novel
| ← Ch.31 | Ch.33 → |
Chapter 1 - 3-1=Hopeless
——long long ago, something called the [Sun] existed.
Exuding out radiant white flames, coloring the sky with translucent blue——yes, this was how it spread.
The [Great war] between G. o. ds and creatures scorched the earth.
The whole sky became clouded with ash.
The ash-filled sky and the overflowing Astronomical Force—
—Elemental gallery, came into conflict, causing light to emit which resulted in the sky turning red.
This redness enveloped the continuous mutual-killing on the lands. Or perhaps, the star itself was lamenting, spilling out fresh blood...
In the blood-stained sky, only aquamarine-colored ash continues to fall down.
————......
Ivan gazed at the red sky and frowned.
The [black ash] that let out aquamarine light fell onto the ground, starting to pile up.
Ivan dazed when thinking about the limits a human could possess in regards to knowledge.
Humans were unable to sense elemental particles, so they shouldn't be able to see the aquamarine light. As for why the sky was dyed red, it was probably due to the polarizing light or some other unknown reasons. Elemental particles were originally blue to begin with....
As for how the humans are able to perceive and link to the
Elemental Gallery.... . It probably has something to do with the last light emitted from the dying Elemental after the conflict with the ash.
——[Elemental bones]. To majority of the living species including humans, this was a lethal poison.
Touching it burns the skin. Entering the eye causes blindness.
If consumed, the innards would be dissolved.
Even though it shone an aquamarine light, it was called [Black ash] because the nature of it symbolizes death itself.
Perhaps, this stuff may actually be merciful....
The dust mask covered his head. The fur armor was built to withstand the cold. If one took all these off and casually lie on the ground——the ground filled with [Black ash (Death)], it would bring that someone into a blissful sleep.
(Really want to rest. Working non-stop since this morning. My body is numbed, I want to drink a bowl of hot soup, wash away all these ash and snuggle in my wife's chest and sleep——if I can't even achieve all of these some day, then right now I should just.... . )
That kind of temptation forced Ivan to tremble, completely stopping his thoughts. Born in this kind of world, there was no reason for survival or death—— "——Ivan. Did the black ash enter your brain?"
Ivan turned back after hearing his companion's murmur. After blinking a few times, he saw his two partners beside him.
".... It was only a little break, Allei. I am already getting on my years eh?" "If you are getting old, then shouldn't we be the same?" Allei bitterly said.
Against the young boy who was one year younger than he was,
Ivan retorted ironically.
"Are you awake yet? Maybe someday we can't fool around like this anymore oh
—— Riku, you too."
Saying so, Ivan looked towards Riku—— the "leader" in front of him.
The youngest among the three, with a teenage face hidden underneath the mask and winds. h. i. +eld.
His face couldn't be seen. Looking through the wind gla. s. s.... were a pair of pupils that looked like the abyss itself.
"Thank you for the advice. Then——after a short
[break].... We'll continue."
——dressed like a rock, together with leather clothing that crept upwards from the legs.
His limbs were numbed, he didn't even eat——this was for the sake of not be discovered by the [Enemy]. In order to live.
And——in order to come here.
Ivan lowered his head, overlooking the hills in silence.
As expected, there was a huge pit.... A steel mountain laid in the center.
This was built by the dwarves, a wars. h. i. +p meant for air combat.
However, it was currently wrecked.
There were traces of earth-shattering [Skirmishes] in this area a few weeks ago. Riku's objective today was to scavenge for any usable resource.
Cracks present in the armor allowed the team to enter the s. h. i. +p.
Ivan asked Riku.".... The elemental needle plate?"
"No. The [Black ash] is too intense. The elemental particles would affect it."
Ivan silently protested. This way, they had one less insurance for their lives.
Elemental needle plate——a pyroxene that reacts strongly to elemental particles. An artifact created by connecting obsidian.
It was used to sense G. o. ds and their dependents——ultimately informing the direction of those [Monsters] with extremely high Elemental particles count—— although it was created by
Riku and his sister, for now it couldn't be used.
Thus, they could only discern the enemy's position using their five senses.
The trash known as the human species who were exiled and sent away, against monsters with super senses——too hilarious.
Indeed, too hilarious.
".... Move forward with caution." Riku muttered with a straight face.
Ivan and another companion——Allei silently nodded before sneaking into the wreckage.
To enter the place just by bending their backs and brus. h. i. +ng past the acc. u. mulated dust, was definitely luck——
.... Focus!
Ivan then said to himself.
(Don't be disarrayed, be as insignificant as a speck of dust. Kill the sound of breathing and the heartbeat. Tense up the five senses, ensure that not even dust can escape my sights)
——compared to previous times, this didn't even count as being dangerous.
They were a considerate distance away from the battlefield.
The place they were currently in could be said to be a mountain of abandoned garbage.
However, calling this place [Safe] would be complacency.
There was a chance that a lost monster was still lurking around.
Maybe, there might even be other races that had no relation to the war wandering around.
Or perhaps, there were remnants of the dwarves who piloted this s. h. i. +p——
Even if the other party was in a near-death state, they wouldn't survive a confrontation.
——this was their reality. A shocking, unreasonable reality.
If a dwarf held an item, it meant one thing——hundreds of human lives would get reduced to ash.
This was the impact of being their enemy. In order to survive to the future, hide from the present.
So——
"——hey, Ivan, this is a huge find!!"
Hearing the loud cry from behind him, Ivan turned around with a vexed expression.
Some distance away was Allei, who had a look of excitement.
Allei's eyes were sparkling as he waved his right hand dramatically.
"Come here, this thing is awesome!"
Ivan squinted his eyes to look at Allei as well as Riku's face.
"......"
Riku remained silent as he slowly lifted a hand——creating an action as if slitting the throat.
Just like that, Allei who couldn't control his excitement and panted restlessly a while ago started to tremble slightly.
"So.... Sorry. But, but, take a look at this."
The object Allei found seemed like a small box at first glance.
It was connected with several pieces of complicated items.
But when Allei twisted the object with his hand, the box released a rainbow- colored light.
"This is——!"
Looking at the large-scale map projected in the air, even Ivan couldn't conceal his shock and let out a surprised breath.
"Could this be——the world map?!" "Yes, the latest edition too!"
——world map. Although they've collected data as well as made their own measurements, ultimately the map created was only of a certain degree.
However, the map projected in the air displayed the world's continents and oceans accurately without lacking a single detail. Furthermore, during the war, the terrain may change at any time, this was indeed——
".... It's not just that." Riku murmured softly.
"A strategic map, and also the enemy forces——there are secret codes, but decoding it should be easy with the dwarves' language. No problems."
"——Ha, haha!"
It was understandable why Allei was this excited——even Ivan let out a smile.
In other words, with this map——inferring the situation of the battle was possible.
Infer what happens in the future and choose a safer place to live... ! What a perfect find, Riku calmly said.
"Ivan, Allei, compare and amend the map we currently have with the left and right side of the map respectively. I'll transcribe the strategic and enemy forces map."
""Swear to the commands!""
Ivan and Allei couldn't hide their excitement as they accepted the command. Swear upon the deceased, swear upon the pact—
—acceptance.
Taking out the paper, ink and measurement items out of their packs, they started working.
Their time was tight, but they had to accurately plot the data and copy down. However, Allei suddenly thought of something and opened his mouth.
"Ne, Riku, can't we just take the projection device back?" Riku slowly raised his head while Allei continued.
"Isn't it better like this? It wouldn't be a burden regardless of size, and we don't have to waste paper and time——"
"Dismissed. We can't take anything that uses Elemental particles to function. Write quickly."
"I'm saying that, but, the size of this..." "Allei."
With a sharp tone, Riku called out Allei's name.
".... If you want to die, then say it out——I'll grant your desire."
Riku said with a dark and murderous intent-filled voice, his face expressionless and his pupils lightless.
"Killing you alone could prevent a monster from detecting the elemental particles and destroying us all. It is simply too cheap a price to pay."
"——I, I understand——... Sorry..."
Fearing the menacing Riku, Allei shook his head."Bu, but, you don't have to be so angry right.... ?"
"Allei, what Riku said——is our aim. Have you forgotten it?"
Ivan gave advice, but the look on his face was serious, causing
Allei to swallow a mouthful of his saliva.
"——[We don't exist, we cannot exist, so we cannot be perceived]...."
"See, don't you remember it? To die because of the refusal to copy down a map
——is there anything more boring than this death?" ".... Sorry."
Allei whispered an apology.
At this time, a slow and heavy vibration came from the ground.
".... !"
Instantaneously, the three of them lowered their body and went into the shade, as if previously discussed.
——using his best efforts to calm the violent beating of his heart.
Holding his breath together with his trembling body, Ivan looked at Riku who was also concealed.
Riku took a small knife from his glove and unhesitatingly cut the tip of his index finger.
(.... Nothing has changed.... )
Pressing his exposed nerve onto the ground, intelligence was retrieved through the fingertips, then it was transmitted to the other senses, mainly his ears.
Using eyes to check was too risky. It was akin to suicidal behavior at this time.
However, placing the ears onto the ground could do it. The sounds from outside could be heard.
Using these means that far exceeded rationality, Riku had finished a. n. a. lyzing the [Enemy] that inadvertently revealed itself.
This level of vibration and rhythm of the sound led to some conclusions. Ivan licked his lips in his gas mask, closely watching Riku's gestures.
——.... . About 180 feet away, two-legged race, one, heavy and slow——probably meant as a trick.
From Riku's gestures, the [Enemy]'s height was approximately——[Twenty feet].
Larger than humans by three times, no wonder it was slow—— in short, it should be searching for something.... ?
Ivan's back was full of sweat.
Then, from their ears came the sound of roars, shaking the entire surroundings. (d. a. m. n, it's a Demonia!!)
They were convinced even without Riku's gestures.
A mutant Phantasma—— demons created by the [Demon king].
Basically, they are mentally r. e. t. a. r. ded monsters. Saying that they were beasts not given enough brains was not too far away from the truth either.
Despite its huge strength, it was aware of them [Preys]——it was because they were incomplete beings that they lost the instinct of quietly approaching their prey. Now, was the thing wandering nearby a Demonia or simply one of the variants of the more inferior races. It was estimated to be a man-eater and a hill spirit—— in that case, a battle with our current strength?
——impossible. This was clear. Yes——completely impossible.
Even if their opponents were the inferior Demonias—— humans were still piles of meat when facing against them.
Those guys didn't lurk around like beasts or gave warnings, because there wasn't a need to.
They are strong, they always solved all problems with their own strength. This has always been their tender and rational way of living.
The weapons on their hands.... . no, even if they developed a meticulous plan, no humans could kill a Demonia.
All these actions were pointless.
Even if they used up all their wisdom, strategies and traps to launch attacks against the Demonia——what was the point?
This would only get perceived by [Superior] Demonias with higher wisdom and they would understand the [Threat] of humans right?
The extinction of humans would be met with no resistance. So they only had one course of action at this state.
There were no other choices.
.... . [We do not exist, we cannot exist, so we cannot be perceived]....
Human resistance was not permitted, or else they would be the hunted [Prey]. In that case——Ivan guessed the outcome.
Slowly turning his head, he looked at Riku——who said the next words."Ivan, I command you."
Riku announced just like that."——die here."
"Swear to the commands. Leave it to me." Smiling wryly——
Ivan didn't hesitate to answer.
Entrusting his pack to Allei, Ivan started walking forward."Oi, oi...."
Facing against Allei who was holding the pack with trembling hands, Ivan advised while smiling.
"You understand right, Allei. In here, someone has to be sacrificed."
Yes——someone has to be bait, while the remaining two look for opportunities to escape. There was no other way.
180 feet——would take about 8 seconds for a human to run.
Against the Demonia who was closing the distance——there was no other choice.
If the three of them fled, it would still result in demise. The worst case was to get chased towards the colony——even though the enemy's knowledge was low, this kind of thing was still capable of being done.
Riku must have considered [Who] and [Where] would the sacrifice take place...."Riku is important, and as for Allei, you are still young. It was natural who would be the bait right?" "But——because of this... !" Ivan smiled.
He then unbuckled the lock on his chin and slowly took off his dust mask."Ivan.... !?"
The cold air blowing on his skin incredibly relieved his tension.
The wind evaporated the sweat on his body and blew the stench of the beast's skin away, bringing an extremely comfortable feeling.
"Don't mind me. [In order to protect my friends and family]—
—this reason of death would be very n. o. ble right?"
Saying this, Ivan handed his mask over the still trembling
Allei.".. d. a. m. n it. Dammmnnnnnn——ITTT!"
Patting on the shoulders of his long time friend, Ivan turned away.
Ivan turned towards Riku——looking through the winds. h. i. +eld into his black pupil, he said so.
"Goodbye, Riku. I'll leave my family——my kids, in your care." Riku was still nonchalant.
Watching Ivan who was gazing at him, he nodded."Ahh, leave it to me."
.......
"I'm sorry too."
Hearing Ivan's words, Riku replied back in surprise."... Why do you apologize?"
"I'm sorry too." "Oi, Ivan. You...."
Allei's trembling voice was heard behind Ivan's back.
As if to hide his true feelings, Ivan was back-facing Riku.
Then, he waved his hand.
"Allei, together with my part, take care of Riku....... Then, I'll go on ahead (Death) oh."
——using his best efforts to calm the violent beating of his heart.
Holding his breath together with his trembling body, Ivan looked at Riku who was also concealed.
Riku took a small knife from his glove and unhesitatingly cut the tip of his index finger.
(.... Nothing has changed.... )
Pressing his exposed nerve onto the ground, intelligence was retrieved through the fingertips, then it was transmitted to the other senses, mainly his ears.
Using eyes to check was too risky. It was akin to suicidal behavior at this time.
However, placing the ears onto the ground could do it. The sounds from outside could be heard.
Using these means that far exceeded rationality, Riku had finished a. n. a. lyzing the [Enemy] that inadvertently revealed itself.
This level of vibration and rhythm of the sound led to some conclusions. Ivan licked his lips in his gas mask, closely watching Riku's gestures.
——.... . About 180 feet away, two-legged race, one, heavy and slow——probably meant as a trick.
From Riku's gestures, the [Enemy]'s height was approximately——[Twenty feet].
Larger than humans by three times, no wonder it was slow—— in short, it should be searching for something.... ?
Ivan's back was full of sweat.
Then, from their ears came the sound of roars, shaking the entire surroundings. (d. a. m. n, it's a Demonia!!)
They were convinced even without Riku's gestures.
A mutant Phantasma—— demons created by the [Demon king].
Basically, they are mentally r. e. t. a. r. ded monsters. Saying that they were beasts not given enough brains was not too far away from the truth either.
Despite its huge strength, it was aware of them [Preys]——it was because they were incomplete beings that they lost the instinct of quietly approaching their prey. Now, was the thing wandering nearby a Demonia or simply one of the variants of the more inferior races. It was estimated to be a man-eater and a hill spirit—— in that case, a battle with our current strength?
——impossible. This was clear. Yes——completely impossible.
Even if their opponents were the inferior Demonias—— humans were still piles of meat when facing against them.
Those guys didn't lurk around like beasts or gave warnings, because there wasn't a need to.
They are strong, they always solved all problems with their own strength. This has always been their tender and rational way of living.
The weapons on their hands.... . no, even if they developed a meticulous plan, no humans could kill a Demonia.
All these actions were pointless.
Even if they used up all their wisdom, strategies and traps to launch attacks against the Demonia——what was the point?
This would only get perceived by [Superior] Demonias with higher wisdom and they would understand the [Threat] of humans right?
The extinction of humans would be met with no resistance. So they only had one course of action at this state.
There were no other choices.
.... . [We do not exist, we cannot exist, so we cannot be perceived]....
Human resistance was not permitted, or else they would be the hunted [Prey]. In that case——Ivan guessed the outcome.
Slowly turning his head, he looked at Riku——who said the next words."Ivan, I command you."
Riku announced just like that."——die here."
"Swear to the commands. Leave it to me." Smiling wryly——
Ivan didn't hesitate to answer.
Entrusting his pack to Allei, Ivan started walking forward."Oi, oi...."
Facing against Allei who was holding the pack with trembling hands, Ivan advised while smiling.
"You understand right, Allei. In here, someone has to be sacrificed."
Yes——someone has to be bait, while the remaining two look for opportunities to escape. There was no other way.
180 feet——would take about 8 seconds for a human to run.
Against the Demonia who was closing the distance——there was no other choice.
If the three of them fled, it would still result in demise. The worst case was to get chased towards the colony——even though the enemy's knowledge was low, this kind of thing was still capable of being done.
Riku must have considered [Who] and [Where] would the sacrifice take place...."Riku is important, and as for Allei, you are still young. It was natural who would be the bait right?" "But——because of this... !" Ivan smiled.
He then unbuckled the lock on his chin and slowly took off his dust mask."Ivan.... !?"
The cold air blowing on his skin incredibly relieved his tension.
The wind evaporated the sweat on his body and blew the stench of the beast's skin away, bringing an extremely comfortable feeling.
"Don't mind me. [In order to protect my friends and family]—
—this reason of death would be very n. o. ble right?"
Saying this, Ivan handed his mask over the still trembling
Allei.".. d. a. m. n it. Dammmnnnnnn——ITTT!"
Patting on the shoulders of his long time friend, Ivan turned away.
Ivan turned towards Riku——looking through the winds. h. i. +eld into his black pupil, he said so.
"Goodbye, Riku. I'll leave my family——my kids, in your care." Riku was still nonchalant.
Watching Ivan who was gazing at him, he nodded."Ahh, leave it to me."
.......
"I'm sorry too."
Hearing Ivan's words, Riku replied back in surprise."... Why do you apologize?"
"I'm sorry too." "Oi, Ivan. You...."
Allei's trembling voice was heard behind Ivan's back.
As if to hide his true feelings, Ivan was back-facing Riku.
Then, he waved his hand.
"Allei, together with my part, take care of Riku....... Then, I'll go on ahead(Death) oh."
Part 4
At the same time, Riku, Allei and Ivan——flew out of the shadows, but in contrasting directions.
Contrary to Riku and Allei's actions of trotting while bending to the ground, Ivan ran full speed ahead while shouting out.
Hearing the beast's roar, Ivan maintained his speed while giving a slight glance to his back.
After it noticed the enemy, it kicked the steel wreckage apart and started moving over to Ivan's direction.
——the [Enemy] was huge. Just like what Riku had speculated, it was at least three times bigger than a human.
Even though it was cloaked in black skin, the bulging muscles could be seen. Jagged teeth that nearly covered half of its face was exposed the moment it opened its mouth.
Ivan laughed upon thinking that he would get to experience the monster's attack first-hand.
Facing the monster, heading in a completely different direction from Ivan, Ivan could see the escaping Riku and Allei.
Attracted by the great movements as well as the loud shouting, the monster didn't notice Riku and Allei——
"————ha, ha!"
Ivan had to cry out loudly to attract the monster's attention. He then focused his attention on the escape route and picked up speed.
The decoy mission was proceeding smoothly. The next step was to distract the monster a little bit longer.
No matter what, the best outcome is the best right? After all.... This is a human's last job.
——yes, his mission was over from here onwards.
Only a single run left before the end of his life——it was really a simple task."I'm sorry Riku——to leave you with such troublesome tasks."
From now on, there would be more difficult, more precarious and more tedious jobs awaiting the person who was like his little brother(Riku).
In the next few minutes, or maybe a few seconds later, he wouldn't feel as relaxed as this——
"Ahhh, although this may be too much.... But, could you please——d. a. m. n it."
——Riku's pair of abyss-like dark eyes emerged in Ivan's mind.
Even when staring at Ivan, there was——nothing shone out of it.
No fear, no hesitation, not shaken, no sorrow, no pain. Nothing emerged. For this reason—he could be trusted.
To throw away his life because of the command given by a young teenager.
If necessary, his own life could be treated like garbage and toss away, if it was for the words of the black-eyed master.
He believed that——he was going to use his life more effectively than anyone else. But——
"I know this might weigh down on you——but Riku, aside from believing in you, I cannot think of any other way."
So, I have to apologize. Because the reason you gave me to die....
Actually, I shouldn't think about dying. My wife and my cute daughter are still waiting for me back in the colony.
No matter what, I must escape, I want to be with my family, enjoy the mundane happiness before dying.
——but, this.
Dying in this place buried in aquamarine ash.... What was the difference? "Ahhh, Ahhhhhhh.... !!"
Unfortunately, this was what Ivan thought.
At this timing, to even be afraid of choosing happiness, was very unfortunate. d. a. m. n it. To die without a reason and to die involuntarily.
"Sorryy, I'm very sorry! But, please, please forgive me——"
——in this broken, crazy and tragic world.
Born without a meaning, to live in fear, and to get killed after finding a little bit of happiness.
What was the point to live in this world if it continued endlessly?
——the one who answered this question is that boy, Riku.
It was to protect your friends, protect your family——in order to achieve the future where the war would end, dying was fine.
Fantastic. Simply perfect. The meaning behind one's own existence, what could be better than this?
Even if I die, at least die in style right? Like that——I should shout it out.."——I! I will die in order to protect my friends and familyyyyyyyy——!!" Okay——there was no need to be shy regardless of who that was intended for.
This is too cliché. Only humans who were heading to their imminent deaths would understand this point.
"Ha, ha! Oi, Riku! This era, when will it endddd——!" There was no reply. He also didn't want to know the answer.
——as for [When], it would still be strange to Ivan even if he understood. This world was so cruel that people couldn't hope.
This world was so cruel that people could only despair.
The past and future were distant, it wouldn't be related to the humans of today.
But now, the only thing needed to be done is to desperately and continuously weave towards the future, to not tolerate any other reverie.
Someone impulsively would definitely get eliminated like trash in the next second.
"Ahh...."
Just like this, keep running ahead."Ah——Ahhhhhhhhhhh—
—!" Just keep going straight.
As long as the body is still alive, just keep shouting.
Even if you fall on the way, someone else shall bear this burden."Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh—— ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!" Humans, aside from this—
— "Ahhhh——————————ah!"
Then, the shout disappeared.
.... . This was the era of——[The Great War].
Humans were both weak and fragile, they couldn't survive as an individual, so they had to live together as a whole [Race].
Personal feelings were ignored, everyone existed to survive as a whole. Working as a whole was a necessity.
For this, although it couldn't be said to be the best, it was the step that gave them the highest chance to win.
Through comprehensive and rational plans, humans could continue living—— no, running.
Covered with ash and mud, sacrificing their little happiness, discarding any bones——until the unknown day when the war ends.
Because of this, the sacrifice of one person to save two others, sacrifice the minority to save the majority.
Regardless of the one sacrificed, saving other persons in the colony was the top priority.
Therefore, other means would not be considered. The one who implemented this——was Riku himself.
From then onwards, he had never regretted it nor feel any remorse for it. But
——
He sprinted full speed without looking back, until he fled to the forest which was supposedly safer. Suddenly——
".... . Wuu."
The feeling of an attack that felt like the stomach was dropping struck Riku.
The memory of that man's face gradually blurred. He was feeling a sense of unbearable and strong sense of disgust for something. Ivan——was more of a man than he was. He was brave, thoughtful and considerate. In
Riku's generation, there was no man just like Ivan.
Nevertheless, it was love at first sight for his wife. Even though the marriage proposal was late, they were very intimate——
These.
Riku himself, has already. Used the past tense to narrate it.
"Riku... Oi, Riku!"
Allei who still had tears in his eyes violently grabbed Riku's shoulders."Won't you collapse——with all that burden you are carrying?!"
Riku however used soulless and dimly lit eyes to look at him—
— "Until then, when someone else inherits my job."
Hearing those light words, Allei fell silent.
Then, the two of them who judged that there was no enemy after them, started walking.
With the colony as the target, they walked. The feeling of heaviness was not just due to the acc. u. mulation of thick dust.
The things left behind. The things entrusted over. The things that have to be used to continue weaving——
".... Hey, Riku. This kind of era.... . When will it end..."
Both of them didn't know. It was the same question Ivan roared out in the last few seconds of his life.
Riku couldn't answer this question as he looked up at the red sky filled with aquamarine dust.
Suddenly, words that came from someone unknown flashed past his mind—— [There will always be a tomorrow].
The debris floating in the air that exuded a faint aquamarine glow quietly fell and started piling up.
"Ahhh. It will be soon."
If they didn't have this mindset, if they didn't believe, even now.
————this heavy feeling, would probably pressure their knees.
The roundtrip would take four days.
To reach the motive [Colony], they had to descend down the aquamarine ash- filled wilderness into the depths of the forest blocked by snow.
At the foot of the tall and steep hill, there was a hidden cave.
From a first glance, it looked like it was a nest belonging to a beast.
But once inside, there would be a few degraded pillars and numerous hanging lamps.
Riku removed one of those lamps and lit it up with a flint.
Relying on the dim lighting from the lamp, they headed deeper into the cave.
While paying attention to avoid any traps used to catch wandering beasts, they continued to press onwards.
Afterwards, they saw an outer wall made with st. u. r. dy logs. The door was made to prevent lost bears or wolves from pa. s. sing through.
Of course, if the intruder was someone of the [Other races], such things were ineffective.
Riku went close and knocked the door with a certain rhythmic beat——he then waited.
Squeaking noise then accompanied the slow opening of the door, and the face of teenage boy who was donned in a fur coat emerged out.
"Welcome back. It must have been exhausting."
Riku and Allei gently nodded their heads before heading into the door.".... Where is Ivan-san?"
Silently, Riku shook his head.
The guard held his breath, looking as if he was holding back something. He then said to Riku once more.
".... It must be tough."
.... .
Going through the door, the place started becoming s. p. a. cious.
Here and now——was a secret hideout that hid close to 2000 people.
Spring water that gushed out from the depths of the cave solved the water problem, while livestock grown on the open areas solved the other.
There was also an estuary that was connected to the sh. o. r. e, allowing salt and fish to be collected.
Compared to the other humans outside that were killed due to meeting [Something], this was a fairly safe stronghold to live in.
The thick layer of rocks here could only sustain at most the minimal force from a stray bullet coming from the war.
——of course, this was only a subjective thought. Riku walked along the wooden stairs into the colony.
The residents working in the city square cast concerning eyes over to them—— In the midst of a crowd, a young teenage girl ran over towards them.
Although she was pet. i. te in stature, her blue eyes as well as bright hair brought some life inside the cave.
The girl who ran in front of Riku opened her mouth and called out."Toooo——slowwwww! To what extent are you going to worry your big sister!" "We were trying our best."
Riku lightly muttered as he laid his pack onto the ground.
"Coron, did anything changed while I'm away?"
"Can you call me Nee-san! How long must I emphasize before you knowwww
——"
The girl known as Coron pursed her lips while nodding vigorously.
"Well, nevermind. There isn't anything important that needs reporting——in any case, take off your dirty cloak and rawhide. A good wash is a must!"
Coron unceremoniously knocked Riku who was covered with dust and said."Allei too. Rest well!"
Coron said to Allei who was behind Riku while removing the mask and equipment from Riku. Suddenly, a figure appeared from the crowd.
Before being questioned, Allei replied.".... As for Ivan, he's dead."
Coron was astonished, and at that moment——another voice from the other end of the square came.
"Daddy!"
Riku turned around and saw a young girl running over unsteadily. Seeing that figure, Allei gasped.
The breathless young girl that ran over gave Riku a brilliant smile while crying out.
"Where's Daddy!?"
".... ."
Riku couldn't answer.
s. h. i. +ning hair and blue eyes, similar to her father's——Ivan's daughter.".... Nona."
"Hey, Riku. Where's Daddy?"
Nona tugged on Riku's s. h. i. +rt and asked.
However, behind that cheerful face, she felt a little uneasy.
"That, Nona....""
Allei solemnly walked over and opened his mouth, but Riku stopped him with his hand.
At the same time, he used his gaze to stop Coron who was approaching Nona.
————it's fine. Stay.
With a nonchalant tone, Riku said."Ivan——your Dad, cannot come back anymore."
————
As if not comprehending what the sentence meant, the girl widened her eyes.
Facing against Riku's silence, the girl left from Riku's side, trying hard not to believe it.
Big teardrops flowed down from her eyes, as her trembling lips opened."———why———?"
"......"
"He said he would come back! Daddy asked me to wait for him obediently at home!? Nona has been a good girl——she has been keeping her promise!? Then why———why won't Daddy come back!?"
".... Because he is dead." "LIAR!!"
Nona's desperate cry echoed in the cave.
"Daddy.... Said he would come back, we promised!" Riku started thinking, from when all this began.
———he was unmoved even after hearing such a pained voice.
"Ivan wanted to keep the promise too. But on the way, we met a Demonia, so he had to be bait."
"I don't care about those things! Why isn't Daddy come back!?"
——Nona was correct, Riku thought.
Why protect, what was the death for, this reason had nothing to do with her. She only knew, that her favourite Dad wouldn't come back——this was a fact."Daddy said it before, that mankind would win!"
"Of course we will win. Ivan fought just for this purpose. To protect us——for the victory of everybody."
Riku started thinking, from when all this began.
——he could calmly spout these emotionless words out. Nona's small face tightened.
"That isn't victory! If that is victory——" "——Nona!"
A sharp voice as well as an outstretched hand covered the words the girl was about to utter out next.
——[Wouldn't it be better if Riku died]——
No one knew when a skinny young woman——Nona's mother,
Ivan's wife appeared.
She blocked her daughter's mouth with her hand and looked at
Riku's face.
Her pair of eyes didn't contain any resentment or hate. At that moment, Riku—— touched his own chest.
——it's alright, no problem."Riku...."
Meranda——Nona's mother, used a hoa. r. s. e voice to call out his name. Sorry——Riku was about to say on reflex, but he swallowed it back.
"——Ivan became bait in order for us to escape, otherwise, the three of us would die. Because we believe that if the [Harvest] this time was brought back safety, Nona will definitely be protected."
".... Thank you, Riku."
Tears flowed down Meranda's face as she said that.
Gently nodding, she carried her recently orphaned daughter back into the depths of the cave.
Until their figure has completely disappeared from their eyes,
Coron had been uttering our prayers for them.
".... Ivan. He was a good person."
———yes, a great man. His wife too, was a great woman.
No complaints, no anger, it couldn't be imagined how she believed someone like him.
The daughter could see through things at once, it was obvious she was very smart.
Because the girl at that time, clearly revealed his true colours as well as his intentions——
——[Liar]."Riku!"
Without warning, Coron held Riku with a considerate amount of strength, preventing him from falling down.
"——welcome back. It's a blessing that you are okay..."
".... . Ahh yes....... I'm back."
Afterwards, Coron deliberately changed the subject with exaggeration.
"Oooo——okay okay! The bath should be heated up by now, so go take a shower now!"
"Shower!"
Allei happily cheered out. Riku frowned and said unhappily.
"Isn't it enough to just wipe the body——waste of fuel."
"O. Nee. -Sa. Ma asks you to go for a bath! You really stink oh!"
Coron said as she smelled her clothing as well as the smell travelling in the air. Unable to resist anymore, Riku sighed and started pacing.
Walking across the square to the deeper parts of the colony, an older man suddenly called out Riku.
"Oh Riku! That useless thing can finally work!"
"Simon how could you!! Now we are exposed!? I even wanted to surprise Riku!" "It finally works.... . Unless, that telescope?"
Seeing Riku's widened eyes, Coron puffed her chest out proudly and replied.
"Fufu, as long as it's something I've taken apart before, the theory behind it can be easily known!"
"Well, although Coron figured out the theories.... Like before, she is still ignorant in the process of manufacturing it."
Under Simon's guide, Riku walked up the stage.
There was a dug out s. p. a. cious workroom next to the cave—— in the center, there was an insignificant and cylindrical item.
About a year ago——the item that was looted from the
Dwarves' chariot, was an ultra-long-range telescope.
On its return journey back, it snapped into two. It was supposedly useless—— Riku asked.
"Is it operable without Elemental particles?"
"Un, rest a. s. sured. This is a modified version of what Riku previously made. If needed, it still can be combined with more round gla. s. s. Even the lens can be adjusted oh?"
"——I see. Two of us died to retrieve this. We had better utilize it well." When retrieving this, Coron was also present.
Coron who discovered it proposed it to be taken back, Riku agreed as well.
Then——they met Werebeasts on their way back, causing two humans to be sacrificed in the process of fleeing.
However, Simon's hearty voice came back.
"With this thing, the need to go out for investigation would be reduced——this way, they can finally rest in peace right!"
"——ahh, yes."
——this was a lie.
Riku knew Coron used a lot of effort to fix this telescope.
But——this was a momentary consolation. No matter how carefully transferred this was, as long as those guys had the brains to carry out an investigation, this place would immediately be found.
No, even at this moment, a stray bullet may even blow up this entire place.
——just like before, their [Birth place] as well as——the [Place of growth].
But, Coron who understood Riku's worry said cheerily.
"It can put someone at ease to be able to detect the attack right.
Having prior knowledge of the danger, escaping should be easy
♪. As for the route, just slowly think about it when the time comes! Okay, let's go!"
The two of them left the workroom. Walking in the direction of his room in the area, Riku asked.
"Those guys who were out investigating?"
"They safely came back. Riku and your team went the furthest, so basically everyone has already came back. ♪"
"Ahhh, yes, so only we were the only ones faced with problems." Looking at Riku's unchanging self-depreciative face, Coron hesitated.
"Bu... But! Since you are in this position, there must be some harvest right?"
"In the fallen battles. h. i. +p of the dwarves——we found the latest map of the world." "——! Really!? Isn't that a big harvest!"
Riku nodded his head in reply towards Coron's surprised voice.
"Enemy forces on the map, strategies written in Dwarven language, mingled with some codes. I'd like to interpret and solve these messages——can you leave this to me alone?"
Hearing this, Coron had a complex expression.
"... Un. But first, take a niceee bath okay? Because you are suuuu—pper smelly."
Seeing Coron pinch her nose close while saying those words out, Riku sighed and agreed.
——Riku walked into the narrow room and closed the door.
It was originally dug out from the cave, that's why it was narrow. The acc. u. mulation of numerous books and items made it even more narrow.
There was a small table in the middle for eating. A drawing table was also present deeper into the room, standing next to a pallet bed.
Placing the hanging lamp onto the table, the items that were in the pack were taken out and placed onto the table.
The most attention grabbing items were three——three overlapping maps copied by three individuals with their hand.
Using the light, Riku confirmed that there was nothing missing nor were there any stains. This meant that Ivan's death was not in vain.
.... Taking a deep breath, Riku surveyed his surroundings.
n. o. body. The distance between this room and another room was considerably far, the door was also thick enough.
Done with the [Routine checks], Riku inhaled deeply and touched his chest——
——with a Kacha——the [Lock] opened.
"——what do you mean by————NOT IN VAIN! YOU b. a. s. t. a. r. d HYPOCRITE!!"
While eating, Riku waved his fist around, scolding himself.
The newest world map. The diagram of the enemy forces. The
Dwarf's strategies.
Ahhh! Yes very important! A very big harvest. This could very well determine the entire fate of the colony!
It can be used to speculate the position of bases and resources.
Furthermore, we can prevent ourselves from straying into some other race's territories.
And to get all these, dangerous [Investigation] activities had been ongoing for more than five years.
The earliest began from the nearby area, and then a rough map of the world was plotted.
The location of dangerous zones and resources. The map had to be constantly updated with newer information. Only until recently has it been extremely handy.
And adding the intelligence brought back today, the credibility of our map will greatly increase.
——but, for this map, how many people have died? Riku knew this answer——their looks, their names.
It could be said that he even remembered when, where and how they died. 47 people——no, an increase, 48 people.
——for every one of them, Riku had asked all of them to [Go and die].
Riku didn't inform all of them directly, there were some who indirectly understood his intention.
But regardless of which, the person who gave the command of
[Death] was undoubtedly Riku.
——sacrificing one person to save the others, sacrifice the minority to save the majority.
——if a situation where others would be harmed and suffer, suicide would be the best.
This rule was developed.
In this desperate situation, even if it's little, conveying to everyone of the final struggles——
Couldn't be anyone else except for Riku himself. But—— "—
—even if this continues, then.... What can... ?"
For two people, a person gets killed. For four people, two people get killed.
This endless cycle has repeated until the final result, where 48 people died.
Continuing to live under these sacrifices, the population of the colony now—— was not more than 2000 people.
——hey, Riku, answer this: When will this continue until?
It would end one day right——until the day where [For 1001 people, 999 gets killed] happens right?
Or maybe——until the day where only [One man is left] right?
".... Ha——ha, hahahahahaha————!"
To tell a child who lost his father that [This is mankind's victory] with such a vicious look!
Deceiving everyone with the guise that the sacrifice couldn't be helped, then I began to rely on these lies, hanging a lock on my heart to abandon these negative feelings.
——vomit. The sense of disgust for himself started to burn his throat. Am I clueless about what shame is, or have I forgotten about it?
How low am I going to stoop until I am satisfied——you b. a. s. t. a. r. d!!
....... ."Ha...... Ha, ha...."
.... . When he realized it, the table was cracked.
The fist he has been using to punch the wood was embedded in the table, with blood starting to spill out.
The gus. h. i. +ng blood that headed into his head started to cool down. Where did all those cold thoughts go——he asked his heart.
Satisfied?——ahhh, how can I be satisfied.
Feel like crying?——ahh, how can crying change anything.
Then is it enough——ahh, of course it's enough, a. s. shole.
I don't have the right to cry, if it must flow——then blood shall fulfill its job.
Bloodshed is compatible for someone despicable, disgusting, jerk, and a lying b. a. s. t. a. r. d like me.
——compared to tears which were on a higher level, bloodstained hands were a better fit.
Closing the eyes, the hand was brought unto the chest—— thoughts began to form.
——kacha.
Accompanied with a heavy bang, the [Lock] was hung——this completed the process.
Like usual, the demands remained the same, the cold, calm and thorough person was forged out.
Never forget the person who gave everyone hope, the [Adult] with the heart of steel——[Riku], is complete.
Closing the heart, the mind cooled down and Riku slowly opened his eyes.
Then——looking at the horrifying scene of broken table and scattered blood, Riku sighed.
"...... Wood is obviously not a cheap resource.... . Ah, a. s. shole.... What are you going to do."
Riku pulled out his hand stuck in the wood and wearily complained. No pain——just like the calm heart, feelings were also frozen.
".... There is no excuse for this——no, wait, turning it into firewood can destroy the evidence while also adding the resource count. Two birds one stone. Eating directly on the floor should be fine——"
——outside the door.
Backed up against the door and closely listening was Coron.
.... . This was customary. The reason to allow him to be quiet was for this reason alone.
In order to allow Riku to adjust his heart, to allow Riku's heart to accept the fact that Ivan was sacrificed——the necessary procedure.
It was important to that little brother of hers. If not.... . He would surely be broken.
——or maybe, he might already be broken.".... ."
Coron couldn't say anything, like this——aside from listening, she couldn't do anything else.
Only 18 years old——it wouldn't be weird to call him a teen.
But to place the lives of 2000 people in the colony under his jurisdiction——no matter what, was too much to handle.
However——there was no one capable of doing it except for him.
The guide of two thousand people who lost hope, the mentor that makes the most appropriate choice when necessary.
Carrying such power, as well as the will of the people. He still could move forward without falling——
The only person who could steel his heart——in this world, was Riku.
If someone like him was lost——everyone would be trembling
[Preys] waiting for death to come.
——like this, they would become meaningless and useless organisms——even Coron was sure of this point.
——continue the [Endless] great war.
This wasn't a metaphor. The war was at a stage where no one remembered when it began.
Human developed their culture, while also being cleared out like weeds. It was silly to even call that kind of thing history, it was just too miserable. It was casually written facts that was handed down generations....
The world where the stars are smothered, the earth is cracked and the red sky that had no day nor night.
The common history books were lost, the meaning of the pa. s. sage of time—— couldn't be understood.
With the era stagnating, the sky filled with [Black ash(Death)], turning the world to be more violent——but humans were powerless against it.
Taking one step out of the colony, the scythe from the grim reaper would've already reached their necks.
Even facing against wild animals, if they charged headfirst, death would only await.
Meeting against G. o. ds and their dependents——the [Different race], just by a glance, destruction would've already rained upon.
Just by coming into contact with a stray bullet, the colony, the city, the culture would get destroyed.
.... . No end. No end, no end.
No end no end no end no end no end——the repet. i. tion of death and destruction in this world.
If h. e. l. l existed, it would be here, Coron thought——but even so, mankind must live on.
——n. o. body wanted to die without a reason.
——because of one's own [Heart], n. o. body would accept dying without a reason.
In such a world, to maintain such a thing as if it was normal—
—can it even be called normal in the first place.
——five years ago.
The colony took in Riku and Coron from their home because the exchange between the Flügels and the Dragonias ended.
Those who were previously the leaders all got struck with despair and death, continuously sobbing until they found a new cave.
While all the adults were lamenting on one side, the 13-yearold child saw the cave and said.
"Here, is a convenient habitat, it can be used for the colony."
Everyone who lost everything a couple of hours before, naturally said [Next]. The sound of a roar resounded.
——what could that do.
——that way, those guys would deem us as inexistent.
Facing against this theory produced from the despair and lamentation, the teen boy frowned and answered——
"Yes, we do not exist——we are not the same as those who
[Don't exist], we literally [Become inexistent].
Afterwards, the teenage boy said out the methods to achieve that.
"We do not exist, we cannot exist, so we cannot be perceived—
—we shall become [Dead]."
His eyes were even darker than the depths of the deep cave.
"Using all kinds of possible means to escape and hide our presence—— because someday, someone will see it——the end of the war."
Since if n. o. body could do anything, at least inherit the powers.
Since if n. o. body could do anything, at least do it for the successors.
"Swear upon the commands, and for all those who would follow me——follow me!"
——thirteen-years-old.
The words of the child whose hometown was destroyed twice, heavily echoed in the cave.
With his soulless and truthful eyes. However, he gave the people who lost their reason of existence their reason of existence——as well as the meaning of death.
It has been five years since the thirteen-year-old Riku was appointed as the leader of over a thousand lives.
The number of deaths in the five-year period was——48 people. Coron's feelings——were incredible small.
But Riku didn't understand. Even if he did, it would still be crushed due to his responsibility of commanding people to their death.
The death of 48 people——was all due to the [Expeditions].
If the colony increased to more than 2000, because of the lack of food, Infanticide(killing newborn babies) would occur, leading to the increment of the number of deaths.
Moreover, if they were discovered by other different races, hundreds or thousands of people may get killed off like foam.
The fact that only 48 people died in the last five years, was no doubt due to Riku's achievements.
——so, everyone believed in Riku.
——so, everyone would entrust their lives on his shoulders.
But——sometimes everyone forgot about this. Then when they remembered it they would feel remorseful before apologizing and thanking
Riku. And now, he said it out because he remembered all of this.
——Riku was the same, the scythe of the grim reaper was pointed at his neck. And on that neck——an addition of 2000 people was also hung.
——......
Riku came out of his room. Coron tried her best to pretend that she didn't notice the injury on his fist.
"Riku sure is amazing....... Very hardworking. Nee-san can guarantee...." "————save the comforting words. I'll be heading to the bath."
Looking at Riku's lightless eyes——Coron who couldn't hold back hugged him.
The limit was reaching. In this world, to continue living a normal life while also maintaining the existence of two thousand people that was like a bonfire—— was impossible.
At this rate, little brother, Riku, would definitely break!!
"Hey——Coron."
".... Didn't I ask you to call me Coron-Nee-san right... What?"
"When will it end——this era."
In the past, someone said that there will never be [Rain that doesn't stop] and [Dawn that never comes from the night]——
How long would they have to wait before a human would see the day aquamarine ash stops falling down?
How long before the sun could be seen?
Yes, it would end one day——it's not perpetual, that was supposedly the case. But....
In a human's perspective, this war.... . it feels as if it will cease to end.
"So they then asked. When will——it, ah, Awhoaaaaaa!?
Whaaaaaaaat's wrongggg?!"
Tet who was playing the game while looking at the distance and saying the story frantically shouted.
"Too, too cunning, des.... . purposely said such a story, sobs, made Izuna cry so as to win the game, des."
"Soooo, sorry! That topic was a bit too dark!!"
Tet apologized to Izuna who had huge tears tumbling down her face and thought.
To have the personality of crying after hearing that kind of story——as expected, this child is extremely precious.
In fact, when this story was told in the past to other different races, they would simply say that [This was natural] and prevaricate.
That was because even though 6000 years had pa. s. sed, different races still held mutual-belittling over one another.
The young girl who said this story was too much and saddening——is truly a [Normal child].
"I'm sorry. But, this is all true.... This was the time period of the world in the [Great War]."
"... Ivan, died, des..."
"Yes, dead. Humans——if touched by any Demonia before the
[Ten Oaths]—— no."
"If bitten by any Werebeast, they are simply dead.... This is the world's weakest creature oh."
"——!! Izuna would never do that kind——————.... ."
Seeing how Izuna was about to say how————she
| ← Ch. 31 | Ch. 33 → |