Needless to say, the other classmates,

Takigawa included, didn't name themselves.

"Well, it's thanks to this from Sakasaki-sensei."

Basara pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and held it out. It was a copy of the seating chart that his homeroom teacher Sakasaki prepared from him, so that he could memorize his classmates' names as fast as possible.

"Hee, Sakasaki is perceptive as ever."

Takigawa nodded once he told his understanding, then placed his hand over-familiar onto Basara's shoulder.

"For that reason, let's grab a bite together, Mr. Transfer Student. You didn't have lunch yet, right?"

"Yeah… but how do you get to 'For that reason' from our conversation?"

"Because the transfer student, who's all alone after making an enemy out of all the guys in class on his first day, was hanging his head super depressed. It was just too pitiful, so I inadvertently had to call out to you. Besides, I moved near here just last year. So I can understand a bit the troubles and melancholy of a transfer."

He appreciated the concern, but couldn't he have said it better?

Well, he didn't seem like a bad guy.

"Just call me Basara then… I'll call you Takigawa too."

"Kay. So Basara, cafeteria or school store?"

"Let's see… The school store today, I guess."

Not to forget the incident during class break. It was unlikely he could calm down in the crowded cafeteria.

He wanted to buy something at random and eat at an isolated place.

"Then we better hurry. If we don't, there won't be anything decent left."

Saying so, Takigawa started walking. When Basara caught up next to him,

"Still, to be the brother-in-law with our Princess Mio and childhood friends with our Princess Yuki… Raising flags with both idols that our school is so proud of, that's one damn King position."

"Princess…? They are called like that?"

He thought that their appearances certainly stood out.

"Yeah, that's why I think you made other classes and seniors your enemy too. I mean, these two are really popular here and they seem to have a lot of passionate fans."

Takigawa shrugged his shoulders while smiling.

"Surprisingly a man's jealously is even greater than a woman's. And to be honest, it's quite lasting."

Indeed. No wonder then that the boys of the other classes glared at him with hostility when he left the classroom to go drink some water and that he felt a vague killing intent in the toilet.

"Aw, we're too late after all."

When they arrived at the school store, there was already a long line before the food.

Along with Takigawa, whose expression had turn bitter, Basara lined up at the end of the line, where he casually probed.

"Hey… About these passionate fans, ''has there ever been some kind of incident so far with them involved?''"

"Woah, creepy… So, for example like what?"

Said Takigawa while looking at the beginning of the line. "Let's see" said Basara as a prelude.

"For example, someone tried to aggressively get at them… Or contrary, a girl, jealous of their popularity, did some kind of harassment?"

"No way. To begin with, the other fans wouldn't keep quiet if anyone tried to steal a march. Even the girls know of Naruse and Nonaka's popularity. They're aware that they would make the boys angry if they were to pull some kind of careless harassment."

"I see…"

In other words, Mio was the center of attention to some kind of extent at school.

There had been a risk of an enemy being mixed in the school, but it was unlikely that any flashy measures would be taken in that situation.

''…Well, the first term actually did go by normally.''

Of course it couldn't be asserted that the school was perfectly safe because of that, but at least it narrowed down the places and times, where they had to be wary.

When Basara pondered like that, Takigawa, next to him, suddenly showed a nasty smile.

"Well, there was once a sophomore boy that tried to steal a march, but was put through the mill by a couple of seniors… Going by that, you're probably in the most danger."

"Guess so…"

He got the feeling that it was true. After all, ever since he showed up at the school store, some guys had been glaring at him. It was good that Mio was relatively safe, but it made him worry about his school life.

"But are you going to be fine, Takigawa? Won't the passionate fans have an eye on you too when you hang out with me?"

On Basara's question, Takigawa smiled.

"Don't fret it. I have fast legs. If it comes down to it, I'll abandon you and run away."

Such a reliable classmate. Then Takigawa added "Besides" happily.

"Raising flags with our school's two beauties is quite the feast. The so called protagonist potential? If I hang out with a guy that has such 'luck' or 'invisible power', I think my school life will get quite lively. Let's get along from now on."

"Same here. But… I'm afraid I don't have such luck or power."

Basara made a wry smile. He already--- lost his qualifications to be a hero and was nothing more than a side-character.

===Part 4===

After school.

Mio, who had been silent ever since leaving the classroom, finally opened her mouth when they left the entrance hall.

"…Why are you following me?"

"Well, I'm just trying to go home…"

A sullen voice. Apparently the incident from after this morning's homeroom still had after-effects.

Well, it had certainly surprised him too.

---However, couldn't she fix her mood already? He had already been at the verge to be all alone at school, yet even on the way home it seemed that he wouldn't get a proper conversation.

In his opinion, it was time to remind her again about idea behind the Kanji 人.<ref>''Hito'', the kanji for person</ref>

Supporting each other.

"Hey Mio… What do you think about the Kanji '人'?"

"It looks like Nonaka and you hugging."

Not good. Impossible. He couldn't count on her. Like this, he could only hope for the meddling of a third person.

Walking towards the school gate, Basara shifted his gaze to the far in front. Upon that,

"Mio-chaan, Basara-saan."

Maria, waiting outside the gate, waved her hand greatly. Apparently she was carrying out their setting as sisters in public. Well, it certainly would be weird when she called her "Mio-sama".

"Good job on sitting out your time… you two."

"Thanks for waiting for us, but your remark is a bit wrong."

Don't make it sound like we came out of prison. The counselling teacher is looking.

There Maria noticed Mio's bad mood and alternating looked at Mio and Basara's expression, then

"Basara-san, Basara-san…"

Pulling on his sleeve and taking a bit of a distance from Mio, she whispered into his ear.

"What is up with Mio-sama? It appears that her mood is kind of foul."

"Well, stuff happened…"

"? …Ah, I see. So that is how it is. That is not good, you have to use contraception."

"Hey… what did you think of in these mere seconds just now?"

Seemed it wasn't good to rely on someone else. He should do something about it himself. At that time,

''…Mh?''

Suddenly he noticed that Mio across of him looked at him.

"……….."

Her expression looked like she was waiting for Basara's words.

''…Figures.''

Of course it worried her when the one, who promised to protect her, showed an expression she didn't know.

It was nothing to be surprised about. A trust between Mio and him hadn't been properly established yet.

Neither as a family--- nor as comrades.

''…Worrying my little sister, I fail as a big brother…''

When he thought so self-instructing, Basara returned to Mio's side.

"…….What?"

Mio faced sideways sulking and gave him a side-glance.

At the time he tried to find words to reassure her then.

"---Basara."

A quiet voice called his name from the side interrupting. Before he had noticed, Nonaka Yuki had stood right beside him. And ignoring Mio, whose expression instantly turned sour, she declared.

"I have something important to discuss… just between us two."

===Part 5===

Basara decided to accept Yuki's request to talk with just the two of them.

As expected, the bad-tempered Mio had left Basara behind and went home, but she had Maria with her.

Befitting the season, the sun was still up high and there were a lot of students, since it was time to go home.

It should be safe to leave the two of them alone for a bit.

Basara and Yuki moved to a café in front of the station. It was all fine up to the point where they got guided to an empty table at the back, but

"…Hey, Yuki. We're sitting at a table, not at the counter, so wouldn't you normally sit down across?"

Regardless of the table for four people, Yuki sat down besides Basara for some reason. Upon that,

"No. It's better when no one hears what we're discussing now."

There wasn't much of a distance to begin with, yet Yuki shifted her chair even closer to Basara.

A thin distance, where their arms could touch. The soft sensation from smooth bare skin and the sweet fragrance of a girl coming from Yuki.

''…Ugh. This is bad…''

During the time they had been apart, their intimacy had vanished and Basara was strangely conscious of the gap to his feminine-matured childhood friend. But in regards, Yuki took the menu card with a cool face and looked at it.

Then they both simply ordered drinks and when they dampened their dry throats,

"…Thanks, for coming."

Yuki slowly opened her mouth.

"No prob. I wanted to talk to you too anyway."

The glares at school were so heavy that he couldn't get a decent conversation going in the end.

"Good…"

Yuki made a sigh of relief.

"I thought for sure, you were angry, Basara."

"Mh? Why?"

"I mean… You didn't look all that happy, even though I hugged you."

"No, I just didn't realize it was you at that time…"

It had been already five years since he met Yuki last at the age of ten. They were both in their growing periods right now. It was understandable he wouldn't recognize her at once. And anyone would be troubled if a girl on the supposed first meeting hugged onto one. Besides,

"…You sure have changed."

What he first thought was, how surprisingly pretty she got. The Yuki Basara knew had the smallest and childish body amongst their old playmates, but now she looked more mature than her age.

Yuki said that it might be due to the change of her hairstyle. Surely, the old Yuki had grown out her hair.

But--- That wasn't the reason Basara didn't notice it right away that it was Yuki on their reunion.

He thought back.

''…She wasn't the type to make such a face…''

She had been sparing with words since forever, but had a great variety of expressions. But, Yuki's face, as she was looking at him awaiting from besides, looked completely inexpressive.

''…Five years, huh.''

Most likely she had changed in Basara's absence. The current Yuki might be no longer the Yuki he used to know. Just like the current Basara was different from his self five years ago now.

"…Actually, did I look happy in the past?"

Basara felt his thoughts going into a bad direction, so he got back on the previous topic.

Upon that, Yuki nodded a "Mm".

"When I hugged you, you would tightly hug me back."

"Mhm, is that so…"

"---Also, you often took advantage of the situation to touch my butt."

"Eh, seriously!?"

He didn't remember at all, but he was just a perverted kid then. What was his younger self doing?

''…Ah.''

Looking at his flustered self, Yuki finally brightened her expression.

That faint smile matched the Yuki in his memories.

It finally felt real to him--- That he reunited with his childhood friend Nonaka Yuki.

He was quite happy about that. But, that specially was the reason why he couldn't avert his eyes now.

"…So? What do you want to talk about?"

Yuki didn't answer Basara's question right away.

And the faint smile she was showing reverted back to the cold expression.

"…It's about Naruse Mio."

She said whispering. Those were words he had expected.

"Basara… Don't get involved with her any more."

"So it's you after all… ''Her observer sent by the village''."

Yes. Originally, it was strange for Yuki to be here.

For Basara's childhood friend--- a girl from the Hero tribe to be here, away from the village.

"Well she did get a surveillance rank S-…"

"…You knew?"

"My dad told me. I believe I know most of their circumstances too."

"Then I'll cut to the chase. Leave Naruse Mio at once."

Yuki overlapped her hand with Basara's, which rested on the table.

Then she softly leaned over and looked at him.

"She's being sought by the current Devil Lord--- At this rate you and Jin-san will be dragged into it."

---There were two people secretly watching Basara and Yuki from a few seats afar.

They were Mio and Maria. They wanted to go home ahead of him, but followed him after all because they were worried. They could barely hear their conversation.

"…It seems she is from the Hero Tribe just like Basara-san after all."

"Y- Yes… Looks like it."

On Maria's words, Mio nodded so a bit awkward.

…

She was Basara's childhood friend. With a bit of thought she could have figured it out, but agitated by the hug in front of her eyes this morning, where she ended up blowing up and revealing their living together, she just couldn't muster any sober thoughts.

Even now, she had thought for sure that they were having a date.

But--- Now that she thought back on it, she got the feeling that Nonaka Yuki had always kind of avoided her.

Of course everyone had own interests. If she was avoiding her, there was no need for Mio to forcefully befriend her, so she had kept her distance, but

''…So that's the reason I felt her look on me despite that.''

That said, there was no need for Mio to act as long as she wasn't challenged.

At any rate, her enemies were the ones, who killed her parents. Making an enemy out of the Hero Tribe could really foil her plans.

"Mio-sama, what do we do? It seems she is trying to separate Basara-san from us…"

"…Mhm, let's watch a bit longer."

If all went well, they might get to know about the intentions of the Hero Tribe.

''…Besides, it could be that…''
She might get to hear Basara's true feelings. How he, who said he would protect her, felt at heart. It was an unforeseen chance, but the perfect one for Naruse Mio to make sure of the boy called Toujou Basara. Therefore Mio tried to perk up her ears to the conversation between them.

"---Mm."

The eaves-dropping behaviour probably made her feel a bit guilty. Due to that, Mio trembled her body with a shiver on the sweet sensation that arose from inside her body. The curse of the Master and Servant Contract.

"…Mio-sama?"

Maria, next to her, was puzzled, whereas Mio repeated "I'm not eavesdropping" in her heart while turning red. Convincing herself that she wasn't betraying her master, but only worrying about him. Upon that, the sweet sensation faded soon enough and Mio made a sigh of relief.

While observing Basara and Yuki again,

''…Still,''

Suddenly hugging onto him regardless of the place and now even leaning over and holding his hand, this girl--- even for a childhood friend, she was being way too clingy.

Don't get involved with Mio any more--- To these words from Yuki that resembled a request,

"Too late… I'm afraid I'm already dragged into it."

Basara slowly shook his head and declared his resolve.

"Both my dad and I have already decided to protect them."

"---But!"

Yuki raised an unusual loud voice. After gulping briefly, she squeezed out.

"In the incident five years ago, you…"

"……Yeah."

He knew what Yuki wanted to say. Due to the incident five years ago, Basara had to leave the village. Toujou Basara hadn't forgotten what he did back then, nor what he had lost. But,

"Still… I want to protect Mio. Mio doesn't wish for the power she holds. She just wants to live as a normal human, a normal girl. It led to the death of her parents by the ulterior motives of devils and right now--- she herself is in danger of being killed for her power."

He couldn't overlook that. He had a reason not to.

"She's innocent. If you guys, the village is willing to protect her---"

"…That alone is impossible. You should know that."

"Yeah…"

Basara gave Yuki, who darkened her expression, a wry smile.

The Hero Tribe existed to protect the peace in the human world from the devils.

That doctrine took priority over everything else--- Even at the cost of whatever sacrifices.

---The Heroes of this world weren't the kind of fantasy heroes that protected everyone.

Keeping their own existence secret, they only protected the world itself. For that sake sacrifices were necessary. Basara understood that as well--- That precisely was the reason for the happenings after the incident five years ago.

Basara had lost his qualification as a Hero and since Jin couldn't keep protecting him as a Hero, he quit too--- both of them leaving the village.

And Mio's life being in danger was at best an internal quarrel between devils. The Heroes had no reason to help her.

Therefore. Basara and Jin were the only ones who could protect Mio.

"I understand your worry, Yuki. Five years ago, I couldn't undertake the consequences of my actions to the last."

"No. That wasn't your fault… I mean,"

Basara cut into the words Yuki wanted to say now by shaking his head with "No".

"Still, it doesn't undo what I have done."

Upon that, there was a change in Yuki, who stayed silent so far. Looking down, her face still looked like she was close to tears.

"…'Dat ain't true."

She said so with a dialect. It was her bad habit that showed up when she couldn't control her emotions anymore.

"Wha'ever anyone says, ya saved me, Basara…"

"…Yeah, thanks."

It was a little salvation for him to have Yuki say that to him, even though what he did was unforgivable.

For him, who had committed a huge mistake and lost a great deal of people, to have protected someone despite all that.

"But I couldn't bear the responsibility for my actions… and still can't even now. I have no idea how to face it yet."

But, said Basara and declared.

Like addressing Toujou Basara's unwavering feelings to Yuki and himself.

"But Mio is… She's different from me. Facing her sad past, she still desperately tries to live on provident. She's trying to fight. And then we happened to meet. Of course there's the stuff with my dad's scheme and my initial anger about getting deceived. But--- The moment I came to know everything about it, I wanted to protect her. It's not just sympathy or a whim. I seriously want to protect her. Like you said, I certainly don't have the same power I had in the past anymore. And given my five years without training, I don't know how much of a help I can be. But you know, if the Heroes still can't protect her, can't fight for her, then I believe it's my role to do so. You see, therefore---"

At the time he got this far. A loud noise echoed through the café.

When Basara and Yuki looked it's way curious,

"M- My apologies."

Near the entrance of the café, a flustered waitress crouched on the floor.

Most likely she bumped into a customer and dropped her stainless tray with the cups.

As the customer hastily left the café, the door was still open.

Mio, who had rushed out of the café, desperately continued to run.

Running, running and running until she was out of breathe. Before long she suddenly rushed into a back alley. Right afterwards, Maria came after her hastily.

"M- Mio-samaa, do not run away so suddenly. It is dangerous to separate outsi--- Mio-sama?"

Maria rebuked while being out of breathe, but Mio didn't hear her voice.

Who could blame her. She had been at her limit.

If she had heard any more of Basara's words--- Mio would have cried without doubt.

She could tell that her face was red. It wasn't due to the curse of the Master and Servant Contract, nor due her full-power sprint.

"What now, Maria… How should I act towards Basara from now on?"

Her body trembled from agitation. She couldn't suppress her soaring emotions. Even though Mio was kind of a burden to Basara, he had made such a strong resolve.

She hadn't known. That Basara--- tried to protect her with such strong feelings.

"It is a good thing… Now we know that Basara-san is truly a kind person."

"But…"

Like this, she felt uneasy about involving Basara. But Maria shook her head.

"You do not need to worry. Basara-san's feelings are his own. What you need to do, Mio-sama, is not to show a strange reservation, but properly respond to Basara-san's feelings."

"Respond to… But how?"

"That is obvious. Open up your heart to him and trust him."

"J- Just that? Only something so simple?"

"Yes, indeed. Also, if you feel like doing something for him, I believe it is appropriate to do it."

"Me, doing something for him…"

What would it be? As expected, it was better to somehow express gratitude in such a case?

If so, what could she do? Inadvertently Mio lapsed into deep thoughts.

"---Ah, but"

Suddenly knitting her eyebrows as she remembered something, Maria brooded.

"His childhood friend at least could be a bit troublesome… We do not know what happened after we left the café, but Basara-san is generally a good person. Earlier they were holding hands and looking each other into the eyes. If she cries, or approaches him a bit more daring, Basara-san might unexpectedly fall under her spell…"

"M- More daring, she couldn't be… They're in public."

She tried to deny that possibility, but Mio remembered the incident from this morning in class.

Right. Thinking back on it, Yuki was the kind of girl that would openly hug him in public. Her greeting on their reunion. It wouldn't be strange for her to do even more to keep Basara.

''…M- More than just hugging him… N- No way.''

Not good. That didn't leave room for many possibilities.

"O, Oh no… What do we do, Maria?"

When Mio asked with her wanton imagination, Maria showed an over-confident expression again.

"Mio-sama, do not be intimidated. You have to go on the attack."

"H- How?"

Maria laughed a Fufu to Mio's question for a solution.

"Please leave it to me--- I know a very good method!"

===Part 6===

In the end, Basara and Yuki never got on the same wavelength afterwards.

No matter what Basara said, Yuki wouldn't accept it. No matter how much Yuki persuaded him, Basara wouldn't back off from his standpoint. The sun had completely set when they left the café and a last quarter moon hung in the sky. Just like the other people hurrying home, Basara and Yuki started walking too.

"…I hope this cheers her up even a bit."

Basara mumbled while dropping his gaze on the cake that he bought at the café as a present.

Later, when he gets home, he would have to explain to Mio and Maria without doubt. He likely would get a lecture too. When he inadvertently felt dejected, the figure that should be next to him had suddenly vanished.

"…Mh? What's up, Yuki?"

When he turned around, Yuki had stopped a few steps behind. And,

"…It's no use. Both Jin-san and you are no longer part of the village… I don't think you can win against the current Devil Lord faction by yourself."

"Might be… But we're fine as long as we don't lose. The enemy isn't after Mio's life, but after the power sleeping inside of her."

"Besides," said Basara.

"They're currently keeping it an internal struggle, since they don't want things to go out of hands. Thus my dad and I become Jokers. We certainly might no longer be Heroes, but we still have power to fight. I imagine the enemy will think twice before acting. It's possible that they think the Hero Tribe would act for revenge once they laid hands on us."

If so, then it was more than likely that they could manage by themselves.

"But…"

"Yeah, of course that won't actually happen. The village treats my dad and me as non-existent after chasing us out."

For the village, his dad and him were no longer comrades, nor humans worth of their protection. Even if they were to die, the village would surely just keep observing.

"But I don't really care. I don't intend to drag you or the village into our fight."

Either way, he had to protect Mio right now. Even if it was only temporarily or buying time.

Meanwhile Jin would have to stop the enemy. And if that wasn't possible, then he would group up with Jin and think of a new plan. ---But.

"…That's impossible."

Yuki's quiet voice denied Basara's words. Why--- was what Basara wanted to ask, but before that Basara saw the brimming aura around Yuki's body that appeared when a Hero released his power.

And then, a shrill noise echoed. Yuki had instantly quick-drawn her materialized spirit sword. Just like Basara's magic sword Brynhildr, the spirit sword armoured Yuki's arm up to her elbow. Using the spirit sword, which couldn't be seen by normal eyes, Yuki brought forth an invisible slashing blade.

Basara saw it cutting through "something" that was hidden in empty space.

"Just now…"

"A low-class stray devil. You haven't noticed it, Basara, but the Devil Lord's power in Naruse Mio slowly attracts them more and more. Currently it's not grave, but in time it might attract ones that hurt people."

While Yuki quietly cancelled her aura and spirit sword,

"If Naruse Mio's existence brings harm to those around her--- the village will immediately make her an termination target. I believe, it won't be that far off."

"Yuki…"

Basara inadvertently reached out his hand, but Yuki softly avoided it.

Her sad-looking eyes looked straight at Basara.

"If that happens, I won't hold back--- Even if you'll hate me for it."

Then Yuki turned on her heels and went away like that.

Leaving Basara behind, who just stood there saying nothing.

===Part 7===

When Basara returned home, he called for Mio and Maria right away and explained his relation to Yuki.

From Yuki being a Hero and their reunion after five years to the fact that he turned down her request of leaving Mio at the café, he told them everything thoroughly.

He was worried if she would listen to him due to her bad mood, but surprisingly Mio, as well as Maria, listened obediently to him. And then ten-odd minutes passed with only Basara telling the story in order.

"Ehm… so, this is a cake that I bought at the café."

Basara, finishing his explanation faster than he had thought, timidly examining their expressions.

"…………………." "…………………."

The two girls remained silent in regards.

''…Aw- Awkward…''

The silence was too oppressive. Just like back then when they revealed their true identities and told Basara to leave the house.

"Uh- Uhm…"

Unable to withstand the silent pressure, Basara tried to get a reaction from them, whereupon

"…… Yes, I understand."

Finally Maria opened her mouth. Basara made a sigh of relief.

Mio next to him still stayed quiet, but he wouldn't ask for more.

"Y- You do? Good. Then let's have dinn---"

"---No, can you spare some time before that?"

With that, Maria cut into Basara's words.

"Actually, while you were talking with Nonaka-san, Mio-sama and myself were extremely worried. We thought you might get persuaded by Nonaka-san and abandon us… Right, Mio-sama?"

"---Eh? Yes, right."

When the conversation suddenly turned to her, Mio, who had remained silent so far, hastily nodded.

"My bad… But, I properly came back, see?"

"Indeed. But, when the date lasts until this late, I get worried if you maybe have been convinced by her… What about you, Mio-sama?"

"Y- Yes… right."

Mio agreed.

"No, it wasn't a date, but just a normal conversation…"

"---Can you prove it?"

"? Proof… what?"

"You need to ask? Proof that you have not betrayed us."

Don't ask for the impossible with a smug face. As if there's such a thing.

"You can only believe in me for that…"

"Please do not misunderstand. We do trust you, Basara-san. Yes, indeed we do."

said Maria with a slightly exaggerated tone.

"The thing is, we would like to have more faith in you, Basara-san. As comrades in arms, we would like to deepen our bonds of trust. That is all… Right, Mio-sama?"

"Y- Yes… As she said."

Really? For a while now, it sounded like a third-rate play though.

''…Still.''

Over the course of things, they had formed a Master and Servant Contract, but Basara too was concerned about their mutual trust. With Jin out of the house, he would like to reduce possible worries as much as possible with regard to the future. It seemed Mio and Maria wanted Basara to do something for them. The absurd request of showing proof that he didn't betray them was most likely leading up to that.

''…Mhm.''

It would be favorable if something he did could reassure them. Then,

"I somehow get your point. ---So? What do you want me to do?"

Upon that, Maria smiled. And then she slowly beckoned Basara.

"I am glad you say that. Well then, Basara-san, please come over here."

"…How did it come to this?"

At the place Maria took him to, Basara mumbled in pure incomprehension.

Right now, Basara was in a space with white steam--- The bath. With only a towel around his waist, Basara was sitting on the plastic chair with his elbows on his lap while resting his chin on his hands. There,

"Is that not obvious?"

A bright voice came from the bathtub. It was Maria, the mastermind behind this, while she looked at him with her chin resting on her hands that were on the edge of the bathtub.

"The only way to deepen one's bonds in this world is to get naked together."

"That's only for the same gender. Why would you do it co-ed?"

When the opposites sexes got naked together, it was just an erotic situation.

"What is the problem? Cramped together nearly completely naked in a small room--- sharing the same shame will bring results even if you are against it. You can treat another person kindly once you know his pain."

"What's with this licking each other's wounds mentality! Or rather, there's no point in forced results!"

"Not quite, Basara-san. A girl's 'No' means 'Yes'."

Or, said Maria.

"Could it be you dislike taking a bath with a girl?"

"No, I wouldn't say dislike…"

There was no way he would dislike it as a healthy high school boy. Still, even boys needed to mentally prepare themselves at times.

---Earlier, Maria had taken Basara to the anteroom of the bath.

There she had taken off her clothes and said to the bewildered Basara.

"---Now then, let us all take a bath together."

He had no clue what was going on. It was just too out of context. Basara instantly tried to decline, but she told him "I cannot trust you when we do not take a bath together". Moreover, he had thought for sure that Mio would oppose, but she locked the door of the anteroom and sealed his escape route, telling him "…Please, go in with us". It looked like they would strip him down, so Basara resigned. He agreed to go in with them and reluctantly took off his clothes by himself.

Back-to-back and the towel covering his precious part, he had thought they wouldn't see it, but the shame of it still wasn't to be underestimated. His accelerated heartbeat surely wasn't just from the hot air in the bath. And opposite to the composed Maria, Mio seemed to be feeling the same as Basara.

"…….."

In the bathtub--- next to Maria, she flushed her cheeks in shame. A natural reaction.

She was still clad in a bath towel, but her big breasts would surely float in the water. The knot of the towel had been on the verge to come untied right away, so she had held up the towel with her hands at first, but in time she had given up and rested her breasts on the edge of the bathtub. In a posture that emphasized the volume of her breasts to the limit.

''…That was foul play…''

Even under normal circumstances it was already a trial for the reasoning of a boy in his teens to take a bath together with a girl, yet these breasts were tempting him even more. After all, Basara had already felt them up directly.

''---The incredible soft sensation that drove a boy crazy.''

Not to forget her embarrassed expression of biting down on her lips and her skin colored in a faint pink. Everything about Mio right now was erotic. Against his will, Basara ended up remembering the night when the contract was formed.

"Now then--- How about you wash Basara-san's back, Mio-sama?"

Maria, in the bathtub, suggested the unbelievable.

"---Eh? No need. I can wash myself."

"That will not do. It would defy the meaning of taking a bath together."

Basara tried to decline, but Maria declared decisively.

"Of course you can wash your back by yourself. However, here you should dare to openly expose your back to us--- That is precisely what trust is about, just like entrusting your backs to each other in a fight."

[[Image:Shinmai Vol1 0104.jpg|thumb]]

And then,

"Mio-sama and myself will properly wash your back for you--- But not only will we wash it, we will also respond to the trust of exposing your back to us. You can only trust someone, who openly exposes his back. Getting naked together in the bath, precisely a situation where you defenselessly bare your lives to each other builds up a mutual trust, would you not agree?"

"Uhh…"

After being told something reasonable, Basara was at a loss for words and sighed a 'HAH' before long.

"…Okay. If it makes you trust me, go ahead."

He was already sitting on the chair anyway. When he agreed and left his back to them,

"Y- Yeah… Got it."

Mio slowly got out of the bathtub and moved behind Basara.

After moving behind Basara, Mio sat down on the bath floor with her knees bent with her legs neatly side by side.

Then she soaked the sponge with the body soap.

"I, I'll start now…"

With a nervous expression, she started to wash Basara's back. It was her first time washing a boy's back. She already thought so to herself when she rode the bicycle behind him, but

''…This is what a boy's back feels like.''

It was broader than her own and more than anything it was sturdy from the muscles. Basara's body, which could still bring out incredible fighting skills in actual combat as he was a Hero in the past, was scarred all over. He most likely got them from training and actual combats. Each of the wounds were old.

Even Mio's eyes, inexperienced in that prospect, could tell that this body of his was well trained. Therefore she could comprehend that he cut down the enemy with one swing of his huge magic sword.

Naruse Mio realized once more. That she was saved by this person without doubt.

"…What's up?"

"Eh? N- No, nothing."

Asked by Basara doubtfully, Mio hastily started to move her stopped hand.

---Upon that, there suddenly was something in the edge of Mio's vision. It was Maria's expression as she was looking over from the bathtub. That expression clearly was criticizing her.

''…I, I get it…''

Mio remembered the words that Maria had told her before Basara came home.

It was an idea so that Yuki wouldn't steal Basara--- Maria's secret plan.

---At the café, Basara declared strongly that he would protect Mio. that surely were his true feelings.

And even now, he was openly entrusting his back to Mio. This showed that Basara trusted Mio. Then, she herself had to respond to that.

"…."

Mio cleared her throat with a gulp and unravelled the knot of the towel she was wearing. What if he turned around now--- While thinking like that, Mio got completely naked and brought her body closer to Basara's back. What first touched it was the part of Mio's body that inevitably stood out the most.

Her breasts.

"? H- Hey!?"

"---D- Don't move!!"

Basara raised a surprised voice and tried to get away, whereas Mio stopped him with an even louder voice.

"Please, stay like that… If you move, I'll kill you a hundred times."

Mio declared with a frail voice to the completely petrified Basara.

It was incredible embarrassing for her as well. Still, if this prevented Yuki from stealing Basara, then she could somehow withstand this level of embarrassment.

---Mio was told by Maria that her breasts were an effective weapon against Basara.

And indeed. Compared to girls her age, Mio's breasts were rather--- no, quite big.

At school or on the streets, she often felt the gazes of men not only to her face, but on her breasts too.

She never thought of that as a happy circumstance, but at least now it was different.

These breasts certainly were a weapon that Yuki lacked.

''…Basara…''

Mio looked. At the petrified Basara's upper body, which had become bright red from a rush of blood.

Basara was conscious of her--- For some reason that made her incredible happy. Mio took the body soap bottle, poured the contents amply onto her breasts and made it foam.

"…."

She pressed her breasts determined onto him again, then started to sliding wash his back.

Upon that, Mio's voluminous breasts filled the muscle cavities on Basara's back with their movements, surprisingly lewdly changing shape. Gaining an unexpected shame, soon enough there started to be a change in Mio's body. What slowly welled up from inside her body was a sweet tickling heat.

''…Mm, Ah…''

Suddenly Mio noticed that the tip of her breasts were tense. She ended up feeling it herself.

That embarrassment flared up Mio's whole body with heat, colouring her body in a bright red very fast.

---But, Mio didn't remove her breasts from Basara's back. Because Basara was behaving embarrassed. Albeit not voicing it out, his body was clearly hot. Without doubt, Basara was only feeling conscious of Mio right now. That fact made Mio feel unsurpassable bliss.

''…Basara…Basaraa…''

Was this an effect from the Master and Servant Contract too? Normally, she absolutely wouldn't do something so indecent. Yet she was proud of herself of going this far for Basara--- for her Master.

"Mm… Fuh, Ah… Mm"

At some point, Mio entwined her arms around Basara's front and pressed onto him from behind as much as possible, immersing herself in sliding her breasts on the back in front of her eyes. Each time Mio moved, the foaming bubbles made a lewd and sticky sound. And when Mio's breasts had went all over Basara's back,

"…I, I think it's all clean now…"

Basara said flustered at his limits. Mio raised her drowsy face.

"W- Well… I just got a bit hungry. We hadn't had dinner yet. And I bought the cake and all."

So it's about time we go out--- was what Basara was trying to say.

"---Ah, no problem. I thought this might happen, so I brought your cake with me."

Wherever she pulled it out from, Maria held up the white paper box with the cake in it.

Then she swiftly opened the box, took a short cake and got out of the bathtub.

"Here, Basara-san… Say 'Ah'."

"W- Wait! Why did you bring the cake into the bath!?"

That's too novel, screamed Basara to stop Maria and their hands collided.

"Aw…"

The cake fell from Maria's hand onto Basara's shoulder, then dropped down from his upper arm to his elbow, lastly landing on the floor. The white fresh cream and sponge cake stained Basara's skin sticky.

"S- See, eating cake in the bath is too high level!"

So let's wash up quickly and get out, said Basara.

"---No, please wait. This is the cake you specially bought for us."

Maria stopped Basara and sat down on the floor next to him. Then,

"Wh- What are you doing?"

"You need to ask? ---I will gladly eat it up."

Maria told the bewildered Basara so without hesitation and started to lick up the fresh cream on his arm.

"UWAAAAH!?"

"Please stay still. I have to at least eat the portion that did not drop to the floor, or I would feel sorry for the cake."

Maria said nonchalant and licked over her lips like saying "Well done". Then,

"It is delicious, Mio-sama--- If you like, could you take care of the portion on his shoulder?"

"Eh…?"

Being told that, Mio looked at Basara's shoulder in front of her. It was the first place the cake fell onto, so it had plenty of fresh cream on it. Mio stared at it, like sucking it in.

"Hey, Mio… Don't tell me, you too…"

Basara was saying something, but it didn't reach Mio's ears right now.

---Before she noticed it, Mio had brought her lips closer to Basara and let her tongue roam.

The fresh cream with Basara's body temperature was surprisingly sweet. After tasting it plentiful on her tongue, she mixed it with accumulated thick saliva in her mouth and swallowed it down at once.

When she cleared her throat with gulp, she felt bewitching sensation slowly slipping down in her body. It was like tickling her body from the inside. Mio let her body tremble in a shiver to this pleasure and soon enough leaked a passionate "Ahh…" moan.

---And then, she couldn't stop herself anymore.

Entering a delirium, Mio continued to lick up the fresh cream on Basara. It was delicious. Above all, while she licked Basara, her skin pressed onto him, making everything, her breasts, her stomach and her arms even more sensitive than before.

[[Image:Shinmai Vol1 0007.jpg|326px]]

Even after all the fresh cream was gone, Mio licked Basara's body and rubbed her own body against his.

A switch had completely been switched inside of Mio and she called Basara "Brother, Brother" numerous times.

At that time--- Basara suddenly stood up there and then.

"…You two."

Toujou Basara said with a low voice while looking down on Mio and Maria, who sat on the floor of the bath.

He didn't know if they were teasing him or testing his trust, but--- Mio and Maria were cute girls while Basara was a boy. Even under normal circumstances he often ended up seeing them as normal girls instead of family members while living together and had suppressed his feelings so far. Yet when they pulled a stunt like this that completely ignored his troubles, he certainly hit his limit.

Along with anger, his reasoning blew away.

"Fine… If that's what you want, then don't come crying to me later."

As soon as declaring so, Basara hung over Mio and Maria.

"Yahn… Basara, Broth-, Noo." "B- Basara-san, c- calm down."

Both of them hastily raised flustered voice, but it was too late. While holding them down, Basara squashed the remaining cakes in his hands and besmeared it over their bodies. Starting with their soft breasts, bottoms and thighs, he smeared the fresh cream, chocolate and strawberry mousse all over their bodies, then started to taste their sweet-painted skin with his tongue. Mio and Maria protest with damp voices, but Basara paid it no mind. In the bath, which was filled with a suffocating sweet fragrance, he licked Maria's body while fondling Mio's breasts or fiercely sucked on Mio's whole body while grabbing Maria's bottom.

Upon that, they initially showed a bit of resistance, but after a while they accepted Basara and raised alluring voices. Naturally. Basara was Mio's Master and Maria was Mio's subordinate. When Basara felt like doing so, the two of them had no right to protest.

And then--- laying the two of them with completely spellbound expressions next to each other on the floor,

"So that you never do such lascivious things again, I'll subjugate you thoroughly."

Basara reached out his hand slowly and tried to perfectly make them his.

There--- He awakened.

It was not like he returned to his senses. He simply woke up from a dream now.

He wasn't in the bath, but on his bed.

"Eh? It… was a… dream…?"

Basara was inadvertently dumbfounded and made a big sigh before long.

Good. If that had been reality, Basara would have been a real brute.

"Ahh… Good. It was all a dream."

Saying so, he made a sigh of relief. At that time.

"No, Basara-san--- It was reality until halfway."

Basara was startled by that voice. Then he finally realized that he was laying while embracing Maria. But, it was softer and warmer than any hugging pillow.

"Eh…? That just now, was reality until halfway?"

On his nervous question, Maria laughed with Fufu.

"Have you forgotten it? It really surprised me, when you suddenly stood up and then collapsed with an incredible nosebleed. The CSI would get an unbelievable luminal reaction in our bath."

"…I, I see."

That it was only reality halfway was a bit nagging in itself, but it meant that Basara didn't really do anything to Mio and Maria. Apparently he escaped from the worst case.

"Uhm--- By the way, Basara-san."

Maria said with a renewed tone.

"Could you remove your hand from my bottom now?"

"Eh? …--- Uwaah!?"

Basara's hands entwined around Maria's back and grabbing her cute bottom. Moreover, when he hastily tried to remove his hands, he noticed that his hands were touching her bottom directly under her underwear. Basara hastily pulled out his hands from her shorts, then took a distance by leaping back on the bed.

"S- Sorry…"

"No, it was my fault for crawling into your bed, Basara-san."

After Maria said so to the flustered Basara, she showed a roguish smile.

"But, unconsciously putting your hands into a girl's underwear while you sleep… This assertive side of you surprised me. But well, you were having such a dream after all."

"Eh… That earlier dream wasn't your doing?"

A succubus was a female devil that trapped males in a cage of pleasure by showing them lewd dream.

She seemed to know the contents of it and even said that she crawled into his bed by herself. So he had thought for sure that dream was shown to him by her magic, but

"By no means. That was your own dream, Basara-san. I only took a little peek at it. Besides, if it had been a dream from my magic power, you would not have subjugated Mio-sama and myself, but would have been made to listen to our every word by seducing you mercilessly."

"Ugh… Right."

"No, no, I was surprised as well. Dreams represent one's desire or deep psyche, but to think your dream would look like that… You might have a surprisingly brutish sadist side to you."

"As if…"

He didn't even want to imagine it. Basara became weary, then

"…Reminds me, where's Mio?"

"She was worried about you after your collapse, but she has already gone to bed by now."

On his question, Maria told him outright. When he suddenly looked at the clock on the wall, it was already the middle of the night, 2 a.m.. Apparently quite some time had passed since he collapsed in the bath.

"I see… But good timing, I guess."

He was concerned about what had been reality and what a dream earlier, but Basara decided to ignore that for now. Because there was something he wanted to talk about with Maria without Mio hearing it.

"Maria… There's something I want to discuss with you."

"? What is the matter?"

Maria asked back puzzled, whereas Basara slowly opened his mouth.

It was the matter that he skipped when he told the two the whole story about Yuki after his return home.

A matter he didn't want Mio to hear. While talking to Maria, Basara ended up clenching his fists at some point.

He remembered Yuki's words on their separation.

''…Like hell will I let that happen.''

The Devils after the Devil Lord power sleeping inside of Mio were plenty enough for enemies.

To make an enemy even out of Yuki--- out of the Hero Tribe, he wouldn't let that happen.

===Part 8===

On the school grounds of Hijirigasaka Academy, the bell chimed, ending of the fourth period.

On her seat by the window, Mio sighed in relief.

''…Now it's lunch break.''

Just a bit longer, she said to herself. When she got through today, a Friday, tomorrow would be Saturday, a holiday. Thinking so, she felt a bit better.

---The curse of the Master and Servant Contract activates from guilty feelings towards the Master. However, the condition for it's activation were rather disadvantage for Mio. She knew that Basara seriously tried to protect her, but despite that, some part of Mio still couldn't be honest with him.

Moreover, she unbelievably acted out character in front of Basara the other day in the bath.

Together with the shame from that, she sometimes ended up behaving cranky on reflex.

''…Still.''

At home, it was not a problem. Because the three of them knew the circumstances and could act with not activating the curse in mind.

---However, it was different for the school, where there were others that didn't know of their circumstances.

If she carelessly acted unnatural or awkward, others would doubt her. Ideally it would be best to not get involved with Basara at school, but that said, when it looked like she was unnaturally avoiding him or cold to him, it just so happened that she would get a guilty consciousness.

And in that moment--- the curse would already activate. The mark that appeared on her neck then was magical and thus couldn't be seen by normal humans, but she couldn't count the times she nevertheless hid in the toilet or infirmary in the last few days anymore. The sole ray of hope would be that her dishonest behaviour didn't activate such a strong curse. If she patiently waited for the surges to pass, it would cease after a few minutes.

"---Hey Basacchi~ Let's go grab some food."

Suddenly she saw her classmate Takigawa approach Basara in her field of vision.

"Sure, gimme a sec."

Basara gave a reply, then put away his textbook and notebook inside his deck and stood up.

"Where to today?" "Cafeteria, I say. The A-Set will be richer than usual since it's the end of week."

While having a natural talk, Basara and Takigawa left the classroom.

On the first day of his transfer, Basara didn't make an enemy out of just his classmates, but out of half of the boys in school. Mio was partly responsibility for that, so she was a bit worried, but apparently he managed to make a friend just fine.

Well--- That nickname was dubious though

''…The problem is.''

Mio shifted her gaze to the other reason of Basara's isolation. The foremost seat in the same window row as Mio. The girl sitting there watched Basara leaving the classroom.

A beautiful girl with a cold aura. It was Nonaka Yuki, Basara's childhood friend and a Hero.

Yuki, watching Basara's back with longing eyes, suddenly noticed Mio's look.

"------"

Turning her expression into a cold one without emotions, she left the classroom like that.

''…Completely opposite from before.''

On Basara's transfer, Yuki had hugged onto Basara on their reunion. A bold action that surprised anyone nearby. Even doing something like that, Yuki stayed composed. Therefore--- She had thought for sure that Yuki would make more passes at Basara the next day, but against her expectations, Yuki didn't get involved with Basara anymore. Their seats were next to each other, but they hardly ever talked.

---She heard that Basara and Yuki didn't reach an agreement on their discussion at the café the other day.

That surely was the reason. The clueless others were confused by the sudden change.

''…It's my fault, isn't it.''

Basara, who tried to protect Mio, and Yuki, an outsider. The opinions of the close childhood friends stood in direct opposition to each other, which resulted in their current affair.

But. As her seat was behind theirs, Mio ended up seeing it. Even if Yuki didn't talk to him, even if she seemed to be cold. She was thinking of Basara. Occasionally, she looked at him.

And--- It was the same for Basara. Basara too was concerned about Yuki in some way.

''…I wonder why it is.''

That when she watched these two, it kind of hurt around her chest.

It was painful. Mio suddenly dropped her gaze to her desk.

"Naruse-san~ Let's have lunch." "If we don't hurry, all seats will be taken."

Bright voices called out to her. Therefore.

"…Yeah, I'm coming."

Mio stopped pondering further and slowly stood up from her seat.

In the end, school ended without the curse activating even once that day.

When Mio made a sigh of relief, Basara came over right after picking up his bag.

"Okay, let's go home." "Y- Yeah…"

Mio mumbled and stood up. At that time.

"---Nonaka, and Toujou, got a minute?"

Their homeroom teacher Sakasaki called the two to a stop. Basara asked "What is it, Sensei?" by turning around.

"Sorry, but I want you two to help me organize the summer vacation assignments."

said Sakasaki with a refreshing smile.

"Wh- Why Basara too? That stuff is the class rep, Nonaka… -san's responsibility."

Mio uttered objection.

"Well, you have a point, but Toujou's transfer spared him from the assignment. So when he helps out with some odd jobs, it'll make it fair to the other students."

said Sakasaki. Basara scratched his head.

"Mhm… Yeah, guess so."

Therefore,

"---So, Mio, will you wait until we're done? Or…"

Call Maria and go home with her, huh.

Basara's words were reasonable. But--- the second choice somehow gave Mio a bitter feeling in her heart. The restless feeling from the lunch break when she saw Basara and Yuki resurfaced.

After all. ''Either way, it didn't change the fact that Basara would help out Yuki.''

Waiting for them to finish would mean that she took a backseat to helping Yuki. And going home with Maria would look like Basara chose helping Yuki over her. She didn't want that.

"---Mio?"

Mio looked at Basara, who looked at her inquiring.

Originally there were only two choices. But if she were to propose going home alone.

Instead of Yuki, Basara would choose---

''….No! What am I thinking…''

Not good. She had a nasty idea just now.

This is just like--- I'm not trusting Basara. The moment she thought so,

""Ah---…"

The curse of the Master and Servant Contract activated. ''Self-loathing from jealousy.'' It was one of the most extreme guilty feelings. Feeling the heat raising inside her body--- Mio could no longer stand.

Like that she suddenly was about to collapse.

"Don't tell me--- Whoops!"

Basara, noticing her state, hastily supported Mio's body. With just that,

"----!"

Mio trembled her body with a shiver. Right after, her breathing got rough.

"H- Hey, are you okay, Naruse…? Are you anemic or something?"

"Yeah--- Excuse me, I'll take her to the infirmary."

Basara replied to Takigawa, then he lifted up Mio and said with a voice only she could hear.

"…Bear with it for a bit."

After mumbling so, he rushed out of the classroom at once.

Basara took Mio to the infirmary, but apparently the nurse was absent.

No helper was there either and all the beds were empty. It was completely deserted.

But that was convenient for Basara and he laid Mio onto one of the three beds.

"…Are you okay?"

On the curtained off bed, Mio replied by just nodding while seemingly having a hard time.

''…Geez.''

Something must have activated the curse, but at this point she could only endure it for a few minutes until the effect ceased. But,

"Ah… Mm, Fuh… Mmg…"

While enduring the riling up sensation, Mio bit down on her lips to prevent her moaning. Her cheeks got red and dampened. Her breasts, so big that they were recognizable over her clothes, moved up and down many times over.

''…This is…''

Not good. If he were to keep watching, he would get truly nasty thoughts.

"…Ehm, I'll go outside for a bit. It must be embarrassing for you to have me stay here."

Saying so, he turned his back to her, whereupon

"…P- Please… Don't leave… me…"

"No, but… …Okay. I'll stay. So stop looking at me like that."

'Cause it made him feel weird. It looked like the curse was stronger than usually. But,

"But sorry… At least let me keep my back to you."

If he were to look at the current Mio, it seemed that his reasoning would be blown away.

Without saying anything, Mio tightly grabbed Basara's clothes--- the sleeve of his left arm.

Basara, taking that as a sign of her approval, sat down on a chair besides the bed with his back to her.

In the infirmary with just the two of them, only Mio's erotic moaning sounded.

Then, Mio's breathing calm down before long. The effect of the curse seemed to be fading.

"…How's it? Feel better now?"

When he turned around, Mio let go of his sleeve she was grabbing and placed the back of her hand on her forehead.

"Mm… I think, it calmed down… a bit."

Saying so, she slowly straightened up her body.

"Still, how did this happen…?"

He recalled the conversation in the classroom earlier, but there was nothing that would make Mio have a guilty consciousness towards him. The curse was supposed to not activate as long as she didn't think bad of him. However, if there were other conditions for the curse activating,

''…Then we need to think of a counter-measure.''

When Basara was present like this time, he could back her up, but if the curse were to activate while Mio was alone or rather in the middle of a battle, Basara and Maria couldn't help her even if they were with her.

But on Basara's question,

"…Wh- Who knows. I suddenly got irritated by you… that's all."

Mio said so and averted her gaze pouting.

"What the…"

Basara inadvertently lost his strength. There was nothing he could do about that.

That reason was too unreasonable. Of course the curse would activate strongly then. Basara made a sigh.

"If it has calmed down, you're alright now…? Then I'll go back first."

Since it was an emergency, he had abandoned the task from Sakasaki.

"Eh---…?"

Instantly, Mio made a surprised face. Then,

"…You're leaving?"

Mio's eyes, flickering with unrest, looked up to Basara.

Basara scratched his cheek with "Ehm" on the unexpected upturned gaze.

"Well… You know, I can't let Yuki do… the task from the teacher all by herself."

Besides,

"The curse has calmed down for now, right? Then---"

"…..Not yet."

Mio mumbled isolated.

"---Eh? Is that so?"

Not yet… but didn't she say it calmed down a bit a moment ago?

Ah, but the mark certainly was still on her neck. Though quite some time had already passed.

"…Hey, Basara. I'm… having a hard time."

She jerkily pulled on his sleeve again to check his intentions.

"Well… If you say so…"

Basara inadvertently turned red and spoke evasively. After all, he knew what Mio wanted to say.

---Truth be told, there was just one way to cancel the curse at once.

The curse of the Master and Servant Contract was activated from the Servant's mental betrayal of his Master.

In that case, if she was forcefully made to remember her loyalty--- if she was to be subjugated, the curse would lift.

In other words, he had to do the same thing he did as back then when he saved Mio, who rejected the contract at first.

"But, you don't want that again, right? Much less in the infirmary at school…"

"….Yeah. B- But… if you, Basara… ''Brother'' wants to do it, I'm… fine with it."

"Eh---?"

Basara inadvertently asked back. It shouldn't be his place to decide, since it was Mio, who was in pain.

He tried to say that, yet Mio called Basara "Brother" with wet eyes.

It was ''the sign that Mio wanted Basara to do a certain thing''. Basara couldn't say anything more.

Mio thought for sure she would avert her eyes. Actually, her cheeks were red. She was embarrassed.

She clearly understood what she had said.

But--- despite that, Mio did not avert her eyes from Basara. Her engulfing eyes. Before she noticed it, Basara had slowly reached out his hand. When he softly touched her cheek,

"…..Mm."

Mio reacted with a shiver and closed her eyes. But, she brought her cheek closer like that to lean it into Basara's palm. When he felt Mio's warmth through his palm, Mio softly opened her eyes.

Even without words, her eyes were speaking volumes. Therefore he had to make his resolve.

"…Okay."

Basara said just that, then loosened the ribbon on Mio's uniform.

"Ah…"

Mio's voice filled with a bit of happiness in all the embarrassment.

"---I'll set you at ease right away."

Saying so to her, Basara reached out his hand for her body.

At the same time his fingertips touched her--- the door of the infirmary suddenly opened clattering.

""---!?""
Hastily jumping back, Basara and Mio took a distance from each other.

"…Mh? What are you guys doing?"

A woman in a white robe looked at them from the entrance. And then, she suddenly noticed Mio.

"Oh, Naruse… Anemic again?"

"Y- Yes, Hasegawa-sensei…"

While hastily covering her chest, Mio nodded, whereupon the woman came over. Apparently she was the nurse. He knew of the infirmary, but as he had never used it, it was his first meeting with her. Still,

''…What a beauty.''

Beautiful features, a good figure and a nice aura. A stunning beauty in all aspects. Her breasts were even bigger than Mio's and matched her sexy voice, albeit with a manly tone, her feminine charm stood out alluring. Her appearance of walking with her robe fluttering looked quite stunning as well.

"…Your chaperon? Though he isn't a first aid helper."

Upon that, the merciless gaze of the nurse called Hasegawa pierced Basara.

"No, I'm…" "Sensei, he's…"

Right away, Basara and Mio raised their voices in harmony.

"I know. Toujou, right? You transferred here just recently."

"You know me?"

Hasegawa nodded a "Yeah" to the surprised Basara, then pointed with her chin towards Mio.

"She and Nonaka in your class are quite popular with the boys… So I have a heard a few rumours about you. How does it feel to make all boys your enemy on your first day, Mr. Lady-killer?"

"I knew it, such rumours were spreading…"

Like that, it would take quite some time to make friends besides Takigawa. There Hasegawa laughed.

"Be careful. Intentionally or not, when you stand out more than others, it naturally makes you a target. And not necessarily one of affection. People hate those who are greatly different from them or have what they lack. Also, different from physiologically neighbor-hate, instinctive feelings like jealousy or fear have an amplitude. Simple on one hand, but troublesome when compounding."

"….Right."

On Hasegawa's words, Basara nodded with a depressed tone. Basara painfully understood what she meant from experiences in the past. And right now, Hasegawa's words applied to Mio as well.

Because she was chased by the current Devil Lord for the Devil Lord's power that she inherited from her father.

"…What am I supposed to do when I make enemies unwanted?"

When he said so, along with a bitter smile that resembled self derision, Hasegawa said "It's easy" readily.

"If you made enemies, you just have to make even more allies. Then you can win against them and naturally the other party will avoid a conflict with you."

"Well… But all the boys in the school seem to be my enemy."

"The 'amount' isn't important for enemies or allies. The 'quality' is."

"Well, that might be true…"

Currently, the only one speaking to Basara was Takigawa. No matter how good his quality was, it certainly couldn't cover the overwhelming difference in numbers.

''…Well, I don't care.''

The problem was the situation involving Mio. Yuki also warned him about it, but it was difficult for them alone to oppose the current Devil Lord faction. According to Jin, there was a chance for Mio not getting chased, but there was no guarantee it would work out well.

Quality over quantity. That was certainly true, but at times it was just a mere consolation.

Right now, the enemy refrained from doing anything flashy to prevent the Hero Tribe from interfering, so they could manage a resistance for now. However, if they forcefully outnumbered them without thinking of the consequences, they couldn't hope to win. Even though he--- decided to protect her.

"---Don't misunderstand the meaning of 'quality',"

A voice that saw through his doubts sounded. When he raised his head,

"You don't get it? I'm saying you can't weigh the odds of 'amount' and 'quality'."

Saying so, Hasegawa laughed. But, then suddenly the school broadcast sounded.

"Hasegawa-sensei, please come to the staff room at once. I repeat---"

"…Oh, right."

Hasegawa said so wearily and headed for her own desk on the opposite wall from the beds.

Then she took out documents from the drawer.

"Sorry, I have to attend a meeting for a while. Naruse, I can't look after you, but if you want, you can rest here a bit longer--- Also, Toujou,"

Saying so, she threw something silver to him. Basara promptly caught it.

"It's the key for the infirmary. I'll tell the teachers about it, so lock the door and return the key later."

After saying so, Hasegawa left the room as gallant as she had come.

Then she suddenly stopped at the door with "Ah, I forgot…".

"You might not know since you transferred here, so I'll tell you--- I hate idiots, Toujou. I don't care if you can't study, but I don't like cleaning up after idiots. ''You're at that age, so I won't tell you to not screw around'', but that's a sickbed. At least do it somewhere where we teachers don't see it. There are various spots around like behind the school building or the gym storeroom."

""Wha---""

They thought they had hid it, but it was completely exposed. Basara and Mio inadvertently turned red.

"Teachers aren't gods. There are things we can do, and things we can't. But you know, when you, our students, at least abide by the school rules to a minimum, then I'll properly protect you. I know you want to have a merry youth, but… don't do anything that makes us turn against you."

Saying so, Hasegawa left the room this time for sure.

"…….." "…….."

Basara and Mio were dumbfounded for a while, then Basara's cell phone suddenly rang.

The name displayed on the screen was Takigawa. When he pressed the call button,

"Yo, Basacchi, still in the infirmary?"

He could hear a bright voice through the phone near his ear. When Basara replied with "Yeah",

"Really? The broadcast called for Hasegawa, but are you guys fine?"

"No problem. She lent us the key."

"I see. Good then… Ah, don't worry about Sakasaki's request. Nonaka and I will do it."

"Wait, that's my---"

Basara started to talk, when he suddenly met Mio's eyes. And then,

"-------"

He saw Mio cast down her eyes. With an expression of giving up on something.

Therefore, Basara turned his back to Mio.

"….Never mind. Sorry, can I ask you to do it?"

"---Eh?"

While hearing a voice filled with surprise behind him, Basara told Takigawa over the phone.

"Thanks… I'll treat you to whatever you want next time."

To the positive reply,
"Thanks a bunch. Tell Yuki and the teacher my apologies too…. Yeah, thanks."

Basara said so and hung up.

"…Are you sure?"

Mio said with a voice that she still couldn't believe it, whereas Basara turned around with "What else can I do".

"You said you're still in pain. Still, we can't continue from earlier, but I can't leave you alone now either. So I'll stay with you until you're all better."

"…Really?"

Mio asked worried.

"Yeah. The nurse lent us the key, so take the chance to get a good rest."

In addition to always being careful of an enemy attack, she also had to concentrate of not letting the curse activate here. The stress must have built up. Thus the symptoms were stronger too.

"Here, lie down… I'll call Maria and tell her that we'll come home a bit later."

"O- Okay…"

Obeying his words, Mio laid down on the bed. While pulling the blanket over her,

"I'll stay by your side, so don't get irritated for no reason anymore."

"I, I get it!"

When Basara told her so, Mio turned red and pulled the blanket over her face.

===Part 9===

The atmosphere in the infirmary was unique. A soft, pleasant and most comfortable atmosphere in the school.

Next to Mio sleeping on the bed, Basara dozed off too at some point.

"….Mm."

When Basara suddenly woke up, the sun had already set and it was night. When he checked the time,

"8 o'clock… I slept quite a while."

He scratched his cheek. However, on a look, Mio was still sleeping soundly on the bed.

…A bit longer shouldn't hurt.

Hasegawa said she would tell the teachers about it. Seeing as no teacher came to look for them so far, it wasn't a problem that they still stayed on the school grounds.

Thus, Basara quietly left the infirmary as not to wake up Mio. Then he took out his cell phone and called Maria, where he told her that they would be coming home late. Upon that,

"---I understand. Then I will come to pick you up in a while."

She would come pick them up in an hour.

"Now then…"

Basara twisted his neck that was stiff from the sleep, then slowly walked down the hallway.

The school building at a summer night--- Amidst the tepid atmosphere, he headed for the school store. A human's body consumed water even when just sleeping. Specially in this season, it was easy to get a heatstroke or dehydration. Basara got thirsty, so he decided to buy some drinks, including for Mio for when she woke up.

When he arrived at the store, it had already closed long ago. Needless to say, there was no one around. But the lights were on. The lights of the vending machines in the corner faintly illuminated the dark store.

"That works…"

They must have been set up for the teachers that stayed behind until late in the night. Basara bought two sport drinks at the operational vending machines. At the moment he tried to drink his own.

"---Oh? That you, Basacchi?"

Suddenly his nickname was called from behind. There was only one person who called Basara like that. Therefore,

"Takigawa… you're still here?"

When Basara turned around, Takigawa entered the store by saying "Right back at you".

"I was doing the task from Sakasaki. We finished just a moment ago."

"It took you till now?"

If that was true, it occupied him for more than four hours.

Though Sakasaki said they would finish before it got dark with two people.

"No, the work itself was done pretty quick. After all, Nonaka worked without saying a single word. The silence was so awkward that I regret offering my help a bit."

Takigawa said.

"But when we finished the work, Sakasaki said he would treat us to some food, so we ordered without reservation, but it was unexpectedly much. You can't underestimate Rairaiken.<ref>A restaurant chain http://www.rairaiken.com.ph/</ref> So, then I took a digestion nap."

So that how it was. Basara made a wry smile.

"Sorry, Takigawa. You really helped me out."

"No prob… Speaking of, was Naruse fine afterwards?"

"Well, kind of… She's still sleeping in the infirmary, but she's completely calmed down now."

"Glad to hear. It really surprised me that she suddenly collapsed."

But, said Takigawa.

"She looked a bit embarrassed with her cheeks red."

Ah, said Basara vaguely.

Her red face was due to the aphrodisiac effect, but she was embarrassed without doubt.

That said, he couldn't really tell Takigawa about that.

"Anyway, thank you. Like promised, I'll treat you next time--- Will Rairaiken be fine?"

"Ugh… Anything but that."
Takigawa said with a grimace.

"---Reminds me, Basacchi, have you seen Nonaka?"

"Yuki…? No, I haven't."

Takigawa stayed at school until now because he ate too much. Yuki wouldn't do something like that. Therefore he had thought for sure she had gone home already, but

"Huh? Strange… She was going to check up on you guys."

"Really?"

At least while Basara was in the infirmary, Yuki didn't come by… probably.

There was a possibility that she left without calling out to them out of consideration to their sleep, but--- No, even when Basara was sleeping, he wasn't so insensitive that he would keep sleeping soundly when someone entered the room. If so, then they missed each other on his way here?

But, he got the feeling that it wasn't a good idea to leave the two--- Mio and Yuki all alone at this point.

"Sorry, Takigawa. I gotta go back---"

Saying so, he started walking. At that time--- He suddenly couldn't see anything anymore due to the darkness of the night.

The light of the vending machines had vanished all of the sudden.

"---Uah? What, a blackout?"

Next to Takigawa, who made a bewildered voice, Basara darkened his expression. Don't tell me--- That feeling became reality. The faint emergency light showed Basara five shadows emerging from the darkness. Amongst them, one had a clearly non-human beast silhouette.

A devil.

"----"

To think the enemy would attack at school, a place that could easily into a scandal. Moreover,

''"Wh- What are these…"''

[[Image:Shinmai Vol1 0123.jpg|thumb]]

Basara heard Takigawa's dumbfounded voice. Yes--- The enemy had exposed themselves to Takigawa, a normal human. But, Basara panicked over something other than that fact. That the enemy made a forceful move like this meant that the current situation was favorable to them.

After all--- Mio was sleeping all alone in the infirmary right now.

''…What now!?''

The enemy was undoubtedly after Mio. The enemies in front of him came to stall him. Them showing themselves in front of Takigawa just meant that they had to kill him off later. Unlike the moderate faction, average devils just considered humans as nothing but living trash.

---Of course a normal human couldn't see Basara's magic sword Brynhildr.

Even if he materialized it now, Takigawa wouldn't notice. But, even if he defeated the enemy with it here, Takigawa would witness the moment the "shadows" disappeared. That would drag him into their circumstances. And Takigawa would surely ask Basara. ---What's this?

He could ask Maria to erase his memories later. However, it would still take some time until she would be here. Right now he had to hurry over to Mio as fast as possible, but it was too dangerous to leave Takigawa alone with his confusion. He believed the enemy wouldn't do anything assertive against Takigawa to avoid letting things go out of hand, but on the hectic developing battlefield an unforeseen happening couldn't be ruled out.

''…Then, what do I do?''

Basara instantly came up with the answer to that. Then,

"---Sorry, Takigawa." "Eh…?"

Takigawa raised a puzzled voice--- And into his very torso, Basara suddenly slammed his elbow.

A blow to a vital point. It was a violent method, but most likely the least dangerous and fastest one.

Takigawa groaned a short "Ugh", then lost consciousness. Then Basara rested him on the floor.

"-----"

At the same time, the five shadows launched their attack at Basara.

---But Toujou Basara didn't panic. He immediately materialized Brynhildr.

Like that, he made a vertical slash, cutting the foremost human "shadow" into half. Then,

"Sorry, but I'm not playing along with your time-buying--- I'll make my way through."

At the same time he said so, he leaped forward at once.

<noinclude>

==Translator notes and References==
<references/>

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|-
| Back to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
| Return to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 1 Chapter 4|Chapter 4]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha

2014-02-13T05:37:28Z

Onizays: /* Volume 2 */

[[File:Shinmai Vol1 0000.jpg|thumb|250px|'''Volume 1 Cover''']]
Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha “Tesutamento” (新妹魔王の契約者『テスタメント』) series is written by Tetsuto Uesu and illustrated by Nekosuke Ookuma. It is being published by Kadokawa under their Sneaker Bunko label. The series currently has 4 volumes released.

==Story Synopsis==

"Hey, you said you wanted a little sister, right?" First year highschool student, Toujo Basara, was suddenly asked this question by his father, and he fell into a state of panic. On top of that, the eccentric father told him that he will be getting remarried. He then departed overseas after bringing Basara two beautiful step-sisters. But Mio and Maria's true forms are actually a newbie Demon Lord and a succubus!? Basara was almost forced into a master and servant contract with Mio, but a "reversed" contract was formed by mistake, and Basara is now the master!? Moreover, Basara is being hit by ecchi situations one after another due to the contract, but Mio's life is being pursued by other demon tribes and hero tribes!! The most powerful contractor's desire action drama begins!

==Series Information==

*'''Genre:''' Action, Ecchi, Fantasy, Romance, Shounen
*'''Original Title:''' 新妹魔王の契約者(テスタメント)
*'''Author:''' Tetsuto Uesu
*'''Illustrator:''' Nekosuke Ookuma
*'''Published Volumes:''' 4
*'''Series Status:''' Ongoing

==Translation==
===Format Standards===

'''Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]

===[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha Registration Page|Registration page]]===

'''Translators are asked to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha Registration Page|Register]] the chapters they want to work on.'''

===Feedback Thread===

'''If you enjoyed the translation, why don't you tell us at the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=6060&p=205567#p205567 Feedback Thread].'''

==Updates==
*4th February 2014 - Volume 1 Epilogue completed.
*11th January 2014 - Volume 1 Chapter 4 completed.
*2nd January 2014 - Volume 1 Chapter 3 completed.
*20th October 2013 - Volume 1 Chapter 2 completed.
*2nd October 2013 - Volume 1 Chapter 1 completed.
*12th September 2013 - Teaser project started, Volume 1 Prologue completed.

==Shinmai Maou no Keyakusha by Tetsuto Uesu==

===Volume 1 ([[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 1|Full Text]])===
[[File:Shinmai Vol1 0000.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
'''Volume 1 was translated on the forum by user PROzess'''
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 1 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations ]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue - The day he got a little sister]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 1 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The way to conquer your little stepsister]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - First Master and Servant Contract]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 1 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - At the Threshold of Trust and Reunion]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 1 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Until your Sadness becomes Nil]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 1 Epilogue|Epilogue - What he wants to protect]]

 

===Volume 2===
[[File:Shinmai_v02_000.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations ]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 2 Prologue|Prologue: Peerless Devil Lord Sister in the Morning]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 2 Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 2 Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 2 Chapter3|Chapter 3]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 2 Chapter4|Chapter 4]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 2 Epilogue|Epilogue]]

 

===Volume 3===
[[File:Shinmai_v03_000.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations ]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 3 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 3 Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 3 Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 3 Chapter3|Chapter 3]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 3 Epilogue|Epilogue]]

 

===Volume 4===
[[File:Shinmai_v04_000.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 4 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations ]]

 

==Project Staff==
:*Project Administrator:
:*Project Supervisor:

===Translators===
'''Active'''
:*PROzess

===Editors===
'''Active'''
*[[User:Mytsy|Mytsy]]
*[[User:Rohan123|Rohan123 ]]
*[[User:Deathmailrock|Deathmailrock]]
*[[User:Dual Blades|Dual Blades]]

==Series Overview==
*新妹魔王の契約者I (September 29, 2012 ISBN 978-4-04-100495-1-C0193)
*新妹魔王の契約者II (January 31, 2013 ISBN 978-4-04-100670-2-C0193)
*新妹魔王の契約者III (June 1, 2013 ISBN 978-4-04-100860-7-C0193)
*新妹魔王の契約者IV (November 1, 2013 ISBN 978-4-04-101061-7-C0193)

[[Category:Kadokawa Shoten]]
[[Category:Sneaker Bunko]]
[[Category:Genre - Harem]]
[[Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[Category:Tetsuto Uesu]]

Tsuki Tsuki!

2014-02-13T05:30:34Z

Onizays:

[[Image:Tsuki Tsuki Vol 1.jpg|325px|right|frameless|Volume 1 Cover]]

''''''Tsuki Tsuki!'''''' (つきツキ！) is a light novel series written and illustrated by Yujin Goto (後藤祐迅) and published in MF Bunko J. The series has currently 12 volumes published.

=== Story Sysnopsis ===
------------------------------------------
One day Shinobu wakes up just to find a naked blonde girl sleeping besides him. He has no memory whatsoever of her. Who is she? Why is she in his bed? Why is she naked? To make matters worse, his sister comes in and sees them. What will happen now?

Novel available at http://unlimitednovelfailures.mangamatters.com/tsukitsuki/

=== Translation ===
-------------------------------------------

User:Onizays

2014-02-13T04:32:10Z

Onizays: Created page with "normal guy with normal lifestyle"

normal guy with normal lifestyle

Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 2 Prologue

2014-02-13T04:27:54Z

Onizays: Created page with " '''Prologue: Peerless Devil Lord Sister in the Morning''' --'''PART 1''' Every man has imagined it at least once. About how a cute girl had snuck into your bed when you..."

'''Prologue: Peerless Devil Lord Sister in the Morning'''

--'''PART 1'''

Every man has imagined it at least once.

About how a cute girl had snuck into your bed when you wake up.

A warm and soft sensation. A faint sweet fragrance.

The girl saying a little bit embarrassed, but with a smile--- Morning.

That was a happiness only granted to a limited amount of people.

“…………..”

However, on this morning Toujou Basara, suddenly waking up from a feeling of suffocation, was put into a situation close to it. It wasn’t like he had a nightmare. The feeling of suffocation originated from something else.

The origin was--- a little girl under the blanket in the bed Basara was laying in. The little girl had crawled up below the blanket, right into the T-shirt Basara was wearing.

Moreover, the little girl’s adorable face was right in front of Basara’s eyes. In other words, the little girl’s head shot out of the collar, where Basara’s head was already coming out.

“Good morning, Basara-san.”

“Maria…? Eh, wait a sec--- Uwah!?”

Since they were stuck together face-to-face, not even the slightly movement was possible.

---No, physically it wasn’t impossible. The wide T-shirt Basara wore instead of a pyjama was made of a good material and flexibility. But--- even though it was made like that, would it endure this excess?

“Oh no~ You cannot do that, silly Basara-san. It is quite dangerous to force yourself to get up.”

He got pissed off at that reaction, but couldn’t give a retort. In exchange, Basara stiffened up.

Because Basara felt a soft and smooth sensation over the broad area from his chest to his stomach under the T-shirt,
under which Maria had slipped into. Without doubt it was from Maria’s bare skin. In other words,

“A- Are you… naked under my T-shirt---”

“Oh please, Basara-san. There is no way I will be so rude as to enter someone else’s bed with my clothes still on.”

“Screw your unnecessary consideration!”

If so, be considerate about the ultimate rudeness of entering someone else’s T-Shirt.

“---Actually, why didn’t I wake up before this all happened?”

It was a slight shock for him. Upon that,

“Have you forgotten, Basara-san? I am a succubus. A devil that appears in dreams. Sleeping spells are my speciality.”

Maria laughed with Fufufu.

“Of course it might not have worked while you are awake, Basara-san. However, it was a sure thing while you were defenceless asleep. You let your guard down.”

“That’s a damn premeditated crime!”

So much for the police when he couldn’t even sleep calmly in his own room.

“Oh please, Basara-san. Even though you are really happy about it. Come on, be honest.”

Showing a roguish smile, Maria entwined her arms around his neck, brought her body even closer and glided her skin by pressing onto him.

…Wait, this is bad…

Even with young features and a small body, Maria was still a proper girl. Her looks were proud of an extraordinary cuteness and honestly, this distance was dangerous. The smooth skin unique to girls, the moderate yet soft swellings of her breasts, all of Maria was only a stimulation to Basara, a boy. Above all, there were two tickling sensations on

Basara’s body matching with Maria’s movements. It most likely were the Maria’s nipples, whose sensation became more firm with every rub.

“Mm… Ah… Mm… Fuh…”

Her childish expression turned gradually sexy and the voice she leaked started to fill with passion.

“I, I get it. …I admit defeat. Please, just get out of my T-Shirt.”

“I refuse.”

“S- Say what?”

On his panic, Maria changed her satisfied smile into a roguish one.

“The inside of your clothes already belongs to me, Basara-san. If you insist that I leave, you need to tell me ‘Maria… I
want to come inside you’--- Yes, quietly moaning with a sweet voice!”

After responding to the overly cheeky succubus girl with silence for a while,

“Maria…”

“Basara-san.”

Maria unnecessarily sparkled her eyes, whereas Toujo Basara dropped his right fist onto her head.

A dull BAM sound. Maria leaked an “Ouh” voice of anguish, then turned teary.

“Y- You raised your hand against a girl!”

“Yeah… I’m a horrible guy. But you’re even more horrible, so I had no other choice!”

Basara swiftly pulled back both his hand through the sleeves, then pushed away Maria’s body inside the T-Shirt to secure
space.

Then he kept his eyes shut as to not see her naked and immediately retreated out of the T-Shirt.

Basara, naked on top, said to Maria, who wore his T-Shirt like a one-piece dress.

“Actually, what’s with ‘quietly moaning with a sweet voice’? …Well, though I somehow already know.”

“The Japanese language is quite difficult. But I believe the important part in communication is to convey your feelings.
The MIND.”

“No. The important part in communication is etiquette and common sense.”

First of all, never enter my T-Shirt without my consent. I’ll sue you for illegal trespassing.

--'''PART 2'''

“Jeez, what a morning…”

Basara left his room wearily. He couldn’t let Maria be naked, so he gave up on getting his T-Shirt back for now and went down the stairs dressed in shorts and topless.

The end of summer with no sight of fall coming. The temperature was still high, so he didn’t feel cold.

To awaken his half-asleep head, Basara headed to the washroom.

While scratching the back of his head, he opened the wood patterned door and went inside.

“---------”

Inadvertently he stood still. Because there stood the other girl that was living together with Basara--- Naruse Mio.

---Basara came to the washroom to wash his face and brush his teeth, but the place had another function.

It was the changing room for those that entered the bath in the back. Therefore,

“…….”

Basara was captivated by Mio and her appearance.

A single bath towel--- That was how Mio right in front of him looked like right now.

She was beautiful. He didn’t know if she took a morning bath or shower. Nevertheless, her flushed face of course, but
also her body still covered with water drops and her shiny wet hair that reached till her waist, all of it was
beautiful.

Moreover, her proportions were already closer to an irregularity than unsurpassable. Her overly tempting big breasts and
curves that run from her slender waist over her bottom down to her thighs, drew a charming bodyline that was untypical for Japanese. That body was clad in a white bath towel, which boosted her sex-appeal, and perfectly emphasized that Mio was a girl.

Basara inadvertently stood stock still from the stimulation that was too strong right after getting up, whereupon

“-----”

He saw Mio’s face getting red and her taking a breath. She’s gonna scream--- The moment he thought so, Basara moved reflexive. He opened the door of the washroom/changing room behind him, rushed out at once and considered how to apologize.

…However.

To avoid such incidents, they supposedly made various arrangements as a countermeasure when they started to live together. Even so, the sign with “Girl‘s time” hadn’t been hang on the door. Did she forget to hang it? No, Mio wouldn’t make such a careless mistake. Then,

…Must have been Maria…

Most likely before Maria came to Basara’s room, she passed by the bathroom and removed the sign that Mio had put up.

Nothing unusual for the prankster Maria. How troublesome.

That said, he knew what to do. He didn’t know if Mio would believe his excuse, but he could only properly explain the circumstances to her and beg for her forgiveness. So Basara nodded with “Okay”--- and suddenly realized. Before he had noticed, Mio stood right before him.

He had thought for sure that she would be filled with rage, but Mio didn’t say anything.

“? Huh…?”

There Basara realized another thing. His left hand was around Mio’s waist while his right covered her mouth. And--- for some reason, Basara was inside the bathroom instead of outside.

“…Ehm, just what’s going on…?”

While saying so, his intonation at the end of his sentence was trembling. He broke out a cold sweat.

Mh, how weird. By chance, could it actually be?

In other words, it was that. His mind, faced with an extreme situation, escaped reality and made him imagine leaving the bathroom. Something like an alternative future kaleidoscope? In reality, he had forcefully pulled Mio, who was going to raise a scream, closer and covered her mouth against her will?

“-------”

Oh my god. He wanted to prevent her from screaming due to a misunderstanding that bad? Apparently his body had outdone his mind. That said, the situation had only taken a turn for the worse, getting to the worst case. As Mio’s bath towel had fallen down in the moment he forcefully pulled her closer and shut her up by covering her mouth, their bodies were in direct contact now.

“…….”

She must have been perplexed by the all too sudden situation. As she didn’t know how to react, Mio dumbfounded stayed in

Basara’s arm without moving.

Anyhow, right now Mio was completely naked. Since Basara lent Maria the shirt he was wearing, his top half was naked.

What happened when they hugged in that state was clearer than crystal clear.

Even while he knew he shouldn’t, Basara dropped his gaze, where Mio’s overly voluminous breasts stuck to his stomach region and to proof their first-rate softness, they were squeezed into a lewd shape. Different from Maria’s, their size and sensation were both visually and sensually destructive to the max.

“S- Sorry, this--- Uwah!?”

Basara tried to hastily jump back and grandly slipped on the water that had dropped from Mio’s body and hair. Naturally the embraced Mio was dragged into it too.

“---Kyaa”

Basara instantly reacted to the scream from within his arms. While forcefully twisting his body in mid-air, he pulled

Mio closer and somehow managed to bring his body under hers before they hit the ground. Turning himself into a cushion, the impact Mio received from the fall was reduced. Since he was holding Mio, both his hands were occupied, but he barely managed to absorb the fall with his back, arms and shoulders.

Even so, the impact from the fall gave him a dull pain and he tried to get up while scowling.

Like that, he plunged his head into some soft things.

“---Hyahn!?”

“? S- Sorry!”

On her surprised voice, Basara noticed his next mistake. He most likely had buried his face into Mio’s breasts. He hastily grabbed Mio’s shoulders and tried to get away.

“Hey, Yah… Not, there…”

But Mio raised a sweet voice in bewilderment. Now Basara was surprised about the happening.

Because of Mio’s voice, but also because the shoulder he supposedly grabbed was surprisingly soft.

---Of course a girl’s body was softer than a boy’s, with no exception at the shoulders.

However, this sensation was clearly from something different than a shoulder. And then Toujou Basara finally realized the situation he was in.

“Eh…m.”

Mio’s face, who he had thought was right before him, wasn’t there. There was only a crack. Her bottom.

Whensoever it happened, Mio was on top of Basara the other way round than him.

Basara hadn’t plunged his head into Mio’s breasts, but her groin area. And what he grabbed, believing it to be her shoulders, was her bottom. On top of having ended up tightly holding the curving portion on both sides that lead to her thighs, he ended up spreading that crack by pushing up what he believed to be her shoulders. Basara unexpectedly got a look on Mio’s everything.

“---KYAAAAAAAAAA”

This time Mio hastily jumped away from Basara along with a scream. Grabbing the bath towel on the ground with a red face, she pulled it to herself to hide her body.

“Why’re you coming in when I’m already inside! Pervert! I’ll kill you a hundred times!”

Even though there was a more important matter, Mio shouted the original problem, as she got upset.

“Sorry! The door hadn’t the sign, so I thought---”

“Liar! Come up with a better lie for an excuse, Basara!”

“No, it’s not a lie! Really, believe me!”

Basara opened the bathroom door by pulling it to himself while shaking his head to the sides.

“See, no sign. Right?”

“No way… I certainly put it on.”

Mio, seeing that there was no sign, couldn’t believe it.

“Don’t tell me, you hid it… Did you want to peek on me bathing and if you were to get caught, you wanted to blame me for
forgetting the sign and saying ‘It’s an accident’?”

“As if! Besides--- if I did a cowardly act like that, everything would be over!”

Living together with Mio and Maria started with the talk about Jin’s remarriage. In the end, the remarriage was just made-up, but even so, Basara considered Mio and Maria as his little sisters--- as his new family. That didn’t even change after he found out that Mio was actually the daughter of the previous Devil Lord Wilbert and Maria her succubus attendant. The reason was that the same applied to Basara and Jin as well. However their relationship was far from normal and to live together under the same roof, trust was needed more than anything.

---Just the other day, Basara drove away the enemy that came after Mio and succeeded in saving Mio from her inherited power that had gone out of control. One way or another he managed to help the girl he wanted and swore to protect.

Before there had been some anxiety in their mutual trust, but Basara believed that thanks to that incident they would be able to get through together now. As proof,

“… I see. Yeah, right…”

Mio, calming down a bit, accepted Basara’s words. If he had done any dirty act that betrayed Mio, the finally established trust would be ruined.

Basara wouldn’t do something so stupid--- She must have believed so.

“But… then why?”

“I didn’t remove the sign you put up. That only leaves one suspect, right?”

To be honest, Basara didn’t want to suspect the other person living with him. He didn’t want to, but she slipped into his T-Shirt early in the morning after all. He might have taken her side if that hadn’t happened, but now he could no longer cover for her.

“Mhm~ I see… That’s how it is. Then I’ll have looong talk with her later.”

Mio said while showing an intense smile, but suddenly,

“But--- You should be able to know my whereabouts with the Master-Servant magic. Why did you come inside?”

“Hey… Have you forgotten about it in your rage?”

Basara sighed on her question. Certainly, Basara and Mio had formed a “certain contract” with magic and if they wanted, they could localize each other. But,

“We agreed to not search for each other with it unless it’s an emergency, since it’s invasion into the privacy.”

At worst, they could find out various things like when one was taking a bath, when one was on the toilet and for how long they did that. Even if they were a family living under the same roof, it honestly wasn’t wise to know that much about the other. Above all, they were teens. A minimum of privacy and a consideration called the appropriate indifference were needed for a boy and a girl living together. It was a pact made out of necessity for these and they agreed to no search for each other habitual.

“You’re right, sorry… But Basara, why did you suddenly cover my mouth then instead of getting out when you noticed I was inside earlier? And you were quite forcefully at it.”

…Right. Of course she would be bothered about that.

“Moreover--- Why aren’t you wearing anything on top today of all days?”

Asked further with an upturned gaze, Basara was at a loss for an answer.

That he forcefully covered Mio’s mouth was an reflexively taken unconscious action.

To explain the matter about him being topless would require telling her about the incident with Maria.

But he got the feeling that explaining either of these would only sound like an excuse.

“Ehm…. I’m sorry.”

Basara lowered his head. He himself was partly responsible for making Mio feel embarrassed.

“I see--- But it’s fine, you don’t need to apologize, Basara.”

On this calm voice, Basara made a sigh of relief while raising his head--- and then he saw.

Mio, clad in the bath towel again, was grinning while emitting a pale glint from her body.

“---I’ll forgive you with 50k volt.”

The moment she said so, the small lightning she released turned into a high-voltage stream and ran through Basara’s whole body.

--'''PART 3'''

“Aw, damn… What a disaster.”

After Mio gave him that lightning attack and left the bathroom, Basara got into the bath and took a shower. He wanted to wash his body that had carelessly dropped on the floor topless and while it was the end of summer, the heat was still enough to make him sweat during sleep. Because of that Mio must have taken a shower like Basara now too.

---There was a reason to why Toujou Basara could accept a situation like that.

It wasn’t only because he ran into Mio in the bath numerous times or had bold morning happenings with the other gender due to Maria. Maria was, like she proclaimed herself, a succubus, meaning a devil that appeared in dreams, whereas Mio was raised as a human, but could use powerful magic as the was the child of the late previous Devil Lord. Naturally it would be rather difficult for a normal human to live together with these two. Even so--- Toujou Basara could stay and
live together with Mio and Maria, because he had a tolerance for principles that escaped the common world.

That tolerance was related to Basara’s birth and past.

“………….”

Suddenly recalling his past, Basara got a gloomy expression. Even so,

“I have to keep it together…”

Basara’s reliable father--- Toujou Jin was currently out of house due to certain reasons.

Put in charge, he had to protect his sisters Mio and Maria by himself as the oldest son.

“Fuh…”

While washing away the sweat, the shower gradually warmed up Basara’s body. It was a human instinct to wash one’s head too when getting it wet.

“Argh…”

His body was still a bit numb from Mio’s lightning attack, so he couldn’t properly wash his head.

“---Leave it to me.”

Along with a calm voice, slender fingers entered Basara’s hair and started to gently wash his head and hair.

Just like at a barber, it felt pleasant to have someone else wash your head.

“Oh, thanks. How thoughtful…. Eh?”

Basara noticed the abnormal situation too late since it was conducted all so naturally, and finally turned around. There was a girl clad in a bath towel making a puzzled face.

Finely chiselled features. Looks that could pass her off as a model because of her tall and slender figure.

A clear beautiful girl with a type different from Mio and Maria.

“Y- Yuki… wh- why are you here…?”

Basara was inadvertently surprised and confused. Right in front of his eyes was his childhood friend Nonaka Yuki.

---A few days ago, Basara had reunited with Yuki after five years. Yuki had become so beautiful that she appeared like a different person. Basara had only known her young appearance, so he was honestly surprised at her change and growth.

That said, they only met each other again and certainly didn’t live together. In fact Yuki shouldn’t be in the Toujou

House--- let alone the bath in the morning. She made her usual expressionless face.

“I came to pick you up. I wanted to go to school together with you.”

“I- Is that so… No wait, how did you get into the house?”

Regrettably there was quite some bad blood between Yuki and Mio/Maria.

It resulted from each their standpoints and partly due to emotions.

“Through the door. The succubus let me in.”

That damn loli succubus. She wasn’t satisfied by just slipping into my T-Shirt, she also had to play yet another ridiculous prank!

“Well, but when did you get into the bath…?”

“I didn’t want to disturb you so early in the morning. ---So I completely erased my presence.”

“Your modesty is getting out of hand!”

A guy with a weak heart would die, when someone suddenly washed his head from behind!

Yuki uncaringly brought her body closer.

“Basara… can I wash you?”

“N- No, it’s not good to be in here together, Yuki… You know that, right?”

“…Why? We often did so in the past.”

“No, that was five years ago--- when we were kids!”

They both were no longer innocent kids. Even through the bath towel, he could tell. Yuki’s body strongly emphasised that she was already a fine woman.

Basara hastily wrapped a towel around his waist.

“Besides, you try to play calm, but your face is red, Yuki… You’re embarrassed, right?”

“……..Yeah. A bit. But I wanted to take a bath with you.”

One breath.

“Do you… hate taking one with me, Basara?”

“No, I wouldn’t say that I hate it…”

Being looked at from below at a very close distance, Basara inadvertently averted his eyes out of shame. He was hesitant to say “I would love to”, so he equivocated, but she seemed to understand that as a refusal.

“Huh… Ehm, Yuki-san?” “………”

Yuki had gotten a somewhat displeased expression. And,

“…You took one with Naruse Mio and that succubus, yet you ain’t takin’ one with me?”

Her speech showed a bit of her dialect. It was a habit that occurred when she couldn’t suppress her emotions.

The stuff Maria revealed the other day on the rooftop must still affect her--- But, it was already too late by the time he analyzed that.

“H- Hey…!?”

Not listening to Basara’s attempt to stop her, Yuki undid the knot of her own bath towel.

The white cloth fell onto the ground and Yuki’s smooth and beautiful skin was exposed.

He hastily turned around, but even so he had gotten a good look.

On how much grown and beautiful Nonaka Yuki’s body had gotten. Moreover,

“---Basara, let me wash you.”

Saying so in a more demanding tone than before, Yuki pressed her body firmly onto Basara’s back by hugging onto him.

Yuki put her cheek against Basara’s back, who had gotten all stiff from the earlier destructive sensation.

“If you don’t let me wash you--- I’ll do something even bolder.”

Her calm voice was filled with seriousness, so Basara resigned right away.

“F- Fine… Wash me. So spare me of anything more…!”

He was neither a hermit or a saint. He was a healthy young boy. It was bad enough already, so if she were to do anything more, his reasoning would completely break.

As she regained a bit of her spirits by getting his approval, Yuki changed her tone back into a calm one with “Then don’t move” and started to wash Basara’s head. Her gentle and careful handiwork made him feel Yuki’s serious personality and above all, her precious feelings towards him.

…Five years, huh.

Compared to the time where they were young and innocently washed each other’s body, both Basara and Yuki had changed in various ways now. Not just their age, but also their standpoints and relationships.

---However, there still was something that hadn’t changed.

How Yuki preciously felt about Basara.
Likewise, Toujou Basara kept thinking unaltered about Yuki as someone important.

“…..”

“…..”

At some point both of them had fallen silent and a silence had come over the bath.

[[Image:Shinmai v02 025.jpg|thumb]]

But it wasn’t awkward. It was just a silence brought about from their feelings.

Before long, the water from the shower washed Basara’s head clean. Then,

“….Basara.”

Suddenly. Yuki called out to him from behind. In a really quiet voice.

“You and Jin-san won’t ever came back to the <village>…?”

Basara replied with silence to the asked question. That was the very reason why Basara could accept Mio, a descendent from the Devil Lord, and Maria, a succubus.

---The <village> Yuki mentioned wasn’t referring to a simple village in the countryside.

Earlier Yuki had said that the succubus had let her into the house.

That was a statement from someone that admitted the existence of devils like Maria. To protect this worlds from devils, the <Hero Tribe> kept fighting since ancient times--- That was Nonaka Yuki’s true identity.

And Toujo Basara as well had once fought for the same mission.

Yes--- Until five years ago, when the cruel tragedy befell the <village>.

A lot of villagers were massacred by a young man that was possessed by a sealed S rank evil spirit.

At that time, Basara saw a lot of comrades getting killed before his eyes and even his friends were in danger, so his own power went out of control. His skill <Banishing Shift> that actually was supposed to erase only an enemy’s attack, banished everything, like the possessed young man and the limbs of his killed comrades, into the zero-dimensional space.

Afterwards the <village> decided to confine Basara to a prison, but Jin, Basara’s father, objected. As a result, Basara and Jin were stripped of their Hero title and had to leave the village. In other words, they were chased out. Therefore,

“…I think that’ll prove to be difficult.”

Of course he had a nostalgia towards the <village>. But the scars the tragedy caused five years ago still remained unchanged. In the village, in the villagers and--- even in Basara himself.

Even now, five years later, Basara kept having nightmares of that day.

---Besides. Toujou Basara had already set out on a new path.

To protect the girl, who unwillingly inherited the power of the previous Devil Lord and was chased for it by the current

Devil Lord and his subordinates,--- Naruse Mio. Neither the Devil Lord, Mio’s standpoint as a devil or his past as a

Hero matter for what. He swore to protect the two as a family, as their brother.

But that was something adverse to the Hero Tribe’s doctrine. That Yuki helped out in the battle the other day was an exception of exceptions. They both understood that.

“But Basara---”

It was in the moment when Yuki tried to say something with a somewhat pleading tone.

Outside the bath--- The door that separated the anteroom of the bath from the hallway, opened after a knock.

“Could it be… you’re still inside, Basara? Breakfast’s been done for a while now, you know.”

Basara froze up on Mio’s voice from the anteroom.

She must have come to get Basara, since he just wouldn’t finish his shower. Even though that incident happened just a few minutes ago--- Mio was basically very caring. When they moved into this new house to live together, she also tagged along with him when he asked her to show him around, albeit saying her complains. The education of her late foster parents that raised her in the human world must have been good. They seemingly were subordinates of Mio’s real father, the previous Devil Lord, but they must have been good people without doubt.

---However, now wasn’t the time to reminisce about Mio’s past.

After all Basara was currently together with the naked Yuki in the bath.

“S- Sorry… I’m coming now. Yeah, I’ll be able to get out in a bit…”

While replying hastily, Basara handed Yuki the bath towel that was laying on the floor. When he urged her “Please wear it!” with his eyes, Yuki started to wrap up herself with the bath towel while showing an annoyed face.

“…Hey Basara, are you angry about earlier?”

There came a question from Mio with a little worried tone. She must have thought that the lightning attack was overdoing it.

“B- But you were at fault, you hear… I mean, I just got out of the bath, but you suddenly come in and hug me. You were
so rough, so the bath towel became undone and did even that during the commotion… I was really embarrassed.”

“S- Sorry… But that was…!”

Basara raised a scream in his heart. What Mio mentioned was certainly the truth. It was the truth, but from that selective utterance, one who didn’t know the circumstances would probably misunderstand. And as expected,

“--------”

Yuki narrowed her eyes and opened the fogged window of the bath for some reason. And then,

“(H- Hey, what’re you doing…Yuki?)”

In front of Basara, who asked with a small voice, Yuki unwrapped her own bath towel of all things and threw it out of the window. GYAA, from the shock, Basara became like the painting The Scream from Munch.

“? What’s up, Basara?” “N- Nothing. It’s nothing.”

He desperately tried to smooth it over, but Yuki closed the window and approached Basara.

As he couldn’t escape because of Mio, she clung to him from the front.

“Basara… what did you do in the commotion?”

“(W- Well, just a little accident… Really!)”

Basara declared pacifying to Yuki, who asked him by looking up to him, whereupon outside the bath,

“Well… if you say so.”

Mio said.

“But Basara--- Why are a female school uniform and underwear here, which don’t belong to me? And they’re folded so neatly.”

Sorry, these are mine. I’m actually a cross-dresser, ahahaha--- That’s not gonna work, damnit!
Excuses were impossible. Basara resign and at the same time, the door of the bath opened merciless.

“………….”

Awkward to the max. After a silence from all three, Mio opened her mouth first.

“…What has water on top and a big fire below?”

“A, A bath, right…?”

While being clung on by the naked Yuki at the same place like the answer, Basara answered with “Haha”.

“---Certainly. Well then, what has fire everywhere, top and below?”

Mio’s dangerous eyes were saying: Trick question, go.

“W- Well~ I wonder what. Maybe a burnt out SNS?”

“No, wrong--- You see, it’s you, who’ll be covered in flames now!”

The emotion she held back exploded. She was about to release her magic like her arising anger--- In that moment, Mio suddenly shivered her body with “Ah”. And then,

“Yah… No way, now…? ---Ahhn.”

While suddenly getting a sweet voice, Mio slumping sunk down on the floor.

“H- Hey--- Are you okay?”

When he hastily rushed over, there was a mark like a collar around Mio’s neck.

“Uwah… The curse of the Master and Servant contract.” “…What’s the matter?”

Yuki was puzzled by Mio’s strange behaviour, whereas Basara looked at Mio, who emitted a sweet allure, while giving her the bath towel that he had prepared for himself.

…It hadn’t activated for a while now.

Actually--- Basara and Mio were currently bound by a magic “Master and Servant Contract”.

Maria suggested it, since the contracting parties could localize each other, so when Mio was in danger, Basara could find her. Originally Mio was supposed to be the Master, but for some reason the contract was formed reversed. Basara had become Mio’s Master.

Moreover, this contract aimed at solidifying the relationship between Master and Servant, so when the servant betrayed
or had a guilty consciousness towards the master, a curse immediately activated.

Their contract was chanted with the help of Maria’s power, so the activating curse got the special characteristic of Maria the succubus.

---Dream Devil, Incubus, Succubus. It’s special characteristic was “aphrodisiac”.

During the incident where Basara had entered the anteroom with Mio in it, she chanted the lighting attack after Basara’s apology, so there was no problem. But this time Mio was worried if she maybe overdid it earlier. So when she tried to attack Basara now, she must have felt guilty somewhere in the back of her heart. That might have switched on the curse.

“Yah, Ah… Hahn, Fuh… Mm…”

She desperately bit down on her lips to stifle her voice, but she couldn’t suppress the stream of pleasure that beset her whole body.

Mio twisted her body on the floor unbearable, whereupon the door of the anteroom was opened with attitude.

“Excuse me! Am I right here for Mio-sama getting all yielding from pleasure!?”

Howsoever she noticed, Maria came in quickly.

And when she saw Mio on the floor and the naked Basara and Yuki, she sparkled her eyes with “Ohh”.

“I thought this might happen, so I bought this in advance. The world’s smallest and lightest! The never fading memories,
the memorials of youth will be with you!”

Swiftly setting up the small video camera that she pulled out from wherever, Maria started to film Mio.

“…………”

Basara wordlessly grabbed her at the nape of her neck, threw her into the bath, shut the door and merciless blocked it from his side with a mop and the washing machine. Right away the door was beat with BAM BAM from the other side.

“What are you doing, Basara-san! Are you still angry about the T-Shirt? I apologize for hiding Mio-sama’s bathing sign!
I can stay here, but at the least the camera… Please use at least the camera! For my pride and soul as a succubus, I have to film the current Mio-sama!”

“Shut up! Restrain yourself, damn loli succubus!”

Basara succeeded in isolating the root of all this, squatted down besides Mio and softly lifted her up.

“---Are you okay, Mio?”

“It’s your fault… Mm, St- Stupid Brother…I’ll kill you a hundred times.”

Mio, full of pleasure, entwined her arms around Basara’s neck and tightly clung to him, albeit vexing. Calling Basara “Brother” was Mio’s unconscious habit that appeared when the curse of the Master and Servant Contract activated. But most likely the activated curse wasn’t that strong. If she were to lay down and rest, the curse should ease up soon.

Nevertheless Mio had an unyielding spirit. She surely didn’t want Yuki to see her like this. The only way to cancel the curse in no time was for Basara to subjugate the servant--- Mio as her master and confirm her loyalty.

The things he could do were inevitably limited in this state, where she drowned in pleasure. Therefore,

“Okay… Let’s go to your room.”

It certainly would be embarrassing to do on the sofa in the living room so early in the morning.

“Sorry, Yuki… She’s feeling a bit bad, so I have to tend to her. I’ll be right back, so wait in the living room after you put on your clothes.”

“…………Okay.”

As she understood that Mio’s state was strange, Yuki nodded, albeit a bit displeased. So Basara left the anteroom while carrying Mio.

Walking down the hallway, he thought while going up the stairs to the second floor.

He wanted to protect Mio’s everyday life, but he got the feeling that it didn’t include this situation.

At this rate Basara’s reasoning, endurance, soul and body definitely wouldn’t last.

At some point he would certainly commit a mistake. He couldn’t afford to hurt Mio--- his little sister in that horrible
way.

Therefore Toujou Basara mumbled quietly. It was a shame to abandon the merit of being able to localize each other, but

“On the next full moon, where we can annul the contract, I’ll break this Master and Servant Contract--- My body can’t take it.”

'''Translator notes and References'''
<References/>

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