No one's POV

Hajime drove Brise even faster on the way back than he had on the way there. Because he was going faster than his road smoothening tires could work their magic, Tio, who was tied to the roof, and Atsushi and the guys, who were sitting in the back, were shaken around like rag dolls.

Atsushi: N-Nagumooo, can't you drive a bit more gently!?

Noboru: I-I'm gonna falllllllllllllllll!

Akito: Noboru! I'm coming, don't— Blagh my tongue, I bit my tongue!

Tio: Haaah... Oh how my wounds ache. Mas... Ahem, more.... Ahem... Please let me inside.

Atsushi was clinging on to the back window for dear life, Noboru was half out of the truck as it was, and Akito had managed to bite through his tongue while trying to reel him back in, and was now writhing in pain. Meanwhile, Tio was writhing in ecstasy as each bump dug into her wounds, calling out for help in a monotone that fooled absolutely no one. Had this been his world, Hajime would have been arrested, but it wasn't, so he didn't care.

About halfway to Ur, Sora spotted Aiko's guardian knights riding hard in his direction. They were all fully armored. Using his Farsight, Sora was easily able to make out David, who was charging forward with a ferocious expression on his face, and Chase, who was struggling to keep pace with him.

A few minutes later, the knights spotted a giant black object racing toward them. From their perspective, Hajime's truck looked like some kind of monster. They quickly pulled out their weapons and got into formation. Their quick response, even in the face of an unknown threat, showed just how well they had trained.

Hajime honestly wouldn't have minded just driving right through them. Their attacks had no hope of even scratching Brise. However, he doubted Aiko felt the same, and it would be a problem if Tio or Atsushi and the others got hurt as he drove past, so Hajime opened the truck's sunroof and Aiko started shouting and waving her arms wildly to grab their attention. trying to make out more detail.

Normally, David would have gone through with the attack anyway, but something made him hesitate. His devotion to Aiko had given him some strange sixth sense when it came to detecting her presence. He raised his arm and gave the signal for his men to stand down. His men looked at him suspiciously, but then their eyes opened wide in surprise as the truck grew closer and they heard who was yelling from inside it.

David(muttered): Aiko?

For a second the knights were terrified some horrible monster had eaten Aiko, but then they saw her waving frantically at them, yelling at them.

Aiko: David-saaaan, it's me! Please don't attack us!

Joy spread through the knights as they realized Aiko was safe. True, they were still suspicious about the strange black object she was in, but they understood that it wasn't an immediate threat.

David was perhaps a little too overjoyed as he spread his arms wide, as if inviting Aiko to jump into them. Following his example, Chase and the other knights also spread their arms.

Sora stared with disgust as he watched the retinue of knights all stand there in a line, their arms spread to either side, obvious ecstatic expressions on their faces. Aiko had been certain Hajime would stop in front of David and the others, but their attitude annoyed him so much that he insisted Hajime to accelerated as he got close.

The knights stared blankly at the rapidly accelerating truck for a second before hurriedly diving out of the way. Hajime mercilessly rode Brise past the scattering knights. The knights watched, smiles still frozen on their faces, as the black thing sped away, Aiko's questioning scream faded into the distance.

Knights: Aikoooooooo!

The Templar Knights all yell like a group of abandoned lovers, and chased after Brise.

Aiko: Nagumo, why did you do that!?

Aiko yelled furiously at Hajime.

Hajime: There was a good reason not to stop, Sensei.

Sora: If we'd stopped, we'd have to explain what happened, which we don't have time for. We have to explain everything once we get to town anyway, so I'd rather not waste time doing it twice.

Aiko: W-Well, I-I suppose that's true...

She still wasn't happy about it, but considering how fast Hajime was driving, she had to admit they would have lost a great deal of time stopping for the knights. Aishia, who'd returned to her usual position next to Sora, leaned in to whisper in his ear.

Aishia: The real reason?

Sora: Those grinning knights were creeping me out.

Aishia: Mmm, agreed.

Incidentally, Tio had been moaning in ecstasy on the roof right behind Aiko during that entire exchange, but both Aiko and the knights had pretended not to see her. Yue had received quite a shock upon learning Tio's true nature.

Yue(mumble): Is that really a dragonman?

She had already had misgivings when Tio had first transformed back to her human self, but after seeing how Tio got off to pain, her illusions about the dragonmen all being dignified and wise were completely shattered.

(Timeskip)

Upon reaching Ur the party got out of Brise and headed to the town hall. As Sora, Aishia, Hajime, Yue, and Shea took their time strolling leisurely there, Aiko and the others ran as fast as their legs would carry them. Sora had been hoping to just drop Aiko and the students off here and drive Will all the way back to Fuhren, but he'd jumped out of the truck before anyone else, so Sora had reluctantly followed after him.

Sora: That ass... Come on, let's get a move on!

Sora and Aiko made their way towards Will who was trying to warn the guild leader of Ur about the incoming threats.

Leader: Imbecile! That's enough of your nonsense!

Will: But this comes from the Goddess of Fertility!

When Aiko broke the news to the city's leaders, there was a huge uproar. The managers of the Ur branch of the adventurers' guild and the local priests began arguing about what to do next. No one couldn't believe what Aiko had told them. No, they just didn't want to believe it. They kept on asking question after question, hoping against hope that maybe the party had just mistaken what they saw.

Leader: Is that true, Fertility Goddess?!

Aiko: Um... Could you not call me that...?

Sora: -_- I'm sorry am I hearing things wrong? The Fertility Goddess?

Aiko: Let's not talk about it, if possible.

Will: This Town is in danger! Everyone needs to evacuate now!!

Sora: Hey Will, don't just run off by yourself. Think about the guy that has to protect you. If you're done warning everyone, then it's time to go back to Fuhren.

Everyone turned to Sora in surprise. The town's leaders exclaimed things to the effect of "Who's this kid?" angry at his sudden interruption.

Will: Wh-What do you mean, Sora-dono? This is a huge crisis. You can't seriously be suggesting we abandon the town...

Annoyed, Sora retorted casually.

Sora: What do you mean abandon? No matter what we're going to have to evacuate until reinforcements come. A tourist town like this doesn't even have any walls or anything to mount a defense from... and if we're going to have evacuate anyway, may as well evacuate to Fuhren. I'll just be evacuating you a bit faster than the others.

Will: B-But... I mean, I suppose... but still, I can't just run away before everyone else does! There has to be something I can do to help. Sora-dono, please... Please, won't you help too?

Sora: How many times do I have to say it before you get it? My job is to deliver you safely to Fuhren. How could I protect a town if I have someone else that I need to protect?

Will: W-Well, that's true, but...

To Will, Sora was practically a hero. He'd easily beaten down the same black wyvern that had annihilated Gale and his veteran party in a single attack. Will had assumed that despite his calming nature, Sora was still a good person who would have unconditionally helped the villagers in a crisis.

Will: But I can't leave the townspeople behind and run away alone! No matter what you have to say, Sora-dono!

Sora:...

He staggered backward, and Sora took a step forward. He was clearly pressing Will for a decision. The tense atmosphere had everyone else frozen in place, but one person stepped in between the two. It was Aiko. She stared right into Sora's eyes and questioned him.

Aiko: Yatagami. Isn't... Isn't there something you can do about that monster army? No... I know you can fight them.

Conviction crept into her voice by the end. She was certain he'd be able to save the town if he wanted. The townspeople broke out into another huge uproar at that.

According to Aiko, the army bearing down on them was tens of thousands strong. Plus, it included ridiculously powerful monsters from up to two mountain ranges over. This was already at the level of a full-scale war, so a single person's effect was miniscule. A single normal person's, anyway. The only person strong enough to change the tide of battle single-handedly would be the strongest person among those summoned to save the humans... Namely, the hero.

But even they wouldn't be able to take on an army alone. Without the help of their party and the rest of the human race, they'd be overwhelmed by sheer numbers, so naturally they doubted that this boy, who wasn't even the hero, could save them all singlehandedly. Even when it was their goddess saying it was possible. In the face of her determined gaze, Sora deny her claims.

Sora: No way, Sensei. That's impossible. From what I could tell, there was more than 60,000 of them. There's no way...

Aiko: But when Will asked whether or not you could do it back on the mountain, you didn't say no. You said 'In a forested place like this full of boulders and rivers, there's no way I could be sure I'd gotten them all.' That means out in the open on the plains you could definitely wipe them all out. Am I wrong?

Sora: You just had to pick that up on that.

Sora berated himself for saying something like that when he knew how good Aiko's memory was.

Sora(mind): Well, no point worrying about it now.

Sora averted his gaze, and Aiko pressed her case, urging him to help.

Aiko: Yatagami, won't you please help us? At this rate this beautiful town will surely be destroyed. Worse, many people will lose their lives.

Sora: Now this is unexpected. Sensei, I always thought you prioritized your students before everyone else. Right now, my objective is to take Will home. Yes, I could battle them in an open field. But still, an army of 60.000. There's no guarantee victory. Aren't you even only helping this country with its war because you're hoping it'll let them get home faster? And yet now you want one of your students to fight and possibly die for the sake of some strangers? Even when they don't want to? Isn't that exactly the same thing those war-hungry priests were trying to get us to do?

Sora's claimed silenced Aiko. She bit her lip and furrowed her brows, conflicted over what she should do. Still, she kept her gaze on Sora the entire time, as if trying to read something in his expression. After a while shook her head, as if to clear the hesitation, and stared resolutely at Sora. She had her teacher face on. Back in Japan, any time someone had come to her with a problem, this was always the expression she'd had.

The nearby priests narrowed their eyes when Sora insulted the Holy Church, but Aiko ignored them, her attention focused solely on Sora.

Aiko: If there was some way back home, I'd take you all with me in a heartbeat. That hasn't changed even now. But right now, there isn't one... and if there isn't, I'd at least like to do what I can for the people I've met, talked to, laughed with in this world. Isn't it only natural to want to help other people? Of course I'm still your teacher, so if I have to make a choice, then I'll always pick you guys over everyone else, but...

Aiko paused for a moment, then continued more slowly, as if she was deliberately choosing each word.

Aiko: I'm sure that something really terrible must have happened for a gentle boy like you to become like this, Yatagami. Where you were, you surely didn't have the option of worrying about others. Maybe what I have to say will just seem shallow... After all, I wasn't there to help you when you were suffering the most. Still, I'd like you to listen all the same.

Sora:...

Sora silently indicated for Aiko to continue.

Aiko: Yatagami, I can understand your strong desire to return home. You probably want to go back more than any of us. But you know, do you plan to live like this when you return too? Ignoring everyone except those close to you? Eliminating anything that gets in your way? Can you really live like that in Japan? And if not, do you really think you can change your mindset the moment you get back?

Sora:...

Aiko: Yatagami, I understand that you have your own principles, and that you've already decided your path for the future. I won't try to change that, but I also think that no matter which future you choose, it's... too lonely to only live by ignoring everyone aside from those you care about. If you keep going like this, neither you nor the people you cherish will find happiness. If you want to find happiness... you can't lose sight of your kindness or empathy. I know deep down inside you, that gentle and kind person is still there. You have to think of other people, even if it's only a little. Those are valuable qualities you possessed from the start... Please don't throw them away.

Sora:...

Each and every one of Aiko's words pierced Sora to the core. Everyone else also listened quietly. The students especially felt the weight behind Aiko's words. They hung their heads, ashamed at how selfishly they'd wielded their powers until now. At the same time, they were both happy and somewhat surprised that Aiko had given so much thought to their lives after they finally returned home.

Sora smiled to himself. Even if they got dumped into another world, no matter the situation, Aiko always put being a teacher before anything else. Even if one of her students had transformed into a completely different person. It was really something to be praised. Considering how nicely Aiko had been treated thus far, it would have been easy for Sora to just say "You don't know what I've been through!" or "How could you possibly understand!" Like she'd said in the beginning, he had every right to call everything she'd said shallow words from someone who'd never suffered.

And yet he couldn't. She'd said those words from the heart, and to take them lightly would make him the shallow one. Worse, it would have been an insult to her dedication. Even if everything she said was full of contradictions.

And because she'd never once pushed him to do the "right" thing, her words had that much more weight. Everything she'd said, even if it had ostensibly been to save these townspeople's lives, had still been out of concern for Sora's future and his happiness.

He glanced over at Aishia. She was staring at Aiko with a nostalgic look in her eyes. But when she noticed Sora's gaze, she quietly turned to look at him. It was clear from her expression that she'd go along with Sora no matter what he decided. If nothing else, Sora definitely wanted this girl to be happy. She had been the one who had saved him when he was on the verge of losing his humanity. He had believed his current lifestyle had been the best way to achieve that, but if what Aiko said was true, it would only lead to misfortune. Not only for him, but for Aishia as well.

Nexto to her, he saw Yue and Hajime. Yue was looking worriedly at him, while Hajime seem to be in his own thoughts. Aiko's words have pierced Hajime as well. But Sora could tell that Yue would follow what Sora decided to do.

Next to her, he saw Shea looking worriedly at him. She'd brought a much- needed dose of lighthearted levity into his, Aishia's, Hajime's and Yue's lives. No matter how harshly Sora had treated her she'd chased after him wholeheartedly. Now she was an important part of their family, and it was obvious from how much she doted on her that Aishia and Yue really treasured her friendship with Shea.

The values he'd forged in the depths of the abyss, the determination he'd tempered to return to his homeland no matter the cost and to destroy anything in his way, weren't something he could change so easily. So, even if he couldn't sympathize with others right away, he could still act. And if those actions brought happiness to those he cared most about... to his friends, then he'd gladly do anything.

This didn't mean he suddenly agreed with everything Aiko said, but it was still a heartfelt lecture from his teacher. He'd have to be a child to reject it all for no other reason than to be contrarian. If he did decide to help, it was possible things would come to a head with the Holy Church much sooner than he would have liked, but surely he could count on his teacher, Aiko, to help with that. After all, she had to take responsibility for what she'd said to him. And someone who loved her students this much wouldn't refuse.

Sora(mind):I knew I'd get found out eventually. It was just a matter of time. I already have a few countermeasures in place, and besides, I promised myself I wouldn't hide who I am just for the convenience of the people in this world....

After justifying it to himself, Sora looked up at Aiko again.

Sora: Goodness, I can't win against you. Sensei, do you promise you'll always be my teacher?

The implied question was whether she'd always be his ally. His question was half-teasing, half-hopeful.

Aiko: Of course!

She replied without hesitation.

Sora: No matter what happens? Even if I decide on something you don't approve of?

Aiko: Yes. A teacher's job isn't to decide their students' future. It's to help them choose the future they want for themselves. If you choose not to help even after listening to what I have to say, I won't hold it against you, Yatagami.

Sora: Then I'll hold you to that. "Whatever happens", got it?

Sora stared at Aiko for a while, trying to determine whether or not she really meant it. The reason he'd been so insistent was because Sora himself didn't want to ever have to fight Aiko, his favorite teacher. After confirming there was no falsehood in Aiko's gaze, he abruptly turned on his heel and headed for the exit. Hajime, Aishia, Yue and Shea followed after him.

Aiko: Y-Yatagami? Where are you...?

Aiko asked, surprised. Sora turned around and shrugged helplessly. He couldn't ever win against Aiko when she was serious.

Sora:If I'm going to take on an army, there's some things I need to prepare first. You guys evacuate the citizens.

Aiko: Yatagami!

Aiko's eyes lit up, to which Sora smiled in return.

Sora: This is what the best teacher in the world advised me to do. And if it'll make my friends happy then... I can't just ignore it, can I? Anyway, I'll go beat those monsters for you.

Sora patted Aishia and Shea on the shoulder, turned around, and left the building. This time he didn't look back. The two girls exchanged happy glances and headed out after him. Hajime and Yue smile in exchange as well and follow Sora as well.

Hajime: So I guess we're doing this now.

Sora: If you don't want to do it, leave everything to me. I can catch up by flying. You can take Will back to Fuhren.

Hajime: That won't be necessary. I had a feeling this would happen. And it's fun to let lose for once.

Sora: Hahaha! I guess your right!

Sora and Hajime laugh at one another. Aiko and the rest of the students could clearly see just how close those two are even back on earth. Once the door closed, the town leaders, who had been silent until now, all started pressingly into Aiko with questions. Aiko just looked at the door Sora had left through, her shoulders trembling. Her words had gotten through to him, but she wasn't happy at all. What she'd told him, the things she'd said about his current way of life being too sad, they were all her true thoughts.

However, that didn't change the fact that she'd guided a students into danger, and asked him to fight an army of monsters. She knew it was a contradiction, telling him she didn't want him to get too used to fighting his way through problems, and then tell him to fight his way through a problem. She did want Sora to rethink his views on life, but she also wanted to save the town of Ur. In practice, she had probably achieved both those things, but... she slumped her shoulders, thinking there must have been a better solution and blaming her own incompetence for not being able to discover it.

She had hoped her students could all return home without any of them losing sight of their original selves... but it seemed that wish could no longer be granted. When she'd spoken with Sora last night, she'd already known her dream was lost, but she wouldn't stop hoping.

Surrounded by a group of angry townsfolk, Aiko let out an almost imperceptible sigh. The students all stared at the door Sora had left through as well, a myriad of emotions coloring their faces.

Incidentally, Tio had entered the building with Sora and Hajime. But everyone present completely ignored her feverish mutterings.

Tio: Even though I should be an important part of their fighting force... th-this kind of abandonment play is... My King and Master truly is...

(Timeskip)

The town of Ur. To its north were the Northern Mountain Ranges, and to its west was the Urdea Lake. It was blessed with natural resources of all kinds, and was now protected by walls that hadn't existed the day before.

Sora and Hajime had created those walls. They'd driven their Motorcycle around the perimeter, transmuting walls behind them instead of leveling the earth in front of them.

The citizens had all been made aware of the impending monster army invasion. Judging by their speed, Hajime guessed their vanguard would arrive by evening of the next day.

Naturally, the town was in a state of panic. There were those that blamed the mayor and the other town leaders for letting this happen, those that broke down crying, those that clung to their family in desperation, those that tried to run, and those that started fights amidst the chaos. Most people couldn't remain calm knowing tomorrow their home would be destroyed and that if they stayed they'd die. Panic was the normal reaction to that.

However, someone managed to calm them down before the town devolved into full-scale rioting. That someone was Aiko. Taking the advice of the knights that had returned a short while ago, Aiko had stood up on a platform in the town square and spoken to the citizens. Her composed demeanor and overwhelming popularity helped her calm the citizens down to a reasonable level. In a way, Aiko Hatayama was more powerful than any hero.

Once the people had been pacified, they naturally divided into two groups. Those that couldn't abandon their homes, and were willing to share this town's fate, and those that were ready to flee and call for aid.

A lot of people in the group that chose to remain insisted the women and children escape at least. They believed Aiko's words that the monsters would be repelled, and the men went around the town looking to see if there was any way they could help, while the women and children prepared to run. The town remained brightly lit deep into the night, illuminating groups of people crying as they parted with their loved ones.

Those that were fleeing packed their things and left before the sun rose. It was high noon now, and those that remained were swapping between sleeping and working in groups. Most of those that remained did so because they believed their goddess and her friends would deliver them salvation somehow. That being said, they weren't just blindly praying. They too were doing everything they could to defend their home.

Despite the fact that the town only had a fraction of its population left within it, it was livelier than ever. Sora sat down in his makeshift chair atop the city walls and cast his gaze far into the distance.

Aiko, Yuka, the other students, Tio, Will, and David's knights walked up to him. Despite their noisy approach, Sora didn't turn around. David raised his eyebrows in annoyance, but before he could say anything Aiko spoke up.

Aiko: How are your preparations coming along, Yatagami? Is there anything you need?

Sora: Nah, we're fine, Sensei. They'll be here soon. Go get some rest. You and Sonobe and the others. You've done plenty.

Sora didn't turn around. Unable to stand their attitude, David angrily flared up.

David: Hey, brat. Aiko... Your teacher's talking to you. Is that the kind of attitude you take with her? She's the only reason we're not grilling you about your artifacts and how you plan on taking down this huge army, you know that? You could at least—

Aiko: David, could you please be quiet?

David: Gah... Yes, ma'am...

One word from Aiko instantly shut him up. He was like a trained dog. Though he was no beastman, it was easy to imagine him having dog ears and a tail. He obediently hung his head in remorse after being remonstrated by his master.

Aiko: Yatagami. About the black-robed boy...

This was what Aiko had really come for. A pained look crossed over her face as she spoke.

Sora: You want me to find out who he is, right? And not kill him?

Aiko: Yes. I have to be sure. Yatagami... I understand what I'm asking isn't easy, but...

Sora: I'll bring him to you.

Aiko: Huh?

Sora: The black-robed kid. I'll bring him to you. Do what you want with him... I'll follow your decision.

Aiko: Yatagami... Thank you so much.

Aiko was surprised at how cooperative Sora was being, but grateful nonetheless. Seeing as he hadn't turned around once during their conversation, it seemed to her that he had his own thoughts to contend with as well. Internally bemoaning her own powerlessness once more, she thanked Sora with a strained smile.

Sora: What's with that frown look sensei. It doesn't suit you. It's going to be fine.

Aiko, Yuka and the other students, along with David and the rest of the knights were surprised by how Sora could tell what kind of face Aiko was making even without turning around.

Aiko: This may sound hypocritical, given that I was the one who put you up to this, but... Please come back safe. Both you and Nagumo.

Sora: You know we will.

(Timeskip)

After Aiko and the knights left, Sora continue to stood silently, watching the plain with his [Extrasensory Perception] on to sense the upcoming army. When suddenly, Yuka came in climbing the ladder, looking at Sora nervously.

Yuka: Hey, Yatagami!

She stuttered a bit, but still yelled as loud as she could. Sora turned around, raising an eyebrow in mild surprise. He had thought she'd left with Aiko and the others. But it turns out she was still here with Nana and Taeko who were standing not to far from her.

Sora: What's up, Sonobe?

Sora silently waited for her to continue. Yuka hesitated for a few seconds, but then she found her courage again and look sharply at Sora.

Yuka: Um... Thanks for what you did, back then!

Yuka had finally managed to put her feelings into words. Her expression, her tone, and even the loudness of her voice made it sound like she was trying to pick a fight, but it was clear from her gaze that her gratitude was sincere.

Sora tilted his head in confusion. He tried to figure out what he was being thanked for and came to the conclusion that it must have been saving her from black wyvern.

Sora: Are you thinking about when I save you, Miyazaki and Sugawara from the black wyvern? Think nothing of it.

Yuka: Umm, thanks for saving me yesterday too, but... I was talking about that time in the labyrinth, when you saved me from that Traum Soldier, and then stopped the Behemoth for all of us.

Sora: Oh, that. Yes, I remember it was you.

Yuka: It's a kind of traumatic experience for me.

She covered her head, memories of that day coming back to her. Sora stared at her expressionlessly, his head still tilted to one side.

Sora: And?

Yuka: Ah Umm... well... you see...

Yuka started stammering again, but then she took a deep breath to compose herself.

Yuka: I won't waste this life you saved! Maybe you don't really think anything of it, Yatagami, but I'll still treasure this life you gave me! You gave me and Nana and Taeko a chance when you rescued me, so I'm not gonna waste it!

It was the same thing she'd felt when she'd first resolved to stand back up again. It was only because Sora and Hajime, who'd been laughed at as worthless, had given their life for them that everyone else was still alive. In the end they'd found out they hadn't actually died at all, but Yuka's feelings hadn't changed.

He'd still risked everything to save them. He'd put his life on the line for the sake of his classmates. She wasn't going to waste that life he'd saved. Even if she was so weak she couldn't even compare to Sora's pinky finger. Even if the events in the labyrinth still gave her nightmares. Even if she couldn't be of any use in the battle to come. Even then, she'd keep trying.

Nana and Yuka turned to Sora and nodded solemnly as well. Their feelings were the same.

Nana: Um, thank you for saving us, yesterday!

Taeko: Umm, we are forever in your debt.

Sora: I see.

Yuka couldn't even tell if he'd accepted her thanks, or if her resolve had meant anything at all to him. She simply stood there dumbly, unsure of what to do. Eventually, she turned around and began heading back to Nana and the others.

Sora: Hey, Sonobe.

Yuka: Y-Yes?

She hadn't been expecting him to say anything more and was so surprised that she jumped a few inches into the air. Nana and Taeko else was surprised too, though not to the same extent.

Sora: You've got guts. I could tell even back then.

Despite having nearly been cut literally in two seconds ago, Yuka had still rushed to save the rest of her classmates without a second thought. And even now, despite the trauma she'd suffered, she still kept fighting. Sora really meant it when he said she had guts.

Yuka: U-Umm...

Yuka stammered, unsure how to respond. She couldn't figure out where Sora was trying to go with his words. However, his next sentence cleared that up.

Sora: A girl like you won't die so easily.

Yuka:......

Yuka stared silently at Sora. Sora then look back at her and she along with Nana and Taeko all look surprise by how gentle his face is.

Sora: So make sure you don't die on this battle. And future battles to come.

To Yuka those words meant far more. They served to wipe away the dark sludge that had been gathering in the corners of her mind. And not just her. Nana and Taeko and had also first felt the fear of death when they'd seen Sora fall. Hearing "You won't die," from the guy who'd actually almost experienced death carried far more weight than usual.

Yuka: Thanks.

Yuka's voice was barely more than a whisper, quiet enough to be carried away by the wind. She smiled at Sora before turning around and rejoining her friends. Nana and Taeko all looked at her, unsure of what to say.

(Timeskip)

After all the preparations were made, Sora, Aishia, Hajime, Yue, Shea and Tio all lined up on the wall, as Aiko and her group, along with knights and the men from the town, as the 60,000 monsters all started approaching.

Hajime: There they are.

Sora: Alright. Guess it's time for the finishing touches.

Before long the earth rumbled from the pounding of tens of thousands of feet. A massive cloud of dust followed in the wake of the monster army, which was now close enough that their howls could be heard by the men on the wall. Some of them clasped their hands in prayer, while others looked on, pale-faced. Sora stepped forward then turned to address the townsfolk. He didn't care too much for assuaging the crowd's fears, but he wanted to avoid letting a panicked riot break out as that might have result in friendly fire.

Everyone's gazes naturally focused on the gray-haired boy looking down at them, seemingly ignoring the horde at his back. Once he was sure he had everyone's attention, Sora sucked in a huge breath and spoke in a booming voice.

Sora: Listen up, brave men of Ur! Our victory is assured!

The citizens looked at each other in confusion. Sora ignored them and continued, his voice full of confidence.

Sora: Why? Because we have a goddess on our side! Men, never forget that the great Fertility Goddess Aiko-sama stands with us!

The people suddenly started whispering excitedly to their neighbors. Aiko, who had been guiding people from the rear as per her guards' instructions, suddenly turned around.

Aiko: Huh?

Sora: So long as the great Aiko-sama stands with us, we cannot lose! She was sent to mankind by the heavens in order to lead us to victory and prosperity. And I am her sword and shield, an avatar born from her desire to protect the people! Behold! This is the strength of one who has received the goddess' divine blessing, the strength of the holy sword!

Sora snapped his fingers behind him, telling Aishia to use her Spirit Art for dramatic effect. Suddenly, a lightning dragon came down, crashing into the ground. In the span of a few seconds, Aishia had annihilated the monsters' aerial corps. Then, he calmly turned to the gathered citizens. Their jaws were hanging open in shock. However, Sora merely smile fearlessly.

Sora: All hail Lady Aiko!

He raised his arms up triumphantly, extolling Aiko's greatness. A second later...

Citizens: All hail Aiko-sama! All hail Aiko-sama! All hail Aiko-sama! All hail Aiko-sama! All hail our goddess! All hail our goddess! All hail our goddess! All hail our goddess!

In the eyes of the people of Ur, Aiko had become a goddess not just in name, but in truth. The citizens were no longer afraid. Each and every one of them looked at Aiko with eyes full of hope and worship.

Aiko: W-What the—

Aiko blushed with embarrassment and started trembling. She looked up at Sora, however, he just shrugged nonchalantly and turned back to the oncoming army.

Sora: You're already called the Fertility Goddess. So it's okay to become the real deal, right?

Aiko: IT'S NOT OK!!!

Sora: The rest is up to you. Good luck, sensei.

Aiko: EEEEEEEHHHHH?!?!

He'd had his reasons for hyping Aiko up so much. Firstly, to increase Aiko's influence so that she would be more useful when the Holy Church and Heiligh turned against him. He had no doubt that they would feel threatened by his overwhelming might, and seek either to use him or to bury him. And at that time, Aiko would surely turn against them for his sake, like she had before for her traumatized students.

And with this incident, her fame as a holy goddess would spread. Even without Sora promoting her any more, rumors would spread. Thus, Aiko would soon be more than just a useful tool for the Holy Church, she'd be the common people's idol. Neither the Holy Church nor the king would be able to move against her for fear of inciting revolt. Furthermore, her leverage over the nobles and clergy would be massively increased.

Secondly, this way the townspeople wouldn't be afraid of him for displaying godlike strength. They'd believe he was some kind of soldier sent by their goddess, turning their fear and suspicion into relief and trust. So, even when the Holy Church turned against him, he knew there'd be people willing to help him all the same.

Thirdly, as it was his teacher who had convinced him to do this, he wanted her to share in the responsibility of what she'd started.

Lastly, and most importantly, this had been the only way he could think of to avoid starting a full-scale panic. It was possible there might have been better solutions, but there wasn't enough time to think. He had no doubt she'd scold him for this later, but this benefited Aiko too. Not only that, but this was a direct consequence of her own actions... or at the very least, that was how he was going to put it to her before making his escape and leaving her to deal with the aftermath.

Hajime: You really are a smooth talker.

Sora: Can it.

Yue: Big Brother, what was the point of that?

Sora: Her opinion cares more weight then ours.

Hajime: Plus that weight will effect the Church, meaning they won't be able to act recklessly in the future.

Aishia: And we can say the magic we use are the Goddess's powers. It'll come in handy in the future.

Yue: I see.

Shea: Sora, they're not stopping at all.

Sora: Thought so. Guessed we should get started.

The townsfolk's cheers were almost loud enough to drown out the roars of the oncoming monsters. Sora could feel Aiko glaring angrily at him, but he ignore her. Hajime then pulled out two massive gatling guns, Metzeleis, in its place. Then, he put one on each shoulder and stepped forward.

To his right was Yue, and to his left, Sora. And to Sora's left was Aishia. For this fight, Hajime's lent Shea his rocket launcher, Orkan. To Shea's left was Tio, who was still enamored by the ring Hajime had given her.

Aishia: It's my turn...

Yue: They don't stand a chance.

Shea: I'm getting pumped up!

Tio: I know full well he said this was a mana reserve made with a Holy crystal...But if only he could tell the truth! How bold, proposing to me just before a battle...

Hajime then glared at Tio.

Hajime: Hey! I'm lending that to you. Do you better give it back when we're done!

Tio: Oh no, perish the thought!

Everyone just sighed, as they got ready.

Sora: Use all those dragon powers of yours to drain that reserve dry!

Tio: You can most certainly count on me, My King, Master!

Sora: And your telling me about this so called Dragon King when we finished here.

The army hadn't slowed at all when Aishia had shot down the pteranodons, and it was closing in rapidly. 6 people stood against an onslaught of sixty thousand— It was so ludicrous that it didn't seem real.

Sora glanced over at Hajime and Yue. They looked up at him and nodded. He then turned to Aishia and Shea. They too, nodded confidently, Shea's bunny ears standing at attention. Finally, he... Tio who also nodded her head in resolve. A faint smile played on his lips as he stared at the oncoming horde. He then casually spoke the words that marked the beginning of a grand slaughter.

Sora: Let's get to it, then.

Hajime, Aishia, Yue, Shea, and Tio: Yeah!

Sora and Aishia fly into the air. Aishia quickly started gathering her magic essence preparing for a huge attack. Sora on the other hand started firing multiple energy beems made out of [Lightning Manipulation] Spirit Art. Each lance of light pulverized another monster, regardless of its strength, race, or abilities.

Without even an opportunity to resist, the army was quickly being reduced to a mountain of corpses. Sora fired twelve thousand rounds of beams every minute, making him the very incarnation of death.

Hajime with his gatling gun, Shea with her rocket launcher. The barrage was so fierce that Hajime was more like a mobile fortress than a person, and none of the monsters could even get close. They died by the hundreds, leaving behind heaping mountains of dismembered flesh from which rivers of blood flowed. To Shea's left, Tio was wreaking havoc as well. From her hands she emitted black beams of light so hot they scorched the air they passed through. It was the same breath she'd fired on Hajime in her dragon form. It seemed she could use it in human form as well. Flames powerful enough to test even Hajime's best defenses ripped through the army, burning straight through rows of enemies.

Tio gradually swept her arms from side to side, mowing down large swathes of monsters with her black barrage. When it finally stopped, the only things that remained were deep gouges cut into the earth. However, that single attack had drained her mana considerably. Tio tottered back and forth, her shoulders heaving. But with a single kiss of Hajime's ring, her reserves were replenished, and she straightened up once more.

Tio: What ecstasy! I feel the love Master harbors for me!

She'd pulled mana out of the ring Hajime had given her. With a majority of her section already wiped out, Tio decided to forgo the breath and stuck to spells that consumed relatively less mana.

Tio: Rise up, O furious gale, imbued with the crimson inferno of hell itself— Flame Tempest!

Yue who was at Hajime's left fired her gravity magic she had inherited from Miledi Reisen, powerful enough to influence the laws of the universe. A sphere of darkness appeared above the monsters. This one started morphing. It stretched and stretched until it surrounded a section of the monster army on all sides. Then, once it had blocked out the sunlight and trapped the monsters, it fell. The simplest way to explain what happened next was that the monsters, and the ground they were standing on, just vanished.

In order to keep her mana consumption even lower, she went out of her way to say the chant. To the people of Ur, who were watching the battle from the safety of the city, that was certainly what it looked like.

Tio: You erased the ground to create a path. What's with this crazy magic...

Yue: It's the same I used on you.

Aishia: Everyone, it's ready!

Sora: Then fire away!

To Sora's right, Aishia's extermination campaign was even more gruesome. When Sora and the others had started, Aishia had still had her eyes closed. Sensing that the right wing was safe, the monsters had all crowded in that direction to begin their assault. They were packed so close together that it was impeding their charge. Finally, when they'd closed the distance to within 500 meters of Aishia, she opened her eyes. She muttered a single word. Despite her voice barely being over a whisper, it reverberated across the battlefield.

Aishia: Storm Inferno.

Suddenly, storms clouds started forming in the air, along with multiple cyclones forming, sweeping up thousands of monsters. The air was thick with the metallic, cloying scent of monster blood. The wind carried it over to the town, causing a number of people to start throwing up. But still, they couldn't take their eyes from the overwhelming might Sora and his party displayed. Cheers of triumph rang out across the town.

David and his knights were staring dumbfounded as they watched the carnage unfold. Yuka, Atsushi, and the other students felt conflicted when they realized just how big the gap was between their power and Sora's.

Noboru: This is, unbelievable.

At first they'd been pumped to help him defend the town, but they soon realized they were just like the townspeople, simply being protected. And by the same kid who they'd all bullied for being "worthless." There were a lot of complicated feelings bottled up there.

Nana: Amazing.

Taeko: That's Yatagami's power.

Yuka(mind): Yatagami... Your appearance and attitude may have changed, but... Now and then, you keep fighting for everyone's sake...

Aiko was simply praying. For Sora and his friends' safety. At the same time, she finally realized the full implications of what she'd suggested. Seeing the merciless slaughter before her, it felt like her naive heart was being pummeled by a sledgehammer of all the contradictions she'd averted her gaze from.

Around the time the horde of monsters had thinned enough that people could see the northern horizon between gaps in their lines, Tio collapsed. She'd used up all of her own mana, along with the mana stored in the ring Hajime had given her.

Tio: Seems this is where I stopped. My apologies... I cannot muster a single fireball more.

Tio fell to the ground face-down, but mustered all of her strength to look up at Hajime. Her face was deathly pale as she apologized. It was obvious she'd used up everything she had.

Tio: The engagement ring!

Hajime: That's good enough. For a pervert, you're pretty strong. Leave the rest to us and rest.

Tio: You're so kind, Master... I was certain you would insult me, and yet... Though, sprinkling a few compliments in between insults is certainly enticing... Can I expect even harsher treatment from now on?

Hajime: Go to sleep and never wake up.

Tio's exhausted body tingled with excitement. Despite being white as a sheet, her expression was ecstatic. Hajime shook his head in disgust, then turned back to the hugely diminished swarm of monsters.

There couldn't have been more than eight to nine thousand left. The army had been well and truly decimated.

And yet, the monsters continued charging mindlessly. Or rather, a portion of the monsters were still mindlessly commanding the remnants to charge. Most of the monsters had completely lost the will to fight, but they still dutifully followed their leaders' orders to charge. It had taken their numbers to be thinned this much for Sora to notice.

In her initial explanation, Tio had speculated that the robed boy had only brainwashed the leaders of each monster race's respective tribes, and had them control their clans. From the looks of it, her hypothesis had been correct. That was a very efficient way of gathering troops.

Even someone with overpowered skills like Yukitoshi, who had been able to brainwash a dragonman like Tio, wouldn't have been able to gather so many monsters in such a short time. That meant the fastest way to bring this to an end was to simply cut down all of the leaders, whose movements had already been dulled by the fact that they were brainwashed. With their commanders gone, the monsters would return to following their instincts and flee in the face of Sora's devastating might.

Hajime looked down at his two Metzeleis. Both of them were smoking from the barrel. It was clear the cooling system was starting to fail. If he pushed them any harder, they'd overheat. They were more or less at their limit.

Of course he could always repair them later, but as complex as their machinery was, it would take time. It wasn't exactly something he could do on the spot. It seemed smarter to just change tactics and weapons.

Hajime: I'm outta bullets. Yue, how much mana do you have left?

Yue: Mmm, about two rings worth. Gravity magic takes more than I thought. I need more practice. And without Big Brother or Big Sister shared mana, it takes a toll on me.

Sora: You and Aishia already took down 20 thousand each, I'd say you're doing pretty well. Me and Hajime are gonna try and pinpoint specific targets from now on, so just back us up with Aishia.

Yue: Okay.

Aishia: Leave it to us.

Sora: Shea, can you tell them apart?

Shea: Yep. There's the controlled ones that feel like Tio did, and then the scaredy-cat ones, right?

Sora: Scaredy... Yeah, pretty much that. The controlled ones are probably the leaders of each unit. If we can just get those, the rest of the monsters'll flee.

Shea: Oh, good. I was starting to run out of bullets, so I wouldn't be able to keep this up much longer anyway!

Sora: Y-Yeah... Is it just me, or have you gotten a lot more fierce recently?

Shea: Of course I have. Who do you think I've been hanging around all this time?

Shea grinned at Sora, who smiled back. But there was no time for sentimentality on the battlefield. Hajime quickly put his Metzeleis back into his Treasure Trove and pulled out Donner and Schlag. At the same time, Shea threw down her Orkan and unslung Drucken. Sora stopped firing and pulled out Murasame and Kanshou.

There were about a hundred leaders left. Their manipulator was probably worried about losing control of the few remaining monsters he had left, so he'd kept them near the back.

With Tio down for the count, and Sora, Hajime and Shea's assault no longer in play, the monsters finally saw their chance. They charged forth with renewed vigor.

In order to open a path for the trio, Aishia and Yue cast another one of their spells.

Aishia and Yue: Draconic Thunder.

Dark clouds appeared in what had been a clear sky seconds before, crackling with electricity. Seconds later, a two dragons composed of blue and yellow lightning descended from the heavens with a thunderous roar. It swept across the monster army vanguard, its gaping maw vaporizing anything unfortunate enough to be caught in its path. The monsters faltered, their charge broken.

Sora: Let's go, Shea!

Hajime: Let's run wild!

Shea: Aye aye, sir!

Sora, Hajime and Shea dashed through the gap. There were only around 300 left. Each of them were controlled by their own leaders. There were Ogres, Werewolf, and Orcs. Hajime went straight for the Ogres, while Shea went for the Werewolf, while Sora went for the Orcs. One of the Orcs was much larger compared to other orcs. Like all other orcs, has the head of a pig. Sora had read it in one of the books at the kingdome. It was an Orc Disaster.

His yellow aura has the ability to take a more solid form, looking akin to some kind of slimy eyeless snakes, that has the properties of decomposing and eating at the intended target with 'Rot'.

Sora: An Orc Disaster here? What kind of Demon managed to tame something so fearsome.

Geld: I am the Orc Disaster! I am the one who will devour all in this world! My name is Geld...Geld the Demon Lord!

Sora: Wow, I guess about the stories about Orc Disaster were able to speak are true. If I don't kill him now, it really will be a disaster.

Geld: Devour all!

4 red snake like creatures shot out of Geld's back, launching themselves towards Sora with him effortlessly dodging them.

With lightning speed, Sora cut off Geld's arm, with his Kanshou gun-sword with Geld seeing the spot his arm was cut off had [Black Flames] on it, preventing him from healing.

Geld(mind): Strange... It's not regenerating. Could it be these Black Flames?!

Sora immediately rushed him again, coating his Murasame in [Black Flames], destroying Geld, clever, shocking him.

Geld: Impossible!

He saw Geld grab his arm that had [Black Flames] on it, ripping it off, as he started healing again, as green aura surrounded him.

Geld: I will devour you!

Sora: Let's try this...

Geld then launched an onslaught of ball of spears at Sora, but he sheathed Kanshou and Murasame, holding his hand up, using his new ability from Miledi Gravity Magic called [Beelzebub] to absorb them all.

Another volley attempted to hit him from the back, but he raised his right hand, absorbing them with [Beelzebub] as well. Using this chance, Geld grabbed Sora.

Geld: I'm going to devour you right now!

Sora: We'll see.

Sora's eyes started glowing red, as he proceeded to use [Fire Manipulation ] Spirit Art engulfing Geld in a pillar of fire.

Sora(mind): This'll do it!

Seeing his chance, Sora immediately unsheathed Murasame and cut of the arm that was grabbing him in half. And immediately Murasame's curse started spreading from Geld's arm, but Geld immediately cut off his arm before the curse could spread even further.

Sora: He's so tenacious. Oh well, it's over anyway. [Beelzebub]!

Sora began to absorbs Geld, as the Orc Disaster looked completely terrified. He tried to crawl away or asked for his followers help, but they were helpless by Sora's Magic Essence that no one dared to come near him. And finally Geld was completely absorb by Sora, killing him.

Sora: I guess that's that.

In another two minutes, they had successfully eliminated all of the brainwashed monsters they could find. After he was sure there was no one else left, Sora sucked in a huge breath and let out a mana-laced roar of epic proportions.

Sora: Hyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

His voice resounded throughout the battlefield. The sheer pressure of it intimidated the monsters, striking fear into their hearts. The entire army froze for a second. Then, they realized there was no longer anyone ordering them forward, so they slowly began backing away. When no one gave chase, they turned on their heels and fled back to the mountains, all of them making sure to give Sora a wide berth.

He was like a rock in the middle of a flowing stream, diverting the flow of their retreat around himself. As he watched the retreat, Sora saw Shimizu try and make a break for it in the chaos. He was riding what was probably the last of the four-eyed wolves.

Sora: What a shame. It's already too late. You picked the wrong person to mess with. If you'd ordered all of your forces to cover your retreat earlier, you might have had a chance.

Sora got on his knees, took careful aim with Kanshou, and fired two shots in quick succession.

His aim was perfect. Sensing danger, the wolf quickly leaped to the side and dodged the first shot, causing the second to strike it directly in the femur. Without a leg to stand on, the wolf collapsed to the ground, throwing Shimizu off. With how high his stats were, the fall didn't cause any real damage to Shimizu, so he instantly got back up. He ran over to the wolf and started yelling something. When it didn't respond, he kicked it in the head.

He was probably trying to get it back on its feet so he could escape. From the looks of it, he was already in the grips of hysteria. Realizing it wasn't responded, he placed his hand on its head and started chanting something, most likely a spell to forcibly make it stand.

But Sora didn't give him the chance. He fired another bullet at its head, putting the wolf out of its misery. Shimizu was sent sprawling from the force of the bullet. He got up again, and began running on his own two feet, mixing in with the horde of monsters fleeing north.

Sora pulled out his motorcycle, then raced after Shimizu. The boy turned around when he heard an unfamiliar sound, and did a double take when he saw a motorcycle, something that shouldn't belong in this world, barreling toward him. He started running even faster, trying in vain to outstrip the bike.

Yukitoshi: What the hell! What the hell is going on! This can't be happening! I'm supposed to be the hero— Gweh!?

He started spewing a stream of curses, but one whack from Sora's arm shut him up. Shimizu faceplanted into the ground and slid a few meters before coming to an unceremonious stop.

Sora: Now then, I wonder what Sensei'll do with you? And depending on how things go... with me.

Sora mumbled to himself as he tied Shimizu up with wire and started driving him back to the city. Clouds of dust still hung over the devastated plains, which were covered in a sea of blood and flesh. Sora drove his motorcycle through the carnage while dragging Shimizu along. He was well and truly defeated now.