First, while writing up to this point, I was surprised to read your comments.
I saw comments like “He’s not serious because Jiro isn’t using spirits” or “This is a time loop,” and I thought, “Huh? Are they reading my mind about the future developments?” But because you felt that way, I’ve added an author’s note, which I don’t usually do.
I would be happy if you could feel a glimpse of the protagonist’s ultimate power, which is what I wanted to convey in this work, and enjoy it.
“Contractor-san, wake up, Contractor-san.”
The voice echoes in my head, and my submerged consciousness awakens. |
The nightmarish scene I had just witnessed. |
The scene of me fighting and losing to that god, and my loved ones falling one by one. |
And finally, the nightmare of my own child being almost kidnapped, and Yukiera being taken away even though the president intervened. |
“Oh dear, did I push you too hard?” |
“Wh-who are you?” |
My hearing is muffled and unclear. |
The headache doesn’t stop from seeing the scene from a perspective other than my own. |
Because of that, my thoughts are not easily organized. |
I desperately try to rouse my blurry thoughts and react to the familiar voice. |
“Valse-san?” |
“Yes, yes, that’s right, Contractor-san.” |
Through my slightly open eyelids, I see the Spirit of Time and Space, Valse-san, riding on the head of a Giant White Snake, with whom I have a contract. |
“What in the world? Where is this…?” |
Looking at the scenery of the world, I realize I’m in the same space as that trial from long ago. |
I was trying to save my daughter, wasn’t I…? |
“—!?” |
“Yes, stop. If you think about it now, you’ll see things you shouldn’t, so listen to me while you organize your thoughts.” |
As I try to think about it, the nightmare returns as if it were a flashback, and a headache that forces me to clutch my head strikes. |
“Even though it’s an emergency, future sight would have been difficult in your current awakened state, but for now, you must endure the pain. Otherwise, the scene you saw will become reality.” |
Valse-san sternly tells me to endure, even though it feels like being squeezed by a vise and constantly in excruciating pain. |
If I wanted to be freed from this pain as soon as possible, I could just let go of my consciousness. |
However, Valse-san’s words stop me from making that choice. |
“What do you mean? Reality, that thing, has it already happened?” |
I don’t quite understand Valse-san’s words, perhaps because of the pain or because the nightmare and reality are mixed, making it difficult to grasp the current situation. |
“It’s about to happen, but it hasn’t happened *yet*. Fortunately, you can use any phrase like ‘a stroke of luck’ or ‘a silver lining,’ but you can think of it as your chosen action creating a brief chance.” |
I don’t understand. What did I do? |
Please stop speaking in riddles. |
My head already hurts. |
My consciousness is also hazy. |
Is it selfish to wish for you to get to the point quickly? |
“The scene you saw as if it were real was a vision of the future shown by my power. That nightmare has not yet become reality.” |
“Is that true!?” |
“Yes, don’t underestimate the Spirit of Time and Space! However, being able to use future sight in this space is also thanks to your immediate judgment.” |
But Valse-san’s words gave me hope, so much so that I forgot about the pain. |
The fact that the nightmare of Suella and the others getting hurt and Yukiera being kidnapped hasn’t actually happened yet restored my fighting spirit. |
Valse-san, who proudly boasted about her abilities, winked playfully halfway through. |
“—!?” |
“Yes, yes, don’t panic. Time is limited, but there is still some leeway.” |
I became excited, and although my headache worsened, a smile appeared on my lips. |
The thought that it’s not too late makes my heart leap. |
“So, how is it? I think I’ve stabilized your soul, but you’re probably still feeling some discomfort.” |
“Discomfort? As usual…!?” |
Just as I decided to act, Valse-san told me to check, as if to put a stop to my resolve. Looking down at my body, I saw… |
“What is this!?” |
A white body, or rather, a wavering body that can’t even be called a body. |
“You can’t enter the space where time is concepts and we’re hiding in its absence with your living body! The space I normally inhabit is separated from the world. It should be clear that summoning me from there is by no means easy.” |
Looking at my palms, I see a vague, fuzzy white form that can only be described as a being, unlike a ghost. |
“How does it feel to be just a soul?” |
I am stunned by the fact that it had to go to such lengths. |
However, since I was asked, I should answer. |
“It doesn’t feel as strange as I thought. Is this what astral projection is like?” |
“Who knows? This is my first time inviting a human here like this.” |
It doesn’t feel particularly special. |
It just feels lighter because I don’t have a body, compared to when I had one. |
I don’t lack my five senses, nor do I feel anything spiritual. |
It just feels vaguely floaty. |
Valse-san chuckled at my appearance, lowered her snake head, and met my gaze at eye level. |
I, standing, and Valse-san, sitting on the snake, our gazes meet. |
“Well, I’d like to chat like this, but even if there’s leeway, we don’t have time for a long conversation, so I’ll explain your current physical state and then the circumstances and countermeasures.” |
Valse-san gets to the point with me, who is slightly bewildered by the situation but calm. |
I nod in silence, thinking it’s not the time to ask questions. |
“First, the circumstances. I saw how you ended up in my past vision. Yes, it was a terrible situation, but unfortunately, with your magic aptitude at the time, you couldn’t fully draw out my power, so I couldn’t intervene. I apologize for that first.” |
Valse-san, who started with an apology, bowed her head once. |
“However, your split-second judgment and your dragon’s blood, specifically ancient dragon blood, going berserk turned out to be a stroke of luck.” |
Valse-san, looking up, explained why my soul was in its current state. |
“The Ore Tree, which was trying to create more ancient dragon blood, brought about a dramatic change in your body and simultaneously affected your soul. The Ore Tree controlled it properly so that it wouldn’t negatively impact your personality. Thanks to that, your body and soul began to transform while you remained yourself.” |
I miss the presence of my partner, who isn’t here now. |
Valse-san playfully tells me to praise that partner later. |
I was prepared for the fact that I would cease to be human due to the ancient dragon’s bones and blood residing in that partner. |
There’s nothing surprising about that in itself. |
“However, that transformation alone wasn’t enough. Even with a strengthened body and a reinforced soul, the wall separating me was too wide to intervene.” |
But still, it wasn’t enough to fully utilize Valse-san’s power, and she says there was another element. |
“Ironically, the wall was broken by a strike from a god. The divine energy of that god gave your soul the final push.” |
Hearing that the element was an attack from the enemy side, I couldn’t help but doubt if it was serious. |
My emotional state, now being a soul, is transmitted to Valse-san. |
She lets out a wry smile and says that even a spirit controlling time doesn’t know what will happen, demonstrating that even she herself doesn’t know. |
“You might think it’s ‘just for this reason,’ but a series of coincidences elevated you to an even higher level.” |
“No way.” |
Hearing this example, I realize that it was a condition for fully using Valse-san, and I inquire about the possibility. |
“Did my magic aptitude increase?” |
Valse-san nods with a smile, indicating that I am correct. |
“Yes, congratulations, Contractor-san. The temporary contract and the time to discern it are over.” |
“Seriously?” |
This fact makes me want to put my head in my hands for a reason different from the headache. |
I wonder, couldn’t there have been a more amazing awakening? |
The first time my magic aptitude went from eight to nine was due to being dissolved in a monster’s stomach. |
The next time, I thought it was some kind of convincing awakening, but in the end, it was an anticlimactic awakening caused by an enemy attack. |
There’s no point complaining that I wanted a cooler awakening. |
“…There’s no point in worrying about it. From what you’ve said, it sounds like my current soul-only state is because my magic aptitude reached ten.” |
“You’re not wrong. It wasn’t while you were fighting. Your aptitude was rewritten immediately after you were defeated. That god fellow didn’t realize it because you were so beaten down. That’s when I hastily drew your soul into this space.” |
“So that’s how we got here.” |
“Yes, your soul was pretty battered, but it hadn’t lost its brilliance. Thanks to that, you were able to recover enough to regain consciousness. And by the way, I showed you the future because it would be disastrous to return you to normal as you are. Well, even showing it for a short time has caused severe backlash, but you’ll have to endure it.” |
“So that’s the cause of this headache. This is a series of unbelievable things, isn’t it? This isn’t even a power creep anymore.” |
“Oh, of course.” |
However, it seems my bad luck is far from over. |
Call it plot convenience if you want; for me, it’s enough that I’ve drawn a wild card. |
“High-ranking Spirits are generally spirits that heroes and demon lords can command, and among them, you can’t use them to their full potential unless your magic aptitude is ten. However, many of them dislike serving the two who have strong connections with God, so contractors aren’t usually aware of this. Oh, and by the way, I also fall into that category, or rather, I’m at the forefront of spirits who flip off God, so please treat me favorably!” |
“Whoa, a spirit who says something unbelievable with a smile. What happened?” |
Thanks to this, an opportunity has arisen. |
However, I can’t help but wonder why she dislikes heroes so much. |
“Oh, isn’t it natural to flip off God when he created me and called me a subordinate?” |
“What are you doing, God?” |
No, even if it’s future sight, I’m still angry about what you did to my wife, so maybe that’s not the right way to think about it. |
“So, there’s one thing I want to ask.” |
“What is it?” |
I’ve grasped the current situation from our conversation so far. |
So, what should I confirm next? |
“You said there’s still some leeway, but where, for example, is the line between that nightmare and reality starting from?” |
“Around the point where the big move was returned. Your current living body is buried in rubble. Not a single second has passed since then.” |
My living body is outside this world. |
This world ticks time at an overwhelmingly faster rate than the world where my living body exists. |
Thanks to that, I can think carefully like this. |
“My magic aptitude has increased, and I can use Valse-san’s full power. Can I stand against God in that state?” |
“Given the current situation, I’d say there’s a possibility. Of course, if we focus on defense, we can buy enough time until the Demon Lord arrives.” |
And what’s more, I’m happy that the situation is set up so that we can avoid that nightmare even at this stage. |
Therefore, I can think about things with a little more ease. |
“…One confirmation. When we first made the contract, you said I couldn’t borrow your power for combat. Can I assume that restriction is gone now?” |
“Yes, I gave permission for use only to that girl Amelia, but from now on, you won’t need permission, so it’s like that.” |
“By the way, what can you do?” |
“Since you need to get used to it, there are about three things you can immediately use in combat. The first is future sight, which I used earlier. However, prolonged use is strictly forbidden. Even short-term future sight is only up to three seconds ahead. To instantly process the content of future sight in your brain, I have to accelerate your internal time with my power and process your brain accordingly. For an unaccustomed body and soul, this is the limit.” |
“Future sight, huh? I’m finally starting to get the power of a protagonist from some novel.” |
So, a small ambition is starting to sprout within me. |
After everything I’ve been through, and having my daughter targeted, I can’t rest without punching that arrogant god in the face. |
“The second is the art of accelerating internal time to utilize the first future sight. It’s called Accel Senses. You have to note that it only accelerates consciousness and thinking ability; your physical abilities won’t change at all.” |
“That, too, seems extraordinary by any standard.” |
The second art is certainly a very dangerous technique. |
After being able to foresee the future, now comes the slowing down of the seen scenery. |
“It’s not like you can accelerate indefinitely, but with practice, you can accelerate as much as you want. Right now, you can do about three times. If you don’t consider the strain, I think you could even do five times now.” |
“If I were in perfect condition, I would have tried it, but in my current battered state, it’s impossible.” |
After the first and second abilities, I’m a little curious about what the third will be. |
“Now, for the last one, the Stop Barrier. It’s a defensive spell that stops all sorts of attacks. By the way, any living thing that touches it will also stop.” |
“The last one is the most terrifying.” |
This is acheat-level ability of absolute defense. |
It proves that the name Spirit of Time and Space is not for nothing. |
“By the way, it won’t work on anyone stronger than me, right?” |
“Oh, you’re a worrier, aren’t you, Contractor-san? Don’t worry. I’ll stop anyone, no matter who they are. In fact, I’d like to see you show the spirit to stop that god and punch him.” |
“Hahahaha, that’s good. I was thinking of doing just that.” |
“However, due to magic consumption, you can only use it once or twice.” |
“That’s enough. With this, if I can land an attack on the opponent, my win rate will be sufficient.” |
I’m smiling right now. |
Am I going to cry and give up the revenge my instructor so fiercely taught me? |
Impossible. |
Even if the opponent is overwhelmingly powerful, if I’m attacked, I’ll strike back. |
“You don’t have to worry about that.” |
“?” |
“You’re not the only one who feels that anger. You’ll understand when you return to your original world.” |
Perhaps sensing my feelings, Valse-san tells me not to worry about the offensive aspect. |
I can’t help but wonder if this is a secret at this crucial juncture, but if I’ll know soon, I’ll put that question aside. |
“Well, is it about time?” |
“Yeah.” |
And then, the time limit arrives. |
“As you know, if you lose, that future will become reality. If you want to avoid that future, fight with all your might.” |
“I understand.” |
“Good. Then there’s nothing more I need to say.” |
Along with a sensation of being pulled, my consciousness begins to fade. |
“When you go there, summon me. With all your might, I’ll fight with you.” |
“That’s reassuring.” |
Valse-san smiles as if seeing me off. |
“Then, while we’re at it, there’s one more thing I want to do together.” |
“?” |
“Actually…” |
I don’t want to trouble her smiling face, but I ask her if she’ll do it with me. |
Slightly embarrassed, like a mischievous child confessing a prank, I tell her what I want to do when I face God. |
“Ahahahahaha! That sounds fun, let’s do it!” |
Valse-san, who initially looked bewildered, bursts into laughter after hearing my request. |
Valse-san readily agrees to my request. |
With that, my consciousness fades. |
And then, the pain that runs through my entire body and the heavy weight of my physical body. |
“As expected from a dragon known for its tenacity. Still alive, I see.” |
I hear the hateful voice of God and am convinced that I have returned. |
Thanks to my soul’s recovery, my magic is at its full potential, and my spirit is also replenished. |
I make an excuse to rest my aching body later and grip the Ore Tree, then shout. |
“Valse!” |
Just that one word, that’s all it took. |
The summoning circle unfolds, and a Giant White Snake appears from the massive array. |
And I stand up. |
“What!? A Spirit of Time and Space!? How can such a being be here!?” |
Nisia’s astonished voice is irrelevant. |
“Jiro-san!” |
Suella’s delighted cry makes my cheeks involuntarily relax, but I can’t respond to her voice right now. |
The white snake’s face is next to mine, and Valse-san is sitting on its head. |
To resist that nightmare. |
To deny that future, the God before me is an obstacle. |
Denying my trembling body, I gather my strength and, together with Valse, raise my middle finger to the sky and declare. |
” ‘Round two, you damn God!’ ” |
Now, let me punch you in the face!! |
A word for today: |
The situation changes depending on whether you know the prior information or not. |
Thank you for your usual comments and reports of typos. |
If you find it interesting, please leave comments, ratings, bookmarks, etc. |
*The first volume of the book has been published by Hayakawa Bunko JA.* |
*It was released on October 18, 2018.* |
*The e-book version was released on October 31 of the same year.* |
*Furthermore, the second volume was released on December 19.* |
*The third volume was released on February 20, 2019.* |
*The content has been revised and expanded from the version posted on Shosetsuka ni Narou, and includes an unpublished interlude.* |
*Please consider purchasing the new releases as well!!* |
*A comic adaptation is being serialized in Kodansha’s “Young Magazine The Third.”* |
*We hope you will enjoy that as well.* |
*We appreciate your continued support of this work.* |
