Upon the chance encounter, Akari was at a loss of what to do.

If she were to greet him, what would she say?

Would she praise his promotion, or should she condemn him?

Oofuia and Makus.h.i.+mu watched Akari’s bizarre and puzzling behavior.

Kurando and Hayato silently stared at one another, unmoving.

The two of them seemed to be thinking the same thing.

However, things did not immediately turn hostile.

From Hayato’s rear, Kurando saw some women running over to them. Chances are, those women are a part of Hayato’s party.

It would be troublesome to have Erica here also.

Erica’s presence here could lead to an unforeseen situation.

Kurando prepared for the worst.

Kurando looked towards Hayato and signals to him to make his way into the cave.

For awhile, Hayato thought about it before nodding.

While Kurando retrieved a notebook from his breast-pocket, Yukis.h.i.+ro who is sitting across from them acknowledged it and they when into the cave.

After being surprised that an Iruniiku was accustom to people, Hayato continued walking.

Hayato’s party caught up and they rushed towards the cave.

――Growl

Yukis.h.i.+ro blocks the entrance and keeps anyone else from entering.

「Hey, out of the way, you magical beast.」 (Erica)

Erica’s surrounding became noisy.

Yukis.h.i.+ro’s elevated growl alerted them that it was ready to pounce.

The force causes a stalemate between itself and Erica.

「Ericsan, it has been awhile.」 (Akari)

Akari called out to Erica as she forced her way in between Yukis.h.i.+ro and him.

In truth they wanted to follow Hayato into the cave; however, Erica found it strange for the two of them to meet each here and chose to stay behind. He judged the mood was not hostile.

「……Ah, if it is not the person who refused Hayato’s invitation, Akari the hunter, correct? Hayato has been searching the area for you. Did you really ensnare those people?」 (Erica)

「I see, thank you very much for your concern and sorry for worrying you, but Ichiharsan should be unrelated to this.」 (Akari)

「Unrelated? Hayato was worried, how does it not concern him?」 (Erica)

Erica makes a fuss and stomps on the ground.

「You are surprisingly quick-tempered.」 (Akari)

Akari took a step back. Although there are no ice monsters to fight, she draws the ice-warrior club at her waist.

She felt fur brush against the bottom of her feet.

At Akari’s back is Yukis.h.i.+ro.

She glanced at Yukis.h.i.+ro as it glared at Erica. Having Yukis.h.i.+ro’s support, Akari felt rea.s.sured.

「I don’t know what is going on but, I don’t think you should interfere.」 (Makus.h.i.+mu)

Makus.h.i.+mu stood in front of the girl who is wearing a school uniform and carrying a katana.

The woman is about Akari’s age and is taller than her.

Her long black hair is tied with a single band. The woman’s long body showed no wasted movement and no openings.

When Makus.h.i.+mu entered her sword range, his instinct warned him that this person was dangerous.

「Hmm, the commanding officer of the『white spear』, 『wall smasher (破城鎚)』, Makus.h.i.+mu・Daaru…… move aside.」 (???)

「It must not be a bad nickname if an ojou-chan such as yourself knows it. However, being manly is, well, a woman should be more composed.」 (Makus.h.i.+mu)

The girl frowned and then glared at Makus.h.i.+mu.

「……a woman?」 (???)

「What does it matter if one is a man or a woman, such thinking is merely a hindrance.」 (???)

The girl wearing the uniform and Makus.h.i.+mu stare each other down.

「The academy’s wonder-child, Arisu・Kingsuton (アリス・キングストンが), it seems the rumor about you traveling with the hero were true.」 (Oofuia)

Oofuia smiled as she looked at the girl who is wearing a pointy hat.

「Why must people carelessly spread rumors about me. And what about you;『crimson elf (紅蓮のエルフ)』, 『high sorceress (魔道を極めし者)』, and『the moon G.o.ddess’s beloved child (月の女神の愛し子)』. I don’t want to hear it from you who is known by many monikers; are you too not also a prodigy? ――ah, I forgot to mention one,『the kidnapping demon (誘拐魔)』 if I recall.」 (Arisu)

Even after what was said, Oofuia’s expression didn’t crumble.

「You, with your ambition, dabbled with summoning magic and brought chaos to the lives of 78 people; do you understand the gravity of your action? Although you may be a princess, with all the power that you hold, have you reflected a little? How do you plan to make-up for it all? While my ability may be poor, I do not mind offering my a.s.sisting to you to the best I can.」 (Oofuia)

Arisu’s face cramped.

「That is none of your business! I will do what I can along with Hayato. I don’t have to follow your notation of what is right.」 (Arisu)

Iraida is standing face to face with the tiger beastwoman.

In comparison to the pet.i.te-size cat tribe beastman, the tiger tribe beastman

generally have a large physique.

As she approached the female tiger tribe beastman, even Iraida, a giantkind, thought this tiger beastwoman was big. And, the color was different.

Above all, the beastwoman’s most distinguis.h.i.+ng feature was her white fur. Her white hair is styled short. And, a white and black stripped-pattern lines from her ears to her back, to the end of her tail.

「……『bee stinger』, Iraida・Baagin?」 (???)

「Oh, you know of me. Yes, I am Iraida・Baagin. So, what do you call yourself?」 (Iraida)

「……Fon (フォン). Will you not move aside?」 (Fon)

「So, you are a white tiger tribe beastman. What is a rarity such as yourself doing around these parts?」 (Iraida)

「……Hayato saved me from slavery and I had vowed to serve him, my benefactor.」 (Fon)

「Well, there is no need to get angry now. Hayato should be able to wipe his own a.s.s without you; he should not be that pathetic.」 (Iraida)

「……move.」 (???)

The girl with long black ears, clothed in black like a ninja, uttered few words.

「Should you not introduce yourself first?」 (Diantia)

「I’m Maanya, nya」 (Maanya)

Maanya’s sudden interruption surprised Diantia.

「Certainly, I should have introduced myself first…… I’m, Diantia.」 (Diantia)

「……move. I have… no interest… in you two.」 (???)

Diantia a.n.a.lyzes the rabbit-eared girl.

The girl’s eyes held no emotion, her expressions were few, her movements silent and her presence faint.

「……an a.s.sa.s.sin?」 (Diantia)

The girl’s long rabbit-ears showed a subtle twitch.

「……so what?」 (???)

「That is fine, I already know enough.」 (Diantia)

Diantia and Maanya glanced at one another.

Being intrigued by the rabbit-eared girl, Maanya watches her.

Outside the cave, 5 sets of men and women stand facing each other, while inside the room within the cave, Kurando and Hayato sit face to face around the fireplace.

Hayato’s freshly cut black hair, confident black eyes, a single deep scratch mark on his cheek, his bold expression, and arrogant face; Kurando thought Hayato’s appearance seemed somewhat dangerous.

Underneath that black leather armor, in opposition to Kurando, Hayato’s flexible body hides explosive power.

To imply that he is willing to listen, Hayato sets aside the 2 longswords on his back. Kurando silently watched as this happened.

Kurando was the first to break the silence.

「First off, I want to thank you for rescuing us.」 (Kurando)

「……it is nothing. I hate monsters so rather than coming to the rescue, I came to kill the monsters…… and I do not want to see the country get destroyed.」 (Hayato)

And then, silence.

Once again, Kurando speaks up.

「Why so quiet, do you not have anything to say? Why did you bother following me here? What――, are you here to kill me? You have become quite famous, is that not so?」 (Kurando)

In this situation, it is as if Kurando is the villain here. While thinking this, Kurando showed a bitter smile.

「……I won’t do something like that.」 (Hayato)

Hayato said this as he looked Kurando in the eyes. Kurando tightly grips the notebook in his hand.

「Eh, am I not a cancer to you?」 (Kurando)

「While I may not think so, those people might believe otherwise.」 (Hayato)

This guy, the time during his enrolled into the school, he spreaded rumors about Kurando and then ended up stealing Kurando’s ability. Kurando couldn’t help but be bewildered by the person known as Hayato.

「For someone who had stolen my power, you sure are acting self-important. How do you plan to settle that matter?」 (Kurando)

With this, Kurando really does seem to be the villain.

Hayato frowned.

「Sorry, there is nothing I can do about that. You see, compared to before, I’m a different person now. I can’t offer you compensation.」 (Hayato)

「Like I was saying, what do you plan to do? Will you apologize by dying if I told to?」 (Kurando)

「…………won’t die.」 (Hayato)

With that, Hayato stayed silent. Barely 18 years old, he probably never thought to atone.

However, Kurando doesn’t accept it.

While using an apology as a pretext to acquire information, Kurando begins to scheme.

「For now, tell me the details about the divine blessings you hold? As they say, there is no need to fear what you know.」 (Kurando)

Of course, Kurando isn’t going to outright say that he doesn’t know the full extent of Hayato’s power.

「What do you expect to do you even if knew?」 (Hayato)

After saying this, Hayato told Kurando the full details about his divine blessings.

『Holy sword』: automatically raise the party’s spirit power, able to materialize a sword made of light and increase affinity with light spirits while decrease affinity with dark spirits.

『Bond (精霊の最愛, ボニー, the spirits’ beloved)』: increase affinity with all spirits, maryoku consumption reduced, maryoku power increase; able to see, touch, talk to and hear spirits. (T/N: now that is OP)

「After

OP)

「After a bit of investigating, you should be able to grasp the idea.」 (Hayato)

「Ehh, those are quite convenient divine blessings. So, is that thing at your waist a gun?」 (Kurando)

Hayato showed a slightly bewildered expression.

「……that is correct. Except for my party, I haven’t told anyone else about this.」 (Hayato)

「I’m not criticizing you or anything…… are you using gunpowder?」 (Kurando)

「No, the bullets are made from earth spirit magic and it is shot with fire spirit magic. While it is a sort of gun, it’s more of a magic gun.」 (Hayato)

And then, it became silent.

As his irritation with Hayato grows, Kurando decided to pry for a possible weakness.

「Umm sorry, this may sound petty, but it does not seem like you guys were searching for me.」 (Kurando)

「About that……」 (Hayato)

「From what I have heard from Akari, no one bothered to look for me.」 (Kurando)

Kurando says this while acting indifferent.

After he heard this, Hayato gradually started talking.

「So, Akari was here? ……after the summoning, various things had happened. It wasn’t all that peaceful. We had to go to the mountain to test out are power. Erica & Kaede and almost all of the students practiced their power there.」 (Hayato)

「Ehh, that sounds fairly troublesome.」 (Kurando)

Kurando gave him feedback. Hayato goes into detail.

「In the beginning, I was indifferent. However, by chance, I happened to defeat a man-eating bird and ended up saving a few student & some other people. On a whim, everyone att.i.tude towards me changed. From then on, they started to depend on me. That made me glad. Afterward, they rely on me a few times more and I saved them. At some point, it became natural that I save them. It wasn’t only students, but also the people of this world. This was something that I am able to do. And before I knew it, they stopped voicing their opinion; no they were unable to speak out.」 (Hayato)

「Well, they could not simply say that Hero-sama is a thief. They all knew that you were the one protecting them. There was nothing they could do.」 (Kurando)

Hayato glared at Kurando.

「Everyone can say whatever they want about me. What would you know, everyone was trying their best to live, you don’t know how it was like. You don’t know about our hards.h.i.+ps. The adults that we became acquainted with; one day they are greeting us with a big smile, the next day they became a calm enemy. Can you understand how dreadful it was?」 (Hayato)

Hayato took out his anger onto Kurando.

As Kurando felt his back freeze up, he continued to grasp the notebook.

「……I was summoned along with everyone else; what do you think happened to me afterward?」 (Kurando)

Kurando couldn’t help but say it.

He did desire to see a snowy mountain.

However, he didn’t wish to stay on a snowy mountain.

Upon Kurando question, Hayato slightly trembled and his anger swayed.

「From what school campus was it from again? After being summoned here with no power and minimal daily necessities, how long do you think a person would last? Is this place not filled with acts such as taking hostages, ostracism, killing & murder and persecution? From what you have told me, are those people not good-for-nothings?」 (Kurando)

Leaving the matter about his stolen ability aside, Kurando addresses the other matter.

Hayato hesitates; his anger is lost.

Aside from the summoned people to a certain degree, his companions had become more important to him.

「It is not like I have been living a carefree life either. I had no power to rely on. In order to not die, I studied magic like mad for half a year. If not, I would have frozen to death. I had to sleep with the warmth of dirt. While I had food, sooner or later it would have run out. I can vividly recall how my food gradually began to dwindle. What awaited me outside were bloodthirsty monsters. Compared to that, the hards.h.i.+ps you and everyone else face in the safety of a town isn’t much of a comparison. Every one of the hards.h.i.+ps you mentioned, it all sounds more like boasting to me. You have chosen the wrong person to seek sympathy from. Besides, you who stole my power, do you really think you’re qualified to be saying such things?」 (Kurando)

Hayato reb.u.t.ted by showing a bitter expression.

「Nevertheless, I have saved people; could you have done the same?!」 (Hayato)

「How would I know. Maybe I could have; perhaps, I couldn’t.」 (Kurando)

「Your answer is too vague and irresponsible. I won’t let someone like you speak ill of my companions!」 (Hayato)

「Hmph, you won’t allow it. Well then, what will you

will you do, kill me?」 (Kurando)

Hayato reaches for his long sword that he had laid aside.

For a second, he hesitated and then withdrawn his arm.

Kurando, who saw this, lets out a loud huff and then smiles.

When Hayato had stretched out his arm, he noticed Kurando’s suspicious expression.

「Well, I wanted to hear what you had to say; however, in the end, it was trivial stuff. From here on, our conversation is to not be told to a third party,」 (Kurando)

Kurando continues.

「If information involving me becomes known and it would cause harm to myself or my acquaintances, if such a thing were to occur, no matter who they may be; for example, even if they happened to be a fellow summoned person―― I will kill them.」 (Kurando)

Grasping his longsword, Hayato stood up.

Kurando remains seated.

However, Hayato felt uneasy. For a moment, it was as if a poisonous insect appeared.

「……I won’t let that happen.」 (Hayato)

「I don’t believe I have said anything strange.」 (Kurando)

「You, there is something wrong with you. You have no concern for other people, that is wrong……」 (Hayato)

Understanding the situation, Kurando also stood up as he drew the kukuri katana from his waist.

「……do you think you can win?」 (Hayato)

「It is not a matter of if I can win, such a thing is irrelevant. No matter how small it may be, are bugs concerned with biting a person? Is it not the same? Not all wars are fought because victory was already decided.」 (Kurando)

「……you have no conscience.」 (Hayato)

As if he had gone mad, Kurando smiles.

「A conscience? How is a thief any different? Is that so, I have no conscience, huh? Then how about this, what if I self-destruct; would that not be appropriate?」 (Kurando)

Kurando opened the notebook he is holding.

Hayato sheathed his sword and then looked at Kurando with a doubtful expression.

「There is no such magic.」 (Hayato)

「Really? Are spirits not controlled by maryoku; do they not exist even in this barren land?」 (Kurando)

「Do you think you have the maryoku to pull it off? I don’t know about you, but I have 『bond (spirits’ beloved)』, something like that――」 (Hayato)

「――yours, huh,」 (Kurando)

With that single phrase, Hayato’s expression changes and he draws his longsword.

「You,」 (Hayato)

「Likewise. Those you have saved and your group outside could possibly die. Well, you might be able to deal with it. By the way, the moment you attack me, the autonomous magic will trigger and all of my maryoku will be released. Because of life spirits, I won’t die right away. Also, I have already taken the time to scatter magic poison and toxic materials necessary for the autonomous magic.」 (Kurando)

Saying so, Kurando dropped a belt at his feet.

There are many wooden test tube on the belt. At some point, it became more than being about Akari. This was the real deal.

「……guh」 (Hayato)

Was it true or is it a lie? Hayato, who only knew a little about Kurando, wasn’t sure.

Even if Kurando couldn’t blow himself up, there was a chance that he could cause a more simple destruction by letting the spirits run wild. Hayato had personally experienced such an event; therefore, to prevent that he couldn’t carelessly test Kurando’s hand.

Even if Hayato was 99% sure it was not possible, he could not go against that 1% doubt.

「What do you plan to do?」 (Hayato)

「Don’t look at me with such a hateful expression; in the first place, you’re the source.」 (Kurando)

A groan leaked out of his mouth, as he glared at Kurando.

As I said from the beginning? Our acquaintances are not to be put in harms way. Don’t leak information about me. As long as that doesn’t happen, no one has to die. In other words, we will mutually pretend that the other doesn’t exist.

Is that not convenient for you?」 (Kurando)

Hayato gives Kurando yet another doubtful expression.

Kurando merely shows him a broad grin.

「I will never give you the chance to atone and I will never forgive you. While I may be unable to kill you, but that does not mean I will let you off. Don’t ever forget it, that is mine revenge on to you.」 (Kurando)

Kurando thought this was the most appropriate action to take. His ability can no longer be restored. Nothing can be done now.

Should he extort money from Hayato? Or, perhaps, kill him?

Such things, Kurando didn’t have it in him to do so. While the notation is may be cliche, from an ethical point-of-view, the idea wasn’t permitted.

When Hayato heard this his frowned and then sheathed his sword.

Hayato believed that Kurando had awoken to his conscience. In

his conscience. In response, he stepped down.

However, if this were an act, Kurando would have been put in a hopeless situation.

There is no denying the possible that someone would read in between the lines as there is no legal authority to balance the agreement.

Without saying anything more, Hayato placed the 2 longswords on his back and exited the room within the cave.

Kurando confirmed that Hayato had left. And then, he simply sat there on the stone.

He was unable to kill him, as there was a debt. (T/N: as to who owns what, who knows)

Chances are, with a single swing of his sword, Hayato would have reaped Kurando’s life.

However, against Hayato’s overwhelming power, Kurando did not yield.

Just like that, Kurando let the notebook and kukuri katana drop from his hand. He closed his eyes.

As Hayato exited the cave, Erica & company and Oofuia & company stared at him.

「What are you waiting for, dismantle the spoils so we can return.」 (Hayato)

Hayato says this as if nothing had happened.

Upon seeing his figure, Erica & company were relieved. They glimpsed at each other before going to dismantle their spoils.

Hayato did not help with the dismantling, instead, he approached Akari.

Without hesitation, he held out his hand to her.

「Will you not come go with? I will protect you.」 (Hayato)

Akari looks at Hayato and then firmly shakes her head no.

「I will stop being a bother to other people; therefore, I cannot go with you Ichiharkun. This is the choice that I have made.」 (Akari)

Hayato thought about it for a little while before pulling back his hand.

「Is that so. There is still time before the re-trial begins, in Sarewado. It is alright to change your mind.」 (Hayato)

Having said this, he went help the others dismantle the spoils.

After Hayato had left the cave.

As for, Kurando.

Before anyone else thought about him, Yukis.h.i.+ro had disappeared into the cave.

Kurando didn’t seem to be in a panic; he was safe.

That being the case, it was entrusted to Yukis.h.i.+ro.

Without it being said, everyone thought that was for the best.

Kurando closed his eyes. As he lay there, he finally noticed the cold sweat that ran down his back.

“The results are in”, he thought.

The suicide-bomb threat, the magic poison, and the negotiation; it is all over.

He walked a tightrope. It was nothing but insane.

Kurando had no choice but to play the madman.

If the situation called for it, just how far would he have descended into madness?

Even with nothing, while being a normal person, there is no excuse for insanity.

To win against an opponent stronger than oneself, one must take away their will to fight.

For him to reach that numbskull, he needed to be stronger.

If so, if there are no other options, there is no choice but to do something insane.

As it is for the sake of living.

But what if, the curtain was lowered and Kurando’s act was seen through. What would have happened then?

To be laid bare, it would have been a miserable scene.

Just like that, Kurando fell backward and laid there on the ground. A self-deprecating smile appears on his face.

For awhile, Kurando stayed like this. Gradually, footsteps could be heard approaching from the cave’s entrance.

The footsteps stopped near Kurando’s head.

Pat

Yukis.h.i.+ro placed its paw on top of Kurando’s head.

Slowly, bit by bit, it applied weight to its paw.

A sound is heard.

The pain became unbearable and Kurando slips out from under its paw.

As Kurando slipped away, Yukis.h.i.+ro showed a disappointed expression.

Kurando then sees Yukis.h.i.+ro’s face close-up.

――Lick

Yukis.h.i.+ro licked Kurando.

And then, it slaps him on the side of his face with its tail.

Kurando is then captured by Yukis.h.i.+ro’s tail.

While being dragged, Kurando is clumsily walking to the entrance.

「Wait, I’ll walk, I will walk on my own.」 (Kurando)

His cry echoes in the cave.

After a while pa.s.sed, Kurando exited the cave.

Outside, Akari and Oofuia both have an apologetic expression; Makus.h.i.+mu is acting the same as usual.

It is getting dark outside.

While thinking this, Kurando suggested that they go inside.

「For now, let us go inside, clean-up can wait until tomorrow.」 (Kurando)

As if nothing had happened, it was the usual Kurando.

「……I think we should talk about it a little.」 (Akari)

Akari muttered.

Kurando pretended not to hear her, being sleepy, he heads back to the cave.

The next morning.

As soon as the day arrived, Kurando walked along the mountain’s slope.

He didn’t sense anything.

There was no birds chirping nor greenery to be found.

Although, he did find the corpses of 10 giant-sized Atorabas.h.i.+ku.

Both the mountain and forest had died.