Kai: “Hello, Nagi? I’m heading home now, is that okay?”

Nagi: “Yes! Come anytime!”

 

After clearing the A-Rank Cube, I was calling Nagi to head home. While I could just use Lightning to teleport suddenly, considering she’s a teenage middle school girl and my younger sister, I need to respect her privacy. If I happen to appear at an inappropriate time, she might not talk to me anymore.

 

Kai: “Well then, Hao-san, I’ll be excusing myself for now.”

 

I had come to the Battle God Guild headquarters. Since I had successfully cleared the A-Rank Cube, I was here to report.

 

Hao-san: “Wow, impressive! Clearing an A-Rank Cube solo. Even our members usually go in at least groups of three. Well, I will record this here. Will you be able to come again tomorrow?”

Kai: “Yes, I think I’ll probably come. I’ll let you know.”

Hao-san: “Understood. Thank you for your hard work.”

Kai: “Thank you for your hard work!”

 

After greeting Hao-san, I used Lightning.

 

Kai: “I’m home, Nagi.”

 

In an instant, I returned to Nagi’s side with the speed of lightning. I wondered if it was okay to cross national borders this easily, but apparently, it’s a privilege of the Battle God Guild. Besides, I am Japanese, so I probably don’t need to worry about it.

 

Nagi: “Welcome back, big brother!”

 

As Nagi turned around, she hugged me. Even though we just parted this morning, she’s acting spoiled and being cute.

 

Nagi: “Caught you! Aya-san! Reina-san!”

Kai: “Huh?”

 

Nagi hugged me tightly; being an A-Rank, her grip was as strong as a vise. A normal person might die from this sort of bear hug, right? It’s okay because I’m her big brother, though.

 

Kai: “Wait, Reina and Aya? Why are you here?”

Aya: “Well, when you say why…”

Reina: “Aya wanted to see you, so she came with me.”

Aya: “Reina, don’t just say it like that!”

Reina: “Hmm?”

Aya: “Haa…Nevermind. Um, Kai-san, regarding the AMS, it seems like we can finally announce it.”

Kai: “Oh, really? That’s great!”

Aya: “Yes, I came to tell you that, and… have you had dinner yet?”

 

Aya asked me timidly. It’s 6 PM now. Speaking of which, I had only had a rice ball for lunch since I was in the dungeon, and I realized I was incredibly hungry.

 

Kai: “Not yet, want to go somewhere to eat?”

Aya: “Oh, in that case!”

 

Hearing my response, Aya’s face brightened up instantly. She headed towards the kitchen with Nagi and donned an apron.

 

Aya: “Please wait, I’ll cook. Despite how I look, I’m quite good at cooking!”

Nagi: “I’m in charge of taste testing!”

 

Next to Aya, who was wearing an apron, Nagi raised her hand joyfully. I wondered if there was really a need for a taste tester, but it was heartwarming to see them act like close sisters.

 

Reina: “I’m in charge of eating!”

 

Reina declared proudly as she sat at the table. Yeah, I knew that. Eat a lot and grow big, I won’t say what exactly, but I think it’s enough already.

 

Kai: “Thank you, Aya. I’m happy because your cooking is delicious.”

Aya: “R-really!? I’ll come to cook anytime then!”

 

Aya started cooking in high spirits, her face turning red and looking pleased. The rhythmic sound of the chopping knife was comforting.

 

Nagi: “Ahh, having a bride like Aya-san would be blissful—definitely would be blissful—*glancing back and forth*—”

 

My sister, who was clearly reading her lines in a monotone, kept glancing at me. What exactly are you trying to convey?

 

Reina: “I think so too. Kai, marry Aya. I want to eat Aya’s cooking every day.”

Kai: “Reina, from what position are you saying that?”

 

After that, we enjoyed Aya’s delicious cooking and had a peaceful dinner.

It was blissful.

Eating with girls of the same age, having meals with a lively younger sister, enjoying delicious food while laughing.

I sincerely wished it could continue forever.

 

Nagi: “By the way, big brother! I’m thinking of going to the National Awakened Individuals School!”

Kai: “Eh!? Becoming a clearer!? Th-that should be avoided…”

Nagi: “No, I don’t plan to become a clearer. But I have a talent for healing magic, right? And I’m A-Rank. So I want to study medicine properly… I want to be able to treat people when they get injured.

Kai: “…Nagi.”

 

Nagi possesses an A-class talent in healing magic. In terms of magical power, she is not far behind Okinawa’s BJ-sensei. If she goes as far as studying medicine, she could possibly become a world-class surgeon. I’ve heard that combining healing magic with medical techniques can significantly enhance the effects.

 

Nagi: “And you know, Tanaka-san helped me apply, and they said I could visit this Friday! It has to be with a guardian though. So, big brother, will you come with me? If you can’t, I can go alone…”

Kai: “I see…”

 

I pat Nagi’s head, feeling a bit emotional realizing how much my once little sister has grown, now harboring such noble thoughts.

 

Kai: “Understood. I’ll go with you. Leave it to me.”

Nagi: “I’m glad! By the way, did you watch Reina-san’s press conference today?”

Kai: “Hmm? Press conference? Was there one?”

Nagi: “Yes! Look!”

 

Nagi shows me a video on her device. The title reads: 『Transcendent Reina Ginno: Bombshell Statement!!』

From the title alone, it smells of unrest.

I hesitantly open the video. Initially, it seemed to contain content where Akuzawa-san was criticizing me, but thinking that Reina being identified as a transcendent might reassure the citizens, I felt it might be necessary. After all, a hero shines brightest when there’s a villain.

I slowly sip water while watching the video. Because at times like this…

 

Video: 『Because I love Kai.』

 

Kai: “Pffff!!!”

 

It’s a given that I would spurt out.

 

Kai: “Reina!?”

 

Reina: “Kyaa!”

 

Reina hides her face with both hands, squirming in embarrassment. Damn it, she’s so cute!! Wait, that’s not it.

 

Kai: “Not ‘kyaa’! What are you even saying!?”

 

Nagi: “By the way, the internet is in an uproar. There are even videos of fans screaming that they want to kill you, big brother.”

 

Nagi shows me the frenzied message board. On top of being hated because of the Arnold incident, it seems like the hatred has increased.

 

Kai: “Wow… I really might get stabbed by Reina’s fans. It’s good that I’m an S-Rank, otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night.”

 

Nagi: “You’ll be fine, right? I don’t think anyone would actually attack you, big brother. Besides, there are also quite a few positive comments here and there, right?”

 

There were a few comments defending me.

Commentor: “Some might say violence can’t be justified, but I admire the courage of the man who punched Arnold for the sake of his loved one’s parent.”

Commentor: “Didn’t Arnold deserve it a bit too? He was saying he has taken Japan hostage, after all.”

Commentor: “Are Reina-chan and him actually a couple now? If so, I’ll kill him.”

 

There were some dangerous comments, but thanks to Reina sharing all the details, my image seems to have been upgraded from a violent man to a reckless man.

 

Meanwhile, Reina is welcomed as a transcendent, but there are also scattered opinions questioning the appropriateness of having a God-Destruction Cult member as a parent. However, the general perception is that the cult followers are brainwashed, though it’s unclear whether this is due to a skill or not. Therefore, surprisingly, there wasn’t much backlash against Sophia-san.

 

Kai: “Why is this country so excited to discuss me day after day?”

 

The relationship between Reina and me is a topic on every news program whenever you turn on the TV. Why do we have to be discussed on national broadcasts? Is this some kind of shame play?

 

Aya: “Kai-san, were you moved by Reina’s straightforward statement!?”

 

Aya leans forward and gets closer to me. Close enough to kiss with just a slight extension of her hand.

In between her arms, a cleavage is formed. Although overshadowed by Reina, Aya’s assets are quite substantial. Since she’s dressed casually, I can see quite a bit from above.

 

Aya: “Kai-san, why are your eyes glowing golden?”

 

Kai: “Maybe because I’m concentrating?”

 

Reina: “Kai, you pervert.”

Nagi: “Well, big brother is at that age, right?”

 

At my comment, Aya hugs herself to cover her chest and turns bright red. She looks at me cutely with upturned eyes.

 

Aya: “Do, do you want to see? I might be modest compared to Reina but…”

Kai: “If I say I don’t want to see, it might be a bit of a lie, but what do you think?”

Aya: “Wh-why are you talking so fast!? If we’re alone… maybe a little peek is okay.”

Kai: “Reina, Nagi, help me out here, I need to escort Tanaka-san home… Alright, Lightnin—”

Aya: “I was just joking!!”

 

That day, we enjoyed the night late into the evening, just like college students. Even though Nagi is in middle school, Reina, Aya, and I are of an age where it wouldn’t be strange for us to be busy with college circle activities. It wouldn’t be strange if we had parties and drinking sessions every day.

But we couldn’t choose such a path.

We didn’t intend to do anything wrong, but still, we couldn’t choose the summer vacation of a lifetime. To make up for those lost pages, we enjoyed ourselves to the fullest.

Because we might never regain these ordinary days, no matter how much we wish for them.

This bright daily life is like a castle built on sand, or standing on thin ice, which might collapse at any moment.

So, at least for now.

 

◇ United States 　 Arnold’s residence

 

Arnold: 『Who the hell are you？…』

 

At Arnold’s massive mansion, the front door is violently broken, and there is an intruder wearing a hood.

Arnold comes out to meet them.

 

Mysterious Intruder: 『Nice to meet you, Arnold Alteus. I see… This is the first time I’m seeing it directly… tremendous power. Almost like the White Knight, quite impressive for a human.』

Arnold: 『What the hell are you saying? But you kicked the door and entered someone’s house. You are prepared to die, right… huh?』

 

Arnold, who met the intruder in his home, swung his world’s strongest fist without any question.

 

Arnold: 『!? …What are you, those eyes…』

 

However, that fist was stopped with just one hand.

A blast sends everything flying.

The hood flips back due to the shock, revealing the intruder’s eyes, which are staring straight into Arnold’s blue eyes.

 

Mysterious Intruder: 『Prepared to die, huh… I may have been in the past. But not now. I must destroy the world of the detestable white god who sealed us for eternity, free them, and then…』

 

With eyes as dark as a black hole, not letting any light through, the intruder stares at Arnold and proclaims,

 

Mysterious Intruder: 『I must cover the world in darkness.』