Translator note:
We are finally caught up to the raws! Thanks to everyone who has read along so far. I will be posting as new chapters are released by the author. I also might pick up a new series, we’ll see.

—————————————–

Arthur: “Hey, Knight of God?”

 

I realized I was grabbed by the shoulder when I noticed.

A lapse in attention.

 

I immediately turned around, drawing and swinging my sword.

Arthur, feigning surprise, let go of my body and activated True Lightning.

If he had touched me, we would have teleported together.

 

Arthur: “Hohoho! So that’s the famous lightning-like teleportation! I see, I see!”

 

He looked interested in my power, his eyes sparkling.

Arthur had the pure gaze of a child who found a toy.

 

Arthur: “But, being able to go anywhere is an incredible power. I remember when I saw it before, you could only teleport to shadows, right?”

Kai: “!? What do you mean?”

 

His tone suggested he knew about this power.

But I had never shown it to him before.

 

No, that’s not right. It wasn’t me.

 

Arthur: “However, he was strong. He would be in the top three of the men I’ve killed. His name was…”

 

I remembered.

The memories of that person I inherited, albeit vague.

Surrounded by the Black knights, and defeated by an exceptionally strong man.

 

Kai: “Lightning!!”

Arthur: “Yes, that’s it!”

 

I activated Lightning behind Arthur’s shadow and teleported, swinging my sword.

 

But he stopped it.

I opened my eyes wide in surprise.

 

My swung sword was stopped by Arthur as if pinching it with his fingers.

I immediately kicked, but he caught it with his other hand.

Then, twisting my body, I kicked his face with my other leg, but he easily dodged.

However, I managed to create some distance.

 

Arthur: “Quite combative, aren’t you? Can’t you enjoy a little conversation?”

Kai: “Ha…Ha….Ha…”

 

It was just a short exchange.

But what I felt was his overwhelming skill.

Of course, because this guy was.

 

Kai: “You’re the one who killed Lightning?”

Arthur: “Yes, that’s right. But I was caught in the barrier he created! Hahaha! He was a truly great warrior. I would have liked to fight him one-on-one. He was already worn out though…”

 

My master, no, Lancelot’s master, whom I inherited everything from, was defeated by this man.

Lancelot’s memories inside me were shaking with anger, but at the same time, all the alarms in me were ringing.

 

Run.

 

This guy is on a different level than anyone I’ve faced before.

 

Arthur: “Yo!”

Kai: “Why…”

 

As I broke into a cold sweat, Arthur, the Knight’s Commander of the Round Table, casually sat down.

 

Arthur: “Well, have a seat. Let’s talk a bit. You know by now, you can’t beat me.”

Kai: “That’s not something you know until you try.”

Arthur: “Hmm… then try.”

 

He was completely underestimating me.

But indeed, his magic power was 6 million, an impossibly high number.

Six times mine.

I couldn’t win against him without inheriting the S-Rank Cube’s magic power.

But.

 

Kai: “Victory isn’t decided by numbers alone!”

 

I knew that best.

I’ve turned around such differences many times.

 

I activated True Lightning and teleported around the seated Arthur at the speed of light, not giving him a chance to focus.

 

Arthur: “Hahaha! Fast, fast! Equivalent to light. Even I can’t move faster than light. In a race, you would win!”

 

Arthur was relaxed, not even trying to stand.

He was off guard.

Now was my chance.

 

I teleported to his blind spot and then.

 

Kai: “!?”

 

I was about to strike.

But almost simultaneously, Arthur, laughing, looked right where I was in his blind spot. How? Did he predict me? The speed of light? How.

 

I was momentarily frozen.

Then Arthur, with a grin, spoke without retaliating.

 

Arthur: “Excellent power. But it has a flaw. Your vision, right? A little observation makes it clear. Before you move, your eyes look to where you’re going. No matter how fast you can move, if you have to think to teleport, it’s far from the speed of light. Easy to catch.”

 

Kai: “Damn! True Mirage!!”

Arthur: “Oh!? They multiplied!? What’s this?”

 

I created a clone, two against one.

Arthur was excited.

But the moment my clone struck.

 

Boom!!

 

It was like a meteor strike that blew up the mansion.

The impact was from my clone being grabbed by the head and slammed into the ground by Arthur.

 

As the dust settled, my clone’s head was crushed by Arthur’s hand and vanished like a mirage.

 

Arthur: “Hmm, creating illusions. Hard to distinguish by appearance, but the movements are monotonous. I can’t feel any will in them. Moreover, it didn’t even try to activate a skill. Just a distracting puppet.”

 

I stepped back.

 

Strong.

 

Not about magic power.

Maybe combat experience, an overwhelming difference in practical experience. Even without the Eye of God, he instantly saw through the mechanism of my skills.

 

This is the strongest enemy I must defeat in the Black Empire.

 

The Knight’s Commander of the Round Table, Arthur Pendragon.

 

I’m still not ready…

 

Arthur: “Alright, let’s sit down.”

Kai: “No, not yet!”

Arthur: (sighs)

 

Boom!!!!!!

 

Immediately after, the mansion exploded, and I was blown away as well.

 

Just from him hitting the ground.

 

The impact wiped out everything around.

 

After the dust settled, Arthur looked at me, sighed deeply, and said quietly.

 

Arthur: “I told you to sit. There won’t be a next time.”

Kai: “――!?”

 

With the pressure as if my heart was being gripped.

 

 

———————-

Afterword:

 

The problem with Arthur being too strong.

 

Also, check out my new series! It’s 9th in the weekly rankings, so it’s guaranteed to be interesting!

 

The Unbeaten Anonymous Genius Player, Shaking the World of Streaming. ~Welcome to the Glorious World of Streamers~

https://kakuyomu.jp/works/1681733065848057474

Kai: “Dungeon… It’s been a while… or maybe not.”

 

The last dungeon I entered was probably the Temple of Eternity. I’m not sure if that counts as a dungeon, but this unique atmosphere is certainly characteristic of one.

 

However, what spread before me was a vast wasteland. It was so wide, with a landscape like those seen in western movies, devoid of any vegetation.

 

I understood now. Dungeons are places to seal monsters, likely alternate spaces where monsters can live. Otherwise, they would try to break out. A dungeon is not an infinitely expanding world; it has its limits.

 

Kai: “S-Rank, the monsters of the demon type…”

 

I saw three pitch-black demons huddled together in the distance. I had fought them once. They were emperor-class monsters with over 100,000 magic power.

 

I would prefer to avoid fighting, but unfortunately, I must complete the dungeon fully. I can’t take it easy, especially since Reina and the others are fighting outside.

 

Kai: “True Lightning!”

 

Becoming a bolt of lightning, I struck down the three demons. The sword in my hand was a new power given to me by Aya, born from our love and created using my… well, let’s just say she took a lot from me. The magic stone used was from the Dragon God Orfen, the world’s largest transcendent-level magic stone, enhancing my stats even further.

 

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

Name: Kai

Condition: Good

Job: Knight of God 【True Awakening】

Skills: Eye of God, Access Rights Lv2, Heart Conversation, The Finest Knight, True Mirage, True Lightning

Magic Power: 1,000,000

Attack Power: Reflection Rate ▶ 75 (+80)% = 1,550,000

Defense Power: Reflection Rate ▶ 50 (+80)% = 1,300,000

Agility: Reflection Rate ▶ 50 (+80)% = 1,300,000

Intelligence: Reflection Rate ▶ 75 (+80)% = 1,550,000

*Note: +30% during activation of The Finest Knight

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

 

I continued to cut down demons after demons, teleporting with lightning. Thunder echoed across the wasteland, attracting more than 100,000-power monsters. But with my power, they weren’t much of a challenge.

 

This place was just a waypoint; I couldn’t afford to struggle here. After clearing the area of demons, I resumed exploring the dungeon.

 

Ahead in the vast land stood a mansion, reminiscent of a large Chinese house. But it was empty.

 

The red and blue demons, presumably gatekeepers, were dead with huge holes in their bellies. The gate looked like it had been hit by a tremendous force. I had never seen a dungeon boss’s room in such a state.

 

As I approached the mansion, a dull thud resounded.

 

I hurried inside.

 

Kai: “Wha…?”

 

There were two beings inside. One looked like an demon samurai, probably the dungeon’s boss, but it was barely alive, likely defeated by the other being who stood unscathed, casually holding the demons.

 

The other being had a human-like appearance. He noticed me and turned around, laughing.

 

Arthur: “Oh? You really came. I thought you’d come after Mordred’s death. My hunch was right! Hahaha, I always trust my instincts!”

 

We communicated through heart conversation. He mentioned Mordred. I checked the man’s status, and I was speechless.

 

Arthur: “Long time no see, Lancelot! How have you been? Well, for you guys, it’s Lancelot’s successor, huh? Either way, it doesn’t matter!”

 

He had the appearance of a god-like hero, with golden hair down to his waist. He was like Hercules from mythology, even surpassing Arnold-san in physicality.

 

Arthur: “Oh, I haven’t introduced myself. I am Arthur! A Knight of the Round Table.”

 

He was a Knight of the Round Table.

 

The Knights of the Round Table were enemies, and I was well aware of that.

 

Yet, Arthur radiated such charisma that he seemed almost benevolent.

 

He tossed the demon samurai aside like it was nothing and smiled at me, a pure, innocent smile that almost made me laugh.

 

For a moment, I let my guard down.

 

Arthur: “Additionally, I’m also the leader of the Knights of the Round Table! Which means…”

Kai: “――!!??”

 

Suddenly, I lost sight of Arthur.

 

Arthur: “…I’m the strongest in the world! Right, Knight of God?”

 

He gently grabbed my shoulders with his enormous hands.

 

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

Name: Arthur Pendragon

Condition: Good

Job: Hercules 【True Awakening】

Skills: Demigod, Twelve Labors, Eye of Darkness

Magic Power: 6,000,000

Attack Power: Reflection Rate ▶ 100% = 6,000,000

Defense Power: Reflection Rate ▶ 50% = 3,000,000

Agility: Reflection Rate ▶ 50% = 3,000,000

Intelligence: Reflection Rate ▶ 50% = 3,000,000

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

−−

Author’s Note:

By the way, “The Old Man Becomes a Streamer in Another World” has been completed. It reached the fourth rank, so I guess it’s pretty interesting. Please give it a read.

 

I’m also remaking “The Blue Twilight” and planning to serialize it diligently. I find that completing each work one by one suits my style.

 

I’ve also been enjoying incorporating streaming elements, which are popular these days, into my writing. Please check it out.

 

“The Genius Player, Shaking the Streaming World”

https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16817330658480574748

 

Kai: “Let’s head out.”

 

With Reina, Aya, me, Big brother Wang, and Arnold-san, a total of five of us, left the underground facility.

 

Tanaka: “You are humanity’s hope. Do your best, everyone.”

Chairman: “We can only support from here, but we’ll protect this place! Good luck, Kai-kun.”

 

Tanaka-san, the Chairman, Nagi, and many other survivors saw us off.

 

The time was 9 p.m., under the stars.

 

Kai: “We’ll be back soon!”

 

I held hands with Aya and set off. We all had our own means of transportation. Big brother Wang could fly through the sky on his spear. Reina could fly with her silver armor. Arnold-san, amusingly, could run on the sea.

 

So, it was decided that I would move with Aya using my True Lightning skill. We crossed the night sea with our individual powers and arrived on land in China guided by Big brother Wang. It was pitch dark.

 

Kai: “Alright, we could encounter them at any moment from here. Kill on sight.”

All: “Understood.”

 

We moved along the coast, flying. The once bustling Hong Kong was our destination. The Cube was a sinister amethyst-like structure. This was my first time seeing an S-Rank Cube.

 

I checked the Cube’s status from a distance.

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

Remaining Magic Power：1,000,000/1,000,000 (+10,000/24h）

Clear Difficulty：S Rank

 

◆Reward

First-time clear reward（Incomplete）：Magic Power +500,000

・Condition(s) 1　While the dungeon hasn’t been cleared before, defeat the boss.

Complete Clear Reward（Incomplete）：Magic Power +1,000,000

・Condition 1: Clear while solo.

・Condition 2: Having not challenged once before, reach the boss.

・Condition 3: Defeat 100 emperor species.

・Condition 4: Will be released after conditions 1-3 have been met(defeat the extra boss）

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

 

 

Kai: “It’s definitely S-Rank. The Cube’s magic power seems to be at its limit, likely for the last five years. No one has ever conquered an S-Rank Cube. Today, humanity will attempt it for the first time, and I will be going in alone.”

 

We then noticed about ten Black Knights guarding the Cube, each with over 700,000 magic power. However, their skills seemed ordinary.

 

Kai: “Can you handle ten Black Knights, each over 700,000 magic power, Big brother Wang?”

Wang: “Regular soldiers are no problem, especially with Aya-chan here.”

 

We all prepared for the operation. Aya’s artifact, which everyone had, increased our magic power. With Aya’s True Awakening skill, the God of Blacksmithing’s Protection, she could boost everyone’s magic power significantly.

 

Kai: “Let’s go. I need about two hours inside the Cube.”

All: “Got it. We’ll hold them off outside.”

 

We were ready. I activated Lancelot’s power, covering myself in white transparent armor.

 

Kai: “True Lightning!”

 

In a flash, I cut down the Black Knights guarding the Cube and entered it. The others began fighting off the remaining knights, guarding the Cube’s sides.

 

Inside the Cube, I was ready to face whatever awaited me, possibly even a god-like creature.

 

—

 

Author’s Note:

 

The first volume of Kai’s World is now available. Please read it if you can. Just giving it stars on Amazon would be a huge support. The comic adaptation is also progressing well.

◇Nagi’s Perspective

 

Nagi: “Knock, knock, knock! Big brother, can I come in?”

 

I wanted to talk to my brother before he left, so I knocked on his door.

 

Kai: “Na, Nagi!? Wait a moment!!”

 

I heard my brother’s flustered voice from inside. I waited patiently by the door until it opened.

 

Kai: “Sorry… Nagi.”

Reina: “Nagi-chan, I had my turn first. Have fun with him next.”

 

Reina emerged from behind my disheveled brother. Her face was slightly red, and she looked incredibly seductive. She left the room with a face full of satisfaction.

 

Kai: “Come in, Nagi!”

Nagi: “…You animal.”

Kai: “Animal!?”

Nagi: “Just kidding. I’m coming in… Wow, it’s really humid in here…”

Kai: “Ah, haha… Ventilation, ventilation! Yeah, underground places are really humid, right?”

 

Then, I sat down on the bed.

 

Nagi: “Big brother, have I changed?”

 

I asked, pressing my chest against my brother’s back. While I’m not as developed as Reina, I’ve grown to be about the same as Aya. My height has also increased a bit, reaching around 160 cm. I think I’ve become quite a beautiful woman. During these five years, countless guys have hit on me, but I’ve turned them all down.

 

Kai: “Changed in what way?”

 

My brother is really dense sometimes. It’s no wonder Aya and Reina find it hard dealing with him.

 

I turned him around and spread my arms wide.

 

Nagi: “Hug me?”

 

I asked for a hug, a bit coyly. My brother, unchanged from five years ago, smiled and embraced me.

 

Kai: “Nothing’s changed, Nagi. You are still the cutest and the best sister in the world to me.”

Nagi: “…Wrong answer.”

Kai: “Wrong answer!?”

 

He didn’t get it. Maybe it’s too much to expect that from him. I still can’t fully grasp my feelings for him. I’ve always loved my big brother, but that love was more profound than I thought.

 

After being hugged for a while, I sat on the bed and spread my arms again.

 

Nagi: “I want to be held.”

 

I asked, blushing a bit mischievously. But without any hesitation, my brother hugged me and lay down on the bed, cradling me.

 

Kai: “Still such a baby, aren’t you?”

 

He gently stroked me, trying to put me to sleep, just like he used to.

 

Nagi: “You haven’t changed at all, big brother.”

 

I smiled and buried my face in his chest.

 

Kai: “Of course. I time-traveled, after all. Can we stay like this until departure?”

Nagi: “Can we?”

Kai: “Sure. Anything for Nagi.”

Nagi: “Anything?”

Kai: “Yeah.”

Nagi: “…(Don’t go).”

 

I almost said those words but stopped myself at the last moment. Instead, I closed my eyes tightly and hugged my brother harder.

 

I wanted him not to go. It was my selfish desire.

 

But I couldn’t say it. My brother is a hero who can save the world.

 

Still, to me, he’s just my big brother.

 

I don’t want him to fight.

 

I don’t want him to risk his life.

 

I just want him to be by my side. That alone makes me happy.

 

But…

 

Kai: “What’s wrong? Don’t you have a request?”

Nagi: “No, it’s okay. I’m fine.”

 

I bravely held back and kept my true feelings hidden.

 

But…

 

Nagi: “…I love you so much, big brother.”

 

I at least wanted to convey this true feeling.

 

◇

Kai: “Oh, she’s asleep.”

 

I quietly left the bed, careful not to wake up Nagi who was sleeping peacefully.

 

Kai: “It’s 9 p.m., time to leave.”

 

I was fully recharged thanks to Nagi, after being drained by Aya and Reina. Not in that sense, but I had a good rest.

 

Kai: “Aya and Reina were incredible. Just thinking about it gets me a bit excited. Being a high school boy’s body does have its perks!”

 

I got dressed in my usual casual combat attire, washed my face, and drank some water. I’m ready.

 

Kai: “Now I’m off to fight for humanity’s future.”

 

I gazed at Nagi, still asleep in the bed.

 

Kai: “Nagi always gives me a reason to fight. Just looking at her makes me feel the need to protect her.”

 

Kai: “Okay, I’m going, Nagi.”

 

I bid farewell to Nagi, who was still sleeping, and once again affirmed my reason for fighting.

 

Nagi: “…Have a safe trip.”

 

I quietly replied to my brother from under the blankets.

 

—

 

Author’s Note:

 

[Good News] An Old Man Becomes a Streamer in a Different World. – Helping Elves and Dragons in Another World, I Somehow Became the No.1 Streamer, and the Japanese Government Won’t Let Me Leave!

 

It’s a simple story, but it’s heartwarming like my other works. This time, I wrote something as enjoyable as a snack. It’s a hobby and momentum-driven work, just over 100,000 characters, but I’m confident you’ll enjoy it. Please give it a read!

 

You can find the story here:

https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16817330657485079774

There are only four hours left until departure to China.

 

I was filling in the five-year gap with Tanaka-san and others.

 

Kai: “I can recall it as if it was just yesterday. We were having a BBQ at your place… and then I was enveloped by the Golden Cube.”

Tanaka: “For me, it really does feel like it happened just yesterday… By the way, have Arnold-san and Reina made up?”

 

I was surprised to see Arnold-san and Reina talking normally. Even with the passage of five years, Reina should still see Arnold as the one who killed her parents.

 

Reina: “Yes, we did. Arnold apologized afterward…”

Arnold: “I thought all those who joined the God-Destruction Cult had to be killed… I knew from years of fighting that they could never return to normal. But I understand now, thanks to your power… Though I didn’t know it at the time, I’m sorry.”

Kai: “Huh? Arnold-san, have you become more gentle?”Wang: “This guy, after being controlled by the God-Destruction Cult, has changed a lot… Right, Tyrant? Well, he also lost his family to the cult… Please understand his feelings.”

Arnold: “Still… I believe I did something unforgivable. Now, I want to use this power to reclaim my homeland. But I can’t defeat them alone.”

 

I felt that Arnold-san had become more of a wise king than a tyrant over these five years. Gone was his earlier brutishness, now he looked like a seasoned warrior, his eyes fixed on the enemy.

 

Wei Wang: “I feel the same. My sister Jing is captured by the enemy. Many from the Battle God Guild are being controlled by them, forced into unjust mental slavery. It’s unforgivable.”

 

The Black Knight has the power of the Eye of Darkness, which allows him to control beings with lesser magic power than his own.

It seems many humans, including Wei Wang’s sister, are being forced into slavery by the Black Empire.

 

Kai: “Jing-san is… then we must definitely save her.”

 

Wei Wang: “Ah, there are four members of the Round Table controlling the area around China. We’ll defeat all of them and rescue everyone.”

 

We continued to talk about what happened during the five years. It wasn’t exactly a nostalgic atmosphere, but there was a hint of reminiscence.

 

And an hour later.

 

Nagi: “Big brother!!”

Kai: “Nagi!!”

 

Nagi and Chairman Kagetora, who had been at another base, returned to this one.

 

Nagi: “Big brother, big brother, big brother!!”

Kai: “You… how have you grown so much… It’s been five years since you were in first grade of middle school… now you’re about a second-year high school student… a blooming JK.”

 

Nagi, who curled up in my chest, had grown a lot, but her appearance hadn’t changed at all. She was still the Nagi I loved dearly.

 

I’m glad she’s safe.

 

If something had happened to Nagi in these five years, I might not have been able to forgive Athena-san.

 

Kagetora: “Kai-kun really hasn’t changed at all…”

Kai: “Yes, Chairman… Haha, you haven’t changed either.”

 

Even after five years, Chairman Kagetora was still the same. Always cheerful and the mood maker.

 

Kagetora: “I’m sorry… If I had realized sooner, none of this would have happened.”

Kai: “Eh?”

Kagetora: “I’ve always known there was something ominous about the Dungeon Association. It was strange from the start. But the days of battle left no room for such thoughts…”

Kai: “What do you mean?”

Kagetora: “The World Dungeon Association was founded by Vivian, the disciple of Merlin, the leader of the God-Destruction Cult. We found out later. She hid the largest Cube, sealed by the Round Table, in the Association’s basement and gathered magic stones to break its seal. The Association collected magic stones from explorers as a margin, likely for this reason. It was very cleverly done… Her confidants were all under her mental control… It was hidden for twenty years.”

Kai: “…So that’s what happened. But it’s not your fault, Chairman. No one could have known.”

 

The World Dungeon Association was under the control of Vivian from the Black Empire.

 

The God-Destruction Cult was controlled by Merlin.

 

The relationship between them is unclear now, but perhaps they were killing inconvenient opponents for the Dungeon Association.

 

Was Aya targeted because she’s the daughter of the Dungeon Association’s Chairman?

 

What a manipulative scheme.

 

Chairman Kagetora: “Kai-kun, I heard you’re going to China. Aya, Wei Wang, Arnold, and Reina will fight the Round Table. Sadly, we’d be a hindrance in a battle against the Round Table… They are all transcendents. We can only hope from here… I pray for your safe return.”

Kai: “Yes!”

 

I’m going to solo clear the S-Rank Cube in China.

 

Nagi: “Big brother, are you leaving again? We haven’t talked much yet…”

Kai: “It’s okay… Lightning.”

 

*Crack!*

 

I activate Lightning towards Nagi’s shadow.

 

Kai: “I can protect you no matter where you are now. So don’t worry, I’ll be back soon.”

 

Nagi: “…Okay. Promise!”

 

When I pat Nagi’s head, she closes her eyes, looking content.

 

I wonder if I made her suffer a lot in these five years. I still don’t fully understand what has changed.

 

But nothing important to me has changed.

 

Everyone then returned to their rooms to start their final preparations.

 

Kai: “Aya…”

Aya: “Hmm?”

 

Reina and Aya are whispering something to each other. Both of their faces are red, but Aya sighs as if resigning and says she understands.

 

Aya: “Kai-san… I forgive you. But remember, I’m your number one… This is only for winning! Just this once!!”

Kai: “What do you mean?”

Reina: “Kai… I’ll show you to your room… Follow me.”

 

Saying so, Reina grabs my arm and leads me to my room. It was a simple room, similar to Aya’s, like a business hotel.

 

Kai: “So many rooms like this… A giant underground facility is kind of exciting.”

 

As I enter the room Reina showed me.

 

*Click.*

 

Kai: “Eh?”

 

For some reason, Reina enters and locks the door.

 

Reina: “Hah, hah, hah…”

 

She’s panting, her face bright red.

 

Kai: “Rei, Reina? What’s…!?”

 

I’m pushed onto the bed by Reina.

 

This feels familiar… just like earlier…

 

Reina: “Kai, I was… Mordred did… various things to me…”

Kai: “Various things?”

 

Reina was captured by Mordred. I heard it was for about a month. During that time, she put under some type of suffering, enough to call him the “enemy of all women”.

 

Reina: “He… hah, hah… wanted me to say it… You understand what that means? All the time… hah, hah… with his threads… I… hah, hah…”

 

Reina, usually cool, now has her face flushed red, as if she can’t hold back any longer.

 

To be honest, it’s extremely erotic.

 

Reina: “I can’t fight if I’m not calmed down. So… Kai… it’s okay, right? Aya said it’s okay.”

Kai: “Um… Reina-san? What am I supposed to do…?”

Reina: “…You don’t have to do anything. I’ll do everything.”

 

It can’t be helped.

 

Without this, Reina can’t fight. It’s necessary.

 

Yes, this is to protect humanity.

 

It can’t be helped…

 

—

Aya: “Rescue the injured! Everyone, retreat for now!”

 

Under Aya’s command, we left the old Shibuya area.

This place was under the control of Mordred, but we never knew when other Knights of the Round Table might come.

So, we decided to return once to the headquarters of the Human Liberation Army.

It was in the mountains, far from Tokyo, a vast underground facility created by the power of the Awakened, literally by hand, well, magical power. It was originally a large space being constructed as an industrial waste disposal facility, but it was large enough to accommodate tens of thousands of people.

We somehow maintain a human life with skills and magic, providing water and electricity.

 

Aya: “Rest and receive treatment. Executives, gather in the conference room five hours from now. Contact executives worldwide. Dismissed for now!”

 

The arrived Human Liberation Army members each returned to their rooms to rest.

 

Kai: “Aya, what should I do? And Nagi, what about Tanaka-san? What about Chairman Kagetora? And everyone else?”

 

I asked where everyone was.

 

My top priority, my sister Nagi.

 

Aya: “Don’t worry. Nagi-chan, Tanaka-san, and your grandfather are all safe. They’re currently at a different base, but we’re gathering information.”

 

Kai: “I see… that’s good.”

 

Apparently, all my acquaintances are safe. They’re at another base and heading this way.

 

Aya: “Until then, Kai-san will be here…”

 

Then, Aya pulls me along.

 

We head to a door, into a makeshift room. It’s not very big, but well-made, like a business hotel room.

 

Kai: “Huh? This is Aya’s—!?”

 

Suddenly, I’m pushed onto the bed.

I turn around, wondering what’s going on.

 

Aya: “Kai-san, why are you so normal…”

 

Aya, with teary, red eyes, approaches me. Aya, five years later, exudes more the aura of a college student than a high school girl. She starts unbuttoning her shirt, looming over me.

 

Kai: “Whoa, uh, Aya!?”

 

Aya: “I’ve missed you so much… Since the day you suddenly disappeared… I’ve heard the reasons from Athena-san and know the circumstances. But my feelings haven’t changed.”

Kai: “I’m sorry…”

 

For me, it was just a moment, but for Aya, it was five years.

How long and hard that must have been.

 

Aya: “I won’t forgive you.”

Kai: “What can I do then…?”

Aya: “Give me five years’ worth of love. Right now. I’m still your girlfriend, aren’t I?”

 

Saying this, Aya undoes all the buttons on her shirt.

Aya’s allure, even more significant than before, and her moist eyes look at me.

I remembered.

That night, I was supposed to be with Aya…

 

Kai: “Of course! I’ve always liked you, Aya.”

 

So, I kiss Aya and smile at her.

This is my expression of love.

 

A high school student’s cute expression of love.

 

Aya: “………….As if that’s enough. I intended to calm down first, but… I’m sorry, I couldn’t.”

Kai: “Eh?”

 

But she’s literally an adult woman now.

That’s not enough for her, and my kiss only accelerated her feelings. I’ve heard this before: men have stronger sexual desires when young, while women’s desires grow with age.

 

Aya grabs Kai firmly

 

Kai: “Hey!? Aya?”

 

I’m pinned down on the bed, unable to move. She’s incredibly strong.

 

Aya: “Hehe, that’s right. Right now, Kai-san, you have less magical power than me, right? I’m physically stronger, aren’t I?”

 

Aya’s eyes become more intense, like a predator eyeing its prey. Her breath is heavy, her face flushed.

Aya licks her lips and whispers in my ear with a sweet breath.

 

Aya: ” We’ll do it…Five years’ worth. Can I make a mess of you? I can’t wait another second.”

Kai: “I feel like our lines are being reversed, but…”

Aya: “I’ve been put on hold for five years.”

Kai: “Ah, haha… please, be gentle with me.”

Aya: “…That’s impossible.”

 

～Several hours later.

 

Kai: “Cough, cough…”

 

Next to me, seemingly on the verge of drying out, Aya laughs.

 

Aya: “Thank you for the meal… But that was only about a week’s worth.”

 

She’s incredibly shiny. Aya, naked, smiles brightly and hugs my arm tightly.

It was, well… amazing.

It was really amazing. Right now, my IQ feels like it’s about 3, and I can understand why people would say I’m as good as a rock. I got carried away, especially since Aya was tempting me, saying we didn’t need contraception.

 

Aya: “I’ve received plenty of your body fluids. I’ll use them to create a special artifact later.”

Kai: “Your abilities are kind of like a succubus, aren’t they?”

Aya: “…Are you complimenting me?”

 

Aya laughs softly, looking at me with a face full of happiness.

 

I wonder if I made her suffer, I feel sorry as I have no real sense of it.

 

While stroking Aya’s head, I ask her about what’s been happening in this world.

 

This must be what they call pillow talk.

 

Aya: “The day you left, Athena-san gave me her magic power, she said it was a million. She asked me to somehow sustain humanity with my power. It was the magic power sealed on the Dragon Island, she said.”

 

Aya’s rapid power-up was because Athena-san transferred to her the S-Rank magic power that had been sealed in a Cube on Dragon Island. Indeed, I had defeated the Dragon God, and the seal on that box was broken. If Athena-san had collected that power and granted it to Aya, it made sense.

 

Kai: “Where’s Athena-san?”

Aya: “…She said she had exhausted all her power and disappeared. But she left a message. She said she used all her power to seal you away. That was the last thing she had to do.”

 

Aya then tells me the words Athena-san left for me.

 

Aya: 『The Black Empire has revived. Kai-san will be targeted first. And you will definitely go to fight. So, I sealed you away until that day. I know many lives will be lost, but it’s to win. I’m truly sorry. I had to get you out of this world. If you hate anyone, hate me.』

 

Athena-san understood I would definitely fight and sealed me away for it.

 

And I thought the same.

 

Even if it was a bad strategy, I would have fought on the front lines. With me, we could have defeated Mordred, and humanity might have…

 

But Aya shakes her head.

 

Aya: “Athena-san said, 『With the Black Emperor and the Knights of the Round Table as opponents, Kai-san can’t win as he is now. So, when Hades, the Black Emperor, merges with my brother’s body and goes into hibernation, I will summon Kai-san. It could be tomorrow or in 10 years. But humanity will only have one month to counterattack.』 And in that time, clear all the S-Rank Cubes still in the world and defeat our enemies.”

 

Clearing the S-Rank Cubes and obtaining the complete clear rewards is the mission given to me.

 

Aya: “But now those Cubes are guarded by the Knights. So, Kai-san, we have one month. We’ll gather the executives and clear all the S-Rank Cubes. Of course, you’ll do it solo.”

Kai: “Executives?”

 

Aya stands up and gets dressed.

 

The uniform of the Human Liberation Army, like military attire.

 

I’m still in my regular clothes, though.

 

Then Aya and I move to a large room called the conference room.

 

And there…

 

Unknown: “Hey, long time no see, Kai… finally awake from your sleep?”

Kai: “Big brother Wang!!”

 

The Great Hero, Wei Wang.

 

Arnold: “HAHAHA! You haven’t changed a bit from five years ago! I hear you’ve taken down another Knight of the Round!”

Kai: “Arnold-san too…”

 

The Tyrant, Arnold Arteus, has become a complete ally of humanity. He looks very happy to see me, but I feel like we haven’t fully reconciled yet.

 

And one more person.

 

Tanaka: “It’s been a while, Kai-kun. I wanted to see you.”

Kai: “Tanaka-san!!”

 

Even after five years, the unchanging cool old man, my beloved Tanaka-san.

 

Aya: “We don’t have time. I’ll announce the strategy for the first S-Rank Cube clear! It starts tonight, in China!”

Arnold:”The former Battle God Guild is investigating there, but there are four Knights of the Round Table. A total war?”

Wei Wang: “Yes, now’s the time to play our cards. We’ll put four Transcendents in play. That’s the plan, right, Aya-kun?”

Aya: “Yes! And during that time, Kai-san will clear the Cube and gain power.”

Kai: “Got it, leave it to me.”

 

The strategy is for Wei Wang and others to hold off the Knights while I enter the Cube alone.

 

I’ll clear it completely, gain power, and then join the battle against the Knights.

 

After explaining the plan, Aya looks at us.

 

Aya: “It’s been five years. We’ve lost many people. But finally…”

 

Arnold-san and Wei Wang nod at her words.

 

Aya: “Let’s start humanity’s counterattack!”

 

—

 

Afterword.

I’ve started a new series, currently only on Narou, but it’s a Yin Yang Master story. It’s a work with a strong focus on heated hero developments and rom-com, which I’m really enjoying writing, so I guarantee it will be completed. I’ve already written about 150,000 characters even though it’s not yet published, and I think it’s also for my growth.

 

Title:

“The One Who Nearly Destroyed Japan with a Curse, Enrolls in the Onmyoji Academy: Wanting to Be Happy with the Girl I Love and Ending a Thousand-Year Curse with the Strongest Slap, ”

 

https://ncode.syosetu.com/n4438if/

 

Or, you can access it from the URL in my recent notes here!

 

https://kakuyomu.jp/users/kazu-ta/news/16817330656810112270

 

It’s a classic boy-meets-girl story, but this time I’m practicing rom-com, and hoping to capture that sweet and sour feel. Please support with bookmarks, ratings, and reviews if possible!

Mordred tilts his head in confusion.

Why had the magical threads he connected to Reina and Aya been severed?

He twitches his fingers, trying to regain control, but to no avail. They’ve all been cut. Is that even possible? Usually, at least one would remain unless they’re all seen and cut.

 

Mordred: “What’s going on? Who are you?”

 

All the threads are severed.

 

Aya: “Aya, Reina. Sorry for being late. Just hang on a little longer.”

Reina & Aya: “Ugh… Ugh… We’ll wait. We’ll always wait.”

 

Kai sets Aya and Reina down beside him and glares at Mordred.

 

Mordred: “You… could it be… those eyes, those eyes! The Knight of God!”

 

Kai’s eyes shine with a golden glow. Mordred’s eyes change, falling into an abyss of darkness.

 

Kai, with his Eye of God, reads Mordred’s status.

 

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

Name: Mordred

State: Good

Occupation: Jester 【True Awakening】

Skills: Marionette, Eye of Darkness

Magic Power: 2,500,000

Attack Power: Reflect Rate 75% = 1,875,000

Defense Power: Reflect Rate 75% = 1,875,000

Agility: Reflect Rate 50% = 1,250,000

Intelligence: Reflect Rate 50% = 1,250,000

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

 

Kai also examines the Marionette skill’s details.

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

Type: Skill

Name: Marionette

Effects:

Controls the body of the target if they have broken spirits through magical threads.

Anyone killed by the user becomes a marionette as long as the magic thread is intact.

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

 

This skill, Marionette, must have been used to control Aya and Reina. Mordred, known as the jester, extends thin threads of magical power from his body. They look like thin wires but are invisible to Aya and others, only visible to those with the Eye of God.

 

Kai: “I can already see it, Mordred. Trying to control Aya and Reina is pointless.”

 

Kai sees everything in this world.

 

Mordred: “Hahaha! So, so, I wondered why you suddenly did this. You’re back, after five years. Where have you been? Abandoning everyone! Many died because you fled!”

 

Mordred sweats coldly while mockingly taunting Kai.

He must escape. If this guy really is the Knight of God and possesses the Eye of God, then he is a terrible match for Mordred.

 

Kai: “That’s right.”

 

Kai’s response is the opposite of what Mordred hoped for. Kai is most aware of it. He arrived in this world and was told it’s five years later, understanding nothing.

 

Kai: “That’s why I’ll save everyone from now on. Starting with you.”

 

Mordred: “Everyone, attack!!”

 

At his command, all the Black Knights and Marionettes charge at Kai. But Kai has already activated his Finest Knight skill and looks above with True Lightning.

Mordred’s eyes widen in shock.

 

Kai: “─True Lightning!”

Mordred: “─!? Where… No! Stop!!”

 

Mordred sees Kai disappear and looks up, realizing the worst.

He has to escape. Kai’s sudden teleportation means he can see all the magical threads. That means his next target is…

 

Kai: “You’re the main body, huh?”

 

Above the dense black clouds, the main body controlling the Marionettes is perched on a dragon species. Kai sees the threads extending from Mordred, leading to the clouds. The Mordred on the ground is just a fake.

 

Mordred: “Haa haa haa…”

 

Mordred falls from over 5,000 meters in the sky. Even he sustains some damage and lies on his back.

 

Mordred: “Gotta get up, gotta…”

 

But all his magical threads have been severed by Kai.

 

Kai: “It’s checkmate, Mordred. You lose.”

 

Kai points his sword at Mordred’s throat.

 

Mordred: “I’m still… I can still fight!!!”

 

Mordred, though powerful, shows no sign of possessing real combat skills.

 

Reina: “Kai, please. Let me handle this. I can’t forgive this guy.”

 

Reina steps forward, brandishing her sword, and engages Mordred.

 

Mordred: “Reina-chan! Why!? Why can’t I control you!?”

Reina: “I’m not broken anymore! If I’m with Kai, I can overcome any enemy!”

 

Mordred: “But we’ve been through so much!”

Reina: “─!?”

 

Reina looks at Kai.

 

Reina: “No, it’s not true! Kai! Believe me! I’m still pure!”

Kai: (What exactly happened to her?)

 

Reina’s fury reaches its peak.

 

Reina: “I can’t forgive you. You humiliated me so much! I’ll never forgive you! Die! Enemy of women!!!”

Mordred: “Please, forgive meee!!!”

 

Reina’s final strike decapitates Mordred.

 

His bloodshot eyes roll as his head falls, losing its light.

 

Reina: “Haa haa haa…”

 

With Mordred’s death, one of the Black Empire’s Knights of the Round, the enemy, is defeated.

Humanity’s counteroffensive begins, achieving success in one corner.

The fight for humanity continues.

 

Kai: (What exactly happened to Reina…)

 

Kai is deeply concerned about what happened to Reina.

Aya: “Don’t worry, Reina. We will definitely save you.”

 

Aya readies her sword. It’s pure white, identical to the sword once used by that person she knew.

 

Reina, clad in silver armor, strikes at Aya.

 

Aya is forced to maintain distance while fighting Mordred. Normally, Aya wouldn’t stand a chance against Reina. However, having spent five years in constant battle and achieving transcendence, Aya could now stand against the manipulated Reina.

 

Aya: “Ryunosuke! Leave this to me!”

Tendou: “Okay!”

 

Hearing her voice, Ryunosuke engages Mordred.

 

Mordred: “Oh come on! I don’t want to fight!”

Tendou: “Don’t mess with me!!”

 

Mordred, laughing mockingly like a jester, only wants to fight in his own way. He enjoys observing and reveling in the chaos, characteristic of the Round Table Knight, Mordred.

The battle intensifies. Immortals are matched by A-Rank clearers, boosted by Aya’s power. The Black Knights, enhanced S-Ranks, face off against them.

Aya battles Reina while Ryunosuke takes on Mordred. The fight is evenly matched.

 

Therefore…

 

Tendou: “Haa haa haa… Why… won’t you die… Are you immortal too?”

Mordred: “Haha! Yes, I am! You can’t win against me!!”

 

Mocking Mordred races across the battlefield. Ryunosuke’s highly honed skills wound Mordred repeatedly, but to no avail. The jester only laughs it off.

 

Tendou: “Then! Will you not die even from this!? Haja Issen: Black Dragon!!”

 

Ryunosuke’s unique skill, usable only as a transcendent, unleashes a black dragon from his swung sword, straight at Mordred.

 

Mordred: “─!?”

 

The dragon devours half of Mordred’s body. Surely, he must be dead now.

 

Tendou: “Haa haa… Did I get him?”

 

But predictably, Mordred’s mocking laughter is heard.

 

Mordred: “Haha, you’re supposed to say that when you haven’t done anything. Don’t you see it’s futile?”

Tendou: “What the hell… Invincible doesn’t exist.”

 

Mordred’s devoured upper body regenerates, gathering dust as if reconstructing itself. Fully restored, he laughs and tilts his head.

Just then, Aya is flung beside Ryunosuke.

 

Aya: “Ah aaah aaah!!”

 

A scream is heard and fades away. A comrade in the Liberation Army is killed by Immortals.

 

Tendou: “Damn it!!! Why won’t they die!!”

 

Another scream, another silence.

A Black Knight silently claims an S-Rank’s life.

 

Mordred: “Haha! You all prepared so much, but it’s all in vain! You’re really stupid, aren’t you? Coming here to become my pawns!!”

 

While the Liberation Army suffers losses, the enemy remains unscathed.

 

Aya: “…retreat.”

 

Aya realizes they must withdraw. If they stay, it’s total annihilation.

The plan was to defeat Mordred for victory. But if even he is immortal, there’s no hope of winning.

 

Mordred: “Oh? Are you trying to run away? That’s not allowed.”

 

At that moment…

 

Soldier 1: “Wha!?”

Soldier 2: “My body!!”

Soldier 3: “What is this!! I can’t move!!”

 

Mordred moves his finger, and half of the injured Liberation Army soldiers become immobile.

As if manipulated, they bring their weapons to their own throats.

 

Aya: “Are you controlling them? What kind of power is that…”

 

Reina, too, walks in front of Aya, sword to her own throat, crying.

 

Reina: “Aya… I’m sorry… run… I’m sorry.”

Mordred: “If you retreat, I’ll kill everyone. So, Aya-chan! Let’s play until the end!! I want to see you cry and surrender everything!”

 

The jester, with an unprecedented twisted expression, speaks to Aya.

 

Mordred: “─ Let’s play until you break! And become my favorite doll!!”

 

Aya feels a deep fear. This demon has the power to do so and enjoys it from the bottom of his heart.

 

Aya: “Ah, ah, …”

 

At that moment, a gap appears in Aya’s heart. A gap of fear and the feeling of inevitable defeat. The demon won’t miss this.

 

Mordred: “Aya-chan, got you─!”

Aya: “─!?”

 

Aya realizes she can’t control her own body. Her body tries to move independently of her will.

 

Mordred: “Alright, Aya-chan and Reina-chan, fight each other! The winner becomes my favorite doll!”

 

Aya: “Stop it…”

Reina: “No…”

 

Reina and Aya, who grew up like sisters, face each other with swords.

 

Mordred: “Raise your swords and try to kill each other.”

 

Watching them prepare to strike, Mordred laughs with genuine delight.

 

Humanity is defeated.

 

As their swords are raised and swing down…

 

No one can save the two, nor humanity.

 

In this era, he is no longer there.

 

Aya: “Help…”

 

But then…

 

Sound of thunder and lightning

 

From the past, he arrives.

 

Thunder roars, the air explodes. Something races across the battlefield like lightning.

 

Suddenly, Reina and Aya find themselves in his arms.

 

Kai: “Sorry, I’m late… Aya, Reina.”

 

They realize they can move freely again. Looking up, they see the familiar face, the angle they’ve seen so many times.

Every time he saved them, this is how they saw him.

Their pent-up emotions break free.

 

Aya: “You’re… really late. I’ve been waiting for five years…”

Reina: “But I always believed you would come…”

Kai: “Ah, I’m really sorry I’m late. So now…”

 

Their tears aren’t of sadness, but overwhelming joy.

Aya and Reina look up at him, his eyes glowing golden.

 

With trembling rage, he looks at the enemy.

 

Kai: “─ Leave the rest to me.”

 

He signals the counterattack for humanity.

◇At the Old Shibuya Scramble Crossing

 

The once-thriving buildings have collapsed, leaving only debris in the city. The past prosperity is gone, replaced by a huge black medieval castle-like structure nearby, asserting that this place no longer belongs to humanity.

Here, two transcendents face each other.

One is a black knight, named Mordred.

 

The other is a woman in a white military-like uniform.

The official attire of the Human Liberation Army, white to counter the black.

Her name is “Divine Armor” Aya Ryuenji.

 

Mordred: “Finally, you came out of your hole, humanity’s last hope. Have you given up? Hahaha! Congratulations! You’re finally liberated!”

 

Mordred, the black knight, gazes at Aya while removing his armor.

Dressed like a jester, he looks at Aya with a smile tinged with madness.

With a fake expression, the clown laughs at her.

 

Aya: “I’m not the last hope…”

Mordred: “Huh? I thought humanity would have ended without you… Well, whatever. So? Why did you come out again? If you had behaved, I was told by Hades-sama to leave you alone. Losers should quietly spend their remaining days.”

 

Aya remembers.

Five years ago, humanity was defeated by their sudden invasion.

 

The war, lasting about a year, was almost one-sided despite humanity’s united effort.

Even transcendents were killed, and now only four members, including herself, remain in the Human Liberation Army.

 

For four whole years, humanity has endured the bitterness of defeat.

 

Tokyo and its surrounding areas were completely dominated by the black knights.

Undying magic beasts, called ‘Immortals,’ roamed the surface.

 

Therefore, the Human Liberation Army, based in the intricate underground passages of Western Japan, just endured day by day.

 

Food was scarce, and those who ventured above for supplies were often killed by Immortals.

 

The future was bleak, hearts worn down, conflicts among comrades increased.

People who spoke yesterday might be dead the next day.

In a dark world without law, many turned to crime.

 

Sometimes, to maintain order, they even had to take the lives of their comrades.

 

It was like living in hell.

 

But…

 

Aya: “Humanity hasn’t lost.”

Mordred: “What did you say?”

 

Aya never gave up.

 

She rallied humanity, thinking it was her duty, and because she was granted the power to do so.

 

And most importantly, she believed he would never give up.

 

She learned from him that not giving up was their only weapon.

 

So, she looked up again, not averting her eyes, and said loudly:

 

Aya: “I said humanity hasn’t lost yet!!”

Mordred: “Hahaha, OKOK… fine. But those eyes… I really don’t like them, you know… It’s just…”

 

Mordred releases a surge of magic power and killing intent towards Aya.

 

Mordred: “I really don’t like it.”

 

At that moment, the magic beasts surrounding Aya start to scream.

They were only held back by Mordred who wanted to talk to Aya.

 

The Immortals, which had been surrounding Aya, now attack her.

 

In response, Aya also shouts:

 

Aya: “Everyone, start fighting!! Avoid engagement as much as possible!!”

Soldiers: “Ooooooh!!”

 

The Human Liberation Army, waiting in the rear, also responds with magic and skills.

Immortals can’t be killed, but it takes time for them to revive, so they confront them with all their might.

 

The magic beasts and the Human Liberation Army are in a stalemate.

 

Then, more black knights arrive, the forces of the Round Table.

Compared to Mordred, a member of the Round Table, their magic power is around S-Rank.

The general soldiers of the Black Empire.

 

The balance seems about to break, but countering them are…

 

Tendou: “Haja Issen!! Put your spirits into it, everyone!!”

 

Ryunosuke Tendou and other former S-Rank humans from around the world counter the attack.

The major part of the Human Liberation Army’s forces is gathered in Shibuya today.

Their purpose is one: to bring back Kai if he appears today.

 

If he doesn’t, that’s fine.

 

But if he does, Kai, who knows nothing, will likely be killed by the Black Empire.

 

They’re also waiting for the same.

 

However, victory for the human side is unlikely.

The enemy starts with Imperial Species and other monsters exceeding 100,000 in magic power.

The Black Knights have many strong warriors exceeding 1,000,000 in magic power.

 

The gathered forces today, even with S-Rank, are significantly outmatched in magic power.

 

Normally, they wouldn’t stand a chance.

 

But…

 

Aya: “Really… Divine craftsmen are such a pain… If you die, this fight would end in a moment…”

Aya: “─ God of Blacksmithing’s Protection!!”

 

As Aya grips her artifact and utters those words, all the equipment of the Human Liberation Army glows red.

It’s the power she gained when she reached transcendence.

 

The magic power of everyone is enhanced by the same amount Aya increased with her artifact.

 

The enhancement is…

 

─ Nearly 500,000.

 

Soldier: “Osshaaaa!! Let’s go, everyone!!”

 

With that incredible buff, the fight turns in favor of the Human Liberation Army.

However, the enemy is Immortal; they can’t be defeated no matter how many times they’re killed.

It’s a war of attrition, and their target is…

 

Aya: “If you die, all those magic beasts will die too, right?!”

Mordred: “Haha, very perceptive. If you can defeat me!”

 

Aya and Mordred clash.

Mordred stops Aya’s sword swing with wires extended from his fingers instead of a sword.

It’s Mordred’s skill, but no one on the human side knows that.

 

Aya: “Aya, let’s do this together!”

Ryunosuke: “Yeah!”

 

Ryunosuke Tendou joins her.

With Aya’s power, Ryunosuke’s magic power exceeds 1,000,000, reaching transcendence.

 

Mordred: “Hah, really a nuisance… Oh, that’s right, I forgot! I prepared something earlier!”

 

Mordred steps back as if remembering something.

 

Mordred: “Just a month ago, when I crushed one of your bases, I found something interesting. This one was so earnestly trying to save those weak trash alone. I couldn’t help but capture her. Her high magic power made it impossible to control her mind, but with my power, I could control her body. But she’s so stubborn, her heart won’t break… So!…”

 

Aya and Ryunosuke glare at the laughing Mordred.

 

They both know.

 

Who he’s talking about now.

 

Who’s currently captured by him.

 

And even this operation is aiming for their rescue.

 

Aya: “Aya, Ryunosuke… run away…”

 

Mordred flicks his finger lightly, and parting the crowd of magic beasts, she appears.

In silver armor, with silver hair flowing, tears streaming down her face, she unwillingly holds a sword, facing them.

 

Mordred: “If you kill them, maybe your heart will break too.”

 

The name of the silver Valkyrie is called out.

 

Mordred: “Go for it, Reina-chan! Kill our enemies!”

◇Kai’s Perspective

 

Nagisa: “No, Kai-san! Run away! You mustn’t do this!”

Kai: “It’s okay, Nagisa. I’m pretty strong now. Just wait a bit.”

 

Saying this, I leave Nagisa where she is and grip my sword. The artifact from Saya normally exerts its effect. This means Saya must still be alive, which gives me a bit of relief.

 

Kai: “Phew… There are even Emperor Species, and definitely more than 100. This would have been tough for the old me, but now… Finest Knight.”

 

The white transparent armor envelops me, enhancing all my abilities. I activate my skill, ignoring Nagisa’s protests. She only knows the weaker version of me, so she must think I can’t beat an Imperial Species.

 

Kai: “─True Mirage. I will protect Nagisa.”

 

My duplicate appears, standing to guard Nagisa.

 

Nagisa: “Wait, Kai! You mustn’t fight!!”

Kai: “Just watch…”

 

*Crack, crack, crack!!*

 

Kai: “─True Lightning.”

 

I become a lightning bolt, instantly striking down more than 10 magic beasts.

 

Kai: “Phew, yeah. Seems manageable… ──!!??”

 

I thought I could easily defeat them. Actually, I did.

 

Kai: “Why…?”

 

The magic beasts I had sliced, their wounds healed, and they stood up again as if nothing had happened. It was a creepy way of revival.

 

Nagisa: “… Kai. Those aren’t ordinary magic beasts. They’re undead beasts that never die, and once they engage in combat, they’ll follow you anywhere. We call them ‘Immortals’.”

Kai: “That’s ridiculous…”

Nagisa: “That’s why I didn’t want you to fight. But now that it’s come to this… No, even now, there’s nowhere to run…”

 

Nagisa looks on despairingly. Yeah, sorry, my fault for not listening to her advice. I mean, I thought I could just defeat them normally. What’s this about undead?

 

Kai: “Oh, I see…”

Nagisa: “Eh?”

 

With the Eye of God, I can see through any ability.

 

My eyes shine golden, revealing the hidden truth.

 

I check the status of one of the magic beasts surrounding us, and it indeed seems to be under the influence of a skill.

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

Type: Status

Name: Marionette.

Effect: Continues to move until the magician’s or relay point’s magic power is exhausted. The relay point must be a living being

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

 

Kai: “Marionette, huh?”

 

Looking closely, all the magic beasts have a thin, transparent string attached to them. Now that I’ve cut it, my sword is also entangled with this thin magic string.

 

And that string leads to…

 

Kai: “… The sky.”

 

The strings are extending towards the sky. So, I activate True Lightning and repeatedly teleport towards it.

 

And there…

 

Kai: “Gaaah!!”

 

A dragon species is flying in the sky. Over 100,000 magic power, an S-Rank magic beast. From its massive body, as big as a jumbo jet, countless strings stretch to the ground. Probably, this is the relay point. Its status is Marionette (Relay Point).

Seeing me, the dragon screams and opens its mouth. I easily dodge with teleportation, getting behind it, and then swiftly behead it with a single strike.

Red blood pours down like rain, and the dragon falls to the ground.

At the same time, I descend to the ground.

 

Kai: “Good. So, they weren’t really alive. If the relay point dies, they all run out of magic power and return to corpses.”

 

With the dragon’s death, all the strings connected to it disappear, and the magic beasts surrounding us fall down like puppets with their strings cut. Probably, the Marionette ability keeps supplying them with magic power, making them fight like lifeless puppets. It’s simple once you know the type, but without these eyes, it would be hopeless. A horde of undying S-Rank magic beasts is too cruel. Conversely, if you kill the relay point, they all die at once, so it might be surprisingly easy once you know.

 

Kai: “It’s okay now. So don’t talk about dying, okay?”

Nagisa: “Why… How did you…? For five years, they’ve tormented us, and you just… Kai, who are you exactly…?”

 

Seeing this, Nagisa looks at me in disbelief.

 

Kai: “Looks like someone is controlling these dragons from a relay point. I could have tracked the caster if the dragon was connected to them, but… well, for now, we’re safe.”

 

I explain to Nagisa-chan how the Immortals, as they are called, work.

It’s simple once you understand the mechanism, but it might have been impossible without these eyes. A swarm of undying S-Rank magic beasts is indeed too harsh. On the other hand, if you can find the relay point and kill it, it might be quite easy.

I reach out my hand to Nagisa-chan.

 

Kai: “So, we’re safe now. Don’t talk about dying.”

 

Nagisa looks at my hand with tears in her eyes.

 

Kai: “I will save everyone.”

 

She tightly grips my hand, then suddenly jumps into my chest. She must have been scared, suffered a lot. Like that time, I stroke her head to calm her down.

 

…

 

Nagisa: “Kai-san! I want more petting, but now’s not the time! We have to hurry to Shibuya!”

Kai: “Shibuya? Right, you mentioned that earlier, but what exactly is happening…?”

 

Calming down a bit, Nagisa-chan lifts her face as if she remembered something. She had already told me earlier to head to Shibuya Scramble Crossing.

 

Nagisa: “Right now, the entire force of the Human Liberation Army is launching an attack on Shibuya! Probably… the operation has already started!”

Kai: “Eh?”

 

She glances at the clock. Why Shibuya? What’s happening? Things are moving too fast for me to keep up.

 

Nagisa: “As I said before, no one knew where you would appear today. So, the place where you most likely would appear, Shibuya, where you once conquered the Golden Cube, was where our entire force headed! Because the enemy’s headquarters are also in old Shibuya.”

Kai: “… The enemy… the Round Table?”

Nagisa: “… Yes. One of the knights of the Round Table who now dominates Japan is our enemy. His name is Mordred. He is effectively the ruler of Japan now. And the person fighting him right now is the commander-in-chief of the Human Liberation Army, the greatest contributor to humanity’s survival.”

 

Kai: “A transcendent… Reina?”

Nagisa: “No, not her. The one fighting there is not her.”

 

Nagisa shakes her head. In my memory, the only transcendent woman in the world is Reina Ginno. But Nagisa tells me a different name.

 

Nagisa: “Right now, fighting in Shibuya, risking her life for you, is the commander-in-chief of the Human Liberation Army, one of the strongest humans alongside ‘Tyrant’ Arnold, ‘Great Hero’ Wei Wang, and ‘Valkyrie’ Reina.”

 

The name I’ve longed to hear.

 

Nagisa: “─The transcendent ‘Divine Armor’ Aya Ryuenji.”

 

My lover.