Hagure Yuusha no Kichiku Bigaku

Printed text that could arouse the reader’s emotions completely occupied the cover.

The attractive headlines conveyed the authors’ stubbornness and pa.s.sion.

Daily Sports News. The front page covers that reported everyday sports compet.i.tion in the world all had a similar paragraph of text.

“Oh, they actually published it! Ahh~ which one should I choose?”

Kaidou Motoharu, who had entered the convenience store, stood beside the counter looking at the goods from the newspaper shelves. He finally selected the Daily Super Sports News with a fiery style. After paying, Kaidou took the newspaper and energetically walked out of the convenience store.

This was the Daily Super Sports News’ cover headline.

After the headline, there was a report regarding the terrorist group ’s destruction of Singapore’s unfinished Babel. However, the destruction of Babel was only used as bait to attract terrorist groups. The United Nations also issued a press release, confirming that the real Babel was still safe and sound.

To construct the high-rise Babel required the use of a special magic. The construction period could not be compared with a normal building. If they carried out a large scale construction at the predetermined location, it would become an easy target for terrorist attacks, thus a fake Babel was naturally needed. Even for the fake Babel, the protective measures could not be sloppy; as Babel was a important facility for C.O.C.O.O.N., a weak protection would inevitably reveal the authenticity of the building. Therefore, there had never been a record of Babel suffering an attack during construction.

“—This record was finally broken by us.”

After reading the report, Kaidou folded the newspaper and tucked it under his arm. He then took out his phone, selected a number from his contact list, and pressed the dial b.u.t.ton.

“…What’s the matter?”

After the phone call connected, a girl’s dull and indifferent voice came from the other end of the phone.

Kaidou could not help but give a wry smile.

“There’s no need to be so cold right, I haven’t offended you. Meme, are you currently free to talk?”

“No, please keep it short.”

The girl’s reaction suddenly made Kaidou crack a smile. Although she said that it is inconvenient, she would still chat for an awfully long time. Even her appearance of being indifferent was just to hide her warm-heartedness.

At this moment…

“…I can see your face revealing a strangely annoying smile, can I hang the phone call now?”

“No way, you can even see this? This is only a phone call, but you still keep a stiff att.i.tude!?”

Kaidou patted his face and retracted his frivolous look.

“Meme, Actually I have something to ask you, the all-knowing person. After yesterday’s mission in Singapore, didn’t I return back earlier? So I want to know the aftermath of the event.”

In short –

“- Who was the last to stay?”

Through the phone call, Kaidou Motoharu asked his companions - members - a question.

After receiving the notice from their commander, Kaidou and several others had flown to Singapore from various locations in the world to meet up, and together destroy the fake Babel’s construction. Yes, they knew from the beginning that it wasn’t the real Babel.

Even though it was a fake Babel, its protective measures and the hardness of the building were no different from the real Babel.

Therefore, the mission of destroying the fake Babel was ultimately the best field exercise.

All these efforts were to destroy the real Babel.

This mission had nearly full attendance, except for one person. That’s right, the only absentee was the boss. Even receiving the commander’s notice, founder still used the excuse of “The great Amazon is calling me>, and directly expressed his willingness to not partic.i.p.ate.

This was not an excuse for shirking, currently he should be in the Amazon lands alone.

After the mission for destroying the fake Babel had ended, Kaidou immediately left Singapore. Because it was the commander’s request to monitor Akatsuki’s movements.

“I did not stay till the very last moment, and am unclear about the situation. Commander also seems to have left the scene early.”

“- But you should have “seen” it right?”

Kaidou chuckled with an appearance filled with confidence.

’s mission mode had always been meeting up and disbanding at the location. After the mission was completed, it was up to the individual to decide their next action; the organization would not interfere. Thus, the past Kaidou was never interested in the after-actions of other members. However, the situation this time was different. Before Kaidou and the others started the mission, they had received information about a few C.O.C.O.O.N members trying to use this chance to eradicate . Thus, when Kaidou left Singapore, there were still various bloodthirsty members staying behind. C.O.C.O.O.N viewed as a thorn, and at the same time, also viewed C.O.C.O.O.N as a pest. Both camps had the goal of getting rid of the other.

“… The C.O.C.O.O.N responsible for India and China Babel seemed to take advantage of the summit and went to Singapore to investigate, as a result there was a conflict with Luka and Claire.”

“Oh wow, they really fought against C.O.C.O.O.N.?”

In his excitement, Kaidou could not help but raise his voice. This was confidential information that would not appear in the news media or on the internet.

All the news media were subjected to strict controls and would block any unfavorable news about C.O.C.O.O.N. It was evident that C.O.C.O.O.N had a large influence.

“So…Who won?”

Compared to Kaidou, who was jumping up with joy, the tone on the other end of the phone seemed to be extraordinarily calm.

“Both sides fought for a while, and in the end there was no victor. It seems that the battle was too intense and attracted a large crowd of media and onlookers, so it ended abruptedly.”

“What… So boring.”

With his expectations dashed, Kaidou hid his inner disappointment.

Although C.O.C.O.O.N controlled the world’s media, they could not stop the chatter between individuals. Neither C.O.C.O.O.N nor wished to reveal their secrets in front of the world.

“Since you were looking forward to it, why did you not stay in the first place? You seem to like standing at the sidelines and observing.”

The tone on the other end of the phone seemed to disapprove, but Kaidou smiled slightly, and did not mind.

“That’s okay. Fighting is the greatest “stage”, but I still prefer to be the audience. This is also the reason why I wanted to be close to that guy.”

“So you deliberately live in the self-governed area and even became a Babel student? But you cannot ignore the commander’s summons; it must be hard to hide this kind of thing.”

“Ahah, there is a trick for it.”

Kaidou was slightly arrogant. The self-governed area always had strict control measures for the alternative world returnees.

However, these measures all follow certain rules.

“As long as you understand the rules under the “frame”, you will naturally find a loophole.”

“Just as they say a good swimmer drowning in shallow water, don’t overdo it.”

“Rest a.s.sured, this kind of sneaky act is not difficult for me.”

“…There’s no difference between you and a c.o.c.kroach.”

After saying this, the other side hung up the phone.

“Huh? Hey…Hey…Hey…? Meme? Really, she does not even give me time to say thanks.”

Kaidou sighed, put away his cell phone and leisurely walked towards the residential areas.

Currently Kaidou’s position was the self-govern area’s 3rd residential area. Approximately 40% of JPN Babel students lived here. Kaidou’s own apartment also belonged to the 3rd residential area.

But Kaidou’s direction was opposite of his own apartment. The buildings on both sides of the road were almost all single-family houses. Kaidou walked leisurely in the quiet residential area.

After walking for a while –

“Oh! Here it is, that’s the place.”

The building that Kaidou had set as his goal appeared in his sight. It was the living place of his recently met “Best Friend”.

“Why not use the rare spring break to increase our friendship. Aki, you must be looking forward to it too right?” Muttering to himself, Kaidou suddenly widened his eyes.

“Oh, looks like someone was here first.”

Kaidou scratched his cheek, looking awkwardly. In front of Akatsuki’s doorstep stood a familiar girl.

“Geez, what just happened?”

Kaidou carefully looked at the girl in front of him. Even during spring break, the girl was still wearing the school uniform.

The Student Council and Disciplinary Officer‘s armband was sparkling.

Yes, the girl was JPN Babel High school division Vice president – Nanase Haruka.

Akatsuki walked into the living room carrying a tea tray. On the sofa Miu’s eyes were still red.

Chikage and Kuzuha were staying by Miu’s side.

I should give them a bit more time, Akatsuki thought.

…However, determination could possibly be shaken through the pa.s.sage of time.

Miu and their friendship, at this time it had reached the very peak. So – Now is the best chance.

“- You guys listen carefully.”

Hearing this, the three all unanimously looked at Akatsuki. Akatsuki directly took in the all three of the gazes and slowly said:

“Following this, I have some personal matter to deal with, so I may leave for some time. However, you don’t have to worry, leaving and coming back will all happen at the same instant.”

After noticing the meaning inside Akatsuki’s words, their expressions immediately became serious.

So Akatsuki decided to allow them to make their own choice.

“I will give you guys an hour. If you intend to come, then come find me on the 2nd floor. However, please do not act based on personal feelings, carefully think about it then decide.”

After that, Akatsuki left the living room and returned to his own room. He then spread out the newspaper that he had tucked under his arm. What was greeted by his eyes was the report of the terrorist act on Singapore. Almost all of the Morning News were reports about this incident, and he had seen this news while eating breakfast, so Akatsuki was not unfamiliar with the contents of the report.

, an important clue connecting to his father.

Ousawa Akatsuki understood this. After hearing the report, he was clearly shaken.

His father, who created the world’s most powerful terrorist group .

His brother, who was in the executive team of C.O.C.O.O.N, affiliated with the organization which controlled the world.

To stop the two people standing on this world’s peak was the goal Ousawa Akatsuki had set for himself.

But after calmly considering it, Akatsuki did not think that this attack had any relationship with his father.

“There is an 80% chance that s.h.i.tty pops is in Africa…no, Amazon, enjoying himself.”

After coldly snorting, Akatsuki threw the newspaper onto the table.

He then sat on the bed, resting his hands on his knees.

“- Just you wait.”

The vaguely discernible, but distant brother.

And the unknown whereabouts father.

Ousawa Akatsuki did not care who starts first, thus he boldly made the declaration:

“After solving the other side’s “missing object”, I can only move forward.”

- It was nearly 30 minutes later that the sound of a gentle knock came from the door of Akatsuki’s room.

“Come in.”

Under Akatsuki’s beckon, entering room were the three girls.

Akatsuki carefully looked. Looking at the ones opposite of him, they did not try to avoid his gaze and the three had a firm expression on their faces.

“…Are you certain?”

Akatsuki asked them as the final confirmation. The three girls all nodded without saying a word.

Looks like they made up their mind. So Ousawa Akatsuki stood up. His face had a hint of a smile.

“Great, then let us prepare to go to Alayzard.”

“In the end, what am I doing…”

Looking at the cement wall with the door sign inscribed with “Ousawa”, Nanase Haruka could not help but quietly complain.

Today was the first day of spring break, but JPN Babel high school division Student Council Members, including Haruka, had to deal with the aftermath of the school ranking tournament. This also included re-examining the school’s security system. However, after meeting with Kubota Kaito in the school, Haruka had suddenly discovered that things weren’t that simple.

Kubota brought the new AD – Arms Device and handed it to Haruka.

A mysterious figure had taken advantage of the ranking tournament and invaded JPN Babel, causing a number of students and staff members to be injured.

Thanks to Akatsuki stepping forward, they successfully resolved the crisis, but no one could guarantee that this situation would not happen again. It was possible that there might be a more severe situation in the future; after all, Babel was a remarkable goal for terrorists. To prevent this situation from happening again, delegates at the C.O.C.O.O.N summit had reached an agreement, and took measures to prevent the possible terrorist attacks, that is the AD upgrade program.

Not only would the new AD be able to materialize a weapon, it could also instantly switch into the battle uniform mode based on the user’s instructions. However, the battle uniform mode was only limited to clothing made from the special telepathic stone’s fibers – such as the school gym uniforms. Thus the school had decided to catch up during the spring break, before the new year started, and initiate a uniform design plan.

As the new AD was completed, the school immediately started a synchronization test for new uniforms and the new AD, and the chosen tester was Haruka. Babel’s best scientist’s, Kubota’s, masterpiece would naturally have no possibility of error and the test was well within everyone’s expectation, obtaining words of success beforehand.

Thus, the new AD and new uniform design plan had closed – until now it had gone fairly smoothly.

…The real problem had yet to come.

Just when Haruka was about to return to the Student Council Office, Kubota took a new AD and ordered Haruka to give this AD to Akatsuki, to replace the missing AD he had lost when fighting against the mysterious dragon.

Why me? Haruka could not help but complain. But it was strange as Haruka did not have any ideas to refuse.

Haruka did not say anything and accepted the AD from Kubota. Actually she could have asked others to deliver the AD to Akatsuki, after all she was a member of the high school division Student Council Member of JPN Babel, and had a.s.sistants to help deal with ch.o.r.es. What was strange was that Haruka never thought of entrusting this matter to someone else.

This was the reason why Haruka appeared in front of Akatsuki’s home.

… I’m unwilling to admit it.

Nanase Haruka thought. During the ranking tournament – No, it should be before the ranking tournament, she was very conscious of Akatsuki’s presence. Why? She did not know and did not want to know. So Haruka had already been hovering near Akatsuki’s home for nearly an hour and was still unwilling to press the doorbell.

… People who do not understand the circ.u.mstances must have treated me as a suspicious person.

What the h.e.l.l! A member of JPN Babel Disciplinary Committee will actually look like a suspicious individual in the eyes of others!? Just what is Ousawa Akatsuki, Just what from that guy makes me hesitant, and even be treated as a suspicious character? Thus Haruka took a deep breath and in her heart, made up her mind –

There is no need to hesitate, just relax and do it. Press the doorbell, give out her ident.i.ty, then hand over the AD to Akatsuki and that’s it. Simple, isn’t it?

But just when Haruka was about to press the doorbell…

“ – Isn’t this the Vice President?”

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!”

A sudden sound came from behind, and Haruka was suddenly shocked to a certain extent.

Turning around, a youth appeared in her sight. Nanase Haruka was not unfamiliar with the youth - the other was the cla.s.s’s famous truancy king.

“Kaidou Motoharu… Why are you here?”

“Akatsuki is my “best friend”, so occasionally visiting shouldn’t be too overboard right?”

Kaidou shrugged.

“So why are you standing in front of Akatsuki’s home?”

“I…I have come to give something to him.”

After saying this, Haruka suddenly thought she was in trouble.

“…It can’t be that you actually saw it.”

“Ah? Saw what?”

Seeing Kaidou’s puzzled look, Haruka was relieved. It looked like he did not notice that she was hovering in front of the door, while she was thinking embarra.s.sedly.

Thank goodness. If that embarra.s.sed look was seen by others, she must have fainted on the spot.

So Haruka pretended to be calm and said:

“Nothing, I have just arrived recently.”

“Really. But I probably arrived 30 minutes ago and saw you standing in front of the door.”

As Kaidou’s nonchalant response entered her ears, Nanase Haruka suddenly felt dizzy. Although she was not shocked to that extent, but she almost lost consciousness, her face became more red and flushed.

“W…Why did you not say anything?”

“It could not be helped, the changes in the expression of the vice president were really interesting.”

“Y…You, why can’t you pretend you didn’t see it? You’re really not considerate at all!”

Just when Haruka was about to scold Kaidou.

A sharp sound suddenly appeared at the scene.

“This sound… It can’t be a dimensional transfer?”

Haruka immediately looked at the direction of the sound.

Near the second floor of Ousawa’s home s.p.a.ce started to appear distorted. It could not be mistaken, this was the sign for dimensional transfer. Someone was being summoned to an alternative world.

At this moment –

“- d.a.m.n, there was still this trick!”

Kaidou, whose face was becoming pale, immediately sprung forward. The door did not seem to be locked, seeing as Kaidou easily opened the entrance door and went straight into the house.

“W…Wait a minute!”

Haruka, who was behind a step, hurriedly tried to catch up.

A blinding flash occupied the room.

Sitting on the bed, four people were holding hands forming a circle. The one who was commanding was Akatsuki, who was among the four people.

“Very good…slowly take deep breaths and imagine Alayzard’s scene in your head.”

Akatsuki looked at Miu beside him, who was the center of the light.

As a resident of Alayzard, Miu had access to direct them to that world.

As long as Akatsuki followed the essentials of the , and used Renkan Keikikou to inject ki into Miu’s body, he could produce the current scenario. In short, the key to opening the dimensional movement. After that, Miu just had to concentrate and they would be able to use the created when she entered this world to return to Alayzard.

Besides Miu, Akatsuki also injected ki into Chikage and Kuzuha’s body and at the same allowed the ki to form a circular orbit. Before, when Akatsuki had brought Miu through the , she had also used these two techniques.

As a result, all four of the people gained the ability to go through dimensions.

“Okay, then let’s go!”

Akatsuki gave out the order, and the four bodies released a dazzling light, completing the preparation for dimensional transfer to the alternative world.

At this time –

Two shadows came in from the door. Taking a single glance, Akatsuki immediately identified the shadows that were respectively Kaidou Motoharu and Nanase Haruka. The two people were probably just visiting, noticed the signs of dimensional transfer outside of the house, and hurriedly rushed in.

Ousawa Akatsuki showed an evil smile.

“Specially came to send us off? Must be hard to both of you. There’s no need to worry, we’ll return immediately.”

“Huh…? Kaidou? And vice president?”

As Akatsuki’s words entered her ears, Miu subconsciously turned and looked behind.

What happened next was completely outside of Akatsuki’s expectations.

Kaidou, with a speed that seemed to be fast enough to leave an afterimage, waved his right hand.

Akatsuki clearly noticed that Miu’s arm was wrapped by a thin chain.

“Hey Hey…”

Akatsuki’s tone showed some displeasure.

“Sorry Akatsuki. This is my first time saying this – Oops, my hand slipped.”

Kaidou revealed a cunning smile. At this moment, the light from the four bodies moved through the chain and onto Kaidou. Kaidou’s body also started to glow, completing the preparation for dimensional movement.

At this moment –

“Are you all crazy?”

Attempting to prevent Kaidou, Haruki held onto Kaidou’s arm. As a result, she was also surrounded by a strong dazzling light.

“Oh… Even the vice president is coming along for the ride.”

Seeing this, Chikage could not help but shake her head, sighing.

“What a mess…”

Kuzuha helplessly sighed.

The dimensional movement was about to begin. Now they could only bring the two to the alternative world as well.

“That’s enough, it’s not like we are going to a picnic.”

Just when Akatsuki muttered this…

A dazzling white light engulfed everything.

The forest was currently playing a pleasant melody.

A gentle breeze softly blew and made the leaves inside the forest play a note of greenery.

Ousawa Akatsuki was lying on the ground, listening to the melody of the forest.

His thoughts gradually became clear and allowed him to understand the current situation.

“…Looks like it was a success.”

Looking at the interlacing leaves in the sky, Akatsuki slowly lifted his body. His cheeks still remained a little itchy. Probably during the time when he was unconscious, the swaying gra.s.s was blown under the gentle breeze and constantly stroke his cheek? After confirming that the others were nearby, Akatsuki finally felt relieved, then stood up and looked around.

“Here…does not seem to be Sherfield’s forest.”

Akatsuki eyebrows slightly creased after he noticed he was in an unexpected location.

The scene of the forest was different from Sherfield. Even the type of vegetation was completely different.

“- Oh wow, this is Alayzard?”

A familiar voice came from behind. Akatsuki turned around and noticed a young man leisurely raising his head and looking at the sky.

This young man was none other than Kaidou. Kaidou used the fact that the dimensional transfer was located at Ousawa house and predicted that this was the alternative world that Akatsuki was summoned to before. Even though he was in a rush, he could still make a calm judgment. Akatsuki had a sense of admiration, but, at the same time, he also felt a burst of frustration.

“You really are bored, you have nothing to do so you came here to enjoy the fun?”

“It looks like you were about to cause a big deal, so I did not even think about it and – Huh, looks like they woke up.”

Kaidou did not finish his sentence, but Miu and the others had all stood up from the ground. Perhaps they were not completely conscious, seeing Miu continued to kneel, raised her head confusedly and looked at Akatsuki.

“…Was it a success?”

“Yes, but it was not the expected location.”

Akatsuki extended his right hand and pulled Miu up from the ground.

Miu stared around and immediately noticed something wrong.

“This here is…”

“Do you know what place is this?’

“Yes… This here should be Geirupein’s forest, I can’t be wrong.”

Miu’s answer made Akatsuki had a doubt. When he was coming back from Alayzard, Akatsuki used Sherfield’s . Since he was going through the same dimensional hole to return to Alayzard, accordingly, he should have been within Sherfield’s territory.

…Oh well, thinking too much is useless.

Anyways, the purpose of this trip was to return to Alayzard, so, strictly speaking, it could be considered as a success. Although their current location differed from their original expectations, this was only a small problem that they needed to handle.

“- Excuse me, Ousawa-kun.”

Kuzuha gently tugged on Akatsuki’s sleeves.

“What should we do with the two of them?”

A helpless tone. Kuzuha’s gaze fell onto the two uninvited guests.

On the side, Chikage also seemed to look very awkward.

“Especially the vice president, from just now she had this face…”

She did not finish, but the time bomb already detonated.

“ – Ousawa Akatsuki!”

A roar filled with killing intent entered their ears, Chikage could not help but shrug, as if she had already expected this.

An angry Haruka strode directly to Akatsuki and launched an attack.

“Just what is this? You. Give me an explanation!”

“Well…”

Akatsuki scratched his cheek, looking extremely helpless.

“Anyways, why did you come to my home? It can’t be that you specifically came to find me right?”

“D…Don’t you misunderstand! I only came at the request of Professor Kubota to deliver the new AD to you!”

A flushed Haruka pulled out a wristband.

“Doesn’t that mean you specifically came to find me? Why do you not admit it.”

After Akatsuki accepted the AD…

“Huh…? Is there only one?”

“This AD was created based on the wave form of your abilities, even if it is just one, you can still summon your weapon and – “

Numerous light particles suddenly appeared, and Haruka’s clothing immediately changed into the battle mode uniforms.

“To prevent the sudden situation of the ranking tournament from happening again, from now on, the users will be able to use the AD to change their clothings. The new uniform will also be created through the telepathic stone fibers, and will change based on the user’s needs.”

The new AD and the change in clothing should only be given to students in general after the spring break. Professor Kubota only gave a new AD to Akatsuki because Akatsuki’s AD was accidently damaged when fighting against the evil dragon Zahark.

“I have explained the reason I came to find you clearly, now it is your turn to answer my question.”

“Uh…It will be a long story…”

After wearing the new AD on his wrist, Akatsuki thought to himself.

…What should I do now?

Chikage and Kuzuha already knew Miu’s secret, and accepted Miu’s ident.i.ty, but Haruka and Kaidou were different. If they found out Miu’s secret, there was no guarantee it would not complicate the matter after returning to the real world.

…Kaidou was still relatively easy to talk with, but the vice president might be difficult.

It was only because she was also the JPN Babel High School Division Vice President.

Commanding and controlling JPN Babel’s C.O.C.O.O.N was no other than the High School Division Student Council President Hikami Kyouya.

This represents that in JPN Babel school, the High School Division Student Council had the highest authority.

Nanase Haruka was part of the Student Council. If she thought that Miu’s real ident.i.ty could not be ignored, it meant that JPN Babel – or even C.O.C.O.O.N - would not tolerate for Miu.

On official records, there had never been an alternative world resident who visited that world. If Miu’s ident.i.ty was exposed to the public, the school and C.O.C.O.O.N would absolutely not let her go easily.

Perhaps feeling the hesitation inside Akatsuki, there was a trace of concern in Miu’s gaze towards Akatsuki. So Akatsuki smiled and motioned Miu that there was no need to worry.

Not only did Haruka and Kaidou see the instant of the dimensional movement, they even came together to Alayzard. There was no situation more tragic than the current situation.

However, Akatsuki could not pity himself. He had never tried to escape from reality, and was always actively facing the situation, attempting to find the most suitable solution. Since the instant of dimensional movement was seen by the two, this meant that Akatsuki must explain the current situation to the two of them. Isn’t the current situation the best opportunity to explain it to them?

…And crisis could also be a turning point.

Although Haruka’s personality was meticulously attentive, she also harbored a sense of justice, and could be moved based on her emotions. As long as they managed to invoke her sense of justice and compa.s.sion, it would mean Miu would get a strong helper. And the best method to do so was to allow her to witness the actions that Akatsuki and Miu decided to complete in Alayzard.

…Even if the plan was to fail, he still had other methods.

In the worst case, Miu’s existence would catch the attention of Babel and C.O.C.O.O.N. At that time, he would only need to defeat any a.s.sa.s.sins who attempted to cause trouble to Miu, and eventually he would be connected to C.O.C.O.O.N.

Therefore, Akatsuki concluded that everything was under his control. He placed his hands onto the shoulders of Haruka.

“Okay, I’m willing to explain the entire situation clearly. However, I have one condition, that is, you must act together with us until the matter ends.”

“Y…Your smile seems to be mischievous.”

Just as Haruka shuddered, she felt a sense of trouble…

From the other side of the forest came a shrill scream.

“- !”

Everyone’s face immediately changed colors. The shrill scream obviously came from a child’s mouth. Everyone on the scene had the same idea, and all took a step. All of them were breathless, and silently rushed to the scene where the screams came from.

After a few minutes, the crowd quietly arrived at the source of the sound.

Akatsuki lowered himself and hid in the bushes to observe the situation.

“That is…”

Six soldiers entered their view. Seeing the soldiers’ armor and the gold shiny emblem on their chest, Akatsuki could not help but have his doubts – Just what is happening? But before he found the answer, there were more important things to deal with. Thus, Akatsuki looked around, looking for the child who had issued the scream.

“ – d.a.m.n it, be a little more honest!”

A soldier gave out a verbal intimidation.

Then they saw him roughly grabbing onto a thin arm, dragging a young body.

“-!”

The scene in front of Miu made her hold her breath.

The person that the six soldiers had arrested was a young female from the dark elf race.

The girl’s facial features were distorted with fear, and her body was constantly struggling and attempting to escape from the grasp of the soldier.

“- I say, Aki, what should we do now?”

Kaidou silent asked. The scene in front of his eyes made him unable to make the correct judgments, so he only raised this superficial issue. After all, he was a first time visitor to Alayzard, it was a completely unknown world. Not to mention Kaidou and Haruka, who were oblivious to Alayzard, even Chikage and Kuzuha, who had some idea of this world, did not know how to face the situation. Thus Akatsuki gave a slight smile.

“That goes without saying right?”

After saying this, Akatsuki slowly got up.

“But…”

Miu’s gaze wandered between Akatsuki and the soldiers, as if she was a bit worried.

“Don’t worry, I have my own plans.”

Akatsuki smiled.

“Listen carefully okay? It is enough with just me. Just stand by here and wait for my signal, do not act rashly.”

So Akatsuki marched quickly through the trees to the other side.

He merged with the nature and even the sounds of his breath and footsteps were concealed.

Akatsuki appeared next to the ignorant soldiers.

Akatsuki appearance was so sudden that the soldiers, who were not prepared psychologically, looked at Akatsuki in horror.

“Where did you come out from…?’

Everyone had a surprised look.

“Who are you? What are you doing here?”

“You guys are the regular army right? Since you do not know me, it means that you should be a newly established platoon. Okay, who’s the captain?”

Akatsuki’s tone was very frivolous, as if he ignored the presence of the six soldiers. The color of one of the soldiers changed.

“Answer the question! Who on earth are you?”

Then he extended his right hand and attempted to grab Akatsuki’s arm.

“…Oh.”

Akatsuki gently dodged and got rid of the soldier’s grasp. The soldier’s body suddenly flipped in the original place in a circle and fell flat onto the ground. The hard armor hit the ground and made a crisp sound.

As the other soldiers saw this, their faces instantly turned pale.

“A…Are you trying to die!”

“Freeze!”

Two soldiers immediately pulled out the swords from their waists, but Akatsuki had long pa.s.sed through the side of the two soldiers.

“- Your actions are too slow.”

The moment he pa.s.sed through them, Akatsuki used a speed that was hardly recognizable to the human eye and lifted his knife hand, and cut towards the soldier’s neck.

The two soldiers immediately lost consciousness and toppled down powerlessly. After hearing the sound of the two hitting the ground, Akatsuki asked again:

“I’ll ask again, who is the captain?”

Out of the three soldiers, one of them came forward.

“- I am the captain.”

His armor seemed to be exceptionally heavy. This meant that the wearer was a knight.

Even facing Akatsuki with his unfathomable strength, he did not reveal the slightest fear.

“Now you should answer the question. Who on earth…Ah!”

The determined expression suddenly turned into a surprise. To describe it using words, it should be the so-called transfixed look.

“Akatsuki-dono…? How is this possible? Didn’t you return to your original world?”

“Thank G.o.d, looks like I finally met someone who knows me.”

Akatsuki gave a wry smile.

“- If you know me, then you should also know my aesthetics right?”

Akatsuki looked at the young girl from the dark elf race, and his smile faded.

“Looks like there is a woman…no, looks like there is a girl crying, did I see wrong?”

Facing Akatsuki’s atmosphere, the captain could not help but take a few steps back.

“But…she is the remains of the demon race…”

“So you will also ruthlessly kill the defenseless little girl? During the period of my absence, did the Sherfield army fall to such a point, it really makes me sad.”

Akatsuki pushed off the captain, went to the young girl from the dark elf race, and then he crouched down in front of the girl. The two gazes met in midair. Akatsuki slowly extended his right hand, trying to stroke the girl’s hair.

But the girl was afraid to the point where she closed her eyes and subconsciously shrinked back.

“…”

Akatsuki could not help but narrow his eyes. It looked like she was quite afraid of humans. So Akatsuki gently placed his palm onto the girl’s head and stroked back and forth.

“…?”

After some time, the young girl from the dark elf race timidly opened her two eyes, but there was still a trace of alarm in her gaze towards Akatsuki. Akatsuki slightly smiled and wiped away the girl’s tears with his fingertips.

“Don’t cry, no one will hurt you here.”

“A…Akatsuki-dono, we are just…”

The captain attempted to give a reasonable explanation for their actions.

With his back facing the captain, he did not turn around and spoke:

“- There must be a reason for this to happen, I did not mean to blame you.”

Akatsuki turned around and coldly looked at the captain in front of him.

“Tell me, do not miss any small details. After I returned to my own world, what happened to Alayzard?”

Akatsuki’s intimidation was extremely effective. The captain obediently explained everything that had happened during the time period.

The content that the captain described was roughly in line with Akatsuki’s speculation.

After understanding the situation of Alayzard, Akatsuki ordered Sherfield’s soldiers to immediately leave the forest.

At first they seemed to find it difficult to let go because Akatsuki was not planning to return with them. The soldiers did not know how to explain to their platoon’s commanding officer. Akatsuki told them report exactly what they had seen, there was no need to hide anything.

In short, while capturing the demon race girl, they were interfered with by Akatsuki.

As the soldiers accepted Akatsuki’s persuasion, they did not ask for Akatsuki to come along, and all of them left the forest sadly.

“Hey - ! I’ve made you guys wait, you can come out now!”

Akatsuki shouted towards the trees.

Miu and the others immediately rose and walked towards Akatsuki.

“-!”

As five strangers suddenly appeared, the young girl from the dark elf race was suddenly shocked, and hurriedly hid behind Akatsuki.

However, the young girl immediately noticed that there was a familiar face amongst the five people and shouted.

“- Princess?”

Miu smiled and nodded. She crouched down and opened her arms.

“Come over here, it’s okay now.”

Seeing this, the young girl immediately rushed out from behind Akatsuki.

“Princess…!”

She threw herself into Miu’s arms.

“It must have been painful… But there’s no need to worry, it’s alright now.”

Miu tightly hugged the skinny body of the young girl and softly stroked the young girl’s back.

Until the young girl regained her calmness.

“Can you tell me your name?”

Facing Miu’s gentle question, the young girl first nodded, then slowly lifted her head and looked at Miu.

“…Riruru.”

The girl’s answer was extremely clear. Miu gently stroked the girl’s head, expressing her appreciation.

“Riruru, did you come to this forest by yourself?”

“…”

The young girl silently nodded.

“Looks like she isn’t a lost child.”

Akatsuki cut in.

“The village where she lives in should be close.”

“Yes. After father’s death, I specially told everyone to hide in this forest.”

Miu nodded, then asked the small elf race girl another question.

“Riruru, do you know how to go back home?”

Riruru nodded, but the gaze she sent to Akatsuki contained a hint of anxiety. She obviously did not think that humans such as Akatsuki were trustworthy objects. Seeing this, Miu could not help but give a slight smile.

“They aren’t bad guys, relax… they are my friends.”

“…”

Riruru stared at Miu, then looked again at Akatsuki. In the end she held on Miu’s hand and dragged her into the depths of the forest. Probably bringing Miu to the current location of the village.

Akatsuki and the others also followed behind.

After walking for a certain distance…

“Akatsuki…”

Chikage whispered earnestly in Akatsuki’s ears.

“Aren’t we going to the location where the demon race village is? The demon race do not know us, so it should be fine, but you are the person who defeated the demon king. Won’t the demon race take advantage of this for revenge?”

Chikage’s fears weren’t without reasons, but…

“About that… it should be fine.”

Akatsuki tone was very cold, as if the matter did not concern him. Kuzuha, who was walking beside him, heard this and suddenly sighed.

“Should? Meaning that there is a possibility of us being attacked by the demon race in the forest?”

She then glanced at Akatsuki.

“…Ousawa-kun, please stay a bit away from me?”

“Cla.s.s rep, aren’t you too heartless? But if it really happened, there is no need to worry.”

Ousawa Akatsuki shrugged lightly.

His face revealed a smile filled with ease.

“No matter if it is humans or demon race, I absolutely will not easily let go of those rude individuals that attack from behind.”

After some time, everyone came to a dead end surrounded by a forest.

“Hey Hey, is it really here? After walking in such a big circle, it can’t be that we got lost in the forest, right, Aki?”

“What can complaining to me do? But…It should be here.”

Akatsuki first looked at Riruru who was in front, then he replied Kaidou’s complaints. They saw Riruru raise a hand to the sky, murmuring a few phrases, and suddenly the scenery in front was distorted. The forest in front ot them quickly changed its appearance and revealed an entrance that led further down.

“Illusion… No, it should be using magic to seal the entrance.”

Using the power of magic at a certain location to construct the idea of an entrance, then, after applying a seal, all creatures are unable to enter inside; even if they attempt to walk around the seal, as there is only one correct entrance, they will only end up circling around the seal.

There is only one way to pa.s.s through the entrance, that is to lift the seal. After she temporary lifted the seal, Riruru looked back at the crowd.

“This way…”

After saying this, Riruru took the lead and walked on the path past the entrance. Akatsuki and the others glanced at each other, then silently followed behind.

The path after the entrance was fairly decent to walk on with a slight slope uphill. But as they moved further away from the entrance, the uphill slope’s angle was gradually increasing.

Just when they had to look up in order to see the path, Haruka suddenly said:

“Looks like that should be the place.”

Everyone heard Haruka’s mutters. Past the slope, a door constructed by large vines was in their sights. This should be the entrance to the elf village. Before the door stood two guards in an attentive position. After noticing Akatsuki, they immediately lifted their weapons and put on a posture filled with alertness. Seeing this, Riruru immediately ran over to the guards in front of the door.

“I should also go over and explain everyone’s ident.i.ty.”

After saying this, Miu immediately followed.

Staring at Riruru and Miu’s figure, Chikage could not help but scratch her cheeks.

“It seems that it will be more appropriate if we remain in this place.”

“…Hope that Ousawa-kun does not die here.”

After hearing Kuzuha’s muttering, Akatsuki could not help but laugh.

“If I die, you guys will not be able to return to the original world.”

Although Akatsuki’s tone was relaxed, everyone else was shocked. After noticing everyone’s reaction, Akatsuki seemed to be a bit surprised.

“Is it not? This time we were not “summoned”, and it was utilizing my Renkan Keikikou to pa.s.s through the “dimension hole” to come over here. We will have to use the same method when going back too.”

In short, Akatsuki and the others did not follow the normal procedures to come over to Alayzard.

“But you can rest a.s.sured, I will not die alone while leaving you guys here.”

“That’s right, Aki will indeed not die in this place.”

Seeing Akatsuki’s confident smile, Kaidou brightened up. The dialogue between the two seemed to gain the acceptance within the female members.

“…Seems like they finally finished explaining.”

Miu, who was standing on top of the slope and explaining the situation to the guards, beckoned everyone.

Akatsuki and the others immediately climbed the slope seeing this. At this moment, Miu suddenly revealed an apologetic look.

“Sorry, I’ve made everyone wait. To explain the reason why everyone came took a lot of time.”

“It can’t be helped. Suddenly a bunch of strangers appeared, anyone would not easily allow them to pa.s.s.”

Akatsuki gave a wry smile.

“What about now? Is it finished yet?”

“Yes, we have already obtained permission to enter the village.”

Miu finally exposed a smile here.

“This is also the first time for you to enter the elf’s village right?”

After taking a few steps towards the door, Miu suddenly turned around and faced everyone with open arms.

“Welcome to our Forest Village – Forestnium.”

A superb view was located in front of everyone.

The village that Akatsuki and the others entered was a s.p.a.ce that integrated nature and urban environment.

“So beautiful…”

The scene in front of their eyes was just so spectacular, Haruka’s reaction was like a baby who was experiencing things for the first time.

But no one laughed at Haruka’s reaction, because everyone also felt the same way. After personally witnessing this superb view, anyone would be at a loss for words, and would only be filled with admiration and emotion.

In front of them was a huge sacred tree. Along the exterior of the sacred tree, it formed the walls of a living s.p.a.ce. At certain intervals, the branches would divide the living s.p.a.ce into numerous floors, splitting the scattered houses. The sacred tree’s height could not be underestimated. In the situation where one was standing on the ground, they were not able to see the top of the tree. This was the inaccessible and unshakable capital of the demon race within the forest – Forestnium.

Then an old dark elf came in front of Akatsuki and the others.

He should be quite old with a thin physique, his back was bent down quite a bit. His snowy white long brows covered both his eyes, and you could not tell the expression on his face.

“Welcome honored guest, we are looking forward to having you here.”

“Urumu…!”

Miu had an especially excited tone, it seemed that she knew the other person.

“So the chief here was you, Urumu…!”

“Yes, long time no see princess.”

Urumu feebly smiled. His gaze fell upon Akatsuki, and his left brow slightly moved.

“Is this – Akatsuki-dono?”

Akatsuki could feel the killing intent coming from all directions. Urumu was not simply confirming his name.

As the chief in charge of the demon race’s capital, he was asking if Akatsuki was the killer of the Demon King.

However, Akatsuki accepted Urumu’s gaze.

“Yes, that’s right.”

“W…Wait, Urumu! He just…”

Miu hurriedly jumped in between Urumu and Akatsuki.

Only to see Urumu laughing.

“Princess-sama, you can rest a.s.sured, I did not mean to hurt him. Everyone understood Galious-sama’s will, so you do not have to mind it, princess.”

After saying this, Urumu turned his back towards the crowd.

“Here is not a suitable location to have a conversation, please come with me.”

So Urumu slowly walked forward.

Following behind Urumu, Akatsuki did not forget to look around.

Forestnium was home to many demon race, they all had different sorts of gazes facing towards Akatsuki and the others. Some were suspicion, some were curiosity and some were showing an indifferent att.i.tude.

…That seems to be quite off.

Akatsuki suddenly had his doubt; the demon race’s reaction was too calm. The Demon King’s daughter and the enemy of the Demon King appeared at the same time, the residents should either express a more enthusiastic or hostile att.i.tude. It should not be this indifferent att.i.tude.

Urumu seemed to have noticed Akatsuki’s inner doubts.

“The residents here all hate wars, so they drew the line between Galious-sama’s companions. After Galious-sama’s death, the war also ended. At that time, numerous brethren moved over here and selected a quiet peaceful life.”

“I see.”

After Urumu mentioned this, Akatsuki remembered what Miu had told them before. After Galious’s death, before Miu decided to follow Akatsuki to the alternative world, she had ordered the remaining demon race to forget everything and return to Galevain forest and continue their peaceful lives.

These demon race should be the survivors of that event? Galious had already pa.s.sed away, their battle had also finished.

Till now, the demon race still faithfully listened to Galious and Miu’s orders.

Urumu brought everyone to his own home located in the middle floors of the sacred tree.

It was a room filled with the aroma of fresh wood.

Under the motions of Urumu, Akatsuki and the others sat down on the cushion composed of vegetation.

“Please…”

A dark elf woman was currently making tea for everyone. Her actions and posture were very elegant. She should be part of Urumu’s family.

After receiving the teacup, Chikage could not help but say the common feelings that others, besides Miu and Akatsuki, had.

“I originally thought that the demon race were bloodthirsty monsters filled with numerous claws and sharp teeth. I can’t believe that there are almost no differences from human appearance.”

Chikage probably recalled about the demon race she had seen after entering the demon race’s village. A part of the demon race had tails and ears of a beast, but there were some that were no different from a human’s appearance. Hearing this, Akatsuki suddenly chuckled.

“That’s right. Aside from beastmen, that includes werewolves, they usually just look like humans.”

“So why do the humans in this world fear the demon race and even made them the enemy?”

Kuzuha’s question hit the core of the problem. Akatsuki nodded and quietly explained the problem in Alayzard.

“In short, it is just racial discrimination that was formed after having fears about a strong race.”

Humans will not discriminate against animals, but will discriminate against humans that look similar to them.

Different skin colors, different eye colors, different hair colors, different beliefs. Excluding others had always been part of humans’ characteristics. Even in the world that Akatsuki and the others came from, similar things also occurred constantly.

Unreasonable exclusion and persecution, this was already present in the dark side of every human world.

At this moment, Kaidou suddenly thought of something.

“That can’t be right, Aki? Then aren’t they the victims? In the end, you stood beside the humans that discriminated against the demon race and eliminated the Demon King who fought for the demon race, and you proudly claim to be an hero? What kind of truth is this?”

Kaidou’s speech made everyone gasp. In fact his views were the same feelings that everyone was sharing, but no one blamed Akatsuki; After all, at the stage when they just came to the alternative world, the summoned teenager would not have any power. If they wanted to return to the original world, they must try and survive. After coming to the alternative world, the teenagers must first give up on things called justice and morals, they will have to eventually face the harsh situation in an unfamiliar world, in order to survive, and also to find a way to return to the original world. These children did not have any choice. Even so, Ousawa Akatsuki did not want to make any excuses to defend himself.

“I have never claimed to be a hero, but your views are not unreasonable.”

“Humans treated us as a evil existence, we also stood up against the oppression of humans. This was a result of the conflicting relations with each other. But…”

Urumu suddenly paused for a moment, then he continued to explain the historical grievances and errors between Alayzard’s human and the demon races.

“We are not qualified to be called the victims. Even in the ancient times, we have treated the weak humans as slaves, causing the hatred of demon race in humans and hurting the opportunities for the demon race. Yes, we and the humans could be destined to not coexist, there is an firm opposition that came from a long time. This is not the question of who is right and who is wrong, both only wanted to protect their own homeland, protect their families, so they fight… Demon race and humans, they are just like two parallel lines that will forever not intersect.”

Urumu sighed, his face had a smile filled with solitude.

Kuzuha could not resist and asked:

“The demon race and humans have never had a time where they peacefully coexisted?”

“It is said that in the ancient times, the demon race and humans have indeed peacefully coexisted together, but right now… I’m afraid it won’t be easy…”

Urumu suddenly lifted his head, and he stared at Akatsuki.

“Nevertheless, amongst the humans who viewed us as an evil existence and would even cruelly kill our race who did not have the slightest intentions to fight, Akatsuki was extraordinarily different. He absolutely did not want to harm, but only wanted the world to have a peaceful life, upholding peace for us. Thus, Akatsuki, who stood on the front lines, and risked his life to fight against Galious-sama, is a n.o.ble man of integrity. Under his influences, many humans, including Sherfield’s, all avoided unnecessary killing and fights.”

Urumu’s kind words entered their ears, Chikage, Kuzuha, Haruka and Kaidou all widened their eyes.

Noticing that all four of their gazes fell onto him, Akatsuki only said “Don’t you guys misunderstand.” Then sighed.

“Grandpa, you exaggerated it too much. I did not feel that I was so great.”

“But after defeating father and immediately ending the battle, the person who prevented unnecessary killings of the demon race and persuaded the leaders to lay down their weapons was none other than you. You changed Sherfield, and also changed this entire world…”

Miu’s eyes were showing sincerity.

“Even if it was not because of father’s will, I am willing to accompany you by your side.”

“Perhaps Galious-sama already knew that besides Akatsuki-dono, no one else could defeat him. No, perhaps dying to Akatsuki-dono was the wish of Galious-sama, so that’s why he left his will to the princess and told her to live with the person who defeated him…”

Here, Urumu formally faced Akatsuki.

At the same time he slowly bowed his head to show grat.i.tude.

“Akatsuki-dono never killed our fellow brethren, and also fought fairly against Galious-sama in a duel. When Galious-sama was alive, he always praised your chivalrous spirit. Till now, you have also kept your promise and took care of Galious’s beloved daughter. Please allow me to replace the dead demon king, to give you our utmost and sincere thanks.”

Inside the depth of Forestnium’s sacred tree, there was an area that had particularly fresh air and a pleasant scenery.

The beautiful colors formed by the intertwining blues and greens came from the crystal clear spring water.

Ousawa Miu was currently naked in the hot spring.

Izumi Chikage, Doumoto Kuzuha and Nanase Haruka were also at the scene.

The four females were currently cleaning their bodies at the bath. Under Urumu’s recommendation, the four females entered the hot spring deep within the forest, in order to wash off the smell from the outside world and avoid disturbing the elves inside the forest.

Although the temperature for the hot spring was not too hot, the four females did not feel the cold at all. The moderate temperature actually made all of them feel refreshed.

“…”

Miu used her hands to scoop up the spring water and gently allowed it to slide down her body.

…This battle seems to be inevitable…

Once Miu thought of this, she bit her lower lip tightly. Previously at Urumu’s home, Miu obtained information about the human army suddenly entering the forest a few days ago. The army belonged to Disdia, Aleclasta and Sherfield, or otherwise the three great countries that formed an alliance to defeat her father Galious. According to Akatsuki’s information from the soldiers who tried to kidnap Riruru, Disdia and Sherfied forces that were stationed at the Galevain forest had received devastating attacks from the demon race, prompting the three countries to use their military. Luckily Forestnium’s concept was to use a magic seal to prevent invaders from the outside, so the human forces could currently only stay at the borders of the forest and could not overstep them.

…But…

Urumu clearly expressed that the demon race in Forestnium had never attacked the human surveillance forces.

Miu also remembered Akatsuki’s muttering.

- This is the key to the entire situation.

If it was a simple mistake of the humans, as long as they make things clear, there is the possibility that the human forces would retreat.

But what if someone deliberately created this conflict, and their final goal was to use the conflict and completely wipe out the demon race?

Akatsuki’s hypothesis wasn’t unreasonable. Within the humans, there are many bloodthirsty individuals.

… And this is the most likely hypothesis.

Eliminating the demon race - Phil Barnett, who tried to capture Miu, also mentioned a similar topic as well. If their plan had failed, switching to another was a natural approach. It could be that the original plan was to have both sides work simultaneously.

But then again, even inside the demon race, there were still forces that wanted revenge against the humans.

It was said that the main battling forces of the demon race had left Galevain, and had set up a new village elsewhere. This attack may be their work. However, the residents in Forestnium all hated conflict, so they shouldn’t be willing to drive these peaceful brethren into a merciless war.

…We must find a way.

This war was highly probable due to Miu, thus Miu secretly swore in her heart that she must protect everyone.

At this moment, a pair of arms suddenly came from behind, wrapped around her and graciously grabbed onto Miu’s b.o.o.bs.

“Waaa ahah ah ! W…What are you doing!”

Miu screamed and turned to stare at Akatsuki behind her.

“…Huh?”

Only to see that the figure that entered her eyes was not Akatsuki, so Miu hesitated.

The person who hugged Miu from behind was a female that was currently taking a bath with her – Izumi Chikage.

Chikage’s face exposed a mischievous smile.

“Ah~? Who did you think it was just now?”

This sentence made Miu suddenly blush with shame, she even forgot that her twin valleys were in Chikage’s hands.

“W…What do you mean?”

Seeing Miu hurriedly make up an excuse for herself, Chikage whispered in a low voice beside her ear.

A devil’s whisper, but it was nothing but the correct answer.

“- You treated me as Akatsuki, didn’t you?”

“N…No I didn’t !”

Ignoring Miu’s excuse, Chikage narrowed