Editing Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 4 Epilogue (section)

===Part 1===

When Basara regained his consciousness, he noticed a pair of worried eyes looking down at him.

"Tachibana…?"

Hearing him calling his name, his cute friend responded as if finally being able to relax…

"It’s great... It seems like you finally returned to normal."

"? What do you mea-"

Basara suddenly sat upright upon remembering what happened.

"Where’s Kurumi? What happened to Sakazaki?!"

"D-Don’t panic… Kurumi's fine, look over there."

Tachibana looked towards the wall of the room where Kurumi was leaning on. Seeing that she had no injuries and that her breathing was normal, Basara released a sigh of relief, and only then did he realise that the space that is the domestic housekeeping room had returned to its normal state. So, that means--

"The barrier already disappeared… Which means that Sakazaki--"

"You couldn't have forgotten everything, right?"

Tachibana then continued:

"As you should know, after Kurumi was taken by sensei, your hand was severed by something like his magic. You lost a lot of blood, and I thought that you were done for already… Do you remember that much?"

"Yes… I do remember to that point. But--"

In the part of Basara's memories that are blurry, he seemed to remember hearing the voice of someone else. And after that, his memories were blank.

It’s like there was a fog in that part of his brain, making him unable to recall those memories.

"After that… Your body then suddenly released a light, and your arm then regenerated. And then, as if you had become another person, you went for Sakazaki and--"

"It was me…who defeated Sakazaki…?"

The opponent was someone who had no qualms in dragging unrelated people into unrelated situations and had even taken Kurumi as a hostage. If he had let him escape, he might have also made a move against Mio, Yuki or Maria, taking innocent people as meat shields. Thus, he was similar to Zolgear, someone who must be taken down. However--

"………………."

Basara looked down at his right arm that had supposedly been severed, and tried to materialise Brynhildr.

Brynhildr possesses the valkyrie who hunts spirits on the battlefield, holding the spirits of everyone who died from it, and indeed, Sakazaki’s spirit was present. Which means that what Tachibana said was correct.

…Which means, that things have probably come to an end for the time being.

This realisation allowed Basara to put his heart at ease. With such a strong spirit, it shows that Sakazaki had considerable power. Additionally, it seems that the spirit had something else mixed in, meaning that the spirit wasn't from just a human. It brings about the possibility of the procession by evil spirits. If that was the case, then it might explain how someone like that had slipped under the radar of Takigawa and Yuki.

Having said that -- it still brings about a crucial question.

''…Just how did I even win?''

Like Tachibana said, Basara had the feeling of having fought with Sakazaki. However -- even if the recovery rate of heroes is faster than the average person, instantly regenerating a lost limb was still impossible; while it might be a possible feat for high level healing magic, it was something that even Kurumi, who was a spirit magic user and much better versed with magic than Basara, can even think of doing. Then, the next most likely explanation would be--

"Brynhildr…"

"? Did you say something, Toujou?"

"…It's nothing." He shook his head to answer Tachibana’s question.

--The weapons used by heroes were named according to the spirits residing within them.

As [Sakuya] and [Byakko] had spirits residing within them, they were known as a spirit sword and a spirit lance respectively. Similarly, weapons like [Brynhildr] who sealed evil spirits, were known as cursed weapons.

Since [Brynhildr] could suppress the S-class evil spirit that caused the tragedy in the [village] five years ago, regenerating a human body part would not be difficult for it at all.

''…It couldn't possibly be that, right?''

Like how Yuki was chosen by Sakuya as its user, when the person and the spirit in the weapon had the same will, and through pure-hearted training, the person would be able to use the spirit’s powers. But for people like Basara and Takashi who only see [Brynhildr] and [Byakko] respectively as weapons, they wouldn't be able to use the powers of the spirit. Additionally, the voice he remembered hearing before losing consciousness was also a cause for concer—

No…

Since Sakazaki was able to manipulate the consciousness of many people at once and that he  saw his arm being severed, it might perhaps be only illusionary magic at work here. He might have also created the voice he remembered. This way, it would all make sense, with nothing else that was out of place--

"…What are you thinking about?”

"Tachibana… Do you remember what had happened after we were shut in by the barrier?"

"? At the beginning, the both of us were fighting each other. But I was no match for you…"

"…And after that?"

"After that… We both realised that we were only fighting each other out of a misunderstanding--"

Taking a breath, Tachibana continued:

“Right at that time, Sakazaki-sensei took that opportunity to attack us. I was defeated right from the start, but you just kept on fighting him… In the end, he took Kurumi hostage. And what happened after that was just like I have said before.”

"…...I see."

Tachibana’s explanation had no abnormalities and there were no signs of lying, and it matched what he could remember. So it was likely that what Tachibana said was the truth.

It’s just -- what was this weird feeling? It was like he had forgotten something important, yet the situation and his memory dictated that he was the one who defeated Sakazaki.

Just why -- why was the feeling of having been protected by a certain someone, so strong?

''Could it be…''

Basara took out his phone from his pocket and tried manipulating the screen. But unfortunately, there was no response.

It seems like his insurance he made as a precaution had broken down from the battle.

But the audio recordings might still be there, so he would have to try to retrieve them when he got home. Basara kept his phone, then via the master-servant contract's locating ability, he tried to ascertain Mio and Yuki's safety. The result was that the other party was faster than him, as he felt the response of his location being ascertained. They must be worried about him right now. Although this made him happy, there were still some things that must be settled before they get here.

"Tachibana -- can you listen to what I have to say?"

And so, he decided to call over Tachibana. Ten seconds later--

""Basara!""

The door was slammed open, and both Mio and Yuki rushed into the room.

--What Basara had asked Tachibana to do, was to pretend to be unconscious.

Although he wanted to tell them both the truth of what had happened, Tachibana wanted him to help hide the truth of Tachibana being a vampire, hoping to continue living peacefully as a human. As a friend, he had naturally happily accepted his wish. Both Kurumi and Tachibana hadn't met each other within Sakazaki's barrier, so, as long as he keeps quiet about it, the secret would be kept. So, when Mio and Yuki arrived, he would help Tachibana with a made-up story: Tachibana was trapped within Sakazaki's barrier, and he had fainted immediately because of that.

"--So, are both of you fine?"

"We're alright…"

Yuki immediately answered Basara’s question, while Mio said apologetically from the side:

"It’s just… We found Donoue and the others unconscious just now. They had probably been knocked unconscious by Sakazaki behind our backs, and they had only just started to wake up."

"…...I see."

They had lost consciousness before Mio and the rest had arrived. So, what should be taken care of was Kurumi.

It was a bit weird that Sakazaki hadn’t taken Mio or Yuki hostage too. But it might be to not arouse his suspicions.

Just then, screams came from the direction of the sports field.

"! What’s it this time?!"

"Don't worry… The Sports Festival is still going on, and that must have been a cheer."

Those words made the 'unconscious' Tachibana have a reaction, but it seems like Mio and Yuki didn't notice, which made Basara release a sigh of relief, and said:

"You said that it was still going on… So it wasn't suspended?"

"That's right. Although some tents and equipment were spoiled from the effects of the wind, no one was hurt. Since it appears that the wind has stopped, the school deemed that there probably wouldn't be any more problems, and let it continue. Right now, I would guess that the class cheer leading competition is starting…"

『--Firstly, let us welcome class A! Please give them a round of applause!』

And that announcement came after that. Which means, the time for class B to report was soon. Hence, --

"I see… Then you two should probably go first. We might be able to make it."

"Uh, but--"

"Sakazaki is already defeated, and if we were to make the class forfeit just because we weren't there, I wouldn't be able to accept it. We had already spent so much effort, and just what was it all for?"

Basara continued:

"If the Sports Festival was called to a halt in the middle of the obstacle race, then I guess that I would have been able to accept it. But right now, that isn't the case. Didn't you tell me to [wait for it]? If you did, then let me see the fruits of your labours. I'll re-join you later after taking care of Kurumi."

The both of them first looked towards each other, before turning back to him nodding with smiles.

--He then waited until they had left the room and the sounds of their steps had faded.

Taking Kurumi onto his back, he then began to secretly move towards the sports field together with Tachibana.

Tachibana seemed to be very happy. After all, he and Kajiura were part of the organising committee and were one of the core members. Knowing that the event he had helped organise wasn't cancelled must have brought him much joy, surpassing Basara’s.

“Well then… I guess I'll be leaving for the headquarters first.”

Tachibana said after they left the school building. During the period of time that they were within the barrier, they were likely assumed to be missing outside of the barrier. Thus, it would be for the best if they were to avoid returning back together. Otherwise, it would probably lead people to believe that they were doing 'something' <ref>Dating, to be exact. A pun is used here</ref> together.

Tachibana then began to walk, but stopped after only a few steps, and turned around to say:

"Toujou…"

"…What is it?"

Drooping his two eyes, he said:

“It appears that I still haven't formally apologised to you yet… Having suspected you of sabotage, I sincerely apologise to you.”

"……. Don't worry about it. I'm sorry too, for not trusting you."

"Don't… I know that I'm being thick-skinned, but I would like to ask you about another thing."

''That--''

"Are the two of us…still friends…?"

Tachibana’s two hands were gripping the hem of his sports attire tightly, while looking at him with tearful eyes.

Basara strongly nodded, and gave an affirmative reply. Although his words were coincidentally covered by the cheers from the field, he was sure that his feelings had been communicated to Tachibana’s heart.

Tachibana was smiling happily with tears rolling out of his eyes, while nodding furiously.

Just as Basara entered the field, Class A’s performance just ended.

''…..Looks like I've made it just in time.''

Relaxing for a bit, he then went towards the headquarters with Kurumi on his back.

Sure enough, Kajiura had a few words to say about his AWOL. But it seems that Tachibana had said some things to her about Kurumi, so there doesn't seem to be any anger in her words. In addition, Tachibana who had returned first seemed to have volunteered to care for Kurumi, requesting for him to go to the front seats for the performance.

[Since it seems that you had already promised each other, how can you not properly enjoy their performance?]

Under the urging of Tachibana who said that, he was now poking his way through the crowd, and soon enough, he arrived at the front row.

After managing to find a place to watch the performance--

『Alright! Next up, let us welcome class B!』

Upon hearing the announcement, the first year class B girls enthusiastically ran onto the stage.

--And at the same time, the crowd immediately went into an uproar, undoubtedly because of their clothing.

What the class B girls were wearing was race car girls’ costume. <ref>The kind where the pit girls wear in the big name races like Formula 1?</ref> Its workmanship was solid, with no signs of sloppiness at all. With colourful umbrellas in hand, it appeared to be a prop used while dancing. According to rumours, the reason why they were able to procure this clothing, was because Aikawa’s elder sister had contacts. But still--

"Just what does Aikawa’s sister work as…?"

When the simple question came out, the music began, and the performance of class B started.

This piece of music wasn't one of those that had recently came out and if his memory serves him right, it was a prestigious award winning song by a western singer. Perhaps to stimulate the atmosphere, the song was also sped up a little.

Basara had immediately found Mio and Yuki. Actually, there wasn’t even a need to look for them. They were at the front of the stage, leading the rest in the dance.

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

The girls moving vibrantly under the autumn sun, had instantly hyped the crowd to a boiling point.

An amazing performance. With the help of the umbrellas, their movements were very lively. And what's most surprising, are the uniformity in all of their movements and timings.

The two teams first split to the left and right, occasionally using the umbrellas to enhance their movements. There was no sign of chaos in their movements, and their coordination as a team was definitely not something that could have been achieved overnight. At the resolution from this performance, the hype-level of the crowd had exceeded its limits, and everyone had also began to move along. With the audience being so into this--

"…Haha! Amazing!"

Basara couldn’t suppress his inner excitement anymore.

What Mio and Yuki hoped to show and had hoped for Basara to see, is right in front of him now.

--They must have practiced a lot after school before the performance. Although Mio, Yuki, Aikawa, and Sakaki were in the organising committee, the other girls had also put in a lot of work. And yet they were hiding their exhaustion, smiling broadly while performing.

Just then, even though he was surrounded by people, he felt Mio and Yuki looking at him.

It wasn’t an illusion. Those two had just looked towards him, and even winked at him.

''…Really.''

They must've used the ability of the master-servant contract, making Basara smile.

Hadn't they agreed to try not to use it, for each other's privacy?

Nevermind… Today’s a special day. And so, Basara slightly raised his hand to give them a response--

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

The two of them then became even more happy and energetic, and even more passion could be felt in their movements.

At this scene, a feeling welled up in him.

''…I had almost forgotten about it. I myself should also work hard too.''

Under the conditions of exhibiting superhuman-like abilities, they had experienced the joy of the sports festival after working behind the scenes.

And they had even made a few more friends… Wait, among the many reasons, that must have been the most important.

And that was why, he himself had boldly raised his hand, volunteering for the organising committee.

--Within Toujou Basara's heart, there was a wish he desired to fulfill at all costs.

And that was a wish made for Mio, who was the daughter of the former demon lord, and Yuki, who was a hero.

Unfortunately, they wouldn't be able to enjoy everyday life and peace.

And, being able to enjoy that was something he wanted to never give up. Thus, Basara hoped that those two would be able to enjoy school life.

That was all that Basara wanted.  His ascription <ref>the attribution of something to a cause</ref> for this isn't clear cut right now. Other than fighting side by side, he had thought that there wasn't a lot they could do together.

But now, he believed that wasn't the case.

--The fruits of his labour is right before him now.

In this moment now, both Mio and Yuki are part of a performance in a normal school life.

It is neither an illusion nor a misconception. It wasn't just Basara alone, everyone else here is also currently witnessing it now.

The rhythmic clapping along with the song, the high spirit of the crowd, and everything here right now was proof of that.

Just the word [youthful] wouldn't be enough to describe the situation now.

Everyone's hearts here now seemed to be linked together, and it feels like that this moment might last forever.

But soon enough, the changes in the tunes signaled the end.

The moments of happiness seemed really short. Although there was still the performances of other classes, the next one would only come up onto the stage in the afternoon. And from tomorrow, everyone's daily life would begin again.

And that is why, this moment will not be forever remembered by a lot of people that are now here.

--But for Basara, he will never forget it. No matter how difficult his future battles will be, these memories will definitely be cherished at all odds.

After that, he must accompany everyone here back to the same place next year.