CH-72.2

 Chapter 72.2

"…Errm…wait a moment…I need to think…" (Sasha)

Sasha is confused though its no wonder. I've just told her that she might surpass the demon king of tyranny.

"Is that right?" (Sasha)

She must be hesitating being told she could surpass me.

"That's right." I asserted clearly.

"…You…to think Arnos would say that…" (Sasha)

"Can't you believe it?" (Arnos)

Sasha nods. She's pretty cute with her defiant attitude.

"Having you talk like that when I haven't done anything is a bit…" (Sasha)

"I'm not on about the top layer. I looked deep into your abyss. Deep, deep within you is a sleeping but majestic shining light." (Arnos)

Sasha is at a loss for words.

Her 『Demon eyes of ruin』 that should be controllable now start rampaging and the surroundings start to shake.

"Look into my eyes." (Arnos)

"Eh…?"

"Don't look away."

"…Yes…"

"More."

"Even if you say more…"

"Come closer."

Sasha approaches me like she's told and as she comes right up to me I suppress her eyes with mine.

Fumu. Even this close I can't completely suppress her eyes.

As I thought. Her eyes are hiding a tremendous power.

"Do you understand?" (Arnos)

Sasha nods in embarrassment.

"…Haven't you gone on a date with Misha already though?" (Sasha)

A date? That time we went out together?

"What about it?" (Arnos)

"…Well, Arnos with Misha…" Sasha seems to be struggling to get her words out.

 "…and…well…didn't you want Misha's demon eyes…?"

I see. Sasha must have seen Misha's talent as well.

"It's true that Misha has good demon eyes and they are in no way inferior to yours."

Sasha looks up at me with upturned eyes.

"…Arnos…who's are better…?"

"Impossible to choose."

Who's better? A question people will always be interested in especially if they are close to that person, however, their demon eyes have very different qualities. They can't be compared.

"…Don't you know?" (Sasha)

Fumu. Was my choice of words confusing?

"I want both of you."

"Eeeeeeeeh…!? Both of us?"

Sasha raises her voice in surprise.

"Are you unhappy with both of you?

"…Isn't it a bit strange…?"

I laughed unintentionally.

"Why are you laughing? What's wrong with wanting to be number one. Is that strange…?"

"Not at all. It's good Sasha. You should aim for the top. When you compete with others you shine even more."

"…I see…"

I'm not sure if her murmur was relief or disappointment.

"You know what?" (Sasha)

Sasha speaks like she's given up.

"…I'm only going to say this once as well…"

Hearing her words I look at Sasha with a serious expression.

"If you want, I'll give you these demon eyes."

Fumu. Certainly, demon eyes can be taken by force but the light will never return to the person who's had them taken. I won't take them though it's admirable to show such loyalty.

"I won't take them but I want you to make a promise with me." (Arnos)

Sasha has a questioning look in her eyes.

"Someday, I might find myself in a situation that is out of my control. At that time I might not be able to protect those I want to protect." (Arnos)

"I don't think that will ever happen…" (Sasha)

"Probably not but there's no absolutes. Anyway, in that instance, I'll depend on you to protect me Sasha. Your eyes have that power."

"If that happens and I keep my promise will you listen to what I have to say?"

"You can say anything to me."

Sasha looks happy and nods bashfully.

"You promise?" (Sasha)

"Do you want to use ｢Zekt｣?" (Arnos)

Sasha shakes her head.

"I don't need it. A promise is better than a contract." (Sasha)

"I see."

Her 『Demon Eyes of Ruin』 have settled and when we start walking she seems in a good mood.

"By the way, where were you going?" (Sasha)

"To find out what type of traditions have been handed down about the heroes." (Arnos)

"Well then. Don't you think you'll get that information from the hero academy?" (Sasha)

Sasha points down one of the paths up ahead.

"Let's go."

Aiming for the hero academy Arclaniska that can be seen in the distance we start walking.