Volume 7 Chapter 18 Yuusuke's Unknown Past
While Yuusuke and the others were at the aquarium, a man was lying on a branch of a small hill.
He is a Kougarou.
His magic power sensing ability is very high. If he feels like it, he can explore about half of Tokyo with his magic power. Also, with "accel" he can instantly rush to the battlefield, so he positioned himself in the most easily guarded location.
While listening to the sound of dry leaves rustling in the wind, Kougarou looked up at the blue sky.
What he remembered was just a few days ago.
He told Yuusuke the truth.
In front of the old friend he thought he would never see again, he coul dn't stay silent. It would be too rude to be the only one who knows nothing now that the hero's curse has been lifted.
However, Kougarou's thoughts weren't just that.
The one he pitied the most wasn't Yuusuke, but Eris Philin Centraris, who expelled him from Asteris.
When was that?
It was a tense time as the God-Demon War was nearing its end and the battle with the Demon Lord was approaching.
While everyone was thinking about the fight between the Hero and the Demon Lord, and the outcome of the God-Demon War, Eris was different.
She was searching for documents in an old library in the castle, sparing no time to sleep.
'Are you still here?'
In the library that smelled of mold and dust, Kougarou said with an exasperated voice.
Among the books piled up on the desk, a crimson hair moved under the light of a magic tool.
'Kou, were you awake?'
'That's my line. It's almost time for the moon to set'
'I see. I'm sorry. I'll rest after I finish a little more research'
She said with a smile, but her face showed fatigue that she couldn't hide.
Her workload was enormous.
During the day, she either went to the battlefield or coordinated with various related agencies. She also showed up in the social circles in between, and at night she read books like this.
It was a wonder that she didn't collapse.
Kougarou, who couldn't stand it, opened his mouth, even though he thought it was unlike him.
'Take a break already. If you collapse, even that dullard will notice'
'I'm fine. You guys will handle it well. Besides, I won't collapse. Yuusuke is the one who's suffering the most right now'
That might be true.
Yuusuke has the most important role as the Hero, fighting against the Demon Lord. The pressure that comes with it would be unbearable for an ordinary person.
But he was calm even when he faced it. He acted as if it was natural, and went to the battlefield, returning with the greatest achievements.
Those who knew Yuusuke from before realized that this scene was too perfect.
The effect of "The Chosen Hero (Brave Face)" was changing from doubt to conviction.
'He'll be fine. He might even come back without a scratch after fighting the Demon Lord.'
'Maybe you're right. I'd be happy if that was the case, but the Demon Lord is the opposite of the Hero. If Yuusuke has the blessing of the Hero, then it's reasonable to assume that the other side has something similar.'
'This is becoming a bigger story than I imagined.'
The truth that no one had noticed before, or had been buried in the darkness of history. The war would end, and it would be nice if it disappeared, but there was no guarantee of that.
The more Yuusuke became a Hero, the more Eris's worries grew.
'You don't have to worry so much, as long as you don't care about the means.'
'The means?'
'In the end, the problem lies in being recognized as a Hero. So, if I were to say that the Hero was invited by the Goddess and disappeared, it would be fine.'
'What will we do if he actually become a god by doing something like that?'
Kogaru struggled to find words as he laughed at Eris.
'Brave Face' is a magic with unknown details. It can't be denied.
'In that case, we could pretend that he died. We can come up with any reason, and if he can be with us, he wouldn't cling to his position as a Hero, right?'
That seemed like a surprisingly good idea.
If the Hero were to be considered dead, the effect of 'Brave Face' would weaken. Some faith might still gather, but at least feelings of fear and hostility would no longer be directed towards him.
However, Eris just listened and smiled sadly.
'What's wrong? You're not going to say that you want to make Yuusuke recognized as a Hero after this, right?'
'Well, yes, I think it's inevitable.'
Eris had always been dissatisfied with the fact that Yuusuke was only recognized in his armored form.
But, in this situation, he can't say such things.
Still, Eris looked at Kougarou with eyes filled with sadness.
'But, that's impossible.'
'Why? It would be easier for the country's people to understand than returning to the original world.'
'No, that's not it. That way, it won't be a fundamental solution. Yuusuke will never be able to escape from 'Brave Face.''
Eris shook her head and said.
And in a weak voice that she would never imagine, she said.
'It's my fault... As long as I'm here, Yuusuke will be a Hero. I will make him a Hero.'
It was a confession. A sin hidden only within her.
Kougarou tried to understand the meaning of what was said, and gave up.
'That's not true. It's quite presumptuous to think that your feelings alone are the cause.'
'Yes, that's true. But that's not the important part. As long as I'm here, Yuusuke will inherently try to be a Hero. He can't live peacefully.'
'You're quite confident.'
'Of course. Because I was the one who make him like that.'
Eris looked down. It was not to look at the book, but to look back at the past. In her eyes, vivid memories of nostalgia were projected.
'When Yuusuke was summoned, no one recognized him as a Hero. It was a terrible story, calling him out of the blue. That's when I decided. To make Yuusuke a real Hero. No one would make fun of him, everyone would admire him as a Hero. I thought that was the duty of someone who belonged to the royal bloodline.'
So, Eris did anything for Yuusuke.
Yuusuke had teachers and friends, but no one really thought he could defeat the Demon Lord. He was a boy who came from a peaceful world. They thought it would be good if he didn't die.
Only Eris was different.
She was the only one who believed and supported Yuusuke's potential as a Hero.
The girl's wish became a curse that strangled his neck.
Eris said in a trembling voice.
'Yuusuke and I can't live in the same world.'
Tears or blood, words fell.
It was a cruel story.
The person who loved him the most was not allowed to be with him.
(Damn it)
Kougarou did not believe in the goddess. But if there really was a goddess, would she not somehow save these two?
There was no answer to that wish, and the sound of turning pages began to quiet down.
...
...
──Tsk, I remembered something I don't want to remember.
In this world, Yuusuke was alive and well. He felt relieved at that, but also pitied Eris who continued to suffer from loneliness and guilt in the other world.
That was her choice. It was inevitable that she would bear the blame. But still, Eris Philin Centraris was one of Kougarou's comrades.
Kougarou got up and looked down.
"Hey, you b*stard. What did you come here for?"
"To see an old friend. To see your face."
There was a man there.
No, he didn't know if he was really a man. He was wrapped in clothes that hid his body shape, and wore a white hood like a kuroko on his head. (T/N: 黒衣 => a stagehand in traditional Japanese theatre, who dress all in black)
Kougarou felt a little surprise and a strange sense of acceptance that he was here.
"Are you really immortal?"
"No."
"Then why are you here, Seratie?"
The man called Seratie (Everchanging) said again.
"To see your face."
"You're still incomprehensible."
Kougarou said that and jumped down from the branch.
This is already within his range. If he wanted to, he could easily beat him to death with a staff.
As the name "Seratie" suggests, this man is a demon. And not just any demon, the special two-character title (流転) indicates that he is a "Lord".
The "Seratie Lord" is a unique existence among the Lords.
Even the strongest Lord changes with the times. They are either killed by heroes of the human race or reach the end of their lifespan.
However, "Seratie" is always mentioned in every era's literature.
It is not a hereditary system either.
"Seratie" who exists in every era is said to be the same person.
Even in the previous God-Demon War, he was definitely killed. Kougarou killed him with his own hands.
Despite that, he still stands there with the same appearance and is surrounded by magic power.
Among the demons who possess abilities that others cannot understand, "Seratie" was even more unique.
"Well, I suppose we're done here. Can I kill you?"
"Not allowed. We won't fight."
"But you must have a reason to be here, even if you don't do anything. Being here means you're participating in the God-Demon War."
In reality, it would be fine either way. First, he would defeat him and then extract information. However, Seratie unexpectedly said,
"No, I'm not participating in the God-Demon War."
"What?"
"No, I mean, there is no God-Demon War."
"..."
What is this person talking about? The God-Demon War is actually happening right now, which is why Kougaru is here in the first place. Wasn't Seratie summoned for the same reason? If not, why is he here?
Kougaru summoned his staff and smiled.
"How about you tell me everything you know?"
"No, I have other matters to attend to in a few minutes."
"Don't worry, I'll settle this in ten seconds."
As Kougaru was about to take a step forward, Seratie extended his hand.
"Let's negotiate. I can't fight right now. I'll answer one question."
"So you want me to let you go in exchange for that?"
"This battle benefits neither of us."
Kougarou narrowed his eyes. He didn't have to entertain such negotiations.
But there was something unsettling about it. He couldn't understand the true meaning behind Seratie's claim that there was no God-Demon War.
Fighting without knowing anything didn't sit well with him.
"Fine, let's hear it. If I even suspect a lie, I'll blow your head off on the spot."
"I speak the truth."
Seratie affirmed.
Still, Kougaru crossed his arms, considering his question.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)