The Reunion With Twelve Fascinating Goddesses:Volume 1 Chapter 1

Chapter 1: Return of the Hero

Part 1

*Chachink*.

A small fire created from a metallic silver body.

The waving red fire was directed towards the bundle of incense.

“Actually, I wanted to buy the brand Abuela grandma likes but shopkeepers has recently gotten more rigorous about age restriction. It looks like they won’t sell cigarettes to someone underage.”

(So please, put up with the incense stick).

After saying that, the young man, Kurosu Tooi, closed the Zippo’s lid and put out the fire. He then took the bundle of incense and arranged it in front of the gravestone which had his grandmother’s name carved on it.

It may be common overseas but this public cemetery had slates lined up in a row, which is a little rare in Japan.

Tooi was present at that corner.

His grandmother was sleeping under the grave in front of him.

To Tooi, who was discarded by both of his parents, she’s someone he owes a great debt for raising him for over 10 years and teaching him everything about this world.

Tooi slightly narrowed his eyes while looking at the smoke rising from the incense.

“...Grandma didn’t smoke cigarette in front of me until the end.”

From what he heard, his grandmother was quite the heavy smoker. She would immediately open boxes one after another without pause and would puff white smoke as if it was natural for her.

But ever since she took custody of Tooi, the number of times she smoked in front of someone dropped remarkably. She was going at it in secret but she had never smoked in front of Tooi.

She was probably looking out for the young Tooi.

But since she was quite headstrong, she would not admit it.

She would always say [It’s because of health reasons].

“Smoke as much as you want at that world. I think there’s no annoying brat for you to worry about in that world. Ah, but grandma is quite rebellious... I guess you won’t smoke if I tell you to, will you?”

Even though he was just joking around, there was, as a matter of course, no reply.

Tooi made a small bitter smile but his expression immediately turned serious soon after.

“I am being called. By that world. Apparently, they need my power.”

The young man silently spoke to his beloved grandmother’s grave.

“The funeral is over. I did my best finding the graveyard.....similar to ones in grandma’s hometown. As for the house and land, I did what you told me and gave it to people who needed it.”

“And so...” Tooi said.

“...I have nothing left to do in this world.”

Those words were backed up by a strong will.

“I am going there with the intention of burying my bones there this time. This might be the last time I visit you so... please, forgive me.”

The young man turned away from the grave and walked away. He was carrying a Boston bag on his back while pulling a carry case with one hand. His other hand was holding the zippo tightly.

With nearly everything being disposed of, this was the only memento of his grandma which he kept with himself——

“ Adios Good bye, my Querida Abuelabeloved grandma .“

Tooi then departed.

His goal was a light.

The entrance to another world and the door that allows the crossing of dimensions.

With this, Tooi experienced his second summoning to the other world.

He has already made up his mind.

He resolved himself to throw away the name Kurosu Tooi and live as Tooi Cross.

1 year ago——

Tooi, who was a 2nd year student attending a high-school, had been suddenly forcefully summoned to another world in a fashion of being dragged inside a natural disaster.

Other world.

A world different from his.

Tooi was summoned to a world with [Spirits] existing in it.

Spirits, beings that transcend human knowledge, are deep-rooted in human society and culture and the humans would make contracts with them to borrow their power; many miracles occur there which would sound unbelievable in modern Japan.

To put it simply, it’s a fantasy world.

To Tooi, who has lived in the advanced country known as Japan, this world definitely fits the description of [Fantasy with swords and magic].

The country positioned in the center of Reneous continent — Arludea Empire. Having been summoned in that country’s vicinity, Kurosu Tooi had no choice but to live in this other world.

However, he naturally could not accept this.

Tooi was 16 years old at that time.

He was at a sensitive age and would shout his objections about modern japanese society. However, it’s not like he did not feel attracted to the fantasy world which he was suddenly dropped into but he had a reason to go back.

He had something he had to do in his homeland no matter what.

Because of that.

In order to go back to his own world, Tooi desperately made full use of his intelligence and power.

And after many ordeals and fierce battles, he defeated the [Demon King] and used the high purity Ethers and countless treasures which were in monopolized by the [Demon king] to force open the gate of dimensions and returned back to his world.

All of that took about 1 year.

Forget summarising everything in one sentence, the various events that occurred in that one year were extremely hard and too spectacular to describe in a single book so let's leave it for later.

"Ooooh, it’s been a long time other world"

Having left the vortex of light and seen the scenery unfold in front of him, a sound of admiration escaped from the mouth of Kurosu Tooi— no, Tooi Cross.

He could see a lovely grassland and feel a refreshing breeze. Giant stones were erected around him and there was a big forest as well as mountains in the distance. The sky was clear blue.

Also— the air and earth were filled with Spirits.

Grass, trees, soil, wind, water... everything has Spirits dwelling within them.

It’s an inhuman and mysterious existence created by the Ether circulating around the world.

They have been in this world before humans appeared; they exist together with this world and are connected to it.

“...I can’t wait to meet them.”

He mumbled calmly to himself and walked out while pulling his carry case.

There were countless giant rocks arranged nicely and in a tight formation. When looked at from above, it can be seen that they are actually placed as such to form a circle.

It is called the stone circle and it is a type of ruin.

These ruins can be found on the east of Arludea Empire and are called [Fior ruins] because are situated in Fior region.

The other name for them is [The Ark ruins].

They are shady ruins with a legend of [Opening a door to another world]— 1 year ago, Tooi was summoned to this world because these ruins [Lost control].

In other words, he was a victim of a natural disaster.

However, it was different this time. He was summoned to this world by the interference of a human.

It was most likely done by the will of one girl.

“Oh.”

After walking out from the middle of the ruins, he saw one girl in the distance.

It looked like she noticed him too because she hurried over to him.

She was a cute girl with distinct facial features. Her supple body was covered with a strict empire military uniform.

“Laila!”

Tooi ran towards the girl.

“Long time no see, Laila. How are you doing?”

Laila Schut.

A female officer affiliated with the empire’s military. She was the same age as Tooi and should be 17 years old now.

She was the eldest daughter of the grand noble which keeps bringing out high officers every generation — the Schut duke family. While displaying amazing abilities of a Spirit knight, she excelled in military tactics and Spirit tech research and was a genius that even the empire’s military couldn't be ashamed of in any sort of way.

And she’s the first person Tooi met when he came to this world.

Laila was the one who taught Tooi how to live in this world when he was thrown here alone.

Language, history and geography. And also, Spirit tech.

Simply putting into words, she was someone that could be called his partner in this world.

Tooi was able to live in the country known as Arludea Empire because of Laila who held quite a high status in society.

“It’s been one year, Laila. I thought we would never meet again. I am really happy.”

“...........”

“The atmosphere around you changed during the time I didn't see you, huh. You cut your hair too... also, it feels like you got shorter— wait, I think it's just me that got taller, huh? Also, yeah! Glasses, your glasses! Where did you put your charming point and trademark, those glasses?”

“...”

“...Laila?”

Opposite to Tooi who was talking in an excited tone, the military clothed girl was stunned and had a dumbfounded expression on her face. It was like blank.

When he looked at her again, Tooi noticed something really important.

“...Eh? No way... La-Laila...?”

Feeling completely confused, Tooi looked doubtfully at a certain part of the girl.

Weird.

But, wait.

There’s no way— this is impossible.

“Laila, what... happened to your breasts? Th-They're gone…….? Errr, Wh-where did those... giant breasts that could overwhelm anyone that looked at them go?”

He knew that this was rude to a woman but he just had to ask.

If Laila were to be talked about, it would got to be her giant breasts.

Giant breasts equaled Laila Schut.

That was common sense for Tooi. One year ago, having many chances to ogle at Laila’s breast, he couldn't describe them anything but magnificent and they were forbidden fruits of the highest quality.

But even so, what the heck happened?

What was over there...could be compared to cutting board.

“—I-I have 2 things that I want to correct!”

The moment he talked about her breasts, the blank girl shouted with her face beet red.

“First off, I am not Laila! I am Laila Onee-san’s sister, Alua!”

“...Huh? Wh-what are you talking about, Laila? Stop with the boring jokes. You’re Laila right? Little sister... Alua-chan is still 5 years old or something around there, right?”

He knew her sister and he met her many times before. Alua Schut was a cute little girl that was 10 years younger than Laila.

That should be so but the girl in front of him continued talking with a firm attitude.

“One more thing. It’s not 1 year — it has been 10 years”

“...Eeh?”

“It has been 10 years. 10 years have passed since you left our world and returned to the country known as [Japan] which you lived in.”

“...”

“So, errr... I-it has been a long time..., Tooi Onii-chan.”

It was pretty obvious that Tooi’s thinking process came to a halt.

“...Ba-basically, when I spent a year at my world, 10 years had passed in this world, huh.”

Tooi needed approximately 5 minutes to accept this unbelievable situation.

“So... You aren’t Laila and it’s okay to say that you’re Alua-chan who turned 16 years old?”

“Yes. So you finally believe me, Onii-chan?”

“Rather than believing you... I have no other choice. I am still shocked here.”

“Even I am shocked... I thought that I will meet an adult Tooi-san.”

About the age difference, forget that, about the time slip — both sides were apparently shocked.

(...I have no clue why— wait, this should be actually like this, huh?)

One year ago, Tooi stayed in this world for approximately a year.

But once he got back to Japan only about a month passed there.

(I thought that it was some kind of a distortion of space and time or something like that but I guess it really is a regular thing)

1 year here is about 1 month or less there.

1 year there is 10 years here.

With a simple calculation, it can easily be concluded that the flow of time is different for around 10 times.

If that’s the case, the fact that 10 years passed when Tooi went back has credibility in this world.

(Also...)

“Alua-chan.”

“Yes?”

After calling her name, she replied back while tilting her head cutely. That gesture had traces of when she was 6 years old.

It is hard to describe the feeling after seeing the little girl that always followed behind her sister grow up until she is the same age as him.

(A little girl will turn into a teenage girl if 10 years pass, huh?)

Tooi thought that seriously.

“Alua-chan, you... grew up just like your sister.”

“Ahaha, I get that often.”

She looked a lot like Laila as he looked at her but once he reconfirmed it, he could tell quite well that it was someone else.

Her eyes are a little softer compared to her sister, her tone and her demeanor are much gentler unlike the arrogant Laila.

She was not wearing glasses and more importantly—

“Do-don’t compare! Please don’t compare me with my sister!”

Alua suddenly shouted and covered her chest with both her hands.

“I didn’t say anything yet.”

“I know it even if you don’t say it! Yes, I know, I just know! I always get compared to my sister every time after all...”

A gloomy and dark shadow lurked around her.

Apparently, she was having it rough with the clear breast size difference between her and her sister.

“An-anyway, Tooi Onii-chan. Thank you for responding to my call.”

“My call... which means the one that summoned me this time is Alua-chan?”

“Yes. Though I say that, I just did what my Onee-chan told me.”

With countless giant rocks standing aligned, these [Ark Ruins] were a place where Ether — an energy that rotates the stars just like how blood works on a human body — can gather easily.

Commonly known as a power spot.

By using the abundance of Ether gathered after long time, they are able to open a door to another dimension.

“Amazing, Alua-chan. It’s quite hard to activate these ruins or that’s what I heard, right? You’ve become amazing in these 10 years.”

“No. I am still a novice. I am still inferior to my Onee-san. And also— Tooi Onii-san too.”

Alua said that.

With a voice filled with nervousness and respect.

“[Tyrant Slayer] Tooi Cross. The strongest deity knight that controlled 12 deities which are famed to be so strong that even one of them is able to bring down a country’s castle alone. The efforts of Tooi Cross and the [12 goddesses] echoed throughout the continent and that legend is still being talked about even after 10 years.”

She looked at him with an envious gaze.

“10 years ago, being the same age as me now, Tooi Onii-chan, who stood on the battle field and obtained victory for the world, have been my target of admiration.”

“...That’s overestimating. The deities I contracted are the ones strong and it’s not that I am amazing.”

“What are you saying?! Having a contract with a deity by itself is amazing! What’s more, it’s 12 of them! King Zafra Khazaha who is known as the desert dragon king only had 3, rumor has it that even the [Sage of creation] that is thought to be the one who taught Spirit tech to this country, was only able to bring 5 deities to duty.”

In order to execute high level spirit tech, the person must make a contract with a specific Spirit.

To explain this in an alternate way, with the inclusion of the number of contracted Spirits and their quality, the techniques, abilities, knowledge as a Spirit technician, and other factors — all of that will become the [Caliber] of that person.

And if one is able to make a contract with a deity who holds incomparable power even within the Spirits, that person can be said to have performed an exploit that would leave a mark in history.

Even if it’s just one of them.

That’s why, having made contracts with 12 deities, Tooi might be deserving an exaggerated title called [Hero] but——

“In my case... I had a lot of circumstances I had to go through.”

“Please don’t be modest. Tooi Onii-chan will forever be my hero.”

The glow in Alua’s eyes turned even brighter. Tooi shrugged his shoulders judging that any further words are useless.

“Okay then, Alua-chan. Can you now tell this hero-like person the reason why you called me here?”

“That’s—“

The moment Alua opened her mouth,

*Zun!* the ground’s vibration attacked them.

(—!... This feeling...)

The things Tooi experienced many times a year ago resurfaced in his mind.

The groaning sound of the land’s vibrations transmitted to his legs.

The overlapping of several roars and yells echoing from far away.

The pressure shaking the atmosphere— this is definitely the feeling of war.

“O-oh no! They’re here already!”

After Alua shouted with a pale face, she turned around and ran.

“Tooi Onii-chan! I’ll leave the details after we reach the empire! Follow me!”

“Eh? Ah. W-wait up, I have luggage with me!”

“Please hurry! This place will soon become a war zone.”

Tooi carried both his case and Boston bag while chasing after Alua.

“This way!”

Alua went around to the back of the standing stones and Tooi followed behind her.

Behind the rock shadows was something unexpected.

“Wha-what is this...? Bike? Motorcycle?”

The object right in front of him was something called Auto Bike in modern Japan.

It’s a ride with two wheels and a metal frame connecting them. It looked kind of boorish but it was still fundamentally an Auto Bike.

“Ah, I see. Tooi Onii-chan, you don’t know about the motorbike”

“Was this motorized ride here in this world before? Weren’t horse carriages a normal form of transportation? Ah-re? My viewpoint of this world is breaking down?”

“It was 3 years ago that the empire succeeded in developing the motorbike. Ether is used as an energy source so only people who have knowledge of Spirit tech can use this.”

After 10 years passed, a technological revolution probably happened.

(There is no difference between an advancement of science and magic. I forgot who said that but—)

I see.

The advancement of magic will cause the same effect on science too.

After Alua tied up Tooi’s luggage to the carrier, she sat over the body of the ride.

Immediately, a blue white light covered her body.

It is a glow that can be seen when using basic Spirit Tech.

By borrowing the primitive Spirits with no intelligence that are in the air and land, she is able to use that energy. Instantly, the motorbike started to move.

“Hey, Alua-chan. What do you mean by war zone? Don’t tell me... the Lectar republic next door is invading or something like that?”

“...That’s not it...err, where should I start explaining from... First off, this Fior region doesn't belong to the Empire’s and our military have been dispatching their forces to this land for less than one year.”

“...I don’t see where this is going. Are we trying to regain land stolen from another country?”

“Something like that. But the enemy isn’t human.”

During their conversation—

Tooi saw a black group far away.

(The Empire's Military...)

Soldiers wearing familiar looking uniforms were marching in a single file.

Every one of them were equipped with sabers having the Empire’s emblem carved in. With it acting as a medium, by embodying their contracted Spirits into it, one can make a [Ray AlmaSpirit Equipment] transformation.

(From what I can see, the Empire's force has more than 100 soldiers and all of them are Spirit knights, huh?)

They were not equipped with armor or heavy weapons and their only weapons were the sabers with the Empire emblems carved on them.

For someone heading to war, they were in an unreliable light equipment — that fact proves that they are all Spirit knights.

Many can use Spirit techs but there are only few that mastered [Ray AlmaSpirit Equipment].

In this continent, Spirit technicians who mastered this high level ability and specialize in battle tech are known as Spirit knights.

“Oi oi... That’s a serious force there.”

The opponents that the Spirit knights formed a single line to defeat is, just as Alua said, not human.

Spirits.

Wolf, bears, wild dogs, wild cats, hawks and eagles. They are probably wild Spirits that lived in the plains, mountain, and woods. The animals with glowing aura formed a group in front of the Empire's military group.

Tooi thought this was impossible.

The Spirits living in this region are known to be docile. He only heard about few incidents in which they attacked people or the whole town but they could be counted on fingers.

But even so, why would those Spirits confront the Empire's Military?

“—Human race. Leave, if you hold your lives dearly.”

And.

He heard a voice.

It sounded dignified and clear but the female’s voice sounded somewhat mysterious.

To Tooi, that familiar voice sounded trustworthy and nostalgic.

“I don’t want your corpses and blood to taint this beautiful land of Fior.”

Following her gaze and gestures, the forest Spirits obeyed her. It was clear that she was commanding the group of beasts.

She had silver hair glowing in the sunlight, voluptuous breasts and tight hips. That beauty who wore clothes that merge with the wind itself was looking at the battlefield with a pair of sky blue eyes.

That indescribable beauty did not wither even after 10 years. With the same appearance as last time she was in this world.

“That’s...”

He did not forget.

There’s no way he would forget the girl who fought alongside him.

“...Eh. Wait!? Wh-where are you going, Tooi Onii-chan!?”

When he noticed, Tooi was already running.

As if he was being guided.

He did not stop to even look at what was happening around him and headed straight to his old companion.

“Ryura...”

His voice leaked out from his mouth while feeling nostalgic.

It had been 1 year since he said that name.

The Deity of [Violent Wind] — Ryura Vega.

She was one of the 21 deities of this world.

She was the first deity Tooi made a contract with and the deity he felt most regretful to part with when he was going back to his own world.

“Ryuraaa!”

Tooi stepped into the battlefield without hesitation.

It might have looked like a crazy action for a modern Japanese citizen who just got to another world but to him this is his second time in this world. He was forced to experience war the last time he was here one year ago and was familiar with it.

Because his voice reached her, Ryura Vega looked over to him.

And she slightly widened her open eyes.

“Ryura! It’s been 1 year! Ah... err, it’s 10 years for you, huh? ...Well, anyways, long time no see!”

If this was looked at from a soldier's point of view, Tooi’s tone and attitude would be described as quite nonchalant but he just couldn't help feeling excited when he saw his old companion again.

Even though only 1 year had passed, it was a reunion with someone he thought he would never meet again so it couldn't be helped.

It would only be weird of him if his tension wasn’t high.

However——

“Hey Ryura. You... why are you fighting the Empire military—“

He could not finish the question.

Right at the moment when he was closing the distance while shouting — it occurred at an instant.

Countless wind blades attacked Tooi.

“—!?”

He reflexively stopped his legs and crossed his arms in front of him.

The approaching screaming wind blades passed by Tooi by only a few centimeter difference. A few strands of his hair were cut off.

It is not like he dodged it.

The wind blades missed its mark on purpose.

It was probably a warning.

With the meaning of “Don’t come any closer“ — it was an attack meant for rejection.

He didn’t know if those intentions were of Ryura Vega but an attack from his trusted contract Spirit caused Tooi to feel a big impact.

“...Eh? Wha... why—!?”

After he lifted his face while feeling troubled, he exchanged gazes with Ryura.

Instantly, Tooi turned speechless.

That is because Ryura was looking at him with very cold eyes.

That gaze was dreadfully cold. Strong hostility was burning deep her eyes.

But at the same time a deep sadness could be felt oozing from her eyes. He felt as if he was being pointed at by an arrow drawn in a bow stretched to its limits.

It is impossible to explain it in a sentence but a complicated and mysterious feeling could be felt.

His heart was being squeezed just by looking at it.

(Wh-why... why are you making that face, Ryura?)

The moment Tooi was about to talk to her once more, the Empire’s troops started approaching.

A violent battle unfolded between the Spirits of the forest and the Spirit knights equipped with their [Ray AlmaSpirit Equipment]. The gushing lightnings and flames blurred his view and surrounded Ryura.

“...Damn! Wait! Wait up! Ryura!”

Tooi tried following her but the troops that were advanced with clear hostility blocked his path.

It is impossible to move forward.

Forget that, he might get swallowed into all of this if this keeps up.

“—Tooi Onii-chan! Please get on!”

Right before he was dragged into the battle, a desperate voice and the engine of the motorbike could be heard behind him.

Right at the end of the momentary confusion, Tooi sat behind Alua.

She then drove the motorbike and both of them dashed away from the plains at high speed.

“...Ryura”

Those words that spilled out of his mouth soon could no longer be heard as they got swallowed by the breeze.

Part 2

In the middle of the gruesome battle between the Empire and forest Spirits------Ryura Vega, the commander of the Spirits, was caught in an unneeded thought.

(…………..I knew it; that was---)

That was definitely Tooi.

There’s no way she would mistake him.

Tooi Cross.

The young man Ryura Vega accepted as her one and only absolute master.

There was not a single day she did not think about him for the past 10 years.

They formed a master and servant relationship through contract; laughed together, cried together, talked together, and spent a lot of time together.

She would sometimes become his sword, sometimes become his shield, and who knew how many times they went into war.

All those memories were precious to Ryura------

(……….You came back)

The same time the other world visitor-Tooi Cross destroyed the demon king Hadar, he revoked all his contracts with his subordinate Deities and returned to his own world.

No matter how much Ryura wished-----he did not change his views.

And in a weird twist of fate, he appeared right in front of her again.

Ryura’s heart felt shaken for an instant after the return of her unexpected master but------Ryura forcefully pushed down those emotions.

(Even if Tooi is here----------it doesn’t change the thing I have to do now)

She swung away her reminiscence and focused on the war. In order to suppress the military, she ordered fang beasts and flying beasts, and swung her own powers too.

Twisters formed whenever she lightly swung her hand, making the empire troops to fly up to the sky one after another, blowing them away.

Her overwhelming power allows her to be worthy to be crowned a Deity.

(This is okay. This------is something I have to do. Even though Tooi was summoned into this world again……….it doesn’t matter to me)

Ryura mumbled in her heart to tell herself something.

(In the end-----Tooi is someone from another world)

Part 3

Sharing a seat on the motorbike was surprisingly comfortable.

While taking several small breaks in between, they reached the capital in less than a day. This distance would make a horse carriage take 5 days so hats off to Spirit technique & technology revolution.

During the journey, he asked about Ryura, the Fior region and the reason for his summon which he missed hearing but,

“...Sorry. As expected... please ask Laila Onee-chan all those details. It’s actually quite complicated so I think Onee-chan is better at explaining.”

Was what she said.

And right now, they are heading to the Schut mansion located in the high street of the capital.

The Capital Arcul is the heart of Arludea Empire whether if it is politically or economically.

Resources, goods, information and people. With many factors gathered from all over the country, it is the biggest part of the Empire and it is formed to be the liveliest city there.

“I guess people gather at the capital in every world.”

“It’s because people gather here, that it makes it the capital, right?”

“It’s like ‘The cow first or milk first’ kind of conversation, huh?”

“... I think it’s definitely the cow first you know?”

Tooi and Alua, who stepped into the high streets of the capital, were having a meaningless chat while walking on the main street. Luxurious buildings were lined up at both sides and the pedestrians passing by were making energetic expressions.

Developed around the palace where the royal family lives, the splendor of the prospering Arcul city does not feel like it declined even after Tooi left for 10 years.

Incidentally, Tooi was pushing the motorbike. Since it’s a ride used for long distances, riding it in the city is considered crazy apparently.

He could see horse carriages around and just like Alua said before, the motorbike was still not a common sight in this world yet.

“Which means.”

Tooi said in a fed up manner.

“The reason why I feel that we are getting all this attention when we entered the city... is because this motorbike is rare?”

“I think that might be part of it but... I think most importantly, the attention is focused on you, Tooi Onii-chan”

“Ah, I see. I am famous, huh?”

Tyrant Slayer.

Apparently, no one in this continent does not know of the name Tooi Cross.

“Oh goodness, being a hero sure is rough.”

After Tooi said that ironically, Alua’s face suddenly turned red.

“Eh? Ah, no. It’s simply because Onii-chan’s clothing is rare...”

“...”

He made an embarrassing misunderstanding.

Tooi was currently wearing a jersey, jersey pants and sneakers.

He was in a flawless personal clothing of a japanese high school student. He probably would stand out if he was walking in another world like this.

“Onii-chan’s face and appearance have not spread throughout the world in the first place.”

Right after beating the demon king, Tooi immediately went back to Japan. Because of that, he had not experienced the so called [Triumphal Return Parade].

Which means— ever since he had been starting to be called Hero, he have not shown himself to the public.

“The famous one is only the name huh.”

The only people who know this truth are only a number of people deeply related to him.

“Within the public, only the name Tooi Cross is a product of a single lone legend. Many novels and pictures with the theme [Tooi Cross] were published, in these 10 years too.”

“Eh, Seriously!? I am being novelized?”

“Yes. But... each and every one of them are written by people you don’t know, that’s the feeling I get from it. They described Onii-chan as a handsome and tall young man or a manly and trustworthy good young man and even a wise and knowledgeable person; all of them don’t match Onii-chan at all!”

“...ahh, Un. Yeah. That’s, so, not, me...”

“Aaaah! So-sorry! I didn’t mean it that way!”

For Alua, that comment probably meant to show a sort of superiority because she knows the identity of the hero but it caused a complex feeling for Tooi.

After walking for about 30 minutes while going through this and that, they reached the Schut mansion.

Located at a corner of an area mainly where the wealthy lives, it was a luxurious 4 stories tall building with a garden.

1 year ago, this mansion was Tooi’s main base.

“Is Laila living in this huge house alone like usual?”

“I am living with her now.”

“Heeh. Alua-chan left the main house too, huh?”

“Yes. I started living with Onee-chan when I enrolled into the military after graduating a military academy. Also, there are about 3 maids living and working here too.”

This mansion belongs to the Schut family but it’s not the main house. He heard it was a present from Laila’s parents when she entered the military.

“Oh yeah, this mansion was also the place where I first met Alua-chan”

“That’s so nostalgic. I often come here to play.”

“On the night I first met you, Alua-chan, you wet your bed because of a nightmare—”

“Wh-when was that from!?”

“It’s a memory from 1 or 2 years ago.”

“It’s 10 years! You are talking about a 5 year old!”

While talking about the past, they passed the garden with Alua as the guide, and walked inside the mansion.

Soon, they reached Laila’s office, which was at the highest floor.

“...”

“What’s wrong Tooi Onii-chan? This is Onee-chan’s office you know.”

“No... I know that.”

“You don’t have to be reserved. You’ve made strategic meetings in this room many times 10 years ago.”

“That’s true but... hey, Alua-chan? Since you are 15 years old right now... of course, Laila gained 10 years of age too, right?”

“That’s obvious.”

Alua made a “What stupid thing are you asking” face but this is not something Tooi can honestly let slide.

(Laila, who was the same age as me... got older by 9 years, huh?)

It was like [That] when they were the same age so adding 9 years in—

Several traumas from 1 year ago were recalled back and that made Tooi freeze. However, he can’t just stand there still forever so he made up his mind and extended his hands to the door knob.

Incidentally— his hand missed the mark.

That’s because someone opened the door from inside.

“—How long are you planning to waste time in front of someone else’s room?”

The person that appeared from the room was a beautiful woman.

She had silky long hair reaching to her hips and was wearing a military uniform.

Her chest area looked so tight, the button seemed like it was about to bounce off any moment now.

“If you’re already here, just show yourself. I have been waiting impatiently for you.”

While fixing the position of her glasses, the woman said that.

Yes, woman.

She had the face that no longer allowed the term "young girl".

Even though there were some traces of her previous appearance when she was the same age as him, the woman in front of him now has grown to a proper adult woman. Her eyes and mouth had a charm belonging only to adult females and... her originally big chest looked as if it grew a bit more.

“Fufuun. How about it? Did you fall in love with my breasts?”

On a side note, she was not acting embarrassed and was puffing her breasts out proudly so Tooi had problems where to look.

“... I am shocked, you’ve grown into a proper lady”

Even though he was overpowered by the change of his previous partner, Tooi talked to her with a wry tone.

“It’s been one year, big tits glasses.”

“Yeah. It’s been 10 years, closet pervert.”

Laila Schut (26 years old) said that before making a fearless smile.

Even though 10 years have passed, her smile filled with confidence still had some of the appearance when she was in her young girl age.

If one word could describe Laila, the word [Empress] might be the best word.

Bold and fearless. Self-centered. Arrogant.

She fundamentally has an [Amazing me] or rather [Amazing me] constitution so she would not be picky about her methods as long as she achieves her goal and is a trouble maker that would drag others into the trouble without any choice. Despite all that, she still produces results so all the more reason why he can’t handle her.

“However, this is a weird feeling. Tooi.”

Tooi and the Schut sisters were sitting on the sofa at the middle of the office.

While putting sugar cubes into the tea their maid brought, Laila stared fixedly at Tooi who sat in front of her.

“10 years passed since I separated from you and you still haven't change at all.”

“I may look like this but I have grown 1 centimeter taller, you know?”

“That’s a small difference.”

“I also have that weird feeling too. Even though it was just 1 year ago when I walked around the whole continent together with you... a young girl that was the same age as me suddenly turned 9 years older than me”

It’s a light Urashimatarou feeling, I kept that line inside my heart. That’s because that line probably won’t work in this world.

Laila then shrugged her shoulders exaggeratedly as if to say [Oh goodness].

“To be able to talk about a woman’s age so naturally; you’re still a man with no delicacy, huh? In the first place, I don’t plan on keeping company with the nonsense of a brat who’s 10 years away from me. I am a proper adult Onee-san after all”

“... Since 10 years have passed and Alua-chan is 15 years old already, that would make Laila 26 years old, right? You’ll be 30 if you round up the numbers. Rather than calling yourself an Onee-san, aren’t you one step away from calling yourself a grandma?”

After firing back at her, Laila’s face froze. She lifted the edge of her glasses and her eyebrows were twitching.

“... errr, where’s the treasured sword our Schut family has passed down in generations already?”

“Wa-wait just a moment, Onee-chan.”

The younger sister quickly stopped the elder sister who was going around finding a weapon with a mad expression. In an “Oh yeah” fashion, Alua threw her a question.

“... Hey, Onee-chan, did you know? That the world Tooi Onii-chan lived and our world have different time flows.”

“I don’t know the number of years though. From the investigation results of the [Ark ruin], we found that possibility to be high. The theory that both worlds move in the same time flow sounds weirder in the first place, right?”

“Then... why didn’t you tell me?”

“I thought that was more interesting.”

Laila said that nonchalantly.

“By my predictions – at first, Tooi, who has not noticed the time difference, will mistake Alua for me since she looks quite like me. But immediately after, he would get shocked after seeing her sad body which is unlike mine— and such a happy and fun conversation will happen – I think so, did I get it right?”

“”...””

Tooi and Alua did not reply and shut their mouths. Laila laughed happily.

“You’re still the same old closet pervert, huh, Tooi. Even though 10 years have passed, you’re still fully interested in my breasts.”

“... can you stop with that closet pervert thing. I am normal. As a normal and healthy male, I have acceptable sexual urges.”

“You’re really the same.”

Laila ignored Tooi’s rebuttal and continued.

“But— I changed.”

The glint peeping out from her glasses changed into a sharp one.

“I turned great in these 10 years. I’ve gained status and authority which can’t even compare to the past me.”

She then scooped up her chin to make an order for Alua beside her but Alua suddenly twisted her head.

“Eh? Wh-what, Onee-chan?”

“Read the atmosphere Alua! Explain to this man how great I’ve become!”

“Eeh!? Y-you can just tell him yourself...”

“You fool! Telling him this by mysel... is just plain embarrassing.”

Tooi thought “You basically just said it yourself”.

Having received an absurd order from her sister, she started talking reluctantly.

“Errr... currently, my sister – Laila Schut is one of the generals of the Empire military. Rank is major general. She took the role of a division commander to command a troop a while ago but is currently mainly working in the central strategic headquarters. Since she’s the Empire’s first female general in her 20’s, a big commotion occurred right after she was appointed an exceptional promotion.”

Tooi could not hide his surprise.

Speaking of general, that’s a status that possesses top class authority even within the military. Even though she’s from the noble Schut family, that’s not a rank a female in her 20’s can easily get promoted to.

“So that means Major General Schut, huh? You were second lieutenant or somewhere like that before, am I right? That’s amazing you got that in 10 years.”

“Fuun. My desires are still not completely fulfilled. Nonetheless, I was able to reach my status comparatively smoothly— all thanks to you, Tooi”

1 year ago when Tooi was summoned to another world, he was publicly acting as Laila’s subordinate.

He was probably treated as a [Free-loader] or [Soldier]. In exchange for the supply money and living accommodations, he would listen to Laila’s orders and fight.

Because he wanted to go back to his world as fast as possible, Tooi and Laila, who wanted military exploits, agreed to make their goal-[Demon King Suppression].

“That’s because you went back to your own world after you destroyed the demon king. Sorry but all information of your deeds and achievements were manipulated to my benefit.”

“I don’t mind. That’s the promise we made after all— more importantly, hurry up and tell me, Laila.”

Tooi said that.

“Why did you call me to this world?”

The reason why Kurosu Tooi was called to another world after 1 year.

The reason why Tooi Cross is needed in the world in which 10 years have passed.

“I met Ryura just now... she was fighting the Empire Military. Just what is going in? Is it related to why I was called?”

“True... it's quite complicated so I’ll talk in order.”

But before that, Laila said this.

“I have something I want to ask. Tooi, why did you answer our call this time?”

“...That’s pretty harsh for someone who was the one doing the calling.”

“The last time was practically an accident but— it’s different this time. You had the choice. I thought it’s going to be a 50/50 chance for you to refuse, you know?”

Laila slightly narrowed her eyes and asked with a soft voice.

“Did you finish what you had to do in that world?”

“Yeah. All done.”

After Tooi nodded, Laila nodded quietly with a [I see].

“...I had some lingering attachments in this world too. I went off without greeting many people and— more importantly, I feel that I had a [Place] in this world too.”

Place— another meaning for reason of existence.

That’s something he couldn’t find living only in a small city. That’s something he couldn’t come up from the days of commuting to school from home and looking up at the sky from the corner of his classroom.

The burning feeling of satisfaction and excitement that he has never felt in that world was definitely in this world.

“Also—“

Tooi paused his words a little before making a somewhat fleeting smile.

“In this 1 year... I had a lot of thinking done at the other side. The thought of wanting to fight with the [them12 Goddesses] again was what came up.”

“Houu”

“I don’t know why Laila called me here but— honestly, I don’t think I can lose to anyone. I can’t do anything alone but... but there’s nothing to be afraid of if I am with them.”

Tooi’s expression after declaring that looked like it had absolute trust towards the powers of his comrades.

[Nebulosa12 Goddesses]

All of them are hard to handle and can’t be stopped with ordinary means but— their powers are so powerful it doesn’t embarrass the name [Deity].

One stroke of the sword and the sea will split, one swing and the cloud will split, one thrust and the mountain will crumble; basically, life will end—. What can he be afraid of when 12 of his servants each deserve to be called 1 against 1000.

“This is excellent.”

After Laila nodded composedly because everything was as she predicted, she lifted the edge of her mouth and smiled.

That was a very cynical smile.

“There’s no problem if you trust them that much. Cry in joy, Tooi Cross. You can fight with the [Nebulosa12 Goddesses] all you want from now on – but not as their allies but as their enemy.”

“...Huh?”

“I said, the enemy this time – will be your beloved [Nebulosa12 Goddesses]”

Tooi opened his eyes wide in shock.

“10 years ago, right after you defeated the Demon king, you revoked your contracts with the [Nebulosa12 Goddesses] and let all those deities off to the wild. As a result, do you know what happened after they scattered?”

“No... I thought they returned to each of their own [Shrine]... and were living in peace...”

“What a happy fellow. Optimism and trust are two separate things, you know?”

Laila swung her head tiredly.

“In these 10 years – all the deities you let loose were freely running rampant and causing chaos in every part of the Reneous Continent. The damages caused by the [Nebulosa12 Goddesses] are honestly at a level which can’t be taken as a joke at all.”

“...”

“You get it now? The reason why I called you.”

Laila told him.

The mission— or maybe the responsibility assigned to Tooi Cross that has to be accomplished.

“It’s [Cleaning your own mess], Tooi. I’ll have you wipe your own ass. The [Nebulosa12 Goddesses] you made a contract with, the girls that served you as a master with respect – make them yield to you once more.”

Cleaning his own mess.

It’s basic courtesy to clean your own mess— the young man who couldn’t perform that left evil in this world.

His strongest [comrades] did a 180˚ turn and turned into his worst [Enemy].

The hero who was once again called to the world which he once saved before has to confront the absolute power he once swung and oppose them.

It’s— an endless ordeal.

Translation Notes and References

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