The walls that had been built around the town from the beginning had been preserved. Those who witnessed the war from beginning to end, looking out over the desolate land from the walls, were like storytellers telling a myth, gesticulating and recounting the extraordinary battle that had been.
The residents who had taken refuge earlier—especially the children—were filled with excitement and admiration after hearing their descriptions. Astute businessmen had already made plans to make a fortune by turning the Hajime Wall into a new attraction in Ur Town.
Since the people in the town don't know what happened between Hajime and Aiko, they still believe that Hajime and his companions are messengers sent by the "Goddess of Fertility" and name Hajime's defense wall "Goddess' Shield" in reverence.
Meanwhile, the white-haired, eye-patch-wearing boy, Hajime, was equally revered, known as the "Sword of the Goddess" or "Knight of the Goddess." Upon hearing this, David and the other true guardian knights, thinking of Hajime's kiss with Aiko, were furious, shouting, "I still hate him after all!!" A scene unfolded in a frenzy, but that's another story. Later, when Hajime heard his own title, he rolled over in shame, but that's another story.
Although this title was a little more embarrassing than he had expected, just as Hajime had expected, Aiko's fame and popularity skyrocketed.
Whenever Aiko walked through town, everyone would stare at her. Some would even kneel down and chant, "Goddess, bless you!" Rumors of Aiko's visible salvation in this town, a true "goddess," spread to the surrounding areas. At least in Ur Town, Aiko's words carried more weight than even the priests of the Holy Church. There was no doubt about that.
Speaking of her beloved son... Although she successfully assisted in the town's revitalization and dealt with the gentry, those close to her clearly understood that she was very absent-minded.
The reason was obvious. The shocking facts Hajime had revealed before the battle certainly played a role, but the biggest factor was the fact that Hajime had killed Shimizu. That moment lingered in Aiko's mind, gnawing at her heart.
That day, the mission concluded, and dinner arrived. Yuka and the other knights of the escort ate at the Water Fairy Inn as usual. Even as Aiko mechanically ate her food, she remained lost in thought, absent-mindedly answering questions.
"Ai-sensei... Ai-sensei's magic is truly powerful! The once desolate land is gradually being purified... In just another week, it should be back to normal!"
“…Yeah…that’s great.”
Seeing Aiko's distracted state, Yuuka, though grimacing, continued to speak to her in a more cheerful voice. Understanding the reason for Aiko's abnormality, Yuuka tried to encourage her. However, despite Yuuka's lively words, Aiko's responses were listless, as if she were following a set formula.
Yuuka witnessed the shocking scene of her benefactor shooting a classmate, and a certain degree of shock still remains in her heart. Her encouragement to Aiko seems forced. Because of Yuuka's state, it is impossible for her to truly liven up the atmosphere. Her concern for Aiko is also ineffective. It is obvious that Atsushi and others would get the same result if they tried.
"Aiko...did the mayor or the high priest say anything to you today? If you're truly troubled, please tell me. Even if it's the high priest, I won't allow him to cause you any distress. I am your knight. I will always stand by you."
“…Yeah…that’s great.”
David also spoke words to his beloved son that were either encouragement or expressions of love.
As a Knight of the Temple, it was actually quite dangerous to say that he was going against the priests. But for David, who had become a warrior of love, it didn't matter anymore.
He always emphasized the "I" part, who was he trying to fight against? The knights around him also noticed it, so although they agreed with David, they also looked at the captain with sharp eyes, trying to restrain David who was pretending to be calm but trying to escape.
However, David's feigned naturalness in his love was brushed aside with the same, almost unspoken, words, like the echoes of a long-running noontime show, leaving her unaware of whether she was even listening. Atsushi and the others, who slumped their shoulders in frustration, gave David a "Served you right" expression, as did some of the knights.
Perhaps not noticing the students and knights' reactions, Aiko didn't react at all and simply continued eating calmly.
(…If I had spoken to Shimizu-san more properly…if I had understood that kid's intentions sooner…this wouldn't have happened…if I hadn't asked him, a fellow student, for that favor…if I hadn't been held hostage…if I had…died…he wouldn't have had to kill Shimizu-san…)
The sound of a gunshot, the flash of light, and then the body of Shimizu, who had been shot—this scene had flashed through Aiko's mind countless times. Her grip on the spoon also naturally tightened.
Why kill people?… They’re classmates… Because they’re enemies?… Is that so easy to kill?… Is killing that simple?… Is it so easy to do?… This is so strange… Humans aren’t monsters… Why did he do it without hesitation… Is he someone who can kill humans so easily?… If I leave him alone, the other children will also… Is he dangerous?… If he hadn’t died, Shimizu-san wouldn’t have died?… As long as he’s gone, the other children will be safe?… As long as he’s gone…!? What am I thinking… No, I can’t think about it anymore!
Now, Aiko's mind was filled with repetitive regret and self-blame... and if she wasn't careful, she would unconsciously develop fear and resentment towards Hajime. Aiko quickly dismissed the thought and returned to her original thoughts. Her thoughts kept repeating this pattern.
There were so many things to consider, and just as many things she didn't want to consider. Aiko's heart was like a library with its case overturned, its unorganized information scattered and jumbled together.
At this moment, Aiko heard a gentle and steady voice that seemed to move people's hearts:
"Aiko-sama, is today's food to your liking?"
"what?"
It was Foss Sellou, the owner of the Water Fairy Inn. His voice wasn't loud, but rather quiet. Yet, no one at this inn would miss Foss's words. His deep, calm voice was sure to reach everyone, and even now, it easily reached Aiko, lost in her whirlwind of thought, bringing her back to reality.
Realizing she had made a strange noise, Aiko's cheeks flushed slightly, and she turned her gaze to the gentle smile of Fos.
"Um, what's going on? Sorry, I was a little distracted."
"No, no, please don't worry about it. I saw that you were unhappy, and I thought maybe the food wasn't to your taste. If you don't mind, I'll serve you something else..."
"No, no! The food is delicious, I was just thinking..."
Aiko said it was delicious, but she couldn't remember what the food she had just eaten tasted like. She looked around and saw Yuka, David and others looking at her worriedly.
Finding herself lost in thought, Aiko thought she couldn't go on like this, so she pulled herself together and continued eating. However, due to her panic, she choked on the food and started coughing violently.
Aizi's eyes were filled with tears and she kept coughing, causing panic among the people around her. Foss calmly prepared tissues and water for her.
"S-Sorry to bother you..."
"It's no trouble at all."
Even seeing Aiko's embarrassing state, Foss's gentle smile remained, and Aiko felt relieved but also terrified. Seeing Aiko like that, Foss narrowed his eyes, thought for a moment, and said in a calm and composed tone:
"Well, Aiko-sama, please forgive my intrusion, but could you please listen to me?"
"Huh? Okay, okay, what's up?"
"How about you just try to believe what you want to believe, Aiko-sama?"
"what?"
Hearing Foss's incoherent words, Aiko tilted her head in confusion. Foss added, "I didn't explain it clearly," and continued with a wry smile:
"It seems Aiko-sama is in a state of confusion right now. Your mind is so overwhelmed with things you have to think about, things you don't want to think about, that you don't know what to do. You don't know what's best to do, nor do you know what you really want to do. Your mind is filled with incomprehensible things, yet you feel the need to act. Your anxiety is growing, further confusing you, and it's become a vicious cycle. Am I right?"
“W-why…”
Seeing her reaction, Foss said, "I've seen all kinds of customers," and continued with a gentle smile:
"I think in times like this, 'trying to believe what you want to believe' is one approach. People often use the admonition 'people tend to believe what they want to believe and ignore the truth.' While that's certainly true, I believe that action begins with belief. When you're 'unable to act,' trying to 'believe what you want to believe' is a good approach."
"...Believe what you want to believe."
Aiko pondered over what Foss had said.
Aiko's heart was now filled with regret and guilt, and she was threatening to harbor suspicion and resentment towards Hajime. Hajime was indeed a valued student of Aiko's, but he had killed Shimizu, who was also a valued student of hers, and might even have taken the lives of other students. The moment she realized this, she could not help but perceive Hajime as a threat who wanted to take away something important from her.
Even so, since Hajime was also her student, Aiko couldn't completely abandon him, just as she couldn't stand by and watch Shimizu die while he attempted a massacre. Because of this, Aiko was at a loss as to what to do, her thoughts in turmoil. Aiko also found her own personality troublesome, but there was nothing she could do about it, because this was Hatayama Aiko, her "teacher."
Foss didn't know what had happened to her son, nor did she realize that, in a sense, she had simply trusted too much in what she wanted to believe, leading her to her current state. Even so, when everything she believed in had been shattered, and when she couldn't take action, seeing things differently was indeed an effective method.
Thinking of this, Aiko stopped eating and focused on thinking.
Believe what you want to believe. What is it that I want to believe? One thing is returning to Japan with the students, but that's no longer possible. Now I want to believe—that we won't be missing a single person, that we'll all return together… He said he was almost killed by a classmate, but I don't want to believe that… He said he'd kill us if anyone got in his way, that he could kill without hesitation, that he'd become a threat to the students' safety… I don't want to believe that either. But, in reality, he killed that child without hesitation… Shimizu-san. He's already… No, I want to believe what I want to believe.
Dark emotions threatened to resurface, but Aiko closed her eyes, forcing them down. Yuka, David, and the others remained motionless, watching Aiko, who seemed lost in thought, with worried eyes.
He said, "Because he's an enemy," and "I wasn't calm enough to do that." He was afraid that if he spared Shimizu-kun's life, he and the important people around him would be attacked again, so he killed him out of consideration for others. In reality, if he were truly a cold-hearted person, Yue-san and Shia-san wouldn't trust him so much. He wanted to eliminate any worries for those children... so he couldn't let Shimizu-san go. In other words, he didn't believe I could reform Shimizu-san... I had to prove it to him, convince him that I could reform Shimizu-san if he lived... And it was all because of my inability... Shimizu-san... Even so, he was so cruel to kill Shimizu-san... Shimizu-san was already so weak...!
Hajime had a clear reason for killing Shimizu. Therefore, Aiko wanted to believe that Hajime wasn't a madman who took killing for granted, not an incomprehensible monster, not an enemy who would harm students at will, but a "student" who still listened to her.
During that thought process, she remembered the premise that she had forgotten because of the shocking scene of students shooting at students.
(Right, why did I forget all this before? This whole thing started because I asked him to save Shimizu-san, who was on the verge of death. That's why he came to Shimizu-san. Even if he didn't do anything, Shimizu-san would have died anyway. There was no need to shoot! So why? Why did he do that? To absolutely kill Shimizu-san? No, there was no need. That kid only had a few minutes to live, no matter how hard he tried. I had no other choice but to ask him, because I was powerless... Shimizu-san was shot by magic because of me—!?)
Aiko opened her eyes wide, stunned by the fact that she had only just discovered.
(…Yes, Shimizu-san was injured because of that attack aimed at me. If he hadn't done anything, Shimizu-san would have died because of me. I would have been the one who killed Shimizu-san! But no one else thinks that. Even I think he killed Shimizu-san! I'm convinced of it!)
It was all her fault. She was the one who killed the student. Just as Hajime had worried, Aiko's face turned pale at the thought.
The existence of her students was the foundation of Aiko's life. Because of this, she was the primary cause of her beloved student's death. This realization crushed Aiko's heart. The blow was so severe that her mind's instinctive defenses kicked in, ready to rob her of consciousness, and her vision gradually became shrouded in darkness.
However, just when Aizi was about to commit himself to the darkness, his last words suddenly came to his mind.
——If possible, I hope you won’t be discouraged by this.
At that time, due to a series of shocks, Aiko's mind could not keep up with the situation, so she did not think much about it. She thought that he meant that Aiko would encounter many troubles and hoped that she would cheer up, so she just listened to it.
If, if that was a prediction of who I am now… does that mean he was worried about me?… Worried that I’d find out I was the cause of Shimizu-san’s death and that I’d be ‘defeated’. So… even though it wasn’t necessary, he fired the gun… To make me think he was the one who killed Shimizu-san… To prevent me from being frustrated by guilt… To allow me to continue being a teacher…
Aiko gradually understood Hajime's value of "killing all enemies without mercy", so she no longer thought that Hajime did all this for her.
Even so, the thought that Hajime was acting out of concern for his beloved son could not be denied.
Aiko's heart, half closed, paused before closing completely, then slowly opened again. Her narrowed vision expanded again. Though her heart still felt as cold as the bitter cold, she also felt a faint but clear light ignite.
He was protecting me... No, not just him, many others were protecting me. These children around me were also protecting me. I was only thinking about protecting them, but I didn't realize that I was actually being protected... I'm so immature. So, now is not the time to put an end to this without permission...
Aiko showed a resolute expression.
The pain of causing Shimizu's death would surely never fade away. Even so, as long as there were students who respected and relied on her as a teacher, she couldn't stop on her own, and she had no intention of doing so.
Aiko vowed anew that even if the world changed, she would continue to do what she could as a "teacher." However, she warned herself that this time she wouldn't be swayed by her ideals.
She no longer had any feelings of doubt, fear, or resentment towards Hajime.
(He's a clumsy guy, after all... He knew I might resent him, that we might become enemies... So, after listening to me, he gave it some serious thought... Maybe this was his way of returning the favor? Looking back, I've always been helped by him. He told me the truth, of course, but he also saved the town, and even kept his promise during such a fierce battle, bringing Shimizu-san back. Now that I think about it, my actions are reckless, always chasing after my ideals... and forcing them on him... utterly immature. Even so, he still helps me... Well, while his attitude has definitely become harsher... his old strengths have remained intact... or rather, they've gradually returned, right? Is it all thanks to those girls after all?)
Re-realizing how much help she had received from Hajime, Aiko couldn't help but smile bitterly, thinking that she was a wimp as a teacher. While feeling ashamed of her own immaturity, she couldn't help but smile at how Hajime, who had originally been worried about improving his ability stats, had now become a very reliable man.
Moreover, Aiko was also happy that Hajime, who was thought to have become a different person, could still see some of his former self.
However, when she thought that Yue and Shia, the two girls who accompanied Hajime, were the cause, Aiko felt a pang in her heart for some reason. Aiko was puzzled, but she soon thought it was an illusion.
(So, even though Shia-san risked her life to save me, I didn't even say a word of thanks. She's truly my savior... I must thank her properly next time we meet... Speaking of saviors, he also...)
Due to the effects of the poisoning and the rapid developments that followed, Aiko, while reflecting on her failure to thank Shia, thought of Hajime, her savior. Then, recalling the way Hajime had saved her, sealed away in the corner of her memory, Aiko's face flushed so red it threatened to burst into flames.
(That was artificial respiration! It was a life-saving measure! Nothing more than that! I, I didn’t mean to say that it was my first time doing something so intense, nor did I feel comfortable at all! Yeah, I definitely didn’t think that!)
As soon as she saw Aiko's face suddenly turn red, she immediately started banging the table, explaining to someone unknown.
Incidentally, Aiko is an adult, and not completely without love experience. However, the reality is that, contrary to her cute appearance and behavior, she has absolutely no chance of true love.
Because in Japan, the only people who seriously pursue Aiko, who looks like a teenage girl, are probably "self-proclaimed gentlemen." Although there are many men who think Aiko is a good person after getting to know her, no one wants to be labeled with the dishonorable label that begins with "lo," so most of them end up just being good friends.
In this world, marrying off in their teens wasn't uncommon, so no one cared about Aiko's baby-faced, short stature. David and the others were serious about it. However, due to her limited dating experience and her belief that no man would be interested in someone as small as her, she had long since given up on it. That's why Aiko was completely oblivious to the otherworldly men's advances.
For the above reasons, the kiss that Hajime called a life-saving measure was a very shocking experience for Aiko. Even after she calmed down, the image of what happened at that time would linger in her mind.
(Besides, he already has two lovers, Miss Yue and Miss Xia... Since there are already two, adding another at this point is... No, what am I talking about! I'm the teacher! He's the student! No, it's not that kind of question at all! I didn't take it seriously at all! And for some reason I accepted it as normal. He's two-timing! No inappropriate dating! That's dishonest! Love should be exclusive!... Two at once... Shame on you! I won't tolerate that kind of immoral relationship! Yes, absolutely not!)
The sound of slapping the table changed from "pa pa" to "bang bang".
(…But, it seems like Yue-san is quite special to him. She’s about the same size and build as me… Could he be attracted to petite women? Like, like, like me? No, no, no, what am I talking about! Why would I know what he likes? Besides, he’s eight years younger than me… So, Yue-san is a vampire, so she must have lived quite a long time, right? In other words, he likes petite, older women? No, so why am I even thinking about that! Get back to normal! Hatayama Aiko! You’re a teacher! He’s a student! He panics after a kiss. He’s unfit to be a teacher!)
I saw her banging her hands on the table, and the next second she was rubbing her face with her hands, looking embarrassed, then banging the table again, and then being embarrassed again, and finally yelling "I'm a teacher~!" and started banging her forehead against the table.
Even the group that loves Aiko the most—Yuuka and the others, David, and the other members of the Guard—are terrified of her strange behavior. And Foss, who facilitated Aiko's strange behavior, thought, "Oh? She's perked up a bit," with his usual gentle smile. What a big shot!
Aiko then dismissed her feelings for Hajime as a fleeting impulse born of emotional instability, and she put an end to them. Furthermore, if the Kingdom and the Holy Church's higher-ups learned of Hajime's information, it could be detrimental to him. Since Hajime was still her student, Aiko had to protect him, so as a precaution, she decided to return to the Kingdom.
Aiko didn't notice.
The matter at the beginning was not over, it was just put aside.
Aiko mentally called the other students "that kid," but addressed Hajime as "he." She didn't even realize the feelings that were beginning to sprout.
It will take some time until Aiko finds out about this.
However, Aizi at that time could never have dreamed that at that moment, he would be in a desperate fight at an altitude of 8,000 meters.
Volume 3, Chapter 1
In the shadows of the dim passage, something suddenly began to shake. As the shaking began, like words in invisible ink being burned by fire, a young woman with red hair, dark skin, and pointed ears gradually emerged from the darkness. Beside her, the space continued to shake. However, upon closer inspection, a grotesque creature could be vaguely discerned. Its terrifying appearance resembled a chimera, a combination of many creatures. (Editor's note: A fire-breathing monster in Greek mythology.)
The woman gazed deeper into the passage. Before her were Guanghui and the others, who, though no longer visible, continued to explore. The woman hid herself, observing them, but they passed in front of her, completely unaware of her presence.
"Hmm~ That's the hero, he looks like a naive brat, do we really need him? Never mind, this is the order of that master, I can't disobey. Okay, I've got a rough idea of their combat power, we must quickly deal with the hero and start conquering the real big maze."
The woman touched the creature beside her. The swaying space instantly enveloped her, and her figure gradually faded. After a moment, there was no trace of human presence, only silence.
Guanghui and the others didn't know that countless invisible enemies had quietly approached them.
Volume 3, Chapter 2
"Mother……"
Surrounded by cold stone slabs and iron bars, a young girl crouched on the ground, trembling. She was about four or five years old. With a weak voice, she repeatedly called out for her mother... but received no response.
At this moment, the girl heard footsteps and her body trembled suddenly. She hugged her knees in the corner of the room and kept shrinking herself. In front of the terrified girl, a man with a fierce face walked by and took out the boy who was imprisoned in a nearby cell.
The girl understood the process from the sound, but she never raised her head to look, she was just scared. Because as far as the girl knew, the boy was the fifth child taken away from here, and since the first four had not returned, the boy would definitely not come back either.
Even at a young age, she understood that being taken away did not mean they were freed from this terrible place. Even if she didn't understand that the men who occasionally came in saw the children imprisoned like her and were estimating their value, the girl knew that if they were taken away, there was no hope.
"Mother……"
The young child's voice reached no one. This was the dark heart of the metropolis... and therefore, no one had heard it yet.
The monster from the abyss moves forward.
With the charming and cute vampire princess, the innocent sorry rabbit, and the newly joined perverted dragon.
Head to the crossroads of destiny, where small encounters and miraculous reunions await.
Volume 3 Extra: Dramatic Before and After
The world turned red.
It was the fiercely burning hellfire that burned every corner of the capital, the splattering droplets of life, the extremely huge magic circle floating in the sky, and the sunset color that embellished this tragic stage filled with madness.
“To think, to think such a thing existed…”
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