Tanaka: “Wha, Kai-kun!?”

The place we teleported to was a hospital. In front of me were Tanaka-san and Grandpa. Thankfully, Tanaka-san was still alive.

Kai: “I’m glad, Tanaka-san. But now! Doctor! Please help this person!!”

I immediately laid her on the bed and requested the doctor for treatment. The wound was deep, but maybe they could save her. The doctors had been watching the situation on TV and quickly understood.

Blackjack: “Understood! Over there!”

But I was worried. One of Arnold’s skills I saw when I checked his status.

Blackjack:  “What!? Healing magic doesn’t work…”

I closed my eyes in resignation. When I saw Arnold’s status, one of his skills was Healing Disruption. If it meant exactly that, then healing magic must not be effective.

I look with the Eye of God, but the green healing magic is being interfered with by Arnold’s purple magic causing her to not recover well. The condition of Sophia-san had turned to ‘Healing Disruption’. I looked at the details.

 

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

Type: Condition

Name: Healing Disruption

Obtainment Difficulty: –

Effect: Negates healing magic from Awakened individuals with lower intelligence than oneself.

Description: Inhibits all recovery effects using magic.

Release Conditions: The spellcaster (Arnold) releases it, or loses consciousness (including death)

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

 

Blackjack: “With…this, she can’t…be saved…her organs…”

Kai: “…Healing Disruption. As I thought, healing isn’t effective.”

The details of Healing Disruption were written there. And as expected, the typical way to cancel such lasting-type effects was also mentioned.

It was the world’s most reckless way to lift the effect – defeating Arnold.

Reina: “Mom! Mom!!”

Reina calls out to her mother, whose eyes are closing and her face turning blue.

Archbishop Sophia => Sophia: “Cough… Reina… where is this?”

In response to her call, Sophia-san wakes up.

Reina: “Mom!”

Sophia: “…The sound of the waves, a familiar smell… Could this be near the sea?”

This hospital is adjacent to the sea. In fact, it’s right in front of the hotel we stayed in. The sound of the waves and the smell of the tide drift in from the open window.

Tanaka: “This is Okinawa, Sophia-san. It’s right near the hotel where you held your wedding.”

Then Tanaka-san told Sophia-san. He told her that this place is Okinawa, a place of memories.

Sophia: “Tanaka-san… I see… I feel like something foggy has cleared up. I did a lot of unforgivable things, I remember vaguely… It’s only natural for me to die… I’m sorry, I did terrible things to you, Tanaka-san…”

Sophia-san, saying so, sadly closed her eyes.

I looked at Sophia-san’s status. Because her face while she was fighting was clearly different from her gentle face now. And sure enough, the status of ‘Fanaticism’ had changed to ‘Death’.

Reina: “Mom! Mom!! It’s me, it’s me!!”

Sophia: “Reina… I’m sorry… I did a lot of terrible things… I’m sorry. It’s not an excuse, but I convinced myself that it was all for your sake. I’m sorry, I caused you a lot of pain.”

Reina: “No, it’s not mom’s fault… Don’t die, Mom!! Please don’t die!!”

Reina and Sophia hold each other’s hands. Reina is crying hard, and Sophia-san has an expression of having given up on everything.

Still, she tries with everything she has to maintain a smile. The wound is not something you can afford to smile about; the pain is beyond control. Even so, the mother on her deathbed, not wanting to worry her daughter, made a smile.

That scene burned into my eyes.

And then I remembered the details of the Fanaticism status I saw once before.

 

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

Type: Condition

Name: Fanaticism

Obtainment Difficulty: –

Effect: Thought is manipulated, falling into a hypnotic state.

Cancellation Method: The spellcaster dies or releases it. Or the target takes enough damage for certain death.

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

 

Surely Sophia-san was also taught by this spellcaster that it was right to kill Reina. But I’m sure, to just kill and then be killed by Arnold might’ve been different from what she was taught. Maybe, at the last moment she would have broken through the fanaticism for her daughter.

I don’t understand the meaning of being able to take that action, but Sophia-san broke through the fanaticism at the very last moment. Surely, it was for her beloved daughter.

At that time, Tanaka-san made a proposal to me.

Tanaka: “Kai-kun, I have a request. Can you take these two to the rooftop of that hotel with your power? There at least… please.”

I understood his intention. From here to the hotel where we stayed yesterday, if I continue to move the shadow using the Lightning

I understood his intention. From here to the hotel where I stayed last night, if I use my lightning skill and keep moving in the shadows, it’s an instant.

I pick up Sophia.

And then.

Kai: “Excuse me, Doctor, Reina.”

Blackjack: “What, what’s happening?”

I touched the doctor and Reina. And then, by continuously activating Lightning, I moved to the rooftop of that hotel. Fortunately, the shadows on top of the buildings connected well, and I could arrive quickly.

It was a beautiful garden. A sky garden that skillfully uses nature like a big silver bell, many statues, and an artificial river. I teleported Reina, Sophia, and the doctor next to the bell object.

Blackjack: “What’s going… all of a sudden…”

Kai: “Doctor, please continue the treatment. I’ll do something some way or another so, please keep healing and prolong her life. Reina, stay by Sophia’s side.”

Blackjack: “Huh? What about you?”

Reina and the doctor look at me, wondering what I’m going to do. I slowly open my eyes, making a decision. This might be a mistake, an act that could trouble even the country of Japan.

Still, I made up my mind. I know it’s selfish. I understand how selfish this act is.

And yet.

Kai: “… Lightning.”

I want to see a future where this loving parent and child can laugh together again.

◇Tokyo

Arnold: 『Hey, hey, since when did Japan start defending the God-Destruction Cult? Is this a rebellion against us?』

After Kai disappeared, Arnold confronted the chairman. The chairman responded in turn in English.

Chairman Kagetora: 『That’s not true. We will report to the U.S. in the correct manner. After all, we are allies. So, could you please calm down?』

The chairman and Arnold stare at each other. With just a caprice from this world’s strongest man, the chairman could die. But Chairman Kagetora did not look away at all.

The sensation of holding one’s life, the pressure that would make an ordinary person faint. But Kagetora did not avert his eyes.

Arnold: 『HAHAHA! You’re as feisty as ever, old man. Well, it’s fine. I don’t know how he disappeared, but with those injuries, she’s as good as dead. I’m going to go eat sushi.』

Saying so, Arnold turned his back and waved his hand nonchalantly.

Chairman Kagetora: (Phew…)

Kagetora was relieved. Being fickle as he is, Arnold could have potentially killed Kai due to his attitude. He was frightened at the thought of that. If that entity got serious, there are only a few people in the world who could stop him.

Maybe none at all. Because they, the transcendents, have never fought each other.

So, it was really fortunate.

It’s a shame about Sophia. But still, as long as Kai doesn’t die. If what Kai said is true, then Tanaka is alive, and the damage will mainly be on the God-Destruction Cult.

So, really.

Kai: “Hey… wait. Arnold.”

It was fortunate.

Arnold: 『Huh? What? You’re back? Is that woman dead? She can’t be healed! HAHAHA!』

Kai: “Sophia looks like she’s going to die. She can’t be healed. So please. Please undo your power. Chairman! Sorry, but can you tell him!! Please undo the Healing Disruption!!”

Arnold: “Ah…ah-!”

The chairman translates into English and conveys it to Arnold. But I was already sure of the answer. Arnold looks at me and answers.

Arnold: 『The answer is NO, kid. I’m going to kill the God-Destruction Cult. That’s final.』

Arnold told me with a half-smile. I’m not surprised because I already knew his answer. I don’t understand what he said, but I understand that he refused.

Kai: “I knew it… there’s no way you would undo it. You were going to kill them even if we got in your way.”

I clenched my fist tightly. And then I picked up the sword with my other hand and gripped it tightly.

Arnold: 『Hey, what’s up? Are you going to fight me?』

Kai: “Yeah, that’s right. …But this is my selfishness. Sophia has killed people as part of the God-Destruction Cult. Even though she was manipulated, she’s not someone who can be forgiven by the world. So, I won’t say you’re wrong. You’re probably more right for deciding to kill her. But still… I don’t want to see Reina crying over losing her mother. I want Reina to smile. I don’t want her to make such a sad face anymore.”

Chairman Kagetora: “Kai-kun!? Wait!”

Tendou: “Kid!!”

Kagetora and Tendo call out to Kai. But Kai doesn’t stop.

He walks straight and slowly towards Arnold.

Kai: “That’s why I’m going to beat you down and force to you remove the Healing Disruption. That parent and child… they finally met. It’s been 10 years, 10 years apart. Going through so much pain – enough to lose memories. Even though she’s being manipulated, she still cares for her beloved daughter!! And… and finally. They finally met and exchanged words! They can hold hands!  And that the time they have left is just a little!”

Arnold: 『Huh? Are you angry? HAHA, I see. You’re mad that a criminal is going to be killed.』

Kai: “I’m angry. Justice isn’t on my side… this is probably the wrong thing, but Reina’s tears! Sophia’s resigned… and yet, she made a smile so she wouldn’t worry her daughter!!”

His eyes shine golden, and his tears glisten gold.

Kai: “I can’t forget what’s been burnt into my eyes.”

At those words, Arnold laughed loudly. And he took off his sunglasses, got close to Kai as if inviting him to punch him, and retorted.

Arnold: 『Come on boy.』

Kai: “─Lightning.”

The words of the two crossed.

The apex and lightning confront each other.