Episode 53: So Many Characters Keep Popping Up, I Can’t Remember Them All!~
After finishing their tour of the street stalls and enjoying Chinese food, Kazuma and the others decided to return to the hotel as the meeting time was approaching.
Along the way, he felt multiple gazes, but Kazuma, judging them not even to be a threat, ignored them and returned to the hotel.
Upon returning to the hotel, Ema contacted them, saying it was time for the meeting and instructing them to come to the lobby.
Kazuma, taking Sakura Hakanai and Momoko with him, headed to the lobby, met up with Ema, and they proceeded to the venue where the international conference would be held.
Riding in a black luxury car, Kazuma gazed at the scenery outside while asking Ema about the upcoming meeting.
“What’s the agenda for this time?”
“I believe I explained it to you before…”
The other day, Ema had told Kazuma and the others not only the date, time, and location of the international conference but also the topics to be discussed.
Kazuma, having completely forgotten about it, laughed sheepishly and repeated his question to Ema.
“Ehehe. I forgot.”
“Only children and beautiful girls are allowed to get away with that.”
“You have a point…”
“Well, fine. I’ll tell you again, it’s about the Ivera Church. The recent worldwide simultaneous terrorist attacks, the Ibinom assault incidents. The various countries have determined that those were man-made, and investigations revealed the Ivera Church to be the main culprit. Therefore, we have decided to implement countermeasures against the Ivera Church.”
“And you’re going to discuss that at the international conference?”
“That’s right. And at the same time, we will announce to the whole world our intention to completely eliminate the Ivera Church.”
“I see. So you’re going to completely crush them.”
“Of course. We can’t let an organization that released criminals from various countries’ correctional facilities and took countless lives run rampant any longer.”
“Can you actually do it? You’ve mostly been reactive so far.”
“It’s not a matter of whether we can or cannot. We have no choice but to do it. We have no other options.”
Kazuma wondered if he should tell them that he could go and crush the Ivera Church right now.
He had Marked Runazeru and Azrael by applying his own blood to them, so he always knew their whereabouts.
They weren’t moving from a certain location at the moment, but there was no doubt they were plotting something.
However, even Kazuma didn’t know what it was.
He didn’t know because he hadn’t actually heard or seen anything.
If he himself had been motivated, he could have Teleported to Runazeru’s location and conducted infiltration activities, but he didn’t feel it was necessary to go that far.
Of course, it wasn’t that he was overlooking them.
The Ivera Church had thoroughly provoked Kazuma.
Kazuma already recognized the Ivera Church as an enemy and had decided to crush them, but he didn’t think there was a need to rush it.
After all, he was confident he could crush them anytime.
It was an arrogant reason, but it was a fact that the executives of the Ivera Church were no match for him.
He didn’t know how well the founder, Shindo Makoto, could fight against him, but he would at least be more of a challenge than the executives.
“Well, I’ll deal with any trouble that comes our way, so don’t worry.”
“If possible, I’d like you to be more proactive…”
“It’ll be fine. The Ivera Church laid hands on my family and friends. Crushing them is a certainty. Just not right now. I’ll crush them when they’ve made all their preparations and are confidently thinking they’ve outsmarted us. Because that’ll piss them off the most, right?”
“…You’re terrifyingly astute. Could it be that you know the future?”
“Even I don’t know that much. But Ema-san, you just need to stay calm and collected. I’ll take care of the rest.”
“That’s reassuring. In that case, I’ll take you up on your kind offer.”
And so, the luxury car carrying Kazuma and the others arrived at the venue where the international conference was to be held.
Since Kazuma was attending as the Crimson Knight, he changed into his new, custom-made Powered Suit from Kurashige Industries before exiting the car.
It was designed with the Crimson Knight as a motif, with a red base color, and was more metallic than those of the other four.
“Hoh. So that’s the new Powered Suit.”
“Cool, right!”
Kazuma struck a pose, his cape fluttering dramatically.
While it was also based on the Crimson Knight motif, at Kazuma’s request, it incorporated hero-like design elements, and a bright red cape spread out from his back.
“Fufu… It certainly brings back nostalgic memories.”
“Oh, Ema-san. So you get it~”
“I used to admire such things. I wanted to become a cool adult like that. Well, reality is different, and I’ve instead become the kind of bad adult I used to despise.”
Kazuma couldn’t say anything to Ema’s melancholic smile.
He couldn’t think of any words of comfort, nor did he know what to say.
He couldn’t deny that it wasn’t the case.
At the very least, Kazuma knew that Ema was using him.
That said, he himself was doing whatever he pleased, relying on others’ positions and power, so they were similar in that regard.
“Ha, haha…”
In the end, all Kazuma could do was offer a wry smile.
“You’ll end up like this too, someday…”
Ema gave a dark smile, as if beckoning Kazuma to his side.
Kazuma, who was already starting down a similar path, felt his cheeks twitch.
After that, Kazuma and the others entered the venue and followed the directions to the conference hall.
This time, five people were participating from Japan, including Ema.
His secretary Tsukimi, his bodyguard Kazuma, and Kazuma’s subordinates Momoko and Sakura Hakanai.
Their participation had been announced beforehand, but for those in the know, it was likely a huge issue.
The Crimson Knight was still acceptable.
However, Momoko with her Mind Reading and Sakura Hakanai with her Brainwashing were, frankly, the strongest and most terrifying combination in a conference setting.
One could even say it was the perfect opportunity for them to display their true abilities.
If they were so inclined, they could probably seize control of the world.
“I don’t think it’s good to say such things, but couldn’t you seize control of the world using your subordinates?”
“Probably. Momoko-chan can read minds, and Sakura Hakanai can Brainwash. If you combine them, it’d be easy.”
“What terrifying Gifts… I’m truly glad they’re on our side.”
“Well, Momoko-chan is an ally, but don’t trust Sakura Hakanai. She’ll devour you.”
“Make sure you keep a tight rein on her.”
“As long as I’m around, it’ll be fine.”
Ema sat in his designated seat, and Kazuma stood by his side as a bodyguard.
The remaining three sat in chairs behind them; Tsukimi was there to support Ema, while Momoko and Sakura Hakanai were on standby.
However, since Momoko could read minds, she would take the lead if there were any suspicions.
Of course, Momoko’s existence was well-known to all countries, so no one would make false statements in such a setting.
It was almost time for the meeting to start.
The representatives from the last participating country entered the conference room, all seats were filled, and all that remained was to wait for the appointed time.
At that moment, many people gathered around Kazuma.
Kazuma, disguised as the Crimson Knight, looked up and scanned the faces of those who had gathered.
Understanding why they had gathered around him, Kazuma stood up from his seat and took a step forward.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you all for the first time, Senpai-gata.”
“Fuhah! Yeah! We finally meet, Crimson Knight! I’ve heard about you from Alicia. I’m King. My real name is Edward Crime. Nice to meet ya!”
The first to speak was King, also known as Edward, who boasted more fame than a Hollywood star and was America’s strongest Gifted.
He was a handsome young man with blond hair, blue eyes, and well-defined features, but according to Alicia, he was a bundle of desire for approval.
“Nice to meet you. I’ve also heard about you from Alicia. That you’re a bundle of desire for approval.”
“Ahahaha! You’re not wrong! I’m a hero because I want everyone to praise me and admire me. If you don’t like it, well, can’t be helped.”
“No, I don’t particularly mind. Whatever your reasons, you’re working for the good of the world and its people.”
“Thanks! Well then, I have a favor to ask, if that’s okay?”
“If it’s something I can do.”
“Let’s take a picture together! I want to post it on social media.”
“Something like that is fine.”
And so, Kazuma put his arm around King’s shoulder, posing as if they were good friends, and they took a picture.
King immediately uploaded it to his social media, and there was an incredible amount of reaction.
“Phew! Just as I thought, my eyes didn’t deceive me! Look at this! It’s the number one trend in the world in an instant!”
“O-oh… That’s good.”
“That’s right. Next time, let’s—”
“Let’s leave it at that, shall we?”
Just as King was about to extend another invitation to Kazuma, a stern-faced man with slicked-back black hair interjected.
“Oops, my bad.”
“I understand all too well your desire to speak with the Crimson Knight. However, don’t forget that we are here too.”
“Hahaha, just as Overlord-sama says. Well then, I’ll be off. Ah, this is my ID, so please add me.”
King handed Kazuma his contact information, then yielded his turn to the waiting Overlord and returned to his seat.
Kazuma came face-to-face with the Overlord, whom he had seen several times in videos, for the first time.
The Overlord, with bulging muscles, a wrinkled face, and sharp eyes that intimidated others.
An ordinary person would be overwhelmed and intimidated, but Kazuma had seen similar men many times in the other world.
For that reason, he somehow felt a sense of affinity with the Overlord.
“Nice to meet you. I am Zhao Báilóng, one of the representatives of the Chinese Federation.”
“Nice to meet you, I am the Crimson Knight.”
“A pleasure.”
Báilóng smoothly extended his hand, and Kazuma furrowed his brow suspiciously, but he didn’t sense any ill will.
In that case, figuring it was just a handshake, Kazuma grasped the offered hand.
What often happened here was a test of strength, as if to say, “Let’s see what you’ve got,” but Báilóng didn’t do anything in particular and released his hand.
Taken aback, Kazuma involuntarily looked up at Báilóng’s face.
There, he saw Báilóng with a fearless smile.
“What’s wrong? Is there something on my face?”
“No…”
“I know what you’re thinking. Why didn’t I test your strength, right? Don’t worry. I’ve booked a training ground for later. If you’re up for it, why don’t we have a trial of skill there?”
Having said that, Báilóng leaned close to Kazuma’s ear and, in a low voice so others couldn’t hear, called his name.
“Hey, Satsuki Kazuma-kun. I am… no, let’s drop the pretense. I (using ‘ore’) really want to have a match with you.”
“And if I refuse?”
“I’ll back down gracefully. I don’t want to be hostile towards you. However, in my personal opinion, I think you’d be up for a little trial of skill, wouldn’t you?”
Moving his face away from Kazuma’s ear, Báilóng twisted his lips into an amused smirk.
As if he already knew Kazuma’s answer.
“(Probably, there’s no problem even if I refuse. What he said earlier was genuine. And, I can tell he’s a battle junkie through and through. No underhanded tactics, just a straightforward invitation. Dammit, he reminds me of the Martial King~)”
Báilóng’s approach wasn’t wrong.
The Martial King, one of Kazuma’s comrades with whom he had fought alongside in the other world, entrusted his back to, and survived life-or-death situations, and also one of his mentors.
He too was a reckless, muscle-brained type, but he wasn’t a bad person.
Therefore, Báilóng’s direct invitation made a very good impression on Kazuma.
“If I’m good enough.”
“Hmph! I thought you’d say that! Crimson Knight! Let’s enjoy ourselves to the fullest!”
Getting his back slapped firmly, Kazuma found himself liking the man before him even more.
Báilóng, who reminded him of nostalgic times, left a favorable impression on Kazuma.
“Well then, I suppose it’s my turn soon.”
Báilóng stepped back and returned to his seat, and the next to appear was a handsome man with tanned skin.
Kazuma was surprised to see his face.
He was none other than Egypt’s strongest Gifted, the flame user also known as the Ultimate One. Sun King Alshams Shareedi.
“Rumors of you have reached even my country. I hear you’re even called an incarnation of a god.”
“No, no, nothing like that.”
“There’s no need for modesty. Seeing your deeds, it’s no wonder the people would say such things. I can burn my enemies to ashes, but I cannot heal or save. As a ruler, I am truly pathetic.”
“That’s not true. Many people have been saved by you. Doesn’t Egypt have the Volkenis Mashra you created and the Sun Temple?”
The Volkenis Mashra are a unique army that Alshams created with his own Gift.
They are formed from flame, invincible and immortal soldiers.
They possess enough firepower to instantly evaporate even water, and are called the world’s strongest army.
And the Sun Temple, as its name suggests, is a temple where the sun is enshrined, and it bears the role of burning any external enemies to cinders.
In other words, even if the Sun King is away from Egypt, as long as the Volkenis Mashra and the Sun Temple exist, Egypt is an impregnable city.
That said, last time an Ibinom appeared within its borders, so there were casualties, but even so, Egypt is undoubtedly the most fortified city in the world.
“That’s about the only thing I can boast about.”
“There must be more…”
“Hahaha. Compared to you, they’re all things that would pale in comparison. Oops, more importantly, there are still others who want to greet you, so let’s end our chat here. If you have a chance to come to my country next time, let me know. I’ll personally show you around.”
“When that time comes, I’ll gladly take you up on that.”
Then, Alshams and Kazuma shook hands and parted.
Next to approach Kazuma was a blond, blue-eyed man who looked like a prince on a white horse.
He looked somewhat like the King, but his physique was different; he had a slender, model-like figure.
“Am I the last one? I’m Cruz Argyle, bestowed with the name King Arthur in England. A pleasure to meet you, Crimson Knight.”
“The pleasure is all mine.”
“You don’t have to be so formal. Aren’t we both knights?”
“Even if you call me a knight, I don’t use a sword…”
“Come to think of it, in the footage of you fighting, punching and kicking were the norm, weren’t they?”
“That’s right. I’m a barbaric knight.”
“Ahahahaha. Interesting. But regardless of your fighting style, your appearance is that of a knight, so you’re one of us.”
“I don’t think so…”
“Now, now, don’t say that.”
Knights of the Round Table, Crimson Knight—Cruz seemed to want to say they were both knights, with no difference between them.
In contrast, Kazuma insisted they were completely different.
However, Cruz seemed determined to treat Kazuma as a knight and would only offer affirmations.
It wasn’t that he wanted to be hostile; he simply respected Kazuma as a fellow knight.
King Arthur was also famous, but compared to the earlier King, Overlord, and Sun King, his abilities were a step below.
His Gift was an extremely special one called Holy Sword Summoning, but no matter how excellent the Holy Sword was, he couldn’t match the former three.
After all, the King possessed the most Gifts in the world until Kazuma appeared, the Overlord had risen through relentless effort and talent, and the Sun King was an outlier who had truly mastered one thing.
And then, the Crimson Knight appeared, an existence that overwhelmed all previous Gifted.
It was only natural for him to respect Kazuma as a fellow knight.
“This is turning into a long conversation. Next time, let’s talk leisurely over some tea.”
“If I have the chance…”
Finally released, Kazuma returned to his seat, looking utterly exhausted.
Having met face-to-face with world-renowned figures like the King, the Overlord, the Sun King, and King Arthur, Kazuma was mentally drained.
“Good work.”
“I want to go home already…”
“Don’t say that. The real event is just about to begin.”
With the Gifted from each country having finished their greetings, the international conference began.
Kazuma listened to the conference while trying to gauge the movements of the Ivera Church.
＊＊＊＊
The next update will be the day after tomorrow.
The other day, I made a mistake with the scheduled post.
My apologies.