Synopsis of the last chapter:

~What if story . Mikihiko exposed~

(Omitted)

“What do you mean by ‘risk’? Are you saying that something like that is somewhere in me?” (Majima)

“Indeed . Do you not worry about it at all?” (Silane)

Suddenly, Silane turned her gaze to the tip of my stretched-out arm .

From there, Asarina grew and trembled .

“I mean, where in the world is there a human growing a monster from the back of their hand?” (Silane)

“…… . Actually, when Mikihiko was a junior high school student, he said something about the devil dwelling in his left hand——” (Majima)

“GYAAAHHHH! My black history!?” (Mikihiko)

Thus, our world was misunderstood .

~Gerbera’s Perspective~

“Muuu . ” (Gerbera)

Arms folded, I let out a groan .

This was outside the pioneer village . In the forest a little bit away from the main road .

Led by milord, we had all gone away together from the pioneer village .

A little deeper in the forest, albeit not visible from here, Lily-dono and Rose-dono were supposedly receiving combat instructions .

Leaving Lily-dono aside, Rose-dono had to avoid the public’s gaze, and therefore couldn’t receive instruction in the village . So, it had to be done outside of the village .

So while Lily-dono and Rose-dono were trying to learn martial arts, I was racking my brains over the various types of weapons lying on the ground before me .

These were all items taken from Fortress Tilia’s armory .

Unable to bear leaving them behind to rot at the abandoned fortress, we had packed as much as we could in the cars .

Most of the weapons were the Alliance’s Knights’, who were under milord’s protection, but some belonged to the now-annihilated Empire’s Knights .

The reason they were lined up here was because when Lily-dono and Rose-dono said they were attempting to learn martial arts, the knights said “There are various types of weapons, even swords and spears, so would you like to see them?” .

At that time, milord had suggested to me “Now’s your chance, how about you try out some weapons?” .

Lily-dono and Rose-dono were not the only ones seeking power .

Tatsuya Juumonji, the cheat holder originating from the same world as milord, was a tough opponent that could take even my blows at full power .

I was the strongest monster in milord’s family .

There was no person stronger than I, therefore defeat was not an option .

I jumped at milord’s proposal without hesitation .

Using tools to become strong quickly was probably a way of thinking unique to milord and other humans .

“If you are weak, then figure it out with tools” . If I was lacking in power, then following that fas.h.i.+on wasn’t a bad idea .

However, I was much too unfamiliar with it, and to be frank, it was troubling I did not know how to use them .

“Has one caught your eye?” (Kei)

Exiting from the car stopped nearby, Kei called out to me .

There were many weapons being held in her elven arms . Despite her age, she was quite strong . Maybe it was because she trained with the knights whenever possible .

“Unfortunately……” (Gerbera)

“Hrrm . No good, are they? You’ve seen a lot, but finding one is quite hard . ” (Kei)

“Mm . ” (Gerbera)

I had in hand one of the weapons in front of me . A sword like the one milord used .

I tried swinging it, and my brows creased .

I could not imagine that I could get stronger by using this .

The b.e.s.t.i.a.l instinct I’d had for years upon years was telling me this was of no use to me .

Of course, these were supposed to be used by humans . I imagine this was why it didn’t suit me .

This wasn’t just limited to weapons, either .

For example, Lily-dono and Rose-dono were attempting to learn martial arts, but it seemed unlikely I would get stronger from such a method .

This could be understood by taking Ayame and Asarina into consideration . Needless to say, it was impossible for them to study martial arts .

I was close to them, if anything .

Arachne resembled people—albeit only their upper body, but what was important for martial arts was actually your lower body .

My lower body was a spider itself . My way of moving and using things were completely different from that of people .

Perhaps I should call it the sword system or something? Instead of just trying to fix it, it was necessary to construct a different martial arts system from the ground up in order for me to learn that .

But, naturally, that would take too long .

“In the first place, you are already complete as a fighter, Gerbersan . ” (Kei)

Lowering herself, Kei put the weapons down onto the ground one by one .

“For comparison’s sake, it’s like a top-rate swordsman trying to become a magician without one bit of instruction . It’s way too inefficient . Therefore, instead of modifying your fighting style to a weapon, you have to select a weapon that matches your established fighting style . ” (Kei)

Having said as much, Kei stuck out her tongue a little in embarra.s.sment .

“…That’s what Ane-sama said . ” (Kei)

“I made it difficult for thee . Making thee accompany me like this . ” (Gerbera)

“It’s fine . I’m just about the only one free . Besides, it was also at Takahiro-san’s request . ” (Kei)

“The only one, thee say?” (Gerbera)

Hearing her cheerful reply, I tilted my head .

“If I may, Kei . Art thou not afraid of me?” (Gerbera)

Neither the soldiers accompanying us nor the knights had taken hostile actions against us .

In fact, the knights were actually doing better due to Leader’s inclination . Even now there were people standing guard so no one could approach us, and they fought side by side with milord at Fortress Tilia .

However, that was out of respect for milord, who led monsters, at most, and whether or not they could closely interact in person with us, milord’s family, was another story .

In fact—among us family led by milord, not one of us had had contact with the humans living in this world other than Lily, whose appearance was indistinguishable from a human’s .

There were no others trying to proactively interact with me like Kei was .

I noticed this recently, but it wasn’t all that astounding to me .

“You are Takahiro-san’s family, after all . ” (Kei)

Holding the weapons I had been examining earlier, Kei let out a “hyuup” as she stood up .

“Takahiro-san said ‘Leave it to me’ when Silane-ane-sama turned into a Ghoul . That was not a lie . He really did help Ane-sama . So……” (Kei)

“I see . Thee really dost trust our milord . ” (Gerbera)

“Ye~p . When I got the courage to and spoke with Rose-san, she also turned out to be a good perso-……person? Anyway, it was easy to befriend you, too, Gerbersan……Ah . ” (Kei)

Kei grinned, and then suddenly her gaze turned elsewhere .

“Takahiro-sa~n . ” (Kei)

A happy voice . Recognizing the presence, I too, turned my face that way .

Milord was walking this way from the other side of the forest, lending his shoulder to Mikihiko-dono .

Milord and Mikihiko-dono must have been fighting one another with wooden swords and s.h.i.+elds made for practice .

Milord still had room to help Mikihiko-dono, who looked to be out of breath .

“Mikihiko’s down for the count . Sorry about this, Kei, but can you look after him?” (Majima)

“Yes, I understand . Then, can you please lay him down there?” (Kei)

Kei went back to the car, the weapons in her arms clattering as she did so .

Milord laid Mikihiko down at the base of the tree before turning his head to me as I watched him .

“Well, Gerbera . Have you found a good weapon?” (Majima)

“I hath not, sadly . There art so many it is making my head spin……” (Gerbera)

“Do your best to find one . If you find something that suits you, have Rose make it . That’ll be a discussion, too, huh . ” (Majima)

When Kei returned holding a thermos, milord stood up .

“Well, I’ll leave it to you . I’m going to see how Lily and Rose are doing . ” (Majima)

“……Leaving so soon, Takahiro?” (Mikihiko)

Dead-tired, Mikihiko spoke up . Milord shrugged his shoulders .

“Silane promised to see me as well, not just Lily and Rose . You should come when you recover, too . She promised to train you as well, didn’t she?” (Majima)

“Yeah yeah . ” (Mikihiko)

Milord left with a wry smile .

It was regrettable, but as he had things to do, too, it couldn’t be helped .

I should do what I had to as well .

I picked up weapons here and there for a while, and then Mikihiko-dono got up .

Mikihiko-dono was milord’s friend, but I was also acquainted with him . He met with milord when he had the time, and he talked about various creations with Rose-dono .

I was unaware of the full story, but that Rose-dono had recently been making things she was unfamiliar with was probably due to Mikihiko-dono’s influence .

Though only from time to time, I conversed with him, too, if there was time .

“……But, he sure is energetic, huh . ” (Mikihiko)

Mikihiko-dono murmured in an emotional voice .

The “He” probably referred to milord .

Milord and Mikihiko-dono had been friends long before coming to this world . Seeing him now, there might have been many things he was thinking about .

“Milord art better at handling magical power than thou, after all . ” (Gerbera)

Putting the axe I was holding on the ground, I turned to look at Mikihiko-dono .

“However, from what I saw, thee seemed more likely to have a talent for fighting . ” (Gerbera)

Though I had only seen a small bit of their training at the start, Mikihiko-dono had fought quite skillfully, despite his lesser physical abilities .

He fought with a sword and s.h.i.+eld, the same as milord, but his irregular way of fighting (manipulating two floating swords with his cheat ability) made him on equal terms with milord, who was one step ahead with his magical power body strengthening .

In the end, however, it seemed he was overcome by milord due to the difference in ability .

“Haha . The White Arachne of legend told me I have talent…maybe there’s hope for me yet . ” (Mikihiko)

“Right now Milord art ahead of thee even in sword skills, but should you get better at handling magical power and manage to rival milord in physical ability, thee would soon catch up to milord . ” (Gerbera)

“Oh? Really? That’s great . I see . If my physical abilities match his…hey . ……Isn’t that a bottleneck?” (Mikihiko)

“That, too, art one aspect of the matter . ” (Gerbera)

The power milord gained was brought about by his experience in surviving in the Sea of Trees until now . If that were to be overturned so simply, milord would be without a leg to stand on .

“……But I mean, is that natural?” (Mikihiko)

Mikihiko-dono gave a small sigh .

“Honestly, when I heard about the training he’s done so far, I…backed away . ……But, unless I do that much, I might not be able to protect what really matters to me . ” (Mikihiko)

He muttered seriously .

Under his gla.s.ses, his eyes showed an honest respect for his friend .

“After I heard that cheat abilities are wishes from the bottom of the transferees’ hearts, I understood . You guys are hope itself for him . That’s why he’s frantically trying to protect you, and why he’ll do his best regardless of appearance for that . To have that much in mind…I think I’m jealous . ” (Mikihiko)

“That said, Mikihiko-dono . ” (Gerbera)

I questioningly asked:

“Thee also manifested thy ability, did thee not? Therefore, art thou not the same as milord?” (Gerbera)

“Mine……probably isn’t based on as great a wish as his . ” (Mikihiko)

Mikihiko-dono bitterly smiled as he scratched his unkempt hair .

“Unlike Takahiro, I have a more…half-hearted nature . Instead of a wish from my heart, it’s more like……” (Mikihiko)

“More like?” (Gerbera)

“……Nah . Nevermind . ” (Mikihiko)

Mikihiko-dono stood up, shaking his head .

“Well now . I’ve rested enough, so I guess it’s about time I go . Thanks, Kei-chan . ” (Mikihiko)

Mikihiko-dono returned the thermos he’d been handed, and then looked at me with a face of sudden realization .

“Ah . That reminds me, Gerbersan . I completed the thing we discussed, so I’ll hand it over . ” (Mikihiko)

“Really!?” (Gerbera)

Mikihiko-dono smiled at my vigor and nodded .

“Yup . Here, look . ” (Mikihiko)

What he produced from his pants pocket was a white sc.r.a.p of paper with thin lines drawn on it at regular intervals .

When I took it, Kei approached with a look of interest .

“Is that something from your world?” (Kei)

“Yup . It’s a loose-leaf . It’s valuable since there’s not too many anymore, but this was a request from Gerbersan, so I splurged . ” (Mikihiko)

“A request? ……Oh . There’s a picture drawn on this . Wow, this is so good!?” (Kei)

Kei’s eyes went wide . Mikihiko-dono smugly scratched the underside of his nose .

“That’s because I drew it with my soul . A confident work . I worked on it at night, so frankly, I was dead-tired today . ” (Mikihiko)

“Maybe this is why your sword couldn’t match Takahiro-san’s……” (Kei)

“Tahahahaha . Well, Gerbersan . Tell me again if you got something . ” (Mikihiko)

Mikihiko-dono laughed, dodging Kei’s question, and ran off as if to escape .

“Thank you . I will consult with thee!” (Gerbera)

I threw words of grat.i.tude at Mikihiko-dono and saw him off .

Then, I dropped my gaze to the paper once again . There was a picture of a girl with braids drawn on it .

“But, this is really good . I didn’t know Mikihiko-san was an artist . ” (Kei)

Kei said, peeking at it from the side .

“He has said『I was aiming to be an ill.u.s.trator』 . ” (Gerbera)

My gaze still remaining on the paper, I corrected her words .

“I believe he also said『But, I still have a long way to go . A slightly skilled geek like me can draw a lot like this』 . ” (Gerbera)

“Really? I don’t know much, but for him to draw a picture like this even though he’s not an artist…the country Mikihiko comes from must have a really rich culture . ” (Kei)

Kei spoke with a look of admiration, and then tilted her head .

“So, what is this?” (Kei)

“Hmm . You see, I had a trifling discussion with Mikihiko-dono . ” (Gerbera)

“Come to think of it, Mikihiko-san mentioned that earlier . The discussion…was it about his artistic skills?” (Kei)

“No . It is not like that . To tell the truth, I was requested by Rose-dono to make clothing . I was troubled over what design to use . ” (Gerbera)

That request had been given to me before we joined back with milord . It was just before we were dragged into the horde of monsters that later attacked Fortress Tilia .

“I had forgotten due to the commotion, but I happened to remember it . Thus I travelled calmly . ‘Perhaps I should start making them soon’, I thought . ” (Gerbera)

“So, you consulted Mikihiko-san?” (Kei)

“Mhm . I did so as I was not aware what clothing would be good . ” (Gerbera)

“Ummm? Did Rose-san not request a type?” (Kei)

“I accidentally forgot to listen . Many things were happening then……” (Gerbera)

Yes, many things were happening then . Many things……

“Uuaah……!” (Gerbera)

“W-What’s the matter, Gerbersan? Your face is red!?” (Kei)

A memory I wished to keep repressed was carelessly revived, and I held my head .

Incidentally, the reason I was unable to ask Rose-dono directly was because, like now, I was worried she would remember the coc.o.o.ns if she asked『why did you accidentally forget to listen?』 .

It’s too embarra.s.sing, I’ll die .

“It’s nothing . Nothing at all . Please, for all that is good and holy, do not ask . ” (Gerbera)

“O-Okay……” (Kei)

I waved my hands at Kei as she blinked in surprise, and soon collected myself .

“At any rate, I chose Mikihiko-dono as a consultant because he art milord’s friend . I thought he might know what clothing milord likes . ” (Gerbera)

“So that’s what this is . Heehh . She’s really cute . So Takahiro-san likes this~? “(Kei)

“Mhm . In Mikihiko-dono’s world, this attire is apparently preferred by men . Now, just what was the name . I think it was……” (Gerbera)

The words I was about to say caught in the back of my throat .

My eyes raised from the page .

Accompanied by footsteps, there were presences approaching .

I grew suspicious .

The sound was coming not from within the forest where milord and them were, but from the road where the knights were supposedly guarding right now .

First of all, they weren’t monsters . They were human footsteps .

“Knights?”, I thought, but the footsteps were too light for that .

Perhaps residents of the pioneer village? But then, the knights should have stopped them…… .

“Oh! There really is a monster here!”

As I turned my head, a lively voice was thrown at me .

There were three sets of eyes staring rudely at me .