Chapter 4 What’s the End of an Adventure Like? …Thinking About It Put Me to Sleep.
Masato’s eyes flew open.
It was far too early. There was only the faintest of lights behind the curtains; the room itself was still dark. But he could feel the impatience stirring within and knew he wouldn’t be able to sleep again.
He tried to move, but found warm bodies pinning him down.
Two beds had been pushed together, doubling the size of the sleeping area. Masato was in the center; Porta and Medhi were pressed up against either side of him; Wise was sprawled out over his legs in a legendary display of bad sleep posture. She was rather heavy.
The intent had been a strategy meeting, but sleep had caught up with them, resulting in…this.
I usually wind up in a coffin… I guess this is better, but it still feels like something’s missing. Weird.
Doing his best not to wake the girls, he slipped out from under them, looking them over.
Medhi’s arms had wrapped around Porta—maybe she was cold. Hug pillow Porta looked rather uncomfortable. Wise was a restless sleeper and did another dramatic roll that nearly drove her off the edge of the bed.
He’d seen them all like this before. That was normal.
But once his battle with Demon Lord Hayato was over, and they’d left the game, he might not see this again.
“…Maybe it’ll live on in my memories.”
In which case, maybe he should remember them at their best instead. He grinned at the thought, quietly made himself presentable, and left the room.
To face the dawn of his final battle.
The hallway was quiet. There were other guests staying here, but they must’ve still been asleep.
Keeping his footsteps light, Masato headed toward the smell of miso soup.
“Still all wrong for a fantasy world…” he said with a chuckle as he stepped into the dining room. But he first noticed her in the kitchen.
Mamako—his real mom, who’d tagged along into the game world.
She was humming to herself. What was so fun about making breakfast? As he watched her hustle about, she suddenly turned toward him—son sensor activating.
“Oh, Ma-kun! Good morning.”
“Morning, Mom.”
“Another early rise? Just a few minutes longer, and I’d have come to wake you!”
“Yeah, I just…woke up. Sorry to let you down.”
“Hee-hee-hee. Well, you should be sorry! Mommy’s just so mad we couldn’t do our little morning routine.” Despite her words, she was all smiles. Just like always. “If you want to make up for it, you could give Mommy a smooch on the cheek?”
“In your dreams. Maybe some other day.”
“Shame! It’ll be a while before breakfast is ready, so you just relax over there.”
“Okay, will do.”
The menu this morning was rice and miso soup, fried fish, eggs, and pickled veggies. He glanced across the dishes being prepped then took a seat at the table, watching his mother work.
Back to her old self.
Same old Mamako.
He knew he’d be able to watch her cook in their kitchen back home, too. There was nothing special about that. He could see it anytime he wanted.
But he couldn’t look away.
“Say, Mom…”
“Yes?”
“Quick question. What was it like when you first tried cooking in-game?”
Mamako didn’t turn around, but this little pop quiz made her tilt her head. “I certainly came to appreciate the convenience of modern appliances. Especially rice cookers.”
“Ha-ha-ha. Sounds serious.”
“It is! I mean, getting rice just right is very tricky!”
“I can imagine. When I start cooking for myself, that’ll be the first thing I buy. That and a microwave.”
It was an offhanded comment, but Mamako’s hands paused on a pickled vegetable, mid-chop. “…Ma-kun, you’re going to cook for yourself?”
“Well, yeah, once I live on my own. Whenever that happens.”
“How far off do you think that is?”
“I dunno… I mean, first we gotta beat the game and get back to the real world. Then I’ve gotta focus on school, go to college, find a job…so not for a good long time.”
“But you want to? Someday?”
“I’d like to try it out, sure. Kind of a nebulous goal, I guess?”
“Oh…”
Mamako started chopping again. A steady tap tap tap. And as she worked, she added, “If you move out on your own, Mommy’s going to sneakily follow you.”
“That’d defeat the whole purpose.”
“Hee-hee-hee. True. It would be the two of us, moving out together!”
“Yeah. Don’t make it weird.”
“Hee-hee. I’m sorry. Mommy’s acting strange today.”
She flashed him a happy smile, then focused on her cooking.
And as she did…
…Hngg?
Masato felt something was amiss, just like in the bath last night. It was as if everything around him was sinking—but without sound or shaking. And it felt much more pronounced than the night before.
…Don’t tell me…
Once before, when Dark-Mom Deathmother had tried to pry children everywhere away from their parents, the feelings of mothers everywhere had created depressions in the earth and sea all throughout the world.
He worried that Mamako was about to do the same, but…
“La la la…Ma-kuun…is Mommyyyy’s…favorite son! Mommy loves Ma-kuuun! La la la! Hee-hee-hee.”
The way she was making up a son love song as she cooked sure didn’t seem depressed. Kinda the opposite. Which was mortifying. He was probably overthinking it.
“C’mon. She’s the ultimate mom!”
“Ma-kun? Where’d that come from?”
“Nothing! Never mind.”
As they spoke, footsteps came down the hall. “Yaaawn!” “Wise, get it together.” “Good morning!” The girls were up.
They’d timed it well—breakfast was ready. Mamako proudly showed off the pot of miso soup.
“Everyone’s here! Let’s eat. The miso soup is extra good this morning!”
The girls all perked up instantly, running over.
Masato rose to his feet, too. “Great! Let’s dig in.”
He couldn’t enjoy these in-game mornings for much longer.
They scarfed down the food, got ready, and left the inn behind.
The roads were still fairly empty.
“Well, Ma-kun? Where do we go?”
“That’s…a good question.”
Hayato had said he’d be waiting in the “ideal spot,” but not given any specifics.
Wise and Medhi were frowning at Masato. Awkward.
“Um…r-right! The item Dad gave me! That oughta lead us there! It better!”
“You are so talking out your ass right now.”
“It will! Look!”
Masato held up his hand. The Demon Lord’s feather appeared.
He thought it would settle on his palm, but a gust of wind caught it and blew it away.
“Huh?”
“Eep!” cried Porta. “It’s moving really fast!”
“We’d better run after it, Masato!” said Medhi.
“R-right! Come on!”
The feather was high above the streets of Catharn now, fluttering in the breeze. They ran after it, looking up, full speed ahead.
And as they rounded the corner…
“I’m late! I’m la—augh!”
“Huh? Whoa!”
A girl with a slice of bread in her mouth came rushing from the other side. Impact imminent! “But I’ll dodge it in time!” Masato made a deft leap…or tried, but too late—they smacked right into each other.
The girl bounced off him and fell over backward—it was Mone from the Mom Shop.
“Oh, Mone! Man, you scared me.”
“Huh? Wh-why do you know my name? Who are you?”
“Who—? Oh, right. Your memories are still sealed…”
“They are? What are you—? Ah! I just remembered!”
“You did? Is this the hand of destiny?!”
“You’re the people Ms. Shiraaase brought in a few days ago! Yep, I remember now.”
No use. Mone still had no clue who they were. She only knew them as people who’d stopped by the shop once—so she was treating them with professional courtesy.
They’d been so close—this hurt. Masato felt very sad. He wanted only to remind her…but when he looked up, the feather was almost out of sight. They couldn’t linger here. Mone would have to wait.
“Sorry to scare you like that, but we’re kind of in a hurry! Later!”
“Oh, uh…sure?”
He grabbed her hand and helped her up, then turned and ran away. The girls all gave Mone a sad look and hurried after him.
Nobody they passed had any memories of them. All they got were baffled stares from passersby wondering what all the rush was about.
They’d spent more time in Catharn than anywhere else. There were familiar faces around every corner, far more than in other towns. Usually coming here meant Mamako was instantly mobbed—which was actually rather frustrating.
But today nobody stopped them.
“Ma-kun, before we beat the game, what do you say we take a leisurely world tour?”
“I’m in! Ending it on this note is way too depressing,” said Wise.
“There are so many people I want to say good-bye to!” added Porta.
“After the seal on their memories is lifted, we’ll have to see everyone again,” said Medhi.
“Yeah…good idea.”
Masato swore he’d come back…
But for now, they had to chase that feather.
They chased it all the way out of Catharn.
Fearing the Heroic party’s levels, the lesser monsters hid in the brushes, coming nowhere near them. Masato wouldn’t have minded one last battle to remember them by, but that would have to wait until this was all over.
“Ah, damn it! It’s the same color as the clouds! Totally blending in!”
“Porta, your eyes are our only hope,” said Medhi. “Make sure you don’t lose it.”
“Okay! Leave it to—ah! It stopped over the transport point!”
“Great, let’s get up there!”
They raced up the stairs to the plateau and the transport circle on it. The feather was hovering in the air above, and the circle on the ground below was pulsing with light—as if in response.
“My Hero senses are telling me…we’re about to get transported away!”
“Literally anyone can tell that much.”
“Yeah, dumb joke, sorry.”
It was final battle time. As the Hero and the party leader, Masato had a duty to make sure everyone was in peak condition.
First, Porta.
“My party’s second member, the Traveling Merchant. Porta, you ready?”
“Yes! I have all the items we need! I’ve got support covered!”
“Cool. Then let’s start by using a magic seal cure on Wise; she’s probably already affected.”
“Got it!”
“I am not!”
Next was Wise.
“Our third addition, the Sage. Wise, you ready?”
“Totally. MP all topped up. My ultimate magic’ll blow away any monsters, even your dad.”
“Monsters are one thing, but leave my dad to me. Seriously. Are you sure your magic isn’t sealed? Really? Positive?”
“Why are we so worried about this? I’m fine! My magic isn’t—”
“…Spara la magia per mirare… Tacere.”
“What the—Medhi! Don’t sneak-seal me!”
And then Medhi.
“And our fourth member, the Cleric. Medhi, you ready?”
“Yes. Ready for anything. Leave support and recovery spells to me. Just one thing…”
“Yes?”
“I realize you’re doing this in the order we joined the party, but I’m not particularly happy about being called fourth… It’s very depressing. Sigh… If I’m being put in fourth place, life is not worth living.” …Rummmble…
“That’s your cue to kick Wise, the impenetrable wall!”
“Ha! Medhi’s fourth, and I’m third! That makes me better than—ow!”
Dark power was unleashed upon Wise’s shin.
Last but not least was none other than Mamako.
“And my first companion, the Normal Hero’s Mother—until she job-changed to Ma-kun’s Mommy. Is that right? Well, whatever… Mamako Oosuki!”
“Oh my. It feels so strange to hear you call me by my full name like that!”
“Yeah. Let’s fix that: Mom, you ready?”
“Yes, Mommy is completely ready. I’ll be cheering you on, Ma-kun. And…”
For a moment, she hesitated.
“…then we’ll beat this game and go back to the real world together,” she said with her usual smile.
This was how Mamako always was. Nothing to worry about.
Masato nodded and turned toward the transport point. “Let’s go.”
They were off! The party stepped onto the magic circle and were wreathed in light.
At that exact moment…
In a room not on this earth, filled with consoles—like an air traffic control tower
“Is…this actually possible?”
Demon Lord Hayato and the mothers had gathered and were staring over Dark-Mom Deathmother’s shoulder at her screen.
It showed the full map of the game world, with numbers representing the elevation and the sea depths of the terrain. Those numbers were the problem—particularly the latter.
In all oceans, the numbers were regularly diminishing.
“This means…the sea level is sinking, right?” Kazuno asked.
“If that were all, the height of the land would be increasing correspondingly,” Medhimama said, shaking her head. “But that isn’t budging one bit.”
“Then…”
“I can infooorm you the land is sinking at the same speed the ocean is.”
Shiraaase was using a personal admin device to collate data.
The game world was composed entirely of data—the land and sea maps were all linked together.
If both were sinking in tandem, then you might assume it was sinking Jenga-like, with one data layer at a time vanishing…
But the more Shiraaase poked at the data, the more puzzled she got. “The total data volume remains unchanged, however. Deathmother, what do you make of this?”
“The sunken sections must be accumulating somewhere. Converted to energy, or aggregated somehow…”
Deathmother tore her eyes off the screen, removed her glasses, and rubbed the bridge of her nose. She laughed softly. “I only know one person who could cause something this absurd… What do you think, Shiraaase?”
“Funny you say that. I was thinking the same thing. This is far beyond the depressions that occurred when other mothers became sad… On the surface, all is well, but the sea and land are sinking, and she’s building up reserves of dangerous energy… Your wife is quite a gal.”
This last line was definitely a tease.
Hayato managed a brief smile, but it soon faded. “I’d never have stood a chance on my own. Shiraaase, thank you for the timely advice. I was right to ask you all to help. Please, lend me your power. If we don’t defeat the ultimate mother’s strength, Masato has no future.”
That made the four women gulp audibly. After all, they were mothers themselves.
“Shiraaase, wasn’t there one more we could call in…?” Hayato asked.
“Don’t worry, I’ve already asked. She wants to adventure with her children awhile longer, so she’s still out there—but when the time comes, she’ll appear instantly. She can do that.”
“Very well. Then we’re all ready.”
Demon Lord Hayato left the room. The automatic doors slid open, and he advanced down a hall made of sciencey materials to a balcony.
In the blue skies above, he could see the light of a transport spell.
“…There you are, Masato,” he said with a grin, ready to face his son.
The blinding light and floating sensation vanished. Masato opened his eyes and beheld the site of their final battle.
“Wow…”
They were in the sky. Everything around them blue. Clouds beneath their feet.
Ahead of them was a city unlike what lay on the ground below. The buildings were futuristic yet weathered—like the ruins of an advanced civilization that had visited this planet in ancient times.
And the entire city was resting on a flying boat. The party had landed on the prow.
Tears gushed from Masato’s eyes. “Gasp! Dad, you totally get it! Ancient civilizations! Flying ships! Everything I ever wanted!”
“Yeah, yeah, very nice. But, um—monsters.”
“Careful!” cried Porta. “There’s a lot of them!”
Monsters were already inbound, their ferocious eyes locked on the party, rushing their way.
Flying midsized dragons—a flock of wyverns!
Masato’s tears flowed freely.
“Flying enemies! Dragons! Ohhhhhh! My—my whole thing!”
“It doesn’t sound like he’s going to listen if we tell him to save his power for the duel with his father,” said Medhi.
“That’s my Ma-kun! Go have fun.”
“Oh, you bet I will!”
A kid at their first amusement park would probably be less hyped up. Masato threw himself into the fray, transcending innocence…into imbecility.
But a moment later, he snapped into battle mode.
“Flying enemies are mine! C’moooon!”
Calmly targeting the nearest foe, he swung the Holy Sword Firmamento. It unleashed a shockwave that penetrated the dragon’s tough scales and cleaved the beast in two!
The sight of their fallen comrade infuriated the wyverns, and four of them rushed at Masato at once, from all sides.
Masato looked absolutely delighted.
“Don’t mess with the Hero of the Heavens!”
He swung his sword horizontally, doing a full 360 spin. The shockwave split, each section forming a hawk that swooped at the incoming wyverns. Sharp talons and beaks tore into their opponents—and the hawks got the wyverns by the throat, hauling them downward and slamming them into the ground. Four foes eliminated as one.
“Hell yeah! Next!”
There were more flying foes coming. Masato readied his next attack, but…
Fearing his strength, the approaching wyverns let out pitiable screeches and fled.
“Huh? Yo, wait! Don’t be scared! I mean, I’m flattered, but this also kind of sucks! Come on, fight me!”
His desperate cries proved futile. All the wyverns were soon gone.
“You’re kidding, right?! That’s it?! Come ooooon! That’s not funny! Let me fight some more!”
The wyverns did not return.
But…
“Then I’ll take you on.”
A figure leapt down from a window in a building ahead. In the blink of an eye, she was right in front of him, a needlelike blade thrust toward him.
Just before it impaled his shoulder, Masato got his own blade up, using the side as a shield.
“Huh? You stopped my attack? Impressive. But I’m not gonna stop to praise you!”
“Wait, you’re—!”
The girl in front of him had a tigerlike, ferocious grin.
Amante.
“Oh, Amante! Don’t scare me like that.”
“Hm? How is it you know my name? All my memories of Masato Oosuki have been sealed away, so I have no idea who you are. Not that I’m going to explain any of that!”
“Mm? Wait.”
She’d definitely used his name just now.
Amante took a leap back, rapier pointed at him. “We found this dungeon first! We’re gonna enjoy exploring it. I dunno where your little Heroic party came from, but you aren’t gonna stop us.”
“So you know I’m the Hero… Hey, Amante, are you—?”
“Now scram. Or I’ll have to lay down some hurt.” She waggled her blade, smiling viciously. And the attack…
Came from his left.
“Yer wide open! Mah!”
“Hey, no fair!”
A tiny kid in a shark hoodie popped out of Masato’s blind spot—Fratello.
Her fists, equipped with brass knuckles, were aimed right at Masato’s ribs. Caught off guard, his block was too late—!
“I don’t think so. Spara la magia per mirare… Barriera!”
Medhi’s defensive spell activated just in time. A magic wall appeared around Masato, stopping Fratello’s blow.
But a third attack was already incoming.
“Here gooooes! …Spara la magia per mirare… Fusione Nebbiaaaa!”
“Only one person elongates her words like that!”
He looked up and saw a girl in a skeleton-themed suit riding a giant magic tome. Definitely Sorella.
An ominously colored mist sprang up around him. The moment it touched his hair, the follicles began to melt. “Aiieeee!” At this rate his equipment was going to—!
“Masato, you stay inside the defensive wall! I got this. Spara la magia per mirare… Forte Vento! And! Forte Vento!”
Wise with the chain casting. A powerful gust of wind blew all the magic mist away.
And the second gust—“Mah?” “Yiiiiikes!”—blew Fratello and Sorella away—“Wai… Gahhh!”—and hit Amante head on.
She’d defeated all three foes.
“Medhi, Wise—thanks. Huge help. Now then…”
“Hee-hee. We clearly need to chat with these ladies.”
“Why did you attack us?”
Mamako and Porta joined them, one ready to scold, the other doing big puppy dog eyes.
All three opponents quickly put their hands up in surrender.
“Okay, okay, dumb prank, sorry.”
“It was Amaaante’s idea! She said we should tease Masato a liiittle.”
“This cockamamie scheme was all Sorella. I wanted no part in it, but it was no use. Ya gotta believe me, sonny.”
“Yep, I figured as much… Just to be sure, all three of you totally remember us, right?” Masato asked.
Amante puffed up with pride. “Obviously,” she said. “Who do you think our mother is?”
“Aha. Hahako undid the seal. That explains it.”
Hahako had appointed herself mother to these three—but she was actually a unique being born from the game’s main systems. She could rewrite NPC programming with all the ease a regular mother would have rearranging the furniture in her parents’ home.
It was a relief to have someone remember them.
These girls had been the party’s enemies from the moment each of the trio appeared. They’d caused no end of trouble and fought constantly—so it was ironic that they were the first NPCs to remember the Hero’s party.
Masato was smiling despite himself. “Oh… You guys remember us, then! Cool, cool. Ha-ha-ha.”
“Yiiiikes. Where did that laugh come from? Soooo creepy.”
“…Lost your last marble there, sonny?”
“I’m not creepy! And I’ve got all my marbles, thanks.” He slapped his cheeks, recovering. “So where’s Hahako? She’s not with you?”
“She’s here,” said Amante. “She was exploring with us a few minutes ago. But it seems like there’s something fishy going on…so she’s out handling that.”
“Handling what exactly?”
“I dunno.” Amante took a quick glance in Mamako’s direction and made a face.
The Libere trio got to their feet.
“We’d better go. You guys should head toward Centrale.”
“Centrale?”
“Mama Hahako said it’s the central building that basically controls everything on the ship… The big one in the middle, easy to find. That’s where you’ll find your dad, Masato Oosuki. Not that I need to explain that!”
“Thanks for explaining it anyway. But you’re not coming?”
“We’re the interception squaaaad. So we’re on standbyyyy.”
“Interception?”
“What could that mean?” Porta asked. “Is there another threat?”
“Y’all are better off not knowing. Just keep yer minds on the throwdown with sonny’s old man.”
The trio ran off toward the ship’s stern. It didn’t quite add up, but…
“Come on, Ma-kun! No time to waste. Let’s finish this fight and beat the game!”
“Y-yeah, that’s the idea…”
Mamako gave him an oddly cheery push, and he started walking.
The monsters they faced were winged insects, birds, dragons—all flying foes.
And flying enemies? “They’re miiiiiiine!” “Go for it.” Masato was having the time of his life, shockwave after shockwave cutting through the enemies.
As they picked their way through decrepit, crumbling buildings, they saw an extra big one up ahead—like a capless pyramid, or some sort of temple.
Centrale.
“Hah…hah… F-finally. Such a struggle to get here…I can barely stand…”
“You’re the only one who’s tired, Masato,” Medhi noted.
“Masato! Have a recovery item! I have water, too!”
“And Mommy’s lap pillow is always here for you. Hee-hee.”
“I’m gonna pass on that offer, but… Ugh…must fight the urge to nap…”
“Go nap on your mommy’s knees…while I get to be the first in!” Wise dashed off, trying to cross the clearing in front of Centrale.
But a dark cloud formed in the skies above, swelling exponentially.
“Luce della Dannazione!”
There was a crash of thunder, and a lightning bolt shot toward Wise.
However…
“I saw this coming! …Spara la magia per mirare… Barriera! And! Barriera!”
Wise’s defensive spells activated. Two magic barriers appeared over her head, absorbing the lightning bolt.
She shot a triumphant grin at the Centrale entrance, where the Queen of the Night herself stood—Kazuno.
“Oh? Impressed you noticed.”
“This had your stench all over it, Mom. I figured there’d be a trap, and I was right.”
“Genya! I do not have a stench. Take that back!”
“You reek! You’re drowning in cheap perfume! …So? What do you want?”
“Simple. I’m here to slow you down.” Kazuno raised her folding fan and snapped it closed, pointing it at Wise. “Masato’s father wants a one-on-one battle with his son. That means you’re in the way, Genya. You come play with your mommy.”
“Huh. Okay, fine.”
Wise returned the gesture, pointing with her magic tome, never once taking her eyes off her mother. “Masato, you go on ahead. I’ll handle my mom.”
“Wise…you’re sure?”
“I got this. We’ll just have a little family meeting. Don’t you dare lose, Masato.”
“I won’t. See you later.”
No time to nap on Mommy’s lap. They left Wise behind, heading inside.
As they passed Kazuno…
“Masato, I know you want to go all out in the battle against your father…but make sure you leave a little energy in reserve. You might need it later.”
“Huh…?”
With that cryptic advice from the Queen of the Night, they were inside Centrale.
The party’s footsteps faded into the distance.
Wise turned her attention back to Kazuno.
“Well, Mom? Let’s get this started. I’m gonna knock you sideways.”
“Ooh, how fierce! What’s got you so fired up? …Oh, is this because I was flirting with Masato? Did I make you jealous?”
“Wha—?! Of course not!”
“Don’t try and hide it. You’ve never been this close with any other boys. How cute. You’re adorable, Genya! Snort.”
Wise lost it completely.
“Okay, shut the hell up right now. Time to get started! …Spara la magia per mirare… Tacere! And! Tacere!”
“Ah?!”
Wise’s chain casting sealed Kazuno’s magic.
Wise’s magic was also sealed.
“Wh-what is wrong with you?!” Kazuno shouted. “My magic is one thing, but why seal your own?!”
“Simple. With your mom cheats active, I can’t beat you in a magic duel. But if I beat you with spells while your magic’s sealed, I wouldn’t feel like I’d won at all. So…”
“Oh, I get it. You wanna work this out our way, huh? …Bring it!”
“That’s right! Parents and kids need to know when to use body language!”
Kazuno threw her fan. Wise threw her magic tome.
Both lunged at the other, grappling.
“Just so we’re clear, me and Masato aren’t like that! Not in the least!”
Wise with the cobra twist!
“Oh, really? Then I’ll just devour him for myself! I mean, his face and figure aren’t my style at all, but there’s value in youth! He’d make a good appetizer. Oh-ho-ho-ho!”
Kazuno with the backbreaker drop!
“What a load of crap! No way you’re that depraved! You’re just trying to rile me up, but I’m not falling for it!”
Wise with the figure-four leglock!
“Ah-ha-ha! Too obvious? Just don’t let Medhi snatch him from you!”
“I-I…wasn’t planning to… Gah?!”
Kazuno with the scorpion death-lock!
Wise’s resistance faltered, and Kazuno tightened her hold. “Owwwww!” Wise was in trouble!
But then Kazuno eased off a bit.
“Fine, follow your own heart. It’s your life.”
“Mom…?”
“Besides, this is hardly the time for personal stuff. Lend me your ear.” Kazuno put her arms around Wise’s neck from behind—a gentle kind of choke hold. She whispered, “I’m going to teach you the ultimate spell—one of my own creation. Listen and learn.”
“Ultimate spell? What for…?”
“You’re gonna need some offensive power. The situation is far more dire than you realize. If you want your beloved Masato to have any kind of future, you’ll have to fight.”
“Beloved, my ass! That’s not—!”
“I don’t care what it is. You’re a girl, yes? Try doing something for a boy for once. I’ll make a good woman outta you yet, Genya.”
Wise was still struggling, so Kazuno tightened her grip.
“You’ll need every last nerve you’ve got,” Kazuno said, her expression grim. “You’re up against the very best.”
With Wise gone, the party was down to four. They were headed swiftly into Centrale itself.
First, the lobby. It was festooned with monuments to planets and art that had withstood the ravages of time. There was a grand piano along with tea ceremony and ikebana sets—signifiers of high class.
And leaning against the piano was Medhimama—eyes closed, waiting quietly.
Medhi slowed to a standstill. “You three go on ahead.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes. Like Ms. Kazuno said, our mothers are here to slow us down. And there’s a few things I’d like to speak to my own mother about.”
“Got it. We’ll go on ahead. Catch up when you can.”
Leaving Medhi behind, the party headed farther in.
Silence reigned.
Medhimama’s eyes opened, and she smiled. Medhi smiled back.
“…There’s something I’d like to say first,” Medhimama began.
“What is that, Mother?”
“I was not myself last night. I’m not to blame—the booze was responsible for everything.”
“Excuses like that do no one any good.” …Rummmble…
Dark power surged from Medhi’s every pore as she raised her staff. “L-let’s just stay calm, shall we?” Medhimama begged. “I am calm.” Medhi calmly raised her staff.
And tapped Medhimama lightly on the chest. Then she came in for a hug.
“I’m kidding,” she said. “You’re only human, Mother. It’s natural you make mistakes sometimes. I don’t see anything wrong with that.”
“…Thank you. I’m blessed to have such an understanding daughter.”
“All I ask in return is that you overlook some of my own blunders.”
“Oh? What might those be…?”
“Blunders I may soon make. Relationships are fraught with peril. I’m not exactly scrupulous where Masato and Wise are involved.” Smile.
“That smile has me worried… How did I raise such a terrifying daughter…?” Medhimama was taken aback, but she then smirked and put her arms around Medhi. “Very well. Do what you think best. But if you make a move…”
“Naturally, I’ll win. I won’t accept anything less. This is my own decision.”
“Precisely what I want to hear. That is who you are.”
In each other’s arms, mother and daughter smiled.
Then Medhi pulled away, turning her gaze to the educational tools arranged nearby. “So what is the meaning of this, Mother? I’ve learned all of these before…”
“I prepared them for you. To cultivate your mind and grant unto you a new power.”
“A new power…?”
“The power to grant Masato his future. I am not here to stop you, but to teach you what you need… Medhi, listen well.”
“Yes, Mother.”
“You are prone to unleashing dark, pent-up energy, but I know well that beneath that is a strong, beautiful mind, forged through ceaseless hard work. That is the real Medhi. Your true strength. If you can face yourself once more and draw upon that power, you can make it your own.”
“My own true strength… Am I even capable of such a thing…?”
“That is up to you. The decision will be yours.”
Harsh words, but there was a smile on Medhimama’s lips. An unwavering confidence that her pride and joy—her daughter—could pull this off.
Faced with such faith and adoration, Medhi could say only one thing:
“…Mother! I’ll do whatever it takes!”
With a look of resolute determination, she took a seat at the piano.
Past the lobby, the three remaining party members reached the base of a broad staircase leading upward. Once again, a mother was waiting for them: Dark-Mom Deathmother. She was on her hands and knees, bowing her head—showing remorse for drunkenly teasing Masato.
But Porta was still hopping mad.
“Mommy!”
“Y-yes?! What is it?!”
“If you don’t treat me just like you did Masato, I’ll be very mad!”
“Happy to oblige!”
Porta rocketed toward a waiting embrace. Snuggles upon cuddles upon snuggles. Deathmother looked very pleased. Blissful steam was fogging up her glasses.
“Oh, right. I actually have a gift for you as an apology. It didn’t turn out very well, but…here.”
Dark-Mom Deathmother sheepishly pulled two little sets of doll clothes out of her pocket. Her motherly sewing skills were still a bit rough around the edges, and the threads were loose, but…that was kind of charming, too.
The clothes were just the right size for Piita and Piitamama, the two dolls hanging from Porta’s shoulder bag.
“Gosh! They’re so cute!”
“These should give both dollies a power-up. What do you say? Do you want to help Mommy put them on?”
“Yes! I’d love to play dolls with you! …So, um…” Porta turned to Masato and Mamako, looking worried. Naturally, they nodded happily.
“Mom and I’ll go on ahead,” said Masato. “You have fun here.”
“Mommy has to stay with Ma-kun, so don’t worry. We’ll see you later!”
“Okay!”
Porta plastered herself blissfully against Deathmother. Masato and Mamako took one last look at them and then walked away.
Alone together, they walked side by side up the stairs. Matching pace. For a while, neither spoke.
Eventually, Mamako broke the silence. “Ma-kun…”
“Mm? What?”
“Why don’t you ever snuggle up against me like Porta does?”
“Uhhh…real talk, I’m just too old for that now. You gotta cut me some slack there.”
He leaned closer, and his arm bumped her shoulder. Like iron to a magnet, Mamako pressed her shoulder into him.
“I suppose this much is normal, right…?”
“Nah, definitely crossing the line. Too much. Pull back!”
“Hee-hee-hee. Sorry. Then how about this?” She put his arm in hers.
“Why?”
“Why not?”
“Please.”
“Hee-hee. Shame. But…can we? Just for a minute? I don’t know how much longer I’ll be allowed to walk arm-in-arm with you.”
“It’ll happen, I’m sure. Even back in the real world—”
“So you’ll go shopping arm-in-arm with me?”
“Erk… W-well…uh…”
Honestly, there were things he could manage because this was a game, something separate from real life.
Seeing him wrestle with the thought, Mamako giggled. “I’m really glad we came to this game together and could have all these adventures. Every day was like a dream. Mommy was so happy here.”
“Yeah? Well, that’s good. It’s been wild, but I enjoyed it all, too.”
“So…” Mamako stopped, about to say something. But instead, she shifted gears: “So let’s treasure these memories. Let’s never forget any of them.”
They reached the top of the stairs and found themselves in a different kind of lobby. There were elevators at the back, and tables and chairs at the front.
Sitting at one of these was Shiraaase—and Mamako’s doppelgänger, Hahako.
“Welcome to Café Shiraaase. I can infooorm you that this café is exclusively for mothers.”
“It’s been far too long, Mamako. You are a better mother than any of us, so I’m sure you know without me saying it.”
Both women looked at Mamako, who let go of Masato’s arm.
“Mommy’s instincts say Daddy is up ahead. Go on, Ma-kun.”
“That’s a shock. I figured you’d want to come with me.”
“I do! But I can’t. This is your fight, Ma-kun. My beloved son is trying to accomplish something on his own. Mommy can’t butt in.”
“You say that, but you always do that sort of thing. Are you sure you’re not gonna swoop in at the last second and beat him for me?”
“I won’t. You’d be so mad at me! So I swear I’ll stay out of it.”
“Okay. I’ll trust you on that.”
He glanced at Shiraaase and Hahako. They nodded—as if to say they’d take care of Mamako for him.
One of them had been helping them out since the game began. The other was a mother as powerful as Mamako herself. He was sure they could handle things.
A few steps farther, and he’d be fighting his father. He took a deep breath.
“I’m ready.”
“Good luck!”
Mamako gave Masato a pat on the back, and he stepped onto the transport circle.
At the top of the elevator ride was a garden that stretched out behind Centrale. There were no traces of any remaining vegetation, just the blue sky in all directions—a rooftop garden.
And in the center of it stood Masato’s father, a huge cursed sword on his back.
Masato stepped closer, stopping at the tip of the blade’s reach.
“’Sup. Your cute kid is here to kick your ass.”
“Sheesh, that greeting couldn’t be further from ‘cute.’” His father—Hayato, the Demon Lord—chuckled. “Let’s begin with a question. My beloved son—have you grasped the meaning of the Demon Lord’s quest?”
“Yeah, thanks to you. I fell right into your scheme, and that forced me to think about my future. I’ve made up my mind to beat this game and start the next phase of my life.”
“Glad to hear it. But do you have the strength to follow through? I am your final trial, an obstacle you must overcome.”
Hayato turned and grabbed Universo—the cursed sword harboring the blackness of outer space.
Masato drew Firmamento—the Holy Sword of the Heavens.
Their smiles faded.
“What future are you dreaming of, Masato?”
“In a word—the best life ever.”
“Aha. But I’m afraid that dream must end here.”
Hayato’s voice took on a nasty edge.
And like it was effortless, he swung his greatsword at his son.
Masato quickly held out his left hand, deploying his shield wall, trying to block—but the blow hit hard. He couldn’t stand up to it; he was forced backward.
The Demon Lord strode forward, as if he were out for a stroll. Even with both legs firmly planted, Masato’s feet slid steadily away.
“Yo, how are you so strong?!”
“This is the power of the Daddy Demon Lord—the result of turning economic might into strength. Power far beyond the Hero Son’s!”
“Gah, I ain’t that easy! If I put my mind to it…!”
Masato took a big leap back and raised his sword. Focusing his mind, he prepared a mighty swing—unleashing his most powerful shockwave.
The massive shockwave hurtled toward the Demon Lord!
“Oh, crap! Did I overdo it?!” Masato was genuinely concerned.
But Hayato didn’t even try to block. The shockwave hit him—and shattered like thin ice. Zero damage.
As Masato gaped, Hayato grinned. “This, too, is the power of the Daddy Demon Lord. Endurance gained through practical experience, the constant payments of taxes and insurance premiums—all converted to defense! Comprehensive stability guaranteed by good credit.”
“What the hell? Who decided that?!”
“You don’t get it? Fair enough. This sort of thing is way over your head.”
“Gah, now you’re just openly mocking me! Look, I get the gist, okay?! …And my stamina’s no joke, either! I’ve put up with Mom’s cosplaying and…and way worse!”
“Oh? Then let’s test that.”
Hayato raised his blade high. Pitch-black power gathered at the tip, forming a massive magic circle in the sky.
“You’ve gotta be kidding—you know magic?!”
“This is Daddy Demon Lord’s attack—from higher than the Heavens themselves! Can the Heroic Son withstand it? …Spara la magia per mirare…”
A dedicated Dad Spell.
“Punizione del Padre.”
Part of the sky gave way to the light of the universe. Countless meteors descended from above, clashing into each other, merging into a giant fist that fell right toward Masato.
No way he could block a meteor. Some things were just impossible.
But…
“I’m not gonna lose! I can’t afford to!”
Sons had to be stubborn.
Masato steeled his quivering legs, forcing himself to stay put. He readied his defenses.
“I’m gonna overcome this trial, and head toward my future…!”
The meteoric fist slammed home. He tried to withstand it but was easily crushed. What happened next was lost to him.
The sound of the impact, the explosions, everything within the attack’s radius was blown away—and he could sense none of it.
However…
Ah, crap… That hurts…
He was still conscious. He could tell he was lying facedown.
Masato had not died. It was hard to call his defense successful—but he had endured it.
The next thing he knew, he was stuck in the shattered earth at the base of a massive crater.
That was when he heard voices:
“…Masato!”
“…Masato!”
“…Masato!”
Several of them. Wise, Medhi, Porta—and their moms. Even Shiraaase was calling out to him…
“Ma-kun!”
The loudest voice, the one he’d heard more than anyone else’s—Mamako.
…How long is she gonna call me that? Even when I’m all grown up?
He winced and turned toward the voice. Mamako looked really worried. She clearly wanted to run to his side but was standing her ground. This was a fight between father and son. She’d promised not to interfere and was keeping her word.
His friends, the mothers, and his father—all staring at Masato.
…I’ll look like a chump if I keep lying here.
He moved his arms, and pain shot through him. But he pushed through it, using his sword to pull himself upright. Proving he would not let his opponent keep him down.
Demon Lord Hayato gave him a satisfied nod and aimed the tip of his cursed blade at Masato.
“You did well enduring that attack. However…”
“I know. A single blow left me black and blue. Big talk isn’t gonna cover that. Compared to you, I’ve still got a lot to learn—and I’ve gotta own that fact.”
“A laudable position.”
“And I was thinking—where I’m headed, there’s gonna be lots of people like you.”
“Indeed. I’m but one in a hundred—a thousand…perhaps even more. Countless people out there I’d never stand a chance against. Do you think you could survive in that environment? Do you think you’re capable of reaching out and taking what you want?”
“Honestly, no. But that won’t stop me.”
Masato raised his Holy Sword and attacked the Demon Lord. The holy and cursed blades clashed—as did the father and son’s glares.
“I’ve made up my mind to head toward my future! And I won’t stop now!”
“Easier said than done.”
Hayato effortlessly pushed Masato back and took a vicious swipe with his greatsword. Masato got his left hand up in time, and his shield wall deployed—but it couldn’t absorb the momentum. He was knocked back but quickly leapt again into the fray.
“Do you have the strength to keep moving forward?”
“I do! These feelings, right here!”
He poured those emotions into the Holy Sword, taking a vicious swipe of his own. The greatsword easily blocked the blow, but Masato kept the pressure on. It got him nowhere, but he kept pushing.
“Just feelings, hm?”
“That’s all I’ve got right now! And I have no choice but to fight with what I’ve got!”
“Well said. In that case…you’ll have to prove how strong those feelings are.”
“I will! Beating you is the first step to my future, Dad!”
Both men leapt back, raising their swords to the Heavens. This next blow would decide the outcome. For a moment, all was silent.
And with a roar, both leapt forward, swinging their blades as one. Holy and cursed swords clashed like thunder…!
And snapped in two. Both of them.
“Huh?”
“Oh?”
The broken blades went flying off to who knows where. Masato stood there stunned, and Hayato started laughing.
“Look at that! My stats are far higher, but I see our swords’ durability was evenly matched. With no weapons, neither of us can fight on. Which means…”
“Our battle…”
“…is a tie.”
“Again…?! Feels cheap, but…not much we can do…”
Masato’s last reserves of strength were gone, and he slumped to the ground.
“If you insist on settling things, we can do that back in the real world.”
“Yeah…let’s do that. But how?”
“By living our lives! What do you say?”
“I dunno how we’d ever pick a winner.”
“If you feel like a winner, you’ve won. Same goes for losing. That’s all it takes. What matters is that father and son compete with one another as all men should. That’s what I ask of you. It’s how things ought to be between us.”
“That’s the kind of bond you want to have?”
“Exactly. Now, son—you’ve been largely beaten down by the economic and societal might of your powerful father. Do you still have the courage to wage a battle you have little chance of winning?”
“Puh-leez.”
Masato batted aside his father’s offered hand and stood up. Now face-to-face, he held out his own hand.
“I’m gonna make you concede defeat one day. Just you wait.”
“Looking forward to it. Let’s make it a fair fight, son.”
“Absolutely, Dad.”
Their handshake was quickly becoming a contest of grip strength, but for now—their battle was done. Mamako and the others had been watching breathlessly; they looked very relieved.
And so…
“Well, Masato—it’s time for the final battle.”
“The heck? Have you lost your mind?”
“Is that any way to talk to your father?”
“Sorry. But didn’t we just have the final battle? All I gotta do now is beat the game…”
“Therein lies the problem. Before you can do that, you’ve got to handle the toughest foe of all. Look there.”
Demon Lord Hayato pointed upward with both hands.
Masato looked above him…
“…Huh?”
…and saw a pair of very feminine hands.
One made of earth and stone, the other of churning ocean water. These hands covered the sky itself, reaching out to grab the flying ship.
No Comments Yet
Post a new comment
Register or Login