Chapter 04: “The Pursuer is the Perfect Lady”
Chitose Nagi: Right now‚ I am holding my breath in the shadows.
The place is the Third Tunnel of the Northern Mines of the Royal Capital.
In this lowest mining sector‚ filled with mud‚ dust‚ and the stifling stench of men’s sweat.
Chitose Nagi: I had slipped my body into the narrow gap between a pile of ore crates and a cracked old support pillar.
Chitose Nagi: Distance from Takuto-kun—approximately thirty-seven meters.
Chitose Nagi: Visibility: extremely good.
Chitose Nagi: Blind spot from the overseers patrolling the site: confirmed.
Chitose Nagi: Camouflage to hide from the gazes of the miners covered in mud: complete.
Chitose Nagi: Everything is going exactly according to my calculations.
Chitose Nagi: Today is another perfect day for observation.
I kill my breathing so thoroughly that even the sound of my heartbeat seems to be absorbed.
A little ahead‚ in the dim depths of the tunnel where the lantern hanging on the wall flickers weakly‚ a single boy grips a heavy iron pickaxe.
A hood pulled deeply over his head.
The same familiar appearance as always.
A slightly rounded‚ adorable hunch of the shoulders.
He never tries to involve himself with those around him more than necessary‚ yet if someone is in trouble‚ he extends a hand as if it is the most natural thing in the world‚ without seeking any reward whatsoever.
In the ten years since then‚ he has not changed in the slightest.
Chitose Nagi: —My beloved Takuto-kun.
He slowly raises the pickaxe.
Chitose Nagi: Unconsciously‚ I tightly clasp both hands in front of my chest.
Chitose Nagi: It’s coming.
Through his clothes‚ the muscles of his shoulders flex gracefully.
The angle of his elbow changes sharply‚ his hips sink slightly‚ and his center of gravity shifts.
And then—drawing a fluid trajectory from which every bit of wasted force has been stripped away.
—Clang.
A pleasant‚ dry‚ hard sound echoes through the tunnel.
Fragments of stone spill from the shattered bedrock like tears‚ scattering down.
Chitose Nagi: …Beautiful.
Chitose Nagi: How beautiful it is.
Chitose Nagi: I love him.
I love him so much I cannot put it into words.
As always‚ the way Takuto-kun swings down his pickaxe is so perfected that no work of art in the entire world could ever reach it.
Chitose Nagi: I desperately tighten my cheeks‚ which threaten to loosen into a foolish smile.
Chitose Nagi: Dangerous.
If I let my face soften here‚ the name of a lady would be ruined.
As it is‚ I am staring at every part of a boy of the same age from the shadows in this muddy tunnel.
Far from merely suspicious‚ from an objective standpoint I am completely that of a suspicious person.
Chitose Nagi: But it cannot be helped‚ can it?
Chitose Nagi: Because I like him.
Because I love him to the point of madness.
Chitose Nagi: Wanting to keep every aspect of the one I love within my field of vision at all times should be a perfectly natural desire for a maiden in love.
Chitose Nagi: …At the very least‚ I am certain of that.
In my original world—at that school—I was evaluated a little differently.
Chitose Nagi.
Excellent grades.
Impeccable manners.
Her cooking rivals that of professionals‚ and she handles all household chores perfectly.
She treats everyone without discrimination and never fails to wear a gentle smile.
Boys revere her as
“the flower on the high peak‚”
girls adore her as
“the ideal lady‚”
and she is deeply trusted by the teachers.
It is a little embarrassing to say it myself‚ but I was a rather well-regarded student.
Chitose Nagi: —But all of those were nothing more than a disguise (skill) I polished solely so that Takuto-kun would turn his eyes toward me.
Once again‚ he swings the pickaxe.
Clang.
As if drawn by that sound‚ I again raise a silent cheer deep in my chest.
Chitose Nagi: …Cool.
My eyes were not mistaken after all.
Five years ago‚ on the day I was taken in by foster parents.
I despaired‚ believing I would never see him again.
Even so‚ I never forgot about him for even a single second.
◇
Ten years ago.
Takuto-kun came to that dilapidated orphanage where I was staying.
I still remember the scene of that day vividly.
He did not appear in a dazzling manner like a hero from a fairy tale.
Nor did he scream and cry over the tragedy of being separated from his parents.
He simply passed through the gate of the old orphanage with slightly uneasy eyes.
A new‚ quiet boy who had just arrived.
At first‚ that was all he was.
I began by observing him from afar.
He was a boy of few words.
Even when the other children noisily and innocently ran about in the din‚ he always stood alone a little apart.
Reading an old book by himself.
Leaning against a soot-stained wall.
Or simply gazing at the clouds drifting uncertainly across the sky.
Yet in strange ways‚ he was terribly kind.
If someone fell and scraped their knee‚ he would silently offer a hand.
If a younger child cried from loneliness‚ he would not offer clever words of comfort; he would simply sit quietly beside them.
If a child wanted his snack‚ he would glance once and then‚ as if it were the most natural thing‚ offer half.
And above all—he himself never realized in the slightest that it was “special goodwill.”
One day.
During the distributed meal‚ a small younger child dropped their black bread onto the dirt and began crying loudly.
There was no more food left anywhere for that child that day.
Takuto-kun stared for just a moment at the small ration of bread in his own hand.
Then—with the same naturalness as breathing‚ he unhesitatingly broke it in half.
And gently handed it to the child whose face was wet with tears.
I could not take my eyes off the entire sequence.
That was all.
Literally‚ it was nothing more than an ordinary scene.
And yet.
From that moment—I began to follow behind Takuto-kun as if I had been caught by an irresistible gravity.
In the morning‚ when Takuto-kun woke‚ I woke too.
When he went to the dining hall‚ I went as well.
When he went out to the yard‚ I followed after him.
When he read a book‚ I sat beside him; when he went out to play‚ I trailed after him like a shadow wherever he went.
One time‚ Takuto-kun turned around with a puzzled look and asked me.
Takuto: “Nagi‚ why do you always follow me?”
Chitose Nagi: I smiled‚ pretending innocence.
Chitose Nagi: “Just a coincidence.”
A coincidence.
From that day on‚ I would repeat a meticulously calculated
“coincidence”
thousands‚ tens of thousands of times.
Looking back now‚ even then my mind was already quite distorted.
But the young me of those days had no way of knowing that the emotion burning fiercely in my chest was “love.”
◇
Another five years passed.
Talk arose of me being matched with wealthy foster parents.
I was to leave the orphanage.
Everyone around me offered their congratulations one after another.
A new home‚ a new life‚ a bright future.
And yet‚ while packing my belongings‚ I was alone‚ suppressing my voice as tears flowed.
Being separated from Takuto-kun was so painful it felt as if my body were being torn apart.
But as nothing more than a powerless child‚ I simply could not figure out how to take his hand and lead him with me.
So on the final day—I told Takuto-kun.
Chitose Nagi: “Let’s meet again‚ okay?”
He nodded with his usual face like a calm sea.
Takuto: “Yeah.
See you.”
Only that‚ a promise far too short.
And yet for five years I repeatedly ruminated on those words deep in my heart.
And I firmly resolved.
The next time we meet.
I will become a girl without a single flaw‚ one who will make Takuto-kun beg‚
“I like you.”
I trained relentlessly in cooking.
So that I could completely seize his stomach.
I mastered cleaning and sewing as well.
So that I could manage and support every aspect of his life.
I devoted myself to studies and acquired refined etiquette.
I thoroughly researched everything: a bearing that would never bring shame in public‚ the angle of a smile that would make me look most charming‚ a tone of voice pleasant to the ear.
For five years I accumulated training so severe it felt as if I were coughing up blood.
All so that I could meet Takuto-kun again and make him choose me.
And then—in that high school classroom.
I achieved a miraculous reunion.
The moment the door was flung open.
By the window seat was the familiar figure of the boy with his hood pulled deep over his head.
Just seeing that back‚ I knew instinctively.
Chitose Nagi: —It’s Takuto-kun.
My heart pounded madly‚ so hard I thought my ribs might shatter.
Yet I perfectly suppressed that fierce emotion and pretended complete calm.
As a flawless lady worthy of being by his side.
Chitose Nagi: “…Long time no see.”
I called out quietly‚ in a voice like rolling a little bell.
Takuto-kun widened his eyes a little and said‚
Takuto: “Huh… Chitose?”
He remembered me.
That alone made me feel as if I might collapse on the spot and wail‚ but I desperately held it back and simply showed a smile filled with dignity.
Chitose Nagi: “Yeah.
Long time no see.”
From that day on‚ at the school I completely performed the role of the “perfect girl” without a single flaw.
I opened handmade lunches filled with care‚ taught studies gently when asked‚ and took the lead in helping those in trouble.
And—I always continued to stay in the corner of Takuto-kun’s field of vision.
It was perfect.
It should have been the supreme approach‚ with nothing better possible.
—And yet.
Takuto-kun never noticed even a fragment of the passion deeper and heavier than a lake that I held.
Takuto: “Chitose‚ you’re really good at cooking‚ huh.”
Chitose Nagi: Wrong.
I only want to use my skills for you.
Takuto: “Chitose‚ you’re really caring‚ huh.”
Chitose Nagi: Wrong.
I only want to take care of Takuto-kun.
Takuto: “Chitose will probably make a good wife someday.”
Chitose Nagi: ….
That night.
In my room‚ in bed‚ I writhed in agony for about three hours while biting the edge of my pillow to shreds.
And the next morning‚ as if nothing had happened‚ I greeted him with a pure smile without a single cloud.
Because I am—the perfect lady.
◇
And then the sudden otherworld summoning.
A solemn temple.
A huge magic circle drawn on the floor.
A landscape of a foreign land I had never seen.
Knights clad in heavy armor.
The appraisal ceremony to measure our abilities.
I was certain that there my “fate” would be decided.
The result shown by my innate talent was—.
—Unique Class “Saintess.”
S-rank.
The surroundings erupted as if exploding.
High officials who seemed to be royalty stood up excitedly‚ and the priests made sounds of reverence in their throats.
But I watched that uproar with a thoroughly cold head‚ as if it were someone else’s affair.
Such a title didn’t matter at all.
The only thing I cared about was—Takuto-kun’s appraisal‚ that alone.
And then his appraisal began.
Priest: “Shiki Takuto.”
The priest’s solemn voice echoes against the marble ceiling.
Priest: “Unique Skill—【Clairvoyance】.”
A murmur like a ripple spreads through the hall.
Priest: “Class—Miner.”
Further merciless pronouncements continue.
Priest: “E-rank.”
The air that had dominated the temple changed in an instant.
Someone snorted‚ someone shrugged in exasperation.
Everyone openly took a step away from him.
Soldier A: “A miner‚ huh…”
Soldier B: “And of all things‚ E-rank.”
Soldier C: “And clairvoyance? Planning to peep at the women’s bath or something?”
Soldier D: “Completely drew a dud.”
At that moment‚ I—.
Deep in my chest‚ I was in mad joy.
My soul was trembling with delight so much it frightened even me.
Because isn’t that so?
Takuto-kun was no longer looked at by anyone in this world.
Everyone is leaving him.
Then only I can monopolize the place closest to him forever.
Takuto-kun is still scratching his head a little troubledly‚ as usual.
Gazing at that endearing figure‚ I became certain.
Chitose Nagi: —At last.
Chitose Nagi: At last I can make Takuto-kun mine alone.
Unconsciously‚ I activated another innate talent sleeping in my own abyss.
Unique Skill—【Class Change Copy】.
Copy target.
—“Miner.”
I discarded the seat of S-rank Saintess‚ praised as a national treasure‚ as if it were roadside trash.
There was not a millimeter of hesitation.
Rather‚ I even felt a refreshing clarity in my chest.
Yes‚ of course.
Because I can go to the same gentle bottom-tier world as Takuto-kun.
The same occupation.
The same mine.
The same level of life.
When I wake in the morning‚ Takuto-kun is there.
When I go to the site‚ Takuto-kun is there.
When the day’s labor ends‚ Takuto-kun is right beside me.
Chitose Nagi: …The best.
Is there any greater happiness in this world?
In my heart I was making a hot‚ powerful guts pose.
But.
There an unexpected absurdity—a system error bared its fangs.
His unique skill—【Clairvoyance】.
It was the moment after finishing the class copy and shifting to the linked skill replication mode.
—Beeeeep.
An unpleasant warning sound blared loudly in my brain‚ and the temple’s magic circle flickered in an ominous blood-red color.
Unknown strings of text filled my vision one after another and then dissipated.
【Warning: Target’s unique ability—Out of Spec (Error)】
【Does not match existing world definitions】
【Copy processing—Fatal Error】
【Initiating alternative processing.
Reconstructing new ability from junk data】
I tilted my head curiously.
And at the end of the confusion‚ a single cold string of text floated up.
【Acquired Unique Skill: 《Gambling》】
………….
My unique skill 【Class Change Copy】‚ which had been my trump card‚ completely disappeared‚ and in its place it transformed into the grotesque bug skill 【Gambling】 of unknown nature.
I simply stood there in silence.
Gambling.
What is this?
Honestly speaking‚ for me who prided myself on being a perfect lady‚ it was a resonance far too lacking in refinement and unwelcome.
But I had obtained the bond of the same “Miner” as Takuto-kun.
For me‚ that alone was more than enough grace.
◇
And so I descended upon this Northern Mine.
I completed the official assignment procedures with a demure smile‚ and outwardly as a lovely bottom-tier miner.
And now—.
From this dim shadow I am intensely watching my beloved Takuto-kun.
He swung the pickaxe powerfully once more.
Clang.
Fragments of ore spilling from the rock face.
I was deeply enraptured by that sight and slightly lifted the corner of my lips.
Ten years.
It truly was an endlessly long span of time.
But at last I have reached Takuto-kun’s side (physical distance: approximately thirty-seven meters).
Chitose Nagi: …I still have not attempted direct contact with him himself‚ but.
There is no problem.
I have a lifetime of time from now on.
Since I endured five years of loneliness‚ I will continue waiting for however many more years it takes.
Someday.
Someday without fail.
I will have only myself reflected in Takuto-kun’s eyes.
—And make those lips beg‚ “I like you.”
For that‚ I will continue treading upon his shadow no matter how far.
Even if it is to the end of the world‚ or to the bottom of an unfathomable hell.
While firmly swearing so in my heart‚ I once again directed a passionate gaze from the shadows toward my most beloved back.
In that instant.
Takuto-kun’s body suddenly turned this way.
Chitose Nagi: “—!”
Reflexively I held my breath and slipped my body even deeper into the old rock shadow.
My heart pounded fiercely deep in my chest like a rapid alarm bell.
Chitose Nagi: …That was close.
But—after holding my breath for several tens of seconds‚ I quietly peeked out and checked on him.
Takuto-kun was already facing forward again‚ raising the heavy pickaxe once more.
With a sigh of relief I stroked my chest‚ and then slightly twisted my lips at the dark delight welling up from deep within.
Chitose Nagi: Today as well.
There is no problem at all.
Chitose Nagi: I am perfect.
Chitose Nagi: —Because I am the perfect pursuer (lady) of Takuto-kun.
In the morning mountains‚ the cold remnants of night still lingered densely.
Dense fog hung low‚ refusing visibility.
The wind blowing through the giant trees of the primeval forest was terribly cold‚ carrying the scent of damp earth and dead leaves.
—《Death-Eating Valley》.
Around an old wooden fortress located in its deepest part‚ more than a dozen armed shadows were monitoring from a distance.
An elite unit of the Royal Knights.
To thoroughly eradicate the extremely vicious bandits “Black Wolf Band” who had been rampaging around the royal capital‚ only those particularly skilled in actual combat had been selected.
The man standing at the front was in his mid-forties.
His sunburned face‚ reminiscent of rock face exposed to wind and rain‚ was carved with countless old scars.
Above his left eye was a deep mark slashed diagonally.
On his back he carried a huge black scythe the size of his own height‚ which was also his trademark.
The man’s name was Dash Rain.
A veteran general of countless muddy battles to the death‚ unmatched in the kingdom.
Dash: “…So that’s the Black Wolf Band’s stronghold.”
Dash pierced the fortress hazy beyond the white fog with sharp eyes.
Adjutant: “Yes.
According to the scouts’ report‚ members number thirty to forty.
Human trafficking‚ robbery‚ murder‚ and even smuggling of illegal magical tools.
Even just the confirmed additional crimes are too many to enumerate.”
The adjutant standing beside him responded accurately in a lowered voice.
Dash: “Any change in movements since yesterday?”
Adjutant: “None at all.
No signs of ambushes around the fortress either.”
Dash: “Is that so.”
Dash nodded shortly in a voice that crawled along the ground.
This mission was extremely simple.
Subdue the Black Wolf Band.
Capture them alive if possible; if they resist‚ exercise force without mercy.
Then drag the criminals to the royal capital’s court.
Just that.
It was different from the blood-for-blood border battlefields‚ and not a desperate great war against demons beyond human knowledge.
The opponents were‚ after all‚ just a gathering of rotten humans.
That was precisely why‚ as one leading elites‚ even the slightest blunder could not be permitted.
Dash: “…Let’s go.”
Dash quietly raised the back of his thick hand.
—It was that instant.
Mage: “…Please wait.”
The unit’s dedicated mage who had been standing in the rear let out a voice as if his throat were constricted.
Dash: “What’s wrong.”
Mage: “Something… is there.”
The air clearly changed quality.
The faint bird songs and insect sounds that had been echoing from the depths of the forest until just earlier had completely disappeared at some point.
Even the wind that had been blowing through stopped dead.
Only‚ far ahead.
From the depths of the fortress hazy in the fog‚ a piercing presence drifted.
—“Something” is there.
Dash: “An ambush?
How many?”
Mage: “…I cannot distinguish.”
Dash: “Cannot distinguish?”
Mage: “Too many… no‚ it’s not something so mild.”
The blood drained from the mage’s face so clearly that it was visible even in the dim fog.
Mage: “No‚ Captain.”
Dash: “What’s different.”
Mage: “It’s not that the numbers are many…!”
The mage made a sound in his throat and swallowed a terribly heavy saliva.
Mage: “…The magical power (specs) of each individual inside is far too abnormal.
They completely exceed the measurement limits…!”
Dash deeply furrowed the wrinkles between his brows.
Dash: “High-ranking demons?”
Mage: “…I don’t know.
It’s as if monsters of a different dimension are gathered in one place…”
Receiving that desperate evil report‚ Dash quietly lowered the back of his thick hand that had been raised toward the sky.
Dash: “Everyone‚ do not move a muscle from that spot.”
Not a single person moved.
The elites who had survived muddy battles to the death silently placed their fingers lightly on the hilts of their weapons and shifted to maximum combat readiness.
Dash narrowed his eyes and glared forward.
The extraordinary presence seeping stickily from that old fortress.
What on earth is the true identity of that.
It is not a magical power that mere bandits of that level could hide.
It is as if the end of the world itself is quietly seated upon that land—.
◇
At that time.
Inside the fortress.
A woman with silver-thread hair‚ wearing a pure white apron‚ quietly raised her face.
Flute: “…Something is approaching.”
It was Flute.
She stopped the fluid‚ flawless floor-wiping motion using the snap of her wrist.
The place that until the previous day had been the filthy den of the bandits had now been reborn into a space so clean it was unrecognizable.
Not a single speck of dust fell on the polished floor.
Clean white cloths hung on the soot-stained walls‚ and minimal repairs had been applied to the damaged furniture.
That said‚ it was still only the day after yesterday.
It was far from complete as a perfect reception hall (base) to welcome the supreme Demon King-sama.
In a corner of the room‚ Harmonica was organizing (hacking) the secret account books left by the bandits with super-parallel calculations of a fraction of a second.
In another corner‚ Castanets was sharply inspecting the sanitary environment of the mad kitchen (dystopia kitchen) for the master.
And Cello was—.
Standing expressionlessly by the window where light streamed in.
Cello: “Enemy?”
Cello asked in a voice like a little bird’s song.
Flute: “I don’t know.”
Flute quietly closed her eyelids and sent probing magical power into the atmosphere.
She precisely deciphered the waves invading from outside.
Numbers.
Positions.
Speed.
Armament.
And the type of life forms—.
Flute: “…Humans.”
Cello: “Humans.”
Flute: “Yes.
An armed group.”
Flute sank into a sea of contemplation for just a little.
Then she connected a direct telepathic call to the master far away.
Flute: 『Takuto-sama』
Takuto: 『Hm? What is it?』
Northern Mines of the Royal Capital・Mining Site.
Takuto was diligently digging ore today as well.
To be precise‚ he was simply gripping the iron bar for mining and staring blankly at the rock wall—in other words‚ he had entered a perfect slacking posture.
Flute: 『I have an emergency report.』
Takuto: 『Again?』
Flute: 『Yes.
Currently‚ someone is approaching our base.』
Takuto: 『People? Or monsters?』
Flute: 『Armed humans.』
Takuto: 『Then‚ for now‚ how about confirming information? Negotiation or something.』
Flute: 『…Understood.』
It was an extremely casual exchange of only that much.
For Takuto‚ there was nothing in this world more important than the labor problem right in front of him of “how to healthily kill time until the end of the shift.”
Therefore Flute did not seek further instructions.
Flute: “Cello.”
Cello: “Yes.”
Flute: “I have received an order from Takuto-sama for information gathering.
Please go take a look.”
Cello: “…Understood.”
Flute: “However.”
Flute coldly reminded the girl who never considered her own armament.
Flute: “Absolutely do not fight.”
Cello: “Yes.”
Flute: “Refrain from unnecessary killing.
Takuto-sama loves peace.”
Cello: “Yes.”
Flute: “If you sense danger‚ withdraw immediately.”
Cello: “…Yes.”
Cello nodded deeply with an expressionless face.
And without making a single footstep‚ she melted into the milky-white fog from the window.
There was no weapon in her hands.
The huge scythe she had favored when she was a demon no longer existed.
The moment the ritual of race change to human was completed‚ everything judged as exclusive equipment for the aberrant form had turned to dust and vanished.
Therefore the current Cello was a completely unarmed‚ seemingly frail human girl.
—That was how it should have been.
◇
Through the forest sunk in dense fog‚ Cello walked.
Her footsteps did not even make the sound of treading on the dry leaves of the ground.
Eventually‚ ahead‚ multiple heavily equipped shadows leapt into view.
Cello quietly held her breath and peeked from the shadow of an old giant tree.
Humans.
More than a dozen.
Dull-shining armor‚ tempered swords‚ spears‚ bows.
And—.
Cello: “…………”
Cello’s glass-bead-like pupils locked onto a certain point.
The man with a deep scar on his face standing at the front.
That robust back.
Carried there—a terribly splendid black “scythe.”
Cello: “…Scythe.”
She murmured in a small‚ thin voice.
Cello continued staring intently from the shadows at that black lump of iron.
A thick steel blade emitting a dull black light.
A long handle stained with countless hand marks from use.
Its size and sense of weight were more than satisfactory.
It was cheap human iron that could not compare to the demonic masterpiece she had once favored.
But—.
It was unmistakably a beautiful “scythe.”
Cello: “…………”
I want it.
I want it terribly.
Cello’s pure and innocent gaze locked onto the scythe on Dash’s back and would not move a step.
◇
On the other side‚ Dash had completely frozen his body.
From the tree shadow ahead‚ a gaze of pure “obsession” that pierced the retina was being released.
And from the fortress even further beyond‚ the waves of desperate magical power of a different dimension seeping stickily.
Dash: —What is this.
This hideousness.
It was clearly different from before.
It was as if the forest itself was covering some huge and overwhelming calamity.
Dash: “…Everyone‚ don’t move.”
Adjutant: “Captain…?”
Dash: “Don’t make a sound.
Even your breathing‚ make it as shallow as possible to the limit.”
Dash slowly shifted his gaze to the entrance of the fortress.
And then—.
He saw it.
Beyond the white fog.
A single shadow standing before the fortress gate.
Silver-thread hair as if spun from moonlight.
Blood-red‚ bottomlessly clear eyes.
A quiet stance that excluded every opening.
The moment he saw that‚ at the bottom of the memory of the veteran general Dash‚ the hellish battlefield of more than ten years ago vividly revived.
Silver as far as the eye could see.
It dyed black-red with abundant blood.
A land of frozen corpses.
And in the middle of tens of thousands of humans fleeing in despair‚ a single woman walking quietly as if taking a stroll.
Silver hair.
Crimson eyes.
Just by her passing‚ the air froze‚ and human lives scattered as lightly as fallen leaves.
The human soldiers‚ filled with despair and awe‚ called that monster this:
—“Ice Demon.”
Dash: “…No way.”
Dash’s thick lips trembled pitifully.
Adjutant: “Captain? What is the matter‚ what on earth…”
Dash: “That is‚ you all…”
None of the subordinates understood the situation.
Only Dash‚ who had barely survived the hell of the front lines‚ understood with his skin the weight of despair that silver hair meant.
Dash: “That is… of the Eastern Demon King’s Army…”
His voice rasped like dry sand.
Dash: “The current Demon King’s Army・Supreme Leader‚ that person…!”
The moment that detestable name slid into their ears‚ the blood drained from the faces of all the elite unit members at once.
Soldier E: “…Eastern Demon King’s Army!?”
Soldier F: “Impossible‚ why would a monster that threatens the nation be in a bandit fortress in such a remote place…”
Soldier G: “Ridiculous… it can’t be!”
Dash clenched his fist so hard blood oozed.
In his brain‚ the previous absurd points connected in the worst form‚ and a blood-freezing truth took shape.
Dash: “Those fools of the Black Wolf Band…”
After all‚ they were just a bandit group.
Social pests who earned pocket money with human trafficking and illegal dealings.
Such mere punks.
Dash: “Of all things‚ they touched the reverse scale of that Eastern Demon King’s Army—god…!”
Adjutant: “Captain!”
The adjutant raised a grief-stricken voice‚ his throat raw.
Adjutant: “Shall we retreat immediately!”
Soldier H: “But then the completion of the mission!”
Dash: “Immediately!!”
Dash shouted with a desperation he had never shown before.
Dash: “Before they notice us‚ leave this place with full force without making a sound!”
Adjutant: “But our supreme objective should be the annihilation of the Black Wolf Band and the capture of its members!”
Dash: “Are you a real idiot with brains stuffed full of muscle!!”
Dash roughly grabbed the adjutant’s collar.
Dash: “If you make a clumsy move here‚ this country‚ the kingdom itself will perish in a single night!!!”
Adjutant: “…!”
Dash: “Have you forgotten that battlefield!”
The thick voice of the veteran general was visibly trembling.
It was not anger.
It was none other than absolute “fear” that could not be resisted.
Dash: “From His Majesty the King and the Supreme Knight Commander as well‚ you should have been told until your ears grew calluses!”
The Eastern Demon King’s Army.
Only with that fanatical army that boasts absolute inviolability—.
Dash: “Absolutely do not lay a hand! Do not engage! Do not give even the slightest stimulation!”
Dash: “As long as they are on the defensive they will not bare their fangs.
But once they take action—”
Dash stared at the silver-haired woman standing beyond the white fog with eyes dyed in despair.
Dash: “This prosperous kingdom will literally vanish from the map in an ‘instant’…!”
—It was immediately after that.
Cello‚ who had been lurking in the shadow of the giant tree.
Cello‚ who had been directing a greedy gaze at the scythe on Dash’s back.
Suddenly exchanged gazes straight with them.
Cello: “…………”
Dash’s heart leaped as if it would fly out of his throat.
Dash: —We’ve been found.
Dash: “Guh…”
A waterfall of cold sweat poured from Dash’s forehead.
Dash: “Already… our approach had been completely seen through…”
Driven by extreme fear‚ the subordinates half-panicked and tried to raise their weapons.
Soldier I: “Captain!”
Soldier J: “We have no choice but to fight!”
Dash: “Idiots‚ stop!!”
Dash immediately shouted and forcibly held down the hilt of the sword the adjutant had started to draw.
Dash: “Everyone‚ lower your weapons! Do not show even a fragment of intent to resist!”
While the elites could not hide their confusion‚ Captain Dash himself slowly removed the heavy sword at his waist and quietly placed it on the muddy ground.
Dash: “We…”
Then slowly raised both hands to the sky.
A complete display of surrender intent.
Dash: “Have not the slightest intention of opposing you gentlemen.”
Cello continued watching their behavior with an unfathomable expressionless face.
Cello: “…………”
Dash: “Please.”
Dash knelt in the mud and then deeply bowed his head.
Dash: “I prostrate myself and apologize for this rudeness.
Please‚ overlook us.”
A heavy silence.
A cold wind passed through the forest dyed milky white.
Cello’s gaze remained directed solely at the scythe on Dash’s back.
Cello: “…………”
Dash‚ who had been prostrating in the mud‚ finally noticed the madly passionate heat that gaze held.
Dash: “…Is this what you desire?”
Cello: “…………”
Nod.
The taciturn girl tilted her small head and nodded.
Dash’s cheeks twisted into a distorted smile from excessive fear.
Dash: “…Is that so‚ then.”
With slow movements he removed the beloved item (scythe) on his back that had shared joys and sorrows with him for many years.
Dash: “Then—”
He quietly laid it on the mud.
Dash: “As proof of the vow that we have no hostility whatsoever‚ I shall present this to you.”
Cello: “…!”
Cello’s glass-bead-like inorganic pupils widened slightly.
She walked over with light steps and carefully lifted the scythe that easily exceeded her own height with both hands as if handling something fragile.
Cello: “…Thank you.”
Hearing that lovely single word like a small bud blooming.
Dash‚ of all things‚ while on the brink of death‚ held an out-of-place thought.
Dash: —C-cute.
No‚ wrong.
That’s not it‚ is my brain going mad.
This is not the time to be immersed in such weak sentimentality.
Dash bit the inside of his mouth hard and desperately recalled his reason.
This must be a mental contamination (trap) of high-ranking demons that drives human minds mad.
The opponent is a cadre of that Eastern Demon King’s Army.
Not even an instant of carelessness or the slightest stimulation could be permitted.
◇
At that time.
Flute standing before the fortress gate was listening to the telepathic report that arrived from Cello.
Flute: 『Takuto-sama』
Takuto: 『Hm? What’s wrong?』
Flute: 『Regarding the approaching group‚ they suddenly abandoned all armament and showed complete surrender intent.』
Takuto: 『Is that so.
Then that solves it.
That’s good.』
Flute: 『In this case‚ is their annihilation still unnecessary?』
Takuto: 『…………』
Takuto remained gripping the mining pickaxe and sank into silence for a while‚ holding his head.
Takuto: “Hey‚ Flute-san.”
Flute: 『Yes.』
Takuto: “From the beginning I haven’t given a single word of instruction for annihilation‚ okay!?”
Flute: 『…』
Beyond the telepathy‚ the sense of Flute quietly blinking was transmitted.
Flute: 『…I apologize.
It was my shallow hasty conclusion.』
Takuto: “Also.”
Flute: 『Yes.』
Takuto: “It seems Cello received something from the enemy as a proof of peace.”
Flute: 『What?』
Takuto: “A scythe.”
Flute: 『…Why a scythe!?』
Takuto thought deeply‚ deeply.
Takuto: “Wait a bit.”
Flute: 『Yes.』
Takuto: “Those enemy people.”
Flute: 『Yes.』
Takuto: “Could they perhaps be regular soldiers of the kingdom army who came to subjugate those bandits?”
Flute: 『That possibility is extremely high.』
Takuto: “…………”
Takuto looked up at the invisible sky beyond the ceiling of the damp tunnel.
It must be blue.
Today should also be perfect autumn clear weather.
And yet why am I worrying my head over this stomach-aching negotiation at the bottom of this abyss.
Takuto: “The place where Flute-san and the others are now.”
Flute: 『Yes.』
Takuto: “Originally it was the bandit group’s hideout‚ right?”
Flute: 『That is correct.』
Takuto: “Then…”
Takuto desperately wrung out a peaceful solution.
Takuto: “I think the kingdom army people also have ‘face’ that means they can’t go home empty-handed.”
Flute: “Face‚ is it.
Empty vanity unique to humans.”
Takuto: “Yeah.
So if there are stolen goods left in the fortress or something‚ hand them all over to them.
Make it their achievement.”
Flute: 『…………』
Takuto: “And then.”
Takuto continued further.
Takuto: “Have them make it as if ‘the Black Wolf Band was annihilated by us‚ the kingdom army‚’ and negotiate for them to return peacefully‚ how about that?”
Flute: 『…………』
Takuto: “No good?”
Flute: 『No.』
Flute’s clear voice like rolling a little bell bounced a little.
Flute: 『I have firmly listened to the master’s deep will.』
Takuto nodded with heartfelt relief.
Takuto: “Then‚ please handle it peacefully.”
Flute: 『Please leave everything to this Flute.』
There‚ the telepathy cut off with a snap.
Flute quietly straightened her posture.
Then she appeared composedly before the subjugation force that was still prostrating in the mud.
Her long silver hair‚ like melted moonlight‚ swayed beautifully in the cold wind.
Flute: “…………”
Dash looked up at that all-too-divine figure.
And—this time he knelt even deeper‚ forehead scraping the ground.
Dash: “This time…”
The voice that should have belonged to a veteran general was trembling pitifully in small increments.
Dash: “We foolishly entered your sacred domain of rule without permission…”
He rubbed his head even deeper against the earth.
Dash: “Even if we did not know‚ there is no room for excuse.”
Flute: “…”
Dash: “Please‚ please forgive our kingdom’s discourtesy…!”
Flute tilted her head curiously.
Flute: “There is no need to be so formal.”
Dash: “No!”
Dash immediately denied those words on the edge of speaking.
Dash: “We will be formal with all our might!!”
Flute: “…Is that so.”
Flute was somewhat confused inwardly.
Such peaceful negotiation was the field she was least skilled in.
Coldly intimidating the enemy and making them shudder was easy.
Functionally commanding a large army‚ or physically annihilating a foolish nation‚ was no trouble at all.
But—friendly approach.
And concession.
This was an unknown domain she had never experienced even once in the ten years as acting supreme commander of the Eastern Demon King’s Army.
Flute: “Then.”
Flute faithfully put Takuto’s words into action.
Flute: “There is one request I have of you.”
Dash: “A-anything you say! If it is something we can do‚ anything!”
Flute: “The large amount of stolen goods that were here.”
Gold coins‚ ornaments‚ ominous magical tools that the former bandits had gathered by force.
And items stripped by violence from the lives of nameless people.
When Flute waved her slender fingertips‚ they floated lightly with magical power and were neatly lined up before the subjugation force.
Flute: “Please take all of these back.”
Dash: “…?”
Dash was completely thrown into the abyss of confusion.
Dash: “But… these are your legitimate spoils of war‚ are they not?”
Flute: “They are the bandits’ stolen goods.”
Dash: “…Yes.
I am fully aware of that‚ but.”
Flute: “By our master’s order‚ we return them to the people of the kingdom who are the original owners.”
Dash: “…………”
Dash’s face twisted complexly.
Dash: “…We take these back‚ you say?”
Flute: “Yes.
And it is perfectly fine for you to make the annihilation of the Black Wolf Band your ‘achievement’ as the kingdom army.”
Dash: “No‚ that is absolutely out of the question!”
Dash shook his head so hard it seemed it would tear off.
Dash: “That is far too… far too presumptuous!”
Flute: “?”
Dash: “For lowly beings like us‚ it is a great crime we cannot possibly accept!!”
Flute: “…?”
Dash: “For us to snatch from the side the gold and military achievements that you obtained with your absolute martial force… such disrespectful and impudent acts‚ I swear to the gods we cannot do!”
Flute: “That is incorrect.”
Flute lowered her brows as if truly at a loss.
Flute: “These are impure stolen goods‚ you know? They are unnecessary to us in every way.”
Dash: “…………”
Flute: “So please take them back quickly and return them to the people of the kingdom.”
Dash: “…………”
Dash kept his forehead rubbed against the mud and literally poured a waterfall of oily sweat.
Dash: “Please‚ only that‚ I beg you to spare us!”
Flute: “Why? I think it is not a bad story for either of us.”
Dash: “If we lightly accept such an exceptional condition…”
Dash endured a stomach pain as if his innards were being wrung like a rag and squeezed out words painfully.
Dash: “Because there is an extremely high possibility that it will later be used as a pretext to claim ‘our kingdom plundered the Eastern Demon King’s Army’s treasure’ and become the excuse for catastrophic retaliation…!!”
Flute: “We will not deliberately set up such troublesome schemes‚ you know?”
Dash: “…………”
Flute: “It is true.
Above all‚ our master does not desire such underhanded acts either.”
Flute answered extremely matter-of-factly and seriously.
However‚ Dash tried to read the underside of the underside and wandered into a desperate dead end instead.
Dash: “Though it is presumptuous…”
Flute: “Yes.”
Dash: “Our kingdom.”
Dash raised his mud-covered face with the resolve of one prepared for death.
Dash: “Sincerely desires a ‘true friendly relationship’ with you of the Eastern Demon King’s Army from the bottom of our hearts.
That is precisely why we cannot create easy debts here.”
Flute furrowed her beautiful brows as if spun from moonlight and sank into a sea of contemplation for a while.
Then she again connected the direct line (telepathy) to the master.
Flute: 『Takuto-sama』
Takuto: 『Hm? Did the negotiation end safely?』
Flute: 『No.
They strongly desire a friendly relationship with us and stubbornly refuse even the items we tried to bestow.』
Takuto: 『Is that so.
They’re quite earnest people.』
Flute: 『What should we do?』
Takuto leaned his weight on the handle of the pickaxe in the cold tunnel and thought a little.
Then he spoke a conclusion that was extremely simple and natural for him.
Takuto: “Well‚ they’re going to be long-term neighbors from now on.
Getting along is the best.”
Flute: 『…!』
At that moment‚ Flute’s crimson pupils sparkled with sparks of joy.
Flute: 『I have firmly engraved the master’s infinite compassion deeper than the sea into my soul.』
And then—.
To the old general still trembling and prostrating in the mud before her‚ Flute solemnly declared.
Flute: “I understand.”
Dash: “…!”
Flute: “As the acting representative of the Eastern Demon King’s Army.”
She declared quietly with absolute dignity as if leading the stars of the galaxy behind her.
Flute: “As long as your country does not launch unnecessary invasions this way—”
One beat.
Flute: “We of the Demon King’s Army shall officially treat your country as a ‘friendly nation.’”
Dash’s eyes opened to the limit.
Dash: “…!!”
For a while‚ as if his throat had completely lost its physical function‚ no words came out at all.
And then‚ at the end of the confusion.
Dash: “…Thank you very much.”
He rubbed his forehead against the mud as hard as he could and bowed deeply‚ deeply.
Dash: “Truly…”
The voice of the veteran general was trembling with the relief of having returned from the brink of despair and with bottomless emotion.
Dash: “Thank you very much…!”
Dash slowly extended his trembling knees and stood up.
Dash: “This generous mercy.
At a later date‚ we shall bring a personal letter from His Majesty the King—”
Dash gazed at Flute’s otherworldly beauty with deep reverence.
Dash: “And visit this residence (base) as official envoys.”
Flute: “Yes.
We shall wait for you.”
Dash: “Then…”
Dash sharply looked at the subordinates who had barely returned from extreme tension.
Dash: “We withdraw! All members‚ about face!”
The elites turned their backs as if flicked and began running all at once.
No one looked back.
There was not a millimeter of mental leeway remaining for that.
Only one.
A young soldier running at the rear‚ seeing the familiar black scythe carefully held to Cello’s chest in the tree shadow.
Murmured small as if unable to suppress sympathy.
Young Soldier: “…That was the thoroughly cherished beloved item the captain bought with his first salary and had been carefully maintaining ever since…”
Dash: “I can hear you‚ you idiot!!”
From beyond the white fog ahead‚ Dash’s blood-vomiting shout flew.
Young Soldier: “S-sorry!”
Deep into the primeval forest spreading with dense fog.
The shadows of the kingdom army who had picked up their lives disappeared in a crawling manner.
Deep silence once again dominated the forest.
Cello was gazing at the scythe held in both hands with eyes carrying an entranced heat.
The dull black blade.
The handle used over long years.
The weight that fit as if it were part of her own body‚ confirming it.
Cello: “…Good.”
The mouth of the girl who was always expressionless like a Noh mask bloomed a little happily.
Recognizing that lovely appearance‚ Castanets clad in a dress elegantly bounced her voice.
Castanets: “Fufu‚ that’s good‚ Cello.”
Cello: “…Yeah.”
Harmonica also pushed up the bridge of her glasses with businesslike hands.
Harmonica: “Since you have obtained a fragile human weapon‚ later let us confirm the correct care and rust-prevention methods by referring to old books.”
Cello: “…Yeah.”
Flute was—.
While quietly watching that peaceful scene‚ she felt the depths of her own chest filling with a mysterious heat she had never known before.
Until yesterday.
They had been the cold cadres of the Eastern Demon King’s Army without blood or tears.
Living for war‚ killing for war‚ dying for war.
That alone had been their entire world‚ an everyday without room for doubt.
But what about now.
Cello is rejoicing like an innocent child at having obtained a weapon left by humans.
Harmonica is wringing her clear intellect over the calculation of peaceful secret account books.
Castanets is seriously worrying her head over the master’s lunch menu.
And I myself—am immersed in quiet sense of achievement while gazing at the sparkling floor without a single speck of dust.
Such thoroughly modest peace.
Was unbearably precious‚ and mysteriously so.
Flute: —Demon King-sama.
Flute looked up at the clear autumn sky without a single cloud.
At the same time.
Northern Mines of the Royal Capital.
Takuto was—.
Takuto: “…………”
Staring at the hard rock wall of the mining site with eyes of the utmost emptiness.
Today’s quota had long been finished with the first swing.
After that‚ until the moment the end-of-shift bell rings.
As long as I stroke the wall appropriately without standing out to those around‚ that is enough.
Takuto: “…Peaceful‚ huh.”
Takuto muttered listlessly from the bottom of his heart.
Far beyond the continuous mountains—.
The kingdom’s elite subjugation force was in the middle of returning‚ shedding tears of survival while grasping the historic first step connecting inter-national peace.
That grand and catastrophic misunderstanding of fact.
Takuto—.
Still knew nothing of it.
It was morning.
Thin dawn light slanted in from the small window of the lodging.
Takuto quietly opened his eyes.
The familiar soot-stained ceiling.
The familiar thin walls.
A tiny space of four and a half tatami where even breathing felt cramped.
—A morning no different from yesterday.
At least in Takuto’s eyes‚ that was how it appeared.
Takuto: “…Morning‚ huh.”
In the hard futon‚ he gazed at the wood grain of the ceiling for a while.
Quiet.
It truly was a good morning.
It was so quiet around that it was hard to believe this was a world where great nations were waging bloody wars.
In the distance‚ the heavy working sounds of the mine faintly echoed.
It was not yet the time for full-scale mining to begin‚ but the mountain was already awake.
Footsteps sounded‚ old doors opened‚ someone was preparing for today’s harsh labor.
Takuto exhaled a small‚ heavy breath.
Takuto: “…Work again today‚ huh.”
Same as yesterday.
Mining again today.
Achieve the quota quickly without standing out‚ and go straight home when the time comes.
That is fine.
That is good.
He possessed not a single ambition beyond that.
Takuto crawled out of the futon sluggishly.
—It was that instant.
Takuto: “…Huh?”
One of the socks that had been lying on the floor entered his sight.
He reached out casually to pick it up.
And then—.
Stop.
Takuto’s fingertips‚ without drawing any wasted trajectory‚ accurately pinched the end of the sock with perfect efficiency.
Takuto: “…”
Takuto alternately stared at his own palm and the sock.
It was nothing special.
He had just picked up a sock that had fallen on the floor.
And yet‚ strangely—it was abnormally easy to handle.
From which angle on the floor‚ where to place the fingers‚ would allow the most efficient and fastest pickup according to human body structure.
Without even calculating‚ it felt as if the brain “knew the correct answer from the beginning‚” an indescribable bizarre sensation remained.
Takuto: “…Am I still half-asleep?”
Tilting his head‚ he slid the sock onto his foot.
Next he reached for the shirt.
The clothes he had stripped off carelessly yesterday were casually hanging on the back of the chair.
Normally he would just roughly pull and peel them off.
But this morning was different.
Takuto: “…This angle is faster.”
Unconsciously‚ Takuto tilted the chair by millimeters.
Took the clothes.
Passed his arms through the sleeves.
Slid the chair back to its original position.
All movements completed smoothly like a precision clockwork doll‚ excluding every friction (stress).
It was just an ordinary morning scene of that much.
Takuto himself did not particularly mind it.
Washed his face.
Closed the faucet.
Took a cloth.
Wiped the water splashes.
After finishing the series of preparations‚ he casually looked back at the room.
Before he knew it‚ the four-and-a-half-tatami space that should have been dirty and messy was strangely sparkling clean as if a skilled cleaner had come in.
Takuto: “…?”
Takuto looked around the room suspiciously.
Clearly more orderly in outline than yesterday.
Even though he had no memory of doing any real wiping cleaning.
Takuto: “…Well‚ whatever.”
Takuto quickly abandoned deep thought.
Thinking would not produce an answer.
Rather than that‚ being late and catching the overseer’s eye would be far more troublesome.
◇
He headed to the lodging cafeteria.
Breakfast was‚ as always‚ a meager menu for bottom-tier laborers.
Black bread so hard it tired the jaw.
Thin vegetable soup with almost no ingredients.
And one boiled egg distributed as special reward.
Takuto: “…”
Takuto stared at the boiled egg on the table.
Appearance no different from yesterday.
Surely it would be reasonably delicious today as well.
Peeled the shell and took a bite.
Takuto: “…”
Chewed‚ and another bite.
Takuto: “…Salt‚ just two more milligrams would tighten the flavor.”
After murmuring that‚ Takuto stopped chewing.
Takuto: “…?”
Why did such a thought cross his mind.
It was not as if he was good at cooking‚ nor did he have absolute confidence in his own sense of taste.
And yet‚ somehow.
Unconsciously he pinched a bit of salt from the table and sprinkled it into the soup in a golden-ratio amount as if measured on a balance scale.
Brought the spoon to his mouth again.
Takuto: “…Yeah.”
It was supreme.
Out of place‚ a perfect harmony of flavors as if brought by a three-star restaurant kitchen filled his mouth.
Takuto deeply tilted his head.
Takuto: “…Did the me of until yesterday know something like this?”
Of course‚ no one answered.
Takuto thought seriously for about thirty seconds‚ which was serious for him.
And then—.
Takuto: “…Well‚ whatever.”
He returned his eyes to the bowl again.
The contents were the usual meager breakfast.
But inside the vessel that was Takuto‚ something clearly different from until yesterday was quietly but surely beginning to sprout.
◇
He headed to the mining site.
The morning tunnel was chillingly cold enough to pierce the skin.
Magical lamps installed at equal intervals on the rock walls dimly illuminated the labyrinth.
On the way to his work area‚ Takuto stopped at the tool storage.
He took his usual well-used favored pickaxe.
Takuto: “…”
The moment the weight of the iron rested on his palm‚ a strong sense of discomfort ran through him.
Takuto stared intently at the wooden handle.
Takuto: “This… the center of gravity is warped about 0.3 millimeters to the right.”
Senior Miner: “Eh?”
The senior miner of distant age who had been selecting work tools next to him turned around curiously.
Senior Miner: “What is?”
Takuto: “This pickaxe.”
Takuto gently stroked the surface of the handle as if cherishing it.
Takuto: “I think the one lying at the back of that shelf over there is absolutely easier to handle.”
Senior Miner: “…You can tell that just by looking?”
Takuto: “No… just a vague intuition.”
Takuto lifted another pickaxe from the shelf.
He fitted it to his palm and took a light practice swing.
The sharp sensation of cutting the wind meshed perfectly with the linkage of his own skeleton and muscles‚ becoming part of his body with terrifying naturalness.
Takuto: “…Yeah‚ this one.”
Senior Miner: “Is that how it is?”
Takuto: “Probably.”
Takuto shouldered the one his “intuition” had selected and advanced into the dim depths of the tunnel.
Behind him‚ the senior miner was tilting his head repeatedly‚ unconvinced.
◇
Today’s designated mining area was C-4.
Exactly the same familiar rock wall as yesterday.
Takuto gazed at the wall surface illuminated by the lantern and pondered for a while where to place the blade.
Takuto: “…Here‚ maybe.”
There was no clear logic there.
At least‚ it did not seem to Takuto himself that he had a rational basis.
He raised the pickaxe.
Stripped unnecessary muscle power to the limit and swung it down as if entrusting it to gravity.
—Kon.
With a pleasant sound‚ the bedrock split as easily as peeling the skin of a fully ripe fruit.
From the depths of the crack‚ high-purity magical ore peeked with an eerie shine.
Takuto: “Oh.”
He regulated his breathing and struck once more.
—Kan.
Again‚ a top-quality item rolled out from the gap in the hard stratum.
Takuto: “…Lucky again today.”
Takuto loosened his expression a little inside his chest.
If high-purity magical ore came out in a group‚ today’s quota would be finished that much sooner.
In other words‚ it would approach the moment of the “on-time leaving” he longed for so much.
For him‚ that was the supreme value above all else.
Once more.
—Koon.
At the end of a trajectory that seemed to suck him in‚ again a blue crystal showed its face.
Takuto: “…”
Takuto shifted his gaze a little and drove the iron blade in at a different place.
—Kon.
It came out.
Takuto: “…”
He shifted a few more steps and swung down.
—Kan.
Again‚ it came out for sure.
Takuto: “…Coming out strangely today.”
Takuto tilted his head.
But he did not dig deeply into the reason.
There was no need to think.
If it comes out‚ dig.
If you dig‚ the quota is finished.
If the quota is finished‚ you can go home.
The mechanism of the world is extremely simple.
◇
After continuing to pierce the wall mindlessly for a while‚ Takuto suddenly recalled yesterday’s events.
Takuto: “…Come to think of it.”
That unexpected abnormal situation that happened to him yesterday.
No‚ it was not just something.
Monsters from another world had rushed into his home.
Flute came.
Harmonica came.
Castanets came.
Cello also came.
And with all of them he concluded an absolute subordinate contract that shared the soul.
Takuto: “…”
Takuto placed the pickaxe on the damp muddy floor.
Takuto: “This strange lightness of the body since this morning… is it because of that?”
Last night’s contract.
Aside from that‚ there was no cause he could think of that would bring such a change to his own body no matter where he searched.
Takuto: “…Just in case‚ let’s check.”
Takuto took out the metal status plate from the bosom of his clothes.
As usual‚ he poured a small amount of magical power from his fingertips.
A pale bluish-white light floated softly in the dim space.
【Name】Shiki Takuto
【Class】Miner E
【LV】5
Takuto: “Yeah.”
The usual familiar safe bottom-tier display.
…The next instant after he was certain of that.
Takuto: “…?”
At the very bottom of that lineup.
An unfamiliar string of text items that had not existed even in shadow until yesterday had been added as if by a bug.
【Mode Switch (New Function)】
Takuto: “…Mode?”
Takuto lightly touched that suspicious string with his fingertip.
Pirin‚ an electronic sound far too light for the place rang‚ and the display before his eyes switched explosively.
【Mode Switch List】
▶ Miner E LV5 (Currently Applied)
▷ Accounting・Arithmetic SSS LV1 ―― 《Harmonica》 Reverse Share
▷ Sewing・Costume Production SSS LV1 ―― 《Harmonica》 Reverse Share
▷ Swordsmanship・Blade Skills SSS LV1 ―― 《Cello》 Reverse Share
▷ Cooking・Taste Control SSS LV1 ―― 《Castanets》 Reverse Share
▷ Cleaning・Stealth Control SSS LV1 ―― 《Flute》 Reverse Share
Takuto: “…………”
Takuto slowly repeated blinking.
With an unbelievable feeling‚ he stared at the lineup from the top once more.
SSS.
SSS.
SSS.
SSS.
SSS.
Takuto: “…”
Takuto silently once cut the magical power supply to the plate and quietly closed the screen.
Perfect reality escape.
Then he took one deep breath and‚ fearfully‚ poured magical power again and opened it.
There the same mad strings of text as before were mercilessly listed.
Takuto: “…Is this broken?”
The status plate insisted with inorganic silence that it was functioning normally.
Takuto deeply furrowed the wrinkles between his brows.
Takuto: “But until yesterday there was absolutely no such item‚ right.”
He gazed intently at the screen emitting pale light.
Five crowns of the highest peak.
Takuto: “SSS… is that the rank of literally breaking the limits in this world‚ right.”
On the day he was summoned to the other world‚ he had been told to the point of annoyance by the priest in the cathedral temple.
Human abilities (classes) have a strict hierarchy.
Starting from the bottommost E‚ D‚ C‚ B‚ A.
And for the chosen ones S‚ national-treasure-class SS‚ and the highest SSS said to be the domain of myth.
Takuto: “…”
Takuto once again stared at the list lined up on the screen‚ shining with violent brilliance.
Takuto: “…Isn’t that a bit too many?”
Was that really the place to make a retort.
If someone with common sense had been present‚ they would certainly have grabbed his collar with all their might and corrected him.
But of course no one was there.
In the dim tunnel‚ only Takuto’s puzzled breathing remained.
He crossed his mud-stained arms and thought seriously.
Takuto: “Mode switch…”
Fearfully‚ he tapped the explanation column that seemed like a help function at the edge of the screen with his fingertip.
【System Notification: Abnormal synchronization (synchro) with subordinate contractors confirmed】
【Contractors’ unique occupational (skill) information is reduced and shared with the master】
【Shared divine-domain occupations can be used at will by mode switch】
【※Current basic class (Miner E) is not overwritten】
-----------------------------------------------Latter Half Start-------------------------------------
Takuto: “…In short.”
Takuto looked one by one at the divine-domain skills provided in his brain.
Takuto: “I can do accounting.”
Probably Harmonica’s power.
Takuto: “Sewing too.”
This also Harmonica?
Quite a versatile monster.
Takuto: “Swordsmanship…”
Cello.
Just recalling it is extremely dangerous.
Takuto: “Cooking…”
Castanets.
Takuto: “Cleaning…”
Flute‚ huh.
Takuto kept his arms crossed and groaned lowly‚ uuum.
Takuto: “…Honestly‚ none of them are necessary.”
Accounting.
In the current life of a bottom-tier miner‚ complex higher mathematics are unnecessary.
Sewing.
Sturdy work clothes that are supplied if torn are already on hand.
Swordsmanship.
Needless to say‚ I want to be excused from bloody killing with anyone.
Cooking.
If the auntie at the lodging cafeteria makes it‚ that is far easier than gripping a kitchen knife myself.
Cleaning.
…This one alone seems a little convenient‚ though.
Takuto: “But‚ you know.”
Takuto further deeply simulated a realistic future.
If I carelessly used such divine-domain skills (SSS) and someone saw that all-powerful figure‚ what would happen.
“You‚ just an E-rank miner‚ who the hell are you!?”
and I would certainly be tied up by officials.
Then the end would be forced conscription to the harsh front lines or the grueling hard work of the royal palace.
If asked whether this peaceful bottom-tier life needs such excessive specs.
The answer is—decidedly no.
Then the path to choose is decided from the beginning.
Takuto: “Alright‚ Miner is fine.”
Takuto erased the screen quietly while leaving “Miner E” selected without any hesitation.
He gripped the wooden handle of the pickaxe again.
Takuto: “Work‚ work.”
The abnormal status that had gone beyond the norm‚ the violent lineup of SSS‚ the unknown mode switch.
All of them were secondary‚ tertiary matters for Takuto.
Today’s quota right in front of him.
For him‚ that alone was a far more important concern than the fate of the world or anything.
◇
But—.
Just before closing the screen.
Something that had flickered for a moment at the very bottom had been burned into Takuto’s retina.
Takuto: “…Hm?”
Just once more‚ thinking it suspicious‚ he reopened the status.
The very bottom.
The unique skill column.
【Unique Skills】
《Skill Experience Boost》 LV1
《Lucky H》 LV1
Takuto: “Skill Experience Boost! What’s this‚ something really good has increased!”
Takuto loosened his expression like a boy and continued reading the details.
【Details: Experience points of all acquired skills can be obtained at 10 times the normal speed (abnormal growth speed)】
Takuto: “Ooh‚ this is amazing!”
And the joy lasted only a moment.
The moment he dropped his gaze right below—.
Takuto: “…………”
Takuto became silent as if water had been poured.
Takuto: “…H?”
What is this.
H for hammer‚ or herb‚ or healing‚ or help.
Feeling a strange premonition‚ he fearfully tapped the explanation column.
【Details: Currently unanalyzable (Error).
Activation conditions unknown】
Takuto: “…………”
For a while he continued staring intently at that extremely unsettling single letter.
Takuto: “…Well‚ whatever.
It’s probably a bug.”
He closed the plate.
And completely erased the two unknown letters from his brain.
More than that.
Takuto: “…How many more times do I need to strike the blade for today’s quota to be finished.”
Takuto returned his gaze to the rock wall in front of him.
And this time without thinking anything‚ he swung the pickaxe down smoothly as if stroking it.
—Kon.
Without missing the aim‚ magical ore rolled onto the floor.
Takuto: “Alright.”
Once more‚ entrusting it to gravity.
—Kon.
Takuto: “Alright.”
Further‚ with a flowing trajectory.
—Kon.
Takuto: “…Work is really easy today.”
Takuto loosened the corners of his mouth a little happily.
He still had no way of knowing that every movement of his own since this morning had already been optimized to the limit under the unconscious by the passive effect of “SSS”—its leaked benefit.
◇
Exactly at the time Takuto was carelessly striking stones at the bottom of the abyss.
At the faraway stronghold of the Black Wolf Band—.
Flute: “…Just now.”
Flute had jerked her face up as if realizing something.
In the long corridor of the mansion dominated by the morning silence.
Standing still in the center‚ Flute lightly placed her slender hand on her rich chest.
Flute: “…Demon King-sama?”
Harmonica‚ who had been turning old account books next to her‚ had also certainly sensed the same spiritual wave.
Harmonica: “Yes.
It resonated in the depths of the soul.
There is no mistake.”
Castanets‚ who had poked her head out from the kitchen‚ turned around with surprise.
Castanets: “Just now‚ did you not feel some… indescribable connection?”
Cello blinked her glass-bead pupils and quietly spilled.
Cello: “…It resonated.”
The four looked at each other.
It was a metaphysical sensation far too much to express in words.
Clearly different from until yesterday.
As if the soul path bound with Takuto had been reconnected a little‚ but decisively deeper and thicker.
Harmonica quietly closed her eyelids behind her silver-rimmed glasses.
Harmonica: “…Could it be.”
And the genius of knowledge operated her genius brain tissue and instantly reached the truth.
Harmonica: “Our occupational information (skill data) has…”
Flute held her breath small as if witnessing a mythic miracle.
Flute: “Poured into Demon King-sama…?”
Harmonica: “Yes.”
Harmonica’s voice trembled in small increments with unsuppressible joy.
Harmonica: “Our meager power… the master has accepted into himself…!”
Castanets tightly clasped both hands in front of her chest as if offering a prayer.
Castanets: “My… what a thing…!”
Cello also nodded small with certain weight.
Cello: “His Excellency is using us.”
Flute: “…”
Flute quietly lowered her long eyelashes.
The depths of her chest were burning hot.
Demon King-sama.
Everything of ours.
Power‚ technique‚ even the blood-stained way of life until now.
A part of it‚ that supreme personage has accepted whole.
Flute: “…As a retainer‚ is there any greater honor in this world?”
Flute smiled quietly while holding back tears that threatened to spill.
Behind Harmonica’s glasses as well‚ the welling tears of emotion were clouding pure white.
Harmonica: “Demon King-sama…! Ah‚ what grace…!”
Castanets also gently pressed the corners of her eyes with a lovely handkerchief.
Castanets: “What a compassionate heart deeper than the sea…!”
Cello was—still expressionless as usual‚ but if she had a beast’s tail she would have been swinging it so hard it would tear off.
The mansion corridor was filled in an instant with such a dazzlingly fanatical atmosphere.
But—.
◇
Takuto: “…”
Exactly at that time.
The very Demon King (Takuto) who was being worshiped like a god by the retainers was.
Flute: 『—Takuto-sama』
Takuto: 『Hm? What is it?』
Flute: 『I have an emergency report.
Currently someone is approaching our base.』
Takuto: 『People? Or monsters?』
Flute: 『Armed humans.』
Takuto: 『Then for now‚ how about confirming information? Negotiation or something.』
Flute: 『…Understood.』
In the damp tunnel.
Takuto: “Also…”
Takuto opened the lid of the soot-stained pocket watch and dropped his eyes to the second hand ticking.
Takuto: “There’s still quite a bit of time until the end of the shift.
Alright‚ let’s slack.”
After a while‚ telepathy from Flute slid into his brain again.
Flute: 『—Takuto-sama』
Takuto: 『Hm? Did the negotiation end safely?』
Flute: 『No.
Regarding the approaching group‚ they suddenly abandoned all armament and showed complete surrender intent.』
Takuto: 『Is that so.
Then it’s solved.
That’s good.』
Flute: 『In this case‚ is their annihilation still unnecessary?』
Takuto: 『…………』
Takuto remained gripping the mining pickaxe‚ enduring a fierce headache stabbing his temple‚ and sank into the bottom of silence for a while.
Takuto: “Hey‚ Flute-san.”
Flute: 『Yes.』
Takuto: “I haven’t given a single word of instruction for annihilation from the beginning‚ okay!?”
Flute: 『…』
Beyond the telepathy‚ the sense of Flute blinking listlessly was transmitted.
Flute: 『…I apologize.
It was my shallow hasty conclusion.』
Takuto: “Also.”
Flute: 『Yes.』
Takuto: “It seems Cello received something from the enemy as a proof of peace.”
Flute: 『What?』
Takuto: “A scythe.”
Flute: 『…Why a scythe!?』
Takuto thought deeply‚ deeply.
Takuto: “Wait a bit.”
Flute: 『Yes.』
Takuto: “Those enemy people.”
Flute: 『Yes.』
Takuto: “Could they perhaps be regular soldiers of the kingdom army who came to subjugate those bandits?”
Flute: 『That possibility is extremely high.』
Takuto: “…”
Takuto looked up at the invisible blue sky beyond the ceiling filled with the scent of damp mud‚ a sky that would never meet.
Surely today as well‚ it should be a piercing autumn clear weather as far as the eye can see.
And yet why am I worrying my head over this stomach-aching conversation resembling inter-border diplomacy at the bottom of this abyss.
Takuto: “The place where Flute-san and the others are now.”
Flute: 『Yes.』
Takuto: “Originally it was the bandit group’s hideout‚ right?”
Flute: 『That is correct.』
Takuto: “Then…”
Takuto desperately wrung out a peaceful solution without blood flow.
Takuto: “I think they also have ‘face’ that means they can’t go home empty-handed.”
Flute: 『Face‚ is it.
Empty vanity unique to humans.』
Takuto: “Yeah.
So if there are stolen goods left in the fortress or something‚ hand them all over to them.
Make it their achievement.”
Flute: 『…』
Takuto: “And then.”
Takuto continued further.
Takuto: “Have them make it as if ‘the Black Wolf Band was annihilated by us‚ the kingdom army‚’ and negotiate for them to return peacefully‚ how about that?”
Flute: 『…』
Takuto: “No good?”
Flute: 『No.』
Beyond the telepathy‚ Flute’s clear voice like rolling a little bell bounced a little.
Flute: 『I have firmly listened to the master’s deep will.
Everything has clicked.』
Takuto nodded with heartfelt relief.
Takuto: “Then‚ please handle it peacefully.”
Flute: 『Please leave everything to this Flute.』
With a snap‚ the telepathy cut off in the depths of his head.
Takuto leaned his back against the rugged rock wall and looked a little into the distance.
Five SSS.
Abnormal synchronization (synchro) with subordinate contractors.
The unsettling bug skill of unknown nature 《Lucky H》.
And the diplomacy negotiation with the kingdom army he had no memory of.
More than such miscellaneous things that shake the world—.
Takuto: “Hurry up and ring the end-of-shift chime…”
For Takuto.
That single point was far more important and earnest a problem than the fate of the world or anything.
And regaining his spirit‚ he once again swung the pickaxe with flowing beauty.
—Kon.
Without missing the aim‚ again blue magical ore rolled onto the floor.
Takuto: “…Alright.”
Today as well‚ in a corner of this world.
Only around Takuto was thoroughly‚ supremely peaceful.
—Kon.
He lightly struck the rock face.
As if a ripe fruit spilled from the branch‚ another blue magical ore rolled to his feet.
Takuto: “…Alright.”
Takuto picked it up and peeked into the carrying basket placed behind him.
There already a mountain of ore exceeding the regulation line was piled.
Starting work from the morning‚ still before noon.
Normally‚ no matter how earnestly one swung the pickaxe‚ it would take several more hours’ worth.
But this morning his body condition was strangely good.
Takuto: “…Somehow‚ it’s abnormally early again today.”
Takuto tilted his head curiously.
Yesterday was early‚ but today is even more so.
His breathing was not disturbed at all.
The reason was unclear‚ but simply‚ dig.
Find.
Dig.
Find again.
Unconsciously his own body chose the shortest and optimal trajectory and collapsed the sturdy bedrock without any friction (stress).
While repeating such strangely smooth iterations‚ before he knew it today’s labor (quota) had completely finished.
Takuto: “…Finished.”
He took out the pocket watch.
The hands still pointed before noon.
Takuto: “…”
For a while Takuto stared at the dial of the ticking clock‚ then in the dimness of the tunnel tightly clenched his fist small and powerfully.
Takuto: “Alright!”
Work finished early.
For a bottom-tier laborer‚ there is no moment when the soul leaps more than this.
More than demonstrating divine-domain talent as a miner‚ being able to spend all the remaining time for his own freedom was tens of thousands of times more important a concern for Takuto.
He efficiently put away the tools and returned the pickaxe to the designated shelf.
Carried the basket filled with ore to the delivery place‚ and finally gave a light glance to make sure there were no forgotten items in the work area.
Takuto: “…Let’s go home.”
He was about to return to the lodging with quick steps‚ when.
Suddenly‚ in the corner of his vision‚ an old wooden signboard of the bathhouse with the soot-stained characters “Communal Hot Spring” entered his sight.
Takuto: “…Come to think of it.”
It was still before noon.
Most of the fellow miners were still covered in mud at the bottom of the dim abyss‚ desperately striking the walls at this time.
Then‚ if I go now.
Takuto: “Hot spring‚ first bath in a private state‚ maybe.”
Takuto slightly loosened the corners of his mouth and without any hesitation directed his feet toward the rustic noren of the bathhouse.
◇
At the same time.
In a different mining area a little away from where Takuto was—.
Chitose Nagi: “…Eh?”
Chitose Nagi was frozen quietly while staring at her own status plate.
This morning‚ when she opened the plate and checked‚ the miner level was certainly—“5.”
A lovely number not differing even a fraction from her beloved Takuto-kun.
That alone had made her chest leap with joy so much it felt like bursting.
The same innate talent‚ the same mine‚ the same occupation‚ and the same level of strength.
Just that alone‚ for Nagi‚ there was a supreme sense of happiness as if she had grasped the entire world.
But now.
Chitose Nagi: “…Twenty-five?”
She stared at the numerical value stabbing her twin pupils on the display with a sense of disbelief.
Indeed it was not a misreading.
【Class】Miner E
【LV】25
Chitose Nagi: “…”
Nagi slowly repeated blinking.
In the morning it was certainly 5.
That‚ after only a few hours of labor‚ had jumped all the way to 25.
Chitose Nagi: “…Why?”
Of course‚ it was not as if she had no idea at all in her chest.
Takuto-kun.
The most beloved person she had chosen as the target of the copy ability.
And the strange sense overflowing with omnipotence that still filled her own body.
When she actually started mining‚ what movement to make next‚ which rock face to pierce‚ how to move to strip the crystals most efficiently.
Without even thinking‚ everything came down into her brain as conviction named “intuition.”
Chitose Nagi: “…Mysterious.”
Nagi turned her eyes to the rock wall in front of her.
The harsh bedrock that should have been assigned from the morning had already been completely dug out by her alone‚ exposing whitish remnants.
Moreover‚ at a speed that made even herself shudder‚ she had long finished today’s quota.
Chitose Nagi: “…”
Nagi further deeply dived into a sweet sea of thought.
Takuto-kun as well—surely he himself is now in the same‚ or even greater abnormal domain.
If that is the case.
Is it not that because the level of the original copy source Takuto-kun has risen at a speed beyond human knowledge‚ the afterwave has flowed back even to the level of herself who is connected to him.
Chitose Nagi: —After all‚ he and I are completely “synchronized” at the root of the soul.
Chitose Nagi: “…No way.”
Nagi shook her head adorably.
But the probability that that hypothesis hit the mark seemed extremely high.
For a normal human‚ it would be an abnormal situation that should be investigated with bloodshot eyes.
Pinpoint the cause‚ examine the mechanism‚ rely on the temple’s experts.
That is the action a human protected by the cage of common sense should take.
But Nagi is different.
Chitose Nagi: “…If I can advance at the same speed as Takuto-kun.”
That is fine.
That alone is enough‚ she was certain from the bottom of her soul.
The laws of the world do not matter.
Complicated reasons can be put off for later.
Chitose Nagi: “Rather—”
In a corner of the dim tunnel‚ the mouth of the perfect lady loosened as if melting slackly.
Chitose Nagi: “…As if Takuto-kun and I are becoming stronger together hand in hand.
It’s really wonderful.”
In the unmanned mining site with no one around‚ Chitose Nagi alone was immersed in supreme ecstasy and smiling beautifully.
◇
At the same time.
Takuto was sinking his body into the spacious bathtub of the communal hot spring.
Takuto: “…”
He entrusted his body deeply up to the shoulders to the hot water poured generously.
Takuto: “…………”
It was quiet.
There was no one other than himself.
Milky-white steam was slowly rising toward the high skylight as if a living thing.
A warmth that melted the stubborn stiffness from the core of the body‚ in contrast to the hard cold air dominating the mountain.
Takuto: “…The best.”
Takuto closed his eyelids and leaked a sigh of soul-leaving admiration.
Finishing the hard labor from the morning at an overwhelmingly faster speed than usual‚ and soaking in supreme hot water from broad daylight.
Is there any greater luxury allowed in this bottom-tier life.
Takuto: “…Coming to the mine was the right choice after all.”
Takuto muttered alone as if to himself.
Moving the body moderately‚ finishing the quota early‚ monopolizing the first bath with no one around.
Peaceful.
There was the extreme of a perfect slow life‚ calm beyond this.
Takuto slowly stretched his legs in the bathtub.
And while entrusting himself to the buoyancy‚ he turned his eyes to a question that casually crossed his mind.
Takuto: “…Come to think of it.”
His own status.
When he checked this morning‚ it was certainly “Miner E・Level 5.”
Takuto: “…With today’s one labor‚ how much did it rise.”
Takuto drew the status plate that had been on the shelf of the changing room to his hand with a small manipulation of magical power.
Beyond the white rising steam‚ a pale bluish-white light floated softly.
【Name】Shiki Takuto
【Class】Miner E
【LV】25
Takuto: “…………”
Takuto stiffened like a stone statue while still immersed in the hot water.
Takuto: “…Twenty-five?”
This morning it was certainly 5.
And yet.
Takuto: “…Twenty-five?”
He rubbed his wet hands over his eyes and stared once more.
Indeed‚ as a strict fact‚ the number “25” was carved.
Takuto: “…”
Takuto remained immersed up to the shoulders in the water‚ crossed his arms‚ and immersed himself in thought.
Until yesterday‚ 5.
Today‚ 25.
Takuto: “…”
He pulled the cause with his own sense of rationality and logically.
The subordinate contract with those retainers.
The new function mode switch.
And—.
Takuto: “…Ah.”
Takuto clapped his hands with a splash of water and arrived at a state of understanding quite casually.
Takuto: “That 《Skill Experience Boost》 thing’s doing‚ huh.”
Probably that’s it.
Obtained experience points ten times normal.
This morning there seemed to be such an explanation written on the edge of the plate.
Then the level rising speed jumping abnormally is also a natural specification on the system.
Takuto: “…Quite a convenient function‚ isn’t it.”
For a normal human.
Level 5 to 25.
Facing the abnormal fact of climbing twenty ranks in just a few hours of labor‚ they would certainly be astonished to the heavens and earth.
They would dance with mad joy‚ or otherwise investigate the abnormality that occurred to their own body in detail even if it meant rushing to the temple.
But for the thoroughly leave-it-be Takuto—.
Takuto: “If work finishes early‚ well‚ whatever.”
His impression was only that much.
He closed the status plate and placed it on the edge of the bathtub together with the hand towel.
Then once again sank his body into the hot water up to the boundary of the neck.
Takuto: “…Somehow I’m getting sleepy.”
He quietly closed his eyelids.
It was peaceful.
A thoroughly peaceful time without a single wave.
◇
At the same time.
At the dim entrance of the communal hot spring.
Chitose Nagi: “…”
Nagi was standing quietly.
In her arms she held a bamboo basket containing a change of clothes.
Today as well‚ her mining work had finished at a speed beyond human knowledge.
Normally at this time‚ every person of the mine would be covered in mud and sweat‚ continuously striking the rock walls.
Therefore‚ there was almost no one who would head to the bathhouse in this broad daylight.
It could be said to be nonexistent.
Chitose Nagi: “…No one is here‚ right.”
Nagi carefully probed the presence around.
She peeked at the state of the changing room and confirmed the presence or absence of previous customers’ footsteps.
There seemed to be no problem.
She nodded small and contentedly.
Chitose Nagi: “Alright.”
I will monopolize the spacious bathtub.
Melt the trivial fatigue of daily life‚ and in the afternoon slowly spend time while inhaling the presence of my beloved Takuto-kun from afar.
Holding such a happy schedule in her chest.
Garari‚ she flung open the heavy wooden sliding door.
Stifling hot steam flowed out white from her feet as if crawling.
It was that instant.
Chitose Nagi: “…………Eh?”
Nagi’s feet stopped dead as if sewn to the floor.
There was someone.
A previous customer.
One person.
In the center of the milky-white cloudy bathtub.
With a white hand towel placed lightly on his head‚ eyes closed.
Enjoying the hot water quietly in the most defenseless state‚ a single boy.
Nagi stared at that sculptural profile.
There was no way she could mistake it.
The profile of the boy she loved most in the world‚ burned into her retina to the point of madness‚ appearing in thousands of nights’ dreams.
Chitose Nagi: “…Takuto…kun?”
Unconsciously‚ a hoarse voice leaked from between her lips.
Takuto slowly opened his eyes as if peeling off a heavy coating.
Takuto: “…Hm?”
With a languid motion still not fully awake from drowsiness‚ he turned his face toward the owner of the voice.
And then—.
Takuto: “…………”
Takuto’s body also completely petrified.
Chitose Nagi: “…………”
Takuto: “…………”
In the white rising steam‚ the two gazes collided head-on.
Nagi’s heart leaped so largely it seemed about to destroy the ribs from the inside.
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.
A heavy heartbeat like a rapid alarm bell rang noisily deep in the eardrums.
For ten years‚ she had only chased his back.
For ten years‚ she had continued yearning to the point of madness.
After the miraculous reunion in that high school classroom‚ day and night she thought only of how to become a woman worthy of him‚ accumulated training that made blood seep‚ and completely performed the perfect lady.
And finally chased him to the end of this unknown other world.
That most beloved Takuto-kun is now swaying defenselessly right in front of her.
Moreover—hot spring.
In this closed room of the communal hot spring where all clothing has been discarded.
Chitose Nagi: “…………”
Nagi’s brain tissue short-circuited pure white in an instant.
But the next instant.
Her abnormal thinking circuit began meshing gears at a speed beyond the limit.
Chitose Nagi: —This is.
Chitose Nagi: —Is this not the supreme and greatest opportunity (chance) that God has given me?
Alone with Takuto-kun.
Nothing obstructing‚ no previous customers‚ the hot spring.
And above all‚ in this wartime world‚ the culture of strictly separating the baths by gender itself was thin.
In this mine lodging where efficiency-ism had thoroughly penetrated‚ the bath being “mixed gender (mixed bathing)” was extremely natural common sense.
From the ethical view of modern Japanese just summoned‚ it was an abnormal situation that would turn heaven and earth upside down‚ but on this foreign land‚ this was “normal” and a “legal” practice.
In other words—.
Chitose Nagi: “…………”
Nagi slowly floated a smile filled with saintess-like compassion on her face.
Chitose Nagi: “Hello‚ Takuto-kun.”
Takuto: “…Eh?”
Takuto’s face suddenly showed a twitch of fear.
Takuto: “Ch-Chitose…?”
Chitose Nagi: “Yeah.”
Nagi smiled lovably.
It was the pure white smile without a single shadow of the perfect lady she had constantly shown at school.
Chitose Nagi: “Long time no see.”
Takuto: “No‚ wait a bit…”
Takuto hurriedly confirmed the unmanned surroundings and swam his panicked eyes.
Takuto: “Why is Chitose in a place like this!?”
Chitose Nagi: “I was also assigned to this mine as a miner.
By chance‚ today work finished early.”
Takuto: “…Is that so.”
Chitose Nagi: “Takuto-kun the same?”
Takuto: “Yeah.”
Chitose Nagi: “Then—”
Nagi‚ with an extremely natural motion as if talking about the weather.
Gently hugged the hand towel she carried and quietly took a step toward the bathtub‚ pointing at the milky-white water.
Chitose Nagi: “Since it’s a rare chance‚ shall we enter together?”
Takuto: “…………”
Takuto’s thinking circuit completely stopped functioning.
Takuto: “…Wait wait wait wait!”
Takuto retreated to the edge of the bathtub with a splash of intense water and secured distance with a desperate expression.
Chitose Nagi: “Eh?”
Takuto: “No no no no!! It’s strange!!”
Takuto hurriedly averted his gaze in a completely different direction and covered his own face with both hands.
Takuto: “This is a communal hot spring‚ you know!?”
Chitose Nagi: “Yes‚ I know?”
Takuto: “Men and women together‚ you know!?”
Chitose Nagi: “Seems so.”
Takuto: “…No.”
Takuto held his head with wet hair.
Takuto: “No no no no‚ it’s absolutely strange!”
Chitose Nagi: “In the old days at the orphanage‚ we entered together when we were small‚ right?”
Takuto: “What time are you talking about! Ten years ago!”
Nagi tilted her head like an innocent girl.
Chitose Nagi: “Besides‚ in this world this is ‘normal (compliance)‚’ you know?”
Takuto: “That’s true‚ but! My reason as a modern person can’t keep up!”
Chitose Nagi: “And—”
Nagi‚ without breaking the supreme smile‚ whispered with cheeks dyed a little rose-colored.
Chitose Nagi: “Not with anyone else.
Because it’s Takuto-kun‚ that’s why?”
Takuto: “…………!”
Chitose Nagi: “Is there any problem?”
Takuto: “There’s a serious problem with my heart!!”
Chitose Nagi: “Why?”
Takuto: “Why‚ you…!”
Takuto completely ran out of words.
Nagi‚ while watching the completely flustered figure of the boy from a special seat.
Felt the depths of her chest filling with a heat that burned fiercely.
Chitose Nagi: —Cute.
That calm and collected Takuto-kun is greatly disturbed.
In front of my figure‚ he is panicking so desperately.
Just that alone‚ all the hardships of ten years that had never been rewarded were sublimated in an instant as if into a sense of omnipotence.
Chitose Nagi: “…Then.”
Nagi quietly stepped on the wet tiles with bare feet and closed the distance with him one more step.
Chitose Nagi: “I don’t mind at all even if I’m seen by Takuto-kun‚ though?”
Takuto: “I mind!!”
An instantaneous answer with not a fraction of a second of leeway.
Chitose Nagi: “…Fufu.”
Takuto: “Don’t laugh! I’m getting out first!”
Chitose Nagi: “Yes.”
Takuto: “You enter slowly!”
Chitose Nagi: “Understood.”
With a Zabā! he vigorously parted the water and Takuto dashed toward the changing room as if fleeing.
Batan!
The sliding door closed roughly.
The space enveloped in steam regained its original silence.
Chitose Nagi: “…………”
For a while Nagi continued staring intently at the wood grain of the closed door.
Then slowly wrapped both hands around her own heat-carrying cheeks.
Chitose Nagi: “…………!”
Her face was hot as if burning.
Chitose Nagi: “…Takuto‚ kun.”
She murmured with a small‚ thin breath.
Chitose Nagi: “He was cute…”
The mask of the perfect lady melted away into a sticky mess in an instant.
Chitose Nagi: “He ran away…”
But what filled her chest was bottomless joy.
Because isn’t that so.
At last for the first time‚ without anyone’s interference‚ we exchanged words just the two of us.
Since the reunion at that high school‚ I had spoken many times and many times slipped my body close to him.
But—.
Today.
This very moment.
I can be certain that the distance of the two hearts‚ the soul distance was the closest.
Chitose Nagi: “…Communal hot spring.”
Nagi‚ as if confirming the place Takuto had entrusted himself to just earlier‚ slowly sank her body into that precious bathtub.
Chitose Nagi: “…What a wonderful place the other world is.”
An unmanned space where no one is listening.
That is why she laughs.
A little‚ no‚ objectively speaking a considerably grotesque and dangerous smile.
Chitose Nagi: “Let’s come again.”
Of course‚ tomorrow as well‚ the day after as well‚ from now on forever.
If Takuto-kun visits at this broad daylight time‚ I just need to always be present at that moment as well.
The assigned mining quota will finish in seconds anyway.
The reason is unclear‚ but because the soul level rises at the same speed as Takuto-kun.
Surely from now on as well.
I can share the same time‚ the same space with my beloved him.
Nagi‚ beyond the white rising steam.
While pressing her hot flushed face‚ continued smiling quietly and deeply.
◇
At the same time.
Takuto‚ who had fled from the hot spring in a crawling manner‚ was walking the muddy path leading to the lodging with quick steps‚ clothes half-disorderly wrapped around him.
Takuto: “…”
It was an extremely fast pace as if urged by the turmoil in his chest.
It was not as if he had committed some shameful misconduct.
In this wartime world‚ sharing the bath between men and women is rather common.
In his head‚ he fully understands.
He knows it as a strict fact‚ but—.
Takuto: “…Impossible.
Too bad for the heart.”
Takuto pressed his own forehead hard with one hand.
Chitose Nagi.
The girl who was the flower on the high peak envied by all the male students in the same high school‚ the same classroom.
Why must she be encountered in this unknown other world‚ moreover in a remote place like a packed room where miners crowd‚ and of all places in a hot spring without any shielding whatsoever.
Takuto: “…”
Takuto lightly placed his hand on his own still heat-carrying chest.
Inside‚ his heart was still continuing to tap the ribs at an unpleasant speed.
Takuto: “…Calm down.
Just now was just an accident of force majeure.”
He repeated large deep breaths.
Inhale.
Exhale.
Takuto: “…”
The taut string loosened a little.
—It was that instant.
Into the depths of his brain tissue‚ an inorganic‚ previously heard light electronic sound slid in.
—Pirin.
Takuto: “…?”
Takuto’s feet stopped dead on the spot.
The metal status plate stored in the bosom of his clothes was emitting a pale‚ ominous flickering from the gap in the clothes.
An indescribable‚ extremely unpleasant premonition made the skin of his whole body stand on end.
Resigning himself‚ he opened the plate.
【Unique Skills】
《Skill Experience Boost》 LV1
《Lucky H》 LV2 (UP!)
Takuto: “…………”
Takuto simply stood still in the whitish scenery with a perfect expression of emptiness.
Takuto: “…Why did this rise.”
Of course‚ there was no responding voice anywhere.
Takuto tapped the cursed explanation column again with trembling fingertips.
【Details: Currently unanalyzable (Error)】
Takuto: “…………”
Takuto quietly cut the magical power supply to the plate and erased the screen.
Takuto: “…Well‚ whatever.
Let’s pretend I didn’t see it.”
A convenient spell to lead himself to peace‚ how many times it was today he did not know.
He muttered it again self-mockingly.
He stopped immersing himself in deep thought.
The more he thought‚ the more he seemed about to be swallowed by the abyss of the absurd bugs of this other world.
Takuto faced straight forward and began moving his feet again toward his own lodging.
Far behind him.
Inside the communal hot spring a little distance away—.
Chitose Nagi: “…Fufu.”
Nagi was.
In the milky-white bathtub‚ while enjoying with her whole body the lingering scent of her beloved person that still faintly drifted‚ she was wearing a smile that was madly happy.
Thus.
Chitose Nagi and Shiki Takuto.
The first encounter of the two at the end of this other world.
In every sense bad for the heart‚ quietly raised its curtain from a happening in a rustic communal hot spring.
That night.
In the dim cafeteria of the mine lodging‚ the usual meager dinner was lined up desolately.
Black bread as hard as stone.
A thin-colored soup of leftover vegetables and a few beans boiled with just a little salt.
And—today as a special distribution once a month‚ a piece of “dried meat” about the size of a thumb was placed on the edge of the plate.
Takuto: “…Lucky.”
Takuto carefully gazed at that tiny piece of meat sitting in the corner of the plate as if appreciating a national-treasure gem.
The morning boiled egg.
The early leaving before noon.
The silent broad-daylight bath.
The old history book obtained at the purchasing department.
And this dinner’s dried meat.
Today as well‚ his plan should have been executed perfectly.
No‚ the one incident during the day of running into his original-world classmate Chitose Nagi in a defenseless state in the steam of the communal hot spring was an unexpected absurdity that made his heart stop‚ but.
Takuto: “…………”
Takuto‚ while tearing the hard black bread with his fingertips‚ let his thoughts crawl beyond the steam.
Chitose Nagi.
Same high school.
The girl who was the flower on the high peak for the male students in the same classroom.
In this harsh other world‚ an encounter he never dreamed of‚ that they would sweat at the same bottom-tier of the same mine.
Takuto: “…Well.”
Takuto muttered small as if to himself.
Takuto: “She looked well‚ that’s what matters.
…Yeah.”
Only that.
He shut out any deeper investigation from his brain.
The more he deepened his thoughts‚ the more the various scenes in that hot water that had begun to cross the line would vividly revive‚ and his reason as a modern person would be scraped away.
Takuto: “…Let’s forget.”
He took a sip of the soup.
It was gently warm.
Simply delicious.
This is fine.
More than the future of the other world or collecting troublesome romance flags‚ healthily savoring the dinner (dried meat) in front of him was tens of thousands of times more important a truth for him.
He was certain of that.
Exactly at that moment.
—Pirin.
Takuto: “…?”
The familiar inorganic electronic sound that coldly struck the brain marrow directly.
Into the depths of his head‚ that ice-clear maid’s voice slid in.
Flute: 『—Takuto-sama』
Takuto: “…Flute-san?”
Flute: 『Yes.』
Takuto casually looked around.
The cafeteria was as always filled with ear-splitting noisiness.
Miners who had finished the harsh day’s labor were gulping cheap ale into their throats‚ spitting curses at the overseers‚ and shouting about tomorrow’s earnings.
In the middle of that muddy din‚ only Takuto quietly concentrated all his nerves on the telepathy (message) at the bottom of consciousness.
Takuto: (What’s wrong?)
An instant.
The reply cut off.
Normally for the perfect her‚ an immediate cold answer of “Yes‚ Demon King-sama” should have returned.
But tonight was clearly different.
Flute: 『…I apologize.』
Takuto: (?)
Flute: 『Slightly‚ at this main base‚ an unexpected emergency situation has occurred.』
Takuto: “…………”
The tip of the fork that had been extending toward the dried meat stopped dead in empty space.
Takuto: (Emergency situation?)
Flute: 『Yes.』
Flute’s tone of voice was sunk one level lower than usual.
Cold‚ quiet—and clearly harboring “shudder.”
Flute: 『To the Eastern Demon King’s Army main base—』
There a slight gap of silence was born.
Flute: 『There was a large-scale enemy assault.』
Takuto: “…………”
Takuto lost his words.
It took a little time for the brain marrow of a mere ordinary citizen to correctly chew the all-too-grand scale sense that those words held.
Takuto: (…Enemy assault?)
Flute: 『Yes.』
Takuto: (Main base… is Flute-san and the others’ house‚ right?)
Flute: 『Precisely‚ it is the huge fortress (headquarters) that oversees the Eastern Demon King’s Army.』
Takuto: (Ah‚ that side.
I see.)
Takuto lightly nodded.
Then casually asked.
Takuto: (…Who came?)
Flute: 『—Wyverns (flying dragons).』
Takuto: “…………”
Takuto tilted his head curiously.
Takuto: (Wyverns?)
Flute: 『Yes.』
Takuto: (Those lizard-with-wings dragon-like things?)
Flute: 『In a broad sense‚ they are similar hideous existences.』
Flute’s voice was transmitted as further hardening and tightening.
Flute: 『But the problem is their volume (numbers).』
Takuto: (Numbers?)
Flute: 『…Hundreds.』
Takuto: “…………”
Takuto’s jaw dropped a little under gravity.
Flute: 『No.』
Flute coldly corrected the numerical value.
Flute: 『Because they made a surprise attack mingled with dark clouds‚ the exact total force is still not fully grasped.
But…』
Takuto: (…………)
Flute: 『Even just the formations confirmed in the sky exceed a flock of five hundred.』
The noisy din that should have filled the surroundings seemed to recede far away in an illusion.
Takuto slowly returned the fork to the top of the lonely plate.
Takuto: (…That means‚)
Flute: 『Yes.』
Takuto: (Pretty bad?)
Flute: 『—Extremely desperate situation‚ I believe.』
There was an immediate cold answer without an instant of leeway.
Takuto deeply carved the wrinkles between his brows.
If it were the him of until yesterday‚ even if told such a sky-piercing scale story‚ he would not have been able to hold even a millimeter of sense of reality‚ as if it were a movie plot flowing on a theater screen.
Demons.
Demon King.
Flying dragon army.
All of them should have been far too different in dimension from the peaceful everyday (slow life) he so longed for‚ mere fantasies.
But now it is different.
Flute is.
Harmonica is.
Castanets is.
Cello is.
Absolute contractors who shared blood and bound at the bottom of the soul.
That is why‚ though only a little—deep in his own chest he felt an unpleasant turmoil he had never seen before.
Takuto: (…Flute-san)
Flute: 『Yes.』
Takuto: (Are you okay there?)
An instant‚ from beyond the telepathy echoing in his mind‚ a tremendous wind-cutting sound tearing the air and a heavy low sound of explosion shaking the atmosphere were transmitted to the eardrums.
Flute: 『Currently we are immediately deploying the remaining defense forces and responding with full force.』
Takuto: (I see)
Flute: 『However—』
Flute quietly squeezed out words as if clenching her back teeth.
Flute: 『This invader is not just a flock of ferocious magical beasts.
It is the worst old enemy that has tormented us many times on the Eastern front.』
Simultaneously with that detestable pronouncement.
The scene switches to the faraway headquarters of the Eastern Demon King’s Army.
◇
The night sky was roughly painted over with a single black.
The twinkling of the stars was invisible‚ and the clear moon was also ominously concealed.
The reason was not the hanging dark clouds or anything.
Countless huge flying membranes (wings) covering the heavens.
The absolute shadow of violence filling the empty sky completely cut off the moonlight that should have poured upon the Demon King’s Army fortress.
Demon Soldier A: “—They’re coming!! Intercept!!”
The grief-stricken shout of a demon soldier standing on the black rock castle wall echoed on the battlefield.
Immediately after—.
Violently shaking the atmosphere itself‚ a roar that tore the empty sky and gouged the eardrums mercilessly trampled the night mountain region.
—Gwooooooooon!!
Demon Soldier B: “Uwaaaaah!”
Demon Soldier C: “First anti-air barrier‚ deploy!! Hurry!!”
Demon Soldier D: “Magic cannons‚ fix the aim!”
Demon Soldier E: “Enemy vanguard‚ rapid descent from above!!”
Demon Soldier F: “The volume is too much!! At this rate the defense formation will collapse!”
Eastern Demon King’s Army main base—around the huge black-obsidian fortress‚ the demon defense forces began deploying all at once as if crawling on the ground.
Magic circles flickering in the darkness.
Anti-air barriers covering the sky.
Magic interception cannons sounding intense heavy low tones.
And the archer unit.
Every interception facility the fortress boasted simultaneously spouted merciless fire lines toward the night sky smoldering with black smoke.
However.
The volume of the invading aggressors was far too great.
A countless flock of wyverns filling the heavens with ominous black.
Sharp wings that easily tear even steel armor.
Huge fangs that crush bedrock.
Twin pupils emitting blood-hungry red light in the dark night.
And—in the central sky of that ferocious army.
An especially huge individual that had already become desperate mass itself was leisurely repeating large wingbeats.
A jet-black flying dragon that had lost its right eyeball.
A rough old mark running diagonally across its face.
On its body‚ the proof of “absolute king” that had survived many bloody battlefields was deeply carved.
A veteran demon soldier confronting on the front line murmured in a trembling voice as if making a sound in his throat.
Veteran Soldier: “…That is.”
From the face of the young soldier standing beside‚ all blood drained in an instant.
Young Soldier: “No way… but‚ that figure is…”
Veteran Soldier: “…One-eyed.”
Someone uttered that detestable infamous name like a curse.
Demon Soldier G: “—《One-Eyed Wyvern》…!!”
The air that had dominated the battlefield completely froze in an instant.
Eastern front.
The worst old enemy that had long continued muddy death struggles with the Eastern Demon King’s Army and slaughtered many demon lives.
Direct subordinate of the Flying Dragon King and the strongest aerial fleet 《One-Eyed Wyvern Corps》.
The single monster standing at its head—the One-Eyed Wyvern spread its huge wings that hid the sky.
Then‚ as if mocking the fortress below‚ it released a roar that tore the atmosphere.
—Gwooooooooooon!!
Demon Soldier H: “They’re coming!! Don’t care‚ fireeeee!!”
The next moment.
As if responding to the king’s call‚ countless wyverns all at once began a death dive toward the fortress.
Demon Soldier I: “All members‚ intercept!!”
The magic cannons mercilessly spouted fire.
—Doooon!!
A huge fireball redly tore the night sky and directly hit one of the diving wyverns.
However‚ those steel-like tough scales only slightly deflected even a direct hit of the explosion‚ merely shifting the trajectory.
Demon Soldier J: “The armor is too hard! It’s not becoming a proper blow!”
Demon Soldier K: “Second shot‚ hurry the loading!!”
From the magic circles in the sky‚ countless light arrows were released like rain.
The night sky was filled in an instant with tremendous flashes.
But the slaughter flock still did not stop.
Demon Soldier L: “First anti-air barrier‚ contact with the enemy vanguard!”
Demon Soldier M: “Endure!! Circulate magical power from the bottom!!”
—Zudoooooon!!
By the collision of the overwhelming kinetic energy released by the flying dragons’ huge bodies‚ the entire huge fortress shook and creaked violently like an earthquake.
Demon Soldier N: “First barrier‚ damage rate exceeds seventy percent!”
Demon Soldier O: “Deploy the second barrier immediately!!”
Demon soldiers ran around the black rock passages with bloodshot eyes.
Angry shouts and screams flew from all directions.
Everyone understood one cold fact in this worst despair.
This is not a whimsical assault by mere wild magical beasts.
The enemy‚ having completely grasped our defense forces.
Our daily defense system.
And our fatal “weakness”—aimed at this day‚ this moment and launched a surprise attack.
And today.
That weakness the Eastern Demon King’s Army held was far too large.
Defense Captain: “—The three generals‚ the three generals are not here!!”
The defense captain supporting the front line raised a grief-stricken voice as if coughing blood.
Defense Captain: “What!? What about the guerrilla unit! Cello-sama!?”
Communications Soldier: “Absent!!”
Defense Captain: “Castanets-sama!? What about the overall command of the defense network!”
Communications Soldier: “Absent!!”
Defense Captain: “Harmonica-sama!? Request super-parallel command of the interception formation!”
Communications Soldier: “Likewise absent!!”
Defense Captain: “Then… the supreme commander Flute-sama…!?”
To that grief-stricken question‚ not a single communications soldier could return words.
Because the supreme commander Flute herself who held the fate of the defense network—.
Was not present even in shadow or form on this battlefield (fortress) now.
◇
Flute: 『—Therefore』
Flute‚ connecting telepathy to the master from the safely and cleanly polished bandit mansion (base)‚ reported the current situation coldly and matter-of-factly.
Flute: 『Currently‚ neither Cello-sama‚ nor Castanets-sama‚ nor Harmonica-sama are present at the main base.』
Takuto: (…All three are not there?)
Flute: 『Yes.』
Takuto: (Why again?)
Flute: 『All because they had rushed to Demon King-sama’s presence (that four-and-a-half-tatami).』
Takuto: “…………”
Takuto became silent like a stone statue while still chewing the dried meat.
Takuto: (…Ah)
That was so.
Yesterday‚ all the cadres had forced a gathering in his cramped four-and-a-half-tatami and concluded the humanization contracts.
And as is‚ they all moved to this rustic fortress and began a healthy new life.
As a result.
From the Demon King’s Army main base‚ the highest-peak decisive battle weapons sufficient to destroy a nation had cleanly and completely disappeared all together.
Takuto: (…………)
Takuto quietly looked up at the stain on the soot-stained ceiling of the cafeteria.
Takuto: (This isn’t my fault… right?)
Flute: 『Of course not.
Everything is the master’s profound guidance‚ nothing other than a great revelation.』
Takuto: (…Then‚ fine)
Flute: 『…………』
Beyond the telepathy‚ Flute dropped a curtain of silence for an instant.
Flute: 『However—』
Takuto: (Hm?)
Flute: 『Just now‚ the main base’s first anti-air defense line was completely breached.』
Takuto: “…………”
Takuto: (…Does that mean it’s already too late?)
Flute: 『Yes.』
Flute’s reply was thoroughly quiet like ice.
Flute: 『Quite a desperate domain‚ I believe.』
At that moment‚ from the depths of the telepathy‚ a heavy low sound as if a huge stone structure was collapsing from the foundation rang out.
—Gooooon!!
Followed by the despair-dyed angry shouts of demon soldiers.
The exploding sounds of raging magic.
Metal sounds of tough armor being pulverized.
And countless screams.
Those shook the retina of the communication that reached the brain marrow directly and were transmitted vividly.
Takuto completely placed the fork on the table.
Takuto: (…Flute-san)
Flute: 『Yes.』
Takuto: (What do we do about this?)
He asked quietly.
However‚ Flute did not respond for a while.
Eventually—.
Flute: 『…Originally』
That voice was surprisingly thoroughly cold and flat.
Flute: 『I should immediately return to the main base and take command of the entire army.』
Takuto: (Yeah)
Flute: 『However』
Just a little‚ the voice of the proud supreme commander showed a slight waver.
Flute: 『…I cannot leave this absolute sanctuary (base) protecting the master.
Moreover‚ with the remaining forces lacking us three generals and myself‚ completely suppressing that One-Eyed Wyvern Corps is—extremely difficult.』
Takuto: (…………)
Takuto stared at the remnants of the dinner left in his hands.
Hard black bread.
Thin vegetable soup.
And the tiny dried meat.
Until just earlier‚ it had been so simply delicious.
Everything had been within a peaceful slow life.
And yet now.
Under a faraway sky he knew nothing of.
The demons who were the subordinates of the contractors who shared his soul were being forced into a desperate death struggle.
Takuto deepened the wrinkles between his brows just a little.
Takuto: (…Flute-san)
Flute: 『Yes.』
Takuto: (Is there something I can do?)
That instant.
Beyond the telepathy was enveloped in a complete abyss of silence like a calm sea.
Eventually—.
Flute: 『…There is.』
Takuto: (What?)
Flute responded as if quietly offering a prayer.
Flute: 『Only one thing.』
Takuto: (Yeah)
Flute: 『From Demon King-sama—』
There she carefully selected each word heavily.
Flute: 『If we retainers can receive an “absolute instruction.”』
Takuto: (Instruction?)
Flute: 『Yes.
A true king’s imperial command that immediately moves the entire army.』
Takuto crossed his arms and thought for a while.
War.
Demons.
The advancing flying dragon army.
He rolled those all-too-otherworldly fantasy words in his head.
However‚ for Takuto who until just the other day had been a peaceful high school student of modern Japan‚ there was no way he could understand the reality of war.
Military strategy‚ advanced magic tactics‚ impregnable defense formations—he possessed none of them.
Then‚ accurate military command from the current him was impossible even if he stood on his head.
—However.
Since this morning‚ a certain strange setting (bug data) that had been in his status had been bothering him the whole time.
Takuto: (…Hey‚ Flute-san)
Flute: 『Yes.』
Takuto: (Wyverns‚ you know)
Flute: 『Yes.』
Takuto: (Basically birds?)
Flute: 『…………』
A long‚ far too long curtain of silence fell.
Takuto’s side was extremely serious.
Takuto: (No‚ they’re flying in the sky‚ right?)
Flute: 『Yes.』
Takuto: (They have splendid wings‚ right?)
Flute: 『…There are flying membranes (wings).』
Takuto: (Then‚ aren’t they just like big birds?)
Flute: 『…In terms of ecological classification‚ they are of the flying dragon species (reptiles)‚ but…』
Takuto: (Flying dragons‚ huh)
Takuto nodded small while letting that word flow past in his brain.
Takuto: (I see.
Then if you carefully roast them‚ do they taste like chicken?)
And then.
Casually.
Truly without a millimeter of deep meaning‚ just connecting words with a mere idea.
Takuto: (Speaking of birds)
Flute: 『Yes.』
Takuto: (Somehow I suddenly want to eat delicious yakitori.)
Takuto: “…………”
From beyond the telepathy‚ again a silence as if the atmosphere froze fell.
Takuto continued words without particularly minding‚ remaining hungry.
Takuto: (Does this world have such convenient cooking?)
Flute: 『…………』
Takuto: (Cut the meat small‚ skewer it)
Flute: 『…………』
Takuto: (Roast it thoroughly over strong charcoal fire‚ and at the end sprinkle salt and eat‚ that fragrant one)
That instant.
Flute’s voice‚ low as if crawling on the ground and trembling in small increments‚ returned to the brain marrow.
Flute: 『—Firmly understood.』
Takuto: (Hm?)
Flute: 『Demon King-sama’s profound intention.
I have perfectly listened to everything.』
Takuto: (…Ah‚ is that so? Then good)
Flute: 『Demon King-sama』
That tone of voice was clearly drawn a line from the impatience that should have dominated her until just earlier.
Cold‚ terribly quiet.
And above all‚ absolute—pure killing intent that freezes the spine‚ and the resolve of fanaticism were carried.
Flute: 『—As you will (we shall reduce everything to ash and scatter barren salt upon that land).』
Takuto: (…Yeah‚ then please handle it that way)
Takuto‚ without noticing even a fragment of how his carefree everyday monologue had been super-translated into a blood-smelling strategic order.
With a snap‚ cut the telepathy.
Takuto: “…………”
The usual muddy din returned to the cafeteria.
Takuto gulped down the remaining cooled soup.
Takuto: “…Yakitori.”
Muttered small.
Takuto: “After all‚ I want to eat it with salt.”
Only that muttered to himself‚ he stood from the seat and returned the used tableware to the return counter.
Tomorrow as well‚ I must devote myself fully to labor toward the longed-for on-time leaving.
Let’s sleep early.
Thinking that‚ he walked the dim corridor of the lodging with a leisurely pace.
◇
Exactly at the same time.
Eastern Demon King’s Army main base—.
The sky was completely covered by the overwhelming darkness released by the flying dragons.
Part of the sturdy castle walls had collapsed miserably.
Several main magic cannons had already been forced into silence and were violently spouting black smoke mixed with gunpowder.
The remaining demon soldiers‚ while wounded and bleeding‚ continued maintaining the defense line with desperate expressions to defend the masterless castle.
In the center of that collapsing castle wall.
The atmosphere itself warped like a mirror‚ and a single girl quietly descended with the residual light of transfer magic.
Silver hair as if spun from moonlight.
Cold crimson eyes.
Clad in military uniform without a single disorder.
Acting Supreme Commander of the Eastern Demon King’s Army‚ Flute.
She—slowly looked up at the night sky completely dyed in despair.
In the direction of her gaze‚ the countless wyvern flock filling the vision.
And in its center‚ the one-eyed monster proudly raising a victory cry.
The worst old enemy that had long tormented the Eastern Demon King’s Army and slaughtered thousands of compatriots’ lives‚ direct subordinate of the Flying Dragon King—《One-Eyed Wyvern》.
Flute quietly drew the cold night air deep into her lungs.
Flute: “—All forces.”
The demon soldiers who had been trapped in resignation‚ as if flicked by that dignified voice‚ all turned behind at once.
Flute: “Listen.”
In that quiet tone of voice there was not a millimeter of hesitation or waver.
Flute: “From our master—the great Demon King-sama.”
One beat.
Her crimson twin pupils‚ carrying the tip of bottomless killing intent‚ sharply pierced the flock dominating the night sky.
Flute: “I shall now convey the supreme imperial command.”
Among the soldiers wandering the line of death‚ a huge ripple-like disturbance ran.
Demon Soldier P: “…From Demon King-sama?”
Demon Soldier Q: “In this desperate battle situation now…!?”
Demon Soldier R: “What… what did the Supreme Commander say!?”
Flute—simply smiled quietly.
There was an absolute zero smile that had stripped even every fragment of compassion.
Flute: “—‘Roast over charcoal fire and sprinkle salt‚’ he said.”
The dreadful true meaning those words held was instantly understood by the veteran demons who had survived the line of death.
Leave not a single life.
Burn this land thoroughly with the hellish karmic fire (charcoal fire)‚ and make it a barren scorched earth where new green never sprouts again (sprinkle salt)—.
That is none other than a merciless complete eradication (annihilation order).
Flute: “Our master.”
Flute slowly raised the back of her right hand toward the sky.
Flute: “Earnestly desires that these insolent winged insects be reduced to ash without leaving a single one.”
The space behind her cracked one after another like a mirror.
Harmonica.
Castanets.
Cello.
Appearing from the residual light of transfer at the same time‚ they unfolded multiple divine-domain magic circles toward the sky.
Flute: “Then—”
Flute’s crimson twin pupils shone colder and sharper than the moon of the night sky.
Flute: “—Respond to that supreme will with your souls!!”
That instant.
As if covering the entirety of the Eastern Demon King’s Army main base‚ a huge and ominous annihilation magic circle that seemed about to burn the entire sky was drawn into the heavens.
The earth shook violently‚ the atmosphere itself began to boil.
The continuous mountains themselves were lowly and heavily groaning from the terror of that overwhelming supernatural power.
The demon soldiers released from the resignation of death raised mad joyous war cries and all at once re-raised their weapons.
Flute: “Eastern Demon King’s Army—”
Flute quietly and all too cruelly announced the death sentence to the flock of the night sky.
Flute: “All members‚ commence cooking (annihilation battle).”
The next moment.
Countless maximum magic fire lines mercilessly tore the jet-black night sky.
—Dooooooooon!!!
Raging flames.
Crawling purple lightning.
Absolute zero ice.
And the abyss of darkness that swallows everything.
Thousands‚ tens of thousands of lethal magical powers all at once shot up toward the arrogant flying dragon flock.
The One-Eyed Wyvern that until just earlier had been raising a victory cry raised a roar of astonishment at the unexpected supernatural counterattack.
Huge wings burned bright red‚ fangs that crush bedrock were literally pulverized.
Screams of despair violently echoed in the night mountain region.
Eastern front.
The long muddy‚ blood-for-blood barren death struggle between demons and flying dragons.
Among its many tragic histories‚ the largest and worst one-sided trampling battle that would later be told as “Flying Dragon Charcoal Roast (Extinction Drama)”—.
Now‚ at this moment‚ raised the curtain.
◇
And—exactly at that time.
In the dim four-and-a-half-tatami of the peaceful mine lodging.
Takuto: “…What time does work start tomorrow again.”
Takuto‚ while sliding his body into the hard cold bed‚ muttered while leaking a small yawn.
Takuto: “Six-thirty‚ huh….
It’s awfully long until the end-of-shift chime.”
He completely covered even the tip of his head with the well-used futon.
Takuto: “…Can I wake up properly.”
He quietly closed his eyelids.
In the faraway eastern sky.
A magnificent great war that violently shook the earth and seemed about to burn the entire sky was raising its curtain.
Direct subordinate of the Flying Dragon King.
One-Eyed Wyvern Corps.
The worst old enemy that the Eastern Demon King’s Army had long feared and detested.
That all of its lives were right now being physically incinerated like charcoal fire and heading toward extinction by one all-too-carefree single word of a boy‚
“I want to eat yakitori.”
—that all-too-catastrophic fact.
The bottom-tier E-rank miner boy—.
Knew nothing of that fact.
Takuto: “…I want to eat delicious yakitori…”
Finally.
Just a peaceful sleep-talk typical of any high school student muttered small.
Takuto sank into the bottom of a mud-like deep‚ calm sleep.
—This night.
The long blood-stained history of battle on the Eastern front was completely brought to a full stop by one all-too-innocent single word of a boy.
【Chapter 04 “The Pursuer is the Perfect Lady” End】
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