Story 2-8:『Provisional Slave』

Story 2-8:『Provisional Slave』

The traitor is in front of me. That evil demon is raising the edge of his mouth.

Moreover, I can’t permit Shuri-chan to follow him.

“……. Where did that you who was gentle go off to, I wonder?” (Tamaki)

“The first thing you say is sarcasm….. It was a performance.” (Daichi)

Yuji seemed to be elated with the events and quickly gave confirmation.

Even as I am, I plan on escaping when he lets down his guard.

Though I didn’t tell that man, I have another special ability.

『Chant Omission』

With only saying the name of the magic, it can be invoked. This can only be acquired after passing a magic status of over 1500.

It is a special ability that is said that very few in this world can use it. Yuji is sure to not think that I can use it.

My lack of restraints are proof of his negligence.

“Heh….. That was a skillful deceit. Particularly since Hayase-san seems to have liked you?” (Tamaki)

“That was surprising. It was hard to do that to Hayase. Since I only love Shuri.” (Daichi)

“A-………” (Tamaki)

Yuji hugged Shuri-chan from behind. A chill sent shivers down my spine.

My important close friend was being played with by such a man. That reason alone was plenty for me to attack.

“No more! Shuri-chan, duck!” (Tamaki)

I launch magic at him at point-blank range.

“Freezing Lance!” (Tamaki)

I aimed at his face with the lance held in my hands in order to pierce it. However, it was stopped just before by an unexpected hand.

“…… Yui-chan, what are you doing?” (Shuri)

The girl who caught the tip of the spear wore an expression of anger. Her gaze was filled with hostility towards me.

Though she was filling the room with a sensation that would make me want to run, I didn’t turn away.

I absolutely have to bring her back.

“Did you just try to kill my important Daichi-sama?” (Shuri)

“T-that’s not it! I was trying to save Shuri-chan!” (Tamaki)

“After you abandoned me at that time, you say something like that?” (Shuri)

“—–!” (Tamaki)

Those cutting words pierced my chest.

However, nothing that she said was wrong. I understand. I know that I did such a thing.

That’s why I was impatient. I must be able to talk some sense into Shuri-chan by any means.

I began to denounce the man next to her.

“I’m sorry! I’ll apologize as much as you want! I want you to hear me out first!” (Tamaki)

“What is it?” (Shuri)

“Yuji is dangerous! It’s fine if it is only for now but, please believe me, come here!” (Tamaki)

“Daichi-sama is dangerous?” (Shuri)

“Yes! This guy attacked me and Hayase-san….. Perhaps, Umahara and Minamoto-san were as well.” (Tamaki)

“If you are talking about those two, I killed them you know?” (Daichi)

“Attack—–eh, kill……? Eh?” (Tamaki)

I can’t believe what I just heard.

Two heroes were killed?

By an ordinary adventurer?

Or else….. Shuri-chan?

“W-what do you mean….?” (Tamaki)

“It’s like this. Catch.” (Daichi)

The response wasn’t from Shuri-chan, but Yuji. Suddenly, something round was tossed towards me and I managed to catch it.

There was a disgusting feeling on my hand.

It wasn’t a ball.

The eyes were obviously crying. The teeth were missing. A crooked nose. Part of the blonde hair was reddish brown.

I was holding my classmate’s severed head.

“Uaaaaaaaaaaaah!?” (Tamaki)

In order to never see it again, I threw it away and felt nauseous.

“Ooeh! Haa…..haaa….” (Tamaki)

“Oi oi. Is that how you treat your classmate’s head? Treat it delicately.” (Daichi)

He looked at me without innocence. He is enjoying seeing me ridiculed.

Such a…… he’s crazy…..!

“You…. Fiend…..!” (Tamaki)

“You’ve said enough, as you are blind to your own shortcomings. Right, Shuri?” (Daichi)

“Hai, Daichi-sama. It is as you said.” (Shuri)

“Shuri-chan…..” (Tamaki)

She must have been brainwashed strongly. Her true feelings must be of suffering.

It is vexing that I don’t have the power to do anything.

The power to do what?

Who’s the hero?

I can’t even save one friend that is in front of me.

“….. What do you want to do?” (Tamaki)

“Ah?” (Daichi)

“My close friend manipulated, myself captured….. Do you bare a grudge against the kingdom!?” (Tamaki)

“………….. Well, that and the reality aren’t too different.” (Daichi)

Yuji gripped the neck of me who was sitting down and rose me up. I was lifted easily and my feet were off the ground.

“Ka-…….ha……” (Tamaki)

My throat was constricted and it became hard to breathe.

……Can’t……Breathe…….

“I…… I will take my revenge on you all. Especially Samejima.” (Daichi)

“Why…… Same…..jima….?” (Tamaki)

“You still haven’t understood? Shuri even called my true name some time ago.” (Daichi)

Shuri-chan did……?

I think as my consciousness is fading.

She definitely called Yuji Daichi-sama.

Daichi…..?

Did I know someone with a name like that……. Ah.

I did. There was one person.

Just as we did to Shuri-chan, we deserted that boy on that day.

His name was Katsuragi Daichi. The child that the class bullied.

N-no way…….

He couldn’t be alive. I had saw. At that time, his body had been eaten by a demon.

This is….. A lie…..

“……… Looks like you realized.” (Daichi)

“Ah-“ (Tamaki)

I was unexpectedly let go and I fell. I landed on my butt.

Ouch, it was painful.

“Yuji is just a false name. My real name is Katsuragi Daichi. I have returned all the way from hell to take my revenge.” (Daichi)

He laughed with a smile as he put the sword that was on his waist up to my neck.

It was eerie, and my mind was completely blurred out with fear. My teeth were noisy and wouldn’t stop chattering with a ‘GachiGachi’. Tears started to overflow, too.

It was because the blood thirst emanating from him was the real thing. Otherwise I would never have been frightened by someone like Katsuragi.

I was sure that they wouldn’t give me another chance. The only thing I could think of was that I would be killed.

…… Ah, so this is where I will die…..

Knowing that『Death』was coming, all of my memories began to surface…. I’m scared.

Dying….. Is scaryyyyyyy……

“……. Well, Tamaki. I will give you a choice.” (Daichi)

“W-what…..?” (Tamaki)

“Will you die here and lose your life for the rest of time? Or, will you devote your life as my slave?” (Daichi)

Katsuragi offered a sweet temptation.

“You can be together Shuri after becoming my slave, and I also promise to not harm you further.” (Daichi)

“R-really?” (Tamaki)

“However, the moment you show any odd behavior to the demon or I… well, Shuri will mercilessly kill you if that happens. What do you think, Tamaki?” (Daichi)

“I-I will become your slave! Please! I’ll devote my life to you! S-so please, don’t kill me!” (Tamaki)

My words naturally clung to the option that gave me hope.

I want to live. I won’t die. That is reason enough.

Thinking about it isn’t necessary. I would have been troubled if I hesitated and he changed his mind.

“Is that so? A wise choice, Tamaki. You have my praise.” (Daichi)

“T-thank you.” (Tamaki)

Seeming satisfied by my immediate response, he withdrew the sword and sheathed it.

Released from their blood thirst, I felt very alive.

“Tamaki Yuina. You are now my provisional slave.” (Daichi)

This day, I went from being a hero to Katsuragi Daichi’s slave.