Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica:Volume 5 Prologue

Prologue - Everyone's Goal we Hope

Part 1

Blowing sand and dust was flying outside the window.

The sand obscured the view, which signified the start of the storm.

The strong winds rattled the window, yet inside the room there wasn't the slightest amount of noise.

Disdiya's Imperial palace stood in the heart of a desert. The palace's main body was specially designed to not be affected by sandstorms. Without the slightest gap between the external and internal walls of the city, even the faintest noise from the outside was almost completely cut off.

As a result, anyone in the Imperial palace couldn't hear the roaring in the village.

"- Father, what is meaning of this!"

Disdiya's IV Prince Alphonse was enraged.

Right now he was in the Emperor's throne room. Alphonse was questioning the person sitting on the throne.

Baram Dy Alon Disdiya

But ......

"............."

Baram not only remained silent, but he didn't even look at Alphonse.

So Alphonse spoke again with a clear tone expressing his dissatisfaction.

"Why ... ... Why would you ignore the resolution, and aim to attack the Wandering forest!”

After the fight between Akatsuki, Listy and the others ended, Alphonse was dispatched to investigate the nation's border. En route he learned about Galevain formally declaring war on Disdiya.

The cause of the declaration of war was Disdiya's unauthorized invasion of the Wandering forest, a clear a hostile action.

After receiving the report, Alphonse almost suspected it was false. Sherfied held a meeting with the four-nations, although it wasn't an official conference it at least was an international meeting involving the leaders of the four countries.

The meeting concluded with an agreement between the leaders of the four countries -- Its binding nature was on an international level.

Furthermore, Akatsuki had demonstrated his strength and received international public opinion support.

In accordance with the conference agreement, Alayzard would re-investigate the attack against the surveillance force by Galevain, expanding the investigation in order to uncover the actual facts and make them ​​public. However, Disdiya disregarded the agreement made by the four countries, and at this point in time was on track to attack the demons. This undoubtedly will attract criticism from international public opinion, and bring about domestic people's doubts and worry. Although the majority of people hate or even fear Demons they still hoped a devastating war between the two could be avoided.

The biggest problem, however lied in the fact that they were launching an attack on the eve of the re-investigation into the events which Galevain was initially blamed for.

Attacking at this sensitive point in time will inevitably lead the people to think Disdiya was trying to destroy evidence, and the attack against surveillance force by Galevain was actually Disdiya's doing.

However Alphonse did not believe that, he believed Disdiya was innocent.

The results his investigations along the border seemed to indicate his opinion was correct.

However...... who issued the investigation order......

Alphonse silently gazed at his father, Baram.

He wanted Baram to personally confirm it.

"A few people...... believe that the attack on the surveillance forces was in fact carried out by our country's military -– In order to stimulate the weapons and ammunition trade by directing this farce."

Alphonse tone was full of doubt, and he hoped his father will deny it.

"Father ...... the attack on the surveillance forces wasn't done by your orders, right?"

"...... No."

Baram shook his head, meaning that he had nothing to do with it.

However this wasn't the answer Alphonse wanted. Baram's eyes were still staring at the void, trying his best to avoid making eye contact with Alphonse. Such a perfunctory reply didn't satisfy Alphonse, instead made him doubt Baram in his heart.

"Why must we invade the Wandering forest!? Sherfied and Aleclasta and our country have a military alliance, so long as our country sends a request both countries will not sit by and do nothing. However, if this aggressive action was initiated by our country alone, our country would shoulder the responsibility of the war alone. Not to mention the agreement was made by the four countries, Galevain along with the human world -- In other words, Alayzard's peace agreement will be torn up with any military action, and will force our country to face condemnation from around the world. Your Father should understand that!"

Compared to the very impassioned Alphonse, Baram's response was very cold.

"..... The world's condemnation."

Until now, Baram looked straight ahead, but now he took a look at Alphonse.

"-- It seems you don't know anything."

"Of course I know very well. Father's decision was a big mistake!"

After a bitter retort, Alphonse turned around at once, and was about to leave the throne room.

Then Baram's voice came from behind.

"Where are you going?"

"Sherfied. I can order our military to cease their fire, but this may not be enough to appease Galevain and Akatsuki-dono. Queen Listy can stop Akatsuki-dono because of their personal friendship. There is no other person who can avert this war."

"So ...... seems there is no other choice."

Baram's voice trailed off, the doors to the throne room were abruptly opened.

Several soldiers filed in from the door.

They were the Royal Knights -- Baram's personal guards.

Alphonse found himself immediately surrounded.

"...... Father, what does this mean?"

"It means what you think it means."

Baram said,

"This is the point of no return, your actions will only prevent our country and our people from justice. From now on, you are no longer the director state affairs for Disdiya. I must detain you until I remove the order."

"Nonsense ...... Isn't the fall of countries because of unrighteousness men, right Father?"

Alphonse tried to approach Baram, but unfortunately he could not do so.

A Royal knight stood in the middle of the two, the rest of the knights have stepped forward to subdue Alphonse. Baram, gazed quietly at the scene, and coldly ordered:

"Away."

"This is wrong ...... Father, please reconsider!"

Several Knight's were dragging Alphonse out of the throne room, Alphonse still wouldn't not give up as he turned around -–

And shouted towards the doors that were slowly closing:

"You can turn back now. It's not too late ...... I beg you, Father!"

However, Alphonse's cries of grief did not reach Baram's ears.

After a loud noise, the thick doors closed completely.

Part 2

"It's not too late ......?"

After the throne room calmed down, Baram had muttered.

At the same time, in his heart he thought over Alphonse's advice.

However, Baram still believed he made the right decision.

"It was too late now..... and there was no turning back."

After a short pause --

"Whether it is for ourselves...... or for all of Alayzard."

Part 3

A strong shock-wave swept across the battlefield.

Total annihilation, an unrivaled shock-wave emanated from Akatsuki's Demon Sword.

He focused on a full critical attack, the shock-wave radiated out in every direction leveling Disdiya's vanguard army situated above the surrounding plains of the "Wandering forest".

Despite the devastation, the Disdiya army wasn't thinking about withdrawal.

"Do not be afraid! Swordsman squadron 2, attack! Tank unit, launch --!"

At the forefront of the division a young commander gave the orders, and then suddenly bursts of gunshots rang out on the battlefield.

Disdiya's prided tank unit, which looked like armored beasts, one after another issued a terrifying ROAR.

But --

"This is just child's play against me!"

Facing the high-speed artillery shells, Akatsuki screamed.

Akatsuki could have sidestepped or used his demon sword to cut the shells in half, that much wasn't a problem for him.

However, Ousawa Akatsuki actually abandoned those options.

His Ki passed through his feet, and building up "Renkan Keikikou" he spun his sword at a high-speed circular orbit striking the shells, redirecting them back into the sky. The shells then rained down right in front of the swordsman squadron intending to join in on the assault. The bursting shells caused the earth to shake, and sent sand flying up to the sky obscuring the battlefield.

But Disdiya's soldiers break through the smoke and dust, and bravely continued the assault.

But --

"No, he disappeared? How is it possible!"

"He didn't escape, right?"

Disdiya's soldiers fell into confusion.

Akatsuki sat and waited, as he overlook the soldiers.

"Do I look like a coward who would run away to you?"

"Th-there above us!"

One of the soldiers noticed Akatsuki, but unfortunately he was a step too late.

Jumping in the air Akatsuki easily crossed over the front line, approaching the commander.

Seeing this, the members of long bow squadron immediately lifted their bows. While the swordsman squadron predicted the trajectory of Akatsuki's descent, and readied their attack the moment he landed.

However, Akatsuki was unperturbed. He stretched out his left hand and aimed at the feet of soldiers. Then suddenly a huge ball of light came out from Akatsuki's left hand -- he utilized "Renkan Keikikou" to refined the "Ki" within his body with the surrounding atmosphere to create an "energy bomb". BANG! It was aimed well below Akatsuki's position, and the power indirectly hit dozens of soldiers within Disdiya army, suddenly sending them flying.

Allowing Akatsuki to cleanly descend to the now unoccupied ground.

However, Ousawa Akatsuki didn't land, but rose slightly.

"Urrrrroooooooooohhhhhhh!"

Using the momentum from the fall he stabbed the black <Demon sword> into the ground.

The <Demon sword>'s blade was already filled with Akatsuki's "Ki".

The moment the sword stuck the earth a shock wave engulfed the whole area, as if a large explosion occurred.

After a short while the impulsion calm down, and the sand cloud gradually cleared up to reveal --

Only a single person standing in the heart of the explosion, unfazed by the impact.

It was just him alone Ousawa Akatsuki.

"H...how is this possible ......?"

After witnessing Akatsuki's astonishing power, the dazed young commander almost couldn't believe his own eyes.

When the explosion occurred he immediately created a wall with earth magic, barely escaping.

Although he escape from any physical injury, mentally he suffered a heavy blow. He commanded more than 10,000 soldiers and all were defeated as if a mountain collapsed on them. Even the bombardment of the Tank Squadron was unable to defeat Akatsuki. It was certainly understandable for him to be terrified to his core.

"Why...... How can one man have this much power. This is......"

"-- Why you say?"

The commander muttered to himself. Akatsuki glared at him from the corner of his eye, and clenched his teeth and shouted loudly:

"Don't you even realize at this point -- It's over for you!"

Akatsuki dashed out.

Surrounded by an innumerable amount of soldiers, the commander was panicking and struggling to keep it together.

Ousawa Akatsuki couldn't help but recall of a time when he was trying to attain a higher level of strength, and when he asked the same question about power before to someone.

It was about five years ago, around the time when he was first summoned to Alayzard.

He was being protect by Sherfied, and living in Erdia castle as a guest.

After receiving swordsmanship training in the palace courtyard. Akatsuki asked a similar question to Sherfied's -- No, Alayzard's proud "Hero."

Leon · Esuperio.

Part 4

"-- Why am I so strong?"

Esuperio Rushao Leon asked, Akatsuki just nods as to say "Uh huh."

Compared to the out of breath Akatsuki, Leon's composed appearance highlighted even more the power gap between the two.

"You seem to be stronger now then you were before, right?"

"Umm, I guess..... but I really didn't think too much about it."

Leon smiled awkwardly, but Akatsuki was unlikely to give up that easy.

"Then think about it now -- Why are you so strong?"

For about a month now, Akatsuki had been receiving sword training from Leon and Zechs.

After one month of rigorous training he finally managed to grasp the basics of swordsmanship, but it was clear to Akatsuki that even if he continued to train it will be impossible for his sword skills to attain equal footing with Leon and Zechs. General sword training will only increase your general strength. It was insufficient to proceed towards the strongest realm.

In fact, Ousawa Akatsuki's idea was not to become the strongest swordsman, he only wanted obtain enough power to stop his father and brother. The fact was Akatsuki's father and brother were two of the most powerful people in his world.

So ...... I must surpass the realm of the strongest ......

Akatsuki's expression was serious, Leon suddenly somewhat understood.

"Maybe it is..... anger and despair.....?"

While hanging his head Leon muttered, his easy-going face was covered with a layer of haze.

"My father and sister died at the hands of Demons ... ... You might have known that, right?"

"Umm, that was also the reason that you, a commoner, aspired to become a knight."

Leon performed very well on the battlefield and acquired countless achievements, thus obtaining the title of a "knight". Leon's strength was unquestionable, and in Sherfied and throughout Alayzard he was accepted by all the people as a Hero. Everybody thinks that he was the only candidate able to defeat Demon King Galious.

"Is that all... ...? That was the reason you are so strong?"

Leon's answer was apparently not enough to convince Akatsuki.

The pain of losing a loved one really might be able to be converted into a powerful motive to improve oneself, but that did not mean you would be able to ascend to the realm of the strongest. This was Akatsuki's own personal experience, he had suffered even more pain.

Leon wasn't the only one who experienced the loss of a loved one..... Akatsuki lost his little sister. In Alayzard there wasn't a lack of residents who lost one of their friends or a family member, and didn't feel the same pain and grief.

That being the case, then what was the difference between Leon and other people?

"...... The weight must be different..... right?"

Due to Leon's unusually calm tone, Akatsuki couldn't help but look up.

Only to see Leon with a wry smile, as if he saw through Akatsuki's inner doubts.

"If my strength really surpasses others, that must mean my inner pain and grief is greater than others ..... the difference then is home."

Leon's answer left Akatsuki speechless and also surprised. There weren't any rebuttal expressions in the world, whatsoever. This was made painfully clear as he hid behind a wry smile.

Ousawa Akatsuki couldn't help thinking: If that was the case, then what you say to yourself must also drive you to grow stronger as fast as possible.

Otherwise, if Akatsuki's determination was inferior to his father or brother's, that would lead to Akatsuki's strength being much lower than the two of theirs. On the other hand, Akatsuki didn't think that desperation alone was sufficient.

..... Not only do you have ability, you have the faith not to back down.

-- Am I right?

Enough desperation that made it hard to breathe and could overwhelm a person's heart -- Akatsuki had similar experiences.

And their was another. His beloved wife was a demon who died by human hands, which in turn angered him enough to abandon the human race and become a Demon King. Perhaps his heart was the same, also dominated by despair and sadness.

"I say ...... Leon, Eh!"

Akatsuki stared directly at the Hero, as he slowly started to talk,

"Peace between humans and demons..... is it really that far fetched of a dream?"

In order to stop an unreasonable opponent by force your power must be greater than theirs to compel them.

Thus the present Akatsuki was unable to stop his father or brother.

However Leon was different, in that his strength wasn't less than the Demon King's.

The war between humans and Demons was virtually the same, except for minor racial difference.

Leon was the hope of mankind, Galious was the King of the Demons, those two were the same in that they each lost a loved one. If those two leaders could find a way to compromise, then perhaps they can succeed in stopping this senseless war.

However, Leon slowly shook his head.

"Unlikely, after all the two sides have shed too much blood. And if ...... I let off the murderer who killed my father and sister, I certainly can not forgive myself."

The reason is very simple.

"I've already been to both of their graves, as well as in front of mother, and pledged that I would defeat the Demons."

"But they are also desperate and just trying to survive. If it is as you say, and desire gives birth to strength, then isn't this war just two sides of a desperate race? Really is there no other solution?"

Leon showed a faint smile, his expression is very calm.

"Akatsuki, you really are kind, it's no wonder the princess has a crush on you."

Akatsuki hearing those words couldn't help but awkwardly scratch the back of his head.

"The princess is good to me, but it's only because I come from a different world, and that is relatively rare that's all."

"No such thing, you have a particular charm about you that wins the favor of others. Zechs and Loutier became good friends with you so quickly, and you even became popular with the maids in the city."

"It happened, right? It seems that I am actually hated by Listy...... "

"Can it be that you're thinking too much of it?"

"Otherwise, why didn't anyone believe me? I still got into so much trouble."

Akatsuki looked helplessly.

"I obviously apologized for that so many times."

"Haha..... her first impression of you really was the worst."

Leon laughed.

"Who told you that she was in the bath when I suddenly dropped from the sky?"

"The summoning time and place is not up to me, yet I got blamed."

Akatsuki answered roughly.

"One second I was just about to lie down on my bed, and the next I suddenly appeared in a different world in a huge luxurious bathroom with my whole body pressing down on top of the Princess's body ... ... You absolutely are incapable of understanding how I felt."

The biggest problem was that both of us were without a stitch of clothing, which further increased our embarrassment. Akatsuki completely didn't know how to explain the awkward situation. As a result he was considered a suspicious person, so Listy loudly screamed and sent several magic attacks his way as he tried to escape in a panic. However when the maids heard the commotion they came running and Valkyria abruptly hit him on the head, knocking him out cold on the spot. Once he opened his eyes again, he was surprised to find himself actually imprisoned in a dark Dungeon for not just one day but two. Finally, it was found out that this was a big misunderstanding, clearing Akatsuki of any wrongdoing.

"Listy by nature is conservative and usually changes clothes alone with no maids present in order to not show off her bare body..... so her fright at that time, of course, is predictable."

Leon smiled and continued.

"She's never been seen naked before by a man, and that was probably the first time she ever saw a naked man too."

"Therefore I apologized to her."

"Actually I don't blame you. After all the summoning of a person from a different world is the desire of the world, and isn't something that can be controlled."

Just as Leon finished, the clock tower bell rang out.

"-- Oh, Akatsuki, I have to go."

"Ah ...... you have to go help your mother open shop?"

Leon's mother Selina managed the "Wildcat Pavilion" restaurant in town. Even though he was a "Hero" now, Leon was still set on going to the restaurant to lend a hand.

"Can't do anything about it, because it's only me..... and mom left."

Everyone in the city knows Leon valueed his time with his mother Selina above all else. Therefore no one bothered Leon while he enjoyed his mother and son time.

Naturally Akatsuki was the same, so he quietly watched as Leon left.

Then Leon abruptly stopped and looked back at Akatsuki.

It seemed that he suddenly remembered something.

"Don't worry too much Akatsuki. Even without the gift of magic like Zechs, you can become an excellent swordsman, and you will get stronger than you are now."

"How can you be so sure?"

Akatsuki frowned skeptically at Leon's argument, but Leon understood and smiled.

"Certainly, because you are actually somewhat similar to me."

Part 5

-- Ousawa Akatsuki's consciousness returned to the present.

The battlefield was riddled with smoke, not a trace of the enemy troops remained.

Akatsuki alone repelled Disdiya's tens of thousands of troops.

If he immediately chased after them he could completely wipe out the enemy, however Akatsuki didn't intended on do that.

He decided to let the surviving soldiers take their wounded comrades, and clear out.

"Well... ... It's about time to return."

Akatsuki put the <demon sword> on his shoulder. Miu and the others were in Forestnium waiting for Akatsuki to return. Although they come to trust in Akatsuki's strength, however because the delay they will undoubtedly be a little worried.

Thus Ousawa Akatsuki turned around to take measure of the battlefield and the path that lay before him.

"............"

The impact of the battle turned the wilderness into a mess. Debris littered the ground with broken swords, armor, big iron tanks, and blood was smeared on Disdiya's flag.

The present scene was a relating of what had previously occurred here, an earthshaking war.

This war was provoked by none other than himself, however Ousawa Akatsuki had no regrets. The moment the four-party talks ended, and everyone returned to Forestnium no other options existed. No matter what Miu, Chikage, Kuzuha even Haruka and Kaidou supported Akatsuki's decision. Therefore Akatsuki became the newly-appointed Demon King, and officially declared war against Disdiya.

"..... True peace."

Akatsuki muttered.

Before now, he had no idea how many people attempted to bring true peace to Alayzard, fought blood-soaked battles, but no one had succeeded in achieving that dream. Those people also included the Hero Leon and the Demon King Galious.

The "Rogue Hero" Akatsuki and Listy fought bravely, but in the end it was still a failure.

However Ousawa Akatsuki decided he will never abandon his oath, and pledged to overcome that cruel fate.

Therefore, he cannot be defeated at any cost, because if history proved anything.

-- Even if the Demon King was defeated afterwards was still the same, peace may not arrive in this world.

Since ancient times stories have been handed down, foretelling of the Demon King's death as the symbol that marks the end of suffering and the arrival of happiness.

People around the world would rejoiced at the upcoming peace with smiles on their faces.

However that big happy ending was actually camera selectivity, actuality was built on the premise above.

While the ending credits of that movie rolls of the screen, the leading male and female are smiling and holding up their hands together, gazing at the sky --

However for leading actor and actress in the real world, the fact was when the flames of war ceased there were a thousands and one things to do in the extremely broken world left behind.

The satire was everyone deliberately ignored the facts before their eyes, and became intoxicated with the idea that defeating the Demon King meant victory.

Joyful tears would blurred out their field of vision, brushing aside this frame from the movie to never be seen.

Consequently Akatsuki gazed at the scene before him.

Images from video games didn't do justice to the real situation.

Ousawa Akatsuki's present picture will be firmly engraved in his heart.

After overthrowing the Demon King, mankind will only get a false HAPPY END.

I cannot give up here.

Because for me -- there are still many things left to do.

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