No Game No Life

——long long ago, something called the [Sun] existed.

Exuding out radiant white flames, coloring the sky with

translucent blue——yes, this was how it spread.

The [Great war] between G.o.ds and creatures scorched the earth.

The whole sky became clouded with ash.

The ash-filled sky and the overflowing Astronomical Force—

—Elemental gallery, came into conflict, causing light to emit

which resulted in the sky turning red.

This redness enveloped the continuous mutual-killing on the

lands. Or perhaps, the star itself was lamenting, spilling out

fresh blood...

In the blood-stained sky, only aquamarine-colored ash

continues to fall down.

————......

Ivan gazed at the red sky and frowned.

The [black ash] that let out aquamarine light fell onto the

ground, starting to pile up.

Ivan dazed when thinking about the limits a human could

possess in regards to knowledge.

Humans were unable to sense elemental particles, so they

shouldn't be able to see the aquamarine light. As for why the

sky was dyed red, it was probably due to the polarizing light or

some other unknown reasons. Elemental particles were

originally blue to begin with....

As for how the humans are able to perceive and link to the

Elemental Gallery.....It probably has something to do with the

last light emitted from the dying Elemental after the conflict

with the ash.

——[Elemental bones]. To majority of the living species

including humans, this was a lethal poison.

Touching it burns the skin. Entering the eye causes blindness.

If consumed, the innards would be dissolved.

Even though it shone an aquamarine light, it was called [Black

ash] because the nature of it symbolizes death itself.

Perhaps, this stuff may actually be merciful....

The dust mask covered his head. The fur armor was built to

withstand the cold. If one took all these off and casually lie on

the ground——the ground filled with [Black ash (Death)], it

would bring that someone into a blissful sleep.

(Really want to rest. Working non-stop since this morning. My

body is numbed, I want to drink a bowl of hot soup, wash away

all these ash and snuggle in my wife's chest and sleep——if I

can't even achieve all of these some day, then right now I

should just.....)

That kind of temptation forced Ivan to tremble, completely

stopping his thoughts. Born in this kind of world, there was no

reason for survival or death—— "——Ivan. Did the black ash

enter your brain?"

Ivan turned back after hearing his companion's murmur. After

blinking a few times, he saw his two partners beside him.

"....It was only a little break, Allei. I am already getting on my

years eh?" "If you are getting old, then shouldn't we be the

same?" Allei bitterly said.

Against the young boy who was one year younger than he was,

Ivan retorted ironically.

"Are you awake yet? Maybe someday we can't fool around like

this anymore oh

—— Riku, you too."

Saying so, Ivan looked towards Riku—— the "leader" in front

of him.

The youngest among the three, with a teenage face hidden

underneath the

mask and winds.h.i.+eld.

His face couldn't be seen. Looking through the wind

gla.s.s....were a pair of pupils that looked like the abyss itself.

"Thank you for the advice. Then——after a short

[break]....We'll continue."

——dressed like a rock, together with leather clothing that crept

upwards from the legs.

His limbs were numbed, he didn't even eat——this was for the

sake of not be discovered by the [Enemy]. In order to live.

And——in order to come here.

Ivan lowered his head, overlooking the hills in silence.

As expected, there was a huge pit....A steel mountain laid in the

center.

This was built by the dwarves, a wars.h.i.+p meant for air combat.

However, it was currently wrecked.

There were traces of earth-shattering [Skirmishes] in this area a

few weeks ago. Riku's objective today was to scavenge for any

usable resource.

Cracks present in the armor allowed the team to enter the s.h.i.+p.

Ivan asked Riku. "....The elemental needle plate?"

"No. The [Black ash] is too intense. The elemental particles

would affect it."

Ivan silently protested. This way, they had one less insurance

for their lives.

Elemental needle plate——a pyroxene that reacts strongly to

elemental particles. An artifact created by connecting obsidian.

It was used to sense G.o.ds and their dependents——ultimately

informing the direction of those [Monsters] with extremely

high Elemental particles count—— although it was created by

Riku and his sister, for now it couldn't be used.

Thus, they could only discern the enemy's position using their

five senses.

The trash known as the human species who were exiled and

sent away, against monsters with super senses——too

hilarious.

Indeed, too hilarious.

"....Move forward with caution." Riku muttered with a straight

face.

Ivan and another companion——Allei silently nodded before

sneaking into the wreckage.

To enter the place just by bending their backs and brus.h.i.+ng

past the acc.u.mulated dust, was definitely luck——

....Focus!

Ivan then said to himself.

(Don't be disarrayed, be as insignificant as a speck of dust. Kill

the sound of breathing and the heartbeat. Tense up the five

senses, ensure that not even dust can escape my sights)

——compared to previous times, this didn't even count as being

dangerous.

They were a considerate distance away from the battlefield.

The place they were currently in could be said to be a mountain

of abandoned garbage.

However, calling this place [Safe] would be complacency.

There was a chance that a lost monster was still lurking around.

Maybe, there might even be other races that had no relation to

the war wandering around.

Or perhaps, there were remnants of the dwarves who piloted

this s.h.i.+p——

Even if the other party was in a near-death state, they wouldn't

survive a confrontation.

——this was their reality. A shocking, unreasonable reality.

If a dwarf held an item, it meant one thing——hundreds of

human lives would get reduced to ash.

This was the impact of being their enemy. In order to survive

to the future, hide from the present.

So——

"——hey, Ivan, this is a huge find!!"

Hearing the loud cry from behind him, Ivan turned around with

a vexed expression.

Some distance away was Allei, who had a look of excitement.

Allei's eyes were sparkling as he waved his right hand

dramatically.

"Come here, this thing is awesome!"

Ivan squinted his eyes to look at Allei as well as Riku's face.

"......"

Riku remained silent as he slowly lifted a hand——creating an

action as if slitting the throat.

Just like that, Allei who couldn't control his excitement and

panted restlessly a while ago started to tremble slightly.

"So....Sorry. But, but, take a look at this."

The object Allei found seemed like a small box at first glance.

It was connected with several pieces of complicated items.

But when Allei twisted the object with his hand, the box

released a rainbow- colored light.

"This is——!"

Looking at the large-scale map projected in the air, even Ivan

couldn't conceal his shock and let out a surprised breath.

"Could this be——the world map?!" "Yes, the latest edition

too!"

——world map. Although they've collected data as well as made

their own measurements, ultimately the map created was only

of a certain degree.

However, the map projected in the air displayed the world's

continents and oceans accurately without lacking a single

detail. Furthermore, during the war, the terrain may change at

any time, this was indeed——

"....It's not just that." Riku murmured softly.

"A strategic map, and also the enemy forces——there are

secret codes, but decoding it should be easy with the dwarves'

language. No problems."

"——Ha, haha!"

It was understandable why Allei was this excited——even Ivan

let out a smile.

In other words, with this map——inferring the situation of the

battle was possible.

Infer what happens in the future and choose a safer place to

live...! What a perfect find, Riku calmly said.

"Ivan, Allei, compare and amend the map we currently have

with the left and right side of the map respectively. I'll

transcribe the strategic and enemy forces map."

""Swear to the commands!""

Ivan and Allei couldn't hide their excitement as they accepted

the command. Swear upon the deceased, swear upon the pact—

—acceptance.

Taking out the paper, ink and measurement items out of their

packs, they started working.

Their time was tight, but they had to accurately plot the data

and copy down. However, Allei suddenly thought of something

and opened his mouth.

"Ne, Riku, can't we just take the projection device back?" Riku

slowly raised his head while Allei continued.

"Isn't it better like this? It wouldn't be a burden regardless of

size, and we don't have to waste paper and time——"

"Dismissed. We can't take anything that uses Elemental

particles to function. Write quickly."

"I'm saying that, but, the size of this..." "Allei."

With a sharp tone, Riku called out Allei's name.

"....If you want to die, then say it out——I'll grant your desire."

Riku said with a dark and murderous intent-filled voice, his

face expressionless and his pupils lightless.

"Killing you alone could prevent a monster from detecting the

elemental particles and destroying us all. It is simply too cheap

a price to pay."

"——I, I understand——...Sorry..."

Fearing the menacing Riku, Allei shook his head. "Bu, but, you

don't have to be so angry right....?"

"Allei, what Riku said——is our aim. Have you forgotten it?"

Ivan gave advice, but the look on his face was serious, causing

Allei to swallow a mouthful of his saliva.

"——[We don't exist, we cannot exist, so we cannot be

perceived]...."

"See, don't you remember it? To die because of the refusal to

copy down a map

——is there anything more boring than this death?" "....Sorry."

Allei whispered an apology.

At this time, a slow and heavy vibration came from the ground.

"....!"

Instantaneously, the three of them lowered their body and went

into the shade, as if previously discussed.

——using his best efforts to calm the violent beating of his heart.

Holding his breath together with his trembling body, Ivan

looked at Riku who was also concealed.

Riku took a small knife from his glove and unhesitatingly cut

the tip of his index finger.

(....Nothing has changed....)

Pressing his exposed nerve onto the ground, intelligence was

retrieved through the fingertips, then it was transmitted to the

other senses, mainly his ears.

Using eyes to check was too risky. It was akin to suicidal

behavior at this time.

However, placing the ears onto the ground could do it. The

sounds from outside could be heard.

Using these means that far exceeded rationality, Riku had

finished a.n.a.lyzing the [Enemy] that inadvertently revealed

itself.

This level of vibration and rhythm of the sound led to some

conclusions. Ivan licked his lips in his gas mask, closely

watching Riku's gestures.

——.....About 180 feet away, two-legged race, one, heavy and

slow——probably meant as a trick.

From Riku's gestures, the [Enemy]'s height was

approximately——[Twenty feet].

Larger than humans by three times, no wonder it was slow——

in short, it should be searching for something....?

Ivan's back was full of sweat.

Then, from their ears came the sound of roars, shaking the

entire surroundings. (d.a.m.n, it's a Demonia!!)

They were convinced even without Riku's gestures.

A mutant Phantasma—— demons created by the [Demon

king].

Basically, they are mentally r.e.t.a.r.ded monsters. Saying that

they were beasts not given enough brains was not too far away

from the truth either.

Despite its huge strength, it was aware of them [Preys]——it

was because they were incomplete beings that they lost the

instinct of quietly approaching their prey. Now, was the thing

wandering nearby a Demonia or simply one of the variants of

the more inferior races. It was estimated to be a man-eater and

a hill spirit—— in that case, a battle with our current strength?

——impossible. This was clear. Yes——completely impossible.

Even if their opponents were the inferior Demonias——

humans were still piles of meat when facing against them.

Those guys didn't lurk around like beasts or gave warnings,

because there wasn't a need to.

They are strong, they always solved all problems with their

own strength. This has always been their tender and rational

way of living.

The weapons on their hands.....no, even if they developed a

meticulous plan, no humans could kill a Demonia.

All these actions were pointless.

Even if they used up all their wisdom, strategies and traps to

launch attacks against the Demonia——what was the point?

This would only get perceived by [Superior] Demonias with

higher wisdom and they would understand the [Threat] of

humans right?

The extinction of humans would be met with no resistance. So

they only had one course of action at this state.

There were no other choices.

.....[We do not exist, we cannot exist, so we cannot be

perceived]....

Human resistance was not permitted, or else they would be the

hunted [Prey]. In that case——Ivan guessed the outcome.

Slowly turning his head, he looked at Riku——who said the

next words. "Ivan, I command you."

Riku announced just like that. "——die here."

"Swear to the commands. Leave it to me." Smiling wryly——

Ivan didn't hesitate to answer.

Entrusting his pack to Allei, Ivan started walking forward. "Oi,

oi...."

Facing against Allei who was holding the pack with trembling

hands, Ivan advised while smiling.

"You understand right, Allei. In here, someone has to be

sacrificed."

Yes——someone has to be bait, while the remaining two look

for opportunities to escape. There was no other way.

180 feet——would take about 8 seconds for a human to run.

Against the Demonia who was closing the distance——there

was no other choice.

If the three of them fled, it would still result in demise. The

worst case was to get chased towards the colony——even

though the enemy's knowledge was low, this kind of thing was

still capable of being done.

Riku must have considered [Who] and [Where] would the

sacrifice take place.... "Riku is important, and as for Allei, you

are still young. It was natural who would

be the bait right?" "But——because of this...!" Ivan smiled.

He then unbuckled the lock on his chin and slowly took off his

dust mask. "Ivan....!?"

The cold air blowing on his skin incredibly relieved his

tension.

The wind evaporated the sweat on his body and blew the

stench of the beast's skin away, bringing an extremely

comfortable feeling.

"Don't mind me. [In order to protect my friends and family]—

—this reason of death would be very n.o.ble right?"

Saying this, Ivan handed his mask over the still trembling

Allei. "..d.a.m.n it. Dammmnnnnnn——ITTT!"

Patting on the shoulders of his long time friend, Ivan turned

away.

Ivan turned towards Riku——looking through the winds.h.i.+eld

into his black pupil, he said so.

"Goodbye, Riku. I'll leave my family——my kids, in your

care." Riku was still nonchalant.

Watching Ivan who was gazing at him, he nodded. "Ahh, leave

it to me."

.......

"I'm sorry too."

Hearing Ivan's words, Riku replied back in surprise. "...Why do

you apologize?"

"I'm sorry too." "Oi, Ivan. You...."

Allei's trembling voice was heard behind Ivan's back.

As if to hide his true feelings, Ivan was back-facing Riku.

Then, he waved his hand.

"Allei, together with my part, take care of Riku. ......Then, I'll

go on ahead (Death) oh."

——using his best efforts to calm the violent beating of his heart.

Holding his breath together with his trembling body, Ivan

looked at Riku who was also concealed.

Riku took a small knife from his glove and unhesitatingly cut

the tip of his index finger.

(....Nothing has changed....)

Pressing his exposed nerve onto the ground, intelligence was

retrieved through the fingertips, then it was transmitted to the

other senses, mainly his ears.

Using eyes to check was too risky. It was akin to suicidal

behavior at this time.

However, placing the ears onto the ground could do it. The

sounds from outside could be heard.

Using these means that far exceeded rationality, Riku had

finished a.n.a.lyzing the [Enemy] that inadvertently revealed

itself.

This level of vibration and rhythm of the sound led to some

conclusions. Ivan licked his lips in his gas mask, closely

watching Riku's gestures.

——.....About 180 feet away, two-legged race, one, heavy and

slow——probably meant as a trick.

From Riku's gestures, the [Enemy]'s height was

approximately——[Twenty feet].

Larger than humans by three times, no wonder it was slow——

in short, it should be searching for something....?

Ivan's back was full of sweat.

Then, from their ears came the sound of roars, shaking the

entire surroundings. (d.a.m.n, it's a Demonia!!)

They were convinced even without Riku's gestures.

A mutant Phantasma—— demons created by the [Demon

king].

Basically, they are mentally r.e.t.a.r.ded monsters. Saying that

they were beasts not given enough brains was not too far away

from the truth either.

Despite its huge strength, it was aware of them [Preys]——it

was because they were incomplete beings that they lost the

instinct of quietly approaching their prey. Now, was the thing

wandering nearby a Demonia or simply one of the variants of

the more inferior races. It was estimated to be a man-eater and

a hill spirit—— in that case, a battle with our current strength?

——impossible. This was clear. Yes——completely impossible.

Even if their opponents were the inferior Demonias——

humans were still piles of meat when facing against them.

Those guys didn't lurk around like beasts or gave warnings,

because there wasn't a need to.

They are strong, they always solved all problems with their

own strength. This has always been their tender and rational

way of living.

The weapons on their hands.....no, even if they developed a

meticulous plan, no humans could kill a Demonia.

All these actions were pointless.

Even if they used up all their wisdom, strategies and traps to

launch attacks against the Demonia——what was the point?

This would only get perceived by [Superior] Demonias with

higher wisdom and they would understand the [Threat] of

humans right?

The extinction of humans would be met with no resistance. So

they only had one course of action at this state.

There were no other choices.

.....[We do not exist, we cannot exist, so we cannot be

perceived]....

Human resistance was not permitted, or else they would be the

hunted [Prey]. In that case——Ivan guessed the outcome.

Slowly turning his head, he looked at Riku——who said the

next words. "Ivan, I command you."

Riku announced just like that. "——die here."

"Swear to the commands. Leave it to me." Smiling wryly——

Ivan didn't hesitate to answer.

Entrusting his pack to Allei, Ivan started walking forward. "Oi,

oi...."

Facing against Allei who was holding the pack with trembling

hands, Ivan advised while smiling.

"You understand right, Allei. In here, someone has to be

sacrificed."

Yes——someone has to be bait, while the remaining two look

for opportunities to escape. There was no other way.

180 feet——would take about 8 seconds for a human to run.

Against the Demonia who was closing the distance——there

was no other choice.

If the three of them fled, it would still result in demise. The

worst case was to get chased towards the colony——even

though the enemy's knowledge was low, this kind of thing was

still capable of being done.

Riku must have considered [Who] and [Where] would the

sacrifice take place.... "Riku is important, and as for Allei, you

are still young. It was natural who would

be the bait right?" "But——because of this...!" Ivan smiled.

He then unbuckled the lock on his chin and slowly took off his

dust mask. "Ivan....!?"

The cold air blowing on his skin incredibly relieved his

tension.

The wind evaporated the sweat on his body and blew the

stench of the beast's skin away, bringing an extremely

comfortable feeling.

"Don't mind me. [In order to protect my friends and family]—

—this reason of death would be very n.o.ble right?"

Saying this, Ivan handed his mask over the still trembling

Allei. "..d.a.m.n it. Dammmnnnnnn——ITTT!"

Patting on the shoulders of his long time friend, Ivan turned

away.

Ivan turned towards Riku——looking through the winds.h.i.+eld

into his black pupil, he said so.

"Goodbye, Riku. I'll leave my family——my kids, in your

care." Riku was still nonchalant.

Watching Ivan who was gazing at him, he nodded. "Ahh, leave

it to me."

.......

"I'm sorry too."

Hearing Ivan's words, Riku replied back in surprise. "...Why do

you apologize?"

"I'm sorry too." "Oi, Ivan. You...."

Allei's trembling voice was heard behind Ivan's back.

As if to hide his true feelings, Ivan was back-facing Riku.

Then, he waved his hand.

"Allei, together with my part, take care of Riku. ......Then, I'll

go on ahead(Death) oh."

Part 4

At the same time, Riku, Allei and Ivan——flew out of the

shadows, but in contrasting directions.

Contrary to Riku and Allei's actions of trotting while bending

to the ground, Ivan ran full speed ahead while shouting out.

Hearing the beast's roar, Ivan maintained his speed while

giving a slight glance to his back.

After it noticed the enemy, it kicked the steel wreckage apart

and started moving over to Ivan's direction.

——the [Enemy] was huge. Just like what Riku had speculated, it

was at least three times bigger than a human.

Even though it was cloaked in black skin, the bulging muscles

could be seen. Jagged teeth that nearly covered half of its face

was exposed the moment it opened its mouth.

Ivan laughed upon thinking that he would get to experience the

monster's attack first-hand.

Facing the monster, heading in a completely different direction

from Ivan, Ivan could see the escaping Riku and Allei.

Attracted by the great movements as well as the loud shouting,

the monster didn't notice Riku and Allei——

"————ha, ha!"

Ivan had to cry out loudly to attract the monster's attention. He

then focused his attention on the escape route and picked up

speed.

The decoy mission was proceeding smoothly. The next step

was to distract the monster a little bit longer.

No matter what, the best outcome is the best right? After

all....This is a human's last job.

——yes, his mission was over from here onwards.

Only a single run left before the end of his life——it was really

a simple task. "I'm sorry Riku——to leave you with such

troublesome tasks."

From now on, there would be more difficult, more precarious

and more tedious jobs awaiting the person who was like his

little brother(Riku).

In the next few minutes, or maybe a few seconds later, he

wouldn't feel as relaxed as this——

"Ahhh, although this may be too much....But, could you

please——d.a.m.n it."

——Riku's pair of abyss-like dark eyes emerged in Ivan's mind.

Even when staring at Ivan, there was——nothing shone out of

it.

No fear, no hesitation, not shaken, no sorrow, no pain. Nothing

emerged. For this reason—he could be trusted.

To throw away his life because of the command given by a

young teenager.

If necessary, his own life could be treated like garbage and toss

away, if it was for the words of the black-eyed master.

He believed that——he was going to use his life more

effectively than anyone else. But——

"I know this might weigh down on you——but Riku, aside

from believing in you, I cannot think of any other way."

So, I have to apologize. Because the reason you gave me to

die....

Actually, I shouldn't think about dying. My wife and my cute

daughter are still waiting for me back in the colony.

No matter what, I must escape, I want to be with my family,

enjoy the mundane happiness before dying.

——but, this.

Dying in this place buried in aquamarine ash....What was the

difference? "Ahhh, Ahhhhhhh....!!"

Unfortunately, this was what Ivan thought.

At this timing, to even be afraid of choosing happiness, was

very unfortunate. d.a.m.n it. To die without a reason and to die

involuntarily.

"Sorryy, I'm very sorry! But, please, please forgive me——"

——in this broken, crazy and tragic world.

Born without a meaning, to live in fear, and to get killed after

finding a little bit of happiness.

What was the point to live in this world if it continued

endlessly?

——the one who answered this question is that boy, Riku.

It was to protect your friends, protect your family——in order

to achieve the future where the war would end, dying was fine.

Fantastic. Simply perfect. The meaning behind one's own

existence, what could be better than this?

Even if I die, at least die in style right? Like that——I should

shout it out.. "——I! I will die in order to protect my friends

and familyyyyyyyy——!!" Okay——there was no need to be

shy regardless of who that was intended for.

This is too cliché. Only humans who were heading to their

imminent deaths would understand this point.

"Ha, ha! Oi, Riku! This era, when will it endddd——!" There

was no reply. He also didn't want to know the answer.

——as for [When], it would still be strange to Ivan even if he

understood. This world was so cruel that people couldn't hope.

This world was so cruel that people could only despair.

The past and future were distant, it wouldn't be related to the

humans of today.

But now, the only thing needed to be done is to desperately and

continuously weave towards the future, to not tolerate any

other reverie.

Someone impulsively would definitely get eliminated like trash

in the next second.

"Ahh...."

Just like this, keep running ahead. "Ah——Ahhhhhhhhhhh—

—!" Just keep going straight.

As long as the body is still alive, just keep shouting.

Even if you fall on the way, someone else shall bear this

burden. "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh——

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!" Humans, aside from this—

— "Ahhhh——————————ah!"

Then, the shout disappeared.

.....This was the era of——[The Great War].

Humans were both weak and fragile, they couldn't survive as

an individual, so they had to live together as a whole [Race].

Personal feelings were ignored, everyone existed to survive as

a whole. Working as a whole was a necessity.

For this, although it couldn't be said to be the best, it was the

step that gave them the highest chance to win.

Through comprehensive and rational plans, humans could

continue living—— no, running.

Covered with ash and mud, sacrificing their little happiness,

discarding any bones——until the unknown day when the war

ends.

Because of this, the sacrifice of one person to save two others,

sacrifice the minority to save the majority.

Regardless of the one sacrificed, saving other persons in the

colony was the top priority.

Therefore, other means would not be considered. The one who

implemented this——was Riku himself.

From then onwards, he had never regretted it nor feel any

remorse for it. But

——

He sprinted full speed without looking back, until he fled to the

forest which was supposedly safer. Suddenly——

".....Wuu."

The feeling of an attack that felt like the stomach was dropping

struck Riku.

The memory of that man's face gradually blurred. He was

feeling a sense of unbearable and strong sense of disgust for

something. Ivan——was more of a

man than he was. He was brave, thoughtful and considerate. In

Riku's generation, there was no man just like Ivan.

Nevertheless, it was love at first sight for his wife. Even though

the marriage proposal was late, they were very intimate——

These.

Riku himself, has already. Used the past tense to narrate it.

"Riku...Oi, Riku!"

Allei who still had tears in his eyes violently grabbed Riku's

shoulders. "Won't you collapse——with all that burden you are

carrying?!"

Riku however used soulless and dimly lit eyes to look at him—

— "Until then, when someone else inherits my job."

Hearing those light words, Allei fell silent.

Then, the two of them who judged that there was no enemy

after them, started walking.

With the colony as the target, they walked. The feeling of

heaviness was not just due to the acc.u.mulation of thick dust.

The things left behind. The things entrusted over. The things

that have to be used to continue weaving——

"....Hey, Riku. This kind of era.....When will it end..."

Both of them didn't know. It was the same question Ivan roared

out in the last few seconds of his life.

Riku couldn't answer this question as he looked up at the red

sky filled with aquamarine dust.

Suddenly, words that came from someone unknown flashed

past his mind—— [There will always be a tomorrow].

The debris floating in the air that exuded a faint aquamarine

glow quietly fell and started piling up.

"Ahhh. It will be soon."

If they didn't have this mindset, if they didn't believe, even

now.

————this heavy feeling, would probably pressure their knees.

The roundtrip would take four days.

To reach the motive [Colony], they had to descend down the

aquamarine ash- filled wilderness into the depths of the forest

blocked by snow.

At the foot of the tall and steep hill, there was a hidden cave.

From a first glance, it looked like it was a nest belonging to a

beast.

But once inside, there would be a few degraded pillars and

numerous hanging lamps.

Riku removed one of those lamps and lit it up with a flint.

Relying on the dim lighting from the lamp, they headed deeper

into the cave.

While paying attention to avoid any traps used to catch

wandering beasts, they continued to press onwards.

Afterwards, they saw an outer wall made with st.u.r.dy logs. The

door was made to prevent lost bears or wolves from pa.s.sing

through.

Of course, if the intruder was someone of the [Other races],

such things were ineffective.

Riku went close and knocked the door with a certain rhythmic

beat——he then waited.

Squeaking noise then accompanied the slow opening of the

door, and the face of teenage boy who was donned in a fur coat

emerged out.

"Welcome back. It must have been exhausting."

Riku and Allei gently nodded their heads before heading into

the door. "....Where is Ivan-san?"

Silently, Riku shook his head.

The guard held his breath, looking as if he was holding back

something. He then said to Riku once more.

"....It must be tough."

.....

Going through the door, the place started becoming s.p.a.cious.

Here and now——was a secret hideout that hid close to 2000

people.

Spring water that gushed out from the depths of the cave

solved the water problem, while livestock grown on the open

areas solved the other.

There was also an estuary that was connected to the sh.o.r.e,

allowing salt and fish to be collected.

Compared to the other humans outside that were killed due to

meeting [Something], this was a fairly safe stronghold to live

in.

The thick layer of rocks here could only sustain at most the

minimal force from a stray bullet coming from the war.

——of course, this was only a subjective thought. Riku walked

along the wooden stairs into the colony.

The residents working in the city square cast concerning eyes

over to them—— In the midst of a crowd, a young teenage girl

ran over towards them.

Although she was pet.i.te in stature, her blue eyes as well as

bright hair brought some life inside the cave.

The girl who ran in front of Riku opened her mouth and called

out. "Toooo——slowwwww! To what extent are you going to

worry your big sister!" "We were trying our best."

Riku lightly muttered as he laid his pack onto the ground.

"Coron, did anything changed while I'm away?"

"Can you call me Nee-san! How long must I emphasize before

you knowwww

——"

The girl known as Coron pursed her lips while nodding

vigorously.

"Well, nevermind. There isn't anything important that needs

reporting——in any case, take off your dirty cloak and

rawhide. A good wash is a must!"

Coron unceremoniously knocked Riku who was covered with

dust and said. "Allei too. Rest well!"

Coron said to Allei who was behind Riku while removing the

mask and equipment from Riku. Suddenly, a figure appeared

from the crowd.

Before being questioned, Allei replied. "....As for Ivan, he's

dead."

Coron was astonished, and at that moment——another voice

from the other end of the square came.

"Daddy!"

Riku turned around and saw a young girl running over

unsteadily. Seeing that figure, Allei gasped.

The breathless young girl that ran over gave Riku a brilliant

smile while crying out.

"Where's Daddy!?"

"....."

Riku couldn't answer.

s.h.i.+ning hair and blue eyes, similar to her father's——Ivan's

daughter. "....Nona."

"Hey, Riku. Where's Daddy?"

Nona tugged on Riku's s.h.i.+rt and asked.

However, behind that cheerful face, she felt a little uneasy.

"That, Nona....""

Allei solemnly walked over and opened his mouth, but Riku

stopped him with his hand.

At the same time, he used his gaze to stop Coron who was

approaching Nona.

————it's fine. Stay.

With a nonchalant tone, Riku said. "Ivan——your Dad, cannot

come back anymore."

————

As if not comprehending what the sentence meant, the girl

widened her eyes.

Facing against Riku's silence, the girl left from Riku's side,

trying hard not to believe it.

Big teardrops flowed down from her eyes, as her trembling lips

opened. "———why———?"

"......"

"He said he would come back! Daddy asked me to wait for him

obediently at home!? Nona has been a good girl——she has

been keeping her promise!? Then why———why won't Daddy

come back!?"

"....Because he is dead." "LIAR!!"

Nona's desperate cry echoed in the cave.

"Daddy....Said he would come back, we promised!" Riku

started thinking, from when all this began.

———he was unmoved even after hearing such a pained voice.

"Ivan wanted to keep the promise too. But on the way, we met

a Demonia, so he had to be bait."

"I don't care about those things! Why isn't Daddy come back!?"

——Nona was correct, Riku thought.

Why protect, what was the death for, this reason had nothing to

do with her. She only knew, that her favourite Dad wouldn't

come back——this was a fact. "Daddy said it before, that

mankind would win!"

"Of course we will win. Ivan fought just for this purpose. To

protect us——for the victory of everybody."

Riku started thinking, from when all this began.

——he could calmly spout these emotionless words out. Nona's

small face tightened.

"That isn't victory! If that is victory——" "——Nona!"

A sharp voice as well as an outstretched hand covered the

words the girl was about to utter out next.

——[Wouldn't it be better if Riku died]——

No one knew when a skinny young woman——Nona's mother,

Ivan's wife appeared.

She blocked her daughter's mouth with her hand and looked at

Riku's face.

Her pair of eyes didn't contain any resentment or hate. At that

moment, Riku—— touched his own chest.

——it's alright, no problem. "Riku...."

Meranda——Nona's mother, used a hoa.r.s.e voice to call out his

name. Sorry——Riku was about to say on reflex, but he

swallowed it back.

"——Ivan became bait in order for us to escape, otherwise, the

three of us would die. Because we believe that if the [Harvest]

this time was brought back safety, Nona will definitely be

protected."

"....Thank you, Riku."

Tears flowed down Meranda's face as she said that.

Gently nodding, she carried her recently orphaned daughter

back into the depths of the cave.

Until their figure has completely disappeared from their eyes,

Coron had been uttering our prayers for them.

"....Ivan. He was a good person."

———yes, a great man. His wife too, was a great woman.

No complaints, no anger, it couldn't be imagined how she

believed someone like him.

The daughter could see through things at once, it was obvious

she was very smart.

Because the girl at that time, clearly revealed his true colours

as well as his intentions——

——[Liar]. "Riku!"

Without warning, Coron held Riku with a considerate amount

of strength, preventing him from falling down.

"——welcome back. It's a blessing that you are okay..."

".....Ahh yes.......I'm back."

Afterwards, Coron deliberately changed the subject with

exaggeration.

"Oooo——okay okay! The bath should be heated up by now,

so go take a shower now!"

"Shower!"

Allei happily cheered out. Riku frowned and said unhappily.

"Isn't it enough to just wipe the body——waste of fuel."

"O.Nee.-Sa.Ma asks you to go for a bath! You really stink oh!"

Coron said as she smelled her clothing as well as the smell

travelling in the air. Unable to resist anymore, Riku sighed and

started pacing.

Walking across the square to the deeper parts of the colony, an

older man suddenly called out Riku.

"Oh Riku! That useless thing can finally work!"

"Simon how could you!! Now we are exposed!? I even wanted

to surprise Riku!" "It finally works.....Unless, that telescope?"

Seeing Riku's widened eyes, Coron puffed her chest out

proudly and replied.

"Fufu, as long as it's something I've taken apart before, the

theory behind it can be easily known!"

"Well, although Coron figured out the theories....Like before,

she is still ignorant in the process of manufacturing it."

Under Simon's guide, Riku walked up the stage.

There was a dug out s.p.a.cious workroom next to the cave——

in the center, there was an insignificant and cylindrical item.

About a year ago——the item that was looted from the

Dwarves' chariot, was an ultra-long-range telescope.

On its return journey back, it snapped into two. It was

supposedly useless—— Riku asked.

"Is it operable without Elemental particles?"

"Un, rest a.s.sured. This is a modified version of what Riku

previously made. If needed, it still can be combined with more

round gla.s.s. Even the lens can be adjusted oh?"

"——I see. Two of us died to retrieve this. We had better

utilize it well." When retrieving this, Coron was also present.

Coron who discovered it proposed it to be taken back, Riku

agreed as well.

Then——they met Werebeasts on their way back, causing two

humans to be sacrificed in the process of fleeing.

However, Simon's hearty voice came back.

"With this thing, the need to go out for investigation would be

reduced——this way, they can finally rest in peace right!"

"——ahh, yes."

——this was a lie.

Riku knew Coron used a lot of effort to fix this telescope.

But——this was a momentary consolation. No matter how

carefully transferred this was, as long as those guys had the

brains to carry out an investigation, this place would

immediately be found.

No, even at this moment, a stray bullet may even blow up this

entire place.

——just like before, their [Birth place] as well as——the [Place

of growth].

But, Coron who understood Riku's worry said cheerily.

"It can put someone at ease to be able to detect the attack right.

Having prior knowledge of the danger, escaping should be easy

♪. As for the route, just slowly think about it when the time

comes! Okay, let's go!"

The two of them left the workroom. Walking in the direction of

his room in the area, Riku asked.

"Those guys who were out investigating?"

"They safely came back. Riku and your team went the furthest,

so basically everyone has already came back. ♪"

"Ahhh, yes, so only we were the only ones faced with

problems." Looking at Riku's unchanging self-depreciative

face, Coron hesitated.

"Bu...But! Since you are in this position, there must be some

harvest right?"

"In the fallen battles.h.i.+p of the dwarves——we found the latest

map of the world." "——! Really!? Isn't that a big harvest!"

Riku nodded his head in reply towards Coron's surprised voice.

"Enemy forces on the map, strategies written in Dwarven

language, mingled with some codes. I'd like to interpret and

solve these messages——can you leave this to me alone?"

Hearing this, Coron had a complex expression.

"...Un. But first, take a niceee bath okay? Because you are

suuuu—pper smelly."

Seeing Coron pinch her nose close while saying those words

out, Riku sighed and agreed.

——Riku walked into the narrow room and closed the door.

It was originally dug out from the cave, that's why it was

narrow. The acc.u.mulation of numerous books and items made

it even more narrow.

There was a small table in the middle for eating. A drawing

table was also present deeper into the room, standing next to a

pallet bed.

Placing the hanging lamp onto the table, the items that were in

the pack were taken out and placed onto the table.

The most attention grabbing items were three——three

overlapping maps copied by three individuals with their hand.

Using the light, Riku confirmed that there was nothing missing

nor were there any stains. This meant that Ivan's death was not

in vain.

....Taking a deep breath, Riku surveyed his surroundings.

n.o.body. The distance between this room and another room

was considerably far, the door was also thick enough.

Done with the [Routine checks], Riku inhaled deeply and

touched his chest——

——with a Kacha——the [Lock] opened.

"——what do you mean by————NOT IN VAIN! YOU

b.a.s.t.a.r.d HYPOCRITE!!"

While eating, Riku waved his fist around, scolding himself.

The newest world map. The diagram of the enemy forces. The

Dwarf's strategies.

Ahhh! Yes very important! A very big harvest. This could very

well determine the entire fate of the colony!

It can be used to speculate the position of bases and resources.

Furthermore, we can prevent ourselves from straying into some

other race's territories.

And to get all these, dangerous [Investigation] activities had

been ongoing for more than five years.

The earliest began from the nearby area, and then a rough map

of the world was plotted.

The location of dangerous zones and resources. The map had to

be constantly updated with newer information. Only until

recently has it been extremely handy.

And adding the intelligence brought back today, the credibility

of our map will greatly increase.

——but, for this map, how many people have died? Riku knew

this answer——their looks, their names.

It could be said that he even remembered when, where and how

they died. 47 people——no, an increase, 48 people.

——for every one of them, Riku had asked all of them to [Go and

die].

Riku didn't inform all of them directly, there were some who

indirectly understood his intention.

But regardless of which, the person who gave the command of

[Death] was undoubtedly Riku.

——sacrificing one person to save the others, sacrifice the

minority to save the majority.

——if a situation where others would be harmed and suffer,

suicide would be the best.

This rule was developed.

In this desperate situation, even if it's little, conveying to

everyone of the final struggles——

Couldn't be anyone else except for Riku himself. But—— "—

—even if this continues, then....What can...?"

For two people, a person gets killed. For four people, two

people get killed.

This endless cycle has repeated until the final result, where 48

people died.

Continuing to live under these sacrifices, the population of the

colony now—— was not more than 2000 people.

——hey, Riku, answer this: When will this continue until?

It would end one day right——until the day where [For 1001

people, 999 gets killed] happens right?

Or maybe——until the day where only [One man is left] right?

"....Ha——ha, hahahahahaha————!"

To tell a child who lost his father that [This is mankind's

victory] with such a vicious look!

Deceiving everyone with the guise that the sacrifice couldn't be

helped, then I began to rely on these lies, hanging a lock on my

heart to abandon these negative feelings.

——vomit. The sense of disgust for himself started to burn his

throat. Am I clueless about what shame is, or have I forgotten

about it?

How low am I going to stoop until I am satisfied——you

b.a.s.t.a.r.d!!

........ "Ha......Ha, ha...."

.....When he realized it, the table was cracked.

The fist he has been using to punch the wood was embedded in

the table, with blood starting to spill out.

The gus.h.i.+ng blood that headed into his head started to cool

down. Where did all those cold thoughts go——he asked his

heart.

Satisfied?——ahhh, how can I be satisfied.

Feel like crying?——ahh, how can crying change anything.

Then is it enough——ahh, of course it's enough, a.s.shole.

I don't have the right to cry, if it must flow——then blood shall

fulfill its job.

Bloodshed is compatible for someone despicable, disgusting,

jerk, and a lying b.a.s.t.a.r.d like me.

——compared to tears which were on a higher level,

bloodstained hands were a better fit.

Closing the eyes, the hand was brought unto the chest——

thoughts began to form.

——kacha.

Accompanied with a heavy bang, the [Lock] was hung——this

completed the process.

Like usual, the demands remained the same, the cold, calm and

thorough person was forged out.

Never forget the person who gave everyone hope, the [Adult]

with the heart of steel——[Riku], is complete.

Closing the heart, the mind cooled down and Riku slowly

opened his eyes.

Then——looking at the horrifying scene of broken table and

scattered blood, Riku sighed.

"......Wood is obviously not a cheap resource.....Ah,

a.s.shole....What are you going to do."

Riku pulled out his hand stuck in the wood and wearily

complained. No pain——just like the calm heart, feelings were

also frozen.

"....There is no excuse for this——no, wait, turning it into

firewood can destroy the evidence while also adding the

resource count. Two birds one stone. Eating directly on the

floor should be fine——"

——outside the door.

Backed up against the door and closely listening was Coron.

.....This was customary. The reason to allow him to be quiet

was for this reason alone.

In order to allow Riku to adjust his heart, to allow Riku's heart

to accept the fact that Ivan was sacrificed——the necessary

procedure.

It was important to that little brother of hers. If not.....He would

surely be broken.

——or maybe, he might already be broken. "....."

Coron couldn't say anything, like this——aside from listening,

she couldn't do anything else.

Only 18 years old——it wouldn't be weird to call him a teen.

But to place the lives of 2000 people in the colony under his

jurisdiction——no matter what, was too much to handle.

However——there was no one capable of doing it except for

him.

The guide of two thousand people who lost hope, the mentor

that makes the most appropriate choice when necessary.

Carrying such power, as well as the will of the people. He still

could move forward without falling——

The only person who could steel his heart——in this world,

was Riku.

If someone like him was lost——everyone would be trembling

[Preys] waiting for death to come.

——like this, they would become meaningless and useless

organisms——even Coron was sure of this point.

——continue the [Endless] great war.

This wasn't a metaphor. The war was at a stage where no one

remembered

when it began.

Human developed their culture, while also being cleared out

like weeds. It was silly to even call that kind of thing history, it

was just too miserable. It was casually written facts that was

handed down generations....

The world where the stars are smothered, the earth is cracked

and the red sky that had no day nor night.

The common history books were lost, the meaning of the

pa.s.sage of time—— couldn't be understood.

With the era stagnating, the sky filled with [Black ash(Death)],

turning the world to be more violent——but humans were

powerless against it.

Taking one step out of the colony, the scythe from the grim

reaper would've already reached their necks.

Even facing against wild animals, if they charged headfirst,

death would only await.

Meeting against G.o.ds and their dependents——the [Different

race], just by a glance, destruction would've already rained

upon.

Just by coming into contact with a stray bullet, the colony, the

city, the culture would get destroyed.

.....No end. No end, no end.

No end no end no end no end no end——the repet.i.tion of death

and destruction in this world.

If h.e.l.l existed, it would be here, Coron thought——but even

so, mankind must live on.

——n.o.body wanted to die without a reason.

——because of one's own [Heart], n.o.body would accept dying

without a reason.

In such a world, to maintain such a thing as if it was normal—

—can it even be called normal in the first place.

——five years ago.

The colony took in Riku and Coron from their home because

the exchange between the Flügels and the Dragonias ended.

Those who were previously the leaders all got struck with

despair and death, continuously sobbing until they found a new

cave.

While all the adults were lamenting on one side, the 13-yearold

child saw the cave and said.

"Here, is a convenient habitat, it can be used for the colony."

Everyone who lost everything a couple of hours before,

naturally said [Next]. The sound of a roar resounded.

——what could that do.

——that way, those guys would deem us as inexistent.

Facing against this theory produced from the despair and

lamentation, the teen boy frowned and answered——

"Yes, we do not exist——we are not the same as those who

[Don't exist], we literally [Become inexistent].

Afterwards, the teenage boy said out the methods to achieve

that.

"We do not exist, we cannot exist, so we cannot be perceived—

—we shall become [Dead]."

His eyes were even darker than the depths of the deep cave.

"Using all kinds of possible means to escape and hide our

presence—— because someday, someone will see it——the

end of the war."

Since if n.o.body could do anything, at least inherit the powers.

Since if n.o.body could do anything, at least do it for the

successors.

"Swear upon the commands, and for all those who would

follow me——follow me!"

——thirteen-years-old.

The words of the child whose hometown was destroyed twice,

heavily echoed in the cave.

With his soulless and truthful eyes. However, he gave the

people who lost their reason of existence their reason of

existence——as well as the meaning of death.

It has been five years since the thirteen-year-old Riku was

appointed as the leader of over a thousand lives.

The number of deaths in the five-year period was——48

people. Coron's feelings——were incredible small.

But Riku didn't understand. Even if he did, it would still be

crushed due to his responsibility of commanding people to

their death.

The death of 48 people——was all due to the [Expeditions].

If the colony increased to more than 2000, because of the lack

of food, Infanticide(killing newborn babies) would occur,

leading to the increment of the number of deaths.

Moreover, if they were discovered by other different races,

hundreds or thousands of people may get killed off like foam.

The fact that only 48 people died in the last five years, was no

doubt due to Riku's achievements.

——so, everyone believed in Riku.

——so, everyone would entrust their lives on his shoulders.

But——sometimes everyone forgot about this. Then when they

remembered it

they would feel remorseful before apologizing and thanking

Riku. And now, he said it out because he remembered all of

this.

——Riku was the same, the scythe of the grim reaper was

pointed at his neck. And on that neck——an addition of 2000

people was also hung.

——......

Riku came out of his room. Coron tried her best to pretend that

she didn't notice the injury on his fist.

"Riku sure is amazing.......Very hardworking. Nee-san can

guarantee...." "————save the comforting words. I'll be

heading to the bath."

back hugged him.

The limit was reaching. In this world, to continue living a

normal life while also maintaining the existence of two

thousand people that was like a bonfire—— was impossible.

At this rate, little brother, Riku, would definitely break!!

"Hey——Coron."

"....Didn't I ask you to call me Coron-Nee-san right...What?"

"When will it end——this era."

In the past, someone said that there will never be [Rain that

doesn't stop] and [Dawn that never comes from the night]——

How long would they have to wait before a human would see

the day aquamarine ash stops falling down?

How long before the sun could be seen?

Yes, it would end one day——it's not perpetual, that was

supposedly the case. But....

In a human's perspective, this war.....it feels as if it will cease to

end.

"So they then asked. When will——it, ah, Awhoaaaaaa!?

Whaaaaaaaat's wrongggg?!"

Tet who was playing the game while looking at the distance

and saying the story frantically shouted.

"Too, too cunning, des.....purposely said such a story, sobs,

made Izuna cry so as to win the game, des."

"Soooo, sorry! That topic was a bit too dark!!"

Tet apologized to Izuna who had huge tears tumbling down her

face and thought.

To have the personality of crying after hearing that kind of

story——as expected, this child is extremely precious.

In fact, when this story was told in the past to other different

races, they would simply say that [This was natural] and

prevaricate.

That was because even though 6000 years had pa.s.sed, different

races still held mutual-belittling over one another.

The young girl who said this story was too much and

saddening——is truly a [Normal child].

"I'm sorry. But, this is all true....This was the time period of the

world in the [Great War]."

"...Ivan, died, des..."

"Yes, dead. Humans——if touched by any Demonia before the

[Ten Oaths]—— no."

"If bitten by any Werebeast, they are simply dead....This is the

world's weakest creature oh."

"——!! Izuna would never do that kind——————....."

Seeing how Izuna was about to say how————she