Thanks RobertJay for the support! From here are additional chapters.
A clink echoed as the ice in my iced coffee collided.
The morning rain had ceased, and outside the window, I could see a clear blue sky. The rainy season was coming to an end, and I pondered this while watching the fragmented clouds drift by.
Indeed, the full-fledged summer was drawing near.
In this season, miracles beyond my imagination were sure to happen.
――Now then,
"..."
"..."
"..."
Let's put aside this escapism and confront the harsh reality before me. For some inexplicable reason, Kagami Ayaka, Isumi Tsukiko, Lisha, and myself, Yamamoto Yuusuke, are now face to face with this reality.
"..."
"..."
"..."
There are many thoughts running through my mind, but I just want to say one thing.
How did it come to this――?
Clink. The ice, as if mocking my questions, made a sound once more.
Currently, a significant issue is happening on Earth. Civil wars, terrorism, international relations – when viewed from a macro perspective, Japan seems like a hotbed of social problems. Well, there have always been various issues throughout history.
However, the problem currently at hand is fundamentally different in nature. It's highly problematic not because of its scale but due to the uncertainty of its consequences if left alone. There's a possibility that nothing may happen, but on the other hand, there's a chance the world may be destroyed. It's a problem that teeters on the edge of darkness.
This problem is known as the "God-Demon War."
Originally, it's a proxy war between the God and Demon held in the world of "Asteris," a global conflict where humans and demons use magic to compete for supremacy. That's what the God-Demon War is supposed to be.
However, for some reason, the God-Demon War is now taking place on Earth. The humans, referred to as the "keys," are being protected by the human race, while the demons are trying to break through that protection and kill the keys. The time limit is one year. If the human side can protect the keys until the end, it's a victory for the humans. If the demon side manage to kill all the keys, it's a victory for the demons. It's a simple game.
And one of those "keys" was the girl sitting next to me, smiling happily. Her golden hair, braided neatly, resembled a work of art, and her red eyes would outshine even the most precious gemstones.
Her appearance seemed as if it were meticulously crafted by a god. She sat there, sipping her iced tea, completely unaware of the atmosphere of this cafe. Well, maybe she genuinely doesn't realize or care, but even so, she's way too mentally strong.
As for me, despite being in an air-conditioned establishment, I've been sweating since a while ago. That's because, in addition to me, there are two more women sitting at the four-person table of this cafe.
Facing Lisha is Kagami Ayaka-san, a strong-willed and beautiful woman with her hair tied in a ponytail and dressed in a sharp suit. She is the woman who was protecting Lisha when I went to her rescue. Apparently, she belongs to the Anti-Demon Special Forces of this country. I had a vague suspicion that such an organization existed, but it's quite surprising to meet them in person and have it explained.
I never imagined that there would be a secret organization like this on Earth.
Sitting across from me is Isumi Tsukiko, a fellow university student and my ex-girlfriend, which makes our current relationship rather awkward. Under her damp, ash-colored hair, her eyes radiate a chilling intensity. Despite being small in stature for a university student, her mature appearance combines both charm and beauty. So cute. Truly, she's as cute as ever, d*mn it.
Wait, no, that's not it.
In a remarkable turn of events, Tsukiko also belongs to the Anti-Demon Special Forces, a group of magicians, and she's apparently quite skilled at it.
This is earth-shattering, to say the least. What's even more astonishing is that I've been dating her for nearly a year and never realized it. This is a surprising thing for a former hero to hear. They say love is blind, but I can't help but think that I was really blinded by love.
Despite my protagonist-like density in matters of romance, I can still sense that the atmosphere in the room has become heavy.
"Um... I'm sorry. May I take a moment to organize my thoughts?"
Breaking through the stifling air was Kagami-san, the eldest among us, though the age gap is only a couple of years.
With her hand on her forehead, Kagami-san glared at the notebook she had been scribbling in, as if it were to blame for her headaches.
"So, to begin with, Lisha-san is from a different world called 'Asteris,' and the gods from that world have started a war on Earth."
"Yes."
"And this war is between the human race and the demons, and if the demons can kill all the 'keys' who play a role on the human side by the end of the year, the demons win."
Lisha nodded with a smile. Kagami-san confirmed this and continued.
"Furthermore, Lisha-san, you are one of these 'keys,' and that Flame... Jillzack Luiid is a demon."
"That's correct."
"Okay, okay. I understand that much. Or rather, I have no choice but to accept it. Well, either way."
Kagami-san took a sip of her iced coffee to calm herself and turned to Lisha.
"Lisha-san, I mostly understand the situation you're in. And considering that, it makes sense that you're requesting support from the Japanese government."
Yes, in fact, today's discussion was not meant to take place in a café in the middle of town.
The fate of the world hinges on the God-Demon War, and as long as it's happening on Earth, no matter how much the people of Earth complain, the battle will take place.
Since it's impossible to avoid all harm, both Lisha and Kagami-san share the goal of minimizing it. Even with Lisha's incredible 'Sanctuary,' the area she can protect is too limited.
That's why this discussion was arranged after Luiid was defeated. Ideally, such a discussion should take place in the highly confidential meeting rooms owned by the Anti-Demon Special Forces. However, this time, I suggested we meet here with Lisha.
Depending on the circumstances, there may be some humans who would try to end the war by killing the 'keys.' That's why I wanted to avoid a confined space with someone from the other side.
I've taken precautions to prevent that from happening, but I don't know how well they'll work. Still, judging from Kagami-san and Tsukiko's attitudes, it seems like they're willing to cooperate, which eases my concerns.
However, the next words from Kagami-san were unexpectedly tough.
"Having said that, I have two questions I'd like to ask, is that okay?"
"Yes, of course."
"Alright, first one."
Kagami-san paused there, taking a deep breath as if preparing herself.
"Well, the knight in silver armor who protected you, is it safe to assume that they're a guardian from your world?"
――Here it comes.
I had anticipated this question, which was sure to come up. When Luiid and Kagami-san were in battle, I intervened using my magic, 'My True Name.'
That's undoubtedly the silver knight Kagami-san is referring to.
In other words, her question about a guardian ties directly to me, the person sitting in front of her...
"In an ideal scenario, I should meet in person to express my gratitude, but it seems they aren't here today."
Kagami-san said while her gaze searched for someone. Since the topic of the knight came up, Tsukiko stiffened as if on guard.
Yes, neither of them has any idea that I'm the knight. That's due to the effect of my magic to block their recognition. Even Luiid, who holds a title, couldn't see through it.
However, Tsukiko's reaction is a little hurtful.
Now, leaving that aside, it's time to decide how to respond here. I've already coordinated with Lisha.
"Yes, that's correct. The knight—'Shirogane'—has been protecting me since the time I was in Asteris."
That's the answer.
I won't reveal my true identity. From their attitudes, it's clear that they're quite wary of my abilities. So, it's probably best for both parties if I maintain the persona of someone who will return to another world after this year. I have no intention of getting deeply involved in the world of magic. By the way, 'Shirogane' is a name Lisha came up with and liked when we were deciding on one.
"R-right. So it was like that after all."
Kagami-san said with an openly relieved expression, leaving me with mixed emotions. Well, this should be the best outcome.
Lisha chimed in with a smile.
"Um, he won't recklessly wield his powers, so you don't need to worry. He's a friendly person."
"Really friendly, that knight... I mean, that person..."
What's the matter? If she has something to say, feel free to say it, you know?
Ever since I was in Asteris, it's been commonplace for people to be afraid of me when I use magic; I can't talk casually when it's active. Furthermore, some rumors have circulated, suggesting I'm a great sinner who can't show my face, an unsightly man, or even some sort of magic tool. At the very least, treat me as a human being.
"Alright, then, the first question is resolved. Given that the knight is protecting you, it's understandable that you don't need a direct bodyguard from us."
"Because the outcome of the battle doesn't concern the people in this world."
As Lisha says, what we're requesting from the Anti-Demon Special Forces is just support to minimize damage. In return, we're willing to provide information about the demons to Kagami-san and her team. That's the nature of our negotiation. I may be technically a person from this world, but since I got involved in the commotion in Asteris once, I'm practically a party concerned with the situation.
"Now, for the second question."
When Kagami-san said that, the next words came from Tsukiko, who had remained silent until now. Her gaze felt like it could shoot daggers at me.
"Why is Yuusuke here? Could you explain that?"
Well, that's natural to be asked.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)