◆ ？？？？ ◆
When my son was discovered, he was already lifeless. Not only had his body been brutally torn apart, but his abdomen had been devoured as well. It was clear that the feast had been abandoned midway, as if the monster had grown bored.
“What a… terrible sight…”
“General Branburm, please, hold yourself together…”
“Uoooooohhhh!”
There was no trace left of the boy who had once lived. His head had been twisted off, found far from his torso. Alex had been slain by Carmine the Magical Beast, plunging all of Metallica into despair. My son had been an exceptional Adventurer. As his father, I had naturally opposed his choice to become one, but Alex quickly showcased talents that made him known throughout the land. He was nothing like me, who had once been left in a near-death state during a mission and had to become a machine. The king, still alive at that time, praised Alex and entrusted him with a Gunblade, the most advanced weapon of the era.
“It was because we underestimated Carmine! That’s why I opposed it! That’s why I insisted on sending the Zodiac to deal with it! Why didn’t you listen!”
“B-but the king ordered it that way…”
“You thought it was just a decorative extermination to embellish your favorites, didn’t you? That foolish king!”
“Your words are too harsh! Your anger is understandable, but—”
“Shut up!”
Even after I struck down a soldier who shouted at me, my anger remained unquenched. The soldiers tasked with retrieving the bodies all turned their attention to me. They were just as guilty as that foolish king. They praised him as a hero without ever properly verifying the data. They should have known better. No matter how strong one might be, there are few opponents a single human can face.
The reason the Zodiac and the machines weren’t sent to exterminate the threat wasn’t just the king’s whim. The other members of The Steel Five, aside from me, had been too busy squabbling over repair costs to take action.
“This country is rotting… no, humanity itself is rotting.”
“G-General Branburm?”
These fools are useless. Human brains cannot yield reliable results. While they bicker and waste time, everything comes to an end. So, what should be done?
“Just brains won’t cut it…”
“Um, General Branburm?”
Carmine is indeed an extremely dangerous monster. It possesses a ferocity capable of challenging even the so-called strongest beast, the Kaiser Dragon. It is a mistake to pit humans against such a creature. So, what should be done?
“It must be complete.”
I will eliminate the king, advance the mechanization plan, and one day deal with that girl Corin who deceived my son. This country, which is incomplete in every way—
◆ Kingdom of Avangarde, Western Sea, Satanakia ◆
Far from Avangarde, in the sea on the way to the Wizard Kingdom, Satanakia had fallen. It was here that we first encountered a Ghost Ship and fought against one of the Twelve Demon Generals of the Demon Lord Army, Doridon. This was also where we met the naval forces of Metallica. Arriving at this sea, where we first encountered the Kingdom of Metallica, felt as if everything had returned to its original state.
A nation built on advanced technology is now becoming a ruin in this sea. We searched the island thoroughly, but there were hardly any survivors. There were towns that hadn’t been mechanized, but perhaps due to the influence of Satanakia, they had been swallowed by machines, leaving not even a corpse behind. All that remained were the remnants of those who had been mechanized.
“What a terrible sight… Is this truly the great nation that boasted the world’s best technology?”
“Major Curtis, we have not confirmed any survivors in this area.”
“I see… By the way, does that include those who have been turned into machines?”
“…Yes.”
This area is under the command of a man named Curtis from the Torkaria Federation. He wears a deep-brimmed hat and a white military uniform, and there’s a slender sheath at his waist, likely holding a sword. I was worried he might be like those bad guys from Noibranz, but he was surprisingly kind, just as he appeared. He quickly attached the airship to Satanakia for a search.
However, despite his efforts, the mechanized people remained motionless. The first people we saw before meeting Branburm had all been turned into machines and were no longer functioning properly. They could no longer move their bodies as they wished, and eventually, they ceased to move altogether. There were some who were still moving, but they couldn’t speak and were inexplicably wandering the same spot. The soldier who reported to Curtis did not consider them alive.
“We have not confirmed the survival of General Branburm, who is believed to be the mastermind.”
“General Branburm… When I met him a few years ago, I thought he was a wise man. Why has he acted so rashly…?”
“To think a human could achieve this… it is truly the work of calamity. The fact that Satanakia did not turn its fangs toward the world is solely due to the efforts of those girls.”
“The rumored Flash Strike Girl… Rua and Kurinka, was it?”
With a calm demeanor, Curtis stepped over the rubble. He bowed slightly, his height towering over mine. Despite being a person of considerable rank, he didn’t come off as arrogant. It felt refreshing.
“I am Major Curtis of the 16th Fleet of the Torkaria Federation. On behalf of my team, I express my gratitude for your efforts.”
“Yes, nice to meet you…”
“Your talents exceed what I had heard; I have witnessed them firsthand. The achievements of young generations like you will surely boost the morale of our forces moving forward.”
“Um, what will happen to Satanakia from here on out?”
“If Metallica, which was said to be the keystone of the world’s order, has effectively fallen, we will have to wait for the judgment of our central government in Torkaria. You need not worry about anything. Or do you have someone dear in Metallica?”
“No…”
“Though modest, we have prepared a place to sleep and food aboard the airship. If you would like.”
“Yes! Thank you very much!”
Kurinka perked up at the mention of food, but just a moment ago, she had been desperately trying to restore the mechanized people. It’s impossible to bring back lives that have already ended, so there were hardly any survivors. Still, I think it’s impressive that she managed to hold back her tears.
“However… if that great nation has fallen, the impact on the world will be immeasurable. More than anything, what will happen to the order…?”
“Is it really going to be that serious? Kurinka, do you understand?”
“A country that has been quiet until now might suddenly declare war. Plus, Metallica was supplying water and electricity, so I wonder what will happen to those…?”
“There will be economic repercussions. This will send shockwaves throughout the world…”
That part is complicated, and I don’t quite understand, but if there are countries that will go to war, I will stop them. I don’t want to believe there are multiple countries like Noibranz, but that just shows how powerful the Kingdom of Metallica was.
“Leave the aftermath to us.”
“Terrace? And if I’m not mistaken, Teacher? You were the education officer for Princess Kram…”
“We’re here too.”
“The people we rescued from the prison… um…”
Under Terrace’s orders, we rescued people from the prison, and now they have become some of the few surviving citizens of Metallica. There were people working in the media and those involved in politics under The Steel Five.
“We will ensure this matter is communicated to the world. However, it must be accurate information.”
“However, with all due respect, considering the impact on the world, it might be better to keep some things under wraps.”
“Major Curtis, Metallica has thrived on hiding its dirty secrets. It may appear to be a great nation with exceptional technology, but from my perspective, this outcome was inevitable sooner or later.”
The media person boldly argued with Major Curtis without fear. What does it mean that it was inevitable sooner or later?
“This time, it just so happened that Branburm became the final mastermind, but there are countless issues, such as Corin’s private use of ALEX and the puppetization of Princess Kram by the corrupt upper echelons. The list goes on. Right, Teacher?”
“W-why are you putting me on the spot?!”
“No, I just thought that given how calmly you emerged from this chaos, you might have sensed something beforehand.”
“How rude! On what basis do you say that?!”
“Now, now, let’s set aside the matter of Teacher’s private use of national funds for the time being.”
““““Genia?!””””
It was Genia who appeared nonchalantly. She was still wearing her lab coat and looked pristine as ever. Where has she been? I want to hit her right here and now.
“Those paintings and jars were for Princess Kram’s education, you know! Ah… no, wait.”
“No one is going to pursue that matter and pass judgment now. The developer of ALEX is in this state, after all.”
“ALEX is incredibly knowledgeable, you know? It can understand anything! Today, I’m going shopping with ALEX.”
Corin had somehow made her way from the airship to here. She seemed a bit unsteady on her feet and was babbling nonsensically. Her eyes didn’t seem to focus.
“Teacher’s visits to the special bathhouse are trivial now that Metallica has come to this. Torkaria Federation folks, we will take responsibility for this cleanup.”
“Genia, I have so much I want to say to you.”
“Oh, Rua-san. I’m sorry, I got carried away. I surrender.”
Even if she suddenly bows down in apology, there are some things that can’t be forgiven. I’m still furious about Platiu’s situation. I almost want to stomp on her right now.
“Apologize to Platiu, not me. Why did you stay silent when you knew she was being treated so horribly?”
“Regarding that, it was what Platiu wished for…”
“Is that so?”
“Even if that’s the case, when the situation clearly turns wrong, isn’t it an adult’s duty to intervene?”
“Yes, you’re absolutely right, Kurinka-san…”
“It’s pointless to say anything to that man.”
Terrace stated this while pushing Genia away. After declaring that he would defeat Madias, he had everyone in the Avangarde Royal Capital wear strange collars, and now he’s groveling. What on earth is this person?
“This isn’t a way to atone for your sins, but I will take care of Corin here.”
“And Satanakia too?”
“Ah, yes. I understand…”
Genia has a somewhat condescending attitude, as if she’s above everyone else. She doesn’t seem to care about Terrace’s glare at all.
“Corin is in this state, so returning her to normal will be extremely difficult. For her, ALEX is as good as a dead lover, much like how Kurinka-san is to you, Rua-san.”
“…That’s a nasty way to put it. I’m getting really angry, you know?”
“Ah! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean it like that!”
“Bow down again. I’ll step on you.”
“Please, spare me! That would be a matter of life and death!”
Platiu must still have feelings for Genia. It’s frustrating that she can’t just come out and say it. I wonder if her silly behavior is an act or not. Genia hastily tries to leave after getting Corin, who was sitting there talking to no one.
“Wait. If you do anything again, I really won’t forgive you, okay? I don’t know what you’re plotting.”
“I’m really not plotting anything… I’m just like you, Rua-san. I want to be praised by everyone. I just wanted to defeat Madias and become a hero…”
“I’m not doing this to become a hero.”
“But on a deeper level, you’re the same as me.”
“Huh?”
“…Can you hear me?”
That voice, seeping from the ground, was Branburm’s. Is he still alive? I feel exasperated, but it seems there’s no need to worry. It’s not just a weak voice; there’s no ambition or vigor like when we fought.
“Branburm…”
“Rua… I envy you… You might be the completeness I sought… If I had such power, my son would not have died…”
“Son…?”
“Tell me, what is completeness…? Where was I headed…?”
Even if asked such things, I have no answers. However, if the real Branburm were here, he would undoubtedly be crying. With that rugged face and brown beard.
“Revenge against the nation that led my son to death… or the pursuit of completeness… I no longer knew where my anger was directed…”
“Hey, who’s your son?”
“It’s Alex.”
Genia answered nonchalantly, and I understood after her simple explanation. I realized when Branburm broke and became like this.
“Hey Rua… Humans are truly fragile… And on top of that, being managed by someone like Madias… He will eventually massacre a large number of humans to adjust the overpopulation… The humans you’ve saved until now were meant to die… Madias must be furious about that…”
“B-but! I get that, but the monster that killed Alex and Madias aren’t related, right?”
“Carmine the Magical Beast is a creature created by Madias…”
“Huh…?”
“Think about it… Why are there monsters beyond human comprehension roaming all over the world…? There are many creatures that cannot be explained even by tracing evolution or ecosystems… I won’t say all, but some of them are certainly influenced by Madias…”
I can’t believe it. That Madias is creating monsters. I’m starting to lose my understanding of what Madias really is. Everyone else looks incredulous, but Genia is the only one smiling.
“Well, I don’t have solid evidence, but if there were magical beasts like Carmine in the country, they would have been discovered sooner or later. They appeared suddenly, after all. Madias has always seen Metallica as an enemy and has attacked indirectly in various ways.”
“Even so, to say it’s Madias’s fault…”
“Of course, it’s just speculation. But at the very least, General Branburm believes so.”
“Rua… I don’t intend to ask you to avenge Alex now, of all times…”
It’s hard to believe this is the same Branburm who was so furious. Just as he said, he no longer knew what he was angry about or what he wanted to do. Or perhaps the backup he mentioned didn’t go well.
“If you have something you want to protect, defeat Madias… If you lose something precious, you will lose everything… Just like me…”
I can’t answer that honestly. It’s not about Madias; it’s that Branburm’s circumstances resonate too painfully with me. I never thought that Branburm had something he wanted to protect while we were fighting. It’s only after losing that he became so twisted. To the point of hating his country, the world, and eventually even the Divine Being.
“The civilization that humans have reached… should not have been used like this…”
After that, Branburm fell silent. The cold metal of Satanakia seemed to convey the death of Branburm. The Kingdom of Metallica was an incredible nation. But in the end, it led to ruin. Why is that? Even with such great power, when humans use it, it turns out like this. They said that Branburm’s body was the pinnacle of Metallica’s technology, but in the end, it was used in a way that was utterly futile. There must have been other ways. Ways that wouldn’t drag each other down, where no one would suffer.
“If you can be this calm, then… why didn’t you do it sooner…”
“Perhaps Rua-chan’s Power of Destruction unconsciously severed the chains of hatred that bound Branburm…”
“That’s impossible… Even Kurinka’s regeneration can’t heal a person’s heart.”
“But if you hadn’t defeated me, it wouldn’t have ended like this. I can’t provide evidence for that, but…”
“No one else could win against Rua-san.”
“Genia-san, you better shut up.”
“Yes.”
For a while, Curtis and the others remained silent as well. It seemed like everyone was deep in thought, but I couldn’t tell what about.
“I won’t take General Branburm’s words at face value, but… let’s take his death to heart. Along with his words and way of life.”
Curtis gave a salute that seemed to go nowhere, and the other soldiers followed suit. When I looked up, the ceiling was gone, and the sky was fully visible. Satanakia looked like Branburm’s heart. The sunlight shone on the metallic ruins of Satanakia. I didn’t want to accept that this was the result of what humans had reached.
◆ Shin Report ◆
Metallica was rotten from the very foundation.
And it had been for many years.
The King must have been killed by Branburm.
The grudge of a single old man expanding to encompass the entire nation…
Shin thinks this was just bad luck.
In a sense, it was Branburm’s obsession.
Among the many who resent the nation, Branburm’s actions had an impact.
So, it can’t be said that the fault lies solely with the overly advanced civilization.
And the biggest problem is that Genia was deeply involved with Metallica.
No one points this out, but she is the biggest suspect.
She is not trustworthy.
Hmph, even though Shin is behind them, they don’t realize it.
They should panic when they realize Shin is gone.
Let them taste the value of Shin.
Let them become like Metallica, losing something precious and drowning in sorrow.