“Still, ‘Contracts’ are great. They seem like they’d be useful for punishing those guys who always ignore what I say.”
Sis seems to have understood the mechanics of ‘Contracts’ correctly, and is determined to try them out elsewhere. As the developer, I’ll pass on a word of caution.
“I’m sure you understand, Sis, but ‘Contracts’ require mutual agreement. They don’t form unilaterally.”
“Hmph! I know! You just have to make the other party nod their head ‘yes’!”
“That sounds like it’s much harder than you’re imagining…”
I offer further advice, but Sis is no longer listening.
She’s muttering to herself, listing names of people she might propose a ‘Contract’ to (including, surprisingly, Diplakla, who is supposed to be a companion).
As I watch her from nearby, Sis, who had been grinning the whole time, suddenly turns to me—
“—Kanami, you are truly special. I might even praise you a little.”
Uncharacteristically, she speaks shyly—and blushingly.
“You listen to me, don’t make strange faces, and listen earnestly until the end. The next day, you prepare the answer and wait for me, and you’re incredibly serious about your human obligations…”
From her words, I can somewhat surmise the kind of treatment Sis receives in this castle.
“Hey, Kanami. Why? Why do you, Uzunami, face me so seriously?”
Looking directly at me, Sis gives me no time to find the right words.
“Why… I guess it’s because… we’re friends, I think.”
However, the answer I came up with, after some hesitation, felt undeniably correct.
“Friends…? You mean *those* friends?”
“Yes. It means companions who consult with each other and play together.”
“Mmm…! We might consult, but I don’t recall us playing together. I’ve always been fulfilling my mission with utmost seriousness. Unlike Diplakla or Legacy, diligence is my strong suit!”
“That might be true for you, Sis… but I’m a little different. Talking with you is very fun for me.”
For someone like me, people as pure as Sis are simply a delight to observe. They convey their true feelings without hiding anything. Just that alone makes conversing with her enjoyable. Truly.
“Fun…? Am I having fun too…? No, even if I were… I would never admit to playing. I’ve decided that I will never forget my mission, even if it kills me.”
“I know. But don’t you ever let your guard down and forget your mission? It’s tiring to be so tense all the time.”
“Hah! I, an Apostle, forget my mission?! That will never happen in a million years! Because I am an Apostle of justice! J-U-S-T-I-C-E!!”
Despite my considerate advice, Sis threw it away with a hearty laugh.
Seeing that, I made a troubled expression. Then, after a moment of hesitation, she conceded, accepting a part of it.
“—But, well… I don’t engage in play… but I can acknowledge us being friends. I’ll make a special exception for you, Uzunami.”
Sis, with a somewhat arrogant tone, responded with the words I most wanted to hear, accompanied by a laugh.
She’s eccentric, overbearing, and selfish—but her smile revealed she was by no means a bad person. With a slight touch of emotion, I called her name.
“Sis…”
“Uzunami, you don’t need to use polite language anymore. …Actually, you sometimes drop the polite language with me. You’re worse at Japanese than I am.”
“…Thank you. Frankly, I felt strange using polite language when talking to you, Sis.”
“It’s a special exception for a special person. You are a ‘Foreigner,’ not an ordinary person, so it’s fine for you to be on equal footing with me, an Apostle.”
“I’m special…? That’s a little disappointing…”
For Sis, it’s acceptable because I’m not an ordinary person.
“Disappointing? Why…?”
“I want you to eventually have ordinary friends and be able to laugh normally… that’s what I hope for…”
“…Eh? It’s disappointing, but that day will absolutely, absolutely never come! Because I am an ‘Apostle.’ A being created to stand above humans!”
However, I hope that by recognizing me as a friend, she will gradually change.
Hearing that she’s still young, I feel like I’m watching over a younger sister. It might be overthinking, but I continue to speak.
“No, it doesn’t have to be right away… perhaps someday, after you’ve fulfilled all your missions and everything is over…”
“After I’ve fulfilled my mission…? I’ve never considered that…”
Perhaps the best way to change Sis’s values is to have her imagine a future where she’s not an Apostle.
Although I feel a bit like I’m deceiving a child, I try to subtly steer her thoughts when I notice two people whispering in the distance.
“Did you see that, Tiara? That’s my brother’s usual tactic. He finds a woman who seems a little easily swayed and hits on her. Sis has been falling for it since day one. …This morning, he was trying to charm a castle maid. Do you understand how I feel, being her sister?”
“Huh? I thought it was a nice story? Master wishes for the Apostles to have enjoyment beyond their innate missions, right?”
“No, Tiara. Don’t be fooled. That’s just an excuse. The truth is, he just wants to flirt with beautiful blonde women. That brother of mine.”
“Ho… Oh, I’ve read about that in a book. He’s a womanizer, isn’t he?”
“Correct! …Sigh. As expected, Tiara. You’re smart and cute!”
Hidaki was feeding Tiara some rather unwelcome information. Reluctantly, I leave Sis’s side and move to stop Hidaki—
“Hey, Hidaki… Stop teaching Tiara such nonsense—” “Sis!! Are you here!?”
Before I could finish, the sound of the hall door being violently opened echoed, cutting me off.
“Diplakla? What’s wrong? You’re in such a hurry.”
Sis asks her fellow Apostle, who entered in the same manner as her, with a question.
I felt the same way, so I stopped talking to Hidaki and waited, watching them. It’s unusual for the usually calm Diplakla to be so flustered.
“—He has come. We must go to defend, so you must help.”
The content he spoke was not peaceful.
I couldn’t fully grasp its meaning, but Sis did, and she too started to panic.
“That person, already…!? His body has already healed…!?”
“Yes, faster than before. His life force increases with each passing day.”
I gathered that they were flustered because a person who had previously fought with the Apostles had appeared.
This should also be related to me, who is in a cooperative relationship with the Apostles.
“Excuse me, Diplakla. Could you explain to us as well?”
“Hmm, Uzunami…? Just in time. I’ll explain about him.”
He seemed so flustered that he only just now noticed our presence.
After taking a deep breath, Diplakla begins to explain the situation to the three of us, who were unaware of it.
“A demon known as Seldra is attempting to forcefully invade the Master’s presence in the ‘Deepest Part’ of the world. We must go to intercept him. After all, the Master is gravely weakened. If he makes contact, we don’t know what might happen.”
An intruder into the ‘Deepest Part’ of the world.
With those words, I understood the danger.
I’ve received some explanation about the Master of the Apostles in the past few days.
Her name is Noi El Lieberl. She is an ageless being, like a god who has watched over this other world for a long time. She is the one who has weakened, causing the world’s ‘circulation ability’ to decline, leading to the current state of the world. If Master Noi were to lose her life in some accident now, the world would end—or so it was said.
“Is this Seldra person strong?”
“He is strong, for he is a dragon demon. Furthermore, he is special even among dragon demons. Likely, he is the ‘Strongest’ man in the world right now.”
The ‘Strongest’ man in the world.
The fact that Diplakla, who carefully chooses his words, could declare this means he must be quite a person.
However, before I could even break into a cold sweat, Diplakla continued his explanation.
“But, there’s no need to worry too much. We Apostles are stronger than the ‘Strongest’ demon Seldra. Even if he follows the World Tree’s roots, we will surely repel him before he reaches the ‘Deepest Part.’ Frankly, our biological standing is different.”
My anxiety was dispelled with surprising ease.
To my amazement, the Apostles, including Sis here, are apparently capable of easily defeating the strongest man in the world.
I knew Sis’s physical strength was abnormal, but I never imagined she was *that* strong. It seems she isn’t an envoy sent by a god for nothing.
Seeing me become optimistic, Diplakla drives his point home.
“However, this is only true at this stage. Unlike us, who are already complete, he is still growing. There might come a time when even three Apostles cannot restrain him. That is what I fear.”
As expected of the calm and cautious Diplakla. Unlike Sis, he doesn’t let his guard down and looks towards the distant future.
“Hidaki is slowly but surely becoming able to move… Uzunami is also rapidly growing as a curse technician… This attack won’t be a problem, but if, by any chance, in the future… considering the future, here—”
Diplakla lowered his gaze and frowned in thought.
Even in a situation where simply fending off the attack would suffice, he is likely searching for a better option. I resolve to emulate his attitude and watch the Apostles’ conversation.
“Sis. We will split into three groups.”
“Eh? Three groups? Where are you planning to go?”
“You and Legacy will promptly head to the World Tree. Deal with the demon Seldra appropriately, just enough to prevent him from growing stronger.”
“I don’t mind that, but what about you, Diplakla?”
“I will not leave the country of Fuziaze. I cannot afford to leave it unguarded and find Fuziaze gone when I return. Losing our base and Hidaki during this delicate period would significantly delay our plan.—I will remain here with Hidaki.”
“I think you’re being overly worried… but, understood. Then what about the last one…?”
“I will secretly send Uzunami to Fanian in the northeast. And have him discreetly bring back ‘The one who steals the logic of darkness’ and ‘The One Who Steals the Logic of Fire’.”
My name being mentioned at the very end caused me to blurt out, “Eh?”.
Sis reacted similarly, questioning its meaning intensely.
“Diplakla, you’re moving Uzunami now? And alone? You were the one who said he needed training!”
“In these past few days, Uzunami has become a curse technician who surpasses us. His physical abilities are also approaching ours. He should be able to endure travel along paths infested with monsters… You should know best why Uzunami must be sent alone now. This mission is one that only Uzunami can undertake.”
“………..That might be true, but…”
However, Sis quickly relented.
Reluctantly, I, who was the one harboring dissatisfaction, pressed him further.
“Diplakla, why am I going alone…? If I have to go, I’d like at least one Apostle to accompany me…”
“We Apostles are gravely resented by the ‘Thieves of Principles.’ When we last made contact, they completely lacked understanding of human emotions. We angered them. It’s likely that they will fight to the death just upon meeting us.”
“You… angered them…? Could it be…”
“In a condescending manner, implying they should feel honored to be chosen… a little.”
Diplakla hesitated, looking away, which was unusual for him.
From his demeanor, it’s clear he used to take the same attitude as Sis.
According to what was said before, the ‘Thieves of Principles’ had something precious taken from each of them because they were chosen. Saying something like that in their condition, it’s easy to imagine how much they must resent us…
“So that’s why no one will come with me…”
“Please, convey this in our stead. That we apologize. And that we are deeply remorseful. That’s all that’s needed. Of course, if possible, we would like you to bring them back as companions…”
Having learned from the past, Diplakla does not try to force the issue. However, it is clear that he strongly desires to rendezvous with and cooperate with the ‘Thieves of Principles.’
I frowned, deep in thought.
“Those individuals are ‘Thieves of Principles’ just like me and Hidaki, aren’t they…? Beings who can turn the ‘Demonic Poison’ of this world into power…”
“Indeed. At worst, it is sufficient to serve as a messenger. We want them to know that we are prepared to welcome them anytime in the country of Fuziaze.”
“…I will definitely bring them. It would be a plus for me to gain more companions here.”
After some calculation, I decided to try recruiting them.
Frankly, I’d been feeling stuck with curse technique development for the past few days.
I’d tried all the curse techniques I could think of with my current knowledge. I’d also read most of the materials in this castle and found no inspiration for new ideas. The Apostles are too rigid; while proficient in using existing techniques, they are completely unsuited for development.
I glance briefly at Hidaki, who is nearby.
Her complexion is good. Although she coughs occasionally, she doesn’t experience difficulty breathing unless she exerts herself or uses large-scale curse techniques.
However, her condition of absorbing ‘Demonic Poison’ has not been cured. While a symptomatic treatment has been found, it doesn’t stop the ‘Demonic Poison’ from corroding her body. It’s a state where her condition could worsen and her life could be in danger at any moment.
—I need to advance my curse technique development to the next stage urgently.
I’ve heard that other ‘Thieves of Principles’ wield unique powers that even the Apostles don’t understand. They seem like the perfect individuals to gain new information and ideas from. Moreover, simply put, having two more companions with high ‘aptitude’ means double the speed of curse technique development.
I don’t want to be separated from Hidaki, but if her treatment is the priority, there’s no reason to stay here. There is value in contacting other ‘Thieves of Principles,’ even if it involves risk.
Just as I reached this conclusion, Diplakla responded with a slightly mistaken understanding.
“……… ………While you’re away, I will focus on Hidaki’s treatment. Moreover, I promise I will protect her. I want you to believe that I prioritize Hidaki’s safety over intercepting Seldra.”
“No, I trust you on that. You’re better than me at everything else, even if I’m more adept at development. Your stability is different.”
Diplakla possesses a composure that suits his appearance—like a skilled, elderly doctor.
Unlike me, who tends to get agitated when Hidaki shows even the slightest discomfort, he will likely provide flawless treatment.
“So, Diplakla, what kind of people are ‘The one who steals the logic of darkness’ and ‘The One Who Steals the Logic of Fire’ that I’m going to meet?”
“…They are similar to Uzunami. I’m sure as soon as you meet, you’ll immediately recognize each other as kin. To put it crudely, they’ll likely let their guard down because they are fellow weaklings.”
“Kin…? The same, weaklings…”
The ‘Thieves of Principles’ are mentally weak and have obtained power unfitting for humans.
Indeed, it’s not entirely unlike my current situation. In that case—
“Then, I feel like I can get along with them… So, you decided to send me from the start, didn’t you, Diplakla?”
“Yes. From the beginning, we anticipated this from what Hidaki told us about Uzunami’s aptitude for understanding others’ weaknesses, which is why we proceeded with your summoning.”
Upon hearing an unexpected name, I shift my gaze.
There, Hidaki, maintaining her smile, nods firmly.
Understanding that I carry not only Diplakla’s expectations but also my sister’s, I—
“I promise. I will definitely bring both of them. Diplakla, and you, please prepare for the welcome party here.”
“Alright! The matter is settled… We’ll prepare for departure immediately. I’ll go talk to the King of Fuziaze now.”
Eager to save time, Diplakla starts to move.
However, at his first step, Hidaki, catching his eye, raises her hand and voice.
“—Wait. One last thing. May I ask something?”
Diplakla stops.
Not only I, but Sis and Tiara also turn their attention to Hidaki.
And they listen to her proposal.
“Tiara, would you not go with my brother? I am not in a condition to endure a journey. Please help my brother in my stead.”
This concerns Tiara’s whereabouts, which hadn’t been mentioned.
Generally, the Apostles do not pay attention to humans other than ‘Foreigners.’ My sister is compensating for that.
“Eh, Hidaki Sister…? Is that okay? I want to go with you, but I was deliberately staying silent…”
In every sense, it’s not okay.
I state the reason why.
“N-no! It’s dangerous, I should go alone…! You might have forgotten, but Tiara is a princess…! The people here would never allow it!”
I insist that it’s not appropriate for royalty to accompany me so casually.
“Master, I think that will be alright. My father and the others are devoted to the Apostles and genuinely believe that two ‘Foreigners’ are saviors. If you say you need Master’s assistance, they will definitely give permission… Originally, I was an invisible child, so they might even be happy about it.”
However, I learn that the country of Fuziaze will fully back me up, along with information I’d rather not know.
Furthermore, Diplakla, after a moment of thought, agrees with Hidaki’s opinion.
“…I don’t think it’s a bad idea. The ‘Thieves of Principles’ are unlikely to be wary of Tiara, and having a local guide will speed things up in various ways. Above all, Tiara has gained physical abilities several times that of an ordinary person through ‘Level Up.’ She’s perfect as Uzunami’s shield.”
Hearing that seemingly unintentional remark, I frown even more.
“A-a shield… Diplakla…”
“Ah, ah. My apologies. She’s perfect as a bodyguard… no, a travel companion!”
As I glare at Diplakla, who seems unable to shake off his old ways, Hidaki picks up the conversation.
“Tiara, do you dislike being Kanami’s shield?”
“No. I would do anything for Master who saved me, I swear.”
Knowing that Tiara would answer immediately like that is precisely why I don’t want her to accompany me. I try to convey this to Hidaki, but before I can—
“Then, Kanami, can you be Tiara’s shield?”
This was also a question I had to answer immediately.
“If… If Tiara accompanies me, I will absolutely protect her. No matter what happens, I will never again—”
I didn’t verbalize my thought of “I don’t want anyone to die,” but Hidaki seemed to understand my wish, smiled brightly, and concluded the discussion.
“Then, help each other, protect each other, and overcome the journey. …Or rather, I hope you understand my concern about sending Kanji alone. In a way, Tiara is like a supervisor. A supervisor to make sure Kanami doesn’t do anything foolish.”
It seems Hidaki trusts this little girl, Tiara, more than me.
Understanding the implication, I confirm with Tiara.
“…Tiara, are you sure you’re okay with this?”
There are various problems. Countless problems.
I convey them to Tiara with a stern gaze.
I confirm if she still wants to come—
“…I want to have an adventure.”
Tiara answers, as if spitting it out.
“Adventure?”
“Yeah. I’ve been so bored… Ever since I was born, I’ve been in a cage. A prison where I just wait to die from illness. All I know is what I’ve read in books. Hero tales, adventure stories. I was envious of the people in them. I envied a life where they could lose things or gain them through their own will. —I was so envious.”
Bit by bit, Tiara reveals her true feelings.
Then, she looks up, meets my gaze, and leans forward so much that our faces are almost touching, saying:
“I’m out of that cage now, and I’m having so much fun. So much fun. But I’m greedy… I really want to join Master’s adventure. I really want to have even more fun. So—!”
At last, unlike my past self, Tiara voices her selfish wish.
“I want to go with Master…! Anywhere…!!”
As she said that, Hidaki smiled, and Diplakla nodded deeply.
—It was decided.
When it comes to this, I can’t push my own opinion. I can only give my all to fulfill everyone’s expectations here and the girl’s wish.
As usual, I swallow my words and reply.
“…Alright. Then let’s go together, Tiara. Together, we will embark on a journey to save the world.”
“…!”
“Yes! Thank you, Master!!”
Tiara blooms like a flower and hugs me.
Looking down at the girl in my arms, I maintain my smile. Hidaki, watching us both, also smiles. Apostle Diplakla nods with satisfaction, while Apostle Sis pouts slightly with dissatisfaction.
It’s a heartwarming scene…
The new journey for the previously unfortunate girl, Tiara, begins today.
A scene that should be blessed, not one that should be marked by a grim expression.
The beginning of a story filled with hope.
The end of one milestone—
—This is the process leading up to Tiara and I embarking on our first journey.
A thousand years ago, such a journey, seemingly coincidental yet inevitable, began.
At this time, the five faced each other with smiles, truly as companions.
However, as we already know, their cooperative relationship will gradually crumble from here.
A thousand years later, all five present here—will go their separate ways.
Each of the five will harbor completely different goals and fight on alone.
Knowing this, my expression contorts as I watch this scene.
In the end, it proves that people cannot understand each other.
It is proven that the words “Everyone together” were merely an illusion.
My face becomes etched with bitterness—
Feeling my magic power dwindle, I return for now.
The future awaiting at the end of this journey, a thousand years later.
Until the end of the world—
