Its not long before dawn now and that will signal the start of the war.

I headed towards the stairs to see how everyone was doing when I heard faint voices coming from upstairs.

.I had a look around Midhays today.

How was it?

Ray and Misa were talking in front of the half-demon sword.

No one else seems to be there.

For some reason, it was the same as usual. You wouldnt think a war was about to begin (Misa)

Sounds about right. I dont think its truly sunk in for people yet. People find it hard to believe that a war is going on and only when it spreads and theyre caught up in it do they truly realise its happening. (Ray)

Misa stares vaguely at the half-demon sword.

At that point, its probably too late. (Misa)

Ray calmly clenches his hand.

As for Deiruheidos demon emperors, most seem to have gathered under Avos Dillheavia. (Misa)

I guess they cant just wait in their own castles when the demon king of tyranny is leading from the front. Thats how the mazoku fight. (Ray)

The demon emperors that rule the country going to the front themselves. If something goes wrong it could bring down the country but thats the difficult world of the mazoku. Who would follow a ruler that hides in their castle during an emergency?

Even though its become peaceful I see some things havent changed.

Its okay. Remember what Arnos said? I have no intention of killing anyone. (Ray)

Misa eyes open wide.

Wha. (Misa)

Because your dad might be there. (Ray)

Ah. (Misa)

Misa turns away in embarrassment.

Im sorry. (Misa)

Why? (Ray)

Because Ray-san will be fighting alone against a Deiruhedo battalion (Misa)

Ray laughs a clear refreshing laugh to clear away her anxiety.

Im not nervous in the slightest despite the fact were off to stop a war. (Ray)

Really? Why.? (Misa)

I think I was involved in the great war 2000 years ago. My body and my origin seem to know this. Its no big deal. (Ray)

Rays his usual easygoing self.

Ill come back. Ill come back to you. (Ray)

Misas eyes are absorbed in Rays. They slowly approach each other and she closes her eyes.

Ray reaches up to Misas neck and picks up the shellfish necklace.

Ray-san? (Misa)

Can I have it? (Ray)

Misas face goes bright red.

One shellfish is divided into two from the necklace that was given. By dividing it and each of you wearing half has the meaning of proposing to that person. We learnt that in the hero class.

It will certainly become a charm. (Ray)

Misa nods.

Ray hangs the now divided necklace around his neck.

What was it you said? (Ray)

Ray stops to recall something then continues.

.I cant wait for some time. I want to help now. If you dont want to help people who are suffering now then when that day actually comes you wont be willing to risk your life. (Ray)

Misa nods shyly.

I fell in love with you at that time. You were so dazzling. (Ray)

Ray laughs his refreshing laugh.

I thought everything would be fine to just swing my sword every day but I was just letting myself be swept along. I wasnt kind and I wasnt strong. (Ray)

Misa shakes her head.

Ray-san doesnt know himself. You are kinder and stronger than anyone. You are always natural and treat everyone without discrimination. (Misa)

Really? (Ray)

.Thats right and thats why I.. (Misa)

Misa looks down for a moment, bites her lip tightly and looks back up.

Thats why I love Ray-san. (Misa)

Ray stares in wonder at Misa then smiles.

Thank you. (Ray)

Fumu. Seems they have the resolution to head to the battlefield.

I turn around and head back downstairs and encounter Misha and Sasha coming up the other way.

Theres something going on upstairs so if you have any business up there Id wait a bit. (Arnos)

Misha shakes her head.

Looking for Arnos. (Misha)

Whats up? (Arnos)

Nothing particularly (Sasha)

Sasha squeezes her hands together and I noticed they were trembling slightly.

Whats that Sahsa? Are you trembling? (Arnos)

Thatsno not particularly. (Sasha)

Its not surprising. This is your first battle after all. I was the same. (Arnos)

I start heading down the stairs while talking with Misha and Sasha following behind.

Really. Such a thing happened to Arnos? (Sasha)

Aah. Its shameful to admit but I just rushed in. I was so eager to show them what I could do I couldnt contain my excitement. I ended up being too ruthless though and killed way more enemies than we needed to. (Arnos)

Sashas legs stop so I turn around and all I can see is the whites of her eyes looking at me.