Episode 320: To a New Land
RAF Fairford, located west of Oxford.
Within its facilities stood Yuma, Rui, and Akito. Beside them were Hans, Charlotte, and Andrew.
As the six of them walked along the long runway with military personnel, a large aircraft came into view. Andrew turned to them.
“That is the RC-135 prepared by the Royal Air Force. It’s a reconnaissance aircraft, but its range is 9,100 kilometers. It can reach America without refueling.”
As they approached the aircraft, everyone stopped. Hans looked up at the large aircraft, then turned his gaze to Yuma.
“Are you really going? To America…”
Yuma replied, “Yes,” and looked at Hans.
“America is the only place where we might get a large amount of White Magic Gems. I don’t know what the current situation is, but I’ll go and negotiate with the American government.”
Yuma thought back. America was not among the countries that requested support from Japan.
Since there was no promise, there was a possibility that going would be in vain. Even so, he had to go.
–There probably aren’t many countries that still exist as a “country” and also possess a large amount of “White Magic Gems.”
Hearing Yuma’s firm determination, Hans nodded.
“I see, I understand. But be careful. The Yellow King that appeared in America is said to be incredibly strong. Rumor has it that even Prometheus was destroyed.”
“Prometheus!?”
Rui, who was listening nearby, leaned forward in surprise. “Prometheus” was the strongest Seeker Clan, led by the Flame Emperor, Albert.
They also participated in the Black Armor subjugation operation and were the trigger that drove Yuma into a corner.
It was hard to believe that such strong Seekers had died.
Rui, looking pale, pressed Hans.
“R-Really… Really, Prometheus… Did Albert-san and Mia-san really die?”
Hans recoiled at Rui’s intensity.
“N-No, it’s just a rumor. I don’t know what’s actually happening.”
“I see…”
Akito called out to Rui, who took a step back with an indescribable expression.
“What’s with that? We can just go and check it out ourselves. I don’t think that old man Albert would die so easily. Well, anyway! Let’s get out of this country as soon as possible!”
Akito still seemed angry that they didn’t get the White Magic Gems.
Yuma and Rui felt the same way. Seeing the three of them, Charlotte, who had been silent until now, spoke up.
“I’m really sorry. No politicians came today either… Originally, we should have sent you off with the full support of the government, since you are benefactors who saved the country…”
To Charlotte, who looked apologetic, Akito replied, “It’s fine. I didn’t expect anything.”
Rui also comforted Charlotte, saying,
“Please don’t worry about it anymore. We didn’t have a formal agreement from the start, and it’s not something that Hans-san or Charlotte-san should apologize for.”
“But…”
“I think it was good that we were able to help the people of England. So… what’s the situation with the damage? How many people were saved?”
At Rui’s words, Hans and Charlotte exchanged glances. Both seemed reluctant to speak, but Hans cleared his throat and opened his mouth.
“It seems that more than eighty percent of the people who lived in the Ice Kingdom (Ice Kingdom) have died.”
“That many…”
Rui’s face froze over. He had imagined considerable damage, but the number of victims exceeded his expectations, and Yuma and Akito fell silent.
Hans shook his head and looked at Yuma.
“Even so, we would have been wiped out if it weren’t for you. I am grateful. It will take time, but England will surely recover… I believe so.”
Yuma nodded and said to Hans, “I believe so too.”
“Now, get on board. Don’t worry about England. Fulfill your purpose.”
Urged by Hans, Yuma and the others climbed the boarding stairs attached to the RC-135.
The inside of the aircraft was surprisingly spacious, and it seemed that two pilots and one military attendant would accompany them.
The three took their seats, and Yuma fastened his seatbelt.
Looking out the round window, he saw Hans, Charlotte, and Andrew looking up at them.
Yuma waved his hand slightly from the window.
The expedition to England was full of headwinds. Even so, those three were the ones who cooperated until the end.
He couldn’t thank them enough.
As Yuma was lost in thought, a voice came from the seat in front of him.
“Hey, Yuma! We couldn’t get any White Magic Gems in England, but America won’t be so stingy, right! Let’s defeat the Yellow King and finally realize Resurrection Magic!!”
Yuma replied, “Yeah, you’re right,” to Akito, who was leaning out of his seat.
Honestly, there was no guarantee that negotiations with America would go well. Besides, it was unclear how many White Magic Gems they possessed.
More than anything, he was uneasy because there was no information about the Monsters in America… especially the Yellow King. Even so, he had no choice but to go.
As he was steeling his resolve, a soldier’s voice echoed from the front.
“We will be departing soon. Please fasten your seatbelts.”
Akito sat back in his seat and fastened his seatbelt. When he glanced to the side, he saw Rui sitting in the seat next to him across the aisle.
He didn’t say much and seemed somewhat tired.
Was the battle this time that hard?
“Rui, are you okay?”
“Huh?”
Rui looked at him with a puzzled expression.
“You seemed tired.”
“Oh… I’m not particularly tired. I just can’t help but feel uneasy when I think about the future.”
“Uneasy?”
“I don’t know what will happen to the world, and I don’t know if Kaede will really come back to life. So, I just got a little sentimental. Sorry for making you worry.”
“I see…”
Yuma averted his gaze from Rui and faced forward.
–Certainly, there’s no end to the things to be anxious about. Rui and Akito followed me without complaining, but I can’t keep them with me forever because of my selfishness.
Once this American expedition is over, I’ll return to Japan, no matter the outcome.
Yuma thought so and leaned back in his seat.
The aircraft, which had slowly begun to move, took off from RAF Fairford.
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This concludes Chapter 8, the King’s Stirrings Arc [The Overlord of the Deep Sea].
From the next chapter, we will begin Chapter 9, the King’s Stirrings Arc [Golden God of Destruction], so I would be grateful if you would continue reading.