Several days later, we all moved to Delamis. The reason goes without saying: to see off the heroes, Setsuna and the others, as they returned to their original world. Everyone gathered at Delamis Cathedral, the place where the four were summoned by Colette. Not only us and Pritia, but also Colette, Commander Cliff, and the ancient heroes. Although he was hiding his presence, Pope Philip was also said to be present in the back.
The gathered individuals took turns exchanging farewell words. We received encouragement from Commander Cliff, and Nana became teary-eyed while talking with Colette. Seeing such a scene, I felt a genuine, uncharacteristic sense of wistfulness; they were truly going back.
“Are you guys really leaving? Even if you’re leaving, at least say goodbye to those who aren’t here.”
Before I knew it, it was my turn, and the words naturally came out, reflecting my feelings.
“Fufu, it’s unlike you, Kelvin, to try and stop us. You don’t need to worry. After that decisive battle ended, we’ve been visiting everyone who helped us. Some cried, some tried their best to persuade us… but, we decided this from the beginning. We have a world we need to return to.”
“I see. That’s the path you’ve chosen… Alright, then I won’t say anything more. Honestly, it’s a shame I couldn’t eat you at your peak. Ah, that’s the only thing I truly regret.”
“Hahaha, you’re still the same old Kelvin. I’m truly sorry, Master!”
“More importantly, that way of speaking is very unpleasant. Harassment? Can I sue you for sexual harassment?”
Miyabi truly maintained her strong attitude towards me until the very end. Well, even those sharp words have become a fond memory now. Since I’m apparently in the position of her master, I’ll just laugh it off.
“Ugh, you’re laughing. You’re definitely plotting something. It’s really creepy. Please, don’t come near me.”
Hahahaha… No, I guess we just don’t get along.
“Stay well, Setsuna and Nana. Speaking of which, is Nana still crying?”
“Ugh, because I’m lonely and sad…”
“Even though she can hide amongst piles of corpses, she’s still the same in these situations. That’s also one of Nana’s charms… Kelvin, about the Nirvanajyaku you gave me before—”
Setsuna removed the sword she wore at her waist, sheath and all, and presented it before me.
“Ah, you can keep it. Given its performance, you probably won’t be able to use it easily, but I suppose Setsuna wouldn’t use it by mistake. It’s a memento of your journey, along with the pendant.”
“Are you sure?”
“Originally, I couldn’t handle that weapon. It would be better off with a master who could draw out its full power. Nirvanajyaku is already Setsuna’s partner.”
“…Thank you for everything, even until the very end. I promise to cherish it for my entire life.”
She, with her gentle eyes, softly caressed the sheathed sword. Yes, that’s the right choice.
“Ah, that’s right. Speaking of swords, I came here without telling Master Nito, so could you please tell him sorry later? If he finds out, he’ll do anything to stop me, no matter what.”
Setsuna’s gentle eyes momentarily turned lifeless. Uncle Nito, what on earth did you do?
“Shall I explain the details about the transfer now?”
“Goddess… no, you’re Meru now, aren’t you?”
“Calling me Meru is fine now. I’m just an angel, albeit a slightly strong one.”
“Objection. I’d like to inquire about the scale of ‘slightly’.”
It’s rare for us to agree, Miyabi. I want to ask that too.
“Ahem, I shall now explain. Your original world is on the same timeline as this world. That is to say, when you return, a little over a year will have passed. If all four of you disappeared at once, it would cause a major disturbance. Therefore, to ensure there are no discrepancies upon your return, the memories of those who know you will be altered. For example, it will feel as though you suddenly went abroad to study. The necessary documents and records will also be modified, so please rest assured.”
“So, that means Mom and Dad and our friends won’t be sad?”
“That is correct.”
“Oh, I see. That’s good…”
Touya and the others let out a sigh of relief.
“There is one point of caution… When you return to your original world, you will lose the powers you have gained in this world. Your world is one without magic power, and the fundamental laws are different.”
“Eh? …Eeek!?”
Miyabi displayed shock on her face and in her voice, a truly tremendous reaction. It’s very easy to understand.
“If the reward for your past achievements is to keep your powers, you can indeed return as you are. However, I highly discourage it. Using those powers in that world would be an excessively aberrant act.”
“I suppose so… Miyabi, give up gracefully. If you think about it, you’ll realize it’s not realistic.”
“…I’ll beat up bad guys, and knock them down like bowling pins.”
“Are you going to become a r-real-life hero?”
Setsuna and the others somehow managed to persuade Miyabi, and they decided on a different form of reward.
“Well then, what kind of reward do you desire? Within the bounds of common sense, most things can be granted?”
“Hmm… What should we do?”
“Wouldn’t money or something be good…? Something about defeating enemies with the power of money…”
“Miyabi-chan, don’t be so obviously unmotivated!”
Considering Touya and the others, who seemed to have participated more for the sake of helping people than for any reward, I thought it might take quite some time to decide on their compensation.
“Um, I’ll ask just in case, but… there isn’t going to be some new crisis threatening the world or anything, right?”
“Kanzaki-kun, there’s no way that’s happening! Such grand events shouldn’t happen that often… (glance)”
Although she tried to deny it, Nana’s gaze kept darting towards me.
“Well, now that you ask, I didn’t want to worry you unnecessarily, so I didn’t want to say anything, but…”
“Is there a crisis!?”
I was met with a chorus of protests. I told you I didn’t intend to say anything. I only just heard about it from Pritia and haven’t even investigated it yet.
“But, it’s just a possibility, a very slim one. Even if an evil god sealed in ancient times were to revive with a miraculous chance, it would have no impact on your world. So, go back with peace of mind!”
“…”
That’s strange. For some reason, all four pairs of eyes are focused on me.
“No, this time it’s not clear information like before. It’s more of a wish, thinking it would be nice if I were there—”
“Sigh… Knowing Master, you’ll probably cause something unnecessary again, won’t you? In times like that, it’s better to have even a little bit of combat power. Yes, it should be.”
“It seems we’re getting on board again, aren’t we?”
“If Kanzaki-kun says so, I’m all for it!”
“We can play again.”
The isekai hero group has decided to stay. I wonder if this is because they trust me, or if it’s due to some other kind of conviction?
“I apologize for needing your help again after such a grand send-off…”
“What are you saying? As a shrine maiden, and representing Delamis, I welcome you.”
“That’s right, there’s no need to be so formal now. Oh, and! If you’re having trouble deciding on a reward, how about the ability to travel freely between worlds? Between your world and this one.”
“Eeeh, you can make something like that a reward!?”
“It might not be possible anytime, anywhere, but it shouldn’t be a problem to go back periodically. Right, Meru-chan?”
“Yes. If Touya and the others desire it, it is possible to make that their reward. As I mentioned earlier, you will lose your abilities when you return, and regain them when you come here.”
