Chapter 211: Invitation and Response

“How’s Limia?”

“It is a big country. Isn’t it a major power that is fighting over the first and second place?” (Makoto)

A vague question from Senpai.

Leaving aside that I might have answered differently If she had made a more concrete question, I gave my impressions of Limia.

I have a few bad impressions of the rampant nobles, but…if I had to give a good part of it, it would be that, honestly, I don’t have much of an impression.

“Fufufu, a major power huh. That’s true. But you see, in truth, the major power that you and I imagine are quite different. It is also a half-hearted country.” (Hibiki)

“Half-hearted?” (Makoto)

I don’t think a major power can be half-hearted.

It is a major power because many people live there, right?

In that case, it wouldn’t be able to function as a country without a superior system supporting it.

“For example, the population, Makoto-kun, how much do you think is the population of Limia?” (Hibiki)

P-Population?

This is a topic I have not cared at all for since coming to this world.

“…The territory of Limia is wide, so maybe around the ten millions or hundred millions?” (Makoto)

Looking at its territory only, I don’t think it would be strange for them to have at least this much.

“The correct answer is: I don’t know.” (Hibiki)

“Hah?”

What’s with that?

Isn’t that cheating?

“In this world, there’s practically no country –including Limia– that has a clear grasp of their population. From what I know, the only one that has a grasp on it is Tsige. Moreover, the ones in possession of the information were not government officials of the country, but a single company.” (Hibiki)

Seriously?

One company?

…I feel like there’s only one who fits the bill.

I wonder if he has a grasp on the population even in the current sudden increases it is having, Rembrandt-san.

“It is most likely difficult…probably.” (Makoto)

A grasp on the number of people…inhabitant’s ballot, no, a census huh.

Wait, it should have existed in Japan since quite a long time ago though…

In other words, it shouldn’t be difficult?

Unless it is quite the chaotic era.

This world is currently in war, but thinking about the time in which it began in my previous world, it wouldn’t be strange for them to be able to do it.

If we are talking about a chaos that made the document burn in fire and had the minds of people agitated to the point of being unable to keep things like that in mind, it would be…the revolution at the Ounin era, maybe?

In the past, even when I investigated in my free time about that era, I couldn’t understand it well.

The enemies became allies, and even when the Heads of both powers were affiliated to the same camp, the battle continued, and by the time I noticed, it was already the Sengoku period.

I don’t think this world is in the same state.

“They don’t have the will to do so, they don’t find any reason to do it; it is just because of that. They just report about an approximate of the harvest, and from that report, they decide the tax. With a system like that, there’s little point in keeping the population number in check.” (Hibiki)

“I-I see.” (Makoto)

They decide the tax by the land huh.

It is certainly true that by doing that, they are able to leave the rest to the nobles.

I feel like they are just pushing all the responsibility away though, but if the income is properly coming in, it doesn’t seem to be a problem.

“But if a country is thinking about obtaining power, it is a topic that can’t be ignored. And in truth, I would say that Limia’s population is around 50 million to 70 million, but the tax yields are only around half of that number. So it is like they can avoid tax as much as they want.” (Hibiki)

“Half… The remaining would be embezzlement huh.” (Makoto)

Limia is practically a despotism of nobles after all.

“Yeah. I am sorry about asking for a consent after the fact, but we are currently utilizing your help in order to improve this part.” (Hibiki)

“Me?” (Makoto)

Did I do something?

“It was a real help. Thanks.” (Hibiki)

“No well, I don’t have much awareness of this, but if I was of help…that’s great. Or more like, Senpai, you are even doing things like improvements?” (Makoto)

I feel like this has to do with the very foundations of the country.

“Improvement is a special skill from Japan after all. There’s no way I wouldn’t use it just because I am in a parallel world, right? I brought out the topic of population as an example, but there’s a lot of things that can be changed in this world for the better.” (Hibiki)

Isn’t that saying too much?

Improvement isn’t something only Japan does, it is done in the whole planet Earth.

“Well it is not like it shouldn’t be used but…it seems like you are putting a lot of zeal into this country.” (Makoto)

“…This is the country I have been summoned in.” (Hibiki)

“I know that.” (Makoto)

“It is the country where I know the most people, and the country where the most people know of me. It is the country that has placed their expectations on me. Isn’t it a matter of course that I think deeply of it?” (Hibiki)

“Sorry.” (Makoto)

I felt like I was being criticized, so I ended up apologizing.

Well, I also think deeply of Asora, so it should be about the same.

If it’s that, I feel like I can understand.

Different from Asora, Limia is connected by land with other countries and if there’s enemies, they can get attacked though.

“…I want you to like this country as well. Is it…difficult to desire that?” (Hibiki)

The eyes of Senpai were dyed in seriousness.

“Makoto-kun, this world and the Goddess, it is certainly true that it is very different from the common sense of our original world. There’s definitely things that you can’t just accept and things that are unreasonable.” (Hibiki)

“…”

“I know that you don’t hold positive feelings towards the Goddess. At this occasion, I won’t tell you to throw those away. Just that, for the sake of finishing this long war… can’t you please lend us your strength? Of course, I won’t be telling you to learn of war either. It is fine to supply us with goods at a suitable price.” (Hibiki)

“…”

So she is telling me to supply the goods of Limia huh.

If it’s to lend strength to Senpai only, it would be a different case, but if I were to cooperate in supplying the goods in order to finish the war, it would mean that I have taken the side of hyumans.

Meaning that, even if it’s indirectly, I am participating in the war.

Yeah, can’t do.

There’s no choice but to refuse.

“…How about it?” (Hibiki)

“Sorry, I can’t. If it’s just selling things to Senpai personally, I wouldn’t mind though.” (Makoto)

“I see. So you won’t be cooperating ‘for the sake of putting an end to the war’ huh.” (Hibiki)

…Ah.

Even I could tell that Senpai emphasized the words at the latter half.

So they are already suspecting that I have a connection with the demon race huh.

They don’t have any positive proof of it, so they can’t ask about this crime though.

“I’m thinking on opening the doors of Kuzunoha Company to all that need it. Please let me cooperate in the sense of neutrality.” (Makoto)

“You see, Makoto-kun…I don’t think that all the actions of the Goddess are correct.” (Hibiki)

“?!!”

Senpai?!

No wait, isn’t that something a hero shouldn’t say?!

“She is not the ‘God’ that we think of. She has a personality, and individuality. I have not heard of the existence of other Gods in this world aside from her, so it shouldn’t be wrong to say that she is the only God though.” (Hibiki)

“…”

That’s right. There’s no way I would accept something like that as a God.

The God that Senpai is talking about is probably the almighty one.

That kind of God, I have not met one either.

But…I do think that there’s no way it is okay to leave that Goddess do as she pleases.

“The existence that manages and watches over this world. The Gods that exist are probably people that do these kind of jobs. Honestly, even now, I still think that she is a woman with problems in her personality.” (Hibiki)

“Senpai…” (Makoto)

“But Makoto-kun, no matter the existence she is, she lives in a different place from us, in other words, an existence that has nothing to do with us, you know? Even for us, the day we met that night was the last. Until then, I didn’t believe in the existence of God. In other words, isn’t she only an existence that we met in a mere instant of our short lives?” (Hibiki)

“…”

“What will you do by maintaining that feeling of defeat inside of you? It is like having complains about the laws and phenomenons that naturally exist in the world. Isn’t it pointless?” (Hibiki)

“Why did Senpai…?” (Makoto)

“Eh?” (Hibiki)

“Why did Senpai come to this world? Even though you had a life of success secured over there.” (Makoto)

I don’t understand at all.

“You want to know the reason why I came to this world?” (Hibiki)

“Yeah.” (Makoto)

“You are interested in the reason of why someone like me, who shouldn’t have any relation to this world to begin with, would come to this world?” (Hibiki)

“!”

Does Senpai know?

The fact that the two being summoned was the fault of me and my parents.

“…Because I thought it was interesting.” (Hibiki)

“That’s the main reason?” (Makoto)

“Well, it is not like I don’t hold any feelings of wanting to return to my life in Japan. However, at that time, at that instant, I certainly did feel that being in a parallel world was appealing. That’s why I am here. In the end, the whole reason I am here is because of the feelings of that instant. From then, I created connections in this world more and more, and I can no longer separate from it so easily.” (Hibiki)

“Feelings of that instant.” (Makoto)

So Senpai currently doesn’t have intentions of going back then.

I can sense that from her.

Even though she said she wanted to return a bit, I couldn’t feel a single trace of homesickness from Senpai’s words.

“The Empire’s Tomoki must be the same. Well, if the Goddess had asked him the previous day or the day after, his answer might have differed. There’s plenty possibility that different heroes would be summoned, and he and I would currently be living a peaceful life in Japan.” (Hibiki)

“…”

Right.

At that day, in just that instant, the two decided to become heroes.

A decision is a decision.

But if we were to call it a thoroughly thought decision, as expected, that wouldn’t be the case.

“It is not like I am blaming Makoto-kun. Don’t make that face. Let me advance the topic. In this world, the interference of God is not something definite or anything like that. This world will most likely change more and more. If we can finish the war soon and calm down the quarrel between hyumans and demons, we would be able to use that much time in changing the world.” (Hibiki)

“Change…the world?” (Makoto)

“That’s right. It can’t be done easily, but I think it is possible to create a society where hyumans and demi-humans don’t discriminate each other.” (Hibiki)

Reforming the very thinking of hyumans then?

But as long as the foundation of that thinking lies in the teachings of the goddess, I think it is impossible.

Even in the teachings of the Spirits, they are told that demi-humans are existences below hyumans, you know?

“Even if you are a hero, isn’t that way too idealistic? This is a world where a big number of hyumans follow a religion that goes against that very ideal of yours.” (Makoto)

“Isn’t Makoto-kun showing that possibility yourself? In Rotsgard and Tsige. It is possible to wake up the hyuman society as a whole with those actions, right? I don’t think the Goddess would be able to forcefully amend the people that want to change themselves. I have investigated decades of activities from her, but she herself is docile and simply has a deep affection for beautiful hyumans, and she doesn’t punish hyumans that hold a different way of thinking from what she wills. At least in public it is known in that way.” (Hibiki)

So Senpai is trying to change the Goddess’ world from the inside?

But if that’s the case, her thinking should be close to mine, and yet, why is it that I feel like Senpai is so far away?

“In that case, Senpai, even if the Goddess doesn’t exist anymore in this world, for example; even if a different God were to take her place, you wouldn’t mind, right?” (Makoto)

Well, even if I say a different God, I don’t have a specific God in mind though.

I am just saying and see how she reacts.

But if Senpai does think that way, I thought that maybe it would be possible to form a cooperative relationship with her.

If she thinks that a society where demi-humans don’t face discrimination is better, it would be possible to speak with the demons as well.

“…Even if the Goddess is gone?” (Hibiki)

“F-Figuratively speaking.” (Makoto)

In the case that I actually fight her, win, and punish her, I don’t know if the Goddess will continue managing this world as always.

In that case, I thought that since a God is gone, there would be a different God coming to fill her place.

“If it doesn’t have any effect on the world at all, I wouldn’t mind. Just that…” (Hibiki)

“Just that…?” (Makoto)

“If the Goddess is gone, the Spirits that work as her servants will be gone, and then she -the manager of this world- would be gone. Who knows what kind of effect would bring to the magic power that serves as the nucleus of this world. On top of that, the blessings and divine protection will disappear and the status of the Church will fall. There’s also the fear that the very teachings of the Goddess will be thrown away as well.” (Hibiki)

“…”

I didn’t think that far ahead.

Because I didn’t care at all about what would happen to this world after the Goddess lost her power or at worst, died.

It is fine to just bring the people that want refuge into Asora first, and in the first place, it is a world that existed even when the Goddess wasn’t there.

It seems like people like Root where there at that time, so I think that it won’t go to the point of being impossible to live in.

That’s why I didn’t think further than that.

But it seems like Senpai had thought about the things that would happen if the Goddess were to fall.

“Even if, for argument’s sake, it turns peaceful at that time, the world will instantly fall into great chaos, and there’s an incredibly high chance that hell will break loose. Especially the hyumans that had received the affection of the Goddess, there’s the chance that the other races will view them as enemies.” (Hibiki)

“It is certainly true that there’s the chance.” (Makoto)

Or more like, it will definitely turn out that way.

The blessing will be gone, so leaving aside the people that have true strength, most of the hyumans will be facing a hard time.

Also, if the common language disappears, it might turn into a mess, like the Tower of Babel.

They wouldn’t be able to create a big country like now, so the hegemony of the world will probably be changed to another race.

“If you are saying you have a method that will not show a single effect like that to the world, I don’t mind.” (Hibiki)

“Then if there’s an effect like what Senpai has stated?” (Makoto)

“Even if it costs me my life, I will go against it.” (Hibiki)

“…Even if it costs you your life?” (Makoto)

“If there’s someone planning something like that, it would be the same as the demon race; a world-class terrorist. Ruthlessly cornering the people that are living in peace and taking away their lives. It is enough to call it pure evil. The ones facing the most damage would be the hyumans, but the demi-humans will also be involved with no exception.” (Hibiki)

“Terrorist. The demons are a different race, they possess a country, and are opponents that you are fighting in war. Even though you are doing war with them, you call them in that way. Aren’t you a bit too prejudiced?” (Makoto)

Terrorist is a word I didn’t expect.

To call the war with the demons terrorism…

“Yeah. It is like a war brought by the minority that knew that no matter what they tried, they wouldn’t be able to reign supreme against the majority. That’s probably why the Goddess got impatient and called the heroes.” (Hibiki)

“The demon race is the minority?” (Makoto)

I imagine the conflicts and invasions of places like Russia and China.

I remember the words of Zef.

If I remember correctly, he said that the demon race population is at most 1 million or 1.5 million.

If Limia has several millions just like Senpai said, the hyuman population is most likely more than 4 times that.

They are called the four major powers, so I was expecting that though.

So if it’s 50 million, then 200 million?

Two hundred million against a few millions.

If the other demi-humans are added to the equation, would it turn into the ten millions?

The demon race units are originally composed by mixed races.

No, even with that, it would still be an incredibly low number compared to hyumans.

Whichever the case, this is not on the level of war.

Just like Senpai said, this is on the level of a small insurrection.

Even if we take into account that this world counts more the quality than the quantity, it is honestly incredible that the demon race is putting up a good fight.

“If the demon race request of it, it would bring the denial of the Goddess and her retribution…Well, it wouldn’t go so far, but they should at least be able to seek a better treatment. What they are doing is denying the very social system of this world they have been living in.” (Hibiki)

“They could have gone into extinction if they hadn’t done that.” (Makoto)

“You really take the side of demons here.” (Hibiki)

“I have seen something that made me realize just how severe the Goddess’ discrimination was, after all. Then, the actions of the demon race were brought by the need of surviving.” (Makoto)

“Yeah, their raising of an army in this occasion was probably something unavoidable.” (Hibiki)

“Then—!” (Makoto)

“That means it is already too late. They had to do something before it turned out that way. To better that scorned environment they had even if for a bit, they should have tried to make the hyumans accept them. With a method aside from taking arms, that is.” (Hibiki)

No way, that’s asking for too much.

Regarding the demon race, it was practically as if the Goddess made the first move telling them to go away and cornered them.  

“Isn’t that just asking for too much?” (Makoto)

“I have taken a look at the history of demons and hyumans. Of course, this was from the historical records of hyumans, so there’s most likely bias there though. Just that, there haven’t been much events where the demons have acted in a positive way towards hyumans. And within those small number of people, there’s not a single one that has continued for long.” (Hibiki)

“History. The history between hyumans and demons.” (Makoto)

I only know rough details of it.

“For the demons, hyumans are an overwhelming majority, moreover, it is collected in a single religion, it is also an opponent that has better individual battle power, you know? From the beginning, the choice of fighting was not something sane.” (Hibiki)

“…Right.” (Makoto)

Because of the blessing of the Goddess, the demon race was also being overpowered by hyumans in the magic power side as well, so there was no good part in it.

The more I think about it, the more impressed I am by the demons being able to put up a good fight against the hyumans.

Well, it is not like they have been doing war forever. They were mostly enduring the discrimination and oppression.

“But the demons fought with the hyumans several times, lost, and still, they haven’t changed their way of dealing with things.” (Hibiki)

“…”

“They should have had several opportunities to. The chance to enter within hyumans just like the demi-humans.” (Hibiki)

“Eh?” (Makoto)

“If it were me, that’s what I would do. If it’s a big opponent and I am unable to do anything about it with our power, I would join them and change them from the inside. I would create an opportunity to enter, and then, manage something from there. Isn’t that one of the few choices that the minority has in order to survive?” (Hibiki)

“Are you saying that they should live amidst hyumans as slaves?” (Makoto)

“…Even if it’s a starting line from a slave position, it is possible to crawl their way up. But they took arms to the very end. I don’t have the intention of wiping them all out, but if we don’t corner them to that very limit to show an example, no one would be able to accept it. At the very least, we would have to eliminate the people that are managing their country, their army, and the ones cooperating with them; every one of them.” (Hibiki)

“Accept it, you say. Isn’t that also because of the warped teachings of the Goddess?” (Makoto)

If only she hadn’t tainted this world with her stupid teachings, this wouldn’t have turned out this way.

The existence of that Goddess is the main reason for this problem, so they probably have to confront her at some point in time.

In that case, even if it will somewhat trouble the people that are currently living, isn’t it a lot better to just eliminate that Goddess that has spread this strange way of thinking?

“The warped teachings of the Goddess huh. But that is the religion that all the world follows, you know. Isn’t that the same as having an overwhelming minority taking arms?” (Hibiki)

“Then you are saying that they should resign to their fate? That the teachings of the Goddess can’t be helped, and it also can’t be helped that the demon race is rendered impossible to stand back up? That because they didn’t conform with those conditions quickly and become slaves for the sake of surviving, it can’t be helped that they are receiving a worse treatment than that? Is that what you think, Senpai?” (Makoto)

I am kind of pissed here.

No matter who, if they are being oppressed, they would want to make a complain or two.

To expect those kind of people to calmly look at the situation, think of the future, and find a good way for the race to survive, something like that…who would be able to blame them for being unable to do that?

To be able to act composedly no matter when, that’s not something that anyone could do.

Thinking that way, I unconsciously spoke to Senpai in a harsh tone.

“That’s right.” (Hibiki)

“!!”

It is not like I thought Senpai would make a troubled expression…but I thought she would at least show hesitation.

The instant answer of Senpai blocked my words.

“I said this just a few moments ago but, the demon race and the hyumans are already in a situation where it is already too late. Without a closure for this war, neither of the races will be able to advance. That’s how much hatred is gathered between both sides. Of course, I who has been fighting alongside Limia, am no exception. The Goddess’ teachings, their dependence to her, the discrimination towards demi-humans; all these problems are problems that can only be dealt with after this war is over. This one point is impossible to move or change anymore. No one is able to.” (Hibiki)

“No one…” (Makoto)

Is that true?

If it is the Kuzunoha Company that has a connection with both, wouldn’t it be able to work out somehow?

…No.

Before that, wouldn’t things change a lot if I just had that Bug reflect?

“No one. Even for Makoto, that’s impossible. The hyumans that had their family taken away by demons had their hatred grow inside of themselves, and that hatred becomes the fangs that point towards them. It is the same for the demons that had their family taken away by hyumans. This chain of losses….can’t be erased.” (Hibiki)

Senpai made a pained expression for an instant.

The current Senpai is as cold as ice, and she is speaking with an indifferent expression, so that one instant remained in my mind.

Memories can’t be erased huh.

Rotsgard has become a lot easier to live in, but it is certainly true that it would be hard to erase that memory.

The more there are, the higher the amount of deaths there will be after all.

“Hatred and sadness. It is not something that easily disappears. I…can understand that.” (Makoto)

As I thought, I should do something quick about that Goddess.

Senpai seems to be worried about the later, but in the end, if the Goddess remains, the current state of things won’t change.

I will have to revise my attitude towards Bug.

“The demons who are the minority, are going against the overwhelming majority which are the hyumans, and the Goddess. This revolution that terrorists have raised which the majority of the people in this world didn’t wish for, this madness of a war, I will end it as soon as possible. Makoto-kun, I will say it again. Lend us your power, please.” (Hibiki)

Senpai lowers her head deeply.

But my thoughts won’t change.

Actually, I think that Senpai is over-thinking this in a way too realistic of a manner.

In this world that the Goddess does whatever she wants, I don’t feel like they would be able to change their sense of worth even if they took their time trying.

“…Senpai, I will say it again as well. I refuse.” (Makoto)

“Let me say this frankly, the stance that you Kuzunoha Company are taking can bring advantage to the demon race. The act of providing goods to both sides in a war, is an act of a merchant asking for a death sentence, you know? Is the Kuzunoha Company wishing for war and looking to gain profit from it?” (Hibiki)

“No. I also think that it would be better if the war didn’t exist. Just that, I think that the whole reason for this is that Goddess, and if only we could make her change her way of thinking, there would be as many methods born from it.” (Makoto)

“What do you mean? Even if the Goddess is the cause, what does Makoto-kun plan on doing?” (Hibiki)

“It is not wrong that the policy of the Kuzunoha Company is to welcome anyone that needs it, but…I personally think it would be better to drag down that Goddess once.” (Makoto)

“Drag down the Goddess…” (Hibiki)

Senpai makes a short mutter and turned speechless.

“It is certainly true that the world will fall into a temporal chaos, and it might put a limit to the magic that magicians can use. It might turn into an End of the Century situation between hyumans and demi-humans, but even with that, I think that the best plan is to kick that woman out from the God position she has been lying on.” (Makoto)

“…How?” (Hibiki)

“Well, by force.” (Makoto)

“By force, you say. The opponent is a God you know? Even if, for argument’s sake, you were to overpower her, would you be able to substitute for her?!” (Hibiki)

“Overpower? I don’t know about that, but I don’t intend to become the replacement of her.” (Makoto)

“Then you will simply eliminate a God?” (Hibiki)

Senpai held her head and shook it aimlessly.

No no no, I don’t plan on eliminating her.

I was thinking that it would be fine to just leave her a bit further from half-dead.

I am still alive after all, and the reason why I met with Tomoe and the others was in part because of that Bug.

“No well, she is not the only God out there, so as we do our stuff, a substitute will come, probably.” (Makoto)

“…You speak as if you have met other Gods. Well, I have been brought to a strange place with a shady individual though.” (Hibiki)

“How to say it, I have met with a God-sama that seems to be an acquaintance of that Goddess.” (Makoto)

“…That’s why you are saying that you will be changing that Goddess’ way of thinking by force? Without thinking at all about the repercussions that it can cause.” (Hibiki)

“If something happens, we can just take refuge until things settle down.” (Makoto)

“You are really indifferent at the crisis of hyumans. You don’t discriminate demi-humans, but you discriminate hyumans huh.” (Hibiki)

?!!

No no!

I am not discriminating hyumans.

“I am not discriminating demi-humans or hyumans.” (Makoto)

“…You are seriously saying that. Then this is serious.” (Hibiki)

“What do you mean?” (Makoto)

“From Makoto-kun’s speech and conduct, you are flickering your thoughts that it can’t be helped since the hyumans have done whatever they wanted along with the Goddess.” (Hibiki)

“Well, it is true that the hyumans have done whatever they wanted for so long, right?” (Makoto)

That’s not discrimination, it is the truth.

“Yeah, but to give a cold reception because of that, isn’t that considered discrimination?” (Hibiki)

“Hyumans are the strong ones that overwhelm this world with their numbers. Why would the word discrimination apply for them?” (Makoto)

Isn’t discrimination something done by society’s strong ones over the weak ones?

“And so what?” (Hibiki)

“Eh?”

“Are you saying that even if someone were to discriminate rulers, it wouldn’t be considered discrimination? The gazes that the hyumans direct towards demi-humans is peculiar, but have you noticed? Makoto-kun, at times, you have directed those kind of gazes towards hyumans. Even here, and at Rotsgard as well.” (Hibiki)

“Ugh…” (Makoto)

If she brings out gazes, I can’t say I am conscious of it.

But if I am asked if it is okay to show discriminating actions towards the strong, I would say it is not.

“Hey Makoto-kun, in the structure of this world, you and I are considered outsiders, right? In that case, not taking into account the past history and coming in contact with the hyumans and demi-humans in equal grounds, isn’t that how a person that doesn’t discriminate would act? If there’s a person that’s troubled in front of you, shouldn’t you be stretching out your hand no matter the way that person has been living until now and their social standing? For hyumans, they have done whatever they have wanted, so they should suck it up; for demi-humans, they are pitiful, so help them. Isn’t that what you would call discrimination towards hyumans?” (Hibiki)

“But the hyumans have been utilizing the demi-humans as their servants, and they have been living shouldering this. In the first place, there’s no way I would be able to look at them with eyes like those of a Saint.” (Makoto)

“That’s why. You end up thinking that way because you are thinking with our common sense. This is not Japan, this is a parallel world. In the common sense of this world, hyumans and demi-humans are this way. In the first place, the demon race has picked a fight against that common sense and have brought about a war, you know?” (Hibiki)

“…That’s a mistaken common sense.” (Makoto)

“As a Japanese, that is. Your basis for your cold reception towards hyumans is something that’s natural common sense, and most people would not understand being criticized for it. Even in hyumans, when in situations between other hyumans, where you take out the attitude towards demi-humans and their attachment to beauty, they are people that properly hate discrimination.” (Hibiki)

“Even if you take out things that shouldn’t be taken out, it won’t make me accept it.” (Makoto)

“To change their root cognition, there’s the need for time, which would have to be after the war is over. But if there’s Makoto-kun who wants to do that by force against the Goddess, it would all end up crumbling.” (Hibiki)

“Not really. I might lose, and it is okay for Senpai to just continue doing war. I will be moving with my own thoughts. Even if it’s Senpai, I won’t be affirming everything you say and obeying it.” (Makoto)

“If you were to lose, that would be…” (Hibiki)

Senpai places both arms on the handrail and bends her body.

“…There’s plenty chance for it to happen. Even if she is like that, she is still a God after all.” (Makoto)

Words leaked out from Senpai who had her face hidden, a mutter of expectation for me to lose.

From the conversation until now, I could tell that it would be a pleasant development for her.

I am slightly shocked, but it can’t be helped.

Senpai seems to be entirely against the idea of me fighting the Goddess after all.

Even so, I am practically not thinking about the effects that will bring forth to the world like Senpai said.

I refuse managing a world like this, and I don’t want to become a God either.

Instead of arranging such pointless things, it is much more important to find a method to return to my original world with Tomoe and the others while being able to go back and forth to Asora.

“I can’t imagine you losing.” (Hibiki)

As if resenting me, Senpai turned a sulking face towards me.

“W-Well, thanks.” (Makoto)

“Things like being too far away, the scale being too much, or the numbers being way too many; I know that I can’t do anything about those, but this is the first time I have felt that no matter what I do, I won’t be able to surpass an individual. Even if I went at full power in my current self.” (Hibiki)

The full power of the current Senpai huh.

As I thought, maybe she has obtained some power like that of Sakai.

Even if that’s not the case, there’s definitely something.

“No well, Senpai was also strong, you know. It was like ‘as expected of a hero’.” (Makoto)

“Even though you were not serious at all. Heh~, then, between me and the Demon Lord, who is stronger?” (Hibiki)

“…If I were to fight the Demon Lord, I would be able to answer you.” (Makoto)

“Then, what about Io, White One?” (Hibiki)

“…With that strong attack power, maybe you can win against Io?” (Makoto)

To fight with that person, it would depend on how well you can surpass that regeneration power of his after all.

But if you were to try and go until he is unable to regenerate, it would turn into an incredible endurance battle.

I think there would be the need to finish the fight in one go.

Senpai has faced painful experiences with him, right?

If I remember correctly, she has close to a terrible affinity against him.

But if it’s the current Senpai, she might be able to defeat him.

Thinking about it that way, she is a dangerous one.

Because that means she is stronger than that scary-looking giant.

“Receiving the input of the White One, I feel my confidence strengthening. That guy…is someone I have to win against no matter what, after all.” (Hibiki)

“I see.” (Makoto)

After meeting several times in the battlefield, something like destiny is born, maybe.

I don’t have much of those.

Aside from that Goddess.

“Hm.”

Senpai releases the handrail, and stretches her body upright.

Maybe because of her experience in kendo, Senpai’s posture is good.

“So that means Kuzunoha Company and Raidou are the allies of everyone in trouble, right? Okay, I got it.” (Hibiki)

“Hah?” (Makoto)

I-Is that okay?

That helps me out though.

No matter how much she asks me to cooperate with Limia, I won’t be nodding after all.

“On top of that, I have learned that you are a troublesome person that is fully antagonistic towards the Goddess. Well, about that, I will keep it a secret for you though.” (Hibiki)

“…Thanks.” (Makoto)

“The Goddess probably hasn’t heard of it either after all. With the capital having been raided, leaving aside the blessing and divine protection, there has been practically no reaction from her. What she is thinking is a mystery.” (Hibiki)

No reaction?

In other words, she hasn’t answered the calls of the Church or the heroes?

The attack to the capital…I see, it is around the time when that Goddess met with those Gods.

Did they make some sort of agreement that’s making her unable to move?

I have not been told the details of it, so…

“We have done a strange talk as well, but yeah. Tentatively speaking, I would like to eliminate the influence and distortion of the Goddess, and having you know that is plenty enough for today.” (Hibiki)

“It sounds like you feel it will be in a pretty far future though.” (Makoto)

A long time after we die, that is.

Maybe that’s why I felt Senpai so distant.

The objectives that Senpai shoulders are not things that she always tries to resolve herself.

She resolves them bit by bit, and if it isn’t possible with her, she places that job to the future generation.

“We are a race that can transfer their feelings, you know. By doing that, we are able to turn time into our allies as well. Trying to do everything by yourself in your own era can bring about pointless pain and can distort your objective.” (Hibiki)

“What you have decided to do yourself should be accomplished by oneself. I think that’s something splendid. Time can fade memories, and there’s no assurance that the next generation will hold the same feelings as you after all.” (Makoto)

“So you won’t think about moving as a whole…you won’t believe in this world’s society as you act huh.” (Hibiki)

“Just like how Senpai taught me, in my foundation, there’s most likely some discriminating feelings towards hyumans. I think that’s what it means to understand the words, but being unable to accept it. Even if Senpai tells me to believe in their change, I just can’t. Sorry.” (Makoto)

“…It isn’t something that can be immediately eliminated right after understanding it. It isn’t something you need to apologize for either. From now on, I will be counting on you as a customer of yours, Makoto-kun.” (Hibiki)

“Yes…here as well.” (Makoto)

We look close, but Senpai and I are distant.

I didn’t want to know of it, but I ended up knowing it.

This is different from the disgust I felt towards Tomoki, like a disparity of not wanting something like this to happen.

Senpai accepts the current world of that Goddess.

On top of that, she is trying to tell the world about this sense of discomfort and trying to change it slowly.

She is aware that it will take an enormous amount of time.

Without caring about those kind of things, I am thinking that it is natural for me to want to have the Goddess reflect as soon as possible and have the hyumans and demi-humans enter an equal relationship.

Without caring about how much or how many consequences it might bring.

From this world and this Goddess’ perspective…I probably do look like a fiendish terrorist…

Even so, if I can simply find a method to return to my world in a desirable way, I think I would act.

For the sake of fighting once with the Goddess.

I wonder, if that time comes, will I end up fighting Senpai?

I don’t think a fight against that person and me will come to a conclusion, but if possible, I would want to avoid having Senpai point a sword at me.

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View Comments

  • Thanks for the chapter. Man, Hibiki trying to convince Makoto was kind of disappointing. Makoto had the right idea, the main problem of that world is the Goddess. Hibiki will not trying to confront the main problem because she is scared and she is trying to take the easy way out. But I like how she point the idea in Makoto about what will happen if he defeats the Goddess. Now Makoto might find some form of a solution to deal with this when the time comes. The author did good job on this chapter.

    • I think Makoto's "let's kill the Goddess and not worry about the consequences" is an easier way than Hibiki's.

      Hibiki's plan will take the rest of her life, it will involve constant battles until the demons are defeated followed by years of convinces humans to be more open-minded towards humans.

      Makoto's plan will probably take at most a couple of years, he just needs to figure out how to bring to fight to the Goddess. And then it will end in a single life-or-death battle. And then he's planning to abandon the world entirely, either living in Earth or Asora.

    • Yeah. I'm really happy with this chapter.

      The author is taking the idea of "fighting a world's god" pretty sensibly and the characters agonizing over the matter is delicious. They both need to think about this more. Hibiki already acknowledges that Makoto can probably really beat the goddess, so she needs to get used to that idea as an option. Makoto, on the other hand, should start thinking about the consequences of doing so a little more.

      • This whole thing fighting a God at the end kind of reminds of the Star Ocean game series.

    • See, everyone keeps saying Hibiki is taking the "easy" way out.

      The problem is that there is no "easy" or "hard" way for Hibiki. She CAN'T beat Bug.

      Makoto's solution can only be done by Makoto.

      • @blue
        ...you can have peace despite not being tired of fighting...if you're reasonable at least. and how can you say neither side wants peace? that's the goal. hyumans want to live peacefully as the superior species...change that way of thinking by cutting out the superior part or redefining it with good and forgiving morals then you've got want for peace. demons/demihumans want to live peacefully in a not barren wasteland and not be treated like 2nd rate trash....that's not exactly hard to give unless you're an asshole right? take out the arrogance from the hyumans. take out the need for survival for the demons. oh look what we have, a pointless grudge war that maybe they can stop now if one of them sincerely backs down and the other follows?

        @pyschronia
        haha it's easy because he's lucky he has an easy powerup method with very competent friends/subordinates. telling off god is usually not the 'easy' choice. i dont know about you but going for the root problem of the bug is still better than half-assed change from slaughtering the demons to enslaving them after kicking their ass back to snowland and see if that changes later on. note that she actually makes no effort to this and only claims this to makoto seeing as she needs to convince him.

        @archus
        why wouldn't it be? like you admitted, peace negotiations when one side is already overwhelming the other can't possibly be satisfying for both sides, due to unfair terms as well as more grudges.
        the war is still pretty much in balance with great losses on the hyuman side due to hyuman stupidity and great losses on demon side due to makoto...
        what's important when thinking of the best scenario isn't that who should win but how no one should lose. the demons proposing peace feeds hyuman ego and discrimination, as well as be seen as trying to chicken out and quitting while in the lead to keep their gains.
        the hyumans think they lost because the goddess slept, recently they're getting some confidence back by standing on their own and developing proper military thinking ...somewhat...but still without the goddess' help and in such a short amount of time so it's still commendable. now, the goddess came back so they're really expecting to win this easily. then they keep getting shown that even with the goddess' help they still can get their asses kicked. this should have knocked some sense into them that they should not have such superior race thinking.
        however, they still have a much higher probability of winning in the end so it has to come from the hyuman side which can be seen as sincerely acknowledging the demons. and now is the perfect time for it, especially before the war gets worse again. the previous losses can still be taken as the tuition fee for such a long due lesson in humility. makoto has helped greatly in this by curbing the damage to the civilians and hyuman leadership in rotsgard but anymore will definitely be a tragedy. if the war front is pushed further on either side, the chance of a satisfying(or at least bearable) peace for both sides decreases drastically.

      • There are not justifications to start it from Hyuman's side for now since they are still winning. If they want a peace negotiation now, the demons needs to start the process and under hyuman's terms. Tbh, they will have alot more leverage if they start it now since they still some spare powers rather than after beaten black-and-blue by hyumans which in that case, its not peace negotiation anymore, its surrender

      • To have "peace negotiations," BOTH sides need to at least be tired of fighting.

        Neither side wants peace.

      • To begin with, even for Makoto, the "F*ck it. Kill the god!" option is kinda the easy way, isn't it? How many times have people wanted characters to act without restraint like that?

        Figuring out the best solution, establishing a system for the world to function under...that sounds like a pretty hard way too.

      • it is somewhat of the easy way out though XD of course easiest is the current tomoki way of fuck everything...literally. but while she is supposedly trying to change hyuman society for the better, she's half-assing it on behalf of the non-hyumans. she doesn't want to deal with peace negotiations unless it's after a thorough beatdown of the demons. she reinforces people's beliefs in hyuman supremacy and stubbornness about it by not speaking up about it. she thinks the demons are doomed now that the goddess is awake and even summoned heroes. she thinks her victory in WAR is difficult but is inevitable. she doesn't take a step back and think maybe the war can end right now...if the hyumans sue for peace. the demons wont certainly do it, they fought for survival, surrender is death. it's the hyumans that should make the first approach for peace, and rather than see the recent heavy blows as fuel for anger and revenge...see it as proof...that the demons are doing great in this war despite their so called inferiority and disadvantages...that maybe...they shouldn't be looked down on so much? she's smart, she should've known the biggest weakness of the demon's will in this war is to not corner them, but she still chose the less troublesome way of just beating the enemy.

  • Man. I'm not sure whether to praise the author or praise the readers, but the topics of this chapter seem to heavily overlap with the discussions we've been having.

    Gradually and surely, Makoto and Hibiki and following the path of logic we've laid out for them respectively and now they're on a slight collision course. It's slightly predictable, but I'm really glad they're letting this conversation run its course. Both sides are compelled to reflect on ideas they hadn't noticed before, and it's a necessary process for whatever comes next.

    • no he isn't going to join the war between hyumans and demons.. he'll start preparing for one with the goddes

  • HAH! Hibiki's chat that was meant to get Makoto as more tolerant towards the society of the world has ended up hardening his resolve to change the world from its roots if given the chance. In addition, even if he finds a way home (with some conditions as he still wishes to have his followers and Asora), he won't go quietly like Waterfall would wish but will instead immediately go after the Goddess as he has a safety net of his original world to rely on. It is ironic that him finding a way home may potentially accelerate his confrontation with the Goddess instead of averting it entirely as Hibiki and Waterfall would hope for.

      • @Kortodo
        I didn't think of it that way but yeah I think you are correct.

        I guess the dragon wanted Hibiki to seduce him or something. Though as Lime said, there's no chance of that happening between the two of them.

      • Well, in this case I think it's Hibiki who ruined Waterfall's plans.

        That dragon, a being that is officially seen as a guardian of Limia, and someone Hibiki knows she probably wouldn't be able to beat, has tried really hard to make Hibiki understand how dangerous Makoto is, and that the best thing they can do is not get him involved in the conflict at all.

        Besides Waterfall, there was also Tomoe (to some extent) and even Mio herself (while revealing her true identity) who warned Hibiki to play nice. Even Chiya-chan, the one existence in this world that can be said to be the closest to Hibiki, told her in no uncertain terms how scary Makoto is.

        What does Hibiki do? She decides she knows better than everyone else and tries to convince Makoto that her views are the correct ones, that he's wrong and he should just go along with her, or else (implied).

        What Waterfall wanted, was that no one even mentions anything in Makoto's presence that could remind him of the conflict between Hyumans and Demons. She wanted Hibiki to distract Makoto with trivial stuff that has absolutely nothing to do with the conflict. Make him happy and focused on trivial stuff.

        We've known pretty much from the beginning that Tomoki is trash. But in my opinion, until this chapter, I still wasn't entirely certain about Hibiki. She was a like a pendulum, swinging from one side to the other, but in this chapter my opinion of her has solidified, and it is bad.

        • My feelings with Hibiki were always that she meant well, but there was something inherently...off about her.

          It's kind of like interacting with an eldritch-influenced town. Things seemed alright and if you described it to someone out of context, no one would see what was wrong. But...yeah. We finally get to see the real problems with her here.

    • Hibiki is already charmed by the hyumans. Also Hibiki still have a hard feeling for the demons due to the death of her Companions

  • oh well, makoto show that is not so stupid like i tought. and hibiki is the same bitch same bitch.
    thx reigo!!!!

  • so hibiki doesn't like makoto to discriminate the hymans but she discriminate the demi-hymans? is like defend a bully instead of a bullied

    • Well, makoto doesnt discriminate so human discrimination is wrong.
      But hibiki supports limia kingdom so anything is correct.
      The only way to judge these ppl r from their own concepts (or whatever it is idk. bad english) since everyone is right

      Kind of right.
      Bug just picked a favorite type of ppl
      Hyumans feels special because they are (but way too relliant.)
      Demi humans r just jelly
      The system existed way too long so ppl accept it

    • Er... what?

      Hibiki doesn't like discrimination against demi-hyumans either. She doesn't think it can be changed right away.

      Unless by demi-hyumans, you also include Demons. In which case, it's not about discrimination but that a racial war has been going on for so long, peace is hard to find.

      • In reality it couldn't be changed period with a slow burn message.

        At best, as soon as Hibiki is gone the Godess will continue spreading her teachings of discrimination.

        At worst, she can do it after Hibiki wins the war. Hibikini seems pretty desperate to be looked at as a hero, and she cold lose that standing if she disagrees with a direct message from the Godess.

      • have you seen how far bullies can go? i find it justifiable in most cases for the bullied to take revenge, and in extreme cases, to the extent of killing, IF the bully shows no remorse or attempt to change/make it up.
        she's basically like the useless teachers that pretends to understand the suffering but tells the bullied to suck it up anyway and if they fight back in any way, they punish the bullied A LOT.
        the hyumans can't be expected to show remorse if the bug exists. bug will outlive hibiki and will continue to promote discrimination. it's a waste makoto didn't enumerate the gods he met and described how great they are, especially moonbro. having lots of good gods backing you up would encourage hibiki to try better ways.
        also, she can claim she doesn't discriminate all she wants, but what she does is obviously ignoring their suffering in favor of hyumans. even for a political move, she's not doing the #1 way to help out the demihumans or demon race as a hero...HAVE ONE IN YOUR PARTY! if i was in her position and i found out makoto has connections to the demon race, i'd immediately ask him to mediate for peace. ask him if anyone on the demon's side would be willing to cooperate! if she wasn't discriminating against the demons, she'd consider that they aren't to be treated as a whole in this war and that some of them would certainly want peace.
        she's clearly delusional on her hero role...for the hyumans. not anyone else. yet she arrogantly claims she's fighting for the 'world' simply because hyumans are the majority.

        • Oh man! I totally didn't think about that! It would totally be a great method to include a race in the Hero's Party, wouldn't it?

  • Damn it Makoto, why you never show some guts, make her surrender to your will. She's clearly going against you. For all I know she's just some random person from the same place that you don't personally know.

    • I am disgusted by Hibiki's (historically abysmal chances of) 'incremental change' policy just to maintain the status quo (of which she is practically at the pinnicle of the privileged class).

      Yet I got to be equally harsh in acknowledging Makoto's weak stance in shoring up his position when the topic veered into 'replacement god'. Not just him but there at least 4 more powerful Gods condemning "Bug's" incompetence (in feeding Hyumanity's superiority hubris via 'Blessings' and 'beauty above all' doctrine). Those Gods even contemplated handing world management to some other god.

      Makoto could easily have mentioned this, point out her and Limia's near complete loss to the 'inferior minority' class had he not intervened the last 2 times, or even reveal 'Bug's ' utter rejection of him (and ask why he should bow to her policies when it was Moon-bro that picked him back up).

      • Besides, even if no god(dess) becomes a replacement for Bug, apparently, the world was doing reasonably okay even before Bug arrived.

        The way I see it, unmanaged worlds are like wilderness untouched by civilization. It can be a harsh place to live in, but not impossible, and is teeming with natural resources that anyone can use as needed, with some effort. Whereas, when gods arrive and begin to manage the world, they make it easier to live in, but at the same time, they impose rules and restrictions, and while making the natural resources easier to use, they also restrict access to them.

        • I think I would prefer it if another god came in and managed it though.

          I'm in it less for the order and more to avoid some random even worse evil god deciding to settle down on this world.

      • Yeah...I think that's more a question of, "how much should Makoto tell her?".

        There's some information to be kept secret, but...I'm not sure. Should he have just told her everything you mentioned? Is there any reason not to?

        • I think he would gain more if he told her that. I mean, the Bug already knows. Why not the Bug's heroes?

    • i actually like how he admits his choice isn't all good and has consequences. and he did show some guts, he stood by his basic beliefs pretty well. stay neutral, destroy the bad foundation of the world, help those in need. if he becomes your kind of aggressive, he'd be no different from trashmoki.

    • Well, aside from his OP power, makoto have a naive personality. From childhood he is not blessed have a weak constitute body and plain face and brain i think. Tomoki is different he is popular person that blessed by his face but unlucky coz bullying. And hibiki maybe because she is honor student and maybe have a good childhood, so maybe everyone have different standing.

      Maybe if makoto didn meet with tomoe and shiki, he just become a tool.

    • I think Makoto did a pretty good job of standing his ground here, to be honest. He firmly disagrees with Hibiki's assessment and hopes that she won't eventually actively fight him.

      ...In the same way a mob boss hopes a close family member doesn't do something that would "force" him to brutally put them down.

    • First of all he's 18 second of all he's just an average person when it come to his skill(except archery)third makoto is soft when it come to somebody who's not his enemy while that could be a problem if he's as strong as her or little bit stronger this guy is waayy more stronger than her,she cant do shit to him as of now or later if she make makoto cant live in the world makoto can just go to asora when she want to threaten asora resident some of them is wayyyy stronger than her soo what can she do?

    • Yes thats actually true but makoto is an idiot so i can't expect him to realise it. But thanks to that the 3 Gods like him and from what i heard they created something like a fan-club? This came from someone who read the jap raw of that side story.

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