Seiken Tsukai No World Break:Volume 1 Prologue

'''This is the Prologue of the third legend………'''

Haimura Moroha was having a bizarre dream.

A beast-like roar across the battlefield, the miasma of iron hanging in the air, dry grit spreading through the mouth, the blood red dyeing the land……

A very vivid dream. Realistic enough that one could hear, smell, taste and see clearly within it.

Finally, the feel of a sword gripped in the hand. That’s right, a sword.

Born a normal youth in peaceful Japan, Moroha shouldn’t have any relationship with a weapon of war. In spite of this, the sword in his hand felt shockingly familiar. So much so that it felt like an extension of his body.

The beautiful holy sword with a dazzling mirror-like body was now dyed the same blood red as the land.

In the dream, Moroha was fighting alone on the battlefield, without companions. Literally, one against the multitude. Facing waves of the enemies, Moroha was just mechanically killing, killing killing——

Devoted fully to swinging his sword, he’d already long lost count of his kills. Unclad in armour but protected by a white aura as dazzling as the sun; with titanic strength granted by the dense amount of prana he was generating, Moroha crashed through the battleground like a hurricane.

Even so, his attitude remained calm and unhurried, as if he was a monster that was only fulfilling its killing nature.

His brain argued that this was not his true self; yet in his heart he felt that this was his real self.

A truly mysterious feeling.

After an indeterminate amount of time, the massacre stopped——Moroha found himself the only person standing.

Surrounded by mountains of corpses the wind blew, whistling a haunting victory anthem.

Covered with wounds and with shaking legs, Moroha started on his first steps home. A lone journey to the battlefield, a lone journey back —— was not what happened. From the distance, a white horse sped towards him on thundering hoofs.

On the horse rode a beautiful girl.

Sparkling blue eyes, like stars scattered over the ocean.

Obviously highborn at one glance, with her elegantly cut white gown.

Ignoring high society etiquette by riding a horse in that gown, one could guess her to be a spirited, competitive personality.

“Fraga! Fraga Onii-sama!”

The girl called out in a stern yet cute voice.

That was Moroha’s name in the dream. Moroha smiled when he recognized the person.

The dense fighting will and killing intent still coiled around his body dispersed like mist.

“Salacia, didn’t you listen when I said not to carelessly come to the battlefield alone?” Like a chance meeting on a street, he nonchalantly called out to the girl.

“Fraga, you also didn’t listen. Didn’t I beg you many times not to go to war alone?”

The girl—— Salacia jumped down the from horse and hugged Moroha passionately. “Are we really that unreliable? Am I a burden?” Salacia complained as she proceeded to beat on Moroha’s chest.

Moroha scratched his head but seemed to give tacit agreement by his silence.

“I know… Fraga is the Guardian of the Holy Sword. The Strongest Swordsman!” Salacia cried out emotionally in a rough voice.

“Still…even so…” Salacia looked at Fraga with tears gathering in her shining eyes. “I will worry for Fraga; so please forgive my impertinent remarks.”

While she was crying, Salacia desperately leaned against him on her tiptoes. Moroha gently rubbed her on her head.

“It’s fine. I should be the one asking for forgiveness. For you to worry and fear for me is such a sinful joy.”

Moroha gently kissed away her tears as Salacia started blushing lightly.

“Do you love me?” She asked.

“I am able to fight only because of you.” He replied.

This bloody battlefield they were standing in was all for the sake of this girl.

To Moroha, she was his entire world.

“Please continue to worry for me. In return, I promise you this: no matter how difficult the battlefield, no matter how strong the enemy, no matter how far we are, even if fate threatens to tear us apart ——“ Moroha whispered softly into Salacia’s ears…

“I will always be victorious and return to your side.”

Salacia lowered her gaze as her blush deepened all the way to the tip of her ears. Moroha suddenly hugged her tightly with his free left arm. Surprised, Salacia raised her gaze to meet his.

Their faces were close enough to feel each others breath. Without hesitation, she moved her face closer to Moroha’s.

As if to seal their promise, their lips——

With that, the dream ended and Moroha woke up.

◆◆◆

Fraga’s senses and thoughts dissolved along with the dream.

Yawning, Moroha chased away his sleepiness and reorganized his thoughts.

“What a shame.”

The interrupted kiss that was just reaching the interesting part was all a dream.

Moroha returned to reality, that is, the auditorium of the Independent high school, Akane Academy.

Although Moroha was a freshman, not a nervous vibe could be detected from him. In fact, even before the welcoming ceremony was halfway through, he was already napping in his chair. Still, it’s not because he was being arrogant or anti-social.

It’s just his natural state.

While this may be a paradox, he was the type that appears relaxed and casual in his attitude, but was surprisingly focused on his goals. And his small, small goal was to peacefully go through the next three years of high school without any major demerits.

Moroha was that kind of guy.

Swallowing back a second yawn, he rubbed his eyes and slowly opened them, and was immediately stunned.

Unexpectedly, a beautiful face was right in front of him, close enough that they were breathing on each other.

Sparkling eyes, like stars scattered over the ocean.

These eyes were staring steadily at him as her whole body leaned over the seated Moroha as if to cover him up.

The whole situation was screaming “Let’s kiss.”

It was like a continuation of his interrupted dream. Blue and black —— while the color was different, the girls’ eyes were exactly the same as Salacia’s.

Moroha quickly inspected the girl.

She was wearing the school-issued uniform for female and pinned on her small chest was a name tag written:

[1-1 (White) Ranjou Satsuki].

Moroha was also a Year 1 Class 1 student, thus it seemed like she was a classmate. Still, although it’s obvious, her name was not Salacia.

What the hell was going on? What was with this intimate distance?

While Moroha was frozen, the girl’s —— Satsuki’s face loomed closer.

Could that regretful interruption of the dream's kiss be continuing in reality? Was that even possible?

Just thinking of the softness of those bud-like lips, his heart started to pound and a squeak escaped his throat. He reflexively closed his eyes, awaiting the moment.

“BANG”

As if using a blunt instrument, Satsuki swung her forehead back, and then forward hard into his. “………….?”

The supposed kiss, was actually a headbutt.

What was supposed to be lip to lip, was actually forehead to forehead.

What was supposed to be an expression of love, was actually a declaration of hostility.

Feeling overwhelmed, Moroha groaned in a mixture of shock, disappointment and pain.

“Are you awake now?” Satsuki asked in a sarcastic voice.

Her rare, cute voice rang out like a clear bell. What a waste.

Folding her arms, the single ponytail tied on the left side of her head swayed around like a whip.

“What are you trying to do all of a sudden…?” Moroha glared at her while holding his forehead.

“It’s punishment. For rude people who sleep shortly into the welcoming ceremony,” declared Satsuki, looking down on him while emitting intense pressure.

“Everyone has already left for their classroom, but you are still dozing away. It’s simply unbelievable.”

The more than 100 freshmen had already disappeared, leaving an empty hall.

“I hate people with no enthusiasm.”

“Isn’t a headbutt too much just for that reason?”

“I was also enraged because you seem to be expecting something else.”

“About that, I apologize.”

“That’s right. Plus I already have someone I like.”

True. No way in the world would an unknown girl suddenly come up and give you a kiss.

Moroha sincerely reflected on his expectations.

“It’s not that I have no enthusiasm.” After reflecting, he felt that he should explain himself.

“It’s just that the principal’s welcoming address was too long, and I dozed off unknowingly. I will be motivated from now, so please spare me.”

“Her speech wasn’t that long.” Although he had already lowered his head, it only resulted in Satsuki’s reproach.

Her upturned eyes started burning with zeal.

Moroha smiled bitterly. The girl was beautiful, even when piqued her attractiveness was not lowered.

Ahhhh~. How should I appease her?

Giving up on further protest, he started musing on how to escape from this situation. But ——

“ The principal said this.” Satsuki started orating with elation.

“ 'We are the <Saviors> specially chosen from everywhere in Japan. Ones who possess power. Thus, we can never forget our responsibilities and duties which must be taken up! Our gifts must be used for justice…….' That’s what the principal said. Don’t you think its valuable input?”

Satsuki, who was getting more excited as she went on, started twisting her body. Originally holding her arms, it became like hugging herself with her face flushing red.

Moroha was shocked to silence.

Cannot understand. Totally cannot understand, He swallowed back those words that he wanted to say.

Still, Satsuki noticed his cold, pitying eyes and gave a cough. Fearing the near loss of her dignity, she tried to cover it up by extending a finger upward.

“So…so in conclusion. As you are a <Savior>, you must be a great person in your past life? Thus, have some awareness and train yourself seriously. Since we are classmates, let’s work hard together.”

A totally enthusiastic statement. She must be a kind person at heart to want to have a good relationship even with those that she disliked for slacking.

Moroha scratched his head and his displeasure disappears.

“If you fall asleep again, I will start scolding,” said Satsuki as she smiled brightly for the first time.

A smile as bright as the sun, like pouring out from the boundless energy in her body. For Moroha, or anyone else, they’d be charmed by that smile.

“Please take care of me from today onwards.”

Satsuki stretched out her hand and Moroha held it without hesitation.

When their hands touched, suddenly —— a familiar feeling shot through him, sharp enough to tear at his heart. Even so, this feeling was relaxing. Like a migratory bird returning to its' nest after a long flight.

What is this?, Moroha thought ,as he was thrown into confusion.

Satsuki’s smile froze.

“My brother once said…...” Satsuki started talking as if in a trance, face flushed as if feverish.

“No matter how difficult the battlefield, no matter how strong the enemy, no matter how far we are, no matter if fate threatens to tear us apart…”

To Satsuki’s words, Moroha never expected himself to reply automatically:

“I will always be victorious and return to your side.”

A deep silence descended.

In the empty auditorium, Moroha and Satsuki stared at each other.

Like lovers reunited after being torn apart by fate and lost throughout time and space, they stared at each other.

That silence was broken by the school bell.

“You are Salacia right?” Moroha asked confidently.

His first impression of Satsuki, that sudden feeling of familiarity……did not appear to be wrong.

“Are you………Fraga?” Satsuki asked in a hoarse voice.

By saying each others name, hope turned to affirmation.

“Fraga……Fraga……” Satsuki looked as if her fondest dream has come true.

Her tearing gaze at Moroha turned hotter, and she said: “I had a feeling that I would find you here….”

Satsuki pulled the hand she was holding towards her chest, as if a priceless treasure.

However Moroha’s expression turned bitter as he looked at Satsuki, who had totally switched to maiden-in-love mode, and said,” Sorry, but I don’t really have much recollection of my past life.”

Moroha strongly felt that it would be dishonest and unfair to her if he didn't make that clear.

“Eh?”

Satsuki suddenly dropped Moroha’s hand that she had been holding on to preciously just a moment ago.

“Really? You really don’t remember? How you were praised as the best in swordsmanship and Prana mastery? The strongest Guardian of the Holy Sword in any generation? How you destroyed the armies of the Empire almost single-handedly?”

At her frantic questions, Moroha just shook his head.

All those accomplishments seemed so unreal that he never bothered to take note of them.

Satsuki paused, and whispered with a horrified face:

”Did you forget…..about me?”

“I’m sorry,” replied Moroha. Satsuki’s face turned white.

“Didn’t they explain right at the start of the ceremony? About how much one can recall their past life is dependent on the individual. For me, I almost have no recollections,” Moroha tried explaining in a vague manner.

“In certain point of view you may be right to say that I’m unfaithful. Am I…I mean Fraga, in my past life……lovers with you?” Moroha asked delicately.

Salacia expression turns sickly.

What a waste when she so pretty…., Moroha could only bemoan silently.

Still, her childish behavior was really interesting and cute,

“No, we were nothing of that sort,” Satsuki angrily turned her head to the side, with the side ponytail swinging along.

“You were JUST my Brother and I was JUST your younger sister,” grumbled Satsuki, still not looking at him.

“I see. Did you call me Onii-sama?” Moroha tried to remember the dream he just had.

“I can’t say with that atmosphere…..we were just a pair of siblings.”

“That’s not true. We were JUST a normal pair of siblings.”

Satsuki was emphasizing the word “JUST” again.

Their behaviours were more akin to lovers in Moroha’s opinion.

Still, if she says so, it should be true…I guess? Moroha thought as he completely let his doubts show on his face.

At his expressions, Satsuki screamed out, "Irritating! We were not in that kind of relationship!"

Just when he wanted to mention that she was finally facing him again, Satsuki’s eyes tightened in anger.

A full posture of denial——tightened fists, thrown back shoulders, an angry loud voice.

“ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! THERE IS NOTHING! WE DIDN'T GO OUT ON DATES WHEN WE HAD FREE TIME! WE DIDN’T KISS……” She screamed out with her full strength.

“……AND WE ABSOLUTELY DIDN’T FALL INTO A FORBIDDEN LOVE!”

Moroha’s mind went blank.

He wasn't looking for trouble, but he definitely had stepped on a landmine and was now stuck in an awkward situation.

He could only think that the world was playing some kind of a joke on him.

This was not the time to be fantasizing. But looking at the steaming Satsuki who was covering her mouth with both hands and a look of Oops, I said it; he could not help but recall that scene in his dream again.

“………………”

Silently looking at each other, and simultaneously looking away.

Satsuki with a flustered face, and Moroha looking everywhere but her.

The mood was really awkward and embarrassing, and could not be easily escaped.

Moroha was looking everywhere in a desperate hope for something in the surrounding to allow him to escape——and he found it.

Behind where Moroha was sitting, further to the back of the hall.

Originally thought to be an empty auditorium, was another girl sitting on a chair, sleeping.

“Ummm, hey…over there.”

“Ah…there’s another rude person! I need to go wake her up!”

At Moroha’s pointing finger, Satsuki leaped towards the new target. Like partners in crime, both were in tune with each other for a way to gracefully exit the situation just now.

Both moved quickly to the side of the sleeping girl.

◆◆◆

The girl was a beauty who easily matched Satsuki. If one were to make a comparison, Satsuki would be the energetic and cheerful type, while this girl is the graceful and serene type. Even at this location, sitting on a metal frame chair, she was still very charming.

Long black hair flowed over the chair's back, her looks just made you want to sigh in appreciation. To the extent that one would think of her as a work of art by some master craftsman.

The name tag on her chest stated:

[1-1 (Black) Urushibara Shizuno]…

It seems that this girl was also a classmate.

Subsequently, after looking at the name tag, even if you were unwilling you would notice it. This beautiful girl that was like a doll had a huge chest that was straining the limits of the front of her uniform. In terms of their sensuality or voluptuousness, they could not be said to be compatible with her quiet beauty. Still, maybe due to the sharp contrast, the overall image could only be called super sexy…

Moroha inadvertently glanced at a certain location on Satsuki.

It’s a pity that it’s flat.

Strictly speaking, there were some slight curves. Yes there were. But, after looking at the charming curves of Shizuno, you’d feel that Satsuki’s slight, slight shapes are just an afterimage.

“What are you comparing, Fraga?”

Satsuki was frowning at him. How…how sensitive!

“I’m called Moroha.”

“Don’t evade the question! Also, Fraga is Fraga.”

“Satsuki, I won’t reply to you if you don’t call me Moroha.”

“…If I call you Moroha, can I go berserk?”

“I sincerely apologize. Please have some mercy…WAIT.”

Moroha’s tone and eyes became sharper.

Sensing his seriousness, Satsuki lowered her raised fists.

Moroha was staring fixedly at Shizuno.

“Ummm, ummmm, Moroha? This…this girl…….” Looks like Satsuki also noticed it.

Both of them concentrated on Shizuno.

Her eyes are closed, but what’s alarming is that there's totally no breathing motion on her packed chest. It looked like…Moroha forced down his rising panic, and rushed forward to check on her condition. Supporting himself on her chair, he lean down and put his face in front of hers.

Her neck is so white that one could not imagine that there’s blood flowing under the skin.

You're joking. Tell me this isn’t happening…

If there was no breathing, then the situation is bad……

Moroha, with no hesitation, moved his ear right in front of the motionless Shizuno’s lips.

Was Shizuno still breathing?

“Shu…Saura……”

A tiny exhalation with her voice. She’s alive!

Moroha is surprised, but before he can think further, his head is grabbed on both side.

Gently but firmly his face is pulled right to the front of Shizuno’s face.

Having woken up silently and stealthily, her eyes are already opened.

Those deep dark orbs are concentrated on Moroha’s features.

The only unnerving part was her ice-like face. While her sleeping expression was like that of a doll, when awake she’s like a Noh Mask, totally no expression.

“Good morning…… Darling……”

Then, Shizuno’s face came closer slowly.

Another headbutt?

What a lousy day this is. Moroha wanted to hold his head and lament. Still, with his head grabbed tightly by Shizuno, he can’t move an inch.

At least he can brace himself for the impact——

[Chu…]

Shizuno’s lips lightly touch Moroha’s. What an unexpected development.

Moroha took a few seconds to realize that he just experienced what was known to society as a [kiss].

Thus, while he was enjoying the allure, temptation and physical feel of a girl’s lips——

“WHATWHATWHATWHATWHATWHATWHATWHATWHATAREYOUDOINGGGGGGGGGGGG RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOUR SISTER??????!!!!!!!!!” Satsuki suddenly seized Moroha from the back. Intending to physically separate his from Shizuno’s side, but——

“Wait Wait Wait. In any case, both of you keep away from me.” Moroha back-pedaled away from the two girls, pulling his head out of Shizuno’s grip too.

No time to dwell on the lingering feeling of that kiss.

What a waste. Moroha felt like crying.

Regardless, an angry Satsuki is no joke. Like a demon, she pursued him relentlessly:

“How dare you, in front of me and to other girls, ki…ki….ki……..kiss! You…you unfaithful playboy!”

Moroha tried to mount a defense: “What do you mean in front of you? If we are brother and sister, there’s no need for you to get angr-”

“This is this and that is that!” Satsuki interrupted Moroha’s excuses.

Like a sonic weapon, the assault from left and right threatened to blow out Moroha’s eardrums.

What this and that? Why is Satsuki so angry? Totally cannot comprehend.

“Fraga, that bastard! What did he do to you in your previous life…?”

“It’s easier to list down what he didn’t do to me!”

“Fraga, that bastard. Don’t tell me he’s a villain…?”

“That’s right! I was driven to tears many times by him. In fact I feel like crying now!”

“Really? What an evil person……”

“Don’t talk like it’s none of your business! It’s obviously you who did those things!”

“I already said I don’t remember.”

“You are talking like a politician. Are you trying to act dumb. You Heart-breaker!”

Listening to Satsuki’s complains, Moroha is reaching his limits.

I’m only 15 years old. It’s a first to be called a heart-breaker…. Obviously clueless, Moroha could only sigh in his heart. Being scolded fiercely for no reason, yet he couldn’t do anything.

“ZZZZzzzzzz…….”

“Don’t go back to sleep!”

"I got into trouble because of you." Moroha could not help but palming his face.

“Hey! Wake up, you succubus.”

Luckily, Satsuki had switched her target and was roughly shaking Shizuno awake.

“You! What were you trying to pull seducing my Fraga?” My Fraga…. How much of a brocon is she? Although Moroha had long since discarded the notion that Satsuki is a normal sister

“I mistook the person,” replied Shizuno expressionlessly when she was forced awake by Satsuki’s roar of rage.

“You would kiss someone you mistook?”

“I was half-asleep.”

“You would kiss someone while half-asleep?”

“Why are you so agitated?”

“Even me, I’ve not been kissed in this life yet! How dare you jump the queue?”

Originally thinking that Satsuki would continue to rage further, instead she became a shivering, crying lump. What a temperamental girl with her rapid mood swings.

“…Really?” In contrast, Shizuno remained cool and expressionless.

Her thoughts hidden, Shizuno looked towards Moroha.

“Me……?” Moroha pointed at himself.

Shizuno nodded her head, and asked:

"How were my lips?"

“Are you asking me for feedback?”

"It’s for future reference."

“What are you trying to practice for? In any case, why aren’t you in shock or anything?”

“Not really. It’s not like I lose anything.”

Shizuno replied unconcernedly, while Moroha felt his face stiffening.

Come to think of it. This person actually went back to sleep after with no care or concern. Moroha, like facing a fearsome beast, looked carefully at Shizuno.

“——It’ll decrease.”

“What will?”

“Your value as a girl will decrease. Please take more care.”

“Your words are very amusing.”

“In any situation, I believe that it’ll be your words that are funny.”

Although broken out of his pacing by Shizuno, looking at her calm beauty, Moroha decided that he should just let it go.

Shizuno twitched her mouth and revealed lovely dimples. Although she looked like an introvert, it was still a very bewitching smile.

Obviously a natural-born beauty, don’t always keep an expressionless face. What a waste. Moroha muttered in his heart.

“Then, if it happens again, I shall try to be surprised.”

“Please do.”

“Like this?”

Saying that, Shizuno woodenly gave a monotone “Ahhhh”, clapping her cheeks with both hands.

“That’s great. PERFECT.” Moroha casually clapped a few times.

“My value as a girl didn’t decrease, right?”

“It went up in a straight line,” Moroha replied jokingly.

While harmlessly joking around, this was proving to be quite fun. Moroha really thought that.

“Why are the two of you looking like you are enjoying yourselves? Even though it’s your first meeting?”

Moroha heard this very displeased voice. For Satsuki who was temporarily pushed out of the scene, she started expelling her angst as only a young girl could, with tears in her eyes.

“How are you going to recompense me,” demanded Satsuki as she turn her reproachful gaze at Shizuno.

Shizuno, as if the matter doesn’t concern her at all, turned her head away.

Moroha then realized he had been setup. A setup to point Satsuki’s anger at him via introducing a flammable subject into their conversation.

“Ah…no…..that is……”

How would you explain away this awkward situation? Just when Moroha was groping for words……

“Why are you so heartless to me? Onii-sama is an idiot! Dummy! Two-Faced Shape-shifter."

“Two-Faced Shape-shifter…..”

“If you like that woman so much, just marry her!” After that salvo, Satsuki ran out of the auditorium crying.

It ended up being a mess from beginning to the end.

“A person as tempestuous as a storm.”

Regarding Shizuno’s statement, Moroha could only agree.

Then——

“Shall we go? Since we are in the same class, it should be the class meeting after this?”

“I’ll stay here for a while longer.”

“You’ll be late.”

“That’s my intention,” replied Shizuno calmly as she leaned back on her chair. “Everyone has gone over earlier, are you the same type as them?”

“If possible, I would like to spend my school life in an orderly manner.” Moroha expressed his sincere wish.

It’s not easy to get into a school that provide free tuition and amenities. I cannot let this chance go to waste. This was Moroha’s opinion.

“I see. It's the opposite for me.”

On the other hand, that was what Shizuno said. Still, in Moroha’s eyes, she did not seem like a delinquent girl. If you had to state it, it was more like she was a person ,who was extremely indolent, more specifically——a person who is weary of the world.

Hmmmm. Anyway….

He didn’t really want to nag at anyone.

“So I’ll make a move first. By the way, can I ask you a question?”

Shizuno nodded her head.

“Those words in your dream. Did you mentioned Shu Saura?”

“It’s just meaningless sleep talk,” Shizuno replied after a short hesitation.

“Really? Still, although it’s embarrassing, can you listen to what I have to say without laughing at me?”

Moroha was going to scratch his head after saying that, but thought better of it. Changing his mood, he asked a question with a serious expression.

“Were you the <Witch of the Netherworld>?”

Shizuno’s expression remained frozen.

Like a Noh Mask, you cannot penetrate her defenses or guess her thoughts.

Still, Moroha strongly stated:

“In my dreams, I was known as <King of the NetherworldThe Pluto>, Shu Saura.”

Moroha frequently dreamt bizarre dreams.

According to explanations from Akane Academy, those are fragments of memories from his past life.

And, in his dreams——

Sometimes he is called Fraga.

Sometimes he is known as Shu Saura.

That’s right. Although minute fragments, it was undeniable.

Moroha had memories of 2 past lives.

Translator's Notes and References

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