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Stirred up by that f*cking goddess, they go along with the currents.
And when they got through after they’re thrown into a war zone where they’re life would be at stake—–
They would have faces like this.
They were just simply going along with the currents.
In that case…
[………]
They’re not going to be a problem.
They could be easily swept away.
That means—–
If a current stronger than the Goddess were to be created, they would be swept along with that current instead.
If I were to create my own current, I could make them move at my will…
The problem would be—– those who aren’t flowing along the currents.
Those who don’t go with the flow, but makes their own flows instead.
The first one would be that f*cking goddess.
The others would be Kirihara Takuto and Ikusaba Asagi.
Takao Hijiri also seemed like someone who could create her own currents, depending on whose current she’s drifting in.
And lastly…
Through my mask, I stared at Sogou Ayaka.
The good-natured Class President.
I don’t think she’s the type who would make use of trickeries to create her current.
She’s the type of person whose actions are the result of her honest beliefs.
These types have a strong tendency to be followed by people who aren’t easily influenced by others.
Thinking about it…
He might seem to be the complete opposite of Sogou, but Kirihara might be the same type as her too.
In his case though, it’s hard to tell if what kind of current he’s trying to create…
Anyway—- that f*cking goddess’ current should be obvious.
Kirihara Takuo.
Ikusaba Asagi.
Takao Hijiri.
If we can crush or neutralize their currents, then I can do whatever I want after that—
[Belzegia-san—– I’ve made up my mind.]
Using her cane, Sogou got closer.
There wasn’t a speck of cloudiness in her eyes.
[I’m going to try to get stronger. Stronger than anyone else.]
[………]
[If I’m stronger than anyone else, I can protect everyone. In this battle, I understood that very well.
Sogou continued.
[I won’t let anyone die anymore… I know not everyone in my class looks favorably towards me. I’m well aware of that. Some people would even shower me with harsh words. But still—–]
As if she’s saying this to herself, Sogou said.
[I will do everything in my power to protect all of my classmates.]
[…That’s quite admirable of you.]
Sogou’s gaze dropped down to her feet.
[Therefore, I will get stronger.]
[………]
[Stronger, to the utmost of my abilities.]
There was a strong determination in her voice.
[There are some things I can’t protect with just words alone… There are many things I can’t protect without power. I feel like I’ve learned this the hard way through this battle.]
Sogou bites her lip.
[Moreover, even at that time—– when Mimori-kun was disposed of, it would have been different if I had the power. For instance… If I were stronger than the Goddess…]
Rather than being directed towards me, those words sound like they’re more of a soliloquy.
[If only I had the power.]
[…You mentioned earlier that there are some Heroes from Another World who don’t look favorably at you?]
When I asked so, Sogou looks like she’s surprised as if she just came back to her senses.
I keep on asking my questions.
[For instance… If they were to refuse your protection, will you still protect them?
[Yes.]
Sogou replied without hesitation.
She glanced out of the camp.
She’s glancing out somewhere far, far away.
[There’s a man named Banewolf… But that man is now missing and was still being searched by the soldiers. He… threw himself into harm’s way to protect us.]
Sogou looks at the cane that’s supporting her body.
[If only my body does what I want to, I would have liked to join the search but…]
Sogou was silent for a few moments before she turned her gaze back to the castle.
[That person—- Bane-san risked his life to protect us. Even though he had only just met us, he tried to protect us even someone who refused his help. He’s always been looking out for us. That’s right… Even though we’re neither his family nor friend, even those soldiers on the southern ramparts which we’ve only met for the first time today, they all risked their lives just to let us escape. Bane-san isn’t the only one. Even Agito-san and all the other people… Therefore—- I guess that’s what the people with power would do when they’re protecting someone else.]
A slight smile appeared on Sogou’s face.
[Whether it’s Kirihara-kun, Oyamada-kun, or Yasu-kun… They might not like being protected by me.]
I see…
[However, even so—-]
Sogou Ayaka has spoken—
[If someone tries to hurt the people I wanted to protect… I will be the one standing up against “whoever” that is—— and I will obstruct them will all of my might.]
—as this class’ President.
[I’m not letting anyone else die.]
Sogou turned towards our classmates behind her.
[I—– will be stronger. Stronger than anyone else.]
[………]
Then, a soldier came running up to my classmates.
Telling something to them, one of the girls stepped forward.
[Ayaka-chan!]
It was Minamino Moe who called out to her.
[He said that Bane-san has been found!]
[…Eh?]
Tears appeared on Minamino’s eyes.
[He’s still alive!]
[Really…?]
The Heroes began cheering.
Bane—– Banewolf.
They must be talking about that guy Sogou mentioned earlier huh.
[Excuse me, Berzegia-san… I—-]
I’ve already acquired most of the information I needed.
[It appears to be good news. Yes, please don’t mind me. You should go right away.]
[Yes, thank you very much for saving us today. I’ll see you later.]
[—-Yeah. If I ever get the chance to see you again.]
…………………………
Sogou Ayaka.
If she’s just following her honesty, I wouldn’t know where she’d end up falling.
Perhaps, she may be the person closest to the image of a “Hero” that everyone has in mind.
At the same time—– she’s also a bundle of uncertainties.
In a way, she may be the most unreadable among the Heroes.
According to her explanation about her current condition where she even requires a cane just to walk, it’s due to the burden from the usage of a Kisou-ryu Technique called Limiter Thread.
In that case, she should eventually recover.
I watched Sogou’s back as she walked away with the help of our classmates.
Perhaps…
Hereafter, the one that could become the most troublesome obstacle among the Heroes from Another World——
[…………]
I turn around.
[Let’s go, Astarva.]
Eve followed me back.
As we walk, I began expanding my thoughts to my plans in the future.
[—————-]
From here on out, how long the Great Demon Emperor will last may be the key.
The time that the Heroes will spend
subjugating the Great Demon Emperor.
In other words, this will be the period when the number of pawns protecting the Goddess is reduced.
As per the previous information, if the Great Demon Emperor is the Goddess’ natural enemy…
We’re talking about that f*cking goddess here.
There’s a good chance that she won’t risk her own life and just remain in Alion.
It seems that the Great Demon Emperor appeared in the east.
I’ve also acquired that information too.
There’s also the words Zweikzeed said before he died.
That Eingrantz is a Strategian.
If that Confidant was unexpectedly an important pawn for the Great Demon Emperor…
Is it possible that the Great Demon Emperor will retreat when he learns of the war situation here in the south?
It would be best if the Great Demon Emperor learns of Eingrantz’ death and retreats to the northernmost land.
Conversely, it would be really troublesome if Kirihara and the others who went towards the east defeated the Great Demon Emperor right there.
It would have been good news if Kirihara and the others were to become disabled in that battle though…
[…………]
If that Great Demon Emperor holes up in the northern lands, the S-Rank Heroes wouldn’t have any choice but to go to the northernmost land.
Along those times, the 2-C Heroes who would stand in my way of crushing the Goddess are temporarily gone.
At the very least, the S-Ranks should be heading north.
I can then use the Forbidden Curses before those troublesome hindrances get in my way and—–
If that were to happen, I’d like to crush the Goddess while the S-Ranks are battling the Great Demon Emperor in the north.
For me, it would be really lucky if the Great Demon Emperor can hold off those hindrances before I can finish what I will do.
As for whether the Great Demon Emperor gets himself killed first.
Or whether I acquire the Forbidden Curses and crush the Goddess first.
From hereafter, this might just turn into a race like that.
That’s right.
If I can complete my revenge without the presence of the S-Rank Heroes, my concerns regarding Sogou Ayaka will disappear.
And to do so, I must know the movements of the S-Ranks in the future.
I’ve thought of a few things I could use to regularly keep up with their movements but…
It’s just that… From now on, if Sogou Ayaka were to stand in my way——
I wonder what she would do if I were to reveal my true identity?
No matter what happens, she will protect her classmates with all of her strength.
Sogou declared so.
However, if the enemy that shows up before your classmates——
—is one of your classmates?
The contradiction that Sogou Ayaka must face.
If the one who stands before you was the classmate you have sworn to protect…
If it was Mimori Touka, who she thought was dead…
At that time, what would Sogou Ayaka do?
[………]
If I reveal myself to her—– I could probably find an opening.
It might be a bit difficult right now, but there are ways for me to incapacitate her without having to hurt her.
At least…
If I’m going to harm anyone who objected my disposal in that situation for the sake of achieving my goals—-
I would feel like I’m of the same level as “those people” that I hated so much.
And then…
[What’s the matter?]
Machia asked.
[…She may look like a young child, but I could truly see a fine warrior in her. I”m just a little impressed.]
[Fuuunnn… So you were moved after seeing the Heroes from Another World huh.]
[Yes.]
One of the soldiers came to call out Machia.
As for Machia…
[You should go back to the camp at a suitable time. I still have some errands I need to do.]
[Are you sure it would be fine not to keep an eye on me?]
[You seem harmless enough, so I guess it should be okay?]
Shrugging her shoulders, Machia disappeared.
I can’t feel the presence of anyone nearby.
I spoke towards Eve.
[You can speak now.]
[Umu.]
[I’m sorry I had to make you shut up and just stand there.]
[I don’t really care, but it doesn’t seem like it would make any difference whether I came with you or not though.]
[No, your presence there has been helpful enough.]
[?]
Some of them… Especially the guys were just looking at Eve at the latter half of our conversation.
When it comes to attracting the attention of the opposite gender for a short time, a beautiful woman certainly is the best choice.
They would look away from their first impression towards me, which could also make their impressions towards me somewhat fade away.
“U- Umu.” Eve snorted after I lightly explained so.
[It feels strange getting that kind of look from humans.]
[Fuuunnn… That just means there’s a use for that attractive appearance of yours.]
Now then.
There may be some things that I need to look out for in the future but—–
Our detour ends here.
From hereafter, we’re going back to our original route.
Uncertainties are appearing all over the place, but the things I need to do have already been decided.
After this…
[…………]
I’ll just be focusing on what I have to do.
All that’s left—- is just to plunge forward to complete this journey.
Chapter 192
Intermission Chapter: In Various Places
Eastern Army.
Putting it in a few words, this battlefield has turned into an atrocity.
Corpse… Corpse… Corpse…
A large number of corpses littered around that it would be too absurd to even count them.
Over 90% of the corpses were from the Great Demon Emperor’s side.
[So this is… the power of an S-Rank Hero…]
Languidly, he said.
One of the members of the White Wolf Knights lowered the arm holding his sword.
His gaze was glued to the scene happening in front of him.
One Ogre Soldier had been miserably dismembered.
One Ogre Soldier’s skin was burning that some smoke was fuming out.
Another Ogre Soldier had shards of ice painfully clinging to the surface of his body.
These were due to my sister, Takao Hijiri’s inherent skills that have awakened during the battle.
The effect of two other attributes was granted to her base wind ability.
A unique skill that can also be called a composite attribute.
This skill, which had increased the effectiveness in this battle even further, was raging about on the battlefield.
The user, Takao Hijiri…
[Fuuuu…]
Then, she indifferently adjusted her breathing.
I, Takao Itsuki, was standing next to her.
I’m looking at the side of her face with respect.
I could see that—- she’s quite tired.
As expected, even if it’s Elder Sister, she would also be very exhausting fighting for a long time.
However, if someone were to look at her from a distance, they would only seem to see that she’s relaxed.
Elder Sister wouldn’t let her exhaustion appear on her face.
Only me, who had been with her for a long time, can understand the subtle changes in her
emotions.
Seeing her like that…
[As expected of Elder Sister.]
I can only utter my usual praise with the usual grin on my face.
No—– I don’t know what more I can say.
Even on this battlefield, my respect for my Elder Sister has only grown stronger.
* * *
Initially, the Eastern Army where we sisters were participating in, was being pushed back and kept retreating.
Along the way, the idea of leaving Elder Sister alone at the exit of the narrow valley path came up.
It’s a strategy to hold back the enemies while buying time for our allies to escape.
However, Sigurd Sigmus decided that the horde surging into the valley was too big for Elder Sister to hold back.
The Eastern Army passed through the valley path intact, and all of us retreated south towards the Nord Plains.
This is when the reinforcements from the Holy Alliance would arrive.
It’s the army of Urza that had taken position in the southwestern of the eastern battlefield as a reserve unit for reinforcing the army.
Having joined up with Urza’s army led by the Magic Knights, the Eastern Army somehow managed to push the enemies back.
However…
That’s when the Great Demon Emperor made its appearance in front of us.
As a result, the situation of the Eastern Army suddenly turned disadvantageous.
A fortress-sized being colored in purple and gold.
Its form looks like a frightening carnivorous plant that climbed up from the pits of hell.
The surface of its body is dotted with flabby gummy-like parts that glow in contrast to its body.
At the edges of his body, organs that look like the limbs of a crab eerily writhed about.
While that looks as if…
Parts that look like horns…
Parts that look like arms…
Parts that look like legs…
And parts that look like wings.
Or so those parts seemed to look like for me.
A humanoid shadow is visible in the center of the ominously large frame.
However, for some reason, I can only recognize that thing as a “shadow”.
It looks really blurry and its real appearance wasn’t visible.
The shadow seemed to be fusing with the gigantic body.
Could that be the Great Demon Emperor’s core—– its main body?
Remaining silent as it stood there, the Great Demon Emperor didn’t say a word.
However, the speed of the appearance of monsters increased while he continued creating his own forces on the spot.