Volume 9 Chapter 26 Threads Of Determination
A few days after the crow's attack, we all gathered in the living room in the morning.
People related to Asteris were present: Lisha, Sharla, Yunea, and Bertina-san, who is considered the 'key.'
The guardians were also there: Kanami, Irial-san, and Nest.
And Kougarou, Eris.
Also, representing Earth were Tsukiko, Hinata, and Kagami-san.
Tsuchimikado is responsible for defending Tokyo and couldn't join us.
With this, almost everyone involved in this God-Demon War has come together.
Everyone's expressions were tense.
It's understandable. After all, in just a few hours, we will be facing the final battle.
It felt nostalgic.
The atmosphere reminded me of the end of the God-Demon War.
All eyes were on me.
But in this battle, I am not a hero. I am not a 'key' or a guardian. And to be honest, I am not even from Asteris.
To put it simply, I am an outsider.
Even though everyone trusts me, it makes me feel a certain heat and weight. Since then, I've been thinking about different things.
Our relationship will end with this battle.
It's a result that cannot be avoided.
But even if it ends, we have no choice but to move forward. Because we're human.
As long as we're alive, we have to keep moving forward, even if it's embarrassing.
"Thank you all for coming here today."
I spoke up.
"As everyone knows, today will be our last battle. Honestly, we still don't know the extent of the enemy. We don't even know what kind of magician will appear. We can't rely on any support."
That's the main difference compared to the God-Demon War.
Back then, we had information about the Lord and the Demon Lord, and most of the human race was on our side.
"However, we can't retreat. The enemy will definitely target the 'key'. We'll infiltrate their ranks and aim for the top of the New World (Try Order)."
Our plan was simple. We have a small, skilled group, so we cannot completely defeat our enemies. In the "Try Order," there is a powerful person whom Shikin and Sakaki Tsuzuri admire. That person is our main target, the most important and challenging point to conquer.
"In a real battle, we would win if someone, even at the cost of their own life, reaches the target and defeats the leader. But I don't want to think that way."
I have experienced it many times. Running through the battlefield, hearing the sounds of lives being lost behind me.
I looked into the eyes of each person. Everyone had a determined expression.
"Please. Stay alive until the end. If you do, I will definitely defeat the enemy's leader. So, let's all survive until the end and not let anyone die."
It's okay to run away, it's okay not to fight. I don't want anyone to die.
On the battlefield, many soldiers prioritize victory over their own lives with strong determination.
But it's different for us.
We shouldn't forget what matters most.
If I could fight and protect everyone, I would like to do that. Maybe if I had more power, I could have done it.
That's why I will do what I have to do.
"I will definitely put an end to this battle."
That's all I can say.
After a moment of silence, Lisha spoke.
"When I was chosen as the 'key' for this God-Demon War, I prayed to the goddess. I wanted a noble death and my soul to be embraced by the sky. Until that moment comes, I will fight to be of help to someone."
"..."
It was a story that could be easily understood.
"But things have changed. Not yet, not yet..."
Lisha's words choked up.
I simply waited.
"I still want to live."
Those simple words resonated with everyone.
In the midst of war, it is the bravest thing to say.
"I want to meet everyone, eat together, go somewhere, see different things. I finally realized how lively the world is, with its joys, interesting things, sorrows, and hardships."
Lisha's words made Kanami and Eris silently nod. Yunea and Bertina-san looked at their guardians quietly.
"I don't want this to end. I want to spend more time with everyone. And..."
Lisha's eyes, filled with emotion, met mine.
'You... You are...'
I remembered the day we first met in that busy street.
Even then, I thought her eyes were so pretty.
With firm determination, Lisha spoke to me.
"I don't want to be separated from Yuusuke-san. I haven't told him yet. I've been thinking about what to say to you after this fight. So, Yuusuke-san, please come back safely. To our special place."
The girl who ran away that Christmas day is not there.
All the women around us nodded firmly.
Well, I didn't expect to be told that first.
"Hahaha. Yeah, he's the one who's most likely to risk his life."
"Be quiet."
Kou chuckled. I couldn't think of a good response, and I couldn't find the right words to say.
"..."
I glanced at everyone once more.
"I was also pondering about many things. But I didn't know how to come up with a solution that would make everyone happy until the end. So, I make a promise..."
This is the answer I can provide for now.
I feel ashamed and disappointed in myself.
However, it's important to convey this. To show gratitude to the brave girls.
"After this battle ends, I will make sure that everyone can gather together. Let's have another conversation there. I want to see everyone's smiling faces."
This is a commitment.
An invisible bond that connects me and all of them.
Now, shall we proceed?
We have a new work with genre second life. The story is about a former s*x worker who didn't want to be a loner again, and fulfilling his second life. It has a life conflict and the protagonist will solve it one by one. You can find out in => [Link]
We also have a new work with genre returned from isekai. The story is punishing someone who troll in SNS, someone who cheat and many more. You can find out in => [Link]
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