Chapter 325 – Indoctrination / Suspicion

[Mimori…… -kun……Eh? Belzegia-san…… is Mimori-kun?]

Hearing the words I said, not just Ayaka……

[Huh?]

Asagi’s eyes also widened.

It went just as I thought.

After all, that should be something she didn’t realize.

She didn’t know that I knew the Fly King’s true identity.

She didn’t know that I was hiding something from her———-

[That’s why…… Him being someone you can’t trust…… isn’t the case! After all…… This is something I directly confirmed with him!]

I explained to Ayaka about my Unique Skill.

Here and there, I feel words clogging up my throat.

My heart was beating so loud and fast that I thought it would explode.

There was still nervousness in my heart huh.

I feel like my temples were about to burst.

My breathing was labored.

[What happened with Yasu-kun…… I also heard about it, you know!? That under the command of the Goddess, Yasu-kun, by the Sixth Cavalry———–]

About Yasu Tomohiro.

About the Sixth Cavalry.

I conveyed what happened as I heard from Touka.

[That’s why, Mimori-kun saved Yasu-kun…… At the moment, Yasu-kun…… Mimori-kun had parted ways with Yasu-kun in the Faraway Country so that he could achieve his wish…… so that Yasu-kun could apologize to Sogou-san…… and he headed to Alion!]

[Yasu-kun…… did……? M- Moreover…… Belzegia-san had…… Mimori-kun…… had done that————]

Ayaka seemed shocked by this fact.

The others in the Asagi group were also just as shocked as her.

[Huh…… Huuuhhhhh!? That Fly King is Mimori!? No way!?]

[Kobato, have you finally gone crazy!?]

[H- However, she must have confirmed it with her Unique Skill, right!? Then…… It must be true!]

And that also includes Asagi herself……

[……I see nyow. That’s why, at that time…… back in the negotiations with the Faraway Country, so that’s the reason why Poppo turned pale…… Then, back at the evening party too…… I see nyow……]

However, it looked like———- she was somewhat convinced instead.

I looked at Asagi, as a happy and relaxed smile was on her lips.

Her eyes like half-moons, the relaxed smile turned into a fox-like grin.

[That won’t doooo, Kobato-chan…… Kobato-chan, you see…… You’re the slow and stupid Poppo-chan, you know? That means, you’re mistaken, right? In that case, you must be mistaken then……]

The latter half of her sentence felt as if she was telling that to herself.

I’m feeling some sort of eeriness from such an Asagi.

But now……

The words I had to say to Ayaka——— won’t stop.

I couldn’t stop persuading her here.

[T- That’s why…… Sogou-san! If it’s Fly King-san———- If it’s Mimori-kun, I think you can believe him! Mimori-kun, you see……]

He had saved a lot of people.

I had told Sogou-san what Touka-san had been doing, almost verbatim.

The story of how he saved a High Elf Princess who was being chased by bad people.

The story of how he saved Demi-Humans who were lost, being used and oppressed.

Even back in the Anti-Demon White Castle, Mimori Touka has saved many people……

[Mimori-kun, he had escaped the Disposal Ruins alive…… and set out on a journey…… with the ultimate goal of taking revenge on the Goddess…… However, he’s still the same———- Mimori-kun was still the same kind person he was…… so he says he can’t forgive the Goddess for mistreating good people…… and that if someone is in trouble…… he can’t leave them alone……]

Yes, just like that time back in our former world……

Back when we picked up that abandoned cat.

[E- Even when we were on that bus…… when Oyamada-kun was bullying you…… He tried to help you, right, Sogou-san?]

Before I knew it———– Tears were dripping down my eyes.

[I think he’s someone I can believe in…… If it’s Mimori-kun, I can believe in him. The atmosphere around him certainly did change compared to how he was back in school…… but that was still Mimori-kun, you know? Rather than that scary Goddess, I want to believe in Mimori-kun! After all, that Goddess you’re believing in…… at that time…… She’s the one who did that to Mimori-kun————- As expected, I just believe in the Goddess! That’s why…… I beg of you, Sogou-san! Fight with us! Regarding Kirihara-kun too, let’s stop him together!]

[………………..]

[Did you know…… I had loved you, Sogou-san?]

[Kashima-san……]

[That’s why…… it also pains my heart…… seeing Sogou-san that pained…… Even though we’ve finally met…… for this to have happened…… Fueeehhhh…… I want to go home…… and smile together with everyone again……]

Ayaka closed her eyes.

Seeing her keep her silence, me and the others waited for her reply.

[I understand.]

(Ah———–)

[Sogou-san!]

It was at that moment……

A snapping sound rang out.

Ayaka’s circlet had been broken, falling to the ground.

However———— as if her broken circlet hadn’t caught her attention at all……

[I will stop Kirihara-kun…… and about Mimori-kun———– I will meet him directly and confirm his true intentions.]

(A……rehh……?)

[Where is Mimori-kun?]

[Sogou…… -san……?]

[I heard that the Mad Emperor headed this way…… but what about Kirihara-kun, whom I just heard is heading to Mira———— Who is it that went to stop him?]

[Of course, that would be Fly King-kyun.]

Speaking at that moment is Asagi.

Snapping out of my previous thoughts, my gaze turned to her.

[Asagi-san……]

[We decided that we would be a bad match-up against Kiri-chan, so we’re the ones who went here. Yep, that’s why the one in charge of dealing with Kirihara-kyun is Fly King———- Mimori-kun.]

[……………………]

Hearing her words, Ayaka asked.

[Their location———- Can you tell me where they are?]

Somehow…… There’s something I’m feeling……

Something feels out of place……

I could feel anxiousness welling up within my heart again.

I wonder…… have I really succeeded in persuading her?

Have I really conveyed my feelings to her?

[S- Sogou-san……]

[Here, a map.]

Asagi passed a map to Ayaka.

It was a map that showed the place where Mira had called Kirihara Takuto as a place for negotiations.

[To stop Kirihara-kun, we actually needed to persuade President to stop him. That’s why I got this map. If we had succeeded in persuading you, we were planning to bring you to him.]

Saying this, Asagi checked the time.

[Around now…… I think we still got some time? If we go now, I think we might make it in time if we hurry.]

[With my Unique Silver General…… I might be able to make it in time. Thank you, Asagi-san.]

[……You’re welcome.]

Ayaka used her Unique Skill to bring out that silver horse and straddled it.

[Even if Fly King-san really is Mimori-kun…… I don’t know if he can safely stop Kirihara-kun. This won’t do…… If things continue like this, a classmate of mine will die……, ———–I won’t let it happen.]

[Sogou-sa……]

[I’m sorry, Kashima-san…… I must leave immediately. It’s alright. I have asked the others not to unless I give instructions. That’s why, can I ask the people of Mira a favor? Won’t you offer a truce to the Mad Emperor? Without me present, people will die…… I won’t let it happen…… I won’t let…… anyone……! I won’t……!]

Without having time to stop her, Ayaka left those words…… and her horse broke off to a run.

At a speed impossible for us to catch up with……

Me and the others don’t have a means of transportation that can reach that speed.

I thought she had just misspoken her words, but those words, “I might make it in time”, were indeed something she meant. Ayaka really intended to go on her own.

However……

[Sogou…… -san.]

I could do nothing but blankly stare at the direction in which Ayaka had disappeared to.

Just like me, the other Heroes also looked on blankly.

[Phew, that was close…… Arya, it won’t work……]

[Asagi-san…… J- Just now, Sogou-san……]

[Hmm? You asking if I really was gonna use it? Yeah, I was about to use <Queen Bee>. No, I mean…… The situation is clearly heading in a very troublesome direction. It’s just, well……]

(T/N: The Queen’s Weakening Touch)

“It would be impossible nya”, Asagi said.

Speaking of which……

Just before I revealed Fly King’s true identity……

Asagi reacted as if she had noticed “something”.

[Ayaka doesn’t trust us.]

[Eh?]

[At that point when I approached her, having her capture me…… She raised her guard. That’s why, I gave up trying to touch her and settle things with my Unique Skill. No, I mean…… Seriously, Ayaka-chi, she showed no openings around us at all. Perhaps…… The moment I had the intention to use my Skill, she would have probably beaten me…… In other words, just as Zine-chin had said, there had been a possibility that the whole Asagi group would be captured instead, so I immediately improvised and changed the course of action.]

Saying this, Asagi looks at the direction Ayaka ran to.

[It wasn’t just at that time…… Even when Poppo-chan cried desperately to persuade her, she didn’t fully believe you…… She was clearly vigilant. With her like that, persuading her is just not possible. No matter what words we piled up, she won’t believe in anyone…… not me, not Goddess-chin…… Perhaps, not even Kobato-chan. Even when we parted ways, those doubts in her mind won’t disappear.]

[That is……]

I could feel emptiness coming over my body.

Disappointed, I collapsed to my knees.

[……She’s already broken. The axis of what she could believe in had been broken. Perhaps, the only one she could trust now was herself. In order to keep her sense of self, she could only cling on that mentality of hers…… “to not let her living classmates die no matter what”. Perhaps, “that” is the only thing the President could currently see. Even though she was in such a troublesome situation…… Look, her combat power is like that, you know? Something like that…… it’s just too much for the current us to handle. Yep, not possible. I’ll yeet myself out of it.]

[Then…… Then, Asagi-san……]

[Ou, the one who can stop Ayaka right now must be Mimori-kun or Kirihara-kun. It’s impossible for us. Let’s leave that woman to them. Let’s pass the hot potato to the next player. That’s why I brought out that map. A “get your ass outta here!” charm per se. Hmmm, well, considering the battlefield here, being able to separate the troublesome Hero Ayaka from this place is huge…… Rather, that aside———-]

Moving her gaze directly to me, who was on her knees, Asagi approached and whispered.

[Kobato.]

[——————]

Asagi grinned.

[Fly King-kyun’s true identity…… If you had realized it, it would have been great if you told me?]

[I- I’m…… sorry. Mimori-kun told me not to tell Asagi-san yet……]

[That’s not like you, Kashima Kobato-san…… Deceiving me is seriously not like you…… Totally not like you. Hey, let me ask you something———– Who are you?]

[Ah…… I…… I- I’m…… sorry……?]

(Eh? ……”Who”?)

Asking me who I am, I don’t quite understand what she meant.

Thereupon———— “Fufun~~”, Asagi regained her aloof air.

[Even so…… I see. So he’s Mimori-kun huh…… No, his death hadn’t really been confirmed, so his status had been “To be Determined”…… but as for the possibility of that happening, that certainly hadn’t crossed my mind huh? Hmmm, he seemed like a useful guy to talk to…… so I didn’t really care who they were, but well, knowing about his true identity certainly is big……]

Asagi groans.

[When we talked one-on-one back in the castle’s dining room, I had thought he was different from others…… Even though he had that mask and voice changer, Asagi-san was really surprised…… He really brushed off all traces in him. I couldn’t find the slightest hint of past Mimori Touka in him. Hmmm…… So such a monster was actually lurking in our class huh. Just in this, I’ll honestly say it————]

[That was quite brilliant, Mimori-kun.]

<Kirihara Takuto POV>

The magical war pigeon I sent to Mira came back with their reply.

“We offer you the head of the Fly King and Seras Ashrain.”

Once I arrived near Southwest Demon Zone, I had my troops stop moving.

Making use of a ruin I found along the way as a temporary sleeping place, I waited here for Mira’s departure.

[In the end, that Mad Emperor fellow is just a template Emperor who reached his limits by being charming huh. And he got betrayed by Mira and was handed over huh…… I see, a final moment befitting of Mimori……]

It’s for the best for Mira’s side to execute him without knowing the name “Mimori Touka”.

Dying as a nameless mob suits Mimori Touka.

It was a fitting way for him to die.

[……………….]

To write “Touka Mimori” in my letter……

Such an act———–

It was as if I was acknowledging the achievements of the man who called himself Fly King.

No matter how much he flounders, writing his name in that letter is something I couldn’t do.

Good grief……

I suppose this too is fate.

[……He’s dead…… and Seras is finally going back in my hands……]

Crumple……

I tightly clutched the letter from Mira.

[That is unless they were making li———- trying to deceive me and catch me in a trap……]

Having such a thought in mind, I cracked my neck.

[In any case…… If Seras Ashrain comes within reach, the rest doesn’t matter. I am the strongest after all. The only one who can be this me who has reached such heights is me…… Even if he were to fake his death and try to trick me, he would still be nothing but an insignificant fly…… My society isn’t so naive for craftiness of Mimori’s level to pass.]

The handover was to take place somewhere further southwest of here.

I sent a servant out for reconnaissance, but the place designated seemed to be an area with a large number of ruined buildings.

The Golden Demon Zone was a place that was originally known as the “Great Ruins Zone”.

Hence, it isn’t strange that there are many of these ruins-like structures within the Demon Zone.

The other party hasn’t arrived yet.

The message from Mira that I received also carefully wrote down the expected date of their arrival.

[They’re taking their time…… It would be best for them if they don’t dare plot something. However, no matter what plans they have, all of it will be shattered…… Before my presence, even divine providence itself———– will be shattered and prostrate before me.]

Goddess Vysis.

Sogou Ayaka.

Takao Sisters.

Ikusaba Asagi.

Yasu Tomohiro.

[Just about every single nobody…… had their heads raised too high. Ahh, they need not worry anymore…… For I shall put them all back in their rightful positions……]

I departed from the ruins I had been sleeping in.

The time…… it was around noon.

The afternoon sun was shining brightly, and a gentle breeze was blowing.

The trees rustle gently along with the wind.

It was an afternoon fit for a king.

At that moment though, a Demon that had been following me timidly called out.

[Ummm…… My king, is this really alright? Although we will be waiting at a distance where we could immediately come rushing in…… I can’t help but think it’s reckless to go to the handover area alone……]

[I’ll call when needed. However, in the event that Mimori is still alive…… You guys will merely be free EXP. In particular, when some indiscretion occurs and a Human-Faced were killed by some kind of mistake, it would only be an opportunity for him to level up. For him to grow stronger because of a servant of mine…… is one I won’t allow. Such a thing is something I will never permit.]

[Understood.]

[Above all, it’s vexing if people thought I was so weak that I had to rely on the power of Human-Faceds to deal with the likes of Mimori. Making use of the irrelevant monsters as a shield and strike with my <Dragonic Chain>, this would unfortunately turn out to be a simple fight. Sacrifice the weak monsters and replace them with strong Human-Faceds———– An established tactic in reference to the Straw Millionaire story…… Sogou had no choice but to defeat her enemies, but I could have them be my subordinates. The difference in our status is just too vast. And…… In the end, Human-Faceds were merely spares to make up the numbers…… Listening to what I had just said, where did you think was the reason I would be relying on the Human-Faceds?]

[……I see none.]

[In the end, I decided to keep only the obedient ones by my side…… I have good prospects for you. Having the initiative to know your king, you too must have the honor of getting close to this Kirihara.]

[I am grateful and happy for your words.]

[Do you hate me for killing the Great Demon Emperor?]

[My apologies, I don’t understand what you mean.]

[Don’t worry. There will come a day you will understand, for you are in the presence of the rightful King.]

At the moment, I had the herd of monsters prepared to be sent to Mira to stop moving.

One could say that they were in the so-called dormant state.

Even though I put them under control with my Skill, as expected, their numbers had become too many huh.

At a certain point, they may become too much to the point that I would stop caring about their numbers.

Keeping track of it would just be tiring.

[As expected, even I couldn’t reach the infinite huh…… I suppose such a thing is just to be expected.]

As a result of rational consideration, I only left the essential monsters active and suspended the others in a dormant state.

In particular, I put all the monsters that were too distant from me in that state.

One could imagine it as cutting off my connection with them.

However, the only ones I left awake, even though they were far away from my position, were the Confidants.

[I have to use the intelligent and competent people properly….. However, no matter how good the subordinates may be, if their superiors are incompetent…… it will all be fruitless. That’s why, as a matter of course, my presence becomes indispensable. Well…… Maximizing profits by using the weak cheaply without them realizing it…… Only by being able to do this would one become a true strong person in a capitalist society……]

This was said to me by a guest at my parents’ home party.

This is a man who claims to be an economic analyst and is famous in social media circles as a blogger whose content were paid-per-access.

[However, the country I was in spoiled the lazy and unproductive weaklings too much…… Because of them, those that supported the weak couldn’t bear to carry them all and the strong candidates were thwarted one after another…… and in the end, the whole system went into decline. It was truly a befitting specimen to observe what a country was like when they were unable to cast away the weak. Yes, those weaklings were indeed…… those useless Low-Rank Heroes who didn’t contribute anything to the Great Demon Emperor’s subjugation and survived in the lukewarm water created by the strong……]

[In other words…… Weaklings undeserving of their current position are evil?]

[So you too have a Kirihara within you. Indeed. Such improprieties must not be tolerated. Just like how he had Seras Ashrain next to him. Towards such a guy who should normally be crawling in the bottom rung of society, Seras shouldn’t be serving such a person…… such a thing isn’t permissible.]

Keeping my gaze forward, I waited for the appointed day.

Within the dark ruins———— Looking up to the empty skies, I muttered.

[If the promise has been broken, I will not be lenient and unleash the sleeping Human-Faceds…… and then, Mira will be finished. If you hadn’t offered me Mimori’s head as promised…… You must know what happens then, Mad Emperor……]

▽

The designated day has arrived.

Leaving the building where I had been sleeping in, I raised my hand over my eyes.

Looking at the sky, I couldn’t help clicking my tongue.

It certainly isn’t to the extent that makes me bothered, but it was still drizzling.

[It seems like…… the heavens can’t read the mood. With them like this, the heavens won’t survive in my world……, ———–It’s time to go……]

Mounting my large golden horse, I headed for the designated location.

Keeping punctuality in mind, I arrived before the scheduled time.

After I dismounted, I let the large golden horse run free and checked the surroundings.

[This is the place huh……]

This area had more buildings than that area with the ruins where I had just been sleeping in.

As I waited for the appointed time……

[My king.]

A Demon who had been keeping a lookout came over.

[What is it?]

[There’s a group of people who seem to be Mira’s people on their way here. They should be here in about an hour.]

Repulsed with what he said, I sighed.

[Good grief…… They actually dare make me wait. But now, it’s finally time for Seras Ashrain———– the real deal.]

[Will you be waiting for their arrival?]

[It goes against my providence to go out there and meet them. Such an act would make me look greedy…… I am now expected to behave like a King.]

[……By your will.]

The Demon fell back.

“This strongest me is bringing my subordinates into this situation.”

This goes against the aesthetics of a strong person within my mind.

Indeed, a King, whose authority makes many follow him, may be necessary at times.

But in this case, dignifiedly facing great numbers by oneself exerts my royal authority.

[Even though I’m meeting with Seras Ashrain, even her beauty would be downgraded when the Golden-eyed monsters would come into my view…… The value of the view would lower……]

At that moment———– What was once a drizzle became stronger.

Seeing this, I clicked my tongue again.

Putting aside if it was just a drizzle, I would look really bad drenched.

I turn my gaze to one of the buildings.

[I guess I’ll take shelter……, ————–]

Suddenly……

I feel like———– I heard something.

[Could it be, in that building…… Something may be trying to lure me in and catch me in an ambush……? In that case, they’re quite crafty…… However, crafty it may be, do they think it would work? Yes, they can only fight with despicable traps…… I feel sorry for them…… If they…… think I’m some idiot, then such a thing could only be considered a sin……]

Without hesitation, I stepped my foot forward.

Even if it was just needless anxiety———- There’s no way I would be “escaping” here.

The inner Kirihara within me will not allow anyone to misunderstand me as being afraid.

I thought about the situation.

What if……

What if Mimori Touka is within that building?

He is probably trying to lure me into some trap.

I’m sure he’d be aiming for me with that aforementioned Sorcery of his———– the Abnormal State Skill or whatever that is.

Phew……

Exhaling out, I brushed my hair behind my back.

Had he predicted the possibility of my actions?

Had he thought…… that I would dare take him up on his invitation?

[I am not afraid of the darkness…… for before the light of my existence———— the darkness will not protect you.]

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