NGNL Volume 6 Chapter 2

No Game No Life Volume 6- Chapter 2
(Just copying for backup, I did not translate)
Chapter 2 (1×1=Aimless)

Part 1

......Okay, let's organize the current situation.

My name is Riku, 18 years old, a virgin——....What? Can't I be one——!?

——wrong.

Wrong, wrong wrong wrong, even though my mind is in a mess and questions are piling up messily, but for now——calm down first, and organize what exactly happened.

Even though I can't comprehend what is going on, but I'm currently in the worst situation one can expect.

Firstly, prioritize my heart's question——what happened, what is happening and what is going to happen, this.

Confirm the state of the [Lock]....No problem. Regardless of the inexplicable things that are happening, the lock must always stay locked. Then, grasp the present situation in a second, no a millionth of a second. Or else——

".....[Investigate]....Organizing current situation...."

It looks like a monster resembling a naked young girl is straddling my body. However, I have no means of escape even if she were to do anything to me!

I must accelerate my thinking——to a speed where even time seems to have stopped——

Part 2

Riding on a horse, Riku headed to the ruins mapped out by the dwarves, east of the Colony.

It was an Elven city destroyed by an attack from a Flügel.

Information about the elves were extremely precious and important.

However, there wasn't any loot on the battlefield, and the intel collected was insufficient.

In any case, the Flügels didn't employ any weapons on the battlefield; they could simply cast magic without a medium to rid them of their enemies.

But on the way, the falling of the Black ash became more intense, causing Riku to flee to a nearby ruin to avoid distress——there, he came into contact with a [Different race].

Aside from the slight mechanical properties seen, the body was of a normal naked young girl——an [Ex-machina].

One of the more violent races. But there wouldn't be any problems if she wasn't provoked. That was supposed to be the case.

Riku intended to ignore her and continue moving.

——in an instant, Riku was down on the floor.

He was pressed onto the ground while the surrounding Black ash and his equipment disappeared.

Although he couldn't comprehend what just happened....Riku was still alive.

Facing against Riku whose upper body was stripped naked, the Ex-machina stuck on his body and said.

"Nii, I can't resist it anymore. Turn me into a woman."

——

....Did I lose my memory?

When I fell down. The possibility of me hitting my head is high.

If I'm not mistaken, she expressionlessly said some weird things as if in a narration, and then, my chastity——my first kiss was taken away.

....I seemed to have grasped onto everything. That was the first question, [What happened].

Continuing on to question two——just when I'm about to think about [What is happening]....

"[Problem]....In,comprehensible."

The Ex-machina who tightly clung onto Riku's body muttered out. She was emotionless, expressionless and like a machine.

——...Un, I'm still quite competent, Riku's heart boasted.

He used his knowledge and reason to suppress his spinal reflex of wanting to open his mouth.

Which means he suppressed his urge to yell out [I'm the one who is supposed to feel that this is incomprehensible right you jerk!].

——[Ex-machina], even among all of the Great War monsters, they were an extremely special race.

Firstly, they were made out of machines. Even creatures cannot compare against their coordination and movements as a [Cluster] population.

That means——an individual's find means the entire population's find and being hostile to one means being hostile to the entire race.

One of the reasons why this race was regarded as an extremely special race was due to their way of fighting.

After receiving an attack, they could figure out and replicate the type of attack in less than a second, before quickly firing it back.

Regardless of whether it was an Elf's magic, the attack from a dwarf's weapon, or even a Dragonias's breath——it can be replicated and fired back.

Their arms were constantly evolving in the long Great War. It could be theorized that the Ex-machina——are the most brutal race without any limits to their strengths.

However, they had another special property.

——that is, [Never instigating].

They would retaliate if they were under attack, but they wouldn't adopt a hostile attitude when they aren't attacked.

Therefore, the data that the dwarves recorded down——[A dangerous race not to be touched].

——the knowledge above, forced Riku to shut his mouth.

In other words, if he was designated as an [Enemy]——the entire human species will be destroyed.

——then, [What exactly is happening] !?

"What is wrong with this guy!!"

Against such contradiction with the intel he knew, Riku cried out in his heart.

Never instigating. So he was going to ignore her and move on——which spiralled into an awkward scene between the two.

Even after he had organised all his information correctly, Riku still couldn't understand the present situation and the situation where there was no instigation.

The young mechanical girl continued while on his body.

"【Speculation】——because the setting to fulfill this condition, is not sufficient?"

This question was phrased as if a speculation has failed——Riku was hesitant about the answer to that question.

Human beings are dead. They cannot exist so they cannot be perceived——so should he remain silent and not respond?

"....Let's not care about likes and dislikes first. On whose permission did you obtain to take away my chastity?"

"No"———she replied using [Human language].

At least, he was sure that he was identified as a human.

While this fact in itself would bring shivers down a human's spine, if he was to ignore or reject her now, she would possibly declare humans as [Hostile].

Comply to rationality———[Now, talk to her].

———Don't act rashly before grasping the situation.

She didn't answer the question directed to herself as she continued speaking expressionlessly with a nonchalant tone.

"【Read】 Set 072——[I, its not like I'm doing this because I like you. Accident, yes this is an accident]"

....It was read without any sentimental feelings, just like the [Nii] from before. This caused Riku's mind to blank out.

——what is with this situation.

".........【Confirm】 Person's temperature, pulse, genitals, did not react."

"Can you please stop peeking into someone's physiological reactions?"

Riku tried to put on a calm look——while his heart who found a troublesome situation cried out.

She was capable of reading humans' physiological response. The possibility of being deemed a hostile target after [Lying] was——very high.

As if understanding Riku's heartfelt worries, the Ex-machina girl asked once more.

"【Doubt】 Speculated that human's carnal desires would activate in the present situation. Wrong speculation?"

"...That is so, yah. The answer would vary from different humans."

——he cannot lie. But her purpose can't be understood either. He was unable to comprehend the current situation.

If she could read physiological responses, then Riku's fear would've been seen through in a glance. What exactly was her motive....?

"【Question】 Did not feel sexual excitement from this machine——because machines lack [Charm]?"

While thinking——a brave question was thrown at him, causing Riku to feel dizzy.

Ngnl v6 illust (7).jpg

Facing against a disaster that would bring forth genocide upon being deemed as a hostile target, while also being thrown a question that would trouble a human being——also the fact that lying wasn't permitted.

....After some determination, Riku carefully observed the Ex-machina who was straddled on his body.

——she looked similar to a ten-year-old human girl. In contrast with her black hair and white body, she had ruby eyes. She was undoubtedly a beautiful girl——if not for the two cables resembling tails that were sticking out her body.

"From an objective point of view, I think you are very cute. To arouse me, the best would be someone from the same race. And also you are too childish."

...How was this answer. Neither lie nor deny——as a virgin, this was not a perfect answer.

Riku felt a sense of accomplishment, but the Ex-machina girl immediately questioned him again.

"【Doubt】 Without experience, still want to choose the person?"

"Do you really think virgins have no right to choose anything..."

——while answering, Riku's thoughts gradually stabilized and he began to see the current [Situation].

From the negotiations, Riku had a doubt in his head. Assuming this doubt was correct——

"Its about time....Could you tell me [Why did you look for me]?"

——question. It was dangerous to ask this kind of imprudent question, but.

From the available information, it could be predicted that——there was a crisis more serious than this.

The Ex-machina girl immediately replied with an indifferent tone.

"【Answer】 Want to resolve the independent language between humans."

"....Independent language?"

Riku repeated——praying and hoping that this was consistent with his predictions.

But the Ex-machina girl simply nodded her head and mechanically said.

"【Affirmative】——the independent language known as [Heart]."

"【Confirm】 Mutual-skinship——the independent language that requires skin contact. Speculated Ex-machinas do not have, the behavior of [Heart]. Imitating movements, judged that this machine can also read [Heart].....Wrong?"

——Really.

It looks like the bad feeling was slowly getting fulfilled, Riku gave a bitter smile.

Being wrestled like this, the intention to commit suicide was present, but——

Able to speak human's language, able to speculate out human's sexuality even though it was incorrect, and able to grasp onto a human's physiological responses.

Facing against these facts and concerns, Riku should start feeling self-depreciative.

Humanity wasn't of a verge of being revealed, they were already seen through long ago.

——we were observed. I'm afraid, we have been observed since long ago.

"——yes, if skinship would allow the [Heart] to convey message, then humanity wouldn't be worried anymore."

The Ex-machina's gaze was on him as she started to display actions akin of going into a deep thought——

Riku's ideas gradually cleared out as he thought of the confusion from before.

No matter the reason, the Ex-machinas were eyeing on humanity——they were spied on.

It was ridiculous for them to hide themselves when in fact, their entirety was understood by the Ex-machinas.

In any case, it might either be best or worse scenerio to get spied on by the Ex-machinas, regardless of their intentions.

The race deemed as the most dangerous by the other races was watching them——this point was enough for destruction.

——what should I do? Nothing, just go with the norms.

It wasn't a good method——it was the best method. Nothing more

Placing my hand onto my chest, I start to chant a spell as usual.

But this time, there was a slight difference——sealing it. ——seal it up, close it, forget it all.

Drive off the memory that this hateful Ex-machina can wipe off humanity like dust, killing us all.

Whether feelings, memories, horror, shaking, anxiety, remove all of them——become an undead.

There were two motives. Find out all intention, and then proceed with [Induction].

Proceed with deep breaths. I have a [Friendly relation] with this Ex-machina——this gave me confidence.

Deceive your physiological responses. Deceive your memory. Chain yourself in everything——install the [Lock].

Can it be done? Of course it can be done [Riku]——if it's you.

Her motive was to understand the [Heart], if that's the case, then she does not possess a——[Heart].

Its easier to deceive someone without a heart than another human.

Then——deceiving is just like breathing for this guy, acting as a natural human scum all along.

Right?——then, no, more problems——

——*kacha*

After hearing the sound of the lock that was several times heavier than the usual, Riku opened his eyes.

——there, was a long black-haired——[Girl].

[She] finished her long thoughts and solemnly narrated about the views of her wrong speculation.

"......【Understood】 Skinship is metaphor for procreation——[Request], undergo procreation with this machine——"

"Un. I refuse——it should be said like this right?"

A somewhat tough rejection. It may be a statement that would be considered having hostile intention.

But his thoroughly sober head unconsciously made this judgement. No problems. Furthermore——

"What kind of sorrows am I going through to rely on other species other than humans to have sex. And compared to that——"

——squeeze out the information needed.

"The Ex-machinas are linked together with something called the cluster right. I'm sorry but I don't have exhibitionism."

"【Negative】——this machine was relieved from the [Cluster]."

——yes, this was the intelligence.

It was predicted beforehand that this would happen. But these thoughts were too idealistic...

"Oh, why?"

——respond back with a proper attitude. Confused, then ask. Even though the reason I speculated should be close.

"【Answer】——this machine tried to analyze if the Ex-machinas had [Heart], [Self] or [Soul]."

——the results can be expected. If she is an Ex-machina.

"【Results】 Failure of theories caused constant contradicting results, this machine was released from the link and abandoned."

Which means, self-referential paradox.

Finally, Riku confirmed the reason why this Ex-machina was making unrelated actions.

——no, she is broken.

For Riku, this was really great. Even though he was still uneasy, this was slightly better than the other worse possibilities.

Come, [Riku] with [Friend relations]? The next step should be to show concern for her right?

"....Oh, which means....You."

Riku frowned upon the thought of saying words of worry——but the [Young girl] nodded her head in exaggeration.

"【Conclusion】 There is no problem in desiring to ravage against this machine. Although there isn't, hole."

"I won't! In any case, just no!"

Maintaining her expressionless face, she nodded and declared.

"【Proposal】 Agree to take this machine to the [Colony], allowed to slowly ravage."

"It's not because of this question...eh."

——[Finished]

The colony was exposed——how good could that be.

For other colonies other than the humans, they could be discovered very easily——this in itself was obvious.

Compared to those things, he wanted to confirm if she didn't hide the matter with the colony.

There were only two possibilities.

But regardless of which, it wouldn't turn into a problem. As a result——the necessary intel would cobble together.

It was in order to allow her to create the [Role] she was looking forward to.

Once again, the magical sound of a *kacha*.

This was what she was looking forward to——it appears to have a [Heart], but in actuality was closed off to form [Riku].

As if being unaware towards Riku's heart, the young girl nodded her head seriously, understanding something.

"【Understood】 Because this machine's charm cannot be felt, so reproductive behavior was rejected."

"Ah——, you don't understand at all..."

The young girl nodded again and decided to leave Riku's body.

Riku who was freed straightened his body while the young girl sat down in front of him and declared.

"【Proposal】——game to be carried out."

".....What?"

"【Open】——game 001 [Chess]——"

Saying so, from the hand of the young girl——no, from the palm of her hand which faced the ground.

From the void, rays appeared to form an outline of a board——it instantiated.

——this was instantiated, looking at Riku whose eyes were widened as the Ex-machina displayed magic from her arms, the young girl quietly said.

"【victory】 If this machine was to win, request to bring this machine back to colony, carrying out reproductive behavior."

"——then, if I win?"

"【Answer】 Bring this machine back to colony, allowing the process of carrying out reproduction."

"THERE ISN'T ANY DIFFERENCE RIGHT!?"

Facing against her inorganic face that had a complacent look as if she proposed a great idea, Riku couldn't help but shout out.

But at the same time, Riku thought——this was a good opportunity.

"Hmmm, however, nevermind. I accept this challenge, but I require a change in the conditions."

Even if it's not the best, it would be the most appropriate step——

After a long time of having a mind associating with death, a combination of complex strategies was instantly formed.

After using a move to attain loads of information, another step would be enough to turn the tables around and make this profitable.

Come, to what extent can I fulfill this. It's time for you to show your ability——fraud master.

"If I win, I request that you release me and not follow me back to the [Colony]."

Although he said so, Riku understood. Winning in this game was [Impossible].

If the rumors stand that Ex-machinas are good with analysis and parsing——having good calculation like a machine, then there would be no competitors for chess and the like.

So, the young girl nodded and replied.

"【Accepted】 No problems. As long as the victory conditions remain the same for this machine, no change."

——yes, you must agree. However, the problem does not [Lies in there].

"Nono, your victory conditions must change too."

Reason is——

"If you want to understand the thing known as [Heart], blindly undergoing reproduction won't allow you to understand it."

"...."

In contrast to the young girl who had fallen silent, Riku's mind was clear and thinking.

There were two reasons why she would utter out [Colony].

To calmly state the facts——or for other purposes, to cause a [Containment].

Although her motives were unclear, from the way she accepted the conditions, some things could be determined out.

If she had other motives, she would definitely say that she would change her victory conditions herself. Or else the whole plan is ruined.

Was it possible to induce a state of confusion to an Ex-machina? However, the Ex-machina maintained her expressionless face, widened her eyes and asked.


"——【Amazed】.......【Question】 How to understand?"

........

Unless——what she really said was all true——?

The most desirable, overly optimistic possibility to arouse suspicion in people——but, if...

What she said was all true, using clever deception——seal her and use her.

"If you win, until the moment you understood [Heart], I will allow you to stay with me."

"......【Question】 Understand [Heart], possible if stay by your side?"

Allow the intellectual machine to understand, using the best reasons, to try and form it out.

"[Heart] isn't a material."

"......."

"[Heart] is something that is difficult to express with words. It is something only understood with mutual-understanding. Under the circumstances that you aren't discovered as an Ex-machina, never leave my side——you would understand after spending some time, don't reject the opportunity to be able to connect to others spiritually."

".........."

The Ex-machina girl continued her silence and watched Riku's eyes.

Seeing her red pupil, Riku was convinced——he was being [Identified] if he was lying.

But it was useless. I didn't utter a lie out.

.....After a deep thought, the young girl nodded.

"【Accepted】 Then begin the game."

——it appears I avoided the worst situation. At least the possibility of avoiding it is high.

"Ah, before that, can I add another condition."

Yes, he fearlessly smiled——then.

"I'm almost freezing to death. You destroyed my clothes, could you help me replace it?"

With his snot freezing, Riku pleaded while his teeth chattered.

Part 3

——the game was simply one-sided.

Unable to see his odds of winning, Riku lost on his 29th move. It was all according to plan.

"Damn, I lost...It can't be helped, I'll just take you to the [Colony] to fulfill the conditions."

To have a highly calculative Ex-machina as an opponent——it was impossible for Riku who could only predict the next move.

Because of this——he proposed a condition favorable for the one losing.

"....."

The Ex-machina girl watched as Riku faked a smile, not forgetting to show an expression of regret.

——it could be said to be miraculous, for the development to go according to plan.

Although her motives were unknown, there was no meaning for her to play with a human using such complicated strategies.

It was only her who was interested in humans——which meant that other Ex-machinas didn't have a tinge of interest towards the human race. This meant that her race was probably not eyeing onto the humans.

With that being said, since the game itself didn't have any binding force, any negligence wasn't allowed to——

"【Question】 Why do you exhibit behavior of deep regret?"

"——what?"

For a moment, his breathing stopped.

His [Act] of being regretful was seen through, Riku couldn't help but ponder——this was supposed to be impossible.

Because he completely closed off his feelings, it was just an interpretation. Up to now even Riku himself couldn't comprehend if those feelings were his true thoughts. However, if his [True thoughts] were seen through, then—

The Ex-machina girl gazed into Riku's watchful eyes——there should be nothing reflected in those pitch-dark eyes.


"【Concluded】 Existence of person's [Heart] confirmed. There is value to continue analyzing."

——the meaning behind this sentence, Riku did not understand.

However, the Ex-machina girl, looked as if she showed a smile——it was probably an illusion.

"...Ah, speaking of which, I haven't introduce myself yet."

Riku only thought of it now. Because of the emergencies he faced in succession, he had completely forgotten about it.

"That, my name is Riku. How about you——?"

"【Answer】——Üc207Pr4f57t9"

"...Ah? Uh, what? Is that...A name?"

"【Correct】 This machine's individual identification number——is it not synonymous with [Name]?"

"...No, if you want to understand a human's heart in the colony, you should have a more human-like name——"

This sentence caused the little girl to be shrouded in a deep thought.

"【Question】 Can name be freely set by said individual?"

"Well——there is such a thing."

Then, the girl wrapped herself in deep thoughts.

Suddenly, she wrapped her fingers in her hair and announced her name.


"【Answer】——[Shuwaruvi]"

"Too long, it confuses people, and it doesn't seem like a name. Dismissed with the above three reasons——calling yourself [Chevit] would do though."

Riku readily rejected her proposal. But, it seemed to be an illusion——

"....【Puzzled】 Said free to choose yet revised....【Rebuttal】 Should call me yourself from the start."

Riku always wondered, the girl looked as if she was protesting in a fit of anger.

——it must be my illusion, Riku once again came down with this judgement.

"Okay, I'll tidy up for a while then I'll take you to the colony——but before that, there are a few precautions."

Bending one of his finger, he said.

"The Ex-machinas are unable to have a mutual-understanding heart. Is because they fear it, they are scared of having mutual-understanding."

"........【Correct】"

Seeing the Ex-machina who was named Chevit nod her head, Riku continued.

"So aside from changing the name, could you change the tone of your voice that instantly determines the fact that you are an Ex-machina?"

"——【Read】 Simulated personality 1610——"

Chevit's gaze rose, and she started to have an expression as if pondering.


"——hey hey, then~ Onii-chan❤ Will this do?"


"You're kidding, rejected."

Expressionless, without any undulating sound, on top of that, to add unnecessary tone. Riku flat out rejected this.

".....【Paradox】 I have carefully reviewed over...."

"I already have a sister, so this setting cannot be accepted."

".....【Request】 Please provide me with the best setting that suits the situation."

Riku ignored Chevit who looked like she was still angry and began to seriously think.

To be honest, he left alone and forced Corone to watch his home for five days.

Under these circumstances, Riku brought a girl back home.

——the best setting would be——

"......Then, pretend you are a survivor who was dragged into the war."

".........————"

"You're timid, quiet. It would mean trouble if you were found out, so don't say too much. And stop using the speech pattern that instantly denotes you as an Ex-machina——is that fine?"

Chevit intently paid attention to what Riku said with her heart.

".............Un."

Just a full 10 seconds.

After some careful considerations, the Ex-machina girl——Chevit, nodded.


Then——

In her originally inorganic expressionless face, shadows started to cover her face.

She quietly——opened her mouth.

"....I, understand....Is this......Okay?"


——

She even had a corresponding expression——because of how it resembled a genuine human, Riku was momentarily stunned.

"....This is, an act——right?"

It was as if there was a new person.

If not for the exposed machinery parts, even Riku would've been fooled thinking that she was human.

It would have been better if it was simply unnatural, weird and made no sense——this was what Riku had expected——

But Chevit shook her head and replied.

"....Acting? No....Imitated the proposed setting,.....By tracing....People.."

Riku didn't understand the meaning behind those words.

But in that case she wouldn't be recognized as an Ex-machina. The next step was——

"Okay, firstly, you need to put on some appropriate clothes."

————yes, no matter how skillful the facial expressions and language are disguised, a human girl wouldn't walk outside stark naked.

"Hide the machinery parts up. A hood would be enough to cover the head——listen carefully, absolutely never allow anyone to see your body oh?"

Chevit nodded in response.

".....Un. Absolutely, only allow Riku....."

.........

"Although I have a subtle feeling that something is wrong, well——nevermind. I'll count on you then."

Looking from a wider range of view, Riku was expecting lots of commotion when he returns home.

Despite the anxiety welling in his heart, Riku decided to give the thought and started the return trip back to the colony.

He also brought along an extremely troublesome gift——

Part 4

"....Riku, are we, there yet...?"

"Ahhh. Really. I can't believe you."

——the one brought back was Riku.

The distance it took for a horse to run for five days, Chevit did it in a few hours——while carrying Riku.

Arriving near the colony, Chevit placed Riku down.

Riku was at a point where he was beyond shocked, he was stunned by this unreasonable race.

"Your movements...Really don't require any Elemental particles?"

"Not, required. Chevit's [Body]....Is below...Average, compared to...Ex-machinas."

——this feat was considered below average....Eh. Furthermore, it was done without using any armament.

"If armament, is used....A few minutes....Enough.."

——but first, place the extra-dimensional speech aside .

The problem comes after that. Riku once again re-examined Chevit's appearance.

Chevit was wearing an XL hooded robe, he at least managed to hide the non-removable ears and head from being exposed. But...

"The problem is the tail that is protruding out, right."

"....No, tail.....Suspected to be nerve connecting to Elemental Gallery...."

"Well, regardless of that, can you roll it into a ball and hide it?"

Chevit was unsupportive of that action, but those two lively cables looked like tails no matter the situation.

".....No....This....Chevit's....Power source....This explanation, is second time..."

Ahhh, I know that, Riku started to sigh.

Initially, it was intended for Chevit to dress-up as a human, the Elves———camouflage magic could efficiently complete this task.

But the problem would be the detection of the Elemental particles within the colony.

So, as a desperate measure, they thought of a way to forcefully hide it....

This tail——was supposed to be a nerve that connected to the Elemental Gallery——Chevit was moving because of it.

It was similar to when a human eats food, the behavior of [Ingesting] instead of using Elemental particles.

Therefore, there wouldn't be any Elemental particles reading——but the tail in this case was exposed.

Scratching his head, Riku said with low self-esteem.

"...No matter, at this point, we'll just insist that it is a [Decoration]. I'll repeat this one more time, if you are exposed, it will be impossible to understand the [Heart] ok? Resolve yourself to play as a human."

"....Un, understood....."

Renewing their determination, the two of them entered the cave through a narrow tunnel.

Until they met the young door guard——

"Ah, Ri——"

He was going to greet Riku loudly, but Riku's panicky hand gestures stopped him.

"It, it's been tough on you.....Everyone was worried about you, ah."

The young guard who quietened down his face, noticed Chevit beside Riku and had a suspicious look.

Hush, Riku once again used the same gestures to shut him up, before going through the door.

Seeing how Riku erased his breathing and slowly crept up the stairs, Chevit inquired.

"...Riku, is afraid....Because of Chevit?"

"Ahh, of course there is this reason. But compared to that——"

Riku was going to say it out when he suddenly stopped. To escape or to not escape, he started to cover his head——


"Ri——————————————————ku————————————————————!"


At the same time as the shout came.

Directing the attack to Riku's head——no, his abdomen.

Corone who appeared in front of Riku, gave him a malicious knee kick.

Riku who didn't have time to moan collapsed onto the ground, and as if not easily letting him off.

Corone continued by pulling the chest area of Riku's shirt and started scolding.

"YOUUUUU!! Are you satisfied for leaving home for five days and making everyone worried——"

Riku started foaming at his mouth due to Corone's intense shaking and roaring.

——at this time.

Suddenly, the moment Corone stopped her actions,

"WHY IS THIS CHILD SO CUTEEEE————————❤"

She tossed Riku aside and hugged Chevit.

Afterwards, she started laughing and sent her gaze over to Riku who was coughing vigorously.

"Hey Riku, wouldn't it be fine if you've just said you were off to pick up a new bride ♪"

"Corone, is your head okay. Who would try and find a bride in this troubled world for five days——"

Hearing the answer from Riku whose eyes were semi-opened, Corone attacked with her elbow and continued.

"Really now~ don't be shy~~ ♪ In this day and age, the first thing is life, the second is food! Third fourth and fifth are life too yo!"

——then what about you!

Riku almost blurted out the words he was thinking but he swallowed it back.

"But Riku didn't have that meaning, so I was worried oh? I absolutely won't hinder you too, so both of you enjoy your baths and have an intimate relation~——"

"....Stop your hand movements first!"

Riku hugged his head upon seeing how Corone placed her thumb and forefinger before inserting the gap with her middle finger.

"Hey, I say...Did you not normally think that she would be a survivor of a destroyed colony?"

——then, as if regaining her rationality, Corone finally stopped.

She suddenly asked with a mysterious look.

"....——is that so?"

Finishing his words, Riku felt that the situation was a bit bad——he has no choice.

Since he started it already, he was determined and said.

".....After interpreting the Dwarves' map, you should know that there was a battle in the place that needed two and a half days for a horse to travel. There was a small colony near that area——I went there to confirm it."

————not lying.

According to the map, there was a colony that disappeared due to the exchange with the Demonia and the Dwarves.

But that was——a matter [Two years ago].

But in this colony, the only person who knows Dwarven language was Riku——so there won't be any flaws.

But Corone possibly couldn't agree just because of this——

"Even so, there was no need for you alone to go right."

Riku expected that the refute would be this, he shook his head and said.

"There would be more risks if there were more people. But if I tell that I will go alone——"

"Getting prohibited would of course be natural!! This kind of things, although it's very Riku-like....Hey, you should give some consideration to your sister and allow me to give your stomach some new holes right?"

Corone looked at Riku with dependent eyes.

Noticing her red and swollen eyes, Riku's mood became heavier than before.

Riku apologized deep in his heart to her sister that got worried for him——even so, he couldn't tell the truth.

As if giving up, Corone sighed and turned around, gently inquiring Chevit.

"Sorry bout that——it seems like you encountered alot of misfortune....What's your name?"

"....Chevit...."

According to plan, according to the setting.

As if extremely timid, Chevit hid behind Riku and replied.

Unun, Corone nodded her head while smiling and replied.

"But, rest assured, this is safe because there is Riku. So how did you get to know Riku ♪"

Riku thought——there shouldn't be any malice in this question.

It was only a question formed with purely interest. Or maybe, it was to comfort Chevit who lost her colony, a feeling akin to small doubt——

For Chevit who did not follow up with the conversation, Riku instructed her with his eyes to [Continue the interaction].

But——as an Ex-machina, she couldn't interpret this kind of hint.


"....Chevit..Kissed with Riku....Then strongly requested.....Reproduction behavior."


——okay, here comes the problem.

From this statement, it could be determined that it was [Chevit who approached Riku for reproduction behavior].

At this time, Corone started marching with unusually heavy footsteps.

"That kind of thing——"

The cave started shaking as Riku got bombarded with punches that could potentially pierce through his heart.

"Can only be done after determining it's safe, after the success then it should be done——————————————!"

Riku's consciousness was easily erased.

Part 5

——Riku and the young survivor of a destroyed colony, recently met and had already requested sex.

The speed this rumor traveled was even faster than the speed of sound——the whole colony was buzzing around intensely.


"No, Riku is correct. When it can be done, it must be done."

"No, Riku should seek mutual-consent before doing that first."

"No wait, you are saying as if he hasn't gained the other party's consent yet right?"

"Forcing it is similar to commitment right? What else is there to discuss?——"


..........

"Strange."

The debate was strange. Reason being was the fact that no one mentioned about how young Chevit was.

Everything was strange. Or was it himself who was strange?

Perhaps driven to insanity by this war, it appears that the people in this colony can't take it anymore....

Accepting all looks and words of contempt or respect, Riku went through the colony into his room.

Then, using a barely audible voice, he complained to Chevit who was strolling beside him.

"I say, can't you give me a break....?"

".....What?"

Not understanding what she did wrong, Chevit tilted her head in confusion.

"Speaking of which, you want to understand my [Heart] right? Which means you want to seduce me, right?"

He suddenly got reminded of the time when he was called [Nii].

"Can't you have an appearance of someone older?"

If that was the case, this situation wouldn't have happened. Riku was unsatisfied with the results, while Chevit replied blankly.

"....This is a look....The human males.....Including Riku...like."

"Why don't you just say that I'm a lolicon. I love fascinating——"

"Liar."

Swiftly interrupting his words, Chevit continued.

"...Then, with the human called Corone, the reason for no reproductive behavior....None."

Aiya—Riku thought.

Because of an Ex-machina's judgement, he got identified as a lolicon.

And including the matter about Corone citing the evidence out, it confirmed it.

"....Probably, all human males, like, young girl."

"Are you kidding, don't generalize, every individual has their own personal preference——"

"....Deny....Biologically speaking, if you are fertile....Beneficial for a young body, no room for discussions."

——this guy.

The Ex-machina who wasn't supposed to have emotions, displayed an astonished look to Riku while explaining. It was probably an illusion.

"....Ex-machina, don't have an ambiguous subject....Humans, like to breed with younger girls....just, facts."

"——...You, are making things difficult...."

Burdened with all kinds of stares directing at his direction, Riku had a disappointed expression as he returned back to his room.

.....Just one day, it made someone feel so distant, this was probably an illusion to Riku too.

Part 6

——this was a really.....really long day.

Risking one's life to search for something, and the result was——

"....This, is....Riku's....Room?"

Giving a strange look towards Riku's room, an Ex-machina girl whose intentions were unknown.

"Are you scared of it because it's too shabby?"

"....Its very......Scary."

Even an Ex-machina can say flattery and ironic words, Riku jokingly exclaimed to himself.

Probably prepared by Corone——Riku reached out for the food placed on the cushioned bed that was on the floor.

Right now, all Riku wanted was to finish his meal and sleep like a log.

"...Doing, what....?"

"Although its not important to Ex-machina-sama, humans would die if we don't eat oh."

Riku casually said while tiredly eating the food with his fork.

"So, I'll lie down after eating this....You just do something properly, I guess."

"....Un, I understand......Do, something properly..."

After the girl confirmed Riku's map, measuring tools and others——she suddenly proposed something.

".....Riku, play a game together......Okay?"

"——why?"

Looking at Riku who stopped moving his fork, Chevit silently pointed at the bookshelf.

What she pointed to was——the chessboard Riku took away when his home was destroyed.

Using the gloomiest expression he had to look at the board, he replied with disgust.

"I refuse. That time, the fight was forced. All these games, are only used by bored kids to play."

".....?..Why...?"

"Because reality is not as simple as games."

Without rules, there would be no winner.

Alive, or dead. Nothing more. In this world——

"Games are just child's play, we can't waste time unnessecarily, and we don't have the energy to do this."

"....If it, wasn't meaningless, then?"

Unconsciously, Chevit had already placed the chess pieces on the board and continued.

".....If you beat Chevit....Then I'll give....The intel Riku wants."

"——what?"

"....Such as the origins of the Great war, the reasons...The factors to end it...And the like..."

On the spot, Riku rejected this suggestion.

"Ha... this is boring."

The reason why the Great war started? The factors to end it?——I don't care.

Endless war. No matter the reason, how can knowing the truth about the Great war change anything?

Moreover, the factors to end it? If it could be achieved, then it would have been realized long ago.

If those people who destroyed the world can't accomplish it, then as humans, it was definitely impossible.

So——Riku refused. It was useless even if he knew.

Futile hopes, would lead to an even deeper despair.

The Great War would end someday, because there wasn't any proof that stated it won't——so people can't deny the fact that there was [Hope].

But if the proof was given, and if humans were to live in denial with those words——what's left of the humans would be a deserted, barren, damaged and destroyed world.

It was enough just barely surviving as humans that could be wiped with a blow. So——

"No interest, no reason to be. If it was something I want to know——"

Pointing his fork at Chevit, Riku squinted his eyes and said.

"It would be means of surviving, nothing more."

——one of the guys who pushed humans to the brink of extinction.

"The Ex-machinas' knowledge, mathematics, design technology——if I win, you have to give all these to me."

All these strengths would be used for humans. In order to survive, it would be for tomorrow——not for [Today].

"...Un...I, understand..."

Chevit nodded with an expression of slight regret, Riku continued.

"Then what if I lost ?"

As machines that are full of calculations, there must be something the Ex-machinas would want.

Chevit bluntly replied in response to Riku's wry smile and words.

"...[Exchange]...."

Chevit continued while gazing straight into Riku's black eyes.

"...I want to understand the [Heart]....I need the intelligence....of Riku's understanding of the [Heart].

"You want to understand something that is difficult to express with rights, this must be what you mean right?"

"....Un, so, I request...Difficult to express with words...I require..Effort to have mutual-understanding with Chevit....."

".....Okay."

Saying this, Riku placed his food aside, and sat in front of the chessboard——and prepared to start the game.

......He stared at the board. When was the last time he seriously thought about a question, Riku's heart couldn't help but think.

Faced against the computing power the Ex-machinas possesses and to calculate the best way in a chess game to win?——impossible.

But Chevit's actions so far, was being clueless about the human heart, leading to these feelings of failure.

This showed that there was the existence that [There were factors that computing can't solve].

Just by looking at the board, winning was impossible.

However, psychological factors and strategies——the effectiveness of these were high.

"——check."

Riku who believed all of these, setted up a simple trap; Chevit who was easily caught in it was checked.

".....Check."

But Chevit who discovered the mistake immediately took measures to correct it.

The same trap wouldn't work the second time——it was as if this fact was told to Riku. No, this was a specialty of being a human.

What should he do?——simple. Use a different measure by changing strategies.

The number of psychological guidance, baits or strategies that could be utilized was——[Unlimited].

If you can calculate the unlimited——then try to calculate it, Ex-machina——!!

Riku didn't remember when his fatigue disappeared, his mood was extremely intense, suddenly——


".....Riku, is laughing..."

"——————————————wh,at?"

Surprised by what Chevit suddenly uttered out, Riku widened his eyes and gently touched his mouth.

——because he confirmed that his mouth corresponded to the fact, Riku's eyes widened even further.

As if unable to perceive Riku's frozen state, Chevit continued the chess game.

"...Riku, in games...Isn't isolated...eh..."

————shut up. Don't ask, don't listen, turn a deaf ear——Riku shouted all these out in his mind, but——

"——what, are you saying..."

"........[Heart]....."

——————————————————————————*ka*.

"...In this world, humans being able to survive..To say it from a biological point of view...Is unusual.."

————————————————————————————————.................*Cha*.

"....That reason....I want to know....Riku's [Heart]..."

"——hahh."

————————————————————————————somewhere in Riku's body.

——————————————————————————————————————————————something, was sounding out.


"Ar, are you kidding me?"


————————broken.

Riku suddenly lost control. When he regained control, he was lifting Chevit's head up with his fingers using a crushing force.

But to the Ex-machina, this was nothing to them. Chevit watched Riku with her crystal-like eyes.

——her crystal-like eyes reflected the figure of Riku.

"....Unless, you, are not aware of your position?"

Until now, Riku finally understood——ah, I see.

Before meeting up with this killing machine, he tangled his chains, hung up the lock, and sealed his countless feelings and memories.

Things such as anger, antipathy, taboo, resentment, disgust, hatred hatred hatred hatred hatred hatred hatred pain, etc——the built-up emotions that were unlimited.

He hung up the [Lock], towards his forcefulness, his chaotic heart, his memories and his feelings.

——finally, because of being overwhelmed, the sound of things breaking came.

A rational questioning——what is this? Ahh, it was one of the guys that want to destroy humanity.

Feelings were also questioned——in the face of this thing, how could one remain calm?

Ahhh yes——haha——how can one calmly think when in this situation.

"Blindly killing us, taking away my everything, continuously repeating such a thing, I thought you would say.....[Hey hey, what kind of mood are humans]? Haha, a human's [Heart], ahhh let me tell you."

"YOU ALL CAN GO TO HELL!!"


——the bones in Riku's hands cried out. At this rate, his finger might shatter.

Somewhere in his mind, someone questioned——what kind of results would one gain from doing this.

However, regardless of rationality of feelings, ——you are all to shut up.

"———HA,HAHAHA,HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

How can one not laugh in this situation. Because this was the first time rationality and emotions came to a consensus!!

Like this, concerns are not needed. Even if his fingers break, RIku still growled towards Chevit.

"Because of your reasons, how many people died, do you understand!! HOW MANY PEOPLE WERE KILLED!? HOW MANY PEOPLE——"

Were killed by my hands——

"....So, rry..."

Chevit softly comforted, in contrast to Riku's shouting.

Could an apology solve this problem——when Riku was about to retort this out, Chevit started stroking Riku's cheek and said.

"....To let Riku, cry....Then, Chevit, must've said something horrible, then, speculation..."

——.....Wh,at?

Riku glared at Chevit who was stroking his cheek, her hands were stained with tears.

"Grasping....Riku's....[Heart].....Want to kill Chevit...."

Chevit's next words brought Riku's mind to a blank.

"....Chevit, was.....removed from the link..."

In the dark, she told Riku that it wasn't necessary to worry about the other Ex-machinas knowing.

Chevit opened her chest and pointed to the mechanically complex packaged, light-emitting part——

"....Use that fork, stab here, this way... Chevit... will die."

Perhaps she was aware that there was some sense of violation with her words, she revised with a dazed expression.

"?....Die.....Not, biological.....Permanently stop————repair, impossible.....Everything destroyed?"

She was overly specific.

Naturally, she continued.

"....Chevit..Want to be like Riku.....Have the same [Heart].....So.....Ca,n oh....."

Chevit talked, as if it was natural.

Facing against those black eyes that reflected her own body, the teenager that possessed a [Heart]———she [Requested].


".....Complying with inner thoughts...To kill off.....Chevit?"

————————————haha.....

——this isn't right, Riku.

To want to shirk your responsibility at this time——in the end, how low of a jerk do you want to stoop to.

Talking about the root of this, it was because of this guys that ignited the [Great war].

But the passing of 48 people——Chaden, Anton, Elma, Kerry, Dilo, Sirius, Addo, Daler, Deven, Lucus, Wayne, Eric, Charlie, Tommy, Sindt, Yarn, Za Za, Zelge, Morey, Golovin, Pita, Arthur, Morton, Kimi, Dutton, Cilson, Sandy, Wally, Kay, Sabrile, Rirai, Bo Bo, Cotton, Luke, Samuel, Simon, Wolf, Ben, Yale, Kelvin, Ahmad, Bell, Harrod, Berrod, Mariah, Melissa, Karim....

——and also, Ivan.

They were people told to die,

Regardless of any excuses.

It was none other than——Riku!!

——*peng*.....

Riku loosened his hands and Chevit sat down on the floor.

Unable to continue looking at Chevit's crystal-like eyes, Riku turned his body.

".....Time to sleep."

Saying that, he lied down on the bed weaved with straw.

"....Why...Didn't you kill me...?" Came Chevit's doubtful yet incredible voice.

"————how would I know, I don't understand, asshole!! SO CAN YOU PLEASE SHUT UP!!"

Why didn't I kill you? There were reasons.

——like how can you compare me with you guys.

——like how the dead can't be revived.

——like how this could solve any problem.

He could list all these rhetorical arguments if he wanted to.

But Riku would feel that this would be disgusting of him to do so.

He does not possess the rights to talk about the dead.

Because, although Riku could tell the words to send someone to their death.

But personally, he didn't kill anyone. He was this much of a coward.

"....I'm sorry...."

Did she do something wrong——perhaps, she might have misunderstood Riku's intentions.

Chevit's voice seemed apologetic.

Riku was once again struck by a deep feeling of self-loathing.

——can't, cope with it anymore.....I don't understand...Lots of things are happening....

"...Don't leave from my sight. If you want to harm the others in the colony...."

"...Un....I know...."

Chevit candidly agreed in a relaxed tone, Riku felt the pressure weighing down on him even more.

".....What, do I want to do in the end...."

Although he tried to ask these questions, Riku felt that he himself already knew the answer.

——he was already broken.

Regardless of the intentions, Riku had one of the Ex-machinas who pushed humanity to the brink of extinction as a company.

——since he successfully suggested that he had [Friendly relations] with her——then, he himself wasn't a human anymore right.

Compared to the Ex-machina who was bothered because she was worried, he himself felt that——he was the one who was more machine.

Currently, he was continuously [Calculating] her.

——using rational thinking, killing her would be best.

——but there were too much uncertain factors. It cannot be believed that she was relieved from the link.

——up till the end, could she be killed. A lie —was there the possibility of being tricked by her?

But, Riku asked himself.

[Thinking till this extent, I should let it go.]

No. Only——he felt something wasn't right. However, he didn't know what was wrong.

If he had to say it——it was everything. Whatever he felt, was wrong.

"You say the human [Heart]?.....That kind of thing, I'm the one who wants to know.....Damn....."

"?.....Riku....?"

Closing his eyes, he seemed to hear Chevit's uncertain voice.

Fatigued, the sleep demon easily snatched Riku's consciousness and dragged him into the dark....

Part 7

——*bang bang*, the knocking on the door brough awareness to Riku's eyes.

"Riku~♪ I'm so sorry for doing this while you are tired——"

As the sound continued, the door was slightly opened——

"——Ohhhya❤ So sorry! Nee-chan is too dense, so please take your time oh~♪"

Immediately afterwards the door was closed, and the sound of her leaving footsteps *pata pata* resounded.

——what happened?

Acknowledging the fact that he needed to know what was going on, Riku made an effort to open his heavy eyelids.

"........"

"........"

Underneath the blanket, Riku and Chevit gazed into each other's eyes, with Chevit on his body.

"...Why are you, riding on my body, may I hear an explanation?"

——from the time when he fell asleep, a few hours had passed already——no, the few hours was fine.

They were in a dispute of life and death awhile ago, so what was this guy planning on doing——

"...Riku said, be in....vicinity where Riku can see...But Riku...Closed his eyes...."

So. Chevit while looking a bit prideful——this may be an illusion Riku was saying——said.

"...[Vicinity where Riku can see].....Unable to express using words, presumably......Speculated, [vicinity where one Riku is aware]."

"——oh? And then?"

"....Contact, even sleeping.....Can detect, usage.....Therefore judged as [Aware of]...."

This was her own judgement, she must feel confident.

Chevit who didn't have a [Heart] had a look as if asking Riku to praise her for studying the abstract intentions of humans.

Riku frowned and replied.

"Do not go out of this room——this is the meaning. You understand?"

"...............Don't understand."

Chevit widely opened her round eyes and muttered out in complaint.

"....Close, eyes...Designated [vicinity where Riku can see]....Unable to change..."

Chevit tilted her head, insistent on not agreeing. Then, Corone's voice came in.

"Ah, right! Ehh~ Although I feel like I'm interrupting your good stuff~...."

"We didn't do any good stuff.....What do you have?"

"Ah, that? I feel it would be best if both of you were to take a bath! Especially Chevit, since Chevit had some bad experiences, this Nee-chan needs to help her clean her body thoroughly~ like such♪"

Hearing this, Riku signaled to Chevit using his eyes.

——[You must coordinate with her words]

Not knowing if this intention was passed on, Chevit firmly nodded her head and replied.

"...Riku said..Chevit's body.....Cannot let other people see."


——as expected, I should've killed this guy off.

Riku was slowly losing his consciousness, the door however was full of Corone's laughter, who then answered

"Ahhhh~Really♪ So you already tamed her eh? ~ If this is my brother, it indeed is at an amazing speed❤"

"Corone....Please. I beg you. Please shut up——"

"Then I'll leave Chevit-chan to you then~ I already removed everyone from the bathhouse, so this is the best opportunity oh!?"

"——stop your hand movements!"

After Corone stretch her hands in and inserted her right index finger into the hole created by the left hand, she ran away like the wind.

...........

The only ones left was the intensely fatigued Riku and Chevit who was on his body.

"——its about time you get down from my body right?"

"...Un."

Riku started thinking while facing against Chevit who left his body in accordance to his instructions.

......It was useless to say anything anymore.

As a result, everyone would know that he was a lolicon[1] and the fact that he successfully tamed a war refugee.

But——Riku felt, at least it was better than getting discovered for bringing an Ex-machina back.

"....You, won't you have any problems with ingestion and bathing?"

In order to mask the fact that she was a Ex-machina, she neede to mimic humans at least——

".......It means, human beings...actions...?"

"————you.......You can understand my intentions at this timing, why is...."

Riku was beginning to suspect if she was doing this on purpose, but he felt that it must have being the difference in thinking as she is an Ex-machina and he was a human. Un, I should keep the opinions to myself..[2]

".....Ingestion....Not needed. Humanity's precious resources......No need to waste...."

Is she respecting our situation here? This is.....I really don't understand——I shall keep my opinions to myself.

"But you'll be suspected if you don't eat. At least eat a little. It shouldn't affect your body right?"

".....Un. Simply decompose it...Pointless..."

"I'll give part of my share to you. This way the food situation wouldn't change——"

Riku didn't allow Chevit to refuse before continuing.

"Against water——"

"....No, problems....Chevit, anti-water, anti-fire, anti-dust, anti-bullet, anti-explosion, anti-demons, anti-elemental particles...."

"You really are an unreasonable race. Then just pretend to be bathing——"

"....But....Anti-fouling...No function."

"You even had anti-explosion right? Unless this is a mechanical defect?"

"...If, usage of, elemental particles is available....Cleaning, self-cleaning device...But, Riku, said, not to use...."

Chevit protested, looking a bit angry.

"Damn, with things like this, just let it be wrong already. Taking advantage of Corone's misunderstanding——"

"....Riku, help....Clean Chevit..."

Facing Chevit who was nodding deeply with a determined tone, Riku hugged his head.

"Why should I.....You aren't a kid anymore, just do it yourself ah."

In a logical manner, Chevit used her finger to point out the problems.

"....Firstly, take advantage of the empty bathhouse... Chevit alone... With Riku,... don't lose opportunity."

——.

"....Secondly, Chevit, some parts, cannot clean....Unless self-cleaning device....Never clean before myself."

Then——

"....Thirdly, deduced....No reason....To refuse bathing together with Chevit. As expected, against a young majestic beauty like——"

"Okay okay, I get it....Let's go."

Riku spurred on his heavy body that was deprived of sleep to stand up.

——Riku understood that it was impossible to win against an Ex-machina in arguments.

Part 8

Riku dropped the stone which was burnt red into the cauldron filled with water.

The moment it was dropped in, the small bathroom got filled up wth billowing steam. The steam was used to sweat out any impurities in the body, which would then be rinsed off with water. This was how humans showered.

But because Chevit did not have sweat glands, Riku had to wipe the dust and mud gathered on her body with a rag dipped in warm water.

With the close observation, the finesse and complexity of Chevit's body awed Riku.

Riku had studied all kinds of Dwarven equipment that utilized elemental particles, yet he couldn't make sense of the machinery parts Chevit was revealing.

However, because of this——Riku understood that it was one of the more superior parts.

"....Riku.....Machinery, crazy....?"

"Why does someone like you, who is from a high-class Ex-machina race, keep having the wrong guesses...or is it because your knowledge is all prejudice?"

Riku's voice sounded surprised, Chevit who looked justified replied.

".....Imanity's, thinking.....Is related to the [Heart]....Unable to predict.....The specific point."

..........

In the silenced room, there was only the sound of dripping water.

Maybe she wanted to break the awkward silence, Chevit suddenly said.

"....Riku, play...A game?"

"Here in the bathroom? Why?"

"............Because [Bored]....?"

Chevit asked it in the from of a question as if she didn't understand the meaning, prompting Riku to give a bitter smile before replying.

"Well, I guess we could.....But the use of elemental particles is prohibited, the chessboard——"

As if knowing that he would say these words.

——or maybe Chevit had this intention from the start,

Taking off the hood, she retrieved a chessboard hidden inside the hat and showed it to Riku.

"...Ha, I get it. But since I'm helping you wash your hair, there can't be any time limits oh."

Sighing, Riku smiled bitterly and picked up the white pawn piece——


——..........

"....Guuu.....I say, could you be more merciful, I'm busy trying to wash your hair."

While washing Chevit's hair with his left hand, Riku still had think carefully, causing him to sigh.

Contrary to that, Chevit gave a stare while muttering.

"So,rry...."

"...Why are you (Sorry)."

No, he was aware of it. But Riku felt a bit self-loathing, so he started acting as the fool——

".....After that, a detailed investigation was carried out...."

Chevit who was unable to understand the subtleties of the [Heart], said self-reflecting words.

"....Unreasonable....For the assailant to question the victim's [Heart]. Cannot, obtain correct data...."

Assailant and victim——Riku felt it was unexpected for these words to come right out of an Ex-machina.

At the same time, he felt a mysterious sense of disgust at himself to hear that a [Mere Ex-machinas] could say these kind words. Riku then said in a perfunctory manner.

"Like this...Before this your reaction is slow eh."

"?.....Although, Chevit....and Humans, are different......But we have [Central connecting nerves]...."

"It's not that kind of meaning...."

Riku's bitter smile was mixed with a sigh, but Chevit who still looked the same seriously nodded.

"....Even, so........Chevit doesn't, have any ideas...."

"........."

"...Chevit, really....Wants to understand, Riku's heart....No, lies..."

No——illusion, Riku strongly admitted.

The depressed Chevit lowered her head and caused uneasy sounds——Riku could only sigh at her.

"Don't mind it......I was just a tad bit emotional."

Even though it was a strange thing, Riku reflected that he had not yet organised his own emotions.

All the things he had done weren't proper either. Riku was certain about this point.

But on top of this, the grim fact that was right before him, apologized for spreading destruction upon humanity?

It was too unreasonable. But——Riku thought. If there was no apology, then there was nothing more irrational than this.

——in fact, he himself, was becoming abnormal.

The usual Riku would be capable of controlling himself, but unknowingly, he couldn't control himself at that time.

It probably wasn't due to Chevit's words right. So why——

Looking at Riku who was thinking such a thing, Chevit blankly asked.


"....Emotions....is not.....Capable of obtaining?"

"Yes. Emotions——for example, you were hit because of anger, but this can't solve anything, right?"

"But, Riku, Wanted...To hit Chevit..."

".....That was just a figure of speech. No, who knows——to be honest I'm not so sure about it."

The dialogue was once again interrupted. The sound of water dripping and the heat dulled Riku's mind......

Breaking the silence that continued for a while was Chevit.

"...Riku, why.....Closed up your [Heart]....Hmm?"

"You... are you really reflecting? THIS KIND OF SMALL PROBLEM RELATING TO ONE'S HEART——"

He shouted at Chevit——Chevit used those glass-like red eyes to look back, Riku immediately stopped yelling.

The Ex-machina that doesn't have a [Heart]——It didn't matter whether she had a [Heart] or not——but she definitely meant no harm.

.....This guy really wanted to understand what a [Heart] truly means eh, Riku confirmed it in his heart.

Compared to the rational, calculative, ruthless——Riku, she was different.

She only took the [Real Riku that has a heart]——as a valuable object of observation.

——*kacha*

——feeling that the [Lock] has been taken down, Riku sighed.

"....By not doing this, it is impossible to survive in this kind of world..."

Closing his eyes, the scenery outside of the cave emerged in his eyes.

——red burning sky, green land covered with black ash, the scene that continued even beyond the horizon.

Without a mask, walking outside the dying world would result in certain death——or maybe the world was already dead.

"....That, because, Chevit and the other races....?"

"....I don't know..."

In fact, Riku became clueless about it. No, from the start——

"It doesn't matter who was right and who was wrong.....The actual problem is, Imanity has to seal their [Hearts] in order to continue surviving, or perhaps self-degration is the only way to survive in this world——this is too unreasonable."

"....Unreasonable......Unreasonable. What is, unreasonable....?"

————what?

Facing Chevit's quiet muttering of words, Riku couldn't help but want to laugh at her, but.

Ahhhh, indeed——Riku corrected his own ideas. Logically, with a rational observation——there was nothing unreasonable about it.

It was simply just——

"The strong survives, the weak dies. No meaning, no reasons. This was how the world was constructed...Feeling that it is [Unreasonable] is probably the [Heart]....Although, I'm not very sure."

While washing Chevit's hair, Riku's heart held the thought of giving up.

Chevit slowly said.

"....Don't want....Riku, hurt...What, to do....?"

——?

Suddenly, feeling that there was a sense of violation with what she said, Riku asked.

"Why should you care about me? If you only wanted to understand the [Heart], just like yesterday, no hesitation——"

"....I, am....Sorry....."

"Ah~ I really don't want to repeat the old stuff. But what I say isn't wrong. Taking my reasons into account——"

There is none. Was being unable to communicate with others a reason?

So there was no need to worry about Riku, if not, perhaps pursuing the case could lure out his [Truthful words]——


"...............I, don't know."

Riku frowned upon hearing an unclear answer from the Ex-machina girl for the first time.

"...I, don't know. But, Riku's injury....Want to avoid..."

"Oh~ allowing the other party to remain the same, otherwise you will be unable to obtain accurate data, like so?"

Riku half-jokingly said, with an entirely logical and business-like tone——but.

".......Wrong....Feeling.....There is, unidentified reason.....But..."

Unknowingly, Chevit looked downwards and said in a trembling voice.

——

He was convinced of the sense of violation. The speculation when Riku first met Chevit——was indeed correct.

This Ex-machina girl——Chevit—was broken. She wasn't normal.

The proclamation before, she said [Injured] without being conscious of it, this was obvious.

——Machinery? A self-proclaimed person who couldn't analyse the [Heart] could get hurt?

"Hey, originally, from the cluster link....you were abandoned, right?"

"....Un."

She even said the reasons and details behind why she was abandoned. A self-referential paradox, a failed theory that caused a fault and so on.

Was she really herself? If she didn't have the blurry [Heart] humans possessed, it was an extremely difficult question to avoid.

She was abandoned——it was natural for it to happen. But——

"In order to return back to the cluster, you want to analyse the [Heart] no matter what. But it is not related to harming me right——"

"?.....No, don't want, to go back...oh?"

——un?

"Ah, if not, then you, heard a command to analyse the [Heart] then?"

"?....It was, interest.....Own judgement...."

"What interest——you, your feelings, unless you say that it isn't the [Heart]?"

Riku who was struggling to understand what she meant said——suddenly, Chevit froze.

".........?...................?......I don't know."

"Ah? What?"

".....I, don't know...Riku, positive. But, Chevit, can't, feel, important factor...Why?"

"Eh, you are asking me?"

Being asked so seriously, Riku's expression twitched, Chevit continued——

"....Waiting for answer, examples——"

"...Anything is fine, Riku is fine if he is Riku, no interest, no meaning, no relations, rejected to sync, prioritize analyzing, not analyse but comprehend————【Flaw】【Contradiction】【Incorrect】【Flaw】【Contradiction】——"

"Oi, oi. OI OI OI! THERE IS SMOKE COMING FROM YOUR HEAD, OI!?"

Seeing the stunned Chevit expounding smoke out, Riku couldn't help but be strickened.

——but that was only for a few seconds. Surveying around the area, Chevit finally looked at Riku and nodded,

"Conclusion. Looks like......Don't want to go back."

"You really are ambiguous."

"...Basis...Can't be certain....But this may be correct."

"Really ambiguous."

Facing against Riku who had a bitter smile due to the diverging topic that got weirder and weirder, Chevit suddenly.

"...That, is so.....Checkmate."

——ah

"You.....Talking to me so that I become unable to concentrate eh? One more time."

".....Un."

Looking at the Ex-machina who was nodding her head, RIku felt a sense of violation and a sense of restlessness.

——that little smile, could an imitation or a calculation replicate it out?——

"....Anyways."

Putting aside the previous topic, Riku said, looking fatigued.

"You....Your hair is too long. I can't finish washing this. A little more and I'm gonna faint from this heat."

"....If, its fine...Cut short the hair...?"

"No, no need to cut it short.....You really are elusive aren't you...."

Muttering, Riku told himself——I understand.

This guy is an Ex-machina, something that can unintentionally kill off humans.

Similar to other races, trampling on Imanity for too many times.

Vigilance around her cannot be slackened, His rationality shouted. But——why.

A girl who is constantly worried about the length of her hair, Riku didn't see the logic out of this.

Riku couldn't help but laugh softly.

Part 9

How long has it been since Chevit came into the colony?

Because there wasn't a proper calender, if an approximate estimate was to be made, she had stayed in the colony for [About a year] already.

Time flies, Riku felt. It was a few days, yet it felt like an eternity to him——....

".....I say, exactly how many people are in the Old Deus race?"

Playing a chess game with Chevit in a narrow bedroom, Riku unhappily raised his face and asked.

"...In theory there is an [Unlimited] number.....The amount of concepts, are proportional....But most of them don't meet....The conditions to live."

Riku had a grim expression in response to Chevit's uncertain answer.

Riku sighed, having to face the truth that he was losing from just a move, as Riku continued thinking of the next trick, he continued.

"The Old Deus are mainly divided into the [God of War], the [Forest god] and others right?"

Although the things they do are similar, in war they were completely different. Facing the doubt in Riku's heart, Chevit nodded her head.

"......The former is Artosh.....The Flügel's, creator....The latter is Cainasu...Creator of, the Elves."

But, Riku wasn't listening to Chevit.

During the dialogue and the chess game, Riku suddenly thought of something in the midst of thinking up tactics to win.

No matter how many times he challenged, no matter how many times the best tactics were used——he had the feeling of being surpassed.

.....In his childhood, he would always see the person who he couldn't win no matter what, a teenager who had a rebellious smile.


"I say——is there a God of Games?"

——he only thought of this as a possibility. He only realized how absurd it was after saying it out, but Riku seriously answered back.

"....There is. But....There is not confirmation of the [Divine marrow].....Speculation, does not fulfill the conditions for living."

I'd really gotten accustomed to holding a conversation with Chevit in this year eh, Riku thought to himself while giving a better smile.

The specific situation is unclear, that was the case.

The Old Deus is a form of concept. Since there is the concept for games, naturally the God of Games existed.

But its [Real existence] would have to rely on whether there was any [Divine marrow].

"Simply put....There isn't any for now right——"

Checkmated. Riku stood up, his scores to add another black star.

"I say, I'd already told you, there is no need to use that kind of tone when there is only the two of us."

"...Un...The central unit for processing sound while thinking, seems....To be irreversible...."

"Un, speaking in a way where even humans can listen?"

"....It seems. Unable to return, to original."

What an ambiguous answer, to speak in such an old manner, Riku walked out of the room with Chevit while carrying a wry look.

——while walking outside the room, the colony was of a different atmosphere compared to a year ago.

Looking at Chevit who was beside him, Riku admitted. Since she came, there was a substantial increase in the amount of ideas.

She took the initiative to help calculate and design even when no one asked her. With her help, the accuracy of measuring tools and enemy-detection items improved drastically. The performance of Corone's telescope also improved, the efficiency of growing livestock has also made progress.

The necessity of going out for investigations also decreased. There was enough food to even have a [Reserve]——in addition.

"Yo! Riku. I see you're having a leisurely time with your wife in the room again eh."

"Didn't I say she's not my wife you baldy! Just go and spend your lifetime with your telescope already!"

"Chevit-chan~ Thank you always for playing with the children~"

Obviously, the number of smiles in the colony also increased.

Because if they just stayed in the colony, humans could live without having to face the fear of death.

But looking at this scene, Riku's expression cast a slight shadow.

——I know. This is just a temporary peace, the calm before the storm.

This brief moment of having [Good times], would fade away like dust when the proclaimed Gods unintentionally stepped onto their heads.

Forgetting about this reality and getting immersed in a moment of calmness got be said to be a blessing.

But eventually, this kind of life would disappear. It could be tommorow or perhaps today——or maybe even now.

Was it because the people were given too much hope? Riku frowned when he thought of this. However, what could they do aside from doing this?"

Pretending to not see despair, believing this place to be safe, living until the day the war ends?

Riku considered that he might be able to achieve this——


"Oi, boss! Stop playing around with your wife's crotch, you should come help us repair the leak from this side!"

"——un~, if you want to get pounded then just say it. I'll gladly provide the language of the [Fist] no matter how much of it you want."

Riku rolled up his sleeve and gave a stiff smile before heading to the direction of the sound——leaving behind Chevit, Chevit stood rooted to the ground in a daze, waiting motionlessly until Riku came back.

"——Che~vit~chan~♪"

Chevit wordlessly turned back when she suddenly got hugged. A smiling Corone stood there.

"Alone~ What are you doing? ~Not going with Riku?"

"...Riku, didn't call me....To, follow..."

"Wahaaaa! Chevit-chan, just forget about that man and marry me!? What kind of stupid husband would leave such a cuuu~tee wife behind right?~, rub rub rub rub——"

"....Riku, isn't....stupid..."

Seeing Chevit who gently pouted her lips, Corone squinted her eyes and inquired.

"I say Chevit-chan. As the older sister, when I say these kind of words——"

"....Riku said before....[Just ignore the self-proclaiming sister]...."

"Ahahaha~♪...I'll give that brat a little something later~♪, anyways!"

Cough cough*, stopping the current topic, Corone succinctly asked.

"Which part of Riku is Chevit-chan attracted to~?"

"....Attracted, to?...."

"Un~, I asked what part of him do you [Like]~, you understand~❤"

——suddenly, Chevit discovered that she was [Nervous].

She didn't know why. It must have been the side-effect of mimicking human behavior.

But this time, in contrast to Corone's cheerful expression——Chevit felt that she was being probed.

After some careful thoughts. For her who has yet to finish analyzing the [Heart].

So naturally she had not analysed the emotion known as [Like], she also could not define it——so——

"...I, don't know..."

Therefore, Chevit decided to give a honest answer.

"...I'm interested,....in feelings...of Riku's....[Heart]...."

The memory of Chevit's first meeting with Riku flashed past her mind.

At that time, Riku's eyes, and among the things that existed——and what happened, the Ex-machina should not have the power to think.

Yet the [Cluster determined there were ethical flaws that was dangerous], there was the power of thought that released Chevit from the link——

"...Oh~, un un~♪ So that's the case~♪"

Not knowing what she meant, Corone happily [Defined] it.

"That is~ which means——love at first sight right?"

——eh?

"Un un♪ Although Riku's face isn't particularly good-looking, he is that kind of character at first glance——"

Facing the wide-eyed Chevit whose body was stiff, Corone nodded her head and said with a smile.

"If you seen thorough Riku's [Conscience] and fell in love with him——un, then I can safely hand my little brother to you♪"

"........"

Love at first sight——the concepts needed to be analysed increased again, this gave Chevit a feeling of fatigue.

Charmed, like, love. The analysis for all three of them were incomplete, yet there was a new [Love at first sight]——to fall in love at the first moment, this kind of new information. Unless, she won't be able to understand the [Heart] for the rest of her life——

"——oi, Corone. What kind of dubious thing are you teaching to her again?"

Settling his business, Riku came back and said to Corone.

"Oh, how rude of you, my little brother. You really are a failure!! When did I teach her anything dubious——"

"Teaching her that I'm a lover of big breasts and stuffing two precious foods into her chest....Are you normal?"

"How rude, I'm obviously a normal person oh! This is a child that will become my little sister oh? In order to not let her bore in her sexual life I must——"

"We're leaving. Stupidity is contagious. Don't interact with her any further."

"....Intellectual level, is, something...Contagious,....?"

Faced with staggering new facts, Chevit's eyes widened. As if urging her, Riku grabbed onto Chevit's hand.

"Eh? Riku, where are you going?"

"Its about time to teach her how to collect food. I must teach her the method of using animal traps."


——This of course was a lie. After all, if it was an Ex-machina, beating a Demonia empty-handed would be easy.

Moreover, Chevit's age——the number of years since she was manufactured, was about 210 years.

He wanted to rely on Chevit machine power to go to a place that he wanted to personally confirm——this was something he couldn't say out.

"I might be coming home late, but I won't go too far."

——hearing these words, Corone smacked her right hand like a hammer onto her left hand, revealing a meaningful smile.

"Ahhh——is it green rape[3]?❤"

"Corone, changing your brain might be optimal."

"Oh, but since the sky is like this, shouldn't it be red rape!? In any case, because it's cold, don't catch a cold——"

"Shut up, you are too noisy. Let's go——[Chevit]."

Riku turned away with an unhappy look......It appeared that Riku did not notice.

Only Chevit and Corone noticed. Especially Chevit——


This was the first time Riku called her using her name.

Her thinking was buried under an unknown error. Chevit sensed her body temperature was rising.

She attached this memory with the label of [Most important] and carefully kept it. However, she did not know the reason why.

Part 10

After half a day he was finally on the ground. It was surprisingly easy with Chevit around——Riku thought.

It would take five days to travel on horse, a few months on foot due to the constant hiding, but it took half a day for Chevit who held Riku.

"....So this is the destroyed city of the Elves..."

This was a place Riku frequented a year ago.

The buildings that were woven with trees had already collapsed. Although the ugly burnt marks remained, the city was slowly getting overshadowed by growing flowers and plants, just like an elegant garden.

With the sky dyed a blood red and the ground getting invaded by the black ash——even though this world was like death, this place still received protection from the Gods. As expected of the capital built by the creator of elves, the God of forest. Riku sarcastically said.

Those guys were the ones who threw the planet into hell, yet they turned their own homes into a amusement area.

After the two walked together for a while, they finally stopped at their destination.

In the midst of the destruction and burning ruins, there was a building that retained it's shape. Riku asked.

"Is this...the library?"

"....Probably...Compared, to other facilities...and the degree of murder in the city....Here, the damage was minor...."

This meant that during the attack from the Flügels, there was a priority to defend this place.

It might have been a refuge facility, a facility that had research materials——or it was simply a storage facility.

"....I see. It probably is a library."

Unable to find a door, the two of them slipped into the building using the gap from the tree.

What was displayed in front of them was——

The wonderful architectural style was the same even after going inside, it was hard to determine what was the usage of the building from the inside.

They could make out what looked to be a bookshelf among the other items.

However, it was emptied. It appears the books have already been transferred away...But this was enough.

"The knowledge they don't need, might prove to be meaningful for us...."

Saying so, Riku surveyed the area and inspected scraps of paper as well as partially-damaged books.

"...Riku, can read Elven language...?"

*sha la sha la* Looking at Riku who was browsing through the books, Chevit asked.

"Dwarven, Elven, Demon, Fairy, Werebeast——what language do you want me to reply in?"

Chevit stared in amazement in response to Riku's nonchalant answer.

"...Why, so, many...."

"Because you can't survive without understanding. It wouldn't be valuable to retrieve an intel that you couldn't read." With neither hatred nor anger, Riku said that with a focused expression.

——Chevit knows Riku when he makes this kind of expression, that kind of eyes.

That was the expression Riku makes when he seriously wanted to win against Chevit in chess.

"Men just get killed meaninglessly. But through words, notes and the like, we are able to understand the nature of each race, language and their habits. This was the unspoken law that spread up till now."


With black eyes that don't reflect any light, Riku recounted their weakness and how fragile human beings were. Humans could only run so far. But there was something in those pair of eyes that Chevit desperately wanted to know, as it was something different from words.

——Don't underestimate humans, the [Heart] that recounted this.


"....Ah.....Riku, Riku..."

Hearing Chevit's voice who was exploring around, Riku lifted his head——

Chevit was cutting away a heavy stone that was on the ground, and after using brute force to twist off a few thick iron plates, Chevit turned to the bewildered Riku and calmly said.

"......Underground, installed....With camouflage.....A space..There is basement....Oh?"

Riku's expression stiffened when he saw Chevit easily lifting up the metal doors over her head that were almost ten times her height.

——......

After Chevit confirmed if there was any biological activity, the two of them walked down the stairs. Then——

"...What is, this."

Faced with the incredible scenery displayed under the long ladder, Riku leaked out a surprised voice.

A spacious hall, there were huge pillars erected at the center of the hall.

There were a myriad of red patterns engraved onto the surface of the twisted pillars.

".....One hundred and eighty....Patterns, the God Cainasu's protection symbols?....No."

Chevit who instantly grasped the number of pillars tried to analyse the carvings, but this was too much.

"....Comparing with database of the Elves...The carving, procedure....Is completely...Different?..."

"It must either be an attempt to produce something or is a new thing that Chevit doesn't know. However, up till now, no matter what these guys wanted to do, even setting the planet to explode or something, isn't surprising. But compared to those——"

From the perspective of a human, blowing off the planet and destroying the mainland didn't have that much of a difference.

Riku wiped the dust off the base of the pillar and read the nameplate on it.

"——[Number 0 Void defense·Theoretical first verification test]...Chevit, do you have any clue?"

"Nothing, in line....With Elven, item....Media, usage of Magic, basically....Nothing, in match."

I see——it was incomprehensible, but Riku's [Intuition] told him.

"No matter what, it won't be good to stay for long. Although I don't know if there is any, check around for any paper left behind and leave."

Chevit nodded her head and deftly collected the rest of the paper.

Riku noticed a piece of paper among the stack.

"...Even the [Developer]'s name must be written in a code, what exactly is it...."

Looking at the name list filled with secret codes, Riku felt his body to be trembling.

Part 11
It won't be good to stay for long, although Riku and Chevit was planning on retreating fast.

"Damn it....Its impossible to move inside this stuff."

When they left the library, or the mysterious institute, they met a [Death Storm].

This was the reaction caused with the black ash and the increased density of the ash, creating a vortex of aquamarine phenomenon.

If encountered, no matter what kind of measures were taken, the ash infused with Elemental bones would penetrate the protective clothing and contaminate the human body.

The two of them could only withdrew back into the deserted place.

"Riku, at this, timing...What do you, do?"

Hiding in a small room at the highest level of the deserted institute, Chevit asked Riku.

"Nothing we can do. Explore caves, ruins and the like, if there wasn't anything like that, we would dig a hole to survive."

Riku sighed while answering so. The death storm was not something mystifying. Personal experience have shown that the storm would last from a few hours at least to a day at most. He had already experienced hiding in a narrow pit for a day a couple of times already. The problem was——was this place safer than a cave.

"Chevit seems to be worried, is something wrong? Did you detect any sign of movements?"

"...Blocked, by Elemental bones....Device for distant observation, incapable...Unable, to use..."

"Un..Then this probably means, this place is considered safe in some ways."

Which means——thanks to the [Death Storm], it would be difficult to get detected here.

There was no way to get out, it was also dangerous for Chevit to be moving at high-speed without any capabilities to detect any enemy.

With that being the case, Riku turned towards Chevit and asked.

"Chevit, did you bring the chess set over?"

"........"

To bring the least amount of baggage——Chevit who was requested of this by Riku thought she would get blamed.

"....I'm, sorry...."

As if wanting to hide her expression, she lowered her head and apologized. Then, she took the chessboard out with a frightened look.

This movement, was as if the Ex-machinas were afraid of humans. Facing such a situation, Riku couldn't help but smile.

"I won't blame you....Since we have nothing to do before the storm stops, why don't we play a game."

"?....Is it, okay...?"

While looking to be unexpected and yet quite happy, Chevit set down a pawn.

Staring at the chessboard, Riku started thinking——the records between him and Chevit for the past year.

——one hundred and eighty losses, zero wins. Don't think about beating Chevit, even a draw didn't happen.

But the situation where a surprise move forced Chevit to immerse into deep thought happened several times too.

In other words, she wasn't something who [Absolutely cannot lose].


——a bold and senseless smile emerged from Riku's face, causing Chevit to ask.

"Riku, why....You can't win, yet...Continue to fight,?"

"Ha? What a strange question, wasn't it you who said that you would give me the intelligence I want if I won?"

"....Liar....Riku couldn't have possibly....Not...Noticed..."

Yes, this was impossible. Riku was something that was imperceptible.

"...I...Gave..All intelligence, Riku..Wanted....Already..."

........

With the exception of the violent noise of the wind, silence dawned. Chevit then said.

"...Riku....Very powerful, oh....Very hardworking."

"——comforting words are useless here."

Interestingly, Corone had said these words before, and Riku replied using the same words.

The conversation ended here. Riku thought, but.

"....Comforting?......Wrong...This is, fact..."

Chevit retorted, her expression bitter.

Then, as if seeing something rare, Riku widened his eyes.

It was an expression of not knowing what to say, but Chevit continued.

"...Now, the planetary environment...Is deadly for humans....But to be able to survive, is .....Abnormal."

Those were the words Riku had said when he clutched onto Riku.

Although these words could hurt Riku, even so, Chevit went on while trembling.

"This anomaly——correction, exploit....Could be achieved, because of Riku's [Heart]....Will."

Next, staring into the black eyes of Riku's that didn't shine, Chevit concluded.

"——regardless, how did, Riku think——this was all [Objective facts]...."

"Ha? Does that mean, that it is useful for Imanity if Ex-machina-sama keeps the winning streak against me?"

"....Ex-machina-sama....How, I don't know...But, I judge. But——"

Chevit seriously, with red glass-like pupils, gazed at Riku and continued.

"...Riku, you cannot accept, all of these..."

"Of course, what good is it to linger in this kind of world——"

"No...."

Chevit refuted, interrupting Riku's words and continuing.

"....You yourself, possibly...haven't noticed it..."

Staring into Riku's eyes, Chevit asserted.


"...Riku, regardless of who...You don't want any of, them to die....You, pray....Regardless of who. Even if, it was the existence that would destroy the humans——even if, I."


"————!!"

Riku's face distorted.

Chevit was unclear as to why Riku didn't kill her from before.

She was unable to judge Riku's behavior and actions, she still couldn't understand.

But precisely because of this, she could assert.

".....That is the [Heart]..I, speculate...Definition."

"......"

Facing Riku who was silent and lowering his head, Chevit continued.

"I assert....Riku, very powerful....But, Riku, cannot accept."

Right, and to say why.

"...Because you don't want to accept...Because you cannot, identify yourself...."

————

————————

In the room where the sound of the wind could be heard, a laugh leaked out. Riku slowly lifted his head, supporting his cheek using his hand.

——using eyes that reflected the image of Chevit in front of him, Riku slowly said.

"You, I'm really angry ah....For someone full of theories to be this troublesome..."

"I'm, sorry."

"...Don't apologize...This is just a fool being angry at himself...."

Yes, as if spitting out his soul, Riku admitted.

Ahhh, it literally was the meaning of [Open closed].

There was no room for rebuttal, he was having the feeling where he didn't even feel like speaking.

The [Lock] in his heart was forced open, it was pathetic to try and brave through things now.

"Ahh, yes, that is the case. I don't want to get recognized by anyone, someone like me who is like dog shit..."

Continuing to escape from fate....What can that do?

However, in the end, what can I do!?....

Riku leaned onto the wall and looked up at the ceiling. He whispered as if repenting.

"...Oi, so in the end what am I suppose to do, what can I do to forgive myself?"

He kept giving up on winning because he was just someone who couldn't sacrifice his own precious life to save someone else.

To save two persons, one had to be killed, to save four persons, two had to be killed.


Thinking that this was the only way, the form to disguise himself.

——repeatedly doing this kind of thing, how could he be recognized?

Looking at how Riku was shamefully questioning himself, she continued.

"This is what I want to know...Riku's [Heart], how...to answer...?"

"——haha, its precisely because I don't know that I'm asking you...."

Riku lowered his gaze while having a hollow laugh, but Chevit continued.

"No matter what the answer is....I will...Help...."

"....Why..."

Chevit blankly answered the question in a natural manner.

"I said once...Before I understand the [Heart]...I will, accompany you..."

——haha....This is, really reliable....

"Having said that..."

*pata*, moving the pieces on the chessboard, Chevit announced.

".....Checkmate."

"Chevit...In here, it should at least be a tie right, for the atmosphere."

".....?....Air conditions....? What's wrong....?" [4]."

With the similar answer as always, Riku looked out the window while revealing a smile.

Not knowing when, the storm had stopped.

Looking downwards from the window, they saw the blooming colorful flowers unaffected by the death storm, as if under protectiong from the [Forest God].

Might as well say, the scene where the petals were dancing in the room was uncomfortable, but——

"....Beautiful...."

Riku looked towards the person who stole his lines.

The Ex-machina girl that he felt to be more human than him, her eyes were chasing the petals dancing in the air.

The shining pair of crimson clear eyes caught everything in sight.

"——Chevit."

Facing the girl who slowly looked back, Riku asked a question he dismissed long ago——

"——tell me. Tell me the purpose of this war and how to end it."

Part 12

Riku and Chevit walked together in the garden of fluttering petals in the ruined city of the Elves.

Although the black ash were blown away by the death storm, it was a matter of time before it got covered up again. Even though they couldn't stroll leisurely and enjoy the situation, Riku had to repeat it again for Chevit to hear.


"The sole God's throne——..[Star cup]....Eh."

The title of [Sole God] bestowed unto the winner of the war every God's throne and Elemental Gallery.

The device that had the concept of absolute control——[Star cup].

This was the reason and purpose behind the Great war, the implementation method is.....Really——


"Oi, Chevit. Can you answer one of my question."

——bearing such a doubt, Riku asked.

"That....Unless no one discovered that there was another method?"

"....Other....Me,thod...?"

Seeing Chevit's widened eyes, Riku sighed in his heart.

——I see, even Chevit had not discovered that method yet.

No, because it was Chevit, because she was the strong, so she didn't notice something as simple as this?


"...Hey, Chevit. Will I be forgiven if I was alone?"

"?.....Riku, isn't....Alone....Oh?"

"No no...I always felt like a fool to brave through things——but."

Riku smiled while wearing the dust mask.

Riku's expression couldn't be seen at all the whole time. But Chevit could clearly see the sparkling black eyes behind his googles.

"But if I'm with Chevit, I feel that I can do some interesting things in this world——"

"....Interesting? I don't know, joke...."

Caressing Chevit who lowered her head in an apologetic manner, Riku smiled.

"Its because of this that it feels extremely interesting.....Chevit, is it boring to be with me?"

"No."

Chevit quickly answered in a serious manner.

"Really? You're not lying? I'm a heartless guy oh, the bored feeling of being with me——"

"If, not interested in Riku....I won't relieve myself of the link......And stay here."

This time, his words were interrupted by Chevit who answered seriously.

Riku thought——

How would he accomplish it? The [Heart] inside him that Chevit was looking for.

However, Chevit was willing to help regardless of his answer...Maybe.

What should he do——complying to his wishes was not a bad idea.

"....Un, this is....Hmm..."

With eyes watching Riku who was having a deep thought, Chevit said.

"...I, am....Interested....In this kind....of Riku's eyes..."

"Really? The things I'm thinking now might even be too much for a kid's delusion oh."

"..This is good...No——revision..."

Repeating the thought several of times in her head, she came to a conclusion.

Nodding deeply, Chevit——successfully defined this feeling.

Not knowing whether it was because she was feeling happy, Chevit gave a radiant smile that made people forget that she is actually a machine——


"...I guess——this is also....[Like]....?"


——in the end, even Riku didn't quite understand what she meant.

"What an ambiguous way to say it!"

——in the end, how long has it passed since he did this. He couldn't remember.

Riku hugged his stomach, laughed until his tears started streaming out.

Part 13

Then——shortly after. The destined moments finally arrived.

"Riku!! This is bad, the telescope captured 6 Dragonias and several Dwarven fleets heading our direction!!"

Watching Simon who ran down with his face pale, he said towards Corone.

"Their direction of travel are North and East west respectively! If they collide, 9 miles east of the colony would be the battlefield.

——the sound of screams resounding in the colony declared the end of the moment of peace.

Riku instructed for the food and other luggage to be brought out, efficiently directing the works for a full retreat.

Meanwhile, Riku, Chevit and Corone delineated the effective range of the battlefield.

They found 28 other places from an investigation 5 years ago, and determined the most appropriate location for a shelter.

Completing the preparations to evacuate 8 hours before the fighting began, the began to move, then....


————......

The colony of almost 2000 people witnessed their homes getting engulfed by light and then disappearing.

The deceased numbered less than 200, who all died while commanding the last evacuating people.

In the case where fighting ensued near the colony, their loss were considerably small in number.

But seeing the colony and rock hill evaporated off, the people on the high platform started to cry.

——this was natural. Corone who thought of this clenched her trembling fists.

If one lost his home, then rebuild it. Although the logic can be understood.

The telescope they desperately repaired was gone. It couldn't be helped, they had to accept that everything happened precisely because of this moment.

Information, map, measuring items and every other important things were brought out——but.

The important things were not always visible. The effort and sacrifice needed to maintain the colony, the memories of living there, as well as their prayers and desires.

——all of these disappeared in a moment,

And that was because of a stray bullet that held no malice nor meaning to destroy their homes.

Someone who doesn't cry would be abnormal. The person who saw all of this is crazy.

Indeed, their lives were saved. However, what could their lives do after this?

Repeat this experience one more time?

Paying for the miserable memories of tears, sacrifice and biting lips.

And once again, disappear as if it was garbage?

In the moment where Corone couldn't hold it in anymore and was about to start crying, Corone saw the back of the figure of her little brother.

"Riku.....Ri, Riku!!"

Corone ran towards the figure that was hugging his own knees and constantly trembling.

"Riku, hold it in! With so many people alive, Riku had done his best!"

——he was at his limits.

Stop making excuses, Corone warned herself while making up her mind.

I can no longer rely on my little brother, letting him bear all the burden....Later on he——

"Riku, stop it, okay? Just let Nee-chan to take over——"

Right now.

"——Chevit, recorded it?"

"...No...Problems..."

Riku who cheerfully looked up, his face had a bright and degrading smile.

"——ah, th, that? Ri, Riku..?"

It was a women's sixth sense, seeing the drastic changes that Riku underwent, Corone reflectively wanted to step back.

Won't let you escape! Caught on the wrist by Riku, Corone couldn't help but issue out an [Ah!].


"Ju~st like that oh Corone, from now on the colony's [Elder] is you, so a pleasure to work with you❤"

"——ha, eh, EH?"

Handing over the map with a his face full of smiles, Riku straightened his back and stood up.

"This is the location of the new colony. Passing through the cave, the other side should be safe. Although it isn't immediately habitable, once it's arranged, it is livable. Because this place was chosen by the things we brought out."

Saying so, Riku exchanged glances with Chevit who stood at his side.

Then with a cheery smile, they walked away in the opposite direction. Corone who finally had a peace of mind cried out.

"Wa, wait a moment Riku! Without you, I——the colony will——"

No matter what, if Riku——if her little brother isn't present, wanting to replace him is impossible.

Corone cried out, but——

"No, there won't be any problems if Corone is present——because from now on I won't let anyone die."

"...Eh?"

"Well, rest assured. I will properly keep in touch with you. If it's Corone, I can safely hand everyone over to you."

Corone stared blankly as Riku's figure started to fade away.

"——hey, Riku..."

She called his name——but, the person who turned back wasn't [Riku] anymore.

——no, incorrect. I know. This was the Riku she met the last time.

His eyes had a bottomless enthusisam, but yet the boy chose to seal off his heart.

Believing to pry open the [Lock] in his heart, was undoubtedly the young girl beside him.

Corone spat out a big, yet gentle sigh.

Although he already guessed that it would be an unbelievable answer, Corone still asked——


"Hey——what are you planning on doing——?"


Expected answer, no, the answer was more than expected.

The orginal Riku who is naive, bold and full of fiery answered.


"——just a game. A simple——child's play that is about to begin oh!"