Ikana Village – Rua’s Home
“Hey, Marty! It’s such a nice day. Shall we go for a walk?”
“…Not really.”
A year has passed since the ambitions of the Eternal Spirit Emperor Lurudo were shattered by the unreasonable forces of destruction and rebirth. Marty, who managed to survive, has a new home waiting for her. After all, she was a Divine Being who had monitored the world since ancient times and occasionally delivered judgment. Naturally, the humans had no reason to keep her alive, and there was a mood of wanting her dead. But then there was me, Rua.
In a surprising turn of events, I bowed my head before everyone! I thought they would intimidate me and crush any will to resist, but instead, I continued to apologize alongside Kurinka!
――――To make the world’s benefactor bow down, we must be the ones lacking in compassion.
That first voice was Argil. Thanks to him, who had led the charge to kill me, the mood shifted to one of forgiveness. It was so reasonable that no one could muster a retort; everyone silently accepted Kurinka and me.
Despite all this, it seems Marty still hasn’t fully settled in.
“Marty! Let’s play!”
“Marty, let’s go to the flower field!”
But that’s where I, Rua Mama, stepped in. I coaxed the village kids to invite Marty along. Though her body is weak, she seems to be managing well by utilizing her “miracles.”
“When it’s lunchtime, let’s have a picnic outside. And, I’d really like your help with something, if that’s okay… Is that a no?”
“…Not really.”
More than anything, there are humans here who accept Marty, not just her “miracles.” It’s about allowing her to do something as a person. This was also Kurinka’s advice. If no one needs you, you wither away. And it’s only when you’re useful that you can find your purpose. It feels like a lesson learned.
“Hey! Marty, let’s head to the Adventurer’s Guild!”
“Wait a minute, Elmera! Knock before you come in. Are you really going to make a girl like her an adventurer? Are you okay in the head?”
“You’re as merciless as Rua, Mom! My daughter is a hero who saved the world and is the first SSS-class adventurer!”
With such absurdity involved, the road ahead is still fraught with challenges. I think Elmera is just trying to communicate in her own way.
“No, no, being an adventurer is half a joke, but it’s good to know a bit about the world.”
“I get that, but… it seems like things have gotten pretty weird because of that Chronoel guy, right?”
“Yeah, it seems like even the strange ones are coming back.”
For Marty, it was also a sad farewell.
One Year Ago – Ruins of Avangarde Royal Capital
“I will settle everything from here on… Marty, I couldn’t do anything motherly for you…”
“…Chronoel, Grandpa.”
Even in the midst of the decisive battle, Chronoel did nothing. No, he chose to do nothing.
“To govern and manipulate time… it seems overwhelming, but in truth, it’s just a power. Yes, before the concept of Divine Nature. Great power comes with a price, and my body, having wielded it for so long, has reached its limit…”
“…Are you saying you’ll use your last strength to restore the world?”
“Even with your power of ‘rebirth,’ the dead cannot return to life. To do so would transcend any concept.”
“After you do that, with ‘rebirth’—”
“That won’t happen.”
Even if Chronoel could be “reborn,” the effects on time and space are unpredictable. The past, present, and future could become a chaotic mess, leading to irreparable consequences. Manipulating time is that delicate. It was precisely because it was such a monumental task that he chose to do nothing.
“…I see.”
“If I could make one last request… please take care of Marty’s future.”
The one who governs time entrusts the future to a human. It felt oddly ironic, and at that moment, I couldn’t write anything for the report.
Avangarde Royal Capital – Adventurer’s Guild
Of course, the royal capital and the guild are operating as usual. Chronoel restored everything from broken buildings to lives. In fact, the vitality over the past year has been incredible. With the emergence of the world’s first SSS adventurer from our nation, all sorts of people are eager to prove themselves.
“I finally get to take the A-Rank Promotion Exam! I’m going to crush it!”
“Even I, who only has brute force techniques, feel reassured after seeing Rua. Humans can go as far as they train! Just like that!”
“Hey! Don’t cut in line! Wait your turn! I’ve been waiting here for over twenty minutes!”
“Huh? There’s no need to rush for a C-Rank request, right? Here.”
The line at the guild’s reception is terrible, with waits of up to an hour. Naturally, this leads to trouble, and a B-Rank guy is flaunting his Adventurer Card, acting all high and mighty. As more people gather, such disparities emerge.
“Wait a minute. Regardless of rank, manners and rules apply to everyone. Sir, please line up properly.”
“Huh?! What did you say, you… whoa! Y-you’re that Ord!”
“Ord is here?”
“He passed the A-Rank Promotion Exam with top marks?”
“Such presence…”
Ord is also an A-Rank adventurer. Kou and Bun just recently became C-Rank, but they’re rapidly improving. Even Shin is surprised at how much of a presence he’s become as a mediator in troubles.
“There’s always someone waiting for any request. In truth, everyone wants to resolve things as quickly as possible. To prioritize requests is a failure as an adventurer… as a human.”
“Ugh…”
I watch the B-Rank guy sulkily step back in line, feeling quite pleased with myself. Some things never change. I feel like I did something cool.
“Wow, wasn’t that super cool of me?”
“Absolutely!”
“I’m in love!”
“You guys are finally starting to see how cool I am. But I’d prefer if beautiful girls fell for me.”
“No one’s falling for you, even if they’re girls. They’d think about it.”
“That’s harsh.”
“Oh, Ord!”
At that moment, Ai, Mai, and Mi appeared. Even in the bustling guild, these three stand out. They’ve even formed a fan club, and many men are eager to form parties with them. Meanwhile, no one approaches Rua and Kurinka, who are even more popular. They’re intimidating in every sense.
“It’s been a while, you three. Have you grown a bit while I was away? Well, it takes considerable effort to reach A-Rank, so if you need, I can give you a lecture—”
“Eh! We just passed the A-Rank Promotion Exam!”
“…Oh, really?”
“It’s great that it’s now twice a year, right, sis?”
“Since Rua was recognized as an SSS Rank, the guild has been thriving!”
“Well… good job, I guess.”
Thus, Kou and Bun continue to pat my back in secret, offering their support. I haven’t grown at all. If I keep acting like a senior, I’ll really be overtaken. I need to keep striving.
“Elmera, we can’t fall behind either. This request could lead to a C-Rank promotion.”
“Let’s see… a delivery to the Nation of Kashiram… huh? A simple errand? I can finish this in a flash! Marty, you should take this chance to see our strength! I’ll make miracles happen!”
That’s why I brought her along. It’s almost embarrassing how much I couldn’t do for Marty. She seems tired and indifferent, perhaps not used to the crowd.
“Even if I show you the outside world, I’ve seen plenty during my time with Madias. Is there any meaning to it?”
“Of course, Shin. There are many things you can’t see from afar.”
Marty is holding Meria’s hand as they walk. She seems to have warmed up to Meria. Elmera probably feels like she’s dealing with some unknown creature.
“Whoa! It’s Madias!”
“W-what are you doing here in the royal capital? Are you here to destroy it?!”
“She’s walking around with him!”
“Don’t worry, he won’t bite. Right?”
“Such noisy humans… the prosperity of civilization is—”
“That’s not reassuring at all!”
In the Avangarde Royal Capital, my face is already known, so such situations arise. After all, the very person who nearly destroyed this continent is being led around by Meria. It’s no wonder they’re scared. Sometimes, the Arbitrator God’s demeanor slips out, which is a bit of a flaw.
“Here, enjoy this delicious Momoru juice that civilization has built up.”
“…Mhm.”
“What do you mean, ‘mhm,’ you little brat?”
I wonder if feeding him is a good idea, but in the end, I’m quite fond of him, so it’s all good. Give some to Shin too. Seriously, what’s with the “mhm”?
Kashiram Royal Capital – Main Street
With Elmera’s magic, we zipped through the air. Elmera almost breezed past the border, only to be scolded by Meria. There are many important checks like baggage and identity verification. I really can’t leave Marty in her hands.
“Wow, the mighty Marty, who floated calmly during battle, seems quite scared now, huh?”
“You’re being reckless with your flying, you know? If you don’t cut it out, I’ll get angry!”
“I’m sorry! Please forgive me, I’ll do anything!”
Marty was being held by Elmera, while Shin was cradled by Meria. Indeed, Marty was trembling slightly.
But why was Shin clinging to these two? He was annoyed after being cast aside by them. What was it they said? “Shin can do whatever he wants now; we’ll be busy from here on out.” I was fed up, so I decided to give them exactly what they wished for. Ah, what a relief.
Thinking back, I was initially on a mission to uncover their weaknesses. However, under the orders of the Demon Lord, who had reconciled with me, my mission shifted to a travel report.
“The Avangarde Royal Capital was relatively normal, but I wonder if it’s safe here? I hope nothing weird has come back to life.”
“Whoa, whoa! K-Kirius?!”
“Jag, it’s been a while.”
Maternya walked while holding Seigel’s arm. And among those two was an impossible figure—Kirius, Seigel’s father.
“I’ll let the fact that you killed me slide, how about it? Why don’t we grab a meal together after all this time?”
“H-Haha! Don’t come near me, you ghost!”
“Being too forgiving after being killed, don’t you think, old man? Normally, that wouldn’t be acceptable.”
Seigel had safely married Maternya and was now operating from the Hunter’s Nest. And then there was his father, Kirius, who had supposedly been killed by Jag while protecting Kurinka, the Dragon. Yet, here he was, alive. This bizarre situation was due to Chronoel’s manipulation of time. With the continent and humanity restored, even those who had died before were brought back to life. No, they were rewound in time.
It’s unclear by what criteria or who was revived. One thing is certain: Chronoel’s time manipulation seemed successful, but it wasn’t perfect. Despite having traded his life for it, this was the outcome. It made sense why he warned Kurinka not to use regeneration. If she had, things would have been even more chaotic.
“Well, I’m alive now, so that’s something. I got to see my son in his glory, and now I want to see Kurinka… right? Jag, since it’s a good opportunity, why don’t you join us?”
“N-No! Ghost! Don’t come near me!”
“You should bow your head to Kurinka and start anew. I hear you’re wanted, but do you think just wearing a hood is enough to disguise yourself? What are the guards doing…?”
“Before that, I’ll kill you!”
“That’s what he said.”
“This is a dream, it must be a dream, a nightmare for sure! Hiiiieee!”
Jag, trying to escape like a startled rabbit, found himself surrounded by the three of them. Dragging the half-crazed Jag, they handed him over to the guards, completing their task. Seriously, what was he doing when he was wanted? Is he an idiot? Well, he’s done for, so no one cares.
According to Seigel, Jag was supposed to be with the Phantom. He had escaped while carrying a weapon made by the Death Weapon Merchant and had gone missing since then. No one remembered him, but Shin did. If you forget, you should look back at the past and remember. It must be written there. From the depths of memory! Now is the time for revolution! The first step! Huh?
“Marty, how do you like the Royal Capital of Kashiram? It has a different kind of liveliness compared to the Avangarde Royal Capital, doesn’t it?”
“It’s so prosperous… What will happen to the world?”
“Sis, we need to do something about your occasional Madias mode. I mean, you’ve been at it for thousands of years, so it won’t change easily…”
“Everyone! Look over there! As you know, the Beastkin are diligently working! What do you think of this sight?”
What now? An old man was shouting loudly, but there were a few others too. They were addressing the Beastkin who were helping with construction, carrying heavy beams in a way humans could hardly manage.
“Some of you might think this is wonderful! However, they were once the traitors who invaded this country! Thankfully, due to the efforts of the royal army, there was no damage to the Royal Capital, but it’s true that our lives and property were nearly taken! Yet, they stroll around this Royal Capital without a clear apology! Moreover, in this situation where jobs are scarce, those deprived of physical labor should raise their voices!”
In truth, that last part was probably the most important thing he wanted to say. It was so earnest it brought tears to my eyes.
“Wow, the King allowed the Beastkin in, yet they aren’t punished? But I guess they’ll just say it’s all about fighting spirit!”
Is this country really okay? It’s a miracle it hasn’t collapsed from internal strife. The Beastkin, instead of retaliating, pretended not to hear and continued working. They were well-trained. Was it the influence of Balbus or Nice? They were far more rational than humans.
“By their logic, Elmera, the instigator, shouldn’t be allowed into the Royal Capital either.”
“I’m hardly known, you know. I just imagined it.”
“What a sinful person.”
“Even here, conflict arises… the world really is…”
Oh no, Marty seems to be switching gears. Though, she’s much calmer than when she was acting as a Divine Being. She murmurs this, but in a way, it’s like a seizure. Thanks to Rua and Kurinka forcibly pulling her along and taking her out to play, they’ve opened her heart.
“Still, the Beastkin are quite combative. If they wanted to, they could tear apart those guys in an instant.”
“…I’m sorry. I apologize for putting you in danger. That’s why I’m trying to contribute to the country in any way I can. If you’d like, I can even give up my job.”
A large bear Beastkin slowly turned to the humans and bowed his head. Just his presence made him tower over them. The humans, who had gotten a bit too cocky thinking he wouldn’t say anything, panicked and let out small screams.
“If that’s the case, then…”
“W-Wait! We’re comrades, right?! Are you leaving?”
“No, but that guy… he’s been apologizing every day while we shout at him, right? Isn’t this enough?”
“That’s just a formality… A clear apology should be made to all the citizens, showing sincerity and fulfilling the responsibility to explain… Wait! Don’t leave!”
Leaving behind the leader who had been shouting, the others began to disperse. Poor guy, the one left behind still seemed unsatisfied. He stomped his feet, expressing his frustration.
“The Beastkin are working hard. Meanwhile, you’re hurling insults and feeling pleased with yourselves. Which is more bothersome?”
“W-Who are you…?”
“I’ll be at my shop. Come cool your head.”
“Huh? L-Let go… let me go…”
The former Ten Destroyer, Shiny, now seemed to be running a massage parlor here. After hitting the old man’s pressure points and rendering him helpless, she dragged him away. I thought she was delivering a sound argument, but it turned out she just wanted customers. Good grief, with characters like these, I’m never bored. Yep, not bored at all.
“Conflict has disappeared…”
“While there are many who are always at odds, the Beastkin continued to apologize. Because there were those who recognized that, conflict didn’t arise.”
“If it were the previous Beastkin, they would have gone on a rampage. They took a step back, and that’s how they were understood. Both fights and wars occur because neither side is willing to yield.”
“They think about how to move forward themselves. What’s built from that will surely be something wonderful.”
“Thinking for themselves…”
I see. So this is why I’m bringing Marty along to show her. For an Elmera, she’s surprisingly capable. The fact that she’s deep in thought is a good sign. Thinking is evidence of trying to break free from someone else’s reasoning and logic. It’s the first step toward independence. There are some points that might be muddled due to Shiny’s influence, but that’s just part of her charm.
“Independence…”
“What’s wrong, Shin? Are you dying?”
“You should die instead; it’s nothing.”
“You little brat!”
“Stop it, I’ve told you before. It’s a bad habit to provoke someone and then get angry.”
“I just asked!”
“No one feels good when asked if they’re dying.”
“Yes, sis, I’ll reflect on that!”
Rua and the others told Shin to be free. To do what he wants. Is he fulfilled now? Meria is a good person, and Elmera is… well, she is what she is, but I can’t say I’m dissatisfied. Yet, there’s something that feels lacking. The thought that I might not write this report anymore…
“That’s the Adventurer’s Guild over there. Let’s deliver this package.”
“Avangarde Royal Capital to Kashiram is super far, right? Even if it’s just a delivery, some might die on the way, so it feels like a top-tier delivery mission.”
“That’s exactly why it’s this content. We’re definitely being tested.”
I felt as if my heart had been tossed into the air, that’s how it felt.