Chapter 500
Chapter 500
Star Spirit World Arc This is the True Evolved
In respond to the unstoppable wild excitement, Aiko displayed a masterful technique with the face of a professional. She casted “Soul Repose that kept the target’s feeling still heated up but to an exquisite degree where they were composed”.
If she didn’t do that, it felt like the crowd would swarm them. Originally that should be impossible to happen because they also had royalty with them, but that was just how amazing their fanatism toward Shia──or rather her idol power was.
「At this rate it might be possible for something like hero cult to form?」
「So many people are praying or worshipping here!」
「Kaori-san and Aiko-san too, why are you two looking that happy?」
The crowd’s mood was still heated up although they had become in their best behavior.
The wall of people was parting bit by bit like when Moses parted the sea. The group slowly advanced toward the large crater that was surrounded by fence while Shia was waving her hand with a smile still pasted on her face.
She felt like her cheeks would start cramping soon.
Because for some reason? Kaori and Aiko’s words weren’t an exaggeration at all.
「S-Shia-oneecha~~n. There’re babies being lifted up here and there for some reason nano. Their dads and moms are yelling with dreadful look, asking you to name them nano……」
「Eh? What did you say? Desuu」
There is no way you didn’t hear you self-proclaimed hell bunny ears owner……Hajime and others thought, but they also understood her feeling that made her became conveniently hard of hearing in convenient timing so they ignored the byplay. It was something that any hero had after all.
「Waao……this amaziing. Shia-chi~, all the females from cute girl to pretty lady are all looking to get lucky with you~」
「The “embrace me” call is a bit scaryy」
Nana and Taeko were cackling while reporting that.
Shia was trying not to look at the female group that was noticeably even more wildly enthusiastic or rather making a fierce appeal toward her, so she wagged her rabbit tail up and down in protest as though to say Please don’t go out of your way to mention that!
「So this is also Dahlia-san’s work huh.」
「Now I’m really curious how it looked like when she was doing her missionary work.」
「Judging from this, it looks like that rumor really has gotten spread out everywhere huh.」
Atsushi, Noboru, and Ryuutarou were watching with twitching expressions. Even the males around the female group looked a bit put off. That was just how crazy the females’ seriousness was.
「The voices rejoicing from the saint’s return doesn’t lose against the voices praising Shiashia. And those two “returned together” like this, so, you can guess it right?」
The two’s simultaneous return invoked magnificent speculations. It drove the people’s imagination to the territory of unjust suspicion even. That was what happened.
In fact, As I thought, those two are……that kind of voice or expression could be seen here and there. It was even more so with the female crowd. They all had a convinced expression in their faces.
Suzu looked toward Dahlia with a wry smile. Dahlia who was looking back toward the people with affectionate smile immediately turned red.
「My deepest apologies, Shia-sama……my feeling toward Shia-sama has driven all these girls completely out of their mind-. If you have to blame someone then blame me!」
「Can I ask you to stop saying something like that with a voice that loud-!? Staring at me with teary eyes like that is also forbidden desuu!」
Look, because of Dahlia-san they all go, KYAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!
「tsuu, A-amazing. They’re so shrilly.」
「No, Shizuku. This art already like “a scream from a murder incident”……Remia, art thee alright?」
「Eh? What is it?」
Remia mama who instantly protected her daughter’s ears with her hands had sacrificed her own eardrums in return. She was looking a bit dizzy.
Of course, the damage to Shia who had the most excellent hearing needn’t to be said. As expected she had avoided direct hit by reflexively folding her rabbit ears, even so her furs were standing on ends.
Even Hajime went 「Uo, oo~」 with blinking eyes. Perhaps the volume could be classified as a sonic weapon already.
The men around them were looking around in confusion was surely because they were thinking 「Eeehh~, I can’t hear any voice anymore suddenly? Whyy~?」
Healing magic secretly flew from Kaori.
Even while that was going on the female crowd that was hoping to get lucky with the hero were,
「As I thought it’s true! The two are mutually in love!」
「Look, there’re all those women around them! All of them are Shia-sama’s harem member!」
「Wait, there’re also males though……」
「Who the hell are they! Isn’t there only one man who can serve Shia-sama at her side!?」
「Surely they’re the household servants! There’s no mistaking that! That’s it!」
「Servant……so there’s also that venue! Even if I can’t become a mistress, if I can get into the servant slot that might become an opening at the future! If I serve faithfully, one day Shia-sama’s eyes will……」
Such voices reverberated.
Heroes had great fondness for sensual pleasures……the people in this world, or at least some of the women seemed to believe that such saying was something that Shia practiced in real world.
Even other people who still weren’t sure of what to believe seemed to be leaning of feeling convinced of their theory……
「You thereee! That’s wrong! I’m Hajime-san’s wife desu! You all don’t even have a shadow of hope okay!」
Shia couldn’t hold back anymore and pointed sharply toward the female crowd while insisting loudly.
It was a bad move.
「Ah, they fainted.」
Hajime spoke understandingly 「Well, of course they’ll reach the limit or go limit break if their favorite super idol talk to them」 with a wry smile.
I don’t get it! Shia screamed inside her heart.
「Aiko-san-, can I ask you to administer a bit stronger “Soul Repose” to the people here-!」
「You can’t disobey the proper dosage like thatt!」
「Who cares about something like that! Or rather, really why’re you looking so happy like that!」
「It’s lonely if I don’t have any comrade.」
「For some reason you have this emo mood around you but I just don’t get it okay!」
There was nothing better than having as many “worshipped comrade” as possible. It was good for her mental health. That must be what she meant, judging from the sweet smile on Kaori and Aiko’s faces.
Liliana was looking down while muttering something like 「I don’t know what to say but sorry……the people in my world are……」. After all both the angel religion and the goddess faith were already organizations that couldn’t be stopped by anyone.
「……Shia, don’t just focus on Dahlia──」
「Yue-san. I’ll slap you if you try to be mischievous now. With Level X.」
Yue leaned forward to hug Shia’s arm, but after that she became despondent and sat back on her seat. She also followed up with hugging Hajime’s arm to proclaim that she was Hajime’s wife to the end.
That’s why, please don’t hit me. Yue-san is aware you know? That Shia right now at Level X can leave a hand mark on azantium even if she isn’t serious, her eyes said.
I also know that Hajime’s face became tense seeing that metal getting dented like clay like that, I know……I know……I know……
「H-hey, Nagumo. Aren’t we moving too slow? Let’s do the past replay quickly.」
Yuuka suddenly, or rather, she couldn’t be patient anymore and leaned forward from her seat.
Ooooooーー, somewhat thick sounding cheers spread out. That must be the cause of Yuuka looking strangely red.
「We already move around ten meters even like this. People might jump in front of us with a crowd this big. Safe driving, it’s important.」
「Don’t say something that isn’t like you at all!」
「Isn’t that cruel?」
Hajime must understand why Yuuka was asking something like that. A bit of mischief was showing in his face.
「More importantly, don’t lean forward too much like that. Your skirt is short after all.」
「Tsu, I-I know that!」
「Your chest area is also opened──they might spill out.」
「Sexual harassment!」
*Slap slap* Yuuka hit Hajime’s shoulder with bright red face. Her other hand was covering her chest area.
That gesture, expression, and then the shaking of one part because of the vibration from her slapping movement, they made even more cheers of 「Oooーーー」 to rise up thickly.
As expected the destructive power of “sacred outfit mini skirt maid” was terrible. Who’s that girl who is allowed to wear such shameful──I mean lewd──no I mean, wonderful outfit is!? Such deeply interested voices came from everywhere.
「A-as I thought I need to change……Nagumo, let me evacuate to the Miniature Garden for a bit!」
「Out of the question.」
「Why notttt!」
The slapping got boosted by the embarrassment and it finally changed into *pow pow*. Hajime didn’t answer Yuuka and gave a thumb up with a serious face toward Nana and Taeko over his shoulder.
「Miyazaki, Sugawara. Let me say this one more time. ──Nice sense.」
In respond to that, Nana and Taeko brushed up their hair with cool expressions.
「I guess? Look forward to it okay, Nagumo-chi.」
「Twelve outfits. You listening? We’ve prepared twelve happily embarrassing outfits for this trip. Fuh」
Yuuka glared furiously, however, she immediately returned to her seat in low spirits. While looking embarrassed. No, perhaps she was looking happy?
「Nagumo-dono, how about around there?」
This content is taken from fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm.
Eric who was watching the interaction between Hajime and others while smiling wryly. He then pointed from his horse.
He was pointing at a spot that was slightly outside the crowd. Around the large crater that was surrounded by fence, there was an even larger round open space of around several hundred meters.
The soldiers of the capital must have been mobilized. The soldiers became a perfectly round wall that stopped the crowd from approaching closer.
Seen from the sky, it might look like a colosseum.
There was Phil at the right side of that open space. He was waving his hand. There were even more soldiers and people who looked like nobles gathering there. It looked like there were even good quality chairs and beverages prepared.
Eric was pointing at that way.
「I don’t have any reason to refuse. Though it’ll be troubling if they rush us with greetings.」
「It will be fine. I have warned them beforehand. Phil too had made sure to remind them again.」
「My thanks for your consideration. Well, they won’t have any thought of that anyway when the past replay activate.」
「Haha, no doubt about that.」
Hajime turned his eyes toward Shia amidst the unceasing cheers.
「Uu~, fine desuuu~. After coming this far, I’ll play the hero role thoroughly!」
「I see.」
Shia guessed Hajime’s idea of going out of their way to take a detour and she shrugged.
She then jumped energetically on the car’s hood and called out to the crowd. That bold action was certainly suitable for a hero.
The car intentionally took the roundabout way so Shia and the saint and their group could pass in front of the crowd. The cheers naturally became louder seeing the passing group waving their hands at them. There were even quite a lot of people who broke into tears.
Like that, Shia and co gave fan service (?) properly. Then next they approached the country’s authorities who gave them a very light greeting but contained deep respect that could certainly be felt.
「Then Yue. I’ll leave it to you.」
「……I’ll die from embarrassment if I blundered in front of this many people. I swear I’ll perfectly reproduce the past with my life on the line!」
「No, you’re immortal……」
The main event of today’s heroic triumphant parade would finally start.
Yue was clad in golden aura.
The crowd stirred. Eric raised his voice loudly.
「Everyone, listen! After this our honored guest shall demonstrate a glimpse of another world’s mystic! Peel your eyes to watch carefully! The mythological battle that unfolded that day, at that time, in this place! And then, let us engrave it once more inside our heart! The meaning of the divine punishment! The figure of the hero who stood against it! And our new way of life!」
Eric’s voice gallantly reverberated through the voice amplifier system that was installed in the upgraded Brieze. Eric said thanks with his eyes toward Hajime even while feeling a bit surprised by his thoughtfulness.
The crowd was bewildered and turned quiet. In that instant, the concentrating Yue snapped her fingers with a yell 「Hereeee!!」.
As expected from Yue-sama. She was dead on this time. It was like the world became slightly dull and a transparent thundercloud appeared above their heads. The past scene overlapped with reality.
A stir and tumult spread out once more. Meanwhile someone yelled. 「A-a god! It’s the god of thundercloud!」 They said.
Everyone’s gaze moved toward the top of the hill.
There was a good looking man standing there, with naked upper body wearing something like a hakama on his lower body. His whole body was radiating sparks. He was floating in the air imposingly.
The crowd was holding their breath and turning pale by the divine majesty that could be felt even across the image projection. Some were even unconsciously and immediately bending their knees and lowering their head.
「Udar-san……he’s really a god huh.」
「Shizuku-chan, are you aware that your words just now are quite horrible?」
「My my, he’ll cry you know? That person, he’s unexpectedly a delicate person after all.」
Kaori and Remia smiled wryly at Shizuku’s impression that slipped out unconsciously.
But, they too understood her feeling. Tio and others were also making the same expression.
Slime Udar had nonexistent majesty, and Soare was too intense that he wasn’t standing out at all in comparison, but he too was generally a Shia lover who wasn’t right in the head.
Often he acted to be Soare’s stopper, but that wasn’t because of his common sense. Eighty percent of time it was because seeing Soare hovering around Shia was an eyesore.
He was often seen making a suggestion with a smug face in order to be useful to Shia before getting down because of getting rejected. Remia and others had seen Udar hugging his knees on the bottom of Treasure Tree while Soare was telling「Serves you right!」 at such Udar several times.
It couldn’t be helped that something like Udar’s divine majesty became placed in the dustbin of history after that.
「Umm, Yue-san. The important scene where my Schutaif-tan got blown away is……」
「……Nn, I know. But, the people inside the capital don’t really know about the situation over here right? It would be scary for them if lightning suddenly pour down even if it’s just a past replay.」
「Ah, certainly.」
Not all people in the crowd today were outside the capital that day. To them, even the current situation where thundercloud suddenly appeared was something shocking.
Perhaps there were also people who were traumatized by what happened that day. Then, it would be better to start the replay from the moment where Shia faced Udar.
Shia too smiled broadly to Yue’s thoughtfulness. It was a consideration to make up for the “Scene clip selection failure incident” that happened before this. Eric and others were also sending grateful gazes toward her.
『So you come, child of another world.』
Udar’s dignified voice reverberated. The people cowered just from that. At the side Ryuutarou and co said 「Uwaa, so dignifieddd……」 in surprise, while Nana and co said 「At this time he’s still a normal hunk, and yet now……」 with a gaze that usually would be directed at something disappointing. That was just how unusual a godly Udar was.
But, if Udar was here then 「Eh……my reputation, is so low……?」 he would be down and he might went to the base of the Treasure Tree to hug his knees again there, even so he would surely have a self-introspection to some degree.
「He’s still a god even like that though. As expected, I got a chill that time by the rush of death visions I got.」
Shia said that with an expression that showed some bitterness. Right after that.
『Forgive me』
In contrast with the horribly sad expression, a lethal attack was casually fired but──
The crowd could only see a flash of lightning striking empty air. Remnant of light that looked like a warped pentagram was burned into their eyes, at the same time they felt like the body of the past Shia was slightly blurred.
*Paann* A dry sound boomed a beat later. That was surely the thunder.
When they realized, Udar was standing at a slight distance away from the place he was formerly located at.
They didn’t understand what happened at all. They tilted their heads slightly from the light and sound they sensed, and from seeing Shia’s figure that was getting cold sweat while breathing slightly hard.
They didn’t have even the faintest idea.
That offenses and defenses that easily numbered more than ten had been exchanged in the interval just now that ought to be described as an instant.
「Did you guys see?」
「「「There’s no way we did-」」」
「「「No no, impossible impossible!!」」」
The boys & Nana, Taeko, and Suzu shook their heads left and right in respond to Hajime’s question.
「Myu~, Myuu could only see the first lightning spear nano……」
「Eh!? Myuu could……m-my my, really this child, since when did she」
Remia panicked for a moment wondering whether her daughter had also started stepping into the bugged domain just like Shia, but she calmed down seeing the sunglasses that Myuu was wearing.
She must have used the sunglasses’ senses magnification function. Her figure when wearing the sunglasses while standing imposingly with folded arms was strangely radiating the aura of the strong. Remia’s expression became conflicted was surely because of that.
In any case, although she had the assistance of an artifact, it would still be difficult to follow the happening unless she had anticipated it from the start and concentrated, so it was still a considerable readiness that she exhibited.
「That art genuinely lightning speed correct? Of course it’s impossible.」
「It might be different if I’m in apostle mode. Unlike with the railgun, you can’t even predict where the attack will come from the barrel’s direction after all.」
「Moving freely in the speed of railgun……I see. This unreasonableness is certainly just as expected from a god.」
「Shizuku, won’t you be able to see it when reinforced with sublimation magic?」
「I wonder about that. Let’s test it for a bit.」
It seemed there was nobody who could properly follow the offenses and defenses just now with sight alone. Shizuku became motivated from Liliana’s suggestion. She thought that it might be possible while she was buffed.
Originally, lightning speed was something that was just that broken. It was a speed that was literally in another dimension. Human wasn’t allowed to even perceive it. It was truly the domain of god.
「But, it looked like Shia-sama had splendidly pulled through though.」
「No no, Dahlia-san. At that time even I couldn’t keep up desu. I was just moving based on the glimpses of future that I got a moment ago.」
「Future sight, huh. That’s an outrageous ability that is suitable for a hero.」
Dahlia and Eric were impressed, but the crowd that didn’t understand the situation in detail was still in a confusion.
They were watching the talk between Shia and Udar that wasn’t on the same wavelength at all with incomprehension.
「Say, Yue-san. If the scenes after this are also filled with that kind of exchange, there won’t really be any meaning in watching……」
Yuuka looked around with a troubled face at the surrounding big shots and spectators who were getting enveloped in a doubtful atmosphere.
Yue nodded.
「……Nn, no need to finish that, Yuuka. Yue Channel can do anything, from resolution adjustment to mosaic editing, from scene clipping until embellishment too, anything goes. Of course, double speed and slow motion are also included!」
「No, embellishment should be a no go.」
Yue smoothly ignored Yuuka’s tsukkomi and stopped the past replay right before Shia started a heated argument. She then quickly rewound the projection to right before the battle began. The reversing image caused a stir.
「……Restart! Yue Channel can cope even with lightning speed!」
「Who’re you advertising to?」
Hajime’s tsukkomi was disregarded and this time the projection played in a speed that even an ordinary person could follow with their eyes.
Udar fired a lightning spear, at the same time he changed into a streak of lightning and circled around to Shia’s back. And then, he returned to human form instantly while his hand shot forward to stab Shia’s heart from behind.
Screams rose from here and there. Relieved voices slipped out when Shia dodged.
But, they had no time to breath just like Shia at that time.
Lightning fast movements and attacks assaulted Shia from every direction. Shia’s expression that showed no leeway at all while desperately dodging conveyed an enormous tension.
This was the personification of lightning. The threat of nature that had its own will.
『Oh child of another world. Please stop struggling.』
The exchange lasted only for several seconds even through the replay that was slowed into perceivable-by-sight speed. But, everyone let out a long sigh of relieve when it ended. They all were holding their breath before they knew it.
That several seconds were just that jampacked.
「To be honest, I was taking things too lightly. I was told that the celestial people are at the level of god’s apostle. It was a deadly carelessness.」
「……Nn. It’s admirable to know your own mistake!」
Shia’s expression was still bitter even after Yue gave her a praise. She was ashamed.
After all putting it another way, it was a blunder that she had to be scolded for if she didn’t reflect on it.
「Well, at that time you had just started getting used with the peaceful life in Japan after all. That blunder is something that you could accuse all of us with. I think the saying that carelessness is the greatest enemy really hit the mark here.」
「……If it was you Nagumo, how would you deal with that?」
Yuuka asked with a deep curiosity. The way she didn’t ask “Could you deal with that?” could be perceived as her immense faith on him that there was no way Hajime would lose. Yue and Kaori, no, even Nana and Taeko and Suzu were grinning broadly.
「Me? Let’s see. First……no, Myuu.」
「Myu?」
「What do you think I’d do if it was me?」
The sunglasses looked strangely good Myuu. She slightly pushed up the sunglasses with her fingertip as she looked at papa. Even that gesture looked good like it was performed by an actress in a movie.
Nobody there had even the slightest inkling that it was actually the result of her thinking 「Now that Myuu has received sunglasses too, Myuu can’t lose against the abyss lord nano! Myuu need to research the optimum angle and pose quickly!」.
If it became known that the rival in Myuu’s heart was the abyss lord……there was no doubt that papa would go inflict some unreasonableness to the lord.
Yuuka and others tilted their heads 「Why is he asking Myuu-chan?」, meanwhile Myuu showed a thinking pose for a bit. A second passed and she stylishly took off the sunglasses and spoke the answer with a crisp expression.
「The instant papa heard about the divine spirit of thundercloud-san, papa would create, insulator? Equipment that is lightning proof nano. Then, papa would make a show, your attack doesn’t work see~ to provoke the god’s pride and narrow down his field of vision, while secretly positioning Cross Velts or something to lock the space nano. Then, papa would raise a barrier and bomb the divine spirit-san inside a two-fold barrier until he die nano!」
「Good answer. I present you with gold star.」
「Waaaaaaaiii, nano!」
Myuu-chan hopped *pyon-* in happiness.
Ryuutarou and co went 「Nagumo family’s special education is insaneee……」 with put-off expressions. Even Eric and the other big shots made a face that said 「Eww, what’s with this little girl, so scary……」.
「By the way, what if it was Myuu? What would you do if someone you can’t beat attack you?」
「Call someone, either papa or the Onee-chans!」
「If you can’t contact me or the others?」
「Run!」
「If you can’t run?」
「Negotiate!」
「If you can’t negotiate?」
「Take hostage!」
「If there’s no hostage?」
「Buy time by lying or bluffing!」
「If everything doesn’t work and you’re forced to fight?」
Myuu instantly answered papa’s questions.
The expressions of the surrounding were increasingly turning put-off 「Uwaa」. Remia mama’s expression became like “I don’t know what kind of face to make at this kind of time”. Meanwhile, the second round looked like it was going to start inside the past replay.
Words didn’t work, persuasion was impossible. The god was simply informing his decision matter-of-factly.
Then, there was no choice.
Shia swung Drucken once. She laughed fearlessly.
Myuu too grinned fearlessly at her papa’s question.
『If there is no choice but to fight then I can only fight. I will acquire the right to live without fail.』
「If there is no choice but to fight then Myuu can only fight nano. Myuu will not give up till the end no matter what.」
A torrent of pale blue light pierced the sky as though to stir the whole atmosphere.
Myuu looked up straight to such Shia with sparkling eyes.
『I don’t give any damn whether you are divine spirit or whatever desu. This little me here, is a wife of a godslayer you know?』
「It doesn’t matter who the opponent is nano. Because, Myuu is papa’s daughter.」
The past Shia went toward the enemy before her.
Myuu looked toward her papa who was testing her with his questions.
Their voices loudly declared with firm determination.
『I’ll rabbit you up! Desuu!!』
「Things like honorable defeat can eat shit! Myuu will survive no matter how unsightly nano!」
Only people who were very close nearby heard Myuu’s answer. But, all those nearby people without exception saw the same radiance like Shia from the little girl.
The strong heart that couldn’t break no matter what against anyone, even against god.
Ryuutarou and co went 「Nagumo family’s special education is insaneee……」 with a smile. Eric and the other big shots were muttering 「Eww, what’s with this little girl, so cool……」.
Hajime gave Myuu a head pat that disheveled her hair.
「Full marks. No, it’s higher.」
「Nnfufufufu~~~h ?」
Her smug face was extremely adorable. Shia, Kaori, Shizuku and others couldn’t hold back and take turn patting Myuu’s head.
「Umm, Shia-sama. Could it be that Shia-sama’s world is a nation of carnage……」
「Wrong. It’s just that Nagumo family can easily get embroiled into battlefield desu.」
Either way it seemed they were loved by the battlefield. Dahlia clenched both her fists and huffed in excitement.
……Why, was Dahlia-san getting fired up again after hearing the talk just now?
Shia became extremely concerned but, she was unable to ask about it. Because before she could question,
「By the way Shia-dono. Actually this has been in my mind all this time but──」
「Shia-sama, can I bother you for a bit? Actually something has been on my mind──」
「Hey, Shia. Tell me」
「……Shia, a bit of time?」
For some reason Eric, Dahlia, Hajime, and Yue threw her a question at the same time.
Furthermore, their question was completely in sync that it made her suspected whether these guys had been arranging it beforehand.
「「「「I’ll rabbit you up, what does that mean?」」」」
「──tsu!?」
An extra large lightning went *Flashhhーーー* with superb timing and swallowed the past Shia.
It was like the representation of Shia’s mental landscape. Shia and others unintentionally choked,
「T-that’s, umm……no, you can somehow get it right!? Especially Hajime-san and Yue-san!」
「「Eh? No……we don’t get it at all.」」
「Don’t lieeee desuuu!!」
Who are you two try to fool by looking confused identically like thattt! Shia yelled with bright red face while growling 「Unununu-」.
Shia had endured an unavoidable extra large lightning strike inside the past replay. She entered the state of Level V and blew away Udar at that timing.
Everybody other than the people who were within the hearing range of their conversation over here were taken aback. A god, furthermore the personification of lightning was socked by a huge hammer right from the front. That sight was that shocking.
It was only natural. Who in the world could hit a lightning strike? Who would even think of trying to hit one?
In the first place, how was she able to touch lightning?
That mental shock was,
『Guuh. Impossible-. A mere blow is injuring me-』
Astonishing a god himself, so the effect was even more pronounced with the normal people.
「Forgive me, Shia-dono. Looks like it’s something that must not be asked.」
「Please I ask for your forgiveness. Shia-sama. I will not ask that question ever again so……」
「No, please wait! It’s not that serious of a reason! This is making me embarrassed instead that it’s now hard to say the reason!」
Eric and Dahlia’s laudable manner cornered Shia instead. Hajime and Yue were grinning even while watching the past replay.
The people within the hearing range were fidgeting restlessly, thinking If you’re going to say it then say it quickly! I can’t focus on the show because of my curiosity like this!
Kaori and Shizuku, Liliana and Aiko were whispering to each other with wry smiles.
「It feels like Hajime-kun and Yue, both are teasing Shia a lot since coming to this world aren’t they?」
「It’s a world where Shia is worshipped after all, so perhaps their tension is rising?」
「Is it something like the flipside of feeling proud of a family member?」
「To me it look more like, they’re showing off We’re the “special” someone of the hero Shia Hauria you know~.」
「Fufu, it’s heartwarming isn’t it?」
Remia said that and chuckled. Right after that,
『Explode! Smash! Desuu!!』
The past Shia was hit with another unavoidable extra large lightning, but as expected she leaped out unharmed and closed in to Udar.
At the same time the real Shia turned bright red and started an explanation that reeked of mortification.
「S-so you see in other words? I’ll rabbit you up means something like giving a beating, said that way to make it sounds cute, while also arranged to suit the bunny theme……it’s something like that you understand?」
「「Right right, and?」」
「And!? E-errr, that’s why……in short……in short……uuu, in short it’s cute desuu! I thought hard for that signature phrase focusing on cuteness, what’s so bad about that!?」
Shia-chan snapped with an expression like a comedian who was made to explain what was so funny about their joke. She was a bit tearful, perhaps because of embarrassment.
And so, Hajime and Yue gave a thumb up with broad smile.
「No, nothing bad. The signature phrase is the coolest and cutest.」
「……Nn. Keep using it in every chance from now on too~」
「Y-yeah. Umm, that, I think it’s adorable! So this is the high sense of other world huh!」
「Yes, it’s perfect! This Dahlia is completely in awe-」
「Stop it already……stahp……」
Shia covered her face with both her hands and crouched down as though she was crying. Her rabbit ears and tail became completely limp *funyaa~*.
The people nearby who were able to see the figure of such Shia whose mind was “Explode! Smash!”-ed were of one mind. Which was, 「Certainly, she is perfectly cute-」. fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com
Shia’s fierce battle was still continuing above at the sky even while such hectic scene was unfolding below. The Shia there was gallant and cool.
The nearby males and females didn’t want to miss watching either Shia and so their heads were busily moving like a certain doll that often got bought as souvenir.
「N-no good……the mood is getting strange-」
「A cool Shia-sama and a cute Shia-sama……to think that the mental burden of watching both simultaneously is this much……」
「Hang in there, don’t faint! A chance like this won’t ever come again-」
「Know that this place might be where we die! Harden your resolve!」
「You can’t call yourself a true fan unless you endure this waves of attack from Shia-sama!!」
It seemed they were in a deadly battle of their own, but they all were being terribly excited so all were fine.
It was only at this kind of time that she resented her hell rabbit ears (self-proclaimed). Shia was desperately ignoring the voices reaching her from her surrounding.
The past Shia was also ignoring Udar’s attack. It was “Half Transition”. It was a dangerous technique that put herself into an out-of-phase space, but in exchange it was also a cheating technique that disabled all effects to reality.
And then, a second impact. The split Udars got blown away altogether. One of them got his leg grabbed and turned into an improvised hammer.
「Oi oi, she grabbed lightning with her hand.」
「I know what you wanna say, Sakagami.」
「I get the theory. Perhaps it’s soul magic right? But, that’s not what this is about, right?」
The expressions of the three boys were twitching. Suzu were nodding at them yep yep while folding her arms.
「An opponent who isn’t affected by your attack for some incomprehensible reason, keep reaching out with their hand toward you……it’s like a horror type being where it’ll be over for you if you get caught isn’t it.」
「「「「That」」」」
There was one extra person agreeing there which was Yue. She sounded heartfelt.
Surely she was remembering the quarrel that she did with Shia in the cavern of ice and snow in the past. Just how many times she yelled 「Stoopp~~~」 inside her heart that time. But, this girl just won’t stop. How can she just normally endure space blasting attack hitting her? Why is she stomping closer toward me with that fearless smile? It’s real scary……
Kaori said 「That’s true isn’t it. I saw it so I understand~」 while giving head pat to the shivering Yue to console her.
That kind of feeling must be budding inside Udar at that time too. His expression was overflowing with humane emotions. Like the twitching face, or the face of someone whose feeling had gone straight through bewilderment when facing incomprehensible phenomenon to wanting to stomp the ground in frustration……
「Well, of course anyone will make that kind of expression if all those get waved away with just the word “guts”.」
Yuuka whispered with a faint smile. Everyone nodded in agreement.
「Mumuh, this is the sign of seriousness nano!」
Myuu-chan was right on the mark. It looked like she had also become able to read the battlefield’s flow.
Udar was shaken from being hit for the first time since he was born by an attack from a human no matter how hard to comprehend her existence was. His mind switched track.
Eradicating a pitiful existence with as little pain as possible. Executing divine punishment.
Those were all condescending attitudes, which now changed to what was in a sense equality. He designated Shia as a clear “enemy”.
「……Nn-, fast」
Yue hurriedly slowed down the projection speed even more. That was just how horrifically fast a serious Udar was.
The spectators had been holding their breath as they watched in a trance, so there wasn’t any cheer, even so the noises they made were still considerably loud.
Even those noises finally cut off. Everyone became deathly still.
What resounded in exchange was the continuous sound of thunderclap. It felt truly abnormal to hear the sound of roaring thunder that just wouldn’t end.
「The attack that relied only on specs now include finesse too huh. This is troublesome.」
「So he’s going with Hit & Away. He’s fighting damn steadily even though he’s a god.」
Even that mutter from Hajime and Ryuutarou’s groaning impression were drowned out.
Udar’s human form almost couldn’t be perceived by sight anymore. Only hazy image of him could be seen between the flickering lightning, but he was mostly lightning itself now. Flash of lightning ran as it please, leaving behind afterimages with Shia at the center.
The light was seared into the retina, but dozens more would come into being before the first one vanished. In human’s sight, it was as though lightning flowers were blooming profusely midair.
Shia’s counterattack had stopped coming almost completely. She was forced into a one-sided defensive battle.
Seen from the outside, she was simply getting showered by blows. She was cornered into such state in an instant.
Unceasing thunderclap and flash. That sight that invoked human’s primitive fear made the people watching to shrink into themselves unconsciously.
「Shia-oneechan!!」
Myuu’s yell was accompanied by the crowd’s scream.
The past Shia got slammed to the ground.
That spot that was a slight distance away from the gigantic crater was still left in the same state like that time. All the countless small craters were also surrounded by fences that kept the crowd at a fixed distance, even so the scene was so impactful that the people backed away like a ripple, emptying the space.
Yue thought that it would be hard to watch the battle on land and deployed a gigantic display in the air. At the same time *peh* the past Shia spat out blood from her mouth.
Yuuka and others opened their eyes wide seeing that.
「No way……Shia is bleeding……this might be the first time I see this since the battle in the demon king castle……」
「I forgot, that Shia-chi is actually a human too……」
「Thank god. Her blood’s color……it’s still red isn’t it?」
「Should we talk for a bit, about everyone’s perception of me?」
Yuuka, Nana, and Taeko shook their heads left and right vigorously when Shia’s reproachful gaze turned at them.
At the very least, that joke managed to slightly improve the pale faces of Eric and co, Dahlia, and the surrounding big shots and spectators.
Udar’s fierce assault resumed once more. Shia was forced into a one-sided defense like before.
「To break through Shia’s “Steel Garment” like that……not half bad」
Tio was impressed by Udar even while glancing toward Hajime and Yue.
Grieving voices started slipping out from the audiences. The battle was moving to the side of the huge crater, so the number of people who could watch from nearby was also increasing.
To them, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to describe the sight as “ghastly” or perhaps “sublime”.
A fair maiden was gritting her teeth, blood spraying out from her body, with wounds filling her body, while powerful blows were still raining down on her.
Her figure was becoming even more wounded and tattered as each second passed.
Even so that figure didn’t fall.
Why didn’t she fall? The spectators who were especially standing at the vicinity of the rampart must be feeling the reason for that even more keenly than the others. After all the projection of the people of the past appeared beside them or perhaps over them at that moment.
All of them were watching over the figure of the savior with expressions of grief while tears trickled down their faces.
Their feelings were exactly the same.
「Stop it already……just stop-」
Someone yelled. They couldn’t keep watching. Even knowing that it was something that happened in the past, they must be unable to stop themselves from yelling that. The number of people averting their gaze was increasing as each second passed.
「Don’t avert your gaze!! Watch it without fail! Your king commands you!」
Eric gave them his encouragement. He said how there would be no meaning if they didn’t watch. That he wouldn’t allow them to avert their gaze.
His voice was filled with solemnity, however it was slightly shaking. The audiences surmised their king’s intention and put strength into their eyes to return their gaze back toward the projection.
That was just how much the sight was constricting the heart of the people watching it.
Then, Hajime and Yue should be even more affected. Or perhaps they would even show irritation toward Udar. That was what Tio thought but……
「……Hajime, your comment.」
「S-Shia is scaryyy」
「Why is thatttt!?」
The two didn’t really look displeased. Rather their faces were twitching.
Eric and co, and Dahlia too were watching the past scene while biting their lips but, that comment made them went 「Eh?」 and they reflexively turned their gazes toward the duo.
「No, because you……just look there. That Shia……she has been watching the damn whole time-」
Hajime pointed out with his finger.
Hearing that, everyone tried focusing to the past Shia’s gaze who had been hardening her guard this whole time.
*Jii-*, she was simply watching *Jii-*. She was observing through the gap of her arms that were in guarding stance……just like, a hunter who was targeting his prey from behind a cover. Her pupils, were they opening?
「Aa, it’s true. It’s the same eyes like when she was ascertaining my god speed……it’s scary isn’t it, those eyes. Even though she shouldn’t be able to keep up, her gaze kept following me no matter where I went……」
「Kaori-san!?」
「Her fighting spirit isn’t cracking at the least isn’t it. Those are eyes of observation. Even while being showered with those many blows. It’s really scary.」
「Shizuku-saan!?」
「Come to think of it, Shia-oneechan at that time, was still just using Level V? Scary nano……」
「E-even Myuu-chan……」
「Eh, in other words, she’s intentionally letting herself get hit? What’s with that, scary……」
「Yuuka-san, isn’t taking a step back that obviously just rude? Even I’ll get hurt!」
Reallyyy? Gazes that were asking that reached her from Kaori and others. It was a common knowledge how she did Real Time Attack with her battle against her false image in the cavern of ice and snow.
No hesitation! No wavering! Anyhow just punch!!
Even though her past trauma, her wounded heart, and her feeling of guilt got pointed out without reservation, she displayed an overwhelming behavior that practiced those three principles for real. It couldn’t be helped even if other people thought that perhaps Shia’s heart was as hard as azantium.
「What’s with everyone. Even though I chose to fight defensively like that after considering the situation in my own way」
Naturally she was considering the possibility that other existences of the same level would come attacking.
She wanted to regain her battle sense that had dulled from getting used to the peaceful Japan and distancing herself from real battle.
And most of all.
「I’m Hajime-san’s wife after all! How can I call myself as such if I can’t at least block the lightning speed that my husband like to fire off, was something that had been on my mind the whole time, so that battle was a good chance!」
「This wife is just scaryyyy」
「……It might not be my place to say this but, Shia too has heavy love in general.」
「Or rather, isn’t that thinking a bit off-point I wonder?」
「As expected from a Hauria shouldst I say?」
「To have that kind of thinking, her thought process is just leaning toward battle isn’t it……」
Praise me?Praise me? I worked really hard! His bunny wife directed a radiant smile that said that, so Hajime-san gave her a head pat with slightly trembling hand.
「W-well, there’s nothing better then getting stronger, I guess.」
「……Hajime, is your voice shaking?」
The way she evolved the more she fought was truly the embodiment of a war god. She was the heaven-sent child of combat.
Therefore, that moment arrived.
Adaption, complete-!
The past Eric and others screamed. They let out grieving voices seeing Shia was on the verge of getting finished off.
It gave the audiences even more despair but……
『Don’t call me over familiarly! Desuu!!』
「Allow me to proclaim it once more. I absolutely won’t do that anymore!」
Seeing Shia’s fight once more, the current King Eric strongly proclaimed so with a pale face. He was slightly shaking just like Hajime, thinking just how reckless his past self was.
The right straight counter perfectly landed. The audiences were stirred once more.
From there, it was simply one-sided.
「Ooooooo~~h, Hitman Style! So cool nano!」
The left fist(jab) lashed out like a whip that tore through the air. It saw through Udar’s lightning speed movement and caught him without fail. And then if his movement stopped even just for a moment, the right fist would immedaitely explode forward with a thunderous roar like cannon.
Even though she was so tattered before this, her wounds were vanishing before everyone’s eyes.
Her kick that shot toward the sky erased the god’s head.
And at the end of all that was a backdrop.
Her combat strength was completely surpassing a god.
「So this is the true evolved……tsu!!」
「Dahlia-san!?」
Finally even Dahlia desginated her as inhuman. Shia had a shocked face *Rabbit-!?* on.
But, the impression that unintentionally spilled out from Dahlia must be something that really hit the mark with Hajime and others too. They were all nodding deeply with looks of understanding for the perfectly fitting phrase.
「I see. So, Tortus also has evolved. I thought that it’s simply Shia-san who is special but……perhaps there are also other beings who have this evolved trait? I’m curious about that as a princess-. I need to head deep inside the sea of trees after returning back in order to investigate!」
「Could it be……Director Dime is also the earth’s evolved? Hm, I’ve to report this to Magdanese-san too after going home!」
「Lily-san and Taeko-san too, you two aren’t saying that seriously right?」
Perhaps, they were joking. Shia hoped that was the case. After all the two had unexpectedly serious expressions on.
Putting that aside, the tsukkomi about bugged existence called Shia didn’t stop there.
「You see, Myuu love Shia-oneechan but……Myuu think waving off everything with “guts” is problematic nano.」
「B-but, look! It’s not just guts──」
「Saying “I got used to it” is also really horrible. In various senses.」
「For the opponent to just say “I got used to it!” after a while no matter what kind of attack you use……it must be really despairing for the enemy.」
「It’s still fine because the opponent is a god. But if the opponent is someone like a martial artist who has trained for dozens of years……」
「S-Shia-san. Even if you run into martial artist or something please don’t get into a duel with them! At the very least, defeat them instantly! To just get used to their skill……is just too cruel……」
The words from Yuuka, Atsushi, then Noboru and Ryuutarou finally made Shia narrowed her eyes. She looked like she wanted to say 「Really, just what are all of you think I am?」.
But, it also couldn’t be helped that their impression of her became like that. Because,
「But, if asked what is the most horrible here, it’s that this Shia-san is still not serious yet isn’t it?」
「It’s just as Ai-chan say. “I still have five transformations left”……that’s what happened here.」
「Oh, she turned into Level VII. It’s the moment Udar-dono became determined, I wouldst at least accomplish my duty!」
「「「This is horrible」」」
At the end at least the capital! Udar returned his goalpost back to the start. Eric and others were people who were saved from that attempt in the past, but even they reflexively whispered like that. That was just how unreasonable the violence wielded by the past Shia.
A flying fist. Invisible fist pressures were showering Udar.
Like that, it was decided.
『You won’t be able to escape from this forest rabbit! Desuu!!』
Crimson war hammer that was made from blood was swung down at the same time with that death sentence.
Screams rose from the crowd. Many of them learned right now the reason why the giant crater was formed.
Scene where the ground became as thought a volcano erupted spread out.
Before long, the dust cleared and Shia’s figure appeared. Under her feet was the remain of Udar that was reduced into a slime because of the immense damage he received.
『I’m opposed to violence desu! Let’s talk with each other peacefully!』
That’s not something you say while stepping on a god isn’t it……those who thought that were surely not just Hajime and co. Many of the audiences made an expression as though they were saying 「O-ou……」 after all.
The battle like one in a myth had reached the conclusion. However, there was no cheer. I-is it okay to cheer? Such bewilderment surpassed their desire to do so after all.
Shia’s face changed into one that seemed to say 「E-eh? Did I, commit some kind of blunder?」.
The people of this world revered divine spirit so they wouldn’t cheer without reservation, and they were also showing respect for Udar’s battle but……even so she thought that the people would react with slightly brighter mood and yet……it was slightly awkward for her with the atmosphere like this.
Meanwhile,
『Ah, also your majesty. That was the fourth time you called me so over familiarly wasn’t it?』
The past Shia glared menacingly to above the hill. His majesty Eric’s gaze snapped toward Yue. However, Yue-sama kept her gaze unnaturally fixed toward the hilltop and showed no sign of noticing his gaze!
Then for the time being, defending himself was the priority!
「Nagumo-dono, please I ask for your forgiveness. I’ve received the retaliation fully. By Shia-dono’s violence. ……It, started from a body blow that made me felt like my torso got gouged out. The impact left me unable to even breathe. I also don’t remember how many times I got slapped. Even now I would see it in my dream sometimes……」
「O-ou……」
The past Shia started advancing toward the hilltop with swaying upper body. Her eyes were wide open.
Even though she had asked many times for him to stop, he continued to call her over familiarly and finally it seemed she had ran out of patience.
「R-runnnnnーー, your majesty! Super run awayyyyーー nano!」
「Myuu, it’s too late. This is something that already happened……」
It was plainly scarier than god. Eric unconsciously turned his back on her and tried to run away. The figure of Shia dashing furiously in pursuit was completely like a scene in a horror movie.
「Y-Yue-sama-, Yue-samaa-. At this rate the footage of his majesty’s punishment will play out-. Please, can you cut off the projection!?」
Louis-san desperately yelled. He was an extremely capable right hand of the king.
「……Nn? What did you say?」
「Tsu~~~~~!!」
The voiceless scream was from Eric. Louis, Greg, and Phil had expressions that seemed to say 「It’s hopelessss, the king’s dignity is over with thisss!」 while their hands held their heads. Dahlia shrugged while saying 「You reap what you sow」.
All of the audiences went 「Eh? Eh?」 with bewildered looks while their eyes followed the direction to where Shia was dashing to──
「M-my people! All of you have seen it clearly! The legendary battle! The fierce struggle of our dear hero! And, of the god’s divine power!」
His majesty Eric desperately made a speech! The audiences gasped and returned to their senses. Their gazes reflexively turned toward the real king.
「We were saved! But, we must never forget how the divine punishment is our just dessert! Engrave into your heart that this salvation is a good fortune that only happen this once! The hero shall never smile to those who repeat their mistake! This new era, shall be protected by our own will and spirit!!」
The king’s words reached until even the capital clearly thanks to Hajime’s support.
The heart of the crowd that was mixed with bewilderment got cleared away a beat later. There was also how the extra-large display in the air got erased. As expected it seemed Yue still had some compassion. The hearts of the audiences that were in a daze because of the scene that was shocking in various meanings regained their enthusiasm.
Then naturally the respond to the king’s words was──
──WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!
──OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!!!
Such powerful shouts and,
──Hero Shia Hauria! Hero Shia Hauria!!
Voices filled with gratitude and praise toward the hero.
Everyone was looking toward his majesty Eric or Hajime and co. They were praising the dramatic battle that certainly was like something out of legend.
That was why, Eric felt relieved from his heart.
At the hilltop, his body received a body blow from the pursuing Shia and bent in the form of “<” before being blown away. Nobody here could saw it. It……wasn’t seen right? A tinge of such uneasiness remained in his heart.
By the way,
「Come on, turn it off.」
「……I was displeased by him acting over familiarly, so I wanted to watch the punishment scene too. I’m not at fault.」
「I see. Certainly it’s just as you say. Ah, he also got slapped and spin midair……」
「Uwaa, it’s like a combo from fighting game nano……」
「He isn’t going down to the ground……」
「O-oo~. That art like a beanbag juggling game, human version.」
Hajime and co were watching the hilltop fixedly.
The dignity that his majesty Eric had done his best to display looked a bit wavering.
.
.
AN: Thank you very much for reading this every time.
Thank you very much too for the thoughts, opinions, and reports about misspelling and omitted words.
※Material introduction
– It’s lonely if I don’t have any comrade.
From Kyouko of [Mahou Shoujo Madoka ☆Magika]. She’s also a magical girl.
– Good sense/Twelve outfits
From Snake & Ocelot of [Metal Gear Solid 3]. The wild cat being in high spirits from the tension of reloading, Shirakome was also grinning at that time.
– What kind of face should I make at this kind of time~
From Ayanami of [Neon Genesis Evangelion].
– I’m curious as a princess
From Eru Chitanda of [Hyouka] [Classic Literature Club]’s 「I’m curious」.
– There are five transformations left
From Frieza-sama of [Dragon Ball Z]. The originator had two left. Also, 「It’s hopeless……it’s overrr」 is from the movie version Vegeta-san. Most enemies that encountered Shia would have the same reaction. The Nichijou version of Shia has the build of Broly after all.