The day Hajime and Yue met, and survived their life or death struggle with the scorpion.
Kouki and the rest of the heroes once again arrived at the 【Orcus
Great Dungeon】. However, those who came were only Kouki’s Hero group, a
small group of rogues, and another group consisting of five boys and
girls led by a bulky judo guy called Nagayama Jugo.
The reason was simple. Even if they didn’t bring up the topic,
Hajime’s death had casted a deep, heavy shadow over their hearts. If
they couldn’t face the reality of “death in battle”, they wouldn’t be
able to fight properly. This was a type of psychological trauma.
Of course, the officials from the Saint’s Church wasn’t sympathetic.
Thinking that as long as the students experience actual combat
incessantly, they should be able to fight again after some time, they
continued to urge them to return to the battlefield everyday. However,
there was a vehement protester. It was Aiko-sensei.
Aiko did not participate in the expedition at that time. Due to the
fact that her job was the special and extremely rare Agriculturalist,
rather than combat training, the church hoped she would put her effort
towards agricultural cultivation instead. As long as Aiko-sensei was
around, there’s a high possibility that their provisions problem would
be solved.
When Aiko learnt of Hajime’s death, she was so shocked that she was
left bedridden. Faced with the fact that one of her students died while
she was just leisurely spending time within the safety zone, and the
fact that it was no longer possible to bring everyone back to Japan.
Aiko, who had a strong sense of responsibility, suffered a powerful
impact.
That’s why, she absolutely wouldn’t permit for students who couldn’t fight anymore to be sent to the battlefield. Aiko’s Class ⌈
1⌋ was
an extremely rare one which had the possibility of bringing about a
complete change to the world’s food issue. And that Aiko-sensei was
protesting with unwavering determination against the students’ forced
combat training. The church, which wanted to avoid worsening their
relationship, accepted Aiko’s objection.
In the end, only the Heroes, the rogues, and Nagayama Jugo’s party
willingly continued with the combat training. After training for some
time, they decided to challenge the 【Orcus Great Dungeon】 once again.
This time, they were also accompanied by Commander Meld and several
knights.
Today was the sixth day of their dungeon exploration. They were
currently on the sixtieth level. It was just five levels before reaching
the highest confirmed level. However, Kouki’s party was currently
stuck. No, rather than being unable to advance, it was an involuntary
recollection of the nightmare from that time that brought them to a
standstill.
Yes, despite being clearly different from that time, similar steep
cliffs spreaded before their eyes. They must cross a suspension bridge
in order to get to the next level. This isn’t much of a problem per se,
but as expected, they couldn’t help but recall that event. Especially
Kaori, as she stood there motionlessly, staring over the cliff into the
darkness of the endless abyss.
”Kaori……”
As Shizuku anxiously called out, Kaori who was looking down with a
strong gaze, slowly shook her head and smiled towards Shizuku.
“It’s alright, Shizuku-chan.”
“I see…… You are not forcing yourself right? You don’t have to hold back because of me.”
“Eheh-heh, thank you, Shizuku-chan.”
Shizuku also smiled at her close friend. Kaori’s eyes were giving off
a strong radiance, without any despair or escapism within. With her
excellent insight and sensitivity to people’s subtleties, Shizuku
realized that Kaori saying “It’s alright”, was from her true feelings.
(As expected, Kaori is strong.)
Hajime’s death was almost a certainty. It’s hopeless to even
half-heartedly say he survived. Nevertheless, Kaori chose to neither
escape nor deny, but advance to reach her own understanding. Shizuku was
proud of her close friend.
However, being unable to read the mood is one of the hero’s quality.
In Kouki’s eyes, reflected the appearance of Kaori grieving at the
thought of Hajime’s death while staring below. He concluded that the
kind Kaori is currently suffering over a classmate’s death.
Consequently, under the filter of his assumption, Kaori’s smiling figure
appeared to be forced as well.
Then, without the slightest consideration that Kaori thought
specially of Hajime and still believed in the possibility of his
survival, Kouki repeatedly gave Kaori misplaced consolation.
“Kaori…… I like that kind side of yours. However, you can’t let
yourself be trapped by our classmate’s death forever! You have to move
on. Surely, that’s what Nagumo would have wanted.”
“Hey, Kouki……”
“Shizuku, be silent for a while! Even if it’s harsh, as her childhood
friend, I have to say this…… Kaori, it’s alright. I will stay by your
side. I wouldn’t die. I wouldn’t let anyone die anymore. I promise I
would never make Kaori sad.”
“Haa~, reckless as always…… Kaori……”
“Haha, it’s okay, Shizuku-chan…… Well, I know what Kouki-kun was trying to say, so it’s okay.”
“Oh, you understood!”
Kaori could only smile bitterly at Kouki’s completely misdirected
words. It seems that even if Kaori were to honestly talk about her
feelings now, it probably wouldn’t be transmitted to Kouki. For Kouki,
it is already a fact that Hajime is dead. Thus, it is unthinkable that
the reason why Kaori is zealously training and exploring the dungeon is
due to her belief in Hajime’s survival. It is in his nature to persist
in his beliefs without any doubts, he could only seem to interpret
Kaori’s feelings as a psychological illness stemming from escapism. From
their long association, Kaori somewhat understood Kouki’s thought
patterns, which was why she didn’t say anything.
By the way, the nuance which appeared to be nothing but completely
wooing her was said by the person himself without any ulterior motives,
it only showed Kouki’s extreme earnestness. Shizuku and Kaori, who were
already used to Kouki’s words and actions let it slide as usual, but if
the other girls heard that, they would probably all fall together into
sugary expressions at the sweet atmosphere.
Generally, a handsome guy with good character, proficient in both
sports and studies would cause any female childhood friend to fall in
love. However, influenced by her strict father, Shizuku had been in
contact with and was raised by the adults under her house’s dojo from
young. Coupled with her natural insight, she was aware that his sense of
justice could be said as Kouki’s flaw, and he had displayed it numerous
times, making her unable to harbour any feelings more than a childhood
friend towards him. Although, for the others, the more important thing
hasn’t changed.
Kaori was naturally insensitive about love and hearing about various
things from Shizuku, her heart was unable to throb over Kouki’s words or
actions. He is considered a good-natured person and thought caringly of
as a childhood friend, but would never lead to any romantic feelings.
“Kaori-chan, I am rooting for you, if there’s anything I can do to help, please say.”
“Yeah~, Suzu will always be at on Kaorin’s side!” ⌈
2⌋
Joining the conversation were Nakamura Eri and Taniguchi Suzu who
were listening to Kouki’s chat nearby. Both of them are Kaori’s close
friends since entering high school and they have an excellent
relationship. They are also capable people who were added into the Hero
party led by Kouki.
Nakamura Eri is a bespectacled beauty with black Natural Bob hair.
Personality-wise, she is mild and meek, and basically makes everybody
want to keep an eye out for her. She loves books and gives off the feel
of a stereotypical librarian. As a matter of fact, she was in the
library committee.
Taniguchi Suzu, she is a chibi whose height was only around 142
centimeters. However, it was unimaginable where her inexhaustible
liveliness could be hidden within that small body. She always jumps
about happily with her drooping braids bouncing along. That
heart-warming sight secured her role as the class mascot.
When the two of them saw Kaori’s discomposure the day Hajime fell
into the abyss, they understood her feelings and approved of Kaori’s
goal.
”Nn, Eri-chan, Suzu-chan, thank you.”
Kaori smiled happily at the two close friends made in high school.
“Oooh~ Kaorin got her spirit back~ That Nagumo-kun! How dare he make Suzu’s Kaori-chan so sad! If he died, Suzu will kill him!”
“S-Suzu? If he died, how are you going to k-kill him?”
“Don’t mind the details! Oh yeah, if he really died, Eririn can just use necromancy to make him serve Kaorin!”
“S-Suzu, watch what you’re saying! Kaori-chan sincerely believes that Nagumo-kun is still alive! Moreover, my necromancy is…”
Eri remonstrated the reckless Suzu. That is the default. Looking at
the usual boisterous scene between the two, Kaori and Shizuku displayed
pleasant expressions. By the way, Kouki and the rest who were a short
distance away didn’t hear the conversation just now. Of course, it was
Kouki’s natural skill to miss the most important part of the
conversation like this.
“Eri-chan, I don’t mind, so it’s ok?”
“Suzu too, you should stop it. Eri seems troubled no?”
“Mu~” Suzu puffed her cheeks upon hearing Kaori and Shizuku’s words,
which were mixed with bitter smiles. Eri, who had turned paled at the
mention of “necromancy” just now, finally relaxed her expression after
noticing that Kaori seriously did not mind Suzu’s words.
“Eririn, are you still having trouble with necromancy? Even though it is such a rare Class…”
“…Nn, sorry. It will be very useful, if only I can control it properly…”
“Eri, everyone have their strengths and weaknesses. Besides, your magic aptitude is high, so don’t worry about it alright?”
“That’s right, Eri-chan. though it is your Class, having talent in that
field is different from liking or disliking it. Hasn’t Eri-chan’s
accurate and precise magic helped everyone?”
“Nn, but even so, I still need to do my best to overcome this. Because… I want to be of more help to everyone!”
Eri clenched her small fists tightly to show her determination.
Seeing Eri like this, Suzu said, “That’s the spirit, Eririn!” and
glomped her, while Kaori and Shizuku’s cheeks loosened into smiles at
their friend’s tenacity.
Eri’s Class was 【Necromancer】. Dark magic was a type of Systematic
Magic that affected the spirit and consciousness. It was basically
recognized as a magic that inflicts abnormal statuses to the target in
actual combat. And necromancy was one of the super-high difficulty dark
magic. It was a magic that could gather the residual thoughts of the
dead. In the Saint’s Church, there were also a few necromancy users
among the priests. They draw the residual thoughts of the deceased and
pass on to their bereaved family members, using necromancy in a way
befitting of clergymen.
However, the true essence of this magic lies elsewhere. The proper
way to use this magic was to wrap the residual thoughts of the body with
magic and
granting realization ability ⌈3⌋,
make it possess the corpse and become a puppet. In other words, the
necromancers would be able to control the dead, although their skills
and true strength would be inferior compared to when they were still
alive. Furthermore, even living humans could be possessed and trace the
dead soul’s techniques and abilities to a certain extent.
Although the dead could be controlled to a certain degree, they had
pale skin and were devoid of life, like that of a ghost. And because Eri
herself felt that it was ethically wrong to use the dead people like
this, she was unable to use this magic ability efficiently.
Behind the four girls, someone was staring, more specifically,
someone was gazing at Kaori with dull eyes That person was Hiyama
Daisuke. That day, after some time had passed upon returning to the
capital, and after everyone had regained their composure, sure enough,
severe criticism was awaiting Hiyama for bringing about that
predicament.
Hiyama
had already expected this to happen, so he earnestly plead for
forgiveness while kowtowing on the ground. He knew that refuting at
times like this would do nothing but only make things worse. The time
and place for apology was also especially important.
Hiyama’s aim was to prostrate himself before Kouki’s eyes. He
predicted that if it was Kouki, he would certainly be forgiven with his
apology, and would even help to mediate among his classmates. His
expectations came true as Kouki forgave Hiyama and settled the criticism
against him. Kaori was kind to the core, and did not especially rebuke
Hiyama who was apologizing in tears. It was as he calculated. However,
Shizuku vaguely notice Hiyama’s scheme, and appeared to harbour disgust
at the fact that her childhood friend was used.
And THAT ⌈
4⌋
person’s orders made him go silent. It was an exceedingly terrible
command. Or rather, it was a command which made him shudder in fear. He
felt an intense sense of repulsion, but Hiyama could no longer stop, for
he had long went past that line. However, that person who could
integrate so naturally with the class while kneading such terrifying
plans behind the scenes, made Hiyama fear while embracing joyful
thoughts.
(That person is mad…… if I follow that person, Kaori will be mine……)
Upon hearing that as long as he obeys, he would be able to get his
hands on Kaori, his suppressed joy involuntarily formed a smile on his
face.
“Hey, Daisuke? What’s wrong?”
Kondo, Nakano, and Saito were all looking suspiciously at Hiyama’s
odd expression. The three of them were still hanging out with Hiyama.
From the start, the four could be said to be the same kind of people.
Although there was a period of awkwardness, Hiyama’s laudable attitude
recovered their friendship. However, it is extremely doubtful whether
this could even be called friendship in the truest sense……
“Eh, no, it’s nothing. I am just happy thinking that we have cleared sixty levels.”
“Ah~, that’s true. We are just five levels away from the previously highest recorded level~”
“We have all become considerably strong. Good grief, the stay-behind team is too weak-willed.”
“Well, don’t put it like that. It looks like we are special.”
The three of them synced with Hiyama’s deception without any doubts.
Becoming enthusiastic thinking of themselves who continued fighting as
special, seems like small-time villains will always remain as small-time
villains. They had a huge ⌈
5⌋
attitude towards the stay-behind group back in the royal palace. Their
haughty attitudes often lead to many complaints. However, breaking
through to the sixtieth level also speaks of their definite abilities,
proving that they are not all words.
Naturally, they are not at the Heroes’ party level, so they are
docile around Kouki and the others. This seems to be the modus operandi
of small fries.
The group did not particularly encounter any problems, and finally
they arrived at the previously highest recorded sixty-fifth level.
“Concentrate! The map here is incomplete. I don’t know what will happen!”
The voice of the accompanying Commander Meld resounded. Kouki and the
others tightened their expressions and stepped into the unknown
territory.
After a short while, they entered a large hall. Somehow or other,
everyone present felt an unpleasant premonition. That hunch was right on
the mark. At the same time they entered the hall, a magic circle
emerged in the center of the room. It was a dark red pulsating magic
circle of about ten meters in diameter. That was, a very familiar magic
circle.
“D-Don’t tell me…… it’s that!?”
Cold sweat formed on Kouki’s forehead as he shouted. The other members’ expression were distinctly nervous.
“Seriously, it’s dead, isn’t it!”
Ryutaro exclaimed, visibly shocked. Responding to that, with a grim expression but a calm voice, was Commander Meld.
“We have yet to elucidate the reason behind the formation of magic
beasts in dungeons. It is normal to encounter magic beasts that have
been defeated before many times again. Brace your spirits! Don’t forget
to secure the retreat path!”
In case it was needed, to ensure that they could safely get away,
Commander Meld gave instructions to prioritise securing the escape
route. His subordinates obeyed immediately. However, it left a bad taste
in Kouki’s mouth, as he retorted.
“Meld-san. We are no longer the us from back then. We are many times
stronger now! There’s no way we will lose now! We will definitely win!”
“Heh, that’s right. We can’t keep thinking that we will lose forever. It’s time for our revenge match!”
Ryutaro also responded with a fearless smile. Commander Meld shrugged
his shoulders while letting out a “Dear me”. As he was thinking that it
will probably be alright with Kouki’s and the other’s current strength,
he let out the same daring smile.
And finally with an explosion of brilliance, the former nightmare once again appeared before Kouki and the others.
“Guugaaaa~!!!”
A strange figure raised a roar and stomped the ground. Behemoth
glared at Kouki and the others with a fierce intent to kill dwelling in
its eyes. Just as everyone was about to run from their nervousness, a
single girl was indifferent and with a resolute expression, returned the
look.
It’s Kaori. Kaori declared not with an audible voice, but with strength dwelling in her indomitable will.
“No one would be taken away anymore. I will defeat you and go to him.”
Now, the battle to overcome the past has begun.
～～～～～～～～～
Additional: Amanogawa Kouki’s current status ⌈6⌋
