Hinata and Yuuki
Confronting Yuuki, Hinata felt a strange sense of pressure.
She had proceeded with the plan under the assumption that she could not be noticed.
「How did you notice?」
「Oh? A question without even a greeting! How cold, Hinata」
「Shut up. What do you mean the children are bait? Was this a trap to begin with?」
He shrugged,
「Isn't it obvious? Now that they've been stabilized, they are useless as material for a re-summon」
Yuuki smiled, as if the question wasn't anything special.
「Did you say re-summon?」
「Yeah. You know how it takes a while to summon again due to the tremendous magical energy consumption?
And how you need to keep doing it until you summon a proper pawn; well, kids are useful too, you know.
It's just, I can't use them anymore now that Rimuru-san stabilized them.
As a result, we lost on a contract… most unfortunate」
He said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Though his words and gestures were calculated to put a person at ease, Hinata felt as if they were dread itself.
And to Hinata,
「Hmm? You mean, you didn't know about it?
When children explode from the unstable magic energy, the conditions for re-summoning are met.
Using that, we could summon again.
That's why even failed summons are not a waste.」
—- Ah, but sadly even that popular hero Masayuki was just a small-fry in the end —-
The words came as if from far away, but enraged Hinata.
This guy, what do you think a human life is! Is probably she wanted to say.
Hinata couldn't tolerate such an act: Yuuki repeatedly summoned people in order to meet an order of his business partner.
「Yuuki-oniichan, you saved us, didn't you?」
Alice tearfully asked,
「Ahaha, you finally get it? I only kept you alive because you had use.
Alice, making such a sad face isn't going to help, you know?
I'll kill you once your use runs out… in other words, I'll keep you alive as long as you're useful」
Yuuki responded harshly.
A cold-blooded part awakened within Hinata, urging her to kill the man standing before her.
This man should not be allowed to live.
「You bastard, not only manipulating me, but the children as well!
And where's the other girl?
Where's Chloe Aubert?
Did you erase the children's memories?」
Hinata shouted,
「It was unfortunate, raising bugs is so much hassle, and I even got a great pawn…
And then...
And because you had your emotions "frozen" as you clung on to the despair of being abandoned by your mother!… The expression on your face was priceless.
It truly is a pity. I completed the overly rational, ruthless Hinata with so much effort, and now all you are now is an ordinary person with a strong sense of justice.
By the way, who's Chloe Aubert?」
Those words angered Hinata.
However, Hinata calmed down and thought: Yuuki did not appear that he was lying about not knowing who Chloe O'Bell was.
What's this about? Hinata repeated whilst controlling her anger.
From the corner of Hinata's eyes she could see the teary-faced Alice.
That's enough, this man can no longer be allowed to speak so self-indulgently. Hinata thought as she drew her sword from the Bracelet form Holy Sprit armor.
At the same time, light particles warped around Hinata's body. When the wild dance of light died down, a fully armed Hinata emerged.
「Yuuki, for the sake of our old friendship I'll give you a chance to repent.
Now swear you will apologize right now, confess, and compensate for your crimes.」
「Ahaha, why? What is there to apologize for?
Isn't it the law of the jungle in this world?
The ones who are weak, the deceived are the evil ones, you know?」
TN note: Law of the Jungle basically means survival of the fittest/the strong feed on the weak.
「Don't give me that crap!」
With her rage like a roaring fire, Hinata's blade flashed towards Yuuki.
The main armament of the new holy spirit armament was a katana shaped blade. Previously, Hinata used a rapier that also had the ability to cut on its sides, but it's slightly thicker, with miniscule difference in weight.
There isn't much difference in terms of weight and inertia control, however when using fencing techniques it is easier to wield than a broadsword.
Its performance is equal or above.
The new holy spirit armor that was copied and analyzed with a demon lord's ability, now has a higher level of performance than before.
In short, Hinata was able to use the equipment as if she were born in it.
A single cut sliced open Yuuki's cheek as he dodged the sword flash with a clowning expression
A red line, with a single drop of blood flowing out.
Yuuki's previous facial expression vanished. As he looked down on his foe, his ridiculing attitude doesn't change.
「Hee... What a surprise. I thought I completely dodged that. Hinata what happened? In such a short amount of time your strength has increased. When the parasite was latched onto you your strength growth was like any other ordinary person.」
Although he could have lied, Yuuki revealed that he was able to gauge the strength of targets whom he infected with a parasite.
That was within Hinata's predictions. The problem was how close Yuuki was to obtaining the power known as the "hero's egg".
As the Grandmaster of the Freedom Association, his abilities would naturally be high. He is above S-Rank adventurers.
Previously, when the holy church collaborated together with the Freedom Association to subjugate an evil dragon in a united front, Hinata had witnessed a glimpse of Yuuki's powers.
Without relying on skills, he dealt a finishing blow to the evil dragon with his own physical strength. Yuuki himself claimed that the nature of his tough body was the sole thing he inherited in this world.
It would be dangerous to believe that. There's no doubt he has other hidden abilities.
Besides, is he being controlled by the Demon Lord Kazalim? It doesn't look like he is.
Although there's a reasonable possibility he had obtained a controlling ability from the Demon Lord Kazarim, Hinata found it necessary to confirm the relationship between the two.
If he is in fact being manipulated by the Demon Lord known as the "Magic King", she wished to help. She earnestly hoped that he was in fact being manipulated.
Thus, Hinata decided to perform a final check just in case.
「Yuuki, are you being manipulated by Kazalim?"
Or ... is the one talking to me right now the "Chaos Lord" Kazarim?」
In response, an evil sneer appear on Yuuki's face while he nodded.
「Eh? Ah, Ahaha. That right, or is it?
I am, no, we are Kazarim!… Just kidding.
Ahahaha, truly, you really are interesting Hinata.」
Yuuki continued bursting out laughing as if something funny was said. His laughter reverberated for a while.
Even though that stance was full of openings, she had no intentions to attack. It was awfully distorted, and gave Hinata a bad feeling.
While continually eyeing the laughing Yuuki, she sent Fritz a signal.
Fritz also equipped his spirit armor, and his battle preparations are complete.
In response to Hinata's signal, he got into position to protect the children.
The children also felt Yuuki's strange demeanor as they huddled around Alice protectively. Even if they couldn't completely understand the situation very well, they could still understand that they were used. Hinata was merely happy that they weren't so upset as to cry or attempt to attack him.
There are no signs amongst the children that they've been brainwashed, and even if they were Fritz would still be able to handle it.
The children left in Fritz's care, Hinata was focusing on Yuuki.
Suddenly, Yuuki stopped laughing and,
「Hey? Why did you think I was on the same level as that kind of small fry?」
With his regular expressionless face, he asked Hinata again.
Without waiting for a reply,
「When I was summoned to this world, I was wondering in my spiritual body when that worm (Kazarim) came crawling to me.
When I was in the spirit world, he said some
self-important things. I didn't remember any of it because I wasn't interested.
By the way, if I remember correctly, my self-proclaimed right hand Kagali assimilated with him.
Because I was interested in his ability, I took it.
He earnestly wanted to serve me, so I left him alive.
With his wealth of knowledge, he's useful in his own way.」
Ms. Kagari
She's the Freedom Association Second-in-Command.
She was a beauty with the blood of elves in her veins.
Hinata recalled that when she came to this world, she had taken care of her.
An archmage aiming at reaching the truth, she's someone who boasts the highest firepower in the Freedom Association.
That female, Kagari, could be considered as the perfect minion of Yuuki for she had assimilated with Kazarim rather than was brainwashed.
Not just simple brainwashing and thought probing, the roots that Yuuki set up had permeated deeply in her psyche.
Moreover,
These words confirmed that Yuuki and Kazarim had in fact came in contact, he was even able to show that he deprived an ability from his minion Kazarim.
However, in the end that's if you believed in Yuuki.
Hinata has determined that Yuuki's words were no lies. Even when taking into account the various possibilities, there aren't many benefits in lying.
That means, worrying about Yuuki's consciousness, and worrying about returning him to normal is pointless.
That was Yuuki's intention right from the start, and we were all part of the plot.
「...is that so. That means, that kind demeanor, and that kind smile…
all of that and everything you said was just an act?」
「Ah, I see. I understand now.
In other words, you wanted to help because you thought I was manipulated by Kazarim. Was that it?
Too bad! That's nonsense. I'm the one doing the manipulation. Only I manipulate」
Yuuki answered Hinata's questioning with utmost ridicule.
Considering everything that transpired, it's as if Yuuki enjoyed seeing Hinata suffer.
As if he was having fun, his mouth curled into a cold sneer.
Hinata obtained a "Hero's egg" after she overcame deception and lies, and after she saw through all the anomalies, gaining the ability "Eye of truth".
Even when viewed him through these eyes, no lies are detected in Yuuki's words. He simply revealed facts.
There was little room for talk, concluded Hinata.
「Yuuki ... final question. What is your purpose in summoning?
Why have your manipulated Clayman and caused an upheaval with the orc lord, then caused a war between the Church and Tempest?
Do you understand this throws the world into chaos!?」
「Aha. Ahahahaha. You say interesting things.
The last, the last huh? That's right, it's the end for you lot.
Alright, I'll tell you.
It's because it's interesting, that's the only reason.
What other reason could there be, really?
I intend to completely unify the world as one.
Angels, Spirits, Demons, I wish to rule over all of them.
Unfortunately, is it possible to rule over the world with my current abilities?
That's why, I have to work hard and diligently.」
Yuuki replied in response to Hinata's inquiry.
Rather than world conquest, he called it domination. As an absolute ruler, Yuuki would declare his reign.
The reason was something more abnormal than what Hinata though.
World Domination… that's just impossible. Didn't his common sense tell him that no matter how amazing he becomes he won't be able to dominate the entire world?
This guy's a madman! Hinata began feeling an ominous chill down her spine.
Deep within her trembling heart, Hinata realized she is feeling fear.
This isn't due to his strength and the sort, but rather his serious attitude in proclaiming his dreadful attempt in ruling the world.
And then,
Kotsun Kotsun Kotsun...
The sound of walking echoed in the hallways.
A holy presence unlike any that Hinata had ever felt.
However, the mysterious presence felt unnatural due to its lack of color and feelings, as well as its unset directions.
「Ah, she finally came.
Unfortunately for you Hinata, there's no longer any chance of victory for you.
Between you and me, you could have killed me.
As expected, you couldn't stop me.
This, is a game. A simple game.
I want to rule the world, and the world tries to prevent it.
For the sake of my victory, I'm giving it my all.
You guys should also give it your all to stop me right?
You've neglected it, that's why you lose.」
At the same time when Yuuki finished talking, a door from the side of the corridor opened, and a girl came in.
With long black hair collecting at the back of her head, she was clad in lightweight equipment completely in black.
A more compact version of Hinata's own holy armor that did not at all inhibit movement.
A very beautiful face.
She placed one hand on the sword that hung below her waist.
The girl walked in sedately.
This was the "true hero", known as the strongest.
Her eyes lacked luster as they're covered in pitch black darkness, her whole body emitting a sacred inviolable aura.
An overwhelming aura began pressuring Hinata and the kids.
Yuuki didn't even need any tricks in the beginning.
There was no need to manipulate the children, his combat ability was far greater than Hinata, this was his trap.
「Is that…the Hero....? Why, is the hero here...?」
Behind Hinata, Fritz muttered.
To that remark,
「Ah, Clayman had some use in the end.
Although I wanted him to awaken as a true demon lord to have him as my pawn, I already have Kazalim.
Instead, I had him gather all the demon lords.
This way, Luminas who was guarding "the sleeping hero" will not be around.
You probably don't, but do you know Luminas, who manipulated the "hero" is the true ruler of the Holy Church Ruberius?
I decided to seize her from Luminas in order to efficiently use her.
Thanks to all of your efforts, I now have complete control over the hero.
It's actually impossible to dominate the kids to such an extent, you know. You worried over nothing.
But I must say, you fretting was enjoyable to watch!」
Yuuki Happily exposed.
Hinata also understood that there were no lies in his remark, and she felt the world disappear before her
That means, Yuuki had just said the demon lord Luminas is the true ruler of the Church.
If that's so, the Sacred Empire Ruberius has its capital governed by a demon lord.
It's no wonder why the Holy Empire Ruberius also had an unnatural feel of a monsters' presence.
So, a system of dominion established for hundreds of thousands of years, the teachings of the church, were full of lies to begin with.
(That means... I was used not only by Yuuki, but also by the demon lord...)
However, that's not limited only to Hinata.
Those who belong to the Sacred Empire Ruberius and the Western Church, they were all being used.
Yuuki continued talking to Hinata who was wrapped in despair.
「Just do me a favor and consider this for a second: wouldn't you join me Hinata?
It seems you have obtained a "Hero's egg," and was even able to awaken it.
An increase in our forces is always welcome.
Considering we're from the same country, I'll even make you an executive. How about it?」
「Don't mess with me! Bastards like you deserve no mercy.
Here and now, I'm going to punish you for your sins!」
Refusing Yuuki's invitation, she gripped on to her sword.
However, contrary to her vigorous proclamation, a retreat signal was sent to fritz.
This outcome was far worse than one could ever imagine.
Hinata would make her stand, while Fritz would secure an escape route. No matter the cost.
The opponent's strength was far above theirs and this was the best she could come up.
「Can't say I expected you to say otherwise…
Now then, I talked for a while, didn't I?
You know, revealing a secret about the behind the scenes action when being confronted as the mastermind?
I always wanted to try it once, it was splendid and fun.
Then, after exposing all this, doesn't the mastermind usually lose?
Wonder if I raised a flag?
I had just arranged and raised a grand flag, so try your best in defeating me.
Maybe you might be able to awaken as a hero and defeat us?」
These were the last words exchanged between Hinata and Yuuki.
What came afterwards was the battle.
Predestined Fate
(Fritz POV)
Receiving Hinata's signal, Fritz move to the edge of the classroom to protect the children.
He looked down at the school grounds from the classroom window on the third floor of the school building and he visualizes an escape route in his mind.
For Fritz, Hinata's order is absolute, he wouldn't think to defy it. Because Hinata's predictions are always right there's no failure in it except in the previous Demon Lord Subjugation War.
It can only be said that the opponent last time was too strong.
Therefore escaping with the children according to the order this time should be the correct thing to do.
Fritz can understand that bringing the children and the information back takes priority above all else, he certainly thinks that the children and himself included will just become hindrance to Hinata.
But still, to just following an order without a reason is not good, so Fritz was assaulted by an uneasy feeling. Or rather, it was Fritz's intuition that made him think so.
As the result, that Fritz and the children's escape would succeed, or so it was....
(Hinata POV)
Hinata understood the whole layout by looking it from the sky using spatial perception.
By the window are Fritz and the four children. The subjects she must protect, she can't let them get swallowed up by an attack.
"The Hero" walks calmly from the door near the corridor to the chair in front of Yuuki.
The ability of the Hero is equal to her own ability or better than hers.
The story of the Hero sealing the storm dragon Veldora which was the "Dragon kind" she saw when she attacked Tempest was famous.
"Can I really win against that dragon?" According to Hinata's calculation, the chance for her to win against the Storm Dragon Veldora is low.
Though there is no chance of victory, if she thinks about it, the Hero just woke up from a several decades long sleep and it can be assumed that the Hero is not in normal condition. Furthermore, because Yuuki is in control, the Hero might not be able to fully use her ability.
If it's only to restrain her; then it might be possible. That's what Hinata's calculation derived.
Hinata returned her katana to its sheath at once, and takes the posture for iai. And then, she let out an attack to the front, not moving from her spot, using the extreme speed drawing the sword.
「Bind SlashAstral Bind Slash!」(Hinata)
The flash of the iai concealed it, countless numbers of spirit substance converge on the blade part and turn into innumerable blades that have been released as a soul restraining attack.
The spirit substance that was converted into innumerable blades has the same effect as the talisman.
It's a technique to bind the Astral Body which is the container of the soul not the flesh, one of Hinata's hidden attacks to seal the opponent's movement at the same time as the shockwave from the swiftness of the batoujutsu is released.
The katana is a part of the spiritual armament, it's an arms which was produced from the concretization of spirit's power. Thus, the edge of the katana once again emitted a glittering brilliance.
It's an action that's possible without letting the enemy predict the tactics because it can substitute the talisman and the medium for converting the spirit substance. This would create a large advantage in a battle between fellow experts.
But....
「Otto!」(Yuuki)
「...」(Hero?)
His voice sounds jested, but the response doesn't show any fret either.
Yuuki wards off the shock wave with knife he holds in his hand. It's called a Snake Sword, a unique legend class weapon that Yuuki possesses.
This weapon is flexible, though it usable as a knife, it can extend and be used as a whip because the weapon has a trait that makes it possible to change its shape freely.
But, more than its status and performance as a legend class weapon, it has an ability to absorb a fixed amount of damage. Until it reaches its limit, the knife can nullify all attacks it receives. However, once its capacity is reached it can't be used until it recycles in one week.
This time, Yuuki used its ability as he sat down. The knife absorbed all the shock waves without fail.
「Ah? It becomes impossible to move. It can't be helped, I'll leave the fight to you.」(Yuuki)
Although the shock wave itself is nullified, one of the blades pierced Yuuki's shadow and the restraining effect is activated.
However, there's no panic in Yuuki's expression, while sitting down on the chair, immobilized, he made an appeal, Yuuki requestorder the Hero to fight Hinata.
Frankly his behavior is unnatural, she was sure she didn't miss anything, observing from the start.
On the other side is the Hero.
The Hero performed a defense with transcendental sword skills to intercept each of the blade pieces, even though it should be the first time the Hero sees Hinata's attack.
Without changing her beautiful expression at all, there's also no impatience nor despising feelings on her face.
「Understood. Though I will kill, is that okay?」(Hero?)
The Hero indifferently accepted Yuuki's request.
And, in front of Hinata, the Hero asked the question as if it was a settled matter.
「It's okay. It seems Hinata will not become a subordinate. It can't be helped, right?」(Yuuki)
「I understand. Then, at least I will kill her without any suffering.」(Hero?)
The voice is devoid of emotion.
The answer is as if it was scripted beforehand.
The Hero reminds her of a ruthless killing machine. No, there's not even a ruthless emotion, it's just carrying out its orders, a Doll.
Hinata sees her appearance and thinks.
She also defeated her enemies without any emotion. She felt that her former self resembled the Hero who was now in front of her.
Hinata holds her katana pointing the blade at her opponent's eyes and confronts the Hero. And, she prays that Fritz and the others in the rear will escape quickly.
When Yuuki appeared a while ago, she sensed a barrier was put up surrounding the school. She believes it probably has an effect to obstruct teleportation but they may be able to escape by『Transfer Magic』once they go out of the school.
In the worst case, if they run to the Saint's church next door, it's also possible to transfer to the headquarters using the teleportation magic formation.
Even if the barrier was set up around the school, they can escape once they get out of the school. Therefore Hinata wants them to move into action quickly...
However, it can be said that such a chance didn't really exist.
But what Fritz and others didn't noticed was that Kagari (In other words, Kazaream) was leading her men and waiting in the school grounds. Because it's still early morning, there are few people. Although it's time for students to go to school, since the dormitory is separate from this place, it is quite deserted.
Even assuming he noticed the gathered men, they could deal with him either way. I other words, the escape route from the schoolyard has been blocked.
Fritz didn't notice it, but he hesitated to believe his own intuition and taking action.
It's only taken a several seconds.
However as a result, in the short time under a minute all conclusions are resolved.
Hinata concentrated all of her attention on the Hero.
It's no use to worrying Fritz and the others. The thing she should do now is eliminate the enemy in front of her and buy time.
Hinata crossed swords with the Hero without taking notice of Yuuki who makes a racket, still immobilized in the chair.
A natural talent and effort.
Hinata takes pride in her ability that is on a near genius level, it's a fact that she remained undefeated until her defeat against Rimuru.
That is not only in sword skill but even in magic.
「Wind Blade!」(Hinata)
The magic is activated without chanting together with blades of wind that attack the Hero from all direction, Hinata's katana draws near the Hero. In contrast, the Hero ignores the blades of wind and receives Hinata's katana with her own katana.
Though countless wind blades hit the Hero's body, they all turned into light particles and turned into magic power. It was completely prevented because of the Unique Skill『Absolute Defense』that the Hero possessed.
Hinata used countless magic, but everything was blocked by the Hero's『Absolute Defense』and didn't give any effect. And also, Hinata's swordsmanship is completely repelled by the Hero as if she could predict it.
Above all else.....
Hinata's katana was broken into pieces by one flash of the Hero's katana.
With this it's the third time. Is it the difference between their swords? Or is it the difference between their skills.....? Hinata's katana was easily smashed by the Hero.
Though the blade is reforms whenever it breaks, it definitely shows that Hinata is in a disadvantageous position.
From what she had heard from other people regarding the Hero's abilities, there's no indication when the Unique Skill『Absolute Severance』is used.
Still, Hinata doesn't panic.
The Hero's sword skill is higher than her. Magic also doesn't work.
Still, Hinata doesn't give up.
She handles it gently. And she waits for a chance.
Her budded "Hero's egg" and her own talents, make her spirit strong.
Above all else, because she has people whom she should protect and there is a place she must return to.
Little by little, Hinata's sword speed rises. Her concentration increases, and a crack appear on the eggshell.....
Hinata runs up to the height of the existence called Hero.
「I will not lose! Even if my opponent is the invincible Hero.
I will defeat you and I will advance beyond you! Take this, Melt Slash!!」(Hinata)
Hinata challenged the Hero to a match with the fastest, strongest technique she has.
There are no petty tricks.
The exaltation makes the throbbing heartbeats not felt until now.
And, while she is exchanging blows with the Hero's sword, she realizes the increase in her sword's force.
That single blow was the strongest blow with all Hinata's strength as she broke her eggshell.
(Back to Fritz)
Fritz can't believe his own eyes.
The Overwhelming Hinata.
The Dominating Hinata.
For Fritz, Hinata is the symbol of JusticeStrength he adores.
Though she was defeated by Demon Lord Rimuru, but after that he was aware that Hinata grew and became stronger than before.
The enemy is the Hero who is stronger than Hinata, begins to respond to the speed of Hinata's sword. Fritz's perception can't follow the speed of the sword anymore.
"As expected from Hinata-sama!" so his mind thought, then that happen.
「――Melt Slash!!」(Hinata)
Hinata's attack is sent and strikes the Hero.
The next moment.
「Hero can't lose because it's "Hero" you know. An outrageous existence is what Hero is.」 (Yuuki)
Yuuki's murmuring voice is audible to Fritz's ear.
The voice is like a sage who attained enlightenment but merely conveyed a simple truth.
「Too bad. As I thought, Hinata can't defeat me. I wonder if it was Rimuru-santhe result would be different?」(Yuuki)
Yuuki spoke like he was talking about something faraway, as if Fritz didn't exist in that place.
Fritz can't understand it.
In front of his eyes, he saw the appearance of Hinata that collapsed while vomiting blood after her heart was pierced by the Hero's katana.
Although he sees it, Fritz's mind is in denial and refuses to admit it.
「U, uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!」(Fritz)
Fritz doesn't realize that the screaming comes from his own throat.
However, reality didn't waver and the situation continued without caring about Fritz.
It was just awhile before Fritz comprehended this event,
(Back at Hinata again)
Convinced of victory, hopeless reality assailed Hinata.
The Special Move that Hinata released overlapped with the Hero's. The technique was completely on the same rank as Hinata's, but the speed and power exceeded that of Hinata's.
Melt Slash.
The Hero countered Hinata's technique by using the same the technique as Hinata.
And though the execution was after Hinata's, it caught up with Hinata's sword speed and with power it broke Hinata's sword. The remaining energy of the aftershocks even cut the dimension.
The technique activated with the Hero's Unique Skill『Absolute Severance』, surpassed Hinata's strength and skill in all aspects.
And, Hinata's heart was pierced without hesitation with the single strike of the returned katana.
(――Is this the end.....? No, not yet. There's something I have to do!)
A Hero is a person whose heart not easily discouraged.
Hinata didn't give up and was trying to stand up.
However,
――No, everything is going as destined.
She tries to use Extra HealSuper Recovery Magic but it didn't activate.
She thought she heard someone voice.
The voice of a crying girl.
(Ah, I can still fight. At least, those children and Fritz can escape....)
――Yes, it's all right. Those children can escape safely.
(Is that so? That's a relief for now...)
For some reason Hinata felt relieved by those groundless words, Hinata vomited blood and collapsed in her place.
Although he sees it, Fritz's mind is in denial and refuse to admit it.
「U, uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!」(Fritz)
Fritz rushes up to Hinata and embraces her while screaming.
Cold envelops her body rapidly, and Hinata notices that her consciousness is weakening and her sensesare paralyzed though she feels Fritz's warmth.
"Ah, I can't be saved". So Hinata realized. Therefore,
「Fritz, it's an order. Because the Hero's attack, the space has tore.
If it's now, the transfer magic can be used....
Leave this place immediately.......」 (Hinata)
She desperately pulled back her almost gone consciousness, and Hinata spoke those words in one breath.
Hinata can't be saved. But, the children including Fritz can escape.
Who was it? Though she might have just misheard it, the words that were told seem to be true.
「However....!」(Fritz)
「It's a order. Fritz.....
I...... don't want to die in vain... okay?」 (Hinata)
And the children who were looking at the exchange, Kenya,
「Uooooo! Melt Slash!!」(Kenya)
Dazzling light is generated in Kenya's hand and is condensed to one sword's sweep.
And the sword is swung, Kenya uses Hinata's technique by imitating it after seeing Hinata use it.
The eyes are blinded by the light from the sword flash.
Though it was caught by the katana the Hero holds, the strike succeeded in tearing up several of the Hero's hairs and make them flutter in the air.眩い光が剣也の手に生At the same time, Alice moved.
Their cooperation was perfect as they are connected by Telepathy, everyone is wrapped by the space manipulation magic formation that Alice invented.
Even Hinata who was in Fritz's embrace after she received a single blow from the Hero.
Such a chain of events occurred in an instant.
...…
...
…
What remained in the place when the light of Alice's Space Manipulation Magic Formation disappears were only two people.
It's only Yuuki and the Hero with no name.
On the classroom's floor is the red puddle of blood which didn't dry yet which vividly proved that the present event was reality.
「Ahh, I set up so much flags, so it's possible for them to escape huh?」(Yuuki)
The hero doesn't answer Yuuki's murmuring.
As there was nothing, her expression was not clouded either.
「Even so, is this going as scheduled? Then, since were done, shall we go back?」(Yuuki)
Yuuki doesn't show any particularly worried expression, there's also no sign of regretting the failure either.
When Yuuki tells Kagari and her subordinates that were waiting in the schoolyard to return, as if nothing had happened, he returned to the Freedom Association Headquarters.
The Hero with no name too turns her eyes to look at the tear in space that restored in an instant.
The light of Will appeared on her iris-less eyes, the aura she gave off was as if it was the expression from a different person that has begun to appear and disappear.
「So. It started now......」(Hero.....?)
Nobody hears that muttering with an unknown meaning.
The Hero turns her legs, and began to follow behind Yuuki.
Her steps don't have hesitation, and the doll-like presence she had up until now disappears.
What was left was only a pool of blood that cannot speak.
−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−
She heard the voice calling her.
Hinata roused her fading consciousness and listen to the voice.
「――Please don't go! Hinata-sama!!」(Nicholas)
Ah, it sounds so sad...
I'm sorry Nicholas. Fritz too.....
I can't see anymore. I only judged it from the presence, it might not be so.
Did you live your life to the fullest?
―― No, there's still something I left undone. Even though I found a place for me to return to after great trouble, you know?
Do you regret it?
―― No, I don't regret it. If I regret it, I'm rude to people whom I sacrificed.
Do you still want to live?
―― I wonder which? I don't want to die, I think? However it seems to be impossible.
My heart is destroyed, and magic is not usable.
Nicholas and Fritz. She also feels the grief from the Holy Knights who adore her.
However, there's already nothing that can Hinata do.
If she thinks about it, she was warned by her Sensei (Shizu-san), was it a mistake for her to rescue the children?
――No, it was correct. I puffed my chest with pride, so I was able to say so.
After all, this event happened only because the enemy surpassed her even if she took precautions.
My body stopped pulsing, it's already at state where vital activity has gone.
Brain waves have also stopped, it has become a complete corpse. Because of this state, even if Nicholas's『Revival MagicResurrection』was used, revival is impossible.
Revival is only in the name, because it is still an incomplete magic.
However, because she could hear their voices in the end, Hinata was satisfied. No, she must be satisfied, so she thinks.
Because she had left something undone, she wanted to search for and aid troubled people with her own eyes, but there was someone who inherited the Will.
She was blessed.
Because she didn't die while making a mistake or while her thoughts were being manipulated.
At least, in her last moments she wanted to meet her Sensei again, so she wished.
Just before the will of Hinata's soul faded away and disappeared.
I'm sorry. Everything is just like it was destined to be. Your soul will be warmed inside of me.
Eventually, the "Hero's egg" that your soul possesses will surely emerge.
―― Who are you?
I'm Chloe.
―― Chloe? The fifth child?
Yes. Due to the Hero's waking, people who could recognize me disappeared.
You'll assimilate into me, and will become a true Hero before long.
What born here is the Nameless Hero.
Everything is Pre-established harmony.
As for your defeat and also your death.
――That's a somehow irritating.
It's inevitable.
I recognized what it was, and so to get your soul, I leaped to the past.
――Are the things in the future decided too?
No, what is decided to that extend is unknown.
What I knowis this moment now, when the True Hero awakened, only to that extent.
At the time I flew into the past, the Hero whose existence overlaps disappeared and is untied from all limitations.
That is, even though it's an existence of the assimilated me and you, it can be said to be another person.
Even so, will you come together with me? No, I want you to come.
――I see. It's a thing that can be refused. But, it can't be refused, huh.
Because a Hero is a person whose heart not easily discouraged.
To refuse here is impossible for Hinata's personality, it meant that all possibilities would disappeared.
More than anything, she may be able to help Shizu-san and everyone once again.
Though it might be impossible, even if she calculated it with the Unique Skill『Mathematician』, however she understood that the possibility for this is improbable.
(But still, I can't help but pray.
Because to die is to give up and make the best use of my life for everyone.....)
Hinata accepted the offer.
"Thank you," she muttered in small voice to the girl, Chloe, Hinata and Chloe's soul mixed together as one and leapt through the barrier of time.
To a far-off past
And now, the endless journey of the girl called Chloe and Hinata begins.
−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−
Nicholas confirms Hinata's death and wails.
No matter how many times『Resurrection』is used there's no reaction.
Nicholas keeps chanting the magic desperately while embracing her closely to warm the cold body that grew even colder.
Unnoticed, his two hands were restrained by Fritz, but he broke free.
"If you disturb me then I will kill you," so he think.
Then, interrupting Nicholas and Fritz,
「Please stop it, Nicholas-sama. Hinata-sama has already passed away.」(Leonard)
Calmly, Leonard who took the position as the leader of the Holy Knight reported, but this is a cruel reality for Nicholas
「What, it's impossible... It's Hinata, you know? There's no way that Hinata-sama died!!」(Nicholas)
Nicholas screamed.
There was nobody who answered, Nicholas's words sounded out emptily.
Nicholas also understood it. He just didn't want to acknowledge it.
In this world with magic, at this place he prays for God's miracle.
That day, the death of the former leader of the Holy Knight Hinata Sakaguchi was confirmed.
This is the beginning of what will happen later on.
Hinata's death marked the curtain's raise of the turmoil times in this world.
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