Mushoku Tensei (WN)

Chapter 16

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[To Rudeus Greyrat. Ever since then, how is your physical condition? Has your magic recovered? I wish to talk about the future. I will wait inside the hut located in Sharia city"s suburb. Due to our circ.u.mstances, I wish for you to come alone. Orsted.]

After I read that letter, I asked Aisha to prepare some food.

After getting the food, I went back to my room and changed clothes.

Choosing the best clothes possible, I showed them to Aisha and asked her to confirm whether there were any weird spots.

Then I left the house, taking with me Aqua Hartia and the diary from the future. [1]

On the way I called out to the baby treant Beet and the playing Zenith.[2]

"Mother, I"m off."

Zenith was waving her hand as if saying [Take care].

Next to her, Beet was also shaking his leaves and branches.

I did not call out to Sylphy and the others.

If I did, they would probably insist on coming along.

The letter said to come alone.

Thus I would go alone.

This time was not to go to fight.

I had no intention to destroy the hut Orsted was in with magic, because if it came down to a fight, I would definitely lose my life.

If I was asked whether I trusted Orsted, it would be a difficult question.

But from the letter I could somehow feel his consideration.

Even Nanahos.h.i.+ emotionally felt that it was better for me to avoid fighting Orsted, and personally I also think that he is someone who can be trusted more than the Human G.o.d.

"But, after all I"m nervous."

While talking to myself, I took the path to Sharia.

On the way I found a pool of water and confirmed multiple times whether there were any weird spots on my face.

I decided to work under Orsted.[3]

In other words Orsted is my boss.

It was unpleasant to appear before the boss in a weird fas.h.i.+on.

"I wonder if it would be better to apply perfume or not?"

Perhaps I should have cleaned myself with hot water, since there might be Eris"s lingering scent from last night.

I wonder what the president would think if an employee was called to his office with an erotic smell?

While I might not suddenly be fired, his view would definitely not be favorable. [4]

I wish to give Orsted a favorable impression.

Orsted.

Someone capable of fighting and winning against Human G.o.d.

Apparently with the help of my descendants he will kill Human G.o.d.

While I feel sorry for the Human G.o.d...

But I was the one who was first betrayed.

He"s somebody who laid his hands on Roxy and Sylphy.

Sympathy cannot be shown.

I will wag my tail at Orsted.

Wagging my tail like an electric fan while bearing fangs towards the Human G.o.d.

Doing what will definitely protect my family.

"All right."

Renewing my determination, I head towards the suburb.

While being careful not to get splashed by the carriage with dirty water.

A weird atmosphere was drifting around the hut in the suburb.

Somehow it was different.

It could not be expressed in words, but something was different.

Surely something like sound effects and other effects seen in manga will come out from the hut.

Ah, with one glance I understood that Orsted was in there.

"Haa~, fuu~..."[5]

I took a deep breath.

And knocked at the door.

"Rudeus Greyrat! Entering!"

"Ah...quite early."

Even though I knew he was here, I s.h.i.+vered when I received a reply.

As expected, it seems my fear towards Orsted still remained inside.

"May I please come in?"

"Why do you ask for permission. Isn"t this the hut you have prepared?"

"Yes! Please excuse me!"

When I opened the door and entered, Orsted was inside.

Sitting on one of the chairs inside, he was glaring at me.

No, he wasn"t glaring at me.

He was just looking. It was quite the scary face.

I closed the door and moved towards Orsted as briskly as possible.

Standing right in front of the chair and taking an attentive pose.

Orsted was making a suspicious face towards me.

"I thought you would come with a large number of comrades...two people, huh."

"Yes, I came alone...eh, two people?"

Hearing those unexpected words, I doubted my hearing.

Unless Orsted had presbyopia and was seeing me doubled, I should have been only one person.

"Eris Greyrat! Come in if you want!"

As Orsted shouted, she vigorously blew open the door.

It was Eris.

She had drawn the sword that she was carrying.

And released blood thirst.

"Orsted! If you lay a hand on Rudeus, I will kill you!"

She declared while pointing her sword at Orsted.

With tremendous determination enough to cause you to wet yourself.

Orsted was composed before her.

"I do not have such an intention."

"You can"t be trusted!"

"I suppose so."

Being told that, Eris positioned herself in a corner of the hut and crossed her arms.

While I became stiff with Eris"s appearance, I compared Eris with Orsted.

I guess I should give an explanation.

That I did not bring Eris with me. That I came alone.

That I"m not an enemy.

But, how should I explain Eris, who appeared with a sword?

What should I do, how can I do it?

"What are you doing, Rudeus Greyrat. Sit down. Let us talk."

While I was thinking, I was rushed by Orsted.

"Ah, yes. Please excuse me."

Even if I sat down on the chair, I was still concerned about Eris.

Eris who was holding a drawn weapon.

"Eris is..."

"I can tell from your behavior. It seems like you have been tailed."

"Ah, yes. It"s that kind of feeling...so, before the talk, can I have a quick word with Eris?"

"I don"t mind."

He didn"t seem angry.

While being seated, I turned towards Eris and beckoned her.

"What."

"Eris, why did you come here?"

"Because Rudeus dressed up, I was just wondering where you were going."

Dressed up.

Indeed, I was choosing clothes and was carefully doing my hair.

From another perspective, it might have looked like nothing else.

"You understand that I came to work under Orsted, right?"

"...I understand, but with that kind of guy, who knows what he"s planning. It"s possible that he might deceive Rudeus."

"Maybe. But it"s still too early to judge that. If possible, it would be good if you"re quiet and don"t disturb us."

"If we"re deceived, let"s fight together, Eris. I"m relying on you."

"Tsk! Understood!"

After coming to an understanding, Eris sheathed her sword and sat down next to me.

Quite simple.

...Now.

"I am very sorry."

"I don"t mind."

"Anyway, Eris still doesn"t seem to be able to trust Orsted-sama...but it can"t be helped because of the curse."

Having said so, it felt like Orsted-sama"s eyes flashed.

"Where did you hear about my curse?"

"...From the Human G.o.d. About how at some point Orsted-sama"s body received the curse."

I answered honestly.

What I was told and informed by the Human G.o.d.

It would be better if I let out everything I was told.

"Is that so..."

Orsted rested his chin in his hand and looked in the direction slightly above.

There was nothing above his line of sight.

...Is that his thinking pose?

"Anyway, let"s do as promised."

"Eh?"

"Why are you making such a surprised face. I am different from the Human G.o.d. I keep my promises."

"That"s not it, what kind of promise did we make?"

"The way to protect your family from the Human G.o.d."

Ah, I see.

That"s right, how could I forget that.

No, I only forgot what kind of promise we made.

Rather, it felt more like a contract.

A contract with the devil.

I see, a contract-like promise.

"I still haven"t done anything, is that fine?"

"Are you not also anxious if your family was exposed to danger?"

"Well, that"s true."

It somehow felt like receiving a favor.

Or rather, it was a far kinder feeling than I thought.

I thought it would be more like being ordered around.

Though his face may be scary, unexpectedly he might be someone who takes his subordinates" feelings into consideration.

To the point where the edgy Eris couldn"t believe it.

"It is not that difficult. Summoning a guardian magical beast possessing a strong fate and letting it protect them."

"Summon, is it? However, right now I still cannot use summoning magic."

"Then I will write the magic circle. Put your own magic into it."

"Ah, yes, I will be troubling you."

A guardian magical beast possessing a strong fate, huh.

Fate, I think it was about the law of causation.

"Are you sure just this is enough for protection?"

"The Human G.o.d cannot manipulate inhuman beings. Further, he cannot manipulate a great number of people at the same time. As long as we move, he will have his hands full with our interference. Based on his personality, that will be more than enough prevention."

Talking about personality...

Still, not being able to manipulate a great number of people means in the worst case at the very least he can manipulate two people.

While I was being manipulated, I wonder if he was manipulating someone else.

"But do not let your guard down. We do not know what the Human G.o.d is doing. Instead of just leaving it to the magical beast, checking up on them frequently is better."

When Orsted said to [Check up on them frequently], something felt wrong.

It seemed his talk was literal.

I knew that you shouldn"t judge based on appearance.

Whatever.

Being told that he will prepare it, for now let"s continue.

Then, to the main topic.

"Then, what should I do from now on?"

There were many things I wanted to know, but it was only polite to answer questions regarding myself.

It was showing your character.

"...Do you not have more things that you want to know?"

Or so I thought, but I was questioned in return.

"There is a lot."

"Why do you not ask?"

"I thought that asking without answering any questions would not be good..."

Having said so, Orsted let out a sigh.

"You have become my comrade, thus――"

"Subordinate. Let us keep the hierarchical relations.h.i.+p in mind."

Beating me to a pulp, giving me a method to protect my family.

Then being told that we are equals, I am not insensitive.[6]

"It is fine if you want to think that way...regardless, you and I will work together for the sake of overthrowing Human G.o.d. You must know what you want to know."

"Despite saying all this, what will you do if I am a double agent for Human G.o.d? I might be telling Human G.o.d every night information about Orsted-san."

"I trust you."

With a strong glance I was told so.

"Your stance is that of someone desperately trying to protect his family."

I was a little embarra.s.sed being told that.

I was indeed very desperate that time.

But, well, saying so means he takes me at my word.

The things that I wanted to know.

There are several.

Regarding the discord between Orsted and Human G.o.d.

Regarding the Laplace Factor.

Regarding the mana calamity.

Regarding what"s with fate.

For now it"s such things.

"Then, please tell me one by one."

Regarding the discord between Orsted and Human G.o.d

The relations.h.i.+p between Orsted and Human G.o.d.

I decided to hear about that first.

I also wanted to know.

"About myself?"

"That"s right. Please."

"Didn"t you hear it from Human G.o.d? Though it seems you have heard about the curse?"

"E~hem..."

What was it, it was five years ago.

Recall, recall.

What Human G.o.d said at that time.

"You have four curses."

"...Continue."

"First, the curse of being hated and feared by all living creatures in this world. Second, the curse of being invisible from Human G.o.d"s view. Third, the curse of being unable to go all-out. About the last one, he said something about not being quite clear."[7]

"I see."

Having said that, Orsted was quietly nodding his head.

"About the first one, ever since I was born, I was indeed shunned by all living creatures."

"But I don"t seem to hate you that much..."

"That being said, there seem to exist some like that, for example Nanahos.h.i.+."

"I see."

Apparently there are exceptions.

It may be related to the fact that Nanahos.h.i.+ and I were not originally humans from this world.

Should I mention this or should I remain silent.

Because Eris was sitting next to me, I hesitated a little...

But it would not be wise to keep it a secret.

"Orsted-san. I did not intend to hide it but... originally I am a human from the same world as Nanahos.h.i.+. It"s possible that they are related."

"...Then is Rudeus Greyrat an alias?"

"That story will take very long to tell, but I am different from Nanahos.h.i.+, that is...before I knew it, I was reborn as Rudeus Greyrat in this world...and ehm, I wonder how to talk about it."

"Reincarnation, huh."

I was surprised.

For reincarnation to come out of Orsted"s mouth.

No, it was written in the diary, something about the dragon-tribe knowing the method of reincarnation.[8]

Even if they die, they will come back to life in a few decades.

To them, reincarnation would be something major.

"It is probably related to your reincarnated body as for why you do not fear me."

"Are there any other people who do not fear you?"

"Except for special exceptions, only those who have the blood of the ancient dragon-tribe."[9]

So such as Perugius.

No, I remember that even Perugius was quite scared.

...Or is it not related to the curse.

Apart from the curse, there are also other reasons to fear other people.

"The second curse, regarding the curse of being invisible from Human G.o.d"s view...it is not a curse."

"Then that is?"

When asked, Orsted was thinking a little bit.

While thinking, he looked into my eyes and said.

"It is a secret technique the first generation Dragon G.o.d came up with a long time ago while fighting Human G.o.d...it is a technique allowing one to see fate and at the same time allows one to deviate from the law of the world."

"Ooh."

"Human G.o.d also can see into the future and possesses the power of foresight. However, it can not see the ones who have deviated from the law of the world."[10]

I see.

I didn"t know what it means to have deviated from the law of the world, but being able to escape from Human G.o.d"s sight is phenomenal.

"What is it, the power to see fate?"

"Let"s see..."

Orsted was making a pose as he was thinking.

It couldn"t be that he"s thinking about it right now.

"It is to know the rough history of the path an individual should have taken."

The rough history.

"That means Orsted-sama can see the future."

"No...what I can see is the past, not the future. The one pre-ordained by fate."

Hm?

Somehow it was quite philosophical.

It was quite hard to tell it apart from seeing the future.

For now I will think of it as being one rank lower than Human G.o.d"s future sight.

"Are you going to teach me that technique?"

"No, it is better not to."

"...That is to say?"

To become invisible to Human G.o.d is a very attractive advantage.

I wanted to hear the reason for not teaching it.

"When receiving the secret technique, there are side effects...that is the speed at which magic recovers becomes tremendously slow."

"When saying tremendously slow, exactly how much?"

"You have recovered from your drained state in about 10 days, you can think of it as becoming 1000 times slower."

1000 times.

That is about 10000 days.

Roughly 30 years.

"Thus I cannot freely use magic. [Being rarely able to go all-out] means that."

I see, if you cannot recover magic, then you would not be able to go all-out.

While I didn"t know what magic quant.i.ty Orsted has, if magic hadn"t recovered in a few years time, he couldn"t go all-out.

He must conserve power.

"Although I cannot teach you the secret technique, if you work under me, a similar effect can be granted."

I took a look at the bracelet worn on my left hand.

Apparently it had a jamming-like effect.

"Is there no side effect to this? If you ma.s.s produced it..."

"It would have already been done if it was possible. Together with breaking my body"s curse."

Was that so.

"Rather, I have used up a considerable amount of magic in our fight. For a while I will not be able to seriously fight."

"Eh, seriously. But wasn"t it more like instant kill?"

"I resisted your magic three times head-on and even drew the G.o.d sword. A reasonable amount of magic was used up."[11]

Orsted bitterly said.

From my perspective I felt that I was beaten around without being able to do much, but surprisingly it was quite a balanced fight.

So it can be said that I have given my best. Ufufu.

"Not much of my magic is remaining. Thus you will move, becoming my hands and feet."

"...Yes. I will do my best."

Working for the amount I have deducted.

It is appropriate.

"Then, for what reason is Orsted-sama fighting against Human G.o.d?"

"That is...ah..."

As Orsted hesitantly said so, he faced towards the day after tomorrow.

Since earlier, he was thinking about what to say and was often in a thinking pose.

I was wondering whether he was spewing out lies.

No, that couldn"t be.

It may be that while I may be trusted, I have yet to prove worthy of his trust.[12]

For now I will move based on his partial truth while also investigating tendencies...such a possibility also exists.

"Human G.o.d is... my father"s ruin."

"Hoo."

Father"s ruin.

The future me was burning for vengeance as a result of Roxy and Sylphy.

While the me in the present, who has not lost anyone, can say that vengeance will not give birth to anything...

In fact, it is clear from the diary, that being consumed with feelings for vengeance I changed into a demon.

"And, overthrowing Human G.o.d is the ancient dragon-tribe"s dearest wish. Our, the Dragon G.o.d"s sole reason for existence is to defeat Human G.o.d."

This was what you would call, for a great cause.[13]

Wait, we?

"How many Dragon G.o.ds were there?"

"I am the 100th generation. A hundred Dragon G.o.ds have studied on how to overthrow Human G.o.d."

"I see."

"However, Human G.o.d has defeated Dragon G.o.ds with weaker blood."

Orsted looked at me with glinting eyes.

"Thus my father, the first generation Dragon G.o.d, has sent me to the future using the method of reincarnation."

Orsted off-handedly said so.

Let us reorganize a bit.

First, Orsted.

He is from the ancient dragon-tribe, who came from an immemorial past to the present by using the method of reincarnation.

His body was harboring a curse and an ancient technique.

The curse was to be shunned by all living creatures in this world.

The ancient technique caused magic to recover at a slow rate, but in return it is possible to escape from Human G.o.d"s sight as well as obtaining the ability to roughly see the future.

Why was such a curse brought to the present.

Because it was caused by the death of the first generation Dragon G.o.d at the hands of Human G.o.d.

Starting from the second generation, the reason for existence for all subsequent Dragon G.o.ds is to defeat Human G.o.d, which was also the ancient dragon-tribe"s dearest wish.

Thus the son of the first generation Dragon G.o.d, Orsted, was trying to defeat Human G.o.d.

"Is every thing until now correct?"

"Ah, exactly. It is a great help that you quickly understand it."

"Exactly how many years ago were you reincarnated?"

"Let"s see...about 2000 years ago."

2000 years...he seems to have lived for quite a long time.

Although everything seemed to be consistent, somehow there is a feeling of something being out of place.

Hm, I wonder what it is.

Like the point about magic recovery.

Orsted seemed to be using something similar to Perugius, that summoning magic that absorbs magic.

If he absorbs magic with it, would that not solve the magic problem...no, if he could, he would have done so already.

It may not be possible to stock up on the absorbed magic in his body with that summoning magic.

Hm.

Then the abnormal hostility Orsted holds towards Human G.o.d?

Although having killed his father was reason enough, there was still the feeling that the hostility was too great.

Orsted"s attachment for his father also seemed weak.

"From my view point, you seem to hold a great grudge towards Human G.o.d, what is the reason?"

"Is there someone who does not hold a grudge against that piece of trash?"[14]

"...That"s true."

Ah well, Orsted seems to have lived for a long time, surely there must have been bad blood between them.

Although he cannot be seen, messages can still be delivered.

Ah, although Orsted became like this, it may not be related to the discord between the first generation Dragon G.o.d and Human G.o.d.

There are still many things I didn"t know, but the person Orsted is probably like that.

Regardless of the specifics, he had a reason to fight against Human G.o.d.

The enemy"s enemy is an ally.

Also, there are still many things to be heard about other matters.

Regarding the Laplace Factor

"In our previous battle there was some talk about me possessing the Laplace Factor, what does it mean?"

"How much do you know about Laplace?"

"The one who was responsible for the war 400 years ago and who pushed the human race into the corner. Also that he had a tremendous amount of magic and was unable to use Fighting Spirit. He was also extremely strong, but was ultimately sealed by Perugius-sama and two others. ...And that he caused the downfall of the Supard-tribe.[15]

I have heard various other things, but these were the main points I guess.

"So about that much?"

"Also that he will soon revive."

"Have you heard that the method he uses to revive is the method of reincarnation by the dragon-tribe?"

"Ehm. No, I do not think I have heard this...ah no, it feels like Human G.o.d mentioned something like that...or was it something different."

The memory is somewhat murky.

But still, the method of reincarnation again.

"You...no... later I will hear the details about what you and Human G.o.d talked about and what he revealed."

"Yes."

"But now it is about Laplace."

Eris"s atmosphere became tense when talk about Laplace arrived.

Both Eris and I are Ruijerd"s friends. [16]

Laplace was Ruijerd"s enemy.

His enemy was also our enemy.

Thus I could understand the tenseness regarding the existence of Laplace.

But I will calmly approach this.

It"s Eris"s role to get angry, mine is to remain calm.

"[Demon G.o.d Laplace]"s ident.i.ty is... the shadow of what was once [Demon Dragon King Laplace]."

Orsted revealed this without being pretentious.

"Demon Dragon King?"

"Yes, in the past he was part of the dragon-tribe."

Laplace was the Demon Dragon King.

Part of the dragon-tribe.

But he"s the Demon G.o.d?

"The Demon Dragon King Laplace is the only one left of the first generation 5 Dragon Warriors."[17]

5 Dragon Warriors.

If I remember right, they were the five subordinates of the Dragon G.o.d, who in the end all rebelled against him.

"That guy escaped the collapsing Dragon World and drifted to this world, to carry out a certain mission. He became the second generation Dragon G.o.d."

From Dragon King to Dragon G.o.d to Demon G.o.d.

Wait a minute, it"s all confusing.

It feels like my head is splitting. [18]

"He researched about methods and techniques to overthrow Human G.o.d. He taught to those who called themselves Dragon G.o.d techniques he had developed over a long time. All for the sake of pa.s.sing down the power to me who came to the future, me who possessed the greatest strength among the dragon-tribe."

Calling yourself the strongest.

"However, Laplace started the Human-Demon race world war and fought against Fighting G.o.d, who was Human G.o.d"s apostle, and had his soul split into two halves."

It felt like I have heard this story somewhere.

The story about how the Golden Knight Aldebran fought against the Great Demon Empress.

According to Kis.h.i.+rika, there was a story about how Dragon G.o.d and Fighting G.o.d fought against each other.

So the Dragon G.o.d was Laplace and the Fighting G.o.d was Aldebran.

So Laplace was fighting on the demon side.

"Laplace, who was split in two, lost his memory and became two, the human-hating [Demon G.o.d] and [Technique G.o.d], whose aim was to overthrow G.o.d."[19]

That was how the Demon G.o.d came forth.

And also Technique G.o.d.

Though the Technique G.o.d was indeed ranked first among the Seven Great Major Powers...

"Eh? That means Technique G.o.d was also Laplace?"

"Indeed."

Somehow I felt I just heard an unbelievable story.

I wonder if it was good for me to have heard this story.

There was too much information, it became confusing.

Orsted was the son of the first generation Dragon G.o.d, and Laplace was the second generation.

Ah.

In other words it"s like this.

First, the first generation Dragon G.o.d sent Orsted to the future in order to overthrow Human G.o.d.

Laplace was one of the Five Dragon Warriors and fought against the first generation Dragon G.o.d, and perhaps realized that Human G.o.d manipulated him, then became his subordinate again.[20]

The first generation Dragon G.o.d died, while Laplace survived.

To teach Orsted techniques, Laplace traveled around the world to study them while also teaching them to previous Dragon G.o.ds.

Human G.o.d used Fighting G.o.d to interfere.

Laplace was unluckily...split into two and lost his memory, though I didn"t know whether that was on purpose to survive.

Something like this?

There is no confidence whether it is correct.

I wonder if my head was always that bad...

"Hmpf...!"

While looking to the side at Eris, her mouth made a "へ" and made a frustrated face.

She didn"t seem to understand anything.

Great, there was some comfort.

Orsted"s explanation continued.

"[Demon G.o.d] Laplace lost the power of dragons. He only remembered the enormous amount of magic knowledge and that he must definitely kill "human". For that purpose, he rallied the demon race to exterminate the "human race".[21]

[Technique G.o.d] Laplace who lost the power of magic. He only remembered the enormous amount of techniques and that he must definitely teach and pa.s.s them down to someone. Thus Technique G.o.d created the Seven Great Major Powers ranking and devoted himself in studying those techniques."

The Technique G.o.d created the Seven Great Major Powers ranking.

I felt I have heard this before.

After all he is ranked first.

Ah, but the Human-Demon race world war was 2000 years ago.

"...How did Orsted-sama know about these facts? If you came 2000 years ago, the Human-Demon race world war should have already ended. By then Laplace has already lost his memory...If so, there should be no one who should know this?"

"I have read about Laplace in the ruins of the ancient dragon-tribe."

"Ah, I understand."

So before he lost his memory, he had already left a record of them.

Quite ironic that Laplace, who lost his memory, could not find those.

"Now, let"s trace the conversation back a bit. About why you possess magic."

"Yes."

"The first generation Dragon G.o.d invented the method of reincarnation. Sending oneself"s soul into the future, taking over another being"s body and ultimately reviving."

The method of reincarnation.

Taking over another being"s body...

Wait, don"t be deceived.

"However, originally body and soul are as one. You attach yourself to a foreign body, but if there are signs of rejection, the revival will fail."[22]

"Thus the first generation Dragon G.o.d came up with the idea to plant his factor into multiple people, and when they make children, their bodies will have been slightly changed.[23]

"He tried creating a vessel that matched my soul by adapting the whole body of the people over hundred, thousands of generations."[24]

"The reincarnation will occur when an adapted body possessing the factor perfectly matches with the soul. Taking over the body of the soul it was originally supposed to be in and be born while pretending to be it. Many from the ancient dragon-tribe have been reincarnated into the present by using this method of reincarnation. Perugius is one of them. Furthermore, he does not remember about his previous life because he reincarnated with his vague childhood memories."[25]

Taking over the body of the soul it was originally supposed to be in, and becoming that person.

Hearing these words, I looked at my own hands.

I"m also a reincarnated person.

I wonder if I robbed the person known as Rudeus Greyrat his life.

"Hey, are you listening?"

"Eh? Ah yes. I am."

Before I noticed, I was looking into Orsted"s face.

For a while he looked into my face and then let out a breath.

"Returning to the topic. Although Demon G.o.d Laplace had already lost his mind, he seemed to remember about the method of reincarnation, or there may be some remaining records of it. Being defeated by Perugius, he distributed his factor before his body was sealed and sent his own soul to the future.

"Currently, those who have characteristics similar to his and possess the Laplace factor, have slowly started to appear. Having an apt.i.tude towards magic and possessing a great amount of magic, green hair and being born with demon eyes."

Apt.i.tude towards magic and possessing a great amount of magic.

Green hair.

With the exception of demon eye, a certain person comes to mind.

"Perhaps, Sylphy is?"

"Ah, Sylphiette is one of them. Though for some reason her hair turned white."

"But she is not Laplace himself, right?"

"Of course, he can"t become a woman."

I felt a little relieved.

However, thinking about it, the most suspicious person is not Sylphy.

"Then, me?"

"You are likely the same. A body that can harbor such a great amount of magic is usually not born."

"...I thought I managed to expand my amount of magic with my own efforts."

"Of course. It is only because your body has the characteristic to harbor such a great quant.i.ty of magic. If you did not train your magic since childhood, you would only have a little more than an ordinary person. Maybe about the same as Sylphiette. That tremendous quant.i.ty of magic is the crystallization of your effort. You can be proud of yourself."

Somehow I was praised.

I wonder if it was fine to be proud.

"Ehm, so I am not Laplace himself, right?"

"No. The time until Laplace will be reborn is a little farther ahead in the future."

I see.

I was a little bit relieved when I heard that I was not Laplace himself.

I"m also glad to know of the origin of my magic.

Though I did feel a little bad for Ruijerd because it was Laplace"s power.

However, power is power.

It is up to oneself how to use the power.

But that is not what I was worried about.

"..."

Orsted was looking at me for a while, but let out a sigh and said.

"You can relax. Although you are also a reincarnated person...according to my memory the person known as Rudeus Greyrat does not exist."

"...That is?"

"The fact that you have the Laplace factor, means that before you were born you possessed an apt.i.tude towards magic and a big magic quant.i.ty. It would not be strange if the soul could not handle harboring all that amount of magic in your body."

"Not being able to handle it means?"

"It means originally it was probably stillborn. Then you entered inside."

Stillborn.

I see.

Then it"s good.

The fact that I did not kill Mr. Rudeus is good.[26]

I did not want to think that I robbed him of such a great, happy life.

It was good that it did not become a sad history, with Paul and Zenith"s first child being dead.

Hence it"s good.

All right.

Let"s change it.

I am Paul"s and Zenith"s child, Rudeus.

The one and only Rudeus Greyrat.

With that mindset, let"s move on to the next question.

Regarding the mana calamity

"I heard that the mana calamity was the result of summoning Nanahos.h.i.+, but can I hear the specific details?"

"...There are still many things that are unknown regarding the incident. It was the first time something like this happened."

"As a reincarnated person, I was at that place. Thus I think there exists the possibility that I caused that incident..."

"You were...?"

While saying so, Eris touched the area around my thigh.

When I looked at her, she was weakly shaking her head.

To rea.s.sure myself, I moved my hand――and touched Eris"s b.u.t.tocks.

The soft yet well-built b.u.t.tocks was very attractive and ah, it hurts, it hurts, it hurts!

"The possibility cannot be ruled out. Nanahos.h.i.+, you, that incident, they were all unprecedented incidents."

I thought the flesh around the thigh would be ripped off.

Eris glared at me with a serious face, saying [Wasn"t this supposed to be a serious topic!?].

I was happy that she became a child that could read the atmosphere.

Anyway, it seemed like he did not have information regarding the mana calamity.

Even though Nanahos.h.i.+ made a weird hypothesis...well, I guess it"s fine.

Regarding things from now on

For the time being, these questions were enough.

If I heard too much, I feel like my head would split.

In fact, my head was already at the brink of splitting.

"...First, I managed to obtain information about the future."

"Is that so?"

"Ehm, please have a look."

Having said so, I handed over the future diary to Orsted.

Orsted opened the diary and read a few pages.

And, making a frown looked up.

"It will take some time. The characters are too messy."

"I do not mind..."

I wonder if my writing really was that messy.

I was also told that by Nanahos.h.i.+.

Well, it"s a diary, even if it"s messy, it can"t be helped.

But...let"s just be careful showing others my writing.

"Ah, right, before we continue, may I first confirm something?"

"What is it?"

I wonder if it was fine to ask about it.

I felt like because Orsted was much more benevolent than I expected, I was pus.h.i.+ng the line.

"I, no, I――"[27]

"You do not need to be so formal."

"I, from now on will become Orsted-san"s...-sama"s subordinate. Having said so, is that acceptable?"

"...Ah. But only as long as you intend to."

"So, it is a rather difficult topic to talk about."

Taking a look at Eris, I said.

"It is regarding the terms of employment?"

"Terms, of...employment...?"

"Yes. I do have wives and children, I would like to regularly have rest days, time to see my family, if they are possible, I believe, I would feel very grateful. Yes."[28]

Rest is very important.

It is necessary for any human to rest.

I am of course someone who will put forth all my efforts into working, when I have decided to work.

But still.

Exactly for what reason I work, isn"t it necessary to regularly remind yourself?

To see the growth of Lucy.

To tell Aisha and Norn to study.

To savour Lilia"s dishes.

To bask in the sun with mother.

To do erotic things with Sylphy.

To do erotic things with Roxy.

To do erotic things with Eris.

Right.

"That is up to you. Rudeus Greyrat."

"Ah, is that so."

As expected it was no good, huh.

I"m sorry Lucy, daddy will be working away from home.

Until I defeat Human G.o.d, save the world, and return, grow up healthy and be a good kid.

"But I am different from Atofe. I do not think I could separate you, who risked his life trying to protect his family, from them. To take you away for so many years...at the very least, right now I do not have such intentions."

"Ah, is that so? Hearing that I can feel relieved."

It seems I will receive rest.

Whew.

I"m glad.

It would be hard to be separated from everyone.

Even saying that I absolutely must protect them, I want to be together with them.

"Is there anything else you require?"

Orsted"s eyes were glaring.

I wonder if it would be fine to ask.

I hope he won"t be angry.

No no, it is not good to ask for such a thing afterwards.

Don"t we have a contract, we have to be firm and decide this first.

"...Is it really all right for me to make a demand?"

"I plan to make it as convenient as possible."

Are you serious.

Then is it fine to push the line and demand salary?

It should not be a bad thing.

Money was in other words responsibility.

Paying money means to give responsibility.

Receiving money means to take responsibility.

A work that doesn"t involve money will become an irresponsible work.

Or so I have read in a manga.

From now on I will receive responsibility from Orsted.

It could be said that getting money from Orsted was a form of proof.

"Ehm, that is.... If I am not at home, there will be one less person, working to support the family. Although it cannot be said that I earn much...previously to fight Orsted-sama, a lot, that is, has been used up. Even the reserves...though there was still some left, it can be said that the bottom can be seen. Thus, if I do not work, the dinner will have one less dish. And, we still have young ones in the middle of their growth spurt."

"...In other words, it is about money."

"To put it in simple terms, that is it, hehe."

While I made an embarra.s.sed, vulgar laugh, Orsted took something out of his pocket.

It was a dagger in its splendidly ornamented sheath.

No, a short sword.

It was put on top of the table.

"This is one of 48 demon swords, crafted from the bones of King Ryuuou by the demon realm"s craftsman Yulian Jalisco. It is the demon sword Yubi Ori[Prominent]. If you sell it, you would probably receive about 100,000 Asura gold coins. It will be your current budget."[29]

"Oh, yes..."

100,000 Asura gold coins.

In this currency, one Asura gold coin is worth about 100,000 yen...ehm, ehm.

So it"s equivalent to 10 bi, billion yen!?

Is this not an amount that allows you to play around your whole life.

It may be enough to build a castle.

"So it is not enough?"

"N, no, how is that possible."

This is bad.

That guy, he gave me such an expensive item, exactly what is he going to make me do.

Ah, to fight against Human G.o.d.

...But, it became a little more scary.

But, even if he says it is my current budget, exactly who would pay so much money to buy one sword.

Asura"s royal family?

Am I going to squeeze one of Ariel"s brothers dry?

"B, but, it would be extremely hard to turn this into money, I think."

"Hm...I see. That is true. Then, is something like this better?"

Saying so, Orsted took out a leather bag.

It was casually put on the table and made a sound like stones were rubbing against each other.

I stretched out my hands towards the leather bag to see what was inside.

Colorful and transparent stones were inside.

They were blue, red, green, yellow, black and white.

"These are gems...?"

"They are magic stones. They may be small, but I have chosen ones dyed in a color. If you sell them at the magic guild, they will become a large sum of money."

Colored magic stones.

And so many of them...

Unlike the demon sword, you wouldn"t be able to build a castle, but it would be enough to play around for 10 years.

I wonder if it"s all right to receive something like this.

While I was thinking, I took a glance at Orsted"s face.

"Do you still need more."

Is more coming?

No, but.

Receiving any more.

Would be somewhat scary.

"No...for the time being, this is enough."

The magic stones and the short sword were placed in the pocket while answering.

Somehow it felt like receiving dangerous items, it was itching.

I think I will have Eris take the short sword...

"Then, I will read this diary, but what will you do?"

"Let"s see. I will wait."

"It will take a day."

"Ah...then, what to do. Today is still early...is it better to continue the story?"

"No, if you believe that this diary is important, it would be better to read it first."

Though whether it was important or not was difficult to say.

Just, I felt that it was better to read it at least once.

Orsted can roughly see the future.

Thus if he took a look at my diary, he may come to some kind of realization.

"Then, I will come again tomorrow to this place."

"Ah."

"...Do you intend to sleep here?"

"Ah."

"I understand."

Saying my farewell, I left the hut and returned to the house.

On the way home.

In the evening, Eris was walking one step ahead.

Somehow I ended up hearing about many difficult to understand topics.

My head felt heavy.

My tired head was only looking at the incredible b.u.t.tocks before me.

Eris"s b.u.t.t was amazing.

There was a perfect harmony between muscle and fat.

It gave off an incredible feeling.

What can come out will come out.

It would be what was known as s.e.x appeal.

Eris was perfectly wearing her bottoms where the b.u.t.tocks line appeared.

It was a very impressive line.

You could understand that it was just about to burst out.

Whether it was spats or leggings.

Hm, exactly what leather was the material made off, I don"t think I have seen such an odd animal.

No, that elasticity may come from the cloth.

I felt that if I touched it, I would understand.

That"s right, I should just touch it.

If I touch it, I would unravel one of the mysteries in the world in exchange for momentary pain.

All right.

Eris could use the [Sword of Light], I will also show that I can use the [Touch of Light]. [30]

"Rudeus."

Suddenly Eris turned around.

I hurriedly raise up my face.

"...Rudeus is Rudeus, right?"

As usual, Eris"s face was shaped like the character へ.

She somehow understood all the talk regarding reincarnation.

"Ah. I am me. I seem to have the Laplace Factor, but I"m not someone entirely different."

"Then, nothing will change from now on?"

"That"s the intention. Only something that was not known became clear, nothing will change."

I declared without making excuses or apologizing.

Eris seems to have kept up with the topics from before.

I wonder if she understood it.

To Orsted, reincarnation seemed to be like a daily occurrence, while I, who read Sci-Fi in my previous life, was somehow able to understand it.

But I wonder if someone without any prior knowledge would be able to keep up with the topics just now.

No, even Eris is supposed to be around 20 years old.

It"s not an age where you never need to think.

It"s my own selfish wish for Eris to forever remain an idiot.

"Fufun~."

In the situation where I didn"t know whether Eris understood it or not, she said.

"You want to keep it a secret from Sylphy and Roxy?"

"If possible, but if you want to reveal it, I will say it."

As I answered, Eris was running two, three steps and stopped.

The sunset was right behind her.

Her beautiful proportions were cast in shadow by the light behind her.

As her red hair was basking in the sunset, it shone like rubies.

Even with back-light, her well-defined facial features and the sharp glint in her eyes gave off a strong sense of presence.

How beautiful.

"Then, let"s walk while holding hands."

Eris held out her hand.

I silently took her hand.

Contrary to her beautiful appearance there were sword calluses, and it was slightly rougher, which was a big difference compared to Sylphy and Roxy.

The hand that wrapped around mine was warm and strong.

I grasped it tightly in return and began walking.

To walk side by side with Eris after such a long time, made me happy for some reason.

The next day.

For the second time, I proceeded towards Orsted"s place.

Today, I went alone.

I asked Eris to guard the house.

Right now she is the watchdog.

If a suspicious guy comes, she is to help Aisha send them away.

With this, the security of my home is perfect.

I had her protect the house, at least until the guardian magical beast is summoned.

Since Eris came along, it should be fine to take Sylphy and Roxy along as well...

But due to Orsted"s curse, they will most likely become hostile towards him.

In the end, going alone was better.

Outside the hut, Zan.o.ba was dead.

Leaning against the almost 3 meter tall metal ma.s.s, he was lying on his face.[31]

"No way...!"

I rushed towards him in a hurry, put my hand on his shoulder and shook it.

"Are you serious, hey, Zan.o.ba...hey!"

Pulse――was beating.

Pupil――was moving.

Breath――was there.

Body temperature――was warm.

Looks like he was still alive...!

I was too hasty. He was not dead.

He was just sleeping.

"Haa...I was perplexed..."

Jesus, I almost cried.

Why was this guy sleeping in a place like this.

He should just sleep like royalty on a soft bed...He is already at an advanced age.[32]

While I was relieved, Orsted came out from inside the hut.

"You came, Rudeus."

"Ah, yes, I have arrived."

He moved his eyes and stared at Zan.o.ba and me.

"Last night, Zan.o.ba s.h.i.+rone suddenly came and brought that along."

"That?"

"The armor that you used."

Ah, when taking a closer look, wasn"t this wreck the magic armor.[33]

It couldn"t be recognized with one glance, because it was divided into parts.

Come to think of it, when I gave back the report saying they should just leave it alone because it was broken, I also said that I would come back for it soon.

"So did you fight when you encountered each other?"

"Ah."

Surely Zan.o.ba never imagined to run into Orsted in this place.

Maybe it would have been better to tell him about this yesterday...

Ah well, no external wounds can be seen, it seems Orsted went easy on him.

"In the end he could not take it because of the curse, so he said he will leave it to you and crawled over to there. You sure are highly cherished."

"Zan.o.ba~!"

Without thinking, I rushed towards Zan.o.ba and started using healing magic.

Because there wasn"t an external injury, there was most likely no meaning in using it, but at the very least I wanted him to have a peaceful sleep.

Or rather, when he fell down here, did he land on his head.

Orsted has no mercy.

"Then, he will open his eyes again, right?"

"I put him to sleep with hypnosis magic that is pa.s.sed down in the Nuka-tribe. He will wake up in a few hours."[34]

I see.

With hypnosis magic.

I wonder what kind of magic it is.

Could you freely manipulate your opponent with it.

For example, if I gave Sylphy the order [Roll up your skirt], would she do exactly as told.

No, even if hypnosis wasn"t used, she would do so.

Then again, to make that order Sylphy has to first wear a skirt.

A miniskirt would be great.

A miniskirt like those fairies wear would surely suit Sylphy.

Though in this country they do not sell something like a miniskirt.

But well, if you could freely manipulate others, Orsted would use it more often.

It looks like the best it could do was to make others fall asleep.

"Let us go inside and continue yesterday"s conversation."

Orsted immediately went inside after saying that.

After putting a jacket over Zan.o.ba and creating a roof with magic, I went inside.

On the way back, I will bring him to Ginger"s place.

"Then, it may be sudden, but let us move to the main topic."

Hearing Orsted"s words, I sat at the table.

Orsted took out the diary from his breast pocket and put it on the table.

"It was a rather interesting diary...while I have some interest in the time travel magic, but since we cannot replicate it, let us leave it alone for the time being."

"Yes."

"Although there are still some things to be worried about... Before we start talking about the contents of the diary, first tell me about the conversations until now between you and Human G.o.d. I will have you spit out everything."

"With pleasure."

I then recalled and recited everything, from when I first met Human G.o.d and everything afterwards.

Until now, I have met with Human G.o.d...

Directly after the teleportation.

In the town of Rikaris.

In Wind port.

In East port.

Directly after almost getting killed by Orsted.

Before enrolling into the magic university.

Right before I went to Begaritt continent.

Just before the me came from the future.

Right after the me came from the future.

During the preparation to fight against Orsted.

These ten times.

I went into detail in every one of them.

As well as the outcome, exactly what and how it happened.

Just after the teleportation. Being told to rely on Ruijerd.

As a result, we become adventurers.

In the town of Rikaris. Being told to accept the request to look for the pet.

As a result, we met with Jaril and Veskel, but were eventually forced out of town.

In Wind port. To go into a back alley while holding food.

As a result, I met the Great Demon Empress and gained a demon eye.

In East Port. Being shown a prediction and being told to go to s.h.i.+rone.

As a result, I became acquainted with Zan.o.ba and rescued Lilia and Aisha.

Directly after almost getting killed by Orsted. I did not receive advice.

Before enrolling into the magic university. Being told to go to the magic university and research about the mana calamity.

As a result, I reunited with Sylphy and married her.

Right before I went to Begaritto continent. Being told to not go to Begaritto continent.

As a result of going against his advice, Paul died, Zenith became disabled and I married Roxy. Human G.o.d said that if I hadn"t gone, Paul would have survived.

Just before the me came from the future. Being told to go to the bas.e.m.e.nt.

The moment I tried to go, the me from the future came and told me what would have happened. The rat was definitely inside.

Right after the me came from the future. He appeared with a displeased face and told me to kill Orsted.

I accordingly did so and started the preparations to kill Orsted.

During the preparation. He was talking freely about the armor. As a result, the completion was hurried.

Orsted was quietly listening to the story.

While neither adding to the conversation or asking questions.

He was just quietly listening.

"――That is all. Did you understand something?"

Orsted nodded when being asked.

"Ah, I understood exactly how he used you."

Oh. So it was a fact.

As expected it was Orsted"s area of expertise.[35]

"He has used you to change the history."

"Hm, the history."

"Originally the history preordained by strong fate was not supposed to change."

"...Is that because my fate is strong?"

"Yes."

It seems my destiny power could change the history.[36]

"But, if Orsted-sama intended to change it, it would change, right?"

"Ah."

As he nodded, he tapped on the diary lying on top of the table.

"But I do not grasp the reason why Human G.o.d has changed history to this degree."

"Is the reason not to prevent his own death?"

"Do not just blindly believe in his words."

"Ah, yes."

Well, there was the possibility of being lied to.

"Anyway, I understood one thing."

"What would that be."

"The fact that after changing history this way, in the end a favorable future for him awaits."

"I see."

In one beat, Orsted said.

"Thus I will make you change history, to a future that will be favorable for me."

So it"s not to return it to its original path.

It makes sense.

What has not happened is not part of history.

History is what you make.

"It is a rather tedious way."[37]

"I am already preparing and moving while thinking about what will happen in a 100 years time. What has happened and what will happen, everything is strategic preparation. Because of Nanahos.h.i.+ and you, things have become distorted..."

In a 100 years time.

It appears he has started preparing a long time ago, to now change his strategy seemed no longer viable.

"...Just for confirmation, it appears we cannot go to the place where Human G.o.d is and beat him up together, right?"

"Until we have collected hidden treasures, we cannot reach Human G.o.d."[38]

"And we cannot collect them right now?"

"It is possible to collect 4, but the last one is in Laplace"s possession. Laplace"s revival is about 80 years from now. ...I will retrieve the hidden treasure. Be sure not to act in a selfish manner?"

Selfish or not.

It was not like I knew where those hidden treasures were located.

Though it was written in the diary that they were in the possession of the five dragon leaders.

But the only place I knew was Perugius"s place.

Hm? But isn"t the plan compromised by the fact that the Mad Dragon King Chaos has died?[39]

"I have heard that the Mad Dragon King Chaos has pa.s.sed away, is it still all right?"

"Chaos"s part has already been collected."

I see, so the preparations have already been done.

"But, the plan to have me change the future may have already been predicted by Human G.o.d."

"Hm?"

"Is there not also the possibility that by moving this way, we will dig our own grave?"

"None. The possibility is high that he possesses the characteristic to be unconditionally trusted by the living beings in this world in addition to his strong future sight...on the other hand, he is not good dealing with irregulars."[40]

Is that so.

I wonder whether Human G.o.d also possesses a curse...[41]

But no, there would be no trust.

After all I did not trust him.

Then again Orsted"s curse does not work on me.

Thus Human G.o.d"s curse would also not work on me.

There was a feeling that Human G.o.d was struggling in his conversations with me.

But thinking back, in the beginning I did seem to trust his words a lot.

So it can be said that the curse was not completely working?

So there was also the possibility that one day I will become fearful towards Orsted?

No, Orsted"s information may be not completely true.

The fact that he is unconditionally trusted by all living beings, there is the possibility that it can be ruled out.

In the end, I had no clue what was correct or not.

Unexpectedly, that [Curses do not affect me] may only be half-true.

At first I was quite scared regarding Orsted.

On the other hand, on the way I began trusting Human G.o.d more and more.

Ah well, I didn"t know about this. Let"s put it aside.

"Even if you look ahead...you may not win."

"I can."[42]

Orsted declared so.

"He is not omnipotent, it is just one more step."

Those words were not directed towards me.

It was as if Orsted was persuading himself.

Orsted intended to win.

Even if I was inferior midway, I will be the one to win in the end, such mettle could be felt.

How dependable.

"For the time being, we will change the most recent history."[43]

"The most recent?"

"That is right."

Continuing, Orsted said this.

"To turn Asura Kingdom"s second princess, Ariel Anemoi Asura, into the Asura Kingdom"s queen."

"Ooh."

"If it is necessary, we will manipulate her like a puppet."

"Ooh?"

Like a puppet.

How to say, they were words that caused a bad feeling.

"I wonder if that Ariel-sama can be so easily manipulated."

"Even though I said like a puppet, it is not such an exaggerated thing. It is enough if there are ties to the Asura Kingdom in the future."

"I see."

When saying ties in the future, it is in antic.i.p.ation for the next 100 years.

If we started something now, the results will show themselves in a 100 years time.

For example, to help regarding the study of magic.

For example, to strengthen the armaments.

For example, to extinguish the spark that will lead to the collapse of the kingdom.

"I wonder if doing something like that will be all right."

"There is no problem. In the first place, in the history that I know of, Ariel was supposed to become queen."

"Ho, is it possible to hear details regarding that history?"

"All right."

Orsted nodded and began to narrate.

"According to the original history, Ariel Anemoi Asura should have become queen. This was protected by a considerably powerful fate...it was a settled matter."

"One would not think so if one saw the current Ariel-sama."

"I suppose."

The fortune of Ariel as of late has started to wane.

Even I could see and understand that, she was getting nowhere when speaking with Perugius.

It may be because of that, that Sylphy

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