Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica:Volume 1 Prologue

Prologue

Part 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Part 2

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

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

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

“Master Akatsuki, prepare yourself!”

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

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

“— gotcha”

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

“-----eh”

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

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

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

“N- Noooooo!!”

The two maids run in panic.

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

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

“You can no longer escape, Master Akatsuki!’

“Come back with us to the castle peacefully.”

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

“Ah---!”

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

“Oh, that ear looks tasty.”

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

“Ah---!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

“That was all good but…”

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

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

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

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

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

“Then it turned out like this.”

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

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

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

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

Part 3

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

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

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

“Walkyuria if this goes on…”

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

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

“But…”

“Walkyuria…”

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

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

“Understood Walkyuria!”

“I hope Walkyuria can say farewell without regret.”

“Ee… thank you.”

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

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

“Oh, you finally showed yourself, Walkyuria!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please tell me!

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

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

Akatsuki laughed then replied.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“----“

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

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

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

“--- He- Hey wait a minute!”

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

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

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

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

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

“Are you really leaving?”

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

“……..”

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

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

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

“… forgive me!”

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

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

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

“----?”

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

“---ha…wha- what are you doing?”

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

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

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

Ousawa Akatsuki had an esthetic.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Ah, really?”

Said Akatsuki as he lifted his bag from the ground.

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

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

“You don’t have to tell me that…”

Risty gave a snort.

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

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

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

“--------“

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

“No matter how far we are—“

I swear to you.

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

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

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

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

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

“I hope it will go alright.”

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

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

“Farewell, Areizard!”

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

Part 4

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

“Ah…”

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

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

“…ah”

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

“Where am I?”

“In my world. You are safe here.”

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

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

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

This is the start of a new tale.

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

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

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

----------

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

The thing the hero protects – what is that.

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