Episode 170: Companions of the "Hero"

The boy, who had brought up the idea of a deal, continued.

"First, let's talk about the benefits—your sister can become a companion of the Savior."

"Savior?"

I know someone who calls themselves a Savior, but...

"I mean the 'Hero'... The 'Forger' is actually a collaborator of the 'Hero.'"

The way "Pochi" said it sounded just like someone boasting about the latest video game console.

"A reliable source says you and the 'Hero' already know each other, right?"

"Yeah, well..."

I'll never forget it—the result of getting caught up in the conflict between Amanato Mitsune and Hakka, which ultimately led to me being absorbed into the 'Master Dungeon.'

"Then you get it, right? Heroes are basically way stronger than regular players. If they join us, they'd be a huge help, and there'd be all sorts of benefits."

"Hmm. And so what?"

"…If you'd like, you could even take part in the battle against the Demon King. You could become one of the world's saviors."

"Demon King, huh?"

I deliberately play dumb, tilting my head as if I don't know anything.

Yeah. There's a job like that.

"Huh?"

Maybe you've thought about it too, sister. Something like, 'There's some villain out there messing up this world, and if we take them down, the world will be saved.'

If I said I hadn't thought about it, that would be a lie.

Yeah? Well, that bad guy... he's the "Demon King," you know.

...Hmm

Staring blankly at Pochi-kun, who was speaking with an oddly feverish intensity.

...This kid really only seems like a grade schooler in appearance, doesn't he.

"What makes you think so?"

"Simple. The 'Hero' seems to have been ordered by a voice in his head. 'Defeat the Demon King,' that's what it said."

"…So, does the 'Hero' know where the 'Demon King' is?"

The boy tilted his head slightly then.

"It's still unclear. The general consensus is that right around the time the 'Phase 3' announcement comes, the 'Demon King's Defeat' quest will likely be assigned."

"Still not confirmed, then. I see."

I now had a general grasp of the information he possessed.

"Isn't that an appealing idea? I'm certain that, as an older sister, you'll surely become a strong ally to the 'Hero'."

Their information, and—more specifically—Hakka-san's information as a 'Reincarnated One.'

Of course, I’m aware that there’s a critical contradiction between these two pieces of information.

But I couldn’t casually reveal it to him.

Or perhaps I didn’t realize it might become a powerful card for us in the future.

"So, what’s the crucial deal, then?"

"Simple. You’re planning to eliminate the 'King,' right?"

"Yeah, well..."

"Then, while you're at it, I'd like you to eliminate my son—Nakamichi En, too. That's all."

A dangerous suggestion comes from the innocent boy's lips.

"After you dispose of the 'King'... just sneak up from behind and stab him. Simple, right?"

"What are you talking about... that kind of thing..."

"Can't do it?"

Before I realized it, I had lifted my blade once more.

"I can't betray my comrades."

"Pathetic! You're way too soft, sis!"

The boy sneered, pointing at me.

"‘King’ is dangerous! That job drives a person's mind mad."

"So you think it's better to erase him from this world?"

"Exactly. Originally, the ‘King’ was an essential figure for the ‘Hero,’ required to use a certain skill. But that’s no longer necessary. He’s obsolete now."

At that moment, I realized he was still just a child.

Didn’t he think that kind of talk would only invite unnecessary resentment?

"……I see. So that's your position, is it?"

"Yeah. And this is also the will of the 'Hero'."

"Hohooh."

Really now?

From the way he spoke, I could sense quite a few questionable points.

"You understand, right... that the 'Hated King' had no allies from the very beginning?"

Suddenly, the word "King"—I find myself thinking about the mindset of Nakamichi Ginga.

What must it feel like to live without being understood by anyone?

Even when desires are fulfilled, won't the thirst remain unquenched as long as one is alone... just kidding.

And besides, your friend—Haruna mentioned it too. 'En-san might end up doing the same thing again.'

"Haruna-san?"

Ah

I can't believe it until I confirm it myself.

Say whatever you want, then.

"If that's really the case..."

I readied my sword, fully determined to push back the boy in front of me.

"Never giving someone a single chance is wrong."

The boy briefly clenched his teeth, acting like a stubborn child for just a moment,

"Maybe you think that way now. But you'll change your mind soon enough."

"...What?"

"The true danger of the 'King' skill. You'll learn that firsthand soon."

"What do you mean?"

"Right now, near the border, a massacre by starving 'zombies' has already begun."

"...Hmm."

"Of course, it's the 'King's' fault... and also, to some extent, your fault, big sister."

The boy smiles, as if he were an evil fortune-teller.

"I'll hear your answer... after you've seen the mountain of those who've become sacrifices."

The boy carefully stepped away, carrying his companion, the "Guardian Knight," making sure not to enter the range of my sword strikes.

"Heroes never make it in time. It's always too late." I've come to understand that painfully well, once the end came. You feel the same way, don't you?...That's why I'm asking you—don't choose options you'll regret later.

▼

After walking a little further through the labyrinth, we successfully reunite with Nakamichi En (this time for real).

"Man, I'm really sorry. It looks like our communication slimes—our 'feather slimes'—got taken care of without me noticing....Since then, has anything happened?"

"Yeah, something did."

Since lying wouldn't help, I speak honestly.

"You heard it too, didn't you?"

Then the massive man, weighing around 120 kilograms, wipes the sweat from his forehead,

"...Ah, I guess it was obvious, huh?"

"I just wanted to be sure. You had plenty of ways to eavesdrop, after all."

A brief silence passed.

At that moment, we had no choice but to prioritize reaching the "King."

Despite Yanagi-san's earlier insistence to "get in shape," he looked slightly heavier than the last time we met.

"Fuuhaa... fuuhaa..."

Just climbing a few steps left me completely out of breath.

I'll reluctantly lend you my shoulder (very much a man's thing, indeed).

If... if the warrior thinks that's what they should do... I won't hold it against you if you cut me down.

He muttered it in a faint, shaky voice between gasps for breath.

What...

Maybe I'm just not cut out for this. I don't have the resilience everyone else does, and my willpower is weak too.

"That... might be true, I suppose."

Supporting his soft, jiggling body.

"Qualities needed in a king are complex. Being a good person isn't enough—history has proven that."

"Yes... I see."

"Still, don't worry. If I ever decide you've become twisted in mind, I won't hesitate to cut you down without mercy."

"Haha... Yeah, that's terrifying."

"You just do what you believe is right, even if you're uncertain along the way."

With that, Enya and I peek out slightly from the building's window.

"...Everyone... I'm worried about them."

By "everyone," she must mean the people in Akihabara still being attacked by the horde of zombies.

"That should be fine, I'm sure."

I said it casually.

"We have, after all, a reliable ally with us."