CH 223

We dashed across the lake on our boards. The water was quite transparent, allowing you to see the bottom quite deep into the lake. But, at some point, the bottom gradually became harder to see.

“Hmm, I definitely feel like swimming in this. I mean, I couldn’t take a dip in the ocean at all.”

Because of the lack of beaches, I couldn’t go bath in the ocean back then. I deeply regretted that.

I can swim at any moment I feel like, since I made a swimsuit just in case.

“Mmh… Well, I think you could do it either way. Even if somethin’ lurks in there and catches you, you’ll be able to pulverize it in a flash, right?”

Sure, I could do that, but… Having it spelled out to me like that sure dampened my excitement.

＊

We traveled all over the lake, but without any particular discoveries.

However, we found something similar to a cave. It was pretty, but it still didn’t lead to any adventures.

“Grml…”

When I started to growl, Sword caressed my head, “No need to become so disappointed. For starters, it’s time for food! Today’s sky is clear and the moon is pretty too, right?”

Bah, Sword, you can get thrilled any time as long as you have your booze, can’t you?

＊

We had a barbecue at the beach! I also made stuff like yakisoba and grilled onigiri!

“Look! Sahad made these artistic “tongs” for me!”

He’s kind of specialized in livingware. If I ask him to make me stuff like that, he’ll happily oblige. I can make it myself as well, of course, but Sahad’s original skill level is much higher. Well, I always end up relying on magic, so it only makes sense.

Plana is also good at detailed handiwork, but she seems to be better at magic tools that work together with magic arts. In other words, she’s closer to me as a type.

Sword gave me some random replies and confirmations while drinking his ale and picking out barbecue. It was an evening with pleasant vibes. The sky turned purplish even though the sky was still bright.

“Drinking alcohol and eating barbecue while it’s still bright outside is pure bliss,” I muttered.

Just to receive, “I can totally go along with those words,” as a hearty response.

＊

{Sword}

Suddenly I woke up in the middle of the night.

…I was feelin’ a presence.

Indra’s snorin’ peacefully. Her face is childish n’ cute. …But, in the end, I think you gotta describe her as a boy. At least, I feel like watchin’ an innocent, pretty boy.

She’s immediately goin’ to become cheeky if she wakes up, though.

I mean it can’t be helped if she’s mistaken as a guy if she keeps her hair so short while sayin’ that it’s become a bother. If she wanna be regarded as a woman, she should at least grow her hair out. When I told her that she was ’bout the only woman with such short hair in this world, she insisted on it bein’ alright and so on.

No, wait, maybe it’s no mistake? Maybe she’s doin’ it on purpose?

Or rather, this girl somehow…makes you think that she’s androgynous…no, asexual, doesn’t she? No matter what you gotta say, you can’t be a woman with such a smooth and flat body line, can you? …I mean, isn’t it weird as fuck for her to not have any womanly roundness at all?

She’s been sayin’ that her womanly appearance still needed some time to show…

…Is all of this some psychological side effect? Maybe she wishes to be asexual because she hates the humans of this world with such a verve that she wants to die after destroyin’ the world.

＊

After carefully ponderin’ ’bout all these things while watchin’ Indra’s sleepin’ face, I quietly left the tent.

When I did, I was surprised. No doubt, it’s a 『night with beautiful moonlight』. Although it’s not to the extent of Indra, I can see in the dark.

But, it’s my first time to see things so clearly…makin’ me think that it’s daytime.

The Ryokus and Char were nearby, but they remained still, apparently in the middle of maintenance.

“…Oh well, I s’pose every once in a while it’s fine for me to search enemy presences while slowly enjoyin’ some booze by myself.”

I took out a chair and side-table, and drank my ale. I didn’t think I’d be able to drink booze while enjoying the scenery so carefreely, despite the presence of an enemy. Sure shows a level of composure.

In reality, it was quite possible for a serious situation to crop up where someone would beg for my help and get killed while I was chillin’ out here like this. I chuckled and muttered, “…So what ’bout it?”

It’s definitely as Indra says. So what ’bout it anyway?

I wouldn’t have any obligation forcin’ me to rescue ’em, and if this was Indra we’re talkin’ ’bout, she’d probably kick the one askin’ away. She’d likely admire the landscape while havin’ fun despite the calls for help…ah, she’d probably slaughter everyone who would block her view of the scenery, though.

…Still, that would be totally fine.

I’ve been too conceited to think that I can do everything myself and rescue everyone. It’s a way of thinkin’ that’s a lot more arrogant than Indra’s. I was convinced that I’m the strongest in this world, that I’m someone capable of saving everythin’ and everyone.

The height of hubris, seriously.

I mean, even Indra doesn’t believe something like that of herself. What an arrogance, considerin’ I couldn’t even save myself.

The one who saved me was Indra, and the one who saved Indra was me. We simply saved each other.

……Indeed, I failed to save lots and lots of things. I’m……

The presence became stronger. And once I looked in its direction, I spotted the shadow of a person.

“…Sorry to say, but I knew you were sneakin’ ’round over there. Hurry up and identify yourself before I cut you down,” I placed the glass down on the table and stood up.

I guess it’ll be one blow at this range.

Most recently, my physical abilities have gone up drastically. I’ve been feelin’ like I’ve been leavin’ the human framework to such an extent that I can’t even make any comments ’bout Indra ‘nymore. I’ve become able to chant a spell within a second, and on top of explosively havin’ increased the amount of magic elements in my body, I’ve become able to move with a force that would have required me to cast physical enhancement magic beforehands.

The other day at the academy, I got totally startled when I managed to cut the wall with the aftermath of my slash by just becomin’ slightly serious.

…Yep, it’s crazy, isn’t it? But, well, Indra is the same!

I can’t catch up to her, or to be more precise, I’ve started to believe that it’d be great if I could catch up to her!

A person appeared from within the bushes with a rustle.

……Seeing their appearance, I froze.

“……Luna……”

That was my previous girlfriend, and the woman who died after betrayin’ me. Well, at least I was sure that she’d died.