……So he took part in the Sacred Eye Defense Battle.

Yasu Tomohiro.

When we parted, he said he would head north and aim for Alion.

He wanted to see more of this world, or so he said.

If that was the case———– then his presence there wouldn’t be strange at all.

If he took the northern route from the Faraway Country……

The order would be Mira, Jonato, then Magnar.

Yasu met a group heading north in Mira and began traveling with them.

By the time they entered Jonato, news of the Sacred Eye Defense was already circulating.

And just like that, Yasu joined in.

The Sacred Eye Defense Battle.

The details of how it happened were personally gathered from him by Wright Mira.

I had asked Wright and several others to look into it just in case, but……

Perhaps they met because they had both gathered in the royal capital, Azziz, for the sake of the Sacred Eye Defense.

Apparently, Wright met with Yasu several times.

Wright was also busy, being in a position to coordinate the Mira army and various other matters.

Still, I had requested reasonably detailed information.

So they met multiple times, and Wright recorded Yasu Tomohiro’s trail as accurately as possible.

Thanks to that, his footsteps were preserved in great detail.

During that process, Yasu apparently made a request of Wright at one point.

He asked to borrow a smartphone.

And———- if possible, to have it delivered to the sender via a magical war pigeon.

[……Touka-dono.]

Seras called out to me with concern.

I———- had once again fallen silent.

They say the Sacred Eye Defense Battle was a struggle that could only be described as brutal.

A battle fought by wringing out every last drop of strength.

……Judging from the forces described in the records……

It’s not hard to imagine that it was an even harsher fight than ours.

In fact, considering those forces———— it’s remarkable they managed to hold the line at all.

However, the sacrifices were enormous.

The exact numbers were not specified, but the sheer scale of the fallen could be inferred from the wording alone.

Jonato.

Magnar.

Mira.

The Faraway Country.

The Ninth Cavalry.

The Drunken Sword Party.

The former Drunken Sword Party (apparently the people who had been traveling with Yasu).

The number of dead and wounded was beyond counting.

Even the head of the Dias family, one of Mira’s Three Elected Imperial Households, was killed in action.

……There were also casualties within the Drunken Sword Party.

There were other familiar names among the dead as well.

Jonato’s Saint———- Curia Gilstain.

Near the end of the defense battle, she boarded the Sacred Cavalry that had only received makeshift repairs and charged into the fray.

She fought a massive Sacrament that had breached the inner walls of the royal capital from the north.

They say the battle ended in mutual destruction.

She was reportedly crushed to death inside what was essentially the cockpit.

The cockpit was deformed during the fight, compressing her until she died.

The process leading up to her death seemed to testify to her resolve to fight to the very end.

What was later discovered about the state of the cockpit————

It seems the Saint continued fighting even as she was being crushed.

There were traces that suggested as much.

Until the very end———— at the very least, she was determined to take down the massive Sacrament in front of her.

Even while fully aware of her own impending death, she continued operating the Sacred Cavalry.

……And then……

One of the Four Warlights———— the Dragonkin, Kokoroniko Doran.

Niko drank the blood of an ancient dragon found in that treasury and transformed into a Giant Dragon.

From a half-dragon, she became a true dragon.

She had been assigned to the southern front.

It seems no one knew for certain whether she would truly transform into a Giant Dragon as the legends claimed.

And once transformed, she would be unable to return to her original form and would lose the ability to speak human language.

More than that, there was no guarantee she could even maintain her sanity.

It was truly———– an all-or-nothing gamble.

But the situation on the southern front had deteriorated too far.

So, carrying her doubts with her, she drank the ancient dragon’s blood to the last drop.

And thus———– she became a Giant Dragon and fought.

Without Niko’s transformation, the southern line would certainly have been breached.

Swarmed by countless Sacraments, she kept fighting, accumulating wound after wound.

A desperate, ferocious battle that pushed her to her absolute limits.

It was said that even allies who witnessed it were overwhelmed by the sight of her fighting.

But———- in the end, she finally ran out of strength.

Even after she was believed to have died, the Sacraments continued attacking her for a while.

Putting aside whether or not the Sacraments possessed something like human will……

At the very least———– from their perspective, she must have been that much of a threat.

So much so that they didn’t even realize immediately that she was already dead.

So much so that they continued their attacks, just to be sure.

……Niko.

I remember that slightly clumsy dragonkin.

We didn’t spend that long together.

But———- she was a good person.

[……………………]

You did well.

Thanks to you…… we were able to win.

————Thank you.

Kokoroniko Doran.

And then————–

Yasu Tomohiro.

The one who contributed the most in this Sacred Eye Defense Battle, or so it was written.

That everyone who fought there would surely acknowledge it.

The recorded account of his combat performance.

It was enough to make me wonder if this was truly the “Yasu Tomohiro” I knew.

Purely and simply, the results were astonishing.

He could truly be called a “hero”.

Perhaps greater than any of our classmates who had been summoned to this world……

He fought as a “hero”.

As a Hero from Another World, summoned to save this one.

I heard Seras call my name again.

But——— I couldn’t bring myself to answer.

……To be shaken this badly……

Since coming to this other world, I felt like I’d hardly ever experienced this kind of “confusion”.

……When the decisive defense battle, one that could only be described as horrific, was nearing its end.

The final wave of Sacraments was closing in on Azziz.

And the Sacred Eye Defense side no longer had any forces capable of opposing them.

“Only Jonato’s forces, including the queen, will remain behind, while all others retreat west from the royal capital.”

Things had reached such a limit that proposals like this———– such proposals were being seriously considered.

And yet, at that moment, Yasu Tomohiro stepped forward.

He said———– he would fight using his final Skill.

To protect those who had fought alongside him.

So as not to let the resolve of those who had fought and fallen go to waste.

……Most likely.

It was the same type of Skill that I had heard Takao Itsuki acquired during the Yomibito battle.

A higher-tier Skill———- acquired under extreme conditions or special circumstances.

“The Final Skill”

[……………………]

When he stepped forward, it seems Yasu Tomohiro had already realized something.

That he didn’t have much time left.

A former member of the Drunken Sword Party who had come to Azziz together with Yasu later said as much.

They called Yasu “a comrade-in-arms and family”———–

That, too, was written in the record.

Yasu Tomohiro left the royal capital alone to face the final Sacrament army advancing from the east.

They say multiple massive, swirling pillars of black fire could be seen rising high into the distant sky.

An even larger black cross of flame floated in the air.

And when that black cross of flame had shrunk to the point where it was hard to see from the city walls———–

Yasu Tomohiro was spotted walking back toward the royal capital.

His body———– was engulfed in black flames.

The pillars of fire had already vanished.

At that point, more and more people were insisting that they should go to Yasu’s side.

And the moment his figure was confirmed, many people rushed out through the gates.

No Sacraments could be seen anywhere nearby.

Yasu Tomohiro———— had fallen.

When those who rushed out finally reached him……

Yasu Tomohiro had burned out.

Not metaphorically———— he had truly burned away, leaving behind only his clothes and part of his bones.

Leaving those remnants behind, the parting embers consigned everything else to oblivion.

The cross-shaped flame above had already disappeared as well.

The first person to notice Yasu Tomohiro said this:

“At the end, um…… it looked like he was waving his hand…… not like he was calling for someone or anything but…… yes…… almost like he was saying goodbye.”

They say that letters had been carved into the ground where Yasu Tomohiro burned away.

The text had been saved as an image using the phone’s camera function.

It was probably thanks to the fact that he had been taught how to use several of its features.

That image was still stored on the smartphone.

“I was able to live with all my strength until the end. I was able to become myself. Even if I still have lingering regrets, I have no remorse. At the end, there are many people I want to say this to. Again and again       “

It seemed he ran out of strength immediately afterward, and the writing cut off halfway through.

But…… what he had been trying to write was obvious.

” T h a n                     “

What the remaining letters are……

Anyone could tell.

After parting ways with us in the Faraway Country……

What happened to him, what kind of people he met.

What it was that changed Yasu Tomohiro so profoundly.

But…… there was probably only one thing that could be said with certainty.

[………………………I see.]

You found it huh.

■

<The Video Left on the Smartphone Addressed to Belzegia>

(The screen shows Yasu Tomohiro’s face. He is looking down into the screen from above———- the smartphone’s camera.)

Errr……

This should be in video recording mode now…… probably……

Unn, looks like it’s fine……

(The screen shakes for a few seconds. It seems he has propped the smartphone up somewhere. All that can be seen behind him is a stone wall. Sitting on a step with his upper body almost fully in frame, Yasu Tomohiro hesitates as if choosing his words. Then, wearing a wry smile tinged with resignation, he steels himself and begins to speak.)

Errr……

I- It’s been a while…… Belzegia-san.

Ah, is Seras-san with you as well?

I tried to think of a better way to start this, but……

Haha…… it’s hard.

I really can’t do it as smoothly as you, Belzegia-san.

(A short pause.)

Right now…… I’m in Azziz, the royal capital of Jonato.

They were recruiting people to protect the Sacred Eye here in Azziz, so I joined.

(Though the distance is unclear, the surroundings are strangely noisy. Is it preparation for war, or has the fighting already begun and they have temporarily fallen back to the rear? Even so, Yasu Tomohiro seems already accustomed to this clamor. With a bitter smile, he continues.)

Well, I do want to stop Vysis’ ambitions……

And give her a good shock too, but……

(His expression softens into a gentle smile.)

Um……

There’s someone I know who’s been really scared because of all this……

And I want to make this world into one that isn’t scary for her.

If my strength can help with that……

Then I think there’s nothing that would make me happier.

And also……

Everyone who’s here in this royal capital right now……

I want to be of use to them too.

I want to help……

I don’t want them to die, is how I feel.

(His smile turns bitter.)

Haha……

I’m saying all these cool things, but……

I’m scared, you know?

Of course…… I’m scared.

(He lowers his gaze to his palm.)

But……

Not fighting here would be…… even scarier.

Running away would be……

Turning a blind eye and blocking my ears……

That’s many times more frightening to me now.

(Reacting as if he has just realized something.)

Ah, I borrowed this smartphone from Wright-san.

I heard Takao-san made it usable with her Skill.

Those sisters really are amazing, aren’t they……

Also, thank you.

I heard from Wright-san.

It seems you were still worrying about someone like me even after that……

I’m really glad I got to meet Wright-san here.

Hahaha……

Well, it’s not like it’s been decided that I’m going to die yet, right……?

(There is a long silence. Then he leans forward slightly, wearing an expression as if enduring something. Is he in pain somewhere? But after a few seconds, he opens his mouth again.)

……Just in case, you know.

I thought I’d leave something behind like this.

(Scratching his cheek with his fingertips in embarrassment, he gives a wry smile.)

But if I go through the trouble of recording something like this and end up surviving……

That would be kind of embarrassing in its own way, wouldn’t it……?

(As if switching gears, he puts on a calm expression.)

Still, I……

If I fight here and die……

I don’t think I’ll have any regrets.

No———- I won’t.

(His eyes look as though he is recalling the past.)

……Once, I already died.

Back then……

When I was taken down by the Sixth Cavalry Unit, I was on the verge of death.

If that dragonkin hadn’t saved me……

If Belzegia-san and the others hadn’t been there……

I would have been killed just like that.

I would have been dead.

How should I put it……

It’s like I was given extra time in overtime———–

Ah, it’s not like I want to die or anything……

Or that I’m looking for a place to die, okay?

This video is just like insurance, for when it was needed……

I’d really like to apologize to Sogou-san in person if possible……

And I want to meet you directly too, Belzegia-san, and thank you properly.

But……

This battle probably isn’t something I can confidently say I’ll definitely survive.

Being here like this…… I can tell.

No, I don’t even know if we can win.

There’s no way this can be a battle that ends without anyone dying.

And……

There’s no convenient outcome where only I survive, either.

So……

I thought I should at least leave behind a backup video like this.

(With a satisfied smile spreading across his face.)

……I found it.

The me who had nothing.

The me who couldn’t see anything.

……It’s thanks to the people I met after parting with you.

I don’t think I can say that the very core of who I am has changed.

But…… because of them, my choices increased———-

They really did.

The paths I can choose.

I became able to choose paths that didn’t exist before.

I was able to notice paths I never could have seen.

Those encounters would never have happened if you hadn’t been there.

Choosing the northern route was the right decision.

That much, I can say with certainty.

For the first time, because I chose it myself…… I could truly believe my own choice was right.

I’ve made nothing but wrong decisions until now.

But at last, I was able to choose a path I can call “right”.

That’s why I have nothing but gratitude for you…… Belzegia-san.

To be able to use this strength for someone.

To be able to fight for someone.

To feel this strongly that I want to fight……

Right now———— That makes me happy from the bottom of my heart.

……I never imagined a day would come when I could feel this way.

That I have value.

That even someone like me might be able to save someone.

And that so many people……

Are willing to risk their lives to fight for someone else.

Even someone like me can see it now.

If I had died back then, I surely would never have found it.

Without ever seeing it, I would have died.

It’s thanks to you, Belzegia-san.

Once again———- thank you very much.

For saving me.

(Then, looking a little embarrassed.)

Um……

Saving people and all that……

It sounds so grand that it’s a little embarrassing, but……

I want to be able to save someone too, just like you…… I thought.

……But that’s not quite it.

When someone just reaches out their hand a little.

And when you gather the courage to honestly take that hand.

The world that was once murky becomes this———————– crystal clear.

To the people who reached out their hands to someone like me……

Right now, I feel nothing but gratitude.

The people I met in Mira……

And the people I met here in Azziz.

And also……

The hands that were offered to me even earlier……

I really should have taken them honestly back then.

Haha……

Though regretting it now won’t change anything……

I really caused trouble for so many people…… made them feel awful.

I regret it endlessly……

(He shows a lonely smile.)

Before……

I think I once told you about the people I can no longer apologize to, even if I want to.

If I could go back to the past…… to be honest, I want to start over.

Back when I was in my original world, the person who reached out to me……

Mimori-kun……

(A long silence follows, then he mutters as if to himself.)

……I was such an idiot.

Really…… back then, I was.

I’m sorry…… I really am……

Haha……

It’s so selfish of me to say this now, so late after everything……

(Suddenly realizing something, he looks up.)

Ah——– s- sorry……

I kind of got lost in my own thoughts……

A- Anyway……

I just wanted to tell you how grateful I am, Belzegia-san!

……Haha……

I really can’t handle things like this very well, can I……

It’s hard……

I can’t do it like you can……

(For several seconds, he lowers his gaze as if checking his own feelings.)

……I’ll do my best.

I’ll really try.

Like I said earlier, I’m a little scared, but……

I’ll fight.

For the sake of the people I care about…… and————-

So that I can…… properly become myself.

……Well then, if you’ll excuse me.

(He comes closer to the smartphone and crouches down. From up close, he can be seen operating it.)

Errr……

The end button is…… this one, I think…… ———–

(At that point, the video ends.)

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep