Arifureta Shokugyou de Sekai Saikyou (LN) - Volume 6 - Chapter 6

Extra Chapter: The Secret Society, “Soul Sisters.”
 
This is a record of our beloved Onee-sama, Shizuku Yaegashi’s, daily activities. 
I understand how insolent it is for someone like me, a lowly royal guard attached to the princess, to even write about our beloved Onee-sama. But I wish to leave behind an accurate record so that historians a hundred or a thousand years later do not misconstrue the kind of person she was.

First, I suppose I must address the question of who Onee-sama is. She is a heroic figure, one bound to be spoken of for generations to come. It is inevitable that historians and schoolchildren alike will learn of her great deeds. And it is for this reason that I must leave behind a detailed record of her true nature. For as I mentioned before, historians often distort the truth to fit their preconceptions.

Onee-sama hails from another world. In her previous home, she was known as one of the greatest swordsmen alive. 
No one her age could hold a candle to her, and no challenger had been able to defeat her. She was, at the very least, the greatest swordsman in her country. 
God himself was impressed by her skills, and summoned her here to bring this world salvation. 
I must say, you picked wisely, God. There were a number of others who were summoned with her, along with some obnoxious boy who calls himself the fated hero, but they are not important to the telling of this tale, so their stories have been omitted.

Let me be the first to say, Onee-sama is wise, beautiful, and chivalrous beyond measure. Not only is she a master swordsman, she’s skilled in the academic fields as well. Proficient in both the pen and sword, as they say. Despite her apparent superiority, she isn’t arrogant in the slightest. She is a true goddess who greets everyone with a smile, regardless of their station.

Excuse me, don’t you think you’re being a little too rude toward the other heroes?

Very well. Allow me to leave behind my wondrous meeting with Onee-sama, and how I came to refer to her as such inside my heart.

It was not long after she had been summoned to this world. Onee-sama, along with the other heroes (They were technically summoned by him, so I suppose I must refer to them with reverence) were training outside the city walls. 
The female knights had been put in charge of training the female heroes. However, there were not enough to go around, and I had been temporarily pulled from the royal guard to assist in the heroes’ training. 
I must say, you picked wisely, Captain Meld. As the heroes hadn’t had to fight in their old world, they had trouble even with captured, weakened monsters. Occasionally, a few them would even take so long that they were attacked. 
Naturally, it was my job to dispose of them if they became a threat to the heroes. However, one time when I was killing a monster that had gotten too close to a hero, she panicked and fired off a spell. I was able to avoid it in time, but just barely. As a result, I twisted my ankle. 
I was embarrassed I had let myself get injured, and I did not wish to worry the heroes, so I pretended nothing was wrong. Around the time training was over, my ankle was smarting quite fiercely. 
I slipped away from the others and headed toward the infirmary. However, I was unable to walk properly at this point, and the going was rough. Just as I was beginning to wish a horrific curse that made them sweat profusely from their armpits on the hero who had caused my injury, I felt my body suddenly grow light. 
Wondering what happened? Brimming with curiosity? Very well, let me tell you. 
Onee-sama had appeared, and was carrying me princess-style to the infirmary! 
“You hurt your leg back there, didn’t you? I’m sorry I didn’t notice sooner.” Those gentle words enveloped my trembling body, leaving me in a daze. 
Before I knew it, she had carried me all the way to the infirmary. 
“I understand it might be difficult for you, but you don’t have to be that formal with us. After all, we’re the most inexperienced ones here. So please guide us, Sensei.” Onee-sama had said that with a dazzling smile. Though I was just a lowly knight, she had thought about my position and gave me the most comforting words she could. 
I could feel my heart beat faster, and I suddenly grew embarrassed. I told Onee-sama I could walk now, and asked her to let me down. Not only had I caused our divine Onee-sama trouble, I was still wearing my armor! I must have been so heavy! If Onee-sama had actually said as much to me, I would have hung myself then and there! And yet, all Onee-sama gave were comforting words. 
“I can’t do that. It’s my fault you ended up like this, so at least let me carry you. Besides, even in your armor, you’re as light as a feather.” Onee-sama gave me a playful smile and lifted me up and down to prove how light I was. It was then that I wrapped my arms around her. She chuckled, and hugged me back. 
It was at this point that I was smitten with her. 
“Onee-sama...” When I called her that, Onee-sama had smiled gently at me. It seemed to me that her smile was a little forced, but I suspect that was just my imagination. 
“Umm, I’m younger than you, you know that right?” Her voice seemed a little strained, but I ignored that. After all, I wanted so badly to be her younger sister. If not in truth, then at least in spirit. I could be her soul sister at least! It was in that moment that my entire world went pink.

I respect and adore my wonderful Onee-sama, but if I had to mention one thing that bothered me about her, it would be that she’s made everyone else also want to be her soul sister. 
In fact, there was a silent, but bloody conflict to decide who would be Onee-sama’s true soul sister. In the end, it was decided that we would form the secret society, Soul Sisters, and keep watch over Onee-sama from the shadows. 
Our organization’s present objective is to somehow snatch the position of Onee-sama’s personal maid away from Nia. 
There is no doubt in my mind that that vulgar girl thinks herself Onee-sama’s closest confidant. 
How presumptuous of her. Though I must admit, I am jealous.

By the way, Onee-sama has a single best friend. Her name is Kaori Shirasaki. Us Soul Sisters have fallen in love with Kaori-sama. She treats everyone with kindness, no matter who they are. 
For some reason, Kaori-sama is infatuated with a fellow hero (if he can even be called that, LOL) Hajime Nagumo. She tries to woo him every chance she gets. Naturally, this means Onee-sama inevitably comes into contact with Hajime-sama quite often as well. 
How much of Onee-sama’s precious time will he take up before he’s satisfied? It appears she seems to be more interested in him than she is in any other man, too. I cannot for the life of me understand it. All he can do is make things out of rocks... Of more important note is the self-styled hero, Kouki Amanogawa. He is quite close to Onee-sama, and everyone agrees that they would make for a good couple. For his impertinence, I cursed him with dark magic to always sneeze at the most inopportune moments.

Captain Kuzeli discovered that I had done so and punished me with a beating. How did she find out?

This is heartbreaking. Onee-sama has gone to train in the Great Orcus Labyrinth.

She is no longer here. All of us Soul Sisters have been reduced to walking corpses.

Great news! Onee-sama has returned from the labyrinth.

Well, it’s not all great news, sadly. Hajime-sama has perished in the labyrinth. Kaori-sama suffered such a shock that she is still unconscious even now. 
Onee-sama refuses to leave Kaori-sama’s side. Though she is maintaining her composure, it hurts to look at her when she’s like this. 
She is worried about Kaori-sama, of course, but it seems Hajime-sama’s death is weighing heavily on her mind as well. 
Onee-sama has recovered a little now that Kaori-sama regained consciousness. However... I’ve come to realize that I have misjudged Onee-sama. 
I had believed she was an unshakable rock, someone that couldn’t be hurt no matter what happened. A true angel sent to us by God. However, that isn’t the case. 
In truth, Onee-sama is a girl like anyone else. She gets hurt, she cries, and she mourns like any other person. 
It’s because I’ve been watching her all this time that I know. Though she’s putting up a strong front for Kaori-sama, Onee-sama is hurting just as much as she is. 
But unlike Kaori-sama, Onee-sama wasn’t in love with Hajime-sama. Her pain stems from a much simpler emotion. Regret that she could not save her friend’s life, and the fear that she might be next. It is clear that these, and other worries, have been tormenting our poor Onee-sama. 
And yet, it’s only us Soul Sisters who’ve realized this. 
Naturally, we cannot leave her like this. And so, we shall formulate a plan to cheer her up. 
First, all of us shall present Onee-sama with gifts. 
I pray that our burning love reaches Onee-sama! She smiled when we gave her our presents, so I would like to believe that we eased her sorrow a little. 
“Wh-Why are all of you calling me Onee-sama? I don’t even recognize some of you! When did your group get this big!?” I recall her grimacing a little when she said that, but I do not think she was actually displeased. 
Onee-sama has completely recovered. As proof, she was able to defeat the Behemoth that had halted their progress before, and reach a level of the labyrinth no one else has before. 
Onee-sama truly is amazing.

A messenger from the empire arrived, so Onee-sama returned from the labyrinth. 
It would be remiss of me not to mention the events that transpired. 
The emperor himself challenged our self-styled hero to a match in order to test his strength. I don’t care if this hero’s her childhood friend or what, he has no right to be so close to Onee-sama. It pisses me off that everyone thinks they should be a couple, and that he acts like they should too. I know this is petty of me, but I was so glad to see the emperor beat the hero to a pulp. What I didn’t foresee happening though, was that damned emperor proposing to our Onee-sama! How dare he!? 
Naturally, as the representative of the Soul Sisters, I immediately cursed him with dark magic that made his toes unbearably itchy. 
Onee-sama thought he had athlete’s foot and cringed away from him! Somehow, Captain Kuzeli found out and beat me senseless again. 
“Are you trying to start a war or something, you moron!?” She had yelled when she found out. 
Of course, my response had been the obvious one. 
“If it was for Onee-sama, I’d pick a fight with the whole world!” After that, I’d given a very impressive salute. 
I can’t seem to remember what happened after, my memories appear to be fuzzy. 
I suspect I was beaten unconscious by Captain Kuzeli. 
I vaguely recall Captain Kuzeli muttering something odd. 
“She’s beyond helping now,” I thought I heard, as I faded into unconsciousness. I’m probably recalling incorrectly, however. 
More importantly, Onee-sama totally turned the emperor down! 
Serves you right, you smelly emperor! I must say, Onee-sama looked so impressive when she faced him down without flinching. 
After all, objectively speaking, any normal girl would have been overjoyed to marry into royalty. Especially since the emperor’s actually rather handsome. 
In fact, I’m a little worried about Onee-sama’s tastes in men if she didn’t find him attractive. 
Don’t tell me, she really does have the hots for the hero... If it turns out that really is the case, I will have to unleash my inner wrath. 
Worried, I brought up the topic the next time I saw Onee-sama. 
“Onee-sama. What kind of guy is your type?” 
“Can you please stop calling me Onee-sama? Also, could you maybe not sit so close to me? I can feel your breath on my face. Please get away from me.” 
“Don’t tell me you’re into guys like that hero? (lol)” 
“Please don’t make fun of my friends. Also, shouldn’t you be guarding Lily right now? If Kuzeli-san finds you here she’ll throw a fit, you know that? So get—” 
“Who cares about the princess. What matters right now is your preferences, Onee-sama.” 
“How could you say that!? You’re part of the royal guard! Also you’re really creeping me out right now! Someone, help! Kaori! Nia! Meld-saaan! Someone save me!” 
“Fear not, no one will interrupt us. The Soul Sisters have cleared the area of people. Now tell me. Don’t worry, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about.” 
“I’m plenty scared right now!” 
“I won’t leave until you answer my question. I’ll follow you to the labyrinth, and even to bed if I must.” 
“How come you’re emphasizing my bed more than anything!? Fine, fine, I’ll tell you, so just stop! Hey, where do you think you’re touching!?” It’s quite rare to see Onee-sama making such a tearful face. I know I won’t forget that expression for the rest of my life. 
At any rate, Onee-sama had been backed up to the wall, and was trembling for some reason. Probably embarrassment for having to divulge her tastes. Oh, Onee-sama, you’re so cute. 
I love how she stopped using polite speech at the end there too. She clearly thinks of me as a close sister, instead of a distant acquaintance now. 
For some reason, Onee-sama gave my question serious thought. She was trembling the whole time too. 
“H-Hmm... I guess I’d like someone who could protect me.” So that’s Onee-sama’s tastes. 
I must say, I’m quite surprised. Though in retrospect, perhaps I should have expected it. 
She blushed in embarrassment, and for a moment she looked not like a great hero, or a master swordsman, but just like any other normal girl. 
Unfortunately, Onee-sama is one of the strongest people alive. A few people think she might be even stronger than our resident hero (lol). 
I doubt even the emperor or Captain Meld could defeat Onee-sama if she was serious. In other words, no man strong enough to protect Onee-sama exists. 
“I see. So you have no interest in men at all! That’s wonderful.” 
“What on earth made you think that!? Also, wait, you have a really serious nosebleed! I think you need to get that checked out!” 
After that, Onee-sama carried me princess-style to the infirmary. The experience was so euphoric that I passed out. Though that might have been the blood loss. The nurse told me I’d almost died, but I think it was worth putting my life on the line for the information I gathered.

I can say with confidence that Onee-sama has no interest in men. She prefers women.

Devastating news. Onee-sama will be returning to the Great Orcus Labyrinth.

The lamentations of the Soul Sisters could be heard throughout the capital on the day of her departure.

Great news. Onee-sama will be returning again.

Kaori-sama wasn’t with Onee-sama when she returned. 
It’s obvious that Onee-sama misses her. The fact that her ponytail is drooping is proof. 
I must comfort her without a moment’s delay! 
For some reason, Onee-sama tried to flee from me. However, I was able to finally catch up to her. I may slack on occasion, but I’m still part of the royal guard. 
“I wish you’d show some of that enthusiasm when you’re actually guarding Lily.” Despite her loneliness, Onee-sama is still worrying about the princess. How kind of her. 
Upon talking more with her, I’ve come to discover a shocking fact. 
Hajime-sama is actually alive. On top of that, he’s become unbelievably strong. I can’t imagine that boot-licking boy is actually that powerful now. 
Apparently, he defeated a bunch of monsters and a demon that not even Onee-sama could stand up to. On top of that, he saved her from certain death... Good going, Hajime-sama. Anyone who protects our beloved Onee-sama deserves my praise. 
“Shouldn’t you care about how strong those monsters were, or how a demon got here, or something?” What are you saying, Onee-sama? There’s nothing in the world more important than your safety. 
Onee-sama was so nonplussed that she was almost impressed by my persistence. I took that opportunity to ask her for more details on what had transpired. 
Upon doing so, I discovered some interesting things. 
“I was really surprised back then. Can you believe it? He drilled straight through the labyrinth’s ceiling to get to us. I think he called his weapon a pile bunker. I’m not quite sure what it is, but it looked like a massive stake, and it crushed one of the strongest monsters in one hit! It actually looked rather pretty with all the red sparks shooting off its sides... Oh yeah, what do you think was the first thing Nagumo-kun said when he came down to save us? ’I see you two are as inseparable as always.’ Couldn’t he have said something more fitting? Oh yeah, and he didn’t look worried at all about all the monsters surrounding him. Turns out, that was because they weren’t any trouble for him. It was ridiculous. He pulled out railguns and all these other crazy weapons you only see in sci-fi stories that he’d all made himself and--” Onee-sama talked nonstop about Hajime-sama. Even though I have a photographic memory when it comes to things involving Onee-sama, I wasn’t able to remember the entire conversation. 
I do remember that her eyes were sparkling as she spoke, though. She must have been very excited. 
I’d never seen Onee-sama like this before. It was as if she’d met the hero of her dreams and— Allow me to digress for a moment. The whole time Onee-sama was talking, there was this strange black sword sitting on her lap. I’d never seen that weapon before. 
Since she would have gone on forever if I hadn’t stopped her, I interrupted her story and asked about the sword. 
Can you believe her response? 
“Oh this? I... got it from Nagumo-kun, actually. He said I’d need a new weapon since my old one broke. I really owe him a lot. Did you know, my style of swordsmanship actually works better with curved blades like this. They call these katanas back in my world. I’m extremely grateful he made this for me. Oh and, can you believe it? He said it would cut really well, but that was an understatement. It’s like it’s enchanted or something with how easily it can slice through anything. On top of that, it’s balanced perfectly, and it’s just the right weight. It feels like the katana was made just for me! It’s unbelievable! And the craftsmanship is amazing! You get what I mean!? Oh and, Nagumo-kun also said—” That settles it. I’m going to kill Hajime-sama. I can’t let that bastard live. 
I swear here that I will end his life no matter what it takes. I mean, can you blame me? Onee-sama was talking about Hajime-sama nonstop, and she was hugging the sword he’d given her the whole time. I was honestly worried she’d start blushing and cupping her cheeks. 
It was obvious how happy she was. 
For my own sanity, I convinced myself that her happiness stemmed from how good the sword was, not the fact that Hajime-sama was the one who’d given it to her. That absolutely, positively, surely, must have been the case. Still, Hajime-sama deserves to be cursed for what he’s done. 
It’s time to gather, my Soul Sisters. Our foe this time is stronger than any we’ve faced.

After that, the palace started to grow strange, and I was suddenly called back home. My father is actually an earl, and our estate lies northwest of the capital. Anyway, it seemed my grandfather had passed away. 
To be honest, I didn’t want to leave Onee-sama’s side, but my older brother, who was also an officer in the army, drugged me and carted me back against my will. I can’t believe I was so careless. I’ll never forgive you for this, brother.

I’ve finally returned to the capital. 
I can’t believe what happened in my absence. The beautiful grassy plain that lay in front of the capital has become a charred wasteland. The city’s walls are crumbling and full of holes. Even the training grounds within the palace look like they’ve seen a fight. 
Oh, and the king’s dead. 
Captain Meld and a lot of my comrades are dead as well. 
What in Ehit’s name happened here? 
When we were given a report on what happened my brother groaned and fainted. At any rate, it turns out Onee-sama’s safe. That’s all that matters. 
It’s time to use my Onee-sama locating magic and jump into her arms. 
“Onee-sama! Aaah, Onee-sama! Thank goodness you’re safe!” 
“Where’ve you been this whole... Oh yeah, you went back home before the attack happened, didn’t you? Or something like that? I’m glad you didn’t get mixed up in the fighting.” 
Onee-sama’s words filled me with such joy that I feared my heart might burst. It sounded almost as if she’d forgotten about me, but I wasn’t too worried about that. Us Soul Sisters don’t sweat the small details. 
Onee-sama told me what had happened. 
Demons invaded the capital. Eri-sama betrayed everyone. Many people died. Hajime-sama came back. He fell from the sky like before. Kaori-sama’s in critical condition. Quite a bit happened while I was gone it seems.

Regardless, now I know my enemy’s face. It turns out he’s the white-haired kid. 
He looks so different from his old self that I hadn’t even realized that was Hajime-sama. 
Time to die, my mortal foe. Let’s start by using dark magic to curse him with explosive diarrhea. 
Hehe, I’ve been planning this for a long time now, and I’ve already made sure to hide all the toilet paper in all the bathrooms. I also know this curse works because I tested it on one of those disgusting boys who’s always leering at Onee-sama. He thought it was food poisoning, but it was actually my curse. I’d made sure to steal all the toilet paper in the bathrooms around the dining hall too. It turned into a pretty big incident, but now’s not the time to dwell on that. 
Now, suffer in shame and embarrassment before my beloved Onee-sama!

Actually, forget it. I think I won’t go through with it after all. 
After all, Hajime-sama was the one who saved Onee-sama’s life. 
You did good, Hajime-sama. I’ll let you go, just this once. I’m definitely not giving up because I’m scared of that golden-haired beauty who’s always hanging around him. True, she always seems to be looking right at me the moment I’m about to cast any spell, and sure her crimson eyes are a terror to behold, but she hasn’t cowed me! 
Actually, what is it with Hajime-sama’s group anyway? Kaori-sama’s become pretty weird now too, and the rest of his party are all crazy strong monsters. I can feel, like, this aura of intimidation coming off of them. 
Oh, and all of his comrades are really hot girls. Well, Onee-sama’s still better looking. 
Anyway, it looks like all of those hot girls are in love with Hajime-sama. 
I can’t believe they’re flirting when the capital’s in such dire straits. I wish they’d act more like Onee-sama. Every time I see Onee-sama, she’s always so composed. I don’t think she’d ever be caught dead— 
...... 
...... 
...... 
Wait a second. Is Onee-sama...

Before I knew it, she’s started hanging around Hajime-sama. 
Before I knew it, her gaze is always fixed on him when he’s in the room. 
Why is that she looks so happy when he teases her? Why is that she looks so lonely when other girls are fawning over him? No, surely I must be jumping to conclusions. 
Surely her attention is really focused on Kaori-sama, who always happens to be next to Hajime-sama. She’s not following Hajime-sama around, but rather Kaori-sama. And the reason she looks so lonely is because she’s sad he took her best friend from her. 
That has to be it. 
Here, I’ll prove it. 
“Onee-sama. Could it be that you have a crush on Hajime-sama?” I asked her that straight-up when I got the chance. 
“What are you talking about? Of course I don’t.” She looked at me blankly when she replied. She wasn’t flustered, and she didn’t blush at all, she just said that without any hesitation. 
I knew you were better than that, Onee-sama! You won’t fall for a guy that easily! Even though I should be relieved, how come I feel like drowning my sorrows in alcohol? In the end, I ended up drinking myself to sleep that night.

Terrible news. Onee-sama’s going to be traveling with Hajime-sama.

Apparently, so will the princess. But even though I’m part of her guard, I’m being left behind. 
Why? Why cruel world? What have I ever done? This reeks of a conspiracy. 
“You’ve neglected your duty far too often, so I’m removing you from the royal guards. Train yourself from the ground up, you stupid moron.” Kuzeli, the new knight commander of the kingdom, was telling me something, but I didn’t pay any attention to her. 
I can’t believe Onee-sama’s going to be leaving together with that man. 
This is the worst day of my life! All I can do now is pray.

Onee-sama. Please don’t let that man protect you any more than he already has. 
Remember that the Soul Sisters will always believe in you!