Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica:Volume 4 Chapter 1

A Comfortable and Pleasant Alternative World Trip

Part 1

Printing text that could arouse the reader’s emotions completely occupied the cover.

The attractive headlines convey the author’s stubbornness and passion.

Daily Sports News. The front page cover that reports everyday sports competition in the world all had a similar paragraph of text.

“Oh, they actually published it! Ahh~ which one should I choose?”

Kaidou Motoharu, who entered the convenience store, stood beside the counter looking at the goods from the newspaper shelves, he finally selected the Daily Super Sports News with a fiery style. After paying, Kaidou took the newspaper and energetically walked out of the convenience store.

<Shocking News! Visiting Singapore’s Dusk!>

This was the Daily Super Sports News’ cover headlines.

After the headlines, it is a report regarding the terrorist group <Scarlet Dusk>’s destruction of Singapore’s unfinished Babel. However, the destruction of Babel was only used as bait to attract terrorist groups, the United Nations also issued a press release, confirming that the real Babel was still safe and sound.

To construct the high-rise Babel, it requires the usage of a special magic. The construction period cannot be compared with a normal building. If they carry out a large scale construction at the predetermined location, it will become a easy target for terrorist attacks, thus a fake Babel is naturally needed. Even for the fake Babel, the protective measures cannot be sloppy; as Babel is a important facility for C.O.C.O.O.N., a weak protection would inevitably reveal the authenticity of the building. Therefore, there has never been a record for Babel to suffer an attack during construction.

“—This record was finally broken by us.”

After reading the report, Kaidou folded the newspaper and tucked it under his arm. He then took out us phone and selected a number from his contact list and pressed the dial button.

“…What’s the matter?”

After the phone call connected, a girl’s dull and indifferent voice came from the other end of the phone.

Kaidou cannot help but give a wry smile.

“There’s no need to be so cold right, I haven’t offended you. Meme, are you currently free to talk?”

“No, please keep it short.”

The girl’s reaction suddenly made Kaidou crack a smile. Although she says that it is inconvenient , she will still chat for an awfully long time. Even her appearance of being indifferent was just to hide her warm-heartedness.

At this moment…

“…I can see your face revealing a strangely annoying smile, can I hang the phone call now?”

“No way, you can even see this? This is only a phone call, but you still keep a stiff attitude!?”

Kaidou patted his face and retracted his frivolous look.

“Meme, Actually I have something to ask you, the all-knowing person. After yesterday’s mission in Singapore, didn’t I return back earlier? So I want to know the aftermath of the event.”

In short –

“- Who was the last to stay?”

Through the phone call, Kaidou Motoharu asked his companions - <Scarlet Dusk> members a question.

After receiving the notice from their commander, Kaidou and several others flew to Singapore from various locations in the world to meet up, and together destroy the fake Babel’s construction. Yes, they knew from the beginning that it wasn’t the real Babel.

Even though it was a fake Babel, it’s protective measures and hardness of the building was no different to the real Babel.

Therefore, the mission of destroying the fake Babel was ultimately the best field exercise.

All these efforts are to destroy the real Babel.

This mission had nearly full attendance, except for one person. That’s right, the only absentee was the boss. Even receiving the commander’s notice, <Scarlet Dusk> founder still used the excuse of “The great Amazon is calling me>, and directly expressed his willingness to not participate.

This was not an excuse for shirking, currently he should be in the Amazon lands alone.

After the mission for destroying the fake Babel had ended, Kaidou immediately left Singapore. Because it was the commander’s request to monitor Akatsuki’s movements.

“I did not stay till the very last moment, and is unclear about the situation. Commander also seems to have left the scene early.”

“- But you should have “seen” it right?”

Kaidou chuckled with an appearance filled with confidence.

<Scarlet Dusk>’s mission mode has always been meeting up and disbanding at the location, after the mission has been completed, it is up for the individual to decide their next action, the organization will not interfere, thus, the past Kaidou was never interested in the after-actions of other members. However, the situation this time was different, before Kaidou and them started the mission, they have received information about a few C.O.C.O.O.N members tried to use this chance to eradicate <Scarlet Dusk>, thus, when Kaidou left Singapore, there were still various bloodthirsty members staying behind. C.O.C.O.O.N viewed <Scarlet Dusk> as a thorn, at the same them, <Scarlet Dusk> also viewed C.O.C.O.O.N as a pest, both camps have the goal of getting rid of the other.

“… The C.O.C.O.O.N responsible for India and China Babel seemed to take advantage of the summit and went to Singapore to investigate, as a result there was a conflict with Luka and Claire.

“Oh wow, they really fought against C.O.C.O.O.N.?”

In his excitement, Kaidou could not help but raise his voice. This is confidential information that would not appear in the news media or the internet.

All the news media are subjected to strict controls and will block off any unfavorable news about C.O.C.O.O.N. It is evident that C.O.C.O.O.N has a large influence.

“So…Who won?”

Compared to Kaidou, who was jumping up with joy, the tone on the other end of the phone seemed to be extraordinarily calm.

“Both sides fought for a while, and in the end there was no victor. It seems that the battle was too intense and attracted a large crowd of media and onlookers, so it ended abruptedly.”

“What….So boring.”

With his expectations dashed, Kaidou hid his inner disappointment.

Although C.O.C.O.O.N controlled the world’s media, but they could not stop the chatter between individuals. To C.O.C.O.O.N or <Scarlet Dusk>, they both do not hope to reveal their secrets in front o f the world.

“Since you were looking forward to it, why did you not stay in the first place? You seem to like standing at the sidelines and observing.”

The tone on the other end of the phone seemed to disapprove, but Kaidou smiled slightly, and did not mind.

“That’s okay. Fighting is the greatest “stage”, but I still prefer to be the auedience. This is also the reason why I wanted to be close to that guy.”

“So you deliberately live in the self-governed area and even became a Babel student? But you cannot ignore the commander’s summons; it must be hard to hide this kind of thing.”

“Ahah, there is a trick for it.”

Kaidou was slightly arrogant. The self-governed area always had strict control measures for the alternative world returnees.

However, these measures all follow certain rules.

“As long as you understand the rules under the “frame”, you will naturally find a loophole.”

“Just as they say a good swimmer drowning in shallow water, don’t overdo it.”

“Reset assured, this kind of sneaky act is not difficult for me.”

“…There’s no difference between you and a cockroach.”

After saying this, the other side hung the phone.

“Huh? Hey…Hey…Hey…? Meme? Really, she does not even give me time to say thanks.”

Kaidou sighed, put away his cell phone and leisurely walked towards the residential areas.

Currently Kaidou’s position was the self-govern area’s 3rd residential area, approximately 40% of JPN Babel students lived here. Kaidou’s own apartment also belonged to the 3rd residential area.

But Kaidou’s direction was opposite of his own apartment. The buildings on two side of the road were almost all single-family houses. Kaidou walked leisurely in the quiet residential area.

After walking for a while –

“Oh! Here it is, that’s the place.”

The building that Kiadou had set as the goal appeared in his visions. That place was his recently met “Best Friend” living place.

“Why not use the rare spring break to increase our freiendship. Aki, you must be looking forward to it too right?” Muttering to himself, Kaidou suddenly widened his eyes.

“Oh, looks like someone was here first.”

Kaidou scratched his cheek looking awkwardly. In front of Akatsuki’s doorstep, stood a familiar girl.

“Geez, what just happened?”

Kaidou carefully looked at the girl in front of him. Even during spring break, the girl was still wearing the school uniform.

The Student Council and Disciplinary Officer ‘s armband was sparkling.

Yes, the girl was JPN Babel High school division Vice president – Nanase Haruka.

Part 2

Akatsuki walked into the living room carrying a tea tray, on the sofa Miu’s eyes were still red.

Chikage and Kuzuha was staying beside Miu’s side.

I should give them a bit more time, Akatsuki thought.

…However, determination could possibly be shaken through the passage of time.

Miu and their friendship, at this time it had reached the very peak. So – Now is the best chance.

“- You guys listen carefully.”

Hearing this, the three all unanimously looked at Akatsuki. Akatsuki directly took in the all three of the gaze and slowly said:

“Following this, I have some personal matter to deal with, so I may leave for some time. However, you don’t have to worry, leaving and coming back will all happen at the same instant.”

After noticing the meaning inside Akatsuki’s words, their expressions immediately became serious.

So Akatsuki decided to allow them to make their own choice.

“I will give you guys an hour. If you intended to come, then come find me on the 2nd floor. However, please do not act based on personal feelings, carefully think about it then decide.”

So Akatsuki left the living room and returned to his own room. He then spread out the newspaper that he tucked under his arm. What was greeted by his eyes was the report of the terrorist act on Singapore. Almost all of the Morning News were reports about this incident, he had saw this news while eating breakfast, so Akatsuki was not unfamiliar with the contents of the report.

<Scarlet Dusk>, an important clue connecting to his father.

Ousawa Akatsuki understood this, after hearing the report, he was clearly shaken.

His father who created the world’s most powerful terrorist group <Scarlet Dusk>.

His brother who was in the executive team of C.O.C.O.O.N, affiliated to the organization which control the world.

To stop the two people standing on this world’s peak is Ousawa Akatsuki’s own goal he set for himself.

But after calmly considering it, Akatsuki did not think that this attack had any relationship with his father.

“There is 80% chance that shitty pops is in Africa…no, Amazon enjoying himself.”

After coldly snorting, Akatsuki throw the newspaper onto the table.

He then sat on the bed, resting his hands on his knees.

“- Just you wait.”

The vaguely discernible, but distant brother.

And the unknown whereabouts father.

Ousawa Akatsuki did not care who starts first, thus he boldly made the declaration:

“After solving the other side’s “missing object”, I can only move forward.”

- It was nearly 30 minutes later that the sound of a gentle knock came from Akatsuki’s room’s door.

“Come in.”

Under Akatsuki’s beckon, entering room was the three girls.

Akatsuki carefully looked. Looking at the ones opposite of him, they did not try to avoid his gaze and the three had a firm expression on their face.

“…Are you certain?”

Akatsuki asked question to them, to act as the final confirmation. The three girls all nodded without saying a word.

Looks like they made up their mind. So Ousawa Akatsuki stood up, his face had a hint of a smile.

“Great, then let us prepare to go to Alayzard.”

Part 3

“In the end, what am I doing…”

Looking at the cement wall with the door sign inscribed with “Ousawa”, Nanase Haruka could not help but quietly complain.

Today was the first day of spring break, but including Haruka, JPN Babel high school division Student Council Member, they must deal with the aftermath of the school ranking tournament, this also includes re-examining the school’s security system. However, after meeting with Kubota Kaito in the school, Haruka suddenly discovered that things weren’t that simple.

Kubota brought the new AD – Arms Device and handed to Haruka.

A mysterious figure took advantage of the ranking tournament and invaded JPN Babel, causing a number of students and staff members to be injured.

Thanks to Akatsuki who stepped forward, they successfully resolved the crisis, but no one can guarantee that this situation will not happen again, it is possible that there may be a more severe situation in the future; after all, Babel is a remarkable goal for terrorist. To prevent this situation from happening again, delegates at the C.O.C.O.O.N summit had reached an agreement, and take measures to prevent the possible terrorist attacks, that is the AD upgrade program.

Not only will the new AD be able to materialize a weapon, it can also base on the user’s instructions instantly switch into the battle uniform mode. However, the battle uniform mode is only limited to clothing made from the special telepathic stone’s fibers – such as the school gym uniforms, thus the school has decided to catch up during the spring break, before the new year starts and initiate a uniform design plan.

As the new AD was completed, the school immediately started a synchronization test for new uniforms and the new AD, the chosen tester was Haruka. As part of Babel’s best scientist, Kubota’s masterpiece will naturallyhave no possibility of error and the test was well within everyone’s expectation, obtaining words of success beforehand.

Thus, the new AD and new uniform design plan had closed – until now it went fairly smoothly.

…The real problem has yet to come.

Just when Haruka was about to return to the Student Council Office, Kubota took a new AD and ordered Haruka to give this AD to Akatsuki, to replace the missing AD he had lost when fighting against the mysterious dragon.

Why me? Haruka could not help but complain. But it was strange as Haruka did not have any ideas to refuse.

Haruka did not say anything and accepted the AD from Kubota. Actually she could have asked others to deliver the AD to Akatsuki, after all she is a member of the high school division Student Council Member of JPN Babel, she had assistants that help deal with chores. What was strange was that Haruka never thought of entrusting this matter to someone else.

This was the reason why Haruka appeared in front of Akatsuki’s home.

… I’m unwilling to admit.

Nanase Haruka thought. During the ranking tournament – No, it should be before the ranking tournament, she was very conscious of Akatsuki’s presence. Why? She did not know and did not want to know. So Haruka had already been hovering near Akatsuki’s home for nearly an hour and is still unwilling to press the doorbell.

… People who do not understand the circumstances must have treated me as an suspicious person.

What the hell! A member of JPN Babel Disciplinary Member will actually look like a suspicious individual in the eyes of the other!? Just what is Ousawa Akatsuki, Just what from that guy makes me hesistant, and even be treated as a suspicious character? Thus Haruka took a deep breath and in her heart, made up her mind –

There is no need to hesitate, just relax and do it. Pressing the doorbell, giving out her identity, then hand over the AD to Akatsuki and that’s it. Simple, isn’t it?

But just when Haruka was about the press the doorbell…

“ – Isn’t this the Vice President?”

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!”

A sudden sound came from behind, Haruka was suddenly shocked to a certain extent.

Turning around, a youth appeared in her visions. Nanase Haruka was not unfamiliar with the youth, the other was the class’s famous truancy king.

“Kaidou Motoharu… Why are you here?”

“Akatsuki is my “best friend”, occasionally visiting shouldn’t be too overboard right?”

Kaidou shrugged.

“So why are you standing in front of Akatsuki’s home?”

“I…I have come to give something to him.”

After saying this, Haruka suddenly thought she was in trouble.

“…It can’t be that you actually saw it.”

“Ah? Saw what?”

Seeing Kaidou’s puzzle looked, Haruka was relieved. Looks like he did not notice that she was hovering in front of the door, while she was thinking embarrassedly.

Thank goodness. If that embarrassed look was seen by others, she must have fainted on the spot.

So Haruka pretended to be calm and said:

“Nothing, I have just arrived recently.”

“Really. But I probably arrived 30 minutes ago and saw you standing in front of the door.”

Kaidou’s nonchalant response entered her ears, Nanase Haruka suddenly felt dizzy. Although she was not shocked to that extent, but she almost lost consciousness, her face became more red and flushed.

“W…Why do you not say anything?”

“It can’t be help, the changes in expression of the vice president was really interesting.”

“Y…You, why can’t you pretend you didn’t see it? You’re really not considerate at all!”

Just when Haruka was about to scold with Kaidou.

A sharp sound suddenly appeared at the scene.

“This sound… It can’t be a dimensional transfer?”

Haruka immediately looked at the direction of the sound.

Near Ousawa’s home second floor space started to appear to be distorted. It could not be wrong, this was the sign for dimensional transfer, someone is being summoned to an alternative world.

At this moment –

“- Damn, there was still this trick!”

Kaidou, whose face was becoming pale, immediately sprung forward. The door did not seemed to be locked, seeing as Kaidou easily open the entrance door and went straight into the house.

“W…Wait a minute!”

Haruka, who was behind a step, hurriedly tried to catch up.

A blinding flash occupied the room.

Sitting on the bed, four people were holding hands forming a circle. The one who was commanding was Akatsuki who was among the four people.

“Very good…slowly take deep breaths and imagine Alayzard’s scene in your head.”

Akatsuki looked at Miu beside him, which was the center of the light.

As a resident of Alayzard, Miu had access to the direct them to that world.

As long as Akatsuki followed the essentials of the <Gate of Another World>, and use Renkan Keikikou and inject ki into Miu’s body, he can produce the current scenario. In short, the key to opening the dimensional movement. After that, Miu just had to concentrate and they will be able to use the <Dimensional Hole> created when she entered this world to return to Alayzard.

Besides from Miu, Akatsuki also injected ki into Chikage and Kuzuha’s body and at the same allowing the ki forming a circular orbit. Before when Akatsuki brought Miu through the <Gate of Another World>, she had also used these two techniques.

As a result, all four of the people gained the ability to go through dimensions.

“Okay, then let’s go!”

Akatsuki gave out the order, the four bodies released a dazzling light, completing the preparation for dimensional transfer to alternative world.

At this time –

Two shadows came in from the door. Taking a single glance, Akatsuki immediately identified the shadows that are respectively Kaidou Motoharu and Nanase Haruka. The two people are probably just visiting, noticed the signs for dimensional transfer outside of the house and hurriedly rushed in.

Ousawa Akatsuki showed a evil smile.

“Specially came to send us off? Must be hard to both of you. There’s no need to worry, we’ll return immediately.”

“Huh…? Kaidou? And vice president?”

Akatsuki sound entered her ears, Miu subconsciously turned and looked behind.

What happened next was completely outside of Akatsuki’s expectation.

Kaidou, with a speed that seemed to be moving fast enough to leave a afterimage, waved his right hand.

Akatsuki clearly noticed that Miu’s arm was wrapped by a thin chain.

“Hey Hey…”

Akatsuki tone had some displeasure.

“Sorry Akatsuki. This is my first time saying this – Oops, my hand slipped.”

Kaidou revealed a cunning smile. At this moment, the light from the four bodies moved through the chain and onto Kaidou, Kaidou’s body also started to glow, completing the preparation for dimensional movement.

At this moment –

“Are you all crazy?”

Attempting to prevent Kaidou, Haruki held onto Kaidou’s arm. As a result, she was also surrounded by a strong dazzling light.

“Oh…Even the vice president is coming along for the ride.”

Chikage seeing this could not help but shake her head, sighing.

“What a mess…”

Kuzuha helplessly sighed.

The dimensional movement was about to begin, now they can only bring the two to the alternative world as well.

“That’s enough, it’s not like we are going to a picnic.”

Just when Akatsuki muttered this…

A dazzling white light engulfed everything.

Part 4

The forest was currently playing a pleasant melody.

A gentle breeze softly blew and made the leaves inside the forest play a note of greenery.

Ousawa Akatsuki was lying on the ground, listening to the melody of the forest.

His thoughts gradually became clear and allowed Akatsuki to understand the current situation.

“…Looks like it was a success.”

Looking at the interlacing leaves in the sky, Akatsuki slowly lifted his body, his cheeks still remained a little itchy. Probably during the time when he was unconscious, the swaying grass was blown under the gentle breeze and constantly stroke his cheek? After confirming that the others were nearby, Akatsuki finally felt relieved, then he stood up and looked around.

“Here…does not seem to be Sherfield’s forest.”

Akatsuki eyebrow slightly creased, he noticed that he was in an unexpected location.

The scene of the forest was different from Sherfield, even the type of vegetation was completely different.

“- Oh wow, this is Alayzard?”

A familiar voice came from behind. Akatsuki turned around and noticed a young man leisurely raised his head and looked at the sky.

This young man was none other than Kaidou. Kaidou used the fact that the dimensional transfer was located at Ousawa house and predicted that this was the alternative world that Akatsuki was summoned before. Even though he was in a rush, he could still make a calm judgment, Akatsuki had a sense of admiration but at the same time, he also felt a burst of frustration.

“You really are bored, you have nothing to do so you came here to enjoy the fun?”

“It looks like you were about to cause a big deal, so I did not even think about it and – Huh, looks like they woke up.”

Kaidou did not finish his sentence, but Miu and the others had all stood up from the ground. Perhaps they are not completely conscious, seeing Miu continued to kneel, raised her head confusedly and looked at Akatsuki.

“…Was it a success?”

“Yes, but it was not the expected location.”

Akatsuki extended his right hand and pulled Miu up from the ground.

Miu stared around and immediately noticed something wrong.

“This here is…”

“Do you know what place is this?’

“Yes… This here should be Geirupein’s forest, I can’t be wrong.”

Miu’s answer made Akatsuki had a doubt. When he was coming back from Alayzard, Akatsuki used Sherfield’s <Gate of Another World>. Since he was going through the same dimensional hole to return to Alayzard, accordingly, he should be within Sherfield’s territory.

…Oh well, thinking too much is useless.

Anyways, the purpose of this trip was to return to Alayzard, strictly speaking, it could be considered as a success. Although their current location differs from their original expectations, this was only a small problem that they need to modify.

“- Excuse me, Ousawa-kun.”

Kuzuha gently tugged on Akatsuki’s sleeves.

“What should we do with the two of them?”

A helpless tone. Kuzuha’s gaze fell onto the two uninvited guests.

On the side, Chikage also seemed to look very awkward.

“Especially the vice president, from just now she had this face…”

She did not finish, but the time bomb already detonated.

“ – Ousawa Akatsuki!”

A roar filled with killing intent entered their ears, Chikage could not help but shrugged, as if she had already expected this.

An angry Haruka strode directly to Akatsuki and launched an attack.

“Just what is this? You. Give me an explanation!”

“Well…”

Akatsuki scratched his cheek, looking extremely helpless.

“Anyways, why did you come to my home? It can’t be that you specifically came to find me right?”

“D…Don’t you misunderstand! I only came at the request of Professor Kubota to deliver the new AD to you!”

A flushed Haruka pulled out a wristband.

“Isn’t that meaning you specifically came to find me? Why do you not admit it.”

After Akatsuki accepted the AD…

“Huh…? Is there only one?”

“This AD was created based on your abilities wave form, even if it was just one, you can still summon your weapon and – “

Numerous light particles suddenly appeared, Haruka’s clothing immediately changed into the battle mode uniforms.

“To prevent the sudden situation of the ranking tournament to happen again, from now on, the users will be able to use the AD to change their clothings. The new uniform will also be created through the telepathic stone fibers, and will change based on the user’s needs.”

The new AD and the change in clothing should only be given to students in general after the spring break. Professor Kubota only gave a new AD to Akatsuki because Akatsuki’s AD was accidently damaged when fighting against the evil dragon Zahhark.

“I have explained the reason I came to find you clearly, now it is your turn to answer my question.”

“Uh…It will be a long story…”

After wearing the new AD on his wrist, Akatsuki thought to himself.

…What should I do now?

Chikage and Kuzuha already knew Miu’s secret, and accepted Miu’s identity, but Haruka and Kaidou are different. If they found out Miu’s secret, there is no guarantee it will not complicate the matter after returning to the real world.

…Kaidou was still relatively easy to talk with, but the vice president may be difficult.

It was only because she was also the JPN Babel High School Division Vice President.

Commanding and controlling JPN Babel’s C.O.C.O.O.N was no other than the High School Division Student Council President Hikami Kyouya.

This represents that in JPN Babel school, the High School Division Student Council had the highest authority.

Nanase Haruka was part of the Student Council, if she thinks that Miu’s real identity cannot be ignored, it means that JPN Babel – or even C.O.C.O.O.N will not tolerate for Miu.

On official records, there has never been an alternative world resident that visited that world. If Miu’s identity was exposed to the public, the school and C.O.C.O.O.N will absolutely not let her go easily.

Perhaps feeling the hesitation inside Akatsuki, there was a trace of concern in Miu’s gaze towards Akatsuki. So Akatsuki smiled and motioned Miu that there was no need to worry.

Not only did Haruka and Kaidou see the instant of the dimensional movement, they even came together to Alayzard, there was no situation more tragic than the current situation.

However, Akatsuki cannot pity himself, he had never tried to escape from reality, and was always actively facing the situation, attempting to find the most suitable solution. Since the instant of dimensional movement was seen by the two, this represents that Akatsuki must explain the current situation to the two of them, isn’t the current situation the best opportunity to explain it to them?

…And crisis could also be a turning point.

Although Haruka’s personality was meticulously attentive, she also harbors a sense of justice, and could be moved based on her emotions. As long as they manage to invoke her sense of justice and compassion, it will mean Miu will get a strong helper. And the best method to do so is to allow her to witness the actions that Akatsuki and Miu decided to complete in Alayzard.

…Even if the plan was to fail, he still have other methods.

In the worst case, Miu’s existence will catch the attention of Babel and C.O.C.O.O.N. At that time, he would only need to defeat any assassins who attempts to cause trouble to Miu, eventually he would be connected to C.O.C.O.O.N.

Therefore, Akatsuki concluded that everything was under his control. He placed his hands onto the shoulders of Haruka.

“Okay, I’m willing to explain the entire situation clearly. However, I have one condition, that is, you must act together with us until the matter ended.”

“Y…Your smile seems to be mischievous.”

Just as Haruka shuddered, she felt a sense of trouble…

On the other side of the forest, a shrill scream came.

“- !”

Everyone’s face immediately changed colors, the shrill scream obviously came from a child’s mouth. Everyone on the scene had the same idea, and all took a step. All of them were breathless, and rushed to the scene where the screams came from silently.

After a few minutes, the crowd quietly arrived at the source of the sound.

Akatsuki lowered himself and hid in the bushes to observe the situation.

“That is…”

Six soldiers entered their view. Seeing the soldier’s armor and the gold shiny emblem on their chest, Akatsuki could help but have his doubts – Just what is happening? But before he found the answer, there are more important things to deal with. Thus, Akatsuki looked around, looking for the child who issued the scream.

“ – Damn it, be a little more honest!”

A solder gave out a verbal intimidation.

Only to see him roughly grabbing onto a thin arm, dragging a young body.

“-!”

The scene in front of Miu made her hold her breath.

The person that the six soldiers had arrested was a young female from the dark elf race.

The girl’s facial features were distorted with fear, her body was constantly struggling and attempting to escape from the grasp of the soldier.

“- I say, Aki, what should we do now?”

Kaidou silent asked. The scene in front of his eyes made him unable to make the correct judgments, so he only raised this superficial issue. After all, he was a first time visitor to Alayzard, it was a completely unknown world. Not to mention Kaidou and Haruka who were oblivious to Alayzard, even Chikage and Kuzuha who had some idea of this world, did not know how to face the situation. Thus Akatsuki gave a slight smile.

“That goes without saying right?”

After saying this, Akatsuki slowly got up.

“But…”

Miu’s gaze wandered between Akatsuki and the soldiers, as if she was a bit worried.

“Don’t worry, I have my own plans.”

Akatsuki smiled.

“Listen carefully okay?It is enough with just me. Just standby here and wait for my signal, do not act rashly.”

So Akatsuki marched quickly through the trees to the other side.

He merged with the nature and even the sounds of his breath and footsteps were concealed.

Akatsuki appeared next to the ignorant soldiers.

Akatsuki appearance was so sudden, the soldiers, who were not prepared psychologically, looked at Akatsuki in horror.

“Where did you come out from…?’

Everyone had a surprised look.

“Who are you? What are you doing here?”

“You guys are the regular army right? Since you do not know me, it means that you should be a newly established platoon. Okay, who’s the captain?”

Akatsuki’s tone was very frivolous, as if he ignored the presence of the six soldiers. One of the soldiers’s color changed.

“Answer the question! Who on earth are you?”

Then he extended his right hand and attempted to grab onto Akatsuki’s arm.

“…Oh.”

Akatsuki gently dodged and got rid of the soldier’s grasp. The soldier body suddenly flipped in the original place in a circle and fell flat onto the ground. The hard armor hit the ground and made a crisp sound.

The other solider seeing this, their faces instantly became pale.

“A…Are you trying to die!”

“Freeze!”

Two soldiers immediately pulled out the sword from the waist, but Akatsuki had long passed through the side of the two soldiers.

“- Your actions are too slow.”

The moment he passed through them, Akatsuki used a speed that was hardly recognizable to the human eye and lifted his knife hand, and cut towards the soldier’s neck.

The two soldiers immediately lost conscious and toppled down powerlessly. After hearing the sound of the two soldiers hitting the ground, Akatsuki asked again:

“I’ll ask again, who is the captain?”

Out of the three soldiers, one of them came forward.

“- I am the captain.”

His armor seemed to be exceptionally heavy, this represents that the other is a knight.

Even facing Akatsuki with his unfathomable strength, he did not reveal the slightest fear.

“Now you should answer the question. Who on earth…Ah!”

The determined expression suddenly turned into a surprise, to describe it using words, it should be the so-called transfixed.

“Akatsuki-dono…? How is this possible? Didn’t you return to your original world?”

“Thank god, looks like I finally met someone who knows me.”

Akatsuki gave a wry smile.

“- If you know me, then you should also know my aesthetics right?”

Akatsuki looked at the young girl from the dark elf race, his smile faded.

“Looks like there is a women…no, looks like there is a girl crying, did I see wrong?”

Facing Akatsuki’s atmosphere, the captain could not help but took a few steps back.

“But…she is the remains of the demon race…”

“So you will also ruthlessly kill the defense little girl? During the period of my absence did the Sherfield army fall to such a point, it really makes me sad.”

Akatsuki pushed off the captain, went to the young girl from the dark elf race, and then he crouched down in front of the girl. The two gazes met in midair, Akatsuki slowly extended his right hand, trying to stroke the girl’s hair.

But the girl was afraid to the point where she closed her eyes and subconsciously shrinked back.

“…”

Akatsuki could not help but narrow his eyes, looks like she was quite afraid of humans. So Akatsuki gently place his palm onto the girl’s head and gently stroke back and forth.

“…?”

After some time, the young girl from the dark elf race timidly opened her two eyes, but there was still a trace of alert in her gaze towards Akatsuki. Akatsuki slightly smiled and wiped away the girl’s tears with his fingertips.

“Don’t cry, no one will hurt you here.”

“A…Akatsuki-dono, we are just…”

The captain attempted to give a reasonable explanation for their actions.

With his back facing the captain, he did not turn around and spoke:

“- There must be a reason for this to happen, I did not mean to blame you.”

Akatsuki turned around and coldly look at the captain in front of him.

“Tell me, do not miss any small details. After I returned to my own world, what happened to Alayzard?”

Part 5

Akatsuki’s intimidation was extremely effective, the captain obediently explained everything that happened during the time period.

The content that the captain described was roughly in line with Akatsuki’s speculation.

After understanding the situation of Alayzard, Akatsuki ordered Sherfield’s soldiers to immediately leave the forest.

At first they seemed to find it difficult to let go because Akatsuki was not planning to return with them. The soldiers do not know how to explain to their platoon’s commanding officer, Akatsuki told them report exactly what they have seen, there was no need to hide anything.

In short, while capturing the demon race girl, they were interfered by Akatsuki.

As the soldiers accepted Akatsuki’s persuasion, they did not ask for Akatsuki to come along, and all of them left the forest sadly.

“Hey - ! I’ve made you guys wait, you can come out now!”

Akatsuki shouted towards the trees.

Miu and the others immediately rose and walked towards Akatsuki.

“-!”

Five strangers suddenly appeared, the young girl from the dark elf race was suddenly shocked, and hurriedly hid behind Akatsuki.

However, the young girl immediately noticed that there was a familiar face amongst the five people and immediately shouted.

“- Princess?”

Miu smiled and nodded, she crouched down and opened her arms.

“Come over here, it’s okay now.”

The young girl seeing this immediately rushed out from behind Akatsuki.

“Princess…!”

She threw herself into Miu’s arms.

“It must have been painful…But there’s no need to worry, it’s alright now.”

Miu tightly hugged the skinny body of the young girl and softly stroke the young girl’s back.

Until the young girl regained her calmness.

“Can you tell me your name?”

Facing Miu’s gentle question, the young girl first nodded then she slowly lifted her head and looked at Miu.

“…Riruru.”

The girl’s answer was extremely clear. Miu gently stroke the girl’s head expressing her appreciation.

“Riruru, did you come to this forest by yourself?”

“…”

The young girl silently nodded.

“Looks like she isn’t a lost child.”

Akatsuki cut in.

“The village where she lives should be close.”

“Yes. After father’s death, I specially told everyone to hide in this forest.”

Miu nodded, she then asked another question to the small elf race girl.

“Riruru, do you know how to go back home?”

Riruru nodded, but the gaze she sent to Akatsuki contained a hint of anxiety, she obviously did not think that humans such as Akatsuki were trustworthy objects. Miu seeing this could not help but give a slight smile.

“They aren’t bad guys, relax… they are my friends.”

“…”

Riruru stared at Miu, then looked again at Akatsuki, in the end she held on Miu’s hand and dragged her into the depths of the forest. Probably bringing Miu to the current location of the village.

Akatsuki and the others also followed behind.

After walking for a certain distance…

“Akatsuki…”

Chikage whispered earnestly in Akatsuki’s ears.

“Aren’t we going to the location where the demon race village is? The demon race do not know us, so it should be fine, but you are the person who defeated the demon king, won’t the demon race take advantage of this for revenge?”

Chikage’s fears aren’t without reasons, but…

“About that… it should be fine.”

Akatsuki tone was very cold, as if the matter did not concern him. Kuzuha, who was walking beside him, heard this and suddenly sighed.

“Should? Meaning that there is a possibility of us being attacked by the demon race in the forest?”

She then glanced at Akatsuki.

“…Ousawa-kun, please stay a bit away from me?”

“Class rep, aren’t you too heartless? But if it really happened, there is no need to worry.”

Ousawa Akatsuki shrugged lightly.

His face revealed a smile filled with ease.

“No matter if it is humans or demon race, I absolutely will not easily let go of those rude individuals that attack from behind.”

After some time, everyone came to a dead end surrounded by a forest.

“Hey Hey, is it really here? After walking in such a big circle, it can’t be that we got lost in the forest right, Aki?”

“What can complaining to me do? But…It should be here.”

Akatsuki first looked at Riruru who was in front, then he replied Kaidou’s complaints. They saw Riruru raised a hand to the sky, murmuring a very phrases, suddenly the scenery in front was distorted. The forest in front ot them quickly changed its appearance and revealed a entrance that leads further down.

“Illusion… No, it should be using magic to seal the entrance.”

Using the power of magic at a certain location to construct the idea of an entrance, then after applying a deal, all creatures are unable to enter inside; even if they attempt to walk around the seal, as there is only one correct entrance, they will only end up circling around the seal.

There is only one way to pass through the entrance, that is to lift the seal. Just after she temporary lifted the seal, Riruru looked back at the crowd.

“This way…”

After saying this, Riruru took the lead and walked on the path pass the entrance. Akatsuki and the others glanced at each other, then silently followed behind.

The path after the entrance was fairly decent to walk in with a slight slope uphill. But as they are further away from the entrance, the uphill slope’s angle was gradually ascending.

Just when they had to look up in order to see the path, Haruka suddenly said:

“Looks like that should be the place.”

Everyone heard Haruka’s mutters. Pass the slope, a door constructed by large vines was in their sights. This should be the entrance to the elf village. Before the door stood two guards who were in an attentive position. After noticing Akatsuki, they immediately lifted their weapons and put on a posture filled with alertness. Riruru seeing this immediately ran over to the guards in front of the door.

“I should also go over and explain everyone’s identity.”

After saying this, Miu immediately followed.

Staring at Riruru and Miu’s figure, Chikage could not help but scratch her cheeks.

“It seems that it will be more appropriate if we remain in this place.”

“…Hope that Ousawa-kun does not die here.”

After hearing Kuzuha’s muttering, Akatsuki could not help but laugh.

“If I die, you guys will not be able to return to the original world.”

Although Akatsuki’s tone was relaxed, everyone else was shocked. After noticing everyone’s reaction, Akatsuki seemed to be a bit surprised.

“Is it not? This time we were not “summoned”, and it was utilizing my Renkan Keikikou to pass through the “dimension hole” to come over here, we will have to use the same method when going back too.”

In short, Akatsuki and others did not follow the normal procedures to come over to Alayzard.

“But you can rest assured, I will not die alone while leaving you guys here.”

“That’s right, Aki will indeed not die in this place.”

Seeing Akatsuki’s confident smile, Kaidou brighten up. The dialogue between the two seemed to gain the acceptance within the female members.

“…Seems like they finally finished explaining.”

Miu, who was standing on top of the slope and explaining the situation to the guards, beckoned everyone.

Akatsuki and the others immediately climbed the slope seeing this. At this moment, Miu suddenly revealed an apologetic look.

“Sorry, I’ve made everyone wait. To explain the reason why everyone came took a lot of them.”

“It can’t be helped. Suddenly a bunch of strangers appeared, anyone will not easily allow them to pass.”

Akatsuki gave a wry smile.

“What about now? Is it finished yet?”

“Yes, we have already obtained permission to enter the village.”

Miu finally exposed a smile here.

“This is also the first time for you to enter the elf’s village right?”

After taking a few steps towards the door, Miu suddenly turned around and faced everyone with opened arms.

“Welcome to our Forest Village – Fresdonime

Part 6

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Part 7

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Part 8

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Part 9

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Translator's Notes and References

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