Chapter 285: The Heroes, After the End of Battle

<Author’s Notes>

There’s something that had been brought up in this chapter, but it had actually already been brought up at the earlier parts of the novel.

<Sogou Ayaka POV>

After our battle with the Great Demon Emperor ended, I met up with the other group.

Thre, I heard that Takao Itsuki had left their group.

“I need to go where Elder Sister is.”

—–or so she said.

Leaving only these words, Itsuki apologized to Kayako and the others.

Incidentally, around that time, they had already killed quite a few Golden-eyed Monsters.

By the time Itsuki left, they could almost no longer find a living Golden-eyed Monster.

Apparently, 90% of the Golden-eyed Monsters they encountered before Itsuki left——— had been defeated by her.

After Itsuki left, the other group encountered two more Golden-eyed Monsters before I met up with them.

Only two Golden-eyed Monsters.

And that was after the Root of All Evil had disappeared.

Because of this, Kayako and her group were able to meet up with the local knights and soldiers in the castle.

Therefore, they let the numbers do the work and were able to take out the Golden-eyed Monsters they encountered without any trouble.

In light of this, the contribution of Itsuki, who had taken care of many strong Golden-eyed by then by herself, was quite significant.

In the meantime, I also had to explain what had happened on my side.

It was hard to say, but this isn’t something I couldn’t tell them.

The surprise of the group members was—— just as I had expected.

In the first place, I myself still couldn’t believe that happened.

For Kirihara Takuto——— to actually side with the Great Demon Emperor, who we were supposed to defeat.

[H- However, wouldn’t it be possible…… that he’s just pretending to be on their side? And then…… when the Great Demon Emperor becomes negligent…… he planned on taking him down himself? O- Or, well, something like that……?]

Making herself look smaller, Minamino Moe timidly said.

There was a note of wishful thinking in her voice.

If I were to be honest though———- I can only tell her I don’t know.

I’m completely clueless what Kirihara Takuto was thinking.

Even though we were supposed to be classmates who had spent our entire school life together in the same classroom…… I just couldn’t understand him.

Moe seemed to be waiting for an answer.

It felt as if———- she’s hoping for an answer that would reassure her.

That it was definitely what Kirihara Takuto had intended.

That’s why……

[Yes, it would definitely be that way…… Let’s believe in him.]

[I- I knew it……!]

Hearing my words, Moe’s face brightened.

Looking at the joy on her face though, I felt pain piercing my chest.

It feels as if I’m tricking the purehearted Moe.

It was exactly at times like this———–

(Hijiri-san…… I want to ask Hijiri-san’s opinion……)

If it’s her, she would definitely know what to do.

She’s the one who can see things better than anyone else in this class.

But to be honest, I myself know.

(I have to think for myself. If I keep relying on her, we’ll never be on equal footing.)

That reminds me……

After she separated with our group, I wonder what Hijiri was doing———

[Sogou-san ?]

Everyone’s eyes were drawn towards the “voice” that called out to us.

There, she arrived with a smile on her face.

She——– The Goddess Vysis tilted her head.

[Perhaps…… Have you defeated the Great Demon Emperor?]

▽

[———–Haahh?———–]

After hearing what had happened, looking as if she thinks I’ve finally lost my mind, the Goddess frowned.

[Kirihara-kun…… sided with the Great Demon Emperor?]

[Yes…… They disappeared together in that area……]

Putting aside her thoughts, I told her how they disappeared.

Hearing my words, “As I thought……”, the Goddess murmured.

[So the Great Demon Emperor really did get their hands on a Gem of Teleportation huh.]

Looking rather annoyed, the Goddess groaned.

[However, in what way…… did they manage to teleport towards here? Did they actually dare slip within our ranks……? Or perhaps…… Have they really joined forces?]

Tsk, tsk, tsk……

The Goddess lightly clicked her tongue in rapid succession.

[Someone had been———— Someone had actually been that foolish……?]

[Ummm, Goddess-sama……]

[There have been instances in the past where a Root of All Evil has used humans as pawns…… But joining forces with a Hero is unheard of. No matter how I look at it, Kirihara Takuto will be dealt with by the Great Demon Emperor———– That’s just the way it is. There’s no way that the Root of All Evil can fight alongside Heroes…… In other words, as a result of this battle, I lost two S-Ranks……? Hmmm~~, this is truly———- troubling! There’s—- no—- way—- this—- is—- hap—- pe—- ning?]

Gasp!

With her arms wide open, she turned towards me with a broad smile on her face.

[Nfufu~~? How do you think things would play out, Sogou-saaaaaan?]

[E- Even if you ask me how this is going to play out…… Ummm……]

Looking at her like that, I feel somewhat intimidated.

It doesn’t seem like the other Heroes had noticed though.

However……

(It feels like the overpowering feeling around Goddess-sama is increasing……? Moreover——–)

I wonder why?

The Goddess was emanating an air of hostility around her.

It’s like……

“How in the world could this person be so brazen……”

It feels as if I’m being accused like that.

Also——– there was that scar that looked like an injury.

Was she injured in an encounter with the Golden-eyed Monster?

Ahh, that’s right.

I did hear that even the Goddess would be weakened under the presence of the Tyrant’s Miasma.

(———Ahh, I see. The reason why Hijiri-san parted ways with us at that time……)

She went to check on the Goddess’ safety huh.

The existence of the Goddess is essential to return to our original world after all.

If the Goddess were to die, we might not be able to return.

With this in mind, I checked the surroundings once……

[By the way, Goddess-sama…… Where are Hijiri-san and Itsuki-san?]

[Isn’t that right?]

[Eh?]

[You’d be worried about them, wouldn’t you?]

[Y- Yes…… Did something happen…… to Hijiri-san and Itsuki-san?]

At that moment……

The Goddess froze——— looking rather surprised.

[Ara?]

[ ? ]

What is she wondering so much about?

[Ara ara? Ara ara, ara araaaa? Ararararaaaa? This reaction——– You really don’t know anything……? That she…… Hijiri——– hiding her goals to you, she had……?]

The Goddess began thinking about something again.

It seemed as if———- she had reflexively spoken those words earlier.

It feels as if there were mismatching thoughts between us.

The way I perceive things.

And the way the Goddess had perceived something.

These two seemed to be at odds.

After she observed my face for a while, the Goddess finally spoke.

[Sogou-san…… There’s something I have to tell you.]

And so, the Goddess told me———— the Takao Sisters had betrayed our side.

▽

[Hijiri——-san and…… Itsuki-san did……? N- No way! How in the world did this happen!?]

The Goddess only slumped her shoulders in response in deep regret.

[Even if you tell me that, it went exactly as I had told you…… Her paranoia grew, thinking that I was trying to conspire against her and the others…… It seemed like her senses had dulled so much that she could no longer make normal decisions……]

[No way……]

The other students were also shocked.

All of them looked like they also couldn’t believe it.

(Ahh———)

At that moment, the way Hijiri looked and what she said earlier when we parted ways crossed my mind.

I see……

She hadn’t gone to “protect” the Goddess……

(She went there to kill the Goddess……)

However……

Why?

At that moment though…….

[——————-]

I felt my turbulent blood flow within my veins hasten once a certain thought popped into my mind.

[W- What about Hijiri-san!? What happened to Hijiri-san and Itsuki-san!? Could it be———]

[After I turned the tables on them, they escaped.]

[E- Escaped……]

[No, to be precise…… I let them go.]

Before I knew it, I had unconsciously grabbed the Goddess’ arms.

[T- They’re alive!?]

[They were wounded…… but please don’t worry. Even if you draw an unwarranted bow in the face of doubt, you Heroes are my hope——— no, this world’s hope. I can’t just bring myself to kill you easily. As you know, I’m a compassionate Goddess after all.]

Hearing her words, I feel a little exhausted…… yet relieved.

My knees buckled involuntarily, and I sat down in place.

[Thank goodness……]

[However, you shouldn’t be negligent. As long as the Great Demon Emperor is still alive…… There’s still a possibility that the Great Demon Emperor will see this as an opportunity to dispose of the separated Hijiri-san and Itsuki-san.]

[ ! ]

That’s right.

That’s very possible.

[I’ll have my subordinates search for Hijiri-san and Itsuki-san, and entrust them with the search. However, I’m not just going to let them get away with trying to kill me———-]

[A reason.]

[Yes?]

[T- There must be…… some kind of reason. I mean, it’s Hijiri-san…… It’s Hijiri-san after all……]

But then, it makes sense now.

The reason why——– she said like that when we parted.

That’s why she said that……

[Please don’t worry.]

Slightly bending her knees, I could feel the Goddess placing a hand on my head.

Then, matching gazes with me……

[This seldomly happens. I am, you see…… easily misunderstood, am I not? Hijiri-san seemed to think that I had no intention of returning you to your original world……]

From every word Hijiri had told me……

I could certainly sense such nuances as well.

[Ummm, Goddess-sama…… The Great Demon Emperor’s heart————]

[That the Great Demon Emperor’s Heart is the source of immense power, and I wouldn’t use it to bring you all back————- and that I just wanted to use it for myself, right?]

[ ! ]

“Good grief……”, the Goddess shook her head.

[It’s true that the Root of All Evil’s heart holds immense power. Therefore, there have been Heroes in the past who had such paranoia. I do understand why you would think so.]

[Did Hijiri-san…… had such a misunderstanding too?]

[People, especially you Heroes, endure enormous pressure every day. However, a human’s mentality is frighteningly fragile. They would easily fight themselves being defeated by themselves. And not wanting to admit their own weakness…… In the end, they try to find the cause of the problem in someone other than themselves. Their paranoia grows and grows, until finally…… thinking that they must be the root cause of what was happening to them, they would develop hatred for the wrong person for some reason. I know it. From all the years I’ve lived, I’ve seen how frail of a creature humans are.]

[H- Hijiri-san isn’t like that! Hijiri-san is really strong…… not only in battle, but in mentality as well……]

Thereupon, with a pitying gaze, the Goddess placed a hand on my shoulder.

[I understand. Just as you said, she’s strong…… She’s smart. But it’s probably because she’s smart that she thinks too much……]

[No.]

[ ? ]

Standing up, I took a step away from the Goddess.

[I’m sorry, Goddess-sama…… but I———- I believe in Hijiri-san more than I believe in you. Hijiri-san…… isn’t the kind of person who would draw her bow without positive proof……]

Standing in front of the other pupils, acting as their shield……

[If you’re still hiding something…… Please say it…… If you won’t…… I don’t think I can actively help you anymore……!]

Hearing my words, the Goddess stood up and looked at me.

[Nfufu…… Hijiri-san sure is trusted…… Geez, she sure is outstanding with using her wiles to seduce the same sex……]

[Even I——- want to believe in you, Goddess-sama! I want to go back to my world! But……]

[I suppose there may indeed be a good reason.]

[Eh?]

The Goddess’ mood changed slightly.

[Hijiri-san’s suspicions of me, I suppose there may indeed be a good reason. It seems that the Mad Emperor’s subordinates have been in contact with her and have been deceiving her.]

[Mira’s Emperor…… was it?]

In the midst of the battle against the Great Demon Emperor……

The Emperor of the Western Empire——— who rebelled against Alion.

[It seems that he was trying to get the Heroes to join Mira’s side. Perhaps, she was told that there was a way to “return to the original world without relying on the Goddess”. Or that if she were to kill me, it’ll be okay because they’ll send another trustworthy God to take my place.]

“What if I told you that there may be a way to return to our world without relying on the Goddess———– what would you do?”

Those were words Hijiri had told me back then.

If Mira, who advocates against the Goddess, had told her that……

As far as it goes…… It all makes sense now.

To Mira, the power that the Heroes possess must be a threat.

It wouldn’t be surprising that they would try to bring us to their side.

Thereupon, the Goddess exasperatedly sighed.

[But in reality, only I can perform the Repatriation Ritual, and moreover, no other Gods will be sent. I am the only one who can protect this world.]

But on the other hand, it’s also true that I don’t trust the Goddess in any way———–

[Let’s not do this, Sogou-san.]

[Eh?]

[For a girl your age, you’re too old to be a child who can’t think for yourself…… Let’s stop questioning everything based on feelings and intuition———– Isn’t it about time you become a mature adult? I understand that it’s easy to judge this and that based on feelings and intuition. However, only children were pardoned from judging through such. If you act on your emotions, you’re the one who’ll end up hurting…… I’m truly saying this for your own good, okay? We can’t afford to lose you here.]

With a so-called “mature” expression on her face, the Goddess said.

The atmosphere around her was different.

It’s not the usual smiling Goddess.

It was as if, yes———- she had stopped acting.

[Considering my past actions and behaviors, there may indeed have been factors that caused unwanted misunderstandings. I’ll admit that.]

Again, the Goddess sighed.

[However…… to be honest, I’ve already gotten tired of this time’s Heroes———- I’ve already had enough of you all.]

[……………………]

[This may certainly be the first time I’ve had Heroes this strong…… but this is also the first time I’ve met Heroes that are this uncontrollable. To put it bluntly, you all were too much for me to handle. If it continues like this, my head will eventually go crazy…… Thus, if I were to speak my true thoughts———— I want you to quickly defeat the Great Demon Emperor and go back to your world as quickly as possible. These are my true thoughts.]

Feeling as if she was fed up……

The Goddess said.

[———————-]

The words she said just now……

There’s something different about her from how she usually was.

Yes.

She was different from the usual Goddess with a smile that appeared to be only on the surface.

That’s why———– It sounded somewhat convincing when she said it was her true feelings.

She’s saying words that aim to please one’s ears.

She’s also saying things that were painful to hear.

[Sogou-san.]

[Y- Yes……]

[I will drop all of it.]

[Eh?]

[After Ayaka Sogou successfully defeated the Great Demon Emperor, Hijiri Takao and Itsuki Takao, who committed treasonous acts…… As well as the Takuto Kirihara, who committed betrayal————- All their charges will be dropped.]

[Dropped……]

[We will continue to search for them, but they will not be charged with any crimes.]

[ ! ]

[But even if we can contact them, we don’t know if they will believe us. So, in some cases, Sogou-san…… We may ask you to persuade or neutralize them. No———- I think the most suitable person to do this would be you. It’s your role to bring them back. That’s what being their President is all about, isn’t it?]

[Y- Yes……]

[If you are uncomfortable fighting with Kirihara-san———- then I will neutralize him for you.]

[Goddess-sama will……?]

[If I’m under the influence of the Tyrant’s Miasma———– near the Great Demon Emperor, I will be extremely weakened, but if I’m far enough, I have the power to surpass even you Heroes. In fact, even though I was weakened, I still defeated the Takao sisters and is safely standing here.]

That’s right.

The Goddess should have been under the influence of the Great Demon Emperor’s Tyrant’s Miasma.

And yet———— She was able to defeat Hijiri and Itsuki.

[Don’t worry. If Sogou-san wants to, I’ll try to neutralize Kirihara-san with as little harm as possible. There must be a way to lure him away from the Great Demon Emperor…… When that happens, I will neutralize Kirihara-san. Upon discovery, you will persuade the Takao Sisters———– and crush the Great Demon Emperor. I’ll say this once again. Now that the two S-Ranks have been tricked into joining the other side…… You are the last hope of this world.]

[Goddess-sama……]

The Goddess’ expression was serious.

I couldn’t feel the disdain she usually had before.

[To return to your world without missing a single person——— That is what you desire, right?]

[Y- Yes……]

[I’m sure Asagi-san and the others will be back soon.]

[Ummm…… I heard that you lost contact with them after the battle in the Western Jonato……]

[We had already made contact with them.]

[ ! ]

[On their way back here, they were intercepted by Mira’s forces and are now in hiding.]

[N- No way! In that case, I should help them————]

[Their letter said “It may take some time, but we’ll be back on our own, so don’t worry”. However———— I’m not going to wait for them and was intending to take care of this matter myself. I don’t intend to sit around and wait, so don’t worry. I will send a handful of people to try and make contact with them somehow. Sogou-san shouldn’t worry about them for now, but prepare for the battle against the Great Demon Emperor.]

[Y- Yes…… Ummm, also, Goddess-sama……]

[Yes, yes, what is it?]

[———–Have Yasu-kun not returned yet?]

I heard that Yasu Tomohiro had been given a special mission.

He was apparently headed west.

If it’s possible———- I would have liked it if he consulted with me at least once.

……Considering our relationship though, it may have been difficult.

[I will also make arrangements for him to meet up with Asagi-san and the others.]

[Thank you very much…… Please, I’m counting on you.]

[Then, after we meet up with Asagi-san, Yasu-san and the others———- We will head for the decisive battle.]

That’s right.

Together with everyone——— we’ll return to our former world.

If we can defeat the Great Demon Emperor, everything will be fine.

Along with Kirihara Takuto and the Takao Sisters……

We can return alive.

I’ll do this.

I have to do this.

It’s just…… the only thing that worries me is Kirihara Takuto.

It can be said that now, he isn’t in the middle of the enemy camp.

I can’t guarantee——— that they won’t kill him.

[Ayaka-chan…… Are you alright?]

The one calling out to me in a frightened manner was Minamino Moe.

[Eh?]

[Ah, ummm…… You kinda have this scary look on your face……]

Realizing what she meant, I looked around me.

My other classmates had also taken a step away.

[I- I’m sorry…… Too many unbelievable things happened at once in a short time———- About Hijiri-san and Itsuki-san, about Kirihara-kun…… Even now, I’m still trying to wrap my head around it…… I- I may have been overzealous.]

Saying this, I tried wearing a smile.

[Don’t try to carry everything by yourself.]

[Ahh——–]

[Even though I have poor capabilities, I’ll try to be your strength…… I may not be able to become Hijiri-san’s replacement though.]

Holding my hands and tightly grasping it——— was Suou Kayako.

[Suou-san……]

[You’re not alone after all, Sogou-san.]

[——–T- That’s right!]

Nihei Yukitaka followed up.

[S- She’s right!]

Following up next was Murota Erii.

[T- That matter with the Takao sisters certainly was shocking……! But I’m sure there was some misunderstanding, right? That’s why Goddess-sama didn’t kill them even if she had the power to……! She also said she’ll bring back Kirihara without killing him! Asagi and Yasu will come back too! I- It will be alright! Today certainly was rough———- but everyone survived!]

[Y- You’re right…… Everyone’s alive……]

They’re right.

It’s not over yet.

Above all———– I’m not alone.

[Thank you….. Suou-san, everyone……]

I’m going to protect them————- everyone who supports me.

Absolutely.

At the very least……

Even if it’s just my classmates, I will do everything in my power.

[———————]

At that moment, I suddenly remembered something.

That note Hijiri handed to me———— The note she had entrusted to me.

I’m not sure what’s written on it.

However, I feel like it was better not to check it here.

I’ll read it later, when I’m alone.

Thereupon, with the usual smile back on her face, the Goddess clapped her hands.

[What a wonderful spirit of mutual cooperation. It’s really beautiful?]

Hearing the Goddess’ words, I looked at her.

As expected———- It’s different.

Something is just……

Different.

<Goddess Vysis POV>

[Welcome back, Vysis-sama.]

[Fufu, good work.]

The place I visited was the temple of the Vysis Order.

This temple is located in the western district of Alion’s royal capital———– and the edge of the city.

Vysis Order.

It’s a gathering of my especially devoted devotees.

[Was there any damage incurred in the Great Demon Emperor’s surprise attack?]

[There are a few people who had become out of form, but nothing serious had happened.]

[As expected of my beloved children.]

[T- Thank you for your kind words……]

[I will head to the underground temple. I’m sure you’re well aware already, but no one is allowed inside, am I clear?]

[Yes. Other than Vysis-sama, not even a single mouse would be allowed entry.]

[What a wonderful devotion you have. I will certainly guide your soul to the Heaven’s Gate of Salvation after your death.]

————–Clomp, clomp————–

I walked down the stairs alone.

The lower I go, the more silent my surroundings are.

After reaching the end of the stairs and continuing down the corridor, I stopped in front of one of the doors.

Touching the crystal, I completed the authentication.

Thereupon, the door split up in the middle———- and I entered the room.

The room was made of a rare ore that was considered to be the hardest.

The design is minimalistic.

There is no needless decoration around.

Floating in the center of the room is a long, diamond-shaped stone that emits a faint light.

It’s a crystal made from a material that doesn’t exist on this continent.

Once again, I checked the “color” of the crystal.

[It seems like everything’s in order.]

Feeling some annoyance within my heart, I turned on my heel and left the room.

Resealing the door, I turned towards a corridor and opened the door to another room.

Lightly leaning on the doorway of the room, I spoke.

[And thus, you have been reborn……Ufufu, how are you feeling?]

[Mother?]

[Perhaps, the time where you’ll be able to appear will come soon. I was hoping for a little more time for the process to be perfectly completed though.]

[Mother……]

[However, with the way you are right now, I think you’ll definitely be magnificent——————— Oyamada-san.]

[Mother.]

Publicly, it was known that Shougo Oyamada is “undergoing treatment”.

However, the reality is slightly different.

[The others will eventually awaken. Thanks to those foolish sisters who didn’t know what they were doing, we’re a bit behind schedule, so we need to accelerate things up……]

[Motheeeeer.]

Thinking of the current situation, the crystal from earlier crossed my mind.

However, I reconsidered.

If it’s “just this much”, there’s still no problem.

With this in mind, I smiled.

[Well, in the end, this may have been a good opportunity.]

[Mother!]

After completing her observations, I headed for the stairs to return to the ground level of the temple.

One step at a time, I made her way to the surface.

It’s about time I received a report that the Faraway Country has been captured.

Once the Forbidden Race was eradicated———- Mira would be next.

Mira’s rebellion is actually built on a fragile foundation.

Once that Mad Emperor dies, their momentum will quickly fade away.

That’s the kind of country it is.

I can just leave this matter to John Doe, who had gained a power specializing in assasination.

Even if the other party is the Mad Emperor, he will surely be able to carry out the kill.

[Tomohiro Yasu is——— Well, since he was with the Sixth, they’d eventually kill him. As for his death, let’s blame that on Mira.]

If that happens, Ayaka Sogou will surely resent Mira.

The unexpected may have happened, but in a way, I was left with the “easy-to-move pawns” in my hand.

When I had climbed up the stairs and returned to the ground level of the temple though……

The Chief Priest suddenly came running up to me with a look of unconcealed hurry on his face.

[Vysis-sama……]

[Ara ara ara? What’s the matter? For you to be panicking, that’s unusual.]

[U- Ummm…… Vysis-sama’s Alion’s Thirteen Cavalries———–]

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