No Matter What, This World Needs To End. (17.1)

…

Heroes always survive until the end. No matter the circumstance. No matter if they deserve it or not. Even if everyone else dies the hero reaches the end of the story. Every life that is lost before the end is just a stepping stone. The only person who is guaranteed to reach the end is the hero. The only person who has a chance of being happy is the hero. Everyone else can die. Everyone else can only hope and pray that they don't die for the hero's drive or to make the story more exciting.

It made people feel important. It made them feel like they mattered. They felt sad, angry, and hatred for someone's death. They managed to place themselves in the hero's shoes because they liked the character "they" had interacted with. But, in the end, they were safe. Feelings being hurt? A surge of anger? A scream for vengeance at a pile of text? How is that suffering? How is that pain? How is that in any way comparable to dying?

Laulos died before my eyes just because between the two of us I was more important to the damned world I now lived within.

I was important and she wasn't.

The world kept me safe.

The world crushed her.

It meant the same to everyone but Cranel and myself.

As long as the rules it existed within didn't change, that would always be the case. No matter how hard I tried, no matter how much I struggled, only Cranel and myself were guaranteed to reach the end. I couldn't make everyone important. It was an impossible task. The world I was in didn't permit for everyone to be happy. The only ones who could be happy had to do so while others suffered and died. Arde, Nelly, Erisuis, Orimoto, Viridis, Alf, Lyon, Grande, Hestia… everyone was in danger simply because they were unimportant.

I should've realized this the moment my first party died. No. I should've known this from the very start. I shouldn't have had to grow stronger and more resilient after seeing them die. I shouldn't be able watch Laulos die and only want for revenge. I shouldn't be able to take what was happening in stride. I should never have become used to the idea.

However, the truth that I should've learned was that the world judged everyone else as worthless regardless of who or what they are.

They had no say. No meaning. They were nothing.

Not until the world changed.

Not until I made it change.

Not until Laulos was right and I was wrong.

Not until the world was destroyed and I replaced it.

Fuck Orario's rules.

…

Lyon and Orimoto arrived. They were injured. Blood flowed from Lyon's head and one of her eyes was closed. Orimoto was holding her side. Lyon's blades were gone from her scabbard. They were embedded into Phryne's back. Arrows surrounded them. They were slowly being pushed out. Regeneration. They weren't enough to defeat Phryne Jamil and neither was everyone else. I didn't blame them. It had been my mistake. I didn't look at their faces. I didn't listen to their cry of alarm. They faded from my attention.

There was only one being who I needed to pay attention to.

"Bastards! Weaklings! Traitors!" Phryne Jamil roared, swinging her axe with wild abandon as her eyes were closed due to massive bruises. The Coliseum shuddered each time her blow connected with a stone support. The sun shone down upon us as we were gradually revealed by her thrashing. Laulos's body lay unmoving in her wake. There was no saving my student. Her abdomen and everything within it had been obliterated and pulped. Her eyes stared into the Orario's clear sky. I knelt, closed her eyes, and apologized. "You're all fools who don't know your place! You all dare to touch me!? To harm my beauty!? To let me be harmed!? I'll kill you all! You're all going to die here!"

"Hachiman…" Lyon.

"Hikigaya-kun…" Orimoto.

I stood up and held up my hand.

I wouldn't let the same happen to them.

It was obvious that I should've taken this woman on from the very start.

That was why I had gotten my new Skill in the first place.

"Oi, you ugly bitch." Taunt. Cease holding back. Flood all available magic into Ceaseless Thunderbolt Battery. No need to hide ability. Activate Firmum Momentum. Rise. "I'm over here."

Firmum Momentum meant "Unwavering Moment." The effect was simple. As long as an action persists the effect becomes greater until the end of the action. The longer I fought the stronger my Endurance, Strength, Dexterity, and Agility went up. Not only that, but it was retroactive. As long as the action was being performed Firmum Momentum would take the time into account even before being activated. The longer the fight the stronger I became. As long as I didn't stop, I stayed strong. It was an ace in the hole that could be pulled out at the direst moment. Even if the odds were harsh, as long as I simply lived, they would inevitably tip in my favor. The moment I stopped was the moment I crumbled. It was a sick joke of a Skill. I hadn't gained it from killing the Asura. I had gained it saving Cranel. When I stood up, went against all odds, and saved my student… that was the moment that made me grow.

Naturally, the effects of the Skill translated into Magic as well.

"You rotten son of a whore! I'm going to kill you! You don't deserve me!" Phryne Jamil turned her bruised and battered face toward me. Lyon and Orimoto retreated as lightning began to spill forth like a river from my arm. It washed against the stone one moment before breaking through them the next. The shards of iron knives on the floor began to melt. I stood over Laulos to make sure it didn't touch her. Phryne laughed as stray strands washed over her. "Your spells tickle, Quiet Death! I'll make the gods' name for you a reality!"

The Coliseum's battleground was gone. The whole audience looked down upon us in the rubble of the Coliseum's central area. They looked upon what Phryne Jamil couldn't. A tumultuous and ever-increasing lake of lightning. More and more poured forth from me as I didn't hold back the effects of Conscienta Strenuissium. Unlimited Mind was something I chose to hide to avoid attention. I was wrong for doing that. If I had shown off my strength, if I had been feared, then none of this would've happened. The Mages in the crowds can see my power. They knew how much power was required for Ceaseless Thunderbolt Battery. They could feel how much power was coursing through me, being amplified, and entering reality. They could clearly see that against me they were nothing. In terms of Magic, no matter the Level, I reigned supreme. The days where I hide my strength and hold back is over. I had raw power in spades. It was time I used it.

Phryne Jamil ran at me with axe raised.

Seize weakest bolts. Condense and gain more space. Shape into projectile. Condense further. Seize control. Smaller. Slimmer. Concentrate it. Must be visible. Must be strong. Must be unstoppable. Must be feared.

The weakness of magic was the inability to quickly respond. That was why being able to move while Chanting was the hallmark of a decent Mage. Being able to fight and utilize the strongest spells was an exceptional ability that every Mage believed was the pinnacle of ability. I believed otherwise. The best Mage wasn't the one who destroyed armies after a lengthy chant. Neither was the best mage one who could fight and throw spells at the same time. A sufficiently powerful warrior can defeat both without any strain. No, the absolute best Mage was a deterrent. Something unstoppable, indomitable, and feared. Alf, or Nine Hell, stood upon the pedestal first. Viridis was pursuing the same dream. Me? I needed to show that I was better than both combined.

A solid spear of lightning slammed into Phryne Jamil. The Level 5 with absurd constitution, strength, and Magic Resistance who shrugged off my earlier blast was stopped by the combination of the weakest strands I had. The power which crashed into her briefly outshone the sun and rid the world of shadows. When the light faded away her arms were red, her skin blistering, and she held up her arms to defend herself. The power I used up had already been replaced. Even as the attack ended I was already capable of launching another. No. I was capable of launching a dozen more just as the attack ended.

"Do you think that's nearly enough—"

So I did.

I seized the writhing lake of light and turned it into an army of spears. I did the same to all the power which came forth from me. Each one cost less to make until I was left condensing them to the point where they were blades suspended in the air. I could tell that my Mage Gauntlet was now my limiter. I couldn't endlessly turn lightning into the field of weapons because the Shaping Stave embedded within the gauntlet couldn't last forever. That was fine. I could buy them as I needed them. Without them all I had was an endless torrent of firepower. Firepower that would turn forests to ash, but which was too weak to destroy the hardest targets until enough time passed. Naturally, that meant that I had to get as many of them as possible.

From those at my side, hanging at the edges of the battleground, and floating in the sky, I willed all the spears of light forward. They smashed into Phryne Jamil with bursts of noise similar to cannons. The air was filled with the scent of ozone. There were no shadows. The world was filled with the sound of thunder. I watched as one strike after another slammed into her. I broke down her joints, forced her tendons to snap and tear, and pummeled every inch of her form. I continued even when her arms and legs burst as muscles tore themselves apart without supports. I cancelled out shockwaves that caused her to be launched forward by sending her flying another direction. I kept her from curling up against the floor by throwing her up and suspending her in the air. I turned her axe so hot it burned her hands before I forced it to become molten slag. I cut into her by suspending the remains of iron knives and other molten objects in my spears.

The Level 5 was flayed.

Phryne Jamil the Adventurer who laughed at the strikes of monsters was beaten.

The beast who held the title of strongest Level 5 burned.

The woman who killed my student was torn apart and her indestructible flesh fused to the stone beneath her.

All before Orario, before all threats, and anyone else who wished to try me.

Power and the will to use it was what mattered. Holding back? Hiding? All that got from that was six dead students and not getting hurt myself.

I was done with that.

Done being afraid. Done playing games. Done giving up.

I picked up my rapier. It cast a bright glow because of the heat. Its resiliency was a testament to Crozzo's skill. Holding it in my new arm, my unfeeling arm of light, I felt its heat through my clothes. It felt as though I was holding it aloft with will alone. A strange feeling, but one that I could accept.

I walked over to Phryne Jamil, over to the charred husk, molded to the stone of the Coliseum, that was all that remained of Ishtar's greatest adventurer.

The words she had begun to scream for all to hear three quarters through my assault were nothing but whispers now.

"…End… me…"

Naturally, I refused.

…

No Matter What, This World Needs To End. (17.2)

…

The Soma, Ishtar, and Apollo Familias were dissolved and their assets spread among Hermes, Hestia, Dionysus, Miach, and my "god." The gods were supposed to be allowed to stay in Orario, but only Soma did. Arde's former god practically leapt for joy once he found out he could start from scratch. Ishtar and Apollo disappeared to parts unknown. If new gods arrived within a month's time, that would mean they went back to heaven. If none arrived, then I would have to prepare for the two. However, I had plenty of time to use what I had gained for my contributions.

A funeral. Many apologies. Tears. Didn't go. Didn't listen. Went on. Had to go on.

Most of the Apollo Familia was split between Dionysus and Miach. Those of Soma's Familia dissolved into Orario's underbelly with only one or two taken in by Hermes. Illion and that Renard went along to join Hestia's Familia. A seer and a priestess for Cranel's ever-growing party of females I supposed. Dionysus and Miach were putting their new adventurers to work. The former was investigating the murders and Miach was getting his business up and running. Hermes started contacting me regularly after I shared with him what I had. Hestia… I don't know what she had planned. I hadn't exactly had the time to visit them in their new castle or exchange words at the Hostess of Fertility.

Ilion wept. Swore to make right. Hoped she would leave Orario. Decided to stay. Need to protect her.

While Ishtar's whorehouses were sold away for Valis split between everyone, I took Soma's brewery, his stock, and his guild house along with the ability to call on the "Barbelas" for my "Familia." My rewards were a venue, piles of alcohol, and a half-decent set of Amazon warriors. Small, some would say even insignificant, but they had their uses. Orario's foundations, the underbelly which worked away from the prying eyes of the Guild and other authorities, worked off of money and power. Those three things were a great start.

Cancel request for regenerative spell. Leona disapproves. Many do. Don't care. Firmum Momentum must be exploited. Lightning arm adequate and doubles as weapon.

I had Soma's stock divided filled into vials and sold as the last of the brews that would be seen for a long time. Money flowed quickly as each finger-sized vial of alcohol was purchased. Cheaper than a whole bottle, but more expensive by volume, I recouped my losses from purchasing weapons made of the Asura. The Barbelas were technically spread across the Hestia Familia and the other Familias, but in practice, they were with me. No one exactly wanted a bunch of scantily dressed warriors with skills in more illicit professions in their Familia. They worked as muscle for the time being—a step up from being whores, but I doubted that there would be much clamor from the readers for defiled women to join their main character's harem. The pettiness of otaku was not to be underestimated. Soma's brewery would have to be filled with actual workers and professionals, though I doubted that it would be difficult to staff a god's brewery.

Arde comes. Apologizes. Not needed. Tell to focus on becoming stronger with Hestia. Does. Leaves. Lapel is wet.

Overall, I had a lot of work ahead of me. Changing the whole of Orario would take time, money, and an immense amount of effort. Hard work which I detested to my very core, but someone had to do it. Not only that but there was no doubt in my mind that the plot was still active. There was a killer capable of killing Level 4s and 5s by simply wringing their necks, Orario was under attack, and who knows how many more plots were unfolding.

The world needed to change. I had to change it. It had to be me.

…

Time passes quickly when there was a lot to be done. My days were spent training Loki's brats, farming the next few floors of the Dungeon, and making sure I was making progress in the Red Light District. The information network I had was like a vice that I just had to tighten with money and muscle. Information allowed actions to be taken and I had much information to act on. Ishtar's return to "Heaven" and Soma's refusal to return to his old work made a power vacuum that I was able to exploit.

Hecate visits. Words. Many words. I don't hear them. I say nothing. She leaves.

The distillery was up and running soon enough. Drinks flowed like water in establishments that chose to join. Those that didn't were told to leave. I hired people to clean up the gutters and streets. Halfway houses were made that could give some of those without jobs a fair chance. I dealt with the Guild through bribes and blackmail. Money flowed outward and was sucked up for some time, but soon enough my projects began to generate some money in turn. The Barbelas eventually all got to Level 4 from the Dungeon and became decent enough to train others. I had them do so. I kept an eye on them and when their replacements were finished, I disbanded them back to their Familias separately. There was no point in keeping around people I didn't trust, but they were assets that my allies could use. Their replacements were good enough and loyal.

Hestia questions me. Asks of methods. I answer. She leaves. The Alliance is strong.

There was no need for me to stay in the Hostess of Fertility any longer. I had a whole Guild House at my disposal. Time I spent traveling back and forth was time wasted. I could have read a report at my desk while eating breakfast instead of wasting my time. There was no point to staying. Time I spent there was time that could be used to check projects, have words with certain individuals, and progress my plans. The Red Light District was slowly turning into something respectable. Orario's underbelly which was once filled with destitute, depraved, and disgusting dwellers was slowly becoming decent.

Lyon's palm across my face. Tears in her eyes. An unaccepted apology hangs in the air. I don't see her again.

There were escorts instead of whores. Hotels instead of brothels. Bars with bouncers and servers instead of places where fights begged to break out. I spoke to spirits managing stores and had them take in new stock from across the world. I didn't allow the same products to be sold anywhere else in Orario. Monopolies wouldn't last forever, especially on spices and delicacies, but I made sure to keep up with demand. Profits rose and I needed more clerks to spend it more quickly. I used Sophie to get access to the Guild's recruiting pool. I skimmed off of it, contacted the individuals, and gave them the offers they needed. The guild vetted people very well and they worked diligently and loyally. Soon I was spending Valis as fast as it came in.

Erisuis visits. Offers self-made elixirs. Tell her to use for herself. Offer syringes. Tell her to stay safe. Nelly comes. Shares news of investigation into murders. Share own information. Tell her the same. Pass on tips. Stay safe.

I had the sewer system reworked, created a simple post system, and began establishing training centers. Reading, writing, and fighting went hand in hand. I took in the Adventurers who gave up and no longer wanted to fight to teach the bodies that were throwing themselves at the Dungeon. I didn't train them myself or give them what I knew, but they were good enough after enough time. The Goliath ceased to be a threat soon enough. Rivira became a starting point rather than a goal. Making the average adventurer decent was a good way of progression. Less resources wasted on the first Floors. More supplies available in Rivira. Easier transport meant easier supply and less cost. Momentum. Caravans guarded by adventurers. I started that off the back of all my combined businesses. Winning against the Dungeon was just like winning a war. It mattered more on how fast, well-supplied, and many the soldiers were rather than skill and equipment. More bodies meant more dead monsters.

Orimoto ranks up. Point her toward destroyed Monster Farm. Remake and staff with new adventurers. Base of power. More efficient. More effective. Better for accumulating funds. Orimoto accepts all projects given. Can trust and count on. Doesn't speak often. Works and works.

I advance and work. Soma's new Familia makes some waves as he allies with Hestia and the others. The Loki Familia returns from an expedition with the Hephaestus Familia. They advance four floors and reach the next Monster Rex. They retreat and return with more information. They don't lose anyone. Loki gives me new recruits to train. I accept. The new faces and names get better training than the other adventurers in the training centers. They advance, they work, and they go back more knowledgeable and experienced. Other gods try to get the same training. I reject them. Only those of the alliance can get superior training. Soon they'll also be the ones with better equipment. Mortal blacksmiths slowly but surely congregate to my district, trying to be noticed by Hephaestus. Babel stands at the pinnacle, but sturdy weapons and clothes are always wanted by Level 1s and normal folk. Tension. Conflict. I was assembling a power bloc. Many faces just pass by. Words exchanged. Busy. Talking takes time. Hiryute. Greet. Alf. Say hello. Viridis. Pass on. Work needs to be done. More and more.

I was going to change Orario.

…

There is an attack by an Adventurer in my territory. Something I had come to expect. Too many greedy eyes looked upon my efforts, too many didn't like what I did, and many more wanted for nothing to change. Many Familias and even the Guild could see what was happening. How the balance was changing. Naturally, since they didn't know how to counter my efforts without making themselves seem terrible, they would work through others.

One Adventurer of great power put to the torch a single building on the outskirt of my territory after telling everyone within to leave. Those who went after him weren't able to defeat him. Level 4s who I paid better than they could earn in the Dungeon. A single, concentrated asset instead of a mass of mercenaries. It was the work of multiple parties in the dark. I was sure of it. I would have to find out who after I dealt with the attack myself.

My body creaked lightly as I took to the field. The gathered crowd parted. When was the last time I had fought? The Coliseum. That was… just a few weeks ago, right? It was still winter, of that I was sure. A month. It was amazing what money could do. Fast, good, or cheap. Fast and good cost an immense amount, but I supposed it was better than having a foundation that crumbled to dust.

Eventually I reached the burning building.

A young man in a white, hooded cloak watched it burn.

A black sword was in one of his hands and the other held an ebony knife.

They were familiar things in the hands of a stranger.

Gloved hands pushed back a pure white hood to reveal scarlet eyes and hair of the same purity.

My breath caught.

A familiar sensation clawed its way through my body. One that I'd felt before I crawled out of the gutter and when a boy covered in blood slammed into me. How long had it been?

"Sensei." Cranel spoke. He was taller. His shoulders slightly wider. His hair tied back while bangs framed his face. Older. Not by much. But older. "Laulos-senpai would be disappointed in you."

How long had I gone mad this time?

…

Interlude: The Student. (Part 6)

…

Orimoto-san's words resounded in my mind as I met Sensei's gaze. While he seemed calm, collected, and determined, his eyes told another story. In one moment they were wide in realization, apprehension, and surprise. For a split second, it was my Sensei overcoming his Skill. Then, the eyes would turn hard, be suffused with cool focus and fearless determination. The person who wouldn't cry, wouldn't feel, and accepted no one. The one who no one could reach. The one who everyone was counting on me to destroy… even if that meant hurting Sensei with the very pain he was trying to avoid.

Arde, Nelly, Erisuis… all my Senpais had tried to reach out to him, to involve themselves in his life, and he turned them away. Hecate-sama and Hestia-sama tried to console him and they were rebuffed. Lyon… Lyon couldn't forgive herself for the words and actions she tried to reach him with. Alf-sama, Tiona-san, and Viridis-san... I was glad that they left on an expedition so soon and so quickly after the Coliseum fight. I don't know if their words would've reached him, but I was glad that they weren't hurt.

Spring was arriving in just a week. I had met Sensei just as fall ended. I couldn't believe that less than half a year had passed, that I was turning 18 in just a few days, and how much has changed since then. How much Sensei could change it in just a few months. Orario was fuller, the Guild more crowded, and the streets were filled with many Adventurers who looked, talked, and acted like hunters planning on culling animals. Orimoto-san was correct. Sensei was throwing himself at a mission in order to avoid the pain of losing Laulos-senpai.

I hadn't understood why Orimoto-san took me aside and kept me away from him, but after seeing everything he'd done and how he'd treated everyone else, I realized that Orimoto had trained me and taught me in order to bring back her Familia member. Everything she did—from timing this moment on the coldest and last day of winter to padding the shoulders of my coat, having me wear taller shoes, and having me grow out my hair—was to make my attempt, perhaps the last attempt, have the highest chance of success.

All I had to do was say the words I needed to say, to get through to him by making him unable to ignore what happened, and force him away from his current path. To tell him what he'd done is wrong, that he was hurting everyone, and that he would make Laulos ashamed of him. That no one liked what he was doing, that he was breaking the Alliance, and that he was endangering everyone. That what he was doing was worthless, that he was just running away, and that he couldn't be anymore wrong about the way he chose to grieve.

It was the most effective way of attack, I had already gained his attention and drawn him in, yet I couldn't find it in myself to say them.

"Laulos-senpai… Laulos-senpai would…" The words I was told to use by Orimoto-san, who wanted her Familia back, wouldn't come. The discussions I had with my Senpais about how to reach him with harsh truths refused to come forth. There were dozens of things I could say. Many I had practiced saying even if he chose to attack me. But they refused to come. I was trembling in my shoes and my balance threatened to go. There he was with an arm that didn't belong on him, watching me without a word, and I couldn't say anything. "Sensei…"

I'd waited for him to visit Laulos-senpai's grave and wanted to ask him why he didn't go afterward. I wanted to chase after him and be the first to talk to him. Orimoto had found me and caught me before I was able to. I'd thought I had just been spared of what happened to everyone else. I'd felt glad. However, the horrible, terrible ache I'd felt when I hadn't seen him had returned to me now. Hadn't… hadn't I ran too? Didn't I throw myself into working for this moment instead of doing anything else? Sure, I had gone into the Dungeon, but going past Rivira without Sensei had felt wrong. I'd helped Ilion and Haruhime, made Valis, and trained… but what had I done beyond that? Which of us had helped more people? Used what they felt to drive them further? Regardless of the cost?

Sensei took a step forward and a jolt went up my spine.

For a second, I thought he'd attacked me. However, I felt no pain. No, it had merely been surprise. Could I even fight effectively wearing what I was now? The cloak did nothing but hide the rest of my figure. My shoes were unbalanced and too large. Sensei wore his typical clothes, half his shawl frayed and tattered where his lightning arm existed, but I knew that he was far stronger than the last time I had faced him. All I could do was utter words while surviving his assault. Yet, I was unwilling to use them. My only true weapon in this bout and I couldn't bring myself to use them.

Sensei reached me as my thoughts were running through my mind. His face was masked and head covered, but the light from his arm made it so no shadow hid his eyes. They were focused, strong, and confident. The moment had passed. I needed to say something. I needed to attack. However, the words which were my weapons still refused to come forth. It didn't make sense. How could hurting someone more make them feel better? How could another lie make something true? How could an insult ever make something right?

Even if it would bring back my Sensei, even if it would make things the way they used to be, how was making him hate himself going to help? Wouldn't that just replace him with the one we wanted?

Sensei stopped within an arm's reach of me. The flames at my back reminded me that I had attacked his project, his efforts to make Orario better and give everyone who came a better chance, and I felt fear crawl into my throat.

Then, without a single word and after pushing back my hood, he placed his hand on my head and ruffled through my hair with all his usual familiarity.

"Cranel, I'll let it go this once." However, Sensei's voice was anything but familiar. It was the tone that Arde-senpai could barely describe and which Nelly and Erisuis couldn't stand. The tone full of care and trust which espoused safety and comfort… but didn't want you. It was a twisted sort of care. One that wanted us away from him and safe. The promise of a gilded cage. "Go home and keep getting stronger—"

I should've been angry.

I should've been able to say what I needed to say.

I should've been capable of bringing back my Sensei.

However, I came to a realization.

Aiz had told me, just before she left, that I wasn't an Adventurer. That I was too kind, too good, and too trusting. That I became depressed when I grew sad. That I smiled too much when I was happy. That I was furious when I was angry. I was, in her words, "pure" and "innocent." I hadn't believed her. I told her about how I fought and how I trained. How I was ruthless and efficient. Just being able to show emotion didn't mean I was better than her. Yet, in the end, she had merely smiled, shook her head, and told me that those didn't mean anything. I hadn't understood her then, but as I looked upon my Sensei… I realized that she was right.

Everything Sensei taught was meant to make the student invincible and untouchable. Sensei didn't want his students to get hurt. Sensei taught everyone to be cautious and perceptive so that they wouldn't be fooled and taken advantage of. Sensei cared just as much as I did. Sensei taught the way he did because he didn't want to see anyone die. Just like I would throw myself at the front and be the vanguard, Sensei would commit everything in his students just so that they would never need saving.

If I saw my friends die, if I saw my students die, and if everyone who got close to me died, despite everything I could do to help them, wouldn't I push them away?

Wouldn't I try to keep them safe from afar?

Wouldn't I do the same as Sensei?

Were the two of us any different save for our circumstances?

"Sensei." Laulos-senpai must have come to this realization sooner than I had. She had reasoned much of Sensei out, planned for every contingency in their fight, according to Ilion-san. My senpai realized that he wasn't cold or callous, but the opposite. If we were in danger, despite everything he says and does, he would do anything and pay any price in order to keep us safe. I had woken up to see him missing an arm, seen him lie motionless on a bed for a week, and hurt others just to save me. I shouldn't have felt gratitude for what he had done. I should've felt worried for him and ashamed of myself. I should've done the same as Laulos-senpai did. Maybe if I had then none of this would've happened. I shouldn't have needed saving. "I'm not leaving."

I didn't receive a reply in turn. Sensei was as Arde, Nelly, and Erisuis described. He was fading away and retreating back into the work that he knew would protect us and keep us safe while holding us at arm's length. He was setting himself toward a path where we couldn't follow, where only he would get hurt, and where we would be happy without him. Sensei was going to take everything the world would throw at us upon himself so we would never get hurt.

So, just as Sensei turned away to be swept up back into his little world, I let go of my blades, grabbed his lapel, and swung my fist right into his face.

I wasn't ready for the battle before me, especially since I didn't want to say the words that I needed to say. However, neither was Sensei ready to chase after me and save me from the Asura's final attack. He had betted everything and lost much for my sake. Everything that had gone wrong due to his actions was because of my weakness then. I couldn't change that. However, everything was different now. Though I was afraid I would be struck, though I could be seriously injured, I knew that I couldn't let Sensei do what he wanted… or what we wanted either.

A hand of lightning rushed toward me, but I held fast. It could end the battle, turn wherever it touched into burnt flesh, and it would be my complete loss. However, I didn't attempt to dodge it.

Sensei couldn't be who he was now and he couldn't just be the person we once knew. We changed. He changed. There was no taking anything back. He lost a student, everyone was hurt, and we would only be lying to ourselves if we did anything besides doing our best to live without regret and being happy when we could.

The hand stopped short, just as I knew it would, and I struck him again.

Some part of Sensei knew that. Sensei was running away just like we all were. Sensei was making everything easier for us by being the man everyone could hate.

No, I decided, I wouldn't let Hikigaya Hachiman do that anymore.

…

Interlude: The Astray Elf. (Part 4)

…

"W-weren't we supposed to help Cranel if this happened?" I hoped that my stutter went unnoticed. Looking at my monarch, I hoped to find answers. However, just as she had been when Orimoto-san explained the situation, she was quiet, focused, and kept a firm hand upon her staff. She was worried. Too worried to speak. I felt lost so I searched for another's words. "Orimoto-san, aren't we supposed to—"

"No. We can't unless we want to see a large portion of Orario destroyed." Orimoto-san, Hikigaya-kun's fellow Familia member, was a humorless woman. Though she was full of cheer and laughter when with company, she was cold and ruthless during combat. My father told me on the day of my departure that I should watch how others act during battle. Orimoto-san's eyes were like those of Finn-sama and other experienced adventurers during combat. Dangerous and lethal. Very unlike Hikigaya-kun or Cranel-kun who bared everything through combat. "Everything is entirely on Cranel's shoulders now. Either he'll fail and nothing changes or he wins and we reach an unexpected conclusion."

I tried not to wince at her words. "Unexpected conclusion" sounded far too negative. Surely this was the better way? It was unplanned, unexpected, and unprepared… but Cranel didn't need to utter terrible truths and further harm Hikigaya-kun. Though brutish and inelegant the path may be, wasn't it the better one? It was most assuredly a grand risk, but the most inestimable lessons carry great costs to both the teacher and student. Though Cranel found himself teaching for the very first time and with a grand lesson to impart, wasn't the reward ahead worth the risk entailed?

"Don't worry, Lefiya-chan, I'm sure that Hat-kun will be moved by Cranel-kun's words!" Tiona-chan was as energetic and optimistic as always, but I couldn't help but see Urga over her shoulder and Leona-sama's Magic Resistance Amulet across her neck rather than hear her words. If raw force was truly necessary, then I was sure that Tiona-chan would suffice. However, I couldn't see Hikigaya-kun yielding to physical force. I didn't want to tell my friend my thoughts, but I believed that Hikigaya-kun's best and only hope now was Cranel. "He's a lot stronger than he looks! I'm sure that he'll be able to pound some sense into Hat-kun!"

While we spoke I couldn't help but look to the rest of the gathered "support." The rest of Hikigaya-kun's students were present and they wore new coats and trinkets. An elven rogue whose name I missed and who didn't speak also watched the battle while clad in the same clothes. Aiz-chan and Yamato-san were also present. They were present for Cranel. Everyone was armed and protected against magic. We were ten in number if we included Cranel and there was no doubt that our small group was a force that many would find difficult to match. It was a group I expected to be within to fight Monstra Reges rather than bring back an ally from the throes of madness. A subjugation force rather than a rescue party.

I forced myself to take a breath and release my grip upon my stave. It was unbecoming of me to seem so nervous. I was on my Fourth Step and inching toward my Fifth. I needed to hold myself to higher standards and properly reflect my station. It was difficult to even think that I would one day stand at my monarch's side as a Mage of equal caliber, but I couldn't act like a frightened and weak child all my life. Regardless of the fact that only had a handful of decades to my name, I had to live up to what was expected of me.

Still, it was difficult to watch the fight between Hikigaya-kun and Cranel.

The fight seemed too earnest and too pure.

I felt as though I was a stranger watching without permission.

They received one another's blows. Each one was entirely focused on the offensive. Cranel couldn't allow Hikigaya-kun to chant. Hikigaya-kun couldn't waste time blocking lest he risk being overwhelmed. They weren't equal. Cranel enjoyed greater speed and striking power. Hikigaya-kun's reflexes and movements were rapid and precise. They were evenly matched in both ability and skill because of their advantages over one another. Had Hikigaya-kun had his left arm or seen fit to use his limb composed of lightning, the battle would've been settled far earlier. That lack of advantage, that kindness, was exploited by Cranel in order to push the odds in his favor. Yet, despite that massive advantage, I couldn't help but feel that Hikigaya-kun was going to win.

"I'm going." The masked, elven rogue suddenly stood up. Blonde locks cast a shadow over her eyes. The grip she had on her staff, one composed of the bones of the Cataclysm which I had surmounted for my newfound divinity, was tight and her voice was hoarse. "Bell cannot do this by himself." She rose and took several steps forward to leap at the battle below. However, much to my surprise, her way was blocked by my monarch's own staff. "Move your stave, heiress. Or I shall move it for you."

"You had your chance and you failed. I will not allow you to muddle this gamble with another foolhardy attempt, brigand." Riviera-sama's voice sent chills down my spine. The person speaking wasn't my strict and fair mentor. No, the one speaking was the future monarch of my people. The empress which would one day command the entirety of my race. The empress known as Nine Hell, the Elf who is the closest to divinity of all her race, and whose departure of Orario heralded a change to the entirety of the world. Yet, the rogue tried to press on anyway. "If you persist, should you attempt to muddle this matter even further, I will show you that I am as capable a warrior as I am a mage. You will do no more to me than a boulder would to a mountain, child."

"If you know him so well, then why weren't you there? Why didn't you come to help?" The rogue persisted despite the threat which hung over her head. Who was she to Hikigaya-kun? Who was she to him? What was her relation to my monarch? There were a myriad of questions which I wished answers for. However, no such answer came. Their gazes met and I heard the grinding away of stone beneath my mentor's staff. She was angry. "If you understand him so much, if you can decide such things for him, why aren't you down there trying to help?"

"Because you and I both know that he is conceited, prideful, and arrogant. That the day would never come when he would seek to burden us with himself. Just as we are." Riviera-sama's tone was predominately cold, but held an edge of melancholy that managed to reach me. My heart sank at the thought. It was a firm reminder of how similar Hikigaya-kun was to the rest of our own kin. How even merely touching was considered to be only for those with the closest of relationships. I should've known that my mentor would see past just Hikigaya-kun's words and see into both his actions and demeanor. "You thought him only human? That his heart can be swayed when both his pride and mind are bent towards a single path? Child, you may care for him greatly, but can you not see that is a weakness rather than a strength?"

"What do you propose, then? That we stand by and do nothing? To watch the world change around us while we cling to our forests and ancient cities? That I let Hachiman's fate rely on Cranel alone?!" I tried to not listen to the grief which clouded my mind so much. The rogue's words were more akin to that of a human than an elf. Some part of me envied her ability to proclaim herself so brazenly. Another recoiled and felt disgusted. How could she say such things so flagrantly? To declare herself so close to Hikigaya-kun? "I would rather fail and have tried to bring him back rather than simply hope that all goes well especially when the odds are completely and utterly against us—"

There was a sudden cry of pain and a burst of light. The eyes and attention of all turned tothe noise and the harsh glare. We all looked upon what I was sure we all believed impossible: Hikigaya Hachiman on his back and defeated. Cranel's form was wreathed in tiny, glittering stars which began to fade away. With his white cloak reflecting the glittering display, the young boy almost seemed resplendent as he stood over his fallen teacher.

Argonaut. How could I have forgotten the very skill which felled the Cataclysm? The being which against which my mere survival allowed me to take another Step towards Divinity? A Skill straight from legend which allowed Cranel to turn any strike into one which is capable of felling even the greatest of monsters. A blow which tipped the scales toward victory for the one who used it. A pure skill wielded by an individual with a singular will and commitment. A hero's earnest skill whose effects could be controlled compared to mine which was wholly suited only for mass destruction.

There was a rush of movement. Tiona-chan leapt toward the scene first. She nearly forgot her weapon in the process. Hikigaya-kun's other students leapt after her in a mad dash. The same went for Aiz-chan and Yamato-san. They had paid attention to the fight, saw it happen with their own eyes, and cheer was evident within their hearts. Though Aiz hardly ever cheered or earnestly smiled, I saw one play upon her face as she reached Cranel. When Hikigaya-kun began to rise, he took Cranel's hand while keeping a hand on his chest. A wide smile played upon Cranel's lips as he helped him up.

Yet, the matter between my monarch and the rogue was yet to be finished.

"You ought to have known that to reach hearts like ours requires more than simple demands or unyielding will. We demand what we wish for and nothing less." Riviera-sama withdrew her staff, but the rogue didn't move. Instead, their gazes matched. Briefly, my monarch turned toward me and I couldn't help but glance away. "You asked of him to be who he used to be before the death of his student. Just as I would have. We would've demanded it… and found ourselves staring only at his back because we only reach toward what we want rather than what is needed." My monarch glanced toward the sight below us even as I couldn't find the will to raise my head. I remembered how he had passed me by and the hurt I'd felt. I hadn't even taken a moment to consider why… "None of us could've compromised as Cranel did. We would've have simply fought to make him see the error of his ways instead of seeing that his current path couldn't continue. We would've tried to be victors instead of saviors and thus we would've failed."

Was that it? Were we unable to reach him because of our nature?

"Nature can be overcome, Lefiya. Even if it's deeply ingrained, it can be surmounted." I hadn't realized I had spoken. I had been too engrossed with thoughts to notice. Both their eyes were on me and I couldn't help but turn my gaze away. My mentor shook her head and moved to leave. I couldn't help but follow. "Though we can lose ourselves to our passions and follow strictures without thought or care, through compromise and reason we can change. It is wholly a matter of persistence and determination… not overwhelming force and ability."

We left the rogue looking down toward the gathered group. I didn't know what thoughts ran through her head. However, from Riviera-sama's words and implications, I couldn't help but think that if something had gone differently… that it wouldn't be Cranel with Hikigaya-kun down there now.

Then, without warning, lightning struck came forth in vast amounts from the street, throwing me away only to be caught by my mentor. Cragged stone and wood flew forth along with the braced forms of all those who had believed the matter settled.

Just as I ought to have expected of Hikigaya-kun, he always took his victories from the jaws of defeat.

Even from us.

…

Interlude: The Lover. (Part 3)

…

"Look at them, my pet. Look at how they fight and fight to fix the mistake you made." The unspeaking, drooling being at my feet lifted his head. Slowly and without jostling my limbs. I approved and chose not to use my crop. I took a sip of the tincture of the last of Soma's liquor upon this plane. It tasted sweeter than it ever had before. "You best hope that they manage it, my pet. Lest I use the lash instead of the glove tonight."

His skin shivered against mine. Was it because of excitement or fear? I checked. Excitement. How inappropriate. The lash it was. Using the wrist, not the arm. To him this was still a game. He had lost and I had taken him. For him, just like his Familia, this was simply another diversion from the trivialities of Heaven. I was bored of him, of his base desires, but he was a gift and not a lover. I was merely his leash until another became worthy to hold me in a mailed fist.

A flush of heat caressed my skin as another bolt of lightning arced through the sky.

"I had worried that he would be too weak. I had fretted that he would be unable to topple me. Did you know that, my pet?" I felt a drop of the tincture flow down from the corner of my lip to the base of my neck. I brought it to my sight upon the back of a single finger. I considered the orb of divine liquor which had left a trace of red across my skin and gathered the rewards of my exertions. Reaching down, I lowered my hand and my pet's head stiffened as he held himself still. Good. Very good. I allowed him to dirty my finger with his tongue for his reward. He became sated at my taste. I basked in the conflict before me as he quivered and shook. "I thought he wouldn't be able to topple me, yet in less than three months he establishes an empire, reveals power which make legends seem to be infants, and now wages a war against his own allies."

Nine Hell was there. The impudent woman who had brazenly danced with him in full view of all. A Queen who thought him her equal. It was a laughable notion. Perhaps as a pet? Yes. An empress who would've changed the world and overturned nations with but a speech on her knees with a gleeful smile. The rest who lusted for him could follow.

"He is magnificent. A true warrior with ideals stauncher than even divine steel. Only the truth and what is right are enough for him." Light crashed against flame and ice. Stray shards and flames were intercepted by light. Innocents were spared by him even in his mad state. There he stood against his own friends, whom he couldn't fight against fully and completely, yet he fought on anyway. He could not win, but he will fight to the bitter end. "He's my hero, my pet. Him and that boy who had approached him. He is the mailed glove while the other is composed of velvet."

Hmmm, perhaps a comely and earnest girl for him to love truly? What of a woman who he undoubtedly and irrevocably loved above all others? All others, no matter their power, legend, or divinity, given mere scraps in comparison to the only one whom he treats sweetly. Yes. That was good. He needed someone earnest and pure. The Thousand Elf, perhaps? The one who had her eyes only on him while they danced and was lost to fantasy? She would do. She was there as well, trying to bring back his mind from his madness due to his loss.

"Hachiman would take this world by the throat and drag it kicking and screaming to the paradise he wishes. Bell will be the kind hero who has the sheep flock and adore him." They were mortals with only fractions of divinity etched into their souls. They were not immortal. They were free and unchained. So they were able to change, live, and thrive. Their vices and virtues changed and evolved. Gods were merely gods. Nothing more than power and purpose. Mortals had will and drive. Meager in their own eyes, but truly beyond precious. "Yet here they are fighting against one another due to your carelessness, my pet. The grand dream which I had been reaching for has been wrenched away because of your foolish actions."

There was a silver lining to the madness which overtook Hachiman. Bell had grown leaps and bounds. The bright, pure stone which had nearly been tarnished now shone more brightly than the sun. He rejected the path Hachiman walked upon, yet accepted Hachiman nonetheless. They varnished one another, ground themselves into deeper purity and darker ebony. They collided and imparted themselves upon one another, just as they would be, and became greater, grander, and more brilliant when they clashed just as when they stood at one another's side.

I caught my breath as my pet strained due to my joy.

"I forgive you for your foolishness, my pet. You didn't know what you were doing and there they are getting stronger and stronger instead of breaking." I graced my pet with my hand until he was insensate. A moment passed until I had a replacement, proper footrest beneath my leg and the pet was placed in his rightful place at my chair's side. Ottar has arrived just as I expected him to. I gave him a smile as I watched the conflagrations continue. "Tell me, Ottar, is there any possibility of this failing to break him from his stupor?"

"If it does not then we are prepared to do so." Ah, the finest answer from my finest child. Never did I regret the day when I chose to raise him as my own. I stood to take to the balcony. I was immediately covered in fine silk and a sash to hold the robe together at my waist. I adored the new merchandise he brought into the city. "Should they fail, we will be able bring Hikigaya back from the brink of his madness."

"Calling it madness may be presumptuous, my child." The sun was setting in the horizon, but the night was held at bay by the pillars of light which came upon Orario. I sat myself upon the balcony railing. Ottar came close to ensure I would not fall. Such a careful child. Ganesha and Loki were already moving. Were they going to aid one another or stand against one another? My "rivals" were sorely lacking these days. Only Loki's newest batch, trained by Hachiman, were of any interest. Mere rocks polished into gems. They weren't brilliant, but they were beautiful in their own way. "What sort of madness changes the world for the better?"

"The sort which would cast aside love, Freya-sama." Ottar's answer brought a smile to my face which I deigned to share with him. Such a good child. Many called him cold, stoic, and focused. However, that was merely a single side of my child. His love was powerful and nigh-unrestrainable. One day he would find someone far more earnest to love. It was merely a matter of time. "Someone who casts aside the heart entirely for the mind can only be called mad."

"Ah, but what of the opposite then, my dear?" I laughed lightly as Ottar went silent. He knew me well and didn't wish to answer. There was no doubt in my mind what answer Hachiman would've given. Whether one lost themselves entirely to their heart or their mind, the result could only be called madness. Loki's and Ganesha's Familias gathered and looked upon the spectacle. Loki would be excited to see something new. Ganesha would fret over the status of the people. They would stand back to watch until they could sweep in to claim what they wished. That is what they did. Nothing of them was new or brilliant in the slightest. "What of us gods who act with our hearts as our sole compass?"

Ottar stayed quiet. I knew him well enough to know he would not answer.

"Don't fret, my dear. I know who I am." I reached up and touched his cheek. Ottar hated any insult to me even if it was the truth. Hachiman would've died at his hands if Ottar didn't know what I wished. Perhaps, one day, my child will be able to see me as I truly am instead of the mother he so earnestly loves. I am despicable, wretched, and most certainly not worth his unconditional love and zeal. He ought to be with someone kind, gentle, and in good standing. Nothing but the best for my beloved child. "For me to change, for me to be better, I have need of Hachiman and Bell. Those two together shall be my paradise whether in Heaven or here."

"As you say, Freya-sama." Ottar bowed his head in acceptance and I turned back to the battle. The magic was flickering and fading. The pillars of light were wavering and growing weaker. That day when I had returned him from his madness required only a single slap to the cheek and a demand for love. There was no disgust or hatred for him to us to pull himself back. He must grasp at the earnest, true affections which was before him. The bonds which he denied himself, the love he should give so he could truly hate, was what he needed to pull himself back. I knew that he could. That it was only a matter of time. Still, the sight brought anxiety and excitement into my heart. "The battle will be concluding soon. I must reconvene with your eyes and ears."

"You need not ask, Ottar. I trust you." I swung myself off the balcony. Ottar nodded at my safety before he caught himself. I was unworthy of his care, but I basked in it nonetheless. The battle was growing still. I wondered what became of Nine Hell, Gale, and the Thousand Elf. Their kind who worshipped me so earnestly so long ago. Were they lost to their hearts? The Amazon most assuredly would be. Did he reach out for them or solely for his students to return himself to the world? I would know once Ottar returned. I could hardly wait. I had to watch in hopes of discerning anything to alleviate my frustrations. "Ottar, I require a chair. Wake my pet."

Apollo came forth with joy and glee. He offered his back as he was on his hands and knees. There was no greater joy for him than this. He could be at his domain in Heaven, where all he wished for would be before him, yet here he chose to be this. Perhaps the thought to leave crossed his mind, to have pride rather than pleasure, yet here he was eager and ready to be used as mere furnishing. Yet, he was truly happy and content. A life of simple punishment and rewards instead of only happiness and joy. After millennia he has found his happiness while I still waited for mine.

I envied him.

…

Interlude: The Lonely Champion (Part 3).

…

Do you even want to be reached, Hachiman? Everyone here believes that you've lost yourself to your mind. That your Skill is the cause of your decisions. That you're not to blame in the slightest. I was taught since my birth, and learned throughout my life, that while we make choices, our choices make us who we are. No one believes that they're ever wrong. From the common pickpocket to the most vicious of killers, no one does what they believe is wrong. The reasons behind what they do, the excuses they make, all make sense to their own eyes. Those who do wrong are never wrong in their own eyes.

I would know. I have killed many. You told me yourself that I commited many mistakes. I know that you think everything you're doing now is right. You're saving people through your own ways and keeping those you care about safe by making yourself a target. I did the same through blade and bow. There is no doubt that in terms of sins I weigh more heavily. I took flesh for the flesh that was taken. I saved only a single person. You save multitudes, take no lives, and offer yourself up as a shield for those you care for.

But isn't it incredibly selfish for you to choose to die instead of suffering with us?

With me?

Those are the words I should've said.

I know that now.

When I had caught Hachiman as he was leaving the Hostess of Fertility, those were supposed to be the words that I said. I should've offered everything regardless of what I'd seen him do. Regardless of how he turned away everyone else who bared their heart, I should've done the same anyway. I shouldn't have called him a craven. I shouldn't have tried to bring to his mind those he lost and how they would be ashamed of him. I shouldn't have treated him like some adventurer born out of myth and legend whose student I allowed to die.

I should've treated him like a man who was hurt and a person who I wanted to console.

This could've all been avoided if I hadn't been afraid of being turned aside.

But I had been afraid.

Now everyone suffered for it.

…

It was ten against one. One Level 3 against Level 6s, 4s, and 3s. The battle should've ended in an instant. Even if we couldn't kill him, the battle should've been decided the moment a Level 6 entered the field. I did not know whether he was Level 3 or 4, but that mattered not against Nine Hell, the Sword Princess, or Tiona. He should've fallen and been decisively defeated, yet both sides were teetering on the edge of victory and defeat. One being wreathed in lightning and throwing pillars of godly power while beset by a party of heroes and champions. This was a battle out of myth and mystery solely because of its impossibility and grandeur.

And, just like myth and mystery, the one who is the victor decided who is good and who is evil.

The earnest victory which Cranel strove for seemed as ephemeral as it had always been. An ideal and a dream which we all wanted. No words or harm. Only a sound defeat and a hand proffered to bring him back up. A magnanimous victor who sought the friendship of the one whom he defeated. No one would question such a victory. There would be no foul play or retribution afterward. The followers Hachiman gathered would not wage a secret war to get their leader back.

However, should we lose, then that would be the end of it. Hachiman would be beyond our grasp. His followers would become stronger and mightier. His power will attract others who wish to test their strength. He would triumph over them until Orario was wholly his. I remembered his words well. He said he would drag Orario kicking and screaming into a civilized state. He was wrong about that. Orario was willing and accepting of his changes. There was nothing for him to fight against. We would be one of the first of those who resisted his rise, a stepping stone of his ascendency, and would be written off history as Orario makes him hers and he does the same to her.

I caught Cranel as he was rebuffed. The white cloak he wore was singed black and he had discarded his height-increasing boots. The young man had a grimace on his face. Determination was clear in his scarlet eyes. He looked every inch the hero even as he smelled of burnt air and smoke rose from his form.

"Thanks, Lyon-san." Cranel didn't spare a moment before he launched himself back into the fray. He was glowing, leaving behind a smattering of stars to trail behind him as he rushed toward his foe. He clashed against his opponent, others coming in to restrain blows which would make him fall until he was blown back again. Once more, I caught him. He spared me another smile even as he unsteadily rose. "Thank you again—"

"Rest. Drink your elixirs." I pushed him back and took in the melee before me. The symphony of magic and metal which raged between ten against one. Cranel gave a cry of protest. Syr had told him what I had done and how I had failed. He cared and didn't wish for me to take to the stage and bear witness to my failures. He was a kind soul. I pushed him back once more. "When I get pushed back, do not catch me. Simply strike as hard as you can."

I went forth and entered the melee with the weapon he had bought for me.

Lightning assaulted me. Though I felt none of its true effects, I was pushed back and the cloak I wore heated at its touch. I had seen what the magic had done to Phryne. She had been molded to stone, her flesh shaped and burnt beyond recognition, and though she was hewn from the rock and received aid… the one known as Phryne Jamil was no more. The same could've happened to any of us. It was only due to Hachiman's own care that the same fate didn't befall any of us.

His mythrill-clad arm met the end of my staff. His strength was beyond my own. My bones rattled as we exchanged blows. Even as we did he was beset by Tiona, Nine Hell, and the Sword Princess. His students and the Thousand Elf were gathering themselves while beset by power. Limbs of light surged forth to meet all who came after him. His Skill in full effect allowed him to take on multiple opponents without breaking stride. Lightning was taking shape into weapons which simply hung in the air until they were needed. What attacks reached him had to weather a constant barrage of light and power. Magic was struck down by magic.

If this battle was for life and death, with all fighting at their fullest and with the intent to kill, then I was sure that he would've already won.

His boot collided with my stomach a moment after his arm intercepted my blow. My legs were struck with lightning at the same moment. I lost balance and fell forward. I intercepted his foot with my staff midair so I was sent flying back.

Was this it? Was this the extent of everything we had? Were we to fight him every time he fell into this state? To risk everything and more each time? He only needed to win once, yet we needed to be the victors at every encounter. I saw the good in Cranel's plan. I knew of the kindness and generosity that he espoused. Cranel's solution had merit. Yet, I knew deep within my heart, that one day we will lose him forever as we cannot win against him each and every time he fell.

"Lyon-san, I'm ready." Cranel's voice reached me. He was good, kind, and heroic. He would see this matter through. He would save Hachiman. He would try to save Hachiman each and every time. Perhaps I was wrong. Maybe Cranel could defeat Hachiman each time and never be defeated. They were both singular existences who were both getting more and more powerful as each day passed. "I'll end this now—"

Just as Nine Hell had said, I wasn't the sort to compromise. To leave everything to chance, to let something be, and to settle was against my nature. I suppose that I was just selfish.

I charged forward, heedless of Cranel's words.

I had met Hachiman before he lost his students. He had just been another face at the Hostess of Fertility. However, soon enough, he was always present with one student or another. I didn't know when we began to speak to one another, but I soon found myself speaking with him or at him every day. Over the course of months, I began to know him even though he knew nothing of me. He was the man who I couldn't stand and who I enjoyed infuriating.

I charged forward into the fray heedless of the plans and actions of others. The whistle of projectiles reached my ears. Orimoto. Massive prongs of copper and tin slammed ahead of me and sunk into the ground. The lighting which had sought to bring me low was ripped from the air by the massive arrows. All the lightning which came my way was torn from the sky by the arrows sent forth by the archer. I knew not what magic it was, but I silently thanked her nonetheless. I didn't know if she had planned for all of this, if what I was doing was known to her, but her aid told me that she did.

The day he lost his students was the day when he began to be alone. He became quiet and less inclined to speak. Months passed and letters started to come. He discarded each one. I decided to read them. The early ones were filled with wishes to speak. The ones after told him that the guilt was not his own. He didn't read any of them and discarded the thought of going to the Hecate Familia. He ceased to bring with him students and began to eat alone. He was the picture of a man alone.

A few paces from him and I discarded my mask.

Then, from nowhere, he returned with a new student and he began to turn back into the man I used to know. We began to speak again. Soon enough I continued to learn more of him. I shouldn't have been so naïve and self-centered. I should've looked into his sudden change. I should've learned more about Cranel. The boy who was powerful, who triumphed over Minotaurs and crushed monsters without pause at Level 1, and who was seemingly unstoppable. He was a student who couldn't die and leave him. I should've realized that he hadn't mourned or accepted his loss, but instead placed all his faith upon one other person. He had run away then, just as he did now.

I reached Hikigaya Hachiman. My eyes met his own. I held his face in my hands. The battle went still as I gathered the attention of all.

If he could run and leave his pain, Hachiman would do so in a heartbeat. Whether that meant training a hero who could triumph over everything or becoming an emperor himself, he would gladly fall and lose himself to doing good for the sake of running from his pain. So long as he was untethered, unbound, and free to do as he wished, Hachiman would choose the path where he could walk away from pain, take on the pains of others, and do good for the sake of everyone regardless of himself. As long as he was alone, he would choose that path every single time.

"Hachiman, I love you."

But, I hoped, he wouldn't if he knew I would follow him on that path no matter what.

I pressed my lips against his.

…

Interlude: The Sword (Part 4)

…

Never would I have believed a kiss could decisively end a battle. Even considering what I had been told, the action never occurred to me. Even as a child, I would've rebuffed the proposition as some lurid tale. To do such a thing during battle, to beguile the mind through seduction, was a dishonor beyond compare. The act befitted some novel of dubious nature more than reality. The sight of the action, especially since it was initiated by an elf, made me doubt whether I was awake and not dreaming.

Lyon, the elf who was the very picture of an assassin, had initiated the kiss with assistance from the archer who had mistaken spears for ammunition. The moment her lips met those of Bell's Sensei the battle had been decided. The demon of lightning we had been fighting, who had been our superior in strength, tactics, speed, and many other qualities, abruptly turned into a young man caught unaware.

"Mmph!?" Bell's Sensei cried out in surprise and confusion against Lyon's lips. His eyes, which had been so steely and focused, began to blink rapidly and search for help. The mirrors of his soul, which had sought out targets moments ago, now frantically begged and pleaded for aid. None of which came because everyone was caught by the sight. After a few seconds, he attempted to press his hands and push his aggressor away, but he seemed at a loss as to where exactly to do so. For a split second, the two parted and their eyes met as Lyon reared mere centimeters back to draw breath. Strands briefly connected them until wind broke the bridge. "Lyon what the hell are you doing—"

That should've been the end of it. I had no doubt that Bell's Sensei had returned to us. We had triumphed over his Skill. A quick glance told me that everyone else felt the same. However, there was an edge to Lyon's eyes that I managed to catch. A telling sign of deadly intent that sent me reeling back in surprise. I knew what the assassin's next move would be, but I wasn't prepared for it.

Under the pretense of assuring victory, the elf cut off the young man's words with her lips once more. Her hands shifted to the back of his head and the small of his back. Bell's Sensei once more flailed and tried to find purchase upon her form. However, given her form of dress, there was no place for him to put his hands without incrimination. Her clothes clung to her form with little modesty and she pressed her body against his. He was forced to take a step back before he found himself precariously balancing on his heels against her advances.

I searched for someone, anyone, to contest the matter.

Bell's fellow students met my gaze with steely eyes and forged will. Another shock went down my spine as I saw the promise they had in their gazes. They would not allow me to tamper with this matter. No matter how unbecoming the strategy was of the battle, they had acknowledged it as their method of victory and would ensure it would be seen through. There was no honor to be found in their hearts. This matter would be settled in the most efficient and fastest manner possible. They would see their Sensei thoroughly defeated. There was no aid to be found from them. They supported this matter completely.

A-aren't kisses only supposed to last a few moments? D-do adventurers not need to breathe? Why are the two of you still locked together?!

Though the thought shamed me, I believed that I would find some manner of aid from the others in pursuit of Bell's Sensei. I was wrong. If anything they were deeply engrossed and studying the moment in its entirety. The Amazon was abuzz in excitement and no doubt planning her own lascivious attack. The two elves, the mages, were scrutinizing the matter with the eyes of strategists and tacticians. One stood taller and ready to approach the matter head on. The other was huddled and muttering to herself while casting a gaze filled with ill intent. I realized that this wasn't the end of the battle. Bell's Sensei's critical weakness to overwhelming impropriety was revealed to all. The depravities of this battle would continue to pursue him for the rest of his days. None of the onlookers had the grace and humility to accept defeat. Either they were steeling themselves for a protracted battle, intended to support the next assault, or were looking for furtive means to subvert his defenses. There were no allies to be found among them.

Bell's Sensei was putty in the assassin's hands and… and… t-ton—other ministrations. The valiant, wizened man was reduced to helplessness. This was truly the day where he was soundly defeated.

I didn't look to Bell. I knew his thoughts on the matter. They were completely improper. His eyes would undoubtedly be shining in elation and joy. A wide smile would be upon his features. I cast a glance to my savior. All my thoughts were true. He may have been heavily singed, bruised, and beaten, but there was no denying that he was ecstatic at the sight. How unfortunate. "Well done, Lyon!" I heard him praise the assassin. I discarded any thoughts which had me using the same tactics with haste. He was cheering this on. Dunce. "Get Sensei back here!"

I was lost and without allies, capable of only watching the lengthy, unceasing impropriety before me, until the person I least expected spoke.

"…I do not understand." Praise all the good gods that inhabit the world. There is still purity and goodness of heart to be found upon this world. Though we vied for the affections of the same individual, Wallenstein-san appeared as bemused by the situation as I was. Bell's features turned towards her in shock. I felt something akin to joy of victory curdle in my heart. "How could a kiss possibly stop Hikigaya? He was so close to victory, but that stopped him?"

Though I scarcely believed in the effectiveness of the action, I couldn't help but take a step back at the utter confusion I heard in Wallenstein's voice. I knew that the Sword Princess was childish in some ways. She had the habits and mind of a child in matters that did not involve combat. Once I'd thought it a ploy, but I realized that was simply who she was. She had been born to adventurers and raised to be an adventurer. When she encountered something she didn't understand, she inquired of it, tried to understand the answer, and did her utmost best to accept it. Aiz Wallenstein, by all means, was the very personification of an Adventurer.

Wallenstein took my silence as a need for clarification and she provided it.

"Hikigaya Hachiman's Skill allows him to ignore all else and pursue a singular goal. We were in the way of his goal. We were being beaten by him." I could only stand by and listen to the words of the woman who I strove to defeat. Her words were complete and concise. She was desperate to understand since it was a battle. She didn't see this as a matter of the heart in the slightest. She gestured towards the ongoing scene where all were joyous and content. "How could he cease in the completion of his goal due to a kiss? He was primed to defeat us. He was infallible in this location, set to be victorious, and yet he chooses to simply stop?"

There were many answers I could have provided. I could have spoken of love, duty, and companionship. Those ideas were central to my Familia. A cornerstone upon which my Familia had stood upon. We worked together, looked after one another, and sought out means and methods to supplant our foes in tandem. I could have spoken of friendship, relations, and care. However, she wouldn't have understood. No, she couldn't have. She was not trying to understand Bell's Sensei, but instead why he had lost.

Because she was afraid that she would be defeated in the same way.

I didn't know what to say. How could I? I was trained to be a warrior. I understood her words. her concern. Not only that, but as an Adventurer I understood why she was so adamant about not being defeated in such a way. We all held goals which we yearned to achieve deep in our hearts. Bell's Sensei had been able to take on insurmountable odds, cast aside everything, and was on the cusp of victory and achieving his goals… but threw it aside due to a single, innocuous action. She saw herself in his place. Wanting to achieve everything and being on the cusp of victory, but being felled through means she didn't understand.

It was an affront to her.

A weakness that she feared.

This was the woman who at the age of 20 is one of the strongest beings in the whole world. The Sword Princess who can carve open the earth with a single swing of her blade. A woman who leaps into battle after battle heedless of danger. A girl who had become Level 2 at the age of 8. An adventurer who faced Udaeus and untold legions of Spartoi without aid for the sake of being acknowledged by the gods. A being who has ventured into the depths of the Dungeon. Someone who has seen what Bell's Sensei has done for the sake of everyone, his drive to keep everyone safe at any cost, and had nearly been defeated by it. She had seen the one thing that she couldn't overcome be defeated by a single action. Someone she had told me she had admired, who she had praised many times, and whose methods and means she inquired of Bell very often.

Someone who had been quite quiet as we advanced to liberate Bell's Sensei from his own Skill.

"Yamato-san, did I say something wrong?" There was no denying that I was afraid of the thoughts that crossed my mind. The realization gave me terrors. Bell had described her as a kind and gracious girl, one who cared deeply for those close to her, but one who could hardly ever relay her thoughts and affection. Weren't those words the same as the ones he used to describe his Sensei? I could see how they were similar. They removed threats precisely and efficiently. They sought out ways to protect those they cherished regardless of how much pain they suffered themselves. Could Wallenstein… could Wallenstein do the same as Hikigaya if she was pushed to do so? No, if she felt it necessary? "Is there something I've misunderstood?"

Before I could answer… no, before I had to answer, there was a general clamor that took both of our attentions. One of the elven mages had decided to pry the two apart. Our gazes were drawn away, the questions and words she uttered drifting away, however I found the previous elation and joy I'd felt at the conclusion had faded.

What was in store for us now?

What did we gain through our victory?

We had come forth with a single goal in mind without consideration of what was to come after. If we never noticed how Wallenstein felt, of the feelings one of our own held in her heart, then what did we know of those who watched from the shadows and kept silent?

The battle had been won, but what shall we do of the peace?

…

No Matter What, This World Needs To End. (17.3)

…

I want to die! Existence is pain! I want to stop experiencing anything and everything! Auuuggghhhh!

The finely furnished room my mad "self" procured was thankfully well prepared for establishing himself as some sort hybrid between a CEO and a Yakuza boss. It was posh enough to be intimidating, but still tasteful enough to waylay auditors. After carefully moving the table between the two couches before my personal desk, I allowed myself to fall onto the tasteful carpet my crazed side bought. It was plush, comfortable, and good enough to sleep on. It was supposed to be a symbol of power, a show of wealth since I was using a work of art as something to be stepped on, but instead it was providing cushioning so my head wouldn't break through the floor.

What the hell was that!? What sort of "weakness" leads to an expanded powerbase and shitty romance development!?

Zaimokuza, you're a shill author! You just wanted sales! I can see that your attempts to be original are just justification for fanservice! You filthy bastard! I'll have your head for making me go through this! Kisses don't end fights! Not chaste kisses or even l-lewd m-make-out sessions! Those aren't supposed to happen! You're killing your audience by actually making romantic developments, you fat ingrate! Otaku absolutely hate it when a girl in their fantasy is no longer available! Not that Lyon is! Dammit, that k-kiss and that confession were all for the sake of getting me out of the side-effects of my Skill!

What are you talking about, there wasn't a second round of kissing, or bodies pressing against one another! I definitely wasn't on some colored, two-page illustration at the end of a shitty light novel. There was one kiss and one confession, nothing happened after that, no matter how smug Lyon was, what I felt pressed against me, or how I tasted honey—

No, no, no! Stop you stupid worthless Skills! These kinds of thoughts and reactions aren't what you're meant for! Stop making my life into some shill erotic doujinshi! 'Being able to focus on multiple actions' and 'an action becomes stronger as time goes' on isn't supposed to work this way! Goddammit, this series is for teenagers with no friends! Not middle-aged men with no prospects in either society and the workplace! Allow me to keep my dignity after I've lost my honor and reputation! Don't take everything from me, please! Please, if there truly is a decent god anywhere, hear my prayers and make sure that scene, which all of Orario witnessed, was a comedy gag and not some serious development! I'll give everything I have for that to be the case! Let the shitty drawings, under-budget still-frames, and overblown acting destroy whatever serious notes that scene had! Make sure that there aren't close-ups of our proximity, the pressure she exerted, or the feel of her body against m—

The wood gave a cracking noise as I felt a lance of pain travel through my head. Reaching beneath the broken wooden panel with head still against the carpet, I managed to get my hands on the object of my desire. A simple trinket with a simple purpose which I'd managed to get my addled self to add to his to-do list.

Straight from Perseus, it was a necklace of Dreamless Sleep.

Something an idiot with my stupid first Skill would've bought the first chance they got, regardless of its 250 million Valis price tag.

I'd planned to someway and somehow get my "self" to wear it, but the bastard was always too busy. Not only that, but knowing its effects, the single-minded ass decided to sleep less to make sure he could keep going. Dammit, I hated going mad. It was like being at the backseat of my own life, able only to shout and shout for single actions, while some idiot handles my body how they wanted to. I've gone from being homeless and eating rats, to being an imperialist Yakuza, to a mindless boss with a stupid weakness. Fuck that. No more of that shit. Six hours of sleep every day from now on, two more than I needed because four was impossible for some fucking reason, was a small price to pay. I was set on buying more so that I can be brought out of madness by people I could trust… without them resorting to extremely unneeded measures!

Anyway, while I was no longer mad, I was currently being beset by lack of sleep, the fact I hadn't even visited Laulos' or anyone's grave, and that damned Lyon. Between it and getting dead drunk and making a further fool of myself, which could solve those three problems or exuberate them, becoming unconscious and blissfully unaware for a few hours was the better option.

Naturally, just as I was about to put it on, I became aware I wasn't alone in my windowless office with a table barring the door.

I looked up at the figure, considered the individual, and decided my course of action.

"If you're here to kill me, do it quickly." Wearing a hood and with arms and face covered in black inscribed armor, I had the typical final boss staring at me. I obliged his view by turning on my back. I considered putting on the necklace so I could die knowing I didn't waste 250 million Valis. Sure it wouldn't have stopped me from going mad forevermore, but at least I'd go gently into the night without feeling any pain at all. Also, I'd never have to be remembered being defeated by a fucking kiss. I welcomed death. Yearned for it. Please end my shameful, soiled existence. "Painlessly if you can manage it. I have a rapier you can use if you don't have a knife."

"I am not here to kill you, Hikigaya Hachiman." Mr. Generic Final Boss spoke with the typical, airy, and deep Final Boss speech style. Jeez, did you have the VA talk through a fan, Zaimokuza? "I am here to—"

"Then, I'm not interested." I turned over again and pressed my face against the rug. Nope. I wasn't interested. No story progression here. Just misery and shame. A man is nothing more than a pile of bad decisions and hatred of elves who are too damned smug. My life was over. I could feel Lyon's smirking face. Wait. I said that wrong. Goddammit, I hated my Skill so much. "Go away. I'm not interested in anything besides wallowing in my despair for the next few days." Should I get on the couch? I've never slept on leather before, but I had a feeling it wouldn't be pleasant to wake up on. "Whatever you want to threaten me to do can wait until I actually care about anything besides hiding from everyone I know."

"I am here to offer you immense riches, support for your project of strengthening Orario, and lend my aid towards locating monsters which threaten the whole city." Mr. Generic Final Boss said all the things I expected him to say. The reached for the couch and tested its comfortability. It wasn't a bed, but it was decent enough. I pulled myself up onto the plush leather. Huh, not as uncomfortably hot as I expected it to be. It was almost pleasant. I judged that it would suffice as my refuge from the contrivances of the world I'd found myself in. "Are you sure that you aren't at all interested?"

"You're about a day or two late for that offer. As you might have noticed, I'm not exactly in the right state of mind to be thinking about things like that. Possibly for all time." I groaned into the leather and waved Mr. Generic Final Boss away. Go progress the storyline with someone else. I'm already part of the main cast. Hell, I was probably the focus of at least four episodes or an entire Light Novel. Give the audience something new to read about. How about Wallenstein? She's generic and powerful enough to have a spin-off series all her own. That tends to be the case for every blond swordswoman. Yeah, do a generic arc on her, please. Let me time skip my shame away. "So, again, unless you're here to kill me, go away. I'm not interested. Go find someone else to make this despicable city decent."

For a moment, it was quiet. I wondered if Mr. Generic Final Boss got the message and decided to leave. Though I usually found myself at the world's mercy multiple times, there was a chance that I could get a break. I was fairly sure that there was no way this could be a flashback scene or an exposition scene. I was simply not acting my "part" well enough for this to have any screen time. Unless Mr. Generic Final Boss decided to be as casual as myself, with Zaimokuza straying away from the stereotypes he loved so much, I was fairly sure that I could get away with just telling the story to leave me to my despair and shame for the time being.

Naturally, when I wanted the world to be painfully generic and average, it decided to not be so.

"Then, I shall take a seat and wait for you to be ready." Mr. Generic Final Boss called my bluff and took a seat on the couch across from me. Turning my head to look at the scene, I verified that the robe-clad, armored, and faceless being of tremendous power did sit down, cross his legs, and began to wait. Well, goddammit, I was on screen here wasn't I? I'd just gone from being a poorly-drawn blob into a seriously drawn conversation didn't I? What's with the sudden changes between serious moments and comedy skits, Zaimokuza? Have you been reading Hellsing again? Or Fullmetal Alchemist? I'll have you know that you don't have the literary talent to even try to copy either of those series so you may as well go die. "Because, I believe that you will be interested in something quite special." He produced a spell book from the depths of his cloak. It was bound in chains and black leather. Yeah, that was definitely important. "This is a Grimoire of one of my own original spells which I am willing to give to you once our project is finished."

"...and this project is?" Yeah, this was definitely the return of the Main Plot. I can't believe it. Was my entire arc just filler? The Sensei of the group goes mad and has to have romance developments in order to become sane again? Seriously? Zaimokuza, I know that you can't settle Cranel's harem without problems, but it isn't exactly original for you to push contrived romance solutions on me because your fans are demanding actual character development from you! Just give Cranel a hundred new Skills and power descriptions! That always works in Shounen! Otaku don't know the difference between becoming more powerful and changing as a different person! Hell, you already gave Cranel a new hairstyle, you're fifty percent there already! "And what spell is it?"

"My god Ouranos wishes for the subjugation of the Dungeon. He wishes for monsters to be no more than beasts which provide materials for this world to prosper. A plan he began by creating the Guild and Familia system, but which you have begun to progress due to your methods and advancements." It seems that I have indeed found the final plot point in this story. It made sense, I guess. The Dungeon was an integral part of this world's fragile society due to the Monster Crystals and Drops that came from it. The Dungeon was resource that needed to be exploited as long as possible. Therefore the Dungeon couldn't be destroyed. It had to be subjugated. Zaimokuza was trying to be original again. He probably just played some MMO and got shafted for a particular drop. "As for this spell? It is something of my own invention called: Dia Orpheus."

Orpheus.

My breath caught in my throat.

"It is the only existing spell of resurrection."

…

No Matter What, This World Needs To End. (17.4)

…

The story of Orpheus and Eurydice can be seen in many ways. Some might say that Orpheus was only human and couldn't manage to fulfill his end of the bargain after conquering every challenge. Others would say that gods are unfair and would never have allowed Orpheus to win in the first place. It was a parable saying that if something was impossible then it would stay impossible. It was a lesson told to children by their grandparents. A story about how even the most talented or experienced individual could never overcome fate. That, in the end, everything was already written in stone and irreversible.

A story that I disliked as a child and one that I completely and utterly couldn't stand now.

The offer was a disgrace. I needed to go through hell and back, facing every challenge I had in my way, and even then there was no guarantee of success. How did I know that? Simply put, if Dia Orpheus worked and properly resurrected the dead, then it would be everywhere. Literally every Mage would be brought back by the very first person who managed to get it, just so that the gods didn't have to fear losing their game. It was the sort of Skill that would be needed by everyone, something that no one was willing to be without, and couldn't just be hidden. Even if it took a ludicrous amount of Mind to cast, it would be the Spell which every magic-user would strive for and solely exist to gain.

Because I didn't know about it, since it wasn't being used, then it could only mean that whoever was in front of me was luring me with a fake promise and trying to manipulate me with the people who I'd lost.

I didn't exactly react well to it.

…

"…I suggest thinking very carefully on your next action, Hikigaya-san." Whoever, whatever he was, the being in front of me blocked my rapier from his neck with an armored finger. The farce of a grimoire he'd tried to shove down my throat, to use those who I'd lost against me, was nothing more than paper scraps and chains scattered across the room. I was very aware of more armored fingers pressing against my stomach. There was threat there, but I was very close to not paying it any mind. "Should we battle, you and I will both be incapable of limiting casualties. Neither you nor would wish for that, especially when you are not my enemy and neither am I yours."

"I don't think you understand your situation. You've come into my home unannounced. You offer me something impossible to try and manipulate me." I didn't budge and neither did the thing whose neck I had on my enchanted rapier. I intended to take the Rapier past Floor 40. I could cut through just about anything with it. His armor was able to resist it, but I knew that if I attacked I could kill the being in front of me. Naturally, given how his fingers felt like weights against my stomach, I was sure he could kill me as well. Not that I cared. "And, before all of that, you give me a speech all about how you've been investigating me, my business, and how you intend to make it all part of your grand scheme." I shook. I didn't know if it was out of fear or anger, but I shook. "So, please, explain exactly why you and I aren't enemies, especially when you know my name and everything I can do while I have no clue what the hell you are."

"I see. In your eyes, there is no reason for you to trust me in the slightest." Whatever he was, he didn't consider me a threat. He made that more apparent by withdrawing his hand from my stomach. Do you think that you're faster than me? Well, that might be true given how you're able to make useless Spells like Dia Orpheus, but you can't exactly react quickly enough to stop me from taking your head. No. Control yourself. Calm down. Too angry. Unnatural. "I would like to change that, Hikigaya-san, but I cannot if you do not give me a chance."

"You get two minutes with my rapier at your throat." I didn't trust whoever this man was. What mattered was that he tried to manipulate me. No. Stop that. No killing. Dammit, was I weaker to my own Skill after being brought out of it? I needed to distract myself. I wasn't going to lose to myself again. Once was okay, the second time was nigh-unbearable, but I had a feeling a third time would be stretching it. I wasn't the type to get angry. Well, not angry enough to want to kill someone. That was probably the only reason why I was reigning myself in now. Enough parts of "me" disagreed with my current state enough to work against it. "Then we'll see."

This stank of Zaimokuza abusing flashbacks to attempt to give his story some depth, but my damned Skill was making it very, very difficult to be funny.

"I am Fels of the Ouranos Familia, the only one in fact, and my mission from my god is to keep Orario functional and ensure that it does not fall. We took note of you during the last War Game and determined that you could aid us greatly due to your projects in Orario." I instantly regretted the time limit I imposed on "Fels." Oddly enough, despite being dressed like a Final Boss, he seemed to be the talkative type. I had to focus just to catch his rapid-fire words coming from his mask. How was the sound not muffled anyway? Was his helmet really an artifact enchanted to not interfere with his ability to speak? What a waste of Valis. "The subjugation of the Dungeon and the continued existence of Orario is my only goal. Given your recent actions, my god has told me to bring you into the fold. You will bring into Orario what you've brought into this district, further increase the quality of those who enter the Dungeon, and you will receive the resources necessary to do so."

He withdrew his hand from my rapier and held them out to his sides. I was reminded way too much of a certain priest. If his next sentence started with "rejoice," I wouldn't be sure of my ability to stop myself from accidentally taking a swing. I wasn't stupidly overpowered enough to deal with the shit that came from the particular series. Still, for the life of me, I couldn't exactly tell if "Fels" was lying. My gut instinct was to not trust him, or anyone else who introduced themselves as the "good guy," but he wasn't asking for me to go kill someone, fetch something, or destroy a certain monster. No, he was definitely talking more akin to the lines of a corporate merger than anything else. He didn't want me for me, he wanted what I had made in my madness. The facilities, the techniques, and the training methods which I'd made to make progress in my efforts to reach the end of the Dungeon.

"My god is a generous one. He is willing to offer you magics, artifacts, and wealth in exchange for—"

I thought about the situation some more, about what "Fels" wanted, and what I wanted. From the perspective of many, I supposed it seemed like I was about to be bought out. That I was about to lose everything I worked for. That I was being made an offer I couldn't refuse by someone who could kill me in a heartbeat. That was probably what he thought as well, so he was now taking steps to avoid that, but that didn't matter. That was from everyone else's point of view. When it came to my business and what I'd happened to make while batshit insane, the only person whose point of view mattered was mine.

"You can have all of it for free."

Naturally, I didn't want any of it.

"…Excuse me?"

"I said you can have all of it. The facilities, the employees, and all its assets save for mine, too." Well, if they wanted Corporation Orario, then they can have it. I lowered my rapier and checked my pocket. Yep, Dreamless Sleep was still there. I went over to the desk which my other "self" had practically lived in and rummaged through it. I looked through the various deeds and wills which were meticulously organized and slapped them on top of the desk one by one. Then, I walked towards the bookshelf full of ledgers and used them to weigh down the stack. "Here it all is. Enjoy."

"…You're simply giving this all away? The innovations to employment, the training methods, and modifications to the city's very infrastructure?" Wow, someone thought highly of basic civilization. Perhaps, if you weren't such a mysterious stranger of mystery, I would've appreciated the praise. However, Fels, you've made the mistake of assuming that I cared about all this shit. The audience expected me to pull my weight now that I've had too damn many episodes and light novels dedicated to me. I can't exactly do that while I'm stuck behind a desk being a corporate slave. I moved the painting on the left wall, opened the safe behind it, and proceeded to loot my own office. The amount of money I had on hand and in my accounts was obscene, but it was trifling in comparison to what could be made. I was sure Fels wouldn't mind fronting a month or two of the costs of operations, especially when he'd offered me so much and I gave him everything for free. Anyway, is it embezzlement if you're technically stealing from yourself? "You're changing history, altering the course of Orario for all the days to come, and you're simply going to walk away from it all?"

"Yep." I moved the coffee table away from the door. It was weighted down with lead in order to act as cover. It took some effort to move it back on the carpet without scratching the floor. It won't be my problem in the future, but I'm sure it's common courtesy to leave a house in good condition when giving it away to someone else. Yep, Hikigaya Hachiman is the very epitome of common courtesy. There is no societal convention which I'm not the master at. Yep, I'm definitely the absolute best at being courteous. "Definitely."

Fels had more to say, but I left the room with bags of treasures in tow.

On a more serious note, though I would've liked to have a base of operations and immense amounts of money to use, managing a massive corporation everyday was just asking for trouble for someone with Skills like mine. Sure, I would've been able to get a large amount of work done safely, but being a paper-pusher surrounding by people whose names I didn't even know wouldn't have worked out. I had dozens of employees whose faces I didn't even know, too much of the same boring work to do every day, and a penchant for overworking myself for the smallest of increases. If that wasn't a recipe for going mad, I didn't know what was. My corporate slave parents, please know that your son knows better than to suffer the same fate as you, you have taught me well.

Anyway, since I was now homeless, it was natural that I was now going to be a useless shut-in at Cranel's place as expected.

...

A/N: Sorry for the late update, got swamped with college.