Chapter 161

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-- Chapter 161
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borisdrakoni (Spoiler):

Nostalgic Orcus Part 1

Inside the dark, the figure of a person stood quietly.

With fat pillars and stonework, the large space gave off the feel of a temple.  The only source of light was from the green light stones coming from the other side of the door.

The light expanded to the back of the room like a road tearing up the dark, illuminating the back of the standing figure.

From the back, a new figure entered suddenly.  It was a slim woman's silhouette who called out Hajime's name hesitantly with a beautiful, clear voice.

The standing figure, Hajime, turned slightly to the voice calling out his name.  He asked Kaori if she already finished collecting materials.

She replied in the affirmative thanks to the compass, and commented on the cheating specs of the apostles being able to easily clear the demonic beasts there.  She smiled wryly remembering the tough time they had in the surface labyrinth.

“This is the place you met Yue, right?” Kaori muttered while standing next to him.  Hajime was looking at the partially melted block where Yue had been sealed.

Hajime quietly nodded.  His eyes were still and full of tranquility like a clear spring in a deep forest.  Opposite of the feelings of rage, hatred, and nihilism, his gaze was saturated instead with something dear and painful.

Hajime reminisced about his meeting with Yue, how he tried to close the door again thinking she was something dangerous.  Kaori chuckled, commenting that you would never expect to meet an ordinary girl in the bottom of the abyss.  Hajime agreed, especially since at the time he was focused solely on survival and nothing else.  Now, though, thinking back on it he would definitely try to help her.

To Hajime's speech, Kaori smiled and slightly narrowed her eyes with a look of yearning.

Hajime goes on saying that having lost that special girl, he doesn't know what life will bring.  Kaori agreed.

They became silent for awhile, slightly closing their eyes.  Hajime thought of his beloved.  Kaori thought about her rival in love(close friend).  Their eyes opened abruptly at almost the same time with the flame of determination in them and simultaneously declared to get Yue back while smiling at each other fearlessly.

Though Hajime continued on and told Kaori she had to stay with the group fighting on the ground.  She asked him why but quickly remembered that Ehito could stop her functions.  Hajime told her he was preparing a countermeasure, but didn't know how effective it would be.

Kaori had a bitter expression.  If she returned to her original body her combat ability would decrease greatly.  That's why the role of fighting the invading apostles would be best for her.

Even understanding that, however since she wanted to go help Yue she ended up pouting.  Hajime continued to persuade her, saying that even if they took Yue back if the people left behind died, Hajime aside, Kaori and the others would find it unbearable.  Though sheltered at Orcus, Myuu and Remia were also staying behind.  Having proven the effectiveness of hostage taking, someone should remain in order to protect those being left.

Kaori finally relents and agrees to remain behind even though it is irritating.  She tells Hajime that she will defend the place that he and the others return to, and won't let anyone hurt Myuu and Remia.  Ai-chan-sensei and Lily too.

Hajime asked her why she emphasized those two names at the end.  Puffing up her cheeks, she sulkily reminded him about how he called them by name when requesting their help last time and called him a lady-killer.  She cuts off his explanation about reading the air and goes on about the other classmates sending him hot glances and calling him Don Juan and Casanova, saying she'll tell Yue when she comes back.  While she's still stuck at just being important, Yue's unshakable position is envied.

Hajime scratched his cheek at the unnaturally contrary Kaori.  His amazement at her feelings springing out in her speech and behavior made him slightly at a loss for words.

Hajime crouched in front of the stone that had sealed Yue and talked to Kaori while holding up a hand, telling her that her fist at that time was quite effective in waking him up.

In confusion at the sudden topic change, Kaori asked him if it was painful since she had hit him with all her strength.  She looked away, feeling guilty.

Hajime, who previously had a difficult time with the stone, had his magic penetrate it surprisingly easily this time.  The reason he had left it behind before was because it was difficult to work with, and he was worried that it might break the treasure warehouse if he put it in.  Also, though he didn't give voice to it, it would probably have been unpleasant for Yue too.

Hajime continued his talk with Kaori while transforming the stone to divide it in blocks, saying it had literally resounded in his core.  Showing the lowest uncool face, it really struck him deeply.

Kaori raised a strange, nervous voice.

If it was someone else, it might not have gone like this.  Someone able to make his heart reverberate so much doing the same action as Kaori... well, after Shia and Tio.  That's why she shouldn't call herself “just important” anymore.

Hajime finished dividing the block and put it away in his new treasure warehouse that he had made after coming to Orcus.  He matched gazes with Kaori who had her eyes opened wide.  The gentle look in his eyes made Kaori's heart pound.

He thanked her and asked her to keep thinking of him.  He wanted to tell her that before going off to fight Ehito.

Kaori told him to stop talking ominously.  Hajime laughed and apologized.  Kaori shook her head at Hajime's wry smile, and thanked him too.  She was happy.  Yue will be told after she returns that Kaori got his affection.  For now she will aim at Shia's position.

Hajime chuckled, wondering if Kaori will be bullied since Yue loves to mess with her.

 Kaori felt angry remember how Yue enjoyed her reactions.  She'll think of a plan to return the favor while Hajime and the others are on the other side.  Hajime commented that the punch line is that it will be returned twice, and Kaori complained that he is also enjoying himself.  Hajime just laughed and shrugged.(*Ding* Hajime's affection points are maxed!  Kaori route cleared!)

They finished clearing out the last of the sealing stone and stored it in the treasure warehouse.  Where the stone once stood, they noticed a pattern carved onto the floor.  Seeing it was familiar, Hajime took out the water drop shaped pendant that was proof of capturing the ice cave labyrinth.  The pendant and the pattern both began to tremble and resonate.  The pendant seemed drawn to the pattern, and they noticed a small hollow had formed in the center of the pattern.  Looking at each other, Hajime and Kaori both nodded, and Hajime set the pendent in the hollow.

Light shone from the pattern as a pillar about thirty centimeters in diameter raised from the ground, stopping at about eye level with Hajime who squatted down.  The side facing Hajime opened up.

Hajime and Kaori both guessed that this had something to do with Yue.  What was in the column was an artifact used for recording images similar to what Oscar and the other Liberators and left behind.

Hajime poured magic into the artifact and watched the heartfelt and deeply moving scenes it contained.  (I'd love to put more detail here, but the author really kept it about this vague.  Maybe we'll see it in all its glory after they get Yue back...)

After it ends both Hajime and Kaori have difficult expressions.  Kaori has tears she forgot to wipe in her eyes.  They agree that Yue needs to see it, and Hajime asks Kaori to hold onto it since he doesn't know what will happen on the other side.

Hajime passed it over to Kaori, who received it like a treasure.

He talked a bit regarding the sealing stone, that he couldn't completely judge it with mineral analysis.  It was actually a cyborg(Haha, actual word used here.).  His productive spirit was stimulated and he suggested returning to mass produce some artifacts.  Kaori's smile had a bit of a cramp thinking about that.

Hajime takes one last look at the room, and then they walk out without looking back.  The room was closed again, however the darkness that swallowed it was genial rather than cold somehow.



Myuu energetically welcomed them back.  As she ran up Hajime lifted her up with his new artificial arm that he had made in an emergency.  The sound of footsteps came from the dining room and Remia appeared wearing a white apron and carrying a ladle.  She welcomed them back, and asked Hajime whether he would have dinner, a bath, or a mother and daughter.  Kaori sputtered in response to that, asking Remia what she meant by mother and daughter, while with her usual “ara ara, ufufu” Remia said she just meant some family togetherness and wondered what Kaori was imagining.  She then asked Hajime if he would rather change it to having Kaori instead.  Kaori, flustered, asked Remia not to make fun of her.  Older women seemed to be rather affectionate with Kaori.

Hajime patted Kaori's shoulder and told Remia that unfortunately he had to get right to work and asked her to bring him his meal in the workshop.  Remia agrees, and tells him that she had received reports from Shizuku, Liliana, and Aiko that the preparations at their end was going well and asked to speed up the production of the artifacts since there was quite a number of people gathering.  Hajime acknowledged it and apologized for making her do something she isn't used to.  Remia said she was happy to be even a little useful.  Even repaying him in the meaning of a wife to her husband...

Hajime tried to insert a tsukkomi about her not being his wife, but quickly gave up and said it was fine under Remia's invincible smile.(Yep, older women are Hajime's kryptonite)  He patted Myuu's head and went off to the workshop.

Currently only the four of them were in Orcus's house.  After the meeting and collecting the items Hajime had hidden underground, the rest of them had scattered all over the world using the gate key.  Of course, for the places where no gate artifact was set up like Tio's home village an artifact to provide high speed flight would need to be used or the trip one way would take several days.  Hajime had gone to Orcus through the shortcut in Raisen Grand Canyon and gave priority to producing Miku Folnir.  Shaped like a surf board, it reduced wind resistance with Space magic and flew with Gravity magic.  Controlled with an induction stone, it could easily reach 500 km/hr since the load of the user was small, though the magic consumption was large since it was an improvisation.  Fortunately since Tio and the classmates all had above average magic specs, the world was quickly being connected by gate halls.

Considerable war potential was already being gathered around the king's capital while fortifications were being built by those with an aptitude for earth magic.  Thanks to  Hajime's artifacts that increased their power, the work was going super efficiently.

That was the first day.  On the second Hajime had made his new arm and treasure warehouse and some easy weapons, and then he and Kaori had gone to collect materials.  As soon as they left the retreat the hydra had spawned reacting to Kaori, but it was easily put down thanks to their growth.  Afterward, Hajime had lent Kaori the compass since she didn't know her way around and they went about collecting materials while crushing the monsters like ants.  Having collected enough materials, Hajime went to where he had met Yue because he missed her, and Kaori used the compass to join him afterward.

Incidentally, although they used the compass to try and find more god's crystal for potion production, they couldn't find any.

Back to the present, Hajime and Kaori in the workshop were pouring magic into a crystal pillar.  After fully exhausting herself, Kaori asked how it came out.  Hajime replied that time was able to be sped up in the room by about ten times.  Hajime jokingly asks if they should name the artifact Hyper*lic Time Chamber(Yes, he made the actual DBZ reference himself.)  Kaori told him he should probably stop and says the name “Hour Crystal” should suffice.  Hajime said that name had no romance, but Kaori told him he should just hurry up and get to work, so the Hour Crystal name stuck, though he was dissatisfied.

Meanwhile, Remia would collect the reports from the others outside and Kaori would gather material when it became lacking.  Leaving the other chores up to them, Hajime became a one man weapon depot.  To those watching from outside the workshop it looked like everything was being produced in fast forward.  Hajime installed magic formations on the floor to automatically mass produce Gatling guns and ammunition when material was placed on them.  Since there was no way Remia and Myuu could keep up with carrying the items themselves with the speed of production, Hajime created golems for them that had multiple legs like a spider and six arms like an Asura.  With its square lower body, it was understood to be a vehicular golem.  Hajime asked Remia and Myuu to use them to forward the weapons to the kingdom.  Since the golems are also half demonic beast(cue Terminator theme), they can also receive verbal commands from the owner in addition to the use of the induction stone control rings.

Though, like with everything else, Hajime's aptitude with Transformation magic was practically nonexistent, he was still able to use it in conjunction with Creation magic to produce this new type of technology.  The sealing stone Yue was in and the scorpion had been made the same way, which was half the reason why Hajime's transmutation magic had not had much effect on it.

Since Hajime's explanation was difficult, Remia explained to Myuu that Papa had given her a pet.  Myuu hugged Hajime, overjoyed, and promised to help.  Myuu called hers Bel-chan(proper name Belphegor(sin of sloth), which was given by Myuu), while, when asked by Remia, Myuu unhesitatingly named Remia's Asmodeus(sin of lust, lol).  Hajime really hoped it was a coincidence.  (Cue theme from The Omen)

Work continued along with a moment of family togetherness, and a meal, while Remia had fun with Kaori.  Hajime produced and enhanced various artifacts.  And the last resort for Ehito as well...

Finally, reports from Shia and everyone come in.  Things are apparently going well on their end.  Artifacts were sent out, and Hajime prepared to receive them at Orcus.


Extra

Hajime sat in the bath where he had climbed the stairs of adulthood with Yue.  Though with the upcoming battle and since Yue is not there he was unable to relax completely.  While his eyes are narrowed thinking about Yue, a young voice rang out calling “Papa!”  Myuu energetically ran toward him and Hajime smiled slightly.

Myuu dangerously jumped to Hajime.  He lightly scolded her, but she didn't seem to reflect on it.  To her loveliness, Hajime's paternal instincts were stimulated to the max, and he healed his heart slightly while combing her hair with his fingers.

Myuu comforted him again just like back in the Maou's castle, telling him it was alright and that Yue would definitely return.  Reflecting on Myuu's strength and conviction again, Hajime agreed, and said that the three of them should enter the bath together next time once Yue got back.  Myuu mimicked Yue's response for agreement, and Hajime patted her on the head.

Just as Hajime was finally starting to relax, he noticed.  Myuu was supposed to enter the bath with Remia and Kaori.  If Myuu was already there, then...

Remia and Kaori both appeared from the steam wearing small towels.  Remia is walking in a dignified manner, although Kaori is blushing with embarrassment.  Hajime was shot through by both of their charming appearances.

They took up positions with Remia to his right and Kaori to his left and soaked themselves in the tub.  Though Hajime tries to complain, Remia responded that when Hajime was left alone he would just remember his grief.  Kaori told him that he should be with someone at such a time.  When it was her she had Shizuku by her side.  Even though she can't replace Yue, she still wants to support him.  Otherwise Yue will hold her in derision when she returns.

Being taken care of by the three of them, Hajime smiled.  Feeling Myuu start to nod off in his chest, Hajime she should get out and wash her body before falling asleep.  Kaori and Remia both guess his intention, but before Kaori can say anything Remia beats her to the punch and offers to wash Hajime's front.

Hajime tsukkomied and said shouldn't it be the back, but Remia replied that since Kaori was sure to want to wash his back she would go ahead and take care of the front.  Kaori asked her what she was saying, and that the front was no good.  Remia told her that in that case to go ahead and take the front herself.  Kaori, glancing down  toward the place where little Hajime resided, went beet red.

Hajime asked if she was an idiot.  Remia responded that if they were no good, then Myuu...  Kaori started to panic, while Remia went on to say that since it was a delicate place she should teach Myuu properly, and so they would work hard together as mother and daughter.  Kaori fiercely objected, entreating Hajime not to let them go down such an abnormal path.  Remia then questioned who should clean the front then, and offered for the three of them to do it together.  The two of them continued their back and forth while Hajime got out of the tub along with Myuu.

Looking on, Hajime thought Kaori was pitiful.  When Yue returned it would likely become twice as bad.  While shampooing Myuu's hair Hajime determined to be a bit nicer to Kaori in the future.  Looking up at Hajime, Myuu just tilted her head.

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