Chapter 370 - The Embers of this Cruel World

This is the second update for today. If you havent read the previous chapter yet, please start reading that first.

Also, we are planning to update the next chapter on the 22nd, Friday, around 9 pm.

Im with the group led by Rinji, entering Jonato territory.

What caught my attention are the people we met along the way.

Many of them were carrying large bags.

The carriages some are riding were also conspicuous.

Was it because of this?

Even our large group felt as though were blending with that scenery.

Oru, leading our carriage, looked back from his horse.

[What do you think, Tomohiro?]

I have revealed to them that I am a Hero from Another World.

One of the Heroes summoned by the G.o.ddess.

I suppose its natural for him to think I would know more about the G.o.ddess than they do.

Thereupon

[Oi, Oru.]

[Ah Sorry, Rinji-san. My bad, Tomohiro Forget my question just now.]

It seems that Rinji was being considerate of me.

However, I still answered the question.

[I think its likely.]

Yes its quite possible.

At that moment, someone on the plazas stage calls out.

[Everyone, please listen!]

The murmurs among the crowd died down.

Everyones attention s.h.i.+fted to the large voice emanating from the stage.

Several knight-like figures were also on that stage.

Judging from the crest on their armor, they seemed to be Jonato knights.

Even so This sheer number of people

We had come here without knowing anything.

However, the people of Jonato were probably being recruited and gathered at this relay point.

[Some of you may have already heard, but right now, our Jonatos Sacred Eye- No, everyone living on this continent is facing a great crisis!]

A ripple of murmurs spread through the audience.

Oru looks at the nearby Rinji and calls out his name.

However, keeping his gaze on the knights on the stage, Rinji muttered.

[The Drunken Sword Party huh.]

Our connection hadnt been close back then, but Im also acquainted with the Drunken Sword Party.

Back then, they had been tasked with training Ikusaba Asagi Group.

Amidst the tumultuous crow, I looked up at the sky.

[]

(Banewolf-san I havent asked for forgiveness from him yet)

Even though he reached out his hand to me

I should have learned more from him.

I could have learned a lot from him.

With this question, the murmurs of the audience intensified greatly.

Some even began to whisper quietly to each other.

[Thats right There are the summoned Heroes from Another World on Vysis side]

[T- Theres especially her Ayaka Sogou. From what I heard, shes apparently a Hero who can single-handedly change the course of battle, you know? Having someone like that as an enemy is scary]

Thats right.

(What happened to Sogou-san and the others my cla.s.smates?)

[I also heard that the Great Demon Emperor was defeated by Hero Ayaka]

[Arehh? Wasnt it another top-tier Hero who defeated them? You know That active guy in the Eastern Front during the great invasion]

[Something Sisters I think its the older one? They say shes beautiful]

[Eh? Is that her? I think I heard something about a different, male Hero]

[I- In any case!]

Shes probably the one pulling everyone together.

Im sure that also includes the former Yasu Group, Nihei Yukitaka and the others.

Vysis is trying to eradicate the people living on this continent.

Thats right.

Sogou Ayaka.

She isnt the kind of person who would side with Vysis after hearing such a thing.

What about the Takao Sisters?

I cant see them siding with Vysis but

(Speaking of which I wonder if Kirihara-kun is also partic.i.p.ating in this?)

Perhaps, he too, unexpectedly, is now fighting shoulder to shoulder with Sogou Ayaka.

What about Sogou Oyamada?

[Big Bro]

Yuuris slightly trembling hand.

I gently wrapped her trembling hand with mine, my hand that held strength.

[I know. There are many strong people in this continent strong people from various countries Theres also the Fly King Squadron and those who are called Heroes. You know about them, right?]

[Nhnn. Heroes, Big Bro is also one of them.]

[Unn. But you see There are Heroes much stronger than me who are now working together to defeat the scary G.o.ddess whos causing all this.]

[Big Bro and the other Heroes]

Besides, right from the start

[You see-We came here to protect the world where Yuuri-chan and everyone lives.]

Hero

It was generally a word that represents someone who saves the world.

Even though recently, they were often treated with mockery in various media.

But in truth, theyre someone who are very strong

and very kind.

For example, just like Sogou Ayaka.

No.

The people from the Faraway Country

Belzegia-san

Seras-san

Even Rinji-san and the others

Under that definition, theyre undoubtedly Heroes.

Looking into Yuuris eyes, I smiled gently.

This has been something Ive recently become able to do, looking people straight in the eye.

[And so, as a Hero I also wanted to fight. All in order to bring back the world]

Im not sure if Im clinching that Hero-like smile properly but

[The world where Yuuri-chan doesnt have to be scared like this.]

Yes

(The me right now)

have a definite reason to fight.

Im now fighting for someones sake.

[Big Bro.]

[Well I promise to bring it back. Thats why You dont have to be so scared, okay? Just leave the rest to us Heroes Got that?]

At my words Yuuri suddenly hugged me tightly.

I could feel the strength in her small hands.

Then, speaking briefly

[Unn.]

Her hands stopped trembling.

(Eh? Isnt that)

The Knights descended from the platform, holding that thing which really felt out-of-place in this world.

They explained that it was an ancient magic tool but

(A smartphone?)

They did claim to have evidence that proves Vysis evilness.

Seeing the evidence they had provided, some of those in the front row were astonished.

[T- That is Thats definitely the G.o.ddess!]

[Ive heard the G.o.ddess voice before! Thats the G.o.ddess voice!]

[The G.o.ddess Vysis really is trying to destroy us!?]

So thats what happened.

Someone among the Heroes must have recorded her voice or even filmed her with a smartphone.

Who could it be?

Perhaps Takao Hijiri?

When I think of someone sharp to be able to do that, she comes to mind.

Perhaps, she managed to do something with the smartphones battery issues with her skill.

At that moment, looking at the Knight recruiting partic.i.p.ants for the defense of the Sacred Eye

[Its optional, but those partic.i.p.ating in the defense of the Sacred Eye would apparently register over there. They seemed to be asking to leave something as proof of ident.i.ty as possible though. In case of death in battle, it seems that Mira will take the lead in providing immediate support to the surviving spouse, children or relatives. At least to the extent possible.]

Rinji then directed his gaze toward the registration desk

[Were also heading to Azziz.]

[Rinji-san]

[I dont quite understand the fundamental truth, but if defending the Sacred Eye leads to protecting this world- it will also protect them.]

before his gaze fell on his wife and child.

[Besides, weve got a bit of history with the Drunken Sword Party. The leader of the Drunken Sword Party, well You could say shes kinda like family.]

Rinji pointed to his wife.

[In this situation, we cant just let them die in silence. Good grief, this is all just strange Even though we fled north to escape from the Drunken Sword Party, now were trying to meet up with them to be of help.]

With an ironic smile, Rinji-san said.

Oru, who had packed his bags, came over with a lighthearted mood.

[Well, maybe this will be the opportunity for Guaban to forgive us?]

Guaban is apparently the father of Drunken Sword Partys leader, Lili.

I havent heard the details, but its clear that theres some complicated situation between them and the Drunken Sword Party.

Rinji gestured with his eyes and chin toward the carriage where Yuuri and the others were.

[Us former members of the Drunken Sword Party are heading to Azziz with Sonny. The others will proceed as planned, visiting our acquaintances in the west. Weve also arranged for some capable folks who arent part of our Drunken Sword Party over there. We cant be sure what might happen after all.]

I breathed a sigh of relief.

[I see.]

Afterwards, we each said our goodbyes.

I also said my goodbyes to Yuuri and her mother.

To be honest

I didnt expect Id be this reluctant to part ways with them.

Im also feeling slightly wistful.

Id like to meet them once again Id like to live and meet them once again.

After saying our goodbyes, us in the Azziz group headed towards our tied-up horses.

Is it perhaps Rinji being considerate?

At the moment, he decided to keep quiet about the information about me being a Hero from Another World.

Thereupon, a hand was placed on my shoulder.

Rinjis hand.

The hand he placed on my shoulder was heavy- it felt heavy.

Then, Rinji spoke.

[Im counting on you.]

A very serious voice.

As if hes saying Im entrusting my life to you

Keeping my gaze facing forward, I responded.

[Im also counting on you, Rinji-san- Im counting on everyone here.]

Rinji looked slightly surprised at my words.

(If I were alone-)

I would definitely not have made it this far.

Im sure I wouldnt get used to feeling like this.

After a few seconds, Rinji returned to his usual self and snorted lightly.

And then, he spoke.

[Ou.]

Yes The flame within me still burns.

Even now, the flame in my heart still exists.