And so, after our initial discussion had concluded, we continued to converse without growing tired of each other. Indeed, subjectively, it had been quite some time since we last saw each other, leaving us with plenty to discuss.
Lounging around on the bed while chatting, heading out for meals when hunger struck, wandering through the town as we talked, dining and drinking once the sun began to set, and continuing our conversations until we grew drowsy… It was a leisurely and blissful day. The following morning, we found ourselves at the same church as the day before.
“Ah—……”
“Don’t slouch, Ed. Stand up straight!”
“Yes, yes… ugh…”
As I turned my fatigued neck, Tia scolded me. I couldn’t help but wonder why Tia was so energetic when we were essentially doing the same thing. More importantly, why was I feeling so tired?
“…Ah, I understand now.”
“Hm? What’s the matter?”
“It’s nothing, really.”
Up until this point, I had been using the body from the first world, where I underwent intense training. However, upon returning to this world, my original body, my physical capabilities had notably decreased.
The body from the other world had been trained rigorously, and as a result, possessed numerous abilities. I wished to resume training, but there was no point if I used the <White World> route as usual… Sigh.
“Here they come.”
While pondering that, it appeared the person we had been waiting for had arrived. With a serious expression, Burn and an expressionless Euralia approached Tia and me.
“Hey, Burn. And Euralia too. Good morning.”
“Good morning to both of you.”
“Super! Good morning.”
“…Good morning.”
I received replies from both Euralia, whom I expected to ignore me, and Burn. This fact mildly surprised me, and I responded with a broad smile.
“Haha, greetings are a pleasant thing, aren’t they? So, what’s the plan? Shall we grab another meal, or should we—”
“Ed, Tia… Will you listen to what I have to say? Super!”
“…Sure.”
I met Burn’s gaze directly and nodded. Regardless of the content, I was prepared to answer sincerely.
“I’ve been thinking about it a lot since then, super! But… I still don’t really get it. I’m the hero, Ed’s the Demon King, and it’s the hero’s mission to defeat the Demon King… But you never tried to defeat me, and I don’t really want to kill you… I mean, I became a hero thanks to both of you, and I know Ed, you are the Demon King, but I just can’t connect you with the Demon King…”
“So, how many times have we discussed this? The reason the Demon King didn’t harm you, the hero, is because he planned to eliminate you after absorbing the hero’s power, which you couldn’t achieve on your own. He approached you as an ally, pretended to cooperate, and amassed strength. And now, with everything amassed, the Demon King will finally unveil his fangs against you!”
“Hey, Euralia, it was me who had the fangs unveiled at…”
“Quiet, you!”
“Ooh…”
Euralia listed reasonable explanations and seemed unwilling to entertain my objection. I shrugged, and Burn spoke again.
“Hey, Ed. Let me ask you one more thing. Euralia has been following me and trying to super! convince me… But why haven’t you done that?”
“Hm? Ah, that’s simple. I want you, as an individual, to arrive at your own conclusion, not an answer tailored to us. That’s all there is to it.”
“Sophistry! If you truly have a purpose, a conviction you wish to convey, you should put your heart and soul into conveying it to the other person until the end!”
“… Besides, isn’t it bothersome to be caught between two people with conflicting views and constantly hear opposing opinions? It’s just my way of being considerate.”
I returned Burn’s smile as Euralia shot me a devilish glare. In response, Burn chuckled softly before proclaiming loudly,
“I’ve got it… Super! I’ve made up my mind! From now on, I’ll continue my journey with Ed and Tia!”
“Yuusha-sama!?”
“Interesting. Should I ask, are you absolutely sure?”
Ignoring Euralia’s amazed exclamation, I questioned Burn while leaving Euralia behind. Burn responded with a resolute nod, wearing his usual confident expression.
“Absolutely! I’m the Hero… The world’s bravest, super! The mightiest warrior! Trusting the Demon King with my back is super! A piece of cake! Plus, I haven’t forgotten my grandpa’s words!”
“… ‘Those who refuse to listen are lonely individuals who won’t find others to listen to them. Don’t become merely a strong, lonely person,’ right?”
Those were the words Burn and we were told when we first met. A contented smile graced Burn’s face as I recited them.
“Exactly! I’ll listen to both Ed and Euralia! So, I’ll have you as a companion, and I won’t let the Demon King run wild! How does that sound? This is my super! Clear-cut decision!”
“I understand, I understand. That’s very much in line with your nature. We’re perfectly okay with it, but… What about you, Euralia?”
“…Since Yuusha-sama has made that decision, there’s no alternative. I will simply respect his will and accompany you.”
In contrast to Burn’s cheerful demeanor, Euralia responds with a hint of bitterness. Nevertheless, a conclusion has been reached.
“Got it. Then let’s officially establish the Hero Party. I’m relying on you both.”
“Super! Excited for it!”
Burn promptly grabbed my outstretched right hand without any hesitation. The hand of the Hero who once ended my life is now reconnected as a symbol of friendship. Observing us, Euralia approaches with an emotionless expression.
“Then, reluctantly, I will shake hands as well… Ah, I’ll also tend to that burn on your hand while I’m at it.”
“Oh, I’ll pass on that. I’m already aware of what you’ve… been up to.”
“What’s that supposed to mean…!?”
Euralia directed a puzzled gaze at me as I abruptly retracted my hand. She then assertively brought her face closer to my hand.
“Could it be that the divine aura has vanished!? You, what in the world—”
“No, no, I haven’t done anything! If anything, wouldn’t it be more accurate to say it’s something you did over there?”
“Me? What could I possibly… huh!?”
Unexpectedly, four small spheres of white light float up from Euralia’s body. Swiftly, they return to her body, confirming my suspicion. Ah, so it’s over there, after all.
“The power of the god is increasing…!? But when exactly did this occur!?”
“Haha. Well, I suppose devout followers are preferred by the god. That’s why I no longer require healing magic. You understand, right?”
Fluttering my right hand, which bears only faint burn marks, I explain to Euralia. Thanks to the god’s fragment shifting towards her, the “unhealable wounds” debuff that had plagued me seems to have improved significantly overnight. At this rate, in a few days, the remnants of the so-called “power of the god” within my body should be entirely purged.
“…I understand, even though not fully. In essence, I should utilize this amplified power of the god to continuously employ healing magic on Ed-san, correct?”
“No, you’ve completely misunderstood! You’re completely overlooking my intentions!”
“I don’t concern myself with the Demon King’s intentions. I simply follow the will of God.”
The light orbs that vanished a moment ago reappear from Euralia’s form and start to hover around. Her gaze is distinctly that of a predatory beast targeting its prey, causing me to involuntarily step back.
“Now, Demon King Ed-san, please accept my healing magic.”
“You’re definitely not casting healing magic, right!? It seems like it will exacerbate the burn!”
“That won’t happen. The holy power will merely burn and purify the malevolent presence.”
“You’re saying it’s going to burn me! I don’t want that! Stay away from me!”
“Fufufu, I won’t let you escape!”
As I attempt to flee, Euralia effortlessly pursues me. What is this enhanced physical ability? Is it a result of the divine power fragment?
“I have no use for it! I reject forceful conversion!”
“God’s love is equally bestowed upon all things!”
As I leaped over benches in an effort to escape, Euralia obstructed my path, executing horizontal jumps with force enough to leave afterimages. What on earth is this? It’s terrifying! Is this the awakened Euralia!?
“…Hey Tia, are Ed and Euralia actually on good terms?”
“Fufu, it seems like this journey will be quite entertaining.”
“What are you two discussing with statements that make no sense!? Help me!”
“God! Administer the wicked Demon King a healing judgment!”
“That’s undoubtedly an offensive spell, isn’t it!? Darn it!”
With Burn’s puzzled expression and Tia’s amused laughter echoing behind me, I relentlessly strive to evade Euralia’s unyielding divine healing magic.
And so, after our initial discussion had concluded, we continued to converse without growing tired of each other. Indeed, subjectively, it had been quite some time since we last saw each other, leaving us with plenty to discuss.
Lounging around on the bed while chatting, heading out for meals when hunger struck, wandering through the town as we talked, dining and drinking once the sun began to set, and continuing our conversations until we grew drowsy… It was a leisurely and blissful day. The following morning, we found ourselves at the same church as the day before.
“Ah—……”
“Don’t slouch, Ed. Stand up straight!”
“Yes, yes… ugh…”
As I turned my fatigued neck, Tia scolded me. I couldn’t help but wonder why Tia was so energetic when we were essentially doing the same thing. More importantly, why was I feeling so tired?
“…Ah, I understand now.”
“Hm? What’s the matter?”
“It’s nothing, really.”
Up until this point, I had been using the body from the first world, where I underwent intense training. However, upon returning to this world, my original body, my physical capabilities had notably decreased.
The body from the other world had been trained rigorously, and as a result, possessed numerous abilities. I wished to resume training, but there was no point if I used the <White World> route as usual… Sigh.
“Here they come.”
While pondering that, it appeared the person we had been waiting for had arrived. With a serious expression, Burn and an expressionless Euralia approached Tia and me.
“Hey, Burn. And Euralia too. Good morning.”
“Good morning to both of you.”
“Super! Good morning.”
“…Good morning.”
I received replies from both Euralia, whom I expected to ignore me, and Burn. This fact mildly surprised me, and I responded with a broad smile.
“Haha, greetings are a pleasant thing, aren’t they? So, what’s the plan? Shall we grab another meal, or should we—”
“Ed, Tia… Will you listen to what I have to say? Super!”
“…Sure.”
I met Burn’s gaze directly and nodded. Regardless of the content, I was prepared to answer sincerely.
“I’ve been thinking about it a lot since then, super! But… I still don’t really get it. I’m the hero, Ed’s the Demon King, and it’s the hero’s mission to defeat the Demon King… But you never tried to defeat me, and I don’t really want to kill you… I mean, I became a hero thanks to both of you, and I know Ed, you are the Demon King, but I just can’t connect you with the Demon King…”
“So, how many times have we discussed this? The reason the Demon King didn’t harm you, the hero, is because he planned to eliminate you after absorbing the hero’s power, which you couldn’t achieve on your own. He approached you as an ally, pretended to cooperate, and amassed strength. And now, with everything amassed, the Demon King will finally unveil his fangs against you!”
“Hey, Euralia, it was me who had the fangs unveiled at…”
“Quiet, you!”
“Ooh…”
Euralia listed reasonable explanations and seemed unwilling to entertain my objection. I shrugged, and Burn spoke again.
“Hey, Ed. Let me ask you one more thing. Euralia has been following me and trying to super! convince me… But why haven’t you done that?”
“Hm? Ah, that’s simple. I want you, as an individual, to arrive at your own conclusion, not an answer tailored to us. That’s all there is to it.”
“Sophistry! If you truly have a purpose, a conviction you wish to convey, you should put your heart and soul into conveying it to the other person until the end!”
“… Besides, isn’t it bothersome to be caught between two people with conflicting views and constantly hear opposing opinions? It’s just my way of being considerate.”
I returned Burn’s smile as Euralia shot me a devilish glare. In response, Burn chuckled softly before proclaiming loudly,
“I’ve got it… Super! I’ve made up my mind! From now on, I’ll continue my journey with Ed and Tia!”
“Yuusha-sama!?”
“Interesting. Should I ask, are you absolutely sure?”
Ignoring Euralia’s amazed exclamation, I questioned Burn while leaving Euralia behind. Burn responded with a resolute nod, wearing his usual confident expression.
“Absolutely! I’m the Hero… The world’s bravest, super! The mightiest warrior! Trusting the Demon King with my back is super! A piece of cake! Plus, I haven’t forgotten my grandpa’s words!”
“… ‘Those who refuse to listen are lonely individuals who won’t find others to listen to them. Don’t become merely a strong, lonely person,’ right?”
Those were the words Burn and we were told when we first met. A contented smile graced Burn’s face as I recited them.
“Exactly! I’ll listen to both Ed and Euralia! So, I’ll have you as a companion, and I won’t let the Demon King run wild! How does that sound? This is my super! Clear-cut decision!”
“I understand, I understand. That’s very much in line with your nature. We’re perfectly okay with it, but… What about you, Euralia?”
“…Since Yuusha-sama has made that decision, there’s no alternative. I will simply respect his will and accompany you.”
In contrast to Burn’s cheerful demeanor, Euralia responds with a hint of bitterness. Nevertheless, a conclusion has been reached.
“Got it. Then let’s officially establish the Hero Party. I’m relying on you both.”
“Super! Excited for it!”
Burn promptly grabbed my outstretched right hand without any hesitation. The hand of the Hero who once ended my life is now reconnected as a symbol of friendship. Observing us, Euralia approaches with an emotionless expression.
“Then, reluctantly, I will shake hands as well… Ah, I’ll also tend to that burn on your hand while I’m at it.”
“Oh, I’ll pass on that. I’m already aware of what you’ve… been up to.”
“What’s that supposed to mean…!?”
Euralia directed a puzzled gaze at me as I abruptly retracted my hand. She then assertively brought her face closer to my hand.
“Could it be that the divine aura has vanished!? You, what in the world—”
“No, no, I haven’t done anything! If anything, wouldn’t it be more accurate to say it’s something you did over there?”
“Me? What could I possibly… huh!?”
Unexpectedly, four small spheres of white light float up from Euralia’s body. Swiftly, they return to her body, confirming my suspicion. Ah, so it’s over there, after all.
“The power of the god is increasing…!? But when exactly did this occur!?”
“Haha. Well, I suppose devout followers are preferred by the god. That’s why I no longer require healing magic. You understand, right?”
Fluttering my right hand, which bears only faint burn marks, I explain to Euralia. Thanks to the god’s fragment shifting towards her, the “unhealable wounds” debuff that had plagued me seems to have improved significantly overnight. At this rate, in a few days, the remnants of the so-called “power of the god” within my body should be entirely purged.
“…I understand, even though not fully. In essence, I should utilize this amplified power of the god to continuously employ healing magic on Ed-san, correct?”
“No, you’ve completely misunderstood! You’re completely overlooking my intentions!”
“I don’t concern myself with the Demon King’s intentions. I simply follow the will of God.”
The light orbs that vanished a moment ago reappear from Euralia’s form and start to hover around. Her gaze is distinctly that of a predatory beast targeting its prey, causing me to involuntarily step back.
“Now, Demon King Ed-san, please accept my healing magic.”
“You’re definitely not casting healing magic, right!? It seems like it will exacerbate the burn!”
“That won’t happen. The holy power will merely burn and purify the malevolent presence.”
“You’re saying it’s going to burn me! I don’t want that! Stay away from me!”
“Fufufu, I won’t let you escape!”
As I attempt to flee, Euralia effortlessly pursues me. What is this enhanced physical ability? Is it a result of the divine power fragment?
“I have no use for it! I reject forceful conversion!”
“God’s love is equally bestowed upon all things!”
As I leaped over benches in an effort to escape, Euralia obstructed my path, executing horizontal jumps with force enough to leave afterimages. What on earth is this? It’s terrifying! Is this the awakened Euralia!?
“…Hey Tia, are Ed and Euralia actually on good terms?”
“Fufu, it seems like this journey will be quite entertaining.”
“What are you two discussing with statements that make no sense!? Help me!”
“God! Administer the wicked Demon King a healing judgment!”
“That’s undoubtedly an offensive spell, isn’t it!? Darn it!”
With Burn’s puzzled expression and Tia’s amused laughter echoing behind me, I relentlessly strive to evade Euralia’s unyielding divine healing magic.
