PDTA: HAPPY FATHERS DAY!

A reincarnated god enters the scene!

The past is a lie. Life itself always distracts us from our vulnerable condition in the face of adversity. It may come as a surprise to many of us, but loneliness, fear, uncertainty and helplessness are all part of living. We can try to ignore these feelings or we can take a moment to reflect on our condition. Recognizing that loneliness and fear are an inevitable byproduct of our existence is frightening, there is no denying it. Even our fondest memories are machinations of our brain to enhance our mood; our life just a sweet joke, an existence so absurd that it reverses your reality one ordinary morning, and youth, a mirage, an accumulation of illusions unable to be safely attained. With such nonsense, it is possible to rave about your own origins. These words were only in the head of a single character. A human being (?) bombarded by tons of experience, either his own or others', from the most varied points of view throughout his life: as protagonist, secondary, extra, honorable mention, etc.; if it were any other scenario, his monologue would be enough for an article in some electronic magazine of little circulation and then quoted in a very distant future, however, his emotions went through a scenario beyond his old experiences. A predictable and dismal scenario as opposed to any hope that whispered in her mind, as a reason for relief and serenity.

Born in the near comfort of the 21st century, the reaction of strangeness and fear was ingrained in his thinking. Not only because of the culture shock and palpable day-to-day tragedy, but because of the constant contrast with common sense. But, while he had expected to be transported to another world in some eighth grade fantasy, a generic and shining luce one, the assignment had been three years late and wrong on its destination.

If he were to show up in his old, peaceful world, the one surrounded by subtle lies and masks, his appearance would immediately make him a riajuu on Hayama's level. His blue eyes, silver blond hair and height make him stand out as a nuisance without a doubt. Add to that the voice of his youthful body, which does not contrast with the age he looks, much less with his goals to achieve; although, as strange as it sounds, he gradually resembled his past self.

Maybe his lousy start had something to do with that. Malnourished, injured, ragged, lonely and persecuted; he definitely hit the jackpot with such a disastrous starting package: "SSR-". Be that as it may, his survival instinct (excessive fear of death) and small strokes of luck softened the lingering consequences of his body's previous owner. Though now he was distancing himself from that; his hair regained a bit of color, the vacant lost look molded into a face more familiar to him, even the drowning emerged one morning to his surprise. Even in the stereotypical garb and armor of this historical era, he would no doubt win some cosplay contest with his eyes closed. Perhaps, in the near future, he would be able to write an essay on modern paper again or tread the asphalt of his neighborhood.

Hikigaya Hachiman had no doubt that the setting lent itself to different storylines and intriguing plots for the audience. As an accomplished reader of any kind of stories, specifically generic light novels, he guessed the different tropes that awaited him as a reincarnate: Hope to join some kind of heroic story, Escape from every town or city because of your family's mistakes, Save a kingdom where he was the betrayed prince? Save a kingdom where he was the betrayed prince?, A poorly executed war experiment now being pursued by the church?, A plan to eliminate the oldest houses to prevent the reincarnation of some past hero?, Perhaps the future assistant to a recurring scripted psychopath? No way, the tendency to complicate the plot with many variables only lengthened the duration of their journey, belonging to a long and wearing confrontation; with no end in sight. In short, not a very valid option if you considered that the cost of socialization was already tiring him out.

However, looking for a way to return falls into another category; difficult to explain in normal terms to his "possible partners". An idea too far-fetched, more so with his current condition. An impossible dream, too far away, but achievable with this strange force called magic. If it were a different scenario, he would find it inconvenient and cliché for following the trope of a cheap reincarnation with his memories flitting around disharmoniously. However, if he wanted to see his sister again, any trap or deus ex machina would be welcomed with open arms. Because, let's be honest, reality did not favor him in a straightforward way as a writing praised by the internet. He only hoped that his fate would not dictate an insufferable plot for cohabitation.

Oblivious to his understanding, Hachiman lives with the information he obtained from his obscure memories. The body he possessed was that of Neil O' Nylon. Born as the son of executioners of a decaying kingdom, his body possesses years of training (and trauma) that complete the dream of his past self.

He is even more privileged if we count his absolute possession of the body after his sudden death; if he can be so categorized. Even luckier if we add an entourage of subordinates who help him stay sane (more responsibilities and ties that bind him). And, to complete the cake, user of a power unknown to most (a constant danger if left unchecked). A complete package, albeit insufficient, in their joint survival journey.

However, his mind dilutes his spirits and sanity with illusions of the past. The Hikigaya Hachiman of yesteryear you can still remember that secluded room on campus, the taste of canned coffee, the disgruntled look on people's faces, and the meaningful conversations of some distant time. A sense of tranquility and harmony surrounds you until you look back at the desolate wasteland of old. He does not yet hear the floats or the howling of dogs, it is not yet time to flee. Perhaps, one morning, it could all be a bad dream and he would not hear the sound of metal against metal or the warlike interaction with others. A tranquility longed for as a relief from his hectic lifestyle.

Peace was a fact far removed from their current reality, full of worries and responsibilities. The few lights that announced a rest, were never maintained for long periods, whether intermittent or continuous. His memory, in these years, still does not assimilate the presence of another soul different from the original one. Recurrent flashbacks, along with sudden blackouts, are a consequence of his still poor synergy.

The impossibility of talking to anyone about his mundane conclusions and criticisms, at least in a direct and extensive way, led him to want to keep his personality as a top priority. To be stubborn to change without measuring his resources, in other words, to improve his devious and selfish methods at every opportunity.

But, by far, that doesn't mean running away from ready-made ties. Not at all. He is dedicated to protecting his new family in every way he could, even in his fugitive state. His big brother instincts and nostalgia prevented him from abandoning his "civilized" ways. The war aspect, which he did not rely on much even at his best, proved to be his best deterrent to any sudden conflict. At the time, he was terrified by the ease and coolness with which every confrontation ended. The myth of slow motion came more alive than ever.

But it was a necessary weight to survive one more day. The scenario was not encouraging at this time of year, as winter was returning, and the outlook was already darkening. It couldn't get any worse, thought a reflective Hachiman Hikigaya moments before the most unrealistic encounter possible. Although it was hard for him to admit it, the scenarios posed by the ex-chuuni were positive, far from the possibility of a death foretold; a fate with no happy ending at the end of the whole journey. They did not recognize a story with an abrupt end to their journey.

Now, faced with one of her "sisters" imprisoned by a young man of similar height to her own, next to a completely dark, but strangely familiar suit; her possible actions contradicted her analysis of the situation. His bad luck rolled the dice towards the opposite table. The tension was weighing him down. His instincts told him to flee as quickly as possible or end the danger in moments. However, he also knew he would not forgive himself for abandoning a relative of his. A "it was only a matter of time" escaped his mouth when he heard the news and embarked on rescuing the youngest integration into the family. He wished he had not said that.

To break the silence between the two, he asked based on his experience.

—What are you looking for?

While remaining on guard, Hachiman released control of his ability. Gradually, the atmosphere would be similar to an icy desert, though he didn't know if their fight would last that long. Perhaps, if he kept up the conversation, he would not notice the anomaly. Just maybe.

—Are you their leader?

His mediated response, the south wind fluttered several times before anyone responded, arose to lengthen the moment. His characterization of his opponent classified him as a powerful being who sought only to toy with them, but his caution and time spent examining him belied the idea of a haughty and proud opponent.

—Yes

—You look different from a bandit hired by Alpha, are you a training or mission NPC?

—What?

Hikigaya Hachiman's anxiety exploded and gave way to confusion at hearing terms so far away for the era he was in. It was impossible such use of terminologies in today's context. Not even the wealthiest nobles used any combustion vehicle. It was unheard of and impossible. Even if that were the case, there would still be a long way to go before we moved towards an interconnected society on even a regional scale. That left only a few answers to their behavior. Answers that clashed with the formed environment.

—Tell me, Villager A. No, you're not a villager...So, tell me, fugitive NPC's, what are your intentions in wandering around these parts? Are you looking for something specific?

Without telling himself, Hachiman doubted Inori would give any answer. Her pale complexion confirmed her state of shock and bewilderment. While she was not imprisoned or restrained as such, it seemed that the aura manifested by the subject was keeping her without strength in her legs. A predictable development. If she had led him here it meant that she considered this suspicious person to be someone incapable of harming others, a fact that contrasted with the current encounter. The conversations and attitudes he projected were enough to possibly lead her to his current hiding place. However, Inori was also only a child just picked up months ago, not yet hardened or distrustful of all strangers. Most likely she had saved her from some confrontation recently. That was why, and all the more reason, she had gone out in Sakura's company yesterday... This did not present anything good.

—¿Is that really important? But if you want to know, I can tell you something if you let her go.

—Well, she's done her job as a guide anyway, so it's only natural for her to come back.

—Haa-chan!- the girl screamed at the top of her lungs on her way to meet him.

She jumped towards her familiar as soon as her captor stepped aside. Any feelings or words she wanted to express were overshadowed by the tears that ran down her face. Despite this respite, Hachiman did not neglect her gaze on the unknown individual. This small location, cleared in part by the amount of felled trees, presented an inordinate amount of unevenness and holes; all covered by the white presence of winter.

—If you must know, we're just passing through here because we need wood and some food. We are a wandering caravan looking for a place to settle down... It was just a passing intrusion, we'll leave anyway...

His answer did not elicit any instant reply. The distance separating them was so short that a normal jump in this world would be enough to reach them. They could not consider themselves safe under the circumstances. However, before the words "Just the same, they deserve punishment...", "They will be perfect for my plan..." or whatever the grandiloquent speech recited before they were surrounded by the minions hidden in the shadows; one doubt had to be answered at all costs.

—Wise decision, these are my domain.

—I understand, we will get away as soon as possible...

However prudent the action was, the dejected and annoyed silhouette of the terrifying listener was already sending out signals of imminent danger. However, that was not enough to deter the words that would be hurled.

—What a waste, they didn't even tell me about their targets?

—By the way, where is your sister?

After that question, Cid Kagenou reflected for a few moments. Memories arose about his encounter with the girl named Inori and her injured companion, Sakura. He did not recognize them by those names, but by something simpler like their shades of hair: black and pink. While one of them was badly injured from the fight against Delta, the other kept her distance from them with a look of utter helplessness and fear. Their meeting was a total surprise, more so if you considered that Delta was not aggressive towards all living organisms. In order to maintain a favorable image in the eyes of those affected, a few words were enough for Delta to escape to who knows where. Then he decided, as a good RPG player, to interrogate them about a possible mission or campaign of a certain civilization. He had no doubts about any chain mission encounter that might arise; although a few casual assignments might help to clear his mind. Once the most important questions had been asked, he set off for his destination with only one of the little ones. The other slept in the cabin where he was currently staying. After all, she enjoyed excellent protection. It never hurts to curry favor with a future employer. Although he was unaware of the impact of his sudden change of image and explosive release of power at the sight of someone's arrival.

And, following Cid's thoughts, although said hut was not the best in terms of scenery, neither did it mean that the terrain was its only advantage. If he remembered correctly, it was only a matter of time before Alpha and the others arrived after a long time. They wouldn't attack her, would they? Darkness-like back trembled at the unfamiliarity of her companions' attitude, her "dive game about a secret organization", seeing an injured person in her place. Perhaps they are looking for him so soon to ask for an explanation, but that would ruin, in terms of awesomeness, their interaction with this merchant. Just remembering that it was his first interaction with a mission, after long months of confinement by his parents, distracted him from giving a suitable and accurate answer for the moment. His hoarse, shocked voice didn't help.

—The other girl's in a cemetery...

The coming wind tempered the cold breeze coming into the confrontation. The two realities collided by a sudden decision unthinkable in the right minds.

—I see, then I have only one option left...

A gauntlet was thrown in Shadow's direction.

—Oh, a test match? This is a more expected development

—Inori, get out of here... quickly.

—Although it's very bold, if you consider our roles will a mini-boss last a few minutes against an eminence among the shadows?

—Oi, Oi, this is not fiction. There are no levels.

While one unsheathed a saber with all possible speed, the other simply waved his hand to bring forth a whirring blade. The first exchanges surprised both parties. The ease with which Shadow exchanges the location of his weapon hindered Hachiman's attack; however, that's not to say he returned a few cuts. For his part, Cid didn't understand how his opponent guessed the impact location of his thrusts and slashes; even if he didn't want to kill him at first, he didn't expect such fierce resistance for a low quality actor. It was as if he knew her fighting style. But that was impossible because he is her first user! Let alone the others; they possessed their own variations, crude, very different from his style.

Their combat went on for several minutes, which was unheard of considering the difference in capabilities. Shrapnel and gelatinous pieces were scattered all around them, their frantic exchanges shattered the space around them.

Increasingly closer and shorter encounters changed the landscape into an unrecognizable scenario, superior to any natural disaster that had ever happened in those lands.

For its part, the strategy of the ex-chuuni was bearing its first fruits before the strangeness of Shadow. This change of pace was an advantage for a young man with the skill to sever limbs left and right at the slightest opportunity. Nevertheless, he never attempted it. The caution he exercised never allowed him to take too much risk. After another exchange of cuts, one with the undistinguished garment and the other with a slime deficiency in some parts of his costume, they parted with brevity.

—You have a good technique, who are you?

—Hikigaya Hachiman, a reincarnated god.

It was not at all abnormal for the time to announce your name with grandiloquent titles, drawn from your achievements (false or not). However, he disliked and avoided presenting himself that way, but showing some prestige increased the chances of coming out on top. Using extravagant or strange words, but with a threatening sound, served to stun the enemy and remove his tendency to lash out as if it were his only option; that is, it meant going back to negotiations if both parties recognized how stupid it was to pursue such an encounter, whatever the reason; extinguishing some picturesque title of his liking was also valid, mainly nobles or eccentric personalities gave in with that.

And, with the exchange of blows, Hachiman sensed that perhaps he had been wrong in judging his opponent. His superior technique could never overwhelm him, nor did it succeed in despairing him in the supposition of a more twisted imaginary, and his temperament did not match the actions he had supposedly performed... Wait, why did he never ask his opponent's name in the entire conversation? Why did he seem to forget that important aspect? If he kept ignoring those details he might come to the wrong conclusions...

—¿Hikigaya-sempai?

—¿What the…?

The idea of struggle was paralyzed in an instant. A feeling of strangeness invaded the actions of the reincarnated young man. The utterance of such words revoked the memory of the other world: a brief moment of reflection and self-criticism with the past. His opponent, likewise, abandoned any attempt at violence. Their gazes searched for answers in themselves and the environment.

—Gotcha...

A female's voice was heard suddenly and interrupted the encounter. She was plummeting towards an exhausted Hachiman. However, the reflexes he had cultivated up to that moment changed the situation in the blink of an eye, his body reacting unceremoniously. With a clean cut, his sword tore and sent his opponent meters ahead.

—Unbelievable, no one had ever hurt Delta so much in their first encounter, maybe if you're Hikigaya-sempai...

—She attacked first... I didn't want to...

He threw his sword as fast as possible and as far away as possible. Hikigaya was suffering from a sudden shock. His memories of a different reality of blood and dirt resurfaced again. Seeing how he harmed a person, even if it was for his own protection, affected him greatly.

—Relax, it was inevitable. Delta, do you understand why you must wait for the others?

—Huuuuuuuuurts!

—There, there, you'll be good as new in a few moments. Just let me treat you.

The greenish light surrounded the lycanthrope as the wound closed. As the girl moaned from the pain, in one of her movements, she exposed the face of the mysterious subject. The hood was lifted and, extraordinarily, the face of both realities coincided. Hachiman's consternation reached another level. His words and reasoning interject and run over at every instant.

—So, we meet again, Bodhisattva-san. I didn't expect you to follow me here. Did General-san also come?

—I... I'm afraid I haven't seen him... Shadow-chan...

—Only you would be able to call me that after an exchange of blows.

—It wouldn't be so different from the past, even though you didn't sweep the floor with me now, sick from training.

With a taste in his mouth, possibly the iron in his blood, Hachiman realized that there was still hope. Although his answer took a while to come, due to the surprise; his situation had clearly taken an unexpected turn.

═══════ ≪ •❈• ≫ ═══════

—Princess Iris, again, why am I your practice partner? Do you enjoy abusing a mere second-year student? Isn't that a bad image for a royal princess?

At such an answer, the reddish hair only managed to show a food coupon to the young man. Hachiman, as expected, did not hesitate to accept the royal generosity.