The Reunion With Twelve Fascinating Goddesses

Chapter 12

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5 days pa.s.sed after they left the imperial capital.

The group consisting of Tooi, Alua and Ryura, moved towards the north with an attachment equipped motorbike and was staying at a small town half-way on that day.

After moving their belongings into the inn, Alua borrowed a communicator in the inn since she has to periodically make a contact.

A Spirit communicator is a Spirit machine that borrows the powers of primitive Spirits that are settling inside.

Since this is a different type of a Spirit machine compared to the motorbike which needs to gather Ether from the outside, even people who are not skilled with Spirit techs can easily contact others.

Nonetheless, it’s still an expensive high-cla.s.s item.

Even though the Spirit communicator that every house in the high-cla.s.s residential city of the Imperial capital possesses one as if it was natural, apparently it only exists in the most luxurious inn in the nearby town.

She showed her rank insignia to the inn owner and gained the permission to use the communicator through the authority of the country’s military officer before, Alua contacted Laila but – what she heard was unbelievable news.

“D-dead!? Former captain Hayern is!?”

Alua almost unintentionally dropped the handset.

“I got a report from the southern HQ a few days ago. There were having troubles in the investigations since the scorched body did not maintain its shape but………judging by from various circ.u.mstantial evidence, they apparently pinned down that it’s Sach Hayern’s corpse”

“……..Wh-why? Former captain Hayern is a Deity knight right?”

“The cause is being investigated. I will inform you all once that is found out”

“…………”

Alua was dumbfounded for a while even after the call ended.

(O-oh yeah. I have to tell Tooi Onii-chan as soon as possible!)

She immediately lifted her face and immediately left the inn.

After looking around, she immediately found Tooi.

He was at a wide open s.p.a.ce behind the Inn. Alua ran over and was about to call out to him but,

“………..”

She gasped in reflex when she saw Tooi’s expression.

The inn they are living in was built at a slightly elevated area so, he is able to see everything around him from the back garden. Tooi’s eyes when he was looking at the scenery were really lonely.

A fleeting and yet somewhat cold feeling squeezed Alua’s chest.

“……..Things around here changed too”

Tooi probably noticed Alua’a presence so he opened his mouth. He did not look over to her and fluently let out his words while looking far away.

“10 years ago……….i think that this town was more bustling. There were many people, and the residence here were very lively. There were fields and agricultural land outside the villages too……..”

Further up his fleeting gaze – were the eye-catching empty and damaged houses at the outskirts of the town and a completely neglected agricultural land.

Alua looked down and bit her lips.

This area was originally an area where the northern n.o.bles lived in and this small town makes a living out of sheep farming and crops like wheat; it’s a town that can be found anywhere.

However, the internal conflict of the Ifnatus a few years ago changed the situation of this town.

This area was completely influenced by internal conflict. As a result of being exposed the fires of war and terrorist’s activity, several towns and agricultural lands were burned off.

The internal conflict settled down 3 years ago but, the n.o.ble that was the owner quickly let go of the rampaged land with [It’s useless]. Currently, it’s being managed by the country as a state-owned land but, the restorations were lagging and were not advancing.

“……….Tooi Onii-chan. Were you shocked about the Ifnatus as expected?”

“Un. Well, yeah”

After nodding ambiguously, Tooi looked away from the lonely scenery to look over to Alua.

“An internal conflict caused by Ifnatus, the country heading to destroy it, and resulted in the annihilation of Ifnatus………..all of it were impactful. Now that I look at the scars of the war, I feel complex as expected. What about you Alua-chan?”

“……….It’s the same for me too”

Of course, since Alua was still a student going to the military academy, she did not partic.i.p.ate in the internal conflict.

But – The information of the internal conflict that has turned into a serious case entered her ears even whether or not she likes it. The disaster of residence of the same Arludea Empire killing each other, caused a deep wound in Alua’s heart too even though she was a part of it.

“I wanted to hear more of the details from Laila but………I can’t ask her after she made that face”

After being told with that bitter smile, the expression of Laila who talked about the internal conflict resurfaced in Alua’s mind.

The face of her sister when she was desperately surprising her overflowing emotions and put of a complete emotionless face------

(Onee-chan…….)

Laila Schut – Was present in the Ifnatus internal conflict.

Really really deeply.

At that time, Laila was affiliated with the northern HQ. Her rank was captain. She obeyed the orders from the higher ups and headed for the Ifnatus subjugation as one of the site commanders”

Once the internal conflict reached to a terrible point, Laila tried to the very end in objecting the change in order of [Subjugating] to [Annihilation] from the Higher-ups but – she eventually obeyed the order.

As long as she is a member of a military organization, orders from the higher-ups are absolute. Defying will definitely lead to a strict punishment. She would lose her authority of on-site commander and would definitely be forced to leave the battlefield.

That’s why Laila obeyed her orders to stay there.

Because she knew that looking away from the order is only evading the problem.

Because she knew that only by obeying her orders that there are lives that can be protected.

After that, her efforts were splendid, within the battlefield which had changed into an annihilation war, she was the most cool-headed commander there and carried out her responsibilities as a military official----

“-----Thanks to that achievement, Laila was promoted to Major general from captain. She then was promoted to central service from north service. She turned into a general in an unprecedented age and as a female; and managed to become companions with the Empire’s military higher ups……….And she lived happily ever after”

“Tooi Onii-chan………..Onee-chan was-----“

“I know. Laila is not at fault. Rather--- She picked the best choice. If the internal conflicts keep dragging on, the death toll will increase from both Ifnatus and the Empire’s military. Bringing down Ifnatus as fast as possible was the best way to reduce the number of sacrifices. Laila decided to be more excellent than others, more heroic than others…………I know that much”

“……Yes. Onee-chan worked really hard in desperation. If Onee-chan wasn’t there, it was said that the internal conflict would drag on for 1 more year”

Laila Schut continued fighting herself in the battlefield.

She was unable to run away or throw this away; through calm and logical reasoning, she continued her death battle in order to save more people as much as possible regardless if it’s allies or enemies.

“But – the remaining survivors of Ifnatus that Laila desperately tried to protect is now the rebellion, this is just ironic”

After hearing those sad words, Alua looked down and clenched her fists.

It was clear that one of the anti-government organizations that have been active lately – the [Wings of crimson light] was established with the survivors of Ifnatus as the center.

“………Why did it turn out this way. It wouldn’t have been weird if all of the tribe members of Ifnatus were executed right after the Internal conflict ended………..Onee-chan worked hard desperately to stop that too………”

Alua knows better than anyone else that Laila has done a lot for them.

She even knows how regretful and painful it was for her.

Thanks to Laila lending her hand to each factor, the people from Ifnatus escaped execution, and the survivors were moved to live at a personal residential area in the country.

And a part of the people Laila saved – is now baring their fangs to the Empire as the rebellion.

It was an ironic and irredeemable story.

“Abuelagrandma said this [Peace in the heart is needed to accept good intentions as good intentions]”

Tooi said this.

“The kindness of the Empire and Laila’s gentleness won’t reach the hearts of Ifnatus. No matter how much the Empire’s military do, to them, it doesn’t change the fact that they are the hated enemy that destroyed their hometown”

“Yes……that’s true”

“Perhaps”

After looking far away, Tooi silently said it.

“Perhaps, if the [Hero] was there, the Empire’s military wouldn’t have made the order [Annihilation] since it does not pay”

That monologue, had quite a strong conviction for a sentence that had the introduction of [Perhaps]. She really understands that, this person is viewed quite highly by Tooi.

[Hero].

That’s Ifnatus strongest warrior – the t.i.tle given to Gilfrain Dulk Lana Merjedra Ifnis

At the start of the internal conflict, he fought the Empire’s military as a warrior of Ifnatus.

However, right when the internal conflict gotten worse – he suddenly disappeared.

No one knew the reason. Of course for the Empire’s military, even the people of Ifnatus who was his allies were shocked about his disappearance.

The betrayer [Hero].

The irregular situation that no one predicted – cause a change in the internal conflict’s strength scale.

Just like what Tooi said, the disappearance of the [Hero] played a big role for the Empire’s military to step into an annihilation war.

“Is Gilfrain-san…….really such an amazing person?”

“Yeah. He’s an amazing one. If I didn’t come to this world – he might have been the one who would have defeated the [Demon King]”

Alua opened her eyes wide and was taken back when she heard those words easily came out from him.

“Eh……eeeeehhh!? That much!? Really, that much!? B-because, the [Demon King] is an enemy that Tooi Onii-chan could finally defeat after having the [Nebulosa12 G.o.ddesses] obey you right!?”

“Hnn………..I think he could defeat him. No, it might be impossible………”

“…………M-make up your mind?”

“At that time, Gilf was still around 12 years old………how should I say this, this guy knows no limit. It’s not like his growth was still incomplete and he would get stronger each time he fights. As for his personality, he’s like a war maniac that would charge into his death on his own violation. His growth speed was abnormal”

“War maniac………what a harsh name”

“Apparently, that is a praise, for the battle tribe Ifnatus”

Tooi slightly narrowed his eyes and smiled nostalgically.

“To the people of Ifnatus, war is a ceremony that connects them to the world. They think fighting as something holy and respect warriors that throw themselves into the battlefield. Fighting like its breathing is the highest and only honor. Gilfrain………….was a child that is the embodiment of Ifnatus’s teachings and pride because he was the most devoted to it than the others”

After finishing his sentence, Tooi closed his eyes. He thinks nostalgically about the killed people and his war comrades that went missing; it’s as if he was offered a silent prayer.

He then slowly opened his eyes,

“Now that I think back, Alua-chan. Did you finish reporting to Laila?”

He said that.

“……….Eh? A-aahhh! Oh yeah, I remember now! I came here to tell you! It’s big trouble Tooi Onii-chan! Actually-----“

Having finally remembered the main topic, Alia explained the information she heard from Laila.

The death of Sachs Hayern.

Tooi’s response after knowing this sensational matter,

“Fuuun”

Was really light.

“Fuuun………is that all?”

“No, well I am surprised but……honestly, [Fuun] was the only thing i thought”

“This means that there is a strong murderer in the Empire that is so strong that, former Captain Hayern – a deity knight got defeated you know!?”

“It’s still not clear that he was killed right? Err, was the possibility of suicide low again?”

“Y-yes. Apparently, former captain Hayern made a promise with a female before he died”

“Female?”

“Err…..well, how should I say this, he called a prost.i.tute over to his house. That prost.i.tute was the first person to find his burnt corpse and-----“

“Prost.i.tute!? No way, he called a prost.i.tute over to this house? There’s a call girl service in this country? I heard rumors that the brothels in the Imperial capital don’t do this kind of things……….”

“What the heck made you lured in!”

Alua shouted violently with her face red.

At first, Tooi would act like a gentleman in front of Alua but, ever since his carry case filled with ero magazines was found, it feels as if he became more defiant.

“Uuun………..i see. So that’s why suicide was unlikely. Rather, it’s 100% a no. Committing suicide right before calling a prost.i.tute over is impossible for a male. If he’s going to die then he would have died after doing it once”

“That way of understanding is messed up!?”

“If it wasn’t suicide – then he might have gotten killed by the Deity he contracted with”

“……..Eh?”

*Pokan* Alua went blank. Since the switch between s.e.x jokes to a serious talk was too fast, she could not follow him.

“Former captain Hayern was burned to death right? The Deity of [Celestial pole] – Ilum Elta Sirius is a Deity that controls blazing fire so, don’t you think that’s the most suspicious one?"

“………….I-is that possible? Something like getting killed by the contract Deity”

“It’s possible. Even making a contract with a normal Spirit, once the Spirit decides that [The Master is unworthy], it could revoke anytime it wants. It’s not like there were no past examples of users getting killed by the Spirit when that happens?”

A Spirit contract is done by the agreement of both sides.

Unlike contracts made by humans through letters, there was nothing forced.

If one side rejects then revoking anytime is possible – basically, If the user made the contract Spirit angry then it would not be weird if he would be deserted.

That is also a risk on the other hand of gaining tremendous power from the contract Spirit.

Nonetheless, since most of the Spirits make contracts with humans because it originally holds positive affections towards humans, it’s a rare example for them to perform murder at the same time the contract is revoked.

When killing occurs, it is mostly because that the human was clearly in the wrong.

If an actual example was asked – things like trying to deforest the forest hometown of the contract Spirit for personal gain, or performing ghastly training or experiments on Spirits that are the same species.

“A contract Deity is fundamentally the same with a contract Spirit. That’s why I one-sidedly revoke my contracts with the [Nebulosa12 G.o.ddesses] 10 years ago – and that’s also the reason why I was able to reestablish my contract with Ryura”

“T-then………..there is a possibility that Ryura-san might suddenly one day decide to attack Tooi Onii-chan---“

“-------I won’t do something like that”

Alua was taken back and fell on her b.u.t.t after hearing that shout suddenly echoed from the sides.

“Seriously, how rude”

“Ry-Ryura-san……? Y-you were here?”

Since Ryura has an appearance that would attract anything, she concealed her body by turning into her Spirit form whenever she enters populated town or villages. Apparently, Tooi knows her position because he is the contractor but, she’s an existence that is actually bad for Alua’s heart.

“Alua. Tooi is the only master in this world that this Ryura Vega accepts. I will not point my sword to such a man”

“……But. I think you were going all out on the sword swinging about a month ago”

“That’s another story”

Alua could not say anything after hearing Ryura clearly said that. Having seen that, Tooi made a wry smile while shrugging his shoulders.

“Well, Ryura might not be like that but, there’s a Deity like Bel in the [Nebulosa12 G.o.ddesses]”

“Bel……….you mean Belfriede Canopis!”

Alua’s Tooi Cross mania blood boiled when she heard a topic about a new Deity.

The Deity of [Azure Ice] - Belfriede Canopis

“That’s because Bel originally made a contract so she could kill me. I made a contract with her with the condition that she could kill me whenever she gets the chance”

“Eh……Is Belfriede Canopis such a terrifying Deity………?”

“She’s a scary one. I serious thought I was going to die many times. And it was really a problem each time I take her on. Right Ryura?”

“Yes. It was a big problem”

Both of them laughed at each other feeling nostalgic about the past but, Alua could not laugh at the contents at all.

(………..Tooi Onii-chan really didn’t pick his methods huh)

The [Nebulosa12 G.o.ddesses] was established 10 years ago to defeat the [Demon King]. In order to make Deities with different traits under his command, he apparently had to cross dangerous bridges.

Even though her mind was feeling complex because astonishment and admiration mixed together, Alua returned back to the main topic.

“Err………..Then as expected, does Tooi Onii-chan thinks that former captain Hayern was killed by Ilum Elta whom he made a contract with?”

“Most likely”

“……If that’s the case, then what kind of goal does Ilum Elta have? She killed the master that she acknowledged and ran somewhere-----“

“-----I didn’t plan to run away”

And.

Alua turned around by reflex when a voice suddenly came from behind.

“I just moved in search for a new master”

Standing there, was a somewhat doll-like young man or maybe a young female. It had silky black hair flowing alongside the wind and red attire. It’s facial features and body shape were neutral and beautiful but, it’s gender could not be determined.

(De-Deity…..!?)

Alua understood.

No – She was forced to understand by the odd presence it emitted.

Even though it’s not like it was using its powers, it’s had a special overwhelming pressure and appearance. She felt the same pressure when she confronted Ryura and La Shii.

(W-why did this happen so suddenly……what’s more, the words it said-----)

“I guess this is what “Speak of the devil” means huh”

As if to hide Alua who was frozen from disordered, Tooi took a step forward. As expected. There were no signs of him faltering even when he’s confronting a Deity that suddenly appeared.

The neutral face Deity stared at Tooi with emotion eyes.

“Are you the one being called 2nd generation Tooi Cross”

“Apparently I am being called that”

“I see. So the rumors were true”

“As for you, I take that you are Ilum Elta Sirius?”

“Exactly”

The neutral face Deity –Ilum silently nodded.

“Tooi Cross. I will cut right down the chase”

It was really done easily.

“Make a contract with me”

“Eh. No way”

A sudden request for a contract and Tooi immediately rejecting it.

Staring at the both of them, Alua felt like shouting loudly. Unable to keep up with the super development, she felt as if she was about to faint.

Tooi Cross came back to this world after 10 years pa.s.sed.

There were many reasons why they made him the [2nd generation Tooi] but – one of them was the expectations to cause a reaction from the [Nebulosa12 G.o.ddesses] members whose whereabouts were still unknown.

However, no one could have predicted this.

That, the first thing that was lured to the information of the successor of Tooi Cross was a Deity different from the [Nebulosa12 G.o.ddesses].

The Deity of [Celestial pole] – Ilum Elta Sirius.

That Deity naturally admitted that it killed former captain Hayern.

“He was a boring man so I killed him after revoking the contract since I was at it”

Continuing on, it started to explain about its motives for wanting to make a contract with humans in detail but-----

“………Huh?”

Tooi’s mouth opened wide. That’s because the goal said from the Deity was really hysteric.

“Re-Really? Are you seriously doing that with such a reason……….”

“I have no reason to lie. 10 years ago, the 1st generation – Aah, no you are the real Tooi Cross huh. Anyways, 10 years ago you defeated Hadar with 12 Deities under your command. I have seen your fights many times. I thought this when I saw the [Nebulosa12 G.o.ddesses] who fought alongside the human they made a contract with”

Ilum said it as if nothing’s wrong.

“That, this looks fun”

“………..So that’s why you thought of making a contract with someone huh?”

“Yes. I would randomly pick someone and would randomly make a contract. Sachs Hayern was……….err, the 3rd or 4th one. I can roughly remember the number but I can clearly remember that all of them were any good”

“…………………”

Tooi was made to stay silent. There was nothing more dumbfounding than this story. That was an unbelievable motive but, Ilum did not seem like it was lying.

Because it looked fun.

Apparently, that’s Ilum Elta Sirius only motive.

He’s completely aware that it’s a mistake to measure the Deities actions by human logic based on his experience but, there even so there was a limit.

Should this be described as rampant or short temper or thoughtless?

(………It’s as just as what Shii said)

It’s amazing to the point that it could make La Shii Fomalhaut say [I don’t know what she thinks about at all].

“Ilum Elta Sirius…….Fuun. Looks like you’re quite the s.l.u.t”

Having been silent the whole time, Ryura opened her mouth as if she could not hold back her anger.

“Without knowing the person enough, and randomly making contracts without caring who it is, is just plain preposterous. Know shame”

“What are you saying. There are many things we won’t know unless we actually perform the contract. There’s something called compatibility. Nothing will happen unless we try it out”

“I am saying that those thoughts are ridiculous! Listen here? A contract is a holy act of binding both souls together. You should not make a contract to someone that your heart does not trust. Without the determination to offer your whole life to that person, and recklessly making contracts, there should be a limit to how s.l.u.ttish you can get”

“I only have one life. Trying out with a lot of people is also a type of fun”

The Ryura who’s giving a heated talk and Ilum who is not backing down no matter what she’s told.

(………….This is kind of like a virgin obsessed person giving a lecture to a bimbo)

He’s aware that this was a vulgar opinion but Tooi just can’t help but to feel that.

The contracts between Spirits and humans, and also Deities with humans.

Each of them has individual thoughts regarding their contracts.

Ryura is the owner of an extremely strict sense of virtue so, she’s the type that would think [I am definitely not doing it unless it is our first time] but – as for Ilum Elta Sirius, it’s the type to have loose thoughts regarding those parts.

“---Now then, Tooi Cross. Now that we finished sharing our information, I will ask you once more”

Ignoring Ryura’s endless lecture, Ilum looked over to him.

“Make a contract with me”

It was the same line as just now. When Tooi was feeling troubled here,

“Me make – smile”

Ilum continued.

With an emotionless face like a doll.

“Make you smile……….?”

“I have not smiled ever since I was born. I just can’t understand the action called [Smiling]”

“……………”

“Tooi Cross. When I saw you fighting with the [Nebulosa12 G.o.ddesses] 10 years ago, I found that it looked fun. I thought that I might smile like them if I made a contract with a human – I want to smile even if it’s for one time. For that, I want to try making a contract with you”

Tooi lost his words when he heard that sentence said with an emotionless doll expression.

Because it looked fun.

It might sound like a random and messed up objective but, Ilum is serious about it. It is definitely not messing around and is honestly moving according to its own feelings.

Tooi reevaluated it but----

“……..Sorry but I won’t make a contract with you”

What came out from his mouth was rejection as expected.

“I have no plans to make contracts outside of the [Nebulosa12 G.o.ddesses]”

It’s not because he was told by La Shii to [Don’t cheat].

It’s just that this was what he decided.

It’s a line he drew inside his heart or something like a prayer.

He experienced his second summoning to another world and after knowing the current world’s situation that’s encircling the [Nebulosa12 G.o.ddesses], this was a personal vow he established for himself.

The vow is that he won’t make any new contracts other than the 12 Deities that once obeyed him, no matter if it’s Spirits or Deities.

“I see. Then I have no choice”

Ilum backed down easily in a very anti-climactic manner. Having rejected it with an indifferent att.i.tude, when Tooi was the one surprised instead – Ilum looked over to Alua who was hiding behind him.

“Hey, the girl with the hat”

Ever since Ilum appeared, Alua who was completely shrunk down and maintained a silence as if she was waiting for the storm the pa.s.s, twitched her shoulders when she was suddenly brought into a conversation.

“Eh………..Y-yes. What is the matter……?”

“Will you make a contract with me?”

“………Ueeeeeeeee!?”

Alua let out a strange voice when she was suddenly given that proposal.

It looks like Ilum quickly changed its target since its target Tooi refused.

“Wa-wait-wa……wait just a second. This is too sudden…….just because Tooi Onii-chan said no, even if you went with the “I guess that one is okay too” flow…………”

“No?”

“R-rather than no……..Hmm? But, wait………Is this perhaps a chance? Of I nod here…… I might become a Deity knight from today onwards……? No but, even if you tell me that all of a sudden………Ahhhh, but but, I might not get the chance to become a Deity knight anymore if I let go of this……Uuu~~”

“…………Alia-chan. If you make a contract with it, you’ll probably be burned to death once it gets bored”

After Tooi lightly warned her, Alua who was fretting in anguish […….Ah, I see] raised her face with a tone of agreement and disappointment.

“I-I am sorry, Ilum-san. I feel sorry about this but, I have to refuse”

“I see”

As expected, Ilum plainly nodded emotionlessly in response to Alua who lowered her head to reject. Even though it was rejected twice in a short time, it did not show any signs of being taken back.

Does it not feel anything? Or was it shocked to the point that it could not express its emotions?

Ilum then turned its long black hair and red outfit before facing its back towards them.

“Oi. Where are you going”

“Somewhere not here. Since I was rejected by Tooi Cross who I had expectations, I guess I’ll go find someone random to make a contract with again”

After saying that, it started walking. Orally requesting and orally rejecting………it really came to an understanding with just those dialogues. From Tooi’s perspective, because he was ready to fight Ilum when he rejected, he felt kind of disappointed.

(Is it planning to go somewhere again and make a contract with someone random……….?)

In Ilum’s viewpoint after she tried to make a contract through the flow of things and without trying to understand them; Tooi felt like he was some kind of bargain by its view and just can’t feel satisfied about it – but, he probably can’t say anything because he rejected the contract.

Since he rejected its invitation, he had no rights to stop that leaving back.

But---

“Ilum Elta Sirius. Let me ask you one more thing”

Tooi said.

“Are you……..male or female?”

“Fumu. My gender huh”

Ilum did not stop its legs and mumbled this without turning behind.

“Never thought about it”

“…………..”

The atmosphere there turned really weird; the Deity who’s gender was unknown then *Blur* disappeared.

The Deity of [Celestial Pole] – Ilum Elta Sirius.

That’s one fellow whose thoughts are seriously incomprehensible.

A week pa.s.sed since the incomprehensible meeting with the weird Deity.

The 3 of them finally reached Istar village.

They then head straight to the Aldebaran Company without rest – and was then showered with sharp rejections by Zesca Aldebaran.

The story finally returned to the beginning-----[2C 1]

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