———


  I didn’t know my parents in my previous life.

  At around the time I reached the age of discretion, I was in an institution. Even that institution was destroyed by crime-terror.

  I alone had survived. I drifted around, and am picked up by a certain woman.

  As an eccentric who lived deep in the mountains—in what could also be called one of the most secluded regions that people don’t travel to—she was an abnormally strong person.

  That I was able to have survived for even sixty years, is probably thanks to being trained by this woman, my shishou.

  In other words, until shishou passed away, it could also be called a continued experience of living hell.

  Until this very day, I haven’t even seen the faces of my parents. They are my parents, but whether it’s about my past parents or present parents, I’m not that discouraged by it.

  All in all, my mind is of an over sixty year old ossan, and there’s also Erina-san, Noel and Dee here, so i’m not particularly lonely.

  At any rate, at the present time, with the necessities of life all at my disposal, the only thing to do is to train the body as early as possible.

  Half a year has past.

  As usual and hopefully as always, by eluding maid-san, I perform the exercises that are part of my daily routine.

  I call it ‘exercise’ but it’s closer to calisthenics: like raising my arms and feet. Since if I were to go overboard with my infant body, it’s certain that fatal damage would result. Looking at it this way, I have a proper plan which I carrying out.

  The designer was shishou.

  “I wish I picked you up before you reached the age of discretion… If I had done that then you probably would had become a warrior that surpassed me…”


  “Before becoming a warrior, I would’ve been killed by shishou, no doubt about it.”


  “That’s, you know, ‘exploit them until they die’. Hey, I’ll think up of some proper adjustments for them.”


  “Like I said, they would be dead!”


  She gleefully told me about the plan which she had gone as far as attaching a name with no naming sense to it: [Hell Training from Birth]. I never thought that I would be the one doing it. The training content was both merciless and heavy, but it made sense so I revise it with my own set up to finish it off. It’s extremely tough, but being able to actually feel my growth with every passing day is pleasant.

  The other day I appealed to them of my ability to crawl.

  The instant Noel witnessed that, her ears and tail stood up, and she did a full powered dash to Erina-san. When I demonstrate it again in front of all of them, they are delighted and looked like they were going to jump up and down in joy. Usually Erina-san doesn’t drink alcohol, but she is in high spirits during dinner and appears to have gotten drunk. It seems that her doting parent level also continues to rise day after day.

  One year since I was born.

  My body is growing favourably. Even the daily exercises are now being changed to muscle training with push-ups, sit-ups, etc. It’ll soon be at the point where I want to train my stamina by jogging. My walking debut is also not far off.

  “Over here, Sirius-sama. Please have a look at it today too, okay~”


  Still, Noel’s frivolous manner is the same.

  Even though she had been made to stop by Erina-san with a ‘using fire is dangerous’, she still comes to show me magic; perhaps there’s something fun about it? Although, I also eventually want to use magic, so coming to show me magic helps me out.

  “I entreat. Decipher the way of fire, and please embody the emissary of the fire spirit. [Flame!].”


  She shuts her eyes, and when she finishes saying the phrase required in order to emit the magic, a fireball appears. No matter how many times I see it, it’s mysterious. For example, what kind of fundamental truth is it using, or what’s it using as fuel?

  “Fufu—, with this, onee-chan’s dignity is secure, right? Anything other than this doesn’t go well though.”


  Just a minute onee-san, all kinds of things are shining through. You simply want to behave like an onee-san should? Only like an onee-san? From the viewpoint of someone with a mind of an ossan, it was something adorable: like a child trying to do something beyond their power with all their might.

  Is it redundant to add that afterwards she was eventually discovered by Erina-san and was scolded?

  The next day, after getting out of bed, I finish my strength training and tried to make an attempt at magic. If only there was also a textbook…but to begin with, I really can’t find any ‘books’ around. Setting aside whether paper is valuable or not for later, other than the fireball that Noel showed me, I had no information about magic. In the meantime, I tried out following the same steps as Noel, but……nothing happens. Is it my power of concentration that is insufficient, or some other factor?

  After that, I did some trial and error for a while, but in the end nothing happened. It can’t be helped, maybe try and ask them once I become able to hold a conversation? It’d be unpleasant if I was told something like ‘you have no talent for it’ though.

  After lunch, everyone was assembled in the living room.

  Within the postprandial mellow atmosphere, Erina-san and Noel are knitting. Dee was preparing the tea. Sitting on top of the rug, and looking at the three of them, I executed that strategy.

  “Erina-san, Sirius-sama is looking over here?”


  “You’re right. Perhaps he’s interested in knitting?”


  “Eri—”


  “!?”


  The knitting material dropped from Erina-san’s hands.

  “……Sirius-sama. Once more. Once more please.”


  “Erina—”


  “Aa……Aa……”


  Overcome with emotion, she was moved to tears!

  “Sirius-sama! Me too, me too please! Noel! No-e-l!”


  Your face is close.

  It’d be amusing to play the fool and say ‘Dee’, but it seems like she’d seriously become depressed if I did, so let’s call out her name shall we?

  “Noel—”


  “Kya—! Sirius-sama, please call me ‘onee-chan’ next—!”


  Taking advantage of the situation, what is this girl saying? I’ll ignore that request.

  Turning around, Dee had also come closer, and is pointing at himself as if to say ‘what about me?’.

  “Dee—”


  “……yes”


  As usual, there’s no change in his facial expression, but he has his eyes closed as if basking in the lingering sound. But my turn has not yet ended. Putting strength into my feet, I stand up. Heading towards Erina-san who is wiping away her tears, I slowly took one step forward.

  “Si-Sirius-sama!? Might that be…”


  “He’s walking! Sirius-sama is walking!”


  Walking briskly all of a sudden would be eerie, so I advance while occasionally pretending to stumble. It’s was just a distance of five steps, but when I finally safely reached the end of Erina-san’s arms, which were spread out in wait, I was interposed between two people.

  “You did it splendidly Sirius-sama. Erina is proud!”


  “He’s a genius! This gentleman is without a doubt, a genius!”


  The pair are boisterously dancing and I’m being jostled about. It hurts a little. Without appearing to stop them, Dee also spoke of a feast and disappeared to make dinner preparations. Maybe I went a little overboard.

  On this day, there was a hard time of getting Erina-san to stop (like you would a baby) gulping down the wine.

  The next day, I again extended my walking distance. Since I had the feeling that these people seem like they’d brush off any abnormal development with their ‘amendments of a doting parent’. It looks like there won’t be any issues with starting to jog in half a months time rather than after one month.

  The problem is magic. As it’s something that didn’t exist in any form in my previous life, I have absolutely no idea how I should make a start on it. Although it’s only a few words, I’ve removed the embargo on language, so I’ll try and somehow get information out from Noel.

  “Today I’ll show you different magic. Uum, if i’m not mistaken……it’s not dangerous if it’s this one, right?”


  Noel had came today as well, but she was grasping a book in that hand of hers. Nice going Noel. I’ve been waiting for that. Although you probably planned to hide that you’re reading from a book, what you’re doing is obvious, so hurry up and show me that book.

  I point at the book, and with all my might I try to get her to show me the book.

  “Eh, do you have an interest in this? Hmm, please wait a bit.”


  Presumably she went to get Erina-san’s permission. Previously she would have probably showed me without any concern for things like permission, but perhaps she has matured a little?

  While I was being a little bit impressed by her growth, Noel had gotten permission and returned.

  I wonder if it’s to read together, she places me on her soft lap, and the book that I had waited eagerly for, [Elementary Level Magic Guidebook], was opened. ‘I’ll read it for you faster than Noel’ is how I pretended to be clever, but I can’t read the writing can I? Reluctantly, I waited for the oral reading.

  “Uuum, ‘magic is a original general principle. Even now it’s a phenomenon which hasn’t yet been elucidated, but it brings about blessings to all peoples: an omnipotent existence’……is what it says. I have no idea what it means.”


  This girl…she responded with a smile on her whole face.

  It might sound weird coming from someone like me who can’t even understand the letters, but you’re the one using that magic, so put some effort into understanding it, will you. Although she didn’t understand it, Noel continued to read the rest of it aloud. The author’s grammar is extremely tortuous, and I also couldn’t read the letters, so even though I could understand it, I had a hard time.

  I think I’ll try—in my own way—to sum up what I understood.

  Magic is a phenomenon that uses the maryouku overflowing throughout the world to occur.

  Maryouku is something that isn’t visible to the eye, but exists everywhere; even us humans are living with magic inside of us. Consuming that maryouku within the body, and invoking a fireball like Noel did, is what common magic is.

  It seems that drawing ‘magic squares’ and pouring one own’s maryouku into it to invoke magic is also possible. This is used in things called ‘magical tools’ such as those which light up the night, or start the fire for cooking. The drawing itself is an exceedingly delicate process, and perhaps because you have to invoke the magic via the magic squares, the resulting force is weak. Once you’ve drawn it you can utilise it repeatedly, as long as it hasn’t worn down, so it’s fixed into everyday items.

  There are other magics. For example, there are also those who borrow the power of spirits to evoke [Spirit Magic].

  Spirits……it seems like a word that people with chuunibyou would like. But the biggest obstacle is being liked by the spirits; it appears that spirit magic users are extremely rare. They’re existences that can’t even be felt without being able to see them, so a person can only wait for a spirit to approach them. The requirements to be liked by the spirits still haven’t been elucidated.

  Putting aside the very enigmatic spirits, an aria is required for magic invocation. With the movement of the mouth and the chanting of the aria, the maryouku inside the body is gathered, and the magic is invoked. It seems that if there are specific keywords, then the magic will be invoked. As an example I’ll try and cite what Noel used: [Flame].

  [Be aware of the general concept of ‘fire’, desire it such that you yourself can think up and bring fire into existence]……is what it says, but if you have the keywords that have been handed down, it will be invoked. For example there are researchers who work day and night for the sake of shortening the aria as much as possible. [Flame] is an elementary fire-attribute magic, and the exact same aria that Noel recited also appears in this book.

  As you use magic, your maryouku decreases, and you feel a corresponding amount of fatigue. It starts with a lethargy that attacks your whole body, eventually you faint, and if you’re not careful, it seems that you can even lose your life.

  The amount of maryouku inside a person’s body is determined at birth and appears to be why there’s an unbelievably large variation of maryouku amounts between people. It also seems that the amount grows, but it’s growth rate is extremely low. Growth only requires the repeated use of maryouku to its very limits and recovery, but that maryouku recovery is exceedingly slow. The example listed in the guidebook is that after one year, it’ll increase of the order of one times worth.

  ‘The more you use it the more it increases’ is like muscle training, but because of the inefficiencies, it’s probably better to do it in one’s spare time.

  Or rather, if one’s own maryouku is insufficient, can’t they just depend on the external maryouku?

  Maryouku is in the atmosphere, so if one were to use that, they should be able to become strong with ease, to use a massive amount of it. As I am thinking that, in the guidebook it’s written that such a thing is ‘meaningless’.

  Apparently it’s because one’s own maryouku and the maryouku in the air are different in nature.

  For example, if what humans were using was black coloured maryouku, then the maryouku throughout the atmosphere is white coloured maryouku. The forced conversion from white to black uses maryouku, so even if you gathered a massive amount of it, you’d have to subtract that conversion amount, and thus the magic would end up not having that much force. Ah, so that’s why ‘meaningless’ was written.

  In the same way that one’s personal maryouku is important, so is the [Attribute].

  This also seems to be decided at birth, and the attribute does not change in one’s lifetime. Noel used [Flame] so her natural aptitude is with fire.

  The fire attribute excels in fire magic, the water attribute excels in water magic, and if the attribute is known, then the direction of the magic is also naturally decided.

  Also, it’s not that you also can’t use other attributes, but among other things, its power would drop dramatically as a result.

  Just as she had finished reading the part about attributes, Noel shut the book.

  Perhaps it was because I was totally engrossed in listening, quite a bit of time has passed.

  “Fu—, let’s stop around here for today shall we. I’m also tired from reading aloud.”


  “Good work. I’ve already prepared some tea in advance, so please have a rest.”


  “Wah! Erina-san, when did you…”


  Looking back, Erina-san, who had given a soft smile, had brewed some black tea.

  “Just now. That aside, you’re thirsty right? I’ll take charge of Sirius-sama.”


  “Thank you.”


  Being held in her arms, I am then transferred over to Erina-san’s lap.

  The lap of a young Noel also feels good, but as expected, Erina-san is special. There’s an amazing sense of security. Erina-san picked up the book while affectionately patting my head.

  “You were very studious weren’t you? It seems like if it’s Sirius-sama, he’ll unintentionally use magic before long.”


  “Ahaha, that’s not going to happen. Even I had an immensely hard time with the elementary level, and to begin with, he can’t even read the letters, you know?”


  “That’s true. However, I can’t help but think ‘if it’s Sirius-sama…’.”


  “Weeell, even I can’t completely deny that. Even so, that’s several years too early.”


  Like that, the pair drank their tea while laughing.

  I see, if it’s me……eh? If they have great expectations of me, then I ought to live up to those expectations. First I have to start with becoming able to read the alphabet.

  “Attribute huh. By the way, what might Sirius-sama’s attribute be?”


  I also wondered about that.

  I don’t particularly have a pickiness for a specific attribute, but I think that it seems like it would be convenient if it was fire or water.

  “Let’s try and find out shall we? There’s a judgement tool in my room. ”


  “It’s that isn’t it? Just a minute, I’ll go fetch it. ”


  The attribute judgement tool that Noel brought is, a spherical crystal placed into the center of a small wrapping cloth, it’s appearance was of a simple construction. However, there is a complex pattern drawn on the wrapping cloth, so I guess this is the magic square written about in the book.

  The basic four attributes: [Fire], [Water], [Wind] and [Earth] are drawn on the magic square, and apparently it’s arranged in such a way that when you place your hand on it, the crystal shines with the attribute colour of the person who touched it.

  “Umm, pour maryouku into it, startup……there. Preparations complete.”


  “Well Sirius-sama. Please put your hand over here.”


  “Ai”


  While getting a bit excited, I placed my hand on it.

  The change is in an instant, the crystal casts a glaring light and I instantly closed my eyes. It was something that I was watching intently at point blank range, so it would’ve been dangerous if I was late in closing my eyes. Because I reflexively removed my hand from it, by the time I had opened my eyes, the light had vanished. It had disappeared before I could see what colour it was.

  “Erina-sama, that was…”


  “Yeah, an intense light. However……”


  Are? The pair’s expressions and words are somewhat stiff. As there isn’t any indication that they’ll stop me, should I try it out once more?

  This time, while protecting my eyes with the opposite hand, I check the crystal’s colour.

  And now, the colour of the light emitted by the crystal is…


  “As before, colourless……isn’t it?”


  “No way……”


  Are? Why are you two making such sad-looking expressions?

  I thought it was a pretty intense light, but is this the ‘it’s hopeless pattern’? Something like, ‘you seriously have no talent’, is it that kind of punchline?

  A bit bewildered, I was gently hugged closely by Erina-san, who had a face that seemed like it was about to cry at any time.

  “God is……cruel. Sirius-sama. I will……I will protect you without fail.”


  “Me too—.”


  Why are you turning your compassionate eyes towards me? For heaven’s sake, please explain it to me. There’s no way that my wish would reach them, and the two of them showed more concern for me than usual.

  But [Colourless]……is it?

  I have a bad feeling about it.

  Volume 13, Extra: If [G] Intrudes

  This story came at the beginning of chapter [All I Can Do Now].

  It’s completely out of the main story, and it is a story of another world.

  Because of that, each character may do things which are not normally done, so please don’t mind about it.

  In other words, please think that this bonus is like going towards the main story. (Author)

  The time of ordeal had come for Reus.

  When I stood on the stage, while releasing my bloodlust, the cheers of the stadium were visibly getting smaller.

  Although I was aiming the bloodlust at only Reus, when I released that much of it, it couldn’t be helped if it leaked to the surroundings.

  Those who still made noise in this present condition were either strong people who could endure the bloodlust, or thickheaded who didn’t know anything.

  “Reus. This is our first battle, so come at me with the intent to kill.” (Sirius)

  Mustering my spirit like a demon, I kept on releasing the bloodlust without any adjustments, and that made Reus stunned while he was holding his sword.

  Was he already overwhelmed?

  But, if he were to aim higher from now on, it would impossible to do if he got scared of my bloodlust.

  If he became unable to do anything after the match started, it seemed that it would be necessary to have a talk with him later.

  “Ooooooo!” (Reus)

  When I was starting to feel concerned, Reus loudly screamed to shake off the fear.

  Yeah, that was my disciple.

  I didn’t change my poker-face expression, but I was smiling deep inside my heart.

  {…Ha!? I’m sorry! I was caught up with the bloodlust from Participant Sirius! Since Participant Reus also has enough preparations… I think that I will start the match. Well then, the Final Round… Begins!} (Announcer)

  When I was about to leap forward the moment the live coverage of the fight and the gong rang… he came.

  “Hold eeeettttt—!!” (??)

  A loud voice that didn’t seem to be coming from a magic tool used for live coverage echoed throughout the arena for a moment.

  The voice was heard from the stone pillar at the edge of the arena, and when I directed my sight over… I saw a man brimming with muscles and a greatsword in his hand, and had a daunting pose.

  That man was wearing a mask to cover and hide his face, but… it would be weird if anyone didn’t know him from the voice and the sword he had.

  “Who are you!? Don’t interrupt my match with Aniki!” (Reus)

  …Aah.

  It went without saying that tears fell in my mind because that was my acquaintance.

  Jii-san… the masked man deliberately jumped from the stone pillar, and to the edge of the stage, where Reus and I were facing each other.

  After he removed the greatsword on the back and raised it high into the sky, the audience started to notice the true identity of the masked man.

  {Could it be an intrusion!? Besides, the intruder is the Strongest Sword, Lior!} (Announcer)

  “You’re wrong! I am currently the masked swordsman, Ikki Tousen!” (Tousen)

  The masked man was shouting again with a voice surpassing the magic tool. Or perhaps I should say, are you seriously using that name and appearance to play?

  {B-but, no matter where I look, it’s the Strongest Sword—…} (Announcer)

  “It’s Ikki Tousen!” (Tousen)

  {If the person with such a greatsword says…} (Announcer)

  “It’s Ikki Tousen, say it!” (Tousen)

  The masked man swung his greatsword down in anger, and crushed a part of the stage. Was he throwing tantrum like a child? Well, breaking the stage…


  “G-got it! It’s Ikki Tousen-sama! W-well… are you an intruder, Ikki-Tousen-sama?} (Announcer)

  “Hmm! I came… to challenge that Reus, or something, for a match.” (Tousen)

  And the masked man looked at my face.

  Perhaps… you’re going to measure Reus’ strength? And there was no difference between wanting to say that.

  Maybe Reus was a bit excited, he still didn’t know who the man was, and sullenly stared at the masked man.

  “Why should I fight someone like you? I am fighting against Aniki!” (Reus)

  My inspiration had been dampened by the intrusion of the masked man, and I was already not in the mood to unleash the bloodlust.

  Besides, Reus resisted my bloodlust, and since I was going to give him that medallion after this battle was over, it might be alright for him to seriously challenge that masked man.

  I walked close to Reus, who was holding his sword.

  “Reus. Apparently that man seems to want have a fight with you. Try to fight him with all your strength.” (Sirius)

  “Aniki… got it. It seems that he is not an ordinary person. Although I feel like I’ve seen him before… I will defeat him and challenge Aniki!” (Reus)

  “Like I said earlier, you already have the ability to go higher. Do not hesitate to go for it.” (Sirius)

  “Understood!” (Reus)

  “Oooh! Alright, I’m motivated! Show me how strong you have become, boy!” (Tousen)

  “I am not ‘boy’! I am ‘Reus’!” (Reus)

  As I prepared to do something, I decided to stop at the edge of the stage.

  And then, I heard the voice of Jekyll and Beowulf, whom were watching near the stage.

  “Uooo! Lior-… Ikki Tousen-san! Fight me when you’re done!” (Jekyll)

  “W-wait a sec, Lior—… Ikki Tousen-san! Please tell me about my father!” (Beowulf)

  As they were trying to say the name, they were stared at by the masked man and had to rephrase themselves.

  Leaving them alone, the air of the arena was reaching the climax as a result of the masked man’s intrusion.

  However, there was one problem that happened before the match.

  {Uh-uhmm… I am very sorry, but since a part of the stage was broken a while ago, we would like to repair it before the match…} (Announcer)

  “There’s no need for that.” (Tousen)

  {No… Uhmm… it’s dangerous, and Ikki Tousen-san is the one who broke it…} (Announcer)

  “Sorry!” (Tousen)

  He absolutely had no remorse.

  The Fighting Festival officials were somehow pitiable, so when I put a magic stone that I took from my pocket on the stage and poured mana into it, a violent earthquake occurred at the same time the magic stone broke, and the stage was beautifully repaired.

  Since the magic stone was drawn with the magic formation of [Create], the stage was repaired by manipulating the terrain.

  Although it hurts to lose a precious magic stone every time I used it, it won’t break that easily because it was firmly repaired. By the way, I would properly go and claim the bill of magic stone later.

  {Wh-what is this!? That much damage was fixed in an instant…} (Announcer)

  The other side was surprised, but since the audience seemed unable to wait, I gave a signal to quickly start the fight.

  {Y-yes! Since I will pay back Participant Sirius with my body later, let’s start the game! Well then… begin!} (Announcer)

  While I felt Emilia’s anger from the audience’s seats, the gong rang and the match began.

  I thought that they would fight right away, but the two of them didn’t move, while holding their swords. Somehow, it looked like…


  “…This is a hindrance, after all!” (Tousen)

  While I was thinking about it, the masked man took off the mask and threw it away.

  Aah… yeah, if the person himself was fine, it was fine, wasn’t it?

  As I expected, Reus also understood when looking at his face. He was surprised, while still holding his sword.

  “Ji-jii-chan!? What are you doing in such a place?” (Reus)

  “It doesn’t matter for whatever reason! If you, boy, could handle Sirius’ bloodlust earlier, get ready to accept my seriousness. Come at me from anywhere!” (Lior)

  “Y-yeah! I will defeat Jii-chan today, and I become Aniki’s number Two!” (Reus)

  Reus transformed his arm just like he did in the match against Jekyll, and swung it at the masked man… Lior.

  “Uoooo!” (Reus)

  “Nuoooo!” (Lior)

  The greatswords collided with each other with thunderous sounds, and the one who won the match was… Reus.

  Overwhelmed by Reus’ strength, Jii-chan regained his posture while being blown away. He looked at Reus with a smile.

  “Hahaha! So, you have finally reached this far, huh!?” (Lior)

  “Of course. Because I have trained with Aniki!” (Reus)

  “Well… wouldn’t it be embarrassing if you can’t do that much as that guy’s disciple? Somehow, it seems alright if I slightly go all-out.” (Lior)

  “…Eh?” (Reus)

  At that moment, the air around Jii-chan changed.

  “Nuoooo!” (Lior)

  Along with the roar that seemed to break the eardrums of people nearby, Jii-chan started to release the same level of bloodlust as my own.

  My bloodlust would be quietly overwhelming with my opponent at the center, but in the case of Jii-chan, he indiscriminately unleashed his bloodlust to the surroundings, penetrating the body.

  When looking at the audience seats, there were many people who were stunned by Jii-chan’s bloodlust.

  “This is… more than I expected.” (Sirius)

  “Uoooo! As expected of Lior-san!” (Jekyll)

  “Fa—…father fought this person!?” (Beowulf)

  While hearing their excited voices, I was surprised by Lior’s change.

  Jii-san, after so many years… I had also become considerably strong, and I thought that Jii-san would have become considerably stronger, but… far from my expectations, he was two or three times stronger.

  I see… it would be unpleasant when I didn’t think about it for a bit.

  “Hahaha! Let’s go, boy!” (Lior)

  “Wa—!? Eh!?” (Reus)

  Whether Reus got used to my bloodlust, rather than being afraid, it looked like he was surprised by the unexpected force being unleashed by Jii-san.

  And there was no reason for that Jii-san to not aim for that opportunity.

  He started to run while breaking the reinforced stage, and swung his greatsword down towards Reus.

  “[Single Strike Ultimate Destruction Sword Style— Strong Heaven!]” (Lior)

  “Uooo!?” (Reus)

  The shaken Reus hurriedly set his greatsword to accept it, but it seemed that he was unable to defend against Jii-san’s sword when he couldn’t concentrate on receiving it.

  [Single Strike Ultimate Destruction Sword Style] was at the strongest when it was used for attacking, rather than defending. In this situation, he should attack, instead of defend.

  In other words… if he accepted it as it was, there was a high chance that Reus would be split into two.

  “Hand!” (Sirius)

  “Ouu!?” (Reus)

  Since Reus instinctively jumped by my instructions, he had avoided Jii-san’s greatsword by a hair’s breath, but he was not in a safe situation just by jumping to the side.

  Thinking that the sword that swung down would pierce the stage, Jii-san immediately turned his wrist and swung it to chase after Reus…


  “As if I will let you do that!” (Sirius)

  I headed towards Jii-san, while releasing [Impact] and attacked him.

  That was too bad, but it seemed that it was still too early for Reus to against the Strongest Sword, Lior.

  Perhaps I should say that Jii-san didn’t change, after all. He was too happy that Reus became stronger.

  Since he could seriously kill him, I decided to intervene here.

  “Hoho! You’re eager, huh?!” (Lior)

  “It’s not strange to be happy, but calm down! It may be no good if Jii-san goes all-out here!” (Sirius)

  Jii-san slashed the [Impact] I released with his greatsword. He arranged his posture while keeping his eyes on me, who was leaping towards his bosom, and swung his greatsword down.

  As I avoided that greatsword, while making a big leap to the side, he swung up with no interval to chase after me, so I kicked the air by using [Air Step] and avoided it.

  “The same as ever, I can’t hit you!” (Lior)

  “It is the end if it hits!” (Sirius)

  I stuck around Jii-san while kicking the air, and kept avoiding his assault.

  We tried not to use big moves, since it would reach the audience seats and harm them, but in the case of this Jii-san, I wasn’t sure if he understood that or not.

  Since the location was a bit bad if we seriously fought, let’s pretend to be knocked down, even it was a cowardly act.

  “Good, you’re good! [Single Strike Ultimate Destruction Sword Style—Break Thrust]…” (Lior)

  “Stop it!” (Sirius)

  Since Jii-san tried to unleash [Break Thrust], which would release shock waves to the surroundings, I shot [Magnum] by imagining a rubber bullet at Jii-san’s face.

  My [Magnum] was unleashed at about the same speed as gun, but the old man instantly reacted, so he interrupted the technique and slashed it with his greatsword. However, since Jii-san anticipated that, he didn’t give me a chance and swung the sword in no time.

  “You, were you using magic just now?” (Lior)

  “Yeah! I did!” (Sirius)

  “You finally did it! Come, show me more of how serious you are!” (Lior)

  Jii-san accepted the sword that I swung with his Tekkou. Using that momentum, I jumped up and used the knife I had in the opposite hand to pierce Jii-san’s face.

  However, Jii-san moved his neck sideways to avoid it. After confirming me flying in the air, he swung his greatsword down and…


  “Here I come!” (Reus)

  “There—… Guhoo—!? (Lior)

  Reus, who was approaching from behind, swung his greatsword, and hit Jii-san’s flank. Of course, it was a blow, rather than a slash.

  I didn’t think that Jii-san wouldn’t notice enemies approaching from behind, but it was also evidence that Reus was a strong man, when he was busy with me.

  By the way, I secretly used [Call] and gave Reus instructions in advance.

  Jii-san, who was struck by his flank, flew horizontally. He crashed against the wall of the audience seats and went beyond the arena.

  A part of the wall crashed because of too much impact, and Jii-san was buried in the collapsed wall.

  {…Uhmm, the match has turned into Battle Royale without anyone notice, hasn’t it?} (Announcer)

  “Did he die, Aniki?” (Reus)

  “I don’t know. If that makes him stand down, it’s all good then.” (Sirius)

  I judged that the audience couldn’t be convinced because we attacked him with two people, but it couldn’t be helped, since it was needed to quickly make Jii-san stopped.

  There was a high possibility of involving the audience, and then it would no longer be a Fighting Festival.

  “Woof!” (Hokuto)

  While the audience was surprised, Reus and I were vigilantly watching the direction where Jii-san flew. And then, Hokuto came next to me before we knew it.

  I was puzzled, since we weren’t in an emergency situation, but Hokuto moved his right foreleg up and down many times.

  “Aah, is that it!? Hand.” (Sirius)

  “Woof!” (Hokuto)

  By the way, when I gave Reus instructions earlier, I said ‘Hand’ without saying a name.

  I didn’t think that Hokuto would misunderstand it, but since he was probably fawning, Hokuto gently put his right front paw down when I put my palm up.

  And then, when I stroked Hokuto’s head, Jii-san, whom was buried under the collapsed wall, rose up while removing the rubble.

  “Hahaha! That was a good attack, Boy! Alright, the warm-up is over!” (Lior)

  “It-it didn’t work!? I had seriously hit you!” (Reus)

  “…There is no other way, then.” (Sirius)

  I whispered to Hokuto and Reus, and we moved into action after confirming Reese’s position.

  “Withdraw!” (Sirius)

  I was no longer a mood for a match, and it’s too conspicuous with an opponent like the Strongest Sword.

  In regards to the matter of Sieg, it had already ended when Jekyll and Beowulf were defeated, and since I wasn’t worried about achieving the overall victory, we decided to withdraw from this place.

  I asked Hokuto to pick-up Emilia and Fia, while we picked up Reese, and then, we ran away from the arena.

  “Aah!? Wait a sec! I still haven’t shown you the technique that I developed…” (Lior)

  {Aah!? Please wait! I still haven’t give you my body…!} (Announcer)

  By the way… I recovered our carriage and went outside the town, but of course, Jii-san would give chase.

  The end. (Author)

  —


  Extra of Extra 1

  Later, the conversation with Lior, who joined us outside the town.

  “Ooh, Emilia! I wanted to see you!” (Lior)

  “…” (Emilia)

  Jii-san, whose excitement had cooled down and became calm, was pleased to see his beloved Emilia, but she had bulging cheeks while looking angry.

  “What’s wrong? It’s me, Lior-Jiichan, right?” (Lior)

  “…I don’t know anyone who doesn’t listen to Sirius-sama.” (Emilia)

  “So-sorry. Maybe I should say that I was getting a bit in the mood, and I was excited because the Boy became stronger than I expected.” (Lior)

  “I don’t know you.” (Emilia)

  “Nuooooo! Sirius, do something!” (Lior)

  “Give it up.” (Sirius)

  “Thi-this is… that legendary Strongest Sword. I can’t see him as nothing but an ordinary Ojii-chan.” (Reese)

  “Hehe, it doesn’t get boring with Sirius here, right?” (Fia)

  Extra of Extra 2

  “Woof!” (Hokuto)

  “Hoho! You are a considerable strong monster. Which is stronger, me or… Buuhh!?” (Lior)

  Hokuto unleashed a preemptive strike by instinct.

  Extra stories which couldn’t be posted last time because of the matter of Sirius. (Author)

  —


  The techniques used by Hokuto during the training days.

  Hokuto Punch

  Hokuto’s main weapon.

  It is strange to call it a punch because it’s a forepaw, but it is punch, anyways.

  It represents Hokuto’s skill and it is possible to go easy on someone by using the paw.

  With that punch, it can bury many opponents and make it impossible for them to fight.

  It is a reward for certain people.

  Let’s say it is a ‘Thank you’ if you receive it.

  Hokuto Fang

  There is nothing that can’t be crushed… with Hokuto’s fangs.

  Due to his sharp fangs and strong jaw strength, he can easily crush anything, whether it is a lump of steel or other people.

  He occasionally eats with them, but basically, it’s not necessary for him to eat, and since he properly takes care of himself after chewing, he has no bad breath issues.

  Hokuto Tail

  By manipulating his inner mana, it is a blow of a hardened tail.

  It is a heavy blow that easily breaks a deeply rooted tree.

  It is impossible to sever this destructive part.

  Hokuto Fawn

  Activated only by Sirius.

  Hokuto’s ultimate technique, whom rubs his nose against the chest of Sirius, and takes a submissive pose by showing his belly.

  There are times it is activated on impulse. If he activates it, the victory chance is very high.

  Since Hokuto is brushed and stroked every time, he is very happy.

  Hokuto Dynamic

  It is a punch that is unleashed when Hokuto gets serious.

  With a blow that can crush a rock, you will die if you get hit.

  Hokuto UGP

  The official name is Hokuto’s Ultimate Galaxy Phantom.

  It is a punch that is unleashed by Hokuto with his full power.

  You’ll die, anyway.

  Hokuto Genocide Nova

  Unknown

  Attention… The last three techniques don’t exist. (Author)

  Volume 13, Intermission 2: Hokuto

  No matter how much time has passed…


  Even if I was reborn…


  Your warmth hasn’t… changed.

  In the rainy, lonely, remote mountain, a wounded puppy collapsed.

  Whether it was abandoned or ran away because it got attacked, there was no hope for a puppy that just weaned off its mother’s milk to survive by itself.

  As you can see, the life of that hungry and wounded puppy was uncertain.

  Beaten by rain, the life of the puppy, whose body was gradually getting colder, was… about to end without anybody knowing.

  “Wo…of…” (Puppy)

  The life that seemed to disappear, even now, was suddenly held and gently hugged by someone.

  The puppy lost its consciousness while feeling the gentle warmth that was spreading throughout its whole body.

  The puppy was alive.

  The first thing it saw after waking up was an unfamiliar boy, who anxiously looked at the puppy.

  When it checked the surroundings, the puppy had been lying on top of a blanket, somewhere in a house.

  “That’s good. You are awake?” (Boy)

  With the boy’s relieved smile, the puppy understood that it was saved.

  At the same time, the boy was the one who gave it the warmth that made its heart relieved.

  After that, with the boy’s dedication to make the puppy healthy, it always chased after the boy while wagging its tail.

  Having a meal and gentle stroke every day, it was natural for that puppy to become entirely like family to that boy.

  As for the puppy, the boy was its Master, and he was like a parent.

  The boy lived together with someone called ‘Shishou’ in the mountains where people didn’t visit.

  They looked like a parent and son, but they were not.

  If they were seen from the side, they might have a strange relationship, but there was no way for the puppy to know about it.

  From the puppy’s perspective, it was enough to understand that the boy was its favorite Master and the Shishou was an existence that couldn’t be gone against.

  “Hmmm… if it gets bigger, it seems like it can be eaten, but a puppy is more soft and delicious.” (Shishou)

  “Woof…” (Puppy)

  “Stop it, Shishou! This guy is my family, I will kill you if you eat it!” (Boy)

  “Hahaha, it was a joke, you know? But, well, if you can kill me, go ahead.” (Shishou)

  “Damn… I will definitely defeat you someday!” (Boy)

  The puppy was increasingly held by the boy in order to protect it from the absolute opponent.

  The morning for the boy and the puppy was early.

  They woke up early in the morning, and they were doing long distance running training as their daily routine, after they finished warming up.

  Since the place where boy lived was mountainous, it was natural that there was no sidewalk or a well-maintained road. Every day, the boy ran through something like animal trails, which a person could go through.

  The puppy that became able to move, of course, ran together with the boy.

  The puppy, who wasn’t used to the running yet, had tumbled many times, but the boy didn’t lend his hand. However, he would never leave the puppy and kept waiting for it to catch up.

  Although it tumbled, the boy firmly praised the puppy that got back up. After they finished the training, he checked the condition of the puppy and prepared its meals. He never failed to brush the puppy every day and if he had time, he would play Frisbee with it.

  The puppy grew up fast, while receiving the affection of the boy. It recognized the boy as its Master, whom it should give more priority to over itself.

  After their morning run, the boy would spar with his Shishou.

  Sometimes, the puppy watched the sparring, but there were also times when the boy called it to jump on his Shishou. Even though the Shishou was a symbol of fear, if it was the life of its Master, the puppy braced itself and they fought together. Without knowing this, the soul of the puppy was gradually forged.

  From an ordinary person’s point-of-view, the battle between the boy and the Shishou was nothing but abnormal.

  The boy unleashed blows with the intent to kill and the Shishou, after seeing the situation up to that degree, tormented him until he was on the verge of death. And the battle that deviated from common sense continued every day.

  Since the boy’s assault couldn’t leave a light scratch, even he was aiming for the time when the Shisou was taking a break, it might’ve been unavoidable to ask the puppy for help.

  However, even though the puppy joined the assault, it never reached the Shishou. With the boy’s hands and feet, even with the puppy’s fangs and claws, they didn’t even touch the Shishou. But, the boy never gave up and repeatedly fought against his Shishou.

  The boy fought without giving up, despite being defeated many times. It was abnormal to not giving up at that point. He might have been broken.

  The puppy, who had been fighting together with such a Master, grew up without noticing that this was abnormal. Since it hadn’t see other ways of fighting, it was a natural result.

  —


  A few years later…


  As usual, their assault didn’t hurt the Shishou, but the boy and the puppy grew bigger. The puppy, in particular, grew into a splendid dog.

  The dog didn’t fall behind when running with the youth. Supposedly, the dog could hunt alone. The youth would praise it whenever it hunted and brought back it prey, and its hunting skills had improved, day by day.

  In addition to hunting and coordinating with the youth, the dog remembered various things for him.

  And as soon as the dog could live by itself, the Shishou brought the youth abroad.

  It was said that they couldn’t bring the dog, and the reluctant boy ordered the dog to protect the house.

  Although the dog was lonely, it faithfully followed the instructions of its beloved Master, and kept waiting for his return.

  The dog also didn’t know where the youth was brought to by his Shishou, but they were acting as mercenaries for a war in a foreign country.

  A few days later, when the youth came back from the war… he hugged the dog and cried.

  The dog, who couldn’t tell that the youth had killed people for the first time, could do nothing to soothe him, other than licking his face.

  There were also times when the youth badly suffered when his emotions became unstable, but the dog never tried to leave him.

  The youth went out with his Shishou to participate in wars, and the days of vacating the house lasted many times.

  The dog was lonely every time, but one day, after they participatedion in over ten wars…… the Shishou told him that he could bring the dog as his partner.

  The Shishou was watching until now, but since it had become a considerable problem, it seemed to depend on the intuition and the ability of an animal.

  Like this, the dog also started to participate in war.

  The battlefield was a terrible world, where a lot of people died from incoming gunshots, but the dog didn’t feel terrified.

  Although it was used to the fear, due to the fight with the Shishou, rather than waiting for their return at home, it was more than happy to be in the vicinity of its Master.

  As long it could be with its Master, it was all good.

  With that in mind, the dog ran through battlefields together with the youth, and they went through a great number of battlefields.

  The dog protected the boy from bullets, and, sometimes, it would notice a trap that the inexperienced boy didn’t notice.

  They mutually helped each other in such a way, and the bond between the youth and the dog deepened.

  After a certain number of wars, the enemies’ traps caused the youth and the dog to be isolated and were helplessly left behind the enemies’ line.

  They were pursued and escaped into a pit, but the enemy blew up the entrance of the pit, and they were buried alive together with their allies.

  The youth was caught in the collapse and broke his arm, but they were miraculously saved by creating a space inside.

  Although they were able to escape from the enemies, they couldn’t dig holes because of broken bones, so the boy and the dog, who had been completely trapped, had no choice but to wait to be rescued.

  The possibility of being rescued by digging through a collapsed pit behind the enemies’ line was hopeless, the youth kept waiting to be rescued without giving up.

  He first treated the broken arm and fixed it with a stick, while conserving the lamp that was fit in the package, they managed to persevere with little water and portable foods.

  Two days had passed since then… the boy and the dog remained trapped.

  While snuggling to each other to confirm their existences and suppressed confusions, food and water ran out, and they were gradually driven by hunger and thirst.

  At that time, the boy ordered the dog to leave. This was because he was afraid of the possibility of recognizing the dog as meat and attack it because of hunger.

  “Gurururu…” (Dog)

  The dog knew.

  As hunting meant that the side that loses would be eaten, it knew by instinct that only the winner would survive.

  And the hungry dog first peered at the youth with its fangs.

  Grasping over the body of the youth while raising a growl, it tried pretending to eat the youth’s throat as if it was hunting its prey.

  The dog didn’t think even once about eating the youth. On the contrary, it planned to attack with the intention to be eaten.

  If it brought its fangs out like this, the boy would probably use his knife on reflex, and kill it. As compensation, the boy would be able to live by eating it.

  The dog was satisfied when it noticed that the boy promptly drew his knife.

  There was nothing to fear.

  For the youth, for its Master, for its family… it only returned the salvation of being saved.

  “…You’re stupid.” (Youth)

  But… no matter how much time had passed, the knife wasn’t swung at the dog, and the youth, then, put the knife on the ground.

  The dog was important to the youth, and the youth was also important to the dog. For that reason, he noticed the meaning of the action taken by the dog.

  The dog kept pretending to desperately assault him, but the youth gently hugged the dog.

  “I would rather die… than eat you.” (Youth)

  He still… maintained his sanity.

  That’s why the youth thought that. If he couldn’t survive without making a sacrifice…


  “My feet… are no good. I won’t be able to walk with you.” (Youth)

  Then, he turned his eyes onto his broken arm.

  “Even without one arm… I can live. Wait there, I will… give you meat.” (Youth)

  Wrapping the upper arm to stop the bleeding, he grasped the knife with the opposite hand, and by the time that he was about to swing down on the broken arm…


  “Thank God, I finally found you.” (Shishou)

  “…Shishou?” (Youth)

  The rock that blocked the entrance was smashed, and the Shishou came to help.

  They safely survived in this way, thus an unbreakable bond between a youth and a dog was born.

  —


  After that, the youth and the dog finished their treatment, and participated in another war again.

  The combination of the youth and the dog, who became stronger after numerous failures, wasn’t called an enemy, but a death god that buried many enemies.

  They intervened in wars all over the world, and intensely fought against Shishou every day when they returned home, but the dog was happy, so long as it was by the youth’s side.

  And when the youth grew up to be a young man… it suddenly came to an end.

  (Shishou)

  A few days after the young man could give a blow to his Shishou for the first time… Shishou left a will and disappeared from the young man and the dog.

  “…Running away when I am about to win… that’s unfair.” (Young Man)

  He might’ve expected that this would happen.

  As for the young man, rather than being sad about the Shishou’s disappearance, he was sad because he couldn’t win even once.

  And then, the young man left the house where he lived, and went to the man who he met during the war, and became a special agent that dealt with requested targets.

  Having the ability that could give a blow to the Shishou, forged intuition because of wars and making full use of modern weapons, there was no enemy for this young man. He became feared by various people, due to the result of crushing a medium-sized base alone.

  However, he had no dog by his side.

  As the young man became active in the world as an agent, the dog became a house taker.

  The difference in lifespan between humans and dogs was large.

  While the flesh of the young man became most suitable for the job, the flesh of the dog started to gradually decline.

  The young man worried because the dog still tried to follow him, so he left the dog to a woman, whom he saved during a certain job.

  “Please protect her. It is a job that only you can do.” (Young Man)

  “Woof!” (Dog)

  That order was merely a desperate plan to leave the dog behind.

  Even if its body was aged and worn down, if there was anything for the young man, the dog would try to protect him as a shield. It was a harsh thing to say, but an old dog couldn’t survive in a world where experts competed.

  The dog was lonely, but he faithfully obeyed the Master’s order.

  The woman in care was rescued by the young man. Whether the part of giving priority to the young man was similar, the dog and the woman became friends, and waited for the return of the young man every day.

  When the job was over, the one that quickly noticed the return of the young man and greeted him was the dog.

  Every time he returned, it would enjoy playing Frisbee and the brushing. It was given the love as much as when he went away.

  Seeing the young man off for work, the calm days went by, even if the dog was lonely.

  As time passed by, the dog’s body gradually declined because of age.

  And after seeing the young man going on a trip abroad with dozens of jobs… the dog became bedridden.

  It enjoyed playing Frisbee with the young man until a few days ago, but it couldn’t stand up any longer. Without any strength, it lied down while being gently stroked by the woman.

  “Is that so? You knew that it was the last opportunity to play with your Master at that time, huh?” (Woman)

  The dog probably could never run again until the young man came home next time.

  As if that was the last time, the dog played with the young man with every effort.

  A few days later… the time for the dog to stay awake was getting shorter.

  When it woke up, it was taken care of by the woman, and the painful days of lying down repeated when it was over.

  Still, the dog didn’t give up on living.

  Even though it couldn’t play anymore, the thought of possibly getting stroked only one more time made the dog continue to live eagerly.

  Even if… the time when the young man returned was nearly six months later.

  A few days later… the dog’s life had reached its limit.

  Its lifespan ran out. Although its consciousness gradually became thinner and it was expecting death, this feeling wasn’t the first time for the dog.

  It was the same feeling when it was still a puppy as it couldn’t move because of injuries and hunger, waiting for death while being struck by the rain.

  Pain… hungry… nothing could be felt. And somehow, these were the only feelings that were overwhelming the dog.

  “Wo…of…” (Puppy)

  But… being picked up by the Master, it could never forget the warmth of being embraced.

  It just couldn’t forget it.

  That’s why, it wanted to feel that warmth only once more.

  The dog quietly closed its eyes while wishing that.

  And then, to sleep that it will never awaken again…


  —


  “…I’m back.” (Young Man)

  Feeling the voice and the warmth of its special someone, the dog sustained the consciousness that was about to fade away.

  When it opened its eyes, the young man, who it wanted to meet more than anything, hugged it with disturbed breathing.

  There was a woman nearby, when it noticed them, and it saw the young man wrapped in bandages with arms and legs bleeding blood and with a pale face.

  “Are-are you alright!?” (Woman)

  “Yeah, I completed a bit of an unreasonable job. But, thank god, I made it in time. I… can take care of you.” (Young Man)

  It was enough for the dog if the Master was there.

  The dog abandoned itself to the gentle hands and warmth of the young man who stroked it while shedding tears.

  “I could be here because of you. So, sleep… slowly. I will see it through.” (Young Man)

  “Woof…” (Dog)

  Cared by an important person, and being wrapped by the warmth that it loved… the dog’s life ended.

  —


  {Isn’t it lonely to be alone? If you are lucky…} (??)

  —


  That voice told him such words when it XX(1).

  Even though it couldn’t remember the face and the name of its favorite Master… for some reason, those words remained in its mind.

  In the meantime, there was one thing it remembered.

  That it was… a dog.

  When it opened its eyes while remembering that it was a dog, it was in a forest.

  It should have died after being sent off by its special someone, but for some reason, it’s appearance became that of a puppy and was lying in an unknown forest.

  Even that alone was surprising enough, but the most surprising thing was that it understood the current situation, and it was able to think why this happened because of its intelligence.

  When the dog, which became able to think like a human being, was doubtful about its own feet that had become more beautiful than before, a goblin appeared from a bush nearby.

  The goblin drooled as if it found a delicious prey, and it attacked on instinct.

  The dog was surprised by the unfamiliar creature it saw for the first time, but it immediately made up its mind and readied a battle position. This was probably because it experienced numerous wars with the young man.

  It was a hopeless difference between the size of the puppy and the goblin. The size of the puppy, even if it stood up and stretched its body, was nothing but the other’s knee. Normally, it would be a suicidal act to challenge it to a battle.

  However, the dog instinctively understood that the other side wasn’t a big deal, so it judged that it could win. For that reason, it prepared the battle position.

  The dog avoided both of the goblins outstretched hands that were trying to catch its prey. It got on the arms and rushed up to the body of the goblin in one go, and bit the throat of its opponent, which was the vital point.

  However, the puppy’s fangs were short. At best, the goblin would only bleed. Because of that, the dog aimed to crush the goblin’s spirit and chase it away, but… an unexpected thing happened there.

  “Gyii—!?” (Goblin)

  When it thought why the fangs easily pierced it, the meat was gouged out and the throat had been bitten off.

  The throat of the goblin was fragile, as if it was soft, like tofu.

  The monster was weak—… No, the dog understood that it was strong.

  Although it was partial, the goblin, which had its throat bitten off, died because of the bleeding. When it thought that it should eat after killing the goblin, it noticed something when it looked at the carcass.

  It didn’t feel hungry at all. The appetite wasn’t there, not because of unappetizing meat, but the appetite didn’t exist. Furthermore, even excretion seemed unnecessary.

  To have an overwhelming power that could kill monsters with a single blow, even in the form of a puppy, it didn’t know whether it could be called a dog anymore.

  As the mystery deepened, the dog was puzzled by the change that occurred to him, but it was also mortified.

  If it had this power… it would go along with the young man’s jobs.

  “Awoooo—!” (Dog)

  But, the person it should be with after having such strength was no more.

  Seeing a monster that it had never seen before, this situation was clearly in a different world. It didn’t know why, but it concluded that this world was a different world, compared to the world that it had lived in until now.

  The world was different… in other words, the Master, who was more important than itself, didn’t exist.

  The howl released with so much regret reverberated to the surroundings.

  Instead of eating the carcass, the dog turned its back and moved into the forest.

  It encountered various monsters on the way, but as it detected the position of the enemies beforehand according to the abnormally developed sensation, it continued bringing them down with surprise attacks.

  Starting with goblins, then unusually big wolves, bipedal pigs and others… the dog kept walking without purpose while defeating various monsters.

  The dog, after it continued walking and found a watering hole, saw itself reflected on the surface of the water.

  It looked like a wolf rather than a dog, with shiny white fur, a supple and sturdy tail.

  The dog was at a loss the moment when it confirmed its obviously changed self.

  What should it do from now on?

  The Master it had when it was a dog was no longer here. Not just its parent, it couldn’t even find its companion.

  Even though it was reborn, the dog, whom didn’t require provisions in order to keep living, despaired. It quietly closed its eyes and lied on the ground.

  “Woof…” (Dog)

  To live in a world where the Master wasn’t there… then, its significance of living was…


  {Isn’t lonely to be alone? If you are lucky, you may be able to see him again… so do your best.} (??)

  At that time, the dog remembered the words that it thought it heard before waking up.

  That was the voice of the Shishou, who they couldn’t win against even once. It was the last words it heard before disappearing.

  With a strength like a monster, having an air that was obviously different from ordinary people, the dog started to think that it might be here because of Shishou.

  As such a Shishou said that, the dog found hope in the words that it might see him again.

  If it would be here, the Master might also be here…


  The dog, whom found the significance of living, decided to become strong.

  The present appearance was strong enough, and it might get stronger when it grew bigger, but it couldn’t increase without doing anything beyond knowing the strength of the Shishou.

  There were many practice targets, the monsters, in the surroundings, so when remembering the fight between the Master and the Shishou which, it saw countless times, it won’t be a problem.

  Just by looking, unlike how it occasionally joined and fought by instinct, there were many references when rethinking with its current intelligence.

  The dog kept training by imitating its Master.

  By knowing its own limitations, it tried to use all parts of its body as a weapon, and the tail sublimated to a weapon that could even break trees.

  In addition, since human beings that it didn’t kill might become enemies, it also learned to go easy, even on goblins as practice targets.

  The dog didn’t know, but the beast’s body called Hundred Wolves showed an abnormal growth of power as the dog’s ability and body gradually grew, day by day.

  —


  A few years later…


  The puppy-sized body grew bigger, and the dog stood at the top of the ecosystem in the forest.

  It was born in this world and fought against various monsters, but it never saw its own kind even once. Looking at its strength that surpassed other monsters, it presumed that it was a very rare species.

  With such strength, the dog, which had no parents or companions, no longer needed to stay in this forest. It left the forest and jumped to the outside world.

  There was no guarantee that it would meet the young man again.

  Still believing in that hope, the tales of the dog’s journey began.

  Knowing people’s desires, the dog, which was aware of its abnormality, preferred walking through the forests, so that people couldn’t find it, but one day, it helped a girl, who was attacked by monsters.

  By meeting the girl, it realized that it was called Hundred Wolves. After that, it learned the common sense of the world, while watching the girl, who was somehow concerned.

  However, the girl’s family seemed to have been attacked by a greedy noble, so the dog… Hundred Wolves casually beat the noble and took him away from the girl. Although the girl was concerned, there was no need to stay, unless there was Master.

  After confirming the girl was alright, the Hundred Wolves resumed its travels.

  —


  Hundred Wolves traveled beyond continents. However, it had to cross the sea to go to another continent.

  As it found a discarded boat, the dog got on it and carefreely drifting on the sea. It encountered a slave ship while on the way. It defeated the slave merchant who aimed for him, and it also liberated the captured slaves.

  The Hundred Wolves was treated as a hero and also was treated as a sacred beast by the slaves, but since the Master wasn’t found, it left the place to escape.

  Later, it encountered and resolved various incidents, but… it couldn’t find its beloved Master.

  Nevertheless, the Hundred Wolves traveled around the world to seek for that one person.

  A few decades after the beginning of the trip… the Hundred Wolves went to a certain mountain.

  The ambiance was similar to the mountain where Hundred Wolves lived with its Master. At a glimpse, it was pleased with the environment that overflowed with mana, but there were monkey-like monsters living there in large quantities.

  It worried about breaking the ecosystem, but by judging the differences between the characteristics of the monsters and the environment, it killed and drove them away without hesitation.

  The Hundred Wolves, who expelled the nuisances, found a calm place and decided to stay awhile.

  With the nostalgic air and environment overflowed with mana, the Hundred Wolves continued to sleep so as to forget the time.

  And then…


  —


  Hokuto, who was dreaming about the past, woke up.

  When Hokuto lifted his face, there was his Master, Sirius, who slept in the bed nearby.

  It seemed to be the time to get up, from the outside brightness, but apparently, Hokuto got up a little early.

  Hokuto stood up without a sound. Standing by the bed, so as not to wake Sirius up, he looked at the face of his Master.

  The face wasn’t the same in the slightest bit from the previous life, even the smell was entirely different, but… the look and the affections towards Hokuto didn’t change from the time he was picked up.

  He was convinced that Sirius was his Master. From the moment that a new name was given, Hokuto’s world started to shine, and he was glad to be reborn while shedding tears.

  His place was next to this person, after all, and that made him delightedly howl.

  And now, he gained strength enough to be called a monster, it would be more than enough to use it for the sake of his Master.

  However, it might be because of the dream from the past, he felt lonely remembering how he left his Master when he died.

  Hokuto slowly put his face on Sirius’ chest to feel the warmth that he loved, and then, Sirius slowly opened his eyes.

  “…Is that you, Hokuto?” (Sirius)

  Although he didn’t put any weight on him, Sirius, who woke up because of the unusual feeling he felt on his chest, stroked Hokuto’s head while still in the bed.

  “It’s unusual for you to fawn in the morning.” (Sirius)

  “Woof…” (Dog)

  “It’s not that I’m angry. It’s a bit early, but it’s time to get up.” (Sirius)

  As he stroked Hokuto awhile, Reus, who was sleeping in the next bed, also woke up.

  “Uhaa… Good morning, Aniki. Hokuto-san.” (Reus)

  “Good morning. How’s your body?” (Sirius)

  “Of course, Aniki. The injury has completely healed, so I have to retrain this body that has grown dull soon.” (Reus)

  And when the two finished changing clothes that were easy for training, Sirius’ lovers came into the room, while giving morning greetings.

  Everyone was wearing easy-to-move attires, it seemed that it would be a morning run from now on.

  “Sirius-sama, we’re ready.” (Emilia)

  “I have confidence in my stamina, but I’m worried whether I can catch up with you guys…” (Fia)

  “It will be fine since Fia-san is a trained adventurer. In the past, I wonder how many times I wasn’t able to do anything…” (Reese)

  “But still, Reese-ane came along without giving up, right? I think that you have amazing guts.” (Reus)

  “Ahaha… I was carried many times by Sirius-san and Reus.” (Reese)

  “I see, there is also the possibility of collapsing. I want a princess carry from Sirius.” (Fia)

  “Don’t say that as the reason to collapse, you know? This is the first day for Fia, so there is no need to worry.” (Sirius)

  Hokuto was looking at Sirius and the rest that were having a peaceful chat with gentle eyes.

  He seemed to have it hard, but looking at how his Master was perfectly having fun, Hokuto was also happy.

  Sirius’ happiness was Hokuto’s happiness.

  “Well then, shall we start? First, we will do it lightly.” (Sirius)

  “““Yes.””” (Emilia/Reese/Reus)

  “Hehe, since I am newcomer, I’ll do my best to keep up.” (Fia)

  It was different from the time when a person and an animal kept running in an effort to defeat Shishou.

  Joining the four important companions, Sirius, who was about to leave the room, turned around and called Hokuto with a smile.

  “Let’s go, Hokuto!” (Sirius)

  “Woof!” (Dog)

  Together with his precious Master, every day continued to be filled with the brilliance of Hokuto…
-

  TLN: The XX is blanked, probably ‘died’?

  Volume 13, Intermission 1: The Requirements of Companionship

  “…Aa…uuu” (Fia)

  It’s the morning of the second day after the Fighting Festival ended.

  I woke up to the sound of something that rubbed against the bed sheets and was mixed with some charming breathing.

  I didn’t do any training until today, in order to recover from the exhaustion, but it seemed that I woke up in the morning like the usual due to habit.

  And when I looked to the side, Fia was sleeping with a gentle look.

  Since her sleeping face was in a defenseless state, most people would think that it looked cute; but, in the case of Fia, even her sleeping face could be describe as beautiful.

  When I saw Fia for the first time, I thought that she was a mysterious and beautiful woman, like a work of art; but even though nearly ten years had passed, she didn’t change at all. Rather than being in love, I thought that she became more beautiful as a woman.

  She had such beautiful skin that any women would envy, and lovely flowing hair that would never get stuck, even if you comb it with your fingers. It was said that this was the standard of the Elves, so it might be natural to be targeted.

  I was liked by Fia, who was an Elf, and when I realized it, we already became lovers. That’s why I must protect Fia… as a man and as a lover.

  Looking at her face while thinking so, Fia slowly opened her eyes. She caught my face and kissed me.

  “Yeah… Good morning, Sirius.” (Fia)

  “Good morning. You’re passionate this morning, huh?” (Sirius)

  “That’s because I saw your face when I woke up…” (Fia)

  Fia kept watching my face with a gentle smile while narrowing her eyes.

  “Hehe… you’re embarrassed. I never thought that I would be losing my head so much.” (Fia)

  “Losing your head? You mean with a man?” (Sirius)

  “Yeah. There was a story before I met you…” (Fia)

  Prior to meeting me, Fia became acquainted with a child, who was an escort, in a certain town, and she became that person’s drinking buddy.

  “Our interests were similar, since we both enjoyed drinking. It was a short time, but I heard a lot of interesting stories. Among them, there was a story of an escort who become too fond of a man.” (Fia)

  The escort earnestly fell in love with the man who was her customer, and it seemed that she did everything that he told to do, such as giving him her body and money. However, the man was a low-life and the lady seemed to have been abandoned at the end. It was said that she was losing her head over such a man.

  Apparently, this story was propagated to convey a failure’s example, so that the escorts were careful. From the establishment side, it was a story of having a number of their employees decreasing. Hence, the story was proactively disseminated.

  “When I heard the story, I was wondering… why would she madly fall in love to that point for that guy, but the current me is completely falling in love with you, right? It is a bit funny, huh?” (Fia)

  “I am happy as a man, but is that troubling you, Fia?” (Sirius)

  “It’s just that I feel that I would listen to everything you say, if you asked me now. I will give you money, if you ask for it; and if you tell me to embrace you, I will do it without hesitation.” (Fia)

  “That’s quite bad. But, if I properly ask in advance, will that be alright?” (Sirius)

  “Well, if it is Sirius, I can have a piece of mind and leave it to you. But, if there is something, do not hesitate to say it. It’s not only me. Emilia, Reese, Reus and Hokuto also always think what we want to be used for your sake, so you don’t need to push yourself too much.” (Fia)

  Was it… for my sake? She said such a nice thing, but I already had more than enough from everyone.

  The reason for the food development was due to the knowledge from my previous life, and my strength in this world was abnormal. If you knew everything, from the view of a person who didn’t know anything, they must’ve been terrified.

  But for them to yearn for someone like me, I wasn’t lonely because they were disciples and companions who would follow me, and I could live a fulfilling live.

  “I am not forcing myself. Protecting you and our companions completes my life as a human. As I freely live in such a way, I want everyone to do the same. Especially Fia, I want you to openly walk around without hiding your ears.” (Sirius)

  “There will be a lot of troubles if the fact about me being an Elf is exposed, you know?” (Fia)

  “Don’t worry because I will protect you. Because you are the most attractive when you live the way you like and with your natural smile.” (Sirius)

  “…Ooh, you!” (Fia)

  When I was thinking about Fia’s sudden shriek, she rode my body and greedily indulged my mouth.

  I gently caressed Fia’s back to calm her down, while being surprised with her action. She looked at me with a serious look after she released my face.

  “Although I wanted you to say that you won’t force yourself… such pick-up lines are unfair!” (Fia)

  “It’s not unfair. I’m just being honest with my feelings.” (Sirius)

  “Eeii, shut up! There is still time until breakfast, right!?” (Fia)

  “Wait a second, you mean, now?” (Sirius)

  “My body is burning, so it can’t be helped, you know? Besides, we Elves have an extremely low probability of having children, so let’s practice it without a moment’s delay.” (Fia)

  If I wasn’t mistaken, according to the information… in an Elven village, which was said to have about hundreds of people, there were many women who had only one child after several decades.

  Elves were not aggressive in that direction, but it seemed that the sense of crisis could be hardly felt because their sense of time was different from humans and beastkin due to their longevity.

  It wasn’t that I didn’t understand what Fia said, but…


  “And the truth is…?” (Sirius)

  “My feelings are not going to go away. It’s just that I’m falling in love with you, more and more.” (Fia)

  “Honestly, it is fine. And, please fall in love as much as you like. I will accept everything.” (Sirius)

  “I love that open-mindedness!” (Fia)

  After that, I was occupied by Fia until Emilia called.

  —


  “Good morning.” (Reese)

  “Good morning, Aniki!” (Reus)

  “Woof!” (Hokuto)

  As I brought Emilia and Fia, Reese and Reus, who were sitting at the table, gave us morning greetings in the dining room, which was also the bar of the inn. Hokuto, who was sitting on the floor, greeted me as well.

  “Good morning. Sorry, it seems that I made you wait.” (Sirius)

  “N-no… the timing is good since there is no morning training.” (Reese)

  “Say, Aniki, what’s with Nee-chan and Fia-ane?” (Reus)

  When looking at Emilia, who was hugging my arm, and Fia, who had an unusually bright expression, their puzzled faces might be natural.

  “I just cleared things up with Sirius. Reus, you must also become a good man to satisfy a woman like Sirius does.” (Fia)

  “Of course! I am aiming to be like Aniki, you know?” (Reus)

  “Yeah. But, you have your own merit, so do your best by making use of it.” (Fia)

  “Ouu!” (Reus)

  When I tried to take a seat, while listening to the conversation between Reus and Fia, Emilia left my arm and pulled a chair out. It looked like she was trying to put her smell on me because she didn’t want to lose against Fia, but she didn’t forget her duty as an attendant, after all.

  And with everyone in front of the breakfast that was arranged on the table, everyone’s eyes gathered onto me. It was because the meal wouldn’t start without my signal.

  “Well, itadakimasu.” (Sirius)

  ““““Itadakimasu.”””” (Emilia/Reese/Fia/Reus)

  Fia, who easily adapted to our ways during the last few days, also held her hands together in prayer, and then, breakfast began.

  There were salads with bread and soup, and the breakfast seemed heavy, since there were roasted meats, but there was no problem with that in our case.

  Rather…


  “Another, please.” (Reese)

  “Me too, another, please!” (Reus)

  “Sirius-sama, will you have a little more salad?” (Emilia)

  “Aah, alright. Emilia, also, eat it without reserve.” (Sirius)

  “…I wonder if the secret of getting stronger is having proper meals?” (Fia)

  The amount was not enough.

  As soon as the dishes that filled the whole table went into everyone’s stomachs, another helping had been brought out.

  “Yes, I brought extra food and other helpings and services.” (Cecil)

  “Sorry for making you come and go so many times.” (Sirius)

  “Since the number of customers has increased because of Onii-chans, it’s fine. We have a lot of provisions, so eat to your heart’s content.” (Kachia)

  Looking at the surroundings, the tables at the bar were almost filled with people. Kachia and the employees were busy and happily serving the customers.

  Clearly, the number of customers had increased more than when we first stayed here. And that would be the case, since I advertised them when I won the Fighting Festival. The announcement was spread by word-of-mouth, and it showed a magnificent change in only two days.

  From the beginning, the condition of the place wasn’t even bad, and it was a fine inn with excellent services to guests. The rooms were occupied for several days and it wasn’t a dream.

  As the number of customers increased, I thought that I should bring my Beast Companion, Hokuto, out, but he was allowed for a special reason. There were complaints from some customers, but when I told them that I, as the Champion of the Fighting Festival, was the owner, and because of Hokuto’s politeness, they were able to somehow accept it.

  Then, after breakfast, I decided to discuss today’s schedule, while having some after-meal tea and dessert fruits.

  “My and Reus’ injuries have considerably healed, so I think that I will go the Adventurer’s Guild today.” (Sirius)

  “Eh!? Perhaps you don’t want to turn the prize money from the Fighting Festival into food expenses, right!? I don’t want the side dishes to be reduced!” (Reese)

  “We will hunt monsters!” (Reus)

  “Calm down, you guys. Actually, a letter came.” (Sirius)

  Calming the gluttonous siblings in the house, I took out the letter that was given to me by Cecil-san’s husband at the reception before I came here. I put it in the center of the table and showed it to everyone.

  They seemed to have been entrusted with it this morning, but I simply told them that I need to show my face at the Adventurer’s Guild.

  “What kind of business does the Guild employees have with us?” (Emilia)

  “During the Award Ceremony of the Fighting Festival, apparently my Beginner Guild Rank is a problem. According to them, since the Champion of the Fighting Festival is a Beginner Rank, the Adventurer’s Guild seemed to have been making light of me, so they would like to discuss it once.” (Sirius)

  Currently, my Guild Rank was Eighth Rank, and, in this world’s standards, I was generally known as a Beginner Adventurer.

  Emilia and Reese were similar to me. Reus was at the Seventh Rank because he defeated a monster during his spare time, but… his rank was also at the beginner’s level.

  In terms of ability, I thought that we could aim for a higher rank, but since we were not having trouble with money, due to the income from the Galgan Company, we hadn’t shown our faces at the Adventurer’s Guild and barely did any requests.

  “If it is Sirius-sama, getting the First Rank is easy. Certainly, let’s have you attain First Rank.” (Emilia)

  “Yo-you can’t. We have to properly accept requests and Rank Up.” (Reese)

  “Reese is right. To be honest, I am not very interested in the Guild Ranking, but they specifically called for me through the letter. So, I’ll show my face.” (Sirius)

  There were various reasons for registering with the Guild, but the most important thing was to have proof of identification.

  Even as a joke, I didn’t think that it would be good to be surrounded by enemies because I was the Champion of the Fighting Festival, so I decided to go, since it would be troublesome later.

  “Since Fia-ane was traveling, are you in the Guild?” (Reus)

  “Yes, of course. I had… to earn travel expenses. This is my Guild Card.” (Fia)

  The Guild Card that Fia took out from her pocket was engraved with the Fifth Rank and the material was silver. So, she was an Intermediate Adventurer.

  “If I aggressively do the requests, I might be able to go further up, but I was fine if I earned at least the minimum. Besides, since I am an Elf, I don’t like the rank going up and becoming conspicuous.” (Fia)

  If it was Fia, who could use Spirit spells, she probably could Rank Up by defeating strong monsters alone.

  When she was alone, she accepted the requests while covered with a hood, but if her rank climbed up and she became conspicuous, some fools would appear and try to figure out her identity, so it was a good idea to stop at Fifth Rank.

  “Well then, let’s go to the Guild when the preparations are done. We might receive a request, so don’t forget to prepare.” (Sirius)

  “Understood. I will arrange the necessities.” (Emilia)

  “If it’s about ranking up, it’s not good if we are not working for it, you know? Aah, Kachia-chan. Can I have more of these fruits, please?” (Reese)

  “Me too!” (Reus)

  “You’re going to eat even more!?” (Kachia)

  “Hehe, they eat a lot.” (Fia)

  Because those two were perfectly synced, Kachia and other adventurers, who were looking at us, were surprised. Emilia and I were already used to it. Same goes for Fia. She happily looked at their eating habits.

  While looking at Reese and Reus, who were joyfully eating the fruits, I recalculated the food expenses in my head.

  —


  We headed to the Adventurer’s Guild after finishing the preparations, but we were, understandably, standing out along the way there.

  With the first runner-up of the Fighting Festival, Hundred Wolves, Hokuto; and an Elf, Fia; it was natural to be conspicuous. By the way, Fia was walking with us with her hood removed and was boldly exposing her real face.

  Most of the gazes that were directed towards us from the surroundings were favorable, and we received skewered meats from a person, who opened a food stall, and he told us that it was a splendid fight.

  While there were evil gazes, which included the jealous and schemers, they ran away when Hokuto and I stared at them. It needed a bit of practice; it was a skill of releasing bloodlust with pinpoint accuracy in order to let them notice and understand it.

  “Woof!” (Hokuto)

  “Aah, he said take your time, he will wait.” (Emilia)

  We walked through the boisterous town and arrived at the Adventurer’s Guild. If there was something, Hokuto would bark to call me. And then, he led down in an area for Beast Companions.

  Because it was called the Capital of Adventurers, when I entered the large building, it was noisy with a large number of adventurers accepting requests and having discussions.

  When we entered the building, all eyes were set on us, unlike when we’re in the town.

  Most of them were looking at Fia and had lewd looks, but they were sighing as if they had given up when they saw her with me and Reus. Perhaps they had seen the Fighting Festival and decided that they were no match. These people were worthy to be adventurers, because, if they couldn’t sense danger, it wouldn’t have enough lives, no matter how much they had. When thinking about that, these adventurers were probably good quality adventurers.

  Since it was fine if we didn’t get entangled with them, we were at the end of the queue where adventurers were lining-up before the reception of the Guild, and…


  “Aah!? So, you have come, Sirius-kun! Can you come here, since I am in a hurry?” (??)

  When we turned our faces towards the loud voice behind the reception, we saw the woman who did the live coverage of the Fighting Festival.

  I wondered… why she was here, but when she appeared in the state of having the same attire as the other receptionist, apparently she was an employee here.

  When it turned out to be her, Emilia and Reese immediately stood up in front of me, while Fia embraced my arm. Since Fia was smiling, she probably just wanted to embrace my arm.

  Of course, the adventurers, who were watching from afar, looked envious, but I unconcernedly stroke Emilia’s and Reese’s heads to calm them down.

  “Calm down. Come on, let’s go, since she is calling.” (Sirius)

  “Let’s do this. Since I will be at the rear, two people should be on both sides.” (Fia)

  ““Yes.”” (Emilia/Reese)

  “Then, I’m in the front!” (Reus)

  Thus, I headed to the reception while surrounded by everyone; Emilia and Reese were on both sides of me, Fia at my back and Reus at the front.

  What’s with this situation? …When I thought about that, they were concerned about me, so it was difficult to stop them.

  “Wha-what’s with this perfect arrangement!? There is no gap for me to enter with this!” (Announcer)

  “The enemies of Nee-chans are my enemies! I will not let you touch Aniki!” (Reus)

  “But, the lovers have gone from three to four!? As expected of a person who ruled the Fighting Festival. A profound chest that accepts all, even if it is a man, is also wonderful!” (Announcer)

  “Wait a sec, Reus is just a disciple.” (Sirius)

  “Wait, Aniki! We are not just disciples. In the future, we will… muguhh!?” (Reus)

  Since Reus started to loudly emphasize his words, I threw a candy that was recently made into his mouth and made him shut up. Reus, who was absorbed in the sweetness that had a touch of honey, concentrated on licking it and became quiet.

  Emilia and Reese on either side of me turned around with a gluttonous look, so it went without saying that I put them into their mouths as well.

  “Ehemm! More importantly, I came here because I received the letter.” (Sirius)

  “Oh, that’s right! Sorry, please wait a minute. I will immediately contact the higher-ups.” (Announcer)

  That woman asked another woman, who was working at the reception to contact the higher-ups, and then she asked us to show our Guild Cards.

  “For the time being, let me confirm your rank. Aah, I’m sorry, my name is Beauty(1). If it is strong man, I will always welcome them anytime.” (Beauty)

  I clearly disregard the gaze aimed at me and Reus, and we handed our Guild Cards to Beauty. And after she confirmed them all, she took a deep breath while covering her face with her hands.

  “…Even though you have strength to that degree, you really were a Beginner.” (Beauty)

  “I’m not really interested in ranking. So, did you call us to raise our ranks?” (Sirius)

  “I also haven’t heard it in detail, but it is probably related. By the way, when you said that you weren’t interested, do you know the rank classifications?” (Beauty)

  “Well…” (Sirius)

  The Guild Rank started from the Tenth Rank. Every time the rank was raised by doing requests, the rank number would decrease, and the First Rank was the highest.

  When the rank went up, it became possible to receive requests with higher difficulties and rewards, and what you were considered as would changed too.

  A Beginner Adventurer was from the Tenth to the Seventh Rank.

  An Intermediate Adventurer was from the Sixth to the Fourth Rank.

  An Advanced Adventurer was from the Third to the First Rank.

  According to rumors, it seemed that there was a Special Rank that was higher than the First Rank, but since I wasn’t interested beyond that, I had no plan to look into it.

  “If that’s the case, there is no need for an explanation. The full briefing will be given by the Guild Master, so will you follow me?” (Beauty)

  “Can my companions come too?” (Sirius)

  “There’s no problem.” (Beauty)

  Since the woman, who was asked to make contact some time ago, returned, we were taken to a room by Beauty.

  We were led to a room, which could be used for a conference, with a big table inside.

  On the opposite side of that table, there was a big, built man with muscles forged to the extent that they wouldn’t lose to Lior-Jiisan’s and his head was completely shaven. Having a large scar on the face, this man had an air that was unlike that of ordinary people, so he could be…


  “Let me do the introductions. Here is Badom-sama(2), the Guild Master of the Adventurer’s Guild, Garaff branch.” (Beauty)

  “I am Badom. Nice to meet you, Sirius-kun, the Champion of the Fighting Festival.” (Badom)

  I responded since he got up for a handshake, but the moment our hands connected… Badom quietly smiled.

  When I noticed that Badom wasn’t an ordinary person, it seemed that the other side also noticed my ability. This Guild Master seemed to be a strong person who could measure a part of one’s ability, even by connecting hands.

  “…I see, if it’s you, it’s probably normal to win. For a person to be strong to this degree, while being hidden… the world is really interesting.” (Badom)

  After that, he shook hands with Reus, and he was nodding several times with great interest.

  “Are you Sirius-kun’s disciple?” (Badom)

  “Yes, I am. I am Aniki’s first—… No, I am his second disciple!” (Reus)

  “I see. You are also a wonderful raw stone. I am really looking forward to the future.” (Badom)

  Badom was happily laughing due to Reus, who immediately corrected himself because of Emilia’s silent pressure.

  Whether Reus instinctively understood that he was a strong person, his tone was unusually polite.

  After that, he continued with Emilia and Reese. He returned to the seat after shaking hands with the last person, Fia. He, then, signaled us to take a seat.

  “Nevertheless, you guys are very interesting. It’s hard to think that you guys are Beginner Adventurers, since you’ve trained that youth to that extent, and are together with a rare Elf and Hundred Wolves, which is also regarded as a myth.” (Badom)

  “It is necessary to live. Plus, Fia and Hokuto are my important companions. Anyhow, why did call for us?” (Sirius)

  “Hmmm. I think that you already understand. This is about raising Sirius-kun and Reus-kun’s rank. As I wrote in the letter, annoying people will appear if the one who won the Fighting Festival is a Beginner.” (Badom)

  “Is that so? Since it is hard to raise it too much, Intermediate Sixth Rank should be enough.” (Sirius)

  “…Normally, people are obsessed with raising their rank, but it seems that you are not really interested.” (Badom)

  Badom was smiling while drinking the tea prepared by Beauty. He was probably thinking that, if it was me, I could rank up to Advanced Adventurer.

  “I was planning to slowly raise my rank. Leaving that matter aside, I am giving priority to training my disciples and traveling around the world.” (Sirius)

  “An adventurer is someone who lives the way they want. Because of that, I didn’t want to call Sirius-kun, unless I asked to, but when you won the Fighting Festival, it is something that I couldn’t ignore, after all. As a representative of the Guild, let me apologize.” (Badom)

  “It’s fine because I also understand the situation here. So, what should I do?” (Sirius)

  “We already prepared the request, so if you accomplish that, I will rank you guys up to the Intermediate Rank. Please ask Beauty for more information.” (Badom)

  “Uhmm… will that be alright for us as his disciples?” (Emilia)

  “It’s alright. I got the gist of your ability when I shook your hands earlier. I also feel that your mana exceeds that of ordinary people, so you might be able to do it if it is at the Intermediate level.” (Badom)

  Personally, Badom was thinking about the Advanced level, but the surroundings would make noise if we were given special treatment to that extent, and to rank up to the Third Rank, it would be pointless, unless we received a special request while accompanied by the Guild Officials, so he gave up.

  I disliked that above all. Hence, if we fulfilled the request, we would all rank up to the Sixth Rank, except Fia.

  When I was considering that it might be a Subjugation Request, Emilia, who was next to me, raised her hand to ask questions.

  “I’m sorry. I would like to ask a question, is it true that there is a Special Rank that is higher than the First Rank?” (Emilia)

  “There is certainly a Special Rank. What is it, do you want to be a Special Rank?” (Badom)

  “No, it’s not me. It’s Sirius-sama. If it is Sirius-sama, it seems that he would have no problem, even if it is the Special Rank.” (Emilia)

  “Oi, don’t try to recommend me without my permission.” (Sirius)

  “Hahaha, it is true that Sirius-kun, who won the Fighting Festival, is strong, but the Special Rank is not all about ability. Although that person was not interested in anything other than swords, the Special Rank was impossible for even the Strongest Sword, Lior.” (Badom)

  It was said that only one person got that Special Rank in the last few decades, and that person was like a specialist in everything.

  Someone who lead others by teaching various skills. It seemed that it was necessary to know everything about the underworld, and make callous decisions and calm judgments.

  “Furthermore, if you have the ability to make the Adventurer’s Guilds from each continent deem you acceptable, then you have enough requirements for the Special Rank. Aah, if you can defeat the Strongest Sword, Lior, no one will complain, maybe. Well, I guess that there is no one like that, hahaha!” (Badom)

  Badom was laughing, but I felt that I had met those requirements.

  However, since I thought that it would be boring to suddenly become an Advanced or Special Rank, I would give a proper answer and keep silent about it.

  “If that’s the case, Sirius-sama… muguhh!?” (Emilia)

  It was close, but the candy was in time.

  —


  And then, we parted with Badom. After listening to the details of the request from Beauty, we were led by Hokuto to a nearby forest.

  By the way, it didn’t take more than half a day by walking. Hence, we left the carriage at the inn and went on foot.

  Getting off the highway, we kept walking in the wide meadows, while thinking about the details of the request.

  “The details of the request are to subjugate a group of Orcs, right? I wonder how many there are?” (Reese)

  “According to Beauty, she said that there were about ten, but we must assume that there are more than that.” (Emilia)

  “That’s for sure, Nee-chan. No matter who your opponent is, never let your guard down. Always remember the worst case scenario, right?” (Reus)

  “…I was going to give advice, if there was something, but I guess it is not necessary.” (Fia)

  Orcs were a kind of monster that looked like giant pigs walking on two legs.

  Their intelligence was low, but the size and strength of their bodies were twice that of a person. They were, omnivores, since it ate everything. The thick fat stored in the body prevented swords and blows, so it was impossible with half-hearted attacks. Roughly speaking, it was twice as strong as a goblin.

  It was also the limit of the Beginner Rank, and if you could defeat a single one of them alone, you had enough ability as an Intermediate Rank.

  “By the way, why doesn’t Sirius want to become a Special Rank? According to the Guild Master’s explanation, you can become one, right?” (Fia)

  “That’s right. Since Sirius-sama has beaten Lior-Ojiichan, I think that it is proper to have that Special Rank.” (Emilia)

  “Yeah, I also think the same, but Sirius-san doesn’t like to stand out, unless it is necessary. During the Fighting Festival, it was for Fia-san’s sake.” (Reese)

  “It is as Reese says, to attain the Special Rank is to be on the top.” (Sirius)

  If you attained the Special Rank, there would be many instances that you could save time and labor by having various conveniences.

  However, raising ranks of one level or two was alright for this time, but it was originally difficult to rank up. Hence, if our ranks were risen in one go, it would only invite animosity.

  “If you stand on top, you will see a lot of things, but there are things that can only be seen at the bottom. It is alright if it becomes a necessity to rank up to Advanced or Special Rank, but for now, we should take it easy.” (Sirius)

  “So you had that kind of thought, huh? I’m sorry. I was being impertinent.” (Fia)

  “Wasn’t that for my sake? Don’t worry. Besides, please don’t hesitate to say if you have anything to complain about. In the worst case scenario, we could hide when the situation can’t be undone, or stockpile stuff.” (Sirius)

  “Well, recently, I haven’t eaten Aniki’s dishes, so I want to eat more. Later, I want to play Frisbee.” (Reus)

  “Cecil-san’s dishes are also good, but I like Sirius-sama’s dishes the best.” (Emilia)

  “I think so, too.” (Reese)

  “Woof!” (Hokuto)

  “You mean, here!? Well, that’s why I prepared this bento, you know?” (Sirius)

  In the beginning, I headed out to the town to buy lunches, but since the disciples told me that they wanted to eat my dishes, I came back to the inn and made a bento.

  Thanks to that, it was just before noon, but our walking speed was faster than others, and we had plenty of time, if it was just to go there and come back. Although this was a request, it completely felt like a picnic.

  Other than that, they wanted to be stroked and brushed, and since I was doing it almost every day, their discontent seemed to be piling up.

  As we walked with a piece of mind, Fia came beside me and put her hands on my shoulders.

  “Hehe… Okaa-san has it tough.” (Fia)

  “I am a guy, so it’s Otou-san.” (Sirius)

  “That is true. And the skill to please a woman is something that a splendid man has.” (Fia)

  “There is a man over there.” (Sirius)

  “It’s a joke.” (Fia)

  Fia wasn’t emitting malicious intent, she was laughing while sticking her tongue out, so I decided to concentrate on walking without saying anything.

  —


  We, then, continued walking in the meadow, and we finally decided to have lunch at the point where the forest could be seen.

  After that, I discussed the arrangements, while eating the bento with the assistance of Emilia and Reese.

  “The Orcs are in the depths of the forest, right? After eating this, I’ll charge into the depths of the forest!” (Reus)

  “No, we are not planning to enter the forest. Right now, rather than the request, I have something to confirm.” (Sirius)

  “We’re not going to enter? Well then, what are we going to do, Aniki?” (Reus)

  “I’ve got a plan concerning the Orcs, but for now, we will give priority to this.” (Sirius)

  She ate these when we met for the first time. When I looked at Fia, who was eating sandwiches with meat and vegetables, it seemed nostalgic, and then she tilted her head and looked at me.

  “What is it? Aah, you want to eat this? Here, open your mouth.” (Fia)

  “That’s not it. It’s fine to listen while eating. Once Fia has finished eating, I would like you to tell me about your ability.” (Sirius)

  “My ability?” (Fia)

  If we were going to be on a trip from now on, I should understand, in detail, the abilities of my companions.

  I had been thinking about this since the day we became friends, but since there was a possibility of Fia’s Spirit spells being leaked out if she showed them in the town, I had been holding back until now.

  However, since we left the town for a request this time, now was the best opportunity to explain it to everyone.

  “There is no one following us, and I can’t feel any reactions from the surroundings at the moment. I’m leaving the lookout to Hokuto, so let’s confirm everyone’s abilities now.” (Sirius)

  “Alright… it is necessary, since we have become companions. Sorry, I didn’t notice it since I had always been traveling alone.” (Fia)

  Although Fia said it while smiling, I was sad when I heard that. Since she seemed to be enjoying the trip, perhaps, not regretting might be the only salvation.

  “The companions who I can rely on, right? Well then, I’m going to show my Spirit spells.” (Fia)

  “Yes, as a Junior in Spirit spells, I will also take them as references.” (Reese)

  “Rather than offensive, Reese-ane is more in protection and healing. I’m looking forward to seeing how Fia-ane will use it.” (Reus)

  “Uuh… I’m nervous when I am looked at with such pure eyes.” (Fia)

  Fia was feeling pressure by the pure eyes of the gluttonous siblings in the house.

  Meanwhile, I was concerned about Emilia, who had a similar Wind attribute as Fia, but she was pouring tea from a water kettle into a cup and handed it to me.

  “Here you go, Sirius-sama. Umm… is there something on my face?” (Emilia)

  “Aah, no. since Emilia and Fia use the same Wind spells, I was thinking whether you are concerned about it, or not.” (Sirius)

  “I am, but other than magic, there are many things that can become strength. If it I can assist Sirius-sama, it is good enough, then.” (Emilia)

  Although she wasn’t trained by me, maybe Fia was stronger in terms of Wind spells.

  However, Emilia should be better in terms of physical ability and abilities as an attendant. She understood that. It warmed my heart when she smiled without even feeling jealousy.

  “Really… you have grown up, Emilia.” (Sirius)

  “No, it’s still too early. As long as Sirius-sama watches over me, I will continue to grow.” (Emilia)

  When I stroked Emilia, who had a bigger heart than her body, she closed her eyes while happily wagging her tail.

  “Ehehe… So happy.” (Emilia)

  “Yeah. Even if I win over Emilia in terms of magic, I still lose in many ways. I have to work hard as your lover. By the way, Sirius…” (Fia)

  “Yes?” (Sirius)

  “I want you to eat this after all, so please, open your mouth. Here, ahn.” (Fia)

  “…Ahn.” (Sirius)

  —


  After the meal was over, we showed off our abilities.

  There were also Spirit magicians, and since they would cause natural disasters if they went all out, so some of it was explained verbally.

  My gun spells, and Reus’ sword techniques. The sharpness of Emilia’s Wind blades, and the wall utilized by Reese’s Water. Fia praised by clapping her hands while being surprised.

  “You guys are stronger than I imagined. When I was traveling, I didn’t see anyone as strong as you guys.” (Fia)

  “That’s thanks to Aniki’s training.” (Reus)

  “That is the result of you guys continuing to work hard. I am just giving you the opportunity.” (Sirius)

  “Whether or not it was an opportunity, I believe that you can be proud, since they trust you. Well then, it’s my turn.” (Fia)

  Fia came forward. She turned her hand towards the meadow where no one was located, and quietly muttered.

  “Lend me your power. Oh wind…” (Fia)

  Fia’s mana was released at the same moment with her chanting, and a big tornado occurred in the distance.

  The force of the tornado was to the extent that if it hadn’t been reduced, it would’ve been dreadful. Far from involving people, it even pulled the trees growing out of the ground.

  After Fia confirmed that she had shown enough, she waved her hand and the tornado disappeared, almost as if something of that degree never existed. However, since the ground was deeply gouged out, it firmly showed the power of the tornado.

  “Fuh… I was a bit excited. I can’t control it if I make it stronger than that, and it will indiscriminately mow down a wide area.” (Fia)

  “Still, it’s amazing! Nee-chan, can you do that?” (Reus)

  “If only a bit. However, if it’s me, I’ll run out of mana first.” (Emilia)

  “Emilia and Fia’s styles are in different directions. You don’t have to do the same thing, you know?” (Sirius)

  Fia’s Spirit magic was a style that blows everything away with a powerful Wind, while Emilia had a style to slice things by completely controlling the wind.

  After that, she released several spells, and the last one was the spell to fly in the sky, which I had taught her.

  “…How was it? Since I couldn’t get out of my hometown until now, I practiced every day to kill time.” (Fia)

  “It was splendid. You reproduced the spell that I taught like a joke, and the way you fly in the sky is incomparable to the old days.” (Sirius)

  “Thank you. But, flying in the sky is not just this. There is a time limit, but I am able to make someone float, if it’s just one person.” (Fia)

  “In other words, I can also fly like Fia-ane?” (Reus)

  “Yeah. I’ll skip the explanations, so come here. Aah, because the control is difficult, don’t move too much.” (Fia)

  When the invited Reus came forward, his body floated as the wind blew. He flew around with Fia as the center, and he slowly got down onto the ground.

  “That was amazing, Fia-ane! But, I can’t do anything while flying.” (Reus)

  “Since you are floating because of my Wind, it is natural that you can’t step on it. You can block enemies’ movement to a certain extent, but you will be dropped if you move too much.” (Fia)

  “If that’s the case, the main function is only for movement, right? Nevertheless, it is amazing.” (Sirius)

  “Thank you. As a test sample, my friend from my hometown——… no, I was able to do it because I receive their cooperation. I was finally able to show it to Sirius, and my hardship went well.” (Fia)

  “Aah, I think you can feel proud of yourself.” (Sirius)

  Fia was smiling, but I don’t think she would have reached this far without great effort.

  I smiled while praising Fia’s effort.

  —


  Incidentally, after confirming everyone’s strength, we started the Orc Subjugation request. Reus turned his face to me, while looking at the inclination of the sun.

  “Hey, Aniki. If we search for the Orcs and exterminate them now, it is going to be night when we head home, right?” (Reus)

  “There is no need to search. Hokuto!” (Sirius)

  “Woof!” (Hokuto)

  As I skipped the explanations, Hokuto charged into the forest with a bullet-like momentum.

  My companions were puzzled, but I told them to prepare for battle.

  I confirmed it earlier with [Search], and I sensed the reaction of the Orc group in the depths of the forest. And if I could sense them, obviously, Hokuto could sense them too.

  In other words…


  “Awoooo——!” (Hokuto)

  Instead of searching, it would be better if they came to us.

  Hokuto disappeared into the forest and, after a while, I noticed a group of Orcs running towards us because they were driven away by Hokuto.

  When we lived together in the back of a mountain in my previous life, we often went hunting together. The way we hunted was Hokuto would chase the prey, and I would make a surprise attack after luring it out, it was nostalgic.

  “Their number is… 15. This will serve as a training in coordination. So, let’s fight.” (Sirius)

  “First off, let me reduce the number with my Wind. I can probably reduce them by half.” (Fia)

  “I will charge afterwards!” (Reus)

  “I will aim for the enemies, other than Reus’.” (Emilia)

  “Then, I will aim for the opponent that’s trying to leave.” (Reese)

  “I’ll move according to the situation.” (Sirius)

  Even if we fought alone with the current Orcs, we should have no problems. As a practice platform for coordination this time, we decided to annihilate them in one go.

  Nearly half were crushed to death by Fia’s Spirit spells, which brought the pressure of the Wind from above them. The remaining Orcs were cut in half by Reus’ sword and Emilia’s Wind spell, and the Orcs that tried to escape were shot with Reese’s balls of Water, and brought down by Hokuto’s forefoot, who had caught up.

  The Orcs were completely annihilated, and we quickly removed the tusks of the Orcs, which would be the proof of the subjugation.

  Later, when they receive this, the request would be completed.

  “Well then, shall we head back?” (Sirius)

  “To be this easy…” (Fia)

  “If Sirius-sama says it’s good, then it’s good.” (Emilia)

  In addition, they were exterminated by Hokuto’s hand, and I thought that it was still too early to confirm their coordination from this fight.

  We came here for the request, but since the main reason was to let them verify their companions’ abilities, there wasn’t any resistance, since it was easily finished.

  —


  On the way back to the town after annihilating the Orcs, I stopped and called Reus.

  “Reus. I forgot something that I needed to hand over. Accept this.” (Sirius)

  “Alright… What is this?” (Reus)

  What I handed over was a medallion engraved with the mark of a sword.

  Reus was puzzled at first, but it seemed that he noticed it from the engraved sword mark.

  “This is… Lior-Jiichan’s sword? Aniki, could this be…” (Reus)

  “Aah, it is as you guessed. According to Jii-san, it is proof of mastering his techniques.” (Sirius)

  A few years ago, it was given that just before leaving Lior-Jiisan. He requested me to hand it over to Reus, if Reus became a swordsman based on my opinion.

  And during the Fighting Festival the other day, Reus had shown more power than I had expected. I guessed that he had more than enough qualifications to receive it.

  “You are also a splendid swordsman. Work hard from now on, alright?” (Sirius)

  “Aniki… Leave it to me! I will absolutely beat Jii-chan, wait for me until I can catch up to you!” (Reus)

  While crying a little, Reus was delightedly clenched the medallion.

  …But, it was still too early to be deeply moved.

  This medallion was like a license or something. That was what he said, but in reality…


  “If you show this to him, perhaps Jii-san will seriously attack you. He will swing his sword while unleashing a bloodlust similar to what I did the other day.” (Sirius)

  “…Eh!?” (Reus)

  In other words, this was that Jii-san’s limiter release device.

  To be brief… you should be able to fight that Jii-san, even if he went all out.

  Reus, who understood that, held his head while overcome with surprise.

  “Say… Aniki? Based on me in the past, how strong was Jii-chan when he seriously fought?” (Reus)

  “It was a quarter of him. And since I am not sure how strong he became during the past few years, it might be useless to think about it.” (Sirius)

  “Oo…ooh…” (Reus)

  The memories of being viciously beaten up might be surfacing. And, unlike me, that Jii-san was bad about going easy on someone. You might unexpectedly get killed… and it wasn’t strange talk.

  Since Reus was noticeably trembling, I stroked his head to calm him down.

  “Well… I think that it is scary, but you have also grown up. Let’s keep working hard to get stronger to achieve your target earlier.” (Sirius)

  “Go-got it! I am not scared if I am together with Aniki!” (Reus)

  Although Reus said that, it was completely understood that he was scared, since his tail was hanging down.

  I wasn’t sure how strong that Jii-san would be when we meet again. So, it was painful, since I also couldn’t easily say that it would be fine. By some chance, his strength might have dropped because of his age, but it seemed that was impossible for that Jii-san.

  Whatever happens, to prepare for that time, I decided to review the training checklist so that Reus wouldn’t be killed.

  —


  After that, we completed the Orc Subjugation request and our rank became Sixth rRank.

  We got a silver Guild Card, which was also proof of an Intermediate Adventurer. While smiling with the disciples, Beauty, who handed me the card, clapped her hands to celebrate us.

  “Congratulations. With this, Sirius-kun and the rest have become Intermediate Adventurers, and you will be able to receive requests at the Intermediate level.” (Beauty)

  “Thank you very much. By the way, what kind of requests are there at the Intermediate level?” (Sirius)

  “Well, subjugation of monsters that are not able to be dealt with the Beginners, harvesting at particular places, and the number of unique requests will multiply. Although it is rare, there are also nominations requested by the clients.” (Beauty)

  “In regards to the nomination, does that mean that the name is well-known?” (Sirius)

  “Yeah. This is without delay, but there is a nomination request that came for Sirius-kun. This is the written request.” (Beauty)

  “So sudden, huh? Let see…” (Sirius)

  {Nomination for Sirius. It is a request to go out on date with the staff receptionist, Beauty. After that, take her back to the inn…}

  ““Eeii!”” (Emilia/Reese)

  “Wha!?” (Beauty)

  The written request filled with private affairs was torn up by the hands of Emilia and Reese.

  —


  Extra/Bonus

  The conversation with the Guild Master, Badom, after the subjugation of the Orcs.

  “Yes. Actually, I am also managing the Fighting Festival. There was something I would like to ask from the Champion, Sirius-kun.” (Badom)

  “What is it?” (Sirius)

  “There is a statue of the Strongest Sword at the entrance of the arena, right? There, your—…” (Badom)

  “I don’t need it.” (Sirius)

  “No, listen to me until the end—…” (Badom)

  “I don’t need a stone statue. I will destroy it, if you make it.” (Sirius)

  Would you endure to make it?

  “Well then, how about Reus? As the first runner-up, you have received the basics from the Strongest Sword, and I think that the arrangement is not bad.” (Badom)

  “If it is with Aniki, then it’s fine, but I don’t want it to be with the Strongest Sword, Jii-chan.” (Reus)

  “…” (Badom)

  “It’s pointless to look at me with such eyes. I refuse.” (Reus)

  The stone statue-making was cancelled, after all.

  Although I got the overall victory, a stone statue of mine would possess no brand of power, unlike that Jii-chan’s, and I wonder who would benefit from it?

  “With Sirius-sama’s stone statue… it seems that I will unintentionally embrace when it is completed.” (Emilia)

  There would be a person who would do it with her whole body…


  —


  Attention… Please read this while imagining the trailer of a movie. (Author)

  That… was the beginning of the brushing.

  “Found it! I was looking for a human who can brush like you!” (??)

  It was a group called the Dark Fluffy Empire, which suddenly appeared in front of Hokuto and friends, and his Master, Sirius, was kidnapped.

  In an effort to rescue their dear Master, Hokuto and friends… an animal and four people, marched into the hideout of the Dark Fluffy Empire.

  “I will not permit that there is such a feast. Hokuto, I will immediately chase after you after I eat this, so go ahead!” (Reese)

  “There is also alcohol. I will follow you guys later.” (Fia)

  Due to a sneaky trap by the Dark Fluffy Empire, the companions fell one after another.

  At that time, Hokuto’s Master, who got kidnapped, was subjected to a terrible treatment by the Dark Fluffy Empire.

  (??)

  (??)

  (??)

  “Yes, yes, go line up. Aah, your fur is bad. Today’s dinner is with vegetables as the main ingredient.” (Sirius)

  In front of Hokuto and friends, who were grieving over their sacrificed friends, there were Four Heavenly Kings of the Dark Fluffy Empire who stood up.

  “So, you came. I am the top of the Four Heavenly Kings, Golden Retriever.” (??)

  “Is it already the Four Heavenly Kings? What about the other three?” (Emilia)

  “The other three were engrossed with the brushing of the man who is your Master, so they won’t come out from the room. Anyhow, let’s fight and end this soon. Because I will also get the brushing!” (??)

  “Kuhh… do you think that you can surpass the fluffiness of my tail!?” (Emilia)

  “Don’t make light of the fluffiness power of mine!” (Reus)

  Hokuto also went forward to help them, but he was stopped by Emilia’s hand.

  “Please leave this to us. We will beat this Retriever, and then, we will immediately chase after you!” (Emilia)

  “Yeah, Hokuto-san! I leave Aniki to you!” (Reus)

  While the siblings kept the Four Heavenly Kings busy, Hokuto went by and into the interior without stopping.

  And finally… Hokuto confronted the head of the Dark Fluffy army.

  “How wonderful, Hundred Wolves! But do you think that you can oppose me, the head of the Dark Fluffy Empire even if you are te Hundred Wolves?” (??)

  “Woof!” (Hokuto)

  “Very well, then. I will correct… your haughtiness!” (??)

  And then… the battle began.

  The battle that could be called a life or death struggle lasted for a few days, but… Hokuto was gradually catching up with the overwhelming fluffiness power of the Dark Fluffy Empire.

  “Hahaha! Is it to that extent!? Your love for your Master was to that extent!” (??)

  “Awoooo——!” (Hokuto)

  And when the devotion towards his Master exceeded the limit… the true power of Hokuto was unleashed.

  That was the power of contraindication.

  Hokuto was beyond dogs… beyond Hundred Wolves… and then…


  “Th-that can’t be!? Why are you wagging your tail at people while having the power to that extent!? Answer me… answer me! Hundred Wolves… ooooooo—!” (??)

  —


  Theater Edition.

  “My name is Hokuto. I serve my one and only Master, and… I am a faithful dog!” (Hokuto)

  Autumn 2015; the production decision did… not receive the green light.