Arifureta Volume 08

Arifureta Volume 08

Chapter 1 : Versus Demon Race I

The red-haired woman of the Demon race who appeared before Koukis party
revealed a cold smile as she looked at Koukis party who had widened eyes with
surprise.

Similar to her hair, the color of her eyes were also red, and she wore a dull-black
rider suit-like clothing. Its design was fitting to her body, so her splendid curves
could be seen well even in the dim dungeon. Moreover, there was the opening on
the chest area, where the splendid twin hills seemed like it was going to spill out at
any time. Furthermore, her flowing hair behind her, and her characteristically
slightly pointed ears was truly captivating. Most of the male students were blushing
even though they know it wasnt the right time.

You are the hero, right? Yes, you, the one wearing a stupidly sparkling armor.

St-Stupid sh-shut up! I wont accept being called stupid by someone from Demon
race! Besides, why would a person from the Demon race be in a place like this!?

Kouki spoke without thinking, and used his slight anger to recover from his surprise,
questioning the purpose of the woman of the Demon race.

However, the Demon race woman thought of Koukis question as annoying and
ignored it. Then, she very reluctantly continued saying.

Haa~ Even though this is absolutely unneeded Well, this is an order after all
You, I mean the overly sparkling one. Wont you come to our side?

Wh-What did you say? Come to your what do you mean!?

Looks like your comprehensive ability is rather low. The meaning is exactly as I
said. An invitation for Mr. Hero. I want you to come to our side. There are various
preferential treatments, too, you know?

Time was needed for Koukis party to completely understand the unexpected words.
Then, the classmates looked at Kouki, who glared at the woman from Demon race
with strained and disgusted expression. It was then when they understood what she
meant.

I refuse! How dare you asking me to betray Human race my comrades and
the people of this Kingdom! Its exactly as I heard; the Demon race is an evil

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existence! You purposely came her to invite me, but for you to come alone is too
foolish! We have the numbers. So, surrender now!

Koukis words made the other classmates felt at ease. They thought Kouki would
definitely refuse it, but they could not deny that they were slightly worried about it.
However, his childhood friends, Ryuutarou and Shizuku, didnt even worry about it.

On the other side, the woman of the Demon race didnt even pay any attention to the
immediate refusal, and she muttered, I see. In fact, when Koukis shouted his
reply, it annoyed her.

Well, my superior also said it was okay for your comrades to come with you, you
know? So how about it?

My answer is still the same! No matter what you say, I absolutely wont betray
Human race!

Without discussing with his comrades, the representative, Kouki, immediately

answered as such. And as though implying the invitation was something unpleasant,
Kouki activated the Holy Sword, which then became cladded in light. Theres no more
need for discussion, and I will use force if you dont surrender!

Behind him, Nagayama and Shizuku clicked their tongues in secret as they took
maximum precaution to their surroundings over the Demon race woman.
Considering their situation, the two contemplated to change the location even if they
must lie to the Demon race woman. However, Kouki had already answered in anger
before they could bring up their idea. Since it could not be helped now, they
prepared for anything unexpected to happen.

But if they thought about it, normally, no matter how adept the Demon race were in
using magic, they would not come to such a place alone. It was even more
unbelievable that she flawlessly manage to annihilate the demonic beasts in the
current floor, in addition to not leaving a single trace. If the Demon race was so
strong, and she was able to achieve all that, then they would have already trampled
the Human race by now.

Besides, the Demon race woman didnt even break a sweat when she reached this
floor ahead of the 15 humans. Thinking of how she concealed the signs of combat, it
made one fear thinking something laid in wait since they step into the floor, and one
would think she had the geographical advantage. It would not be strange if
something happen.

The crisis the two had sensed was immediately proven to be correct.

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I see. Then, I wont ask any more. Also let me say this to invite you is not my
main priority, so dont even think of something naive like I wont kill you. Lutos,
Havell, Enki. Its time to eat!

The Demon race woman called out three names and, CRAAASH! Sound of
something crushed echoed along with Shizuku and Nagayamas anguished voices
when they were blown away at the same time.

Guh!?
Gah!?

It was not known what blew the two away. With the order of the woman of the
Demon race, they sensed the left and right spaces of Koukis party suddenly blurred.
There were existences approaching them with speed comparable to Ground
Shrinker, and attacked the unprepared classmates who were watching the
conversation between Kouki and the woman of the Demon race.

Even with Shizuku and Nagayamas maximum precaution from the very beginning,
they were barely able to notice the surprise attack, and they stood to protect the
students who were suddenly the aim of their invisible enemy.

Shizuku was a speedfighter, so her defense is low. Therefore, she drew her swords
into a cross towards the blurring space, and tried to jump back to dull the force
when she received the impact. However, the enemys attack power was far greater
than she had imagined, so her defense was broken, and she was thrown to the
ground, sucking all the air in her lungs. There was even shallow cut on her abdomen.

Nagayama was a Great Martial Artist, which owned special aptitude towards
defense even among hand-to-hand fighter class. He had acquired the skill derived
from Body Strengthening called Body Hardening, which was similar to Vajra,
and both skills had great credibility as they were far stronger than a steel shield.
Coupled by his huge figure, his hard to break through defend made him suitable to
be called a human fortress.

However, even Nagayama had his defense broken through by that existence, and
was blown away while splattering blood from his deeply wounded arms. He barely
escaped the additional damage of crashing into the ground by chance, and landed
on Hiyamas gang who was in the rear.

The glass cracking-like crushed sounds came from the barrier magic Suzu had
chanted beforehand; similar to how Shizuku took maximum caution. It was
something she did immediately when she instinctively sensed the crisis. The location
was at the rear side of the party. She didnt feel the existences there, but she
somehow used the barrier to not only envelop Shizuku and Nagayama, but also

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everyone on the rear. It was something she did instinctively which could also be said
that it was due to her experience. Her action was extremely correct. Without Suzus
barrier, the third blurred space would mercilessly cut up Nagayama and other party
members.

However, Suzu was immediately blown backward as compensation of splendidly

protecting her allies because she directly received the impact from the crushed
barrier. Fortunately, Eri was right behind her and she successfully caught Suzu, but
the crisis had not ended yet, when the third blurring space immediately began to
move in pursuit just like the other two blurring spaces, wounding Shizuku and
Nagayama.

Because of the suddenness, those classmates who could not react towards the three
approaching blurred spaces at that moment,

Give the grace and divine protection of light to us! Heavenly Time, Heavenly
Perimeter, Heaven Interruption!.

Kaori activated three light magic at the same time with almost no chanting; she was
able to omit some of her chants.

The first magic spell was a mid-rank recovery magic, which immediately healed
Shizuku and Nagayama, who were wounded, blown away, and landed on the
ground. It was a magic spell capable of healing more than two people remotely away
from her. Faint white lights poured on the two people who somehow managed to
stand up while groaning because of the pain; their wound recovery rate was
abnormal.

The second spell was used to allow Suzu and the others to be unnoticable by the
three blurred spaces. Similar faint white light poured into them. The light buoyantly
expanded, and an area of light appeared at where they were at.

Heavenly Perimeter was a mid-ranked recovery magic, and it was the so called
auto-regen. Although the duration was long, the amount recovered was little at a
time. It had the feature of wrapping the surrounding with light made of magic
power while the magic was activated. Kaori was using that feature, and the
recovered amount was set to the lowest to indirectly reveal the appearances of the
unknown enemies.

What appeared inside the white light were strange demonic beasts with lion head,
dragon-like limbs, sharp claws, snake as the tails, and eagle-like wings on their backs
the so called Chimera. They must have peculiar magic for camouflaging. It was a
quite troublesome ability, since not only were their appearances camouflaged, their

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presences as well. However, the fact that they could not exhibit their full power in
that state, and thus the blurred spaces, was a blessing in the midst of misfortunes.

After all, even Shizuku and Nagayama who held the best combat prowess among
the classmates were incapacitated with only a blow. They were enemies to be feared.
Their powers were completely far above the demonic beasts the students had met on
the previous floors, and obviously even stronger than the demonic beasts in this
floor.

The three Chimeras readied their claws and fangs in pursuit as though they knew
the location even inside the light. Their targets were Shizuku, Nagayama, and Suzu,
these three. However, their fangs and claws could not reach the three, since three
shields of light appeared before each of them and the attacks were averted in a hairs
breadth, and the angle slightly moved while the shields were crushed by the
Chimeras attacks.

They were the mid-ranked defense spell, Heavens Interruption. It was the higher
ranking version of the beginner-ranked light defensive magic, Lights Interruption,
where more than two shields produced at the same time. Even the Barrier-user,
Suzu was using this magic, and by replenishing the destroyed edges of the shield in
high-speed, it was possible to stall time though itd soon to be destroyed when
weakened. In this respect, Kaori could not reached Suzu whose specialty was barrier,
since she could not use it like such as even when her aptitude towards light element
is high. At best, she could only do minute adjustments to the shield.

However, the shields were helpful. At the moment Suzus strong barrier was
destroyed in a blow, Kaori realized her barrier would be useless, so she chose a
method to avert the attack. To begin with, she didnt expect the incoming attacks
would be the same as before, so it was more like a sink or swim situation. She was
lucky it went well.

The three Chimeras whose attacks were averted, became irritated and moved to
attack again. The time she gained was only a moment. It was as though the
Chimeras didnt find it troublesome. However, there was no change that the most
expensive thing to buy was time, even if it was just a moment. Kouki and the others
didnt miss that moment.

Get away from Shizukuuuu!!

So, is it okay to attack Nagayama?, No one said just a sentence. Perhaps because of
anger, Kouki roared and used Ground Shrinker to immediately reached the
Chimera near Shizuku. Koukis movement speed was so fast that he left after images.
He swung his Holy Sword towards the Chimeras neck, and the sword became
shinier.

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At the same time, Ryuutarou took on the Chimera that went to attack Nagayama
with his thrusted fist in a karate stance. Rather than a direct attack, he thought itd be
faster to attack using the gauntlet-type artifacts ability, shock wave. A war cry came
from Ryuutarou and magic power was supplied to the gauntlet.

Furthermore, Eri, who caught the blown away Suzu, thrusted her hand out, began to
chant when she felt the same crisis as Suzu, and powerful fire magic was activated. It
was a mid-ranked magic called Sea of Flame, and just like the name, it was a
ranged magic that manipulated tidal waves of flame. Even agile enemy would not be
able to easily avoid it.

With sublime power and speed, Kouki swung the Holy Sword down from an upper
stance. While Ryuutarous thrusted fist drew out a form that couldnt even be more
splendid and resulted in a violent shock wave that went forward just like a
cannonball. Eris deathbringer, crimson tidal wave surged to swallow its target,
turning it into ashes and dusts.

However

ROOOAAAR!!
GuUURawwwr!!

Unbeknownst to them, some things had hidden themselves. Three shadows roared
and attacked Koukis party right before their attacks would directly hit their targets.

Hmmmph!?

The suddenness of this situation made Kouki and Ryuutarou felt chills running
down their spines. Two of the shadow rushed towards Kouki and Ryuutarou with
tremendous power, and the metal maces in their hands were swung with great
speed.

Kouki immediately used the swords centrifugal force to twist his body while
Ryuutarou raised his left hand towards the incoming mace instead of his thrusted
out right hand. With his balance broken, Kouki rolled on the ground, and Ryuutarou
was blown away by the enemys second attack, a punch, after he defended against
the mace.

What attacked Kouki and Ryuutarou were demonic beasts with appearances similar
to Brutal, with a height of 2.5 meters. However, even though they were similar to
monsters in RPGs such as Orc and Ogre, the Brutals were like pigs while these
demonic beasts were considerably smart. Furthermore, their Brutal-like bodies were
strengthened to their limits. In fact, the strength and speed from the previous
surprise attack could not be compared to Brutals.

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On the other side, even though Eri didnt receive any direct attack, the psychological
impact she received was greater than Kouki and Ryuutarous. Reason being, the
shadow that suddenly appeared opened its mouth and begun to inhale the surging
tidal waves at once. WoOOOoosh! The expansive flame gathered at a single point and
disappeared. The shadow inhaled all of the flame in only tens of seconds.

What appeared in the space where the flame and heat disappeared was turtle-like
demonic beast with six feet. The shell on its back was dyed in crimson, just like the
rampaging flame that earlier changed its target to ashes.

In the next moment, the turtle with six feet finished absorbing the flame and once
again opened its mouth wide. At the same time, the shell on its back shined intensely
and red light appeared inside its opened mouth. It was just like how energy was
collected before a laser beam was fired.

Seeing that, an impatient expression appeared on Eris face; she had no room to
spare since she had just fired her magic. However, her impatient was blown off by
the usual cheerful voice of her best friend in her arms.

Dont underestimate me! Come in succession o light of protection and be revived

as long as I have the will, Heavens Interruption!

In a moment, ten light shields appeared in succession before Suzu and Eri. All of the
shields were set up diagonally at 45 degree angle. The super-high temperature beam
was fired by the six-legged turtle at the same time the shields appeared, and parried
upward through where the shields were crushed.

Even so, the power of the beam was greatly above the attack from the previous
demonic beasts, since it only needed a moment to pulverize a shield. Suzu was
gritting her teeth and chanted in succession to construct new shields one after
another. It could be said it was as expected of a Barrier-user, the shields
construction speed rivaled the speed of the shields destruction and succeeded in
parrying the six-legged turtles beam, barely.

The parried beam hit the dungeons ceiling accompanied with great tremor,
pulverizing its surroundings, and the scattered scorching minerals fell down like a
rain.

Damn it! Whats just happened!?

Just what are those demonic beasts!?

Shit, lets defeat them now!

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Only until the situation progressed this much did Hiyamas gang and Nagayamas
party slipped out of their confusion and prepared to fight. The wounded Shizuku
and Nagayama were also healed completely, and they began to respectively attack
the Chimeras.

Shizuku entered the super-high-speed world, and not even her after image could be
seen. Voom! Her figure disappeared with a sound of exploded air, appearing right
behind the Chimera in the next moment, and she used the sword drawing technique
to unsheathe her swords that had returned to their sheaths before anyone noticed.

No Beat, it was a skill that enable movement without preliminary action. Rather
than simply moving with speed without leaving any after images, one just could not
catch up with her movement, which rapidly quicken and slowed. In addition, her
sword drawing and slashing speed were further increased by the skills derived from
Swordsmanship. The speed of the naked blades was even faster than what an
ordinary living being would recognize as a swift flash.

To return the blow she received a while ago, she used one of the Yaegashi-style
secret techniques, Void Severing. It cut even the space just like its name; at one
moment one could see the silver-colored trajectory of the sword, and the Chimeras
snake tail was severed into two in the next moment.

GURAaaaaWR!!

Raising roar of anger, the Chimera turned around and swung its sharp claws.
However, its attack only cut through the air; Shizuku had already moved to the
other side. She swung her two swords, and cut the Chimeras flank.

Kuh!

Shizuku used her speed to steadily damage the Chimera. However, Shizukus
expression didnt clear up, inadvertently leaking a sound as though she had been
bitten a bitter bug. It was because her calculation had been wrong. In reality,
Shizuku had wanted to cut the Chimeras body apart with the first strike, but she
could not do that, and the snake tail entered her slashing range instead. Even the
second slash that supposed to cut the Chimeras body in even halves were stopped
when it quickly bent its body right before the slashes reached it.

The Chimera could not keep up with Shizukus speed. However, it was not like it
could not respond to her. It could not see her figure, so it was barely able to respond
to Shizukus extreme speed using its reflex speed; a truly troublesome opponent. It
was something more than troublesome for Shizuku who wanted to finish the fight
quickly and rescue the others.

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Afterwards, she swung her swords for the third and fourth times, and though there
were numerous wounds on the Chimeras body, they were too shallow to become a
mortal wound. In addition, the Chimera began to become accustomed to Shizukus
speed. An impatient expression appeared on Shizukus face.

The bad things continued for Shizuku, no for all of them.

CAAAWWWW!!

When she heard a shriek suddenly resounding around the room, dark red light
wrapped the severed tail and wings before her, and the Chimeras wounds
immediately healed. Kaoris Heavenly Perimeters effect had been significantly
lowered, and thus, wounds were not supposed to be healed easily no matter how
shallow they were. Shizuku opened her eyes wide and looked at the source of the
shriek, while she kept caution towards the healed Chimera.

Thus, unbeknownst to her, the Demon race woman who was standing idly like an
unconcerned spectator had a double-headed white crow riding on her shoulder,
with one head turned towards Shizuku. More accurately, it was facing the Chimera
before Shizuku.

Theres even a healer!?

She thought she finally wounded the difficult enemy, but it was immediately healed.
Even at the best of times, lots of time would have passed before she could attain the
victory. However, now, there was an excellent healer in stand by for the Chimera.
Such a situation made Shizuku screamed instinctively.

Not only Shizuku, her comrades at the other places similarly raised bitter screams.

Kouki, who fought the Brutal-look-alike while receiving support, had almost
finished after he deeply cut the Brutal-like body from shoulder to the waist, but the
crows other head was looking at the wound, and when it shrieked, it was healed as
though time had rewinded.

The same thing happened to Ryuutarou and Nagayama. The second Brutal-look-
alike Ryuutarou was fighting had its abdomen hollowed out as though it had
exploded, and one of its arm was broken. However, it was immediately healed when
the head that was looking at the Chimera Shizuku was fighting against, turned
towards it and shrieked. Even the Chimera Nagayama had battled against that had
parts of its body caved in was immediately healed.

Looks like you have quite the hard time. What will you do? Will you come to our
side now? If it is now, I will let you think for a while, you know?

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Seeing Koukis party having a hard fight, the woman of the Demon race clapped her
hands with composed attitude and once again spoke to invite them. To begin with,
she asked the question knowing what the answer will be, and her expression
remained cold. Her expectation turned to be right.

Dont joke around! We wont yield to your threat! We wont be defeated! And I will
give you the proof! Here I go, Limit Break!

The words of the woman of the Demon race made Kouki raised an expression of
indignation. He used the Holy Sword to counter the Brutal-look-alikes swung down
mace, and used the chance to activate Limit Break.

Cladded in divine light, Kouki shouted this would be the end, and charged towards
the woman of the Demon race.

Chapter 2 : Versus Demon Race II

Limit Break, a skill that temporarily triples ones basic stats using magic power,
however, it is literally breaking ones limit; so, it cannot be used for a long period
and the user will be weakened proportionally to the time it was use afterwards. That
is because of the severe fatigue and results in the inability to use even half of ones
original power. Therefore, the time and place to use this last-resort skill should be
thought out carefully.

Because of the demonic beasts strength and recovery, Kouki judged that the morale
of his companions would plummet if this kept up, so he used Limit Break to
immediately defeat the White Crow and the Demon race woman.

With Koukis declaration of Limit Break, pure white light wrapped around his
body. At the same time, the Brutal-look-alike, whose mace attack was counter
attacked again, didnt notice the change in Kouki.

O blade-like will, bear the light and tear my enemy, Light Sword!

Kouki bent his body forward to dodge the Brutal-look-alikes mace. He then
immediately slashed from below using the Holy Sword which was extended by the
blade of light.

He had slashed the enemy before by using Light Sword, and although it received a
severe wound, it wasnt life-threatening. However, this time he was using Limit

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Break, which tripled his stats, and with the effect of Light Sword, the Brutal-look-
alike was diagonally cut in two, as though it was made of butter.

One beat later, the Brutal-look-alikes body shifted diagonally and boom!, it crumbled
with a raw sound. Kouki put strength into his legs and immediately accelerated
fiercely towards the Demon race woman.

Nothing obstructed the space between Kouki and the Demon race woman. Although
it was said that the Demon race was a superior race in terms of magic, but it was too
late for her to do anything. With this, she would be slashed along with the white
crow, the end. Everyone thought so.

At that moment,

GUUURAAAAAARRRRRWW!!!

Wha!?

There were six blurred spaces, and they attacked Kouki while roaring loudly.
Because the Chimeras were attacking simultaneously from all sides, Kouki
instinctively raised an astonished voice and his eyes opened wide.

He immediately slammed the brake, dodging the attack from the front, and used
Holy Sword to slash the Chimera attacking from his right. Next, he believed in the
performance of the Holy Armor and endured the deadly attack he received on his
back.

However, those were the only things he could do. The claws of the Chimera on his
left hit his shoulder. He flew outside of the encirclement when the last Chimera
suddenly jumped, dug its foreleg claws on Koukis shoulders, and pinned him.

Ack!! A cry slipped through his grit his teeth.

He was barely able to stop the Chimera that was about to pierce its fangs in the
scruff of his neck with Holy Sword. With claws digging into his shoulders, the
power to block the jaws was reduced. Kouki who had already broken his limit was
gradually cornered, and he could not bring forth enough power.

O light of grace, bring your healing and warning to this place, Heavenly Burn!
Binding Seal!

Seeing Kouki in such a pinch, Kaori promptly activated recovery magic spells.
Heavenly Burn was a mid-ranked healing magic with a single target. Its effect was
higher than the recovery magic, Heavenly Time, she used earlier to heal several

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people. However, the Chimeras claws were digging in Koukis shoulders, so it

wouldnt be healed the way things were going.

Therefore, she activated mid-ranked restraining magic of the light element, Binding
Seal, at the same time she activated the healing magic. Binding Seal was a magic
that produced a cage of light centering on the confined object Kaori used that
magic on Kouki. The cage of light instantaneously expanded around Kouki and
pushed the Chimera away.

With the claws coming out of his shoulders, Heavenly Burn demonstrated its
effect and Koukis wounds were instantly healed.

At the same time, some people from the rear, such as Suzu and the rear guard group
who were fighting against the Chimera and the six-legged turtle, released attack
magics towards the Chimeras attacking Kouki. However the distance was too far
and they could not get a good aim, even when they had had the effects of Kaoris
Heavenly Perimeter, they were still unable to deal great damages to the Chimeras.

Even so, they were able to buy time for Kouki to regain his balance. Next, he readied
his Holy Sword, chanted, and charged to counter attack when he was fully healed.

Soaring Four Wing Blades

He swung the Holy Sword which drew a curve in the air, and four slashes of light
appeared from the space where he swung at. The targeted Chimeras sensed the crisis
beheld by Koukis action strengthened by Limit Break, and immediately jumped
away to evade.

However,

Capture them, Restrain!

With a chantless-like short chant, Kaori activated mid-ranked restraining magic of

the light element, Restrain. Numerous chains of light jumped out from the
evading Chimeras feet and twined around their neck and feet. Though it was not
difficult to get out of it with the strength the Chimeras possessed, they were stopped
for a moment and could not evade.

As a result, the four Chimeras were directly hit by Koukis Soaring Blades and
died as their blood splattered around.

Kouki glared and pointed his Holy Sword towards the Demon race woman.

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How regrettable; your last resort was ineffective against us. Now theres nothing
else to protect you!

Upon hearing Koukis words, the Demon race woman looked dubiously, no, looked
at Kouki with amazement. In her mind, she thought, Why was it necessary for him
to declare that now? Wouldnt it be better for him to immediately slash me?

Even though the Demon race woman should have been cornered, her composed
attitude irritated Kouki. First she let out Chimeras, next Brutal-look-alikes, and now
Chimeras again. Those surprise attacks were also the source of his irritation. You
only used surprise attacks and didnt fight fairly. Moreover, youre just spectating.
What a coward! Kouki shouted.

Well, thats not my last resort.

What a bluff!

Anyway, forget about whether or not its a bluff, but what will you do after you
repel those? I have confirmed your power as the Heretic Apostles, so I have no
more business with you.

What ar
KYAAA!

Kh!?

The Demon race woman said while going through the trouble of flipping her hair,
when a scream rang out from behind him the same time Kouki was questioning her.

Kouki reflexively looked back, and what greeted his eyes were five Brutal-look-
alikes and Chimeras. Furthermore, there was a black, four-eyed wolf he had never
seen before who was ridden by a 60 centimeter black cat with four tentacles. They
simultaneously attacked his comrades and Kouki could see the spectacle where the
black cats tentacle pierced through the flank of one of his best friends in
Nagayamas party, Nomura Kentarou. The one who screamed was Yoshino Mao,
also from Nagayamas party.

Kentarou! Damn you, dont you get carried away!

Mao, calm down! I will heal him!

A member from their party, Endou Kousuke, slashed the tentacle that pierced
Nomura and he glared at the black cat with eyes blazing in anger.

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Nomura fell and raised an anguished voice, which made Yoshino dumbfounded, but
only to be scolded by Tsuji Ayako who immediately activated healing magic. It was
a blessing that she completed her chant completed before the tentacle cut by Endou
healed up.

Wh, there are still more!

As he looked back, Kouki made a surprised sound because there were new
reinforcements that appeared unbeknownst to him.

The effect of Chimeras peculiar magic, Camouflage, activates on whoever it

touched. Or have you not thought of such a thing? Looks, theres more of them.

Kh!?

The large amount of demonic beasts that suddenly appeared had reversed the
situation, and Kouki and his comrades were now the ones who were inferior in
terms of numbers. Seeing that, Kouki hurriedly turned back. To Kouki, the Demon
race woman gave away the secret of the Chimeras Camouflage effect and further
revealed more demonic beasts. Ten four-eyed wolves and black cats appeared from
behind her and rushed towards Kouki.

Kuh oOO!

The black cats tentacles extended at extraordinary speed and attacked Kouki from
all directions. Kouki made a pinwheel rotation to cut the incoming tentacles using
the Holy Sword, but one of the black cats had gotten close to his side and tried to hit
him. It was aiming at Koukis face, so the jumping black cat shouldnt have been able
avoid his attack mid-air. Kouki said, One down!, when he was convinced of the
demonic beasts death.

However, his conviction was easily overturned in the next moment. Somehow, the
black cat did a somersault in mid-air and avoided Koukis attack. Next, sharp claws
that didnt suit the cats physique targeted Koukis neck.

Kouki was barely able to move his head and avoided the attack, but he was unable
to respond to a four-eyed wolfs attack that came from behind him, due to the
collapse of his balance. It didnt result in a serious injury thanks to his defense of his
armor and the strength from exceeding his limit. He then mightily jumped away and
returned to his comrades.

With that, the obviously abnormally strong demonic beasts surrounded Koukis
party. Everyone tried to fight back desperately, but what was even more
troublesome was that the enemies had suddenly increased in numbers and were

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cooperating. In addition, the white crow would immediately heal the demonic beasts
if they didnt die in one hit.

Although the frontline somehow managed to avoid collapsing, thanks to the

continuous healing of Kaori and the other Healer, Tsuji Ayako, they still could not
do anything to break the situation.

Kouki dealt damage to the enemies using the power he gained from Limit Break,
but it had become impossible for him to attack the demonic beasts with hit and run
tactic while cooperating with the others.

With high-speed movement comparable to Shizukus No Beat, the black cat and
the four-eyed wolf that possessed a skill called Prediction, had excellent teamwork
which resulted in the evasion of what should have been a mortal wound.

They desperately fought back, but shadows of despair gradually began to loom over
the expression of the classmates. That feeling grew larger thanks to the participation
of the Demon race woman in the battle.

The golden eyed lizard sleeping in the depth of the ground, the magic-eyed king
born in this world, the one who brought the curse of darkness within his view. What
I seek is the eternal and everlasting prison of darkness. Neither terror, nor despair,
nor sorrow, to lock out my enemies with those eyes, and what remains would be
demise, only cold sanction sculptures. Crush everything and return them to the
ground! Final Prison!

Immediately after the chant was finished, a gray orb appeared from the woman of
the Demon races outstretched hand and flew towards Koukis party drawing a
parabola. Although it could not be called fast, theres no one currently in Koukis
party who could not evade it. At a glance, it was truly not a marvelous magic, but
the one whose abdomen pierced by the tentacle, Nomura Kentarou, was already
pale faced because of the blood loss, and became paler. He shouted,

Kh!? Fuck! Taniguchi!! Stop that thing! Use your barrier!

Eh!? R-Roger! Bring a sanctuary that wont let the Gods enemy pass here! Holy
Interruption!

Nomura, who was at his wits end ordered, and Suzu used shortened chants to
invoke high-ranked defense magic of the light element. The shining barrier created a
dome-like state and surrounded Koukis party. Because Holy Interruption didnt
have a function to detect friend or foe, there were lots of demonic beasts wrapped
inside the dome-like barrier. Not only was it a strong magic, it also had high magic
power consumption rate. It was the reason why it was often not used in meaningless

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fights. However, Nomuras shout told her the danger of the magic activated by the
Demon race woman, so at the very least, she wanted to use a strong barrier magic
and immediately chose Holy Interruption.

The gray-colored swirling orb immediately collided with the barrier right after Suzu
expanded the Holy Interruption. The gray orb had tremendous pressure and
strength belied by its appearance to break through the barrier. To not let it break
through, Suzu gritted her teeth and desperately endured the feeling of her magic
power being consumed.

Then, as if they received an order from the Demon race woman, the demonic beasts
movements changed. Several all of them began to aim at Suzu simultaneously.

Suzu!

Protect Taniguchi!

Eri fired her magic to obstruct the approaching Brutal-look-alike as she called Suzus
name. With Suzu in the center, there was Eri with Saitou Yoshiki and Kondou
Reiichi fighting against a Chimera, and a four-eyed wolf in opposite of her. Nomura
came to Suzus side.

However, a black cat suddenly appeared from the crack of their defense towards the
unmoving Suzu who could not move while maintaining Holy Interruption.
Nomura immediately activated Stone Spear and skew it to the ground. However,
the black cat was zigzagging mid-air, bent its body to avoid the stone spear, and
thrust out all of its tentacles.

Taniguchii!

Agh!?

Nomura called Suzus name to warn her, but it was too late. The tentacles had
instantly pierced the Suzus stomach, thigh, and right arm while she tried to dodge.
Her small body was caught and was thrown to the side with a strong force.

With splattered blood, Suzus back struck the ground and her breath hung. Then,
she screamed due to the incapability to endure the severe pain the same time she
regained her breath.

AaAaAUGH!!

Suzu-chan!

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Arifureta Volume 08

Suzu!

Hearing her agonized voice, Kaori and Eri instantly screamed Suzus name.
Although Kaori tried to focus her mind to activate healing magic, but the shining
barrier Suzu made had disappeared first.

Everyone, get away from that orb!

Nomura warned the others with a voice filled with frustration. However, up till now,
no magic could rival Suzus impregnable defense, Holy Interruption. That was
why his warning came too slow.

With the disappearance of the barrier, the swirling grey orb flew mightily, crashed
into the ground and exploded soundlessly, and scattered grey smoke to the
surroundings tremendously.

Saitou, Kondou, and Nomura, ran towards Suzu who had collapsed in agony nearby.
The grey smoke immediately wrapped around them. There were no shadows of
demonic beasts. All of them had simultaneously distanced themselves at once.

The grey smoke continued to extend and tried to engulfed Kouki and the others.

Come, O wind! Wind Bomb!

Kouki immediately used wind magic to create a squall, which pushed the grey
smoke outside the room.

Maybe because it was created with magic, the smoke didnt easily get blown out of
the room unlike ordinary smoke, but because Koukis magic was strengthened
thanks to the Limit Break, he successfully blew the smoke away after some
struggle, into the dungeon passageway.

However, what was left by the smoke was

That cant be, Suzu!

Nomura-kun

Saitou! Kondou!

Saitou and Kondou had completely petrified and became unable to speak, while
Suzu had her lower half of her body petrified, and Nomura who covered Suzu had
the left side of his body petrified.

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Saitou and Kondou were petrified with dumbfounded expressions because they
didnt understand what had happened. Suzu whose lower half petrified, coupled
with severe pain, had lost her consciousness with a truly pained expression.

On the other hand, the one who protected Suzu, Nomura, had the most negligible
damage, but he still let out a pained groan while gritting his teeth looking like he
seemed to be enduring an acute pain. Nomuras damage was slight because he was
an Earth Magic-user. Carrying the highest aptitude to earth attribute, it was
natural he had high resistance against magic from Earth element.

In addition, Nomura instantaneously saw through the Demon race womans magic
because it was of the Earth element, which he had studied high-ranked offensive
magic, Final Prison. It was a troublesome magic scattering petrifying grey smoke.
Even if it was only a slight touch, the magic would gradually invade the body until
one was completely petrified, and the only action to prevent it was to create barrier
thatd hold up until the effect has worn off, or use strong magic to blow the smoke
away. Moreover, the barrier would also be petrified unless it was a high-ranked one,
and the smoke could also only be blown away using a high-ranked magic.

Bastard! How dare you!

Kouki raised an enraged expression because of the disaster that fell upon his
comrades. Kouki, who was wrapped in a shining light due to the effect of Limit
Break, began to shine in a brighter dazzling light. He looked like he would charge
towards the Demon race woman at any moment.

However, Shizuku acted as a stopper to Kouki when she yelled with an

admonishing voice, followed by telling him to withdraw with all of their might.

Stop! Kouki! Lets withdraw! The path of retreat is clear now!

Wh!? After what had happened, how can I run away?!

However, with his fury from seeing his comrades getting hurt, Kouki glared and
objected to Shizukus plan of retreating. The pressure Kouki released rushed
towards Shizuku, but she received it as though it was nothing, and pressured him
instead with a stern expression.

Listen! Kaori will surely cure them. However, itll take time. Theres also the
possibility of it being too late if we are too slow to treat them. So it is necessary to
withdraw now and recover! Besides, we lack three people now, so if you rush out,
everyone wont be able to endure the next attack! Well truly be annihilated!

Ugh, but

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In addition, isnt it about time your Limit Break reached dangerous time? In this
situation, itll be truly the end if Kouki is weakened! Please calm down! Everyone
also feels the same as you!

Hearing the logical words of his childhood friend, Kouki hesitated as he bit his lip
when he noticed the bleeding at the edge of Shizukus lips, and he felt his boiling
head go cold. Shizuku was also mortified. Before she knew it, she had cut her lip.
Her important comrades had been done in, and if possible she wanted to
immediately beat up her enemy.

Okay! Everyone, time to retreat! Shizuku, Ryuutarou! Please endure it for a little
longer!

Leave it to me!

Right on!

Kouki thrusted up the Holy Sword and began a long chant. Until now, he didnt use
any long chant because it would not have defused their earlier situation. However, it
was now the perfect magic to clear a path for their retreat. But, it became necessary
for him to entrust his defense to Shizuku and Ryuutarou because he was completely
defenseless when hes chanting. In other words, they must face the demonic beasts
aiming for Kouki. Naturally, even if Shizuku and Ryuutarou could not cope with it,
they would still desperately fight back with considerable vigor even with injuries.

Do you think Ill let you escape? When she said this, the Demon race woman
ordered the demonic beasts to block the passage behind Koukis party. Then, she
began to chant magic, with the chanting Kouki as her target.

However, thats when something abnormal began to happen to the Demon race
woman.

ROOOOAR!!

Kh!? Why!

Somehow, five of the Chimeras that should be her allies were attacking the woman.
While being surprised with widely opened eyes, she immediately resumed and used
a shortened chant to activate her magic. High density of dust clouds became swirling
blades with the woman in the center, cutting two of the attacking Chimeras. The
attacks from the remaining Chimeras were somehow avoided by blowing herself
away using the dust clouds.

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The Demon race woman yelled, Why am I being attacked!? She was agitated while
staring at the Chimeras that attacked her. Then, she noticed something all of the
Chimeras had parts of their bodies destroyed. Theres one that was headless, and
one with a deep scar in its body which still had blood dripping from it even now.

These

Just as the Demon race woman noticed, the five Chimeras that attacked her were the
ones defeated by Kouki. The should-be-dead Chimeras stood up and attacked her.
The situation was unreal until the Demon race woman recalled a certain magic and
muttered, Dont tell me

I wont let you disturb Kouki-kun!

As she shouted so, Eri swung her hand like a baton and made the corpses of the
Chimeras surround the Demon race woman.

Tch! Necromancer, huh! I didnt get such information!

The Demon race woman had prior investigations before she waited in ambush for
Koukis party. From the information, theres no mention of someone capable using
super difficult magic such as Necromancy, so this situation was completely
unexpected. That was because, even though Eri had Necromancer as her class, she
was bad at it and never use Necromancy in actual combat, but now this fact worked
in their favor.

Even if I am bad at it, Ill just overcome it! Eri thought while she glared at the Demon
race woman with a powerful gaze, and skillfully manipulated the Chimeras as
though it wasnt her first time doing it in actual combat. However, she was just
going to buy time rather than defeating the Demon race woman.

In the meantime, Kaori used Focus and Ten Thousand Heavens on Suzu.
Among the party members, Suzu was the one in the direst situation, which was why
she decided on focusing healing Suzu first. Ten Thousand Heavens was a mid-
ranked healing magic of the light element capable of curing abnormal statuses.
However, the petrification magic was a considerably strong magic, and she couldnt
cured it all. Though the holes in her abdomen and arm were immediately recovered,
she had lost a considerable amount of blood. She was in such a critical situation
where needed immediate rest. It was also necessary to heal the hole in her leg the
moment her petrification is undone.

Nomura, with a petrified left side of his body, had been diligently worked on to be
released from his abnormal state by Tsuji Ayako. Tsuji Ayako had a high aptitude

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for healing magic, but the fact that Nomura had high resistance against earth magic,
made his recovery rate considerably faster. His petrified leg had already been cured.

However, even with that, Tsuji Ayako could only grit her teeth when she sneaked a
peek at Kaori swinging her white wand. Although their class was the same, Healer,
Kaori was obviously above her in terms of capability. Kaori was using magic to
simultaneously heal Suzu who had far more serious injuries than Nomura. In
addition, she sometimes used healing magic on Shizuku and Ryuutarou who were in
battle to defend Kouki. It was a feat impossible to be mimicked by Ayako. She was
mortified and felt miserable because she couldnt heal all of her allies while being in
a dire situation.

Although Nomura seemed to want to say something to Ayako in regards to what

she was feeling, he thought it was not the right time, so he bore the pain and
muttered an incantation.

With their fighting force deceased and Kouki out of the fight, Hiyama and Nakano
were covered in wounds as they confronted many demonic beasts. On the other side,
Nagayamas party and Eri, who were protecting the two healers, noticed they had
almost reached their limits. With the current flow, it would only be several minutes
before they completely exhaust themselves.

Light gathered in Koukis Holy Sword, but Nakano, who was about to cry at any
moment, panicked when she thought of this as a suicidal action. The party members
anxiously waited for the time which finally came.

Here I go! Heavenly Downpour!

One flashing line fired from the thrusted up Holy Sword. The light exploded and
scattered before the ceiling, pouring down towards the surrounding demonic beasts
like meteors.

This Heavenly Downpour was an attack magic from light element where it flew
above enemies, could pinpoint several enemies, and attacked them simultaneously.
Its power wasnt that high since its power was distributed among the scattered lights,
and was originally used to clean up a lot of small fries. But in Limit Break state,
this bombing-like magic was enough to clean up demonic beasts in 50th floor.

However, the abnormally strong demonic beasts brought by the demon race woman
didnt receive that much damage as expected, and at most, it only blew them away
from his comrades as far as possible. But it was enough for Kouki. By creating a gap,
his comrades would be able to retreat while the demon race woman was still
occupied by the Chimera controlled by Eri.

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Having confirmed so, Kouki demonstrated the characteristic of the magic which had
a stupidly long chanting.

Converge!

As it pour down from the heaven, the rain of light that made the demonic beasts
retreat temporarily, once again converged into the Holy Sword. The spectacle where
the meteors converged as they left trails was quite a fantastic scene. Kouki thrusted
the Holy Sword straight, and it shone as it cladded in light towards the demonic
beasts that positioned themselves before the passage the retreat path of him and his
comrades. With a war cry, he pulled the last trigger from the a series of magic.

Heavenly Claws Downpour!

Immediately, numerous meteors shot like a bombardment when his thrusted the
Holy Sword forward. Even though it looked the same as previous attack, it had far
stronger power since Kouki used his trump card, Heaven Might, and naturally it
swept away the demonic beasts that closed their retreat path.

Normally, even if he wanted to use Heaven Might, the chant was long and he
didnt want Shizuku and Ryuutarou to protect him any longer than needed.

Even so, Heavenly Claws Downpour was the best technique he had in the current
situation. The meteor-like torrent of lights went straight towards the demonic beasts
blocking their retreat path, and caused numerous explosions simultaneously at the
moment of impact. The bombardment that consisted of numerous light bullets
exploded like the cluster bomb. The consecutive impacts resulted in the broken
balance of the demonic beasts as they were being blown away.

ROOOOAR!!

The demonic beasts screamed as they closed their eyes. Heavenly Claws Downpour
had an additional effect, blindness, caused by looking at the flash. The strong light
generated in close proximity burnt their sights. Rubbing their eyes with their
backhands, the demonic beasts blindly rampaged.

These demonic beasts were already out of Koukis partys path of retreat. A way had
opened straight to the passage.

Now! Lets retreat!

With Koukis order, everyone simultaneously moved. Nagayama had carried the
petrified Kondou and Saitou on his shoulders while Endou shouldered the fainted

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Suzu. Even though his left arm was still petrified, Nomura stood up by himself,
endured the acute pain, and began to run towards the passage.

Tch! Dont let them escape! Capture them!

While fighting the last two Chimeras, the demon race woman ordered the unharmed
demonic beasts. The demonic beasts moved as instructed and began their pursuit at
once. Chimeras, four-eyed wolves, and black cats, they were all swift-footed
demonic beasts, and the distance between them and Koukis party was shortened in
less than no time.

It was at that time Nomura turned around. With pained face, he thrusted out his
right hand and revealed a fearless smile.

Dont ever think Ill be defeated in earth magic! Its my payback! Final Prison!

The same swirling grey orb just like the demon race womans magic shot out from
Nomuras hand. The magic orb transmitting petrification smoke collided with the
incoming demonic beasts. When the demon race woman activated Final Prison a
while ago, even without her saying anything, the demonic beasts immediately
distanced themselves. Thats why Nomura the demonic beasts could sense the
danger that lies within the spell, and chanted it in preparation to use on the pursuer
as he was retreating.

What Nomura concluded turned out to be true. The moment the grey orb shot out,
the charging demonic beasts immediately slammed on their brakes and began to
jumped back to distance themselves and return to their previous location. At the
same time, the smoke became a smokescreen concealing the appearances of Kouki
and his comrade as they were retreating.

In addition, Endou used magic to erase the remains of magic power and traces of
their smells. Endous class was an Assassin, so he had natural talent in covert
magic, and the demonic beasts were likely unable to pursue them.

The entrance of the previous room already looked smaller behind them, and maybe
it was just their imagination, but mortified howls of demonic beasts seemed like it
was resounding.

Koukis party felt mortified because of their ragged bodies and their comrades who
could not open their eyes. However, they also feel glad they survived, and continued
to run away without saying anything.

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Arifureta Volume 08

Chapter 3 : Even a Mob-character Has Things It Can Do

Their current location was the deepest room in the 89th floor.

Currently, there were four entrances within the huge octagonal room, but there was
actually one more passage that leads to a hidden room between two entrances. The
size of the entrance to this closed room was about 10 tatami, and its entrance was
splendidly camouflaged.

Inside the room was Koukis party, who were resting in complete relief. However,
their expressions were uniformly gloomy. There were only those who cast their gaze
down in deep frustration. Everyone was covered in wounds, so a lot of them had
expressions distorted by pain.

Normally, Kouki would use his charisma to encourage everyone, but now, his whole
body was attacked by severe exhaustion due to the recoil from Limit Break, and he
leaned his body in towards the wall, shutting his mouth in silent.

In addition, at such a time, the class moodmaker who could not read the mood in a
good way had a pale face due to the loss blood, and was sleeping with rough
breathing as she frowned in pain. This fact was also one of the reasons which made
everyone depressed.

Suzus lower half was still petrified from the knees down, and so Kaori was still
continuing the treatment. Her pierced thigh had already been healed. What was left
was to undo her petrification. However, Suzu had lost a large amount of blood from
the attacks of the tentacles. There was the possibility that her vital blood vessels were
damaged. But it could also be said that Kaori made it in time for the healing because
she was Kaori.

To begin with, even Kaori was incapable of replenishing Suzus lost blood. Thus, she
was limited to making Suzu drink the blood-increasing medicine from this world. It
was the reason why Suzus physical condition would not return to normal
immediately. It was necessary for her to rest.

Kaori had spent all of her time on Suzu, so the others didnt receive her healing.
Naturally, Saitou and Kondou who were petrified into object-like things were kept
as they were. After Suzus treatment ended, next were the petrified two, and the
other party members who understood there were still a long wait before it was their
turn, didnt complain, except for a small portion of them. It was simply because they
did not have energy to do it.

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Inside the dim room where the gloomy atmosphere drifted about, Shizuku wrinkled
her forehead and was puzzled on how to encourage the others. Naturally, the
taciturn Shizuku could not skillfully change the atmosphere, unlike Suzu. However,
there was no one else to do so since Kouki was also weakened due to the effect of
Limit Break and his defeat, so she thought she must somehow do something. She
was thinking in such manner because she naturally cared about others. A true
worldly-wise person.

Shizuku herself was nearing her limit both physically and mentally, and she was
gradually troubled by thinking of what to do. Thus, she decided to make an unable-
to-read-the-mood-style gag with the resolution of dying a honorable death. However,
when she considered again, she felt as though she felt herself breaking. Then,
Nomura and Tsuji Ayako appeared from the improvised passage and they
conversed.

Fuu, I think it somehow turned into a good camouflation. But as expected, I am

exhausted after using such a delicate magic Im already at my limit.

Its not in your field of expertise to be able to transform it into wall without any
sense of incompatibility But you even used only one magic array to do that, so it
cant be helped. Cheers for your hard work.

You also worked hard to completely undo my petrification, right? Thanks.

From the conversation of these two people, the one who made this room and
camouflaged the entrance into the surrounding wall was the Earth Magic-user,
Nomura Kentarou.

Earth Magic-user held high aptitude towards Earth-Element magic which directly
manipulates the ground, but it could not do delicate work such as manufacturing
and forming such as Transmutation. For example, it could create a bulge in the
ground, make rocks fly up from the ground, harden the ground to create a stone
spear, or controlling clouds of sand. In addition, for someone high-ranked, they
could use petrification spells and create Golems (completely non-independent doll).
However, an Earth Magic user could not produce things by separating or mixing
various minerals.

Thats why, though it was possible to roughly create a hole on the wall using magic
array at hand, to be able to form a wall similar to the surrounding walls, Nomura
could do nothing but constructed it using only one magic array.

It should be noted that Tsuji Ayako had treated Nomura after he had undid his
petrification.

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Thanks for your hard work, Nomura-kun. We should be able to gain some time
with this.

I hope so. Well, with this I can do nothing but pray we wont be found until
everyone has recovered. About Kousuke we can only pray, too, huh.

Kousuke should be okay. He wont lose to anyone in term of the thinness of his
shadow.

No, Juugo. Dont say that, I feel bad just by hearing it

The talk about the increasing safety of their hiding place made the depressed
atmosphere slightly relaxed, and Shizuku smiled as she treated Nomura kindly due
to the cancellation of creating a black history of her.

On the other hand, Nomura had a bitter smile as he prayed and looked into the
distance towards one of his bestfriends who was not here now.

Thats right, currently one of their companions was not here. He was Endou
Kousuke. With Assassin as his class, he was Nagayama Juugo and Nomura
Kentarous best friend. He was neither gloomy nor a poor talker, but his existence
was a forgettable one. He was a normal high school boy who could speak casually
with anyone, but somehow his shadow is thin. His figure would be gone before
anyone noticed it while saying, Huh? Where is he?, as they looked at the
surrounding only to be surprised that he was right beside them. He demonstrated
elusiveness without any intention of doing it at all. And, of course, it was also the
same story when they were still in Japan.

Though the person himself was extremely unwilling, his ability was currently the
most useful. Endou alone separated from the party and went to explain the situation
to Meld and the Knights. Normally, no matter how much of a cheat the summoned
person was, it was suicidal to run through the level 80ish floors alone. Even Koukis
party had little room to spare in conquering the floors, only because there were 15
people cooperating.

But, if it was Endou, a man who could puff up his chest while saying, The worlds
thinnest shadow!, he could take full advantages of his stealth skills and possibly be
capable of reaching the 70th floor where Meld and the Knights were without being
found by any demonic beast. Thinking so, Koukis party sent Endou off.

When he left, Endou was slightly teary eyed surely, he felt something by leaving
alone to retreat from his companions. It could not be from his companions
persuasion words, such as: If its you with your thin shadow, even keen demonic

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beasts wont notice you! Only you have a thin shadow that wont lose to anyone, so
you must be able to break through the demonic beasts without being noticed.

Truthfully, Koukis party wanted to immediately withdraw from the upper floors.
However, to their regrets, they didnt have any reserve strength left to do so. Within
the party members who were covered in wounds, three of them were in no condition
for battle while Kouki was in a weakened state, so they didnt think they would be
able to break through the 80s floors.

Of course, they also didnt think Meld and the Knights would come to rescue them.
Including Meld, only six people were capable of building their base on the 70th floor.
In the partys minds, even by gaining help from other Knight members and the
guilds high-ranked adventurers, whose strength came close to Meld, it should be
within the safety margin for Meld and the others to reached the latter half of 70s
floors, more than that was asking for the impossible.

Even with that, it would not have any meaning if Koukis party didnt break through
the 80ish floors by themselves. In other words, rather than to call for rescue, the
purpose for Endo to go alone was to inform them about their situation and the
Demon Race woman who lead the demonic beasts.

Koukis party had certainly heard from Ishtal and the others from the Church of the
Saints that the Demon Race was amassing demonic beasts, not by brainwashing, but
enslavement, since the beasts still carried their own wills. But, they never heard of
such strong demonic beasts. And the astounding thing about the demonic beasts
should be the number not their individual strength.

In fact, the demonic beasts the Demon Race woman lead had easily cleared the
human untrodden 90th floor of Orcus Great Dungeon and overwhelmed Koukis
party even with the cheats they carried. Such things made it strange if the human
race was not destroyed sooner.

In other words, Ishtals information was not mistaken and the conclusion was still
that the demonic beasts the Demon Race controlled had became stronger. Not only
their number but also their individual strength was astounding. Koukis party
judged this information should be conveyed by all means.

Shirasaki-san. Please take care of Kondou-kun and Saito-kuns de-petrification. Itll

take too much time if it is me. But, leave the healing of the others to me.

Un, okay. Dont push yourself too hard, Tsuji-san.

I will be okay. Rather, thats my line sorry. If only I was stronger, Shirasaki-sans
responsibility would be decreased

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On the side of the conversing with Nomura and the others, Ayako was drinking the
potion for recovering magic power and she said to Kaori who was still continuing
Suzus treatment. Though both were healers, Ayakos abilities was far inferior
compared to Kaoris, and even though she didnt show it, Ayako felt herself pathetic
and full of apologies, since she could only add more responsibility to Kaori.

There is no such thing, Kaori replied so with a wry smile, then Ayako turned to
heal their companions. Even if its slight, darkness disappeared from their
companions faces when they recovered by Ayakos healing. Nomura was watching
Ayako with a face as though he wanted to say something, but he could not raise a
voice since he felt hed only disturbing her work.

In such a situation. Just speak if theres something you want to say.

Shut up.

Nagayama said to Nomura with an expression as if he finds something amusing, but

Nomura turned his face away as if sulking.

After that, several tens of hours passed. Koukis partys bodies and minds were
gradually recovered and they took turns to sleep.

***

On the other side, one person, Endou Kousuke was retreating with the entrusted
information about the Demon Race. He walked steadily aiming for 70th floor, where
Meld and the Knights were, without entering even one battle.

In the 80th floors, if he was noticed by the demonic beasts, one on one would work
out somehow but multiple on one was an out for him. Thats why, while hurrying
up as much as possible, he advanced with prudent thoughts. Thanks to that, he was
able to pass right before demonic beasts unnoticed, even now.

After the demonic beasts were out his sight, Endou got off of the ceiling where he
stuck himself. The figure which was completely clad in black to make the best use of
Invisibility, made him look just like an Assassin. Surely, even the demonic
beasts he had just passed by earlier would receive huge damage if they were to
receive a surprise attack from the ceiling. In his mind, he didnt think, At least
feel a little of my presence There was no glittering at the edge of his eyes when he
saw the demonic beasts pass through without noticing him at all. Absolutely not.

I must hurry

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Endo understood the mission imposed on him. He had guessed Kouki and the
others had sent him off to transmit the information which also meant he must
survive. Nagayama and Nomura said, Do not return here, but their wish was
transmitted without the need for words.

However, after he fulfilled his duty, Endou was going to return to where Kouki and
the others were. No matter what was said, he would not feel good if he was the only
one who retreated to safety.

He felt somewhat empty because the demonic beasts didnt notice him, but it was
the best weapon for the current Endou as he traced the returning route memorized
in his head, and finally he reached 70th floor.

While suppressing his impatience, he went towards the room with the teleport circle
where Meld and the others set their base. After a while, Endos Sign Perception
perceived the presence of six people. Theres no mistake they were Meld and the
Knights. With this distance, the others shouldve noticed him since he had
deactivated Invisibility.

Endo turned at the last corner and arrived at teleportation room where Meld and the
Knights were. However, even though his figure could completely be seen, Meld and
the Knights didnt notice him at all. Endo then approached Meld with eyes of a dead
fish, and called him.

Commander! Its me! Please notice me! Its an emergency!

Uoh!? What!? Is it enemys attack!?

At the moment Endou raised his voice, Meld yelled, drew his sword, jumped back,
and looked at the surrounding with vigilance. Even the other Knights were
surprised and shaken for a moment, then they entered battle stance.

Like I said, its ME! Seriously, please dont give such reactions!

Eh? Wait, its Kousuke, huh. Dont surprise me like that. Rather, what happened to
the others? Besides, arent you somewhat ragged?

I said it before, theres an emergency!

When Meld and the Knights understood it was Endou, they relaxed their shoulders
because they knew how thin Endous shadow was. However, Endou returned earlier
than scheduled, and it was only him. Furthermore, Endou was ragged and covered
in wounds, thats why their expressions became stern and guessed something
mustve happened.

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As he was hurting because of the fact even the Kingdoms elite Knights were
incapable of noticing him unless he called out to them. However, Endou thought it
was not the time for that and he began to talk about the situation rapidly.

At first, Meld and the Knights put on dubious expressions, but their expression
tightened as Endo advanced in his story. Then, maybe because his heart was shaken
when his story reached to where he retreated alone, Endou was drown in tears and
his head was patted.

Dont cry, Kousuke. You are doing something only you can do. Do you think any of
them can run through 20 floors in such a short time without even a fight? Youve
done well. Ive certainly received your words.

Commander I, Ill return to them now. Even though theyd be able to return here
by themselves even if this time they said they wont lose Amanogawa was
unable to defeat the enemies even with Limit Break. All we could do was to run
away. Everyone is considerably exhausted, so even if their injuries heal if they are
attacked we still dont understand everything about those bastard demonic
beasts thats why, please return to the surface and convey this information.

So ashamed that he was crying, Endou rubbed his eyes with his sleeve, and said
with a resolute expression.

Meld bit his lip in regret, and handed over the tool bag filled with all of the highest
grade healing potions and everything else inside. The other Knights copied Melds
actions, and entrusted their tool bags to Endo, feeling mortified.

I can only apologize, Kousuke. Although we want to rescue them together we

will just be a hindrance to you

Ah, no, please dont worry about that. Theres a considerable decrease in the
number of our potions, so it will surely help us.

Saying that, Endou shook the tool bags where various potions were kept with a wry
smile, but Melds frown only deepened. It was not only because he was mortified
with his incapability of helping them, but also due to the bitterness.

Kousuke. Now, I will say the worst thing I can say. I dont care if you scorn me
because its natural. However, I want you to hear it.

Eh? Whats with this all of a sudden

No matter what happens, please take only Kouki back.

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Arifureta Volume 08

Eh?

Melds words made Endou dumbfounded.

Kousuke. If the demonic beasts are so strong and capable of putting the current you
into such a predicament the Human Race wont have any future if we lose Kouki.
Of course, I believe all of you can go through this and meet again with us, and I wish
for that However, I must say this as the Commander of Herrlicht Kingdoms
Knights. If by some chance it comes to that, please let Kouki live.

Endou finally guessed what Meld meant and was dumbfounded. It was to sacrifice
anyone to keep the more important one alive, a choice that must be done for
someone with duty. It was something Endou never thought of. Therefore, Endous
expression had become awfully bitter.

We, are we just extras added to Amanogawa?

Of course not. For it is true I wish and desire for everyones survival. No, such
words dont have any persuasiveness after I said that Kousuke, at the very least I
want you to convey those words to Shizuku and Ryuutarou.

Melds words made Endous feelings darken. Meld, Endou, and the others had spent
much time together. He was always by their sides ever since their beginner days in
this world, and they had fought together for a long time. Meld was a big brother-like
existence for the students who went to the front lines, and someone they trusted
more than anyone in this world. Thats why, Endou felt betrayed by Meld who said
to cast them away.

Still, he understood the necessity of what Meld said in the corner of his mind, so he
could not curse him. With a dark expression, Endo only nodded and turned on his
heels.

However, at that moment

Kousuke!?
Eh!?

Meld suddenly pushed Kousuke aside and cliiiiing!!, the sound of metal grinding
against metal rang out, it came from the drawn sword swung in an arc. Following
that, he rotated once and sent a splendid kick towards the blurred space.

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BooOOOm!

With such a sound, the blurred space was blown backward. Next, numerous claw
marks appeared on the ground five meter from where they were. The claws were
probably used to deaccelerate.

Seeing that, Endou, who fell on his butt, turned pale and muttered.

I-Impossible. For them to catch up now

As though using those words as a signal, demonic beasts that had tracked Endo and
the Knights, appeared one by one. Endou remained sitting on the ground, shaken to
be caught this fast. Until he arrived here, he had used Assassin skills to erase his
presence, smell, and magic trace while moving. The Demon Race woman was
moving while searching for Kouki and the others, so it shouldnt be possible to catch
up with Endou who ran straight to the 70th floor.

Endous doubt was erased by the nightmare-like woman who appeared next.

Tch. Only one, huh I thought they had escape here where the teleport circle
was Looking at this, looks like they are hiding somewhere.

Twirling her hair in irritation, the Demon Race woman who appeared riding on a
four-eyed wolfs back, made Meld and the Knights enter battle mode. From her
words, the woman thought Koukis party would run towards the teleportation circle,
and thats why she came straight to this floor. With her guess off, she seemed to be
irritated because she now needed to search around to look for Kouki and the others.

At the same time, it could be said Kouki and the others were still safe. Endou, Meld,
and the Knights looked relieved, and smiled faintly. The demon race woman noticed
them and snorted towards Endou and the Knights.

Whatever, I also have a duty here Lets quickly kill them and begin our search.

Immediately, all of the demonic beasts came attacking. The Chimeras charged and
made the space blur, while the black cats covered the distance like a gale. The Brutal-
look-alikes were approaching with maces in their hands, and the four-eyed wolves
were looking for a chance from behind.

Make a circle! Defend the teleport circle to the end! Kousuke! How long are you
going to show that disgraceful attitude! Stand up and run away! To the surface!

Eh!?

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As expected of the Kingdoms elites of the elites. Meld and the Knights promptly
made such a formation and cooperated against the incoming demonic beasts. From
hearing Endous story about the demonic beasts a little while ago, they clearly knew
they were obviously inferior in terms of offense, thats why they chose to only
defend and parry.

Endou slipped a surprised voice when Meld said, Escape to the surface. If its
escaping, it would be better if all of us go together. When Meld said for him to get away
from this place, Endou felt that rather than going to the surface, he had a
responsibility to return to where Kouki and the others were.

Stop daydreaming! Tell the surface about the Demon Race!

B-But, Commander Meld and the Knights

We are going to made this place our graves! Kousuke! Destroy the teleport circle
once you get to the other side! Itll at least buy you some time!

Th-Thats

Melds intention was clear. Even if they went to the surface, the demonic beasts
would immediately teleport, too, if no one bought them even a little bit of time. If
that happened, theyd lose the method to lose the pursuers, and they were likely to
be killed when the pursuers catches up. Therefore, the best choice was for only one
to escape while the rest buys him some time. If the time could be bought, the other
teleportation circle on 30th floor could be destroyed, and hed lose the pursuers. The
teleportation circle was the type carved on the ground, so it could be restored using
transmutation. After one had escaped and told the stationed force on the surface
about this, they only have to restore the circle, and it could be used again by Kouki
and the others.

The one chosen to escape was Endou, but because Meld previously said to cast away
anyone other than Kouki, Endou was puzzled because this time he was told to
escape at the expense of the Knights. It was the reason why he could not move
immediately.

Toward such an Endou, Meld roared his deepest wish as the intense battle unfolded.

I am sorry for being powerless! I am sorry I could not help you! I am sorry you
werent the chosen one! Kousuke! This is the last wish of the worthless me! So please
hear it!

Toward the puzzled Endou, the big bro-like mans last wish was conveyed.

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Dont die!

Those words made Endou understand everything. Meld, in reality, never wanted to
let anyone die. If someone must be sacrificed to let the others survive, it would
rather be the Knights. Meld and the Knights wished for not only Kouki, but all of the
students to survive. For him to be chosen made Endou full of bitterness.

Endou bit his lip and used all of his might to turn on his heel towards the teleport
circle. It was because he felt he would not be a man if he didnt answer the wish and
resolution of Meld here.

Dont think you can!

The Demon Race woman raised her hand towards a black cat while activating her
own magic. The black cat shot out the tentacles on its back with a great velocity. In
addition, stone spears also flew in the air riding on her killing intent.

Endou somehow managed to cut the tentacles with his shortsword, and bent his
body to the side. It looked like he wouldnt be able to evade the following stone
spears. The reason for the his incapability of evading was because of the positioning
of the tentacles, and the wonderful timing of the spears that came in succession.
Endou gritted his teeth and prepared to receive the impact. Even if he was to receive
the attack, he was determined to keep running and jump into the teleport circle.

However, the expected impact didnt come. One of the Knight had jumped out of the
formation and used his body to shield Endou.

A-Alan-san!

Guh dont worry, and go!

With the stone spear piercing his abdomen, the Knight named Alan swung his
sword to parry the attack of the incoming demonic beasts, and said to Endou with a
truly manly smile. Endou strongly bit his lip as though he was biting it off, and ran
towards the teleport circle.

Tch! What persistent small fries! Aim for that boy! The Demon Race woman sent
out new order in a little haste but it was too late.

Hah, this is our victory! Dont you look down on Herrlicht Kingdoms Knights!

Meld revealed a fearless smile as he shouted. At the same time, Endou activated the
teleportation circle and disappeared. The Demon Race woman ignored Melds
words and thrust her hand towards the demonic beast. The demonic beast could

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directly manipulate magic power, so the teleportation circle could be activated

without the need for troublesome chanting. Thus, she thought she could still make it
in time, if she was quick enough.

However,

I told you not to look down on us!

Meld and the Knights had skillful techniques and teamwork Koukis party didnt
have. Using their experiences, they obstructed the incoming demonic beasts
movements. They were outnumbered, but their defense skill and ability were
praiseworthy.

To begin with, it was abnormal for Meld and the Knights to confront these many
powerful demonic beasts, no matter how much of a desperate effort they put forth.
Alan, whose abdomen pierced by stone spear, was finally exhausted and the balance
was destroyed when he fell on his knees, and could not persist against the demonic
beasts anymore. With that opening, one of the Chimeras breached their defense line
and reached the teleport circle.

The Chimera disappeared the same time the glow of the magic circle was lost.

Kuh, one, passed, huh Kousuke dont die.

Melds mutters was erased by the demonic beasts roars. Unable to stomach that she
let Endou escape, the Demon Race woman sent the demonic beasts simultaneously
towards Meld and the Knights.

Fuh, we have decided our grave would be here, so lets rampage to the end. Guys,
show them the spirit of Herrlicht Kingdoms Knights.

Ou!

With Melds instruction, his subordinate Knights answered with a high-spirited

shout. The spirit put into their shouts, even though it was just for a moment, made
the surrounding demonic beasts flinch.

Ten minutes passed

Silence once again returned to the room with teleportation circle on the 70th floor.

***

Uwaaaaa!!

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Arifureta Volume 08

With a shout mixed in between scream and war cry, Endou jumped out from the
teleportation circle in Orcus Great Dungeons 30th floor, immediately wielded his
shortsword, and tried to destroy the magic circle before him.

Wh-What!? Eh, you! What are you doing!?

Stop him.

Catch him.

A black-clothed boy appeared from the teleportation circle, suddenly raised a shout
and began to destroy the magic circle with the sword in his hand. This made the
surrounding people, dressed as Knights, stand in blank surprise for a moment then
they raised angry roars and jumped at Endou to obstruct his destructive action.

These guys were Melds subordinates who was responsible of protecting the
teleportation circle on the 30th floor. Because of the force deficiency, there were
people who were at their limit just by guarding the 30th floor. Unable to destroy the
magic circle with a blow, Endou struck for the second time, for the third time, and
when he only need one more swing to destroy the circle, he was barely stopped from
destroying the magic circle.

L-Let go! If its not destroyed, quickly! Those bastards will-! Let go!

Wh-, arent you from the Heros party!? Why are you

After seeing him closely, the Knights knew the person acting like a madman was one
of the heros companions, and the Knights spontaneously loosened their holds as
they whispered voices of surprise. With that chance, Endou once again swung his
shortsword and destroyed a part of the magic circle, but he was one step too slow.

The magic circle once again glowed and activated. Thus, in the next moment, a
blurred space attacked Endou and the Knights.

Damn it!

Whats! Guuaaa!!

Endou immediately jumped back and was barely able to evade the Chimeras attack.
However, the Knights who didnt know the situation and should have been able to
evade, defenselessly received the Chimeras claw attack, and died with deeply torn
armor.

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One of their comrades who suddenly sprayed blood, made the other Knights panic.
Endou frantically shouted towards the Knights with a voice filled with impatience.

Its an enemy! Be careful of the blurring space! More will come if we dont destroy
the magic circle!

Endous scream-like voice made the Knights regain their senses. However, at the
same time, one more person was slashed and blown away. There were seven people
guarding the teleportation circle on the 30th floor. And now two had been killed.

Endou grit his teeth towards the fact and used an Assassin skill called Wallrun,
to run on the ceiling and aimed to destroy the magic circle from above. However, the
Chimera noticed him and tried to intercept him by jumping.

Although they still didnt understand what had happened, the Knights guessed it
was necessary and jumped towards the Chimera that was trying to attack Endou.
However, the Knights could only see the Chimera as a blurred space, so naturally
they didnt understand what kind of attack it had; they understood nothing about it.
Thats why, the Knight who jumped behind the Chimera had his neck bitten by the
tail-snake, while the Knights right beside its flank was beaten by its wings and
thrown to the ground.

Nevertheless, it was not meaningless. The Chimera somewhat lost its balance and
Endou was able to evade its dangerous claws and fangs. It was not a complete
evasion since his shoulder and flank were gouged, but the snake tail was slashed,
and the Chimera fell into the ground when they passed each other.

The Chimera flapped its wings to regain its balance to land on the ground slightly
away from them, while Endou immediately stood up after he fell on his shoulder
and simultaneously swung his short sword in his hand towards the previously
damaged teleportation circle.

At the same time it landed, the Chimera turned around and once again rushed to kill
Endou. However, at that time, Endous shortsword was already pierced the magic
circle with all of his might. BAM!, a clear sound effect rang out. It was the evidence
the magic circle had been destroyed. The trace of magic when the teleportation
magic circle was used had disappeared.

With this kh gaa, AaAAAAAH!!!

Succeeded in destroying the teleportation circle, Endou inadvertently leaked a

relieved sigh because no more pursuers would come. However, the Chimeras fangs
bored into his right arm in the next moment, and he screamed due to the sharp pain.
The strong jaws tried to bite off Endous right arm.

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The Knights charged towards it and used all of their might to attack the Chimera in
order to disturb it. The Chimera whose side were pierced by strengthened short
spears, inadvertently loosened the force on its jaws. Endou pulled out his right arm,
slipped out the concealed knife from his left sleeve, and slashed the Chimeras eye.

The rampaging Chimera slashed two more Knights to death when they approached
it to give it the finishing blows. Endou threw the knife in his hand, but the Chimera,
with a slashed eye, evaded by instinct.

Immediately, one of the Knights suddenly raised a scream. He inadvertently looked

towards the source and saw the Knight who previously had his neck bitten by the
snake, was beaten to the ground. The Knights lips turned purple, writhed in pain,
and died in no time.

Damn it!

Seeing that, the last Knight ran out to kill the snake, but it was a fatal mistake. The
Chimera whose back was turned to the Knight noticed the incoming enemy and
immediately attacked. Covered in wounds, Endou squeezed out all of his remaining
strength, and activated his certain kill attack towards the neck of Chimera that
attacked the Knight.

DieeEEEEE!!

Being separated from his companions, forced to desert Meld and the Knights, for the
Knights he knew to be killed, and various grudges mixed into his shout, he struck a
fatal blow demonstrating all of his power. He tore the Chimeras neck from the nape,
and it died in a moment.

Due to the inertia, Endou who sprang from the Chimeras flank, crossed it, and
rolled tremendously once he reached the ground. Enduring the pain in his shoulder,
right arm, and flank, Endou lifted his upper body with his left arm to confirm, and
burn the Chimeras death into his eyes.

The Chimera laid quietly looking to be completely dead due to the partly torn up
neck. However, Endous expression was weak as though he was going to cry rather
than feeling joy, and he couldnt help but whisper, Damn it!

Before his gaze was the figure of the last Knight who rushed out. He was falling
prone. With sword gripped in his right hand, his face had turned purple. Beside him,
was the torn up snake. Perhaps, right before the Chimera attacked, he slashed the
snake that sprung to him and his face might be bathed by the toxin inside its body.
Resultantly, all of the Knights who were guarding 30th floor had been annihilated.

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Because he could not save even one person, Endou cried as he shouted, Damn it!,
many times. He shouted the same words for a while, and Endou, who thought he
had died due to blood loss, took out the highest grade ointments and recovery
potions from the tool bags he got from Meld and the Knights. After his wounds were
treated by the emergency set, he silently lined the Knights corpses in a corner of the
room where the teleportation circle was.

For a little while, Endou watched the Knights figures, and slowly turned around to
advanced a step toward the surface. His face was as pale as a ghost, and his eyes
were hollow without any ambition. Thinking Once again only I survived, Endous
heart was tightened by a heavy, cold chain. The current him moved his body just
like a machine that only had to fulfill the role he was entrusted with, and he single-
mindedly aimed towards the surface.

Chapter 4 : The Nostalgic Holad

Hyahha! Yeah! As if such a sound could be heard, a dense, enormous, and fierce
pressure mercilessly attacked the Adventurers aiming at Hajimes party. The
bloodlust that was previously coming from the Adventurers seemed nothing but a
childish tantrum compared to this. As if also carrying physical force, the immature
Adventurers immediately lost their consciousness while all of the standing
Adventurers were re-seated without even having the time to tremble.

With Raisen Grand Canyon to their left, and a magnificent meadow to their right,
the magic driven two and four-wheelers advanced towards the west with the sun at
their backs. Raising a cloud of dust on the highway as it advanced by the four-
wheelers side, the two-wheeler went back and forth between the barren ground and
the meadow by the canyon side as it roared noisily, merrily even.

Seems like Shia is in a good mood. She even shouted just like those guys from
the end of the century.

Hmm. I also want to try it.

In the four-wheelers driver seat, Hajime muttered with an amazed expression with
one hand steering the vehicle, while the elbow of his other hand was on the window
frame. Just as Hajime said, Shia was not riding on the four-wheeler. She was driving
the two-wheeler alone.

To begin with, Shia truly liked the feeling of cutting through the wind as the two-
wheeler advanced, but the number of people had increased recently and their main

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transportation method changed to that of the four-wheeler, which made her

dissatisfied. Though she could feel the wind if she put her head out the window, she
could not be satisfied with that and she could not stick to Hajime like when they
used the two-wheeler because the seat next to him was reserved for Yue. Thus, she
asked Hajime to teach her how to drive the two-wheeler.

The magic-driven two-wheeler could be operated easily as long as one could use
direct magic power manipulation. Depending on the circumstances, direct magic
power manipulation could also be used to control the steering without the need to
grip it. Thus, this was not that difficult for Shia, and she quickly learned how to
drive it. Following that, she became enamoured with the two-wheeler.

Even now, she moved left and right while squeaking, she even drifted and popped a
wheelie. Furthermore, she also did jackknife and backride techniques which would
not lose to a professional extreme motorcycle stunt artist. The acceleration and
braking could be done by manipulating her magic power, so it was far easier to
operate than the one on Earth Still, she kept up with Hajimes pace. Shias rabbit
ears even said, Hey, hey, what do you think about my technique? as they
sometimes turned towards Hajime with a somewhat cheeky expression, which was
simply irritating.

Occasionally, there were those whose character would change when they drive, and
Shia might be one of them. Seeing Shia, Yue by Hajimes side also wanted to try
driving it herself. Yue even said, Hyahha! but Hajime decided to absolutely stop
her as he felt the mood would become awful. Also, beside Hajime was the three or
four year-old Myuu putting her head out of the window at Yues side, as she
steadily climbed from Yues lap with sparkling eyes. Pointing her hand towards Shia,
who began to stand while steering with one hand, Myuu began pleading to Hajime.

Papa! Papa! Myuu also wants to do that!

I already said you cant.

Sitting on Yues lap, Myuu, whose wish was denied began to whine and said, No!
Myuu wants to! to Hajime. So as to not let the whining Myuu fall from the seat, Yue
hugged her from behind and scolded her with, dont whine! Uu~ Myuu
raised a cute groan and Hajime showed a face as though to say it couldnt be helped
towards the depressed Myuu.

Myuu. Ill drive it with you later, so be patient.

Ehh~? Really?

Mhm. I wont permit you to board it with Shia but its okay if it is with me.

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So, Myuu cant drive it with Shia-oneechan?

Mhm, absolutely. Just look at her. This time shes making a strange pose while
steering. Though something come to my mind I absolutely wont let you get on
the vehicle with someone who drives dangerously.

Standing above the steer, Shia raised an American-like laughter while making a
strange pose where her right hands fingers spreaded and hid her face while her left
arm hung down with the shoulder slightly raised. As he stared at Shia who made
Joke-like pose, Hajime pointed at Myuu. Dont copy Shia, okay?, he said.

To begin with, I dont want you to get on the two-wheeler because itll be
dangerous should I make a child seat? The materials will be mumble, mumble.

Yue-oneechan. Papa is mumbling. How strange.

Hajime papa is just worried about Myuu unexpectedly overprotective.

Fufu, does it mean Master is an unexpectedly indulgent person? Hmm, this gap
somehow haa, haa.

Yue-oneechan. Tio-oneechan is panting.

It is an incurable disease so just ignore her.

Serving as Myuus conversation partner, Yue patted Myuus head, who was gazing
up at her.

Only a little time had passed since they started traveling with Myuu, but Hajime had
already given up about Myuu calling him, Papa. At first, he used every possible
means to change the way she called him, but Myuu began to tear up every time, and
her trembling eyes silently appealed, Is it bad? Does Papa hate Myuu? Even
Hajime, who was capable of beating the demonic beasts in the abyss to a pulp could
not win against Myuu, just like how he could not go against Yue. Resultantly, he
could not change it and it was established that he would be called Papa.

As he allowed (he gave up) her to call him Papa, Hajime began to worry about
Myuu. Even now, it could be said he was being overprotective. Shia is a shameless
rabbit while Tio is a pervert, so I must protect Myuu until she returns to her mother! or so
he thought. During the time when he begins to be too meddlesome, Yue was the one
who became the stopper, as well as the one in charge of teaching Myuu about
common sense, and thats the current composition of Hajimes party.

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Because Myuu was glued to Hajime, Yue couldnt flirt with him, and she became
somewhat dissatisfied, but she felt it could not be helped since she had also come to
adore the cute Myuu.

While silently firing her magic towards Tio, who was panting and concentrating on
her delusion in the back seat to silence her, Yue was covering Myuus ears since it
would be bad for her education. Thus, with Hajime who was still mumbling about
making the seat for Myuu, and Shia on the two-wheeler with only the rear wheel
touching the ground, I must keep calm! Yue made an empty resolve.

***

Hajimes party were currently at the Post Town, Holad.

Normally they would just pass through here, but because of a request from the head
of Fhuren branch Adventurer Guild, Ilwa, they must stop on their way here. Even so,
it didnt take too much time as they passed here along their way to Guryuu-en
Great Desert.

Hajime walked towards Holad branch guild along the main street with nostalgic
gaze. Riding on Hajimes shoulders, Myuu noticed his state and used her small hand
to tap on Hajime in curiosity.

Papa? Did something happened?

Nn? Ah~, well, Ive come here before though its only been four months, it feels
like years to me

Hajime, are you okay?

Yue, whose hands were affixed on Hajimes arm, had a complex expression while
looking at him anxiously. Hajime shrugged and his atmosphere returned to the
usual in the next moment.

Ah, theres no problem. Its just that, I was absorbed in my emotions because its
been such a long time. I remember that everything started here After a night spent
in tension, fear, and even desperation, I went to the dungeon on the next day and
then I fell.

Hajime felt that in a way, that day could be called a fateful day. His monologue
made Yue and the girls listen to him in a serious mood. Yue was silently looking at
Hajime. And Tio asked Hajime questions out of curiosity.

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Hmm. Dost Master want to return to that day? After all, theres the case of Masters
companions, too, right? Though Master hast his own circumstances After all,
thithers not only those whom hast hurteth master, right? Was thither not someone
master got along with?

Because Tios relationship with Hajimes party was still shallow, she would
sometimes frankly ask about things she should be careful about even though she
knew what was going through Hajimes mind. It was because she didnt want to
only become a travel companion, so Tio put forth great effort to truly become a
comrade in Hajimes party. Although she was a pervert, in a way she favored
Hajime.

Thats why Hajime listened to Tios question without being bothered by it. Thus, he
exhaled and recalled the midnight tea party under the moonlight. With the
unpalatable tea, there was the white negligee and black hair which reflected the
moonlight, whose owner swore to protect him, and at the last moment, she stretched
her hand out towards him with a bitter expression as her companions pinioned
her

Unexpectedly, he felt a trembling hand on his arm which made him regain his senses.
When he looked at the source, Yue was looking straight at him with strong, resolute
gaze, and her trembling hand tightly grasped Hajimes sleeve.

Hajime matched Yues gaze and returned to silently gazing at her with a soft and
gentle gaze.

Certainly, there was someone However, even if I could return to those days, I
will still tread on this path of mine.

Heh~, why?

Although she knew the answer from Hajimes expression, Tio still asked with a
slightly amused expression. Without averting his gaze from Yue, Hajime used his
other hand to gently grasp Yues hand which was grasping his sleeve. Yue had a
faintly smiling expression, and her cheeks were slightly dyed in red.

Of course its because I want to meet Yue.

Hajime.

In the town of Holad, Orcus Great Dungeon made it possible to raise level quickly
while selling the magic stones within the safety margin. Thus, Adventurers,
Mercenaries, and Kingdom Soldiers gathered, together with a lot of merchants as

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their partner in business. The town displayed serious hustle and bustle. Naturally,
the main street of such a town would have increased bustle.

Within the main street where a lot of people were doing their activities, Hajime and
Yue suddenly halted and were looking at each other. They created their own world
without minding their surroundings. They reached out to each others cheeks, and
their atmosphere looked like they were about to kiss at any moment. Though they
had somewhat gathered a crowd around them, and they were showered by gazes
filled with curiosity and jealousy, Hajime and Yue didnt notice them at all. They
could only see each other.

Tio-san, did you hear that? It isnt you that Hajime-san wants to meet, is it? Its
only Yue-san. Once again, they created their own world. They dont even care about
their location and situation. And we can only watch them from the side, cant we?

I feel it is about the time that such an atmosphere should be created between me and
Hajime-san. Even though Im always prepared to receive such treatment, it always
passed me by, and to be treated as a regrettable character No, I understand, you
know? I know Yue-san is special. I yearn for a relationship just like those two, thats
why I want to stay together with them.

What I mean is, its natural Yue-san is special and I feel its a good thing. Rather,
Hajime-san who neglects Yue-san is not Hajime-san. If that happens and Yue-san
becomes sad because of it, Ill be the one who beat Hajime-san to a pulp.

However, it is a however, kay? Recently, Hajime-san has become slightly dere~ I

wonder if its about time I climb the stairs to adulthood~ I expected that, but it didnt
come true. No matter how special Yue-san is, wouldnt it okay for Hajime-san to
look at me a little more? It is shameful for a man to refuse a womans offer.

Even though it was easily understood that I welcomed him, he sloppily answered with a
composed face to ignore it, this dimwit!, I thought so, but I never thought of
complaining. I just want to flirt! Then, doing this and that on the bed! Even the
hardcore play he did with Yue-san! I thought of those! So, what does Tio-san, the
representative of all perverts, think!?

Sh-Shia. This one knows thou hast saved up thy resentment, but calm down. Rather,
the one who shouted while not paying attention to the location is art thou. Also, to
casually speak ill of this one in the end To be treated as a pervert in such a public
place, haa, haa, made everyone look at this one with cold gazes Haa, haa, ngh,
ngh.

In the middle of the main street, the rabbit-eared girl shouted she wanted to do
erotic things while speaking ill of the perverted beautiful woman whom began

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panting due to the atmosphere. The people who had gathered due to their curiosity
were taken aback and they backed away.

Papa~, Shia-oneechan and Tio-oneechan are

Myuu. Dont look at them. Just act as if we dont know them.

Shia next time, I will tie Hajime and together with Shia

Shias shout was noticed by Hajime and Yue, and they returned to their senses.
However, for now, they acted as though they didnt know either Shia or Tio, and not
looked at them because Myuu had become dumbfounded.

Although Yue whispered something frightening, Hajime decided he didnt hear

anything. But if he was worried about it, he would think of the possibility of the trap
the next time he is with Yue. But he wanted to be pardoned from doing that. If it is
Yue, such a thing would not happen, right? Surely, probably itll be safe even though
theres a previous offense! Hajime tried to persuade himself.

Because from the distance, Whats with this commotion!, the town guards could be
seen everywhere, Hajime reluctantly dragged Shia and Tio by the scruff of their
necks to get out of this place. Every time they went to the town, gazes filled with
envy and jealousy pierced Hajime who was surrounded by beautiful girls and
beautiful woman However, he didnt know why only this time he felt there were a
lot of sympathetic gazes. Surely its only his imagination.

***

Ignoring the gazes of the people, Hajimes party finally arrived at Holad branch
Adventurer Guild. With Myuu on his shoulders just like before, Hajime opened the
guilds door. Unlike the one in the other towns, the Holad branchs door was made
of metal. The heavy sound became a signal that someone was entering the building.

It was the first time he came here, since the last time he was in town, he neither had
business here nor did he had the time to go to the adventurer guild. The atmosphere
inside Holad branch was just like an adventurer guild Hajime had expected from the
beginning.

There were broken parts of the walls and floor which were roughly patched up. Mud
and stains from something were here and there, giving an insanitary impression. The
interior was just like the other branches where the counter was near the entrance
with a restaurant on the left. However, unlike the other branches, alcohol was served
here, and there were old men hanging around to drink during the daytime. There
was also the second floor where Adventurer-like people were looking down by the

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handrails. The people in the second floor gave off the atmosphere of a strong group.
He didnt know if it was an unspoken rule, but high-ranked Adventurers seemed to
be on the second floor.

The atmosphere around the Adventurers was also different from the other towns.
Everyone was glaring at them, and there was none of the heartwarming atmosphere
compared to the one in Brook town. It could be said to be natural, because the
Adventurers and Mercenaries were filled with spirit since these experts in battle and
fighting demonic beasts would voluntarily enter the dungeon.

However, there was a tense atmosphere inside the guild and something seemed
unusual. Something had obviously occurred since the Adventurers had serious
expressions.

At the moment Hajimes party entered the guild, the Adventurers turned their gazes
towards them simultaneously. Their gazes were so sharp, that it felt like it would be
able to penetrate through them which made Myuu, who was still riding on Hajimes
shoulders, to shout, Eeek!, and she quickly clung to Hajimes head. Because
Hajime appeared with a little girl on his shoulders while being surrounded by pretty
girls and a beautiful woman, the Adventurers began to let out their bloodlust which
contained various meaning. Myuu trembled even more. She was put down from
Hajimes shoulders, and was now held with his right hand. Myuu buried her head
on Hajimes chest to completely shut herself out of the surroundings.

With a youthful vigor, rather the Adventurers were just intoxicated by their own
vigor, some of them began to stand from their seats. Lets beat up this brat, was
what their gazes implied, with an outburst of anger to release their resentment came
from guild wrapped in bizarre atmosphere, and it was obvious they disliked
Hajimes party.

There was a possibility Hajimes party were clients but these Adventurers seemed
to have never thought of that. The talk would be after they beat him up or something
like that, and those who thought so, stepped forward towards Hajime.

However, Hajime, who recently became Papa, was an overprotective one. Even
though it was temporary, he could not remain silent if someone frightened his
daughter. Veins had already popped up on Hajimes forehead and, contrary to his
hand which was gently calming Myuu, his gaze was fierce.

Thus

BaaaANG!!

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Arifureta Volume 08

As if that sound could be heard, a dense, enormous, and fierce pressure mercilessly
attacked the Adventurers aiming at Hajimes party. The bloodlust that previously
came from the Adventurers was a childish tantrum compared to this. As if carrying
physical force, too, the immature Adventurers immediately lost their consciousness
while all of the standing Adventurers were re-seated without being given the time to
tremble.

Even those who didnt lose their consciousness from Hajimes pressure, Pressure
and Magic Power Emission, were desperately supporting their body and
consciousness while most were trembling with pale faces, and with cold sweat.

After a moment that felt like an eternity, the pressure weakened. The Adventurers
used that chance to frantically take a breath. Though there were those who
accidentally pissed and vomited on themselves Hajime was smirking to them
while he spoke.

Oi, to those aiming at us.

The Adventurers were surprised and shaken by Hajimes voice. The gazes that
timidly looked at Hajime had fear stuck in them as if they were looking at a monster.
However, without caring about such a thing, Hajime demanded ordered them.

Laugh.

Eh?

The Adventurers were puzzled due to the situation, ignoring order. So, Hajime
continued his words.

Did you not hear me? I said, laugh. Smile. Appeal to her that theres nothing to be
afraid of. Waves your hands, too. This child is frightened because of you. What will
you do if she gets traumatized by it? Ah? Ah? So, amend for it.

Then, dont bring such a young child here!, was what the Adventurers wanted to retort,
but they could not since the other party was a monster. Because Hajimes sharp gaze
pierced the puzzled them, they frantically tried to force a smile even though their
cheeks were extremely stiff. Along with that, they began to wave their hands, too.

The appearance of the the fierce looking men with good body builds floating smile
with cramped cheeks while lightly waving their hands, was truly surreal. However,
without worrying about such things, Hajime nodded and whispered to Myuu whose
face was buried in Hajimes chest.

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Because of what he said, Myuu timidly raised her face, and her moistened eyes
looked up to Hajime. Next, she slowly turned around while being urged by Hajimes
gaze. Naturally, there were the fierce and trained people desperately trying to look
friendly.

Eeek!

As expected, Myuu was still frightened and returned to Hajimes chest. Hajime
frowned. With more piercing glare at the Adventurers that said, Bastard, whats
with this! Dont be unreasonable!, was what the Adventurers rebutted in their
minds, and they finally turned their gazes towards Yue and the others by Hajimes
side to plead for help.

Receiving their gazes, Haa~, Yue sighed deeply, approached Myuu, and
whispered something to her ear similar to what Hajime had done earlier. Thus,
Myuu once again timidly raised her face and looked at the Adventurers. The
Adventurers panickedly tried to look friendly.

For a while, Myuu silently watched the Adventurers and, as if she understood
something, she smiled and waved her small hand back. Because her smile and
gesture were so lovely, the trained men inadvertently calmed down while forgetting
the situation. Hajime was also satisfied, and once again carried Myuu on his
shoulders. Then, he walked towards the counter as though he didnt have any more
interest in the Adventurers.

The moment Hajimes party arrived before the counter, ignoring the crumbling
sounds that rang out here and there, they told their purpose to the receptionist.

By the way, the receptionist, a girl, was a lovely one. A cheerful girl who was at least
as old as Hajime. It seemed the usual template was here. But most noticeable was the
tension and big confusion that appeared on the attractive receptionists expression.

Is the branch head here? I have a letter from Fhuren branch head but he said to
personally hand it over.

As he said so, Hajime presented his status plate to the receptionist. Although she
seemed to be filled with tension, the receptionist sat up and received the status plate
just like a pro.

Th-Thank you. You can entrust it to me. E-excuse me, just what kind of request did
the Fhurens branch head had?

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Normally, no mere adventurer would receive any request from a branch head, so the
receptionist displayed a slightly dubious expression. However, her eyes opened
wide when she saw the information displayed by Hajimes status plate.

G-Gold rank!?

Among Adventurers, not even 10% of them were Gold ranked. Thus, all of the
guild personnel were told about the Gold rank ones so they would be able to
recognize them. Naturally, this receptionist also knew of all the Gold ranked
Adventurers. However, she unintentionally leaked a surprised voice because she
didnt know about Hajime.

Her voice made the Adventurers, guild staff members, and everyone inside the guild
building opened their eyes wide in surprise. And just like the receptionist, they
stared at Hajime. The building interior became noisy.

The receptionist turned pale as she realized she just exposed an individuals
information loudly. Thus, she began to bow at tremendous pace.

I-I am sorry! I truly am sorry about it!

Ah~, no need for that. Its not like I mind it. So, can you convey this to the branch
head now?

Y-Yes! Please wait for a moment!

The receptionist who seemed as though she would continue to apologize if he didnt
say anything made Hajime smile wryly. After the small battle in UI and the great
rampage that annihilated an underground organization in Fhuren, he thought itd
already be too late to try to hide his identity.

The Gold ranked adventurer boy who brought along a child and a harem of pretty
girls as well as a beautiful woman made him gather attention inside the guild
building. Nevertheless, Hajimes party gave off a clear attitude that it was the usual
as they waited for the receptionist. Unaccustomed to being in the center of attention,
Myuu felt uncomfortable, only to be comforted by everyone in Hajimes party.
Because the way Tio comforted her was bad for Myuus education, a slap visited her
cheek. Thus, it raised further commotion, but was ignored as expected.

Before long, rather not even five minutes had passed, someone ran from inside the
interior with loud footsteps. Hajimes party paid attention to the sound and
wondered what happened. A boy clad in black jumped out from the passage behind
the counter and skidded on the floor due to the momentum. As though he was
looking for someone, the boy began to look around.

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Hajime remembered the person. He was dumbfounded since he never thought he

would meet him again in such a place, and thus he muttered inadvertently.

Endou?

Chapter 5 : To Accomplish Ones Obligation

Endou?

Hajimes mutter made the black-clothed boy, Endou Kousuke, respond with !, a
response similar to a certain cardboard-loving mercenary when an enemy appeared
in a game. He kept looking around and began to shout as if he was irritated, because
he could not find the one he was looking for.

Nagumoo! Are you here!? Is it really you!? Where are you!? Nagumoo! Come out if
youre alive! Nagumo Hajimee!

Because his shout was too loud, one by one people began to shut their ears with their
fingers. His voice was filled with desperation since he wanted to ascertain whether
the should be dead classmate of his had survived.

Yue and the girls turned their gazes towards Hajime. With an expression as if he
didnt want to be involved in this, Hajime scratched his cheek and spoke towards
Endou who repeatedly shouted his name out loud.

Ah~, Endou? I can hear you just fine so stop repeatedly shouting my name.

!? Nagumo! Where are you!?

Endou turned his face towards Hajime, reacting to Hajimes voice. Hajime was
inadvertently taken aback because Endou looked so desperate.

For a moment, Endous gaze met Hajimes, but he immediately averted his gaze and
began to look around again.

Damn it! I cant see him even though I can hear his voice! Is he a ghost now? As
expected, he returned as a ghost!? So thats why I cannot see him!?

No, I am right in front of you, you big idiot. Rather, calm down already. You whose
thinness shadow ranked the best in the whole world.

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Arifureta Volume 08

!? Again, his voice!? Wait, whose shadow did you say was so thin that even the
convenience stores automatic door didnt react to it and disappears from time to
time! The automatic door opened at least one of three tries!

So, it didnt open two times in three tries as expected of you.

After conversing that much, Endou finally noticed the source was the white-haired,
eye-patched boy before him and he began to carefully observe Hajimes face.
Towards Hajime, who averted his face since he felt unpleasant due to not having a
hobby where hed be pleased from being watched by a man, Endou spoke as if he
could not believe what he perceived.

Y-You are you Nagumo?

Haa yeah, thats right. Though I look like this now, I am Nagumo Hajime.

As he carefully observed Hajime from head to toe, Endou became dubious because
Hajime was quite different from the one in his memory, but he finally believed
Hajime after looking at his features and how he knew about the thinness of his
shadow.

So you are alive.

Of course, after all I am right before you now.

Somehow, no you have completely changed Your looks, atmosphere, and tone

I crawled up from that abyss with my own power, you know? So, of course, Ive
changed.

I-Is that so? No, but, I see You really are alive

Although Endou was perplexed by Hajimes blunt attitude, his gaze softened as he
was relieved that the classmate he thought to be dead was alive. No matter how he
envied him like the other boys because Kaori paid attention to Hajime, and how he
pretended to not see Hiyamas gang bullying Hajime, nothing was more frightening
than thinking Hajime had died. Hajimes death had such a great impact. Thats why
Endou was purely glad his classmate was alive.

Rather when did you become an Adventurer? Moreover, a Gold

Nn~, well it just happened.

After Hajime replied, Endous expression completely changed. The relieved

expression he had because his classmate was alive, had changed into an expression
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as if he was in a pinch. Hajime looked at Endou again and he noticed Endou was in
ragtag state. He tilted his head, wondering what had happened.

In other words, you came back alive from the depths of the dungeon by yourself,
and became strong enough to gain the Adventurers highest rank? Thats rather
unbelievable

Well, thats true though.

After Hajime confirmed what Endou said with a serious expression as the truth,
Endou sprang up towards Hajime and gripped his shoulders, and in a voice filled
with more desperation than before, he began to speak in sorrow.

Then, please! Please enter the dungeon with me! We must hurry or else everyone
will be dead! We need someone with battle potential even if it is just one person!
Theres also the possibility that Kentarou and Kondou have died! Thats why please
help us, Nagumo!

W-Wait a sec. Whats with you all of a sudden!? I dont know the situation, you
know? So whats with the dead thing? And cant Amanogawa somehow do
something about it? Theres also Commander Meld, so theres no need to worry
about another failure like when we faced the Behemoth

Hajime perplexedly asked back because even though he usually didnt stand, out
Endou wore an expression as if he was truly at his wits end. And at the moment
Endou heard Commander Meld name, he fell to his knees with a truly dark
expression. Next, he muttered with a low, subdued voice.

ad.

Hah? I cant hear you. So, what did you say?

I said they are dead! Commander Meld, Alan-san, and the other Knights are
dead! All of the Knights who entered the dungeon are dead! They died to let me
escape! Because of me! They are dead! They died!

I see.

They died, Endou said repeatedly like a child throwing a tantrum, and Hajime
only replied with two words.

Hajimes class was not a fighting one, so he didnt have much encounter with
Commander Meld. However, he remembered that Commander Meld was a good
person, and he recalled that Commander Meld believed the incompetent him

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before Hajime fell into the abyss. If it was Hajime who just got out of the abyss and
heard of Melds death, he would have probably just said, So what? However, the
current him thought it was little regrettable. At the very least, he prayed for their
happiness in the next world in his mind.

So, what happened?

Thats

Still on his knees, Endou tried to explain the situation to answer Hajimes question,
while he hung his head. However, a hoarse voice interrupted him.

Please continue your conversation inside. After all, you are my guests.

The owner of the voice was a powerful man with a good body build, and had a large
scar on his left eye who was around 60 years of age. It was obvious his eye had the
ability to perceive the situation, polished for years, and ambition was overflowing
from his body.

With the previous receptionist by the mans side, Hajime guessed the man must be
the head of this guild branch. And because Endous wails and shouts made the guild
atmosphere returned to one of high tension similar to the time Hajimes party
entered the hall, he thought this was not an appropriate place to have such a talk,
and obediently followed the man.

Endou had probably already made such a commotion earlier, and exposed that
something had happened to the Heros group and the Knights. And that was the
cause of the strange atmosphere when Hajimes party entered the guild.

The man Hajime thought of as the branch head grab Endous arm to force him to
stand up and lead them to the guild interior without saying anything. Endou was
considerably emotionally unstable, and currently had lost all of his strength.

Because the content would not be something pleasant, Hajimes party moved after
the man while expecting the unpleasant.

***

Demon race, huh.

Hajimes mutter rang out inside the reception room of Holad branch Adventurer
guild. Seated on the sofa before him were the Holad branchs head, Lorr Vauabith,
and Endou Kousuke, and seated beside Hajime were Yue, Shia with Tio at Shias
side. Myuu was sitting on Hajimes lap.

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Hajimes first response after hearing the situation from Endou was something Endou
had said during his explanation. The talk of how the Heros party was attacked by
the demon race and was in pinch, made Endou and Lorrs put on serious
expressions, and the room was filled with an oppressive atmosphere.

Or so it should be, but the little girl sitting on Hajimes lap was munching on the
snacks, and it made her cheeks swell up like a squirrel, so she didnt even notice the
serious atmosphere. The conversation between Hajime and the others was slightly
difficult for Myuu, and she could feel the uneasy atmosphere. However, Hajime
gave her a snack so to divert her attention from being uneasy.

More importantly! Whats with that!? Whos that child!? Why is she eating the
cake!? Doesnt she understand the situation!? Everyone might have be dead, you
know!

Eeek!? Papa!

Unable to endure Myuus existence, who destroyed the mood in the room, Endou
stood up and said with an angry voice while pointing at her. Surprised, Myuu raised
a small scream and clung to Hajime.

Naturally, bloodlust far above an ordinary person could emit, overflowed from
Hajime. Papa would not forgive his daughters enemy.

Bastard Who are you to snarl at Myuu, ah? AH? Should I kill you?

Eeek!?

Screaming just like Myuu, Endou dropped into the sofa. Because of what Hajime
said, Really, Hajime is completely a Papa now, or Before, Hajime-san casually
said our child, right~, or In the end, this one wonders whether Master will be
able to separate from this child once we arrive at Elizen~, could be heard only to be
ignored by him. It was more important for him to calm the frightened Myuu.

While Hajime calming Myuu down, he leered at trembling Endou trembling after he
had collapsed into the sofa. Lorr entered the conversation with an amazed
expression.

How then, Hajime. I have roughly understood your situation from Ilwas letter.
Youve quite the rampage, havent you?

Well, all of them were just the course of events.

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Although they were not situations that normally appeared as the course of events,
Hajime who shrugged his shoulders as though nothing big had happened, made
Lorr curve the edge of his lips, finding it amusing.

From the letter, with the acceptance of you as Gold rank, it was written that you
want to be accommodated in the best possible way. Ive roughly understood the
situation but to annihilate around 60,000 demonic beasts with just a handful of
people, and decimate the underground organization based in Fhuren in just half a
day that is something unbelievable. But for Ilwa to purposely tell me this through
a letter I wont think it is strange if someone said you are actually one of the
Demon Lords now.

Lorrs words made Endou opened his eyes wide to show how surprised he was.
Even though he thought Hajime mustve gotten stronger since he had escaped from
the depths of Orcus Great Dungeon, he thought Hajime was still weaker than
himself.

After all, Hajimes class was Transmutation Master, which was a non-fighting
class, and he was also called as incompetent. Even if someone said he was Gold
rank, it was just the standard of being an Adventurer in this different world, and
couldnt be compared to those summoned here. Thats why he thought, at the very
least, Hajime should be able to repair the destroyed teleportation circle and become
his support in battle.

To begin with, Endou came to the Adventurers guild to ask high ranked
Adventurers to help him in rescuing Koukis party. Surely even if he could not take
them to the dungeon depth, they would at least be able to protect the area around
the teleportation circle. And though there were also stationed knights, they would
not do anything before they reported this to the Kingdom, and their level was so low
that at most they could do was protect the teleportation circle on 30th floor. He
needed Adventurers with at least Silver rank to protect the 70th floors
teleportation circle.

He entered the Adventurer guild with such thoughts and grandly exposed the
current situation to those in second floor. He thought he could ask for the
Adventurers cooperation, for heroes, who were the humanitys hope, fell into such a
predicament along with the annihilation of the Elite Knights. However, in addition
to the unexpected request to protect 70th floors teleportation circle, made everyone
avert their gazes and at the same time, uneasiness about what would happen to the
humanity spreaded.

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Noticing the commotion, Loor grabbed Endou by the scruff of his neck and dragged
him inside to question him, when the receptionist ran inside with Hajimes status
plate.

As such, Endou noticed he had underestimated Hajimes ability and the possibility
that Hajime was even more powerful than him made, Endou astonished when he
compared the current and past Hajime.

Even though Endou was stiffened due to the shock, Lorr and Hajimes talk kept
advancing.

Please dont say such a stupid thing How could you think we are as weak as the
Demon Lords?

Hmm, so even Demon Lords are small fries, huh? What confidence But, if thats
the truth, I want you to receive a commission with Holad branch Adventurer guilds
head as the referral.

Rescuing the heroes, right?

Endou returned to his senses when he heard the word rescue. Next, he leaned
forward and spoke to Hajime.

Th-Thats it! Nagumo! Come with me and help them! If you are that strong, we can
surely save everyone!

Although Endous eyes shined because he could see the hope, but Hajimes reaction
was an unfavorable one. He was looking at the distance as though he was thinking
of something. Endou naturally had thought Hajime would surely help him to rescue
the others, so he was perplexed because there was no prompt answer.

Whats with you!? Even now, they might be dying, you know! Dont hesitate!
Arent we comrades!?

Comrades?

Hajime, who averted his gaze earlier while thinking of something, was once again
looking back at the heated up Endou with a cold expression. Endou instinctively
backed away due to the coldness in Hajimes eyes. He hesitated after recalling
Hajimes earlier bloodlust, but he obstinately answered because Hajime was a
valuable force that could not be missed.

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Y-Yeah. We are comrades! So its natural to he

Dont selfishly make me your comrade. Frankly, I only recognize you as nothing
but a human from the same world, no more, no less. You are no different than the
others.

Wh!? Why why did you say that

Hajimes unexpectedly cold words and leer made Endou confused. Hajime resumed
thinking, in other words, he thought of the demerits from rescuing Koukis party.

Just as Hajime said, he recognized the classmates as nothing more than

acquaintances. Until now, he neither thought of using his power to return to the way
he was in the past, nor revenge. He was truly disinterested and thought them as
trivial things.

However, he could not just bluntly answer with a NO. As for the reason, he
connected that answer to the words Aiko said, lonely way of life.

Furthermore, Hajime recalled the conversation under the moonlight. Having been
called incompetent and weakest in this different world, there was the girl who
said to Hajime, I will protect Nagumo-kun. In the end, Hajime was reckless and
disappeared as he fell into the abyss, just like what the girl was uneasy about. She
had promised to protect him to remove her uneasiness, but that promise could not
be accomplished. And somehow, Hajime had frequently recalled the time he was
about to fall into the abyss and the girl who outstretched her hand with bitter
expression after returning to this town.

Shirasaki is she safe?

Hajime muttered and asked the confused Endou. Letting out, Eh?, a dubious voice
because of the sudden question, Endou panickedly began to speak about Kaori since
he thought Hajime would not cooperate if he didnt say anything.

Y-Yeah. Shirasaki-san is safe. Rather, we would not have survived if not for her.
Jyuugo and Yaegashi-san were dying from the first attack but Shirasaki-san was
truly amazing. Her healing magic was unbelievable, rather she turned ghastly
since the day you fell, you know? She trained so hard, so much that we wanted to
stop her and her aura also changed? She somehow looked mature as though she
was always thinking of something, and the fluffy atmosphere around her had
disappeared

I see.

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Hajime only replied as such to the Endou who frantically talked even about the
unnecessary things. Thus, Hajime looked at his precious partner who watched him
as he scratched his head.

If its something Hajime wants to do, Ill follow you to wherever it is.

Yue.

With affectionate gaze, Yue said so and quietly grasped Hajimes hand. Hajime
returned her grasp, watched her gently, and thanked her.

M-Me too! Ill follow Hajime-san to wherever it is! Hajime-san!

Hmph, of course this one will, too. Master.

Umm, umm, thats, Myuu, too!

Because Hajime and Yue began to create their own world, Shia and Tio panicky
asserted. Although she didnt understand it well, Myuu clung and insisted so
because she didnt want to be left behind.

Before them, Endou said, Eh? Whats with this harem, with an amazed
expression to which Hajime responded with a leer, while telling his comrades what
he wanted to do.

Everyone, thank you. Although I dont want to purposely make connection

between us and the God chosen Heroes I have someone Im indebted to. Thats
why, I thought to at least help. Well, if its them then they might be able to do
something themselves.

Hajimes real intention was not to help Koukis party. He didnt want to purposely
approach either the Heroes or the Mad God who chose them.

However, he thought to at least show his face to Kaori who pushed herself to find
him. In addition, hed help her if she was truly in a pinch. In other words, he had an
obligation to Kaori who wanted to protect him and still believed his survival even
now.

He didnt even worry about the risk involved. He had fought the four-eyed wolf in
Endous story, and the Chimeras strength should be below tenth floor of Abyss
dungeon, so there was no problem at all.

E-Excuse me, so, will you go with him?

Ah, branch head Lorr. For now, I also want to request something from you

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You dont want to be seen unconditionally helping them by the ones above, right?

Yes. Theres one more thing. I want you lend me a room for Myuu until we return.

Ah, I dont mind.

Resultantly, Endou who breathed a sigh of relief because Hajime would come with
him, was ignored while Hajime continued his conversation with Lorr.

As expected, he could not just take a child into the depth of the dungeon, so he
entrusted Myuu to the guild. Although Myuu fiercely resisted, somehow everyone
was able to calm her down, and Tio was entrusted with baby-sitting and guarding
her. Finally, Hajimes party were able to depart with Endou as their guide.

Oi, guide us quickly, Endou.

Uwah, dont kick my butt! Rather, you are changing too much!

How noisy. As for the time, a day No, lets end this in half a day. Though
reluctant, we left Myuu behind, so we need to return quickly. Im also worried
because shes with that pervert.

You, so you really are her father To create a harem of beautiful girls just
what has happened to turn that Nagumo into this

While dashing towards the depth of the dungeon, Endou muttered, trying to
comprehend something from Hajimes attitude and the surroundings. With such
powerful help, Endous mind regained some composure. If he had the time to talk,
he wanted to use it to run faster since he had confidence in his high agility, but it had
been smashed to pieces. In addition, Endou was praying for his best friends safety.

Chapter 6 : The Heros Defeat

Uh

Suzu-chan!

Suzu!

With Suzu raising a groan and slowly opening her eyes, Kaori and Eri who were
always beside her, called Suzus name with anxious voices mixed with relief. Suzu

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spaced out for a while with only her gaze moving around, and finally opened her
mouth.

I-I dont know this ceiling~.

Suzu, I know you like acting, but wouldnt it be better if you didnt say something
like that at time like this?

She should be thirsty. However, Suzu desperately said so with hoarse voice, which
made Shizuku retorted in a half-amazed, half-praising tone when she heard her.
Afterwards, Suzu moistened her throat using the water from the leather flask by her
side.

With lovely sound of gulping, Suzu, who sated her thirst, said, Im revived!
Literally!, words that couldnt be taken as a joke, and she tried her best to stand up
with Kaori and Eri supporting her. The classs moodmaker who regained her
consciousness from a critical condition, radiated a cheerful atmosphere which made
the classmates who had been depressed until now show smiles.

However, the bright atmosphere was very contrary to Suzus complexion. She was
exhausted and suffered blood loss. With a pale face and thin lines below her eyes
just like a bears, her smile looked miserable. Some parts of her body were pierced,
but it was unmistakably her strength to be able to smile as soon as she got up.
Shizuku and Kaori watched her with respect.

Suzu-chan. Its okay for you to rest some more. After all, your blood shouldnt have
been replenished yet, even if your wounds have recovered

U~n, so thats why I feel dizzy~. That bastard~, to pierce the beautiful Suzu even
though, Can I penetrate you now?, is better to be said in bed!

Suzu! Thats vulgar! Be more prudent!

Suzu said while hatefully gazing at empty space, and Eri scolded Suzu with flushed
cheeks. Some of the male students inadvertently, Bff!?, but averted their gazes due
to Shizukus glare.

Suzu, thank God you woke up. We were worried, you know?

Yo, are you really okay? Isnt your face completely pale?

Because Suzu suddenly caused a commotion after she woke up, Kouki and
Ryuutarou approached her. While being weakened for a period of time as an effect
from using Limit Break, Kouki became depressed because they were severely

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beaten. However, he seemed to have recovered somehow since a moderate amount

of time had passed after they had retreated and hid where they currently were.

Morning~, Kouki-kun, Ryuutarou-kun! Looks like we somehow got away, huh?

Umm, is everyone saf Wait, one is missing

Yeah, its Endou. He retreated ahead alone. We think he should be able to break
through the floors alone by hiding himself

After greeting Kouki and Ryuutarou with a smile, Suzu noticed one person was
missing from the surrounding classmates. Suzu had lost her consciousness in the
midst of battle, so Kouki and the others answered her doubt while they explained
the current situation.

Incidentally, Kondou and Saitou had been de-petrified, woke up earlier than Suzu,
and had already been debriefed of the situation.

I see, looks like a lot of time had passed since Suzu fainted Ah, thats right.
Kaorin, thanks! Kaorin has become Suzus life benefactor!

Suzu-chan, its my duty to heal everyone. So dont exaggerate it by calling me your

life benefactor because it was a natural thing for me to do.

Heh~, even stoic Kaorin is wonderful! Shall we get married?

Suzu its eerie if you say that with pale face. For now, shouldnt you rest some
more?

Suzu was scolded by Eri while she was clinging to Kaori. If she over did it, Shizuku
would physically stop her. It was the usual way of things. Even the classmates who
wondered whether theyd be able to survive and return to surface again, gradually
regained their composure thanks to Suzu and the girls conversation that didnt
mind their defeat.

However, the atmosphere which was starting to turn bright was douse with water
by a person who always ruin the ambience.

What are you grinning about? We almost died, you know? Moreover, our
situation hasnt changed even now! Think of how we can get out of here if you have
time to joke around!

The one who shouted while glaring at Suzu was Kondou Reiichi. And though he
didnt express it, Saitou Yoshiki by his side also watched her with criticizing gaze.

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Oi, Kondou. Can you not say such a thing? Suzu only did this to change the moo

Shut up! Its not like you can say anything to me! After all, you lost! I almost died!
Shit! What a Hero you are!

Although Kouki tried to admonish Kondou due to his remark, Kondou suddenly
burst like fire that got poured with oil and began to criticize Kouki.

Bastard Thanks to whom do you think we could retreat, huh? We could do that
because Kouki opened a path for us!

To begin with, theres no need for us to retreat if he wins! More importantly, we

obviously had our chance. It would have been all right for us to receive the
invitation from Demon Race and defeat them later! But, you selfishly started the
fight! Everything is your fault! This is your responsibility!

This time, Ryuutarou began to admonish such a Kondou. Kondou stood up and
confronted Ryuurarou. Sympathizing with Kondou, Saitou and Nakano also stood
up and faced Ryuutarou.

Ryuutarou, I am okay Ill accept my responsibility, Kondou. We wont lose this

time! We already understood the characteristics of the demonic beasts, and we wont
get attacked by surprise again. So, we will absolutely win this time!

Although Kouki made a gesture where he clasped his clenched fist, Saitou muttered
with darkened eyes.

But, you could not win even with Limit Break.

Th-Thats i-itll be okay now!

Why?

Ill use Divine Might and attack the Demon Race woman from the beginning.
Thats why, if everyone could cover me

But, wont she know a troublesome attack is coming with such a long chant? Even
our enemies will have their own plans, right? Besides, we dont know if those were
all of the demonic beasts she has.

Even if Kouki said itd be okay, Kondou and gang complained while beginning to
doubt Koukis ability, and were looking at him with doubtful eyes. With this, even
though Kouki could not help but take responsibility to make sure they win. They

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would not calm down because of the fact that they had almost died as a result of the
enemies unbelievable strength and number.

The main cause for them to heat up were because Ryuutarou had a low angry point
while Kondou and gang were being belligerent by objecting constantly. Gradually,
Ayako, Yoshino, and Nomura tried to stop their quarrel, but a dangerous mood
began to drift around.

As such, Ryuutarou began to ready his fists while Kondou readied his spear.
Tension immediately filled their location. Kouki shouted, Ryuutarou!, and grip his
shoulder to stop him. However, Ryuutarou could not be stopped and veins popped
on his head while glaring at Kondou. Even Kondou and gang were partly obstinate
about it.

Everyone, please calm down! No matter what you say, we can only bet on Kouki to
survive! We must defeat the Demon Race woman even if Kouki was at the time limit
of his Limit Break. We can only do that since she wont let us escape. You
understand that, right?

Shizuku entered between them and frantically tried to persuade them to calm down,
but it didnt work either. Swaying while standing, Suzu seemed to not want to hear
what Kondou said even if he apologized. Finally, Kaori thought she needed to
restrain everyone and began to prepare her restraining magic when they heard
something.

Grrrrr

!?

A growl. A growl so familiar, so low that came from the bottom of abdomen. The
appearances of Chimeras and the four-red-eyed wolves crossed their minds. The
dangerous mood immediately dissipated and everyone stiffened. Even the smallest
breathing seemed to resound, and their breathing became smaller. Their gazes
turned towards the passage camouflaged as a wall before them.

Whoosh! Fwiiish, Whooosh! Fwuuush!

Sounds of scratching and rough nasal breathing could be heard from the wall.
Someone was gulping. Even trace of their smells shouldve been erased by Endou, so
the demonic beasts shouldnt be able to perceive that Koukis party were inside no
matter how strong they were. Even though they thought so, they were tensed and
unpleasant sweats flowed.

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Some time was still needed before they completely recovered. Suzu was not in
condition to fight, Kaori and Ayako had used too much magic to heal the others and
had hardly recovered. The vanguard group were almost fully recovered, but the
magic users in the rear group only had recovered half of their magic power. The
healing potions they had also been exhausted, so they still need to wait for
sometimes to recover at the earliest.

They could not overlook the holes in terms of roles created by Kaori and Ayako as
the healers and the barrier user, Suzu. Thats why Koukis party were hoping they
would not be found out now as they watched the wall separating the outside and the
hidden room.

The demonic beasts wandered outside for a while, but their presences gradually
began to fade before long. Thus, silence returned once again. Even so, everyone was
standing still for a while, and breathed great sighs of relief when they knew the
demonic beasts had completely disappeared; some of them crumpled on the spot.
The extreme tension made their sweats overflow like a flood.

Well be found out if we keep making a commotion. Thats why, please just calm
down and recover for now.

Y-Yeah

Y-You are right

Shizuku wiped the sweat off her cheek which fell and created weird dripping sound.
Kondou and the others replied while stammering and withdrew their arms. It was as
though they got doused by cold water.

Having thought the crisis was through, everyone relaxed and at that moment,

ROOOOOOARRRRR!!!

BOOOM!!!

The wall separating the hidden room and the outside was crushed to pieces along
with a tremendous roar.

Uwah!?

Kyaaaa!!

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The walls fragments were blown like bullets due to the impact into the hidden room,
and hit Kondou and Yoshino who were in its trajectory. The two spontaneously fell
flat on their butts as they raised screams.

In the next moment, before the dumbfounded Koukis party were the incoming
blurred spaces whom they still didnt want to meet.

Prepare to fight!

Damn it! How did they find us!

While ordering so, Kouki immediately drew and slashed the Chimeras with the
Holy Sword. They didnt move because they would lose sight of the enemies if they
distanced themselves from them. As he cursed, Ryuutarou positioned himself before
the passage connected to the outside, and tried to prevent the demonic beasts from
invading any more than this.

However,

RooOOoAR!!
GROoowwwWL!!

A Brutal-look-alike immediately hurled its steel-like body like a cannonball into the
room. Thus, it grappled into Ryuutarou with tremendous momentum and pushed
him down.

Using that chance, tens of black cats dashed into the room and immediately fired
tens of tentacles. Fired like a barrage, they mercilessly attacked Kondou and the
others who remained on their spots. And though Kondou and the others
immediately readied their weapons, the tentacles were too much in number and
would skewer them as-is.
?????????? ??

Heaven Interruption!
Heaven Interruption!

15 shields of light slantly appeared in the space before Kondou and the others and
managed to deviate the trajectories of the attacks. To be capable of activating the
shields even with such short chants would make anyone marveled. Ten of the
shields were Suzus, while the other five were Kaoris.

However, even though they immediately cast them, Suzus physical condition was
still in a bad shape while Kaoris magic power was still exhausted. Those facts
affected the strenght of the shields.

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Whiiiish! Fwooosh! Whiiiish! Fwooosh! Whiiiish! Fwooosh!

They shouldve been able to change the trajectories and endure the impact, but
vigorous attacks from the tentacles broke the shields one after another. Thus, several
of the tentacles trajectories could not be changed by the crushed shields and
attacked Nakano and Saitou. The two immediately bend their bodies. Since both
were in the rear group, their physical strength werent that high. Because of that,
even though they avoided mortal wound, Nakano shoulder and Saitous thigh were
gouged, and they raised screams as they were thrown to the ground.

Shinji! Yoshiki! Shit! Daisuke, help them!

Ah, of course.

Always brooding over something since they escaped into the hidden room, Hiyama
did not pay much attention to what Kondou said. However, the situation didnt let
him say anything otherwise, so he dragged the wounded Nakano and Saitou
towards Suzus side. Even though her physical condition was not good, the area
around Suzu, whose magic power still had a lot remaining, was the safest. Besides,
they would be easily healed by Kaori at Suzus side.

Kuh, Kouki! Use Limit Break and get outside! We will do something about these
guys inside this room!

But, Suzu and the others cannot move

We will face them as-is! Please! Break through them and kill the Demon Race
woman!

Kouki! Leave this place to us! I absolutely wont let them die!

Okay! I will leave this place to you! Limit Break!

After thinking about Shizuku and Ryuutarous words for a moment, he thought it
was certainly the only way to break through this situation. With a resolute
expression, Kouki activated Limit Break for the second time today. The reason
Limit Break must not be used for more than once a day was because it put
considerable burden into the body. Thats why, Limit Break which usually had an
eight minute limit, but it might be shorter now. Expecting that, Kouki would ignore
the others and only concentrate on defeating the Demon Race woman, he went out
of the hidden room.

Going out of the room into the huge octagonal room, before Koukis eyes were a
large amount of demonic beasts. And within the stationary demonic beasts stood the

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Demon Race woman looking at him with cold eyes, and a white crow on her
shoulder. The inside of Koukis mind was boiling with a sense of mission to save his
comrades and anger that they were put into such a predicament. Thus, he glared
straight at the Demon Race woman.

Hmph, you made me waste too much time. I also have other missions too

Shut up! I will surely defeat you! Prepare yourself!

Declaring so, Kouki used short chant, and magic power was immediately sent into
the Holy Sword. Divine Might would normally reach the Demon Race woman, but
even so, he used the chant omission version of Divine Might since he believed it
would be able to open a path for him.

However, the Demon Race woman showed a smile before the Holy Sword, whose
radiance increased, and she ordered the Brutal-look-alike standing by near her to
drag something from the back.

Kouki put a dubious expression at first which then turned into an aghast expression
when he saw that something. He instinctively lowered the Holy Sword with eyes
wide opened and called his name with a trembling voice.

M-Meld-san?

Thats right, there was the dying Meld whose limbs were crushed and whole body
drenched in blood being dragged by the Brutal-look-alike by the scruff of his neck.
With a glance, his whole body was limp and seemed to have died, but sometimes
small groans arose and demonstrated that he was alive.

Y-You! Let go of Meld-san!?

Kouki was enraged because of Melds state, and in a split moment, he tried to rush
towards the Demon Race woman, losing himself. Suddenly, a huge shadow
shrouded over Kouki as though it had been waiting for such exquisite timing. Hah,
before Kouki noticed it and turned his gaze, there was the spectacles wall-like fist
approaching him with tremendous momentum that made even the air exploded.

BaAAaaM!!!

Although Kouki spontaneously used his left arm to guard, the fist swung with
tremendous force easily crushed his guard, and Koukis left arm and body received a
powerful impact. Kouki flew towards a wall and crashed into it with tremendous
speed incomparable to being run over by a dump truck. The wall behind him was
crushed radically by the impact.

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GaaAH!

Because of the impact he had taken, Kouki air was released from his lungs, and he
slipped down from the wall, in all fours. Kouki desperately tried to support his body
using his healthy right arm, but a lot of blood flowed from his mouth. The earlier
attack had most likely damaged his organs. He might have died instantly if it wasnt
for the skill derived from Physical Resistance, Mitigation of Impact.

In addition, because of a concussion to his head, he desperately tried to understand

the situation even with an unfocused gaze. Then, he saw it. A three meter, huge
demonic beast was in the location where Kouki was before, with its fist thrusted.

It had a horse-like head where fangs grew, four thick heavy arms growing from its
muscular body, and its lower half was that of a monstrous gorilla. Glaring at Kouki
with bloodshot eyes, steam gushed out from the long horse-like mouth every time it
breathed. Its atmosphere was obviously different from the demonic beasts he had
faced until now.

The horsehead withdrew its fist and immediately rushed out while firing a dense
bloodlust to the still unable-to-stand Kouki mercilessly. Jumping only a little away
from the place where Kouki was crouching, it swung its fist down with tremendous
momentum towards Kouki. Because of the warning from his instincts, Kouki laid on
the ground and rolled over, desperately getting out of his location.

KABOOOM!!!

Immediately, the horseheads fist pierced the ground and at the same time, a reddish
black ripple extended on the ground along with a roar. The destruction was just like
an explosion. This was the horseheads peculiar magic, Magic Shock Wave. It was
an ability to convert magic power into a shockwave. However, as simple as it might
be, it was an immensely powerful peculiar magic.

Due to the skill derived from Physical Resistance, Recovery Rate Increased,
Kouki somehow recovered from his head concussion. He desperately stood up and
readied the Holy Sword. At that time, the horsehead had already approached before
him and swung its fist once again.

With a crushed left arm, Kouki used Holy Sword as a shield and the impact received
by his right arm blew him away again. Afterwards, even though Kouki managed to
avoid a mortal wound, the four arms sent out Magic Shock Wave with all of their
might, and he, whose movement had slowed down due to the damage from the first
impact, couldnt counter attack at all.

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Kuuu! Whats with this things strength! Even though I should be strengthened by
Limit Break!

RUUUUAAAA!!

With pained expression, Kouki was frustrated because the horsehead demonic beast
could overpower him who was under Limit Break, and he went for a
counterattack, prepared for damages while thinking he couldnt let it continue.

However

THUD!

Kh!?

Right before he began, the limit of Koukis Limit Break had arrived, and power
suddenly left him. Because he used it twice in such a short time, he was attacked by
powerlessness incomparable to what he felt earlier, and he fell on his knee with no
power entering his legs.

The horsehead didnt miss that chance. With him suddenly losing his power and
balance, Kouki was in a hopeless situation as the horseheads fist, bam!, hit his
abdomen with a sound of impact.

GAaAH!

Splurting blood, Koukis body was made into shape, blown away, and crashed into
the wall once again. Being weakened thanks to the side effect of Limit Break,
Koukis consciousness was drifting away. Being mortally injured, he fell down
without even twitching. Rather, it was strange for him not to die instantly in his
current state. Perhaps the horsehead was taking it easy so he wouldnt.

The horsehead approached Kouki and lifted him by grabbing the back of his neck.
The unconscious and completely powerless Kouki was hung by the horsehead to
show his state to the Demon Race woman. The Demon Race woman nodded in
satisfaction and ordered the demonic beasts that rushed into the hidden room to
withdraw.

After a while, Shizuku and the others went out with full caution.Their expressions
were dyed in despair when they saw the powerless Kouki being lifted by the huge
horse-headed demonic beast they had never seen before.

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Chapter 7 : Accompanied By A Red Thunder

Its a lie right? How can Kouki lose?

N-No way

N-No w-why

Coming out from the hidden room, Koukis comrades were bewildered in seeing
him being hung, and they uttered incoherent words. Even Shizuku, Kaori, and Suzu
were speechless. Towards the classmates who had lost their fighting spirit, the
Demon Race woman spoke with a cold attitude.

Hmm, it looks like Ill be able to catch you guys easily. I have underestimated
you brats, but it looks like itll work out just fine.

With a pale expression, Shizuku asked the Demon Race woman with courageous
tone.

What did you do?

Nn? Its this, you know this.

After replying to the question, the Demon Race woman turned her gaze towards
Commander Meld who was gripped by a Brutal-look-alike even now. Following her
gaze, Shizuku came to understand the moment she saw the dying Commander Meld.
Commander Meld was used to divert Koukis attention. If his acquaintance was
caught and was dying, Kouki would surely react to it. Furthermore, he wouldve
considerably lost his composure.

The Demon Race woman had most likely to understood Koukis straight forward
character from their previous fight. Thus, using Chimeras peculiar ability, she hid a
strong demonic beast who aimed at the moment Kouki jumped in anger.

So? What do you want from us? You must want something since youre
purposely letting us live and started to converse with us, right?

Ah, as expected, youre the one who can understand situation the best. What, its
not such a special conversation. When I saw you guys earlier, I thought to once again
invite you guys. Look, before, it was this Hero-kun who selfishly decided everything,
right? And, there are also excellent people among you, so I want ask you again. So?
What do you think?

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Some people reacted to the Demon Race womans words. Because of that, Shizuku
narrowed her eyes and questioned the woman again.

What about Kouki?

Fufu, what a fast learner Sorry, but I cant let Hero-kun alive. He didnt want to
come to our side, so its impossible to persuade him, right? After all, he is the self-
contained type. Thats why I dont have any reason to keep such a dangerous
creature alive.

Isnt that the same with us?

Of course; why did you think I let you live even though I know itll only make me
anxious of my back?

Havent you thought that we might joined now and betray you later?

Naturally, I have thought that. Thats why Ill make you wear collars. Ah, theres no
need to worry, its only make you unable to rebel against us. No one will be
deprived of their freedoms.

Thats just like slaves with high degree of freedom. What you mean is we will keep
our free will, but we wont be able to harm you.

Thats right. It helps me that youre quick to understand. Also, its good that this
conversation is going somewhere until the one with Hero-kun.

Although the classmates were silently listening to the conversation between Shizuku
and the Demon Race, they were also looking at each other with fear-stricken eyes
and full of worries. If they did not accept the invitation from Demon Race, then nine
out of ten they would be killed by the demonic beasts that were even difficult for
Kouki to defeat, but they would not be able to fight against Demon Race again if
they sided with Demon Race and wore the collar.

In other words, they would no longer be Gods Apostles. If it turned to that,

would Church of the Saints whom they had been summoned to protect became
useless and, would it be possible for them to return to their original world

No matter what option they chose, they could not see a bright future. However

I-I think we should accept that persons invitation!

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Among the silent crowd, Eri unexpectedly desperately spoke while trembling. Thus,
the classmates opened their eyes wide in surprise, and carefully paid attention to her.
To such an Eri, Ryuutarou shouted back with face red in anger.

Eri, you! So, you are going to abandon Kouki!

Hih!?

Ryuutarou, please calm down! Eri, why do you think so?

Ryuutarous attitude made Eri frightened, and she stepped back as a result.
However, Shizuku admonished Ryuutarou and was somehow able to stop him.
Thus, Eri took a deep breath and spoke her mind with tightly clenched fists.

I-I just dont want everyone to die Even I dont know what to do with Kouki-
kun ugh, gulp

Eri spun her words with all of her might with tearing streaming down her eyes.
Seeing her, the other party members hearts were shaken. Thus, one person who
agreed with Eri appeared.

I also agree with Nakamura. Our lost has already been decided; between
annihilation and survival, theres no need to hesitate, right?

Hiyama you mean, you dont care what happen to Kouki, huh? Huh?

Then, Sakagami, are you trying to do double suicide with Kouki who could not
fight anymore? And with all of us involved?

Thats not it! As if Id do that!

Then please shut your mouth if you dont have any alternative. Right now, it
should take precedence on how to survive by ourselves.

With Hiyamas remark, the atmosphere turned into one where it looked like it was
necessary for them to accept the invitation. And just like what Hiyama said, they
only had one choice if they wanted to survive.

However, they could not just choose that since they felt guilty, thinking, Is it really
okay for us to survive while Kouki gets killed? It was as though they were boldly
sacrificing Kouki for their survival.

To their dilemma, the Demon Race woman made another proposal with such perfect
timing.

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Hmmm, if you guys are that worried about Hero-kun shall I keep him alive?
Naturally, a collar with stronger effect than yours will be put on him. But, I want all
of you to side with Demon Race first.

Shizuku secretly clicked her tongue when she heard the proposal. It was because she
had guessed since the beginning that the Demon Race woman would propose it. It
was strange for Kouki to be kept alive if she had already decided to kill him. The
woman only had to kill him if there was no need for discussion after all.

Thats why by not killing him and keeping him alive were all for this moment. The
Demon Race woman had likely acknowledged that Kouki and the others were useful
after the last fight. However, she was convinced she could not make Kouki waver
even through talking. But the others didnt know of that. So, she planned to draw in
the others aside from Kouki.

First, she did not kill Kouki to not raise the animosity of the others. Second, she told
them to make a choice while she cornered them between choice of death or survival.
Third, she guided them to think if we do that, and she chose that time to erase the
problem from their thought.

Actually, by making the best use of Kouki, the atmosphere changed to one where
they thought itd be okay to side with Demon Race if they survive. Though in reality,
they didnt have any guarantee Kouki would be kept alive. Even if they regretted if
he was killed after this, they could no longer act against the Demon Race.

Shizuku noticed that, but she kept silent as she told herself they currently could do
nothing but to side with Demon Race if they want to survive. There should be a way
to save Kouki as long as they were alive.

There were huge merits for the Demon Race woman if she got her hand on Shizuku
and the others. First, needless to say, itll give an impact to the humans side. After
all, the Gods Apostles who were humanitys hope are siding with Demon Race.
That impact no, it was much more like despair will be a huge advantage to the
Demon Race.

Second, she would get new battle force. Having come to Orcus Great Dungeon,
the Demon Race womans real purpose was to conquer the dungeon and bring back
the power inside. Though up until now, it was at the level where she could easily
sweep the floor with the demonic beasts she had on hand, but it couldnt be said that
shed be able to keep it up. It would be a good thing to obtain Shizuku and the
others as fighting force to replenish the demonic beasts killed by Koukis party.

If this keeps up, she would obtain Shizuku and the others. The Demon Race woman
floated a faint smile as she realized the mood.

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However, her smile was immediately erased by the pained voice that suddenly rang
out.

E-Everyone this is bad please run away

Kouki!

Kouki-kun!

Amanogawa!

The voices source was the hanged Kouki. All of his comrades gazes turned to him.

Dont believe her she killed Alan-san and the other knights dont be
fooled youll be used as slaves to fight humans so run away I am okay
just escape by yourself

With feeble breathing, Kouki told the danger of the deal and insisted for them to
leave him and bet on running away, which once again shook the hearts of the
classmates.

In this situation, just how many do you think will survive? Just look at the reality
already! We already lost! Even the knights were killed! So theres no other choice!
We can do nothing but accepting the invitation if we want to survive!

Hiyamas angry voice rang out. He angrily looked at Kouki who still didnt come to
terms with the situation. Hiyama certainly wanted to survive. At worst, he would
make sure Kaori and himself survive even if the others didnt. However, the
possibility of doing that if he bet on escaping would be too low.

If he went to the Demon Race side, theres enough possibility of being promoted o
an important position if he displayed his usefulness, and hed be able to obtain Kaori.
Naturally, hed limit her freedom using the collar. Hiyama did not care whether she
had free will or not. Hed be satisfied as long as he made Kaori his.

Because of Hiyamas angry voice, the others were charmed by the more certain and
nearer future.

At that moment, a pained but powerful voice rang inside the room. Even though it
was a small voice, it resounded well to others. It was a voice that had encouraged
them many times in the battlefields. The person calmly judged any kind of situations,
said words without any hesitation, and a model for them who also had a reliable
back. For everyone, he was like a big brother and even a father they were fond of.
Melds voice rang out.

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Guh you guys you only need to think on how to survive! Advance on the
path you believed in! I am sorry involving you to our war Even though the
time I spent with you isnt that long Ive regretted involving you Thats why,
live and return to your world no need to worry about human race In the first
place this war should be fought by the human in this world!

Melds words werent words of a Herrlicht Kingdoms Commanding Knight. They

were words of a man, Meld Loginz, his true feelings as he cast aside his position. He
exposed his feelings because he realized here would be the end for him.

Kouki and the others had their eyes wide opened while muttering Melds name and
Meld shook off the Brutal-look-alike while a light shone from his whole body. Then,
he immediately grappled the Demon Race woman.

You demon lets die together!

That is hee~, self-destruction? How brave. I can say I dont hate it.

Shut it!

The light wrapping Meld was similar to Koukis Limit Break in a glance while
magic power gushed out of his body. However, it was actually not from his body
but the crystal hanging on his neck.

Seeing that, the Demon Race woman instantly saw through his personality and
satisfyingly praised him.

The crystals name was Last Loyalty, an evil tool to self-destruct just like the
Demon Race woman said. Someone with high position in the Kingdom and Church
of the Saints naturally carried important information with him. And because theres
magic capable of reading ones memory in dark attributed magic, that person would
be forced to carry the crystal when he went to the frontline. It would be used in time
of emergence so the memory could not be read, along with the intention of involving
the enemy with the self-destruction.

Melds last attack that risked his life made Koukis party screamed out his name.
However, unlike them, the Demon Race woman was still calm even though shed be
swallowed by the explosion and die.

Thus the Last Loyalty Meld carried increased its shine further, and one sentence
was muttered right before it activated.

Devour it, Absod.

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Immediately, after the Demon Race womans voice rang out, the Last Loyalty on
its limit let out tremendous lights, and lost its shine.

Wh-!? Whats happen!

If one looked carefully, the overflowing lights were flowing into a certain direction.
Meld frantically moved only his gaze towards that direction while still pinning the
Demon Race woman, and there was the six-legged turtle shaped demonic beast
whose opened mouth was inhaling the lights wrapping Meld.

The six-legged turtle demonic beast was called Absod. Its peculiar magic was
Magic Storage. It was a skill to freely take and stock magic inside its body. On the
other hand, it could not use the stored magic if more than one magic if it took
different elements. It only had the ability of letting out the magic again by
compressing it from its mouth. However, the storage could even store high-ranked
magic. It was a natural enemy for people who fight using magic.

The light wrapping Meld from Last Loyalty rapidly lost, and it exhausted all its
powers and became a normal crystal. Suddenly, an impact from an attack hit Meld
who was flabbergasted because his last struggle had been obstructed in an
unexpected way, but the impact wasnt that strong. What is it?, Meld looked down
towards his abdomen where the impact came from.

A reddish brown blade could be seen. Accurately, a blade of sand had pierced
through Melds abdomen from his back. The blade piercing him from behind had
blood dripping at the tip.

Meld-san!

Kouki shouted Melds name without minding his vomited blood. Meld reacted to his
call and the gaze on his abdomen shifted to Kouki. He then frowned he moved his
mouth to say, Sorry, while revealing a mortified smile.

Immediately, the sand blade swung horizontally and Meld was blown away. Just
like a powerless doll, thud!, he was thrown to the ground. The pool of blood spread
little by little. Anyone see it would think of it as a mortal wound. It was already a
miracle he was capable of moving while covered in wounds, but everyone knew that
this time it was the true end.

Even though she understood she would not make it in time, Kaori immediately used
ranged recovery magic on Meld. Although the amount of bleeding had slightly
decreased, Kaori could not block Melds wound since she herself hardly have any
magic power.

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Uu, please! Be healed!

Even as she fell to her knee due to the severe exhaustion from magic power
depletion, Kaori desperately continued using healing magic.

I never thought hed be able to stand up and pinned me with such wounds. As
expected of the Kingdoms Knight Leader. Hes worthy of praise. However, this is
the end thisll be your last. So, what do you think?

The Demon Race woman glared at Kouki and the others as she swung the sand
blade dyed in red. Seeing someone close to them dying once again, everyone, except
some, were trembling. Even if they didnt want to admit it, theyd be the next to die
if they did not accept the Demon Race womans proposal.

Representing the others, Hiyama was about to say they accept the proposal.
However, at that time,

me.

Kouki, who powerlessly tried to escape from being hung by the horsehead, muttered
something with a small voice. Even though he shouldnt be able to create any
miracle since he covered in wounds, Hiyama swallowed his words. He somehow
could not ignore the pressure coming from Kouki.

Ha? What did you say? So, you want to die.

The Demon Race woman heard Koukis mutter, she snorted, and asked him thinking
it was just another rave. Kouki raised his cast down gaze, and his straight glare
pierced the Demon Race woman.

The Demon Race woman instinctively held her breath when she saw Koukis glare.
After all, the color of his irises had changed to silvery white as it shone. Instinctively
backing away due to an unknown pressure, she ordered the horsehead according to
the warning her instinct was telling her. She instinctively realized it was not the time
to think about the advantage and disadvantage of gaining Shizuku and the others.

Ahatd! Kill him!

RoOoOoAaR!!

The horsehead nameded Ahatd faithfully executed the Demon Race womans order.
It tried to crush the suspended Koukis sides using two fists equipped with Magic
Shock Wave.

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However, at that moment,

CLiiIIInnNG!!

Tremendous light overflowed from Kouki. It became a torrent and rose into the
ceiling just like a tornado. Next, Kouki swung his right fist towards Ahatds arm that
was grabbing onto him, SNaaaAAAAP!, and the arm was easily crushed.

ROooOOAR!!

With a roar different from a while ago, Ahatd inadvertently dropped Kouki, and
Kouki moved to make a roundhouse kick as though he could not feel his injury.

ThUuUumpP!!

Cannon-like impact sound rang when the kick hit, Ahatds huge body was bent into
< and was blown towards the wall behind with an extraordinary momentum. Ahatd,
who was crushed into the wall accompanied with a thunderous roar, could not
move well its body thanks to the impact, desperately trying to slip out of the wall
but resulted in nothing.

With a swaying body, Kouki picked up the dropped Holy Sword and glared at the
Demon Race woman with a piercing gaze that could almost kill. At the same time,
similar torrent that of a tonado rose and began to envelope Koukis body.

A skill derived from Limit Break, Supreme Break. If the normal Limit Break
increased the basic states by three times within the time limit, Supreme Break was
higher skill, and basic stats were multiplied by five. However, he had to use limit
break to now forcibly dragged out his power. Thats why the current Kouki only had
30 seconds until the limit. The effective time had been cut greatly because of the side
effect.

However, without minding that, Kouki rushed towards the Demon Race woman in
anger. The only thing in his mind was to beat Melds enemy. Only revenge.

The Demon Race woman raised a panicked expression and ordered the surrounding
demonic beasts to attack Kouki. Chimeras were sneaked attacking, the black cats
were firing their tentacles, and the Brutal-look-alike swung their maces. However,
Kouki ignored those demonic beasts. Without swinging Holy Sword, he kept
advancing, and raised angry cry towards where the Demon Race woman was.

Bitch-! How dare you do that to Meld-san-!!

Tch!

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Kouki unhesitatingly swung down the Holy Sword that was held in upper stance.
The Demon Race woman clicked her tongue and she immediately densified the sand
into a shield but cladded in torrent of light, the Holy Sword easily cut through the
shield and slashed the Demon Race woman behind it.

Although she was not cut in two; she backed away and created the sand shield, the
Demon Race woman had a deeply cut diagonally on her body, and blown backward,
spraying blood.

Her back crashed into the wall behind, the Demon Race woman skidded down from
the crushed wall, and Kouki approached her as he shook of the blood off the Holy
Sword.

What luck to have the situation reversed just like this Its as if I am looking at a
cheap drama.

Having the table reversed thanks to him awakening his hidden power due to him
being in a pinch, made the Demon Race woman say sarcastic words while her
wandering gaze was looking at the approaching Kouki in resignation.

Even though the white crow on her side activated its peculiar magic, her wound was
too deep that it could not be healed immediately, and Kouki wont give her such a
time either. It was a true checkmate, and the Demon Race woman endured the
severe pain, moved her right hand, and took out a locket pendant from her breast
pocket.

Seeing that, Kouki sharpened his expression, thinking it was the same self-
destruction tool similar to the one Meld used, and he suddenly dashed out.
Regardless of the Demon Race womans death, he could not let the explosion
swallow his comrades. Thats why, I will defeat her before it activates! He attacked to
stop her.

However

I am sorry I am going to die before you I love you, Mikhail

Looking at the locket pendant in her hand dearly, the Demon Race woman muttered,
which made Kouki inadvertently stopped the Holy Sword. Due to the attack not
being delivered, the Demon Race woman dubiously raised her face and she noticed
the Holy Sword had stopped just a few millimeters overhead.

Kouki expression was aghast as he looked down at the Demon Race woman with
wide-open eyes. His eyes expressed, but when he noticed something, it generated
fear and hesitation. Seeing his eyes, the Demon Race woman realized the thing that

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made him stopped his sword and watched him with a condemning gaze. Her gaze
made Kouki shaken further.

I am amazed Did you notice it only now? That you are going to kill a
person.?

Kh!?

Thats right, for Kouki, the Demon Race was a cruel and cowardly higher ranked
demonic beasts. It also meant they were recognized as existences evolved from
demonic beasts, that was what the Ishtar had taught him about the Demon Race.
Actually, they were recognized as such because they were accompanied by the
demonic beasts, their slaves. However, just like a normal human, they love and
loved, desperately tried to survive for the sake of something. But Kouki never
thought he was going to fight people. In a way, it could be said he unconsciously
did not want to think so

The recognition was overturned when the Demon Race woman dearly called the
name of her loved person. Whether he liked it or not, the one he was fighting was
not a demonic beast. He noticed she was in truth a person just like him. He
recognized what he was trying to do was murder.

Surely, you did not admit us as people What arrogance.

N-No I, I didnt know

Hah, isnt it you did not try to know?

I, I

See? So, whats wrong? After all, what youre doing is not fighting but hunting,
right? Theres one animal before you here, you know? Even though you have
thought like that until now

L-lets just talk surely if we talk

Kouki said as he lowered Holy Sword. Demon Race woman looked at him with pure
scorn, and she shouted an order instead of answering him.

Ahatd! Aim at the swordswoman! The others, attack!

Having recovered from the impact, Ahatd approached Shizuku with tremendous
momentum, exactly what the Demon Race woman had ordered. Within Koukis
party, although her charisma to lead people could not be compared to him, to excel

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in making calm judgement of the situation made her the most troublesome enemy,
so Shizuku was the first to be targeted.

The others demonic beasts also began attacking the other party members. Rather
than the merits gained by making them betray their allies with attached collars, she
judged, because of his last attack, it was necessary to kill Kouki. The Demon Race
woman felt Koukis latest attack was a threat.

Wh-, why!

Youre a boy without any self-awareness we are at war! You who possessed
huge power with immature mind is too dangerous! You are going to die here no
matter what! Look, your comrades will be annihilated if you dont help them!

Kouki shouted at the Demon Race woman who ignored his suggestion, but the
woman didnt care at all.

Next, Kouki turned around because of the womans words, and at the same time,
Shizuku was blown away and she crashed into the ground. Ahatd was already a
monster that had already far surpassed the strong demonic beasts. It overpowered
Kouki who was using Limit Break even if it was just a surprise attack. So, Shizuku
should not be able to fight it by herself.

Kouki turned pale and used the power from Supreme Break to instantly move
between Ahatd and Shizuku, and caught the Magic Shock Wave attack. Next, he
counter-attacked by swinging Holy Sword which cut off its arms.

However, by the time he was before its bosom to finish it off with a stab, just like
before, he fell to his knees, lost his strength, and fell forward.

Supreme Limit had reached its time limit. It was the worst case scenario. Not only
was weakened because of the after effect he had accumulated one impossible plight
after another, he also could not move his body as though he was paralyzed.

A-At Such a time!

Kouki!

Covering Kouki, Shizuku slashed towards the wound Ahatd had on its arm that was
cut off. Unable to calm down after its wound was slashed, Ahatd screamed and
retreated. At that moment, Shizuku grabbed and threw Kouki to where their
comrades were.

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With Kouki incapable of moving, his comrades could only defend against the
encircling demonic beasts. Then I must do something! Shizuku aimed at the Demon
Race woman. Her gaze unmistakably carried killing intent.

Heh~. You seem be conscious about the murder. Rather, arent you the one most
suitable to be called as Hero?

I dont care. It is our fault Kouki did not realize it. Thats why I will pay for that
debt!

Completely healed by the white crows peculiar magic, the Demon Race woman
stood up steadily and commented on Shizuku actions.

Shizuku should have known Koukis straightforward character, and how deeply he
sets his heart on something. She gritted her teeth because she felt responsible that it
was only until now that Kouki realized they were killing people, and how he didnt
realize their true enemies during this war.

Shizuku had no experience of murder, and she felt she did not want to experience it
either. However, she was prepared such a day would come if she was going into a
war. By learning swordsmanship, the heaviness of hurting people was driven into
her.

However, now that the time has come, her resolution was easily shaken because of
fear neither from the shame nor honour, but because she wanted to cry due to the
thing she was going to do. Even so, she bit her lip and gritted her teeth to
desperately suppress her fear.

Thus, she took a stance as she activated No Beat to kill the Demon Race woman
using the Godspeed from the sword drawing technique. However in that moment, a
chill ran along her spine because her instinct warned her to imminent danger.
Immediately, from the side of the location where she jumped back from, a black cats
tentacles was fired.

I never told the other demonic beasts to not aim at you. Do you think you can kill
me with Ahatd and other demonic beasts as your enemies.

Kuh.

Saying, Of course I am also going to kill you, the Demon Race woman began to
chant. Shizuku somehow managed to break through the waves of attacks from the
demonic beasts using acceleration and deceleration without preliminary action of
No Beat, but her expression was gradually dyed in despair when she tried to
move before the Demon Race woman through an opening.

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The most difficult was that Ahatd had speed similar to Shizuku. The sturdy and
gigantic figure was certainly seen by Shizuku, so even if she used the chance to jump
towards the Demon Race woman, its swung fist give an explosion-like impact that
would immediately reach Shizuku.

Shizuku was a swordsman who specialized in speed, so her defense was extremely
brittle. Evasion and parry were the basic of her defense. Besides, damages would
accumulated little by little from Magic Shock Waves after effect. Also, she could
neither completely evade nor parry.

Following that, Shizukus movement had slightly become duller because of the
accumulated damages. And that was fatal in a fight to death such as this.

WHHAAAAAM!!

Aghh!!

Although she immediately used the sword and sheath as shields, Ahatds fist
crushed Shizukus partner and hit her shoulder. Having blown parallel to the
ground, forcefully crashing, and continued skidding on the ground, Shizuku laid
down helplessly. The arm on her right shoulder was bent into an impossible angle. It
was completely crushed. And because the impact was passed into her body, she
sometimes coughed up blood.

Shizuku-chan!

Kaori called Shizuku with tone overflowed with uneasiness, but Shizuku could not
move at all even as she gripped the handle of her broken sword while crouching.

At that time, the things about her comrades, formation, and her exhausted magic
power, there was be no meaning for her to come to Shizukus side, but other logical
reasons had completely disappeared from her mind. Kaoris only thought was she
must go to her important best friends side.

Kaori dashed out due to impulse. Her body was swaying and her feet werent steady
because she hardly had any magic power. Although there were voices behind that
tried to stop her, they did not reach Kaoris ears. She was only trying her best to
recklessly rush towards Shizuku. Naturally, the demonic beasts did not overlook the
defenseless Kaori, and merciless attacks poured towards her.

However, all of those attacks were received by shining shields. Moreover, the
numerous shields were standing just like a passage between Kaori and Shizuku.

Ehehe. As expected, being alone is unpleasant.

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Suzu said with a pale expression. She held out her right hand straight towards
Shizuku, and used all of her shields to make a beeline between Kaori and Shizuku. A
faint smile floated on her face.

Suzu had realized it herself. Realized they could not survive at all. Thats why, she
thought of using her magic to allow her to be together with the best friends she
loved even in the last moment. Naturally, the defense on the other comrades had
become thinner as the effect so Suzu, I am sorry, apologized in her mind, and
continued to put up her shields for Kaori and Shizuku.

With Suzus shields, Kaori reached Shizuku with only few wounds. Then, she
embraced Shizukus body tightly.

K-Kaori what are you doing Get back, hurry. Its dangerous here.

Uun. It is the same anywhere. Thats why, its okay for me to be by Shizuku-chans
side.

I am sorry. I cant win.

Me, too, I am sorry I cant really do anything. I have hardly any magic power.

Supporting Shizuku, Kaori was frowning while smiling while using her magic to
lessen Shizukus pain. Shizuku on the other hand, used her solid right arm to grasp
the hand Kaori was using to support her, and sported a troubled smile.

A shadow appeared before the two. It was Ahatd. With bloodshot eyes, it
approached and looked down at Kaori and Shizuku. RoOoOaR!!, it raised its
characteristic roar and swung its thick arm.

Unbeknownst to them, Suzus shields had been put between Ahatd, and Kaori and
Shizuku to interrupt it from coming any closer. However, it just ignore such barriers.
It was probably because it was convinced that its swung fist would easily destroy
the shields just like papers and use the shockwave to crush Kaori and Shizuku.

Currently, with the iron hammer of death swinging before them, various scenes
passed through Kaoris mind. Ah, I wonder is this the revolving lantern?, and she
strangely calmed down, but Kaori who was flooded with memories had her heart
shaken by the latest scene that appeared.

It was the tea party under the moonlight. The memories of the two conversing. The
night when she said a vow. The disappeared him who made a troubled smile. How
she began to realize her love once he disappeared. How she chased after him,
believing in his survival.

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However, those would also end here. In the end, I was once again unable to hold
up my promise, thinking so, tears flowed on Kaoris cheeks before she was aware of
it.

First, I want to call out to him if we ever meet again, Kaori thought so. With such a wish, at
the very least, I will call his name at the end and she naturally said.

Hajime-kun.

At that moment.

KABOoOoOM!!

The ceiling above Ahatd fell with a roaring sound, and at the same time, a huge, jet-
black stake flew out with an extreme power cladded in red thunder.

Raising sparks, the jet-black stake pierced through Ahatd as though it was a tofu,
and it then pierced and was stuck on the ground.

With length around 120 centimeters, the huge stake buried itself into the ground
while releasing red sparks. Flesh and blood scattered from the center where Ahatds
remains were with its original form nowhere to be seen. The spectacle made Kaori,
Shizuku, and of course Koukis party, the demonic beasts attacking them, and the
Demon Race woman stiffened.

A silent unbecoming of a battlefield ruled the room. No one, not even a thing
understood what had happened as they stood in bewilderment. Suddenly, a shadow
jumped down from the opened ceiling. The person landed and lightly trampled
down on the Ahatds remains with his back before Kaori and Shizuku, and when he
got off it, the person glared at the surroundings.

When he looked over his shoulder, he saw Kaori and Shizuku who were embracing
each other.

The moment the person turned around, their eyes met, and a lightning ran through
Kaoris body. Her heart had been cold accompanied by sorrow, no, probably it was
freezing since the day her important person disappeared, but a sudden fire lighted it
and heated it up Thu-thump, thu-thump. Her heart began to throb intensely.

Your relationship is good as usual, you two.

The person said with a wry smile, and Kaoris mind was filled with delight even
before she could think about it.

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The hair color was different, the aura was different, the tone was different, and the
appearance was different. However, she knew. It is him. It is he whose survival she
believed in while she looked for him.

Thats right,

Hajime-kun!

Chapter 8 : The Peerless Incompetent

Eh? Hajime-kun? Wait, Nagumo-kun? Eh? What? What do you mean?

Kaoris ecstatic shout made Shizuku, who was by her side, confused and looked
alternately between Kaori and Hajime. Apparently, Kaori was able to see through
the white haired, eye-patched, black-coated person before her as Hajime with just a
single glance, but Shizuku was still unable to recognize him.

However, when she saw the boys face who was looking back over his shoulder with
a wry smile, it immediately overlapped with Nagumo Hajime in her memory, and
Shizuku, with widened eyes, raised a surprised voice.

Eh? Eh? Really? Is he really Nagumo-kun? Eh? What? Whats really happening
here?

Well, just calm down, Yaegashi. Arent calm, cool, and collected your main selling
point?

The chain of events happened after she, Shizuku, just like Kaori, was prepared to die
which made her perplexed and she forgot her pain. Admonishing her as he said
Shizukus name, Hajime suddenly looked overhead, feeling their presences. Thus,
the falling blond-haired girl, Yue, was caught by him in princess carry style and he
carefully let her down, next he received the rabbit-eared girl, Shia, who jumped
down the same way.

The last to jump down was a boy dressed in black, Endou Kousuke.

Na-Nagumoo! You-! I was blown away by that! Wait, what was that just now!? It
suddenly pierced the dungeons floors

Endou looked at the surrounding, started complaining. Then, he saw his best friends
and the others together with a group of demonic beasts. After noticing that he was

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being watched by his stiffened classmates, Nuoh!, and released a strange shout. To
Endou, they voices were half-filled with joy because of their reunion, and anger
because he came back.

Kousuke!

Jyuugo! Kentarou! Ive come with help!

Reacting to Ive come with help, Koukis party and the demon race woman finally
returned to their sense. Then, they once again stared at Hajime and the two girls.
However, not minding the gazes of those in his surroundings, Hajime quickly
ordered Yue and Shia with a slightly irritated expression.

Yue, sorry but please protect those people gathered there. Shia, please look at the
condition of the fallen man in Knights armor there.

Nn leave it to me.

Roger~!

Yue calmly walked without caring about the surrounding demonic beasts, while
Shia used her marvelous jumping power to jump overhead the group of demonic
beasts and landed beside the collapsed Meld.

Ha-Hajime-kun

Kaori once again called Hajimes name with a shaking voice. Her tone was probably
filled with joy due to the reunion, yet there was also sorrow. It was because she
thought Hajime had came here to die. Although Kaori didnt know the details, her
expression was telling him to immediately get away from the place.

Shrugging his shoulders, he returned Kaoris gaze. Hajime briefly said, Its okay
now, so just wait there. After saying that, he activated Light Speed which greatly
improved his perception. Then, he took out three Cross Bits from Treasure Box
which surrounded Kaori and Shizuku like shields.

The floating cross-like objects that suddenly appeared from empty space surprised
Kaori and Shizuku. With his back before the two, Hajime made a proposal towards
the demon race woman whose appearance could be seen as nothing but arrogance. It
was his mercy since the demon race woman was still not his enemy.

The red-haired woman over there. I wont do anything if you leave immediately.
Just disappeared quickly from here if you dont want to die.

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What did you say?

It was not a remark that could be said by an ordinary human while being
surrounded by demonic beasts. It was the reason why the demon race woman
inadvertently asked back. As a response, Hajime repeated himself with an amazed
expression.

Prompt decisions are needed in battlefields. Thats why I said, just disappear from
here quickly if you dont want to die. Understand now?

Knowing she did not hear it wrong, the demon race woman erased her expression
and ordered the demonic beasts while pointing at Hajime, Kill him.

This time, the too abrupt situation especially the dead of her treasured Ahatd
due to an unknown attack made the demon race woman lose her calm and make a
fatal mistake.

Even if Hajime had his own objection, the woman was too enraged by Hajime who
by the course of events treaded on Ahatd, a demonic beast she didnt want to lose
since it was given to her by her revered superior. In addition, there was the
confusion due to the unbelievable situation where the dungeons ceiling had been
destroyed just because he wanted to go downstairs. In any case, she would have
been able to make a more careful judgement if it was the usual her. However, the
glove had been thrown out.

I see So, I take it that youre an enemy, right?

Hajime muttered at the same time the Chimera attacked him. Behind Hajime,
Hajime-kun! and Nagumo-kun! warning voices filled with urgency could be
heard. However, Hajime casually clawed the Chimera attacking from his left with
his artificial arm and lifted it without any difficulty.

The Chimera was surprised and struggled to escape which made the space blurred
intensely. Looking at it, Hajime looked at it with scorn.

Oi, oi, what is this? This half-assed peculiar magic. Are you a street performer?

Because theres no meaning if ones presence and figure disappears when spaces
blurs when it moves. Hajime inadvertently retorted. Even in the abyss, there were
demonic beasts that could conceal their presences and figuring out what each of
them has was extremely troublesome. Comparing it to them, Hajime thought it was
too childish that the concealment exposed when it moved.

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Standing still while he raised a Chimera with huge body weighing several hundreds
kilograms as it struggling mid air, Hajime made the demon race woman, Kaori, and
the others dumbfounded.

Hajime leered at them and used Great Arm to throw the Chimera on the ground
as though he had lost his interest in it.

BoOoOoOmM!!

BaAaAaANNNG

With a raw sound ringing out, the Chimera had its head crushed and made a crater
on the ground. Next, having drawn out Donner, Hajime turned the railgun towards
the space that seemed to be empty at a glance and fired it in succession.

BAAANG BAAAAANNNG!!

Dry, explosive sounds rang out and two flashes cut through the air, mercilessly
piercing respective targets. The space blurred for a moment, then a Chimera with a
blasted head and a Brutal-look-alike whose heart had been shot through appeared.
They stood still for a second, swayed, and crumbled to ground.

Not moving but could not conceal the wind flow, the shaking of the air and ground,
their gazes, killing intent, flow of magic, and temperature made them nothing but
unmoving targets for Hajime.

Without even looking at the demonic beasts he instantly killed, Hajime took a step
forward into the battlefield, no, the execution ground. What started could not even
be called deathmatch. It was a one-sided execution by the monster who shouldnt be
made into an enemy.

The demon race woman was shocked seeing the demonic beasts were killed casually
and easily while the classmates stood still feeling the chill from the weapon that
shouldnt exist in this world. Leaving aside those stiffened people, the demonic
beasts were attacking Hajime one after another, faithfully executing the demon race
womans order.

A black cat creeped behind him and fired its tentacles, but Hajime didnt turn
around and only turned the wrist of his lowered arm where Donner was and fired
behind. The bullet exceeding the speed of sound easily gouged through the black
cats forehead.

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Without stopping to look at their companion, four-eyed wolves rushed towards him
from left and right at the same time. However, Schlag, unknown as to when it was
drawn, blew the enemy on his left while Donner blown off the one on the right.

At that moment, the black cats hidden behind the annihilated four-eyed wolves shot
their tentacles in cooperation with the Chimeras that were approaching Hajimes
back. However, Hajime had jumped several meters above, flipped mid-air, and
while hanging upside down, the floating black cats and the two Chimera, who lost
sight of their target, became preys for the railgun.

Within the scattered flesh and blood that looked like flower storm, two Brutal-look-
alikes came and swung their maces, aiming for the moment Hajime landed.
However, such an easily predicted future wouldnt work on a monster such as
Hajime, and he jumped further using Aerodynamic mid-air. He then fired
Donner-Schlag to his left and right in succession while spinning like a top.

The released wind of killing intent not only moved towards the two Brutal-look-
alikes that were waiting for him, but it also pierced and burst to pieces the heads of
the Chimeras and four-eyed wolves that were approaching from behind. While each
of the demonic beasts sprayed and scattered blood, Hajime descend as though to
follow the law of inertia and dulled the momentum right before he landed.

Landing soundlessly in the center of the corpses and a ground dyed with blood,
Hajime took out ammo from an empty space and use gunspin to reload them.

And at that time, KuWAaAA!, a strange sound rang out all of a sudden. Hajime
turned toward the source and there was the six-legged turtle-like demonic beasts,
Absod, whose wide opened mouth was turned towards Hajime. Inside its mouth
was a compression of tremendous power shining a pure white light.

It was the previously stored huge magic power from Commander Melds Last
Loyalty. The Last Loyaltys range was only few meters but its power was more
than enough to decimate a person.

The magic power was compressed to the limit and in the next moment it was
launched like a laser towards its target, Hajime. The death light approached as it
gouged out the ground on its track. However, Hajime calmly took out a large, coffin-
like shield from an empty space, equipped it on his left arm, and activated Vajra
the same time he held up the shield. Just like a huge tree whose roots were firmly
rooted on the ground, there was no impatience in Hajimes eyes which showed his
firm will.

A tremendous roar resounded the moment the laser-like magic power hit, and the
trembling air expressed how strong it was. However, Hajime, who received the

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direct hit, didnt even move a step away, but rather, he sported a mischievous smile,
and began to slant the shield to parry the attack. The destination of where the attack
was averted to was

Kh!? Damn it!

It was the demon race woman. Since the time Hajime began to easily kill the
demonic beasts, she sensed the crisis and began to chant powerful magic with an
exaggerated chant, but Hajime noticed it and redirect Absods attack towards the
demon race woman to obstruct her.

The unexpected situation made the demon race woman take an evasive action in a
panic, but Hajime only adjusted the angle of his shield for the attack to reach her.
The torrent of light approached her and destroyed the wall, made the demon race
woman frantically ran on the side of the wall. Her expression was one where there
was not the slightest hint of composure remained.

However, the attack gradually drew near her back, and when she thought she would
be mowed down by the attack she had ordered to be released, the magic power
stored by Absod had reached the bottom and the attack ended.

Tch

Without any room to react to Hajime who clicked his tongue, the demon race
woman breathed a sigh of relief only to be frozen in the next moment.

BaAaAaANNNG!!

An explosive sound roared along with the feeling of heat passing right beside her
right cheek, and something white splattered.

That something was the remains of the white crow which was previously stood on
the demon race womans shoulder. Although things had not been going the way he
expected, Hajime countered by firing Donner aiming at Absod while Schlag was
aimed at the white crow.

Even if Absod tried to evade only to endure the bullet so even with its tremendous
velocity, it would only leave a small sound, but it could not even sense the bullet
which ended up piercing through its opened mouth and its consciousness fell into
darkness for eternity.

Even the white crow had its body burst open and had died in an instant, scattering
white feathers along with its flesh and blood. Receiving the after effect of the railgun,
the demon race woman lost her balance, fell on her butt, and absentmindedly patted

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her own cheek. What stuck there were the white crows flesh and blood, and at the
same time she felt the heat from the severe burn.

If it shifted just by a few centimeters The demon race woman was trembling when
she thought of what might have happened. In other words, Hajime whose matchless
strength allowed him to playfully kill the army of demonic beasts as though he was
killing bugs before her eyes, and could have also killed her at any time. Even now,
her life was in the palm of his hands.

The demon race woman had a strong pride as a warrior, but she could not stop her
trembling body before the monster-like existence. What was that? Why did such a thing
exist? How can I survive from that monster!? Such thoughts filled the demon race
womans mind, and it continued to circle round and round inside her.

Kouki and the others felt the same as her. They could not immediately see through
the white haired, eyepatched boy as Hajime. They could not understand who was
the unknown person who easily annihilated the demonic beasts that had put them
into such predicament.

What was that? Just who in this world is he!?

Kouki muttered while his unmoving body was laid on the ground. Everyone around
him also had the same questions forming in their minds. The one who answered was
the person they asked to retreat only to return here by his own will, Endou.

Haha, I know it is unbelievable but he is Nagumo.

Hah?

Endous words made Kouki and the others leaked those words at the same time.
Seeing Endou, they though, Is this guys head okay?, and made some gesture with
their hands. Thinking, it cant be helped, huh~, Endou could only shrugged his
shoulders because he was only stating the truth.

Like I said, he is Nagumo, Nagumo Hajime. The Nagumo who fell from the bridge
at that day. He survived in the depth of the dungeon and climbed up with his own
power. When coming here, he treated the demonic beasts as if they are just small
fries. Its seriously unbelievable!, I thought so, too but it is the truth.

Nagumo, eh? You mean Nagumo is alive!?

Kouki said with a surprised voice. Thus, the others also simultaneously tried to look
at the boy with monstrous strength who was advancing the annihilation progress
but as expected they tried to deny it while thinking, Just how is he Nagumo?

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Endou understood their feelings and with a gesture he said, Well, its true.
Although he has completely changed, Ive seen his status plate, Endou told them
again that the boy was Nagumo Hajime while sporting a dry smile.

Everyone felt it was unbelievable as they vacantly looked at Hajimes peerlessness,

and a person who was awfully flustered said,

L-Lies. Nagumo is dead. Wasnt that the case? Everyone also saw it. Theres no way
he is alive! We have already agreed on that!

Uwah, whats with you! I have seen his status plate so theres no mistake it is him.

Lies! Theres must be some trick! He must be in disguise and trying to trick us!

No, just what are you saying? Theres no reason for him to do that.

The one who was saying unreasonable things and grabbed Endous collar was
Hiyama. He was denying Hajimes survival with an abnormally paled complexion.
Kondou and the others around him were somewhat taken aback by Hiyamas
appearance.

The agitated Hiyama was doused by cold water, literally. A large amount of water
suddenly appeared above Hiyama and poured down on him like a small waterfall.
Hiyama somewhat drowned because it matched the timing when he inhaled. After
being doused with water, he had a coughing fit. What on earth!? Hiyama was
confused only to be told by a cold voice far colder than the cold water.

Be quiet. Its irritating.

Although Hiyama seemed to getting more agitated and tried to object, he

instinctively swallowed his words when he turned his gaze towards the source of
the voice. After all, the source of the voice, Yue, was looking at Hiyama with a very
cold gaze as though she was looking at an insect. At the same time, not only a few
would forget their situation after they were captivated by the ideal girl whose
beauty was just like the highest grade bisque doll.

Same could be said for Koukis party. Their gazes were naturally attracted to the
beautiful looking girl whether they were female or male. Even Suzu was obviously
captivated and said, Whooaa~, with a strange voice. It wasnt simply because of
her beauty, she was also cladded in a bewitching atmosphere contrary to her young
appearance which made Koukis party captivated.

And at that time, maybe because of the demon race womans instruction, several
demonic beasts came to attack Koukis party. She probably thought of turning them

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into hostages just like how she had used Meld. It was a normal measure since she
couldnt even imagine of capturing Hajime with a fair challenge.

Suzu immediately thought of creating shields. Having activated magic one after
another, her exhausted body was screaming. She bit her lips to prevent herself from
blacking out but Yue gently stopped Suzu with her hand. Having Yue quietly
patting her head, Ehh?, Suzu inadvertently said with a relaxed voice and stopped
her chant.

Dont worry.

Yue muttered, and Suzu said, Ah, its already safe now, without any basis for it
nor any power left her body. Even she herself didnt know why she could simply
accepted Yues words, but she felt she was being defended by a reliable big sister.

Yue looked away from Suzu and glared at the demonic beasts that readied their
fangs, claws, tentacles, and maces. Then, with one sentence she pulled her magics
trigger.

Blue Dragon.

In the next moment, a bluish-white sphere with one meter in diameter appeared
above Yue and the others. Those who used flame attribute magic knew it was one of
the highest level magic, a blue flame magic capable of decimating anything it
approached, Blue Imperial. It was abnormal to be able to activate it without any
chant and in no time. Especially the rear group; they knew what happened and
could only looked up at the blue blaze in blank surprise.

However, this was just the start of what would make them truly surprised. The blue
flame burning radiantly suddenly changed its shape to one of a snake, attacked the
incoming maces swinging Brutal-look-alikes and the others by swallowing them.
They were instantly killed, and not even an ash remained.

Before long, the shape of the blue flame changed and swam in the air. It was a
blazing blue dragon, with length of around 30 meters. With Yue in the center, the
blue dragon protected Kouki and the others by coiling around them. Then, it raised
its head, and opened its jaws towards the demonic beasts which were standing still
because they could not approach the the blue hellfire that would perish everything.

RoOoOAAAAR!!!

It roared. And immediately, the bodies of the demonic beasts flew. As though they
were attracted by gravity, they jumped into the blue dragons mouth one after
another. Although the others understood it was not suicide since the demonic beasts

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desperately tried to escape in mid-air in panic due to the abrupt situation. Seeing the
demonic beast throwing their bodies in queue towards the annihilation that didnt
even leave an ash, made them think it as nothing but a bad joke.

What is this magic

Someone muttered. The unknown magic had one-sidedly burnt the demonic beasts
to annihilation by pulling them, which made Koukis party unable to close their
wide opened mouths. But it couldnt be helped. After all, this magic was the same as
Thunder Dragon, an original magic of Yues, formed by combining the highest fire
magic element, Blue Imperial, and one of the Age of Gods magic, gravity magic.

Incidentally, the reason she used Blue Dragon and not Thunder Dragon was
simply because Yue was training herself. Thunder Dragon was a combination
between gravity magic and high-ranked wind attribute, thunder, so Blue Dragon
had higher difficulty and power. Because she was just recently capable of combining
highest level magic, she wanted to make its debut.

Naturally, Koukis party who didnt know of the circumstances shifted their gazes
from the Blue Dragon to Yue, about to ask for an explanation. However, calmly
straightening its back, the Blue Dragon stopped and its flame shone brighter.
Together with Yues sublime figure, it made Koukis party hold their breath, and
they were unable to say the words to ask for an explanation. Several people quickly
had their hearts stolen by Yue especially Suzu; she was letting out an exclamation
of joy like a small old man.

On the other side, when the demon race woman saw the bizarre Blue Dragon from
the distance, she cursed in her mind, Theres only monsters here, huh! Frustrated due
to the demonic beasts being exterminated one after another, she changed her aim to
the RabbitMan girl beside the mortally wounded Meld, and the two girls close to
each other who were separated from the others.

However, the demon race woman was further exposed to the arbitrary.

The Brutal-look-alike which came to attack Shia had its head blown away like a
pinball with a swing from Doryukken. She then rotated her body using the
momentum from her first attack towards the four-eyed wolf coming advancing from
behind her and it died easily with its head crushed by an attack carrying enough
centrifugal force.

Once again, Chimeras and black cats were about to attack Kaori and Shizuku.
Shizuku gritted her teeth, and readied her broken sword towards the incoming; the
scattered demonic beasts filled with killing intent. However, as if to stop them, the
cross bits floating in her surrounding came in between Shizuku and the Chimeras.

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Shizuku was somewhat shaken by the mysterious crosses were moving as though to
protect her. Suddenly, the longer point of the crosses turned towards the Chimera
and a roaring sounds rang out. Seriously, what are those!? Shizuku was shouting
inside her mind, when something spinningly flew almost grazing her cheek and fell
to the ground with a metallic sound. The same roaring sound rang out beside Kaori,
and the same sound of metal resounded, too, as expected.

Although confused, Kaori and Shizuku returned their attentions towards the
incoming demonic beasts, and there were only the figures of demonic beasts with
heads blown to pieces They were speechless and turned their gazes towards the
source of the metallic sounds and confirmed its identity.

Isnt that cartridge?

Cartridge a guns?

Kaori and Shizuku faced each other as they said the unfamiliar term out loud. They
were convinced once they saw Hajimes figure rampaging with guns in both hand.
The crosses floating to defend them were similar to an all-range weapon from
somewhere.

A-Amazing Hajime-kun can use Funnel.

Just, since when did he become a NewType

Kaori and Shizuku regained a lot of their composure after the surrounding demonic
beasts were instantly exterminated. They let out unbecoming retorts which were
actually transmitted to Hajime through the Cross Bits. And on the contrary, Hajime
wanted to retort back in regards to how the two knew such references. However,
Hajime did not worry about it thanks to the skill he honed by being in the company
of Yue and the girls, Let it be.

Seriously whats with this.

The demon race woman muttered powerlessly. No matter what she tried, everything
was held down and crushed by sheer power. Such irrational things allowed her
mind to be invaded by feeling of throwing in the towel. There were hardly any
demonic beasts remaining, and it was obvious to anyone who was the victor and
loser.

My last hope! The demon race woman fired magic towards Hajime for the sake of
escaping and ran towards one of the four exits with all of her might. The magic fired
towards Hajime was Final Prison. It exploded right beside Hajime, and the

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petrifying smoke wrapped around him. Koukis party held their breaths while Kaori
and Shizuku screamed Hajimes name.

Leering at the shaken Koukis party, the demon race woman finally reached one of
the exits.

However

Haha Ive been checkmated, huh.

It is certainly as you say.

Before the demon race woman was the floating cross with its dark muzzle pointed at
her from inside the passage. With a dry laughter, only now did she realize she had
been checkmated long since before she attacked Hajime, and the demon race woman
inadvertently leaked a dry laughter. The hateful calm voice came from behind.

This time, the demon race woman looked back in resignation and she saw Hajime
walking closer from inside the petrifying smoke as if nothing happened. Next, he
scattered the petrifying smoke to the other passage by sweeping it away using the
red wave of Magic Emission.

You monster. To take a high-ranked magic as something insignificant You, are

you really human?

Actually, even Ive doubting that. But, it isnt so bad to become a monster, you
know?

Hajime and the demon race woman said in a joking manner with only a slight
distance between them. When the demon race woman took a look at the room, the
demonic beasts had truly been annihilated before she was aware of it. Once again
she cursed in a small voice, You monster.

Ignoring her, Hajime aimed Donners muzzle towards the woman. The weapon of
death pointed right before her eyes made the demon race woman realize it was time
for her to die, and she looked back.

Well then, Do you have anything left to say? Is what is usually said in these kinds of
situation Unfortunately, I dont have any interest in hearing your last will. More
importantly, about why a person of the demon race had come here and where you
obtained those demonic beasts Shall I have you spit it out?

Do you think I will speak? It might become an advantage for human race, right? As
if I am that stupid.

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The demon race woman snorted scornfully, which made Hajime look at her with
cold gaze. Thus, without hesitation, he fired Donner to both of the demon race
womans legs.

AgaaAH!!

The demon race woman screamed and collapsed. The scream resounded inside the
silent room where the demonic beasts had ceased to breathe. Hajime knew the
classmates behind him were gulping because of his merciless action. However, not
worrying about such things, Hajime asked again with Donner aimed at the woman.

Whether its human race or demon race, I dont care about your worlds
circumstance. I am asking you not as someone from human race. I am only asking
because I want to know it. So, answer it now.

The demon race woman was glaring at Hajime while gritting her teeth from the pain.
Seeing her eyes, Hajime realized she was not likely to speak, so he began to speak
instead.

Well, I have roughly guessed it. You came here to conquer the True Great
Dungeon, right?

The demon race womans brows twitched from Hajimes words. Hajime continued
speaking while carefully observing the womans reaction.

Those demonic beasts were the product of an Age of Gods magic looks like I hit
the bulls eye. I see, so the change in demon race side was because they conquered a
Great Dungeon and obtained the Age of Gods magic which could enslave demonic
beasts, huh Resultantly, the human race side moved to conquer the Great
Dungeon by investigating and then inviting the heroes

How it cant be

Hajime had stated his theories which was right on the mark, and it rattled the
demon race woman. With the mortified expression, she questioned how he knew
when a possibility came to mind. Seeing her expression, Hajime noticed the demon
race woman had guessed Hajime was also another dungeon conqueror. With his
glance, he responded, Correct.

I see, if you are the same as that person then I can understand your monster-like
power Ah, isnt that enough? Just kill me. After all, I have no intention of being a
captive

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As that person right. You must be referring to the conqueror whom you received
the demonic beasts from, huh

The expression of the demon race womans face told him she would rather commit
suicide rather than to be taken as a captive. Thus, she wanted to at least die in battle.
The information about another dungeon conqueror was enough for Hajime, so with
thoughts of ending it, killing intent appeared in his eyes.

As revenge for dying in the middle of her path, and unwillingness to admit defeat,
the demon race woman muttered towards Hajime.

Someday, my lover will kill you.

Her words made Hajimes lips curved and floated a fearless smile.

I will kill my enemy, even if it is God. And if that person is someone who dances
inside the palm of Gods, then he wouldnt be able to reach me.

Theres nothing left to talk about, so the two closed their mouths. Hajime turned
Donners muzzle towards the demon race womans head.

However, the moment he was about to pull the trigger, a loud voice stopped him.

Wait! Just wait, Nagumo! She can no longer fight! So, its not necessary to kill her!

With his finger still on Donners trigger, What is this guy saying?, Hajime looked
over his shoulder with a dubious expression. Kouki managed to unsteadily stand up
after he had slightly recovered and further raised his voice.

Capture, right, just make her a captive. Its absolutely unforgivable to kill someone
who cannot resist. I am the hero. And Nagumo is my comrade, so please back away
in consideration of me.

Excuses that rendered too much retort was something Hajime thought there was no
value in hearing it and swiftly discarded them. Silently, he pulled the trigger.

BaAaAaANNNG!

The dry explosive sound echoed inside the room. Killing intent was aimed and a
shot was fired through the demon race womans forehead where she instantly died.

Silence engulfed their surrounding. The classmates finally understood and could
only hold their bated breaths, puzzled to the spectacle where one of their classmate

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killed a person without hesitation. Amongst all of them, Kaori was most shocked by
it.

It was not about him killing a person. After all, Kaori herself had been prepared for
it. It was a natural thing since they had entered the fight in this world. After all,
fighting the demonic beast inside the dungeon was only combat exercise.

Thats why, a day where killing one another would surely come, for she must kill
hostile people, and she was prepared to do it. She was a healer who stand by the rear,
but thinking of Shizuku, Kouki, and the others who were in the front lines the
time when her the hands of her friends will be dirtied by blood, even if it was just a
little, made her heart resolved to not averting from such situations even just for a
moment.

What shocked Kaori was because she could not sense any aversion, disgust, and
hesitation towards murder from Hajime. He killed a person as though it was natural
as breathing. The Hajime Kaori knew was someone who even though he couldnt go
against the others, he was a gentle and strong person capable of being able to jump
into a whirlpool for the sake of others.

That form of being strong was not a power that came from violence. It was a
strength due to thinking about others no matter what time or situation he was in.
Thats why, Hajime who could kill an enemy who had lost her spirit and would not
resist with neither hesitation nor had any deep emotion, had become someone
completely different from Hajime she knew, and it shocked her.

Shizuku was her best friend, so she understood Kaori had received a powerful shock.
However, she was able to guess what shocked Kaori from the scattered talk they
usually had about Hajime when they were in Japan.

Shizuku looked at Hajime with a cool expression and she thought he had certainly
changed, but she knew it was wrong for her, who knew nothing, to complain about
it. Thats why, as the result, she could do nothing but to stop being nestled close to
Kaori.

However, naturally, the lump of justice called hero wouldnt be able to stay silent
about it. Koukis voice rang out as if to subdue the space filled with silence.

Why, why did you kill her. Was there any necessary to kill her

Hajime was walking towards Shias side and caught Kouki staring at him with a
penetrating glare at the edge of his view. He hesitated for a moment thinking how
he should answer, but in the next moment, to begin with, theres no need to answer!, he
thought and decided to ignore Kouki.

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However, whether the other party would allow Hajimes attitude was another
problem

Chapter 9 : The This and That After the Reunion

While the sound of Koukis desperate voice subduing the silence, the person whom
the words were directed to pretended as though he didnt hear anything and walked
towards Shias side, beside the collapsed Meld.

Thinking there was no longer a need to protect Koukis party, Yue also walked
towards Hajime and Shia. Ahh, One-sama!, Suzus shout, whose heart was just
like a small old man, came from behind her.

Shia, hows Melds condition?

It was almost too late. He would not survive if we were even a little slower I used
Holy Water as instructed, but was it really okay to do that?

Ah, I was indebted to this person. Besides, the hole Meld left would be too big in a
lot of ways. Itll be especially problematic if someone weird took over the training of
the Heros party. Well, seeing their current state, it looks like Meld was unable to
finish their training properly but it isnt a mistake that he is a man of character. He
is a person who will cause regret in various meanings if he died.

Kouki was currently glaring at Hajime. Supported by Ryuutarou, he walked towards

Hajime accompanied by the other classmates. Shia was asking him for the reason of
using Holy Water on Meld. Incidentally, what he meant by someone weird was
the person from Church of the Saints such as Ishtal.

Hajime.

Yue. Thank you for listening to my request.

Nh.

Yue had arrived at the time he was still speaking to Shia. While gently patting Yues
cheek who was looking up at him as she called his name, Hajime conveyed his
gratitude. Yues gaze expressed, Dont mind, while delightedly narrowing her
eyes. Naturally, Hajimes gaze softened and the two were watching each other.

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You two, please read the mood Come on, return to your senses! Everyone are
almost gathered here!

Hajime and Yue began to create their own world which could already be called a
disease for them. Thus, Shia clapped her hands and retorted to make them return to
their senses.

Apparently, the glares coming from Kouki with different meaning had increased
and Hajime noticed it. Especially a glare coming from different direction than Kouki
and the others. It made him feel a chill running down on his spine.

Oi, Nagumo. Why did you kill

Hajime-kun even though theres much I want to ask, hows Meld-sans

condition? From what I see, the injuries had been closed and his breathing is also
steady. But, he shouldve been mortally wounded

Koukis words to press a question onto Hajime was interrupted by Kaori, who came
and knelt by Melds side with a serious expression and asked Hajime the details of
Melds condition.

For a moment, Hajime felt the chill in his guts from Kaoris gaze, but thinking it was
just his imagination, he decided to answer Kaoris question.

Yeah, thats because I used a rather special medicine. The liquid type that will
instantly heal a person completely even if the person was dying.

S-Such a medicine, how come Ive never heard of it?

That is because it was once only a legend and no one would be able to obtain it,
normally. Thats why, Yaegashi, you need to be healed by magic. And here is the
potion to recover magic power.

Eh, yes Thank you.

Being called by Hajime, Shizuku received the potion and slightly stammered while
she said her gratitude due to the gap between the current Hajime and the Hajime in
her memory. Hajime didnt especially mind Shizukus reaction and he gave another
magic power recovery potion to Kaori. Kaori caught the potion bottle and drunk the
content after she said her gratitude to Hajime. With the Lipovitan-like taste
spreading inside her mouth, her energy gradually recovered. The classmates should
be immediately healed as long as Kaori recovers.

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For now, Kaori and the others breathed sighs of relief because they understood there
was nothing to worry about in regards to Meld. Then, Kouki once again opened his
mouth.

Oi, Nagumo, I am grateful about Meld-sans matter, but why did y

Hajime-kun. Thank you for saving Meld-san. Also, thank you for saving us.

Thus, he was once again interrupted by Kaori. Kouki now wore a truly subtle
expression. However, Kaori completely not noticing Koukis expression since she
was looking straight at Hajime. Even though she received a severe shock from
Hajimes changes, there were things she wanted to say. She walked up until she was
right before Hajime to say her gratitude about Melds matter and how he saved them.

Afterwards, while grasping her skirt with both hands, guh, the things she wanted to
say were on the tip of her tongue, but she couldnt say anything and her tears began
to fall. Although she was sobbing, she didnt look away from Hajime as though to
confirm the him before her was not an illusion. Hajime silently returned Kaoris gaze.

Hajime-gun dank God, gusuh, dat your alive. Dat time, I am sorry hic dat I
couldnt protect you waaa.

Amongst the classmates, the girls held warm gazes because they could guess Kaoris
feelings. Some of the boys also had warm gazes, but Kondou and some others had
bitter expressions, while Kouki and Ryuutarou were dumbfounded since they could
not understand Kaori. The most dense protagonist on earth, Kouki, and the muscle
for a brain, Ryuutarou, made it hard for Shizuku and it could be seen in her eyes.

With troubled expression, Shia said, Uh, by any chance, is she a new rival?, while
Yue was looking at Kaori with the usual silent and expressionlessness.

The Kaori before him was crying which messed her face, and Hajime wore an
indescribable expression when he realized Kaori had been worrying about him since
the day he fell just as Endou had said.

The truth was, he had told Yue once about his circumstance along with the story
about Kaori, but that was when they were still in the abyss, and he had completely
forgotten about Kaori until he met Aiko and the others in Ul. Thats why, he was
gradually feeling guilty because she thought of him this strongly.

After sporting a troubled and at lost expression, Hajime answered Kaoris words
with a bitter smile.

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What to say, looks like Ive made you worried. I am sorry for not immediately
telling you about it. Well, just as you see, I am alive so theres no need to
apologize Also, umm, please dont cry.

Hajime said while looking at Kaori with the same gentle gaze when he was worrying
about Kaori and said, Please protect me. Upon seeing his gaze, Kaori felt her chest
being filled with the memory of the night when they exchanged the promise.
Inadvertently, Waahh, she cried and jumped into Hajimes chest.

At a loss of what to do about Kaori who was crying while clinging on his chest,
Hajime held up both of his hands. If it was another classmate, he would have
mercilessly threw the person away since he would feel irritated and use yakuza kick
to make the person unconscious. However, the pure and never changing goodwill
which was the same even before he fell into the abyss made him incapable of
treating her coldly.

But with Yue by his side, he couldnt embrace another woman and could only hold
up his hands as though someone had pointed guns muzzle at him, becoming a half
assed respond since he just let Kaori cry. It was truly not Hajime-like.

My best friend is crying! So, hug her!, was what Shizukus gaze who was beside
him was saying, but it was hard to move because Yue was also watching him in
silence. Being helpless, he lightly pat Kaoris head to stop her after a while. Really,
Hajime had became a good for nothing.

Fuu, Kaori is really gentle. She even cry in joy from her classmates survival
However, Nagumo killed a non-resisting person. We need to talk. Thats why, thats
enough and you should get away from Nagumo.

You, read the mood!, was what some of the classmates criticized Kouki with their
gazes. Even in such time, this boy was still unable to be considerate to Kaoris feeling.
While glaring at Hajime mixed with condemn, he tried to pull Kaori away from
Hajime. Maybe it was simply because he didnt want others to touch Kaori or
because the caution he held from being beside a murderer or maybe both.

Wait, Kouki! Isnt Nagumo-kun the one who saved us? How can you said such
things?

But, Shizuku. That woman already lost her spirit to fight. Theres no need to kill her.
So what Nagumo did is something I cant allow.

See here, Kouki, can you cut it out already? To begin with

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Koukis objection was rebutted by Shizuku. The other classmates were flustered
since they didnt know what to do, but Hiyamas gang who never liked Hajime
began to support Kouki.

Gradually, it became a discussion about Hajimes action. Kaori had already

separated from Hajimes chest and wiped her tears, but there was still the shock she
received from a while ago, so she fell silent with a difficult expression while she was
thinking of something.

Suddenly, a voice came to douse them with cold water.

What foolish people. Hajime, can we leave now?

Ah~, yup, lets go.

The one calling Kouki and the others foolish with tone so cold as if it was in
absolute zero was Yue. Although the voice was spoken in small mutter, it clearly
resounded even inside the commotion of Kouki and the others. For a moment,
silence wrapped their location, then Kouki and the others moved their gazes
towards Yue.

To begin with, the reason Hajime came here after hearing Endous story was his
obligation to Kaori, and it had been accomplished. Thus, he went out of the room
following Yue who pulled his hand. Shia followed after them without minding the
others.

As such, the action of Hajimes party made Kouki and the others stop.

Please stop. Our talk here isnt over yet. I wont take Nagumo as my comrade if he
doesnt tell me his real intention. Besides, just who do you think you are? Although I
am grateful for your help, to call us foolish at our first meeting isnt that rude? Just
what is foolish about us?

Kouki once again talk about something out of topic. Although what he said was
correct in such situations, comparing their circumstances made Yue wanted to say,
Try to think while putting your hand on your chest. To even go this far, it
wouldnt be strange to say Kouki was cursed by something.

Maybe because Yue had forsaken Kouki already; she didnt look at him, expressing
theres no value in looking at him. Kouki was slightly irritated and frowned being of
Yues attitude, but he immediately floated a gentle smile again, thinking she was just
an ordinary girl, and he tried to talk to Yue.

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Because this wouldnt end with the way it was going and he felt Yues discomfort,
Hajime decided to answer a little and sighed with an expression as though saying it
was a hassle.

Amanogawa. I have neither care nor obligation to answer everything to you whose
existence is a joke in more ways than one. But, Ill point it out to you a little because
you are being persistent about it.

Point it out, you say? Are you saying I am wrong? I, I only say something obvious
as a person.

Because, Its troublesome, truly!, was what Hajime expression turned to. Kouki
irritatedly objected Hajimes words which was then ignored, and Hajime continued
his words.

You cant fool me.

Whats with that

You, you are not angry because I killed that woman. You are only feeling
unpleasant to see a persons death. However, you knew you are mistaken to blame
me to kill the woman who murdered the Knights and tried to kill you. Thats why
youre using killing a non-resisting person as your main point, right? Being made
to see something you didnt want to see and for someone to easily do things you
couldnt those are the cause of your anger. However, you tried to cover it under
the name of justice. What worse is you yourself arent conscious of it. You never
change, huh. You interpret things at your own convenience as natural as breathing.

Y-You are wrong! Dont say something for your own convenience! It is the true you
killed a non-resisting person!

I killed my enemy, whats wrong with that?

Wh-!? What are you saying? Its murder! Of course it is wrong!

Haa, I dont want to discuss with you, so can we end it now? I, I wont
give any mercy to my enemy. If someone opposed me, as long as I dont have any
other need for it, I will absolutely kill that person. I dont care whether they are good
or evil, resisting or not. Hatefully, I knew Id be dead if I show even a moment of
weakness. This is my sense of value cultivated inside the abyss, and I wont force it
to other. But, if someone doesnt like it and tried to block me

Hajime instantly closed the distance and pressed the muzzle against Koukis
forehead. At the same time, Hajimes Pressure activated and the dense killing

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intent fell into the surrounding like a large, powerful waterfall. Koukis party held
their breaths. Even Kouki, who was able to chase after Shizuku whose movement
was the fastest among his comrades, could not even perceive Hajimes earlier
movement and he trembled in fear.

I will kill them, even if that person is a former classmate of mine.

Y-You

Dont misunderstand, okay? I never thought of returning to you. Also, I am not

your comrade. I only came here to pay my obligation to Shirasaki. Its a goodbye
after we get out of here. I have my own path to take.

After saying so, he glared at Kouki who couldnt say anything and was holding his
breath. Hajime returned Donner to its holster, and with Pressure deactivation, the
classmates exhaled greatly while looking at Hajime with complexed gazes. However,
Kouki still could not accept it and tried to argue some more. But it was prevented by
Yues harsh words while she wore a disgusted expression.

The one who fought was Hajime. The loser who ran away after being defeated in
fear has no qualification to criticize him.

Wh, you say I ran away

Actually it was not a coincidence Hajimes party could pinpointed their location. The
truth was, Hajime guessed the explosive torrent of magic power he felt to be coming
from Koukis party when he was still in upper floor. Then, he used full advantage of
his perception type skills to search for people presences downstairs and used
transmutation along with pile bunker to pierce through the floors.

The torrent of magic power he felt at that time was Koukis Supreme Break.
Feeling the huge power, Hajimes party understood that Kouki would be able to
defeat the demon race woman in that condition. Thats why they could see through
that Kouki hesitated to kill and invited their predicament after coming to their
location. It was why Yue said, he ran away after being defeated in fear.

Kouki tried to refute Yue, but a deep voice interrupted him.

Stop it, Kouki.

Meld-san!

Melds consciousness had returned a while ago and he heard the conversation
between Kouki and the others. Still somewhat in a daze, he stood up and shook his

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head to clear his mind. Next, he saw his abdomen which surely had been injured,
and so he tilt his head in confusion.

Kaori explained to Meld in details about what had happened. Knowing he was
miraculously helped with a valuable medicine and hearing the owner was Hajime,
Meld was happy from the depth of his heart that Hajime was alive. Moreover, he
thanked Hajime for saving him. He grandly prostrated for being unable to save him
at that time which made Hajime felt uncomfortable to receive his apology.

Rather than not minding it, Hajime had completely forgotten when Meld said, I
will absolutely save you, but he read the mood when Meld was before him,
apologizing while bowing deeply.

When his conversation with Hajime ended, Meld turned towards Kouki and
apologized just like what he did to Hajime.

M-Meld-san? Why, why are you apologizing?

Of course. I am your trainer but, I forgot to teach you an important thing during
a fight. Its the resolution to kill a person. When the time comes, Ive thought of
making you experience killing people by setting them up as thieves while making it
look like a coincidence After all, that experience is something necessary if you
participate in war against the demon race However, Ive spent a lot of time
conversing with you which made me think if it was really okay to let you experience
that Thus, Ive hesitated. If I am thinking of my position as the commander of the
Knights, I would have taught you even earlier, but a little longer, just a little
longer, until we cleared this. Things dragged on in this manner and reached this
situation I am just being half-assed. Its my mistake as your trainer. Thats why, to
make you face death I apologize.

Saying so, Meld once again bowed which made the classmates try and comfort him
in hurry. Apparently, Meld had been considerably worried about Koukis party. He
was likely being pulled apart by his mission as the commander and him as a person.

Meld is a citizen of the Kingdom and a believer of Church of the Saints. Therefore, it
wasnt weird that he felt it was natural and an honor for Kouki and the others, the
Gods Apostles, to fight the demon race. However, he doubted as he fought along
with Koukis party which meant he was a good or maybe a gentle person, and at the
level of a man of character just as Hajime said.

Hearing what was in Melds mind, Kouki fell silent. After knowing that he must kill
people in due time, he recalled his fear when he was about to kill the demon race
woman. At the same time, he received shock from Melds words saying they would

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kill people masked as thieves for the sake of training. If its thieves, then we have power
to overwhelm them. But to purposely killed them he thought.

On the other side, Kaori was also silent. But it was not because she heard Melds
words. For a long time, she had been thinking about Hajimes words.

The sense of value cultivated inside the abyss where enemy would be killed without
hesitation even if it was his classmate were impossible words coming from Hajime
of the past. However, he proved he was serious with the previous killing intent. The
Hajime who was gentle and acted by putting the sake of others before him had
unhesitatingly turned his killing intent towards them. Kaori was perplexed and
shaken by the differences between Hajime she knew and Hajime before her.
Thinking of the Hajime who was worried about her from a little ago was an illusion,
Kaori was uneasy.

While she was thinking, Kaori suddenly felt someones gaze. Before Kaori was the
blond-haired, red-eyed beautiful girl. A beautiful girl that made even Kaori
instinctively charmed. She was quietly observing Kaori with eyes where no feeling
could be felt.

Kaori recalled the girl had been fairly intimate with Hajime which made Kaori
interested and turned to look at Yue. For a while, the two watched each other.

Fu.

Kh

However, Yue was the first to avert her gaze while sneering.

Kaori inadvertently held her breath. It was because she noticed the meaning behind
her sneer. It was, If you are shaken by this, just forget about Hajime, something
like that.

Yue had of course guessed how Kaori feels about Hajime from her attitude. Thus,
hearing she believed of Hajimes survival even though he fell into the abyss, a strong
rival in love might show up, I must stand tall!, was what she thought.

However, when she saw Kaori comparing the past and current Hajime, and it
resulted in her being shaken and perplexed while being taken aback by the
differences. Although that reaction was as natural as possible for a person it made
Yue see her as insignificant.

You cant even become an enemy. From now on, Hajime is only mine. Hajimes special
person is me! The implied declaration made Kaoris face red; red from shame and

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anger. However, Kaori could not refute since she had lost sight of the human called
Hajime. The first encounter between Yue and Kaori resulted in Yue as the victor.

Leering at Kouki and the others whose mood became subtle, Hajime took Yue and
Shia along, collected the pile bunkers stake, and tried to go through the opened hole.
Noticing what he was doing, Kouki and the others began to follow Hajimes party.
Endou had proposed for everyone to take advantage of Hajimes party until they
reached the surface, and Meld was being carried by Hajime after they pleaded him.

On the way to the surface, the demonic beasts that tried to obstruct them were
instantly killed by Hajime which made them once again amazed by his strength. The
classmates wore various expressions thinking whether he was the same person who
was once called incompetent.

Hiyama was glaring at Hajime with paled complexion, Kondous gang were sending
him begrudging gazes, and Nagayamas party were looking at him admiringly as
they wore complex expressions due to Hajime clearly saying he was not their
comrade.

Even though Kondous gang had closely seen Hajimes prowess and shrunk before it,
they still thought Hajime was the same as the previous him. On the other side,
Nagayamas party knew what kind of treatment Hajime received from Hiyama and
his gang and pretend to not see it, so now they felt guilty about it. They thought it
could not be helped that Hajime didnt think of them as his comrades

Receiving various gazes from Kouki and the others behind him, Hajime just ignored
them and advanced on his own road.

On the way, Suzus inner oldman caused commotion as she tried to talk to Yue
about various things. She also barraged Hajime with questions about what
happened, then she turned her aim towards Shias huge breasts and rabbit-ears.
When she realized the two just ignored her, she was then physically stopped by
Shizuku. Kondous gang tried to talk to Yue and Shia fully loaded with desire, but
were completely ignored, even so they kept being persistent. They tried to touch
Shias rabbit-ears without permission which awarded them with Hajimes rubber
bullets. They vomited after receiving yakuza kicks, and fear was driven into them
when they received a slight killing intent leaking from Hajime various
things happened, and finally the group reached the surface.

Kaori was still looking down, worrying. Shizuku was also worriedly watching Kaori
and drew closer to her. However, a situation where an impact blew away all of
Kaoris worries had happened. It was a situation she couldnt overlook as a woman
whose heart was set on Hajime.

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It happened when they arrived at the entrance of Orcus Great Dungeon.

Ah! Papaa~!

Uh! Myuu, huh.

It was the appearance of a little girl calling Hajime papa.

Chapter 10 : Declaration of War

Papaa~!! Welcome back~!!

A cheerful little girls voice rang out inside the plaza of Orcus Great Dungeons
entrance gate.

Adventurers and mercenaries, who were going to dive into the dungeon, were
noisily negotiating with the merchants who were also advertising themselves in
various crowded stalls. However, Myuus raised voice, which rivaled their own,
made the experts of battle look at her and smile as their gazes softened.

Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap! Myuu ran straight towards Hajime while making such lovely
footsteps, and then jumped into Hajime. Hajime failed to receive her since he hadnt
even dreamed she would do that.

In a normal situation, the little girls head would have thrust into his stomach like a
rocket and made him writhe in pain. But fortunately, Hajimes body was not that
weak. Moreover, he completely warded off the impact so he would not injure Myuu,
and firmly caught her.

Myuu, you came to welcome us? Wheres Tio?

Un. Tio-oneechan thought it was about time for Papa to come back. Thats why we
came here. Tio-oneechan is

This one is here.

Separating the crowd, a beautiful, black-haired, golden-eyed, young woman

appeared. Needless to say, it was Tio. Since she was within the crowd where it
wasnt odd for one to get lost made, Hajime began to complain about her being
separated from Myuu.

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Oi oi, Tio. Dont separate from Myuu in such a place.

This one kept her along her sight. It just that there were some rude fellows. And
this one doth not want to let Myuu see a ghastly spectacle.

I see. Then it couldnt be helped So, where are the suicide candidates?

Well, Master. This one has completely settled it down.

Tch, well whatever.

Doth Master truly believe thee will return her again?

Apparently, there were some idiots who tried to kidnap Myuu. Because Myuu was a
child from the Sea-dweller tribe, she put on a hood so she wouldnt stand out in such
a public location. As such, not knowing she was a child from Sea-dweller tribe
protected by the Kingdom, there were people thinking of insolence. One of the
reasons might be because under the hood, she had the face of a young child with
lovely features. It was unknown whether their objective was ransom or not though.

Hajime asked for the criminals whereabout with a dark smile and the obviousness
that hed kill them, made Tio admonish him in half-amazement. In the beginning,
Hajime disliked being called Papa from the bottom of his heart, but now he had
become her Papa. When we arrive at Elisen, can Master separate from her Hajime was
more worrisome than Myuu.

Hearing the conversation between Hajime and Tio, Koukis party stood in blank
surprise. Though they understood Hajime had become strong in the past four
months because he experienced various things they couldnt even imagine, How
can he be a father! Everyone was dumbfounded by this thought. The male students
thought, Just what kind of experiences has he piled up!? and they moved their
gazes to Yue and Shia, and next they looked at the black-haired, big-breasted,
beautiful woman who suddenly appeared, and they clearly thought of something
rude. This surprise might even be greater than the time Hajime displayed his
peerlessness inside the dungeon.

If they calmly thought about it, its unbelievable for him to make a child after being
missing for just four months, but the various impacts in succession, along with them
just returning from life and death battle made them lost their composure and
splendidly make such a misunderstanding.

Following that, one person unsteadily moved within Koukis party. With a smile
plastered on her face which didnt reach the eyes it was Kaori. Kaori unsteadily
approached him and suddenly, glare, her eyes opened wide then she caught Hajime.

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Hajime-kun! What does this mean!? Is she really Hajime-kuns daughter!? Whos
the mother!? Yue-san!? Shia-san!? Or, is it that black-haired person!? Dont tell me,
there are others!? Just how many did you make pregnant!? Answer me! Hajime-kun!

Gripping Hajimes collar, Kaori shook Hajime in confusion. Although Hajime tried
to say it was a misunderstanding and get away from her, he couldnt get away
because Kaori gripped him with such ridiculous strength he had no idea she had.
From behind Kaori, Kaori, please calm down! Theres no way she is his daughter,
you know! Shizuku admonished and pinioned her, but it seemed like Kaori did not
hear her.

On the other hand, they could hear whispers and rumours coming from the
surroundings.

Whats this? A scene of carnage?

It looks like, he got another woman pregnant while he has another woman?

And not only one or two.

Doesnt it seem like he got five pregnant at the same time?

Well, I heard he created a harem and made tens of women pregnant, I think?

But, he seemed to have hidden it from the wife.

I see so today he got found out huh.

To create a harem how enviable.

What an honorable man he is better off dead though.

Apparently, it turned out that Hajime was a married brute who hid the fact that he
was the master of a harem and made tens of women pregnant while keeping it a
secret from his wife. Hajime, who was currently being shaken by Kaori, was looking
at the ceiling with half-closed eyes, and then he leaked a deep sigh while patting
Myuu, who wondered what happened and tilted her head.

***

The appearance of Kaori, whose head was buried in Shizukus chest with a crimson
face, looked as though she wanted to bury herself in a hole. Regaining her
composure, she noticed she had shouted something unbelievable, and her
embarrassment came in at mach-speed. Its okay~, its okay, the appearance of
Shizuku comforting her was just like a mother no, lets stop here.
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Hajime and the others had moved away from the entrance gate and arrived at the
plaza in the towns entrance. After his honor, which had gone up made a sharp fall
in the public eyes, he reported to the branch head, Lorr, about the accomplishment
of the request. And after two or three conversations, he decided to leave the town
quickly to escape the various commotions. To begin with, he had only come here to
deliver the letter from Ilwa to Lorr, so there was neither a need to resupply nor
problem if they left immediately.

Koukis party came back one by one after the leaving Hajimes party due to
following Kaori. Kaori, still writhing in embarrassment, was desperately thinking
about what she should do. She had to decide whether she would separate from
Hajime as she was or follow him. Her feelings were more inclined to follow him. She
didnt want to separate after they were finally reunited.

However, she could not make a clear decision because of her her guilt from leaving
Koukis party and how she was shaken by Hajimes changes. Moreover, there was
the effect from her shaking being seen through and sneered at.

Kaori, just like what Yue did to her, had guessed how strong Yues feelings were
towards Hajime. Following that, more than anything, how Hajime thought of Yue as
someone important to him became a thorn that pierced and stuck onto her heart. The
two thought of each other. Then, the one-sidedly ridicule, So thats the extent of
your feelings doubted the strength of Kaoris shaken feelings.

She was wondering whether her feelings would lose to Yues, and now, whether her
feelings should be set aside so it would not become a nuisance. But more
importantly, was she really looking at the current Hajime beside her? Or was she
only thinking of the past Hajime? That, coupled with Yues extraordinarily high
abilities as his partner and how dignified she was made Kaori overwhelmed. In
short, she had lost her confidence in herself as a woman, as a magic-user, and even
her feelings towards Hajime.

Finally, it was the time for Hajimes party to leave, and for some reason the
atmosphere was full of unrest. Noticing that and raising her face, Kaori saw around
ten of men blocking their way.

Oi oi, just where do you think you are going? You made our comrades into such
rag-tags, do you think you can go without an apology? Ah? Ah!?

The dirty looking armed man smiled inappropriately as he looked at Tio and said.
Apparently, they were the comrades of the fellows who previously tried to kidnap
Myuu. They came to take revenge on Tio. But, those vulgar gazes were obviously
not looking for retribution but something else.

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In this town, adventurers should know of the commotion inside the guild and would
not go looking for a fight against Hajime. Thats why, these men were probably stray
mercenaries.

Hajime and some others were gritting their teeth while being amazed at the
template-like situation coming from these scum. However, mistaking that as shaking
in fear, the failed excuses for mercenaries began to get carried away.

Their gazes moved towards Yue and Shia, too. The gazes that seemed to licking
them made Yue and Shia feel disturbed from the bottom of their hearts and hid
behind Hajime. Misunderstanding their actions as being frightened, they began to
threaten Hajime who was surrounded by Yue and the girls.

BRAT! You understand right? Leave the women and quickly disappear if you dont
want to die! Whaa~t, Ill return them if you properly apologize!

Well, theyll already be broken by that time though.

Thinking it was amusing, GYAHAHA, the men laughed. One of them was even
lusting after the frightened Myuu, while another was lusting after the Rabbitman, a
race usually used as an outlet for human sexual desire. And their fate had been
decided now.

Just like the usual, the pressure came attacked the mercenary-like men like a giant
waterfall that even made creaks in the air. However, being enraged and could not
endure the mens speeches, Kouki moved out only to get wrapped inside the
pressure and trembled. Then, he saw Hajime, not caring about him, walked towards
the men from the corner of his view.

Though it was too late, the men tried to apologize because they noticed they had
picked a fight against someone they must not. But, on all-fours due from the
pressure, they could not even open their mouths, so they could not apologize.

Hajime also didnt want to hear their words anymore. There was already enough
reason for Hajime to become mad because they were thinking of making Shia an
outlet for their lust, but their malice also had frightened Myuu, so that led to a
decision of making them live a life more painful than death.

Hajime loosened the pressure a little and lined up the men who were on their knees,
then he unhesitatingly and devilishly shot the symbol of a man starting from the one
at the edge. Furthermore, one by one the screaming, groin-holding men were kicked
away and piled up in the corner of the plaza with their smashed pelvises. With this,
they wouldnt be able to make child or even walk. It was up to each person whether
theyd work hard in the future to stay alive or not.

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The overly excessive and merciless counterattack made Koukis party back away.
The male students were especially affected and turned pale as they covered their
nether regions.

Leering at Koukis party, Hajime returned to where Yue and the girls were.

Once again, a merciless one, huh~. As expected of Master. Even though those art
womens enemy, doesth not a little sympathy spring up?

Usually Hajime-san would not be angry right~. As expected, is it because of Myuu-

chan? Looks like the overprotectiveness keeps rising.

Nh, though theres that Hajime was also angry for Shia.

Eh!? Angry for my sake? Ehehe, Hajime-san thank you very much~.

Yue can immediately seen through me.

Nh of course. It is because I am always looking at Hajime.

Yue

Hajime

In the end, Hajime and Yue began to create their own world, which Shia retorted,
then Myuu jumped to Hajime to be spoiled, and lastly Tio let out perverted remarks
that ended in her panting from Hajimes coldness. These spectacles were connected
with Hajime as the core.

Kaori was silently watching Hajime who carried Myuu while being surrounded by
Yue and the girls. With the previous spectacle, she understood that Hajime would
not hesitate to use violence. It was something vastly different compared to the
previous Hajime, and just by seeing it, it became a denial of Hajimes kindness.

However, she wondered about the reason for Hajimes anger, which made him
resort to violence. It was for the sake of the girls that were close to him, so they could
enjoy themselves and laugh happily. Really, just how can a person who lost his kindness
be surrounded by such smiles. Just how can such a young child yearn for him as a father.

Following that, the disturbance in her mind due to Hajimes changes had dissipated.
To begin with, Hajime had returned to the dungeon for the sake of relieving Kaori
by informing her his survival. And just like his words, he had returned to the
dungeon only for Kaori, but he didnt cast the others away. He saved Meld who
received mortal wounds and told his companion to protect Koukis party.

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Kaori noticed it. The reason Hajime unhesitatingly displayed such violence and
mercilessness towards his enemy was for the sake of protecting his important people.
Of course Kaori herself might also be included inside, but it was a fact that Hajime
was thinking for the others sake. The proof was the smiles from the girls
surrounding Hajime.

Kaori guessed it. Hajime had lost his hair color, right eye and left arm, surely
because of the severe environment he had lived through. He certainly almost broken
down mentally and physically many times. No, it was possible it was possible that
he had already broken which resulted in his changes. Even so, Hajime walked on his
path surrounded by those smiles.

That fact made the fog inside Kaoris mind disperse. She could hear the sound of
puzzle pieces being rightfully placed. Just what I was hesitating about. Theres Hajime
before her. Theres the boy that her heart always thought of. The one who was called
incompetent, but crawled from the abyss, gained enormous power, and came to
save her.

There were parts that had changed, but there was also unchanged parts. However,
thats something natural. After all, people would always change with time,
experiences, and meetings. Thats why, there was no need for her to feel fear. Theres
no need for her to lose her confidence. Theres no need for her to back away from
him.

If theres something I dont know, then itll okay if I come to know it while being by his side.
Up until now, just like the time we were inside the class. Theres no way the strength of my
feelings will lose! Theres nothing wrong with me joining the circle that surrounds Hajime! I
wont let anyone laugh at my feelings anymore!

Resolution and determination were born inside Kaoris eyes. Shizuku, by her side,
was smiling at her best friends change. Following that, she silently pushed Kaoris
back. Kaori , with eyes radiating more strength than before, nodded to thank
Shizuku and moved towards her next battlefield. Thats right, toward her fight as a
woman!

Hajimes party noticed that Kaori was walking towards them. Hajime thought she
came to see them off, while Yue by his side, Muh?, became wary as she frowned.
Arara?, Shia was looking at Kaori as her interest deepened, and Tio murmured,
Looks like itll be a bloodbath huh~. Because she was apparently not coming to see
them off, Hajime was looking at Kaori, frowning due at the ominous feeling.

Hajime-kun, can I come with you, too? No, thats not it, I will absolutely come
with you, so please take care of me, okay?

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Hah?

From the first words spoken, with neither preface nor wish-washing, it became a
development where everything was decided and made Hajimes eyes turn into dots.
Inadvertently, he leaked such a stupefied voice. In place of Hajime, who could not
immediately regain his composure due to being dumbfounded, Yue moved out.

You are not qualified for that.

What qualification? Is it to always think of Hajime? Then, I wont lose to anyone,

you know?

Kaori calmly replied Yues words. Yue, Mmhmp, made her mouth into ^.

Kaori matched her gaze to Yues, then she abruptly moved her unshakable gaze
towards Hajime. Following that, she united her hand before her chest with blushing
cheeks, took a deep breath, then with desperate and trembling voice, she spoke to
him thus she conveyed it.

I love you.

Shirasaki.

Kaoris expression was mix of embarrassment, worrying while she was expecting
Hajimes answer, and happiness coming from being able to convey her feelings to
him. Thus, with those mixed feeling, she didnt back away, displaying her
determination.

That gaze, filled with determination and sincerity made Hajime answered her with
serious eyes.

I have a woman I am in love with. So I cant answer Shirasakis feelings. Therefore,

I cant take you with me.

Hajimes clear answer made Kaori immediately bite her lip as if she wanted to cry,
but in the next moment, power was born inside the eyes that were about to spill
tears and she raised her face. Thus she nodded to tell him she understood. Behind
Kaori, Kouki and the others were in blank surprise, agape, and in a pandemonium-
like situation, but not minding them, Kaori spun her desired words.

Un, I know. Its Yue-san, right?

Yeah, thats why

But, I dont think that can be a reason for me not to be at Hajime-kuns side.
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What?

Because, Shia-san and the slightly strange Tio-san are also in love with Hajime-kun,
right? Especially Shia-san, I feel she is pretty serious about it.

Thats

Even though Hajime-kun, with you already having your own special person, she
still doesnt give up and wants to be at Hajime-kuns side, and also, Hajime-kun lets
her be so. Thats why, it wouldnt be a problem if I am there too, right? After all, my
feelings for Hajime-kun wont lose to anyone.

Saying so, Kaori turned her blazing, strong gaze towards Yue. What was expressed
was, My feelings wont lose to you! I wont let you laugh at them!, and Yue could see
Kaoris strong will. That was definitely a declaration of war. It was a declaration that
shed steal the one and only special seat from Yue.

Receiving Kaoris piercing gaze from the front, Yue, unusually, turned her lips in a
smile that could be understood by anyone as fearless.

I see, then come with us. And there I will teach you. Our differences, that is.

Not you, its Kaori.

Then, just call me Yue. I accept Kaoris challange.

Fufu, Yue. Dont cry if you lose, kay?

Fu, fufufufufu.

Aha, ahahahahaha.

Yue and Kaori created a world of their own with a different meaning than the time
Yue did it with Hajime. Even though Hajime was the one confessed to, he was being
put aside before he was aware of it, and, in such a manner, in the end it was decided
Kaori would enter his party making Hajime look into the far distance. Seeing Yue
and Kaori who were laughing together, Shia and Myuu by his side were hugging
him, trembling.

Ha-Hajime-san! Is something wrong with my eyes? I can see dark clouds and
draconic lightning behind Yue-san!

Isnt that normal? Even I can see a katana holding Hanya behind Shirasaki.

Papaa~! Those Onee-chan are scaryy.

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Haa haa, thee are somehow if you turn your gazes to this one ngh, cant hold it.

With Satan? appearing behind each of them, Yue and Kaori laughed with daunting
pose. Were you those kinds of characters?, Hajime wanted to retort with that, but he
decided to wait for them to stop while soothing Myuu, who was clinging to him,
because those words would become a boomerang back at him. He is now the so
called good-for-nothing.

But, there was someone who objected towards Kaoris will and of course it was
the Hero, Amanokawa Kouki.

Wa-Wait! Please wait a sec! I dont understand this. Kaori likes Nagumo? She
wants to follow him? Eh? What does this mean? How, how did it suddenly come to
this? Nagumo! You, just what have you done to Kaori.

the heck is with this one.

Apparently, Kouki could not admit the reality of Kaori falling for Hajime. It was not
something that came out of the blue as Kouki was the only one who didnt notice it,
but in Koukis eyes, he only saw it as Kaori suddenly doing something strange and
the cause being Hajime. Really, Koukis mind that only saw things in the way that
would be convenient for him made Hajime retort instinctively.

Being completely convinced that Hajime did something to Kaori, Kouki indignantly
moved with partly drawn Holy Sword in hand which made Shizuku admonish him,
with a gesture was as though she was enduring a headache.

Kouki. Cant you see Nagumo-kun didnt do anything? Please think about it calmly.
Though it looks like you didnt notice it, Kaori has thought of him in that way since
long ago. I mean, since the time we were still in Japan. Just try to think about what
Kaori always talked about.

Shizuku what are you saying thats, thats because Kaori is kind, so she feels
sorry for Hajime who was always alone, right? Theres neither connection nor
motive, so theres no way Kaori would like an otaku like Hajime.

Hearing Kouki and Shizukus conversation, Hajime unexpectedly became agitated

as that was said straight to his face, his cheek twitching.

Noticing the commotion from Kouki and the others, Kaori spoke towards Kouki and
the classmates behind him to make herself clear.

Kouki-kun, everyone, I am sorry. I know it is selfish of me but I, I want to go with

Hajime-kun by any means. Thats why, I will leave your party. Truly, I am sorry.

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Kaori said so as she bowed deeply, making Suzu, Eri, Ayako, and Mao, the female
circle, yell Kyaa Kyaa. Nagayama, Endou, and Nomura, the three who had
guessed Kaoris feelings were waving their hands to tell her not to worry about it
with wry smiles.

However, Kouki, of course, could not accept Kaoris words.

Its a lie, right? After all, thats weird. Kaori has always been by my side so
shouldnt it be the same from now on too? Kaori is my childhood friend thats
why its natural for her to be by my side. Isnt that so, Kaori?

Umm Kouki-kun. It is true that we are childhood friends but, it doesnt mean
we will be always together, you know? I think this is the natural way

Thats right, Kouki. Its not like Kaori is yours, and its Kaori herself that will
choose what she does. So, drop it already.

Being told so by his two childhood friends, Kouki was dumbfounded. His gaze
immediately moved towards Hajime. Hajime was looking in the distance, expressing
that this had nothing to do with him. Beside Hajime were a beautiful woman and
beautiful girls in attendance. Seeing that spectacle, Koukis eyes began to gradually
looking up. Inside him, he was thinking about his Kaori, and dark feeling he never
felt before sprang up. Thus following his impulse, he fully interpreted things at his
own convenience.

Kaori. You must not go with him. I am saying this for your sake. Just look at that
Nagumo. He is attended by several girls, even a small child like that moreover, he
even made a girl from the Rabbitman tribe wear a slave collar. Even that black-
haired woman called Hajime Master before. Surely, she was compelled to call him
that. I am sure Nagumo is collecting women or something along those lines. He is
the worst. He easily killed a person and he didnt want to cooperate with us, his
comrades, even though he has those powerful weapons. Kaori, youll only be
unhappy if you go along with him. Thats why, it is better if you stay here. No, just
stay here. Even if you are going to hate me, I am going to stop you for your sake. I
will absolutely not let you go with him!

Koukis overly erratic objection made Kaori and the others dumbfounded. However,
the heated up Kouki couldnt be stopped. His gaze which was looking at Kaori to
persuade her turned towards Yue and the girls by Hajimes side as if he thought of
something.

You girls, too. Theres no more need for you to be by that mans side. Come with
me! I welcome people with abilities like you. Lets save people together. Shia, was it?

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Theres no need to worry, I will immediately release you from slavery if you come
with me. Tio too, its okay for you to not call him Master.

Saying so with a refreshing smile, Kouki outstretched his hand towards Yue and the
girls. Shizuku was facepalming and looking at the sky while Kaori was covering her
opened mouth.

Yue and the girls who received the invitation along with Koukis smile were

They were speechless. They averted their gazes from Kouki and rubbed both of their
own arms. If one looked carefully, Yue and the girls were having goosebumps. In a
way, they received considerable damage. Even Tio said, Somehow, this feels
wrong, as she frowned at the cold feeling she felt.

Seeing their appearances, Kouki who outstretched his hand had his smile cramped.
Far from looking at him, the girls were hurriedly hiding behind Hajime while
looking disgustedly at him which shocked Kouki.

Then, that shock changed into anger which displayed in his action. He rashly drew
the Holy Sword, aiming at Hajime. Kouki could no longer be stopped by words, he
thrust the Holy Sword into the ground and pointed his finger at Hajime as he
declared,

Nagumo Hajime! Duel me! Throw away your weapon and fight me barehanded! If
I win, dont ever come close to Kaori again! Also, you must release those girls!

Ouch, ouch, ouch. This is bad. Its a more painful hero than I expected. It looks
like he couldnt see that he is being a pain though.

What are you mumbling about! Are you scared?!

Stabbing the Holy Sword into the ground and declaring a bare-handed duel after
drawing the sword was surely because he felt that hed lose to Hajime if they used
weapons. Though it was actually unknown whether he did it intentionally or not
Yue, Shia, Myuu, Tio, Kaori and the others were indeed taken aback by Koukis
speech and behavior.

However, Kouki firmly believed that he was in the right and got worked up on
saving his childhood friend and the unhappy girls from Hajime which made him
unable to notice the surrounding atmosphere. To begin with, the strong conviction
that made him doing such a reckless thing was the envy he that he felt for the first
time, and he was completely out of control.

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Without hearing Hajimes approval, Kouki dashed out. Sighing, Hajime took two,
three steps back. Seeing that, Kouki thought Hajime was frightened from fighting
without a weapon and put more power into his dash. Just several steps before his
fist reached Hajime, Hajime lowered his hands, not reacting to anything in particular.
Kouki thought Hajime couldnt react to him and was convinced of his victory.

At that moment,

THUUUMP!

Kh!?

Kouki disappeared.

More accurately, at the moment he put maximum power to his last step to put more
power into his fist, he fell. He fell into a pitfall. At the beginning, the reason Hajime
moved back two, three steps was to create transmutation magic array using his
shoes to create a hole with a four meter depth under the surface.

The pitfall was immediately returned into stone pavement after it swallowed Kouki.
Next, explosions could be heard from under the surface. At the moment Hajime
transmuted the pitfall, he used that opportunity to transfer flash grenade, shock
grenade, paralyze grenade, and tear grenade from Treasure Box into the hole.

While he was underground, the impact from explosions attacked Kouki who tried to
escape, then his vision went dark with the flash, his eyes and nose flooded from the
tear grenade, and lastly his body was in agony and stiffening because of the
paralysis.

Hajime silently used transmutation again and hardened the ground around Kouki as
hard as the two-tailed wolf. And now, because hed likely to die due to being
deprived of fresh air, he created a small hole for ventilation.

During that time, to the onlookers, it looked like Hajime didnt do anything but
stood only to take Koukis resentment, and then Kouki rushed forward, alone which
ended with him disappearing down the hole alone; it made him looked terribly
silly.

Ah~, Yaegashi. He is still alive, so dig him out later.

I have a lot of things I want to ask but, roger that.

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Leave the troublesome Kouki to Yaegashi Shizuku!, it was a tacit understanding since the
time they were in Japan. Hajime pushing the troublesome thing onto her made
Shizuku leak a sigh while covering one of her eyes. Finally, the nuisance was gone.

Was what he thought, but this time Hiyamas gang made a commotion. As for the
reason, the hole left by Kaori was just too great. There was also the previous incident
with the demon race woman, and theyd likely to die in the future if Kaori left them.
Thats why they repeatedly tried to persuade Kaori to remain with them. Especially
Hiyama, he intensely objected. His appearance was in a panic, as though the thing
he desired for so long which was about to come into his possession was
disappearing.

Hiyamas gang of four realized it was difficult to persuade or change Kaoris

decision, and this time they began to persuade Hajime to remain with them. We
apologize about the past, so lets get along from now on, such and so forth was said
unabashedly.

They didnt actually mean what they said, but they made friendly smiles as they
snuck peeks at Hajimes mood, but not only Hajime, but Shizuku and the others
were also disgusted by them. Within that situation, Hajime, for the first time looked
at Hiyamas eyes from a close distance since their reunion. Inside those eyes, maybe
due to the effect of Kaori leaving, Hajime could see madness.

Shizuku and the others admonished Hiyamas gang and once again it turned into a
commotion, but because there was such an opportunity, Hajime decided to talk to
Hiyama to confirm the truth about that day and to resolve the current situation.

Naa, Hiyama. Has your fire magic skill increased?

Eh?

The sudden question made Hiyama dumbfounded. However, his complexion

gradually turned pale as he noticed the meaning behind it.

Wh-What are you saying. I am the vanguard and my element with the highest
aptitude is Wind.

Hee, I thought you were surely had a fire element.

A-Arent you mistaken? Just what are you trying to say all of a sudden

Then, you must have liked fire element magic. Especially something like fireball. I
wonder if you would unintentionally use it?

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Now, the color of Hiyamas face had changed from blue to white. Seeing that
reaction, Hajime was convinced. Next, Hajime guessed his motive from his panicked
attitude from Kaori separating from them. Well,as for why Hajime hadnt attacked
Hiyama up till now was because he was sneaking looks at Kaori.

Hajime himself, currently, had not even a shred of feeling burning with revenge.
Though hed be merciless if one was hostile to him, he planned to leave Hiyama as
he was. If he retaliated here, it would be troublesome as there was no value in being
burdened by a dispute against Koukis party just because of Hiyama. For Hajime, the
existences of Hiyama and his gang were truly worthless just like the pebbles by the
roadside.

Hajime moved away from the silent Hiyama and mercilessly informed Hiyamas
gang, with Kondou and the others included.

Theres no need for you to apologize as I dont mind the past. For me, you guys are
worthless. Thus I dont want to know what you are going to say. If you understand,
scram now! Youre so irritating!

Although Kondou and the others were angered by Hajimes words, Hiyamaaa. You
should understand, right?, Hajime said so with full smile, and then Hiyamas body
shook and he silently nodded, followed by him telling Kondou and the others to
stop. Hiyama once again came to know that Hajime had noticed something about
him, including what Hajime didnt express, and he matched him.

Kondou and the others were dubious due at the sudden change in Hiyamas attitude,
but Hiyamas abnormal attitude, as if he was killing his emotions, made them
reluctantly give up on persuading Hajime.

Finally, truly finally, the nuisances who disturbed the departure of Hajimes party
had gone. Kaori went back to the inn to get her luggage (Hajime used his Pressure
to stop Hiyamas gang from following her). Leering at Ryuutarou and the others
trying to dig Kouki up, Hajime now was talking with Shizuku.

What can I say I am sorry for everything. Also, let me thank you again. Thank
you, for saving us, for surviving, and for coming here to meet with Kaori

Shizuku, who apologized about the trouble and thanked him for rescuing them and
returning to Kaori, made Hajime laugh, inadvertently. Shizuku showed a dubious
expression due to Hajime sudden burst of laughter. Her gaze was asking, What is
it?

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No, sorry. What can I say, I thought you are worldly-wise as usual, so I
inadvertently laughed. Even while we were in Japan, you were the one who quietly
did the apologizing and thanking. Its still the same, even in this different world
but keep it in moderation or your wrinkle will increase, you know?

Youve been a big help. Also, you have considerably changed. To have that
many girls to wait upon you, along with a daughter I couldnt imagine this from
you while we were still in Japan

I only love one person though

I dont have the obligation to say anything and I also understand that it is not
my place to say it but at least I want you to take care of Kaori. I implore you.

Hajime didnt answer. More than that he didnt want to answer Kaoris feelings,
honestly, he never thought of letting her come along. But in the end, he let Yue have
her way but he wondered why the woman he fell for permitted one woman after
another Why did it come to this?, Hajime was looking into the far distance as he
thought that he was spoiling Yue too much.

Towards Hajime, whose attitude said he didnt hear anything, Shizukus spirit as a
best friend raised a growl.

If you dont take care of her itll become serious matter.

? Serious matter? What do you

Have you heard White-haired, eye-patched Punisher?

What?

Or maybe, written as Round of Destruction and read as Outbreak, how about

it?

Wait a sec, you, just what are you

There are also others such as Jet-black Tyrant or Transmutation Master of Red
Thunder, you know?

Y-Yo-You, dont tell me

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Shizuku suddenly began to enumerate unknown names, which made Hajime look
dubious at the beginning. But, noticing Shizuku joyfully looking at Hajime from
head to toe, he turned pale as he understood what she meant.

Fufufu, right now I am a Gods Apostle and a member of the Heros party. What
I said will surely spread. It is equal to the network of neighboring housewives. Well
then, Nagumo-kun, what kind of nickname do you want I will make one that
fairly describes your appearance and grandly make it known, okay?

Wait, just, wait! Why, how did you know such a damaging thing!?

It is because I studied about it with Kaori. That girl wanted to talk with Nagumo-
kun, so she studied otaku culture like manga and anime so they could become a
topic of conversation. I went along with her every time thats why Ive gathered
quite the knowledge about it. Certainly, people like the current Nagumo-kun are
called chuuni

Stoop-! Please stop that

O-Oh my, it is more effective than what I imagined looks like you are aware of it
yourself.

Th-This devil

Hajime had already fallen to his knees. The black history that truly happened in his
middle school years was revived. The memory that had been sealed deep inside him,
You rang? said thus as it peeked out its face.

Fufu, so, take care of Kaori, okay?

Fuu, Requiem of Ruin (Shotgun of Chaos), Revived Disaster (Reverse Calamity)

Okay! I will do it, so please dont make such painful nicknames.

Take care of Kaori, okay?

At the very least, I promise that I wont treat her unkindly.

Eeh, thats enough for me. After all, it seems youll be mad at me if I go any further
than this if you break the promise, be prepared for a novel with you as the main
character published in this world and Japan too, okay?

You, arent you actually the last boss here? You are, right?

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Hajime held his head as he was on the verge of going mad from embarrassment. Yue,
the girls, and the other classmates that were looking at Hajime from a slight distance
were shuddering at how Shizuku used only words to make the overwhelmingly
powerful Hajime fall to his knees.

While Hajime was fighting against his dark history due to this and that from his
appearance, Kaori came back, running. Next, she became pop-eyed when she saw
Hajime hanging his head before Shizuku.

Worried about Shizuku, Kaori asked the details from Yue and they exchanged
information. Finishing their conversation, Yue, Muu~, groaned at Shizuku who
defeated Hajime with only words. Kaori had also remembered that the two often
talked with each other quietly and she looked alternately between Hajime and
Shizuku. Following that, the two reached a conclusion. Dont tell me, is she the last boss
of this fight as a woman?, something like that.

Yue wore an indescribable expression and Kaori was worrying. Then, it was finally
time for Hajimes party to leave. Shizuku, Suzu, the other female students, and
Nagayamas party, along with Meld who finished reporting, were gathered at Hol-
ads entrance to see them off. Following that, when Hajime took out the magic-
driven four-wheeler, all of them were once again surprised.

While Shizuku and Kaori mutually struggling to separate their hands in regret,
Hajime took out a sword with a black sheath from Treasure Box and handed it to
Shizuku.

This is?

Yaegashi, you are losing the one who can spoil you, right? Then, just take it. Even if
you are worldly-wise, you cant be healed (mentally) from being separated from
Shirasaki. Maa, theres also the various things I am indebted to you for from Japan.

Shizuku accepted the sword from Hajime and slowly drew it from its sheath, and a
jet-black sword that seemed to absorb even light appeared. There was no blade crest,
it had a slight curve and became double edged around the tip. It resembled the
sword called Shoukarasuma. Though Hajime only knew a little about Japanese
swords, it was created similarly using transmutation just like the short swords he
handed over to the Haulia.

I can guarantee its strength because it was made from the compressed, hardest ore
in this world, and its sharpness is at the level where even an amateur can cut steel by
swinging it. About the maintenance theres no need to say it to Yaegashi, but
please take care of it.

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Such an amazing thing as expected of a Transmutation Master. Thank you. I

wont hold back and will accept it.

After one swing, two swings, the balance as it cut through the wind made Shizuku
respond with admiration, and she honestly thanked him as she smiled. Truthfully,
because Shizukus swordsmanship was Yaegashi-styled, naturally it required a
Japanese sword, and she felt disoriented every time she used her techniques using
her previous sword. Thats why she was truly happy to obtain a Katana which made
her float a natural, lovely smile.

Last Boss?

Shizuku-chan.

Eh? What? You two, why are you looking at me with such eyes?

Yues gaze, full of caution, and Kaoris gaze, full of worry, made Shizuku flustered
as she didnt know the meaning behind them. Leaving behind that indescribable
atmosphere, Shizuku and the others saw Hajimes party out of Hol-ad.

The weather was good. Their destination was one of the Seven Great Dungeons
Guryuu-en Great Volcano in Guryuu-en Great Desert. With increasing liveliness
from acquiring a new companion, Hajime continued his journey.

[End of Book 08]

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