WM – Chapter 228: Hero Abel can’t understand

◇Hero Abel POV◇

“I will go to the Demon Lord Castle to save Momo.” (Makoto)

That person said straight.

In such a lighthearted manner as if he were saying he was going to have a short walk. 

“Impossible! Going there alone is suicidal!” (Volkh)

“That’s right! We will go too!” (Julietta)

“You people would die. My mission would fail.” (Makoto)

““?!””

The words he said coldly made Vokh-san and Julietta-san fall silent.

(Ugh…!) 

The man, who introduced himself as Makoto and said that he received an oracle from the Sun Goddess-sama, was looking straight at me.

Why is he looking at me…?

Me, a useless Hero…

—The Demon Lord Bifrons subjugation plan a few days ago.

The strongest team with the Fire Hero as the leader.

We were confident that this time for sure we would succeed in subjugating a Demon Lord.

But…

Before we reached the Demon Lord Castle, the assault of the Demon Lord Cain and Setekh of the Demonic Eye crushed us.

More than half of the Hero alliance team was killed by Cain, and the remaining were petrified and captured by Setekh. 

At that time, the captain of the team and my master, the Fire Hero, died.

I couldn’t do anything.

I was recognized as a Hero with promise, but the confidence I had gained after defeating many demons and monsters had been crushed to pieces.

To think a Demon Lord would be…that fearsome…and how unreasonable of an existence they are…

It is impossible…

Even the Fire Hero that guided us was no match at all against Demon Lord Cain.

There’s no way we can win…

My heart broke, and even when help came, my emotions sunk like mud.

It seems like Volkh-san and Julietta-san haven’t given up, but I have already lost the energy to challenge the Demon Lord anymore.

That’s why even when attacked by the monsters that chased after us, I thought ‘whatever happens happens’.

But the result of that was…the little girl being kidnapped.

It was my fault…

At that moment, he prioritized saving me instead of Momo.

I don’t know why though…

“Then, I will go back. The 3 of you, please wait at Laberintos.” (Makoto)

He said this and was about to head through the path we came from.

All alone.

Is that okay?

Is it really okay to have him go alone?

“Please wait! I will…I will go too!” (Abel)

Those words unconsciously came out from me.

◇◇

“Uhm…are you angry, Makoto-san?” (Abel)

I nervously ask…Makoto-san.

We are currently heading back to the Demon Lord Castle.

When I said I would go with him, the indifferent expression of Makoto-san warped for the first time.

He had a clear displeased expression.

T-There’s no need to make such a face…

“I am happy for the offer, but I will go alone—” (Makoto)

Makoto-san refused without missing a beat.

“Wait wait, Makoto-kun! Volkh-san and I are vanguards, so we need our weapons and armor to get our full strength, but Abel is good at healing and support magic. I am sure he will be of use!” (Julietta)

Julietta-san followed up for me.

Volkh-san pushed the idea that all four of us should be going.

We argued for a while, but Makoto-san said ‘I want to chase after Momo fast’ and both Volkh-san and Julietta-san stepped back.

I didn’t fight much against the monsters before so I wasn’t that exhausted, and with the fact that I can use healing magic, it ended with me following Makoto-san as his support.

We went past the forest and the top of the Demon Lord Castle was now in view.

The night had passed and the view was clearer.

“Uhm, Makoto-san…” (Abel)

“…What?” (Makoto)

“No…” (Abel)

Makoto-san has been silent this whole time.

He really is angry…I think?

At that moment, a giant shadow passed by above.

“Stop.” (Makoto)

“Y-Yes!” (Abel)

Makoto-san and I hide in the shadow of a tree nearby.

The identity of the shadows in the sky were a pack of dragons.

Several tens of wyverns and a red dragon flapping its wings majestically.

That’s…

“The red dragon of Demon Lord Bifrons…” (Abel)

“The Demon Lord has returned, huh.” (Makoto)

My trembling voice was overwritten by the indifferent voice of Makoto-san.

This person doesn’t feel fear?

The pack of dragons grew smaller as they disappeared at the direction of the Demon Lord Castle.

“Let’s go.” (Makoto)

Makoto-san slowly began to walk forward.

“W-Wait please! The Demon Lord has returned. It is impossible. Saving her is already…” (Abel)

“Abel-san.” (Makoto)

Makoto-san turned around.

His eyes were clear.

No tension, anger, fear, not even a heart of justice; eyes that I couldn’t feel a single emotion from.

“You really should go back to Volkh-san and Julietta-san.” (Makoto)

“?!” 

Did he think I got cold feet there?

But everyone is scared of Demon Lords no matter who they are! 

Makoto-san continued walking to the Demon Lord Castle without saying a word.

I must go too.

He didn’t even look back.

(Does he not mind whether I am there or not…?) 

“If you are coming with me, don’t get too far away from me.” (Makoto)

“?! …Yes!” (Abel)

Even though he is not looking here.

What a mysterious person.

Even though he shows no emotions and has a cold voice, I could tell that he was worrying about me.

Different from my master and Volkh-san, his back is by no means big.

And yet, for some reason, I felt safe looking at that back.

I chased after the back of Makoto-san.

◇◇

“Let’s rest in shifts till night.” (Makoto)

“O-Okay…” (Abel)

A space of shrubs in a thicket that was dense enough for 2 people to lie down close to the Demon Lord Castle.

I thought for sure that we would jump into the Demon Lord Castle immediately, but Makoto-san said we would be waiting for night to come.

“Sleep first please.” (Makoto)

“N-No, you are tired too, right, Makoto-san? I will stay up as a lookout.” (Abel)

“…Is that so. Please tell me when 1 hour passes.” (Makoto)

Saying this, I heard his rhythmic breathing a few seconds after.

He must have been quite tired.

It is past noon now.

It certainly is way too bad of a time to infiltrate.

I watched the Demon Lord Castle spaced out, and suddenly something passed in front of me.

(Eh?!) 

It was a blue butterfly.

It had glossy transparent-like wings and was flying around Makoto-san.

“Is this…a living being made from water magic?” (Abel)

I could feel slight mana from it.

But…who?

Makoto-san should be asleep.

And then, I noticed…

Makoto-san is using magic while sleeping.

Chills ran down my back.

Wasn’t he supposed to be resting? 

No, he is unconsciously doing it.

He is always training even while sleeping.

“You…just who in the world are you?” (Abel)

He easily saved us who were captured at the Demon Lord Castle, and was trying to return all on his own to save the little girl that was captured by the Demon Lord.

He said that it was an oracle from the Sun Goddess Althena-sama.

But Althena-sama doesn’t say anything to me.

Even though the Lightning Hero Skill was something that Althena-sama granted me…

When we were on our way, I asked ‘what Hero Skill do you have?’ to Makoto-san.

Then, he gave the bizarre answer of ‘I don’t have any Hero Skill. I only have 3 elementary ranked Skills’.

That’s impossible.

No way.

I have the [Appraisal: Saint Rank] Skill.

I stealthily confirmed the Skills of Makoto-san…and it was true.

[Water Magic], [Sun Magic], [Destiny Magic] all elementary rank Skills, and also [Spirit User].

Those were all of his Battle Skills.

There’s also [Clear Mind] and…just what in the world is [RPG Player]?

It was also shocking that his physical ability is terribly low.

Also, most of all…

(He is not a believer of Althena-sama?!) 

Even though he is not a believer, he received an oracle…?! 

My head couldn’t keep up.

What’s with this person?

I look at his profile face that was peacefully sleeping despite being close to the Demon Lord Castle.

Just what kind of nerves is he made of…?

I gave up on understanding him.

◇Takatsuki Makoto POV◇

“Then, let’s go.” (Makoto)

“It is still evening though… Is it okay?” (Abel)

Hero Abel asked worriedly.

It is true that it would be better if we were to infiltrate late in the night just like yesterday.

But…

“I am worried about Momo.” (Makoto)

“…Yeah.” (Abel)

There were no objections to my words.

“You can wait here if you want, Abel-san.” (Makoto)

“D-Don’t give me that after coming all the way here! I will go too.” (Abel)

“Got it.” (Makoto)

It would trouble me if Hero Abel were to die, so I am fine with him just staying back though…

Even so, I managed to sleep well for the first time in a while after coming to the past.

When I first arrived here, I couldn’t relax until I could confirm the safety of Hero Abel. I didn’t sleep for more than 24 hours till before saving them.

…Lacking sleep is not good.

I ended up messing up and had Momo kidnapped.

{Spirit-sans, are you there?} (Makoto)

((((Yes~))))

(Yes, Our King.)

The usual Water Spirits and the Great Water Spirit Undine answered.

Alright, preparations made.

“[Mist].” (Makoto)

It all happened yesterday, so of course they are on alert.

There’s a lot of monsters keeping watch.

I use Detection to search for places with the least amount of guards.

On top of that, I use Stealth to erase my presence.

It is one-patterned, but it is the safest method.

Hero Abel also had the same Skills.

Well, it must be necessary in these times.

We slowly closed the distance from the back of the Demon Lord Castle. 

There’s obviously guards in the back gate too.

Is there no place to sneak in…?

The Demon Lord Castle is big and the monsters are gigantic too.

It would be nice to have an opening somewhere that a human could slip into though…

(There’s a lot of monsters and demons though…) (Makoto)

The reactions from Detection are incomparable to yesterday’s.

I thought they would be going out to search for the Heroes, but…I was wrong.

I see.

They have Momo as a hostage.

Of course they would be wary here as well…

This is troubling.

It was at that moment…

“Makoto-sama…?” 

While I was searching the surroundings of the Demon Lord Castle, my name was called.

“?!”

There’s only 4 people in this world who know my name.

That’s why I know the owner of that voice.

I desperately search for the owner of that voice.

There.

Momo.

“Wa?!” 

Seeing that figure of hers, I was at a loss for words from the shock.

Her attire is different from the last time I saw her.

It is like she is a servant, or more like, she is wearing maid clothes, but that’s certainly Momo.

But her attire is of no importance right now.

“Makoto! D-Don’t. We couldn’t make it in time. This girl is already…” (Abel)

The words of Hero Abel didn’t reach my ears.

I approached Momo with unsteady feet.

“…Makoto-sama. Don’t. You must not come here…” (Momo)

“Momo…” (Makoto)

That’s right. 

I must apologize.

Even though it was for my mission, I didn’t protect Momo who I promised to, and prioritized Hero Abel.

But my thoughts were in disarray.

“Makoto-san, please…get away from her! That girl…has become a vampire!” (Abel)

Hero Abel shouted.

The face of Momo warped in sadness.

Vampire…?

“I have become the familiar of Demon Lord Bifrons. I have become your enemy…” (Momo)

Momo hung her head down and said this with a shrivelled up voice.

Momo’s hair was pure white.

Her black eyes had turned crimson.

Her small lips had fangs peeking out.

But what surprised me wasn’t that.

The face of Momo was familiar.

A person I am very familiar with.

A person that has helped me out many times.

Why didn’t I notice?

Because her way of speaking was different?

Because her eyes were different? 

That person was always overflowing with confidence.

(You said that I didn’t meet you…) (Makoto)

Liar.

No matter how I look at her, Momo is…the Great Sage-sama.

—Author Comment:

It was very obvious, but the name of the Great Sage-sama has been revealed.

I have left her name unknown all this time.

It wasn’t foreshadowing, but since ‘Chapter 56: Takatsuki Makoto speaks to the Great Sage-sama’, I have been writing the Great Sage-sama with the premise that she has memories of Makoto.

> “You sit here.” 

> For some reason my seat was made to be at the side of the Great Sage.

It was around here.

Since the 2nd Arc, writing the scene of the Great Sage-sama and Makoto meeting 1,000 years in the past was one of the number one scenes I wanted to write. I am personally really satisfied having been able to write it.

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226 thoughts on “WM – Chapter 228: Hero Abel can’t understand

  1. thanks for chap
    yay we saw this coming,why do i feel that mc will end up being abel’s mentor and guiding light instead.

    well now its confirmed that mc’s action in the past has affected the things in 1000years in the future that he experienced already too

  2. Ok i admit i have sinned and read ahead. But gods i wish i didn’t…… Cause now re-reading old chapters i got a (somewhat) solid theory about a certain character’s actions and appearance but no one to bounce the ideas off….. 😩

  3. Mmmph:

    ‘ [Water Magic], [Sun Magic], [Destiny Magic] all elementary rank Skills, and also [Spirit User].

    Those were all of his Battle Skills.

    There’s also [Clear Mind] and…just what in the world is [RPG Player]?

    Guessing the author forgot about Makoto’s nigh useless charm magic since he no longer need it to work with Undine.

  4. I see a lot of people talking about things like ‘oh so all of Abel’s achievements were actually Makotos then’ so I just want to remind you that that is not how this story’s time travel works.
    There is absolutely a timeline where Abel kicks demon lord ass with his party, no makoto, no interference from the snake church from the future. The expedition led by the fire hero to subjugate Bifrons is successful and he is sealed away, although it comes at the cost of her life. Abel then takes the fight to the demon continent and eventually brings down Iblis, and then leaves the newly established highland never to be seen again.
    Ira talks about this timeline in later chapters so it isn’t just a case of the history taking Makoto’s achievements and slapping the name Abel on them. In the true timeline Abel absolutely deserved credit for his actions.

    Which timeline the story takes place in is a different matter though, with momos memory and all. I just wanted to make this clear.

  5. Thanks for the chapter! ^^
    With how things are going, I’m wondering if he will end up in a situation where he needs to sync with Abel which would make him enter a dangerous territory because of Makoto’s high proficiency like Leonard but in worse? x)
    What are the odds for him to ask her to guide him to her master?

  6. Thanks for the chapter~!
    Also extra thank you Reigokai because you translated the author comments.

    It’s finally revealed. Though it’s probably that obvious since you people guessed that immediately.

    Momo is Great Sage.

    For the people wanting to read back and relive both of their moments, wait a few chapter for a bit. There’s something sweet for you.

  7. Thanks for the chapter.

    Main Quest =
    Find Abel : clear!
    Find Momo : clear !
    Find Johnny Walker
    Find Anna
    Find ???
    Kill Bifrons
    Make a legend by killing a great Demon army in the North continent
    Kill Iblis.

    Annexe Quest =
    Find Oracle.
    Find Kain
    Find the calamity Witch.
    Free Noah !

  8. Now I wonder if Makoto’s blood the best cause it’s the first she tasted or the one of her lover, maybe the Virgin thing was a lie to keep Makoto to her

  9. One thing I am curious about. It was said that it took Althena 1,000 years to make the light hero skill and that is why no heroes had it in the 1,000 years since Abel. I wonder if Abel never “awakens” to the light hero skill and all of the things he did attributed to his light hero skill are actually Makoto with his elementary light magic + insane magic proficiency. Althea sees what he does and uses it to spend the next 1,000 years constructing the light hero skill she gives to Sakurai.

    I also wonder how long it takes to make the lightning hero skill that Abel (and later Geralt) has.

    Also I felt early on the human populace declaring “reincarnation” was BS because if I recall correctly Highland originally thought that Geralt was the reincarnation of the Abel because he had the lightning hero skill (and they assumed he would awaken to the light hero skill like Abel, presumably)

    Also Sakurai only has the light hero skill. Not the lightning hero skill, if I recall correctly.

    1. I think Abel does awaken his [Light Hero] skill, but Makoto is just so absurd that most of Abel’s achievements are due to him.

      Yes, the reincarnation theory is also bunk for me. Especially when Sakurai is only used for their convenience of having bloodlines related to the owner of [Light Hero] skill.

      1. To begin with, what good is the Light Hero skill in this constant darkness?

        Unless Takki uses his absurd proficiency and the power of the spirits to supercharge Abel.

      2. @Psychronia “what good is the Light Hero skill in this constant darkness”
        Some. Remember that Sakurai fought under the clouds in isolation for quite some time. You still have the powers and mana, just not the infinite healing and mana. Sort of like how makoto can still use water magic without water or water spirits, just not to the same degree. Makoto could syncro with Abel and use his light mana pool to cast light magic, even if there’s no sunlight. What you can’t do as I understand it is to use elemental mana of one type to cast other elements of spells. Eg; Makoto can’t mana-battery off Abel to cast moon magic.

  10. for people who interest on great sage sama. this is how she look.
    [img]https://i.imgur.com/OA326Xc.jpg?1[/img]

    never post an image before so may not work

  11. I told you guys, she’s knows from the start..
    and based from her reaction on present time, I think the outcome might be grim.. I even think “she’s” also alive somewhere on present time with the other one that he spared..
    thanks again for the chapter 😀

  12. I wonder if after defeating the great demon lord that Abel goes to search for Makoto. I know that in the true stories that only few know that Abel didn’t settle down as was passed down in the books.

    I think the Great Sage had even mentioned Abel going on a journey. Now that we know that she knows Makoto from the past, wonder if this means when she mentioned Abel going on a journey would be to search for Matoko (who will probably disappear from that time-line since we now know that Noah can do spirit time magic?).

  13. I hope Makoto gets more skills from RPG Player. Like his stealth or evasion. Maybe related to being more of an all rounder or jack of all trades.

    Healing magic is in sun magic
    Attacking, transporting, diversions, etc. in water magic
    Other skills from RPG Player

  14. Thanks for the chapter. We finally have confirmation that Momo is the Great Sage. I assume Bifrons turned her because of her magic skill. Abel’s reaction towards Makoto was amusing and once again confirms how outlandish his behavior is.

  15. Just my own assumption, did u guys remember when Noel/Sofia told makoto that he ‘imitated hero abel’ about searching someone that important to him? Right? When he ran away and people never sees him again and finally they made up some stories that hero Abel was living peacefully with his mother in some ‘remote’ place???
    .
    .
    I think that ‘important person’s to Abel is Makoto. So is that really right or not??

    1. OHHH!!! AND my own opinion is Makoto turn into spirit king again. And he died. Am I right? So that’s the reason why Abel searching for ‘important person’

  16. Ok i just thought of this theory. Remember how Noel told Makoto about how after Abel saved the world he said he has to go find someone? Something like that. Noel got mad at makoto cuz she thought he was copying abel. But maybe Abel said that because he wanted to go be with makoto. What if sakurai ryosuuke is the reincarnation of abel?? Like Abel wanted to go after makoto so he asked to be reincarnated or moved to makotos world and grew up with him. I feel like that makes a lot of sense

    1. Heyyy,, that’s my thoughts too! Ahahahahaa. I post a comment about this below ur comment, sorry. I didn’t saw this comment, not like I ‘copying’ your comment right. It’s just that I’m not read all of the comment and I just go straight to the ‘post comment’ section

  17. Im still wondering can Makoto still turn into a Spirit King? Im still not sure if Noah help/blessings are required. Will he tell Momo the truth?. At least rescue her right from the Beginning

    1. Question 1: No, he’s sealed and that’s why Althena is okay letting him live. But the experience and the proficiency he gained at that time is still there. Might be useful for bypassing rules, such if he becomes someone who has the powers of Spirit King while not being one. Also the fact that Undine recognizes him as the king.

      Question 2: Probably yes, because we’ve seen Momo talking about his skill’s secret effect after fighting Zagan despite the fact that he never tells anyone and Momo hesitant for a bit talking about it. Also the fact that she always assisted his adventures.

  18. If I remember correctly isn’t Bifrons supposed to die/sealed around this time? So this is the reason why that happened? Not because the heroes managed to defeat him but because he probably pissed Makoto off?

  19. Momo lied about not meeting Makoto. Knew it. She was saved by Makoto with Abel tagging along as the support, so she didn’t lie about that. White lie.

    If Makoto knew, then he would have tried to save her. So that might be why. Although I would prefer if Momo could change to adult or teenage form occasionally like Shinobu does in Monogatari.

    Abel should be a guy. Cain and Abel were brothers. Abel is already admiring Makoto like Leo does or even more.

    Makoto has the makings of a great serial killer. Great Heros were originally feared existences in enemy countries and loved by their home countries. You really don’t think of ally of justice = Makoto. He’s like an amoral gamer.

    All the reincarnation theories in this work are pure bulls*hit. Sakurai’s not the light hero Abel’s reincarnation. Momo is not someone with a skill that passes their memories or skills to the next generation. She’s actually a vampire. Furiae’s not the reincarnation of that Witch of Calamity. Who scripted these fake legends? Ira? Makoto?

    1. Those fake legends? They don’t need any greater power scripting them. People twist history all the time to make it more convenient for themselves. Sakurai certainly seem like Abel reborn, there’s much similarity between them. And yet, it’s not like it’s been confirmed explicitly, like maybe with Althena saying it out loud in an oracle that “The Light Hero is Abel reborn” or something like that. Making people believe that he is indeed Abel reborn is also good for the legitimacy of Highland’s royalty especially since Noel is already believed to be Anna reborn, and then their future marriage. Momo’s “Inherit” skill is a convenient lie that the higher-ups are all aware of, because it would discredit the Great Sage if it were found out by the common people that she’s technically a Demon. That or it’ll cause a schism in the kingdom. Furiae is a convenient target to keep the people from panicking due to the imminent resurrection of the GDL, and the idiot, vengeance-thirsty Pope was all too eager to kickstart the bandwagon.

      And really, any war hero is a serial killer seen from the other side. The humans’ hero is a serial killer for the demons, and vice versa. You can see from the way Setekh talks him up, Cain is himself a celebrity among the demons. They’re afraid of him as well of course, but he’s their pet monster. Really, if you’re a war hero, that means you’ve likely killed a lot of people, that means something is wrong with you.

  20. Good for you, author-san. It must’ve been satisfying to finally do a scene where the things line up like this. Finally getting to scratch that itch of a scene you had in mind.

    Now we don’t have to call her Great Sage anymore.
    Don’t think we need to worry about her being under Bifron’s power. Takki will work it out somehow, for now, let’s just be grateful that she’s alive and well.

    Even Abel is puzzled, huh? This RPG Player really is a weirdo. Well, this is a good opportunity, really. Let’s put some good survival skills and hardcore gamer styles into him for the future and make this a learning experience. I wonder if Takki can use is Elementary Light Magic to supercharge him with the power of obscene proficiency and Spirit-sans?

    ………Come to think of it, could the so-called Great Demon Lord that the Calamity Witch Moon Oracle of this generation actually be him too, if she never found anyone else who could ignore her charm?

  21. Well this chapter explains a lot. Well if Momo has a memory of meeting Makoto in the past it would also mean that Noah and Ira knew about Makotos journey to the past like Noah met met Makoto in the deep sea temple and probably freed her after defeating the great demon lord and Ira substituting Noah’s role in the original timeline or even a travelling companion. Is this the reason why Ira does not like Noah because she likes/love Makoto? If I remember correctly Ira-chan said it would be fine if you convert to me at chapter 170+

  22. ‘ I actually used a different method from that time in the Fire Country’s capital though. Oh well, that’s fine.

    “Ahahahahaha! I see, I see!”

    The Great Sage-sama was smacking her laps and laughing. ‘

    Probably laughing because she realized that this was the origin of the spell that he used to save her that first time.

    1. Yeah, imagine the point of view from Momo as Great Sage. All the puzzle pieces from the past finally fall into piece after seeing it in the present.

  23. ‘ “But…what is the Great Sage-sama thinking?”

    “Maybe those rumors…were actually true.”

    I heard those voices.

    About the rumors of the Great Sage-sama…I have heard them as well.

    “Hey, Ryosuke-dono, are the rumors of the Great Sage-sama being the lover of the Water Country’s Hero-dono true?”’

    Well, I bet Great Sage-sama wishes those rumors were true!

    As for Undine, pretty sure it is just his magic proficiency being high enough as Noah and Eir discussed previously.

    1. My guess for Undine is that he’s still a water spirit king, despite being sealed by Noah’s command. He didn’t have the ability anymore, but still have the sign of being one.

  24. Welp, my prediction is right,
    Maybe my second prediction that is, makoto is the one who will train the hero party is also right, look at what hero abel being treated, he’s a support before awakening of sun magic,

    Thanks for the update.

    1. But Abel always has Sun Magic. Lightning Hero has always been associated with Althena, and thus Sun Magic. What we’re waiting for is for him to awaken to Light Hero.

  25. Ugh, another stupid ass time loop with no starting point. Let’s just ignore that and go on for the sake of cheap twists, yay.

  26. Hopefully the other heroes make it back in one piece. Splitting up here is a horror movie survival 101 error.
    Anyhow, time to stuff momo in the fridge so she isn’t a/in danger. Hm. Would you be able to kill a vampire and resurrect it as a human?

    1. Fortunately it’s not a horror movie then. Splitting the party is warranted when bringing The One Ring to Mount Doom, just as it is warranted here. Underequipped vanguards are a liability when infiltrating enemy stronghold, but they should be able to get past regular patrols on the way back to hideout. It’s certainly going to be safer with Makoto if they were to meet Setekh or the likes on the way, but at that point, the mission is a bust either way. And it’s more likely that Setekh is deployed closer to the stronghold since there’s less ground to cover, and expecting heroes to come to rescue a powerless girl is rational.

      1. The one ring was a “the enemy gate is down” situation. This is more like taking your own side’s weak-point to Mount Doom, and then dancing around over the caldera with it. Momo is just one of many people the heroes already failed to rescue, and expecting the heroes to be irrational is not entirely rational. If the heroes were rational then they’d have made all speed together back to base with Makoto providing a mist cover and the demons would have cordoned off the farm with flying scouts. But that’s not the kind of story this is either. This is the kind of story where Makoto kicks all the ass and rescues all the princesses.

        1. Ah, but the heroes’ irrationality is why they were heroes in the first place. The “Heart of Justice” Abel mentioned in his monologue? That’s a hero’s irrationality. The thing keeping them fighting against impossible odds. The thing motivating them to get up when others stay down. The thing that pushed Volkh and Julietta to want to save Momo despite maybe having failed in easier tasks countless times before. And savvy villains make use of that. And really, seeing one taken in front of their eyes is a near surefire way to get heroes suicidally motivated.

          Not gonna argue against the analogy, assuming you’re referring to Abel coming along. That’s not optimal. But Makoto should be used to escort missions, and at least Abel is meek right now, so he can be expected to stay out of the fighting for the most part. And Makoto is in top shape too, which won’t happen if Abel didn’t come along allowing him to rest, so…, silver linings?

  27. Before Momo becames a vampire, i have her imagine as Nancy in MomoLand.
    As she was a vampire now, i can imagine her now as Ciri in The Witcher 3.

    There’s so many sexy characters floating in my brain. I just need a perfect illustration in this time for Momo…

  28. So, Makoto recognized as king by water spirit, i wonder what will happen when he does recognized by destiny and sun spirit as king too..

    So, in the end Momo become Great Sage, huh.
    So far the past stay consistent with exception Did Abel Get caught and Did his best friend got killed is actually part of original past.

  29. You can just feel the depression from Abel’s POV. And it’s confirmed that Setekh was indeed with Cain during the attack. Considering that Cain is technically also a Demon Lord, yeah. Imagine a walking into one boss only to be ambushed by another, it’s kinda like that. Also, more than half was killed? Considering how there’s three survivor, that puts the number of team members at at least seven, is that really an all-hero team? Because that’d necessitate a Moon Hero on top of all the heroes being gathered. Or that there’s more than one of at least one type of hero, which is also unlikely, hmm.

    A nice look at Makoto from an outside perspective there. Not only does Clear Mind make him seem unemotional (though actually more like unexpressive), it also makes him sound cold and indifferent. He’s also already making an impression on Abel, between his casually returning to Bifrons’ castle, that training habit, and not being actually a hero, he’s really conspicuous, though only if seen directly. And then Abel is peeping, bad Abel!

    So yeah, sleep deprivation is bad for you. Even when playing games you mess up more often. I wonder how many sleepless days it has taken him while rescuing Abel? I don’t think it was mentioned in specific. Also, our king, is this because of the earlier incident with Alex? Maybe it’s possible for spirits to recognize someone with the potential of becoming Spirit King? Or do they just recognize signs that Makoto has actually became one before? And now we’re two-for-two for the Light Hero having sneaky skills.

    So author confirms that Great Sage Momo really does have memories of Makoto. That means this time travel plot has been planned well in advance. I still wonder just how much she remembered, and whether or not her memories are jumbled with the memories of the original timeline. How much of her “stories of the past” were tweaked to obscure Makoto’s presence? If she really does remember this timeline, then at least her being “rescued by Abel from nearly getting eaten” was untrue with regards to the rescuer. And it certainly does explain why she acted so familiar with Makoto, she probably couldn’t help herself.

    1. If it is all a timeloop and in the future they were just experiencing a temporal uncertainty due to the possibility of Makoto choosing NOT to go into the past; then it could ve that a lot of the feats credited to Abel may actually have been Makoto and Makoto would have just shoved the credit to him(?) in order to avoid troublesome stuff. Heck even the story Princess Noel told Makoto about the ‘savior/hero’ disappearing after saying that he had someone waiting for him could actually be about Makoto too. I can definitely see him just vamoosing and figuring out a way to either jump to the future or freeze himself in time since he promised Lucy that he’d come back.

      1. Certainly one possibility, the Stable Time Loop. Especially since the Savior apparently share a lot of similarities with Makoto, yet Abel is pretty unlike Makoto. And the two people who does have past memories (Bifrons and Great Sage) both seem to remember Makoto (and confirmed in the case of Great Sage Momo).

      2. Yep, My guess is also “It’s all happening because of [RPG Player] skill”
        That skill probably hold more secrets.

      3. I don’t think the Great Sage and Bifrons retains the memory of the past. They lived that past and are the only ones still alive to remember… except the goddesses, who maybe don’t know about Makoto 1000years ago because of the pitch black clouds? Only reason I could think of..

  30. Thanks for the chapters! So Momo did turn out to be someone significant, and an even better ‘someone’ than I would have guessed. Gotta say I’m loving this arc more and more!

  31. Why the hell did I think that Makoto from 1000 years ago casually walking up behind Princess Sofia and the others after sending Makoto 1000 years back in time with hero abel in tow……

    Though I also think that sakurai-kun is hero abel’s reincarnation and he remembered all his past experience with makoto……. but that’s kinda gay, if this 1000 years before arc, if abel falls for makoto.

      1. Nah, I got some clue. How actually, the world makoto come from (life before) is connected one after one.

        If people from makoto world, after die will reincarnate in parallel world (abel world), why cann’t they’re who life in parallel world also can reincarnate to makoto past life world?

    1. I’m starting to think that Abel might really be a girl. In fact, if I assume that Makoto is actually the historical Abel who does all the feats Abel historically did, he could have faked having the Light Hero skill just by having really high Sun Magic proficiency (which we know he can train to do).

      Then that would mean that “Abel” is actually another person. And since “Abel” has healing and support magic, I wonder if “Abel” is actually Anna. Combined with some of the other comments highlighting how the historical Abel disappeared at the end of the war to be with his loved one(s), it makes sense that he is returning to the present. Then Anna would be left behind (as historically accurate).

      Man, if that was really the case, I would get goosebumps. If it is not the case, I wonder if will be something surpassing what I have imagined.

      1. Healing and Support Magic are part and parcel of Sun Magic. Sun Magic is really a one-size-fits-all deal, considering it has stuff like Revive and Thunderbolt under the same umbrella.

  32. Ah so the reason why Abel was depressed turned out to really be that his master the Fire Hero died like I guessed last chapter.

    Uh… don’t tell me that Abel really will turn out to end up reincarnating into Sakurai like Highland claims and that that’s why Sakurai has such unreasonable faith in Makoto. That all this faith Abel feels right now towards him transcends time and affects his reincarnation.

    Anyways so now Makoto is able to communicate with Undine normally. Also she acknowledges him as her king. Probably a side effect of his time as the Water Spirit King. Also that probably makes her a candidate for joining Makoto’s harem.

    Well it was pretty obvious that Momo would turn out to be the Great Sage. I guess she lied to Makoto about not meeting him in the past because if he found out that Momo becomes the Great Sage then he might try to prevent her from becoming a vampire which would result in her not being able to live for 1000 years and meet Makoto again.

    1. Or they really are different people, just with similar experience of being rescued from unreasonable situation by Makoto. At least IMO it sounds more interesting if they are indeed different people made similar by experience. That would, in a way, still make Sakurai a “reincarnation” of sorts of Abel. That’d also give more meaning to Althena offering Alex to be Makoto’s follower earlier IMO, she wants him to grow up like Abel and Sakurai by being in Makoto’s proximity.

  33. Yay!! White Great Sage Momo-sama!! in that case, great sage said that she was saved by abel is a lie? cuz she know about Makoto from the beginning, so people wont know about makoto.

    1. Well Abel is also there so technically it’s not really a lie. It’s just that someone else was also there doing all the important work.

  34. I’m rereading this novel and i found out that this time travel has been foreshadiwes since chapter 2 i believe? The first time Makoto fought goblins he was saved by someone that uses a dagger and water magic, it was defenitely Makoto from the time travel saving the present Makoto

    1. What? I’m fairly sure the first goblin fight was in chapter three though. And it was Makoto rescuing some traveling merchant, so the one using dagger and Water Magic was Makoto himself.

      1. When he was rescuing the merchant, at some point he was surrounded and spmeone that uses a dagger and water maguc helped him, but that person just vanished immediately. If that someone is indeed Makoto, then the coffin theory is wrong i guess

        1. That’d be chapter three. I think you misunderstood the perspective shift. In the middle of it, the perspective shifts to the merchant’s, starting from when said merchant first got surrounded by goblins.

          I think the main issue is the lack of notice in the perspective shift, but that’s basically how it goes : Makoto’s POV, seeing the merchant and then helping the merchant, switch to merchant’s POV, when he got surrounded and then desperately asking for help from the weak-looking adventurer. That weak-looking description is the key, I seriously doubt Makoto of all people would have judged other people as weak.

    1. Sorry if this is considered as a spoiler but i want to know

      werent makoto’s line asking the change of statue of abel already planted before; around hero olga arc or the 2nd time makoto coming to symphonia?

      1. Yes, both on his revisit to Symphonia.

        Everyone else just accepted it as something that always the same, but Makoto (probably thanks to his [RPG Player]) kept feeling weird about it.

        Turns out to be a defining clue about the plot, heh.

      2. If you’re asking about the changing statues, Makoto saw them thrice and noticed them change twice. The first time he saw it, it was chalk, the second time it became green, the third time it was ashen. Those times only Makoto reacted, with everyone seemingly thinking that that’s just how things were. What prompted the question though?

  35. You know we still dont know exactly who or what the demon side sent to the past to help remove Abel, I feel like this is a wild card that everyone has forgotten and is waiting to blow up in our faces

      1. Imagine Isaac proceeding to get his playng-dead-and-altering-history grand plan going only to find his archnemesis smiling at him from 1000 years ago. I wanna read such scene so bad.

      2. Yep, I also think the same.
        Being killed offscreen is probably smoke and mirrors for us, and having him perished in the hands of Makoto would add more comedic impact.

  36. I actually suspected Momo ever since she was introduced and it turns out that I was right. Well. With this info, we can now assume that Makoto is actually the “first to die” water hero which probably is due to him turning to his SK form.

    1. He won’t be able to turn Spirit King unless Noah’s earlier prohibition somehow doesn’t carry over though. And if he really did turn Spirit King, I kinda doubt what people will remember is the “first to die” bit, considering that Spirit King Makoto overwhelmed Alex, who overwhelmed Sakurai, who is the Light Hero expected to kill GDL. Makoto going Spirit King is an “I Win” move.

      1. Noah’s prohibition disappearing would only make sense because Makoto stopped being her believer, but if that were the case, the whole thing would have had no effect entirely, and you can’t have that from a writer’s perspective.

        1. The whole thing in the sense of what? In any case, we don’t really know the ins-and-outs of the whole thing regarding human-divine relations so anything we say are conjectures. And Makoto was dismissed by Noah earlier, despite her saying that he won’t be her believer if he were to go to the past since she’s limited to Cain at that time, until at least ten years after Cain first converted. That leads me to believe that she might actually do something. Noah is nice, but she’s also tricksy, and Makoto turning spirit king means Makoto dying, which I doubt Noah would want.

      1. *GRONK*
        “Makoto. Seriously?”
        *SKREEONK*
        “How did a godzilla join your harem?”
        “Look, I didn’t choose the harem life. The harem life chose me.”
        *GYAOON*

      2. “Makoto!? How’d you break into the deep sea temple so fast?”
        “Well, Noah-sama, luckily Leviathan was a girl”
        “Ah, yeah. That explains it.”

  37. Thanks for the uploads as always!

    Now then, “clears throat.” WHY IS NO ONE MENTIONING THE FUCKING STATUTE! C’mon people we need to think tank this shit asap. There’s no way something mentioned in multiple chapters off-handedly like that isn’t important. Everyone is focused on the coffin but something mentioned once gets the focus but not something as glaring as that? Ok so let’s assume makoto is talking a sub-zero nap in the body box. Then what is the purpose of the statue? Is it a timer to tell momo when to defrost him? Is it iblis? (Would make sense to have him sealed in the middle of the place with the strongest faith to althena) is it abel and makoto wanted to have him and sakurai team up so he put a temporal pause on him? Seriously people I’m over here being brilliant and there’s no one who sounds impressed, what is the point in having you all?

    1. If your talking about the statue that Makoto found odd just before the time jump then wasn’t that him noticing the changing history while the others had not yet?

    2. The statue changing color was just a sign that history was changing or in flux. The first time Makoto saw the statue it was white like chalk or marble to signify how important Abel was. Then it was green like copper that oxidized and Makoto compared it to the Statue of Liberty. Then finally it was ashen colored like it was just made of stone and by that point Abel was also just being called Hero instead of Savior. I doubt there’s any deeper meaning to the statue changing color.

      1. Seconded. It’s basically showing the ripple effect of changing history. It’s probably changing colors like a disco light right now with multiple, conflicting attempt at changing the past. Except nobody can even notice it’s changing since apparently only Makoto is ripple effect proof.

  38. I just realized that Makoto is approaching Momo…

    …mm, but what will happen? Will he be able to soothe her or will she run away?

  39. Oh wow, so it wasn’t that chance meeting with Bifrons that brought Makoto to that area. It turns out that there was someone with a far deeper connection.

    And I’m guessing that, if the Author’s note is true, the reason that the Great Sage lied is because if he tried to save her before she became a vampire, she would lose him permanently. First because he’s definitely going to want to return to the future. And second because humans don’t actually live that long.

    Although that leaves a mystery…what prevented him from bringing her with him? And Makoto being Makoto, I wonder if he’s going to try and turn her back.

    1. Maybe he wasn’t strong enough to timetravel with the help of spirits with 2 person or he is actually frozen in that coffin in Momo house and she is guarding him.

      1. I just had a thought about that ice coffin, everyone assumes makoto either time travels back with spirits or is in stasis in the coffin but what if the one in the coffin is actually Abel who wanted to follow Makoto after he used the spirits to go back to the present? It’s an oddball theory but I feel like the author still has a surprise or 2 in line for us

    2. Nah, probably because she fears making change to fate and timeline. She has almost the same opinion regarding Sakurai’s stabbed fate after all (would rather let it happen then solving it, rather than changing it outright).

      What preventing Makoto? Either his fears of changing timeline, or his way to the future have some maximum capacity. Might be both

    1. If that’s hidden, perhaps because the appraisal skill is too low

      Makoto knows his proficiency by using soul book after all

  40. I somehow knew it! The Great Sage is Momo, that’s also part of the reason she has such a great fondness for him. But, how did she get turned in one day? She recognizes him and gets emotional? Bifrons is about to become one dead demon. In this series no one has been deadlier than Makoto, he’s already killed like three or four demon lords in the present and I still think Abel is going to steal his thunder. Thanks for the chapter, Reigokai.

      1. Details vary according to the fiction though. I think there’s also a case where you get your blood sucked dry and then replaced with a bit of your progenitor’s. We’ve never actually been told specifically how it happens in the world of WM.

      2. Yes it is
        In this universe too, it works like that, just read back when Lucy disagrees when Momo wants to suck Makoto’s blood back then

  41. Ahhhh Abel is gaining early dependence on Makoto LOL… It’s funny how both Heroes of Light has Makoto on their minds regardless of 1000 year gap. I’m sure Makoto prepared him a best bus to course through the whole story, and with him taking all the credit to boot

    1. Well they said that Sakurai is the rebirth of Abel so it would be making sense that both relay on Makato. We could also say that Noel is the rebirth if the first Holy Maiden Anna^^

      1. Sakurai is not a reincarnation of Abel. It was confirmed Althena gave her skills to Sakurai based on his appearance.
        This means Sakurai has an even more OP ability than the Hero skill – the ability to charm anyone. It’s waaay more powerful than Furiae as Sakurai’s skill is at God-class MAXED. but it only applies to women

  42. Thank you for the chapter 😀
    What a twi-
    …..no.
    You don’t even deserve that joke. I don’t care if you acknowledge how obvious it was, Author-san
    To quote Bob’s Burgers: “That wasn’t a twist, it was a lie! A lie isn’t a twist!”

  43. so… been doing a reread, and have to say, the author did a really good job setting the real up in most of the sage interactions; especially after the Wood country arc.

    The outcome is somewhat predictable to anyone not genre-blind, but it’s actually nice to see setup with a payoff, esp when it’s not hard to overlook. It definitely didn’t come out of nowhere

  44. Isn’t Abel too pitiful?
    But I guess it makes sense he would think Makoto is angry, especially since he seems to be in the middle of a pity party
    everyone saw the momo thing coming, but it’s pretty neat

    1. Hmmmmm. Abel’s acting too girly for my tastes. If we have Makoto x Sakurai ship on the present, will we have a Makoto x Abel ship in the past? Are you the impostor Abel hmmm?

      Makoto being pissed off though. Even when his emotions should be diminishing due to Clear Mind, he rages when it matters. Anyways this has got to be predestined. Otherwise, how did the present Great Sage turn to a vampire.

      We finally have a reason why he was out of shape too. You can’t not sleep Mako-kun. Sofia will be worried about your health you know?

      Undine and the other water spirits acknowledge Makoto as their king now huh. He’s going to be making his own tsunamis and ice age whenever he wants now.

      1. Oh yeah, that reminds me of the lake in Rozes. What if he was the one who created the Lake Shizu? Ira said that he would be transported to place which is close to him. Based on what we know so far, there haven’t been descriptions of anything resembling it by far in the past. Was he the one who created it?

      2. rather, can’t he just use mist as medium then freeze their opponent lungs and organ. since they inhaled the mist.
        also most of living things has blood and made of water(hopefully he later can kill by freezing blood)

  45. Yeah, it was pretty obvious, but still good, I like how honest the author was, I always like when the authors talks in their novel, this is the first time the author talk, right? At least is the only I can remember

    1. The author actually does sometimes give commentary in their syosetsu page. I think this is the first time Reigokai translated it though. Or maybe it’s also the author’s first ever commentary? Not sure.

    2. El autor siempre escribe varias cosas pero son cosas que suelen agregar en las traducciones esto pasa en casi todas las novelas de shosetsu… o al menos la mayor parte de las que he leido en raw

      1. Vale, y por cierto, se que nos conocemos y por eso está bien que me hables en español, pero considerando que la traducción y mi comentario están en ingles, quizás habría sido mejor también contestar en ingles para que los otros lectores entendieran.

        1. Ok aca la traduccion por parte de deelp;
          The author always writes several things but they are things that are not usually added in the translations this happens in almost all the shosetsu novels… or at least most of the ones I have read in raw

  46. Yeah, I guessed that one. As the author said, very obvious indeed. As soon as the Great Sage answered hesitantly about whether they had met in the past, it was just a matter of waiting for someone plausible to show up, and that happened right away.

  47. Most of us had already predicted it, but it sure is satisfying to see it all finally revealed.

    I can’t wait for her POV for the whole story to go full circle.

      1. Speaking of planning. I believe the author stated that Lucy was not planned to be the first companion. The “planned first companion” was the reason why Makoto’s last name was made to be Takatsuki.

      2. Yes, Furi is supposed to be the main heroine, but her backstory is too heavy for the first heroine according to the author

    1. Eh, if its true, its a classic trope. TBH i would be more suprised if there wasnt a few traps planted in a Japanese novel that i was reading. OTH this opens up a lot of routes for the hero of old to disappear and still be in plan sight. So guess if this is true, the only real question is do they follow Makoto back to the future after he masters destiny magic.

  48. No tension, anger, fear, not even a heart of justice; eyes that I couldn’t feel a single emotion from.

    This line is awesome.

    Now we know what is the name of great sage,

    Momo. FBI HAS NO POWER HERE hahah makoto can keep him in future cus 1000 yrs old. And legal loli

  49. So Momo is the Great Sage ? Well, it was a bit obvious with all the similarities between Momo and the Great Sage. The Great Sage Momo, huh. It really sounds cute.

    (Yes, Our King.)
    It seems Undine acknowledge Makoto as their King. Interesting.

    It is like she is a servant, or more like, she is wearing maid clothes, but that’s certainly Momo.
    A vampire maid ?
    https://i.redd.it/8h1fr8414xf51.jpg

    1. Bifrons probably turned Momo to have her kill the heros. (Also explains why she’s strong, she’s got Bifrons’ bloodline)

      Now they have kill Bifrons to free her from his control I bet. And we know why Bifrons recognized Makoto. Lol

      1. yeah, hopefully they managed to kill him now.
        in past iirc they only managed to seal him, so killing him is a good start to change past.

  50. Thanks for the chapter!

    And yet, for some reason, I felt safe looking at that back.

    Uhh Abel-san, were you always this girly from the beginning?

    (Yes, Our King)
    Oh, Makoto’s transformation to spirit king left some impression on him that even Undine from the past could realise it?

    And oh boy, Great Sage-sama is revealed. I wonder though, why did Bifrons turned her into a vampire instead of killing her. At any rate, Makoto make sure you comfort her a lot after this, okay~

    A headpat a day to keep loli sadness away xD

    1. Perhaps Bifrons turned her into a vampire on a whim ? The humans are basically livestock to Demons. They could just toy with her and kill her when they are bored.

      Indeed ! Momo needs her headpats and recharges her reserves of Makotonium (AKA Makoto’s virgin blood).

    2. To see the despair of the heroes (or so Bifrons thought) to go to rescue her and find that she is no longer human ….. a classic action of a villain.

      1. thought little did they notice that action might angering Heroes and help them with awakening.
        most of time it is villain who help Hero to awake their full power.

      2. Maybe to free a familiar vampire you need parent vampire’s heart? Guess what lies in Makoto’s magic pocket? Yep, a certain Stone. Surprise surprise, Bif-san

    3. It’s already obvious that every Light Hero is always somewhat an ikemen, thanks to Althena’s fetish, but…

      Since Bifrons is able to turn human into vampire (through a curse, maybe?), it might be possible that Abel is getting genderbent, right? I mean, he didn’t even have any blood descendants, sooooo….

      Yeah, this is just a stupid extension of your comment, so please don’t consider this as a spoiler or something even close to that.

      1. Ooh, Hot water & Cold Water..
        it is Ranma 😂.
        haha, since he still did not receive Blessing from Sun Goddess it still possible but after receive it might become impossible since they resist all stats aliment and curse

    4. It’s standard lore for vampires to be able to control those they’ve turned. Abel called her a familiar there and treated her as an enemy despite knowing her.

      Most typically, the death of one’s “blood parent” will free them. I suspect that other than her vampiric nature, however, as a demon she likely has similar chains of subordination to the demon king. I’m not sure how Makoto intends to deal with that, but their pact probably plays a role. It could also just be that he suppresses her until he can kill the demon king and doesn’t truly deal with it. That actually seems pretty likely, because she could be controlled to betray the light hero back in the present.

      1. Magic of Bifrons’ heart in Makoto’s inventory.
        Bifrons: Why the fck is MY Heart in your hands?… Guess I’m too tired. Need some rest, for 1000 years at least, with such hallucinations….
        Makoto: Ok, Demon lord sealed. Rollout, friends
        Abel|Momo : @_@ | @,.,@ …yes, Makoto-sama

        And I bet more fun will be when he will order around Ira-chan, in front of heroes…

      2. Another thing to note is that Abel barely knows Momo. It’s easier to turn your sword against someone you can barely consider an acquaintance. That is to say, even if it’s true that Bifrons may be able to control Momo, Abel quickly turning hostile against Momo comes down to more than just that.

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