Chapter 378 (Self Edited) – Remembering

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When Aina returned to the classroom during lunch break, Sheila had already gone back to her own classroom. In other words, Aina shouldn’t know about Sheila… Well, considering the circumstances, it shouldn’t be something to dwell on.
“Sheila also knows the situation, or should I say, about that side?” (Soma)
“Well, yeah. Or rather, friends.” (Aina)
“Hmm, precisely, former friends.” (Sheila)
“You’re saying that again…!” (Aina)
“At least I don’t consider people who are trying to kill my sister as friends.” (Sheila)
Sheila’s eyes held a strong determination as she spoke. It was clear she wouldn’t concede on this point, even without saying it outright. Well, it was something that was understood without needing to be said.
In that sense, it was Aina who feels discomfort. Even if her memories differ, Soma knew from past interactions that Aina was still Aina. It was just unbelievable that Aina, even without her memories, would acknowledge the death of her friend Felicia and admit to murdering her. But even if she were to voice such things, it wouldn’t be understood. While wondering what exactly was going on, for now, he decided to watch over Sheila and Aina’s interaction.
“I don’t particularly want to kill either! But if there’s no other way, then it can’t be helped, right…!” (Aina)
“…There’s no need for that. …I will defeat all the rebellious beings that Nee-san has manifested. …Just like before. …That will be fine.” (Sheila)
“There’s definitely a problem…! You’re the only one who can’t control it anymore, aren’t you aware of that…!? You let them escape earlier because of that, and because of that, Soma was attacked by that thing, right!?” (Aina)
“…Soma, was?” (Sheila)
It seems she hadn’t grasped that part as her gaze shifted towards Soma. Afterwards, her eyes shifted back and forth between Soma and Aina, perhaps not because she was trying to determine the truth, but because she had finally realised why Aina and Soma were here having this conversation.
“Hmm… Well, indeed, that’s a fact, but for now, let’s put that aside. From what I’ve heard, the reason why there wasn’t a problem even when those ‘ones who resist’ appeared due to Felicia was because Sheila defeated them each time, is that correct?” (Soma)
“…Yeah, I secretly defeated them… so that neither Nee-san nor Soma would notice.” (Sheila)
“But even that has reached its limit. Or rather, it should be said that it’s been remarkable that it’s been held back until now. In truth, it’s not something that one person could have restrained alone long ago.” (Aina)
“I won’t intervene in judging that, but… more than that, I suddenly thought, but are you not going to tell Felicia about this? I think you should inform Felicia before me, even more so since you’re not getting her cooperation for various reasons, right? In fact, it seems like you’re hiding it. If such things were to disappear and active cooperation could be obtained, better solutions might be found…” (Soma)
It was a genuine question, but both Aina and Shira shook their heads in unison. Apparently, they couldn’t tell her.
“Hmm… Why is that?” (Soma)
“It’s because it’s impossible to predict. We don’t know what would happen if she found out the truth… or rather, it’s speculated that things would worsen if she became aware.” (Aina)
“…Hmm, and that’s, almost certainly true. …The situation worsened exponentially probably because Nee-san became slightly aware of it.” (Sheila)
“But despite that, I don’t feel like Felicia shows any signs of that?” (Soma)
“…Hmm, perhaps my sister has forgotten about it altogether… But she probably understands it unconsciously.” (Felicia)
“Even when I was unconscious, it got worse at an accelerated rate, you know? If I were to actually become conscious of it, I couldn’t really test it.” (Aina)
“Certainly, judging from what we’ve heard, that response seems appropriate.” (Soma)
Sheila wasn’t the type to assert such things without any basis. That meant that she probably knew something that gave her confidence. However, not speaking about it was probably because there was a reason she couldn’t do so. Even understanding that, there was probably no point in trying to pry it out.
“Hmm… for now, I understand.” (Soma)
“Well, when the time comes, I do intend to tell her myself. It’s just… being killed without knowing anything is… well.” (Aina)
“…That’s why I won’t allow it.” (Sheila)
“That’s why you…! Well, fine. Either way, the current situation is still tough.” (Aina)
“Hmm? Is it tough? Though not commendable, there should be means available in the worst-case scenario, right?” (Soma)
“That’s true, but… the problem is with those means. Because, for those ‘ones who resist’ to appear, there are conditions, and one of them is when strong negative emotions are spread. It’s particularly pronounced when people are killed, and some even say that those beings attack people specifically when those emotions are present. So, when it comes to killing her, it’s predicted that the worst of the worst of those beings will appear. That’s why we’re waiting until the last minute.” (Aina)
“How bad specifically are you predicting it to be?” (Soma)
“Well… in the worst of the worst case, it could be the end of humanity, that sort of level.” (Aina)
Aina answered in a light tone, but her eyes showed no hint of a smile. She was as serious as ever and it seemed to be true.
“Well, to somehow avoid that, I’m looking for friends who can do that… but it’s pretty tough on my side too. Of course it’s normal.” (Aina)
“Those who can do that, huh?” (Soma)
“Yeah. You saw earlier that I can do something a little unusual, right? Sheila can too, but it’s about finding people like that.” (Aina)
“So, you mean people who can counter those monsters?” (Soma)
“…Yes. …But they’re quite rare.” (Sheila)
“And on top of that, they need to have the kind of power we’re looking for, so, well, it’s convenient that things work out like that—” (Aina)
In an instant, Aina and Shira abruptly turned around. Their expressions changed completely, and tension emanated from their entire bodies. Soma also turned his gaze in the same direction as the two, but there was nothing there… no?
“…Aina.” (Sheila)
“Sorry, this is completely my fault. I thought I could defeat it… By the way, what about the possibility of other individuals?” (Aina)
“…Only that thing appeared today.” (Sheila)
“…I see, so that means it’s stronger as a result. And also, today is Felicia’s birthday. She’s much stronger than yesterday—” (Soma)
Her voice was cut off, and Aina’s figure vanished from the spot at the same time. However, she didn’t move. Instead, she was blown away by the black entity that appeared in her place.
“…Fast—” (Sheila)
When Soma recognized its form, Sheila was already holding a sword in her hand. It seems she had it concealed. Even so, it was still too late. The next moment, the black entity was in front of Shira, and with a sharp sound, the sword she held flew into the air.
“…T-That thing, it held back earlier…?” (Sheila)
Even though it had no eyes or mouth, Soma felt like it sneered again. Immediately after, Sheila’s figure disappeared, followed by thunderous sounds from two separate locations. Turning their gaze, Aina and Shira were lying side by side on the ground.
“No way…? Their movements were completely different from before… Could it be, instead of pretending to be defeated earlier, they were gathering strength…?” (Aina)
“…This is no time to talk. And if we can’t even win against this level of opponent, then Nee-san—” (Sheila)
In the middle of her sentence, Sheila’s figure disappeared again. Instinctively, Aina reached out her hand towards it—
“—Burn.” (Aina)
But by then, there was nothing there. With a roar, Aina’s figure disappeared… and like before, she fell to the ground alongside Sheila. It seemed they managed to avoid a direct hit, as both of them were still moving, and their spirits seemed undiminished. However, they didn’t come out unscathed, as their movements were even slower. Moreover, because they were blown away twice, they were now quite far from where Soma was. The black entity slowly turned its body towards Soma as if taunting him.
“…Soma, don’t run from there—” (Aina)
“…Soma—” (Sheila)
The third mocking laugh echoed in response to the two screams. And then, a thunderous sound rang out. It was the loudest one yet, and if it had been the result of the impact a regular person endured, their body would surely have been reduced to dust. However, the recipient of this sound seemed to be quite lively. As he looked at the black figure rolling on the ground, Soma let out a sigh.
“Hmm… I knew it, but it seems quite sturdy.” (Soma)
“…Huh?” (Aina)
“…Soma?” (Sheila)
Seeing the two shocked voices and the bewildered look of the entity at his feet, he shrugged. It wasn’t really something to be surprised about. It had simply charged at him head-on, so he had used its momentum to slam it into the ground.
“Indeed, you do have quite the speed, and in a test of strength, I would undoubtedly be defeated. However, there’s a way to handle everything, and above all, if you can show such movements, you can respond accordingly. Honestly… you’re quite inexperienced.” (Soma)
Certainly, Soma’s physical abilities were that of an average person. However, he hadn’t lost his knowledge or experience. Moreover, he was finally getting used to moving in this body. So, this level of feat should be expected. The only issue, if any, was that this was achieved solely by utilizing the opponent’s strength. In other words, it meant he might not be strong enough to defeat it.
“Hmm, while I’m keeping it occupied, Aina and Sheila can… huh?” (Soma)
As Soma pondered what to do next, something faintly gleamed at the edge of his vision. It was the reflection of the moonlight on the blade. It was Sheila’s sword that had been knocked away earlier.
“If that’s the case, then perhaps a little… huh?” (Soma)
Although he hadn’t let his guard down, the entity leaped back the moment his attention briefly turned to the sword. It seemed that pure strength alone wouldn’t be enough for Soma to prevail. However, the fact that it could assess the situation and realize that attacking now wouldn’t work showed that it had high intelligence. Well, it wouldn’t have pretended to be dead immediately after being hit by Aina’s magic otherwise.
In any case, whether he used it himself or Sheila did, they needed to pick up the sword and reset the situation. While his focus remained on the entity, Soma picked up the sword without letting his guard down… and at that moment, the power surrounding the entity surged. It was more a coincidence than Soma timing his sword pickup, but regardless, the power increased. And this increase was clearly perceptible to Aina and Sheila, and it seemed to catch them off guard.
“Wha… no way, its power is still rising…!?” (Aina)
“Soma…!?” (Sheila)
Once again, as the two screamed, the entity disappeared… but there was no problem this time. This time, it wasn’t the front, nor the back, but Soma could clearly see that it was about to attack from the side. Rather than feeling rushed, Soma slowly poised himself to match its movements. And then…
“—Dividing Cut.” (Soma)
–Rules of Sword – God Slayer – Dragon Slayer – Divine Protection of Dragon God – Absolute Slash: Dividing Cut.
The swift sword flash was familiar, and his arm and his body moved without hesitation. Therefore, the inevitable conclusion was reached. As if it had jumped into the situation of its own accord, the black mass was cleaved in two.
“Hmm… I see.” (Soma)
Afterward, what Soma gained was satisfaction. As he watched the divided mass vanish this time, he sensed the power in his hands and his own strength. It had fully returned to its original state.
While Aina and Shira seemed to be using their powers without issue, Soma had thought that he might regain his own power in some way, and it seemed that obtaining a sword-like object was the key. Although it had returned quite easily, there was no harm in not having to struggle. However, even though he had regained his power, the situation hadn’t improved in the slightest. As he turned his gaze towards Aina and Sheila, who were staring at him in amazement, Soma let out a breath.
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—
The park, which had at least recently been bustling with the presence of people, had returned to being a serene park. Aina and Sheila were no longer there. Though they seemed somewhat absent-minded, they had both left. As Soma gazed in the direction where the two had gone, he muttered to himself.
“We have something to talk about tomorrow, huh…?” (Soma)
Those were Aina’s parting words. Certainly, due to the interruption, the conversation was still incomplete, but it didn’t feel like it was solely about picking up where they left off. While it undoubtedly related to the events interrupted earlier, it might not be just a continuation. Well, he’d find out tomorrow. He also pondered Sheila’s situation, but that was even more uncertain. While there wasn’t anything specific between them, she seemed to be contemplating something. Of course, it wasn’t entirely unrelated to what had just happened… but thinking about it now wouldn’t yield any answers.
“Well… I suppose it’s time for me to make a move.” (Soma)
Just as Soma was about to start walking back, he shifted his gaze to the rear. Ahead lay the dark expanse of the park, yet Soma squinted as if he were certain something was there.
No.
Not just a feeling, but a genuine conviction.
That was because…
“—Are you there? How long do you intend to hide? Wouldn’t it be better to show yourself?” (Soma)
His voice carried conviction, and indeed, there was a response.
“…I see you noticed.” (??)
As if oozing out of the darkness, the figure suddenly materialized before him. There was no real surprise, as it was something he had suspected. Facing the familiar figure of Hildegard, Soma shrugged.
“Even if it is only temporary, my power has returned. So, it’s only natural that I should be able to do that much, right?” (Soma)
“…Even if you say it’s only to that extent, I was actually hiding myself quite seriously.” (Hildegard)
“But at the same time, you intended to be found, didn’t you?” (Soma)
“Well, that’s true. But you, you’re always the same, aren’t you?” (Hildegard)
“You know what you’re saying about other people, don’t you?” (Soma)
That statement held a double meaning.
Upon meeting Hildegarde’s gaze, Soma had been convinced, and this exchange only reaffirmed it.
“Hmm… it seems like you’re the only one who hasn’t changed.” (Soma)
“Well, I’m the one providing explanations and guidance after all.” (Hildegard)
“Hmm? Explanations pertain to this situation, I assume… but guidance?” (Soma)
“Actually, guidance is more of my main role. To be more precise, I’d say it’s prompting recollection.” (Hildegard)
“Recollection… which means—” (Soma)
There’s only one thing that can be inferred from those words. And as if affirming that thought, Hildegard nodded.
“Of course, it’s to help you remember everything that led up to this situation. That’s something only I can do.” (Hildegard)
As she spoke, Hildegard gazed directly at Soma. Her emerald eyes locked onto him, and instinctively, Soma returned the gaze. It was understood without needing to be said that this was the right thing to do. And then, Soma remembered everything.
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