<Heroic Sword POV>

*rustle, rustle*

[We found it, Ruin!]

From behind the bushes appears Toad.

He has always been unbeatable at running.

He is the most outstanding scout in the Heroic Sword.

[As we expected, is it really hidden behind Illusions?]

[Yeah. And, theres a road leading out of the Illusionary area around here]

As Toad said that, he took out a parchment from his pocket.

Then, he held out the parchment and pointed towards a symbol drawn on it.

[The crystal depicted here was indeed here. It matches in color and shape.]

[Great job.]

*pat*

Ruin taps Toads shoulder.

[With this, the world will now truly be saved.]

Resting his great axe on his shoulder, Yuugungu laughed.

[If we can bring this to her, Goddess-sama can be relieved and keep her focus on the Great Demon Emperor. This is a great achievement, Toad.]

[No, youre mistaken.]

Toad shakes his head.

[This is everyones achievement We made it this far because weve been working together, so this is everyones achievement.]

Ruin proudly rubbed his finger under his nose.

[Its as you say, Toad. Weve all worked together to get where we are.]

[However, the fact that youre the one who found it wont change, you know!?]

Gabaa!

Myana innocently jumped on Toads back.

[G- Get off]

[Whats that, Toad? Youre still acting embarrassed after Myana jumped towards you? I guess even after all these years, that part of you still havent changed huh.]

When Yuugungu teased him, the people around also chuckled.

Toad complained in response.

[Tsk. Youre embarrassing me again, Myana.]

[Dont I always though? How many years do you think weve been having this kind of conversation?]

[Shes not wrong about that.]

Yuugungus words were met with chuckles again.

[Since Toad already found our objective, we should call back Strife.]

Leaning against a tree with his arms folded, Satsuki calmly said.

He was a little further away from everyone.

Arene turned a worried glance to the southwest.

[Is Strife going to be okay?]

[He has his own mind, you shouldnt worry about him too much, Arene. Rather than him, shouldnt you be worrying more about getting closer to Ruin?]

When Yuugungu said that, a blush poofed out of Arenes face.

With a voice that seemed to disappear, Arene mutters words of rebuttal.

[Geez Yuugungu You wont be able to make such jokes soon]

[T- Thats right Im always telling you to stop with such jokes, Yuugungu!]

His cheeks blushing, Ruin also flusteredly said.

[Mngghh~~]

Hmph.

Myana puffed her cheeks in displeasure.

She did it again.

Ruin wondered.

Myana was often in a bad mood when he and Arene were being teased like this.

Ever since back then.

Yes Its always been the same.

Ruin.

Satsuki.

Toad.

Yuugungu. (T/N: / yuugungu)

Myana. (T/N: / miana)

Strife.

Arene. (T/N:

Caro. (T/N: / karo)

Bardwitcher (T/N: / baadowicchaa)

Nana Tout (T/N: / nanna totto)

(T/N: D*mn these weird ass names, cant they just have something like tom, dick and harry?)

Ten childhood friends.

Theyve been together for as long as they can remember.

Other than Ruin, all of them came from poor backgrounds.

Only Ruin was the son of a noble.

However, he has always hung out with the other nine, regardless of the difference between their status.

And that Ruin One day, silently left his home.

To see the world with his best friends.

To live through the world with their own strengths.

Looking at them making such a ruckus, Caro has a look of nostalgia.

[When there are ten of us together, nothing is impossible With the ten of us together even back then, were invincible.]

With his arms folded in front of him, Bardwitcher cocked his head towards him.

[You say were invincible, but do you think were stronger than that Humanitys Strongest?]

Nana Tout smiled.

[Its impossible for us. If its someone who has a chance of beating that Humanitys Strongest-]

The gazes of everyone, other than the two who werent here, are divided between two men.

As if they just made their votes.

Three gazes were looking towards Satsuki.

Four gazes were looking towards Ruin.

His gaze moved between Ruin and Satsuki, Yuugungu said.

[I guess if its either of the two of them huh.]

Heroic Sword

This name was the general term to refer to these 10 people.

But to nine of them, it refers to the person named Ruin Seal.

[Ruin Seal, hes the one who carries the blood of a Hero from Another World, Heroic Sword- If its someone who can defeat that Humanitys Strongest fellow, he would be the first choice. And then, if its someone who also has a chance of defeating him]

Everyones eyes turned towards Satsuki.

[Other than the Final Blade Satsuki, we wouldnt be able to do it.]

Hmph, Satsuki snorted, not having any interest in their conversation.

[I wonder though Arent you underestimating the Humanitys Strongest too much? Well, Id like to compare my skills with that monster And see what I can do before him. Of course, its not like I expect to win.]

Nana Tout said, as cold sweat dripped down her forehead.

[If were talking about someone who can kill a Human-Faced almost all by himself If its a monster like that]

Nana Tout, who is usually aloof, turns her sharp gaze towards Satsuki.

[Wouldnt he be a better choice over Ruin?]

Ruin quickly agrees.

[Thats right. Satsuki is someone Im always thinking of surpassing after all.]

Hmph.

As if he heard something sarcastic, Satsuki snorted.

[Well said From my point of view though, Ruin is the real monster here.]

[-T- Thats not true! Compared to Satsuki, Im still not]

[Ive told you many times already. Too much modesty would may you look like youre being sarcastic, Ruin.]

[My bad.]

[Well-]

Satsuki turns away.

[If theres one flaw in the man named Ruin Seal It would be that youre too kind. Someday That kindness would lead to your downfall.]

With straightforward eyes, Ruin stared at Satsukis back.

[Yeah, Ill keep that in mind. Ehehe Thanks for worrying about me, Satsuki.]

[Hmph.]

And then, the sound of grass being rustled could be heard.

From within the forest, someone emerged

[Youre late, Nyaki.]

A girl with light pink hair.

One of her special characteristics would be her large hands.

The size and shape of her claws are different from those of a human.

And just like the light pink hair on her head, fur could be seen on her limbs.

Her ears are very similar to those of a cat.

She has a tail that is puffed out.

With her height, its appropriate to say shes a short one.

The top of her ears is just barely reaching the top of Ruins chest.

As for her face, it isnt inferior to humans.

Her charming, round eyes also have light pink pupils.

The girl called Nyaki repeatedly took shallow breaths.

There were twigs and leaves caught in her hair.

She was wobbling, as if her legs were about to give in.

Well, that should be expected.

Thats because Nyaki was carrying a huge backpack.

Compared to the stuff carried by the 10 people of the Heroic Sword, the amount of luggage shes carrying is obviously larger.

[I- Im sorry, Im late nya]

*bow*

As she lowered her head, Nyaki wobbled.

[Funnyaa-!?]

Crash!

The cooking utensils that were hanging over the side of her backpack.

Some of them fell down on the ground.

Seeing that, Nyaki turned pale.

She immediately tried to pick up the cooking utensils.

However

[Nya]

Ruins lips trembled.

[Nyaaaaaaakiiiiiiiiii!]

Baamm!

[Fugyaaahh!?]

Nyaki was blown away by a front kick.

Sent flying, her back was violently slammed towards the trunk of a tree.

A thick sound quietly rang.

[Funnyaahh]

Not feeling strength on her body, Nyaki slumped down to the ground.

[Hey, stand up.]

*yank*

Grabbing her arm, Caro dragged Nyaki.

Thereupon, with all of his might, Caro threw Naki.

[Fugyaaahhh!?]

Nyaki is thrown in front of Ruin.

Ruins fist is trembling as he looks down at her.

Even the gazes of all the people around Nyaki were cold.

Those eyes

Theyre filled with anger.

Disdain.

Hatred.

[Those utensils are being carefully used by Arene, whos always on cooking duty.. So So, how can you do something like that!?]

Arene had her face covered with her hands, crying.

[Why Why are you always doing these terrible things to me, Nyaki!?]

Nyaki flusteredly dropped down to her knees and vigorously bowed her head.

[I- Im sorry nya! Ruin-san, Arene-san, everyone Please accept Nyakis apologies! Nyaki is reflecting from the bottom of my heart nya!]

[Youre always always only saying superficial things!]

Yuugungu shouted.

Toad stomped on Nyakis hand.

[Fugyaaahhh!?]

Nyaki let out a scream.

However, it doesnt seem like shes resisting them.

[I doubt youre reflecting at all Youre doing this every single time, you must be thinking that we would forgive you just because you prostrated yourself. However, youre not wholeheartedly reflecting at all]

[I- Im sorry nya! Its as everyones said, Nyaki is too dumb to make sincere apologies nya! Anyway Im sorry nya! Im sorry nya!]

[Shes as annoying as always. Even all these times, I dont know why shes not making a single effort to fit in at all]

Looking at the direction of the sun, Myana started playing with her hair.

Caro pressed the sole of his shoes against Nyakis head.

[Keep your forehead on the ground. That apologies of yours Are you being serious now?]

[I Im sorry nya!]

Nyaki vigorously pressed her forehead to the ground.

[Im doing this nya! So, please forgive me nya!]

With clear amazement, Bardwitcher sighs.

[This person really cant think for herself at all If no one tells her anything, she wont even notice it at all. Shes completely revolting.]

[She doesnt have the brains to think for herself huh. Good gracious]

Nana Tout threw a pebble, hitting Nyaki in the temple.

[Nyaaahh!?]

[Stop squealing like its our fault]

[Get up, Nyaki.]

[I- If you could please move your foot away Nyaki would be really t- thankful]

[No, no, you should show some guts here.]

Toad puts more force on his foot stomping on Nyakis hand.

[You dont have enough guts!? Are you making light of me!?]

[Quickly get up already!]

Yuugungu followed up with an angry bellow.

Arene was still whimpering on the side.

[No more Lets just hurry up and finish this journey together with Nyaki Im going to turn weird if things keep up like this]

[Pull yourself together, Arene.]

[Ruin, but]

Ruins eyes blazed with righteous indignation, glaring towards Nyaki.

[Stand up, Nyaki. Toad and Caro, put your feet away.]

At Ruins words, the two of them obediently moved their feet away.

Toad and Caro then grabbed Nyakis hands, pulling her up.

Nyaki gets into a standing position.

[Nyaki I will give you a chance to make up for it. If you want to continue to be with us, Heroic Sword, what do you think youll need? You havent guessed the right answer once yet. Youve already reached the limits of my patience.]

[Errr, errrr.]

[Out with it.]

[S- Sincerity nya?]

[Nyaaakkkkiiiiiii-!]

[Fuggyaaahhhhh!?]

Nyaki was hit with tremendous wind pressure.

Before that wind pressure, Nyaki was blown away.

More violently than before, Nyaki was greatly slammed against the thick trunk of a tree.

[Haaahhh Haaahhh!]

Ruins breathing became rougher.

Myana spontaneously closes the distance between them and gently snuggles to him.

[Are you alright, Ruin!?]

[It hurts.]

[Eh?]

Just like an eagle, Ruin grasped on his own left chest.

[Dont you understand, Nyaki!? My heart as Im being forced to beat you hurts dozens of times more than the pain you feel! It hurts!]

[Ruin!]

Myana hugs Ruin, who looks like hes about to cry.

[You should understand Everyone is doing all these things for you, Nyakis sake.]

[Myana but I]

[Hey, Nyaki!? You should properly reflect- Arehh?]

Nyaki isnt moving.

[Oi, Nyaki! Get moving!]

[O- Oi Shes still alive, right?]

Yuugungu breaks out in cold sweat.

Toad ran towards Nyaki.

A little later, Toad breathed a sigh of relief.

[Its okay She just fainted.]

[Good grief, how misleading If she dies here, I wont be able to face Vysis-sama.]

Ruin wiped away his tears and broke away from Myanas embrace.

And then, he stepped forward.

[Shes making things harder on us For the time being, I think we should send a magical war pigeon to Vysis-sama and tell her the good news of our discovery.]

Under Ruins direction, Nana Tout began the preparations.

Soon after, the magical war pigeon was released from its birdcage.

As it flew away, everyone watched that magical pigeon for a while.

When the magical war pigeon is out of sight, the atmosphere around them seemed to look like they did a job well done.

[Theres only one more step left.]

Yuugungun nodded at Ruins words.

[Yeah, its about time. However, with this, we can finally-]

[Wait, Yuugungu.]

Ruin puts his index finger to his lips.

[Somethings coming.]

He was looking at the southwest the direction Strife went to explore.

[Strife! Youre finally back!]

The shadow of a person approaches,

However, as it gets closer, Ruin notices something strange.

[Strife?]

From the darkness brought by the dense trees

The one who emerged from it was Strife.

And towards them, he spoke.

[Evry. one run]

[Eh? W- What? N- No way]

Arenes eyes greatly wavered.

Next, she covered her mouth with her hands.

Its because on Strifes neck

An arrow had pierced through it.

[I from bef. or A rene al ways been]

Thud.

Unable to finish speaking, Strife fell to the ground.

At that moment, they understood.

[Wait Why? Eh? What the heck is that Hey? What the heck is that!?]

Myana is distraught.

Yuugungu also called out, holding back his tears as he kept his gaze forward.

[I understand how you feel, but for now, calm down, Myana]

[Its a lie, its a lie, its a lieeee! This is all a lie! No Nooooo!]

[Myana!]

Ruin shouted, his voice filled with sadness.

[Ruin.]

It must be Ruin who is more hurt than anyone else.

As if he doesnt like what hes seeing, he painfully cried.

*wobble*

Tears still flowing down her eyes, Myanas knees lost its strength.

Myana almost fell to the ground, but Toad, with a look of chagrin on his face, supported her.

Stifling the trembling in his voice caused by his grief, Caro asked.

[How is it?]

Asking that, Caros eyes was directed

Towards Ruin, who rushed towards Strifes body first.

His sword held in hand, Ruin stood with his stance at ready.

However, his gaze is observing Strifes corpse at his feet.

There were numerous cuts on his shoulders and back.

Looking closely, there are also wounds on his arms that appear to be as if he blocked attacks with his own arms

From those wounds, Ruin understood.

[These wounds arent caused by a monster.]

Hes sure that he fought a person.

Myanas outburst of emotions became even louder.

[In the Demon Zone, people!? The one who did this is a person!? Whats with that!? Who is the one who did.. who did..!]

Thats when it happened.

The first person to notice it was Ruin Seal.

[Ruin.]

Satsuki also noticed the same thing.

Ruin noticed the sweat on his own palms.

His damp, unpleasant sweat covered the hilt of his sword

Yeah., Ruin nodded.

Thereupon, he turned towards the darkness and called out.

[Who are you?]

There were a number of surprisingly small sounds of rustling grass.

And then, the shadow of a person appeared.

Clad in sword and shield Clothed like a knight.

[You all are the Heroic Sword, right?]

Following his question, people wearing the same knights outfit appeared one after another.

Seeing them, Ruins breathing becomes faster and faster.

[Why Why are you Even though you know were the Heroic Sword, you did]

Ruin squeezed out his voice filled with grief.

His shoulders were quivering.

His heartbeat his breathing became increasingly rougher.

[That emblem on your shield]

How laughable.

They are supposed to be Alions compatriots.

This man, who is supposed to be his compatriot, quietly holds up his sword.

[We will be receiving the Divine Beast.]

Why

[Why are Urzas Magic Knights]

Faster than Ruin could ask his question.

Urzas Magic Knights made their move.

Arrows began flying from the people standing in the rear of Magic Knights.

And then

The life-reaping has begun.

Splash!

With both of Ruins knees broken, he sank into a swamp of blood.

[Haaahhh Haaahhhh Haaahhhh!]

He looked up to the heavens.

Fresh blood is running down his temples.

Dripping down towards his chin, before falling to the ground.

It then seeps into the soil.

[Haaahhhh, haaahhhh Haahhh! Why]

Ruins head intensely snapped forward.

Slip!

[Haahhh, haahhh Why. Why]

Slowly, Ruin raises his face.

[Why are you- poorly handling your lives!?]

Reflected in Ruins eyes

were the corpses of the Magic Knights scattered about.

[Guaahhh.]

Yuugungu ends the life of a Magic Knight who was still breathing.

There wasnt a single dead one among the Heroic Sword, except for Strife.

No, it would be more appropriate to say they didnt suffer a single wound at all.

On the other hand, the Magic Knights who should have had an overwhelming advantage in numbers to them

Other than a single person that was left to survive, they were all dead.

The state of their dead was terrible.

A glance at the scattered corpses would be enough for anyone to recognize it.

It clearly shows the hatred Heroic Sword held in their hearts.

Bardwitcher then approaches, bringing that single Magic Knight across the pool of blood.

[Ruin As you instructed, Ive kept one of them alive.]

The only survivor that was left alive was that person who appeared first before them.

We will be receiving the Divine Beast.

The man had said that before.

The eyes of that man still hasnt lost its will.

Even in a despairing situation, I will never show fear in the face of enemies.

They could feel such a firm intention from him.

Ruin was almost about to silently reach out to the Magic Knights neck.

However

[Ruin.]

When Satsuki admonished him, he looked surprised before he pulled away his hand.

He was about to unconsciously try to strangle the man.

[Im sorry. Thanks for stopping me, Satsuki.]

Taking one deep breath, Ruin sat back down.

And then, he placed his elbow on one of his knees.

[You mentioned that youre here to receive the Divine Beast.. What does that mean? Tell me everything.]

[..]

[Please tell me.]

[I dont care what you will do to me. I have nothing to say. Just kill me.]

Ruin takes a deep breath again.

[I see Toad, Im going to deal with him.]

Upon Ruins words, Toad silently nodded.

Thereupon, Toad pulled out a single flat rod-shaped object from the leather belt at his waist.

With the file held out to him, Ruin silently received it.

As if he found something baffling, the Magic Knights brows furrowed.

[A file?]

[A special file. When combined with my skills, I can shave off most things Yes, even human bones.]

He began coming closer.

Looking at him, a drop of cold sweat ran down the Magic Knights cheek.

[What are you going to do?]

[Fingers.]

[ ? ]

Only saying that one word, Ruin kept his mouth shut.

Instead, Caro took over with the explanation.

[Hes just going to scrape off your finger using that file, from your fingernail down to the root of your finger.]

[!]

Understanding the situation, the Magic Knight turns pale.

Yuugungu also takes over.

[It would hurt To the point that you would pass out. However, even if you pass out, we would just forcibly wake you up again. The pain of playing with the wound will bring you back to consciousness even if you dont want to and then, after the grinding resumes, you will probably pass out again. And that will just be repeated Over and over and over again.]

[N- No way]

[Dont worry.]

With a cruel look in his eyes, Yuugungu glares at the Magic Knight.

[Before he shaves off everything to the roots You just have to spit out every single secret youre trying to hide. You could also try seeing if were being serious here as he scrapes off one of your fingers. But Im telling you, it will be really nasty. Even just looking at it is hard for me.]

Despite his reluctance, Ruin stands up with the file on his hand.

[Lets start.]

[W- Wait Theres nothing for me to talk about! Im telling the truth!]

[However, I think youre lying to me.]

[Eh?]

[My intuition tells me You lot probably arent even the Magic Knights, right?]

[-!]

[That reaction is all the answer I need. That armor youre wearing, Im presuming youre trying to imitate the Magic Knights equipment. Am I mistaken?]

Ruins intuition rarely works, but when it does, hes uncannily accurate.

His instincts have always been trusted by everyone.

Why do they trust him?

How could they say its accurate?

They dont have any logical basis for this.

But for some reason, everything that his intuition tells him is always correct.

His intuition always leads him to the right answer.

Ruin Seal was always right.

Is this a gift?

Or perhaps, just the peculiarity of being within the Lineage of Heroes?

No matter the reason why, his intuition has never been mistaken.

Yes

Rions intuition is right.

Thats why

[Thats why, what you said about you having nothing to talk about That isnt possible.]

Ruins righteous soul flared up.

Gripping the file tightly, Strife came to his mind.

The rough, jagged surface is placed next to the Magic Knights fingertips.

[Lets start with your little finger.]

Blood magnificently drained from the Magic Knights face.

[P- P- P- Please wait! I- Im begging you, please wait!]

Giri

Ruin clenched his teeth.

[Shut up, you fiend Its already too late! Moreover, you should at least feel the pain Strife felt! Being cut so badly Im sure that he must have been in pain!]

His face distorted, Ruin began shedding tears.

Myana, who was standing by his side, also cried.

[Ruin Yes, youre right, Ruin!]

They were overcome with emotion.

[And for our hearts after the loss of our dearest companion I will make sure you will feel our pain! Feel our sorrooooooow!]

Zariririri!

The file went back and forth.

Scraping off his fingernail.

Perhaps, the harsh reality of the situation has finally become too much for him to bear

[Hah]

With astonishing speed, the composure on the Magic Knights face disappeared.

[I will talk, I will talk, I will be talking! I- Ill tell you everything I know! So-]

[This is Strifes revenge!]

In the western corner of the Golden Demon Zone

As if a beast was trapped in a predicament, his rough screams resounded.

[Uuuu Uuuggh Evry. thin I already told you everything So kill me]

Caro questioningly looked at him.

Ruin returns it with a nod.

Caro then changes his hold to his sword.

Looking at the Magic Knights feebly breathing

With a thrust of Caros sword he pierced his head.

With a short voice that couldnt even be described as a scream anymore the Magic Knight died.

Looking at the bloody state of the Magic Knights hands, Satsuki said.

[So they were Miras soldiers huh.]

It seems that they were trying to blame the Magic Knights for the crime they committed.

Umu, Yuugungu muttered with a frown.

[However The current Mira Empire is in a complete mess. It looks like these fellows were working under the orders of Commander Wright, but I heard that this Wright is already planning to turn against the Mad Emperor soon.]

Ruin spoke.

[Wright Mira was the prince who used to have the first imperial right to the throne. On the other hand, the one sitting on the throne, the Mad Emperor was third in line in the succession to the throne In other words, together with the current Prime Minister, Raiser, the people used to hold the first and second in line to the succession to the throne are now serving their youngest brother. I wouldnt be surprised if the two older brothers were planning something against the Mad Emperor.]

[In that case Even if theyre Miras soldiers, its possible that theyre under the orders of people hostile to the Mad Emperor.]

However Yuugungu said, crossing his arm on his chest.

[Why do this Wright want this Divine Beast Nyaki?]

[I can somehow see why. So, after we finish our duty, lets deal with Nyaki. Is that alright?]

Without a single hint of hesitation, they all agree with Ruins proposal.

Rather than that Ruin shifts his gaze.

Everyone felt the same way.

Everyone was waiting for that more than anything else.

[We need to give Strife a good burial And then, we all need to say our goodbyes.]

They are his friends that were left behind.

No matter who, this is what everyone thought should be the top priority.

Strifes funeral.

While they were fighting.

And after the fight was over.

Everyone was thinking about Strifes dead body.

Everyone loved him so much.

Thats why they want to properly say their farewells.

Until theyre finally satisfied.

After that Everyone wept and cried.

Even those who had been holding back their tears, as if the dam holding back their tears broke down.

However, Satsuki was the only one who didnt show any tears.

However, no one blamed him.

After all, they could clearly see the dejection in his face.

It was the first time everyone had seen Satsuki so despondent.

Everyone unsparingly said their gratitude and goodbye to Strife.

Over and over again.

They cant carry a corpse.

They also couldnt preserve them.

Therefore

Everyone worked together, and even in tears, they made his grave.

Strifes grave, buried under the earth.

His dagger pierced unto it.

Rain then concludes the funeral with his final words.

[Even if you die here Your soul will always be with us, Strife.]

Arene, who was standing behind Ruin, started to wail again.

Myana, who was also flooded with tears, leaned in close and comforted her.

Feeling his pain somewhat comforted after he shared his grief with the others, Ruin turned around

[Arehh?]

He realized.

The person who should have been passed out on the ground

[Nyaki disappeared.]