Chapter 22: Ryuguin Theater II
“I am the Hero… That’s why, for everyone’s sake… I simply couldn’t acknowledge it…”
He stood before the dignitaries without a hint of fear, performing like a stage actor. Ryuguin, with a sorrowful expression of betrayal, looked like a painting, his demeanor perfectly fitting the scene. It was as if this were the Ryuguin Theater.
“But I have no choice but to admit it now… I am completely broken.”
Ryuguin cradled his body as if it were fragile.
“My body and my heart… I could say I’m so shattered that I suffer from PTSD… The brutal battles in Nexbee have scarred and eroded my spirit. I can no longer sleep alone.”
He pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe away his tears, but they continued to spill forth.
“Until now, I have traversed seven Nexbee dungeons alongside Mika and the others. The hardships and pain I endured are beyond your imagination. So, I want you to listen to my story and try to envision it.”
Ryuguin turned his gaze toward the king and asked, “Have you ever had your arms torn off because you couldn’t fend off an enemy’s attack?”
Next, he scanned the gathered nobles.
“Have you ever eaten sand out of sheer hunger?”
He then shifted his gaze to the church officials.
“As we approached the deepest parts, the enemies grew stronger. Is there any guarantee that we will survive the next encounter? Have you ever endured such fear?”
Ryuguin locked eyes with the Pope.
“In front of me stood twenty robots. Their bodies, composed of Divine Stone, were unmatched in hardness. And each of them moved at speeds that were impossible to track with the naked eye. It was a battle of overwhelming odds. I was trampled under their sheer violence, reduced to a rag doll… Even now, I dream of that day and wake up to my own screams…”
He then faced each Seeker in turn.
“The boss monster of the Blade Labyrinth was a formidable foe. Our duel, showcasing extraordinary swordsmanship, could have ended in defeat for either of us. My victory was a miracle by the narrowest of margins.”
Finally, he returned his gaze to Chancellor Madison.
“Have you ever fought a demon? He was undoubtedly the strongest enemy I have faced. The most powerful, grotesque, cold, and cowardly foe. He possessed incredible martial skills and astounding sword techniques. During the battle, I fell into his treacherous trap and found myself unable to move. Without hesitation, he gleefully severed my neck.”
Tears streamed down Ryuguin’s face with renewed vigor.
“The fact that I stand here today is nothing short of a miracle. Without Mika, I would have surely returned to the earth in that place…”
Just recalling it brought him pain, and he buried his head in his hands.
“You will never understand. You will never know how much pressure I have endured…”
He was now sobbing openly.
“My heart, battered and bruised, fears the night!! To maintain my peace of mind, to heal, and to continue fighting for humanity! I needed the warmth of others! I absolutely needed it!!”
Ryuguin clenched his fists in front of his chest, his expression one of a tragic hero, as more tears streamed down like precious jewels. However, Chancellor Madison’s face twisted in anger.
“Are you saying that you have brought misfortune upon many for that reason!! Do you truly believe such reasoning will hold weight!!”
For the first time, Madison raised his voice against Ryuguin.
But Ryuguin remained unfazed. He wiped his overflowing tears with his sleeve.
“I do believe it. Even if I have committed some sin, it was beyond my control. I truly didn’t want to do such things…”
Even his tear-streaked face had a certain grace to it. Ryuguin continued his speech.
“But I had no choice but to fight.”
“Back then, I was,” “whether awake or asleep,” “no matter what I was doing,” “suddenly gripped by pain in my chest,” “tears would flow uncontrollably,” “I couldn’t stop them,” “my body would tremble,” “I felt anguish,” “I was suffering,” “but there was no option to not fight,” “if I didn’t fight, everyone would die,” “everyone is alive,” “everyone, everyone is alive,” “I was desperate to protect the peace of this Arcana Kingdom and all its people…”
His tears sparkled as they caught the light.
“For that reason, some sacrifices were necessary. That’s simply the way it is.”
Madison gritted his teeth in frustration at Ryuguin’s words.
“You scoundrel—”
Ryuguin seized the opportunity.
“Isn’t that right?”
He raised his voice, ensuring that everyone present could hear him, questioning, confirming, and accusing them all at once.
“You would gladly sacrifice the ‘small’ for the sake of the ‘great’!! Just so you know, please don’t ever say something as lame as, ‘We would never do such a thing.’ Because you all—”
Ryuguin took a deep breath.
“—summoned us!!”
His scream echoed.
“That act itself was nothing less than forcing sacrifices of ‘us’ for the sake of the ‘great’ Arcana Kingdom, turning us into offerings for conquering Nexbee!!”
He spread his arms wide and spun around dramatically.
“How dare you, who have turned a blind eye to your own actions, condemn me, who has contributed greatly to this nation!! You fools!! Know your shame!! Know your shame!! Know it!!”
Ryuguin’s desperate scream resonated throughout the King’s Chamber.
The free reading period for the comic adaptation of this work on Piccoma is nearing its end.
Mika, Angelica, and Puffy appear as beautiful girls, and it’s quite enticing, so be sure to check it out!