I tried my best to make this chapter interesting.

Enjoy...


In the dark corridor where moonlight passes through glass windows, its only light source. A girl was walking with her ponytail swaying on every step, it's Shizuku.

It didn't take long for someone to woke up from the sound of the King, crying. After recollecting themselves for what happened, they start waking up others, but those who can't carry the burden of Hajime's deed and bloodlust, there's still some who stayed unconscious. Liliana starts issuing orders cause his father was obviously was in no good state to do it by himself. Aiko along with Shizuku, Ryutaro, Nagayama and Yuka, they helped through the process of getting those who survives. Thanks to Endou, who specialize sensing presence, they found the survivors in no time. Getting themselves soaked in blood, increase the burdens on their minds that the other students who woke up with them starts crying too, while doing their tasks.

After that, Aiko gathered all of his students including those who was still unconscious, and tried to comfort them somehow, because she herself had it rough and can't even digest the situation properly. Looking at her students that was exhausted in so many ways, she decided to leave it for now and let them rest. Everyone returned to their own rooms while the process of cleaning everything on the Audience hall was left to Liliana.

All of the helpers Liliana gathered was trying to ask tons of questions the moment they reach the place, but she had no idea how to explain it and she reason herself out of it and decided to rest. Her mind carries a lot of burden too, not just for today, but also for the future. The possibility of Hajime coming back here with absurd demand was high and she has to be ready for it.

Shizuku's steps was heavy and her expression looks like she was about to cry. Even though Aiko tells them to rest on their rooms, she didn't do so. After cleaning herself on the restroom provided for visitors, she strolls on the palace with no particular destination in mind.

While walking silently she suddenly heard a faint sound on the end of the corridor. No servants and soldiers should be here cause all of them was tasked for cleaning by Liliana. Her classmates should be resting too, and she doubt that any of the Royals would stroll here after going through traumatic experience. There's only 2 person she knows that might be making that sound.

She erased her presence as much as possible and approach the intersection where the sound was coming from. She peaked on corner and saw Yuka on pajama. She's playing with her knives by throwing it to her pillow mid air.

The moment she collects her knives by calling them out, Shizuku decided to approach her.

[ A-anoooo... ]

[ !? S-sorry I practiced here, it's just I can't sleep andddd-! ] She was startled by Shizuku's sudden appearance.

The moment Yuka saw Shizuku, she let out a sigh of relief and greeted her.

[ Nanda... It's only Shizuku-chan, I thought someone would scold for practicing here... ]

[ W-why are you practicing here anyway? I thought all of you are resting already after Ai-chan-sensei send you off... ]

[ There's no way everyone can sleep after seeing that right? Those who was already unconscious was lucky, you know? ]

Shizuku didn't reply. The other reason she decides to stroll was because she ain't seelpy yet or rather she can't sleep after watching that carnage.

An awkward silence comes after. They don't want to talk about on what happened there but, there's nothing they can talk about.

Because she can't bear the silence anymore, Shizuku cleared her throat and spoke.

[ N-nehh... How about we get some fresh air. Maybe we can finally fall asleep after that, right? ]

[ Ohh! Nice idea Shizuku-chan. ]

Yuka finished collecting her weapon and walks to Shizuku's side with a smile, a forced one though.

The two of them walked without talking to each other. Their gaze often swims to their surrounding and when they were about to come up with a topic to talk to, the other party too has one, but when one was about to talk she would let the other one to go first, that cycle happened repeatedly. That's why the two comes to unspoken agreement that nobody would talk, until they reach the open air garden behind the palace.

The sky was clear and the air was cold, it's quite pleasant for the skin. Shizuku's gaze was directed to clear stary sky, while Yuka's gaze was admiring the beautiful garden, but she suddenly stiffened. She saw two familiar figures laying on the flower bed. Because of too much plants on the surrounding, it's really hard see them.

It looks like the other one was pointing at the sky while talking while the other was just listening happily.

Yuka starts shaking, that she almost lost her balance, but she clung to Shizuku for support.

[ Yuka, what's the matter? ]

Yuka didn't answer and only point at the two figure at the distance. The moment Shizuku saw who it was she herself starts shaking.

Yuka looked at her asking what to do with her gaze. Shizuku breath a few times until she managed to calm down. Her eyes was resolute and she decided to approach the two with brisk steps. Yuka only followed after her, she was so scared that she wants to go back to her own room right now, but if Shizuku decides to approach them, then maybe, that it was fine.

[ I thought you two already left Nagumo-kun... ]

It's quite surprising that Hajime didn't noticed their presence immediately.

[ ...*sigh* I thought I scare you all enough to not get near me... What is it you want this time, Yaegashi?... ]

Hajime and Yue was here already back on their outfit. They were about to leave once they stole-... gather some spare clothes when Yue saw the sky. The moon was big and the heaven was full of stars that it managed to piqued her interest. Hajime too gets distracted by Yue's sudden action, the moment he followed her gaze the beautiful sky was seen.

There's one more thing Hajime noticed, for some reason there's constellations that was exactly the same on earth, it just shows that this world and earth was connected, that he starts joking around by saying "I'm gonna become a astronaut just to find my way home". Hajime urged Yue to find a better place to watch the stars and this was the best choice they find.

[ No... I just want to to talk and thank you, for what you did or something... ]

Yuka and Hajime looked at Shizuku in confusion. Yue seems already grasped what she was about to say. Yue stared at Hajime and let out an exasperated sigh, she knows that he knows too.

[ Shizuku-chan... w-what do you mean thank him? ] Yuka asked fearfully.

[ hmm? ... He saved us this time again, you know? ]

Yuka's confusion grew deeper.

[ As expected of Yaegashi, you catch up so fast... But that's just coincidence. You don't have to thank me for that... ]

[ Yeah, it seems that's the case this time, huh? ] Shizuku looked down sadly knowing that Hajime really didn't meant to save them.

[ Hey, Nagumo... What are the two of you, talking about? ]

[ Ohh, you're here too, huh? Sonobe... ]

[ No. I'm literally in your field of vision- hey! Don't dodge the question, I'm confused, you know? ] Yuka was losing her patience on Hajime's screwing around attitude nobody knows he has.

[ Like I said... I didn't do it purpose. I just killed them cause they pissed me off, that's all. ]

[ Yeah, but if you didn't do that, once they capture you, they'll come on us next. Ai-chan-sensei would definitely fight them for our freedom. ]

That was the case. Yuka finally understand.

Once Hajime was turned into slave. Aiko would definitely protest against the Holy Church and her students would join her side. That's the last thing the Holy Church wants, and they definitely prepared a countermeasures for it.

And that would be, to turn each one of them into slaves to make them obey the Holy Church and lost their freedom entirely. Once their freedom was lost they would lost their chance to find a way home and this worlds residents would definitely take advantage of their situation.

Even Yuka was surprised at this revelation, and she can't helped but looked at Shizuku with amazed expression for her to noticed that.

[ I don't trust the church in the first place. Like you said last night, they didn't say to us their reasons on their war, Kouki was just doing what he wants without asking for the whole details *sigh* , I'm an idiot too for going to the flow, huh? ... but it seems you have an idea on what it was, Nagumo-kun. Would you mind telling us? ]

Hajime glance at Shizuku and Yuka in turn. He don't mind revealing the truth of this world, but he doubt that they would believe him. But since they are asking for it, mind as well start his plan on overturning this world's residents beliefs on that God, by planting a seed of doubt early.

[ I don't know if you'll me, though... I'll tell you what it was, but no matter what happen, you're on your own. You have to face everything that might comes to you from knowing this information, so you have to think your next move, cause I won't help you guys if you put yourselves in danger. ] Hajime look at them straight on their eyes like saying; "Are we clear?" Shizuku nodded resolutely while Yuka on her side hesitates, but she agreed too regardless.

[ The short story is... The Gods of this world are fucking lunatics... ]

Yuka and Shizuku gasped from Hajime's statement.

[ !? But... they said that they save humanity from Demons, right ? ] Yuka asked.

[ That's what the church said, right? But, what is the reason of this war anyway? Every event that happens in the past until now was plotted by those bastards... ]

Hajime paused and looked at the sky.

[ Ehito... He and the other gods use every races as their pawns in the little game of theirs... ]

Long time ago, there's a group of powerful mortals the took note of this. They can use powerful magics called Ancient Magic.

[ The one I have right now is called Creation Magic, which allows me to put special attributes to any ore. In other words I can create Artifacts. ]

[ Wha-!? That's amazing isn't!? ] Yuka said.

[ I can't believe you managed to acquire one of the 7 Ancient Magics that govern the laws of this world. ] Shizuku looked at Hajime in amazement. She study too some of the history of this world on her spare time.

[ ... These powerful individuals was called Liberators... ]

They fight to save the world from the Gods, but they failed on their attempts and was branded as traitors. As a result, the one they vowed to protect betrayed them.

The Liberators comes to a conclusion that they can't defeat this Deities, and so they decided to pass down there power for future generations...

[ ... And that's how the 7 Great Labyrinth came about... ]

Hajime finished his story and the place becomes quiet that only the wind and rustling of the flowers could be heard for a few seconds. Shizuku and Yuka took a little break to absorb this information, and the first one to speak was Yuka.

[ ... Where did you heard this? ]

[ It's down there in the labyrinth, after clearing the first hundred floors, you'll face the real deal. But I doubt any of you can clear it, that fight on the arena yesterday was so pathetic... ]

Yuka and Shizuku looked down in shame. They can't believe this guy that used to be much weaker than them just said they were pathetic. But looking at Hajime's expression, he doesn't look like he's bragging or anything, he's just telling the truth.

[ So your goal Yue-san was talking about was to defeat this Gods? ] Yuka innocently asked. That was pretty much the conclusion if he was opposing the church, but Shizuku looked down sadly again knowing that wasn't the case for Hajime.

[ Don't be stupid... This world can die for all I care... I just have one goal in mind... and that is to return home back in Japan... ]

Shizuku, Yuka and Yue looked up at Hajime's face. They can see the overflowing resolve on his face, that face of a man who will do anything for the sake of his goal. Their hearts skipped a beat from seeing that, they can't help but be amazed, and they can't even remove their gaze away from him.

[ Soka... Your goal is much simpler than I thought... ]

[ What? You're gonna laugh or something? ] Hajime said while releasing a bit of pressure.

Yuka shivered from that, but for reason she seems far calmer than she thought. Knowing everything behind Hajime's intention gives her a breathing room to think everything more rational.

[ No... There's no way I would do that... If you change so much for the sake of that wish of yours, I can't even imagine the depths of that desire you have... It's just... ]

Yuka paused. She seems having a thought herself and she tried her best to collect her emotions. She took a few deep breath and looked at Hajime with eyes full of determination.

[ ... It's just after hearing everything from you, I can understand you a little now and... I just want to say thank you... sorry for taking this long to say that though. ] Yuka smiled sweetly when she said that.

[ For what?... ] Hajime's power not to read the mood was really annoying for Yuka and Shizuku, but they ignored that cause the talk won't progress.

[ Y-you know, for today and for that day in the labyrinth, you probably forgotten it... but you save me... ]

[ ?... Ahh!... You mean that time when that Traum soldier was about to split you head open... ] Hajime hit his palm with his fist *pon* , when he remembered that.

[ Please don't described it like that... ] Yuka tremble from recalling that memory of hers with Hajime.

[ ...Thanks to you I'm still standing right now, and knowing your goal in mind, I finally find my courage and set a goal for myself... I'm gonna get stronger too and grant this wish of mine. I don't know how I'm going to do that, since we can't rely on church anymore and because I don't have a power like you, I might end up being useless... but even so, I won't waste it this time, this life you save, I won't stay down anymore! ]

Yuka's firm voice was so overwhelming that Shizuku stared at her in admiration. She can't help but get jealous by Yuka's confidence she didn't had a few moments ago, while she herself still can't move on from Hajime's actions.

Of course Yuka hasn't move on yet, her fear of death and trauma on Hajime was still inside her, but she can't stay down any longer while the Hero she admire was continuing moving forward. She will stand strong and promised herself that she will catch up to him.

Hajime looked at her in suprised, he didn't know how to react, that his face was blank for a few seconds. After everything he had done so far, he didn't really expect them to act like this on him. Yue next to him smiled on Yuka with a slight hint of hostility. She can see through a maidens heart when it concerns Hajime, and there's definitely a tiny bit of warm feeling inside her.

Hajime sighed and smiled happily. This was the first time he shows some raw emotions to someone else other than Yue and Kaori.

[ You have guts Sonobe... A girl like you will get stronger-, well there's a chance atleast... ]

Yuka's smile grew deeper. She was happy that her resolve managed to reach Hajime somehow.

[ Since you find your will to struggle, I'm gonna give you something... ]

The three girls looked at him in confusion. They can't believe that he would lend a hand for someone else sake other than Yue. Shizuku and Yuka can't help but think of Hajime as "Tsundere", but they kept their mouth shut because Hajime might feed them bullet if they said that.

While the girls was looking at him in disbelief Hajime took out a few stacks of various ores on his Treasure Trove and starts transmuting.

[ Oy! Give me that Artifacts you have Sonobe. ]

Yuka hand over her pillow that was full of cuts and holes to Hajime which contains her Artifacts. When he grabbed it she tried to take it back in embarrassment, but he just ripped it off and take out the 12 knives. After that, she keeps berating herself for thinking nonsense at this kind of situation.

Yuka tried to think for a topic to divert her attention. And she suddenly remembered them doing something before they arrived.

[ A-a-anosa... Nagumo, what are you doing here before we arrive? ] Hajime was too distracted on his job so he can't see Yuka's face that was red as tomato.

Yue and Shizuku were just smiling at her actions. They can't help but just listened to the two.

[ Hmm?... Nothing really, were just stargazing. ] Hajime said while his body was covered in crimson sparks.

Yuka and Shizuku found themselves captured by that. When he's not releasing any intimidating aura, Hajime's mana color was beautiful.

Yuka looked up and saw what Hajime was talking about. Her gaze swims in the sky in administration for a few seconds and said the following...

[ The moon is beautiful, isn't it? ]

Hajime choked and accidentally stops on what he was doing. Yue next to him glared at Yuka, and Shizuku behind was laughing weakly while blushing.

Yuka tilted her head in confusion on everyone. While Hajime did his best to ignore Yue's deadly stare on him.

[ What's the matter all of sudden?... ]

Shizuku behind Yuka get close to her and whispered...

[ You just said "I love you" to Nagumo-kun... ]

The reason Yue was angry cause Hajime said it too to her. Yuka's face became red again and explains herself in front of Yue who was glaring at her.

[ T-t-t-t-t-that isn't what I mean Yue-san. I just thought that the moon was big and and beautiful, that's all, please believe me! ] Yuka repeatedly bow in front of Yue while she explains herself in fast pace.

Yue's expression soften when she saw that, and waves her hand as gesture to say "Don't mind it." The calm atmosphere returns and Yuka happily watch Hajime do his work.

10 minutes already passed since Hajime starts his work. While Yuka was watching him interestingly, Shizuku was standing 5 meter away from them watching the sky in lonely expression. Yue walks next to her and talked in somewhat amused tone.

[ ...It's pretty rare that, that Kaori girl wasn't with you Shizuku... ]

Shizuku looked behind and smiled sweetly on Yue.

[ Yeah... I don't know what to say to her yet, I'm pretty pathetic too if I can't even console my best friend properly. She so depressed, you know? that I can't even talk to her properly. ] Shizuku's fist tightened when she recalled Kaori's state on their room.

[ ... Nn. I know. ]

[ ... Her crush have a lover now, and she can't do anything about it. ]

[ ... Nn. I know. ]

[ ...And now, she lost her only chance to him to get closer... ]

[ ... Nn. I know. ]

Shizuku bit her lip thinking that Yue was making fun of her best friend, but when she saw Yue's gaze like she's looking at a problematic child, her anger died down and her feeling returned to normal.

[ ... But you know what else I know Shizuku?... That girl would never give up... She'll stand again for sure, thats why you should just have to stay by her side, be her guide and teach her everything she needs. Don't suppress your own feelings, let it all out and be yourself. You shouldn't carry the burden alone, find someone you can rely on and solve your problems with them, like that girl(Yuka) over there. With you as example, that Kaori will grow stronger, so you should too... ]

Shizuku stared at Yue in suprised. Like Hajime, Yue was indifferent to all of them except Kaori. So she can't help but be surprised that Yue was consoling her.

Yue's stance hasn't change a little even now. But if Hajime was willing to act like that to these two girls in front of her, then she don't see no reason not to treat them better.

Before Shizuku could think of a reply, Yue noticed that Hajime was done.

[ ...Come here Shizuku, Hajime is already finished. ]

Shizuku tilted her head in confusion. Of course she's interested on seeing what Hajime made for Yuka, but it's fine if she see it later for herself, and she don't get the point of Yue's invitation.

Once Shizuku and Yue gets near at Hajime. They saw a 15 inches pure black dagger on his right hand, on the ground in front of him was a set of twelve black 7 inches dagger that has a crimson patter on it. On the other hand was a pair of fingerless gloves and a bunch of thin wires.

[ N-Nagumo-kun what did you make? ] Shizuku stared at the good looking weapons enviously while asking.

[ Hmm... I just add a few new features on it. Here try it Sonobe... ]

Hajime threw the dagger he's holding on Yuka. Because of how sharp it was even by just looking at it, she desperately dodge out of the way.

[ Oy, Nagumo! Could you please just hand it normally!? It's still a knife, you know!? ]

Hajime only stared at her in confusion, which annoyed her even more.

Yuka picked up the dagger and start analyzing it with sparkling eyes. She kept her face blank, but because of her flushed cheeks, she's obviously happy and excited.

[ It surprisingly lighter than I thought... ]

[ Now try calling out for the rest. ]

Yuka did what Hajime instructed and calls out for the daggers on the ground. She only called 3 of it because she don't want to cut herself accidentally cause of how sharp it look. Once the daggers was on her hand, she start examining it again.

[ Ohh! This is pretty cool too, it's lightweight and sharp too like this one, but... Why is this dagger here has different length than the rest? ]

[ Ahh, yes! That's a good question, Sonobe. It's because that is the prime one, unlike the rest, that is the only one I made while the others were just modified. Also... ]

Hajime held out his hand asking for the dagger she's holding. They didn't know why but he looks pretty excited too like a kid bragging his toys to the other kids.

Hajime instructed Yuka to gather the rest of her daggers and stand 10 feet away from him.

[ Now, throw all of it. ]

[ W-where? ] Yuka asked nervously. She knows what Hajime meant but she's hesitating.

[ To me of course. ]

Exactly what Yuka expected. She's still wavering if it's fine to do that. To throw this deadly looking daggers at him seems like a bad news if she accidentally hurt Hajime. But after recalling all of his fight, she comes to understanding that maybe it's fine.

But as expected, she throw all of the daggers with alot of reservations. Some were aimed to miss him and there's also some that was lacking speed.

Hajime sighed in exasperation and playfully smiled. The mana surge out from his prosthetic hand, still holding the dagger, and perfectly catch all of the daggers at high speed. For them it seems he only rotated his hand once, but actually, he's accurately catching everything.

While Shizuku and Yuka was staring and him in amazement, Yue was looking at him with warm gaze. This was one of Hajime's personality that she find cute, cause when they're down at Orcus hideout, he often create random shits and show it to her excitedly.

It seems Yuka herself forgotten that her knives can call the others as long as Hajime was holding one of it.

His act was finished and they all looked at Hajime in amazement.

Cause now, he's holding a 150cm Great sword with cool black and crimson pattern on it. Hajime was just normally holding it while examining for any malfunctions with his Demon eye, but his looks combine with the intimidating sword, makes him look like a Hero?... or rather Demon.

[ Doda?... It's cool right, Yue?... Hey, don't look at me with those eyes! This is far better than those I show you in Orcus hideout! ]

[ Fufufu... ] Yue chuckled.

While Shizuku and Yuka was still looking at the sword with blank amazement. Hajime calls Yuka to come near, and hand over the sword to her.

She reach for it with trembling hands cause of too much excitement, while Shizuku next to her was enviously looking at the sword. Yuka gives it a few practice swings and her eyes widens in suprised because of how light it was.

[ The daggers is enchanted with Transmute so you can combine it like this. It also had an high speed oscillator so each one of it is basically a drill. All you had to do is to send some small amout of mana equal to a basic spells to activate it. ]

Yuka shivered from everything Hajime said. It's completely outside of "few features" like he said. It's completely a new Artifact made by him.

[ Here wear this too. ]

Hajime said while handing the fingerless gloves and thin wires on Yuka. She wear it immediately and stared at the wires in confusion.

[ This is a special string I found in the Abyss. It's tough as a metal wire and has the flexibility of a rubber. You can attached it to your gloves and daggers and use it as weapon too. I said it, right? That your daggers can vibrate at high speed, which means if you attached this, you can make the wire vibrate instead of the dagger and it functions like a hack saw. ]

Hajime urged Yuka with his gaze to give it a try. While she was shivering in fear from all the deadly features her new weapon has. She did as he instructed, but... there's a huge malfunction Hajime didn't consider.

[ A-ano, Nagumo... Where's the magic circle? ]

A painful silence passed by, and Hajime only gave a blank look at Yuka. He grab the sword and starts transmutating again at high speed. The silence was painful but no one said anything.

Hajime finishes putting magic circle on it and put it on Yuka's hand in natural motion without saying anything. Once again, he urged her to give it a try.

Cause of too much consideration, Yuka only do as he says, and starts chanting for a basic fire spell. (TN: I can't find what's her element affinity but I'm gonna use the anime, as reference, so let's say she has an affinity for fire.)

[ God bestowed me this power to destroy everything in my path, Fireball. ] Yuka chanted in a small voice. Even after knowing the truth about thd Gods of this world, she still chanted like that, cause that's how they learned it.

She don't have the highest affinity for fire amongst her classmates, but it was still impressive how she chanted basic spells in short amount of time.

Her red orange mana, flow through her hands holding the Great sword, but since she didn't form any imagery on her mind, no Fireball materialize and all of her mana was sucked by the magic circle located on the sword guard.

There's a whirling sound could be heard and after a few milliseconds, suddenly the Great sword was divided into 13 pieces, one was still on Yuka's hand while the others falls off to the ground. Yuka stared at it amazement and Hajime tells her to proceed further. She starts picking up the daggers and attached the wires he provided.

Once ready, she give it a try and threw 3 of her daggers at the nearest tree. Because of all the excitement she feels, she threw all of them with outmost accuracy and aimed for one spot. For someone who has the job as Acrobat, she was very proficient at handling and throwing daggers. But, more suprised comes after, they all pierced through the tree like a hot knife on a butter, she tried to calls out for it to comeback in panic, but it got stuck. She forcefully pulls it out with the wire attached to her gloves, and finally she managed to take it out, along with the tree.

Yuka starts panicking again because she might disturbed those who was resting already, but Yue next to Hajime only snapped her fingers and instantly casted Azure flame to turn the whole tree into ash.

Shizuku and Yuka was looking at it in amazement, completely speechless.

[ You just need to practice, and you'll get used to it eventually. ]

Yuka stared at the daggers on her hands, her body was trembling in a combination of fear and excitement. With this maybe, just maybe, she can get near to her goal and catch up to him soon.

[ Here some spare wires. It's actually a spider web from the Abyss, so I doubt you can find anything same as that incase it got destroyed. ]

While the two was talking, Shizuku was only staring at Yuka's new Artifacts enviously, but someone suddenly poked at her side, her gaze turned and find Yue holding a 115cm jet-black stick with both hands.

Hajime walks next to them and take the stick from Yue. He start transmutating again to carve magic circles to different parts of it. After finishing, he held it out in front of Shizuku and spoke with slight remorse on his tone.

[ This is my thanks and apology, Yaegashi. You did alot for me back in Japan and also, I'm the one who destroyed your sword, so take this without reservation. ]

Shizuku only stared at Hajime in suprise. She was at fault when she tried to fight Hajime to stop him, so she felt kinda guilty if he apologize. But her hands unconsciously accept it and she stared at it in excitement.

Shizuku slowly drew out the sword from its jet-black sheath and the sword too was jet-black. She was surprised from how light and sharp looking it was.

There was no markings on the hilt, and the blade had a slight curve to it. The whole thing was double-edged. It had a striking resemblance to one of Japan's most famous swords, the Kogarasu Maru. Hajime wasn't very well versed in Japanese blades, but he used his extensive transmutation experience to cover for any deficiencies and used the manga he'd read as a reference for the basic framework.

[ The sheath is enchanted with Lightning Field, which means you can drew out electricity from it... ]

Shizuku was listening to Hajime but her attention was on the sword already. She give it a try immediately after hearing what Hajime said but, she pours out her mana on the wrong magic circle and activated its other feature.

[ Yaegashi you aren't listening. Pay attention first. ]

The sheath was pointed on Hajime's direction at that timing, good thing he sense the magic and catch the needle between his fingers.

[ S-s-sorry, Nagumo-kun... W-what was that just now? ]

The fact that Hajime didn't mention her, accidentally piercing his face, makes Shizuku more apologetic.

[ That sheath can fire 10cm needles at super sonic speed. You can put poison on it if you want but for now its empty. Here some spare needles and poison if you want. ]

Hajime hand over a small jar of poison and a box full of needles. Both were made on a lightweight stone.

Shizuku put her scabbard under her armpit and accept what Hajime presented reluctantly, her face was losing its complexion from carrying this deadly stuffs. She place it on the ground for now and this time she listened to everything he would say.

[ Now for the blade. It's enchanted with Gale Claw, so you can fire wind blades from it's hilt. With that you have more range attacks other than the needle gun. Next is that you can extend the blade upto 60cm, you can cut up huge monsters with ease now, you know? ]

Once his explanation was done she deliberately went to open space and try out everything.

After channeling her mana to the sword she's holding in her right hand, multiple blade of wind was fired from its hilt and slice the bushes on the outer edge of the garden.

After a few seconds of staring at her sword in admiration. Shizuku try out the other feature. By pouring more mana into it, the tip of her sword extends with a blade made of wind and cut up some tree branches normally her sword wouldn't reach.

Her heart was beating fast in excitement. She took a few deep breath to calm down and put her sword back to its sheath. The satisfying *clink* sound it made, makes her heart beat even faster.

[ Those weapons is made of the worlds hardest ore, so you can guarantee that it would never break. As for maintenance... Yaegashi knows more about sword than me, so you can do something about it. ]

Shizuki walks next to Yuka who was still looking and trying her new Artifacts in high spirit.

Yuka looked at Shizuku the moment she noticed her approach. Their gaze was sparkling in excitement, but suddenly Shizuku's eyes turned dubious and looked at Hajime in suspicion.

[ Nagumo-kun... why are you going this far for us, anyway? You always said, you won't help us, but here you are giving us this amazing stuffs without reservation? ]

Yuka too looked at Hajime in suspicion. Now that it was mentioned, there's really something fishy about this.

[ What are you saying, Yaegashi? We share the same opinion about the church now. This is the least I can do to provide support for you guys to survive before you find your own way home. Of course you'll share that information to me incase you find one. ]

That's what he said, but Yue next to him sighed in exasperation from seeing through his plan.

Now that they had killed one of the God's piece, they definitely caught up their attention. It's too early than they had expected and those guys would definitely get in their way.

Hajime had no problem about that, he could just kill those Gods if they plan to cross him, but he too were cautious man. If the Liberators had their tough time fighting that, he need to be ready too, before those Gods could catch up to them.

That's why, all he need to do was to diverge their attention from him, by creating more irregular pieces on the game board. If this irregular pieces was mix in to the regular ones, Gods would definitely monitor them more before these pieces could mess up their plans.

Since Hajime was planning on leaving them behind. He doubt those Gods would had the time to watch his actions, while at the same time keeping an eye on those who might influence more of the game pieces.

His plan was perfectly hidden with smile he's wearing. Even Yue next to him shivered from the diabolical plan of his.

But even without them. Hajime was planning to find his way home ahead of time. It's just a coincidence that they present themselves here and he can use their existence to make everything convenient for him.

[ Is that so... Wait a second Nagumo... Did you already have plans to find a way home? ] Yuka asked.

[ I'm planning to conquer the 7 Great Labyrinths. Maybe they have a magic to do the trick if they're this powerful... But finding at different places wasn't a bad idea, so I'm counting on you two, okay? ]

Yuka and Shizuku was in full spirit now. With clear goal in mind and comrade to rely on lifted up their self-esteem.

[ Oh! Just in case. To avoid the church from catching on us, you two should continue following this Kingdom. ]

[ Oh... That's right, we still need to help the Kindom for Ai-chan-sensei and everyone's sake. We need to protect them Shizuku-chan before we find our way home. ]

[ But... Nagumo-kun... What if-? Just hypothetical okay? What if they instructed us to kill you? This weapon you gave us, what if they think that with this we can manage somehow? They might use everyone to blackmail us, you know?... Although, I doubt Lily would do that. ] Shizuku said everything in low voice because of how terrifying idea it was.

After hearing that. Hajime's demeanor changed and he's looking at them in hostility.

[ If that happens... Be prepared to face your end. I would plunge both of you into oblivion along with this Kingdom before you know it. ]

Yuka and Shizku shivered in fear from seeing Hajime like that. It wasn't terrible like before, but it was still scary when the boodlust was directed on them.

[ It's just hypothetical though. We still won't stand a chance against that guns of yours. ] Shizuku said while averting her gaze from Hajime.

[ I almost forgot!... We need to name your weapons. ] Hajime's aura returns to normal.

[ Eh- I-is that really necessary? ]

[ What are you saying Sonobe? Naming your partner is very convenient, right? Like that moron's Holy Sword. ]

[ I-is that so?... ]

Yuka nodded in understanding while Shizuku next to her was massaging her temple in exasperation.

Hajime showed a thinking expression, and after a few seconds, he comes up with an idea.

[ Your weapon Sonobe, will be Teilt, in german means "split". It fit perfectly right? ]

[ ...N-not a bad idea, but why german? ]

Hajime beautiful ignored her and turned his gaze on Shizuku.

[ As for yours Yaegashi, it will be- ]

[ I think I'm good. I'll name it myself Nagumo-kun... ] Shizuku hugged her sword protectively while unconsciously taking a step back.

[ That's fine for me. You're it's owner now, so do what you want... Also, you can have 1 of this. ]

A metalic test tube containing Ambrosia materialize on Hajime's hand and threw 1 each, for Yuka and Shizuku.

[ That's a cure all potion. It can save someone even from death's door. You can't buy that anywhere so use it wisely. ]

The two only stared at it on there hands for a few seconds. It's quite amazing how Hajime, gives this remarkable items like they're candies. For them to receive this stuffs despite their past with him, they felt shameful. But it seems Hajime wasn't done yet.

[ ... One more thing before you leave.. you can have this. In case you decided to fight me, you can at least put up a better fight. ]

Hajime held out his prosthetic arm and a palm size glowing blue orb materialize on top of it. He don't need to hide his Treasure Trove anymore since he displays it's existence on the Audience hall already.

[ ... It's pretty... ]

[ ...Nagumo-kun? Is that the Divinity Stone you acquired on entrance of the Labyrinth? ]

Hajime didn't reply. He purge a quarter from it and stored the rest into his Treasure Trove.

[ This is basically a mana tank so it's already useful as it is but, I'll enchant this with Riftwalk-Thought Acceleration, high speed mana regen and stamina recovery... With this you can train more efficiently. ]

While Hajime was talking, more colorful ore pop up on his hand. He crushed it on his metalic hand and sparks start to flow through, and after a few seconds he held out his hand and opened it.

Shizuku and Yuka's eye widen in suprised. On Hajime's black metalic hand, a pink hair tie and a pair of red earrings was faintly glowing

The hair tie resembles a fully bloomed sakura flower, set in the middle of the tie that was made with the same material on Yuka's weapon. While the earrings had the same features as the spider lily. Both were glowing on its own color.

This was also one of Hajime's habits. He can't be satisfied by only a stone with special attributes. He had to make it extremely beautiful, because that was the only way for a craftsman, was what he thought.

Hajime presented his hand in front of the two. Shizuku and Yuka unconsciously picked up what they think theirs. They didn't talk which one they want, they only take what they think was made for them.

After giving the accessories he made, Hajime didn't say anything and went back to their previous position and lie down on the flower bed. He failed to notice the reaction of the two for the gift... Artifact he presented.

Yue only stared on the two, that for some reason were just staring on the accessories without saying anything. She knows that it wasn't Hajime's intention but, she took notice and berate herself to be careful next time to avoid this kind of situation.

Yue sighed in defeat and trotted back on Hajime's side. She hugged her tightly that for a second, Hajime was suprised. After a few moments in confusion, he hug her back and resume their stargazing. But someone interrupted...

[ Anosa... Nagumo... ]

[ *sigh*...What is it this time? I thought you both would leave immediately. ] Hajime didn't bother to look at their direction and his gaze was still on the sky.

Yuka paused for a second to think. Her gaze was swimming aroung everywhere and her cheeks was dyed red.

[ ...C-can we join you on your stargazing? ]

[ You can probably see it on your own room right? ]

[ Maybe... But I think this is the best spot. We too miss our home, you know? ] Yuka said while looking at the stars.

Hajime's gaze turned and he dubiously looked at her. Since he can't see her face, he can't tell what her purpose this time. And for some reason, Shizuku behind her was silent and was covering her face with her ponytail, she's averting her gaze too with all her might. Hajime can't see it clearly but her face was tinge with red.

[ *sigh*...Do as you please. ]

Yue clung tighter on Hajime from hearing his reply.

Yuka and Shizuku proceeds and lie down slightly far away from Hajime that they could still hear his voice, talking about constellations, telling random stories and myths.

They all had fun, despite everything that happened today, they can't believe that they would be having fun time right now.

Not long after, Hajime and Yue left, and the two sent them off with smiles, wishing them goodluck.

[ So what's the plan? ]

Yuka's voice echoes through the dark corridor, walking next to her was Shizuku. They were heading back to their own room carrying everything they received from Hajime.

[ The most important is, don't tell this to anyone... ]

[ ...How are we going to explain this weapons? They would definitely pester us where we get this from... ]

[ ...I don't know yet, but I think it's fine to tell that it's from Nagumo-kun. Let's just keep it a secret for now about that story he told, unless we have a solid proof. I guess no one would believe us if we say that the information was from Nagumo-kun. ]

[ What about you Shizuku-chan? Do you believe in his story?... ]

[ I said it, right? I don't trust the church. I don't know about the Liberators, but the rest of his story explains our situation right now... ]

[ What about Kaori-chan? Will you tell her? If it's her, she might believe it, if it's from Nagumo... ]

[ I think I won't... This might affect our relationship with Lily, and... I don't want that. ]

[ Yeah... I know Liliana-san didn't have anything to do with this, but we shouldn't burden her even further, if this information leaked to her, I don't know how she would react. ]

[ Yes, she is smart to think through everything. So there's a chance she might believe on us. But as expected we shouldn't increased the stuff she needs to worry about. ]

[ We need to get stronger as soon as possible. That is the only way to protect everyone, we need to work together, Shizuku-chan. ] Yuka did a fist pumped and said everything in high spirit.

[ "Working together" , huh? ]

Yue's words flash through Shizuku's memory for a second. And she suddenly formed a smile.

[ Yes, let's do that. ]

[ Hmm?... Oh... That reminds me, is Kaori okay? I don't know anything about her circumstances, but in case, just incase... there something I could do to help her, don't be shy to asked okay. ] Yuka looked at Shizuku in confusion for a second, and asked the latter in concerned.

[ I'll be counting on you when that time comes okay. ]

Yuka returns Shizuku's smile with a warm smile of her own.

It didn't take long for them to arrived at their destination. All of the girls room were just adjacent with each other, and they arrived in front of Shizuku's room.

[ Sore ja, matane Yuka. ] Shizuku said before entering one of the rooms.

[ Nn. Matane Shizuku-chan. ] Yuka said before heading for the next door.

Shizuku entered to a dark room, with only one person laying on one of the beds. Thanks to her enhanced senses, she could somehow see the person's back facing on her direction She can't see clearly if the figure was resting already, but from the faint sound coming from its direction makes her certain.

[ I'm back Kaori... ] Shizuku looked at Kaori's figure and smiled sadly.

She approached the other bed that was provided for her and place all of her stuffs beside it. Next, she walks to Kaori's direction and sits on the edge the bed.

[ You didnt touch your food again, huh? You'll make me worry you know, if you become negligent for your own sake, what am I supposed to do after that? ] Shizuku smiled sadly after looking at the food that was place on the table.

Kaori has been like this since their dinner with Hajime. Shizuku would often tried to talk with her, but she wouldn't received any response. Not until she said the following...

[ Nagumo-kun already left, you know?... ]

Kaori's body jolt from Shizuku's words, which makes her smile, genuinely happy.

[ I wish you could see him in Tuxedo, he looks so cool you know. And the way he dance was like he already belong to this world. ]

It seems she manage to get Kaori's attention now, cause the faint sound vanished and she's obviously listening to her.

[ But... I guess it's good too you didn't attend. ]

From being happy, suddenly Shizuku's voice turned grave. Which fully attracted Kaori's attention. She turned around and saw Shizuku, shivering in fear.

This was the first time Kaori saw her like this, that it makes her forget about her own problems.

Shizuku was happy she managed to get Kaori to looked at her, the dried tear marks on Kaori's face tells how long she's been crying all this time. She formed a warm smile to hide her fears that accidentally leaked out, and pat Kaori's head with her shaking hand.

[ Nagumo-kun just killed someone... ]

Kaori's eyes widened in suprise.

[ And it's not just one or two... he took countless lives with his own hands... ]

Shizuku couldn't hide her fears anymore. She starts breaking down and tears streams down from her face.

This was new for Kaori. Unlike their classmates, she knows how frail Shizuku's heart was, but it's not like her to show any of her emotions like this, she would hide it no matter what, just not to make anyone worried for her sake.

[ *sobs* If you were there, you might get in his way, and... *sobs* I don't know what am I supposed to do if something bad happened to you... that's why I'm glad... Kaori wasn't there to watch him walk through the pool of blood... ]

Kaori was shaken. She already know that the day for Hajime to kill someone would eventually come, but she hadn't thought it would be this bad. Her burdened mind was now again overflowing for absorbing this new information. She thinks for something to ask to Shizuku, but she suddenly noticed something from her, despite the tears fllowing her eyes... She's smiling warmly like she had obtained an answers for all the questions she hadn't asked yet.

[ But...*sobs* I now understand why... you could still say its him... You know, before they left, we managed to talk to him properly atleast once, and he really is him... Some of him change, but there's still that hadn't and it makes me happy from seeing that. ]

Shizuku start brushing Kaori's hair with her shaking hand. Her teary gaze was still on her, and she didn't bother anymore to hide her emotions.

[ He's still a human like the rest of us... He makes small mistakes, smiles , joke around, and be himself whenever he wants... ]

[ Shizuku-chan... ] Kaori replied.

Shizuku's smile grew deeper from getting a reply from Kaori. She starts talking about every stories she hears from Hajime, and all of the fun she had with him in short amount of time. She avoided telling anything about story Hajime told him, because now is not the time yet.

Shizuku and Kaori smiles and laugh, and it didn't take long to make the atmosphere much calmer unlike before.

Kaori suddenly hugged her, and Shizuku was shocked from her sudden action. After a few seconds from being suprised, she hugged her back and smiled happily.

[ I'm glad, he's still him. ]

[ Nn... That's why you shouldn't give up, okay? ] Shizuku said resolutely.

Kaori was suprised from the sudden change of atmosphere from Shizuku, she seems resolve to do something that she must.

[ You know... Yue-san didn't say anything about this but. I think she was afraid of losing to you, on Nagumo-kun... ]

[ Losing to me? Why would she, if she already had Hajime-kun on her side?... ]

[ Of course she would. You've been with him much longer than her, you know him before he become like that, that's why you still have a place on his heart. ]

[ But... I lost my chance already... I can't compete anymore, and why would I even do that? If I manage to steal Hajime-kun for myself, it doesn't mean that it would make him happy right? ]

Shizuku thinks for a second for a reply and face Kaori once more with confidence.

[ ...You know, I keep asking Yue-san when we were on Haraud, about why she had chosen me instead of you... She keeps dodging all of my questions by always diverting the topic to Nagumo-kun. In the end, I didn't get any answers. ]

Shizuku forms a teasing smile and looked at Kaori happily.

[ I think she knows about your kiss with Nagumo-kun... ]

Kaori's turned red from remembering that and she immediately hide herself under the blanket.

[ And you manage to reach deep on his heart at that time, which was connected to her goal. Of course you wouldn't steal him away from her, there's no chance really, but she wouldn't share an ounce of his affection even for someone simple as friend. That's why she didn't allow you to accompany them. But you're still important to her plans, that's why, even if you lost your chance now, she wouldn't allow for Nagumo-kun to completely neglect your existence. ]

"Yue wouldn't bother to console me, if she's planning to monopolize Nagumo-kun" Shizuku thought.

Shizuku stands from her seat and head to open up the large curtain that was connected to this room's balcony. After that, she turns and face Kaori, that was peeking under her blanket, with overflowing confidence, even Kaori hadn't seen before. The moonlight reflected her figure and behind her was countless stars, which makes her beautiful figure wrapped with mystery, like a fairy on some story who would grant her wishes.

[ That's why you shouldn't give up okay. You need to work hard to gain his trust again. But this time I will be your guide, because that is the Goal of mine and I would definitely grant this no matter what it takes. ]

Shizuku's hair that was tied in ponytail, swayed along the wind. Her hair glimmers under the moonlight and the sakura colored hair tie was really eye catching.

Kaori only stared at her without saying anything. She can't believe Shizuku would change into this without her noticing, and it make her genuinely happy from seeing her like this.

[ Soda!... How about you join us on our training later in the morning. We will be heading outside the capital to train outside. ]

[ Oh... That's a good idea, but why outside? ]

[ Well... Meld-san would definitely be busy and we want to try something first. ]

[ Y-you're right, I hope Lily is doing fine. Good thing everyone would still be joining us after what happened on the Audience hall. I thought everyone would be traumatized after that. ]

[ Eh- No, no... Everyone really was traumatized there's no mistake on that. ]

Even Shizuku was the same as everyone so she could atleast sympathize with them.

[ S-sorry about that. Then, what do you mean by "we"? As expected someone else would be joining on your practice? ]

[ Oh, Yuka will be joining us. She talks to Nagumo-kun too, so... ] Shizuku paused in hesitation.

[ Soka... Yuka-chan also managed to talk to Hajime-kun, huh? What did they talk about? ] Kaori said with a hint of jealously on her tone.

[ Nothing really... It's just that, she thank him for saving her life on our first day on the Labyrinth... ]

[ Oh, that's right... She mentioned it before how Hajime-kun saves her life. ]

Shizuku awkwardly averted her gaze away from Kaori. She knows what she feels right now and she can't find the right words to say to her, and she decided to divert the topic instead.

[ What do you think? Will you join us? ]

[ ...Of course I would! I need to get much stronger before Hajime-kun comes back! I hope I can fight Yue for him if that happens. ] Kaori just go with the flow in consideration.

[ No... What are you saying Kaori? She would kill you, you know? ] Shizuku's tone turned serious and it made her shiver from hearing Kaori's goal in mind.

[ Eh- Then how am I supposed to win him over? ]

[ Dakara... You just have to gain his trust again. That is enough okay, don't try to steal someone's boyfriend, okay? ]

[ Okay... ] Kaori looked down sadly in defeat, but unlike before, there's hope could be found on her eyes. Knowing Hajime hadn't changed completely gives her hope.

Shizuku walks to the other bed and lie down.

[ So for now, take a rest, okay? You didn't get any last night, so you have to build up your energy for tomorrow. ]

[ Okay, Shizuku-chan. Oyasumi... and also. Thank you... ]

[ What are you saying, we're best friend you know, it's only natural... Dewa, Oyasumi Kaori. ]

Both of them exchanged smiles before closing there eyes.

With goals in mind, hope, and friends they could rely on, they slept without any worries on their heart. For their wish they desires filled them with excitement to move forward and achieve it.