I was told by Wang-san to form a pact of brotherhood, and am now currently in another room. Wang-san, I, and Aya are sitting cross-legged on the floor.

The reason being, Wang-san said there was something important to discuss before we form the bond of brotherhood, so he brought only me and Aya to a separate room.

Wang: 『Aya-san, it’s helpful that you can speak Chinese. I didn’t want the others to hear this. 』

Aya: 『Is it about the pact of brotherhood? I don’t think that’s something to hide. 』

Wang: 『No, it’s about the power of Kai. The two of you have done a great favor for me. So, let me tell you everything that I, or rather this country, knows. Aya-san, sorry, but could you translate for Kai? 』

Saying so, Wang-san revealed all the information that the world currently holds.

Wang: 『First, the Golden Cube that appeared in Japan this August, Kai was the one who cleared it. We know that, and so does America. Issei Tanaka, Midori Tendo, Kai Amachi. But only you, Kai, are special. 』

Kai: “I see… I didn’t think I could keep it a secret forever…”

Wang: 『Yes, we confirmed from records and old classmates that Kai used to be an E-Rank. This is just speculation, but Kai, you must have gained some kind of power from that Cube. A power that allows you to grow. Only a select few know about this, but the first to clear the Cube gains some kind of power. So, I think Kai has a special power too. Representatives from different countries who noticed this started investigating around Kai. Of course, I did too. But Issei Tanaka and Kagetora Ryuenji were diligent in concealing it. Even we couldn’t interfere when a whole country tried its best to protect you. 』

Kai: “…”

Wang-san’s story was reasonable when you think about it. But Tanaka-san must have known that. That’s why he wanted to make me stronger sooner, I realize now.

Even without knowing the full details about clearing the Cube, the world’s top people seemed to know that the initial clearers of the Cube gain power. But then again, the only Cubes that haven’t been cleared in this world are probably S-Rank.

Wang: 『But even after investigating, peculiar things were happening around Kai. You defeated the assassins of the God-Destruction Cult. Your sister Nagi-chan was the first in the world to recover from AMS. You’ve gained the strength to punch Arnold. This is just my hunch, but Kai, didn’t you find the cure for AMS using your special power? It’s credited to Aya-san but… otherwise it’s too convenient. Nagi-chan being the first in the world to wake up.”

Kai: “That, well…”

As I was struggling to respond, Wang-san gestured to stop me with his hand.

Wang: 『I get it. That power should be hidden. You don’t need to tell me. I don’t know what kind of power it is, but it must be something extraordinary that needs to be kept secret. Probably a power that would make you a target for other countries. So, you’ve been hiding it, right? Until you became strong enough to resist. 』

I looked down and pondered what to do. Should I tell him everything here, a man I just met yesterday? But now that I’ve been found out this much, making excuses…

Seeing me distressed, Wang-san slowly stood up and left the room.

Wang: 『Please wait for a bit. I’ll go get it. 』

I wondered what he was going to get, but he returned immediately with a bottle of liquor.

The bottle was made of pure white porcelain with a blue dragon painted on it and looked very luxurious and artistic. He also placed a red teacup, like a tea bowl, between me and Wang-san.

Wang: 『So, Kai, about what I said earlier. Will you become my brother-in-law? And spread that fact to the world. Then no country would dare touch you. This is the biggest way I can repay my debt to you. You saved my sister, knowing the risk of your power being exposed… I want to repay you. 』

Kai: “Brotherhood-in-law…?”

Wang: 『We only met yesterday. You must be wondering what I’m talking about. But it doesn’t have to be mutual. It’s fine if only I consider you as my younger brother. But surely that can be your strength. 』

Kai: “Wang-san… that’s…”

Wang: 『And Kai, when I was desperately looking for a cure for AMS and came across you, I did some research… and I thought we were really similar. Both of us lost our parents in dungeon collapses, and we both have a single sister who had AMS. Also, don’t we look alike? People around me say so. As I investigated, I one-sidedly grew fond of you;  ‘Hey, isn’t this guy is similar to me,’ I thought. And then, right when I was thinking about how to approach you to save my sister, that incident happened. You punched Arnold. Honestly, I laughed my head off. What a foolish and straightforward guy, just as I had imagined. Wasn’t that for the mother of Reina Ginno we met earlier? Because damage from that guy, can’t be heal. Was it about making sure he passes out? It was cool. I like passionate men. 』

Then, Wang-san, with a gentle smile, opened the bottle of liquor and poured a cup full.

Wang: 『And also, I feel a bit guilty. The recommendation to revoke Kai’s clearer’s license came from the higher-ups in our country. I wasn’t involved, but I was asked afterward. They wanted Kai in the Battle God Guild. I thought it was a great opportunity, and immediately sent Hao. ‘If it’s now, I could probably court Kai directly,’ I thought. 』

According to Wang-san, it seems that the recommendation to revoke my clearer qualification came from this country. Was the current chairman, Akuzawa, connected to this country? I don’t really understand political matters, but I guess this is what they call having pressure.

Wang: 『So I’m sorry about this, I’ll let people know not to meddle in your affairs anymore. I don’t think America or any other country will bother my little brother either. So… 』

And, slowly sipping, nearly drinking half of the cup, I understand. This is a fraternal toast, akin to the yakuza but if I remember right, in the Oath of the Peach Garden*, they also drank sake together.

*A scene from The Romance of The Three Kingdoms where three characters swear an oath of brotherhood.

Then, Wang-san tries to pass me the half-drunk cup.

Wang: 『Kai, accept this. And let’s swear. I will be your strength, even if Arnold becomes our enemy. I am one of the strongest in the world, counting on one hand. I won’t let you be disadvantaged. Brothers. Although we were born at different times. 』

Seeing this, Aya tries to translate.

Aya: “Kai-san… Wang-san is—”

Kai: “No, it’s okay, Aya. I sort of understand. If I look into Wang-san’s eyes, I can tell what he wants to say. Although we should be careful about such important matters, I feel the same way as Wang-san. We’re similar, maybe because we had similar circumstances, I feel a sense of intimacy. Aya, if this choice turns out to be a mistake, laugh at me for being a fool.”

Aya: “I won’t think that. If it’s a choice that Kai made, then surely…”

I stared at Aya and nodded.

Then.

Wang: 『Kai… 』

I accepted Wang-san’s cup and drank it all. Drinking is only allowed after twenty, but this is a fraternal pledge.

Kai: “Wang-san. No, big brother Wei! I look forward to working with you!!”

I accepted the cup with a smile.

Wang: 『Leave it to me, little brother. 』

We stood up and shook hands firmly. On this day, in addition to a single little sister, I gained another family member by bond. To me, the world’s strongest big brother.

◇

That news ran around the world that night. It raced through all of China and the world at the speed of light.

It was the result of Wang-san’s suggestion that the faster such things are, the better.

The headline read, China’s great hero, Wang Wei, has a new brother-in-law! 『Consider me your enemy if you mess with him!』 he declares!”

Of course, the news also reached Japan.

Kagetora: “GAHAHA! Tanaka-kun, did you see that article?”

Tanaka: “Yes, I was surprised. I wonder what kind of magic he used to become a brother-in-law with that Wang… He’s always surprising us.”

Kagetora: “I know Wang-kun too, he has a manly spirit, intelligence, charisma, and popularity. He’s like a true hero. The world is going to turn upside down. GAHAHA!!”

The internet that had been bashing Kai went wild. There were calls to bring Kai back to Japan, saying it was a great loss for Japan, backtracking at the speed of light. But there were still many heartless words like traitor.

Yet, Kai, who had punched Arnold and had his S-Rank qualification revoked, instantly became a family member of one of the world’s peaks.

He had become someone who should never be defied. And his joining the Battle God Guild deterred the world even more from meddling with Kai.

◇ Meanwhile, in the White House.

Arnold: 『HAHAHA! Your bet didn’t pay off, President. We lost the kid to that country before we could pull him in. You can’t just mess with the Great Hero, HAHAHA! 』

President Bosch: 『…I never thought he would resort to such a move. I had prepared the highest post for him, but if they’re now being called brothers-in-law, there’s nothing we can do. It’s partly your fault, Arnold. 』

Arnold: 『Hey, hey, I was the one who got assaulted, right? And I even held back. HAHAHA! Should we start a war and snatch him away? That sounds fun. A world war. I don’t hate the kid that much; he’s got guts and good sense. 』

President Bosch: 『Do you intend to wipe out mankind? Go ahead and fight the Great Hero, that would be the end of the world. No matter who wins. The balance of the already unstable world would collapse, and the Third World War would break out immediately. 』

◇ Back to Kai and the others as the time shifts to night.

Wang: 『HAHAHA, are you drinking! Brothers and sisters! The food and drink in this country are great!! So are the women!! 』

Kai: “You’re pretty drunk, big brother Wei. Wow, the status says drunk… even transcendents can get drunk.”

Wang: 『There’s nothing happier than this. My sister is healthy again, and I have a new brother. This is the best. Although we were born at different times!! We will die together!! By the Romance of the Three Kingdoms!! Cheers!! 』

Kai: “Cheers!!”

They’re holding a welcome party for me at the Battle God Guild. It’s a celebration for Wang-san’s sister’s recovery, my entry into the guild, and our brotherhood. The location is a fancy Chinese restaurant, rented out for a wild party.

This is my first time experiencing something like a drinking party. Nagi is adorable, like a borrowed cat, by my side. Aya seems surprisingly comfortable and is very sociable, perhaps because she can speak the language.

Aya: 『Please take care of Kai from now on. He’s a good person, so please support him. 』

Wang:  『It’s fine! Besides, Aya-chan, you’re like a wife supporting her husband! 』

Aya: 『I-I see? Does it show!? 』

Aya seems to be excited about something, but since she looks happy, I’ll let her be.

Reina is silently eating food next to me. As usual, she’s like a competitive eater. Despite everyone calling out to Reina, she only looks at the food. This girl might be a bit strange after all.

Reina: “So delicious, Kai.”

Kai: “Yeah… it sure is. You can eat mine, too.”

Reina: “You’re kind, thank you.”

Kai: “Ha ha…”

The lively party eventually ended, marking the conclusion of my business in China.

I had asked Hao-san to allow me to use this location as a gate for my transportation using Lightning. Essentially, I would use it when Hao-san commutes to the guild at 9 in the morning. I’m also assigned to deal with the S-Rank Cube on the first week of every month, but after getting a report, I’d just transfer there directly.

Apart from that, I can use it any time as long as I notify him beforehand. However, we have to consider Hao-san’s private time, so it can’t be used unless it’s an emergency.

After the party, we returned to the hotel.

With this, our sightseeing in China came to a temporary halt. The following day, Aya, Reina, and Nagi went back home.

However, I decided to stay back.

That’s because…

Kai: “Well, it took quite a bit of time but…”

I needed to solo the Chinese A-Rank Cube.

The day after the banquet, I received Hao-san’s permission and set off.

I was now on the far outskirts of Shanghai, China, almost facing the sea. Before my eyes was a ruby-like jewel box, as red as fresh blood. One of the ten A-Rank Cubes in this country.

I touched the Cube. A crisp sound resonated, and the ruby flickered.

Kai: “Here we go. A-Rank!”