第３１９堀：本当の答えとの対峙 (Part3)
Yuki was there, having just returned after depositing Taiki at the cherry tree, much like he had done with Taizo.
Since they had been a duo from the start, I suppose it was only natural for Yuki to handle a two-on-one fight.
But then again, that kind of personnel shortage is a demerit in itself.
He likely possesses power that surpasses both me and Taizo, but that alone isn't enough to handle the world. I don't think Hifie would entrust things to such a greenhorn.
However, contrary to my expectations, he began speaking to Luna.
"Hmm, hmm. Ah, yeah. Got it. Just a moment, Comet."
"What is it?"
"Yuki says he wants you to face your fated opponents. It’ll be four-on-one, but is that alright?"
"Well, four-on-one is a bit much, don't you think? And besides, who are these 'fated opponents'?"
"I think you’ll be quite motivated once you see their faces. Fine, Yuki, bring them in."
"Sure, sure."
With that, Yuki used some form of magical communication, and I could sense four people approaching us, likely summoned just now.
"Ah, so those are my opponents..."
"No way..."
Hifie and I were left speechless by the four figures.
One was a little girl, young enough to be called a child: Popuri Lancer.
One was a beauty wearing heavy knight’s armor that didn't suit her delicate face: Peace Guardworld.
One had flowing blue hair, still retaining the appearance of a young girl, and gripped a sword I had seen once before: Sia Enaria.
The last had short, golden hair, looking almost like a boy, and also held a sword: Kishua Roday.
"What is the meaning of this? I understand Popuri, but I thought the other three were all dead. Especially those two with the 'Betsuken'—they should have been used up and discarded by Hifie’s plans..."
"Comet... you knew?"
"Of course. I knew Hifie was repenting in her room, and I have no intention of blaming her for that. In the end, the fact remains that they relied too heavily on tools."
Even if the mental control had failed, it wouldn't have happened if they hadn't held those swords.
I suppose I can forgive them for cutting me down back then. It was the result of them failing to stand on their own and continuing to exploit the remnants of my existence.
"Now then, junior. Care to explain? It’s true, I used them as a sort of test subject. But not as mere pawns. It might sound like an excuse, but I had my own reasons. If you’ve brainwashed them just like I did..."
I shot him a glare, letting him know he’d better be prepared, but Yuki just yawned, completely unfazed.
...Something feels off. I don't feel any fighting spirit from him at all.
If anything, he looks exhausted from going through the trouble of doing something so tedious.
Could it be...
"It has been a long time, my master. Dungeon Master Comet."
It was Popuri who spoke.
Yeah. She’s as tiny as ever. Just like that day.
Though, her gaze and gestures feel a bit too mature.
Also, the staff size—you really should get one that fits you better.
"…The staff is a matter of personal taste. Please leave it be."
"Oh? Did I say that out loud?"
"No, I can tell just by looking at your face."
The other three nodded in agreement.
"Er, sorry about that. So, judging by the conversation, does this mean you all requested this match? Or are you under mental control?"
"Yes. We requested this match of our own volition. The two of them holding the Betsuken have also had their control removed."
"I see... Hmm. Oh, the mental control has been replaced by a higher-level technique I’m unfamiliar with. So, Sia, Kishua, have you come to truly cut me down of your own free will?"
"Yes, Comet-sama. Not out of emotion, as it was that day."
"We were entrusted by everyone else as well. We, who can fight with the Betsuken, will stand for Comet-sama’s sake."
"Everyone else...? Don't tell me..."
"Yes. When we attacked Enaria, where the successor Dungeon Master resides, the two of us were captured. The rest were also caught after attacking the Dungeon Master heading toward Roday and being repelled."
...I don't even know what to say.
"Hifie. Isn't your luck just terrible? Well, in a sense, it’s a joyous occasion for me."
"..."
Hifie quietly averted her gaze. I never imagined they had been involved from that far back.
"Well, I don't know if it’s good luck or bad. But what about the last one, Peace? Are you sure about this, standing alongside them? Yuki’s policy should be different from your idea of destroying the world, right?"
I addressed the one who had been my right hand, the one called the Demon Lord. She had mourned my death, turned her former allies with the Betsuken into enemies, and sought to destroy the world. In a way, her ideology was similar to ours now.
"Master, I apologize. I have learned. A new path. To walk it, I will face you, Master."
There was no hesitation in any of their faces.
...If I don't accept this challenge, it would be an insult to my own existence.
"Fufu."
Laughter bubbled up naturally.
I couldn't help it. It was a long, winding road, but they had chosen their own path—the one my successor, Yuki, had shown them—and were now standing before me.
The answer to the question I couldn't resolve that day had finally arrived.
"I intend to destroy this world and create a new one. You are against that, aren't you?"
"Yes. Our wish is to protect this world, and without destroying it, to let it evolve into the next."
Popuri answered, and naturally, they all took their stances.
"Then show it to me!! The possibility you believe in!! That power!! That hope!!"
"Yes!!"
I thought my story had already ended, but it seems there was a sequel.
...Truly, you never know what life—or death—has in store for you.
Come now, no holding back.
I haven't grown so rusty that I'd lose to a bunch of little girls!!
***
Side: Yuki
"Do you know what 'serious' is? It’s something you eat easily in the morning, pour some milk on it, and you get plenty of calcium..."
"No, Yuki-san. That’s 'cereal'."
"...Can't help it. It's too serious and boring. I'm starting to want to break things. I'm getting irritated."
"That’s according to plan, isn't it!? Calm down, if you interfere now, all our preparations will go down the drain!!"
"I know. I know, but!! How can you tell me to keep waiting after seeing this email!!"
"I know, I know! That’s why I’m saying, please, just a little longer! If you wait just a little longer, you can do whatever you want!"
"...Fine. I'll wait one more minute."
"You aren't going to wait at all, are you!"
Can't be helped. I really can't stand it anymore.
...Ah, I hope this ends soon.
Now then, this is the continuation of Comet’s story.
How will the battle between her and her students turn out!!
And Yuki, who is irritated by a certain matter.
Now, what could be the cause of that!!