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When Aina returned to the cla.s.sroom during lunch break, Sheila had already gone back to her own cla.s.sroom. In other words, Aina shouldnt know about Sheila Well, considering the circ.u.mstances, it shouldnt be something to dwell on.

Sheila also knows the situation, or should I say, about that side? (Soma)

Well, yeah. Or rather, friends. (Aina)

Hmm, precisely, former friends. (Sheila)

Youre saying that again! (Aina)

At least I dont consider people who are trying to kill my sister as friends. (Sheila)

Sheilas eyes held a strong determination as she spoke. It was clear she wouldnt concede on this point, even without saying it outright. Well, it was something that was understood without needing to be said.

In that sense, it was Aina who feels discomfort. Even if her memories differ, Soma knew from past interactions that Aina was still Aina. It was just unbelievable that Aina, even without her memories, would acknowledge the death of her friend Felicia and admit to murdering her. But even if she were to voice such things, it wouldnt be understood. While wondering what exactly was going on, for now, he decided to watch over Sheila and Ainas interaction.

I dont particularly want to kill either! But if theres no other way, then it cant be helped, right! (Aina)

Theres no need for that. I will defeat all the rebellious beings that Nee-san has manifested. Just like before. That will be fine. (Sheila)

Theres definitely a problem! Youre the only one who cant control it anymore, arent you aware of that!? You let them escape earlier because of that, and because of that, Soma was attacked by that thing, right!? (Aina)

Soma, was? (Sheila)

It seems she hadnt grasped that part as her gaze s.h.i.+fted towards Soma. Afterwards, her eyes s.h.i.+fted back and forth between Soma and Aina, perhaps not because she was trying to determine the truth, but because she had finally realised why Aina and Soma were here having this conversation.

Hmm Well, indeed, thats a fact, but for now, lets put that aside. From what Ive heard, the reason why there wasnt a problem even when those ones who resist appeared due to Felicia was because Sheila defeated them each time, is that correct? (Soma)

Yeah, I secretly defeated them so that neither Nee-san nor Soma would notice. (Sheila)

But even that has reached its limit. Or rather, it should be said that its been remarkable that its been held back until now. In truth, its not something that one person could have restrained alone long ago. (Aina)

I wont intervene in judging that, but more than that, I suddenly thought, but are you not going to tell Felicia about this? I think you should inform Felicia before me, even more so since youre not getting her cooperation for various reasons, right? In fact, it seems like youre hiding it. If such things were to disappear and active cooperation could be obtained, better solutions might be found (Soma)

It was a genuine question, but both Aina and s.h.i.+ra shook their heads in unison. Apparently, they couldnt tell her.

Hmm Why is that? (Soma)

Its because its impossible to predict. We dont know what would happen if she found out the truth or rather, its speculated that things would worsen if she became aware. (Aina)

Hmm, and thats, almost certainly true. The situation worsened exponentially probably because Nee-san became slightly aware of it. (Sheila)

But despite that, I dont feel like Felicia shows any signs of that? (Soma)

Hmm, perhaps my sister has forgotten about it altogether But she probably understands it unconsciously. (Felicia)

Even when I was unconscious, it got worse at an accelerated rate, you know? If I were to actually become conscious of it, I couldnt really test it. (Aina)

Certainly, judging from what weve heard, that response seems appropriate. (Soma)

Sheila wasnt the type to a.s.sert such things without any basis. That meant that she probably knew something that gave her confidence. However, not speaking about it was probably because there was a reason she couldnt do so. Even understanding that, there was probably no point in trying to pry it out.

Hmm for now, I understand. (Soma)

Well, when the time comes, I do intend to tell her myself. Its just being killed without knowing anything is well. (Aina)

Thats why I wont allow it. (Sheila)

Thats why you! Well, fine. Either way, the current situation is still tough. (Aina)

Hmm? Is it tough? Though not commendable, there should be means available in the worst-case scenario, right? (Soma)

Thats true, but the problem is with those means. Because, for those ones who resist to appear, there are conditions, and one of them is when strong negative emotions are spread. Its particularly p.r.o.nounced when people are killed, and some even say that those beings attack people specifically when those emotions are present. So, when it comes to killing her, its predicted that the worst of the worst of those beings will appear. Thats why were waiting until the last minute. (Aina)

How bad specifically are you predicting it to be? (Soma)

Well in the worst of the worst case, it could be the end of humanity, that sort of level. (Aina)

Aina answered in a light tone, but her eyes showed no hint of a smile. She was as serious as ever and it seemed to be true.

Well, to somehow avoid that, Im looking for friends who can do that but its pretty tough on my side too. Of course its normal. (Aina)

Those who can do that, huh? (Soma)

Yeah. You saw earlier that I can do something a little unusual, right? Sheila can too, but its about finding people like that. (Aina)

So, you mean people who can counter those monsters? (Soma)

Yes. But theyre quite rare. (Sheila)

And on top of that, they need to have the kind of power were looking for, so, well, its convenient that things work out like that (Aina)

In an instant, Aina and s.h.i.+ra abruptly turned around. Their expressions changed completely, and tension emanated from their entire bodies. Soma also turned his gaze in the same direction as the two, but there was nothing there no?

Aina. (Sheila)

Sorry, this is completely my fault. I thought I could defeat it By the way, what about the possibility of other individuals? (Aina)

Only that thing appeared today. (Sheila)

I see, so that means its stronger as a result. And also, today is Felicias birthday. Shes much stronger than yesterday (Soma)

Her voice was cut off, and Ainas figure vanished from the spot at the same time. However, she didnt move. Instead, she was blown away by the black ent.i.ty that appeared in her place.

Fast (Sheila)

When Soma recognized its form, Sheila was already holding a sword in her hand. It seems she had it concealed. Even so, it was still too late. The next moment, the black ent.i.ty was in front of s.h.i.+ra, and with a sharp sound, the sword she held flew into the air.

T-That thing, it held back earlier? (Sheila)

Even though it had no eyes or mouth, Soma felt like it sneered again. Immediately after, Sheilas figure disappeared, followed by thunderous sounds from two separate locations. Turning their gaze, Aina and s.h.i.+ra were lying side by side on the ground.

No way? Their movements were completely different from before Could it be, instead of pretending to be defeated earlier, they were gathering strength? (Aina)

This is no time to talk. And if we cant even win against this level of opponent, then Nee-san (Sheila)

In the middle of her sentence, Sheilas figure disappeared again. Instinctively, Aina reached out her hand towards it

Burn. (Aina)

But by then, there was nothing there. With a roar, Ainas figure disappeared and like before, she fell to the ground alongside Sheila. It seemed they managed to avoid a direct hit, as both of them were still moving, and their spirits seemed undiminished. However, they didnt come out unscathed, as their movements were even slower. Moreover, because they were blown away twice, they were now quite far from where Soma was. The black ent.i.ty slowly turned its body towards Soma as if taunting him.

Soma, dont run from there (Aina)

Soma (Sheila)

The third mocking laugh echoed in response to the two screams. And then, a thunderous sound rang out. It was the loudest one yet, and if it had been the result of the impact a regular person endured, their body would surely have been reduced to dust. However, the recipient of this sound seemed to be quite lively. As he looked at the black figure rolling on the ground, Soma let out a sigh.

Hmm I knew it, but it seems quite st.u.r.dy. (Soma)

Huh? (Aina)

Soma? (Sheila)

Seeing the two shocked voices and the bewildered look of the ent.i.ty at his feet, he shrugged. It wasnt really something to be surprised about. It had simply charged at him head-on, so he had used its momentum to slam it into the ground.

Indeed, you do have quite the speed, and in a test of strength, I would undoubtedly be defeated. However, theres a way to handle everything, and above all, if you can show such movements, you can respond accordingly. Honestly youre quite inexperienced. (Soma)

Certainly, Somas physical abilities were that of an average person. However, he hadnt lost his knowledge or experience. Moreover, he was finally getting used to moving in this body. So, this level of feat should be expected. The only issue, if any, was that this was achieved solely by utilizing the opponents strength. In other words, it meant he might not be strong enough to defeat it.

Hmm, while Im keeping it occupied, Aina and Sheila can huh? (Soma)

As Soma pondered what to do next, something faintly gleamed at the edge of his vision. It was the reflection of the moonlight on the blade. It was Sheilas sword that had been knocked away earlier.

If thats the case, then perhaps a little huh? (Soma)

Although he hadnt let his guard down, the ent.i.ty leaped back the moment his attention briefly turned to the sword. It seemed that pure strength alone wouldnt be enough for Soma to prevail. However, the fact that it could a.s.sess the situation and realize that attacking now wouldnt work showed that it had high intelligence. Well, it wouldnt have pretended to be dead immediately after being hit by Ainas magic otherwise.

In any case, whether he used it himself or Sheila did, they needed to pick up the sword and reset the situation. While his focus remained on the ent.i.ty, Soma picked up the sword without letting his guard down and at that moment, the power surrounding the ent.i.ty surged. It was more a coincidence than Soma timing his sword pickup, but regardless, the power increased. And this increase was clearly perceptible to Aina and Sheila, and it seemed to catch them off guard.

Wha no way, its power is still rising!? (Aina)

Soma!? (Sheila)

Once again, as the two screamed, the ent.i.ty disappeared but there was no problem this time. This time, it wasnt the front, nor the back, but Soma could clearly see that it was about to attack from the side. Rather than feeling rushed, Soma slowly poised himself to match its movements. And then

Dividing Cut. (Soma)

Rules of Sword G.o.d Slayer Dragon Slayer Divine Protection of Dragon G.o.d Absolute Slash: Dividing Cut.

The swift sword flash was familiar, and his arm and his body moved without hesitation. Therefore, the inevitable conclusion was reached. As if it had jumped into the situation of its own accord, the black ma.s.s was cleaved in two.

Hmm I see. (Soma)

Afterward, what Soma gained was satisfaction. As he watched the divided ma.s.s vanish this time, he sensed the power in his hands and his own strength. It had fully returned to its original state.

While Aina and s.h.i.+ra seemed to be using their powers without issue, Soma had thought that he might regain his own power in some way, and it seemed that obtaining a sword-like object was the key. Although it had returned quite easily, there was no harm in not having to struggle. However, even though he had regained his power, the situation hadnt improved in the slightest. As he turned his gaze towards Aina and Sheila, who were staring at him in amazement, Soma let out a breath.

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The park, which had at least recently been bustling with the presence of people, had returned to being a serene park. Aina and Sheila were no longer there. Though they seemed somewhat absent-minded, they had both left. As Soma gazed in the direction where the two had gone, he muttered to himself.

We have something to talk about tomorrow, huh? (Soma)

Those were Ainas parting words. Certainly, due to the interruption, the conversation was still incomplete, but it didnt feel like it was solely about picking up where they left off. While it undoubtedly related to the events interrupted earlier, it might not be just a continuation. Well, hed find out tomorrow. He also pondered Sheilas situation, but that was even more uncertain. While there wasnt anything specific between them, she seemed to be contemplating something. Of course, it wasnt entirely unrelated to what had just happened but thinking about it now wouldnt yield any answers.

Well I suppose its time for me to make a move. (Soma)

Just as Soma was about to start walking back, he s.h.i.+fted his gaze to the rear. Ahead lay the dark expanse of the park, yet Soma squinted as if he were certain something was there.

No.

Not just a feeling, but a genuine conviction.

That was because

Are you there? How long do you intend to hide? Wouldnt it be better to show yourself? (Soma)

His voice carried conviction, and indeed, there was a response.

I see you noticed. (??)

As if oozing out of the darkness, the figure suddenly materialized before him. There was no real surprise, as it was something he had suspected. Facing the familiar figure of Hildegard, Soma shrugged.

Even if it is only temporary, my power has returned. So, its only natural that I should be able to do that much, right? (Soma)

Even if you say its only to that extent, I was actually hiding myself quite seriously. (Hildegard)

But at the same time, you intended to be found, didnt you? (Soma)

Well, thats true. But you, youre always the same, arent you? (Hildegard)

You know what youre saying about other people, dont you? (Soma)

That statement held a double meaning.

Upon meeting Hildegardes gaze, Soma had been convinced, and this exchange only reaffirmed it.

Hmm it seems like youre the only one who hasnt changed. (Soma)

Well, Im the one providing explanations and guidance after all. (Hildegard)

Hmm? Explanations pertain to this situation, I a.s.sume but guidance? (Soma)

Actually, guidance is more of my main role. To be more precise, Id say its prompting recollection. (Hildegard)

Recollection which means (Soma)

Theres only one thing that can be inferred from those words. And as if affirming that thought, Hildegard nodded.

Of course, its to help you remember everything that led up to this situation. Thats something only I can do. (Hildegard)

As she spoke, Hildegard gazed directly at Soma. Her emerald eyes locked onto him, and instinctively, Soma returned the gaze. It was understood without needing to be said that this was the right thing to do. And then, Soma remembered everything.

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