ZUGANn! DOGHA! BAKI BAKI BAKI! DOGUSHA!

Tremendous sounds of destruction could be heard inside the Sea of Trees. Some trees could be witnessed, broken in two. There were craters scattered here and there that can be seen on the surface as if meteors fell into it. Furthermore some trees are burning while some are frozen.

The cause of such devastation against nature are two girls. Even now, the destruction is still ongoing.

Deeyaaaa(Take this)!!

A tree with a diameter of one meter was shot out along with the ear-splitting yell. It broke in the middle and flew into the target with great speed. With definite mass and speed. A brutal power of destruction was given to the rather mundane tree, carrying devastation across its wake.

Scarlet Spear

It was a spear of flame that burns its target and everything in front of it into ash. Even objects with huge mass will be burned if touched by it. It countered the log that moves like a cannonball and turned it into ashes fluttering in the air.

Not yet!

The shockwave created by the collision between the thrown Scarlet Spear and log, dispersed the fog, and on the other side of the fog, a running silhouette could be seen. Immediately, a log falls from the sky like a meteor and pierces the ground with a sound of thunder. Backstepping, its target escapes from the range of the shock wave then once again the spear of flame was released.

However, the silhouette rushed out from the fog in high speed and then a strong flying kick attacked the log that pierced the ground. Its unknown where the power came from but the log that received the kick was explosively smashed, and from it came splinters that shot at the target.

kh! Fire Castle

Suddenly a wall of flame that can be called a rampart came out to block the improvised shots that come flying, not even one shot was able to reach its target.

However

Got youu!

Kh!

At that time the silhouette already moved behind her. After shooting the improvised shots that acted as a splendid distraction, she once again slips into the fog. Her hand grasped the hammer that could be called ultraweight class, immediately, a powerful wind descended.

Wind Wall

A fierce impact from the Sledge Hammer struck the ground and crushed it. From the impact, stones were shot out and scattered in every direction. However, her target was able to block that terrific attack, and scattered it using the blowing wind coming from the wind barrier, because it immediately retreated into the safe area. In addition, after activating this skill, the target fired another magic without mercy at the other party that is a goner, because of post-skill rigidity.

Frozen Coffin

Fue! W-wa-!

When she noticed her targets magic, she desperately cried out for it to stop, but there is no need to hear that, because the law of no-talking-is-necessary was in place. The attacker tried to get away from her location but the ice magic instantly started to freeze her feet and resulted in her whole body turning into a chunk of ice, except the head.

Co-cold~, please hurry release it~, Yue-sa~n

My victory

Thats right, the two who kept fighting without any discussion were Yue and Shia. Today was the start of their tenth days training, a mock combat as the final test. The rule was that itll be Shias victory if she was able to damage Yue even a little. The result

Uu~, that is~, eh, that! Yue-sans cheek! There is a scratch! A scratch! My attack hit! Ahaha~, I did it! Its my win!

Certainly, there is a small scratch on Yues cheek. Probably it came from a piece of rocky debris that broke through Yues defense. Even though it was a really small scratch, a wound is a wound. It was Shias victory. After pointing that out, Shias face looked overjoyed by it. She revealed a big smile, although her body was cold and her nose was running. Her rabbit ears twitched happily. No wonder, there is an important promise she made with Yue in this training graduations battle after all.

Also, for Yue, that promise is not something amusing. Therefore,

there is no wound

It was a good thing that the wound disappeared immediately because of Auto Regen. She sulkily turn her head with a hmpf.

W-wa-!? Its unfair! Certainly the scratch no, even though there is nothing now! There certainly was! Its cruel to cheat! Now that I said it, please remove the magic already~. Its been cold since a while ago huh, somehow Im becoming sleepy

From the cold and runny nose, Shia begins to doze off. Youll die if you sleep! Thats her current situation. Yue, who was peeking at that appearance let out a deep sigh while thinking it must not be continued in her heart, removed her magic.

Pikchi-! Pikchi! Auu, its co~ld. I almost became a rabbit that cant return (to life)

After a lovely sneeze, she covers her nose with a nearby leaf. Shia then looked at Yue with seriousness in her eyes. Yue made an unpleasant expression because of her gaze. Her expressionlessness collapsed because of that unpleasant expression.

Yue-san. Ive won.

Nn.

It is a promise, right?

Nn.

If, I can win at least once in the ten days Ill be taken along on Hajime-san and Yue-sans travels, right?

Nn.

At the very least, youll help to convince Hajime-san, right?

Todays breakfast, what is it?

Waiiit! Whats with sudden change of topic! Moreover, it was light! Yue-san, arent you okay as long as there is Hajime-sans blood! Whats with you asking about breakfast! Please be my ally already! If I have Yue-san as an ally, its already 90% OK

Shia makes gya- gya- noises, Yue looked at that expression that came from the bottom of her heart.

As Shia said, Yue had promised her. That is, Yue said to Shia, only if she was able to damage her in the mock combat even with a small injury within ten days. If she did it, Yue must acknowledge and allow Shia to travel along with her and Hajime. Also, Yue must help Shia persuade Hajime when she asks him.

Shia seriously wanted to come along with Hajime and Yue. Half of it because she didnt want to become a burden to her family, while the other half simply because she wanted to be together with Hajime and Yue, and to get along with the two.

However, her wish was refused coldly. Even now that can be seen from Hajime and Yues attitude. At that time, what Shia thought of was the promise from before.

In Shias eyes, Hajime somehow pampered Yue by fulfilling her expectations. Above all, Shia is a woman. She understood Yues feelings toward Hajime. Naturally it was because she also has the same feelings. So, the reverse is also true. Yue also understood Shias feelings. Thats why, first of all it was necessary to make Yue acknowledge Shia Haulias existence.

Its not like Shia wanted to take Hajime from Yue. She didnt think about that at all. What she wanted from Hajime was to acknowledge her existence just like Yue, even a little. That was probably because of the worlds influence that made them the same. In other words, she only wanted to be friends with them. So that therell be someone she love and a friend who also love that person by her side. Thats the kind of future that Shia dreamt of.

On the other hand, about why Yue exchanged that promise to Shia, even though there were no merits in it for Yue. 20% of it was because she felt sympathy to her. When she heard Shias story for the first time inside the Raisen Grand Canyon, even though she developed complex feelings because her circumstances were comparatively better than her own, somewhere in her heart she cant deny the feeling that they are the same that sprung up. Because she thinks of her as a comrade even if a little, she pampered Shia.

The other 80% was womans obstinacy. Yue was able to grasp Shias promise. That is,

Please see it for yourself if Ill just be a burden. Even if its impossible, please notice that Im able to be beside Hajime.

It was a challenge to fight over the man she loves. She didnt think such a woman could exist near her. However, when she thought Shia who was the same as her as an opponent, along with Shias enthusiastic appearance and terrific concentration, in the depths of her heart she thought it was impossible to keep silent.

As a result, the match of promise was won by Shia.

haa. I understand. Ill defend the promise

Really!? As expected, the~re is no need to stop~! Please defend it well!

Nn

Somehow, I think there was a strange pause Will you really take care of it?

persistent

Reluctantly, tru~ly with reluctant feelings, Yue admitted Shias victory. Shia was a little uneasy about Yues answer but left it behind and continued with expressions of relief and joy, because she knew that Yue was the same as Hajime in the fact that she wont abandon her promises.

Slowly, the training of Haulia tribe by Hajime came to an end. The gloomy Yue and cheerful Shia were returning to Hajime and the others.

* * *

When Yue and Shia arrived at the place Hajime was at, Hajime had his eyes closed, and arms crossed while leaning on the nearby tree.

Maybe because he noticed the twos presence, Hajime slowly opened his eyes and turned to them. While dubiously looking at the two with completely opposite moods, he raised one hand and called out to them.

Yo, both of you. Did the match end?

Hajime had heard there was a bet between the two for the match. Hajime was the one who prepared Shias ultraweight Sledgehammer. The Shia who, with an eager expression wanted to defeat Yue, and asked him for a new weapon still fresh in his memory, because Yue herself didnt object to it. Although the contents of the bet werent known and they wouldnt tell him anyway, also because it wouldnt be a disadvantage for Yue, he made it.

Actually, Hajime thought, if Yue and Shia fought 8-9 out of 10 cases would end up with Yues victory. He already understood Yues ability in the Abyss. No matter if Shia was able to directly use magic, she who was immersed in peace until now is different from them.

However, from their expressions, Hajime was internally surprised that his expectations were overthrown. Shia cheerfully talked to Hajime.

Hajime-san! Hajime-san! Please hear me out! I, was finally able to win against Yue! Its a big victory! Well~, I want to show it to Hajime-san~, my magnificent fight! The time when Yue-san admits def-hebu!?

Shia tried to explain how their match settled with gestures. But because she got too into it, Yues jumping slap came and with a dosha she was blown away, and crashed into the ground while spinning. It was so strong that she could only twitch without any signs of getting up.

Yue turned around with hmpf in a bad mood, then Hajime asked her in a wry smile.

Well? What happened?

Rather than the matchs result, Hajime was asking about the content. Honestly, the fact that Yue was defeated is not something he can believe easily. No matter who looked at Yue and Shia, without knowing what had happened, would only think that it was a lie.

Yue who exude the aura that she doesnt want to talk about it didnt want to hide it, reluctantly she answered Hajimes question.

her magic aptitude is steady like Hajime

Thats good, or else itll be waste of a treasure then? Thats not all, right? To be pestered by a Sledgehammer of that level

nn, she specializes in body strengthening. Honestly, it was at level of a monster

hee. Is that compared to us?

Hajime narrowed his eyes to Yues evaluation. Honestly, the high evaluation was more than he imagined. Strangely, her expressionlessness was destroyed changing into bitterness while talking about it, these were the things he noticed. Yue could be seen thinking of how to answer Hajimes question, and then she replied while looking into his eyes.

compared to normal Hajime around 60%

Seriously is that the maximum?

Nn but, there are rooms for improvement, probably

Ooo. Thats certainly at the level of a monster

Hajime was secretly surprised at having heard Yue talk about Shias monster-like power, then he looked at Shia without saying anything. If its said around 60% of Hajime without any strengthening, Shias strengthened status should be around 6000. It was around twice as much as a truly strengthened hero. Truly a power worthy of being considered monster level. It can be said she was capable of reaching Yue. It really was something unimaginable from her usual sobbing and whimpering appearance.

Shia noticed Hajimes half-astonished half-amazed gaze. She cheerfully stood up, then walked up to Hajime with a serious expression while desperately controlling her hurried mind. Straightening her posture, her gray hair with a blue hue was fluttering and her rabbit ear stood up straight. From now on shell express her once in a lifetime request. Well it can also be called a confession. Her body trembled in nervousness, even though her expression stiffened, there is an unyielding spirit in her eyes, step by step, she advanced. Finally, she firmly matched her gaze with Hajimes, then spoke her wish.

Hajime-san. Please take me along on your travels. Please!

I refuse

An immediate answer!?

Shia who didnt think shed be refused because of the mood right now, opened her eyes wide with a look of astonishment. What is she saying all of a sudden? was the thing that could be seen from Hajimes eyes while he watched Shia as if watching a shameless person.

Shia was indignant. Its okay to struggle some more! Something like that.

Ho-how cruel, Hajime-san. Even though I was seriously asking that, to easily

Well, though I dont want to know even if you said it. First of all, what about Kam and the others? Dont tell me, you arent trying to take them along, right?

Th-thats wrong! It was my own story just now! I already talked before to father and the others. Even though its not like they think I was a burden thats

Thats? What is it?

Somehow Shia started to become bashful. While upwardly peeking at Hajime and playing around with the tip of her fingers. A sly, cunning gesture. Hajime was suspiciously looking at Shia.

At their side, Yue looked irritated while staring at Shia.

Thats I, I just wanted to follow what I thought of

Haa? What are you trying to follow? If its now, you wont be burden to your tribe, right? If you have that power then generally, there shouldnt be anyone you cant beat

Shia who bashfully tried to answer made Hajime reach his limit of patience, he then pulled out Donner. It wasnt known whether she noticed that but Shia yelled Womans courage! in her mind then voiced out her desire.

I want to stay beside Hajime-san! I love you!

Ha?

Ive said it, now I only need to bite it! Was what Shia thought while panicking, in front of her, Hajime looked dumbfounded as if he was a pigeon that ate a toy bullet. Exactly the appearance of someone who didnt understand what happened. However, after a while, as if the meaning finally transmitted into his brain, he instinctively blurted out a remark (or tsukkomi).

Nonono, isnt that weird? Where the hell did I raise the flag? Even though I cant say for myself, I thought I treated you harshly dont tell me, did you get off from that?

Shia never thought he would think of her like that and started to back away one step with regret from Hajime. Then Shia fiercely protested.

Whos a pervert! I dont have that kind of hobby! Rather, if you noticed that I was treated harshly, why dont you be a little nicer

Well, there is no need for me to be nicer to you first of all, are you seriously in love with me? Arent you just tempted by the circumstances?

The reason for Hajime not believing Shias goodwill is because he thought it was just a suspension bridge effect. It wasnt a surprise because everyone could see Hajimes attitude toward Shia was harsh in every aspect. However, Shia who had her feelings doubted was very ill-humored.

It was not related to the circumstance at all. No matter how many times you saved me from predicament, my constitution wont change even though I was glad at that time when you protected your promise in front of the Elders that may have affected me, but this feelings already born so how can I do anything about this. Even I sometimes think about it. Something like why it was this person. Hajime-san even now never calls me by my name, somehow it suddenly hit me and it hurts, just like a demon, answering only whats needed, always throwing himself into a crowd of demonic beasts, has no mercy, just like a demon, is never nice to me, only favoring Yue-san, just like a demon huh? Really, why am I in with love you? Huh~?

While speaking, Shia began to doubt her own feelings. Shia inclines her neck and Hajime has veins popping out of his head, while barely being able to resist pulling out Donner unintentionally by mistake, while hearing her answer.

A-anyway. I cant let you come along no matter what you feel

Thats! That was a joke just now? I truly love you so please take me along!

You know, your feelings are well, even if they are real, dont you understand that I already have Yue? Rather, to be able to say that confession in front of her even I thought about it a while ago, your number one weapon was your body strengthening, but thats not it, right? I think it was your heart thats completely made of Azanthium

Whos the one with the heart made from the ore with the greatest hardness! Uu~, its become like this as expected ee, I understand. Everything about Hajime-san. It was as tricky as I thought

Suddenly, Shia fufufu laughed suspiciously while turning toward Hajime.

Because I thought this might happen! Ive gained an ally while risking my life! Now, Yue-sensei! Please help me!

Ha? Yue?

Hajime blinked his eyes having heard an unexpected name. Gotcha!, thats the smug expression of Shia, then she glanced at Yue by their side.

Yues expression was so bitter as if she bit 100 insects at once, then genuinely unwillingly told Hajime.

Hajime, lets take her along

Nonono, whats with that interval. You obviously hate it dont tell me it was the winning bet

Regrettably

Hajime roughly understood the circumstance from Yue who dropped her shoulders, he no longer felt anger but amazement. Surely, Shia was thinking, for Hajime to hear out her wish, her power truly isnt enough. Once again, she remembered how Hajime took Yues words as a priority in decision making. Therefore, she needed a method to make Yue her ally. It was not an exaggeration to call it a life risking method, because she understood itd otherwise be impossible considering she somewhat knew how Yue feels. In these ten days, it can be said she was literally dying to find out Yues habits (in training/combat). In other words, thats just how serious Shia thought about it.

Hajime was scratching his head. Even if he saw how Yue was reluctantly admitting her, theres no reason for him to take Shia along. In the end, it was a matter of Hajimes feelings.

Yue was shrugging her shoulder as if saying that it cant be helped. It was because in these ten days she, more than anyone had watched how Shia worked hard and how she destroyed the trouble that imposed her, so Yue allowed her to be a travel companion. In the beginning, she never felt hatred toward Shia or her feelings toward Hajime.

On the other side, Shia who asked Yue for help with a triumphant expression started to feel unease but she steeled herself. It was because Shia already tried everything she could, so she could only wait for her fate to play out.

Hajime inhaled and exhaled deeply once and looked straight into Shias eyes, then he spun the words of confirmation one by one. Shia quietly regained her power when he heard his words.

To go with us, dont you already know the answer?

Didnt you know? Isnt the future not an absolute thing?

Shia said that because she was able to catch a glimpse of the future. She believes that the future can be changed by actions and resolution.

Its a journey full of danger

Im glad I am a monster. Thanks to that I can go with you.

That was the derogatory term from the Elders. However, she takes pride in it now. After all, she learned that there are things she wouldnt be capable of unless she was a monster.

My wish is to get back to my hometown (original world). Youll likely never meet your family again, you know?

I have talked about that. Nevertheless. Father and the others understand

They are family that always protected her until now. There is no word that can express her gratitude. A family thats always together no matter where they are, when she told them her feelings, they will surely smile without any need of words.

My hometown isnt somewhere you can easily live in

Ill say it no matter what. Nevertheless

Shia has shown her feelings. It wont stop with just that word. It cant be stopped. Thats the kind of feeling this was.

Fufu, is that the end? Then, its my victory, right?

What victory

It was my feelings that won. Hajime-san

What

Once more, clearly. Shia Haulias wish.

please take me with you

Hajime and Shia looked at each other. Hajime looked into her azure eyes to confirm her intentions.

Then

Haa~, do whatever you like. Curious one

Maybe because he saw something in her eyes, before long Hajime gave out a sigh then told her he gave up.

Inside the Sea of Trees, one shout of joy and a sound of disgruntled noise echoed. Having seen that, Hajime could only give out a wry smile with a lot of implications that therell be a lot of trouble from now on.