Dai Densetsu no Yuusha no Densetsu

Chapter 1: The Demon King

Chapter 1: The Demon King

The sound of the earth trembling could be heard.

And the sound of horses running could be heard.

The sounds of the soldiers marching.

And, the sounds of people dying.

“…”

Everything, Ryner felt that they were all familiar.

“…The war, is beginning.”

He said in a low voice.

Narrowing his eyes, looking at the land in front. Those black eyes were like their usual unmotivated self as if they would sleep forever and never wake. The black hair was as messy as usual.

He slowly bent his slightly slouching frame, touching the ground.

The faint trembling of the ground pa.s.sed onto his fingertips, pa.s.sing on the message that the fight had started in a place not far away.

But anyway, if it was this feeling, probably it was a battle that was so large-scale that Ryner had not seen it before.

“Hey, Ryner.”

At this moment, a person called Ryner from behind.

He turned around, discovering that behind him, his partner was standing there.

Beautiful long blond hair, an emotionless face, but beautiful features that no one could compare to. A long sword hung at her slim waist.

But now, the armour that she wore was different from usual.

And the leather armour and skirt that she wore not long ago under Roland, were completely different.

She now wore a battle armour that had white and green as the basic colours.

Although he still didn’t know how that armour had been made, so Ryner asked: “… Is that the battle uniform that Vois a.s.sembled using gold and magic skills?”

Ferris nodded, “Yeah.”

“Is it convenient?”

“Well, because I just wore it. But talking about which it is really light.”

“Is that so, that’s not bad.”

“Yeah.”

“And, it suits you. White really suits you.”

Hearing Ryner say that, Ferris nodded harder, “Of course, who do you think I am.”

“That’s true.” Ryner smiled. Then he moved his eyes from her body, looking ahead.

Looking in the north where there was a possibility that Gastark might attack from in the end.

The place where they were now, was a northern state that was very far from the Geihlficlant capital.

Although it was a small state, but this plot of land used to be the capital of a small country before Geihlficlant overtook it, so this large capital had been kept with its original appearance, with the large population.

The population was so large until the degree that it was hard to completely avoid disaster.

So they definitely couldn’t allow the surroundings to be taken by the war.

If the northern castle that was near here could not stop the advance of the Gastark army as the center point of the defense line, the sacrifices of the people would probably be devastatingly more than what they had expected.

“…Perhaps, before the Gastark people reach the palace, we should ambush them and stop them from advancing…” He murmured softly.

Then he tried to imagine the situation where his people ambushed the opposition.

The advantages of the geographic location should be on his side.

Geihlficlant had a relatively accurate map of its country’s situation, if they went to war depending on the land form, they could come up with many battle strategies.

And there were several castles nearby that could be used as a base, the number of soldiers were larger than the enemy’s.

It probably was a war, that they wouldn’t lose.

At least the citizens living near the Famur place would think so.

But the Gastark Empire had reached here now, and they had defeated those countries that were not thought to be easily defeated along the way here.

That was because they had used the Heroes’ Relics’ power, and they had used something that was more lethal than the Heroes’ Relics.

Killing thousands, tens of thousands of people, coming here.

Ryner turned to Ferris who had suddenly come to stand by him, saying: “…Hey, Ferris.”

She didn’t turn her head, saying: “Eh?”

“That.”

“Yes.”

“As expected I still feel that it’s terrible joining this war. Especially, you, Kiefer, Toale and Iris have no need to be standing here?”

“…”

Ferris didn’t say anything. Only quietly looking straight in front. Looking at the place where war had probably already erupted, in the place where the killing had begun.

So Ryner continued: “…Me, what, because Vois that idiot said if I joined this war, I would know the secret about my eyes something like that, although I don’t know if it’s real, ma… But, because he said something like there was no wrong in joining, so there is a meaning to joining.”

“…”

“But you… it’s fine it all of you don’t come to partic.i.p.ate in this idiotic battle…”

At this moment, Ferris suddenly interrupted Ryner: “Why do I have to listen to your advice?”

Ryner looked at Ferris’s beautiful side-profile, saying: “…This isn’t an order, it’s a request?”

“Request?”

“Yeah.”

“Then kneel and beg.”

“Eh? If I kneel, you’ll accept my request?”

“I wouldn’t listen to your request.”

“Ahhh~?” Ryner smiled slight troubled, then stared at her and said: “But, I’m not joking. Can you take Iris and leave this place?”

Ferris nodded, “That’s right, we’ll have to let Iris escape from this crisis.”

“No, you too…”

But Ferris interrupted him again, continuing: “Even if it is Kiefer or Toale, I just told them earlier not to treat a pervert like you as the center of the world, so they probably will leave.”

“Hey, although that is good news… but if you can leave together it will be a great help…”

Before Ryner finished speaking, Ferris said: “I won’t listen to your order or anything.”

“So~ I’m saying.”

“I’m definitely not listening.”

“Eh… Then, about that. That, if you’ll listen, I’ll buy you a pile of dangos next time.”

In the moment she heard this, Ferris’s body trembled slightly.

“A…a pile?” she asked.

Ryner nodded as he smiled, “Yes.”

“Really? To me a pile is more than one hundred boxes? You have that much money…”

“Yeah, even if I don’t have it, I’ll work hard to treat you.”

“You’re not joking?”

“Yes. So, this time will you listen to me for a little? Temporarily escape danger, then meet up with me again, how about it?” Ryner asked.

Ferris turned around, raising her head, using her slim blue eyes, saying: “Ryner.”

The eyes that never had any emotions, never had any change suddenly narrowed sadly, “Stop joking. If you plan to say those things that will make me leave you, I’ll kill you.”

She continued: “And what are you talking about? If I go to a place where I will be in constant danger alone, you will leave me too, escaping by yourself?”

“…No, but this and that are two matters…”

“It’s the same.”

“It’s not the same. This war is really dangerous…”

“I understood that a long time ago. But I still want to be by your side. Is there a problem?”

“…No, but because of me…”

At this moment, Ferris suddenly said: “…You are a monster.”

“…” Ryner didn’t say anything. Because he had never thought that she would say that word, his body was unable to move in that moment.

But she continued, “A monster that would kill people. A monster that will spread the killing to his surroundings… You have always thought that right?”

“…What, what are you saying so suddenly…”

Ferris continued: “Answer me. You have always, thought that right?”

Ryner nodded, “Yeah.”

Ferris’s eyes had an even more sad expression, “Then you—your eyes, are the monster.”

“Yes.”

Ferris nodded, “Then, as expected there is a need for me to follow? Have you forgotten the promise between us? The next time you go berserk—I will kill you. Don’t tell me you forgot that you had asked this of me?”

She said slowly.

And Ryner remembered.

The most evil promise, that he had ever made with her.

An evil promise, that would only leave painful memories for her.

So that it would revive me that was incredibly disappointed with myself, myself who kept escaping, she had made that promise.

Ryner who remembered this promise, stared at Ferris and asked: “…As expected I will go berserk in this battle?”

She displayed an expectant face, saying: “Because you are a monster. If you meet any problems, no matter where you are you will go berserk. And Vois said before that the secret of your eyes would be uncovered in this battle. Then, the possibility of going berserk has increased.”

Hearing Ferris’s words, Ryner’s face twisted slightly, then there was a slight smile, “That’s true.”

“So, indeed. I still need someone to kill me when I go berserk on the battle field.” He said.

And it looked like, she was prepared to properly fulfill this promise.

So that the monster would not kill people.

So that the murdering monster would not kill people after it went berserk.

For these reasons.

“…So Ferris came to kill me.” Ryner said.

But Ferris looked toward him, suddenly saying: “No, I came to protect the berserk you.”

“You probably may be a monster. You probably can be a murdering monster. But that does not matter to me. No matter how many people you kill, no matter how many killings you have done, these have nothing to do with me. I said it before right? You are my important partner. Even if something in your body changes in this battle, even if you become a real monster, so what? Even if you really are a monster, I don’t care. I will stay by your side always.”

Ryner looked at Ferris who had said something surprising. He used a frantic expression, staring at her. If this tenseness slackened slightly, he would definitely cry, so he desperately resisted it, staring at her and said: “But… but if you stay by my side…”

But Ferris interrupted him, “And I am happy staying by your side. So I will accompany you. Is there a problem?”

“…”

“So you don’t have to reveal that kind of expression like you’re about to cry when you are called a monster by someone else. You should be proud. Or else it would seem that I’m like an idiot for being happy even though I am at a monster’s side? You are the best partner that I have chosen. No matter what other people say, my opinion will never change. If what I say is not enough… if it is not enough…” Ferris stopped, then as if wanting to come up with more words she rolled her eyes, revealing a slightly troubled and sad expression, saying: “…If that is not enough… then what should I do? What should I do to persuade you not to leave me? What should I do… so that your scars can be smoothed out?”

With a troubled expression from the depths of her heart, she said that.

Ryner stared tightly at her figure. He stared at her figure as she looked as if she had no more ideas.

This person who ignored people the whole day, whose brains were stuffed full with the dango family, was actually revealing a sad expression.

And this was all because of his stubbornness and weakness.

So Ryner lowered his face, saying: “…Sorry.”

“…And my scars have already healed a long time ago.” He said.

“You are by my side. Even if it were Sion, Kiefer, Toale… Everyone accepted me, so I noticed—it’s alright if I’m living… even if a monster like me lives it doesn’t matter… I’ve already understood this.”

Ferris looked over, “Then…”

But Ryner interrupted her, continuing: “But even so, I still need to partic.i.p.ate in this battle. But that is not for myself. And it is not to confirm whether I am a monster.”

Ferris asked: “Then, what is it for?”

Ryner raised his right hand, looking at his palm, answering: “To gain power.” He said, then raised his face, looking behind Ferris, looking at the wide southern sky behind her.

“…I am going so that I will gain enough power to stay by the people who can accept people like me.”

Ferris looked over, “The power to save Sion?”

“Yeah.”

“Then I will help you.”

“No, but, this battle is very dangerous like I thought.”

“So I will protect you.”

“That…”

“Ah, and I have to say something before this, even if you go berserk, I wouldn’t kill you?”

“Hey, ah? That, isn’t that different from what you promised me…”

“I don’t care.”

“Something like I don’t care… hey I say you…”

“Anyway I wouldn’t kill you. And if someone comes to attack you who goes berserk, I will protect you too. Then those humans will know it. The person who reared this monster Ryner Lute, was actually the big demon king Ferris Eris-sama.”

Ryner looked at the slightly smug Ferris, finally seeming to sigh as if he had given up.

Even if you say that.

“…”

Even if you say that to me, but if it really reached that moment, she would still act properly.

No, perhaps it should be said that she had to move.

These eyes.

Because this pair of cursed Alpha Stigma, once it started to go berserk, it would ignore his consciousness, destroying everything around him.

If this destructive power affected her body, affected the things important to her, she would not be able to remain unmoving as she had chosen.

But, even so.

“…”

Even so hearing what she said, Ryner was still happy.

Hearing her say that no matter what.

Even if he was a monster, she would treat him as a partner.

Hearing her say that, he really was happy.

Then this gentle partner who had said these surprising words, although he really didn’t want to bring her into such a dangerous battle field, but…

“…You, even if I say don’t follow, you wouldn’t listen?”

She nodded, “Of course.”

“Then, there’s no other way…” Ryner said.

Of course this wasn’t something that could be solved with a sentence like there’s no other way. No, to be thorough, the matter about partic.i.p.ating in a completely needless war was seen as a stupid act.

“Ryner~, come and look at this quickly.”

Suddenly someone called his name.

Ryner looked in the direction of the voice.

Kiefer’s body came out of the carriage on the other side. Shoulder-length red hair, gentle red eyes. She wore a different battle uniform from Ferris’s. But it couldn’t be told if it were a battle uniform now. That seemed to be a cute uniform with fresh red as the main colour, that was made for Kiefer.

She wore this clothing, looking over happily.

Ryner nodded, “Very cute.”

Kiefer seemed to be happier, slightly embarra.s.sed, smiling.

But that clothing was a battle uniform in the end.

The battle uniform, that Vois had prepared.

Clothings so that they could rush into the battle field.

It was clear that even if it were Kiefer or Ferris, there wasn’t a need to fight, but they wore battle uniforms to join Ryner in the battle.

Even if he allowed them to escape, they completely didn’t listen to it, only saying that they would continue to stay by the side of a monster like him.

He revealed a helpless expression, muttering: “…This, could be troublesome.”

Then he looked to the north again.

Looking at the northern lands that should be under attack from the Gastark army.

Then he thought of the words that Vois had said before.

Gastark had a strong weapon that had more power than the Heroes’ Relics, that could change the world in one hit, and they were using that weapon to defeat the countries on their way, coming here.

It seemed that when they fought a large country called Stohl, Gastark had used that weapon once to destroy Stohl’s army that had numbered eighty thousand.

Eighty thousand.

Eight thousand, humans.

That scale of destructive power, according to the current magical skills could not be created.

Then was that a Heroes’ Relic? But this probably wasn’t accurate. Even the current magic academics were unable to explain the Heroes’ Relics, and they could not have such a strong power.

But Gastark had that abnormal power.

Gastark had the strong power that could change the world in one swing.

So what are we going to do to fight with this monster?

“…”

If that monster appeared on the battle field, how was I going to protect my companions?

There wasn’t even a plan that would feasibly be successful.

Because the enemy wouldn’t even use battle tactics or strategies to deal with their opponenets.

The enemy had too many weapons that were stronger than this side’s.

If that weapon was activated, the companions on this side would definitely be killed.

Then there wasn’t any war.

There wasn’t even a fight.

It was only suicide.

If they didn’t escape this battle ground, it would be same as committing suicide.

So he couldn’t possibly take his important companions, to that kind of place…

At this moment.

“Then then Ryner, the carriage has already been emptied. Please change too Ryner.”

A voice spoke from somewhere else.

Looking in the direction of the voice, he found that Vois was standing here.

Vois Fiurelle.

Beautiful black hair, wise and sly black eyes. A thirteen, fourteen year old body, wearing something that was akin to the clothes of a witch.

That body looked over and said: “Ryner’s uniform has already been prepared in the carriage. Please change.”

“That, Vois. I want to talk to you about something.”

But Vois interrupted him, “Ah, Ryner Ryner. You’re too late.”

“Ah? I haven’t even said anything.”

Vois smiled, “Anyway you’re thinking of saying something like please let everyone escape? Or something like you can’t bring your comrades into such a dangerous place as battle.”

Hearing Vois say those chilling words, Ryner couldn’t help but tense his face.

Vois seemed to smile even more happily, “So that’s true. But I’m sorry. It’s too late. Because actually this is already within the range of the weapons of Gastark.”

“What…?!” Ryner couldn’t help but yell.

Ferris who was standing by him seemed to be surprised, saying: “But we haven’t even seen the silhouettes of the enemy?”

Vois nodded, “This is true~ They can even activate the weapon even though you can’t see it, the power that can kill the people in this area, in all the districts. Ah~ Really, this is really sly. I am already angry. Ya--!! Like that.” He seemed to say happily.

But, this wasn’t something that could be ended with a joke. If this place was really within the range of the enemy’s weapon…

“Then in the moment now we could…” Ryner said.

Vois still had that happy appearance, saying: “We could die but that’s not determined. Ah~ How scary~”

“Hey I say, this isn’t a carefree topic…”

But Vois continued, “But, this is actually a normal matter? In this moment now we could probably die because our hearts are paralysed. You can even be knocked down by a carriage when you are walking on the streets and die. There are other options like perhaps you sneezed in front of a n.o.ble with a bad personality, probably you’ll be killed in Roland? The situation then would be the same as now. Anyway death can be seen everywhere, it is no longer a new affair.”

Ryner stared at Vois and said: “…But dying here is different from being knocked down by a carriage.”

Vois tilted his head, asking: “Is it?”

“It’s completely different. You clearly knew that this was within the range of the enemy’s firing range, but you didn’t tell us.”

Vois shrugged, “If I told you would you have followed me?”

“Nonsense. At least if we knew that this was within the firing range of the enemy’s weapon, then we could have changed the battle strategy that we were about to use…”

But Vois laughed loudly, interrupting Ryner, “Ahaha, please don’t make me laugh. In front of that weapon that can destroy eighty thousand soldiers, a battle strategy? If there is such a powerful battle strategy, please tell me secretly. Then we’ll use that miraculous, divine place, and go conquer the world from now on.”

He laughed as he said those words to tease Ryner.

But these words, were not wrong.

If they were able to stop the army of the Gastark, then they could go and conquer the world just like that.

Gastark now had the power to do that.

Seeing Ryner fall silent, Vois pointed to the carriage, “Then please don’t say such foolish things and go change. Geihlficlant will start the war with Gastark in the afternoon. The enemy will probably use the weapon there. If it can’t be stopped, don’t even talk about us, the people living in this area will all vanish. So that the events don’t progress to that stage, we have to work hard…”

Ryner tensed his face, saying: “Is there any s.p.a.ce for us to work hard?”

Vois smiled as he replied: “No. I said it before, if the power hidden in your eyes is weaker than Gastark’s weapon, we will be committing suicide in this way.”

“Hey you…”

“But, the information that I have, says that your power should be enough to go against Gastark.”

“Hear… you, that…”

Before Ryner completed his sentence, Vois said: “It’s what the G.o.ddess told me. α—the destructive power hidden in your body, is the most powerful kind of power.”

Ryner looked at Vois, then asked: “…Then?”

He asked about information concerning his eyes.

The in that moment, he felt himself become slightly nervous.

In the moment he asked about his eyes.

In the moment that he wanted to know about the information regarding his eyes, a deep terror would swell in his chest, he desperately tolerated that feeling, asking: “…Then?”

Vois looked over, “Then, what’s that referring to?”

Ryner stared at Vois who was acting dumb, saying: “Don’t pretend. There must be some other information than that? I already know that the G.o.ddess said that a very powerful power is hidden in my eyes. But, what is this powerful thing? Under what conditions will this activate, what kind of destructive power does it have, what these eyes are, you actually know all about that? Or else you wouldn’t have come along to a dangerous place like this.” He moved his eyes away from Vois, turning to the place where the Gastark soldiers should be.

Although he couldn’t see Gastark’s shadow, but like what Vois said, this place was already within the firing range of those weapons.

That meant that now, in a moment after that weapon was activated, there was a probability of the people here all dying.

In a dangerous place like this, this lying swindler, Vois Fiurelle would not come over to confirm the doubtful information that “Ryner’s eyes seems to be pretty powerful”.

That meant that this person, should have more information.

He had to have that information…

“…Tell me what you know, Vois. Or else I wouldn’t help you again.”

Vois raised his head to look over there, then smiled again, “Arara, we’re already here, do you have to be so troublesome…”

“You will definitely say it.” Ryner interrupted Vois: “No matter what I brought a few important companions here too. I am responsibly for my companions’ lives. So if there is no evidence, only a foolish suicidal act, I need to escape from here with my companions.”

Vois made a surprised face, “Oh~ You’ll escape?”

“Yes.”

“This is a rare decisive statement that goody-two-shoes Ryner has made. And you said that to protect your companions, you would not rescue the people and soldiers of Geihlficlant?”

But Ryner was not wavering, “That point is different, Vois. I only think that even if I partic.i.p.ate there is no way to defeat Gastark. At least in this situation where we don’t know anything at all, if we go into that dangerous battle…”

“It’s a foolish act, right?”

“Yes. But if you can explain more in detail to me…”

Interrupting Ryner, Vois simply said: “No, there’s nothing to explain clearly.” “I really believe what the G.o.ddess said, the sentence that your eyes have the strongest destructive power, then I came here.”

“How can that be…”

Vois interrupted Ryner, smiling, “That’s true. It’s really an impossible matter. But this is more interesting right?” The boy who was born from a family of liars said.

“Having a life mixed with foolish jokes is more interesting.” He said those foolish words.

But this silly words didn’t have a link with people with common sense. So Ryner stared at Vois, saying: “Don’t joke, you. I have no reason to bet my companions’ lives on your joke...”

But Vois broke in, saying: “I didn’t say anything about betting your companions’ lives. What I’m gambling, is only my life.” He pressed a hand to his chest, “Understand? I’m standing here too, I’m standing within the firing range of Gastark’s weapon. But even so, I’m betting my life on you. I’m gambling my life on compared to Gastark’s weapon, maybe your eyes will have a greater power~ this point. Isn’t that explanation enough?”

He looked at Ferris and Kiefer who were standing behind Ryner, “Actually compared to Kiefer and Ferris, I gained more detailed knowledge about Ryner’s eyes. But I feel that I don’t have a need to explain any further. If you ask me why, because compared to the unknown weapon that Gastark is using, whether your eyes are stronger, this point, not even me, even the G.o.ddess don’t know about it. But even so I still trust you and bet on you. Even an outsider like me gambled my life on you, so these companions who like you would stay by your side.” Vois said to the two, Ferris and Kiefer nodded.

But Ryner frowned, “No, even if you gamble your life by your choice, I can’t respond to that…”

Vois smiled: “If you can’t respond everyone can only die. But because they will vanish in an instant, so no one will blame you. Relax.”

“…I say, you”

“Then then, there really isn’t any time to waste. Even I am very scared. What if I gambled on the wrong person—I was so scared from just now that I nearly wet myself. Ah, but wetting myself in front of everyone seems interesting…”

“What are you talking about!”

“Of course it’s a shy PLAY…”

“So~ I’m~ saying!”

“Ah~ Yes yes, change the topic. Ryner is really troublesome, but I’ve been saying that I want to go to the toilet since just now.”

“…”

“Give a response~”

Staring at Vois who didn’t seem so nervous that he wanted to go to the toilet, but in fact he was smiling very happily, Ryner sighed.

“Talking to you is tiring. Not only do I have trouble differentiating what is true, what is false, and you will definitely go off topic.”

“Remove faeces?”

“Go die.”

“Ahaha, isn’t this more relaxing?” Vois said, breathing out, then deeply breathing in again. Then he smiled. He revealed an innocent, child-like smile that they had never seen.

“It seems that I will get engrossed in saying disgusting jokes, but because I really am very nervous too, so please forgive me. No matter what, this is really rare that I need to gamble my own life.” Vois said, then looked to the north where Gastark was.

“Swindlers putting their lives in danger and whatnot, there has to be a limit to my going against the family rules—although I will be lectured by my grandmother… but if the plan goes successfully…” He stopped, then smiled, “No, let’s talk about the matters later after we’ve survived. Anyway Ryner, please work hard.”

Ryner stared at Vois saying: “How should I work hard?”

Vois had his usual sneaky smile, “When the moment comes you will understand.”

“So I’m telling you to explain it clearly to me now.”

“Even if I explain it, it wouldn’t do any good. And didn’t I say it before, this is about your eyes? Then, you should be the one who knows best, try asking your eyes yourself.”

Ryner frowned, “…That’s because my eyes, can’t speak at all.”

“Ahaha.”

“But, forget it, that’s true.” Ryner muttered.

Then he narrowed his eyes slightly. Anyway it wouldn’t talk to him so he was also lazy to try talking to his eyes.

“Then Vois, about the matter that you aren’t clear about the specific details of these eyes…”

“That’s true. At least I don’t have any knowledge that can be used.”

“That means, I have to work harder.”

“That’s right. If we can’t stop Gastark here, everyone in the world would be killed by Gastark.”

Ryner hearing Vois say that, remembered something.

He remembered Gastark’s cruelty.

The Gastark soldiers that he had seen so far, were forever acting violently.

The people who were hunting for the bearers of magical eyes, then killing them after they gained information. And they even killed the children who didn’t do anything, but tremble as they hid in a corner.

And they killed Lafra and Pueka.

“…”

If someone like that descended from the sky, it wouldn’t be anything good.

So like what Vois said, they had to stop Gastark’s invasion here. Although they didn’t know what they should do, but there was no reason to allow them to continue with their invasion.

So.

“Well… then let’s go.” Ryner muttered.

Then he turned around to look at Ferris and Kiefer, and discovered that Toale, Iris, Arua, Kuku were standing there.

The companions that Ryner had brought over here, were all a.s.sembled.

And he was going to be responsible for these people’s lives, as he went to war. He was going to the battle ground where the possibility of dying was higher than ever.

Ryner looked at his companions’ faces, “I, came to a conclusion about bearing responsibility for your lives…”

He completely couldn’t do it—although he wanted to say that.

But Kiefer interrupted him, smiling: “Even if Ryner can’t do it, I have already made the decision to hand my life to Ryner, so it’s alright~”

And Toale too—that Toale who had his right arm and leg replaced with prosthetics, when the bright light released from Roland’s Heroes’ Relic destroyed them, smiled as he said: “I’ve already died once. So I’m in your hands too.” Then he revealed a foolish face that, no matter what Ryner said, he would definitely not back down.

Ryner couldn’t help become slightly despressed. I clearly said that I am unable to be responsible for your lives, but no one didn’t listen to me.

Even Arua said: “Although Kuku wouldn’t be on the battle ground, but I will help Ryner-sensei.”

And Iris said happily, as she jumped around: “Wherever Onee-sama goes I’ll follow along!”

But Ferris said: “No, you can’t go.”

“Ah~?”

“You have to help me investigate the dango situation in the neighbouring countries…”

The two started this conversation.

But, anyway.

“…"

This was a serious situation.

It really was a very serious situation.

On that battle ground where the probability of death was undeniably higher, trust me who cannot be determined as a human or monster, to partic.i.p.ate in the battle. Something as ridiculous as that, wouldn’t appear somewhere else.

So Ryner said softly: “…Ne, Vois.”

“What?” Vois replied equally softly.

“The one that you need on this battle field, is only me right?”

Vois nodded, “Yes.”

“Then can you tie up these people, and take them away forcefully?”

Vois smiled as he looked over, “I can, but…”

“But?”

“They can’t escape? I said it earlier, this is within the firing range of the enemy’s weapons. If the enemy fires their weapon while we’re escaping, then this land will be blasted away. If you escape now…”

“Is it too late?”

“If you escaped yesterday it would be a different matter.”

“That means, you knew of it beforehand?”

“Yes.”

“You already knew, but you still brought Arua and Iris who are still children?”

Vois nodded his head simply, saying: “The more things you need to protect, the more motivation Ryner has right?”

Ryner didn’t look at Vois, he only lowered his voice, a killing intention appearing in his voice, “I’ll really send you flying this time.”

But Vois still had that sly smile, “You can. If you survive, I’ll let you hit me. But now you have to find the way to survive.” He pointed to the carriage, “Then, please change into the uniform that I have prepared. Well, although I think a large character like Ryner called the ‘Roland’s Greatest Magician’ wouldn’t die so easily, but who knows what will happen on the battle ground. If you are killed by a normal soldier before Gastark’s weapon is released, the plan will go to pieces. So, our preparations have to be complete…”

Ryner lowered his head to look at Vois, “Even though you suddenly brought us to a strange battle ground, you still are well-prepared.

Vois smiled, he smiled as he pointed to the carriage, “Then go and prepare, Ryner. There is not much time. It’s about time that we enter the war conference with Geihlficlant, after that we will…” He temporarily stopped, then as if surveying everyone’s faces, said: “We the Anti-Roland Coalition, will be partic.i.p.ating in the war against Gastark.”

They would join the war.

Although Vois seemed to say it very easily, but, this was a real war.

A war, where people were killing each other.

A war where people were killing each other, fresh blood and cries echoed.

A war like that was playing out on the Menoris Continent.

There was the Roland army that Sion was leading in the south.

There was the Gastark army with the mysterious army in the north.

And in the middle was—

“…”

Ryner looked at Vois.

This thirteen, fourteen year old boy, had used Ryner as a dummy king, and lighted the fires of war.

So Ryner said: “I hate wars.”

No, he should say that no one would like war.

It would be painful if you were hit, and it was painful for the fists if you went to hit someone else.

Killing enemies, them killing your companions, then killing enemies for revenge, and the enemy would come back to kill them for revenge, wasn’t this cycle too foolish? He thought of these problems with no solutions.

It was clear that anyone would hate this, but why didn’t the war completely vanish.

Not only that there were the hints of a world war, on this piece of the Menoris Continent.

And—

Ryner looked at Vois, finding that he was saying happily: “But in the history records I read, if it goes successfully you can gain a large sum of money in war.”

“It’s because of the existence of such people, that war doesn’t stop.”

“Well, although that can be said, but I regret that it’s not me who’s stirring up this war. This war was started by Gastark and Roland. We came in too late. It seems that I have to be more careful, it’s best that I instigate a war with me at the center then control the flow of money…”

Looking at Vois who was reflecting on that, Ryner lowered his face as if in resignation, “…Is it really okay for me to be with someone like this.” As he said that, he walked away.

He walked towards the carriage. To change into the uniform that Vois had prepared.

Then he would wear that uniform, and walk towards the battle grounds.

He would walk towards that battle ground where people would be killed.

He opened the carriage door, discovering that a set of uniform had been prepared.

A uniform for Ryner.

The clothing was elaborately made.

It was made with a pink thin material.

It was a little like the underwear of a woman…

And that thing that seemed like a woman’s underwear—no matter what it looked like a triangular clothing was placed on the seat of the carriage, with a piece of paper beside it.

Vois had written this on the paper

“If you wear this on the battle ground, Ryner will definitely become everyone’s idol—”

“Hey Voooooooiiiiis!”

Looking at Ryner who had poked his head out and yelled, Vois started laughing in the distance.

“Ah, you should like it…”

“What liiiiiiiike iiiiiit! No, I’m really angry! Didn’t you say there was no more time?”

Vois continued laughing, “Really~ Ryner likes to get angry…”

“Shut up!”

“You really like being angry~ ♥~”

“…You, you’re really…”

“Ah, anyway the real uniform is under the table in the carriage. I did prepare it properly, so don’t worry.”

Ryner went back to the carriage, and looked under the table.

This time he saw a reasonable uniform placed under it.

It was a uniform similar to Ferris’s, it was made of some material.

The colours were green, white and black. The white outfit was very thin, if examined closely there were magical structures found there that were not easily seen, this added defense against spells.

And there were magical items and small knives tucked in the interior of the elbow and knee, there were several small knives at the waist too. And the hard armour over his chest to protect his chest—simply said, just by these garments they had far surpa.s.sed those white uniforms that Sion had for the Magic Knights, it was genuine heavy-duty armour.

But it was lighter by half of Roland’s Mage Knight’s armour.

Ryner stared at this uniform, then shut his eyes. When he opened them again, a strange red five-pointed star appeared in his eyes.

These were a pair of special eyes, called the Alpha Stigma.

Although it was a convenient power that was able to see through all magic, but because it would spread the fire of killing if went berserk, so it had always been forbidden by everyone. But lately for some reason, curious people like Sion, Ferris, Kiefer had slowly increased, and now it had become a pair of troublesome eyes that were not forbidden.

“…”

Ryner smiled bitterly as he thought of this.

Then he used that pair of special eyes, to look at the uniform.

And in a moment he could understand the magic cast on the outfit, even the small unattractive parts on it became familiar to him.

But the functions of the magic were not much different from those of the Mage Knights, it was all counter magic, to ward against attacking magic. Of course because it was not from the magical system of Roland, so the structure and activation methods were different, but basically it was defense magic that was almost the same as Roland’s.

But there should be a magic that would lighten weight cast here. Or else there was no other way for this armour’s weight to be so greatly reduced. “…”

But, no matter how Ryner looked at it, on that uniform, there were no traces of magic that could control magic.

But talking about which.

“…Magic that can control weight, according to current magic it’s impossible. That also means that this is…”

This uniform could have been made from the skills of the Heroes’ Relic.

How was the relic that could control weight used, or was it that this light uniform itself as a Heroes’ Relic?

Putting that aside.

“…Even if it’s Roland or Gastark, they are already proceeding with the war with Heroes’ Relics, if I don’t increase my knowledge in this field, I can’t go to war.” Ryner muttered.

The basics of war was to know how much power and weapons one held, then he also needed to know how much power the enemy had. Only by grasping these, that the war would truly begin.

And the people who were going to battle without knowing anything about it, those probably weren’t heroes but idiots.

“I’m an idiot.” He groaned and sighed.

Even if he knew that he was an idiot, he could only go to join in battle. And he had to bear the responsibility of his companions’ lives to join the battle.

Just thinking about these problems made Ryner feel like going to have an afternoon nap.

But.

“…Ah, ah, really, it always becomes something as troublesome as this.” As he grumbled, he changed into that uniform.

Then he walked out of the carriage.

And he found that outside the carriage, there was another man.

A 30 year old man, who was tall.

Thick green armour hung on that strong body. Piercing eyes. That man was using piercing eyes to look to the north.

Looking to the north where the Gastark army were.

Looking at this man—the king of one of countries in the mid-continent Geihlficlant, Gulafed Abuleld, Ryner said: “I say, having the king-sama of a large country being here is alright?”

Abuleld looked over, then smiled, “You need to use honorifics when you talk to someone above your position, brat.”

Just as Ryner was about to retort, Vois bowed to Abuleld, “I’m very sorry, Abuleld-sama. But even so he is still our king.”

“Eh? You’re trying to say as king, our positions are equal? The leader of the Anti-Roland Coalition who does not have any land and me who is born as the Geihlficlant king?”

Vois seemed as if he wanted to say something. His face became slightly nervous, preparing to say.

But Abuleld interrupted him, saying: “Never mind. I was only joking. Perhaps you may think that since I was from the military I must be very particular about social statuses, but I’m not so traditional. Everyone is equal on the battle field. The dead people are losers, and the people who remain standing till the end are winners. Easy right?” Abuleld said, then looked back to the north.

“And if in the war that is about to begin, that brat who is the bearer of magical eyes can be used, then it doesn’t matter how he talks. If he can kill the most Gastark soldiers who trample on the Geihlficlant people.” He said, then looked over. Staring at Ryner’s eyes. No, staring at the evidence of the monster that was deep within his eyes, asking: “Then, how about it? Can you do it?”

But Vois answered for Ryner again: “Of course, Your Majesty. We said it before, we would defeat the Gastark weapon that was used to defeat Stohl…”

“Can that thing be stopped?”

“Yes.”

“In the past, the Alpha Stigmas that I dealt with in the army weren’t this strong…”

Vois nodded, “That’s true. But this can’t be explained in normal terms. Because our king is a special existence.”

“…Special, huh.” The Geihfliclant king looked at Ryner with piercing eyes again.

Then.

“Vois Fiurelle.” He called Vois’ name.

Vois bowed his head, “Yes?”

“If this thing about special is false.”

“Yes.”

“I will kill you. The group that you brought along will also be killed.”

Vois smiled, “I’ll remember that.”

“Yes. That means you have the confidence.”

“Yes.”

Abuleld looked at Ryner again, “Even though he’s a lowly bearer of magical eyes, but he gained such a large trust. But, this is good. If you don’t have that confidence then you can’t join in this accursed battle. That means you have the chances of winning.”

Vois said: “There is the presence of Geihlficlant’s army defending, so we can’t lose.”

But Abuleld stared at Vois, saying: “I have already investigated about Stohl’s battle. So this battle isn’t something easy.”

“Yes, so we came here.”

Abuleld smiled, looking at Vois he said: “That’s true. You came here because of that. Because I accepted what you said about being able to stop Gastark’s weapon, so you came here. So although you said that you wanted to join in this war, but you were preparing to attack Geihlficlant from the south and came to me.” As he said that, King Abuleld raised a hand.

And they were surrounded by the Geihlficlant Mage Knights wearing green armour.

Ryner looked at Vois and said: “You…”

In the moment that he spoke, Abuleld continued, “Oh, it seems like the bearer of magic eyes didn’t know about this? Well, humans wouldn’t trust bearers of magic eyes. So you’re only a puppet king? Then you don’t have to speak anymore. I’m talking with the last heir to a line of swindlers.” As he said that, Abuleld lowered his head to look at Vois. Those eyes were giving off a killing intention. His opponent was clearly only a child, but he didn’t give a hint of weakness, the pressure strengthened to a scary killing aura.

But Vois very simply accepted that killing aura, his face did not change, saying: “Ara, are we exposed? Then losing contact with my subordinates was because…”

Abuleld nodded, “The soldiers gathered in the south, have been arrested.”

“Arrested? Then I’m grateful. You didn’t kill them.”

“I’m not killing them now. But if you are unable to stop Gastark’s weapons, then I will simply kill all of them.”

Vois smiled, “But if I don’t stop Gastark’s weapon, you will…”

“Die?”

“Yes.”

“That isn’t a problem. Even if I die, my brothers will inherit this country’s throne. Then that brother will kill your companions.”

“Is it.”

“Yes.”

“But that hostage doesn’t really mean anything much. Because even if my companions are killed, I wouldn’t feel much pain.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. Or do you need me to prove it? You can kill one of the companions right in front of me now, use that as evidence.”

Abuleld stared at Vois as if wanting to pierce through the thoughts that he had, saying: “…Oh… it doesn’t seem like a lie. You really wouldn’t be bothered by the death of your companions… You really are a brat that makes one unhappy.”

Vois smiled again, “Because it’s a messy world, so a brat like this would be born.”

“Then, why does a brat like you come here? Do you want to mess up Geihlficlant? But that has already failed. The soldiers in the south are already arrested.”

But Vois still smiled, saying: “I never thought of messing up Geihficlant. In the beginning I was planning to attack Geihlficlant that had been weakened by Gastark, then steal away with its land and resources. But Gastark is a more challenging opponent than I had expected, so I wanted to give Geihlficlant more power.”

“Oh, you want me to believe you? Actually you’re a spy from Gastark right?”

Vois didn’t quaver, replying: “Gastark has that weapon that defeated Stohl, do you think that they would send a spy?”

“Then it’s the Ertolia Republic? Or you could be a spy from Remrus Empire. Even if it’s not like that, I heard that this Anti-Roland Coalition had been receiving a.s.sistance from Remrus in the past…”

But his words were cut short, Vois said: “Can we not proceed with this boring questioning? Anyway you have already known about our intentions, and my companions in the surrounding would be arrested under your order right?”

“…”

At this, Abuleld quietened.

Confirming this point Vois continued: “But you didn’t do that. That is because you’re antic.i.p.ating what we have, the power that can stop Gastark’s weapon. Then, continue to antic.i.p.ate it. We will stop the power of Gastark’s weapon. And using this chance, you Geihlficlant will go and stop Gastark. This way the battle can be won… because most of the army is Geihlficlant’s, so even if you don’t emphasise your ultimate advantage, we understand.”

Hearing this Abuleld’s face relaxed for the first time.

“…Clever brat even if you get too proud you wouldn’t lose.”

“So in the beginning you gave us a threat to test our potential?”

“Yes.”

“That should be a compliment right?”

Abuleld smiled as he nodded.

“Yes. The more I investigate the more confused I am about the actual body of the Anti-Roland Coalition. But even so…”

“It’s not large enough to go against you. I’m clear about this point.”

“If you understand, that’s good. Then we should start soon. My army will collapse the Gastark army. But we can lend a few soldiers to your Anti-Roland Coalition…”

But Vois shook his head, “We have our own methods.”

“Is that so. But I will send some soldiers to keep a watch…”

“Please do that.”

“That’s good, our conversation is over.” Abuleld walked back. He walked back to where the Geihlficlant soldiers were.

Dazedly watching all this, Ryner said softly: “That sneaky plan of yours, not only Pia, even the Geihlficlant king knew about it.”

Vois smiled: “That was dangerous.”

“You can’t end the topic just by saying that it was dangerous. If you made a wrong move, before the battle started with Gastark, everyone would be killed.”

“That’s true.”

“It’s not that’s true.”

“But, we managed to survive. It must be the G.o.ds blessing us to go fight with Gastark.”

“Hey, what G.o.d is that. You don’t believe in that.”

Vois displayed a surprised face, “I believe. The people who give me money, are my G.o.d.”

“Ah~ I see.”

“It’s like that. Then, we should go turn this battle to gold.” Vois said, then looked to the north again.

In the large land before them, they could see dust swirling which they had not seen earlier.

A large amount of sand was swirling. Perhaps opposite the sand, there would be tens of thousands of soldiers.

The tens of thousands of soldiers, from Gastark.

A hundred thousand soldiers, from Geihlficlant.

And three thousand soldiers, from the Anti-Roland Coalition and Imperial Nelpha, that Vois had brought here forcefully.

Close to two hundred thousand people, would kill each other here.

“Really, how many people would die, I don’t dare to predict the numbers.” Ryner groaned, then looked at Vois, asking: “Then, what is the battle plan?”

Vois raised his head and looked over, answering simply: “There’s none.”

“Hey, I’ll really kill you.”

“Ahaha. Well, in such a large scale war, three hundred thousand-strong cannot do much. I can only say, don’t die before it ends.”

Ryner narrowed his eyes.

What Vois referred to, was probably that.

The activation of that weapon that Gastark would use, that was strong enough to kill tens of thousands in a moment—no, it could even be hundreds of thousands of humans.

And before the activation, Ryner needed to use his eyes to do something. As for what he had to do not even Ryner knew it, but anyway he would do something.

This way they could stop the activation of Gastark’s weapon, then the Geihlficlant army would crush Gastark that had lost advantage with its military power, this war would end.

--That should be the plan.

At this moment, Toale walked over, “That mean before things happen, we have to run all over the place and try not to get involved in the fighting, right?”

But Vois shook his head, “That can’t be done. Besides the weapon that Gastark has that can kill ten thousand people, there are several things like the Rhule Fragmei that are similar to ours that can kill many lives. If they use those, then Geihlficlant will be defeated before Gastark uses that weapon.

Ryner remembered that Heroes’ Relic—what the destructive weapon that was called Rhule Fragmei had done to humans.

It was done not long ago.

To the Nelpha people and soldiers that Ryner and Toale had led, the Roland army only used that Heroes’ Relic.

Then they had easily killed half of the Nelpha citizens.

The half had been blown away.

With only one hit, thousands of lives had been taken away.

“…”

But Vois had said, that power would continue to be released in this battle.

No, it seemed in the following battle, it would be expected for that power to be used.

Even if it were Roland, Gastark, Vois, they would use that Heroes’ Relic. They would imply use that destructive power that should not be used by humans.

And Gastark had a weapon that was more powerful than that.

Before that weapon, humans would be destroyed like rubbish.

“…They’re completely mad.” Ryner sighed softly.

Vois nodded, “That’s right. They’re completely mad. And even in this crazed mess, the power that Gastark has seems abnormal. So we must stop them…” Vois suddenly stopped, then said: “Well, let’s stop with the conversation. The Geihlficlant army should be attacking about now. We should decide what to do after this.”

Indeed between the Geihlficlant soldiers, magical messages were being spread. Then the hundred thousand strong army seemed to move slowly, like a dragon that had raised its head.

Ferris looked at this, asking: “…Is the war starting?”

Ryner nodded, “Yeah.”

“Iris, Arua, Kuku, wouldn’t you let them escape?”

Ryner shook his head and answered: “It can’t be done.”

“Is that so.”

“Yes.”

“Then they can only work hard.”

Ryner nodded and said: “Yeah, that’s true.”

Then he looked at Vois, asking: “Then, I’m the general?”

Vois nodded, “Because you are our king.”

“Hey will the king go to the front lines personally.”

“King Abuleld has also come to the front lines?”

“Because he’s an idiot.”

“Ahaha.”

“Well, anyway, let’s go. If we start moving the troops now, will we meet with Gastark’s troops?”

“We’ll meet them in the afternoon.”

“Afternoon… that means after two hours.”

“According to the movement of the other party, if the other side is moving to meet us, we’ll encounter after two hours.”

Ryner nodded, as he said: “Alright, then in these two hours…”

Vois seemed to understand what Ryner wanted to say, saying: “Yes, I’ll tell everyone about the numbers and the method of usage for our Rhule Fragmei. Then this will become the first case in the world. Countries using Rhule Fragmei to fight for justice, becoming the first battle—” Vois seemed to smile very happily. Although it wasn’t known why he was happy, but he seemed to smile very happily.

Of course because this person was a con artist, so it was completely unknown what he was planning, but at least other companions did not have such a bright expression.

The war was starting.

The war was starting.

The war where people would die.

“…”

But for some reason.

For some reason, Ryner suddenly felt nostalgic.

Then he remembered.

At that time when he was the student of Roland’s Imperial Special Military Inst.i.tute.

When Sion and Kiefer were with him.

Fahl, Toni, Tyle were still alive.

And they had said this.

The war is beginning. But we will be alright. Because Sion is here. If we hand it to Sion, we don’t need to go to the front lines before the war is ended. Ah, it’s good that we’re following Sion… things like that.

“…”

Everyone was clearly smiling as they looked at each other, but why did Fahl, Toni, Tyle, everyone die.

Even Sion seemed to leave him for a faraway place.

But even so, he still tried to remember those memories.

Remembering being rowdy in the inn with everyone, everyone going to carry out boring a.s.signments. Occasionally he would dream of those memories.

And he remembered at that time, Sion’s smile was not darkened by any negative emotions, his quiet smile.

In the end war had dissolved everything.

But.

“…I won’t let those things happen again according to your wishes.” He mumbled.

Although he didn’t know who ‘your’ was referring to.

Unless it was referring to the world that would become worst if left alone, that demanded too much from Sion.

Or was it referring to these humans who would not stop fighting.

Or was it referring to him using the excuse of these cursed eyes, not feeling that close friends were criticized, not feeling that companions were crying, only thinking of escaping.

He didn’t know the answers to these questions, but.

“…This time I will definitely not allow things to happen.” He thought.

At least I have already sworn not to escape.

Of course no matter how strong the promise, his heart would turn soft because of the cruelty of war, making him think of escaping.

But this time.

“I wouldn’t let anyone die.” He seemed to be saying that for the sake of himself.

Vois said: “How reliable.”

Toale nodded, “I will help too.”

Ferris too, although she was unenthusiastic in front of everyone else, but she had thought about many things surprisingly.

Although it was the worst situation where Iris, Arua and Kuku were involved. But, he could only work hard.

And Kiefer too.

“…”

Ryner looked around, for some reason, Kiefer wasn’t by his side.

“Eh? Where’s Kiefer?”

The other people shook their heads, signifying that they did not know.

Vois said: “Did she go to the toilet?”

At this moment, from behind the carriage where Ryner and the others had been changing their clothes, Kiefer jumped out as she blushed, “I didn’t go to the toile
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