Chapter 370: The Embers of this Cruel World
<Author's Notes>
This is the second update for today. If you haven't 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.
<Yasu Tomohiro POV>
I'm 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 we're blending with that scenery.
Oru, leading our carriage, looked back from his horse.
Beyond his gaze were the carriages heading towards Mira, which we had just passed by.
[So, Rinji-san Which way are we going to go? That said, finally arriving here only to turn back to Mira is]
Rinji, who had also been looking back, turned his gaze forward.
[I heard that there are more people heading towards Western Jonato than towards Mira. Northern Mira is currently at risk of being attacked by Golden-eyed monsters, just as we have experienced.]
The others did give warnings to those heading towards Mira. However, they still chose to head south.
However, for them to be heading south
Why are they heading south towards Mira in the first place?
Are they trying to distance themselves from something?
Rinji and the others did ask that question and we already knew the answer.
A large battle is said to begin in Jonato.
An evil army is coming to destroy the country's Guardian Deity, the Sacred Eye.
Many people in Jonato who have learned about this are evacuating to the west.
Conversely, there are also people heading towards the Capital City Azziz to protect the Sacred Eye.
Rinji scratched the back of his head with a sigh.
[Dunno if she's become mentally deranged or what, but we've learned that Alion's Goddess is trying to bring ruin to the people living on this continent huh. Moreover, that white human ruckus that happened before, it was also caused by the Goddess? It was said that there was apparently proof but Good grief, what the heck is going on? Geez, I have no clue at all.]
Rinji looks up at the sky.
[It seems that the Sacred Eye is getting in the way of the Goddess' plan to destroy us The Holy Strike that crossed the sky the other day- Is that related to what was going on to now?]
Rinji muttered.
However, Oru only shrugged his shoulders.
[If she's trying to eradicate the people on this continent, it doesn't really matter where we flee.]
[Yeah]
Thereupon, Oru turns to me.
[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 Goddess.
I suppose it's natural for him to think I would know more about the Goddess 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 it's likely.]
Yes it's quite possible.
Rinji and the others don't know what kind of person Vysis is.
However, I've experienced enough for me to believe such a thing from happening.
After a moment of silence, Rinji's eyes narrowed and he briefly said "I see.".
And then, he looked at the carriage carrying his wife and child.
[A crisis in our world huh.]
As a result of a brief discussion
Just as we had originally planned, our group decided to head west of Jonato.
We are aiming to reach the others' acquaintances in the Western region.
Even if we were to turn back, we would still lack food and supplies.
As expected, many in our group were visibly fatigued both mentally and physically.
Choosing to turn back here could significantly drain our morale.
There should be a higher chance for us to take a breather at the homes of said acquaintances in the Western Jonato.
Just like that, our group continued north and stopped at a trading city in Southern Jonato.
Now, me and the others were on a main road just outside the city again, where entry and exit were controlled.
This place seemed to be the diverging point towards the areas in different directions.
Rather than a main road, this place feels more like a small intermediary station.
There was even a large plaza here.
If it were normal times, there would probably have been stalls set up around here.
I could also see a stage-like structure in the plaza.
Using his hand over his forehead as a makeshift shade, Rinji briefly whistled.
[That's quite something.]
The plaza is crowded with people.
Taking some distance from that crowd, our group decided to take some rest.
Yuuri and her mother got off the carriage to stretch their bodies.
It seems Yuuri is imitating her mother.
Their synchronized movements were somewhat heartwarming.
Some in our group went towards the gate to check if we could procure supplies within the city.
Meanwhile, Oru and several mercenaries seemed to have returned from another direction.
Approaching the group, Oru pointed with his finger
[That road over here heading northwest leads to Western Jonato. If we take that road, it seems like we'll end up in the Capital City Azziz, where the Sacred Eye is.]
Refugees are also flocking here from Azziz's direction.
On the other hand, it seems there are also many people coming from the northwest direction.
In other words- there are those evacuating and those heading to battle.
At that moment, someone on the plaza's stage calls out.
[Everyone, please listen!]
The murmurs among the crowd died down.
Everyone's attention shifted 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 Jonato's Sacred Eye- No, everyone living on this continent is facing a great crisis!]
A ripple of murmurs spread through the audience.
There must still be many who don't know about Vysis "going mad" story.
The knight spoke loudly and clearly.
"Vysis is trying to eradicate all those who live on this continent."
Especially at this point, the murmurs among the audience surged.
The first part of their speech was the same as the information we received from the people we met along the way.
However, there were also new pieces of information mixed in in the latter part.
[Mira's Mad Emperor seems to have sensed Vysis' plot early! He has formed an alliance to defeat Goddess Vysis and her army with Neia, Bakuos, Urza, and some of Alion's forces had sobered up upon realizing Vysis' true identity, and they are now heading to Alion's Capital City!]
The murmurs turned into an uproar.
[It has also been confirmed that Magnar's White Wolf King, who was previously missing, is alive! He is currently heading to our Jonato with the Mira army led by Wright Mira!]
The audience's eyes widened.
[Eh? Does that mean all countries are against the Goddess!?]
[H- However! For the Goddess to be trying to destroy us I- Is that really true!? Ah- B- But if the Goddess is gone, what will we do against the Root of All Evil!? If the Goddess is killed and Heroes can't be summoned anymore]
[You don't need to worry about that! Another Deity who noticed Vysis' evil plot has descended and asked for cooperation! That's what we heard from the Mad Emperor's recent actions! Thus, there's no need to worry about the Root of All Evil! The duty of Hero Summoning shall be taken over by another proper Deity!]
[I- In that case, we can be relieved Unnn, in other words, even among the Gods, Vysis is a bad one? In other words Even if we join the fight, this won't be considered rebellion against the Gods huh]
Rinji, who had been watching, pressed his thumb on his lips and hummed.
Noticing this, I whispered softly.
[Umm Is something the matter?]
[Hm? Ah, no I just thought that guy who asked that question had a really good point.]
I understand what Rinji's saying here.
That guy who asked that- is that someone who really spontaneously asked that?
That perhaps, he may have been planted among the crowd.
However, he seemed impressed.
[If we don't resolve each valid question one by one, everyone won't be able to absorb the right information later on. It's an effective approach.]
The Knight continued.
[Also, accompanying the Mira army led by the Wright Mira is the Drunken Sword Party!]
At that moment, Rinji, who had been listening with his arms crossed, slightly raised an eyebrow.
There was a hint of surprise in his eyes.
Someone in the audience then spoke.
[The Drunken Sword Party, weren't they those bunch who led the attack on Mira with those white humans?]
[But now, they're allies, right? Maybe the Drunken Sword Party was just deceived by the Goddess too? And then, realizing the truth they defected.]
[Arehh? Then, that story about them being executed was just a rumor?]
[I mean, for us people of Jonato, the Drunken Sword Party is our allies, right!? During the last great invasion, they fought alongside our Holy Extermination Force to protect Jonato!]
[T- That's right! I don't know what happened in Mira, but the Drunken Sword Party hasn't done anything to us here in Jonato! In fact, having them on our side is reassuring!]
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 hadn't been close back then, but I'm 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 haven't 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.
But I
The hand he held out to me I brushed it away.
How many times have I disregarded people's kindness?
All for the sake of my petty pride- my worthless and useless pride.
(The hand Sogou-san held out to me)
At that moment, a memory comes back to my mind The memory of that time behind the school building.
(Mimori-kun's hand too)
What's annoying is that
This petty pride and cowardice of mine
They haven't completely disappeared yet.
People don't change that easily.
And so, let's face this
Without running away
(That's what I decided)
I moved the hand covering my face away.
Just as the audience settled down, the Knight started speaking.
[Additionally, in this battle against Vysis, there are also those who had been concealing themselves from a country called Faraway Country joining in!]
[ ! ]
At those words, my heart skipped a beat.
[They had to hide because they apparently knew the secret of defeating Vysis' power! I myself am surprised, but Demi-Humans even monsters who haven't lost their sanity are apparently on our side! Even now, they are currently fighting alongside the Mad Emperor!]
The Faraway Country.
Remembering my time there, I gently touched the bandaged wound that still remained on my body.
The people who saved me
The Knight gestured for the audience to calm down.
[And fighting along with them, under the command of the Mad Emperor, those who defeated the Confidants in the battle at the Anti-Demon White Castle, were the Fly King Squadron!]
[Belzegia-san too?]
Belzegia.
Seras Ashrain.
They are
(my)
Benefactors.
At that moment, a hand rose from among the audience.
[Umm! W- What about the Heroes!?]
With this question, the murmurs of the audience intensified greatly.
Some even began to whisper quietly to each other.
[That's right There are the summoned Heroes from Another World on Vysis' side]
[T- There's especially her Ayaka Sogou. From what I heard, she's apparently a Hero who can single-handedly change the course of battle, you know? Having someone like that as an enemy is scary]
That's right.
(What happened to Sogou-san and the others my classmates?)
[I also heard that the Great Demon Emperor was defeated by Hero Ayaka]
[Arehh? Wasn't 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 it's the older one? They say she's beautiful]
[Eh? Is that her? I think I heard something about a different, male Hero]
[I- In any case!]
The man who raised his hand earlier looked fearful and threw another question to the Knight.
[Is it possible to win against such monsters on Vysis' side!?]
[Don't worry! All the battle-ready Heroes know the truth and are now supporting the Mad Emperor, siding with the Goddess Subjugation Alliance!]
The wave of people subsided, and after a slight time lag, ripples of relief spread.
[Ohhh A- As expected of Mira's charismatic Mad Emperor]
[No, no, isn't that thanks to the Deity who came to punish Vysis? Without them, would they really defy the Goddess?]
Hearing what was said
The strength held onto my clench fist became stronger.
This feeling, relief perhaps?
There's also this strong feeling like something was pushing me behind my back.
I suppose this is as expected of Sogou-san.
She's probably the one pulling everyone together.
I'm sure that also includes the former Yasu Group, Nihei Yukitaka and the others.
"Vysis is trying to eradicate the people living on this continent."
That's right.
Sogou Ayaka.
She isn't the kind of person who would side with Vysis after hearing such a thing.
What about the Takao Sisters?
I can't see them siding with Vysis but
(Speaking of which I wonder if Kirihara-kun is also participating in this?)
Perhaps, he too, unexpectedly, is now fighting shoulder to shoulder with Sogou Ayaka.
What about Sogou Oyamada?
Has his mental state recovered and is fighting in support of Sogou Ayaka?
Anyhow Everyone is fighting.
People from the Faraway Country
Belzegia-san and Seras-san
Sogou-san
Perhaps, even the citizens of Alion.
In the Capital City Enoh where we from Class 2-C were summoned
They are probably fighting against Vysis over there.
If they are attacking from Enoh's side, then we will defend from this side.
I don't really know the details.
However, what I do know is that for Vysis, the Sacred Eye's existence seems to be particularly inconvenient.
Perhaps, this battle will determine the outcome of our victory and defeat.
If protecting Jonato's Sacred Eye can help the others
Moreover
[..]
Just a moment ago, Yuuri approached me.
She grabbed the hem of my clothes with her small fingers.
With a worried expression on her face, she looked up at me.
[I'm scared Is this because of Goddess-sama? Did Goddess-sama start to dislike us? Earlier, everyone They're saying everyone might die Yuuri too, Mommy too, Big Bro too, Rinji-san too Everyone is going to die? Are we going to die? Are we going to go bye-bye?]
Yuuri was on the verge of tears.
[I'm scared]
[It's alright.]
[Big Bro]
Yuuri's 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 There's 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 Goddess who's 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, they're 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, they're undoubtedly Heroes.
Looking into Yuuri's eyes, I smiled gently.
This has been something I've 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]
I'm not sure if I'm clinching that "Hero-like smile" properly but
[The world where Yuuri-chan doesn't have to be scared like this.]
Yes
(The me right now)
have a definite reason to fight.
I'm now fighting for someone's sake.
[Big Bro.]
[Well I promise to bring it back. That's why You don't 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? Isn't 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 That's definitely the Goddess!]
[I've heard the Goddess' voice before! That's the Goddess' voice!]
[The Goddess Vysis really is trying to destroy us!?]
So that's 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 smartphone's battery issues with her skill.
At that moment, looking at the Knight recruiting participants for the defense of the Sacred Eye
[It's optional, but those participating in the defense of the Sacred Eye would apparently register over there. They seemed to be asking to leave something as proof of identity 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
[We're also heading to Azziz.]
[Rinji-san]
[I don't 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, we've got a bit of history with the Drunken Sword Party. The leader of the Drunken Sword Party, well You could say she's kinda like family.]
Rinji pointed to his wife.
[In this situation, we can't 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 we're 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 Party's leader, Lili.
I haven't heard the details, but it's clear that there's 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. We've also arranged for some capable folks who aren't part of our Drunken Sword Party over there. We can't 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 didn't expect I'd be this reluctant to part ways with them.
I'm also feeling slightly wistful.
I'd like to meet them once again I'd 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.
Rinji's hand.
The hand he placed on my shoulder was heavy- it felt heavy.
Then, Rinji spoke.
[I'm counting on you.]
A very serious voice.
As if he's saying "I'm entrusting my life to you"
Keeping my gaze facing forward, I responded.
[I'm also counting on you, Rinji-san- I'm counting on everyone here.]
Rinji looked slightly surprised at my words.
(If I were alone-)
I would definitely not have made it this far.
I'm sure I wouldn't 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.
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