THEIR WAYS SEPARATE

The rescue of Claire Kagenou served as a way of highlighting that, despite their differences, Shadow Garden and Mount Divine have a common goal: the extermination of the Diabolos cult. And while Shadow Garden was guided by its leader's insight and near-omniscient knowledge, Mount Divine expanded faster than any common cold in winter; its more orthodox and pragmatic operations were surprising in their incredible adaptation to the environment. It also had an organization that was more dependent on its leader, though, as a result, less focused on the war aspect.

On both sides, beyond some criticism, there was tacit respect and the possibility of an immediate alliance. It was not for nothing. The most important members of each organization, under their respective leaders, conveyed a sense of caution and respect for their peers. They, the most senior members of both organizations, had witnessed a hard-fought battle between the two sides, something they could not overcome even together, so a hierarchy was ruled out from the start. Furthermore, both groupings were saving multiple people from cruel fates, not just possessed in the case of Mount Divine. Any possible asset was included in their ranks; if they did not end up in Shadow Garden for any circumstance, Mount Divine always kept its doors open to a new companion. Likewise, both flitted known technology further than expected. A much more difficult path than the original was formed by their sudden interventions.

When Claire Kagenou returned home accompanied by a crowd of armed men and commanded by a viscount, Mr. Kagenou did not know how to react. The reception was hurried and brief as Viscount Olba claimed to be very busy. He stressed that he had other plans that were too urgent due to the time spent on charity. According to him, while on his way to a nearby church, he saw a young girl kidnapped by bandits and did not hesitate to go out to her rescue. The combat was fiercer than expected and caused unexpected casualties. Claire Kagenou reluctantly supported that story, but not before bidding farewell to the viscount. The family returned to normal as soon as the viscount left. The kidnapping, in its entirety, did not exceed 24 hours, so it was both a relief and a shock.

A tired Cid greeted his older sister with some discomfort. His strangeness before her presence translated into an absolute confidence that she could come out of any situation well, similar to "Why are you worrying so much?". Nee-san is too lucky to fear anything." There was no doubt in her speech and performance. Beside her, an apathetic fellow with black hair and white patches kept yawning.

Supposedly, a search team would be deployed and led by Mr. Kagenou, which was why Hikigaya Hachiman was summoned to help. And, also by chance, the fainthearted young man was visiting on this occasion before supporting the sudden emergency. How did the two families know each other?

It turns out that, after the intense confrontation between Cid and Hachiman, they chatted about their current circumstances. And, to their surprise, the daughter of one of the provincial lords was in the group led by Hachiman. After an exposition on politics and the dangers of the cult, Hachiman was adopted as the young lady's brother and, later, frequented Cid's estate. Likewise, the friendship between Cid Kagenou and the young Hachiman Hikigaya was fostered by his "good company" and a "better enthusiasm." So much so that it made Claire Kagenou jealous, although that is another story for another time.

In the present, she, in appreciation of the enthusiasm manifested by the two friends, corrected the newcomer Hachiman's listlessness quickly with a punch to the stomach as soon as he let out a yawn. Claire Kagenou brought the two together to explain how to receive a lady after a sudden traumatic event.

After a week of examination and medical supervision, Claire Kagenou left for the capital. Her injuries were no more than superficial and, along with constant feeding, overcame any immediate concerns. Indeed, that week was very chaotic for both young people, even though Hachiman had only been here for a few days on an emergency basis.

In about two years, Hikigaya Hachiman in conjunction with Cid Kagenou, would also find themselves in the capital with very different results than expected. One of the largest cities in this world, and the only one with more than 1 million inhabitants in this realm. The scenario would mean the largest Shogi board in their history. Or so it was thought.

While Alpha and Shadow Garden pursued the remnants of the cult, Cid Kagenou experimented and shared some of his plans with Hikigaya Hachiman a day before he left, a day after Claire's departure. While Cid Kagenou talked about the theatrical act of the existence of an "evil cult founded since the fall of the heroes," Hikigaya Hachiman concentrated on analyzing such information. After all, he had already given up on making him aware of his role in the shadows.

From the beginning, several times, Hikigaya Hachiman explained to the chuuni that such a threat was real, just like Shadow Garden, and he should hurry to increase his forces; however, Cid Kagenou dismissed it with unbeatable stubbornness. Similar to an unstoppable force against an immovable object, there simply came a point at which they stopped discussing the issue. With no more patience, Hikigaya Hachiman formed a parallel organization to maintain Shadow Garden's consistency.

Initially, he planned to be an assistant to Shadow to improve communication with Alpha and the others. However, that would take time away from caring for his sisters, plus it meant working in subordination to the chuunibyou tendencies he hated so much. Thus, out of desperation to see Shadow Garden growing out of control, Mount Divine was born, although it was originally referred to as Mount Fuji somehow ended up being named that way. His establishment did not mean much trouble, his family was even happy to form the organization. He maintained communication with his eight most competent confidants in his subject. From history to mathematics, though he never excelled in the latter; that way, they would keep up with the knowledge given by Cid to Shadow Garden, though he clarified the information as simply as possible for their understanding.

After all, Hikigaya Hachiman was unaware of when Cid would decide that Shadow Garden had no further use and would shatter years of growth. While the existence of the cult was obvious to Cid, after countless hours of explanation; he mentioned that they were only a stepping stone to a larger event.

This comment threw Hikigaya Hachiman off balance. If he did not advance far enough, his efforts to keep him advancing would be no different from a jumble of tape for a broken mirror. Absolutely, he could not allow it, not when it amounted to backing away from all the advance that was collected to return to his world.

"My improvisational ability to pull off Eminence in the Shadows has increased exponentially. Every day I get closer to the best possible scenario."

"What makes you say that, especially, after getting lost in the corridors."

The chance encounter between the two happened because of the trail of blood left by Shadow in their confrontations. The reddish bodies and stains created a bloody, misty trail that was hard to ignore.

"Simple details, Hachiman. In the tunnel where we met, I faced two bosses of great plot impact, even if you didn't see them, you wouldn't doubt that it was a waste not to have recruited them."

"Do you think right? They're religious fanatics, they don't change sides. They're as immutable as a living punching bag or masochists who go to annual conventions to get stepped on by cosplayers."

The aforementioned chiefs were the supervisors of the cult sent to keep an eye on Olba. They were suspicious of the viscount's betrayal of the cult because of his strange movements in recent months.

However, before fleeing to report the fall of one of their bases, they encountered Shadow purging anyone unfortunate enough to pass by. Both fought fiercely to even harm him but to no avail. Not even after consuming a mysterious potion were they able to corner Shadow and they perished miserably.

"Hachi-chan, hachi-chan. You convinced a cult elder to betray them. Don't brag now about your good fortune."

"They are two different things. Coincidentally, that old man had a daughter that the cult wanted to kill. We saved her and just used her as a bargaining chip."

In a routine operation, Ua discovered a Diabolos base camouflaged as a wandering church. There, along with a large contingent in the same condition, was one of Olba's daughters in the last stages of demonic possession. Her treatment was swift and precise, enough to project a plan on the fly.

"And how does that help your goal of world domination?"

"Oi, oi, since when am I demon-tan? Don't hold it against me for helping you."

While their camaraderie remained intact, their perspectives sometimes clashed. Cid, despite projecting a calculating and all-knowing image, counted on Hachiman to clean up his mess and help him end conflicts faster. Just as he represented his life support in extreme situations, just like every day.

Shadow, as a good friend, sought all available information about his comrade-in-arms's new identity, in addition to Hachiman's word. Reborn was the son of a lineage of royal executioners in a kingdom far to the west, with a crippled body, but with extensive experience in assassination techniques. A sudden rebirth after a sudden death helped him break through his bodily limits, which is why Hachiman managed to grow up so easily. Based on this, one season, he assumed that Hachiman sought to conquer the world through his power, like a reincarnated god seeking revenge or unyielding justice. A fact that was also consistent with his character. It is thanks to this fantasy peculiar to Shadow's chuunibyou that the name Mount Fuji was distorted to Mount Divine.

"I understand, I understand. You're right. However, that doesn't save us from being some future impetus for the protagonist. Spot on as always, Hachiman-san."

"What could the neighbors

be doing

so late in the autumn?"

Are you sure you're not the protagonist, Minoru? Such a question resided on the tip of Hikigaya Hachiman's tongue. However, as a human being struck by reality in a short time, he knew the answer would remain the same. A total denial. However, even so, as long as Hikigaya Hachiman could return to his world, everything would be fine.

"Haiku? It's been a while since I've heard any."

"The seasons have changed so often. They are more irritating than the nobility's complaints towards upstarts."

"Another one? Hachiman-san, understand that I cannot help you without compromising my mob position."

"I'm not asking for your help; I'm informing you of my situation. They are two such different things as knowing how to know and knowing how to understand."

The haiku arose in response to the stressful lifestyle of the young man reincarnated in another body. His extreme tendency to keep reading ancient texts and maintain acceptable training served to keep him alert to any possible clues. Thus, after long talks with Cid, they came to an understanding of a standard mob so as not to stand out so much. Cid would be a little more outstanding than planned and Hachiman would be more apathetic than usual to allay suspicion.

"Okay, okay. So? If only that's our last conversation it won't be memorable lake."

"I'll leave for the Capital in a month. Nu-san has gotten me a job as a researcher at a wizard buffet."

Aware that a career purely in magical research required a certain background if one did not have notable noble roots, Hikigaya Hachiman consulted Alpha about the alternatives available to her because of her extensive experience in the field of information. She referred to Nu as the one in charge of getting him experience in the medium. The reason Hikigaya Hachiman was to work as an assistant to some capital nobles.

"Are you leaving me so fast? First the girls and now you... the waiting time will be torture. No, maybe I can polish other mob-fu techniques."

Though still somewhat sentimental, Cid dismissed them with a cheerful and understanding expression a day after his sister's departure. However, when all was said and done, one assistant would remain in his service, as well as a sister from Mount Divine on the recommendation of their leader. After dismissing them, he vowed that, even if he was the only one who believed in his ideals, he would follow the path to becoming an Eminence in the Shadows. No one would stop him from being so close to putting the whole scenario together, not even the god of destiny himself who watched over him in his sleep.

"The changes are necessary... Wait, they're leaving too? Why am I not surprised?"

"What are you implying? You should know that I play my role to the best of my ability. I have followed every single instruction on how to be an eminence in the shadows. Unlike you, I can indeed fulfill my role."

"Thank you for reminding me, memory-chan. If only you would remember my part as well."

"If you give me some coins I might consider it..."

Hikigaya Hachiman was unaware of the extreme poverty Cid Kagenou was going through. He was the son of an influential nobleman in his area, though not so much regionally, who received a monthly allowance for his needs and attentions. What gadgets did he spend the proceeds on?

To his ignorance, Cid Kagenou did not manage his finances, but Alfa did. For that reason, Cid lacked any decent financial support. Besides, whatever ideas he had for forming a business were already taken by Shadow Garden. One more reason to feel left out of his initiative, even if it was just an act in his eyes. Also, alpha simply obeyed Shadow's orders as a creed, once again, which is why he excluded Cid from the numerous expenses and activities. If Cid told Hachiman that, the latter would take it upon himself to return his money; but Cid never bothered to even claim that.

"So, why would they leave, did they at least say anything to you?"

"You see, they've been going around a lot lately, so it was strange to see them all gathered in one place. They gave me a report about the cult's recent research and studies. It was kind of interesting to see how they were doing so well at acting."

The feeling of discomfort grew. Why hadn't Cid briefed him earlier? If some were still hovering nearby he might have to "convince" them not to force him to perform their experiments or strange plans, in addition to abandoning his position as head of Mount Divine. Although the latter didn't mean much, his sisters and aunts could already fend for themselves. Hikigaya Hachiman felt a sense of accomplishment before returning to the depressing reality.

"I pray to the butterfly

to keep me company

on this walk.

Why is it still so irritating when you tell about it?"

"Huh? Whatever. You must know they've 'discovered' interesting facts, fufu fufu fufu."

Hachiman knew that Shadow Garden's "imagination" almost always turned out to be true in its entirety, so he just nodded at Cid's initiative. The more information, the more chances to avoid disasters and misunderstandings; essentially when he was going to leave earlier than expected. He never trusted Nu to get him a nexus so quickly. His expectations had to be changed, he would never doubt a current capital noblewoman again, no matter how young she was.

"It is presumed that the heroes who fought the demon Diabolos were actually all heroines. That explains why the Diabolos curse is only limited to women. Isn't that too progressive?"

Hachiman lamented it because of the expectation and fanservice that would flood such a series. Not considering that that world was his now.

"Pitifully, we know that in Legend they're all men. So, you see the unconscionable manipulation over the years or something like that maybe it was the church or the state? I hope the cult is solely responsible. If they were separate bodies, it would be very boring. But they tell the story, so I don't expect too much either."

Hachiman thought it would be easier to deal with separate organisms than one brought together by a common goal. However, reality did not favor this development. What a waste.

"Next, it seems that elves are the most susceptible to fall under the curse of Diabolos, followed by demi-humans and lastly humans. why? This is because the former races have a longer lifespan, and since humans' lifespan is shorter, the inherited blood of heroes disappears much faster so it is more difficult for humans to contract the curse by simple statistics. On the contrary, beings who have a longer life and inherit more directly the blood of their ancestor are more susceptible to falling under the curse. Semi-humans are in the middle of that pyramid because of their uneven lifespan."

"That makes a lot of sense... the hereditary curse is less thick in a more controlled dispersion and less likely to succumb over time."

Hachiman remembered the first time he saw demonic possession. An unpleasant grimace emerged on his face. Greater was her surprise to learn that her sisters possessed symptoms similar to those of that disease. Most of his companions had no further advancement because he possessed an ability that devoured the nearby mana, which is why they became accustomed to the giant levels of mana in his body to the point of no inconvenience.

"Come to think of it, the only human in the Garden of Shadows is me, and I've never been a "Possessed". Whereas, of the rest of the members, 2 are semi-human and, oh surprise, 5 are elves. All of them were "Possessed". I am surprised by the story they have invented, an excellent coherence except for this last detail. I was also informed of more things, but the truth... I ignored them, I didn't need more information other than the outline for the main arc. How is it on your side, Hachiman, do you also have some people who suffered from that condition?"

"Yes, and although they mostly come from your side, most women have gone through that episode. Warm-ups and mana attrition are the quintessential remedies, so I don't worry about it anymore."

The solutions provided by Eta and Diu alleviated the advance of the curse in almost all cases. From magic lotions to mana-absorbing stones as soaps; it was practically impossible to advance the symptoms in places like Alexandria or The Hidden Village of Emei. A relief they planned to spread to the general population so that the population could avoid the forced sacrifice of innocents in the long run.

"And wow, apparently the cult was a super powerful organization on a global scale. That's without considering the explored map of the entire continent. Oh, cool~"

"If we compare it to most transmigrations, an advanced and conflict-ridden civilization awaits us on the other side of the southern sea or through the unexplored areas to the west..."

Cid nodded at that information and continued.

"Also, within the cult, people who suffer from Possession, or Diabolos Curse, or whatever you want to call it, are also called "Fit People". They seem to capture them and execute them instantly. So, we started talking about how it would be necessary for the Garden of Shadows to expand around the world as well, with only one of them staying by my side, and the rest traveling around the world ruining the cult's plans or gathering information from the Possessed."

"Mount Divine posed a similar alternative. I don't want to expose them to danger, but they are quite determined. While they were doing it remotely before, now they want to get on their ship as well."

"SIS-CON, fufufufufufufufufufufufufufufufu."

"Look who's talking."

"What do you mean? Nee-chan gives you eyes, you know? Mmm, now that I think about it, it doesn't sound so bad. It would make the rest of my life easier."

Claire, in the years she interacted with the reincarnated duo, had a certain chemistry and dynamic with them. Hachiman, more than anything else, appreciated her curt and direct attitude, different from the treatment of her sisters and the shadows.

Introduced as the researcher's son of a nearby baron, his first duel with her arose because of the time Cid and Hachiman spent per day chatting. The ramblings of an excited chuunibyou, his henchman, and an agent desperate to return wasted quite a bit of time.

Against all odds, Hachiman won in fairness, however, he was wiser with time and sought to calm the young woman's spirits. Such attitudes, in the future, would sow doubt in the maiden's heart.

"Ignorance is a bliss you should enjoy, Cid."

"Infraction. Yellow card for Fish-chan. You blurted out a mysterious character phrase. That's my role."

Cid planned to copy it and say it in a later scenario. Hachiman ignored his retort.

"If they join Shadow Garden's approach it would be better for your safety since you both share a common goal. And, while they're not as skilled, they're more versatile than your shadows."

"If they hear that, they'll have a screw loose; but yes, they're much nicer and friendlier."

"While Jemenu already uses a Formula One car, Eta is still looking for the combustion engine. Didn't you teach them everything they need to know?"

"You know, sometimes I think you're the main character and how you've ruined my character."

Cid blithely ignored the complaint about his teaching method, if it could even be called that.

"I just want to see Komachi again, okay? I don't know how you're so calm after almost 13 years here. Hell, you may have even gotten married by now in all this time..."

"You have your goals, I have mine. Our emotions are expressed according to the moment. We are cooperating entities with similar goals, Hachiman."

"You wear a mask, I doubt you are very expressive with an overly arrogant tone of voice at every turn."

"Shut up, it's the best I could come up with so I won't be noticed."

"Can't you wear glasses or some special visor? You know, Clark Kent and Masquerade would support that initiative."

Cid, for all the awkwardness that fell on him being the only male in a group of women, was actually kind of sad. Just as everyone admired the heroes as children, he also admired the Shadow Eminences. But everyone keeps growing up, and as they do, they forget about those heroes, leaving him only as an occasional acquaintance. And now, they had grown up too. He would feel worse if Hachiman were not to be found. He even rethought some mob lifestyle principles himself so as not to be so obvious. What's more, he even convinced him to be part of his future stratagems. What did that mean? Free funding for the young son of a provincial house. Emotional extortion would never be enough if he could see that precious metal in his hands.

Good evening, dear readers. Your favorite procrastinating writer greets you.

I bring you the new chapter with more context of some given events. Without further ado, thank you for reading. Comment and share, please.

Pdta2: Nope, Zaimokuza experienced the same thing as akane in volume 4.