vol 16 PT 1

ARIFURETA SHOKUGYOU DE SEKAI SAIKYOU (WN)

C151

Hajime's Path

"Is it all okay?" In the living room of the ice home, Suzu muttered to herself with an anxious voice while sitting on the sofa.

Therefore, Kaori who also sat on the sofa asked gently. "Is what 'okay'?"

"Mmm? All of it? Did Nagumo not fall unconscious? Can we return to Japan, truly? Will Kouki be alright? This trip to the demon territory… this…"

After taking this period to rest, it leaves the body with nothing else to do but think about these various things.

Since Hajime had started to make the artifact using concept magic, they had shut themselves up in their room for the last two hours.

When you include the time that Hajime and Yue had fainted, where they had nothing to do, they had plenty of time to recover. This left them time to think about unnecessary things.

"Suzu-chan… we're safe. Hajime will get past any difficulty. And with Yue by his side, the impossible only becomes possible."

"Kaori…"

"In addition, it's up to Kouki to do something about Kouki. Of course, I'll help as far as I can. As with Eri, I think… yes, we need to charge forward. There is nothing more to it. Thinking too much will only make you tired."

To the rough encouragement, Suzu responded instinctively with surprising courageousness. "Kaori… has become handsome. You've already have become completely influenced by Nagumo-kun."

"It is different, Suzu. For a long time, Kaori charges when she can decide. Kaori's decisions, 90% of the time, are to charge forward."

"Suzu-chan, It is… Shizuku-chan… so cruel… I am not like Ryuutaro-kun…"

"Hey, Kaori… why is being the same as me considered cruel? Am I noticing casual abuse?" Ryuutaro spat out with a bitter expression which concerned nobody.

Though Kaori wore her lips in a bit of sulk, but she took to heart immediately and fixed her eyes on Suzu.

"Anyway, I don't know how things will turn out with Eri, but I will follow you and help. We need to get out of there in the confusion if things go bad."

Kaori smoothly declared something frightful, but it was another word that Suzu was caught on. Blinking in surprise, she responded timidly in confirmation.

"Oh, oh, then Kaori will come with me?"

"Of course, I can't neglect Shizu and Suzu."

"But, Hajime…"

"It's the same as Shizu-chan, it'll be a while before we have the artifact that will allow us to return. We'll also need to meet up to Lemia and Myuu. I can't help with the artifact, so I think what I should do it protect Suzu then…"

"Ah… Kaori is… a good child, a really good child… and, thank you very much."

"Suzu-chan, what's with the Kansai accent?"

To Kaori's words, Suzu made a joke while whipping away a tear. She was too embarrassed to return her sentiment seriously.

"If Kaori comes, you should be fine. Hmmm… before this mistress goes to Goshujin-sama's world, I should return to my clan as well."

"That's right, Tio-san. You're a daughter of the clan. What's it like, I had forgotten about that."

"Well, I mean… I guess you'd like to meet the dragonkin?"

"Well, we have space transfer magic set up so we could go there immediately. It's definitely beyond the mountains in the north – across the continent on a solitary island."

Tio gave a puzzled look so Shia recalled from her memory. When they left this world, Tio thought that she might not have the time to visit her family.

"Well…well, that is certainly the case. If I could receive jealous love punishment from Goshujin-sama before departing, that will be… let's double the speed. Return home through the gate!"

"…If we return and her kin sees her ecstatic expression on her face… they will be shocked. It would be good if it doesn't become a panic."

While Tio imagined Hajime's love and floating a smirk, Shia, and the others had a sick feeling while imagining the unpleasantness of that reunion.

After returning and seeing Tio, who has changed into a deviant, what kind of reaction would the dragonkin have? As Shia imagined it, Hajime would need to take responsibility. Shia let out a sigh as she imagined what should be done with Tio's family.

At that point, the door of the living room made a noise as it slowly opened.

"Did we stay here…"

"Oh, Kouki. You woke up, how do you feel?"

It was Kouki who had entered. It seems he had awoken to find the other members.

Although it was Shizuku's aim to look aloof, she had immediately hidden her vigilance in a smile while asking about his condition. Kouki smiled back, in the same way, However, it seemed that his expression was shadowed.

"I'm okay, I'm sorry I worried you."

"Even now, it's fine as long as you're safe."

"It seems that I have recovered."

"That's really good."

Shizuku rejoiced at Kouki's recovery. Kouki smiled once more and gazed around the room looking for someone. His expression stiffened as if he was getting nervous. Kaori who saw this answered with a bitter smile.

"If it is Hajime-kun, he's in another room now, so he isn't here."

Well…so…so I probably need to apologize for being a nuisance… in various ways, but…"

Apparently, it seemed like he was no longer rampaging against Hajime like he was during the trial. His mental condition seemed to be relatively calm. Rather, it may be more accurate to say he seemed depressed over calm.

"I don't think Hajime-kun minds, as long as you're not rampaging anymore he wouldn't demand an apology."

"Shia-san… maybe so, after all…"

Kouki wore a sour look full of bitterness. Though Kouki's recklessness has been troublesome, Hajime did not worry especially because it wasn't that inconvenient. The way it was, it could be said to be like a child who had a temper tantrum and struck out.

Though it was certainly murderous intent he had faced, the behavior was stupid and Hajime gave priority to avoid hurting Kaori (and incidentally Shizuku). At least, he had not given a great deal of time and effort, his body and heart having become strong enough to shoulder that troublesome burden.

"Did the sleep snap you out of your delusions, or do you still think Nagumo-kun has brainwashed us?" Shizuku asked severely while narrowing her eyes.

Kouki being unhurt and Kouki being in control were different questions entirely. Hajime likely wouldn't permit him raging out of control a second time, and it needed to be understood that Hajime didn't kill him despite the killing intent because of them.

After receiving the still voice and glare from Shizuku, Kouki quickly turned his eyes. But Shizuku didn't permit such spoiled behavior.

"Kouki, don't look away."

"Well… ah… I do not think that anymore. At that time, it really seemed like…"

Kouki's face held a shadowed expression, but he answered firmly while looking up at Shizuku. For a while, Shizuku looked back at Kouki. Likely to try to understand his thoughts through his eyes. Shia acted similarly.

Eventually, although it was hard to say for certain, they were convinced that showed a tentative assent. Shizuku nodded.

"Well, if it is OK… Kouki. Is there anything you'd like to ask?"

Because the atmosphere was awkward, to change those drifting feelings, Shizuku turned to Kouki.

Were those feelings transmitted to Kouki? Kouki floated a small wry smile. He asked what happened after he had fainted.

And… all of the members except Kouki captured the labyrinth. Hajime and Yue looked into the abyss of concept magic. And at the present, they were shut off by themselves trying to create an artifact for their return.

Although Kouki's expression didn't particularly change as he remained silent and listened, it was obvious that he had wanted to overcome his native self. When he couldn't capture the last trial, it was easy to imagine his inner heart wouldn't be calm.

And has his childhood friend, Shizuku was hesitant on whether she should say was Kouki wanted to hear most. That is what caused Kouki to fall apart in the first place. Kouki made his own convenient interpretations in defiance of Shizuku's attempt to persuade him.

Shizuku waited for Kouki to ask, but decided that the likelihood that he wouldn't hear what she said was high given his situation.

"…Kouki, I came to like Nagumo-kun. I want him to see me as a woman."

"…"

To Shizuku's words, Kouki's expression distorted momentarily. The words were told to him by his childhood friend right at his side. However, the reality of it would take a long time for Kouki to recognize. Shizuku appearing on Hajime's shoulders with a sleeping face that seemed happy and relieved crossed his mind.

"With that, will you follow Nagumo in the future? Nagumo has a favorite, and there is Kaori, too? Shouldn't you reconsider… Shizuku? It's kind of a bad trap…"

While paying close attention as to not leak out black emotions that gushed from his heart, Shizuku shook her head to cover over Kouki's words.

"Kouki, I'm not looking for your opinion. I am merely telling you. Because you are a childhood friend."

"…"

Kouki kept silent with a sour expression not knowing how to speak. Somehow, it was Ryuutaro and Suzu who covered for her with their own glances. In a look, Kaori provided meaning that they would not struggle for the same man as best friends. It was a quiet expression of affirmation from all three of them. Of course, it was Shizuku's words that were affirming how she felt.

Realizing there was no one to back him up, Kouki erased the expression on his face. It was impossible to dismiss the reality that was unfavorable to Kouki. All those feelings of irritation, frustration, envy, and hatred began to wander for a false point to cling to.

However, there was nothing to rampage with just feelings. This wasn't about Hajime as an object and above all else, it was made clear. The feelings that stagnated darkly didn't have any fangs to bite. This was a big opportunity…

Although Suzu empathized with the dark feelings that Kouki could separate himself from, but either way, he had to get over it himself, he needed to face the problems.

Even with such an attitude caught in the heart, Kouki emitted unwanted emotions and made a sarcastic comment.

"Haha, everyone is that guy's ally. It's a guy who easily kills people and easily abandons…"

"Kouki!"

Suzu spoke up unexpectedly. Shia and Tio wore narrowed eyes. Kaori's smile deteriorated a little.

But Kouki, whose mind was like a child couldn't stop the feelings that had no place to go. Thus, he said…

"If so, at that time, would I fall off a bridge, if it was okay?" (Tn: In other words… maybe I should just kill myself… I think)

To such insensitive and heartless words, Kaori stopped those words that hurt her heart. PASHIN! Kaori's slap made a flashy noise and exploded on Kouki's cheek.

Though her hand also throbbed, Kaori began to talk with an expression that looked regrettable to Kouki who had a hand on his cheek in dumb surprise.

"…Kouki. I think Kouki is an important childhood friend… so don't make me dislike him."

"…or maybe…"

Kouki was at a loss of words from the unexpected shock but still opened his mouth as if he had something to say.

Gou!

An impact resembling wind pressure ran through. Its identity were waves of enormous magical power. Although it should not be "shock transformation" or the like, an enormous amount of magical power spread through the wall of the mansion so that their bodies responded to it in shock.

"This is… Hajime-san! Yue!"

To this obviously abnormal situation, Shia flung herself out of the room at a dash. When Hajime makes an artifact, this kind of current is not usual.

The wave motion of magic continued to pulse intermittently. Magic in each of their bodies was severely stricken. However, Kaori who was startled back by Shia's actions straightened herself and followed Shia immediately.

According to Shia, the wave motion of magical power seemed to be coming from Hajime and Yue. The waves of magical power seemed to increase in density the closer they approached the room the two people stayed in. It was as if a typhoon had hit them directly as they arrived before the room.

The door was already opened as Shia verified that the two were safe. After going in, it seemed to be the case. While protecting her face from the bewitchment that raged on, Kaori made up her mind and stepped inside.

What spread out from there was a scene where the magical power of red and gold became a torrent of spirals. The scene blew off from the center with the Hajime and Yue on their knees facing each other and holding hands. Before the two of them, there was a crystal of a giant and some minerals that emitted a pale light.

"What's happening, Shia… this…"

"I do not know, but they seem to have done something."

As she had already assessed the scene, Kaori asked Shia who's rabbit ears were dancing in the storm of magic. Shia protected her face with her arm and a lower posture but was able to confirm Hajime and Yue's appearances. When she could see they were both safe, she gave out a breath of relief.

If you trace their glance, it seemed a certainty that neither Hajime nor Yue was at risk. However, both of them were concentrating extremely hard. Shia's entering was not even noticed. A large amount of sweat flowed from them. At this moment, it was clear they were focusing on making the artifact with concept magic.

"…If it is safe, it seems better to leave…"

"Well, if I fail as a mistress, I should be punished."

"…You should seem so happy about it, Tio…"

Shia retreated towards the door softly as to not disturb Hajime.

Meanwhile, only Kouki was staring at Hajime. You couldn't see the color of emotion in those eyes, but they seemed to hold down passion and looked dangerous.

"Kouki," Shizuku called out.

Kouki did not answer. Rather, he took a step forward straight ahead, just one step forward.

"Kouki!"

"Tsu…"

Shizuku immediately grabs Kouki's arms. While her trademark ponytail flapped in the magical storm, she looked straight at Kouki with a serious look. In the gaze, as if frightened, revealed shaking. Kouki made a step backward. One step backward.

At that moment…

"What's this?"

"An image?"

"A dark…cave?"

Suddenly, images began to appear before their eyes. Like a fog projecting a picture instead of a screen, magical light fragments became a medium. To this strange situation, Shia and the others forgot to even leave the room.

At that time, Suzu muttered to herself.

"Somehow, it looks like Orcus."

"Certainly, speaking of a large cave illuminated by green light, it would be the Orcus Great Labyrinth."

Tio affirmed Suzu's guess. Speaking of a cave illuminated by faint green walls, it would be the Orcus Great Labyrinth that was created by digging into veins of Illumination Stone.

However, since the scenery was different from the structure of the upper labyrinth that Suzu knew, she could not say it for certain. This looked like a natural cave that had not been crafted by a human hand. The magnitude of the height and width of the cave was different from the labyrinth Suzu knew.

The sudden situation and mysterious images deepened their bewilderment, but before long the image projected from the angle of the shadow next to a rock at a large crossroads, showed white hair, long hind legs, and deep red lines crawling across its body like blood vessels, and the true colors of the image was realized as the feelings of having been caught by the demon of the rabbit type were transmitted to them.

"This is anxiety? There is also impatience."

"I also feel fear. This image is a memory."

"It is probably Goshujin-sama's. The memory of the place of hell this one heard him speak about."

Shia's guess was correct.

Along with the image, feelings were transmitted from the magic that filled the room. Anxiety, impatience, and fear were overflowing due to the clearly abnormal monster he had never seen before. They couldn't understand what had led such a situation to occur, but they at least understood that the images they saw and feelings they felt were Hajime's.

Apart from the time after he had met Yue, Hajime did not speak much of the time in hell before that. It was already over, and Hajime did not have a hobby of boasting about his misfortune. It was simply troublesome to talk about it, too.

So, being given the chance where Shia and the others could learn from Hajime's past that they don't know about, after exchanging a glance with one another, they stared hard at the image as if to drill a hole in it without leaving the room. To learn the beginnings of the person they loved, it was impossible for them to leave the room. Similarly, Ryuutaro and Kouki began to concentrate on the image with interest too.

So, at that time, someone raised their voice with an "Ah." In the image, the demon releasing an abnormal atmosphere suddenly charged at him with an amazing power.

"Hajime-san!"

"Hajime-kun!"

Instinctively, Shia and Kaori cried out a warning with a raised voice. Meanwhile, the image moves hectically while the feelings of fear and uneasiness transmitted by the bright red magic swelled up.

They ground their teeth seeing Hajime made sport of by the kick rabbit. And then, when Hajime's left arm was finally smashed, the feelings of anguish transmitted to them caused Suzu to avert her gaze.

"Hajime-san was…such a one-sided…"

"This is the Nagumo-kun that we knew. His fighting strength was equivalent to having none at all…"

To Hajime being one-sidedly toyed with, Shia's expression became teary eyed as she couldn't believe it. Shizuku spills her words to such a Shia while biting her lip.

Before long the image becomes momentarily interrupted because Hajime had closed his eyes when feeling the impending death from the kick rabbit approaching. While Hajime's feelings of terror are spread to them, the image appears again. This time the frightened kick rabbit's image was seen.

The view of the image was changed tracing the kick rabbit's line of sight, and there stood a huge white bear. A glance was all it took to understand the bear was not a normal demon. To prove that, the kick rabbit that toyed with Hajime in the image was easily cut in two and preyed on, while scattering blood around Hajime.

The glint in the claw bear's eyes crosses over through the image to shoot through Shia and the rest. In the case of them today, the power of the claw bear's gaze would be no big deal, however, because of the feeling it had in its eyes that it was looking only at food rather than an enemy and the fundamental fear that was driven into Hajime caused them to shake unconsciously.

What happened after that was too tragic for the girls who loved Hajime.

Being cornered, the left arm was taken, and it was eaten in front of him. The eyes that see him as food and the arm that lost its shape while spewing blood, such a reality was unnecessarily given to him whether he wanted it or not.

The scream that could not be heard was transmitted to them by the magic. Eyes that a human should never show are shown, having part of the body scattered and eaten, breaking down from terror and agony. And without either shame or respectability, he crawled desperately to get even one millimeter further away from the incarnation of terror.

The reflected image is already dark. The transmitted feelings reached a saturation point or were already unable to be defined. Just…Hajime screams, however even that began to weaken as the light of life faded away.

"Haji…me-san…."

Shia is pouring out tears. Nearby, Kaori and Shizuku… Suzu covers her mouth with her hand. Tio's gaze is severe. Before their eyes the murderous intent to want to tear the claw bear limb from limb welled up.

While they watched, the blackout ended. Hajime, doubting his own survival, advanced to the interior of the wall and found a strange crystal that dripped water. The god crystal and holy water.

Hajime drunk that, holding his broken mind while he cowers in a dark cave. While asking for help…

There where the memory is vague the image became interrupted. However, to substitute for that, the feelings being transmitted increased in density.

Overwhelming loneliness is felt as no one responded no matter how much he asked for help. The darkness in which even his own existence seemed to be swallowed. Hunger to the degree where it seemed he'd go mad. Unending phantom limb pain.

Day after day he bore the torture-like pain. While lying down as if to die, eventually wishing that he could die, however, the taken holy water did not allow that, and so his feelings of hatred with nowhere left to go were directed at his classmates as he came to curse the unjustness of the world.

And yet, in addition to that, he gradually began to improve. Hajime's heart was dyed the blackest black. The longing to live, and, the murderous intent for existences that are a hindrance.

Hajime began to move. He started to collect holy water in a depression on the ground. He will begin with eating the wolf. His hunger and phantom pain have not changed, and only his energy had recovered, while his features reflected in the pool of water were already another person.

With the glitter of murderous intent shining in his eyes… Hajime slipped out of his cave. His only weapon that could not be called a weapon (transmutation) is freely used to hunt the demons.

"…This is that appearance…"

"I heard about it, but he's strong."

Eating the demon's flesh with his hands and clothes becoming bloodstained, the appearance of Hajime with his face made dirty with blood is exactly suitable for a monster.

And, a scream which isn't given a voice is transmitted again. The amount of his agony cannot be imagined. Beating his head on the ground many times, with Hajime's body writhing it is only possible to see the repeated breaking down and regenerating sometimes as it enters his field of vision.

Unable to bear watching the ghastly spectacle with the transmission from the hell of the storm of agony, Kouki and Ryuutaro both averted their gazes. Suzu, looked like she could vomit at any moment, desperately trying to endure it.

Before long the transformation ended. Looking at his appearance in the pool of holy water, the reflection shows the Hajime of today. Still more than the Hajime of today, the deep tenacity and murderous intent overflowed from he who had gotten a strong body and a new power.

And, using the power of a transmutation that could not become a weapon because it is only a common job, he made full use of the raw materials and the other world's gunpowder to produce a weapon after much trial and error that he could use to challenge the claw bear and by crushing it prove his ability to fight.

At the end of a fierce battle where the claw bear is overcome and its flesh is eaten, Hajime becomes self-conscious. In the innermost depths of himself, his true longing has come out.

That is…

–I want to return.

Responding to the desire, the magic in the room pulsed. Before they were aware of it, Hajime's body was covered in the bright red magic power… With Hajime and Yue in the center, the magic power shot up.

However, it was not magic power indiscriminately scattered. It was focused so that it was inhaled in a spiral torrent with the two people at its center.

–I want to return.

Once more Hajime's pure, strong desire was transmitted through the magic power. Deeply touched by such a wish, Shia, and the others tightly clasped their hands at their chests.

The brilliantly shining crimson magic mixed with the golden magic. As the torrent of magic calmed down, glittering lights like the stars of the Milky Way galaxy began to spin around them.

–I want to return to my hometown.

It is quiet; however, everyone cannot help but shake understanding the strength of will being transmitted by that desire. It should exactly be called the will of the utmost limits.

Hajime in the image, after looking up at the sky once, he quietly closed his eyes. In himself, he must have been making certain of his resolution. And, when he suddenly opened his eyes he unhesitatingly faced the interior of the abyss while proceeding down the passage to the depth of the labyrinth.

The magic light the image was projected on was then absorbed by the whirlpool surrounding Hajime and Yue.

Shia's and the others' reaction was generally the same. They were dumbfounded by the extremely violent process Hajime went through to become the Hajime of today.

Shia, Kaori, Tio, and Shizuku shed tears from the emotions that even they did not understand how seriously far Hajime had gone, but at the same time also faintly floated smiles feeling proud that he could stand back up again after crawling up.

Suzu and Ryuutaro couldn't speak as if they were simply overwhelmed, with somehow assenting looks on their faces as they thought "I can't match this".

They thought they'd survived some truly rough battles, but they'd always had the support of Meld and the other experienced knights in the order, and above all, had been surrounded by comrades with cheat abilities. When they tried to imagine whether they could truly, all by themselves, get through all that hardship and crawl out of the abyss, they shook their heads. Even the scene they were seeing now was just the beginning. They didn't think that they would be able to handle it at all.

And Kouki… gazed into empty space vacantly, as if his power had left him. In his heart, it crossed his mind how he'd just said: "If I'd been the one to fall into the abyss…"

Up until now, Kouki had actually thought that Hajime's strength was unfair. Even though Shizuku had said Hajime must've had a horrible experience, the idea was completely abstract to him. Kouki had seriously thought that Hajime was a guy who did whatever he pleased and easily obtained power just by falling into the abyss.

But now that he'd ended up knowing Hajime's way of obtaining it, it was so incredible it blew away those thoughts.

('I want to return'… huh.)

He whispered it in his mind. A doubt welled up: do I actually desire to return home as much as him? At the same time, when he compared his thoughts when he'd declared that he would save this world as the hero everyone needs, with Hajime's pure and intense wish, he had a feeling it seemed very cheap.

(N-No… I'm not wrong. Nagumo's feelings… I understand them, but… But, even so… And, now, Shizuku's also… He's taken everything from me…)

He desperately shook off the self-criticizing emotions that floated through his mind.

As Kouki engaged in a mental dialogue with himself, a change occurred with Hajime and Yue. To be precise, with the crystal structure and mineral in between them.

It was wrapped in bright red magic. The shape gradually changed, or rather, it united as if to prove it was taking in magical power.

"Is that a key…?"

"Well, it looks like an antique key made out of crystal."

Shizuku added to Kaori's mutterings. It was shaped between Hajime and Yue, with a regular dodecahedral crystal body on the side of the hand. It was a key with a terribly sophisticated and complex magic line drawn in the planning part of the trip.

It was created with the fusion of the god crystal and other minerals, finishing as an antique key that captures the beautiful artworks that incorporated a lot of magical powers from Hajime and Yue, decorated in gold designs with a red crystal.

And just after the shape was perfectly formed, Hajime and Yue who did not make movements until now opened their eyes with their hands connected. It seemed that nothing was reflected in their thin eyes, which seemed to be looking at something only visible to the two of them.

In a strange way, the atmosphere felt mysterious, there was a sound that someone swallowed with a gulp of saliva. The next moment, the two lips trembled in time. Then the words spun from a small opening mouth…

"Open the door to the place you wanted."

A moment later, a torrent of dazzling light like a fixed star blew up around the two. The flow of the galaxy that once calmed down dyed the room into pure white light as if it had caused a supernova explosion, and painted everyone's consciousness with white as well.

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ARIFURETA SHOKUGYOU DE SEKAI SAIKYOU (WN)

C152

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All credit goes to the original author (Chuuni Suki), who has posted the raw data here:

Thanks for your continued support. If you like my writing style, check out my original works at , or just leave a comment.

Bakapervert translated this chapter. Elementalcobalt did the final edits.

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The Key That Opens the World Door

Along with Hajime and Yue's words which sounded like a prayer, light explosively painted over the room as well as their consciousness. It was mainly Hajime and Yue's strong wills supported in the alignment that were filled inside that light.

The large torrent of will made Shia and others unable to think of anything and they fell into unconsciousness, but that was only for a moment. Just before their limp bodies hit the floor, the pure white that overfilled their mind vanished like clearing mist.

Even while staggering for a bit, all present restored their postures and shook their heads. They then saw a beautiful radiance in their sight. Crimson and gold radiances that felt as if they were sucking up all the light covered every inch of the surface of that transparent key. It was a characteristic artifact that looked antique with its crystal form that had a complicated and delicate pattern and twelve exact sides?the 'Crystal Key'.

"Wait, Hajime-san! Yue-san! Are you two okay-!"

Shia returned to her senses with a 'hah' and rushed toward them in a panic. Beside the Crystal Key, Hajime and Yue were lying down with their hands still holding each other while looking like they were passed out. Kaori and others were also rushing in a moment after Shia.

"Kaori-san, the two of them…"

"… Hm, they are fine. Looks like they just fainted. The cause is magic power exhaustion."

After examining the two with a serious expression, Kaori answered with a smile towards the anxious Shia. The examination result made Tio and others breathe out in relief too.

Kaori extracted magic power from the magic crystal and gave it to both of them at the same time using the technique of magic power transfer. Then, as if to prove that her examination result was correct, Hajime and Yue leaked out groaning sounds while opening their eyes thinly.

"Aa? … What happened?"

"… Nnu. The artifact…"

Kaori explained the situation as Hajime and Yue rose up while shaking their heads, she also handed over the Crystal Key as she explained.

"Both of you passed out from magic power exhaustion. For the moment, I divided the magic power of one magic crystal equally between both fo you. As for the artifact, I don't really understand it but…"

"I see. Thanks, Kaori. It has been a long time since I passed out from magic power exhaustion. I didn't really know the right amount needed, so we did it at full strength at that moment but… the next time we will be able to regulate it I think."

"… Nn. It's fine. I grasped the trick somehow. Though the problem is whether we can manifest a will to the degree that can be sublimed into the concept."

Yue answered Hajime's words while making a pondering look. Hajime examined the Crystal Key in his hand with his magic eye stone. The artifact contained the magic power that couldn't be compared with all the other artifacts he had created until now.

"… It's a satisfying result. I feel a large power in it. The sensation feels like the compass of guidance."

Hajime made a satisfied smile while designating a coordinate towards a certain spot using the 'Compass of Guidance' for a test. Then he poured magic power into the crystal key to activate it and thrust it out to the front. Even if 'Open the door to the desired place' was said, but if the distance of the destination and the image of the connected place couldn't be imagined to a certain degree, then the space wouldn't be connected.

The thrust-out crystal key was similar like the space transfer key-shaped artifact 'Gate Key', it plunged into space where there was nothing and ripples spread just like the creator Hajime imagined.

However, it carried a magic power that couldn't be compared with a 'Gate Key'. Furthermore, different from the 'Gate Key' that had the coordinates fixed beforehand, there was a need to fix the space coordinate with just this one crystal key, so it took a little more time. In addition, it was sucking his magic power steadily.

Hajime frowned at the magic power that was flowing out as though the plugging cork had come out, even so, he still twisted the crystal key next. And the result was the space in front of him shook, an ellipse hole began to open.

From the hole for some reason there was beating sounds *bishi-bashi-* and captivating sound "Aan!" of a woman that were audible.

Before long, inside the gate that had opened completely…

"This shameless female pigggg. I'll make you ascend to heaven!" (TN: The ascend to heaven should mean die/passing away in Japan, but the kanjis forming the word can also be read as rising to heaven)

"Aa! Kam-samaaa! As expected, from Shia's honored fatherrr! Amaziiiiing!!"

The drooping figure of Altena being lashed with an ecstatic expression on her face while the figure of Kam who was doing the lashing were displayed.

The suddenly manifested scene that looked extremely gruesome in a different meaning from the scene some time ago made Hajime and Yue's jaws drop, as well as every other member other than Tio.

At the same time, perhaps sensing the presence of Hajime and others from across the gate, Kam was turning back with "Oh?" expression, he caught the appearances of Hajime and the others ahead of his gaze and his eyes opened wide with a snap.

"Bo, bossss!? Wh, why are boss's gate, in this kind of place!"

"Eh? Wait, Shia! Also, Hajime-sama and group too!"

Toward the shocked Kam and Altena, Hajime and Yue spoke with cool words.

"… Yoo. Looks like we are intruding in the middle of your fun."

"… Nn. Who can imagine that you two are in that kind of relationship? Shia, live strong."

"Fufu, oh my comrade, Altena. It seems that thou found a good master."

Ignoring Tio who was strangely joyful, Kam was "Thi, thi thi thi thi, this is misunderstanding desuu!", he was desperately making excuses towards Hajime and Yue's manner of speaking with a tone that was exactly like his daughter but…

There was a rabbit that returned to her senses while trembling all over. The violent emotion rising up from inside her body became undulating magic power that burst out. Shia who was standing up wordlessly took out Doryukken with a sway. And then with eyes that lost their light, she glared over at Kam and Altena across the gate. *jakin!* Such sound was raised and the muzzle of the cannon mode for Doryukken was aimed.

"Wa, wait, Shia! You are making a severe misunderstanding! Father is by no means-"

"Shia! Kam-dono is a magnificent person, isn't he! As expected of Shia's honored father! I who was only trying to look at Shia's personal effect just for a little is treated this violently! Furthermore, his strength control is exquisite!"

Kam's desperate justification was violently smashed by Altena smilingly. "You bitchh, shut your mouth a bit!" Altena's body shuddered all over from the eye glint Kam directed at her. It appeared that it had been already too late for her.

And then it appeared that Altena was being condemned for fishing through Shia's left behind personal effects as she pleased. But even though there was such a circumstance which seemed plausible, Shia witnessed this abnormal scene where her flesh and blood father looked relatively high-spirited in swinging the whip against Altena more or less? A girlfriend of the same age…

"Just die all of you-, these perverts-!"

The trigger was pulled with no questions asked. Burst slug bullets were fired. Hajime closed his eyes with a prayer so they could enter nirvana while closing the gate the moment the bullet passed. Just before the gate was completely closed, there was an explosion sound with audible "Gyaaaaa!" and "Aaaaaan!!" screams, yet there was nobody in this place who paid that attention.

"… Nn. Shia, be strong."

"It's fine Shia. That's… right, that's only a bit of momentary madness. Your father should have opened his eyes with the attack just now, surely."

"… Hics, Yue-san, Kaori-san, thank you for your consideration desuu. But, my father surely won't die with just that much, so before we depart to Hajime-san's world I'll stop his breathing first desuu … uu, I'll make him into mince meat desuu."

It appeared that in proportion to the amount of magic power the crystal key used it was possible to literally 'open a door to the desired place', the experimental use of the concept magic endowed artifact 'Crystal Key' which was done casually turned up a result that made a daughter resolve herself to kill her father.

"Aa, what to say, Shia? I'll correct Kam's fault, so anyway, stop crying."

"Uu, Hajime-saan!"

Shia leaped into the chest of the wryly smiling Hajime.

At the side, "Nagumo-kun and Tio-san's relationship is not that different, though…" those words that Suzu whispered were beautifully ignored.

After that, the members whose expressions were at a loss for words because the serious atmosphere was blown away pulled themselves together as they gathered in the living room once more.

"Now then, in the first testing, there are various bad performances that stood out but…"

Hajime confirmed that everyone had sat down and he lifted up the crystal key so that everyone could see it, and then with a wide grin, he resounded those words, the words of hope.

"The method to go home is in our hands."

At that moment, it was Suzu who was the first jumping up and expressing her joy. Lured by that, Ryuutaro raised a happy roar while making a guts pose. Shizuku and Kaori hugged each other with a wide smile. Even Kouki whose expression had been dark all this time smiled faintly.

"Even though I say that, to make a concept that will obstruct future summoning, it will be a harder compared to making a concept for going home. Especially as an aspect of the will. It seems that trial and error are going to be necessary, so we still cannot go home for a while."

"That cannot be helped. Even so just with hearing that we can go home… that's real… amazing. Hics, Hajime-kun, thank you…"

Kaori was moved to tears while clutching Hajime's hand from the side tightly.

That 'thank you' was filled with various meanings. It was surely also including her feeling after looking at those images. About how he had survived, about how he didn't give up not any one thing, about how he rushed to her when she was in danger, about how he got angry several times for her because she was important to him, and then now, about how he obtained the method to go back home… various meanings were really filled with that thanks.

Hajime scratched at his cheek using his hand that wasn't clutched while shrugging his shoulders helplessly, then he gently hugged Kaori back. For a moment, Kaori's eyes opened wide with her shock plain to see, but she quickly became all smiles and embraced back *gyuuuut* tightly. She also nuzzled her face on Hajime's chest.

Even Yue gave an expression as if to say "Well, I'll forgive it this once". She shrugged her shoulders and smiled to the fawning Kaori.

On the other hand, Shizuku was staring at Kaori with a little envy, but she instantly sent her gaze at Kouki and shook her head and her gaze became pleasant. If she had to speak her mind then she also wanted to be spoiled by Hajime, but thinking about the possibility of Kouki's unstable mind, she restrained herself.

But, although she was reading the mood she also had resolved herself, to be honest just before this so she was scheming how to secretly get spoiled by Hajime later on. She didn't understand whether she could overcome her shyness and properly asked to be spoiled but… at the very least she swore that she would hold his hand! She set that small objective.

Despite the fact she had already kissed his cheek, normally Shizuku was thoroughly innocent to the end.

Hajime somehow guessed Shizuku's sentiment from her gaze where such cute ambition was residing, yet he looked the other way and gently caressed Kaori's hair while talking about the matter from here on.

"Anyway, I'm thinking to go to meet Myuu and others while also striving to create the artifact for summoning obstruction. Opening a gate to their place is also fine but, the crystal key is something that uses magic power in proportion with the connecting of the space, so if we are going to open a gate until earth then magic power of three or four times my whole magic power is going to be necessary, that's why I don't want to use it as much as I can."

By the way, the twelve surfaces crystal attached at the handle side of the crystal key had the function to store the amount of magic power that could be used to open a gate to earth once. Perhaps it should be said that it was expected from a concept magic that fuel consumption would be extremely bad.

Even the gate he experimentally opened to the sea of trees just now used up a considerable amount of the magic power Kaori restored to him. If it was transportation inside the same world, using the 'Gate Key' was far more convenient although it was necessary to set 'Gate Hole' as the destination beforehand.

By the way, 'Gate Key' was something developed while they were staying in the capital, so there was none put in the above sea city of Myuu and her mother Lemia. To go meet them, they would use the airship 'Fernir'.

"Then, during that time when Suzu and others go to the territory of the devil. … since they got their hands on the age of god magic after much pain, it is possible if Suzu wants to go there she can be accompanied by a powerful monster but…"

Thanks to their well rest their magic power and vitality had almost recovered perfectly. If it was now, they could attempt to invoke age of god magic.

But, unfortunately, the inside of the ice and snow cavern only had frost type monsters. Putting aside they were inside the labyrinth where flame magic was hard to be used, it would be easy to have their weak point aimed at in the outside world. Also, their main strong point, that their regeneration ability made use of the surrounding ice, also couldn't be expected. Saying it clearly, they were monsters that didn't suit to follow them to the outside world. The reason why there was no frost type among Freed's monster was also for this reason.

Hearing that, Hajime made a little thinking face and suddenly took out a 'Gate Key' that he threw at Suzu. In panic, Suzu's hands moved and somehow caught it before she tilted her head.

"I and Yue will rest a little more until our magic power recovers completely. That gate key is connected at the gate hole set in Fair Bergen, so how about you try making the monsters from the Sea of Tree follow you? There are a lot of monsters there skillful in manipulating their presence. If you make them submit and strengthen them, I think they are going to be fairly useful."

"I see… yes, Suzu will try it. Thank you, Nagumo-kun!"

Hajime waved his hand listlessly at Suzu who was smiling in delight.

As the result, Suzu and the others would go to the Sea of Trees to hunt for monster while Hajime and others were resting. Kouki went with Suzu's group under the pretext of helping but surely that was simply because he hated to be left behind with Hajime, such hypothesis didn't seem to be wrong looking from Kouki's awfully complicated expression.

Furthermore, Yue, Shia, and Tio were staying behind. They weren't going to embark to the devil territory, so it was unnecessary for them to expand their battle strength. Only Kaori who would go with Suzu's group because she was worried for Shizuku.

After that Hajime and his group for a while focused on recovering their magic power and replenishing magic power into the magic crystal while passing the time in relaxation. Even Hajime was somewhat drifting off the calm atmosphere that he had never shown until now. He even allowed the wanting Tio to an embrace and caress, looking at Hajime who was exposing a somewhat sweet atmosphere, it was Tio herself who was the most shocked.

The procurement of the method to go home surely had granted leeway at Hajime's heart. Tio who made a pass in the hope to get abused was unexpectedly embraced with gentle gaze and hand gesture, Tio was acting shy and fidgeting bashfully so much that it would make anyone watching want to tsukkomi "Just where has the usual pervert gone!?" while fawning at Hajime with her all.

"Muu, master is kind… I thought that being hurt was the best, but this is also not bad in its own way, or perhaps I should say that this is a frightfully happy feeling. Though it's also embarrassing to the same degree."

"Tio-san, if only normally you are also like this, you will be a charming female without any fault at all, yet despite so…"

"… Nn. As I thought, perhaps, Hajime should take responsibility."

Looking at Tio who was entrusting her body on Hajime's chest with melting expression while her face was bright red, Shia and Yue were smiling wryly while whispering. Yue's statement made Hajime couldn't help but smile bitterly.

"Well, after this far, if I hear Tio calling another man as master as it will really not be a good feeling in that case…"

"Ho, hou? Ma, master. Wha, what kind of meaning it has… by some possibility, similar like Shia, I too…"

"You know, like if a worthless mongrel that I've already got attached emotionally at suddenly wagged its tail at another guy as easily as flipping over the hand, it will feel irritating, right?"

"Nnn-, in a moment like this, to be treated like a dog… furthermore it had 'worthless' attached. Haa haa, to be spoiled and made to have an expectation before got abused, what an advanced technique. Haa, haa, nnaa, it's just unbearable!"

The worthless dragon that was in heat eternally pushed her face nuzzlingly on Hajime's chest while her lower body was rubbing close at his waist. However, looking objectively at Hajime who was continuously making such Tio delighted all the time, he was also just like her. Yue and Shia's exasperated gazes stabbed on Hajime.

While doing such stupid thing, by the time the replenishment of magic power at all the magic crystals was over, a gate opened once more and Suzu and co went back. Behind the girls, large tiger, and wolf, and then snake and so on, monsters that were high ranked even inside the sea of trees were there. It appeared that they successfully managed to make those monsters submitted.

after that, Suzu and co increased the strength of the submitting monsters using reinforcement under the simple guidance of Yue and Tio. In addition to the help of Yue and Tio, the monsters that were considerably strengthened were attached to the collar made by Hajime. The collar had a gate hole inserted in it if Suzu and co used the gate key then they would be able to call the monsters anytime. In ordinary times, they could just leave the monsters to do as they pleased in the sea of trees or anywhere.

Like that the magic power of Hajime and Yue were also recovered, finally they were going leave the Ice and Snow Great Labyrinth. Hajime and his group would travel around all the places with people who wanted to go home together with them and the people they wanted to say goodbye to while endeavoring to create an artifact to hinder summoning. Suzu, Shizuku, Kaori, Ryuutaro, and Kouki, the five of them would head to the devil territory where Eri was located.

"Hajime-san, here."

When they exited the ice mansion, Shia handed over a pendant that was modeled after a dripping water drop. Inside the bluish transparent stone that was like ice, the crest of Vandur Shune was hollowed. It was the proof that they had conquered the Ice and Snow Great Labyrinth. After Hajime and Yue fainted, a part of the wall inside the room melted and this proof appeared to be collected.

Receiving that, Hajime walked above the magic circle drawn on the foothold right in front of the fountain. The moment Hajime's foot stepped into the magic circle…

*biki biki-*

Such a sound was audible and the fountain before their eyes began to freeze, it was gradually swelling up. Like that it became a huge egg-shaped ice mass that was almost ten meters, before long the expansion and freezing stopped, right after that, *barin!* such a sound was raised and the ice scattered apart.

What appeared from inside the broken remains was a dragon made from ice. A magnificent lustrous dragon that looked transparent as though it was created from crystal.

The ice dragon lowered its head directly below Hajime's feet where its long neck made a slope. It appeared riding this ice dragon was the shortcut for this great labyrinth.

"This is also a fantastical shortcut, huh."

"… Nn. A present?"

"This consideration is far removed from the repulsiveness of the trial's content, isn't it?"

Each of them let out their impression while nodding at each other, then they crossed the neck where the scales were like a bridge and rode on its back.

Immediately after, the ice dragon flapped its wings grandly and ascended in one go. The ice ceiling was approaching in the blink of an eye, but just before they crashed the ceiling melted and a hole opened, a cylinder pillar was created there.

The ice dragon didn't drop its speed at all and charged into that path.

The sound of cutting wind resounded in their ears and chilly wind caressed their skin, "The only dragon who master can ride is just me… does master want to change rides[ even now?" while enjoying such nonsense from a certain someone, they soared inside the ice tunnel for ten-odd seconds. The ice dragon Hajime and the rest rode finally flew into the visible light of the surface.

They were thinking whether they would be let down on the ground right after that, but the ice dragon didn't show any sign of stopping at all and continued to climb into sky. And then without stopping it charged into the cloudy sky of the Shunee Snowfield. *Boba!* With such sound, the dragon flew out and it began to elegantly soar above the cloud sea while being brilliantly illuminated by the sun.

"From the position of the sun we are heading to the northwest. … It seems that it is kindly sending us until the border of the snow field."

"… Nn. Miledi and Meiru should follow this example."

"I get the feeling that the female camp of the liberator is just unscrupulous."

The west of the snowfield was the territory of the devil, at the north was Raisen's Grand Canyon, at the east was Haltina's Sea of Trees. Advancing at the northwest like this meant that they would be let down at a place where it would be easy to go to the devil territory or to the north continent. Furthermore, they didn't really feel the cold air of the sky, so it seemed a simple barrier was spread from the intermediary of the ice dragon.

Indeed, they wanted to be spared from getting tossed out into the snowfield of extreme cold after conquering the great labyrinth, but after thinking about the deed of a part of the liberators, "Such consideration!" this made Hajime and others a bit emotionally moved like that.

And then Shia's guess was surely not mistaken. A woman who was an expert in irritating people, a woman who tossed them into the sea while saying it was a shortcut, a woman who forcefully made people love cockroaches… surely the male liberators in the past was considerably made to go through hardships of this and that which were caused by those women without doubt.

While thinking of such a thing, the ice dragon was gradually beginning to lower its altitude. It appeared they had approached near the landing place. Perhaps the ice dragon couldn't go out of the snowfield, it seemed that it wouldn't go through the sky and brought them outside the boundary, it once more plunged into the cloudy sky.

And then it softly landed on a spot that was just a stone throw from the boundary. Hajime and others reflexively said a polite thanks to it. The ice dragon shook its tail as though to say not to mind it and once more it soared and vanished inside the snowfield.

Even while thinking gloomily about the snowfield that covered their sight, the boundary of the snowfield was just right there so Hajime and others moved with quick steps.

But, at that time, Hajime's senses and Shia's rabbit ears caught something. The eyes of the two narrowed dangerously.

"Everyone, be on guard. Various things are happening outside the boundary."

Hajime's caution made nervousness run through them. Everyone held their weapon in hand while coming out at the other side of the blizzard that blocked their sight.

Over there was…

"As expected you all are coming out from here. It's the same like my time… And, has every one of you conquered the labyrinth? Oh, white-haired young man."

"Fufu, Kouki-kun. Long time no see. Are you healthy?"

A white dragon that was two-sizes bigger and Freed that was riding above it, a lot of monsters that were mainly grey dragons, Eri who spread wings of gray magic power, and then, there must be a few hundred of them, many women with the same face growing silver wings 'the apostle of true god'?Nointo, they all were lying in wait.

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ARIFURETA SHOKUGYOU DE SEKAI SAIKYOU (WN)

C153

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All credit goes to the original author (Chuuni Suki), who has posted the raw data here:

Thanks for your continued support. If you like my writing style, check out my original works at , or just leave a comment.

Bakapervert translated this chapter. Elementalcobalt did the final edits.

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Devil King's Invitation

Surely there were easily a few hundred bodies there. They covered the whole field of vision, a large number of monsters and Nointo. And then, Freed Bagua and Nakamura Eri seemed to be followed by the rest.

The two of them cracked jokes perhaps as an expression of their composure. After giving a backward glance at Kouki and the others, they were at a loss of words from the shock. Hajime narrowed his eyes dangerously. The string of his killing intent had been pulled until just before it snapped, what was left was only releasing the arrow of a sure kill.

Although Freed and his group should have been feeling the abnormal pressure of such a Hajime on their skin, even now, their composure didn't break. There was one reason. Because they were surrounded by 'the apostles of the true god' who had the exact same appearance as the current Kaori.

Inside his heart, 'As expected how unpleasant. What a bunch that are like cockroaches.' Hajime spat out that curse, but Kaori had the same appearance with the Nointo and twitched with a start, perhaps from a woman's instinct. Hajime quietly averted his thinking to search for a way to annihilate the enemy.

Previously, a mortal combat unfolded when Hajime faced one Nointo, but in the present, the spec of his body and weapons were raised using sublimation magic, so if it was one on one he should be able to finish Nointo without even using 'Limit Break'. He didn't feel like he'd lose even if he had to take on a large number of them at the same time.

Hajime exchanged glances with Yue and the others at his side for an instant. Now, when they were just about to release their killing intent to follow the saying of 'victory goes to the one who makes the first move'. As though to beat them to the punch, Freed opened his mouth once more.

"Don't be so rash. Right now, I don't have the intention of indulging myself in killing each other with you. Though I greatly wished for you to grovel on the ground and beg for your life."

"Hee, then, what are you coming for? I thought that you fell to despair toward the incompetent god who can only throw a tantrum and decided on suicide, though?"

Hearing Hajime's ridiculing tone, Freed's eyebrows twitched in reaction.

What Hajime said as 'incompetent god' was, of course, referring to the god Ehito. With Nointo's presence here, Hajime's conjecture previously――that Ehito didn't differentiate the race, that he was the god of every race and how they all were his toy. And then, the god that the devil race worshiped was perhaps Ehito himself falsifying his name or possibly Ehito's underling――seemed to be spot on.

And for how much Freed understood about that truth…

"… I won't be provoked by that. This too is for the command my lord bestowed to me. I am merely executing that command."

"Is that so. And? Loyal dog Freed, what kind of present(command) you got?"

"… My generous lord will shut his eyes even toward the shameless acts of all of you. He is inviting you to his castle. We are the greeting for that. This impossible fortune for you to be able to have an audience with that honored person. You can tremble on your legs with excitement."

"Haa?"

Freed's state showed quietness that they had never seen until now. It was unclear what he was thinking. While putting on a particularly expressionless face, Freed informed them of his words using a voice without intonation. Hearing Freed like that, Hajime unintentionally leaked out a taken aback voice. In various meanings, there was a lot of points that he could retort at. Even Yue and the others at his side sent Freed doubtful gazes.

"That Ehito guy or Aruv something is a god, right? Why is he in a castle, huh?"

Anyway, for the time being, Hajime asked about the most questionable thing. Toward that, Freed answered that question with a bland tone, however as though to show what an extremely great honor it was, he spread both his arms like an actor standing on the stage.

"Aruv-sama is certainly a god――he is the retainer of Ehito-sama… but at the same time, he is also the king of us the devil race――he is also the devil king. He manifested from the divine world into this dirty world, passing through a long time, he handed down guidance to us the devil race for the sake of a great objective."

It appeared the true identity of the devil king was the god itself that was called as 'Aruv-sama'. Also, the truth how the devil king=Aruv-sama seemed to be a hidden matter that was known only to the extremely limited number of people. Freed was expressing joy that couldn't be hidden was sure because he was included in that really small number of people. From his way of speaking, it seemed he knew it only very recently, though…

"… Great objective, huh. Then, how much the devil race is being made to dance I wonder."

"What are you saying?"

"No? I'm praising the devil king-sama here just how awesome he is yeah." (TN: The way they call the devil king here is using maou. But sometimes Hajime is also called using that word maou, so I'm using devil king to call this king of the devil race while to refer Hajime I'll use demon king.)

"…"

Freed who was sharp-eared noticed Hajime's murmur, but he was responded with a shrug and frivolous reply, as expected he got irritated and his temple twitched convulsively.

But, there with a tone even more frivolous than Hajime, Eri opened her mouth feeling that the situation was troublesome.

"Hey, Freed. Don't just keep prattling on and on, finish it quickly. After all, I want to quickly pass a sweet time with Kouki-kun seee."

"… I know."

It appeared that Freed was not thinking really well of Eri, he clicked his tongue while fixing his collar as though to gather himself. And then just when he was about to speak of something, this time the desperate voice that Suzu raised interrupted him.

"Eri-! Suzu is-… that-, with Eri-"

"Hm? Whaaat, Suzu? You are carefree like usual huh… not, you don't seem to be like that I guess? What? I wonder if you want to vent your pent-up feelings? Well, if you want to cry then you can just cry as you like, can't you? For me, it doesn't matter thoughhh"

"Yo, you are wrong-. Suzu is just, wanting to speak with Eri one more time!"

Eri looked down while chuckling at Suzu with her hand waving as though to drive away a dog, to that Suzu spoke desperately while her words got choppy. However, her words couldn't be formed skillfully in this too sudden reunion with the one she wanted to reunite with.

To such Suzu, as though to show that she didn't have interest Eri averted her gaze. Seeing that Kouki finally returned to his senses and asked regarding Eri's bizarre appearance with a hoarse voice.

"E, Eri… that appearance, what's with that?"

Eri who was talked by Kouki showed a full smile that was different compared to when she talked with Suzu. Although it was a warped smile that made one felt faint coldness somewhere in it.

"Kouki-kun! How is it? It's lovely, right? You see, Maou-sama gives me a new power seeee. Because even though I just want to live sweetly with just Kouki-kun only the two of us, there are a lot of shitheads that become a hindrance even for just such a meager wish. It's fine! The trash that bothers Kouki-kun, allll of them will be cleaned up by me okayyy! We are going to live together just the two of us foorever and eeeeeeever okayy"

"E, Eri…"

Eri cackled while rotating in circles in the air with feverish tone and expression plain to see. The gray wings growing on her back that wasn't even black or white, giving off a dirty impression, were flapping together with Eri's motion, scattering grey feathers everywhere. The grey feathers dancing down in flutters fell on the ground, and then the touched spot was instantly disintegrated.

Without any doubt that was the same disintegration ability like Nointo.

"Don't tell me, just like Kaori… no, that's Eri's body… you were given only the ability?"

Shizuku who was glaring silently at Eri frowned while considering the situation.

But, before she could obtain the answer, *gyaki!* an ominous sound resounded. It was the sound of Hajime's partner got readied which everyone had heard so many times.

"Anyway, it's okay to slaughter them all right?"

"… Nn. There is no reason to accept the invitation."

"Blow them away and finish this desuu!"

"… As expected, with this many people having the same face lined up, even though I understand they are not me it's still eerie."

"But, their way of inviting art too poor. To be this manner less, they hath to be chastised just a bit."

At the same time Yue, Shia, Kaori, and Tio, the four of them were also showing intent to attack. Yue and Tio raised their hand straight up, Shia shouldered her Doryukken, and Kaori spread her silver wings with a flap.

Hajime's killing intent was naturally directed at Eri too. Her grating cackling voice in the ear and ugly warped expression were getting on his nerve's. The wish of Suzu was in a corner of his head, so thinking that at the very least he was going to pulverize her four limbs, he aimed the muzzle of Donner. Schlag was aimed at Freed.

But, just before the triggers were pulled, something silver was generated in front of Eri and Freed like a shield. In front of the dubious Hajime and others, the silver thing had noise ran through and warped like jelly for a moment before it projected the scenery of somewhere.

A space magic. 'Hermit Mirror' ――a magic to project in space the scenery of the faraway place.

What was projected in the hermit mirror were several impressive pillars standing, red carpet spread on the floor in a large hall. From there the camera changed its viewpoint and the image moved.

What they could begin to see was a place like an altar with a throne put there. As expected the projected place was a castle ――furthermore it was likely the audience hall of the devil king castle. High ceiling, various beautiful design, and furnishings that were created in detail, all those projected the dignity of the devil king across the screen. The image further moved toward the side of the throne.

And then what began to appear was a large cage made from dark gray metal wrapped in shining reddish black magic power. Naturally, something was imprisoned inside it…

"… Fuck"

Dirty word reflexively flew out from Hajime's mouth. At the same time, Yue and others also made an expression that seemed like they were chewing a hundred bitter bugs. The people who were especially greatly shaken were as expected Kouki and others in the group summoned from an alternate world.

"Everyone… sensei-!"

"Even Lily-"

Kaori and Shizuku yelled with tone colored by uneasiness.

Correct, just as the two said, the cage inside the image was imprisoning their classmates, Aiko, and then princess Liliana who were supposed to be in the Hairihi kingdom.

AIko and Liliana were among the students where most of them were hugging their knees with uneasy expression, they were desperately nursing several students who were powerlessly lying down. Looking carefully, those collapsed students seemed to be the party member of Nagayama. Other than them, even a member of Ai-chan guard party Tamai Atsushi was also crouching with expression distorted in pain although she was not as bad as Nagayama's party.

Hajime immediately took out the 'Compass of Guidance' and searched for Aiko's whereabouts.

"Chih, they are the real thing…"

"Hou, you have a really interesting item huh, young man. For a probing artifact, I'm feeling a really strong power from it. Can you ascertain the whereabouts of your important comrades with that?"

The compass was pointing at a point to the south continent. It showed that Aiko was undoubtedly at the devil king castle of the devil race. Hajime who was convinced that it wasn't a faked image clicked his tongue, Freed who was showing interest at the compass was the first time since they arrived here that he was obviously displaying his emotion. In his words, there was a lot of sense of superiority put there.

From Hajime's attitude, Kaori and others also guessed that the image on the screen was the real thing and their expression turned bitter. And then in this kind of time, the first one to howl was Kouki. Kouki raised his voice in rage.

"You coward-! What invitation with you taking our comrades hostage-! Return everyone right now-!"

"Ahahah, as expected from Kouki-kun! You are straightforwardly kind aren't youuu. You are so serious even for those trashes, I'm falling in love with you all over againnn"

"Eri, don't screw around. There is nothing for you by doing this kind of thing! Return back everyone, you too also come back to us!"

"Aaahn, you said come back to meee. Are you planning to kill me in agony?"

"Eri-"

"Kufufu, wait a bit –kayy. Sooon, I will make Kouki-kun into only my Kouki-kun okayyy"

Kouki's yell didn't reach Eri at all. In a glance, it looked like a conversation but it wasn't one at all. For Eri 'the Kouki inside Eri' was something fixed. Only Kouki who was convenient for herself was her Kouki. That distortedness seemed to have become even worse even compared to the betrayal of that day.

Kouki who understood that his words didn't reach gritted his teeth while his gaze returned at Freed. And then the moment when he was about to argue further,

*DOPAN! DOPAN!*

"-!?"

A familiar gunshot interrupted him. Two streaks of crimson flashes soared straight at Freed and Eri. The flashes were going to instantly blast a part of Eri's body and Freed's skull, however, two Nointo cut in with afterimage left behind them and blocked the bullets with their large sword.

Different from before, a large crack entered the large sword with one attack, if there was one more shot the sword would break but it didn't change the fact that the attack was stopped, Hajime who irritatedly scowled was going to pull the triggers further.

"Do, don't! Wait! Please, wait, Nagumo-kun…"

The one who hindered that was Suzu. Her small body reached straight at Hajime's arm in a tackle. Hajime didn't even twitch with something like Suzu's weight, but looking at her dangling on his arm with desperate expression and voice averted Hajime's attention for a moment.

In that opening even while trickling with cold sweat, Freed barely kept his expression unchanging and opened his mouth.

"… This madman. Are you not valuing the lives of your comrades?"

"Hah, you forgot already how I blew away your prided comrades before this in the same situation? Obediently following you will only get us all killed anyway. After all, your self-proclaimed god seems to desire to look at my painful death, isn't it?"

"You are saying, that in that case, you will survive just by yourself even by abandoning your comrades?"

"Don't make me say this repeatedly. Those guys aren't my comrade or anything. Besides…"

Fearless smile and beastly glaring eyes were directed at Freed. Toward Freed who instinctively took a step back on the back of the white dragon Uranos, Hajime declared as though to say that his words were exactly the common sense of this world,

"Even if I accepted the invitation after slaughtering you all, there won't be any problem, right?"

Incidentally, if it was an invitation to the devil king castle then they would need one or two presents, Hajime laughed while making a gesture of slitting his neck. Everyone understood that he was saying he was going to bring the heads of Freed and others as the present. Kouki and others made shuddering expression thinking that the way of thinking of this guy was exactly that of a devil king.

Hearing that really arrogant way of talking, also feeling rage toward himself for stepping back even slightly toward such Hajime, Freed's expression distorted for an instant although he immediately smoothed over his face and lifted the corner of his lips with a scoff.

"How high-spirited. In front of this many apostle-sama I cannot think of you as sane but… on this occasion, how about I put out one more card."

"Aa?"

Giving a glance at the doubtful Hajime, Freed changed the viewpoint of the screen that projected Aiko and others. It seemed that besides the cage imprisoning Aiko and others, there was one more cage. It had the same built, but that cage which was quite small sized was something to imprison one or two people.

And then, the moment the people imprisoned inside there was projected,

――――

Sound vanished from the world.

An abnormal killing intent to the degree that made everyone hallucinated like that was covering the whole area in the surrounding.

Those who could recognize that sound vanished were those in the classification as a strong person. After all the killing intent――or possibly it should be called as demonic intent already, against the torrent of that terrifying presence, in order for their instinct as a living thing to preserve their mind, the monsters that were Freed's subordinates immediately had their consciousness shutdown and fainted.

Even Suzu who was clinging to Hajime's arm felt that her consciousness was going far away while flopping down on the ground, she bit hard on her lips and somehow maintained her consciousness with that pain.

"-――-――yo, you bastard, don't you care, about what's going to happen to that fish imitations-"

Freed was putting his awareness at his breathing that felt like it would stop anytime while giving off warning with warped expression. He already didn't have any leisure to dress up any calmness.

'Fish imitation'――the two silhouettes that Freed called like that as well as the reason that drastically changed Hajime's presence were… Myuu and Remia.

At the center of the cage, the two were tightly hugging each other to confirm each other's existence. They couldn't hide their uneasy expressions, but even so, they stout-heartedly observed the surrounding without showing a tear.

Hajime had made preparation before they left Erisen so that not even the smallest chance could hurt Myuu and Remia. Artifact to isolate and hide the presences of the two and a detection artifact to warn Hajime in the case enemy appeared were left there. Barrier artifacts to buy time were also set at the city of Erisen and Myuu's house. Hajime didn't spend six days there just for show.

But, none of those was effective and Myuu and Remia were kidnapped. The preposterous strength of Hajime's artifacts and his bond with Myuu, without knowing those two things this was something impossible to happen, It was also something that no one would even think to carry out, to begin with.

In other words, there was only one person who could arrive at such idea and kidnapped the two with the perfect setup.

Hajime's gaze slowly flowed at Eri piercingly.

"――-"

A presence that penetratingly invaded until the depth of the mind was crawling all over Eri's skin. Eri's body was shuddering with chills, his body temperature that was rapidly lowering naturally made her breathing disordered.

Afer Hajime pierced such Eri with his gaze for a few moments, his gaze moved quietly as though she was just a stone at the roadside. Immediately, Eri staggered in the air as though she was just released from a binding.

Regardless of being the source of the inhuman demonic intent, as though it was just a lie, Hajime's eyes turned calm and even looked sleepy, that mismatched strange gaze moved at Freed once more. And then, his mouth opened with a calm voice as expected.

"… I'll accept the invitation."

"Wha, what?"

With the demonic intent still gushing out without change, the words that were let out from Hajime's mouth made Freed's expression turned bewildered.

"… I said that I'm accepting the invitation. Lead us on quickly."

"-… Hmph, you should say that right from the beginning."

At the same time with the repeated words, the demonic intent was gradually settling down. Even while breathing in disarray, Freed made a sneer with an expression that recovered his calmness. Like that he jolted awake the fainted swarm of gray dragons with metamorphosis magic while beginning to chant the spell to open the gate toward the devil king castle.

While giving a glance at Eri besides Freed who was similarly drenched with a large amount of sweat while breathing roughly and Kouki and others who were released from their stiffened body, Yue tilted her head while looking up at Hajime.

"… Is it fine?"

"… Yeah. If we know the place then we can use crystal key to connecting the space, but the time lag is too long. Besides, the other side should know too that we are in possession of space transfer power."

"Perhaps, they have to make a countermeasure, aren't they?"

"It's troubling that there is the worst case. Unlike sensei-dono and others, Myuu and Remia art not able to buy the time to compensate for that time lag with their own strength after all."

Just as Tio said, if they felt like it they could use crystal key and the compass and teleported accurately to the devil king castle where Aiko and others were captured.

But, because it was a concept magic there would be time lag created no matter what until the magic was invoked, for the enemy side who knew that Hajime and co possessed space magic, it was unthinkable that they would miss that opening time lag.

Even so, if it was just Aiko and others, they were a cheat group so perhaps they would be able to endure and pull through that time lag using their spec. For that reason, Hajime chose an annihilation battle tactic before, but Myuu and Remia whose fighting strength was nonexistence… in addition, they were courteously entered into another cage then the story was different.

Thinking about the worst case, Hajime wanted to refrain from the forceful method.

"… Now, I'll guide you to the location of our lord. Don't worry, if you don't make any mistake then surely you will be able to touch those half-assed living things once more. Although it's hard to understand just what is good for those filthy living things."

Freed completed the gate and at the other side of the connected space, there were a large terrace and townscape below visible. It appeared that they didn't teleport directly at the audience hall where Aiko and others were at, the gate was opened at the outside of the upper level of the castle.

Most likely the inside of the castle had a barrier spread to forbid intrusion. Even if it was an ally there was no doubt that they would be unable to directly teleport in. Thinking about the defense of the devil king castle that was only natural measure.

Freed's expression became disappointed looking at Hajime who proceeded to the gate while ignoring all of Freed's mocking words, then he seemed to notice something and opened his mouth.

"That's right. Young man, before moving on let's have you take off your weapons."

"…"

Toward Hajime who was merely returning a silent gaze, Freed finally couldn't hide his joy from standing in a superior position and repeated his words with sneer mixed in them.

"Are you listening? I told you to quickly take off your weapons. Aa, also, let's have you wear this shackle to seal your magic power."

The shackle that looked like handcuff was taken out with clinking sound, it greatly resembled the one that was once put on Aiko and Kouki and others. Even though Freed dressed up this as an invitation, yet the treatment was completely like a prisoner.

Perhaps because there was the threat of hostage, Freed sneered understanding that. He had the air like a religious fanatic since before this, but until now he didn't seem like someone with petty personality. Perhaps the repeated defeat had distorted his personality. Possibly there was something after the invasion of the royal capital that deepened the degree of his fanaticism and he lost all restrain…

In any case, Hajime's reply was decided.

"I refuse."

"… What did you say?"

"Don't make me say it the second time. I said I refuse."

Those words of Hajime without any enthusiasm made Freed's expression turned taken aback for a moment, but in the next moment, he directed a gaze as though he was looking at something that was hard to understand.

"… Are you unable to understand your position? You all have no right to refuse. If you don't stay quiet and follow what you are told, that ugly mother and daughter――" "Don't get carried away." "-… What did you say?"

The clichéd speech that was threatening to harm Myuu and Remia if Hajime didn't obey was interrupted in the middle and Freed raised his eyes, a calm voice then reached him.

"Do you think if you take Myuu and Remia hostage, then everything of me is sealed? Understand this. The card you used, is a double-edged sword."

"Double-edged sword… you say"

From Hajime, there wasn't any demonic intent or even killing intent like before. Far from that, he didn't even let out a speck of magic power, naturally, he also wasn't using 'Coercion'.

Nevertheless, when they noticed the white dragon Uranos had slightly backed away, even Freed himself who was riding on its back noticed how his hand was trembling in small shivers. Just what in the world… without even any time to question that, Hajime's words were spoken.

As always, it was a calm voice without a drop of anger or hate that could be felt from it, it was like the robotic voice of Nointo, but without regarding ally or enemy the voice was accompanied with reverberation that caused gooseflesh on the back.

"The reason that all of you are still alive is also thanks to Myuu and Remia. … Just try putting even a single wound at the two of them. … Children, woman, old man, noble or the poor, there won't be any distinction, the race called as the devil… I'll make them extinct."

"――-"

Freed gulped. Surrounded by hundreds of 'the apostles of true god' at the surrounding, and his lord was a living god, he should have rejected Hajime's words as impossible and merely a nonsense that would bring no problem at all. But, he felt a strange power that was hard to comprehend in that toneless voice and even for just a moment the thinking of 'he might be able to do it' flashed in his mind.

"I don't know what is your objective that you do something like inviting us, but I have no intention to ride into enemy's main base bare handed. After all, like that perhaps everything will be over without us unable to do anything. Rather than falling into a situation like that, rampaging around in sink or swim is still better."

"… You are saying you are abandoning those mother and daughter?"

"I'm not abandoning them. However, I'm only thinking that losing my weapons here will be related to abandoning them."

A scene that often appeared in the story was one where the main characters had hostage taken and they threw away their weapon just like they were told, but Hajime didn't choose that. He thought that it was out of the question for the helping side to be made powerless for the sake of temporary safety. Like that would only cause everyone to be done in at the end.

Therefore, in that kind of time, Hajime would choose to annihilate the opponent even if the hostage wouldn't come out of it with all their limbs intact. As long as the hostage alive then they could be healed. Then the way to kill the opponent with certainty was rational. The intense preparedness that wouldn't submit to irrationality inside Hajime made him like that.

Of course, that was something awfully misaligned from common sense, in some way that choice could also be called as wrongdoing. After all the maximum consideration and carefulness were demanded in the liberation of the hostage. Normally it was unthinkable to think that it would be okay as long as the hostage didn't die.

Not to mention if it was about someone that was an extremely important existence for themselves, it was normal for someone to hesitate and threw away their logic and belief.

"… As expected, you are mad."

Therefore, the feeling that Freed harbored was such thing. Just when he took the initiative as the attacker and stood in the superior position, the opponent would abandon their base and came attacking instead. Furthermore, the basis of that action was which one would be able to annihilate their opponent first, it was a chicken race like that. Indeed, it couldn't be helped that Freed doubted Hajime's sanity.

Although in this case there was a lot of bluffing factor included inside Hajime's words. For Hajime, he didn't think for even a little bit of wishing Myuu to be wounded. If possible, he wanted to take her back unharmed. For that reason, as much as possible he wouldn't tolerate being separated from his weapons.

Therefore, he caused the opponent to have the impression of 'I don't know what he will do if he is poorly cornered too much' and tried to forcefully keep his card. Hajime had already shown a portion of that impression in front of Freed so Hajime thought that the possibility he could have his way was high. But for argument's sake, he was also thinking about what to do in the case that this was no good.

"Then, while that madman is still not lining up a lump of woman and children meat of your fellow race in front of you, quickly take us in front of Myuu's location."

"-…"

Freed couldn't answer. He understood that Hajime wouldn't yield, but to take an enemy in front of his lord while they were still armed was something hard to be pardoned as a pious servant.

Speaking the truth, the devil king Aruv told him to use the hostage to bring them to him, but he didn't give any instruction to Freed regarding the details like weapon or binding. Aruv wouldn't mind it even if Hajime was armed.

In other words, the demand for disarmament was Freed's own decision using his common sense, but as expected honestly nodding at Hajime's demand was a cause for hesitation.

There a Nointo, the 'apostle of the true god' who didn't say a word until now cut in.

"… Freed. Stop this unproductive matter. That person won't mind this kind of triviality. Rather he will even think that this will be a good entertainment. Also, as long as we are standing by, there is not even the slightest chance he can do anything. The binding for the irregular is enough with the very existences of us."

"Kuh, however…"

Giving a glance at Freed who was still balking, Nointo faced Hajime with exactly the same voice and expression like when she faced him before.

"My name is called 'Ahat'. Irregular, the analyze of the data of your battle with Nointo is already finished. Don't think that you can win the battle with us for the second time."

'Therefore, if you want to bring weapon then just bring it', it seemed that she was implicitly telling him that. Looking carefully, the 'apostle of true god' with the same appearance like Nointo introducing herself as Ahat, her eyes looked slightly shaking. Perhaps it was just his feeling, but to Hajime, it was something that looked like hostility or perhaps hatred.

'Don't think that you can win the battle with us for the second time'――those words weren't something from a simple doll, perhaps it was filled with more intense emotion.

But such thing didn't matter for Hajime. And so, he quietly turned his gaze away and headed toward the gate with cold eyes. It was clear that he was telling them to hurry and guide him.

Freed scowled at that arrogant attitude, but with the addition of the pressing from Ahat, he shook his head in annoyance and slipped through the gate.

Hajime and others followed from behind.

At that time, the only one who noticed Hajime's hand shining for an instance was only Yue who was beside him.

Part 2

The large terrace that the gate was connected to had the space almost as big as a school rooftop, even with all of them stepping into there was still some space left. Nevertheless, that was also only after the gray dragons and the majority of the apostles flew to the sky.

The gray dragons flew up right after they came out, the apostles also went away somewhere leaving behind only ten of them. The ones remaining surrounded Hajime and others alertly.

At the same time with the gate behind them closing, Freed silently pointed his chin to urge them to follow him. Hajime also followed him silently.

"Kouki-kun, that monster was terrifying you knowww, console meee"

"E, Eri-, you…"

Right after they began to walk, Eri took Kouki's arm and she hugged him while beginning to prattle about such jests. Even though she had betrayed them and now she was taking their classmates, hostages, again, she didn't look apologetic at all and grinned widely while pressing her body close at Kouki.

She didn't even give attention to Shizuku and others around her. She also completely ignored Suzu who called her. Shizuku and Ryutaro were directing gazes overflowing with wariness, but they didn't try to stop her. They judged that right now it was better to not quarrel imprudently.

Eri was glued at Kouki, her mouth approached his ear, her breath was blowing into his ear and she whispered something with a face that looked like in heat, looking at her like that it was unbearable but even Kouki himself, he was thinking about his classmates and didn't forcibly shake her off.

Like that they walked through the long corridor made from stone crossing several corners, and then at the place they reached there was a large door filled to the brim with the dignity that was worthy of an entrance that was connected to the audience room of the devil king castle. Perhaps to show the authority there was a globe that appeared to be symbolizing the sun, a design that depicted several pillars of light pouring down from that sun was engraved there.

Freed sent a sign at the devil race standing in front of the door with his gaze. Thereupon that devil race quietly held his hand at a part of the door, right after that a heavy sound reverberated and the door opened to the left and right.

Behind the door, the scenery that Freed displayed using 'Hermit Mirror' spread out, ahead of the red carpet they could see a spot that looked like an altar and an extravagant throne. Just like the image, at the side of the throne, there should be cages set behind the large pillar.

Repressing their hot-blooded heart, they approached toward the empty throne. And a scenery exactly like the image they saw was there.

It appeared that the figures of Hajime and others were also visible from the other side. The classmates opened their eyes wide, Aiko and Liliana who also noticed the door opened also gulped loudly in surprise.

The two's expression was slightly clouded seeing how Hajime and others were surrounded by apostles, but looking at Hajime whose corner of the mouth lifted up in a smile for the first time since coming here, the two began to get teary eyes from deep emotion. And then, when they were just about to call Hajime's name with a maidenly expression that was obviously filled with special feeling…

"Papaa――!!"

"Dear!!"

The mother and daughter Myuu and Remia preceded them. And then, putting aside Myuu's 'papa', just what was with Remia's 'dear'? Such dangerous gazes from the two which contained that question went back and forth from Remia and Hajime.

Ignoring the two who were unable to know about time and place? Hajime's eyes gently slackened.

"Myuu, Remia. Sorry, you two got dragged into this. Wait there. I'll get you two out immediately."

"Papa… Myuu is fine. I waited believing in papa. That's why don't lose to the bad people!"

"My my, Myuu… Hajime-san. We are fine so please be careful."

Even though she was unable to hide her unease, but the moment Hajime appeared Myuu made a full smile and felt relief from the bottom of their heart. Looking at such Myuu, Remia also was concerned in an 180 to Hajime's calm atmosphere.

Freed was about to open his mouth to warn so they didn't make a racket as the pleased, but just before he could do that a voice resounded from behind the throne.

"No matter what age, it still looks beautiful, the bond between parent and child. I understand because I also have experienced it. Although in my case, it was a relation between a niece and uncle you see."

The wall behind the throne slid open. From there who came out was a golden haired and crimson eyed good looking man. His age was past middle-aged. He was wearing jet black clothes and mantle with good quality and golden embroidery worked on the, and his hairstyle was all back. Several strands of his blonde hair that were dangling forward and his slightly opened shirt on his chest were strangely drafting off sex appeal.

Although what he drafted off wasn't only sex appeal. He also gave off the presence of youthful strength and the weight of a veteran. There was constant charisma in him that attracted those watching him. In all probability, this must be the devil king. And then, this was the guy introducing himself as the god 'Aruv-sama'.

Hajime wordlessly narrowed his eyes at the devil king that appeared while smiling gently. And then he was about to open his mouth but similar like Freed someone beat him to the punch. However, that wasn't by the devil king ahead of his gaze, but it was by the shell-shocked voice at his side.

"… Li, es… how can…"

"Yue?"

Yes, not even noticing at Hajime's call, she was leaking out a hoarse voice as though seeing something impossible with a greatly shaken state, it was Yue. Her eyes were opened wide, piercing straight at the devil king.

Hajime was about to call once more at Yue whose state was obviously abnormal, but then he was attacked by a strange déjà vu. Yue's golden hair and crimson eyes. Those were…

"Yaa, Aleytia (・・・). It has been a long time, isn't it? As always, you are so small and cute."

The words said to Yue by the devil king that interrupted Hajime's thought, those were filled by the affection that was really unthinkable for a first meeting. There, Hajime also noticed. The appearance of the devil king, compared to her beloved lover had a similarity somewhere.

Hajime murmured 'Don't tell me' inside his heart. That conjecture which he couldn't put into word was proved as correct by a word of Yue.

"… Oji-sama…" (TN: Oji=uncle)

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