Chapter: 136. The Initial Journey
“Kanade, what exactly happened? Why is everyone chasing us?”
“I’m sorry, Nagi, it’s all my fault…”
In the coastal city closest to Infinity Academy.
To escape the abilities users on Artificial Academy Island, Kanade decided to use his time-manipulation ability to extract the storm power he had gained from establishing a connection with the Sea God, then took Nagi and left Infinity Academy by sea.
By the time they reached the nearest land, night had completely fallen.
Tonight was a night where both stars and a bright moon coexisted.
The twinkling stars hanging in the night sky were casting light on the path forward for the two of them.
When they arrived at the city center of a place called “Hokugou City,” Kanade’s intuition told him they were temporarily safe, so they decided to rest in the nearest park.
It was also during this time that Nagi and Kanade finally had the leisure to start communicating.
There was no doubt that this was a spur-of-the-moment action. When Kanade truly began to implement it, he gradually realized that there were many things he hadn’t prepared.
Whether it was the destination he planned to escape to, the farewells to Mana and the others, or even the most basic cash, nothing was ready.
But Kanade could not solely blame himself; the speed with which the Special Circle SEMA acted was just too fast. Especially after the full-scale invasion by the fantasy monsters, Special Circle SEMA no longer needed to hide or keep its identity as a potential protagonist a secret, and could act boldly.
If Kanade were to go meet Mana and the others now, he and Nagi would genuinely fall into the hands of Special Circle SEMA.
However, Kanade knew that his abrupt actions still needed an explanation to his childhood friend, who was visibly anxious and worried.
At this point, there was no way to conceal anything from her.
After all, this was a major escape related to both of their lives and futures. Any false words would be a disrespect to the other’s life.
Therefore, Kanade could only tell Nagi all the information step by step, whether it was about him being a potential protagonist, the reasons why Special Circle SEMA was chasing him, or even his desire to escape from being the protagonist…
He spoke slowly, but he tried his best to be clear with each word.
This was also the first time he realized that he could speak so clearly, perhaps because it concerned the life of the girl in front of him?
The moonlight and starlight illuminated the two sitting on the park bench at that moment while a gentle breeze brushed against their clothes, making the shadows below the bench sway.
Nagi didn’t interrupt at all; she just listened quietly.
I must admit, she was a good listener.
Even if she didn’t respond at all, her focused listening posture would unconsciously provoke a desire to share in the speaker.
“So, I’m sorry… it’s all my fault that you, Nagi, got caught up in this disaster.”
Finally, Kanade explained everything clearly.
Moreover, he had already mentally prepared himself to be looked down upon, even hated by Nagi.
Although the threats from Special Circle SEMA were indeed despicable, on some level, it ultimately boiled down to Kanade choosing to give up on the idea of saving the world, even though he had the power to save the world and humanity, he selfishly just wanted to pursue his own small happiness.
Would this version of himself disappoint Nagi?
His childhood friend was a gentle, kind, and selfless person, just like a saint appearing in a fantasy story. In contrast, his selfish thoughts and actions were far from being a qualified hero or protagonist.
Kanade even felt that it was only natural for Nagi to dislike him, but even so, he needed to protect Nagi’s freedom and happiness.
After a brief silence, rather than a response of words, Kanade first felt Nagi’s embrace.
It was an exceptionally gentle embrace, as if it was meant to let one feel the warmth of this world.
“No, Kanade doesn’t need to apologize… Rather, I should apologize; I… never knew you were silently enduring so much alone.” Nagi softly said while gently stroking Kanade’s head and burying his upper body more firmly in her embrace.
“You’ve done enough, so you don’t need to apologize or feel guilty…”
“……Nagi, but based on the outcome—”
“—But, before Kanade was considered the protagonist, he was also just an ordinary person, right?” Nagi interrupted Kanade’s self-pitying words.
“So, Kanade also has the right to pursue what he believes is happiness; this is also Kanade’s own obligation, isn’t it?”
“If it’s something Kanade believes is right, I will support you no matter what; I will always stand by your side…” Nagi said while slowly moving both hands to Kanade’s shoulders, gently pushing him back so that they maintained eye contact.
“There’s no need for Kanade to bear these responsibilities that don’t belong to you—”
Countless starlights sparkled in Nagi’s eyes.
“—At least, you no longer need to bear them alone.”
“Nagi… why, why are you always so gentle to me…” Kanade looked at the gentle smile of the girl so close before him, and he couldn’t help but feel a pang in his nose.
This question was also something he had always been curious about.
Putting aside the misunderstandings and coincidences from their low points, he ultimately was just an ordinary childhood friend to Nagi. As a child nobody liked, as a child even his parents looked down on, what was worthy of being treated so gently by this perfect girl?
While he continuously felt her gentleness and affirmation, he had failed to offer her the same warmth and happiness.
He even put her in danger countless times.
These conflicting feelings compelled Kanade to ask this question.
He wanted to know what kind of image he held in Nagi’s heart, at what position he stood so that this girl would willingly tolerate all his flaws and selflessly give so much for him.
“…..Because Kanade is—”
But this time, before Nagi could answer,
A wave of magical energy approached with a gentle breeze.
Kanade instinctively reached out to embrace Nagi and shielded her from the direction of the magical reaction.
The shadow beneath their feet was writhing; the source of the magical response emanated from there.
“W-What is this…?”
This magical response felt familiar to Kanade.
Then, the figure of Amane emerged from the muck-like black shadow.
“Good evening, Tsukimi-senpai, and Nagi-nee, may I ask why you are here?” Amane greeted them with a smile.
Her silver-white long hair reflected the light in the moonlight, but her gaze had no trace of a smile.
“Tsukimi-senpai, why did you betray Special Circle SEMA, and even plan to kidnap Nagi-nee?”
