So, maybe I'll get the fanfic written in a more classic way like there are several people who tell me. But not now, because I have already written the last chapters with the current form, and I will send them with this form, anyway this is the penultimate chapter, that's why I say this. If I see, after sending the rest of the fanfic, that I have time and if I don't have the laziness to make changes, I would. Otherwise, I leave the fanfiction as it currently is. But if I write something else, I would write in a more suitable way for everyone. It is on this information that I let you read how Kazuma will gradually find the reason...

Chapter 30

Several hours have passed since the heated discussion between the two parties. Shouko was with Yunyun, who were in the room or were resting Darkness, who was the person who had taken the most expensive. It would have been easier to use Aqua's care system, but she, too, was resting, even though she was doing much better than the crusader.

Yunyun saw the crusader sleeping peacefully after those sleepless nights. Shouko was worried about that too, but most of all, she thought she had a way to make them come back as before. She knows that this trial will be the last hope. He had been explained the many times where Kazuma and Eris were almost begged not to be like that anymore, but in vain.

But she wanted to believe it. If she, and her group, can't save them no one will. Their former friends tried, but at what price especially that they did not, did not succeed at all. But she knew it was different, they didn't behave like Megumin, Aqua or Darkness, they saw the situation.

She also practiced her care on party members who were injured, but less effectively than Aqua. As for Yunyun, she could not do anything at the moment, so she silently watched the crusader as she awoke, which as if by chance (or by scripted reason once again) was the case.

Darkness gradually opened her eyes, and turned her head to see where she was. Yunyun got up from a good as well as Shouko, who were happy to see her get up. The blonde spoke, with difficulty :

Darkness- How did I get there ?

Yunyun- Darkness-san !

Darkness- Yunyun.…

Yunyun- You're finally awake, I thought you... had not survived... But I was wrong... You're at my home, we brought you here, with Aqua-san and Megumin.

Darkness- Why... you did this?

Yunyun- To save you !

Darkness- It's too late for me... I lost everything... but not you... then don't worry about me.…

Shouko- This is absolutely wrong ! You have not lost anything, we will put everything back as before, do not worry !

Darkness- Who are you ?

Shouko- I forgot to introduce myself, my name is Shouko.

Yunyun- She's a friend of Kazuma and Eris, she came with two other girls, and she heard your calls. It's kind of the last hope we have.

Darkness- It's too late... Kazuma and Eris succumbed to their desires…

Shouko- I just said otherwise. We had a short chat with them, and I know they don't like doing this anymore, it's just that they don't know it yet.

Darkness- How can you be so sure... It is over... I don't even know why I'm staying here... I should give up everything.…

Yunyun- NO !

Darkness / Shouko- -they watch Yunyun-

Yunyun- -blushes with shame- I mean... Darkness-san, you have no right to give up ! You said it even in front of Kazuma-san during the fight. Why do you refute your principles ? And as easily ?

Darkness- You saw the chaos they made, it is impossible unless you are a saint, and again ! Aqua, who I learn to be a goddess has lost her too. And you also have a goddess in front of you, who has grown stronger, how do you want us to get there. It was the only way to make them understand. Besides, I don't want to relive this suffering...the one I got in this place…

Yunyun- I know they hit you but then…

Darkness- It's not that … I do not want to tell you so as not to traumatize yourself and for my own good...It was horrible. I want to die, so I want to go home.

Shouko- No... It will not happen like this.

Darkness- What ?

Shouko- We will not use the same method as you. You used the force, and it did not work, it is clear that we are not going to reuse this a second time.

Darkness- What do you want to use ?

Shouko- The words. It has worked a little previously but it needs something more to make them hit. Don't you have an idea ?

Darkness- I don't know anything about it and I just want to get out of this town. Give up everything…

Yunyun- THAT'S ENOUGH NOW !

Darkness was surprised that Yunyun yelled at him, she who usually is all nice. But what she experiences even more is the ardor of the girl in front of her.

Yunyun- You think I'm gonna let you say that without doing anything. I don't want this, you're Darkness, a crusader. You said you would never falter in front of the enemy, no matter what. You were proud to show it, and you tell me it's okay, you want to give up ! I don't want Kazuma and Eris to stay in this state, to help them. Because they are my friends and for the sake of sky, of you, of your party, for this city and to thank Shouko-san, Lissasfa-san and Meia-san ! If you want to leave, you can, but I can not believe that you went so far to save them that in the end you give up !

Shouko- Yunyun-chan, be softer !

Yunyun- I know normally I wouldn't do that, but...Kazuma-san is counting on me. You know what he told me, he asked me if I was mad at him. He thought I was mad at him. When I told him no, he cried with joy and gave me a hug as if I were a saint. When I saw this, I understood that nothing was lost ! There was a rush of hope. I want it to end well for everyone, you, me, Shouko-san and this whole town.

Yunyun sat down in his chair after giving this speech. Darkness did not believe her eyes on not only what Yunyun just performed, but she carefully listened to what she had to say. And these words had been plants in the heart. She realized everything she had done.

His meeting with Kazuma, Aqua and Megumin. The moment she was finally in a group that accepted her. All this was coming back from day one. And that other people believe as much in the return of Kazuma and Eris, who came from far to put them back in place, gave back balm to the heart at the crusader. She's here to protect people, that's her role. But she tried to protect everyone but Kazuma and Eris-themselves. From whom ? Of themselves.

His empty and sad eyes became again from an ocean blue at the moment where Yunyun had uttered these phrases. Her confidence and faith in hope had returned, but she did not forget what she had experienced. She was going to deal with this later, but for the moment, she too was on the attack , at least mentally, to overcome this problem.

Lissasfa and Meia had heard Yunyun screaming, so they came to see what was happening and saw Darkness awake, but the latter did not pay attention because all she says is…

Darkness- -stands up from bed and greets Yunyun- Thank you...Yunyun…

Yunyun- Huh? What do you mean?

Darkness- You made me understand that everything is not lost while we are here, and then you still think it's playable so it's not the end yet.

Shouko- I knew that imperturbable crusader was still there. You know, Yunyun-chan told me about you only in good, so I wanted to see the real Darkness-san !

Darkness- Ah… I didn't think I was so extraordinary…

Meia- I hear that even though you lost, you handled yourself like a leader, and that's respectable.

Lissasfa- And then, it's very brave of you it shows that you have a strong will ! Thank you for helping us !

Darkness- I can try again, after all it is not lost yet.

Lissasfa- Well said, as Endou Mamoru says, the game is not over until the final whistle has yet sounded.

They all laughed after that moment, it was done instinctively. It's true that it wasn't really the time, but it had been so long that it did them good.

That moment ended, Lissafa took the floor to ask a few questions:

Lissasfa- Darkness, ' is that it? I know you've just recovered from all this but could you have an answer regarding a weak spot in Kazuma that would break the mental defense he has ? You were his teammate so I think you spent enough time to find out what he doesn't like or that kind of thing ?

Darkness- I'll see if I find, but first of all, Megumin and Aqua are okay ?

Meia- They rest quietly and they are better. We repaired most of their injuries.

Darkness- It's good to know. It is true that I would never leave Megu or Aqua in this state and wander outside aimlessly. That was kind of stupid of me.…

Yunyun- No worries, everyone can have these kind of moments or we hesitate about what we should do…

Darkness- Thank you…

A silence of a few seconds appeared after Darkness's thanks, which reflected what Yunyun had just said, especially on hesitation. This word brought an idea to his mind to finally end this story.

Darkness- Girls, I think I've found something to break through Kazuma and Eris' defense !

Lissasfa- Is that true ? Are you sure ?

Darkness- Truth be told, no idea ! But it's worth a try, you reminded me that you should not give up so that's what I do. But for this you need outside help…

Shouko- Outside help ?

Darkness- It is unexpected but necessary... Kazuma and Eris will not be able to resist any longer, I think…

Kazuma had gone to the bar while Eris had gone to the mansion to rest.

She wanted to be alone, which Kazuma could not prevent. This information had to be assimilated by the thief, and Kazuma knew that it had greatly affected him. When he did, he drank beers on the counter without paying attention to the number of glasses drunk, anyway he did not care. He tried to get drunk but the beers were not strong enough for him now. Yet he wanted to forget the events of the morning, not to remember the sad face of the goddess.

He thought all this was his fault and wanted to redeem himself, but did not know how. Part of him was seriously starting to think if it was a good idea to have done all this, and if he would have asked Lissasfa for help normally, what would have happened ?

But he tried not to tell himself that his revenge was useless because he would have lost a lot of time and energy according to him. This did not mean, however, that he, too, wondered if he had gone too far. Perhaps they had to stop at phase two…

Then the different phrases he had heard flashed in his head, from several different people, and that converged to the same bit, showing him that he was wrong.

But most of all, it was the look and face of Lissafa when she saw them, he thought he was going to see her again over a beer talking about the good old days and not under these circumstances,there was no contempt, but only disappointment in Lissafa that left Kazuma in a feeling of despair inconfortable. And then Shouko's last word did not help either because it meant that their friendship was not tainted, which prompted Kazuma to think that he did not deserve to have known such people.

Kazuma- -sighs- How did we get there ?

Eris, in the mansion, was dipping into a bath, thinking it might soothe his sadness. She had her knees at chest level and was looking at the bath water. She was plunged into complete silence, not a single noise could be heard, unlike what was happening in her head.

Past events, Kazuma's screams and anger at Lissafa. She told herself that Lissafa and her group no longer wanted to be with her, maybe they would join Aqua's bizarre religion.

And then they thought of Kazuma's words during the debate, who tried at all costs to protect her by saying that all they wanted was a modicum of politeness. It was not mentioned, but when he shouted at Lissasfa, knowing that the adventurer liked him very much, it put in his mind the things that Kazuma was willing to sacrifice for her, and she did not like it.

She did not want Kazuma to be willing to sacrifice his life, not in the physical sense of the word, but by spoiling his existence for his own good. And this made her even more guilty. Since she was suffering from Kazuma's death and the fact that he had to be resurrected each time, she did not want him to kill her life from within.

Finally, she saw what she had committed, and did not hope that the revenge was bad, but like Kazuma, maybe they were transported by their emotions. She was always glad she got her revenge, but maybe she should stop there.

At night, when the two avengers went to bed, they were both looking at the ceiling, that's when Eris spoke :

Eris- Kazuma…

Kazuma- Hai Kazuma desu…

Eris- You don't think so, maybe we went too far… I never paid attention…

Kazuma- It's true that I also thought about it, but we did, there is nothing that can change. And if we've gone this far, it's for good reasons, I think.…

Eris- I'm not saying I did not like this but, I miss Lissasfa… I do not want such a great friendship to be broken sum this... It is true that our interests were more than doubtful… Still, it felt good to have done it…

Kazuma- Me too, Eris, me too…

It was then that Eris approached Kazuma and she put an arm around Kazuma while looking at his face, looking sad.

Eris- I didn't want to create more chaos…

Kazuma- I created them, not you…

Eris- No, you took enough risks for me,…

Kazuma- I'll arrest you right now. It is normal to have done this for you, but I do not want to make it sad anymore, so I will see Lissasfa tomorrow and resolve the situation before it gets worse. You're not gonna lose your friendship with her, I promise.

Eris- How can you between so sure ?

Kazuma- Let's say I was left a indice… I promise you, this situation will end…

Eris- I hope so... Good night Kazuma.

Kazuma- Good night Eris.

It was on this discussion that they fell asleep, one attached to the other.

Aqua and Megumin were also recovered from their wounds through Shouko and the plants they always had on her as well as her magic. The girls explained to them the situation,and Darkness's plan, which they approve.

They set out to seek their last hope, the help that could break through the iron wall that the avengers unleashed.

The whole population was happy to find and see Aqua, Megumin and Darkness again, they were cheered as heroes and smiles returned to people's faces. For them, there is a second chance to return to normal.

Aqua, Megumin and Darkness didn't take advantage of all this because they knew that what they got, all the thanks, was also what Kazuma wanted. But they smiled to show their strength to the people, and especially to believe that all this is soon over.

They headed to the guild, accompanied by helpers. Yunyun knew when Kazuma was going to have a drink, and he had to see him pass by. It was then that Luna cheered their return and welcomed Lissasfa and her group.

Lissasfa tried to motivate the troops one last time so that they would not lose confidence as a last resort.

Lissasfa- Okay, let's recap. This is not really a real plan because there is no strategy and it would be disrespectful to call it that. Nevertheless, this is not the time to falter. You have done all this journey and you can be proud, even in the face of pain, you have shown great mental strength. And all this to save our friends. Then I thank you for that.

Lissasfa made a greeting of thanks for all those who were in need. When she got up, she saw the serious but confident faces. She was serene.

Yunyun- Lissasfa-san, I wanted to tell you something.

Lissasfa- What then Yunyun ?

Yunyun- -hugs Lissasfa- If it hadn't been for you, I wouldn't be how I should live this. Kazuma-san defeated General Sylvia to save my village, with the help of Megumin, Aqua, and Darkness, but he had sacrificed himself in the explosion launched by me and Megumin. And I could not believe that someone who could do this to save a strange village people of strangers, has totally become a vile being.

Lissasfa- Yunyun… -pats Yunyun's head- If Kazuma is able to do this, of course he is not evil. He and Eris have only been diverted from the right path, and I intend to put them back in place. Don't worry, everything will be fine.

Yunyun- Yes, I believe it now.

Kazuma and Eris, as usual, made their usual walk around the city. They noticed that people were much happier than yesterday for some unknown reason. They sought to understand the reason but were surprisingly happy for a reason that was also unknown.

However, the sadness they felt the day before had not faded, and was still visible on their faces. Kazuma had decided to see Lissasfa, but the problem is that he does not know where she is,he only knew that she was still there according to Shouko said the previous time.

They entered the guild, not paying attention to the girls who were there because they were too immersed in their thoughts. They walked looking at the ground, wondering what they were going to do, which irritated Lissasfa a little. She didn't think they would come in that way but it was only a minor detail, so she headed,first by herself to their table. The face that Eris and Kazuma were doing indicated what Lissasfa thought, the trouble of doing these horrible things.

It was then that she began to salute the adventurer and the thief in a calm tone.

Lissasfa- Hello. -sits down next to Eris-

Kazuma- Lissasfa ?

Eris- What are you doing there ?

Lissasfa- It's not obvious, I help the two morons who are in front of me.

Eris- What ?

Lissasfa- One thing needs to be clarified, I never said I would not be with you anymore. I'm never saying that our friendship is over, I'm just saying that the methods by which you did things are totally dumb.

Kazuma- But…

Lissasfa- Kazuma, let me finish.

Kazuma- ...

Lissasfa- It's not sustainable in the long term, and you realized, don't tell me otherwise, it shows by the expression you have. I'm not going to tell you that revenge poisons the soul or anything like that because these are just things you say to children. What I'm going to do is very simple, that's it…

Lissasfa got up from her place, she stretched her arms up, took an inspiration and then threw a huge punch on Kazuma's face, while holding back his strength so as not to injure himself too much.

Eris was stunned by what had just happened,like the rest of the guild, who had a huge fear of Kazuma. Even Shouko, Meia and the others did not expect this. Kazuma found himself on the ground, not understanding why he was being punched. He put his hands on the cheek that received the blow and got up.

It was then that Lissasfa started again the action on Eris right after. She also fell and stand up in the same way as the neet. All the adventurers were losing their breath, including Luna as well as Yunyun and the group. All were afraid of what Lissasfa had done by hitting them in this way and how Kazuma and Eris would react.

Lissasfa saw the two avengers before her, and she took them by the collar of their clothes, while telling them :

Lissasfa- WAKE UP ! What are you looking for ? What's your problem!

Kazuma- Let us go please !

Lissasfa- Use your power to do it ! Show what you have acquired and do it !

Kazuma- Tss…

Lissasfa- I know you could fight me right now, you've gained enough strength to do it. Why don't you do it, with two you can sweep me very easily !

Kazuma- We can't…

Lissasfa- What did you say ?

Kazuma- We can't !

Lissasfa let go of Kazuma and Eris and stopped getting upset because she had got what she wanted This answer from Kazuma meant everything, and she was going to use this answer to her advantage to make them aware of their actions.

Lissasfa- And why then ?

Kazuma- Because.…

Lissasfa- Why Kazuma ? Explain !

Kazuma- It is...because I don't want to hit you.…

Lissasfa- Interesting… And why don't you hit me ?

Kazuma- ...

Lissasfa- I know it very well, it can be seen on your face. I just want to hear you say it.

Eris- Enough ! Look, Lissasfa, I know what you're trying to do, but it's in vain. If you know, why are you bothering us with this ?

Lissasfa- It's easy to guess. You don't want to say it, so I would say it. This is because you have something that is stronger than the hatred you have. And that's fear. The fear of losing what you have left, you believe that I will run away and not be with you anymore. You believe that our bonds have been broken and that my anger towards you is such that I no longer want to see you. That's how you see things.

Eris- And so, what does it serve ?

Lissasfa- Let me tell you that what you think is wrong, of course anger is a normal reaction, you lied to us, and you used your power to bad effect, you destroyed people's minds for a short time and you tortured your own friends. And that's why I hit you so hard. But it was also for another reason, to show you that you are wrong.

Kazuma- What ?

Lissasfa- I now know what you had suffered, it's true that it was not pretty. But, I think you've gone too far… You have lost enough confidence with all this, not only in yourself, but also in relation to others, to such an extent that you only see hypocritical fools when it is absolutely wrong !

Kazuma- And why do you think otherwise ?

Lissasfa- I don't know that everyone is perfect, there are always people like that. But think for two seconds. Do you think I wouldn't want to be friends with you or Eris if I wasn't in front of you to reason with you ? If I wanted to, I could get out of this town and never speak to you again, but I didn't. And that's because I believe in you and you're not as horrible as you want to believe.

Kazuma- But…

Lissasfa- But what ? It is normal, we are friends. I wouldn't cut bridges with you, or any of us for that matter. You're just lost. Get that idea out of your head that I don't want to be with you anymore.

Kazuma- Maybe you're right on this point... But you're saying others have the same dedication and form of respect ?

Lissasfa- You wanted respect and I understand it, but is it really that form of respect that you want ?

Kazuma- How ?

Lissasfa- Everyone respects you for a good reason, because they are afraid. They do this for fear that you will punish them in one way or another and that you have been tyrannical. Is that really what you want ? You got it ! Congratulations! But let me tell you one thing, this respect is worthless !

Kazuma- I didn't ask if it was worth anything, I just wanted to make sure they didn't treat me like garbage, like these morons always do. It is true that I did not very correct things, but this is not a reason.

Lissasfa- On this it is true. But only on this point, because the respect you got is fake. At home, they are swearing and insulting for what you have caused.

Kazuma- …

Lissasfa- You know it's true. And I do not think that all the efforts made were aimed at getting here. We won't respect you for that. I will give you concrete examples, there are people who believe in both of you who have not given up a single second in the face of this, because they appreciate you.

Kazuma- Well, say it ? Apart from you, Shouko and Meia, I don't think there are any.

Lissasfa- Do you believe that ? -she's waving-

Yunyun- -arrives near Lissafa-

Lissasfa- Here is my first example, Yunyun.

Eris- But we did nothing wrong in Yunyun, on the contrary.

Lissasfa- This is precisely what I want to talk about. Yunyun made a lot of efforts to save you from this situation, when she was not obliged to do so. She wasn't concerned with your actions , she was just a bystander. Yet she has contributed to many things.

Eris- Yunyun, can you be more specific ?

Yunyun- Well, it hurt to see you in this state. All I could do was at least find a way to help my friends. That's the least I can do for the people who helped me. And then, it is normal, you are benevolent people, even if you have forgotten it.

Lissasfa- You see, you have someone who supports you, appreciates you and wants to help you get back up the hill.

Eris- Yunyun, do you really mean what you say ?

Yunyun- Of course, as I said in Kazuma-san last time, even after everything you did, I knew that you could not be forever like that. You could not completely change your personality, that's who taught me.

Eris- Yunyun…

Kazuma- I understand for her but it was too easy, you will find no other persons!

Lissasfa- Do you believe that ? -makes another wave with her hand-

Wiz- -arrives next-

Kazuma- Wiz, what are you doing here ?

Lissasfa- I'll let you explain…

Wiz- Thank you, Lissasfa-san. Kazuma-san, Eris-sama, it is true that I did not approve of your methods. You ruined the lives of innocent people, and did all these horrible things to your friends. You must realize that the losses are not only on the people you attack directly, but also on the people who have done nothing to you. It hurt me that two of my friends went this far. However, I, too, could not blame you. I wanted to fight back against you for a while during the fight you had fought, but something prevented me from doing so, and that was not your report. It was something that told me not to make your condition worse, because from what Vanir had told me, you were in a pretty horrible situation. I was hurting for you too, it was hard enough to endure, even when you had taken control of the city. When Lissasfa-san, whom I met this morning, told me that she was one of your friends who came from afar to save you, I abandoned the store to help her.

Kazuma- We made you suffer so much.…

Wiz- Don't worry Kazuma-san, you've had worse times than me. I just wanted you to be happy.

Kazuma- Wiz… I don't know what to say…

Lissasfa- There are still people who believe in you, you still had beaten several generals of the Demon King. You are heroes, you do not have to justify yourself more than by the actions you have undertaken.