*rustle, rustle*
[We found it, Ruin!]
From behind the bushes appears Toad.
He has always been unbeatable at running.
He is the most outstanding scout in the Heroic Sword.
[As we expected, is it really hidden behind Illusions?]
[Yeah. And, there’s a road leading out of the Illusionary area around here……]
As Toad said that, he took out a parchment from his pocket.
Then, he held out the parchment and pointed towards a symbol drawn on it.
[The crystal depicted here was indeed here. It matches in color and shape.]
[Great job.]
*pat*
Ruin taps Toad’s shoulder.
[With this, the world will now truly be saved.]
Resting his great axe on his shoulder, Yuugungu laughed.
[If we can bring this to her, Goddess-sama can be relieved and keep her focus on the Great Demon Emperor. This is a great achievement, Toad.]
[No, you’re mistaken.]
Toad shakes his head.
[This is everyone’s achievement…… We made it this far because we’ve been working together, so this is everyone’s achievement.]
Ruin proudly rubbed his finger under his nose.
[It’s as you say, Toad. We’ve all worked together to get where we are.]
[However, the fact that you’re the one who found it won’t change, you know!?]
Gabaa!
Myana innocently jumped on Toad’s back.
[G- Get off……]
[What’s that, Toad? You’re still acting embarrassed after Myana jumped towards you? I guess even after all these years, that part of you still haven’t changed huh.]
When Yuugungu teased him, the people around also chuckled.
Toad complained in response.
[Tsk. You’re embarrassing me again, Myana.]
[Don’t I always though? How many years do you think we’ve been having this kind of conversation?]
[She’s not wrong about that.]
Yuugungu’s words were met with chuckles again.
[……Since Toad already found our objective, we should call back Strife.]
Leaning against a tree with his arms folded, Satsuki calmly said.
He was a little further away from everyone.
Arene turned a worried glance to the southwest.
[Is Strife…… going to be okay?]
[He has his own mind, you shouldn’t worry about him too much, Arene. Rather than him, shouldn’t you be worrying more about getting closer to Ruin?]
When Yuugungu said that, a blush poofed out of Arene’s face.
With a voice that seemed to disappear, Arene mutters words of rebuttal.
[Geez…… Yuugungu…… You won’t be able to make such jokes soon……]
[T- That’s right…… I’m always telling you to stop with such jokes, Yuugungu!]
His cheeks blushing, Ruin also flusteredly said.
[Mngghh~~]
Hmph.
Myana puffed her cheeks in displeasure.
She did it again.
Ruin wondered.
Myana was often in a bad mood when he and Arene were being teased like this.
Ever since back then.
Yes—– It’s always been the same.
Ruin.
Satsuki.
Toad.
Yuugungu. (T/N: ユーグング / yuugungu)
Myana. (T/N: ミアナ / miana)
Strife.
Arene. (T/N: アレーヌ
Caro. (T/N: カロ / karo)
Bardwitcher (T/N: バードウィッチャー / baadowicchaa)
Nana Tout (T/N: バードウィッチャー / nanna totto)
(T/N: D*mn these weird ass names, can’t they just have something like tom, dick and harry?)
Ten childhood friends.
They’ve been together for as long as they can remember.
Other than Ruin, all of them came from poor backgrounds.
Only Ruin was the son of a noble.
However, he has always hung out with the other nine, regardless of the difference between their status.
And that Ruin—– One day, silently left his home.
To see the world with his best friends.
To live through the world with their own strengths.
Looking at them making such a ruckus, Caro has a look of nostalgia.
[When there are ten of us together, nothing is impossible…… With the ten of us together even back then, we’re invincible.]
With his arms folded in front of him, Bardwitcher cocked his head towards him.
[You say we’re invincible, but do you think we’re stronger than that “Humanity’s Strongest”?]
Nana Tout smiled.
[It’s impossible for us. If it’s someone who has a chance of beating that “Humanity’s Strongest”——-]
The gazes of everyone, other than the two who weren’t here, are divided between two men.
As if they just made their votes.
Three gazes were looking towards Satsuki.
Four gazes were looking towards Ruin.
His gaze moved between Ruin and Satsuki, Yuugungu said.
[I guess if it’s either of the two of them huh.]
“Heroic Sword”
This name was the general term to refer to these 10 people.
But to nine of them, it refers to the person named “Ruin Seal”.
[Ruin Seal, he’s the one who carries the blood of a Hero from Another World, “Heroic Sword”——- If it’s someone who can defeat that “Humanity’s Strongest” fellow, he would be the first choice. And then, if it’s someone who also has a chance of defeating him……]
Everyone’s eyes turned towards Satsuki.
[Other than the “Final Blade” Satsuki, we wouldn’t be able to do it.]
“Hmph”, Satsuki snorted, not having any interest in their conversation.
[I wonder though…… Aren’t you underestimating the “Humanity’s Strongest” too much? Well, I’d like to compare my skills with that monster…… And see what I can do before him. Of course, it’s not like I expect to win.]
Nana Tout said, as cold sweat dripped down her forehead.
[If we’re talking about someone who can kill a Human-Faced almost all by himself…… If it’s a monster like that——]
Nana Tout, who is usually aloof, turns her sharp gaze towards Satsuki.
[Wouldn’t he be a better choice over Ruin?]
Ruin quickly agrees.
[That’s right. Satsuki is someone I’m always thinking of surpassing after all.]
Hmph.
As if he heard something sarcastic, Satsuki snorted.
[Well said…… From my point of view though, Ruin is the real monster here.]
[——-T- That’s not true! Compared to Satsuki, I’m still not……]
[I’ve told you many times already. Too much modesty would may you look like you’re being sarcastic, Ruin.]
[……My bad.]
[Well——-]
Satsuki turns away.
[If there’s one flaw in the man named Ruin Seal—— It would be that you’re too kind. Someday…… That kindness would lead to your downfall.]
With straightforward eyes, Ruin stared at Satsuki’s back.
[——Yeah, I’ll keep that in mind. Ehehe…… Thanks for worrying about me, Satsuki.]
[……Hmph.]
And then, the sound of grass being rustled could be heard.
From within the forest, someone emerged…
[You’re late, Nyaki.]
A girl with light pink hair.
One of her special characteristics would be her large hands.
The size and shape of her claws are different from those of a human.
And just like the light pink hair on her head, fur could be seen on her limbs.
Her ears are very similar to those of a cat.
She has a tail that is puffed out.
With her height, it’s appropriate to say she’s a short one.
The top of her ears is just barely reaching the top of Ruin’s chest.
As for her face, it isn’t inferior to humans.
Her charming, round eyes also have light pink pupils.
The girl called Nyaki repeatedly took shallow breaths.
There were twigs and leaves caught in her hair.
She was wobbling, as if her legs were about to give in.
Well, that should be expected.
That’s because Nyaki was carrying a huge backpack.
Compared to the stuff carried by the 10 people of the Heroic Sword, the amount of luggage she’s carrying is obviously larger.
[I- I’m sorry, I’m late nya……]
*bow*
As she lowered her head, Nyaki wobbled.
[Funnyaa——-!?]
Crash!
The cooking utensils that were hanging over the side of her backpack.
Some of them fell down on the ground.
Seeing that, Nyaki turned pale.
She immediately tried to pick up the cooking utensils.
However…
[Nya——]
Ruin’s lips trembled.
[Nyaaaaaaakiiiiiiiiii————!]
Baamm!
[Fugyaaahh!?]
Nyaki was blown away by a front kick.
Sent flying, her back was violently slammed towards the trunk of a tree.
A thick sound quietly rang.
[Funnyaahh……]
Not feeling strength on her body, Nyaki slumped down to the ground.
[……Hey, stand up.]
*yank*
Grabbing her arm, Caro dragged Nyaki.
Thereupon, with all of his might, Caro threw Naki.
[Fugyaaahhh!?]
Nyaki is thrown in front of Ruin.
Ruin’s fist is trembling as he looks down at her.
Even the gazes of all the people around Nyaki—– were cold.
Those eyes…
They’re filled with anger.
Disdain.
Hatred.
[Those utensils are being carefully used by Arene, who’s always on cooking duty….. So—– So, how can you do something like that……!?]
Arene had her face covered with her hands, crying.
[Why…… Why are you always doing these terrible things to me, Nyaki!?]
Nyaki flusteredly dropped down to her knees and vigorously bowed her head.
[I- I’m sorry nya! Ruin-san, Arene-san, everyone…… Please accept Nyaki’s apologies! Nyaki is reflecting from the bottom of my heart nya!]
[You’re always…… always only saying superficial things!]
Yuugungu shouted.
Toad stomped on Nyaki’s hand.
[Fugyaaahhh!?]
Nyaki let out a scream.
However, it doesn’t seem like she’s resisting them.
[I doubt you’re reflecting at all…… You’re doing this every single time, you must be thinking that we would forgive you just because you prostrated yourself. However, you’re not wholeheartedly reflecting at all……]
[I- I’m sorry nya! It’s as everyone’s said, Nyaki is too dumb to make sincere apologies nya! Anyway—– I’m sorry nya! I’m sorry nya!]
[……She’s as annoying as always. Even all these times, I don’t know why she’s not making a single effort to fit in at all……]
Looking at the direction of the sun, Myana started playing with her hair.
Caro pressed the sole of his shoes against Nyaki’s head.
[Keep your forehead on the ground. That apologies of yours—– Are you being serious now?]
[I—— I’m sorry nya!]
Nyaki vigorously pressed her forehead to the ground.
[I’m doing this nya! So, please forgive me nya!]
With clear amazement, Bardwitcher sighs.
[This person really can’t think for herself at all…… If no one tells her anything, she won’t even notice it at all. She’s completely revolting.]
[She doesn’t have the brains to think for herself huh. Good gracious…]
Nana Tout threw a pebble, hitting Nyaki in the temple.
[Nyaaahh!?]
[Stop squealing like it’s our fault……]
[Get up, Nyaki.]
[I- If you could please move your foot away…… Nyaki would be really t- thankful……]
[No, no, you should show some guts here.]
Toad puts more force on his foot stomping on Nyaki’s hand.
[You don’t have enough guts!? Are you making light of me!?]
[Quickly get up already!]
Yuugungu followed up with an angry bellow.
Arene was still whimpering on the side.
[No more…… Let’s just hurry up and finish this journey together with Nyaki…… I’m going to turn weird if things keep up like this……]
[Pull yourself together, Arene.]
[Ruin, but……]
Ruin’s eyes blazed with righteous indignation, glaring towards Nyaki.
[……Stand up, Nyaki. Toad and Caro, put your feet away.]
At Ruin’s words, the two of them obediently moved their feet away.
Toad and Caro then grabbed Nyaki’s hands, pulling her up.
Nyaki gets into a standing position.
[Nyaki…… I will give you a chance to make up for it. If you want to continue to be with us, Heroic Sword, what do you think you’ll need? You haven’t guessed the right answer once yet. You’ve already reached the limits of my patience.]
[Errr, errrr.]
[Out with it.]
[S- Sincerity…… nya?]
[Nyaaakkkkiiiiiii———-!]
[Fuggyaaahhhhh!?]
Nyaki was hit with tremendous wind pressure.
Before that wind pressure, Nyaki was blown away.
More violently than before, Nyaki was greatly slammed against the thick trunk of a tree.
[Haaahhh…… Haaahhh……!]
Ruin’s breathing became rougher.
Myana spontaneously closes the distance between them and gently snuggles to him.
[Are you alright, Ruin!?]
[……It hurts.]
[Eh?]
Just like an eagle, Ruin grasped on his own left chest.
[Don’t you understand, Nyaki……!? My heart as I’m being forced to beat you…… hurts dozens of times more than the pain you feel! It hurts!]
[Ruin!]
Myana hugs Ruin, who looks like he’s about to cry.
[You should understand…… Everyone is doing all these things for you, Nyaki’s sake.]
[Myana…… but I……]
[Hey, Nyaki!? You should properly reflect—- Arehh?]
Nyaki isn’t moving.
[Oi, Nyaki! Get moving!]
[O- Oi—– She’s still alive, right……?]
Yuugungu breaks out in cold sweat.
Toad ran towards Nyaki.
A little later, Toad breathed a sigh of relief.
[It’s okay…… She just fainted.]
[Good grief, how misleading…… If she dies here, I won’t be able to face Vysis-sama.]
Ruin wiped away his tears and broke away from Myana’s embrace.
And then, he stepped forward.
[She’s making things harder on us…… For the time being, I think we should send a magical war pigeon to Vysis-sama and tell her the good news of our discovery.]
Under Ruin’s direction, Nana Tout began the preparations.
Soon after, the magical war pigeon was released from its birdcage.
As it flew away, everyone watched that magical pigeon for a while.
When the magical war pigeon is out of sight, the atmosphere around them seemed to look like they did a job well done.
[……There’s only one more step left.]
Yuugungun nodded at Ruin’s words.
[Yeah, it’s about time. However, with this, we can finally—-]
[Wait, Yuugungu.]
Ruin puts his index finger to his lips.
[Something’s coming.]
He was looking at the southwest—– the direction Strife went to explore.
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