Chapter 318 - Dirty

At first, I thought about splitting up the chapter update, but I couldnt find the right spot to do that so this chapter is a little long.

The forces to defeat the Demon Emperor were sent back to Alion.

I havent heard the reason why we were turned back.

It seemed like it wasnt explained to the others either.

The only thing the G.o.ddess told us was

The situation has changed.

Everyone was puzzled.

We were excited that the decisive battle was finally near, so we couldnt help becoming puzzled.

Of course, we asked the G.o.ddess for more details.

However, what the G.o.ddess response was

There are still many matters yet to be determined, and I will tell everyone the details when we confirm it. I promise everyone that.

As expected, it didnt seem like she intended to give any details.

Thus, without us knowing why, me and the others returned to Alions royal castle.

We were made to wait on standby for several days.

During this time, a certain rumor was spreading in the castle.

It seems that the Great demon Emperor is already dead.

Of course, I tried to confirm with the others about the truth.

However, gathering reliable information is rather difficult at the moment.

For some reason, they had me placed under some sort of house arrest.

Even the time I can spend with my cla.s.smates has also been restricted.

When I asked for the reason why

All I heard was that there are unavoidable circ.u.mstances.

(I wonder if something has happened)

On such a day though, first thing after I woke up, I was summoned by the G.o.ddess.

There was apparently something important she had to discuss with me.

Going to the office she was usually in, I asked the G.o.ddess.

[What in the world is going on? Ive heard rumors that the Great Demon Emperor is dead]

At my question, the G.o.ddess looked at me with a mysterious expression on her face

[The situation has begun to move in a completely unexpected direction. The truth is-]

The death of the Great Demon Emperor.

The G.o.ddess first told me about that.

It seems that those rumors really were true.

Moreover The one who defeated them was Kirihara Takuto.

When the army against the Great Demon Emperor was near the boundary line, me and the other heroes were ordered to stand by at the encampment.

At that time, I had seen the G.o.ddess take some of her men to apparently meet someone.

And then, they met him.

[Kirihara-san, who was thought to have already been taken care of, has, to my surprise, defeated the Great Demon Emperor. I have the means to determine whether the Great Demon Emperor is alive or dead, so I am certain that he is dead. Well, its by the same means I used to know the appearance of the Root of All Evil.]

[B- But, if thats the case That means]

We can finally go back to our original world.

However, the joy I felt upon hearing that news was short-lived.

[No way Kirihara-kun did?]

The content of what the G.o.ddess spoke next was astonis.h.i.+ng.

[Yes It seems that he has hidden the Great Demon Emperors heart somewhere.]

The fact that Kirihara Takuto was safe was good news.

However, after that meeting, he parted ways with the G.o.ddess.

In other words, he has not returned to Alion.

The G.o.ddess then continued her explanation.

In her opinion, Kirihara Takuto is now someone that the G.o.ddess couldnt control.

Her mind was already reaching her limits just by talking to him at that meeting.

His level seemed to have risen considerably, probably because he killed the Great Demon Emperor.

Even she, one of the Deities, apparently felt danger when facing him.

And so, at the moment, she acted as if she had agreed to his demands.

She feigned to be fighting on the same side as him.

After she bought time for everyone in this way, we returned to Alion to plan countermeasures.

[You asked me what in the world is going on? To be honest, I dont know either I dont know what to do. However, if we just leave everyone near the border, Kirihara-san might attack us and put us in danger. And so, for the time being, I decided to have everyone retreat.]

At the words the G.o.ddess said though, I frowned.

[Ummm You said you would feign to fight on the same side as him, didnt you? However, if the Great Demon Emperor was already defeated Who else is he supposed to fight?]

[It seems that he intends to fight Mira.]

[Mira? W- Why]

[In fact, Fly King Squadron is currently sided with Mira]

(Fly King Squadron? The group of that man Belzegia-san? Why is a mercenary group being brought up in the conversation now)

[In the beginning Kirihara-san spouted incomprehensible things such as I will be Magnars King. Then, he said that he will take Seras Ashrain, a member of the Fly King Squadron, as his wife.]

[! T- Thats impossible Saying things like that is just-]

[No. Unfortunately, he actually seems to be serious. Moreover, he has acquired a skill that allows him to control Demons and Golden-Eyed Monsters. This might sound unbelievable but he is now leading an army of Demons.]

[An army of Demons]

I was at a loss for words.

Thereupon, the G.o.ddess continued.

With a face more serious than ever

[To tell you the truth, Id also like to finish this battle against Mira.]

[H- However Theres no need for us people to fight]

[Mira seems to have acquired the power to kill G.o.ds in other words, the power to kill me. They had acquired the power of something known as the Forbidden Curses.]

[Forbidden Curses]

[A forbidden power that allows one to kill G.o.d. However, this certainly explains things. The reason why Mira rebelled against me was that they had acquired this power.]

(This explains things)

The G.o.ddess would have been incredibly strong if not for the weakening of the Tyrants Miasma around.

I heard that shes so strong that even Human-Faceds are no match for her.

No She has reigned in this world for far too many years.

Considering that no one has been able to defeat her, it would be natural that she would have the strength to back her authority up.

(However, a power that could even eliminate such a Deity has finally been acquired by a human)

[However If I were to disappear, Heroes would not be able to be summoned. If the G.o.ddess disappears from this land When the next Root of All Evil appears, the people of this world will be helplessly eradicated. Whether its through messed-up ma.s.sacres or under a scourge]

The Grand Invasion back then

I had seen the brutality of the Great Demon Emperors Army with my own eyes.

Such a situation would make it so the people would have lost the means to oppose such brutality.

If the G.o.ddess disappears, the people of this world will surely suffer terribly.

[H- However, G.o.ddess-sama Wouldnt Mira themselves know about this too? Even they should have known that the Root of All Evil will appear again, so perhaps, they may have been convinced by some sort of means against them]

[The next appearance of the Root of All Evil, it may not appear again for hundreds of years, you know?]

[Eh?]

[The Mira who is alive today will be dead by then, and generations of their kin pa.s.sed several lifetimes. The original wish of their Emperors bloodline has always been the unification of the continent That is all they have ever wanted.]

[D- Dont tell me If they fulfill such a wish What happens in the next generations isnt their problem to care about]

Thats just Thats just wrong.

People should work with each other.

We should create a happy present, and connect with each other, leading to a blessed future.

Preserve things for the future.

Being happy only while theyre alive

Not caring if someone else suffers after their death

Only thinking- about their current happiness

That is absolutely wrong.

[The highest priority of the Emperors bloodline is the fulfillment of the long-cherished wish that has been handed down from generation to generation. In fact, they dont think about the people. If they had, they wouldnt have started a war at a time like this, would they? The people of Mira have been deceived. Well, I suppose I couldnt be out of blame I have been tolerant for years, hoping that one day, they would realize their mistake, and even when they had acted defiantly, I have only been taking only the minimal measures against Mira. However, it ended up not being a good thing. They just gradually began resenting me and this was the result.]

[H- However However]

[Kirihara-san said he would rescue Seras Ashrain.]

[ ! ]

[He also said he didnt like the way they handle things, doing as they please at the expense of Miras citizens.]

[That is]

something I can somewhat agree with.

I thought about this for a moment.

Thereupon, the G.o.ddess suddenly asked.

[I have a nasty personality, dont I?]

[That is, well]

[Fufu, you dont have to be mindful about it, you know. However Without cultivating a character that one considers detestable, the balance of the several countries couldnt have been maintained for so many years. Besides, the fact that the people still need to be protected from the Root of All Evil and for the sake of the continued existence of the many countries. Ahh, thats right, the Holy Kingdom of Neia, which had been occupied by Bakuos, has recently been reinstated to the Holy Alliance.]

[ ! ]

[I had promised them after all that they would be granted independence as a country again, depending on their achievements in the previous Grand Invasion. I negotiated with Bakuos. Even though I may have a nasty personality, Im someone who keeps my promises. From what I heard, it seems that Cattleya Stramius, the only daughter of the former Holy King, will ascend the throne as the Queen.]

[Cattleya-san will]

She was a good person.

Her countrys Holy Knights and the soldiers too.

[Bakuoss Emperor has also accepted Neias independence without any protests and has withdrawn their troops from the Holy Kingdom of Neia, thanks to the advice of Gus Thornfield, the last Dragon Warrior, who you fought with in the Grand Invasion.]

Neia.

Bakuos.

Their countries already had a special place in my heart.

[Sogou-san.]

The G.o.ddesss expression grew serious.

[In the current battle against Mira, the fighting strength of Alion, the linchpin of our country, including Alions Thirteen Cavalries, has been annihilated. We had also lost contact with the Heroic Sword Its safe to a.s.sume that they have also been annihilated. However No matter how strong Mira is, its hard to believe that our main force could be so helplessly beaten.]

From her understanding of Miras combat strength, they shouldnt have the ability to do all that.

That is, even if you overestimate the strength they had been hiding from public eyes.

The G.o.ddess explained so.

After the explanation, the G.o.ddess continued.

[As a matter of fact One of the men who belonged to the 9th Cavalry has come back to us after narrowly escaping death.]

The war against Mira continued to this day.

Alions Thirteen Cavalries suffered a blow that amounted to annihilation in their previous battle.

However, that doesnt mean there wasnt a single survivor.

There are survivors.

However, considering their original numbers, the survival rate of their previous battle could be described as dreadful.

I had heard about the 9th Cavalry before.

They were operating outside the country though, so I wasnt acquainted with them.

However

[I had heard of their reputation That they regularly gave money to an inst.i.tution that takes care of orphans and raises them.]

Alions Thirteen Cavalries didnt have a good reputation.

That is, with the exception of the Ninth, which Ive been hearing good things about.

Perhaps, it was because they were different from the others that they had a stronger impression on me.

Perhaps, it may be because they share the same kind of reputation as the other cavalries that they left an impression on me.

[I heard that they were killed by the Fly King Belzegia.]

[ ! ]

[They had admitted defeat in the middle of the battle, gave up their weapons and expressed their surrender but they seemed to have been killed mercilessly. However, I heard that they didnt beg for their lives. I had this impression has a rather naive disposition but as expected, even I think their end was honorable.]

The G.o.ddess looked down regretfully.

[I hate to believe it myself, but there had been a witness Yes, the member of the Ninth who survived, the one I mentioned earlier, was an eyewitness to the events that happened. If you wish, I can have someone bring him here]

[That is]

The G.o.ddess didnt make her fake crying this time.

Looking really regretful, she slightly bit the corner of her lip.

[The same also goes for the Drunken Sword Party.]

[Eh?]

[Their leader, Lili Adamantine, pet.i.tioned to let the others go at the cost of her head but still, the Fly King ruthlessly everyone of the Drunken Sword Party]

I gasped.

[T- That is That cant be! That person isnt the kind to mercilessly]

I had directly talked with him.

I couldnt see him doing such a thing- At least, I dont think he himself would want to do that.

[I too was shocked I thought we could be comrades.]

Thereupon, the G.o.ddess raises her gaze.

[However, please think about it again, Sogou-san. How much do you know about him?]

[That is]

[The Fly King was originally the one who killed all the members of the other faction of As.h.i.+nto, those who didnt agree with his ideas, before he established his Fly King Squadron. In other words, hes a person who doesnt mind killing those who become obstacles. Thats why Ummm What Im about to say I want you to calm down and listen]

The G.o.ddess face contorted with grief, and she seemed to be having difficulty finding the words to say.

For some reason, Im starting to have a bad premonition about what shes about to say.

My heart was beating fast.

These heavy thumps I dont like the current sound of my heartbeat.

From the bottom of my heart.

[Among the executed prisoners of war is to tell you the truth, Yasu-san]

[]

Ugh.

I feel like my brain is shaking.

My eyesight warps about, getting distorted.

[Ya su? No way]

[Im sorry. I had given him a special mission Since he was accompanied by the 6th Cavalry, our countrys largest force, I thought he would be fine but my a.s.sumptions were naive. Its all my fault.]

She deeply bowed her head.

That G.o.ddess deeply bowed her head.

[My apologies. Im really sorry.]

[Ummm.]

I tried squeezing it out of my throat, but my voice was trembling and hoa.r.s.e.

[Ya su-kun too?]

With her head still lowered, the G.o.ddess found it difficult to answer, keeping her silence for a few seconds.

[Yes By the hands of the Fly King.]

[Ya su is]

Thereupon, the G.o.ddess raises her head.

[I heard that he cried and begged for his life saying that he wanted to return to his original world and to spare him. However, the Fly King still did not listen Sogou-san?]

[..]

[Ummm When you follow the source of all these, I think it may have been the Mad Emperor.]

As I lowered my head, trying to urge myself not to believe all of this is happening, the words the G.o.ddess said caught my attention.

[The Emperor has the faith of his people. Yes, he has the demonic charm to make people go crazy You did know that hes called Mad Emperor because his beauty makes people go mad for him? That guy He makes people crazy. Making people crazy Brainwas.h.i.+ng them by manipulating their feelings I have long been worried that he might be that kind of monster.]

[Are you saying that the Fly King too has been brainwashed by the Mad Emperor?]

[I have no proof about this but yes, Im convinced that that was the case. He too has been infected by his demonic charm.]

[The Mad Emperor.]

[The same goes for Asagi-sans group too]

[ ! ]

[We have not heard from these women again. Moreover, they are not in Jonato at the moment]

[Could it be- they ended up in Mira]

[It would be great if they hadnt been killed. If not, they may have been locked up or worst case scenario, they had been brainwashed by the Mad Emperors cajolery.]

[!]

[In that sense The source of all this may well be the Mad Emperor. The Fly King too may have encountered the Mad Emperor and got entranced by him. So, he was forced to help the Emperor to get rid of the obstacles for him one after another And so, the Fly King and his comrades could be said to be victims too. No, my apologies All of what I said was just my speculation]

[.]

[And also About Takao-san and her sister]

[ ! H- Have they been found!?]

[No, we still havent heard news about them Its just weve found traces of them being in contact with Miras people behind the scenes.]

[Miras people?]

[Perhaps The Mad Emperor also intended to brainwash them and if he cant do that, they must have been dealt with]

I couldnt help sitting up.

As for how I look now thats something I dont know.

However, what I do know is that my fists were inadvertently clenched.

[Sogou-san.]

[Yes.]

[I think you are the only one who can stop Kirihara-san.]

[..Only I]

[There is something I must do at the moment, something I must do by myself. With the Great Demon Emperor defeated, even though the heart still isnt here yet, I have to make preparations to return everyone to your original world. These preparations are something I must do and I cant put it off. And so, Im sorry but I cant act together with everyone on this matter.]

[And thats why, I will have to]

[I really wish I could have stopped him at the meeting but if anything should happen to me, I wouldnt be able to bring you back to your original world, would I? Thats how dangerous- the current him seemed to me.]

The G.o.ddess stood up from her seat and stepping forward, she held my hand.

[To tell you the truth I also feel that the current you are already stronger than I am. If its you, who fought evenly even against the Great Demon Emperor and Kirihara-san, you might be able to beat that Kirihara-san]

[If its me, ]

[I told you earlier that Kirihara-san seems to be heading for Mira, didnt I?]

Hearing those words, I realized something.

[Thats right. As long as the Fly King is in collusion with the Mad Emperor, theres a danger that he too will be dealt with by the Fly King if things continue as they are.]

[]

Who could say that such a thing wouldnt happen?

Is there anyone who could tell me that wasnt the case?

[However, you can stop Kirihara-san without killing him. I believe you can help him. In order to bring him back to your original world alive, we need someone who can stop him without killing him. Yes, someone who can protect him From Mira From the Mad Emperor From the Fly King. And the only person who can accomplish that is definitely only you.]

[I I am I had to]

[The other day Neia and Bakuos armies headed west to the battlefield. They were on their way to reinforce Duke Polaries units, who were struggling in the battle against Mira. From Neia, the new Queen, Cattleya Stramius. And from Bakuos, the last Dragon Warrior Gus Thornfield is Bakuos Commander.]

[ ! ]

[However, Miras army is strong If our Alions main force that was slaughtered by the Fly King were still alive and well, I think they could still fight against them but ummm-]

[Are you asking me- to join that war?]

Standing still in place, I lowered my head.

[Having me fight not monsters but against people]

[.It must be difficult, isnt it? No, my apologies, I wouldnt have asked you such an unreasonable thing if our army wasnt in such a tight situation]

What is the right thing to do here?

What should I do here?

I thought of Hijiri-san.

I would have liked to ask her for advice at a time like this, but she is not here right now.

I have to decide what to do here.

My actions from here on out.

It has to be decided by my own will.

After a long period of silence, thinking about this

[, Just me.]

[Y- Yes What is it? Please speak.]

[The one partic.i.p.ating in this war will just be me My other cla.s.smates will not partic.i.p.ate That will be my condition.]

I will not let them stain their hands with the blood of humans.

I definitely cant let such a thing happen.

[Eh? Can I take it that you will partic.i.p.ate?]

[I cant let both Cattleya-san and Gus-san die. Moreover If Im going to help Kirihara-kun, who is going to Mira, I need to go to Mira-san as well. Im not going to go north to avoid the western battlefield. Doing that wouldnt help me save Cattleya-san and the others.]

I exchange a straightforward gaze with the G.o.ddess.

Thereupon, the G.o.ddess held my hand in hers and squeezed it tightly.

[Will you do it?]

[I will do it. If Im the only one who can stop the worst from happening now]

[Sogou-san Thank you very much.]

[However, will you leave the way I fight them to me?]

[The way you fight?]

[I didnt come to this world to kill people. Im prepared for people to die because its war. However, Im going to fight in a way that keeps the deaths to a minimum Please accept that.]

[Fufu Thats very kind and just like you, Sogou-san. I understand. Please do as you like.]

Saying this, the G.o.ddess held my hand even tighter.

[Sogou-san, Ive already realized it myself. That I now have no choice but to rely on you. You can curse me all you want, saying that I was stupid and dumb even though Im supposed to be a Deity. I apologize from the bottom of my heart for my rudeness. I will be honest with you. I didnt like your att.i.tude.]

[]

The G.o.ddess grew meek.

[As a G.o.ddess, I have witnessed the treachery many humans had done and the evils your kind has committed Before I knew it, I came to realize that I, too, have been subjected to the malice and evil of such people, so I could no longer believe in that idealism that a.s.sumes people are inherently good. Thats why, faced with your actions, my first thought was that your goodness was also a deception. Its for this reason that I didnt like you.]

Thereupon, the G.o.ddess looked at me with some sort of enlightened eyes.

[However you were different. You were a genuinely good-natured human a true Hero. Even now, I couldnt believe that such a Hero still exists. However, it exists- here you are.]

[G.o.ddess-sama]

The G.o.ddess sighed.

[That being the case I suppose the act of taking a hostage and making you listen to what I say is quite meaningless.]

The G.o.ddess rang a bell by the tabletop.

Thereupon, two men emerged from a room behind her.

One was being taken away by the other.

Upon seeing the man, my eyes widened.

That man being taken towards here

[S- Sogou..]

[Zakurogi-sensei]

Our cla.s.ss homeroom teacher was there, looking completely exhausted.

He seemed to be quite worn out.

The purple mark on his cheek looked like a bruise.

Zakurogi Tamotsu.

After we were summoned, we were told he was working in the castles kitchen.

I dont think hes a good role model in terms of personality, so I dont like having everyone being in contact with him.

When the G.o.ddess declared so, my cla.s.smates werent able to meet him very often.

I did, however, actually went to check on him several times.

Whenever I visited, he always smiled happily but

[My apologies, Sogou-san but when I thought of failing to persuade you this time, I was shallowly thinking of holding him hostage so that you would listen to us.]

[ ! ]

[However, it seems that that was a big mistake. Its just I think he still has a personality problem. He is very different from you.]

Bam!

The soldier who had been bringing in Zakurogi kicked him out of the way.

Zakurogi screamed pitifully, his hands on the floor.

He was frightened.

Upon seeing this, I looked at the G.o.ddess with seething righteous indignation.

[What does this mean? Moreover, that bruise]

[Zakurogi-san Why dont we have Sogou-san hear about it from you yourself?]

[Eh!?]

While still down on the floor, on his knees, Zakurogi turned around in surprise.

[Ah, eh Ummm]

[Za- ku- ro- gi- san?]

[Uuuu S- Sogou I- I was]

A silent pressure was emanating from the G.o.ddess.

Unable to grasp what was going on, I could only look at them confused.

[T- The reason why I became a teacher W- Was because I thought that working in a job with high school girls gives me a chance with JKs!]

[Eh? Zakurogi-sensei? What are you]

[A- After all Teachers can easily come back even if we committed a s.e.x crime and after the student we were flirting with graduates, w- we can just meet up normally and do whatever we want, right? If youre looking for one-night stands with young undeveloped JKs, e- even the internet would tell you, you should just get a teachers license! After all, our country is so indulgent with s.e.x crimes, turning our countrys schools into paradise! Y- Y- Y- You do know Ive been aiming for you, right!? There are a lot of pretty girls in my current cla.s.s, having s.e.x appeals not matching their age! Haha Well, but I have a strong habit and am kinda scared so I had been hesitating on whether I should reach out my hands and ended up not taking any action but I was recently thinking it might work if I reach out for those with lower rank like Kas.h.i.+ma]

A big sigh came out from the G.o.ddess.

[I thought I should expose his true nature to you, and show why I have such thoughts My apologies, he seemed more evil than I had thought so I unintentionally hit him.]

Faced upon this situation though I could only look at him, stunned.

However, I quickly regained my composure.

[Zakurogi-sensei.]

[Hyiiih!?]

[You are the worst.]

[Y- Yes.]

[Moreover, you saying that many of the teachers became one for the purpose of committing s.e.x crimes is just Its really rude to the teachers who work hard every day, seriously thinking about the future of their students.]

[Uuuu I- Im Im sorry.]

[When we go back to our original world, you need to change the way you handle society. Make sure of that.]

[Y- Yeah I promise! I will change! I realized that when I came to this world I would look at myself again! When I confessed my wickedness honestly I felt like I had been possessed!]

People can change.

Because theyre bad people

Because theyre weak

Its wrong to just dismiss people because of that.

If you do your best with sincerity

If you do your best talking with them

People will surely change.

What is needed now is the absolute power to convey your sincerity and words

An overwhelming power to defend against evil and help the weak.

[Its a promise, sensei.]

[Ah Yeah! Ill change, Sogou! Ill redeem myself back in our original world Thats why, Im begging you. Please save me Save everyone! And then, together with everyone! Lets go back to our world!]

[Yes, Ill make sure of that.]

Seeing that we reconciled, the G.o.ddess has a joyous smile on her face.

[Ill heal the teacher right away. Zakurogi-san Im sorry that I also lost my temper and hit you.]

[N- No Im rather grateful to G.o.ddess-sama for making me realize the truth! Thank you very much!]

After Zakurogi thanked her, he walked out of the room with the soldier.

[Well then, Sogou-san.]

[Before that, ummm Oyamada-kun, is he alright?]

[Yes, hes still recuperating, but theres no problem. However, hes still mentally unstable and is in no condition to be allowed to meet with people. If you meet him, even though he should be getting better, theres a risk that he will get worse again]

[I see]

[I think he might be cured by the time all of you return to your original world. Yes, though he may see everything that happened in this world as a bad dream He would gradually be cured.]

[Please continue your search for Takao-san and the others.]

[Earlier, you were very upset by what I said but it seems that you have made up your mind.]

[If I just let myself be crushed by my own emotions, there may be another life lost in the meantime. Now, I will do my best to save the lives that can be saved. I will grieve only after its all over.]

[Thank you]

[Please take care of Oyamada-kun and everyone else who remains in Alion.]

[Yes.]

[I wont forgive you otherwise.]

[Yes?]

[If you betray me- I will never, ever forgive you.]

Who is it that I can trust?

Is there anyone I can actually trust?

At that moment, I thought of Hijiri-san again.

(Yes, Hijiri-san. The one I can trust is myself I will do what I think is right and then, I will go back to our original world with everyone I will make sure of that.)

Even if

Even if I had to dirty my hands to achieve that.