Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari:Final Arc

Two Years

“Melty…”

Right now, the only one by Melty’s side is Firo.

But it will be hard for Firo to defeat the Reincarnators alone.

Quickly. As fast as we can, we have to go save her.

“Don’t worry. You guys don’t seem to believe in me, but let me explain. With your origin of power and the Spirits’ help, I don’t think that Goddess can sense you.”

“In the end, are you an enemy? An ally?” (Raphtalia)

“I just fight by my rules. I’m a God Slayer. And by My rules, I will expel those who destroy the order of this world. As long as… the Spirits who chose you continue to want you around, then I’m probably an ally.”

Around Arc, spirits begin to circle.

“I can’t see them, but aren’t you guys quite well liked by the Spirits?”

The lights surrounding him crowd around me and Raphtalia.

“Those are the Spirits of worlds destroyed. So I think they’re praying for you to protect for their share as well.”

“Aren’t they invisible to you?” (Naofumi)

“I can’t see Spirits, but by listening to the wills dwelling in the weapons, I can hear them. Your Shield… has a Spirit with a relatively moderate personality, right?”

On his words, something rises to the surface of the Shield and begins to take shape.

The figure that appeared suddenly clung to me.

“Naofumi-sama!”

It was… Atlas.

A soul resting in the Shield.

She really did work hard with the Spirit of the Shield for my sake.

Her will, the regrets of the Spirits, everything… I won’t let it go to waste.

“Oi, you. The one who’s been trying to talk to me for a while. Are you… a Spirit? Or are you a being with nothing but a soul left behind? You’re half transparent, and I can’t really see you, but it seems a strong power dwells within you.”

After gripping me tightly for a while, Raphtalia wrenched her off, and Atlas answered the question.

“Yes. Together with the Spirit of the Shield, we’re sharing our power to turn it into Naofumi-sama’s. Eventually… My consciousness and the Spirit of the Shield’s will mix together, and I will become both a Spirit, and a being with a soul.” (Atlas)

“Ah, good luck with that…”

Though Arc’s explanations defined me as a God, I’m not really feeling it.

It’s just that I’m aware that the amount of things I can do has increased, so the only thing left is to test it in battle.

“Naofumi-sama, it’s alright.” (Atlas)

As she said that, the Spirits started rotating around Atlas.

I begin to feel my own power increasing.

“Just now… the Spirits have granted us some power. Naofumi-sama, do you feel it?” (Atlas)

I’m aware of the process Atlas describes.

We’re being given something strange from them.

But while I can receive their power, I cannot steal it.

My nature as the Shield binds me, but it also becomes my power.

“Isn’t it about time you left? I have some other things to do, so I can’t really follow, though.”

“For teaching us quite a few things, I thank you.” (Raphtalia)

Raphtalia and Atlas lower their heads to him

“Oh, don’t worry about it. It’s a power you guys realized yourselves, and built up from scratch. As long as you don’t forget the thing you wanted when you obtained that power, remember that you guys are not my enemy.”

And Arc smiled happily.

But if you look at it from the other perspective, if we stray from our paths in the slightest, it’ll be all-out-war.

Anyways, I understand my goal, which had once been unclear.

But for now, we’re in a situation where neither of us considers the other an enemy.

We’re pretty much unrelated now

He did do us quite a few favors, so if something happens in the future, perhaps helping him isn’t the worst option.

Of course, that’s only if Arc and I share the same interests at the time.

“If you ever find pain in the path you walk, and want to sleep; if you want it to end, just search for me. Granting an end to some things is my job as well.”

“Yeah… okay. If I ever get tired with life, perhaps I’ll leave it to you.” (Naofumi)

“Well then, I’ll see you then. Best regards.”

For those barred from rest for eternity, they will eventually say this.

I just want a peaceful sleep.

I wonder if he’s the one granted that role.

But ’Best Regards’… he returned my cynicism with some of his own.

No, is it common courtesy?

Not that it matters. Now, we don’t have the time to worry about such things.

“Listen here. Before you enter the world, the first thing you have to do is make sure you’re not sensed by the enemy. Your Shield’s become something like the lynchpin that protects the world, right? In order to put in a new pin, I guess you’ll have to remove the old one.”

Lynchpin… I see.

Right now, the one protecting that world is Itsuki… the Hero of the Bow, and his Spirit.

The heroes and Spirits from Glass’s world probably hold similar positions.

But that pin could easily be pulled out by the Bitch Goddess at any time.

And when they’re gone, the world falls apart.

Then… should I just increase the amount of pins holding it together?

Right now, me and Raphtalia can serve as a stronger and bigger bolt than before.

But with just that, it’s unreliable.

Even so, more. To increase the chances of our victory.

That means…

“Naofumi-sama.” (Raphtalia)

“Naofumi-sama.” (Atlas)

“Fine, I know. Let’s go pick up Ren and Motoyasu.” (Naofumi)

We should be able to find and bring those two back.

Like us, they should be clinging onto life somewhere.

We prepare ourselves to cross worlds once more, as we start drifting through space.

I concentrate… those two’s locations.

… Motoyasu is close. He’s somewhere parallel to that world.

On the contrary, Ren is far.

If I were to compare it to outer space, it’s like he’s a world a galaxy away.

Is that Ren’s world?

“Ah, when you’re fighting, I think this will prove handy to you. Whatever happens, remember it’s only for spirits. Don’t go about drinking it.”

Saying that, Ark tossed the medicine of immortality over to me.

It’s not the watered down version, it’s the real thing.

Just how high would be the output on the skills unlocked through the undiluted formula?

“I pray for success in your battle to come.”

Ark waves his hand.

“Your arrogant attitude… I definitely will never be able to trust you from the depths of my heart.” (Naofumi)

The way he offers trials to people is somewhat irritating.

The result is fine, but I hate how it feels like I’m dancing on the palm of his hand.

“Ahaha… as expected of you. But I don’t hate you. Yep, good luck.”

“I’ll definitely pay back this favor. I’m a man who keeps promises.” (Naofumi)

“I see. If I need help, I’ll call for you then. See, I’m just a single man.”

Good grief… he doesn’t seem to have everything in one place, this guy.

Anyways, we need to take action to save the world now.

Even if we do end up repaying, that’ll be after this mess is over.

“Raphtalia, Atlas. Let’s go.”

“Yes.”

“Understood.”

We change to light, and head off to Ren and Motoyasu.

–

Even from the outside, I could tell Ren’s world was one out of a Sci-Fi novel.

As I approach it, I could see it, but it seems that the fact that other worlds exist is common sense to them.

They can’t traverse between them yet, but perhaps in a few decades, they could put their knowledge to practical applications.

“Then should we enter?”

“Yeah.”

Me, Raphtalia, and Atlas infiltrated Ren’s world.

We materialize our bodies within it, and begin our descent.

The location is… it seems to be Ren’s room, for when he’s alone.

We land on the floor, and look around.

It looks like a world of the near future, but Ren’s room’s structure isn’t any different from those of my world.

It just looks like an exceedingly normal apartment room.

There’s curtains hanging on the windows, and when I look outside, I see there’s not much of a gap between us.

I imagined flying cars, but there’s nothing of the sort.

Well, even if our civilizations are on different levels, it’s still Japan.

Ren is… sitting at his desk. On his head is a large helmet.

I’ll bet it’s some sort of tool to dive into the world of the net.

If we weren’t in such a hurry, I would like to try it on for a bit.

I mean, I’m an Otaku, am I not?

Ren is… stuck in that position. He really isn’t moving.

He’s breathing fine, so he isn’t dead and he’s no vegetable.

Is he asleep?

“What should we do?” (Naofumi)

“For now, just try tapping his shoulder a bit.” (Raphtalia)

“Yes, I think that’s the best option.” (Atlas)

I start poking the person I thought to be Ren’s shoulders.

His body convulses for a second, before he slowly starts removing the helmet.

“… Who is it? Mom?”

And as he turned around and saw us, he was at a loss for words.

At the same time, I moved my hand to my chin.

“Sorry, I got the wrong person. Goodbye.” (Naofumi)

Raphtalia and Atlas have questioning expressions on their faces as they bow and prepare to leave.

I mean, even if he gave off a similar feeling as Ren, his appearance was completely different.

No, I’m not saying his face was bad.

It’s not like he came to that world with his game character.

The person I thought was Ren really did look like him, but he was a head taller than him in stature.

From what I can see, he’s a bit different than Ren, who still had a hint of his youth. He seems older.

And his physique is better than the Ren I know. It looks like he’s never missed a day of training.

There’s no doubt he’s Ren’s brother, or some other relative.

Where did that guy go?

I know for a fact that he isn’t dead yet…

And when I was preparing to jump through dimensions…

“W-wait…”

The Ren-like man grabbed my hand.

“You! You’re Naofumi, aren’t you! And there’s Raphtalia-san… and there’s even Atlas-san, who’s supposed to be dead. What’s happening?”

“What?” (Naofumi)

The one who looked much like Ren made the face of a person meeting someone of their childhood.

Eh? Could it be that this is Ren?

“Wait a second, you’re… Ren?” (Naofumi)

“That’s right. More importantly, I’d like you to tell me. Why is Naofumi in my world?” (Ren(?))

So it really is Ren.

I spent a large amount of time in that space, so I’m not one to say it, but he’s sure gotten big.

Right now, my overgrown hair was restored to normal when I got back my Shield.

And my body is telling me that not much time actually passed.

“Um… let’s organize our information. Ren, why have you… grown so big?” (Naofumi)

“Why, you ask… because two years have passed since I returned here from that world, of course.” (Ren)

… Ren’s story goes like this.

As I thought, after he was killed in that world, it seems he was sent back to this one.

And after various things happened, he tried to see if there was any way to go back.

But in the end, the Sword remained silent.

Luckily, it still had enough power left in it to be used as a weapon if necessary.

So for the past two years, he did various things, and while wondering if the time would ever come, he continued to train for the day he would return.

Or so it seems.

This is a failure… before we entered his world, we should have looked into its perception of time, and taken that into account. I’ll bet the Spirit of the Shield was doing various regulations for me in that aspect.

“And… why is it that you people haven’t changed in the slightest? Well… it’s possible you just didn’t grow in that time, though.” (Ren)

“The Spirit Dwelling in your Sword is…”

Atlas starts talking to Ren’s Sword.

“Without enough power, the distance was just too far… it was waiting for the time when the worlds would approach one another.” (Atlas)

“…”

With that distance, wouldn’t it take quite a while for Ren’s world to get there?

Perhaps they were on a path towards each other, but…

I wonder just how much time that would take.

And wait, two years… the flow of time in Ren’s world seems fast.

“Um, it only took a week for me to be able to go, you know.” (Naofumi)

“What?” (Ren)

Ren is dumbfounded.

“Then is the final battle already over?” (Ren)

“No, the flow of time in your world is just fast.” (Naofumi)

We explain the circumstances to Ren.

Of how, while crossing through worlds, we were able to work out the mechanics of various powers.

Ren fell into his chair, and sunk his head.

“Just what were my two years for…” (Ren)

It’s not like I don’t get where he’s coming from.

If Raphtalia and I had to spend two years in that world, it would probably feel like this.

But perhaps that would have been okay in itself.

“Okay, then we’ll jump through time, and grab the you right after you got here. Is that fine?” (Naofumi)

With the powers we have as Gods and the Spirits’ abilities to change cause and effect, it’s not impossible.

It will take a bit of power, but I don’t think anyone will complain about it.

It’ll be like rewinding Ren alone.

“W-wait!”

Ren calls out again to stop me.

“What’s wrong? You hate the fact that you wasted two years of your life, right?” (Naofumi)

“I’m stronger now than I was two years ago! So please take me with you!” (Ren)

“That means… your past self will have to spend two years waiting, but is that alright?” (Naofumi)

On my response, Ren’s eyes fill with water for a moment, but after that, he clenched his fist strongly.

“Y-yeah! If I have to wait two years to go back, I’ll bear it!” (Ren)

Well, for this Ren, I think he would hate it if we abandoned him for a Ren two years prior.

There’s no guarantee what’ll happen to him if we do that.

And messing with cause and effect is messy. In the worst case, he’ll wait here forever.

“After that, I experienced various things. I’m confident that I’m definitely stronger than before! I mean, I even went to another alternate world once!” (Ren)

“Hmm…” (Naofumi)

So the progress I saw in that field from the outside was no lie.

And Ren was dragged into that.

If I just go about dragging Rens from the past, perhaps the amount of Rens will just increase.

And he’ll just become a person with a Ren-like personality. Though Ren will become him one day.

“I got it, I got it. Then I’ll be taking you to that world now, but are you alright with that?” (Naofumi)

I think he’ll be of help, but Ren has a place here.

He has the right to live peacefully in a world without war.

I ask Ren the same thing the Spirit of the Shield asked me.

“…Yeah. If it gives everything I’ve done up to this day a meaning, I’ll nod without hesitation. I will return to that land!” (Ren)

“I see… are you prepared?” (Naofumi)

Ren nods right away.

Damn. He’s saying things like me.

It’s a bit late, but those are some embarrassing lines he’s spitting out.

Though I said something quite similar.

“Then let’s go.” (Naofumi)

As if to make an offer to him, I extend my hand to Ren, and he grips it without hesitation.

I activate our dimensional transportation ability, and we cross the void with him.

The current me and Ren are different sorts of existences now, so while moving like this, we can’t hold conversations.

Next is Motoyasu, right?

He’s apparently in a space parallel to that world.

But by the world’s order, or something like that, I can’t enter it.

“What should we do?” (Raphtalia)

“Fumu…” (Naofumi)

I tried to touch the barrier surrounding his world a few times, but I was repelled.

Is it because it’s a parallel world? I also get the feeling I’m not using my own power properly.

I can’t get a grip on what the rules are.

If I get to close, I’m sure the Goddess will notice us.

On the other hand, Raphtalia can enter it just fine.

“Okay, in order to hit the lynchpin, I’ll leave Motoyasu to Raphtalia.” (Naofumi)

“Understood, Naofumi-sama.” (Atlas)

“Naofumi-sama, I’ll pursue you after I retrieve the Hero of the Spear.” (Raphtalia)

And so we put off getting Motoyasu, and prepared to enter the world.

“Atlas.” (Naofumi)

“Yes. I’ll strengthen the power of the Spirits as much as I can, and try to conceal Naofumi-sama.” (Atlas)

Atlas changes to a ball of light and returns to my Shield.

… The girl who wanted to become a Shield really did just that, and now she’s protecting me.

It’s worthy of praise just how far she stuck to her words.

In the world we’re going to, what sort of form will she take?

Ren was able to sense her when we were in his world, but each world operates on different principles.

So we won’t know what will happen until we go and see for ourselves.

Anyways, Melty’s in trouble right now.

We were able to quickly recover Ren.

I strengthen my resolve, and break into the other world.

Defense Link

“Queen Melty, hurry and evacuate!”

“I am the Queen here! I cannot flee from the battlefield.”

The enemy’s forces had pushed all the way to Melty, who was giving orders in the rear.

Including Itsuki and the other Heroes, even Firo is being hard pressed by the advancing armies.

In a situation like that, Melty rushed to the field herself and started offering support fire.

“Guhah!”

One of the soldiers protecting her was cut down.

They’re at a complete numerical disadvantage.

If you think about it normally, they’ve been pushed to a state where their defeat is all but assured.

The reincarnators’ attacks are reaching back far enough to damage Melty, the commander.

“Ah…”

A weapon wraps around Melty, and drags her off. She lets out a small voice at the event.

But even the Reincarnator holding it hesitates when it comes to killing a small girl like her. He opens his mouth.

“Is this the enemy commander? She’s just a child, isn’t she?”

“Hey take her in, I’ll let her into my Harem.”

“Mel-chan!” (Firo)

“Queen Melty!”

Firo starts her assault to save her friend from the men who were saying things she didn’t understand.

Her Vassal, the Claw, lets off a soft light.

Yes, while Firo is like that, she’s the Hero of the Claw, and Melty’s best friend.

There’s no way she’ll lose against any normal enemy.

“Don’t get in the way, bird!”

“Move! Mel-chan!” (Firo)

But the Reincarnator halts her advance.

While Firo’s gotten stronger as the Hero of the Claw, her enemy also holds a vassal, and has received a strange power from the Goddess.

「Spiral Claw Ten」!

Ever since the Goddess Descended, the Reincarnators have been imbued with powerful support magic.

Because of that, they can be considered stronger than the Heroes.

Or else there’s no way Firo and the others would be driven to a corner so easily.

“Whoa.”

The powerful attack Firo unleashed was dodged by the man.

“That was dangerous, bird.”

“Ku… move!”

Female Knight presses Musou Kassei to the limit, and starts slashing at him.

But with his unnaturally high support effects, it’s hard to contest with the reincarnated soul.

“It seems this she’s pretty important, this girl.”

“I mean, we were told it was alright if all we did was capture her, right?”

“She’s a bishojo, so I’ll have her fall for my charms.”

“W-who would fall for someone like you!?” (Melty)

“This is the last time you’ll be able to say that. You’ll soon realize my true appeal.”

“Melty! Get your hands off of my daughter!” (Trash)

Trash yells out.

But if he were to fire a skill, Melty would be hit too.

“Father!” (Melty)

“What a Foolish King…. My planning was so many levels over yours, was it not?”

“What the hell are you saying!? You merely used your numerical advantage! And whenever anything bad happened, you relied on that woman!” (Melty)

Displeased with Melty’s response, the Reincarnator began to glare at her.

At the same time, Melty chanted magic.

「Dreifach Aqua Slash」!

A blade of water slices him point blank.

It inflicted a light cut on his face, before coming to a stop.

“So you’ll lash out at me? Never mind, it doesn’t seem you’re worthy of my charms. Die! For world peace!”

The Reincarnator’s scythe swings down towards Melty…

Melty clenches her eyes closed.

And…

“For me to appear at a time like this, there must be something wrong with me.”

With perfect timing, I protect Melty in a heroic fashion.

I stop the Scythe with one hand, and hide Melty under my mantle with the other.

Just like that day… It was the same scene as when I protected her from the Three Hero Church Knights trying to kill her.

“So you were aiming for that timing?”

As he guessed the situation, Ren lifted his sword, and pointed it at the other Reincarnator.

Well, it’s not strange for him to think that by looking at that display.

“No, I really did arrive at the nick of time.” (Naofumi)

“N-Naofumi!?” (Melty)

“Yeah.” (Naofumi)

It’s an emotional reunion.

In Manga and Games, this would be where she would cry tears of joy and cling to me, but…

『I who has understood the origin of power command…』

“Why are you firing magic at me without giving me a chance to speak!?” (Naofumi)

“So she’s finally revived Naofumi to torment us! Damn you Goddess!”

Ah… yeah, it seems quite a bit has happened.

So much that the Four Holy Weapons’ Manual wasn’t able to contain it all.

But why are they firing magic the second they see my face?

“Mel-chan! Fake Master, release Mel-chan!” (Firo)

Even Firo is glaring at me.

She even released a skill.

「Screw Claw Ten」!

I hold my hand out front, and stop Firo’s kick.

Why do I have to take both of these girls on at the same time?

Even Female Knight’s giving me the evil eye.

My risen tension’s been crashed all at once.

Wel, I also feel that I was getting a bit ahead of myself having gained a new power, so maybe this is for the best.

“Well, I know you won’t believe me, but the Spirits allowed the Four Heroes to escape to their original worlds. And like this, I’ve now returned.” (Naofumi)

“That’s a lie! The Naofumi I know can’t stop Firo-chan’s kick!” (Melty)

“I wasn’t that weak!” (Naofumi)

If it was a Firo-Class attack, I think the past me could have stopped it.

… Right? I could have stopped it, right?

“Now then… For now, I was able to get in easier than I thought.” (Naofumi)

I ignore Melty’s magic, and turn to the Reincarnator.

This is… I don’t think I’ll have to show any of my trump cards here.

From what I can see, it looks like Trash has mastered Revelation Class magic.

I can tell from the supports cast on Firo.

Itsuki is… fighting on the front lines, it seems.

Fohl is quite close by.

He’s evenly fighting back right now.

“Fumu.”

I activate the Shield, and look for a skill I can use.

As long as the world allows it, all skills that the Shield can use in the world have been unlocked!

… No, I can’t really say that. Just how long is this list?

Well, if it’s just to the extent of the skills a normal Hero can learn, I can use them. That’s a bit of the power I have.

「Defense Link EX」!

I hold out the Shield, and call out a Skill Name.

This is the first time I’m using this one.

It’s the first time I’m learning a skill directly from the Shield, but there’s no way I can’t use it.

The Skill ‘Defense Link’ was just as it sounds.

Its effect was… all attacks those I consider allies take are treated as attacks directed at me. I can shoulder all the damage.

EX is… a Hero’s limit.

There are some levels above, but so the Goddess won’t notice, I’ll stop at this.

A barrier-like membrane is deployed around a large area, as I activate the skill to protect my comrades.

With half-hearted defense, the skill is suicide.

Of course, the current me can take this with ease.

Protect everyone. That’s my role.

Never again will attacks reach my comrades behind me.

The radius is about 20 meters. If I raise the output further, I feel the bitch will notice it.

I don’t really have a reason to hold back, but I don’t know what will happen, so I’ll do it in moderation.

Now’s not the time for me to get serious yet.

If they run after realizing they can’t beat me, that would be terrible.

I’ll wait for Raphtalia and the others to get here before I really start exerting myself.

“Ren.” (Naofumi)

“What?” (Ren)

“Don’t dodge, just cut at them.” (Naofumi)

“Wha—Are you telling me to die!?” (Ren)

“I used a power to make it alright. Just go do it!” (Naofumi)

The sound of metal hitting metal echoes all over my body.

I mean, I’m taking the damage of all those around me at once, so it’s to be expected.

“A-ah.”

The surrounding solders find themselves dumbfound after feeling no damage while being cut.

Seeing that, Ren timidly drops his defense as he strikes his sword at the reincarnators.

“You’re not dodging? Are you an idiot?”

“Take this! 「Variable Messiah」!”

“What!?”

I’ll bet the Reincarnator intended to cleave Ren in half in that single swing.

He was smiling, but as he saw Ren standing intact, his expression warped.

And Ren’s sword starts glittering brilliantly. It becomes giant, and he starts swinging it downward on the enemy.

Oh, that’s quite a flashy skill.

Ren definitely didn’t know that one before.

Oh right. Ren did say he went to another world once.

It’s probably a Sword Skill he acquired at that time.

Does he hold anything else you can only find in another world?

No, I don’t really need them, but I’ll bet the others do.

“Uuu… I feel like I shouldn’t be alive, Naofumi.” (Ren)

“But you’re fine, right?” (Naofumi)

If you move your body along with the blade and dodge by a manner of millimeters, you can eliminate all unnecessary movements, but that sort of style doesn’t suit me.

If the enemies can’t do any damage in the first place, you can just ignore their attacks without dodging.

That means, by nature, they can now attack faster than anybody else.

Well, it’s not really a strategy to be praised, though.

“Even so, it’s not something I’d like to use often. I’m scared for when the time comes where it seems natural.” (Ren)

“If you show such leisure before the enemy, you’ll die!”

The Reincarnator tries to act cool as he attacks Ren from behind.

“Leisure? I’d like to call it trust, you know.” (Ren)

“Guwah!”

Holding his sword behind him, Ren lightly parries the reincarnator’s attacks before slashing him.

“Oh my… you’ve gotten better.” (Naofumi)

His movements are sharper.

In turn, his basic abilities has risen a few levels.

It’s like a fight between an amateur and a novice, he’s showing a complete difference in power. Something like that.

It appears that his claims to be stronger were no lie.

“By the way… Melty, Firo. I’d like it if you stopped already.” (Naofumi)

For a while now, Melty and Firo have been unleashing a stream of coordinated magic attacks and skills at me.

‘You must be in pain, being controlled by the enemy. Don’t worry, I’ll give you peace.’

‘Master, Firo will get over your death. Firo will try harder, so you can sleep now.’ It’s like they’re saying those sorts of words of parting.

I thought I had made quite a dramatic entrance, but I’m being treated like a Zombie.

“I keep telling you I’m not Dead!” (Naofumi)

“I’ll reveal your true form!” (Melty)

“Yeah, Master is…” (Firo)

“Just quit it already!” (Naofumi)

“… This is a tragedy brought about by the trust they placed in you, and the Goddess’s underhanded tactics.”

Ren starts muttering with an amazed expression.

Please stop. My body doesn’t hurt, but my heart can’t take it anymore.

And as if he just noticed her, Ren started waving his hand at Female Knight, and calling her name.

“Eclaire!” (Ren)

“Who are you!?” (Female Knight)

Ah, Ren looks really hurt.

He reunited with the person he liked after two years, but this is the outcome.

“It’s me! Ren. Please believe me!” (Ren)

“The Ren I knew was a childish youth. He definitely wasn’t someone like you! If you plan on deceiving me, try putting a little more effort into it!” (Female Knight)

Should I just use some power to revert him after all?

But if I do that before their eyes, they’ll definitely recognize me as an enemy.

“Trash! Just figure it out already!” (Naofumi)

“Nu!?” (Trash)

Since I had been standing still without showing any resistance for a while, it seems Trash figured something out.

“Melty, that Iwatani-dono doesn’t show signs of being an enemy. I think it’s alright if we trust him a bit.” (Trash)

“Father… but…” (Melty)

“I understand your sentiment, but after he’s done this much for us, we have no option but to rely on him in this battle.” (Trash)

It’s finally reached a stage where I can talk.

“Now then, Trash. I’ve a little bit of information about the situation up until I was able to get here. Fighting the Queen is definitely unpleasant, but will refraining from doing so make your wife happy?” (Naofumi)

“Nu…”

My words turn Trash’s expression bitter.

He’s been through some pain, but I won’t let this reach a bad ending.

I’ll definitely save Melty and Firo… Everyone.

“You don’t have to give an answer yet. But in this war, just how much of Melromark will become victims? Will that delight the Queen?” (Naofumi)

“… Iwatani-dono’s words are correct. Everyone! Follow Iwatani-dono’s lead! Melty, follow my orders, and take command.” (Trash)

“Y-yes Father! … It’s not like I trust you or anything, Naofumi.” (Melty)

She let loose some Tsundere-esque lines, that girl.

Similarly, Firo seems to have grieving over my death, so she’s still half in doubt about me.

“I know.” (Naofumi)

For the love of god, when I get back, I’m treated like a zombie.

That Goddess sure likes picking a fight.

Paranoia Begets Paranoia

“Anyways, for now…”

When I looked to see what Fohl was doing, I saw he was being hard pressed by an imitation of Atlas.

“Onii-sama, you’re in the way.”

“Ku…” (Fohl)

As if she could see, the fake followed Fohl’s movements with her eyes while she onesidedly attacked Fohl, who was on the defense.

She looks a little more childish than the real one, and a little bit prettied up.

What’s more, her breasts are strangely large.

Was someone’s wishes mixed into this one?

The Shield lets out a pinging sound.

Ah, so you want me to go there.

I lightly jump towards them, instantly arrive at the fake attacking Fohl, and grab her head with one hand.

『Onii-sama, are you telling me you can’t differentiate between the real me and an imposter?』

“!?”

Atlas exposes herself from the Shield, and begins glaring at Fohl.

And Fohl’s eyes expand as if he’s witnessing a portrait of hell.

Well, being attacked by comrades revived from the dead is a sort of Hell in itself.

『If you can’t tell a fake like this from me, I’ll scorn you.』

“Move aside, ugly!” (Nice Atlas)

“You’re not Atlas! Atlas would never talk to Aniki like that!” (Fohl)

Fake Atlas begins to abuse me.

At the same time, Fohl swings his fist towards her.

「Dragon of Ruin Inferno Fist X」,

「Vicious Tiger Piercing Foot X」!

Calling out finishers one after the other, Fohl aims kicking skills on the fake Atlas.

His attacks are deciding this.

Fake Atlas unsteadily retreats a few steps, before muttering.

“H-how foolish.”

Oh… like the Demi-Human Shadow I defeated once before, her body turns black before she completely fades away.

I guess that’s a fake for ya.

The real Atlas would have been able to dodge that.

『Good grief… it seems Onii-sama hasn’t changed at all.』

“Atlas… and Aniki?” (Fohl)

“Yeah.” (Naofumi)

“Are you… real?” (Fohl)

“It seems there was a Fake Atlas here. Did that Goddess look through someone’s head and make it?” (Naofumi)

It seemed to have no standard of quality.

That was probably what Fohl once desired.

Though that is questionable in itself.

“Aniki, what happened? Atlas too.” (Fohl)

“This and that. I’ll explain it in detail later, but now…” (Naofumi)

On top of being fused with the Spirit of the Shield, various powers from various worlds have been injected into her, so Atlas was able to show herself.

Seeing Atlas, Fohl rushed over to her with teary eyes.

“Atlas!” (Fohl)

“Ah, Onii-sama.” (Atlas)

Fohl tried to hug her, but he merely passed through.

She’s a mixture of a spirit and a soul, so holding her may prove to be a bit difficult.

I guess if I had to say, Atlas is currently the highest level form of a ghost.

“I have no body, so it’s impossible.” (Atlas)?

“A-Atlas!” (Fohl)

“Ah, but I can touch Naofumi-sama, you know.” (Atlas)

Atlas starts nuzzling me.

Please stop doing things to provoke people…

I mean, Fohl’s finally started to get around to calling me Aniki. What are you trying to do by turning him hostile?

“Gununu…” (Fohl)

“Don’t make such a jealous face. Oi, oi, don’t cry, it’s alright.” (Naofumi)

Perhaps he’s become overcome with emotions on having met his deceased sister. Fohl breaks into tears.

When Atlas is around, he really turns into an idiotic brother.

“Aniki!” (Fohl)

“What? By the way, I’m not a fake.” (Naofumi)

“Aniki!” (Fohl)

Fohl clings to me.

I don’t really enjoy being embraced by guys, but… I guess it’s fine for today.

I mean, he seems to be happy.

Even so, Firo and Melty won’t come closer to hug me.

And they’re treating me as a mysterious enemy.

I’m well aware they have their reasons, but I’ll remember this.

“You survived!” (Fohl)

“Pretty much. But I’m about to burst into tears because no one believes me.” (Naofumi)

While that conversation was going on…

“Ara ara, if it isn’t a little visitor from hell.”

Medea instantly appears in the air above us. She calmly starts talking to us.

“I was sure I had killed you, but you’re surprisingly tough.” (Medea)

“It was just a bit of a miracle. Luck was on my side, and I was able to survive your attack.” (Naofumi)

“…”

She seems to be laughing, but she’s also thinking about something.

I assume she’s figuring out that I was saved by what the God Slayer left behind.

She’s not wrong, or anything.

But I don’t think she’ll be able to figure out I’ve become a being close to her.

If she had, she would have immediately erased me with a conceptual attack, or something.

If that happened, I would immediately counterattack, though.

I’ve even made countermeasures for that attack.

With the long time I’ve spent, I’ve thought long and hard about defeating her.

But to do that, I’ll need to stall for a bit more time.

Honestly, it’s best to think that I have absolutely no means of attacking until Raphtalia gets here.

“No matter. I’ll retreat for today. Offer as many thanks as you want to your miracle. I was just getting bored, but now it seems we can play a little longer.” (Medea)

Medea snaps her fingers.

And the Reincarnators that had been on the field, as well as their comrades, the enemy soldiers disappeared in an instant.

“Well then, let’s play some more games tomorrow. Goodbye.” (Medea)

Just as with when she appeared, she vanished in an instant.

It appears that she’s really gone.

Even so, games…

So this battle is nothing more but a bit of fun for her.

Damn her! Well, I’ll let her have fun with her games for now.

We just have to be the ones preparing for battle.

“Well then, isn’t it about time… you stop looking at me like that?” (Naofumi)

Starting with Melty, even Firo is vigilant of my presence. It’s an unpleasant feeling.

“Firo? You don’t recognize me?” (Naofumi)

“Um, you’re probably Master, Firo thinks. But like Mel-chan’s mom and the Musou Grandma, you may be being controlled after death, Firo thinks.” (Firo)

I let out a deep sigh.

Ah… this world really is crappy.

It never lets things go my way.

The second I get here, I’m already getting regrets.

Can’t this world get destroyed already? Not that I’ll let it.

“N-Naofumi-san!?”

Itsuki and Rishia ran over.

The enemy had completely disappeared, so it’s natural that he reunited with the main forces.

“Yo, Itsuki. You sure worked hard. And, I understand that you may be wary of me, but please believe me.” (Naofumi)

Itsuki seems half in doubt as he stares at me.

I think he’ll be a reliable comrade, but it’s troubling that he’s approaching bow in hand.

“Itsuki! It’s been a while!”

“Um… who is that over there? He looks kinda like Ren.” (Itsuki)

“Yeah, that’s Ren. Before coming back here, he spent two whole years in his original world.” (Naofumi)

“Eh!?” (Itsuki)

Itsuki’s face is colored with surprise.

I mean, even I was quite shocked at it.

“I know it may be a bit much to believe us here.” (Naofumi)

Female Knight is still giving Ren a suspicious look.

Ren is trying to find words to return.

But that Bitch Goddess really never does anything decent.

“Rafu~.”

“Oh? If it isn’t Raph-chan.” (Naofumi)

If even Raph-chan was wary of me, I’d get depressed, but Raph-chan lovingly brushes up against my side.

Oh… It seems the ones here who believe me are only Raph-chan and Fohl.

I’ll give him a lot of pats.

“Aniki is the real deal. I can tell that he’s not being used.” (Fohl)

“That’s right. It is exceedingly unpleasant to see you handle Naofumi-sama like that.” (Atlas)

“Looking closely, that Atlas-chan. She doesn’t have a body?”

“I kind of became one with the Spirit of the Shield. I’m different from some fake that was made with someone’s memories at the base, right?” (Atlas)

Seeing Atlas distance herself from Fohl, Melty and Firo drop their guard.

Is that really enough to convince them?

“It’s not like I believe you, or anything, you got that!?” (Melty)

“Ah, yes, got it.” (Naofumi)

Paranoia really is something else.

“I know how things generally progressed, but I’d like the specifics.” (Naofumi)

“Um, so Naofumi. Raphtalia-san is…” (Melty)

Troubled with how to ask the question, Melty tries talking to me.

It’s not strange for them to think she died with me back then.

“She’s in the middle of another job. Just like we brought Ren, she’s off to go drag Motoyasu here.” (Naofumi)

“Really!?”

Hmm? They were listening in? Midori and the other two draw closer.

These guys love Motoyasu. It’s probably best if I tell them.

“Is Motoyasu-san alive as well?” (Midori)

“Yep, he’s still kicking. It seems he was sent to a world parallel this one, so finding him was quite a trial.” (Naofumi)

“So Mokkun isn’t in his original world?” (Kuu)

“That seems to be the case. I thought I would try searching his world, but I got a response from him around here.” (Naofumi)

“Where’s this parallel world? Is that where Mou-chan is?” (Marin)

“It’s hard to explain. It’s a different world almost exactly the same as this one, to put it simply.” (Naofumi)

“Different, and yet the same?”

“If, at that time… wait, that guy can have regret? If, at that time, he had a regret, and wanted to make another choice, then he’s in a world where that can happen.” (Naofumi)

Midori, Firo, and the other Filo Rials tilt their heads.

They’re definitely not getting any of this.

But Midori is supposed to be smarter than Firo, so I think he understands more. He mutters to himself before seemingly accepting it.

“To put it so Future Queen of the Filo Rials, Firo, can understand it, there’s a world where you never met Naofumi-san, and you were born and raised as a normal Filo Rial.” (Midori)

“Really?” (Firo)

“That’s how it is.” (Naofumi)

“Hmm?” (Firo)

Firo tilts her head again.

With her head, I think it’ll be impossible to get this through.

Well, that’s just how she is.

I really don’t want to meet a smart Firo someday.

“Anyways, there’s no need for us to stand around here to talk. Shouldn’t we return to somewhere safe?” (Naofumi)

I mean, we already intercepted the enemy.

“… Understood. Let’s leave this to a person who can determine whether this Naofumi is real or fake. Until then, we’ll put that matter on hold.” (Melty)

“There’s someone who can do that?” (NAofumi)

What a convenient special ability.

Does that mean there’s a reincarnator on our side?

“What are you talking about? It’s Sadina-san.” (Melty)

Ah, Sadina.

Does she have the ability to determine my authenticity?

No… I’ve been with her for a long time, so perhaps she can.

There’s no helping it. If that’s what it takes to get them to believe me, I’ll undertake Sadina’s appraisal.

And like that, we left Melromark’s battlefield, and started moving towards the Castle Town.

Aiming for Number Three

After arriving at the Castle Town, we proceeded directly to the castle.

“Ara~ if it isn’t Naofumi-chan.”

Sadina glomped me.

Due to her experimentation with me, she’s become unbelievably strong. On the front lines, she’s a fighting force that even rivals the Heroes.

She has some deep scars here and there. I could tell how harsh the battles had been at a glance.

It’s like… there’s a certain dignity she holds with her scars.

Like some sort of veteran warrior.

I don’t think she really minds them, but I guess she really has been pushing herself lately.

Now, I can understand. She’s not a reincarnator, simply a resident of this world.

“Is it true that Niichan returned!?”

Kiel shouts out in an excited voice.

But she doesn’t try to draw closer.

“… Where’s Raphtalia-chan?” (Kiel)

“I just explained it earlier.” (Naofumi)

“Naofumi…!”

Glass let out a surprised voice upon seeing my face, after which she drew her weapon and made some distance between us.

Ah, so she was fighting as a pair with Sadina.

“Wait, wait. I’m not controlled by a Goddess, nor have I been revived!” (Naofumi)

“I wonder. There’s the saying a lack of doubt will bite you back.” (Glass)

She’s really wary.

Why is it like this no matter where I go?

I explain the situation once more.

As a result of various things, I got a power rivaling the Goddess’s.

I passively activate barrier magic and set it so the goddess won’t notice.

“And so, Sadina.” (Naofumi)

“What~?” (Sadina)

“I know you may be wary of me, but please believe me.” (Naofumi)

She’s just acting friendly. She’s probably suspecting me under that guise.

Because that’s how Sadina is.

Right, the fact that my comrades don’t believe me because of that damn Goddess’s actions pisses me off.

I would really like to go directly pick a fight with her, but there’s a chance I’ll lose a good opportunity because of it.

To take her out without fail, there’s a procedure I have to go through.

And it’s not like the world power the spirits gave me is unlimited or anything.

“Ara~? Oneesan believes you, you know. This Naofumi-chan is the real one.” (Sadina)

“Is what you say, but how is it beneath that smile? Did you think I couldn’t tell?” (Naofumi)

“I think Naofumi-chan is being the doubtful one here.” (Sadina)

“Fumu… then Sadina, let’s go to an empty room for a second.” (Naofumi)

“Ara? Are you finally letting out your feelings for me? (Sadina)”

“Ah, yes, yes. That works, so let’s go.” (Naofumi)

“Naofumi-sama, I want in too.” (Atlas)

For some reason, Atlas follows us.

No, I’m really not doing anything like that.

“Go seduce Fohl, or play with him or something.” (Naofumi)

“I don’t want to.” (Atlas)

“Atlas! Your Niichan’s been working hard, you know!” (Fohl)

“That’s right! Fohl-niichan’s amazing! You can’t see that, Atlas-chan?” (Kiel)

“I’m well aware. But his dignity dwindles in my eyes every time he tries doting on me.” (Atlas)

“Is that true… then Fohl-niichan! Let’s go show off together, and get Atlas to accept you!” (Kiel)

Kiel innocently intertwines her arm around Fohl’s.

They got along well for a while, but aren’t they closer than before?

“So you had that sort of relationship? Onii-sama, I will support you from the bottom of my heart?” (Atlas)

“What is she talking about Fohl-niichan? Did something good happen to you?” (Kiel)

“N-no! I… I am…” (Fohl)

Ah, Fohl looks a little happy.

For a misunderstanding like that to make him happy, he might just be a pervert.

… Well, he is happy at having met someone who died.

And she’s unbelievably close to how she was in life.

“Ren, Atlas, can I leave the explanations to you?” (Naofumi)

“Got it! I’ll explain it all to everyone.” (Ren)

“Leave it to me.” (Atlas)

I have Atlas and Ren take care of the explanations, as I go with Sadina to another place.

The second we become alone, Sadina raises her guard.

“… And? Naofumi-chan, was what you were saying before true?” (Sadina)

“What reason do I have to lie? Is what I’d like to say, but it seems you guys have been deceived quite a bit by that Bitch Goddess.” (Naofumi)

“Yes, there were traitors among us… no, that’s wrong. It’s because some were killed and then controlled. Among the village children, quite a few were used like that.” (Sadina)

“How troublesome.” (Naofumi)

Reviving the dead… Unless I actually look at them, I won’t be able to tell what she did to them, but if I were to put it honestly, I don’t know how to deal with it.

If I had their soul, perhaps it would be possible, but I’m not going to go ahead and try it.

It’s just that I know that revival isn’t very good for the soul.

It will taint it, or…

This part depends on the laws of the world, it seems.

I don’t think the way the Goddess revives them will guarantee them a long life to come.

I mean, this is a world she’s going to destroy once she gets bored.

Even her reincarnations are more acceptable than this.

What’s more, she uses brainwashing or something to control them.

“… I’ve had to end a few of them with these very hands.” (Sadina)

“I see…” (Naofumi)

Holding herself steady, Sadina has it rough.

“Hah… Sadina, come over here for a second.” (Naofumi)

“Ara? Are you going to comfort this oneesan?” (Sadina)

“If you want me to, I will. But looking at your wounds pains me, so let me heal them.” (Naofumi)

I turn to Sadina’s injuries, and cast Healing Magic on them.

They’re too deep for normal Healing Magic to have an effect, but the current me can do it.

“I said it before, right? Sadina, you’re best when you’re relaxed. That smooth body of yours has an appeal in itself, and it doesn’t feel right when you have strange wounds covering it.” (Naofumi)

“Is my skin really that appealing to you?” (Sadina)

“Yeah, that’s right. Keep telling yourself that, and stay still for a moment.” (NAofumi)

… When I look closer, I find her tail is fake, prosthetic.

Her swimming form is pretty to a human like me.

I can’t leave that as it is.

I use high level healing magic… no in this case, I guess it’s been elevated to regeneration magic, and start treating her.

Her wounds visibly start closing, and she returns to the Sadina I know.

The simple fact that I’ve become able to do this gives the time I spent trekking down that endless path meaning.

When her wounds had disappeared without a trace, I cut off the magic.

“So in my last moments, I’m to become Naofumi-chan’s play toy?” (Sadina)

“Hey…” (Naofumi)

“Well, it’s not like this onee-san didn’t know.” (Sadina)

“Really?” (Naofumi)

“The revived children’s flow or magic, or whatever it was, anyways, I could feel something strange mixed into them. Right now, I can tell them apart to some extent.” (Sadina)

Sadina strokes her regenerated tail, and starts flexing it.

“What I’m curious about is the change in Naofumi-chan’s magic.” (Sadina)

“What sort of change are you talking about?” (Naofumi)

“To put it bluntly, there’s an unbelievable amount of power mixed into Naofumi-chan; I can’t even sense it all. But I sensed it when you chanted magic, it’s not something the enemy god did to you. It’s close, but I feel something more benevolent. Something like the flow of the land.” (Sadina)

“You have some strange sensitivity there.” (Naofumi)

“Perhaps it’s because Naofumi-chan tested a lot of things with me. It’s a bit hard to explain this in words. But I’m just saying I can tell you apart.” (Sadina)

“Fumu…” (Naofumi)

At the very least, the fact that she’s correct is amazing.

In truth, it’s not just my power. I have the spirits of ruined worlds lending power to me as well. She’s pretty much right.

“What Naofumi-chan is saying is probably true. But the enemy god may have simply found a way to get around my judgements. So I can’t erase my doubts.” (Sadina)

“So this becomes a Witch Trial?” (Naofumi)

Is there any way I can actually prove that I’m not being controlled?

Even if she says she can tell, if that Goddess could make a fake plausible enough to pass, then there’s no way of telling for sure.

“I’ll tell everyone you’re a shade of gray quite close to white.” (Sadina)

“Just tell them I’m white already.” (Naofumi)

“Oh, right. How embarrassing of me.” (Sadina)

She makes the ‘Tehe’ face and I lightly stroke her head.

“Once Raphtalia gets here, we’ll bring an end to this battle. Until then, it may be hard, but please help us.” (Naofumi)

“It’s fine… isn’t Naofumi-chan protecting everyone?” (Sadina)

“Yeah, because that’s the only thing I can do. Even having obtained this much strength, I can’t inflict a single scratch onto my enemies, you know.” (Naofumi)

To prove it, I pounded my fist into Sadina’s stomach with all my might.

“Ara… that didn’t even tickle. As expected of Naofumi-chan.” (Sadina)

“Just to let you know, I didn’t hold back there.” (Naofumi)

It’s something I decided for myself, but was making it so I couldn’t do a single point of damage going too far?

In the past, when I attacked a Balloon, I was able to do 1 Damage per hit.

But the current me doesn’t have a single stat point in attack, so even that 1 has turned to 0.

I do get the feeling it’s a bit much, but there really isn’t much of a difference between 1 and 0 anyways.

“Then does that mean I can just push Naofumi-chan down like this?” (Sadina)

“Why did that lead to this!?” (Naofumi)

“Violating a Naofumi-chan who’s unable to resist. Doesn’t that sound a little fun?” (Sadina)

“It’s not fun for me! And even if I can’t attack, it’s not like I can’t resist or anything.” (Naofumi)

“Naofumi-chan’s first has to be Raphtalia-chan, right? Then perhaps next will be Atlas-chan? After that… I think I can win against Firo-chan.” (Sadina)

“In what!?” (Naofumi)

She really doesn’t change.

Anyways, like that, we had Sadina explain that we were alive.

It happened after that talk, but Melty stared at Sadina and said the reason she chose to believe me.

“Sadina-san. She seemed to be pushing herself, but after you returned, she seems to be having quite a bit of fun. That’s why I’ve decided to believe you too.” (Melty)

Sadina’s mysterious charisma demonstrates itself wherever I look.

I never thought she had even earned Melty’s trust.

Melty behaves differently around anyone but me. It’s like she has two faces.

“I’m thankful for your trust. I never thought I would have to go through something like that the moment I got back.” (Naofumi)

“I’ll give an honest apology for that one. But I’d like you to understand our circumstances.” (Melty)

I’d already heard it from Sadina, but Melty begins explaining.

Just like me, their missing comrades would suddenly appear gallantly, and after a few days of battle, they would just as suddenly turn coat.

Some representative cases are the Hengen Musou Granny, and the Fake Atlas.

At the start, they thought that the granny had survived, and came to save everyone… but the second the reincarnators gained the advantage, she launched an attack at Firo and Trash.

Since Sadina had been suspicious from the start, they were able to avoid catastrophe, but Sadina suffered a severe wound.

Her tail was severed, it seems.

Atlas appeared to Fohl in a similar manner.

She proclaimed that at the moment I died, the Spirit of the Shield decided to carry out my will, and revive her.

That does sound likely…

And that Atlas acted as their comrade for a while, before betraying.

“It really is Master~.” (Firo)

So Firo finally believes me now. She hugs me, and nuzzles her head against me.

Her Ahoge pushes against my body. I feel itchy.

“Rafu~!”

Not wanting to lose, Raph-chan starts playing around with me.

It’s this. This.

Once you appear to save someone from crisis, this is what you’re supposed to get…

I appraise the situation satisfyingly, as I felt relieved having returned to this world.

Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari:Web Chapter 368 Preview Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari:Web Chapter 369 Preview Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari:Web Chapter 371 Preview Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari:Web Chapter 372 Preview Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari:Web Chapter 373 Preview Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari:Web Chapter 374 Preview Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari:Web Chapter 375 Preview Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari:Web Chapter 376 Preview Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari:Web Chapter 377 Preview Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari:Web Chapter 378 Preview

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