Papaa~!! Welcome back~!!

A cheerful little girls voice rang out inside the plaza of Orcus Great Dungeons entrance gate.

Adventurers and mercenaries, who were going to dive into the dungeon, were noisily negotiating with the merchants who were also advertising themselves in various crowded stalls. However, Myuus raised voice, which rivaled their own, made the experts of battle look at her and smile as their gazes softened.

Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap! Myuu ran straight towards Hajime while making such lovely footsteps, and then jumped into Hajime. Hajime failed to receive her since he hadnt even dreamed she would do that.

In a normal situation, the little girls head would have thrust into his stomach like a rocket and made him writhe in pain. But fortunately, Hajimes body was not that weak. Moreover, he completely warded off the impact so he would not injure Myuu, and firmly caught her.

Myuu, you came to welcome us? Wheres Tio?

Un. Tio-oneechan thought it was about time for Papa to come back. Thats why we came here. Tio-oneechan is

This one is here.

Separating the crowd, a beautiful, black-haired, golden-eyed, young woman appeared. Needless to say, it was Tio. Since she was within the crowd where it wasnt odd for one to get lost made, Hajime began to complain about her being separated from Myuu.

Oi oi, Tio. Dont separate from Myuu in such a place.

This one kept her along her sight. It just that there were some rude fellows. And this one doth not want to let Myuu see a ghastly spectacle.

I see. Then it couldnt be helped So, where are the suicide candidates?

Well, Master. This one has completely settled it down.

Tch, well whatever.

Doth Master truly believe thee will return her again?

Apparently, there were some idiots who tried to kidnap Myuu. Because Myuu was a child from the Sea-dweller tribe, she put on a hood so she wouldnt stand out in such a public location. As such, not knowing she was a child from Sea-dweller tribe protected by the Kingdom, there were people thinking of insolence. One of the reasons might be because under the hood, she had the face of a young child with lovely features. It was unknown whether their objective was ransom or not though.

Hajime asked for the criminals whereabout with a dark smile and the obviousness that hed kill them, made Tio admonish him in half-amazement. In the beginning, Hajime disliked being called Papa from the bottom of his heart, but now he had become her Papa. When we arrive at Elisen, can Master separate from her Hajime was more worrisome than Myuu.

Hearing the conversation between Hajime and Tio, Koukis party stood in blank surprise. Though they understood Hajime had become strong in the past four months because he experienced various things they couldnt even imagine, How can he be a father! Everyone was dumbfounded by this thought. The male students thought, Just what kind of experiences has he piled up!? and they moved their gazes to Yue and Shia, and next they looked at the black-haired, big-breasted, beautiful woman who suddenly appeared, and they clearly thought of something rude. This surprise might even be greater than the time Hajime displayed his peerlessness inside the dungeon.

If they calmly thought about it, its unbelievable for him to make a child after being missing for just four months, but the various impacts in succession, along with them just returning from life and death battle made them lost their composure and splendidly make such a misunderstanding.

Following that, one person unsteadily moved within Koukis party. With a smile plastered on her face which didnt reach the eyes it was Kaori. Kaori unsteadily approached him and suddenly, glare, her eyes opened wide then she caught Hajime.

Hajime-kun! What does this mean!? Is she really Hajime-kuns daughter!? Whos the mother!? Yue-san!? Shia-san!? Or, is it that black-haired person!? Dont tell me, there are others!? Just how many did you make pregnant!? Answer me! Hajime-kun!

Gripping Hajimes collar, Kaori shook Hajime in confusion. Although Hajime tried to say it was a misunderstanding and get away from her, he couldnt get away because Kaori gripped him with such ridiculous strength he had no idea she had. From behind Kaori, Kaori, please calm down! Theres no way she is his daughter, you know! Shizuku admonished and pinioned her, but it seemed like Kaori did not hear her.

On the other hand, they could hear whispers and rumours coming from the surroundings.

Whats this? A scene of carnage?

It looks like, he got another woman pregnant while he has another woman?

And not only one or two.

Doesnt it seem like he got five pregnant at the same time?

Well, I heard he created a harem and made tens of women pregnant, I think?

But, he seemed to have hidden it from the wife.

I see so today he got found out huh.

To create a harem how enviable.

What an honorable man he is better off dead though.

Apparently, it turned out that Hajime was a married brute who hid the fact that he was the master of a harem and made tens of women pregnant while keeping it a secret from his wife. Hajime, who was currently being shaken by Kaori, was looking at the ceiling with half-closed eyes, and then he leaked a deep sigh while patting Myuu, who wondered what happened and tilted her head.

* * *

The appearance of Kaori, whose head was buried in Shizukus chest with a crimson face, looked as though she wanted to bury herself in a hole. Regaining her composure, she noticed she had shouted something unbelievable, and her embarrassment came in at mach-speed. Its okay~, its okay, the appearance of Shizuku comforting her was just like a mother no, lets stop here.

Hajime and the others had moved away from the entrance gate and arrived at the plaza in the towns entrance. After his honor, which had gone up made a sharp fall in the public eyes, he reported to the branch head, Lorr, about the accomplishment of the request. And after two or three conversations, he decided to leave the town quickly to escape the various commotions. To begin with, he had only come here to deliver the letter from Ilwa to Lorr, so there was neither a need to resupply nor problem if they left immediately.

Koukis party came back one by one after the leaving Hajimes party due to following Kaori. Kaori, still writhing in embarrassment, was desperately thinking about what she should do. She had to decide whether she would separate from Hajime as she was or follow him. Her feelings were more inclined to follow him. She didnt want to separate after they were finally reunited.

However, she could not make a clear decision because of her her guilt from leaving Koukis party and how she was shaken by Hajimes changes. Moreover, there was the effect from her shaking being seen through and sneered at.

Kaori, just like what Yue did to her, had guessed how strong Yues feelings were towards Hajime. Following that, more than anything, how Hajime thought of Yue as someone important to him became a thorn that pierced and stuck onto her heart. The two thought of each other. Then, the one-sidedly ridicule, So thats the extent of your feelings doubted the strength of Kaoris shaken feelings.

She was wondering whether her feelings would lose to Yues, and now, whether her feelings should be set aside so it would not become a nuisance. But more importantly, was she really looking at the current Hajime beside her? Or was she only thinking of the past Hajime? That, coupled with Yues extraordinarily high abilities as his partner and how dignified she was made Kaori overwhelmed. In short, she had lost her confidence in herself as a woman, as a magic-user, and even her feelings towards Hajime.

Finally, it was the time for Hajimes party to leave, and for some reason the atmosphere was full of unrest. Noticing that and raising her face, Kaori saw around ten of men blocking their way.

Oi oi, just where do you think you are going? You made our comrades into such rag-tags, do you think you can go without an apology? Ah? Ah!?

The dirty looking armed man smiled inappropriately as he looked at Tio and said. Apparently, they were the comrades of the fellows who previously tried to kidnap Myuu. They came to take revenge on Tio. But, those vulgar gazes were obviously not looking for retribution but something else.

In this town, adventurers should know of the commotion inside the guild and would not go looking for a fight against Hajime. Thats why, these men were probably stray mercenaries.

Hajime and some others were gritting their teeth while being amazed at the template-like situation coming from these scum. However, mistaking that as shaking in fear, the failed excuses for mercenaries began to get carried away.

Their gazes moved towards Yue and Shia, too. The gazes that seemed to licking them made Yue and Shia feel disturbed from the bottom of their hearts and hid behind Hajime. Misunderstanding their actions as being frightened, they began to threaten Hajime who was surrounded by Yue and the girls.

BRAT! You understand right? Leave the women and quickly disappear if you dont want to die! Whaa~t, Ill return them if you properly apologize!

Well, theyll already be broken by that time though.

Thinking it was amusing, GYAHAHA, the men laughed. One of them was even lusting after the frightened Myuu, while another was lusting after the Rabbitman, a race usually used as an outlet for human sexual desire. And their fate had been decided now.

Just like the usual, the pressure came attacked the mercenary-like men like a giant waterfall that even made creaks in the air. However, being enraged and could not endure the mens speeches, Kouki moved out only to get wrapped inside the pressure and trembled. Then, he saw Hajime, not caring about him, walked towards the men from the corner of his view.

Though it was too late, the men tried to apologize because they noticed they had picked a fight against someone they must not. But, on all-fours due from the pressure, they could not even open their mouths, so they could not apologize.

Hajime also didnt want to hear their words anymore. There was already enough reason for Hajime to become mad because they were thinking of making Shia an outlet for their lust, but their malice also had frightened Myuu, so that led to a decision of making them live a life more painful than death.

Hajime loosened the pressure a little and lined up the men who were on their knees, then he unhesitatingly and devilishly shot the symbol of a man starting from the one at the edge. Furthermore, one by one the screaming, groin-holding men were kicked away and piled up in the corner of the plaza with their smashed pelvises. With this, they wouldnt be able to make child or even walk. It was up to each person whether theyd work hard in the future to stay alive or not.

The overly excessive and merciless counterattack made Koukis party back away. The male students were especially affected and turned pale as they covered their nether regions.

Leering at Koukis party, Hajime returned to where Yue and the girls were.

Once again, a merciless one, huh~. As expected of Master. Even though those art womens enemy, doesth not a little sympathy spring up?

Usually Hajime-san would not be angry right~. As expected, is it because of Myuu-chan? Looks like the overprotectiveness keeps rising.

Nh, though theres that Hajime was also angry for Shia.

Eh!? Angry for my sake? Ehehe, Hajime-san thank you very much~.

Yue can immediately seen through me.

Nh of course. It is because I am always looking at Hajime.

Yue

Hajime

In the end, Hajime and Yue began to create their own world, which Shia retorted, then Myuu jumped to Hajime to be spoiled, and lastly Tio let out perverted remarks that ended in her panting from Hajimes coldness. These spectacles were connected with Hajime as the core.

Kaori was silently watching Hajime who carried Myuu while being surrounded by Yue and the girls. With the previous spectacle, she understood that Hajime would not hesitate to use violence. It was something vastly different compared to the previous Hajime, and just by seeing it, it became a denial of Hajimes kindness.

However, she wondered about the reason for Hajimes anger, which made him resort to violence. It was for the sake of the girls that were close to him, so they could enjoy themselves and laugh happily. Really, just how can a person who lost his kindness be surrounded by such smiles. Just how can such a young child yearn for him as a father.

Following that, the disturbance in her mind due to Hajimes changes had dissipated. To begin with, Hajime had returned to the dungeon for the sake of relieving Kaori by informing her his survival. And just like his words, he had returned to the dungeon only for Kaori, but he didnt cast the others away. He saved Meld who received mortal wounds and told his companion to protect Koukis party.

Kaori noticed it. The reason Hajime unhesitatingly displayed such violence and mercilessness towards his enemy was for the sake of protecting his important people. Of course Kaori herself might also be included inside, but it was a fact that Hajime was thinking for the others sake. The proof was the smiles from the girls surrounding Hajime.

Kaori guessed it. Hajime had lost his hair color, right eye and left arm, surely because of the severe environment he had lived through. He certainly almost broken down mentally and physically many times. No, it was possible it was possible that he had already broken which resulted in his changes. Even so, Hajime walked on his path surrounded by those smiles.

That fact made the fog inside Kaoris mind disperse. She could hear the sound of puzzle pieces being rightfully placed. Just what I was hesitating about. Theres Hajime before her. Theres the boy that her heart always thought of. The one who was called incompetent, but crawled from the abyss, gained enormous power, and came to save her.

There were parts that had changed, but there was also unchanged parts. However, thats something natural. After all, people would always change with time, experiences, and meetings. Thats why, there was no need for her to feel fear. Theres no need for her to lose her confidence. Theres no need for her to back away from him.

If theres something I dont know, then itll okay if I come to know it while being by his side. Up until now, just like the time we were inside the class. Theres no way the strength of my feelings will lose! Theres nothing wrong with me joining the circle that surrounds Hajime! I wont let anyone laugh at my feelings anymore!

Resolution and determination were born inside Kaoris eyes. Shizuku, by her side, was smiling at her best friends change. Following that, she silently pushed Kaoris back. Kaori , with eyes radiating more strength than before, nodded to thank Shizuku and moved towards her next battlefield. Thats right, toward her fight as a woman!

Hajimes party noticed that Kaori was walking towards them. Hajime thought she came to see them off, while Yue by his side, Muh?, became wary as she frowned. Arara?, Shia was looking at Kaori as her interest deepened, and Tio murmured, Looks like itll be a bloodbath huh~. Because she was apparently not coming to see them off, Hajime was looking at Kaori, frowning due at the ominous feeling.

Hajime-kun, can I come with you, too? No, thats not it, I will absolutely come with you, so please take care of me, okay?

Hah?

From the first words spoken, with neither preface nor wish-washing, it became a development where everything was decided and made Hajimes eyes turn into dots. Inadvertently, he leaked such a stupefied voice. In place of Hajime, who could not immediately regain his composure due to being dumbfounded, Yue moved out.

You are not qualified for that.

What qualification? Is it to always think of Hajime? Then, I wont lose to anyone, you know?

Kaori calmly replied Yues words. Yue, Mmhmp, made her mouth into ^.

Kaori matched her gaze to Yues, then she abruptly moved her unshakable gaze towards Hajime. Following that, she united her hand before her chest with blushing cheeks, took a deep breath, then with desperate and trembling voice, she spoke to him thus she conveyed it.

I love you.

Shirasaki.

Kaoris expression was mix of embarrassment, worrying while she was expecting Hajimes answer, and happiness coming from being able to convey her feelings to him. Thus, with those mixed feeling, she didnt back away, displaying her determination.

That gaze, filled with determination and sincerity made Hajime answered her with serious eyes.

I have a woman I am in love with. So I cant answer Shirasakis feelings. Therefore, I cant take you with me.

Hajimes clear answer made Kaori immediately bite her lip as if she wanted to cry, but in the next moment, power was born inside the eyes that were about to spill tears and she raised her face. Thus she nodded to tell him she understood. Behind Kaori, Kouki and the others were in blank surprise, agape, and in a pandemonium-like situation, but not minding them, Kaori spun her desired words.

Un, I know. Its Yue-san, right?

Yeah, thats why

But, I dont think that can be a reason for me not to be at Hajime-kuns side.

What?

Because, Shia-san and the slightly strange Tio-san are also in love with Hajime-kun, right? Especially Shia-san, I feel she is pretty serious about it.

Thats

Even though Hajime-kun, with you already having your own special person, she still doesnt give up and wants to be at Hajime-kuns side, and also, Hajime-kun lets her be so. Thats why, it wouldnt be a problem if I am there too, right? After all, my feelings for Hajime-kun wont lose to anyone.

Saying so, Kaori turned her blazing, strong gaze towards Yue. What was expressed was, My feelings wont lose to you! I wont let you laugh at them!, and Yue could see Kaoris strong will. That was definitely a declaration of war. It was a declaration that shed steal the one and only special seat from Yue.

Receiving Kaoris piercing gaze from the front, Yue, unusually, turned her lips in a smile that could be understood by anyone as fearless.

I see, then come with us. And there I will teach you. Our differences, that is.

Not you, its Kaori.

Then, just call me Yue. I accept Kaoris challange.

Fufu, Yue. Dont cry if you lose, kay?

Fu, fufufufufu.

Aha, ahahahahaha.

Yue and Kaori created a world of their own with a different meaning than the time Yue did it with Hajime. Even though Hajime was the one confessed to, he was being put aside before he was aware of it, and, in such a manner, in the end it was decided Kaori would enter his party making Hajime look into the far distance. Seeing Yue and Kaori who were laughing together, Shia and Myuu by his side were hugging him, trembling.

Ha-Hajime-san! Is something wrong with my eyes? I can see dark clouds and draconic lightning behind Yue-san!

Isnt that normal? Even I can see a katana holding Hanya behind Shirasaki.

Papaa~! Those Onee-chan are scaryy.

Haa haa, thee are somehow if you turn your gazes to this one ngh, cant hold it.

With Satan? appearing behind each of them, Yue and Kaori laughed with daunting pose. Were you those kinds of characters?, Hajime wanted to retort with that, but he decided to wait for them to stop while soothing Myuu, who was clinging to him, because those words would become a boomerang back at him. He is now the so called good-for-nothing.

But, there was someone who objected towards Kaoris will and of course it was the Hero, Amanokawa Kouki.

Wa-Wait! Please wait a sec! I dont understand this. Kaori likes Nagumo? She wants to follow him? Eh? What does this mean? How, how did it suddenly come to this? Nagumo! You, just what have you done to Kaori.

the heck is with this one.

Apparently, Kouki could not admit the reality of Kaori falling for Hajime. It was not something that came out of the blue as Kouki was the only one who didnt notice it, but in Koukis eyes, he only saw it as Kaori suddenly doing something strange and the cause being Hajime. Really, Koukis mind that only saw things in the way that would be convenient for him made Hajime retort instinctively.

Being completely convinced that Hajime did something to Kaori, Kouki indignantly moved with partly drawn Holy Sword in hand which made Shizuku admonish him, with a gesture was as though she was enduring a headache.

Kouki. Cant you see Nagumo-kun didnt do anything? Please think about it calmly. Though it looks like you didnt notice it, Kaori has thought of him in that way since long ago. I mean, since the time we were still in Japan. Just try to think about what Kaori always talked about.

Shizuku what are you saying thats, thats because Kaori is kind, so she feels sorry for Hajime who was always alone, right? Theres neither connection nor motive, so theres no way Kaori would like an otaku like Hajime.

Hearing Kouki and Shizukus conversation, Hajime unexpectedly became agitated as that was said straight to his face, his cheek twitching.

Noticing the commotion from Kouki and the others, Kaori spoke towards Kouki and the classmates behind him to make herself clear.

Kouki-kun, everyone, I am sorry. I know it is selfish of me but I, I want to go with Hajime-kun by any means. Thats why, I will leave your party. Truly, I am sorry.

Kaori said so as she bowed deeply, making Suzu, Eri, Ayako, and Mao, the female circle, yell Kyaa Kyaa. Nagayama, Endou, and Nomura, the three who had guessed Kaoris feelings were waving their hands to tell her not to worry about it with wry smiles.

However, Kouki, of course, could not accept Kaoris words.

Its a lie, right? After all, thats weird. Kaori has always been by my side so shouldnt it be the same from now on too? Kaori is my childhood friend thats why its natural for her to be by my side. Isnt that so, Kaori?

Umm Kouki-kun. It is true that we are childhood friends but, it doesnt mean we will be always together, you know? I think this is the natural way

Thats right, Kouki. Its not like Kaori is yours, and its Kaori herself that will choose what she does. So, drop it already.

Being told so by his two childhood friends, Kouki was dumbfounded. His gaze immediately moved towards Hajime. Hajime was looking in the distance, expressing that this had nothing to do with him. Beside Hajime were a beautiful woman and beautiful girls in attendance. Seeing that spectacle, Koukis eyes began to gradually looking up. Inside him, he was thinking about his Kaori, and dark feeling he never felt before sprang up. Thus following his impulse, he fully interpreted things at his own convenience.

Kaori. You must not go with him. I am saying this for your sake. Just look at that Nagumo. He is attended by several girls, even a small child like that moreover, he even made a girl from the Rabbitman tribe wear a slave collar. Even that black-haired woman called Hajime Master before. Surely, she was compelled to call him that. I am sure Nagumo is collecting women or something along those lines. He is the worst. He easily killed a person and he didnt want to cooperate with us, his comrades, even though he has those powerful weapons. Kaori, youll only be unhappy if you go along with him. Thats why, it is better if you stay here. No, just stay here. Even if you are going to hate me, I am going to stop you for your sake. I will absolutely not let you go with him!

Koukis overly erratic objection made Kaori and the others dumbfounded. However, the heated up Kouki couldnt be stopped. His gaze which was looking at Kaori to persuade her turned towards Yue and the girls by Hajimes side as if he thought of something.

You girls, too. Theres no more need for you to be by that mans side. Come with me! I welcome people with abilities like you. Lets save people together. Shia, was it? Theres no need to worry, I will immediately release you from slavery if you come with me. Tio too, its okay for you to not call him Master.

Saying so with a refreshing smile, Kouki outstretched his hand towards Yue and the girls. Shizuku was facepalming and looking at the sky while Kaori was covering her opened mouth.

Yue and the girls who received the invitation along with Koukis smile were

They were speechless. They averted their gazes from Kouki and rubbed both of their own arms. If one looked carefully, Yue and the girls were having goosebumps. In a way, they received considerable damage. Even Tio said, Somehow, this feels wrong, as she frowned at the cold feeling she felt.

Seeing their appearances, Kouki who outstretched his hand had his smile cramped. Far from looking at him, the girls were hurriedly hiding behind Hajime while looking disgustedly at him which shocked Kouki.

Then, that shock changed into anger which displayed in his action. He rashly drew the Holy Sword, aiming at Hajime. Kouki could no longer be stopped by words, he thrust the Holy Sword into the ground and pointed his finger at Hajime as he declared,

Nagumo Hajime! Duel me! Throw away your weapon and fight me barehanded! If I win, dont ever come close to Kaori again! Also, you must release those girls!

Ouch, ouch, ouch. This is bad. Its a more painful hero than I expected. It looks like he couldnt see that he is being a pain though.

What are you mumbling about! Are you scared?!

Stabbing the Holy Sword into the ground and declaring a bare-handed duel after drawing the sword was surely because he felt that hed lose to Hajime if they used weapons. Though it was actually unknown whether he did it intentionally or not Yue, Shia, Myuu, Tio, Kaori and the others were indeed taken aback by Koukis speech and behavior.

However, Kouki firmly believed that he was in the right and got worked up on saving his childhood friend and the unhappy girls from Hajime which made him unable to notice the surrounding atmosphere. To begin with, the strong conviction that made him doing such a reckless thing was the envy he that he felt for the first time, and he was completely out of control.

Without hearing Hajimes approval, Kouki dashed out. Sighing, Hajime took two, three steps back. Seeing that, Kouki thought Hajime was frightened from fighting without a weapon and put more power into his dash. Just several steps before his fist reached Hajime, Hajime lowered his hands, not reacting to anything in particular. Kouki thought Hajime couldnt react to him and was convinced of his victory.

At that moment,

THUUUMP!

Kh!?

Kouki disappeared.

More accurately, at the moment he put maximum power to his last step to put more power into his fist, he fell. He fell into a pitfall. At the beginning, the reason Hajime moved back two, three steps was to create transmutation magic array using his shoes to create a hole with a four meter depth under the surface.

The pitfall was immediately returned into stone pavement after it swallowed Kouki. Next, explosions could be heard from under the surface. At the moment Hajime transmuted the pitfall, he used that opportunity to transfer flash grenade, shock grenade, paralyze grenade, and tear grenade from Treasure Box into the hole.

While he was underground, the impact from explosions attacked Kouki who tried to escape, then his vision went dark with the flash, his eyes and nose flooded from the tear grenade, and lastly his body was in agony and stiffening because of the paralysis.

Hajime silently used transmutation again and hardened the ground around Kouki as hard as the two-tailed wolf. And now, because hed likely to die due to being deprived of fresh air, he created a small hole for ventilation.

During that time, to the onlookers, it looked like Hajime didnt do anything but stood only to take Koukis resentment, and then Kouki rushed forward, alone which ended with him disappearing down the hole alone; it made him looked terribly silly.

Ah~, Yaegashi. He is still alive, so dig him out later.

I have a lot of things I want to ask but, roger that.

Leave the troublesome Kouki to Yaegashi Shizuku!, it was a tacit understanding since the time they were in Japan. Hajime pushing the troublesome thing onto her made Shizuku leak a sigh while covering one of her eyes. Finally, the nuisance was gone.

Was what he thought, but this time Hiyamas gang made a commotion. As for the reason, the hole left by Kaori was just too great. There was also the previous incident with the demon race woman, and theyd likely to die in the future if Kaori left them. Thats why they repeatedly tried to persuade Kaori to remain with them. Especially Hiyama, he intensely objected. His appearance was in a panic, as though the thing he desired for so long which was about to come into his possession was disappearing.

Hiyamas gang of four realized it was difficult to persuade or change Kaoris decision, and this time they began to persuade Hajime to remain with them. We apologize about the past, so lets get along from now on, such and so forth was said unabashedly.

They didnt actually mean what they said, but they made friendly smiles as they snuck peeks at Hajimes mood, but not only Hajime, but Shizuku and the others were also disgusted by them. Within that situation, Hajime, for the first time looked at Hiyamas eyes from a close distance since their reunion. Inside those eyes, maybe due to the effect of Kaori leaving, Hajime could see madness.

Shizuku and the others admonished Hiyamas gang and once again it turned into a commotion, but because there was such an opportunity, Hajime decided to talk to Hiyama to confirm the truth about that day and to resolve the current situation.

Naa, Hiyama. Has your fire magic skill increased?

Eh?

The sudden question made Hiyama dumbfounded. However, his complexion gradually turned pale as he noticed the meaning behind it.

Wh-What are you saying. I am the vanguard and my element with the highest aptitude is Wind.

Hee, I thought you were surely had a fire element.

A-Arent you mistaken? Just what are you trying to say all of a sudden

Then, you must have liked fire element magic. Especially something like fireball. I wonder if you would unintentionally use it?

Now, the color of Hiyamas face had changed from blue to white. Seeing that reaction, Hajime was convinced. Next, Hajime guessed his motive from his panicked attitude from Kaori separating from them. Well,as for why Hajime hadnt attacked Hiyama up till now was because he was sneaking looks at Kaori.

Hajime himself, currently, had not even a shred of feeling burning with revenge. Though hed be merciless if one was hostile to him, he planned to leave Hiyama as he was. If he retaliated here, it would be troublesome as there was no value in being burdened by a dispute against Koukis party just because of Hiyama. For Hajime, the existences of Hiyama and his gang were truly worthless just like the pebbles by the roadside.

Hajime moved away from the silent Hiyama and mercilessly informed Hiyamas gang, with Kondou and the others included.

Theres no need for you to apologize as I dont mind the past. For me, you guys are worthless. Thus I dont want to know what you are going to say. If you understand, scram now! Youre so irritating!

Although Kondou and the others were angered by Hajimes words, Hiyamaaa. You should understand, right?, Hajime said so with full smile, and then Hiyamas body shook and he silently nodded, followed by him telling Kondou and the others to stop. Hiyama once again came to know that Hajime had noticed something about him, including what Hajime didnt express, and he matched him.

Kondou and the others were dubious due at the sudden change in Hiyamas attitude, but Hiyamas abnormal attitude, as if he was killing his emotions, made them reluctantly give up on persuading Hajime.

Finally, truly finally, the nuisances who disturbed the departure of Hajimes party had gone. Kaori went back to the inn to get her luggage (Hajime used his Pressure to stop Hiyamas gang from following her). Leering at Ryuutarou and the others trying to dig Kouki up, Hajime now was talking with Shizuku.

What can I say I am sorry for everything. Also, let me thank you again. Thank you, for saving us, for surviving, and for coming here to meet with Kaori

Shizuku, who apologized about the trouble and thanked him for rescuing them and returning to Kaori, made Hajime laugh, inadvertently. Shizuku showed a dubious expression due to Hajime sudden burst of laughter. Her gaze was asking, What is it?

No, sorry. What can I say, I thought you are worldly-wise as usual, so I inadvertently laughed. Even while we were in Japan, you were the one who quietly did the apologizing and thanking. Its still the same, even in this different world but keep it in moderation or your wrinkle will increase, you know?

Youve been a big help. Also, you have considerably changed. To have that many girls to wait upon you, along with a daughter I couldnt imagine this from you while we were still in Japan

I only love one person though

I dont have the obligation to say anything and I also understand that it is not my place to say it but at least I want you to take care of Kaori. I implore you.

Hajime didnt answer. More than that he didnt want to answer Kaoris feelings, honestly, he never thought of letting her come along. But in the end, he let Yue have her way but he wondered why the woman he fell for permitted one woman after another Why did it come to this?, Hajime was looking into the far distance as he thought that he was spoiling Yue too much.

Towards Hajime, whose attitude said he didnt hear anything, Shizukus spirit as a best friend raised a growl.

If you dont take care of her itll become serious matter.

? Serious matter? What do you

Have you heard White-haired, eye-patched Punisher?

What?

Or maybe, written as Round of Destruction and read as Outbreak, how about it?

Wait a sec, you, just what are you

There are also others such as Jet-black Tyrant or Transmutation Master of Red Thunder, you know?

Y-Yo-You, dont tell me

Shizuku suddenly began to enumerate unknown names, which made Hajime look dubious at the beginning. But, noticing Shizuku joyfully looking at Hajime from head to toe, he turned pale as he understood what she meant.

Fufufu, right now I am a Gods Apostle and a member of the Heros party. What I said will surely spread. It is equal to the network of neighboring housewives. Well then, Nagumo-kun, what kind of nickname do you want I will make one that fairly describes your appearance and grandly make it known, okay?

Wait, just, wait! Why, how did you know such a damaging thing!?

It is because I studied about it with Kaori. That girl wanted to talk with Nagumo-kun, so she studied otaku culture like manga and anime so they could become a topic of conversation. I went along with her every time thats why Ive gathered quite the knowledge about it. Certainly, people like the current Nagumo-kun are called chuuni

Stoop-! Please stop that

O-Oh my, it is more effective than what I imagined looks like you are aware of it yourself.

Th-This devil

Hajime had already fallen to his knees. The black history that truly happened in his middle school years was revived. The memory that had been sealed deep inside him, You rang? said thus as it peeked out its face.

Fufu, so, take care of Kaori, okay?

Fuu, Requiem of Ruin (Shotgun of Chaos), Revived Disaster (Reverse Calamity)

Okay! I will do it, so please dont make such painful nicknames.

Take care of Kaori, okay?

At the very least, I promise that I wont treat her unkindly.

Eeh, thats enough for me. After all, it seems youll be mad at me if I go any further than this if you break the promise, be prepared for a novel with you as the main character published in this world and Japan too, okay?

You, arent you actually the last boss here? You are, right?

Hajime held his head as he was on the verge of going mad from embarrassment. Yue, the girls, and the other classmates that were looking at Hajime from a slight distance were shuddering at how Shizuku used only words to make the overwhelmingly powerful Hajime fall to his knees.

While Hajime was fighting against his dark history due to this and that from his appearance, Kaori came back, running. Next, she became pop-eyed when she saw Hajime hanging his head before Shizuku.

Worried about Shizuku, Kaori asked the details from Yue and they exchanged information. Finishing their conversation, Yue, Muu~, groaned at Shizuku who defeated Hajime with only words. Kaori had also remembered that the two often talked with each other quietly and she looked alternately between Hajime and Shizuku. Following that, the two reached a conclusion. Dont tell me, is she the last boss of this fight as a woman?, something like that.

Yue wore an indescribable expression and Kaori was worrying. Then, it was finally time for Hajimes party to leave. Shizuku, Suzu, the other female students, and Nagayamas party, along with Meld who finished reporting, were gathered at Hol-ads entrance to see them off. Following that, when Hajime took out the magic-driven four-wheeler, all of them were once again surprised.

While Shizuku and Kaori mutually struggling to separate their hands in regret, Hajime took out a sword with a black sheath from Treasure Box and handed it to Shizuku.

This is?

Yaegashi, you are losing the one who can spoil you, right? Then, just take it. Even if you are worldly-wise, you cant be healed (mentally) from being separated from Shirasaki. Maa, theres also the various things I am indebted to you for from Japan.

Shizuku accepted the sword from Hajime and slowly drew it from its sheath, and a jet-black sword that seemed to absorb even light appeared. There was no blade crest, it had a slight curve and became double edged around the tip. It resembled the sword called Shoukarasuma. Though Hajime only knew a little about Japanese swords, it was created similarly using transmutation just like the short swords he handed over to the Haulia.

I can guarantee its strength because it was made from the compressed, hardest ore in this world, and its sharpness is at the level where even an amateur can cut steel by swinging it. About the maintenance theres no need to say it to Yaegashi, but please take care of it.

Such an amazing thing as expected of a Transmutation Master. Thank you. I wont hold back and will accept it.

After one swing, two swings, the balance as it cut through the wind made Shizuku respond with admiration, and she honestly thanked him as she smiled. Truthfully, because Shizukus swordsmanship was Yaegashi-styled, naturally it required a Japanese sword, and she felt disoriented every time she used her techniques using her previous sword. Thats why she was truly happy to obtain a Katana which made her float a natural, lovely smile.

Last Boss?

Shizuku-chan.

Eh? What? You two, why are you looking at me with such eyes?

Yues gaze, full of caution, and Kaoris gaze, full of worry, made Shizuku flustered as she didnt know the meaning behind them. Leaving behind that indescribable atmosphere, Shizuku and the others saw Hajimes party out of Hol-ad.

The weather was good. Their destination was one of the Seven Great Dungeons Guryuu-en Great Volcano in Guryuu-en Great Desert. With increasing liveliness from acquiring a new companion, Hajime continued his journey.