What did you learn today?

[Deleted member 266]

 

[Theresaisnotmenhera]

Edward Snowden apparently liked hentai games. He was a massive weeb before he became a whistleblower.

 

[Tsuru]

Not a surprise, but i still cry into a sloppy mess, when reading this arc

Arifureta After II – Kouki Arc The Human Called Amanogawa Kouki

「I’ll protect them.」

「Eh……」

It was unclear whose response was that. The boy, the boy’s mother, and then the male civil officer who came to stop the boy returned their gaze to Kouki.

Kouki looked at the boy, and then he spoke one more time.

「I will, protect everyone. That’s why, it will be fine.」

「Hero, sama……」

The boy couldn’t say his words of thanks. Because the hero who said that he would protect everyone, was making an expression that looked smiling while crying.

Kouki returned his gaze to the east gate, and then he unsheathed his holy sword with *shan-* sound.

And then, he sent his words to Koone and others who looked befuddled at the unplanned deployment of the large scale barrier.

「Koone-sama. I’m sorry. I will stay here. I’ll cut open the path, so please run through.」

「What are you saying, hero-sama!?」

Koone raised a voice that was pregnant with shock and unease. She reflexively almost jumped down from her arous although Anneal stopped her.

「Isn’t it hero-sama yourself who said that you cannot defeat this many!? Are you planning to die!?」

「……Sorry. The truth is, I think that protecting you and delivering you until the capital safely is the “correct choice”.」

「That’s not what Koone is talking about-」

「Yes, but, as I thought I’m no good.」

「No good you say──」

In the middle, Kouki’s way of talking became his usual casual way of talking. Noticing that, Koone’s feeling was growing indescribable while she said everything she could to change Kouki’s mind. But,

「As I thought, I cannot abandon people who ask me for help.」

It wasn’t like he wanted to become a hero.

He didn’t want, to die.

But it was impossible. Even if he was told to save the mankind, the feeling that it was real didn’t really well up from inside him. When he weighed mankind and <Dark Being> on a scale, he didn’t understand at all the correct side the scale should tilt toward.

However, even so……

When someone reached out their hand asking for help in front of his eyes, calling at him with a grieving voice, it finally became impossible for him.

「I won’t take no for answer. You go, Koone. ……I’ll be waiting for quick reinforcement okay.」

「Hero-sa──」

Kouki glanced back across his shoulder with an expression of crying and smiling. It was filled to the brim with fear and pain, even so he couldn’t draw back, wouldn’t draw back……

Before Koone could say anything,

「O god’s will-, please bring about the light that annihilate all evil!」

Kouki’s incantation resounded. The lifted up holy sword emitted fierce light, the people who were dumfounded from the 【Divine Severance】 moved their gaze toward Kouki.

「O breath of god-, drive away all dark clouds, please fill this world with holy purification!」

A spiral of light was generated with Kouki as the center. The shining torrent that rose up as though to stab the sky made the people closed their eyes.

「O god’s mercy-, with this one attack please forgive all crime!」

The light converged into the holy sword as though it was being sucked in. The noisy sounds of <Dark Beings> could be heard from the other side of the gate. They too might be perplexed from the abnormal situation.

Kouki moved his gaze toward Spike. Beside Anneal who was holding back Koone who tried to jump down even now, Spike returned a powerful gaze at Kouki and he nodded briskly.

And then, Kouki’s gaze moved toward the gatekeepers. The two gatekeepers opened the gate to left and right with determination.

Multitude black shadows squirmed at the other side.

To there,

「──【Heaven’s Might】–!!!」

The world was overwritten with pure white.

It was a striking torrent of light to the degree that gave such hallucination.

At the same time, the flash of light that left behind sound advanced passed through the barrier of 【Divine Severance】 and pierced the army of <Dark Beings>.

There was no time for them to put up defense or anything. No, even defense itself was meaningless.

The bombardment of 【Heaven;s Might】 that was truly ought to be called the manifestation of god’s will easily gouged the encirclement net like a hot knife going through butter, piercing out until the far away distance.

Before long the world that was dyed white returned back to normal, sound was revived, and while white flash was melting into empty air and vanished, seeing the path that was opened by annihilating <Dark Beings>, Kouki who trembled with his throat choked from what he had done was,

「-, GO-!!」

He yelled.

With Spike in the lead, all the arous started running with fierce momentum.

Beside Kouki who slumped down on his knee from the great expenditure of magic power, Spike, Lilin, the members of guard squad, and Anneal rushed through while saluting with tense expression.

「Hero-sama! If you die, Koone will kill you! If you don’t absolutely stay alive-, Koone will make you meet terrible experience-!! Koone is-, a woman who will do what she say she is going to doo!!」

Koone left behind those words with desperate voice even after passing through him. Kouki made a wry smile at such Koone.

When push came to shove, Kouki thought of sniping the <Dark Beings> that would try to chase after the escaping party from above the defensive wall, but it seemed that the stunned state of the enemies from witnessing the unfairness of【Divine Severance】 and 【Heaven’s Might】 hadn’t loosened up.

When Koone and others slipped through the last line of the encirclement net, dark being that tried to chase after them finally appeared, but at that time a distance had been opened until a range where they could shake off pursuer.

While feeling relieved that they were able to escape, Kouki took out the second magic power recovery medicine from the pouch on his waist.

One medicine remained.

This was the lifeline for Kouki, no, for Arquette during this two and a half days until three days ahead.

Kouki who stood up waved his hand to stop the gatekeepers who came back to their senses and moved to close the gate.

And then, step by step, he walked toward the other side of the gate.

「Kouki-dono! What in the world……why are you……」

It was Rothko who called out to him. The figures of Syla and Ivana were also beside him.

「Rothko-san. This barrier, the more it receive attack the more it will become exhausted and the deployment time become shorter. With an unceasing attack from an army that surpass ten thousand, as expected it won’t hold out until the reinforcement come.」

「Ko, Kouki-dono?」

「I’m going outside in order to reduce their……no, the “enemy” as much as possible. Because even if they only concentrate their battle strength to me, the burden to the barrier will decrease. With the time I buy, please expand and strengthen the defensive wall and underground vault, and evacuate the people as much as possible even if just one person more. After that, tell Moana-sama and Koone-sama──」

「Kouki-dono!!」

It sounded like a last will. Rothko who thought so immediately cut in Kouki’s talk.

「Don’t, don’t speak absurd. Are you planning to fight alone? Such thing is no different than suicide.」

「Certainly I’m heavily outnumbered. But, what if there is only one entrance into a city that is protected by a barrier? What if that entrance become a passage, where its width at best only allow two units that can enter and fight?」

After saying that Kouki thrust out his hand, and in front of the <Dark Beings> who began coming back to their senses, a part of the barrier in front of the east gate changed shape and became like a passage. Its width was around two meter, with length of seven, eight meter.

That unexpected action caused Rothko, no, all the people at that place gulped with shudder.

「I will be overrun right away in a fight of one versus ten thousand. But, what if it’s one versus one for ten thousand times? ……I should be able to buy quite a lot of time with that.」

Kouki spoke to Rothko and others who was speechless.

「If the reinforcement come and I’m already hopeless at that time, please tell Moana-sama and Koone-sama this, 『Before long the demon king might arrive. There will be salvation if there is suitable compensation for him』.」

「Why, why are you going that far……」

Rothko noticed. That the hands of Kouki who said he was going to fight were trembling. Kouki’s expression that was pretending calm appearance honestly conveyed to him that the trembling wasn’t trembling from excitement or anything else.

That was why he asked that, but Kouki’s answer to that was,

「……Because, I’m a great stupid idiot, I think.」

Saying that, he walked out while smiling wryly. Rothko and others had no word to stop him.

While walking, Kouki confirmed that ahead of his gaze the <Dark Beings> were resuming their offence trying to smash the barrier. The 【Heaven’s Might】 just now annihilated several hundred <Dark Beings>, but if someone was looking from outside how the split sea was filled to the brim and returning back to normal, it felt only like a miniscule effort.

(……The key is how long the Divine Severance can hold out. Rather than annihilating power, stamina for long battle is more important. In that case, it’s best to refrain from using magic and only use sword skill. Even if I use magic, I should use recovery magic and not attack magic.)

He still had hesitation. Despite so, after this he was going to kill species that was trying to live. He felt disappointment from the bottom of his heart toward himself who could only choose that kind of path.

This would become a battle where he was greatly limited. If he used attack magic it was inevitable that he would run out of strength first, If he didn’t use attack magic, then painful battle would continue several hundred, several thousand times.

Perhaps, he would die. It was terrifying, terrifying, that his hands wouldn’t stop trembling. *clack clack* The ringing sound was the sound of terror that his teeth were playing.

But, his feet didn’t stop.

His mouth said “protect” naturally.

His body headed toward the battlefield, as though he was being controlled. Behind him were people with no strength to fight.

Even though the inside of his head was messed up, only the will of “have to protect” was resounding strongly inside him.

Going out into a battlefield without even any clear resolve, just how many times he had failed because of that? Just how many mistakes he had made because of that? Kouki’s calm part was yelling at him if he was going to repeat the same mistake again.

「……Surely, I’m going to regret this.」

The same like all the time until now.

「……But」

But, there was only one thing that was different from everything until now.

「……I’m risking my life. I’m not running away.」

Staring straight ahead, he crossed the gate. One step short from the 【Divine Severance】. Enemy already entered the passage. Kouki signaled the gatekeepers to close the gate. The gatekeepers saluted with face that almost burst into tear before they started closing the door.

「…….This is scary. I don’t wanna……」

But, he didn’t hesitate. He didn’t know if stealing the life of a lot of <Dark Beings> was the correct thing, but at the very least, the human called Amanogawa Kouki, wasn’t able to brush off the hand of a children asking for help, so……

That was the only thing that he was absolutely unable to do.

Kouki dispelled a part of the barrier that connected to the passage that was created from 【Divine Severance】. He instantly stepped in using “Ground Shrinker”, and without even letting it react, he diagonally slashed the <Dark Being> at the front.

A vivid sensation was conveyed to his hand, urge to vomit rose up, and the inside of his chest felt sharp pain.

He forcefully repressed all those, and toward the discomposed <Dark Beings>, Kouki was……

He took a deep breath, and with a voice that could reach all the enemy surrounding him──he howled.

「Your enemy is right here-!! If you want Arquette-, try to kill me-!!!」

In order to gather attention and raise the curtain, Kouki’s last favorite technique that might be appearing for the first time in this battle──【Heaven Soaring Flash】’s shining slash bisected the enemy inside the passage while piercing through until the rear.

Kouki who was walking until the middle of the corridor made his holy sword shined while readying it in front of his eyes.

A beat later.

The <Dark Beings> rushed all at once toward the person who was overreaching by trying to face an army alone.

Arifureta After II – Kouki Arc In the Point Between Life And Death

Just how long he had been fighting already?

He had no sensation of time. The sun had sunk really deeply ahead. The radiance of 【Divine Severance】 was illuminating the surrounding of Arquette, but deep inside the grassland where light didn’t reach was completely dark.

*rustle rustle* Great number of presences could be felt from the surrounding. In addition, the consumption speed of 【Divine Severance】 was decreasing quite much. It seemed that it went as he expected, rather than attacking the barrier, the <Dark Beings> were more eager to remove the culprit that was deploying and maintaining that barrier.

While thinking about things like whether this raised the survival rate of Arquette even by a little, Kouki tried to recall the expression showed at the end by Koone and others who might be rushing toward the capital with their all even now──

『Just die alreadyyy-!!』

「tsu!?」

The angry yell that sounded like curse made Kouki returned to his senses right away. It seemed his concentration was cut off for a moment.

In front of his eyes was a bull headed <Dark Being> that boasted super large build of two meter. Above its head there were two horns that looked like could kill human using just them, the Dark Being’s blood colored eyes were shining glaringly, while its hand was holding a large sword that looked like thick Chinese cleaver.

That weapon was swung down along with a violent wind.

The holy sword that was raised without delay produced *ZUGAN-* sound that was impossible to be produced from the sword attack between fellow normal humans.

Although Kouki let go of the impact through his arm and knee, he held his breath 「guh」 reflexively, however, at the next moment he sent a kick at the knee of the bull head species, snapping the knee into ‘<’ shape and broke his balance.

The created opening was fatal.

When the bull head species resisted from screaming and tried to retake his balance, the holy sword was already drawing an arc and got sucked into his neck.

Without even minding the neck that flew away like a joke, skeleton soldiers that were of eccentric species──the so called Skeleton──leaped out from the left and right of the bull head species.

The Skeletons’ weapon was their very body that was formed from bones. Both of their hands were abnormally long, and their fingers were sharp like claw. The bone starting from their arm until their pinky grew thin and became a splendid sword hand when it was swung.

『You monster-』

『Perish!』

Kouki had never even imagined that a day would come when he got cursed at by Skeletons as a “monster”.

Kouki pulled back his body slightly while knocking down altogether the sword hands that were thrust at him from both sides. The other hand of the Skeletons sprang up as though they had predicted that.

They unleashed simultaneous attack with matched breathing as though they were mirror reflection of each other, however, Kouki whose reflexes was superior smoothly dodged and unleashed two consecutive attacks as counter.

The heads of the Skeletons danced in the air.

『Got you-』

A strong spear was thrust through the gap between the bones of the collapsing skeleton. It came from a scaled dragon species behind the skeleton. The sharp thrust that although didn’t match Ragar but it was by no means inferior, was stopped by the grip of Kouki’s hand.

『Wha-』

Ignoring the voice of shock, when Kouki pulled the spear strongly toward himself, the scaled dragon species instinctively tried to hold his ground. However, Kouki’s physical strength didn’t allow that. The Dark Being was unable to stand firm and stumbled forward, and the holy sword was thrust into his throat.

Along with a vivid sensation, a hard to describe groan 『Gube!?』 prickled Kouki’s ears. At the same time, the overflowing blood splattered dirtily on Kouki’s shoulder stickily.

Although, it was meaningless to pay attention to that. After all Kouki’s whole body was already dirtied by blood spurt from enemies. His state looked tragic.

The number he had defeated wasn’t just several hundred. The <Dark Beings> he had defeated might already reach a thousand. The defeated <Dark Beings> were thrown away to the back by the hands of other <Dark Beings> themselves as though to say that they were in the way.

It seemed that <Dark Beings> almost held no sympathy to other species except to their own underling, so there were also several scenes of falling out between Dark Beings because the other treated their underling’s corpse rudely but……

Currently, it seemed that their head was filled to the brim of who would be the one to defeat the abnormal warrior that couldn’t be defeated at all no matter how long the battle was continuing.

Both Ragal and Niebla put importance at achieving meritorious deed.

At the era after <Dark Being> ruled over the world, meritorious deed was necessary in order to make the status of their own faction a firm one. For them who were carrying out the principle of supremacy of strength and the survival of the fittest for real, the meritorious deed of defeating the warrior with strength that could protect Arquette continuously by his lonesome must be exactly the same like “pillaging great treasure”.

Kouki thought. He thought that it was something he was thankful of. Because the more they focused on himself like this, the more the burden to the barrier decreased and as long as Kouki’s magic power was holding, then the protection toward Arquette was a sure thing, he thought.

Intense pain ran through his ankle sharply.

『I, caught you-』

One of the skeletons before this moved his hand even after losing his head and his claw was digging into Kouki’s ankle. Looking at the thick miasma flowing from his head and coiled around his body, most likely he was moving his body remotely even now when his head was sent flying.

Seeing how the red light was almost vanishing from the skeleton’s eye sockets, perhaps this was his very last act that he unleashed with all his strength.

Right after that, Kouki’s field of vision was blanketed by barrage of miasma swords.

He swung the holy sword and deflected, deflected deflected deflected deflected!

「tsu, kuh, aAAAAAAAAAAH」

The tremendous amount caused Kouki to raise a roar when he noticed. He swung the holy sword with all his strength and slipped through the barrage of death. The last act of the Skeleton was certainly effective. His wound dulled his footwork, and Kouki was forced to focus his undivided attention into defense using his sword skill by necessity.

The miasma sword that he couldn’t handle, or he purposefully neglected in order to avoid lethal wound created countless small wounds all over Kouki’s body. Small sharp pains stimulated Kouki’s consciousness from throughout his body, as though his body was giving alert messages.

The barrage that he thought might be continuing for eternity stopped still.

He shook off the claw that was still grasping his foot and then he tried to chant recovery magic, but <Dark Beings> pushed and shoved each other and charged toward him.

『He is wounded see-, now-』

『Kill-, Kill-, Kill-!!』

「tsu, shit-」

Even while swearing out, Kouki desperately slashed his holy sword and cut down the enemies.

What entered his ears were only words that wished for his death, or vilification, or voice of resentment that even resembled curse.

That was natural. Just how many <Dark Being> he had killed already. Right now he was a sworn enemy for them, a bitter enemy that had to be killed no matter what.

Even though he understood that, even though he understood that he had not the slightest qualification to think about such thing, but his heart was growing cold. It felt like his heart was getting torn from his body as much as he killed, as much as he almost got killed.

The sensation of cutting flesh, the feedback of bone severed, the blood spurt showering him, the more he got used to them, it felt like he was getting farther from being human──becoming a “monster” just like what they screamed at him.

『ZEAAAAAAAH!!』

「Gaah!?」

A loud scream of fighting spirit burst. Right at the next moment after that, he felt heat on his flank.

Although he barely dodged instinctually, his side was lightly gouged. If he was late in evading just by a moment more, it would be a fatal wound. Cold sweat trickled while he pierced the enemy’s heart with a returning slash.

The sensation of the shadow of death steadily creeping near was invading Kouki’s heart.

From before this there was moment when his concentration cut off and his thought was diverted. It was the proof of exhaustion. Mental exhaustion was accelerating the physical exhaustion.

Honestly speaking, the time was already past late at night. It was enough to call his stamina as unworldly.

But, even so, the time limit was approaching him.

Kouki scolded himself, that it was too early. He wasn’t holding out for even half a day yet. If he spouted out big talk like “protecting”, then it was still too early for him to collapse.

「──【Heav──」

『Become the offering of our species-!!』

He tried to chant recovery magic, however, he was obstructed by <Dark Beings> whose fighting spirit wasn’t withering even for a bit no matter how many hundreds he was defeating.

‘This is bad’, his unease grew violent. If he shed blood, then his stamina would decrease quickly by that much.

He recalled his experience of chasing after monsters of Holy Precincts by continuously wandering for three days at【Northern Mountain Range Area】 without taking rest or meal. With the body of hero, such recklessness was possible if he at least made water to drink using magic.

But, nothing could be done if he shed too much blood. Recovery magic couldn’t go as far as recovering the lost blood too, his thought would dull and his body would get exhausted easily the more blood he lost.

And, at that opening when he recalled his reckless adventure at Tortus like that, this time it was his shoulder that was lightly sliced.

Seeing his thought getting diverted again, Kouki gritted his teeth while continuing to kill one, and then one more enemy.

(Shit-, damn it-. What the hell me-, am I just this much-. You are a hero aren’t you! You should be able to still go on! Don’t think about unnecessary thing-. Just concentrate! You said that you are going to protect right!)

Slash. Slash. Slash. Slash. Slashed.

Slash. Slash. Slash. Slash. Gouged.

Slash. Slash. Slash. Slash. Punched.

With his wounds still unhealed, his wounds were gradually increasing.

Seeing such Kouki, the expression of the <Dark Beings> who were attacking while stepping on their compatriots was showing slight ecstasy that said「We will overcome him at this rate」……

「Kouki-dono-」

At the same time with such call, Kouki’s body was enveloped in faint light.

When he looked back across his shoulder after sending flying one enemy in front of his eyes, Ivana and several vigilance corps members’ figures were on the defensive wall of eastern gate looking like they were going to cry.

One of them was offering a prayer wholeheartedly. He must be using blessing art of healing.

Pain was receding gradually from his body. The little wounds other than his ankle, side, and shoulder were healing in visible progress even if slowly.

「Two third of the citizens had been sheltered-. In order to evacuate the rest, we are expanding the space right now-」

It seemed that more than half of the citizens could be evacuated into the underground space. If he could buy more time like this, then perhaps all the citizens could be evacuated into the tough shelter.

Kouki made a small smile.

「Please retreat for the moment! With the exception of the vigilance corps members that are essential for the evacuation, we will hold that place with all our force! At this rate-, you will-」

Ivana pleaded at him to take a rest.

But, he couldn’t do what she said. Because the vigilance corps’ strength was insufficient to be entrusted with this battlefield. If such thing was possible, then from the beginning he would have told them the strategy of taking turn.

The vigilance corps members weren’t soldier. Even if they had the will for it, but their talent didn’t permit them to fight. Just like that Anneal. They themselves should understand that.

At present, this blessing art of healing too, if this was performed by the art user of the capital, then his ankle, side, and shoulder’s wound should have recovered completely already. The face of the vigilance corpse member who was using the art was distorted in frustration seeing how slow Kouki’s wound was healing.

And so, that being the case, they must be trying to buy time for Kouki to rest exactly with the resolve of being annihilated to the last man.

That was why, he couldn’t entrust it. He couldn’t entrust this battlefield to them.

「Here is my battlefield! I won’t entrust it to you all!」

「That’s……」

Ivana’s expression warped in grief.

While signing the enemies to oblivion, however, the feeling of Ivana and others who tried to be his strength somehow saved Kouki’s heart.

「Haah!!」

『Guah!?』

『This guy-, still!?』

An attack with all his strength blown away two enemies altogether.

Using that opening, Kouki filled his voice with dominating aura and sent out his words.

「I can still fight! That’s why──please back me up. Even if just healing me continuously help me a lot! When I give the signal, arrow or blessing art or anything is fine so attack the front line at that time!」

If he could make an opening even if just a little, he could heal large wound at that time. He could also create water ball using magic and replenish his rehydration. With the blessing art’s healing, he would be able to not get bothered from small wounds.

Although Ivana and others were stunned for a moment from Kouki’s words, they immediately made a determined expression. Even they had something they could do, they could be useful for the protector who was standing alone in the battlefield. Those facts encouraged their heart.

「Leave it to us-」

The voice of the trembling Ivana resounded.

Kouki roared while staring at the endless attacks.

「I won’t withdraw no matter what-」

















He wondered how much time had passed since the vigilance corps were starting to back him up.

Kouki who was continuing to fight determinedly didn’t notice that the backup had stopped abruptly before he knew it.

He already had no composure to look back, his consciousness was half hazy. Therefore, he couldn’t even confirm that Ivana and others were already spending their strength from using art until their life was at risk.

Also, the matter when Rothko and others tried to make Kouki retreat to the shelter which he then refused was also already far beyond at the corner of his memory.

Rothko and others persuaded Kouki that if they bought time using the defensive wall and the underground warehouse, then Kouki would also be able to rest enough, but Kouki judged that doing that was impossible.

The defensive wall could be climbed over by the <Dark Beings> physical capabilities and by using each other as stepping stone as had been proved at the beginning. If someone was overcame by the creeping up <Dark Being> then they wouldn’t be able to buy enough time.

And above all else, if he went into rest right now……

Kouki had no confidence at all that he could stand back up again before the underground warehouse was destroyed. With his extreme exhaustion, once his tension and fighting spirit were loosened up, they wouldn’t come back to normal easily. He wasn’t able to deny the possibility that he wouldn’t be able to move satisfactorily or that his consciousness would keep sleeping.

He feared that above all else.

That was why, in order to not let them come toward him in order to take him back, he cut off his own path of retreat.

If they came until here, then even if Kouki created barrier behind him, the <Dark Beings> wouldn’t care.

They would only kill Kouki.

They would bring certain death to this sworn enemy that was a threat that couldn’t be finished off with an army even now. Right now, rather than bringing down Arquette, removing this abnormality standing in their way was far more important.

Kouki mostly didn’t even reply, he was merely showing his will using his action. Rothko and others were shedding tears while continuing to pray earnestly while lamenting that it was the only thing that they could do.

One time the【Divine Severance】 almost vanished and he drank his last magic power recovery medicine, but Kouki had no remembrance at all of doing that. He used the medicine from his subconscious sense of danger.

The backup stopped, he was already at a point where taking rest would lead to death, he had also used up his recovery method. He was merely swinging his sword toward the threat before his eyes.



Before he noticed, Kouki was inside a mysterious sensation.



The resenting voice and angry yell of the enemies became unclear and muffled as though time was slowing down, every single movement of them were also slow as though they were moving underwater.

However, that didn’t mean that Kouki was speeding up.

Kouki himself was also feeling heaviness coiling around his whole body as though he was underwater. Just like how the opponents were slow, he was also slow.

Inside the world where everything was slow, however, it was only his thought that was strangely getting clearer.

Everything that happened until now was passing through his mind naturally.

If there was a third person, they might say that it was a revolving lantern phenomenon, but Kouki didn’t realize that and he abandoned his thought into the emerging memories.

What emerged first, was the first person he encountered in this world.

──Kouki, is really kind huh

He yelled back angrily when he was told that. When he thought back now, it felt like he had vented his anger at that beautiful and strong queen a lot.

For some reason he easily exposed the deep part of his heart that he normally repressed to her. For some reason every single word of hers resounded in his heart and he became unable to keep up his façade.

──At the very least, that feeling of yours that think about other is “right”. I will assert that

Even though he only came in contact with her for a short time, she was always giving affirmation to Kouki. Even though he actually had waekness and complex, the words that she gave to Kouki at the end were always kind.

(The feeling of wanting to save, wanting to protect──is right. If you assert that, then is it okay for me to think that the fight I’m doing right now is “right”?)

He pierced the heart of the bull head species in front of him, then using the holy sword that he pulled out while turning around, he lopped off the head of the scaled dragon species beside him. While bathed in blood spurt, the next memory that emerged was the little sister princess with strong peculiarity.

──Rather than the many that Koone loved, Koone treasure my only dear family

Just like “that guy”, rather than the many people with unknown face, she would pick the person that was important to her. While condemning herself that she had no qualification to introduce herself as a royalty, even so she yelled that she wouldn’t yield.

Even though she was in a position that was far more significant than himself, but that way of living that spoke of such thought without hesitation, he harbored much envy toward it.

(Surely, as a royalty……that is “mistaken”. Picking a choice of not making use of me is a “mistake”.)

Then, was that girl “evil”?

Kouki didn’t think so. Because, that child, wasn’t she resolved to die?, he thought. In exchange of making her big sister as priority, wasn’t she resolved to receive everything by herself?, he thought.

Then, in the first place, just what was a “mistaken choice” then.

As though to pierce the emerging question, a conspicuously large Skeleton lunged with a sharp hand sword and lightly gouged Kouki’s cheek. Without even minding that, Kouki grapsed tight the Skeleton’s head in an eagle grasp and smashed it into the ground, he then pulverized the head further with a step of his foot while diagonally slashing a second bull head species.

In the interval of blood splash, the people of the capital were floating like illusion.

──There were husband and wife who fought in order to let anyone ate kukuri.

──There was a young man of the weapon shop who spoke of his dream that the weapon he made would help the soldiers.

──There was a ferryman who would rush around the battlefield transporting soldier in emergency.

Everyone wasn’t thinking things like “no matter what we do, it’s already impossible anyway” in the slightest.

That wasn’t optimism, but a determination to accomplish the resolve of opposition. If the path that they picked rolled to a bad direction, wouldn’t that decision make their important people unhappy……such unease, it didn’t look like they were harboring such feeling in the slightest.

At the very least, they weren’t people who would stop walking because of that.

(When I asked if they feel scared, everyone said the same thing──that they are scared. And yet, everyone smiled when saying that. Because that’s something that they decide themselves they said.)

A huge spear made from miasma was flying near clad in wind of miasma like a tornado. When he tried to knock it down forcefully, Kouki’s foot slipped. He couldn’t raise his blade, and even though he knocked down the spear, it caused pain on his wrist.

He became unable to stand his ground. The hand that swung his sword was starting to shake from a reason other than fear──exhaustion. He felt something that chilled his heart from death that was approaching him one step closer.

──Because, I was born for the sake of fighting

A younger girl who declared the meaning of her birth with pride in her heart.

Her way of living that believed there was no mistake in her path, he felt much envy toward that.

──For me my grandfather, was a hero

Becoming like the idolized hero, having things went ideally……was impossible, such fact was thrust before her, however, she said 「Even so life is continuing」 with a smile. She found what she could do, and built up herself to be more than top-notch.

(Aa, come to think of it, I thought of Jii-chan for the first time in a while huh)

Finally, the holy sword was deflected. Until now, Kouki’s attack that finished off most of the enemy in one swing finally defeated the enemy after two, three slashes.

Enemies that were observing Kouki’s movement at the rear must also be starting to get used to Kouki’s movement. But, more than that, his pure strength and speed were decreasing.

The dragon scaled species that he sent flying raised a warbled cry and stood back up. Beside it, this time the illusion of his grandfather──Amanogawa Kanji appeared.

──Kouki can become anything, you can do anything

That was Kanji’s answer toward young Kouki who was asking him ‘Can I perhaps become like Jii-chan?’.

‘Really?’ When Kouki asked that,

──Really, I told you. That’s why you are named Kouki (TN: Kouki means brightness or splendor)

Name is the representation of body. That’s why,

(The path that Kouki decide and advance through by yourself, will surely shine bright……. I have forgotten that all this time huh. Jii-chan’s words) (TN: The word shine bright here use the exact same kanji like Kouki’s name)

*GON*, graphic sound of bone breaking resounded from Kouki’s body. The tail of a scaled dragon species sunk into his side. Without even being conscious of it, Kouki breathed out *kahah* while letting out a thrust at the nape of the scaled dragon species.

At last he received a damage that was hard to be overlooked. Even Kouki whose natural recovery rate was high couldn’t immediately heal broken bone without magic.

Perhaps seeing the limit of strength of Kouki whose body was staggering, the <Dark Beings> showed expression of wild joy.

But, in contrast to the fierceness in the outside world, Kouki’s inside was really calm. Quietly, but surely, something was connecting inside Kouki.

The many encounters, his experiences until now, the many worries, all of them were connecting in the middle of this extreme situation.

The girl childhood friend who brought him back even by hitting him yelled at the back of his mind.

──It shouldn’t be like this? Something like that is obvious! There is no such thing like a life that will go as you want! Everyone, they gritted their teeth and endured, they held their head in worry, but they will say “even so” and then keep at it!

That’s right huh, exactly like that. Even the people of this world, everyone is the same.

──If your path is mistaken, then punching and stopping you is the role of best friend right?

Aah, that’s right. Just what is it I’m scared about? If I’m mistaken, you will punch and stop me, and yet

──Liar

Aa, Eri. It’s exactly like you said. I’m a liar.

At that day, at that time, at that place, I indeed told you “I’ll protect Eri”, and yet.

I believed that by making the choice of “protecting”, it was over just with that.

I believed that I had saved you just by stopping you from jumping down.

Even though there is no such thing like a life that will go as one wanted.

Even though life will continue even then.

Even though you were still going mad, and kept asking for help the whole time.

That’s right.

I was always, finishing with just “choosing”.

Even though what is truly important, is the “after choosing”.

That’s all there is to it.

Whether that choice is right, or mistaken, there is no way to understand because we cannot see the future.

I was frightened against such trivial thing, said thing like “I cannot believe myself”, and in the end, I hesitated in even choosing……







*GOU* The atmosphere roared.







Kouki went ‘hah’ and his consciousness returned from the mysterious world of thought back to reality, and he became aware of the huge bull approaching before his eyes. The combat bull created from muddy black miasma was so big it filled the whole path with its body.

If it was Kouki who still had spare strength, he would be able to thrust his holy sword and destroy it.

But, his flesh that already welcomed the limit had insufficient strength to meet that charge.

「Gahah!?」

Although he barely evaded just the combat bull’s horn, his torso got hit by the headbutt and he was sent flying. The impact that made his body felt like it would come apart shook his consciousness. Air was forcefully expelled from his lung and he couldn’t breath.

He wrung out his willpower, thrust down the holy sword and defeated the combat bull, but he couldn’t stop from falling on his knee.

Thinking that this time was the end for sure, the <Dark Beings> rushed forward like a flood in order to raise distinguished service.

The eyes of Kouki who raised his face weren’t focused as though his mind was hazy. His blurry sight could see the approaching <Dark Beings> raising war cry in slow motion.

(Is it the end……in this kind of place……)

Even though, I found the answer……

He finally understood.

In feeling, wish, prayer, there was no such thing like mistake.

If one was serious, then everything was the real deal, what was important was sincerity.

After choosing, one must not run away from that feeling. One must not avert their eyes from the wish. One must not give up praying. That was the true battle.

Even though he finally understood.

(Will it end, without me unable to protect?)

‘I’ll protect everyone’, he said. Toward the young boy, toward the feudal lord who thought about his people, toward everyone of the vigilance corps.

(Will I, lie again?)

Because, I have done my best? Because I risked my life? That’s why, it’s fine even if I give up already right?

(Don’t-, screw around-!!)

「aAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!」

『tsu!? You bastard-!?』

The large sword that was swung down by a bull head species was deflected back by the holy sword of Kouki who was screaming as though his throat was going to burst.

‘Just where in the hell such strength is coming from’, the expression of the bull head species was cramping with such meaning that could easily be understand despite his grotesque feature.

(Fight-, fight-, fight!! You want to protect even if you have to kill them aren’t you! You chose that right! Then fight-)

He scolded himself.

Something snapped inside Kouki. It was a feeling that he had tasted several times, however, Kouki had no leeway to pay that any mind.

But, if he could see his status plate, then he would surely notice that there was one addition of derivative skill there.

──Limit Break’s special derivation War Demon

Originally, Limit Break raised up the whole specs by several times along with the increase of magic power, but this <War Demon> didn’t have magic power increase. His specs also didn’t increase. However, no matter how broken up the body was, the magic power inside the body would be used to reinforce the body as though it was replacement for plaster cast, and the user would only continue to fight intently with this special derivative skill.

Because it was almost like a self-destructing technique, almost nobody was awakened to this skill.

This was the crystallization of feeling that bloomed exactly because Kouki’s heart shouted in this extreme situation.

That scream was,

──Fight! Fight! To the end of that choice, following your wish, fight until this body become trash!

「oOOOOOOOOO-!!」

『Thi, this monster-』

For the first time since the beginning until now, the <Dark Beings> were backing away. The loud pressuring scream and fighting spirit that could only be described as ghastly almost swallowed them up.

(My body, is moving-. I can still, fight-)

He didn’t understand why his body was moving.

But, such thing didn’t matter.

(Step in, more. Look at the whole. As long as they aren’t a beast, the movement of human body is mostly decided!)

More efficiently. To the necessary place, at the necessary time, using the necessary strength, accurately.

‘That was what you were taught right’, he told himself.

(……Aa, so I forgot even this kind of thing)

His memories of until now that flowed in like revolving lantern. The things that he forgot, that he lost sight of were resurrected.

He learned the sword style of knight because he was the hero of the kingdom. However, there was the sword that he learned side by side with his childhood friend farther in the past. Caught by his position as hero and his mistaken impression, or perhaps because of his guilt of betrayal, he buried it at the bottom of his heart all this time.

A bull head species swung down a large sword.

If it was the him so far until now, he would use his specs as hero and deflected back the attack. But, he already didn’t have the spare strength for that so……

The moment he received the opponent’s sword, he averted the sword attack using the shift of his wrist, and at the same time he changed the hand holding the sword to his other hand and cut up.

──Yaegashi-style sword art Otoha Nagashi (TN: Sound Blade Flow)

The name was because the moment the sword attack was averted, two swords scraping against each other produced a clear tone.

The bull head species didn’t feel any recoil from his sword, and when he noticed himself was already cut with his life ended, his eyes opened still.

A scaled dragon species unleashed a mowing down attack using a huge spear.

If it was before, he would knock down the attack or dodge.

Now he kept the point of his sword pointed straight while shifting his upper body, however, he didn’t retreat but stepped forward and thrust the sword.

──Yaegashi-style sword art Kasumiugachi (TN: Haze Pierce)

By shifting the distance perception using the upper body’s back and forth movement and shoulder’s motion, the huge spear’s horizontal mow ended up striking empty air. The scaled dragon species whose eyes were opened wide lost his life with his last sight being an attack that looked like three thrust unleashed at the same time.

A Skeleton came lunging using his sword hand.

If it was before Kouki would meet the attack using his holy sword.

He grasped the sword hand with one hand and made the skeleton floated in the air using a twisting throw and body movement.

──Yaegashi style martial art Kyourai (TN: Mirror Lightning)

This technique threw the opponent using Aikido move and then attacked while the opponent was midair. But, this time it was used to hold back a second Skeleton, and the moment the two Skeletons collided, he mowed down the two altogether using his holy sword.

The kingdom’s knight sword art wasn’t bad by any means. Rather, a transcendent ability and the knight sword art──especially the strong sword style of Meld Logins had good compatibility.

But, for his current self whose specs were degrading……the ancient martial arts of Yaegashi-style that he learned for a long time, a style for the sake of “the weak overthrowing the strong” was the most optimum.

Not relying on physical strength to the utmost of his ability, not burdening his body, while getting the better of the enemy using technique.

Because of the strange movement that was different from before, the <Dark Beings> could be seen clearly that they were perplexed.

(Although, it’s hard doing it with western sword. How long I can fight while being conscious? Can my consciousness last──)

Kouki was concerned with the feeling of discrepancy that came from using Yaegashi-style with a weapon that wasn’t katana, but……

At that moment, the holy sword was enveloped in faint light.

The <Dark Beings> were on guard wondering what Kouki was planning, but Kouki’s feeling of amazement was more than what they were feeling.

Kouki reflexively closed his eyes toward the holy sword that was enveloped in light despite him not doing anything. He couldn’t even see the sword blade because of the light.

If the time was counted it was only several seconds.

Before long the light settled down. And there,

「Ka, katana……」

Yes, the holy sword changed shape. Although there wasn’t wave pattern on the sword blade, but what was there was certainly a katana with single edge and curving shape. Looking closely, when he noticed even the sheath had changed shape.

「Ha, hahah」

A smile emerged on his mouth unconsciously. The figure that was bathed in blood spurt and yet looked smiling looked gruesome that even the <Dark Beings> looked backing away.

But, Kouki didn’t even pay attention to that.

(Come to think of it, no matter what happen you keep lending me your strength huh)

Even if he let go of it, it would come flying if he raised his hand. Even when he tried to return it, it flew to him by its own will. Even when he got carried away, even when he was a betrayer, even when he was lost, it never forsook him and continued to choose him as its wielder.

And then, now it even changed shape to respond to Kouki’s wish.

‘Aah’, he thought.

His consciousness was still hazy, and everywhere in his body was screaming, however……

「There is a holy sword(partner) in my hand. Then, there is no way, I’ll lose」

If he was defeated, his holy sword(partner) might fall into enemy’s hand. Only that he wouldn’t allow.

He found one more reason to fight.

He suddenly noticed. Without him knowing, there was a sun ray alighting down from the sky. From the gap of the cloudy sky, the sunlight looked like a stair that was continuing to heaven──it was likely that the morning sun was shining in.

The night, had ended.

Seeing that, Kouki’s smile deepened further and,

「If you choose the path of survival then I won’t pursue. But, if you choose to fight──」

Slowly he put the holy sword into the sheath, and he lowered his waist. His hand, was still touching the handle loosely.

「I won’t ask for forgiveness. I will……kill you all until I perish.」

A tranquil fighting spirit, and grand words of resolve, spread through the battlefield.

Arifureta After II – Kouki Arc Reinforcement Army Corps

「What’s the status with the sortie preparation-」

The harsh voice of Moana who was wrapped in battle outfit was reverberating in the palace’s corridor. She was walking fast with her footsteps making clapping sound as though to express her impatient feeling. Beside her, her close aides with Spenser, Donar, and Linden in the lead were accompanying her.

Spenser replied to Moana’s question with a stern expression.

「It’s possible for three thousand to sortie in our state. However, the number of arous is insufficient, we are also mobilizing soldiers from the neighboring monitoring base, but we will need at the very least one day to reach the expected number.」

「That’s no good. Too slow. Three thousand is fine. We are departing right away.」

「Don’t speak unreasonably.」

When Spenser said that chidingly, Moana stopped walking and turned her gaze.

「There is no other way than pushing through recklessly. Right now, even in this very moment Arquette is in the verge of being annihilated!」

That voice contained grief. It was something rare to come from Moana who always endeavored to be composed no matter the time. That was just how abnormal and dangerous the situation was, but for Spenser who had been at Moana’s side since she was born, he could guess that wasn’t all.

Koone and others who should have departed from the capital at noon the day before yesterday to head toward Arquette returned back at the forenoon today in a desperate state even while being exhausted. Thinking about the distance between the capital and Arquette, their return was too early even if they were taking day trip. Most likely they were rushing back through the night without resting.

Koone and others who returned back looked like they were going to collapse. When they asked Koone and others just what in the world was going on that caused their state to be abnormal like that, the answer they were given was about a situation that was hard to believe.

After making Koone and others rest, Moana naturally wasted no time to assemble her close aides in hurry and instructed them for sortie preparation to reinforce Arquette.

But, there were two problems regarding the sortie preparation.

First was the number of the enemy that was a large army of ten thousand.

The other problem was that they were fighting against time.

The battle strength that was permanently stationed in the capital was twenty thousand in total. The total battle strength from the citizens of the capital was less than thirty thousand. There were several cities set up at the boundary line between the desert and grassland and along the coastline. These cities doubled as surveillance base. If all the soldier force in those cities were mobilized, their number would barely reach a hundred thousand.

It looked enough for a battle force, but the matter wasn’t that simple.

After all, the situation this time was a completely abnormal situation. The <Dark Being> had obtained a method to attack the rear while ignoring the front line.

In that case, there was no way they could left the capital unguarded. In this situation where the early detection of enemy using the unobstructed view of the desert was rendered meaningless, enough battle force had to be left behind in the capital no matter what.

In addition, seeing how it would be meaningless unless they reinforced Arquette before the city fell, they had to mobilize using arous no matter what. Because they definitely wouldn’t make it in time if the soldier walked by foot to go there.

But, naturally the number of arous available was fewer than the number of soldier.

With arous that were trained to not fear battle, and including the arous that were collected from the capital’s citizens, and by also further preparing not to carry any luggage as much as possible, and even after using method where multiple people would ride one arous in place of the luggage, they still couldn’t secure arous in the number that could transport ten thousand soldiers.

Even the number three thousand that Spenser said was already an amazing response to be able to prepare that many in this short time.

Nevertheless, challenging ten thousand enemies with three thousand was still too rash.

Spenser had to admonish that action as the royal guard captain.

「Your majesty. However, speaking realistically, we cannot challenge an army of ten thousand with three thousand.」

「Spenser. Certainly I think that’s reckless. But, I’m not merely saying that without making any calculation at all.」

Moana started walking again while speaking her thought.

「If Arquette’s defensive wall is functioning, it will be possible for us charge through the enemy and enter the city. After that we will hole up there while waiting for the infantry and soldiers from the surveillance bases to arrive, before launching pincer attack from outside and inside the city.」

It was a strategy that was riddled with problem.

Certainly, if they could enter Arquette and then holing up inside, it would be possible for them to endure until the soldier force that was the combination from every area arrived. If it was the art users of the capital, they could easily reinforce and repair the defensive wall, while it would be easy for the soldiers to defeat the <Dark Beings> that sporadically crossed the defensive wall.

The greatest bottleneck of being in the defensive side of a siege that was the food supply was also not a problem seeing that Arquette was a city where harvest was accumulated in there.

But,

「The gate must be closed right now. How are we going to go in?」

「We can use art to send notification for them to open the gate by matching our timing, or we can even use art to create a huge slope to cross the defensive wall. There are many ways that can be used.」

「If we lagged even just for a bit, we will get surrounded and then annihilated. It’s a gamble that is really bad for heart. Even if for example we managed that……the plan can only work assuming they are still outside the wall you know? What are we going to do in the case the city has fallen?」

「…………If that’s the case, we will retreat. We will wait until the infantry and soldiers from every area link up with us.」

Spenser nodded while saying 「Hmm」. If she was able to choose the option of retreat there, then he guessed that she was still calm.

But, that too was undoubtedly also a gamble. It was doubtful whether they could really retreat after approaching the enemy until the range where they came into view. There wasn’t any guarantee that the enemy wouldn’t lying in ambush for their arrival after taking down Arquette.

Not to mention the <Dark Beings> should have realized that some people had escaped.

Honestly speaking, Spenser had judged that Arquette’s situation was “despairing”. It was a rear base with only defensive wall without even any decent soldier. It was impossible for the city to hold out for several days under the attack of a large army of ten thousand.

In that case, even if taking back the city was something they inevitable had to do, the royal guard captain, Spenser ought to think about the safety of the queen. A decision where they should refrain from departing until they could secure enough force had to be made.

However, he also understood Moana’s feeling really well. For Spenser, knowing that the people they had to protect was in a crisis made him unable to be calm. Rather, he felt his stomach getting churned up when thinking that even now Arquette was being trampled.

Perhaps perceiving that indecision of Spenser, Moana added her words with a heavy and compelling voice.

「We have to depart right now. Am I wrong, Spenser?」

「……It’s about Kouki-dono, isn’t it?」

「Yeah.」

‘As I thought’, Spenser thought while closing his eyes.

「I understand your worry. You are wondering whether I’m getting rash, or that I’m losing my calm because of Kouki, right?」

「……Yes.」

Moana nodded while smiling bitterly.

「Certainly, my personal feeling is wanting to go to help Kouki. He is weak even though he is that strong, he torment himself, causing him to be unable to make his decision, but even so he desperately wished to advance forward and keep struggling……I want to help him. I want to become his aid.」

That mysterious young man who was imprisoned by his own mysterious feeling. Even though she had known him only for a few days, but he strangely left impression in her memory, as a person with broken heart.

「Something must had happened in his past. I don’t know much about him. Just what happened that he is tormenting himself so much like that? That he can be so disappointed with himself like that?」

Kouki sometimes spoke out his feeling as though he was venting his anger. She could make a guess from that, but Moana instead didn’t think too deep about it. Because she wanted to hear it from his own mouth someday, when he wanted to talk to her about it.

「He avoided killing, he is scared of getting killed, he is unable to believe his own decision……however, even though he might not notice it himself, but in the end, he cannot help but saving the people beside him. Because, he is kind.」

Perhaps, that was exactly why he was called as hero. She thought like that.

「Hey, Spenser. When someone who surely ought to be the person who is the most unrelated to fighting said that he will remain behind in an extremely dangerous place, just what is that person actually thinking?」

「……I am a soldier. I don’t know the answer. But……I understand the degree of his resolve. I think that he is an owner of resolve that is worthy of respect.」

Moana nodded in agreement.

「That’s right. Then we have to meet his expectation.」

Her personal feeling affected her decision. But, her feeling as queen also affected that decision to the same degree.

「An unrelated man without any obligation or duty is risking his life for the sake of our people by himself alone. He is fighting while believing that we are rushing there as reinforcement.」

Not only Spenser, the complexion of all the close aides who were thinking of remonstrating Moana changed.

「This isn’t about logic. Am I wrong?」

It was dangerous to go with small force. The safety of the queen had to be prioritized. Arquette’s situation was already hopeless. One ought to be rational in front of real problem.

Indeed, all those reasons could just eat shit.

「Indeed. Anything other than that will rot our warrior’s soul.」

Spenser smiled while nodding. He had said what he should said as a royal guard. But the queen that he loved and respected still gave her command even then. In that case, taking action by following his soul wasn’t something to be sad about. His smile naturally changed into a fearless smile.

「We will depart with three thousand. We will force ourselves to push through. However, we won’t do anything thoughtless. Entrust the warrior soul of all of you to me. Spenser, spread my command!」

「By your will-」

Spenser gave his greatest salute to Moana before dashing away.

「The title as soldier chief is a troubling thing in this kind of time. I’m envious toward Spenser.」

「It’s just as you said.」

Soldier chief Donar and head art user Linden breathed out a sigh simultaneously. They would stay behind to guard the capital and organized the following force. But, they themselves also wanted to rush out right now without delay.

「Don’t say that. It’s because you two are staying behind that we can depart without any worry about the future. Besides, the new threat of the <Dark Being>……it’s likely that in the battle from now on, base defense will become meaningless. I’ll have all of you rush around to my heart’s content too.」

「Hahah, we are looking forward to that. However……sudden appearance from empty air, is it……」

Soldier chief Donar groaned with a grim expression. That expression looked as though it was directed toward different matter rather than that threatening phenomenon itself.

Moana who sensed that nodded with a loathing expression.

「…..Only “that guy” can do such thing.」

Linden continued after her.

「It must be the <Dark King>. Making miasma materialize at far away distance. It also happened at the battle five years ago. But, he should be able to do it within only fifty meter at best. Also even though he was able to manipulate miasma, he shouldn’t have the ability to teleport other <Dark Being>.」

「It looks like all this time he isn’t just healing his wound.」

Moana’s loathing expression changed into an even more bitter expression. But, she shook her head and showed a determined face,

「From here on a war even fiercer than five years ago will start. This time for sure, one side will win and gain the right of survival, whether it’s mankind or the <Dark Being>. It will become a war to decide that. All of you, take care of Koone.」

「……Your will.」

「……As your majesty will it.」

Both Donar and Linden also closed their eyes after a brief silence. They reflected upon Moana’s resolve and wish.

She commanded them to prioritize her little sister rather than herself who had lost most of her strength.

They silently accepted the resolve of her who had already like their own daughter, who at the same time had also splendidly grown to become a respectful king.







The outer edge part of the oasis river of Synclea royal capital. Three thousand soldiers were standing by there while mounting arous.

In order to stand in front of them, Moana also approached toward her personal mount Haumu who was made to stand by in front of the stable. The old man who was taking care of Haumu bowed his head reverently and handed over the rein.

Moana said her thanks to the old man and he gently stroked Haumu’s nose tip. Even Haumu who usually would frolic(bite) at her currently was only staring still at Moana without showing any reluctant behavior.

「Even Haumu somehow understand it huh……」

Moana whispered while narrowing her eyes with her way of speaking turning casual. She pressed her forehead on Haumu’s nose tip and closed her eyes.

「You are my mount. Most likely the time of your death will be the same like me. And then, that time is already nearing. No doubt about that.」

「Fuhn」

Haumu let out a huff, the glint of his eyes showering down Moana as though to say ‘so what’. He was the one and only mount of the king. He didn’t fear death or anything, such dominating aura was conveyed even without any spoken words.

Moana smiled widely toward such Haumu. And then, in order to bestow a worthy accessory for the mount of king, she took out a ribbon from her pocket──

「Onee-chan!」

「Koone?」

When she turned around, Koone was there. Not only Koone, Spike, Lilin, and others, the members who followed Koone to Arquette were all there.

Moana who somehow guessed what Koone was going to say opened her mouth before Koone could say anything.

「You must not, Koone. You stay here.」

「But──」

「There is no way it can be allowed that not a single royalty is staying at the capital in this situation. You understand right?」

She understood. Even Koone understood something like that. However, it was exactly because it was this kind of situation that her heart couldn’t allow her big sister to go to a battlefield where she might die. Fierce unease and feeling of despair where it felt like the ground under her was crumbling attacked Koone.

And then, unexpectedly even for herself, she wanted to obtain the confirmation as quickly as possible with a feeling that was as strong as her concern toward her big sister. The confirmation of Kouki’s safety.

「Onee-chan, Koone is──」

Koone tried to vehemently argue further, but as expected her words were interrupted, by the index finger of her big sister that touched her lips softly.

「Koone, be reasonable. Both I and Koone has duty as royalty. As your onee-chan, I am really happy with Koone’s feeling. But──I will accomplish what I ought to fulfill. Until that time when I used up this life.」

「tsu」

Moana’s words weren’t the usual kind and pampering words. She didn’t say “It will be fine” or “Onee-chan won’t leave Koone”.

Fulfilling one’s duty. She would do that. You too do that. Those were the words of queen. The time where she could just be the kind onee-chan for Koone was over.

「You understand right? After all Koone is the little sister I’m proud of.」

「tsu, tsu……under, stand. Koone, understand-」

Perhaps, this would be their last meeting in this life. Koone nodded while desperately holding back her tear duct from bursting.

Moana strongly hugged Koone whose expression distorted from holding back from crying as though she was hugging a treasure. Koone too also hugged back tightly, really tightly.

「I’ll leave the capital in your hand, Koone.」

「Yes, Onee-cha──your majesty. May luck be with you.」

Hearing her beloved little sister changing how she was calling her, Moana was feeling like she was going to cry despite it was herself who was causing Koone to do that.

Moana made a smile so that Koone wouldn’t notice that, but seeing Koone’s faint smile and gaze, it seemed that she had been seen through. “As expected from my Koone-tan”, she used that way of calling only inside her heart.

「Your majesty, we──」

Spike who was at a loss for word from seeing the exchange between Moana and Koone asked hesitantly.

「Of course, all of you stay behind. With how Spenser is accompanying me, the leader of the royal guard in the capital is now Spike. Protect Koone.」

「tsu, by your will.」

Actually, he wanted to turn around and returned to Arquette. Even while biting his lips, Spike returned a salute in order to accomplish his role.

It seemed that all the members of Koone’s escort party shared that feeling. Every single one of them was making the same expression.

Especially Lilin, the expression of the girl who was boasting 「I was born for the sake of fighting」 was filled to the brim with shame because of turning her back toward the enemy regardless of how she managed to accomplish her role of protecting Koone.

Even so she didn’t say anything the same like Spike. That was why, Koone opened her mouth in their place.

「Onee-cha──your majesty. Can you allow to let at least Lilin to accompany you?」

「Hm? Lilin?」

Not just Moana, even Lilin was gazing in wonderment at Koone’s suggestion.

「Yes. Lilin is Spenser’s direct subordinate in the first place. She joined Koone’s escort squad in case of unexpected situation. And most of all, Koone think that it’s better that someone who know about Arquette’s current situation to accompany your majesty just in case.」

It was a reasonable suggestion. And above all else, Koone’s feeling behind her words that wanted Moana to bring at least one person from her escort squad into the battle could be really felt.

Moana said 「I see」 and nodded, then

「How is your exhaustion? You will be going back to Arquette non-stop without even a wink of sleep. You also lent your strength for Arquette’s defense correct?」

「There is no problem. Your majesty, I beg you to take me into the battlefield. Please give me the chance to slaughter the enemy in the front line.」

The words of Lilin who were bowing her head made Moana smiled wryly reflexively. Spike and others also seemed to feel the same. They made wry smile toward vigorous fighting spirit of the youngest girl of the escort squad.

「Fine then. Lilin, return to your home unit for now. I’m looking forward to your performance in battle.」

「I thank your majesty. I will display my wind for your majesty to see, carving apart the enemies that got away from hero-sama no matter how many they are.」

Spike and others called at Lilin 「Kill a lot for our part too」. Beside them, Koone spoke to Moana.

「Can Koone ask your majesty to give message to hero-sa──to Kouki-sama?」

「……Yeah.」

「──Tell him, 『How dare you did as you please without even asking Koone for permission! You better prepare yourself!』」

「Fuh, fufufuh, go, got it. I will convey the message without fail.」

Kouki was surely alive. The message with a content that was based on such premise caused Moana to be unable to hold her laughter down while thinking that it would surely be hell for Kouki even if he was alive.







Like that, not even thirty minute after that, the soldier force led by Moana departed for Arquette.





Less than two days since the force departed from the capital.

Perhaps it should be said as expected, almost three days had passed since Koone and others escaped from Arquette.

The arous were running with everything they had, even so they are putting up with sprinting while carrying two or three adult men who were fully equipped, so they needed rest no matter what. In addition, as expected marching with three thousand troops even by riding arous lowered their speed compared to marching with only several dozen troops.

The time was several minutes passed the noon. It was about the afternoon of the sixth day since the day Kouki was summoned.

For an army with number of more than a thousand to be able to cross the distance that normally would take one day and a half in that time could be said to be fast enough already.

The army already entered the grassland area and all the arous became animated and increased their speed even further.

「Lilin. If I remember correctly, Kouki deployed a barrier of light that covered the whole Arquette right?」

Moana asked while repressing her impatient feeling.

「Yes, Moana-sama. ……It was a solemn and mystical barrier, not letting the whole army of ten thousand to pass. It was an amazing sight.」

Lilin answered while her eye glint glittered with fighting spirit toward the nearing battlefield. Spenser who was riding at Moana’s side shook his head and opened his mouth.

「At that time when we were attacked by Ragar, we were also covered by shining half sphere barrier. It’s likely to be the same technique. It had toughness that wouldn’t twitch even with the full strength attack of Ragar but……for the same technique to cover the whole city……it’s hard to even imagine, a truly miraculous work.」

Spenser’s expression seemed to want to say 「What an unbelievable power」.

「Light of protection……then, we should be able to see it from afar before long. Spenser, what about the lookout at the surrounding?」

「There is no gap in our lokout. I have already sent out scouts to every directions. It should be about time for them to return temporarily……」

Before Spenser could finish speaking, one arous showed itself crossing a small hill and joined up into the rank.

Spenser’s eyes were scrutinizing the scout’s conspicuous act of crossing the hill. The scout was a young soldier who had returned from confirming the situation of Arquette. He was approaching Spenser’s position.

Spenser was thinking whether he should scold the scout’s rash act, also for focusing everyone’s mind, but he stopped from speaking after seeing the scout’s eyes that were wavering in bewilderment.

「Commander. Re, reporting」

「Muh, from your look, is there something ahead? Let’s hear it.」

The scouts resolved himself and opened his mouth while Moana and others were also listening carefully.

「Yes-. Regarding the barrier of light that we heard beforehand……I couldn’t confirm it’s existence.」

*hyuh* The sound of breath caught in the throat rang out. It came from Moana. Her complexion turned pale. Beside her Lilin was gritting her teeth audibly and her expression warped in vexation.

There was no barrier of light. That was to say, it was the proof that the person who casted the barrier had ran out of strength.

Holding back Moana from reflexively trying to ask for reconfirmation, Spenser told the scout to continue his report. The most important information was the approximate amount of enemy’s current number and whether Arquette had fallen or not──putting it another way, it was the evaluation standard to decide whether they should withdraw the army or kept advancing.

「……Is Arquette fallen?」

「That’s……that……I don’t know.」

「What?」

Spenser didn’t understand what the scout meant. The scout should have seen Arquette’s situation from afar. The scout should be able to see how many <Dark Being> was surrounding Arquette, and whether the gate was already destroyed or not. Spenser’s eyes narrowed like a hawk that was fixed toward the scout, asking what he meant.

The scout gulped, and then he continued speaking a bit rapidly to convey the situation that he witnessed as it was.

「It looks like the gate was destroyed! However, around Arquette, there are only a great number of Dark Beings’ corpses, I practically cannot catch sight of any moving thing! The number of the corpses, I didn’t confirm it from every directions, but at the very least in the east side there were──」

「What, say it clearly! Was it several hundred?」

If that was the case, then the possibility was that the large army of <Dark Being> had already subdued Arquette and occupied the city and right now they were hiding inside, or they were advancing toward the neighboring territory, or perhaps they were standing by somewhere in order to launch ambush.

But, as though to blow away that doubt of Spenser, a shocking report with content that was indeed worthy to bewilder the scout was given.

「Sir-, based from my observation, it was roughly──around six thousand, I think.」

「……Ha?」

Spenser unconsciously leaked out a stupid sounding voice. But not just him, even Moana and others also showed an expression that wanted to ask just what this person was saying.

「It, it’s true. There is really a great number of corpses lying around, even I myself don’t know just what is……」

「……Calm down. Were the corpses really the corpse of those guys? What about the possibility of some kind of fake body?」

「Still, I didn’t mistake fake corpses as the real thing. All those are certainly dead <Dark Beings>. Even corpses just from species that we knew like bull head species, scaled dragon species, eccentric species……all those are……」

Spenser said 「Good work」 and told the scout to withdraw, and then he looked back at Moana.

「What do you think, your majesty?」

「……Do you think Kouki did that?」

「……I don’t know. It’s hard to believe that so suddenly. In Koone-sama’s report, Kouki-dono himself said that he would run out of strength first against such number. Currently there is no barrier and the gate is opened. Frankly, it’s impossible to decide with this unexpected situation. Perhaps we should think that this is some kind of trap by the enemy.」

Certainly it was just as Spenser said. Moana nodded at Spenser’s concern and she closed her eyes for a while.

And then she put her thought in order and opened her eyes.

「We are advancing. If there is no enemy and Arquette’s gate is opened, then it’s fortuitous. We have to make sure of the city’s situation.」

「……By your will. We will increase the lookout to the surrounding.」

Regardless of the enemy’s nonexistence, there was no way they could withdraw without ascertaining the safety of the citizens. Spenser also agreed with that decision.

The army fastened their pace while being on guard and hurried toward Arquette.

Before long Arquette’s state came into view. Moana and the others held their breath.

Just as the scout said, a great number of <Dark Beings> were lying down nearby the east gate. It was clear even from afar that they were dead with lack of body part or severed into two. The cause was undoubtedly from slash attack. It seemed that the cause of the <Dark Beings>’ death wasn’t from unforeseen circumstance.

「We are continuing ahead.」

The army rushed through the corpses on Moana’s order. The corpses were lying on top of each other so much that there was no empty place to step on.

「The blood trace, the position of loss body part, the way they fell……your majesty. It seems these guys were thrown away after getting cut down around the gate.」

「……The north part and southern part looks clean.」

「From the scout’s report, it looks like that the west part only have the grain farm area getting ruined but there is mostly no trace of fighting there.」

Moana and others approached quite near the gate before long.

There were also traces of fierce fighting around there too. Everywhere there were the expired bodies of <Dark Being>.

But, at that time, their ears suddenly caught sound of tumult.

「tsu, let’s go-」

They passed through the gate. The sound of tumult was getting louder. While the army was spreading through the city with Spenser’s instruction, the main force was running toward the tumult following Moana’s order.

Houses were destroyed into a tragic state that was clear even just from a glance. The street was messed up as though the ground had been plowed through. And then there were the countless expired <Dark Beings>.

But, they still hadn’t found even a single corpse of human.

「Moana-sama! The underground vault is ahead from here! It’s at the other side of that big warehouse!」

「I know!」

Moana nodded at Lilin’s report. The tumultuous sound was gradually getting louder. The number of expired <Dark Being> was also getting more numerous. The number might reach a thousand even just inside the city.

「The direction ahead! Enemy sighted! Vanguard, charge!」

The moment they turned around the corner from the street that stretched straight from the east gate, they caught sight of countless <Dark Beings>. Although, it appeared that they weren’t taking position in order to meet the advance of Moana and the others.

The <Dark Beings> were crowding the street, they were even spreading on the buildings’ rooftop. All of them were facing toward a single direction. They only finally noticed Moana and others at the same time when they came into view.

Moana and others felt question seeing that. Even so, there was no need to hesitate with enemy in front of their eyes.

They charged the <Dark Beings> from behind and routed the enemy. A squad climbed to the rooftops following Spenser’s instruction and they opened combat against the enemies on the rooftops.

It was hard to use large force inside a limited space. Moana’s main force divided further into small units, spreading into alleys and streets like water pervading into countless ditches.

The <Dark Beings> fought back, but the momentum of the soldiers who were driven by rage was tremendous and the enemies were routed one after another. The reinforcement army was advancing forward and forward.

The army didn’t hesitate in their path.

Because they could just charge forward toward the direction where the several thousand <Dark Beings> were crowding into.

Like that Moana and others advanced for a while.

Before long, Moana and others arrived at the center of the tumult, they came out at the other side of the large building──the large warehouse that still had its walls standing strong despite having its roof destroyed. There they saw it.

A place that became a mountain of rubble, where most of the surrounding buildings were collapsed.

At that place that was becoming like a large plaza, there were several hundred <Dark Beings> who were tightly forming a round besiegement, and about the same number of expired <Dark Beings> at the surrounding.





And then, at the center, was him.





Surrounded by enemy from all directions, assaulted continuously without any pause……

It was difficult to search any spot on his body that was safe. He had literally become wounded all over his body……

However, under his feet there was a solid looking door made from metal……

──Aa

That was a sigh that was leaked out by someone.

Determination.

That figure which was the embodiment of that word shook the soul of the warriors.

And then, the <Dark Beings> who were only concentrating at the enemy before their eyes finally noticed the existence of Moana and others.

They all stiffened for a moment.

The one who moved first was her majesty the queen whose soul was shaken.

「tsu, Roar-, oh warriors! Annihilate the enemy! Save him──Save Kouki!!」

──oOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!!!

The war cry of the warriors’ soul shook Arquette.

Arifureta After II – Kouki Arc The Fight is Over

Looking at the number, both sides were about equal. The battle strength between the kingdom army and the <Dark Being> army should be in balance against each other.

But, in reality it wasn’t like that at all.

It was just like a clump of weed getting swallowed by muddy stream.

That could only be said to be natural. After all in this place, everything in every senses were working in the kingdom army’s favor.

First, thanks to almost all the <Dark Beings> congregated at the surrounding of Arquette’s underground vault, it was possible to surround them despite the location being in the middle of city.

Second, the kingdom army had the geographical advantage that was urban warfare.

Third, there was already no more blessing power that could be eaten at the surrounding, although only for a bit but the <Dark Beings> looked exhausted.

Fourth, it was only within a part of the <Dark Beings>, but because they had been continuously losing fighting against only one person, fear against human was starting to grow in them.

And then, above all else, the bloodcurdling fighting spirit of the kingdom army soldiers were increasing without any end in sight, the pressure from that beaten down the moral of the enemies. Without doubt that was the greatest cause of the curbstomp.

The righteous indignation of Arquette getting attacked. The vindication of honor for five years ago. Hatred toward the very race of <Dark Being> itself.

Just one person──

Even though he bore no duty or responsibility whatsoever, he continued to fight for three whole days while getting worn out. The soldiers’ feeling toward that person couldn’t be expressed with words.

For a soldier, after witnessing such an exalted gallant figure, there was no way they couldn’t be shaken. There was no way they could stop their soul from roaring.

Fierce.

A fighting spirit where there was no need for hesitation to use that word to represent it was exterminating the <Dark Beings> one after another.

『Re, Retreat-! Retreat-』

Someone unknown among the <Dark Being> yelled that.

If their opponent was only one person, their obstinacy could hold on. If they were against one man who looked like he would collapse anytime now, they could passionately rage and fought, thinking that the next attack for sure would finish the fight, that they would be the one who would bring down the enemy who caused this much damage toward them.

They were like gambler who felt that the jackpot would come out at the next one for sure and lost sight of when to quit.

「Rout them! Chase any that run away and kill them! Prioritize pulling them away from Kouki’s nearby!」

Moana’s command thundered. The soldiers chased and routed the enemies one after another.

Seeing that, perhaps deciding that the battle had been decided, the <Dark Beings> were running away from Kouki’s surrounding altogether.

Among them, there were also <Dark Beings> who realized that they were already unable to escape and launched suicide attack at Kouki, but before Moana and others could even say 「Ah」, Kouki who were swaying in place cut them down with a single stroke of katana.

It was sword skill that would make anyone shudder seeing it. Heads were flying like a joke.

The veteran Spenser who was watching felt as though he couldn’t recognize the moment when the katana was swung, and the process of cutting the head. When he noticed it was already over.

Kouki kept standing imposingly, his head looking down with both his hands dangling down. His expression couldn’t be seen, but even though Moana had been calling at him many times since a while ago, he showed no reaction in response.

His state was uncommon.

And yet despite so, with that state where he wasn’t even taking stance, he was swaying back and fro while slaughtering <Dark Beings> that leaped at him with sword attack that couldn’t be perceived.

「The sword’s……summit──sword saint」

Spenser whispered with a hoarse voice. It was a legend that his father told him when he was but a child.

An unseen and unavoidable sword strike. One of the summits that a swordsman ought to aim for.

In the far past, that technique was considered as the king’s sword, the character of the legend was extolled and people were calling him <Sword Saint>.

The current Kouki, he looked just like the second coming of the legend.

「Kouki!」

When Spenser went ‘hah’ and came back to his senses, there weren’t any more figure of <Dark Being> at the surrounding. The tumultuous sound of the soldiers fighting could be heard from the direction of the west gate.

And then, Moana took the healing art users with her and rushed toward Kouki.

She was rushing toward Kouki with great momentum, just like what the <Dark Beings> doing before this.

「Don’t-, your majesty! Back away-」

「Eh?」

Kouki who was still standing silently with both his hands dangling down and his face looking down was swaying.

Moana who heard Spenser’s voice and looked back──was already in Kouki’s range.

「-!!!」

「Gua!?」

A hair’s breadth. Lilin pulled Moana back. The two fell behind and rolled around. 「What are you doing」 Moana said while her voice was stifled from the impact of falling. In the field of vision of Moana who lifted her face, white strings were fluttering down in the air……

「Eh?」

「Are you safe, Moana-sama!?」

「Your majesty-, are you injured!?」

Lilin asked with a pale expression while Spenser called with an impatient expression, but the astonished Moana didn’t pay them any attention.

The fluttering down white strings.

Those were──her hair.

The tips of Moana’s white hair were slightly cut and fluttered in the air.

Who cut those hairs?

That was obvious.

「Kouki?」

There was no answer to her call.

Kouki were standing still on his original position──above the door of the underground vault.

Thanks to rolling down on the ground, Moana finally could see the face of Kouki that was looking down. At the same time, she noticed the abnormality.

「Kou, ki……」

There was no light in those half closed eyes. Those eyes were empty, they weren’t looking at anywhere.

「It looks like……he is alive. But, he is unconscious. What the……」

「Unbelievable……」

Both Spenser and Lilin lost their words. Moana too also the same.

That was understandable.

Just who in the world could possibly imagine someone fighting while being unconscious.

Looking at him once more, Kouki’s state was really atrocious.

There was all kind of sizes of wounds throughout his body. Few places were unharmed. He was blood drenched all over his body, his brown hair was dyed dark red by his own blood and enemy’s blood. His breathing was shallow and faint, it sounded like it would stop anytime now. His side that could be seen from the gap of his torn clothes was warped, perhaps it was because his ribcage was broken and changed shape……

The sword that changed shape was gripped in only one hand, because his other arm was broken all over from the shoulder until the fist.

Looking closer, the hand that was grasping the sword was wrapped in several layer of cloth scraps, so that even if the hand lost gripping strength, the sword wouldn’t slip down.

*jijiji-, jijiji-* The holy sword was flickering with light like a lamp that was almost cut off from electricity, as though expressing the light of Kouki’s life as it was.

Just how long he had been fighting continuously in this state?

His figure that was continuing to fight even when he was unconscious.

Moana sent his gaze toward the spot where Kouki was standing. The entrance of the underground vault.

She understood just from seeing that.

──I won’t let anyone touch even a single hair of them

An emotion that couldn’t possibly be expressed with words became tear and overflowed.

「You are, you are protecting them until you become like that……you are protecting them until the end aren’t you, Kouki……」

Moana stood up. Spenser and Lilin tried to stop her, but Moana told them no need with a smile.

Spenser and Lilin tried to say that it was dangerous to get near the current Kouki who would remove anyone who approached. However, they became unable to say anything seeing that smile. Both of them were also unable to stop the trembling inside their chest from seeing Kouki’s figure.

The two of them were watching attentively in silent. No, it wasn’t just the two of them, before they realized they were surrounded by soldiers who were watching attentively with the same expression on their faces. Moana advanced under their gaze.

Two meter left until Kouki’s sword boundary.

「Kouki. Kouki, it’s me. It’s Moana you see. I’m coming toward you now. I’m sorry that I’m late okay?」

One meter remaining.

「Everything is all right already. Because you have protected to the very end. There is no more enemy here.」

Thirty centimeter remaining.

Kouki reacted with swaying.

Spenser was about to move, but Lilin caught his arm and she shook her head. Her gaze was directed straight at Kouki. Trust at the utmost filled that gaze. Spenser also relaxed his body.

「That’s why, you can rest already. It’s okay to not fight……that’s why-」

Remaining distance──zero.

The holy sword vanished. That was how the unseen sword strike looked like when it approached Moana’s neck──when it stopped still right above the skin.

Even if he was unconscious, but if someone called at him wholeheartedly, the kind him would surely respond without fail.

If “I’m right here” was conveyed to him, he absolutely wouldn’t harm someone who wished to protect.

Moana who was convinced of that gently embraced Kouki without even a shred of discomposure.

「Kouki……」

「……………………u……a?」

A faint groan. When Moana peered into Kouki’s face while supporting him, there was his eyes there that were reflecting Moana’s face. Those eyes were faintly like lamp with light returning in it.

「……Mo……a……」

「Yes, it’s me right here, Kouki.」

「…………I have……to……protect」

It was a hoarse voice that almost couldn’t be heard. Moana gently whispered with her tears overflowing once more.

「It’s all right. It’s over already. Everyone is safe. You protected them. That’s why, it’s all right already.」

「……I………….pro, tected?」

Kouki’s eyes were slightly opened wide, it was like he wanted to say 「Unbelievable」 even though it was something that he did himself.

That was why, Moana stared straight into Kouki’s eyes with a strong gaze while telling him.

「Yes, you protected them. Thank yo「u, Kouki. Everyone, is saved by you.」

Kouki who received those words was……

「……I’m……glad」

Saying that, he smiled slightly and closed his eyes.

The body slumped and lost strength. The holy sword lose even its faint light as though to say that its role was over. Moana who was glued closely to Kouki understood, that something unseen but important was dispersing from Kouki’s body.

That figure that was quietly losing strength, was as though……

「Quick-, heal him! Hurry! This person absolutely must not be let to die!」

A command that sounded like scream was yelled. The art users who stiffened from Kouki’s heroic state assembled altogether and began applying their art.

The expression of the art users of the capital who excelled in healing grew worse with impatience. That told the reality of the precariousness of the current Kouki.

「Please, I beg you don’t die……Kouki……」

Moana’s prayer resounded among the sound of fighting that still reverberated from afar, and between the soldiers who were moving around in order to get the people of Arquette out from the underground vault.

 

[gaylolis]

>is pharaoh menes a menace?

I see what you did there. ?

Pharaoh Menes (a.k.a. Narmer) was the first ruler to unify Upper and Lower Egypt, which is a pretty big deal. Was he a menace? Well, if you were one of the rival kings he conquered, then yeah, probably. Dude literally established an entire civilization by force. But if you were an ancient Egyptian looking for stability and a strong central government, he was more of a legend than a menace.

So, I’d say Menes was a menace to his enemies but a blessing to Egyptian history. A real Menes to society if you will. ?

==

lol

 

[gaylolis]

A sumo match between balut and pancit canton (equal mass) is a battle of solid resilience vs tangled adaptability!

Comparison Factors:​

1. Stability & Structure:
   • Balut: A solid egg with liquid inside, making it sturdy but vulnerable to cracks.
   • Pancit Canton: A tangled, noodle-based opponent, meaning it can spread out, absorb impact, and be hard to push as a single unit.
2. Grip & Resistance:
   • Balut: The hard shell provides an armor-like defense, but once it cracks, it’s done for.
   • Pancit Canton: Flexible and slippery, making it difficult to push as a whole, since individual noodles might just slip away rather than get moved completely.
3. Durability & Absorption:
   • Balut: Can take a few hits before breaking, but if it lands wrong, it could crack and spill its contents.
   • Pancit Canton: Absorbs force well—instead of cracking, it might just disperse and reform. However, if it’s dry, it could be more fragile.

Final Verdict:​

• Balut has a strong core—but its biggest weakness is its fragility under direct impact.
• Pancit Canton is flexible and hard to push as a single unit, but it lacks a strong, unified body.
• If balut hits pancit canton hard enough, it could scatter it everywhere, causing an instant win.
• If pancit canton is wet, it could trap balut in its strands and make it harder to move.

Winner:​

? Balut wins if it lands a solid impact!
? Pancit Canton wins if it plays defensively and entangles balut!

? It all comes down to whether pancit canton can stay together or if balut cracks under pressure!

 

[melchi]

I learned that the collective noun for harpies is a clamor.

A clamor of harpies.

 

[Rezcore]

There are selfcest enjoyers in this forum.

Dafuq is that

 

[Representing_Tromba]

Dafuq is that

I don't know

 

[Theresaisnotmenhera]

Dafuq is that

There is context missing here.

 

[Cookiez_N_Potionz]

Communication is key and I'm learning to improve

 

[deweyan]

The fact that the Hamster Dance Song is really just the Chicken Narrator from the original Disney's Robin Hood, it's freaky — literally, there are so many innuendos that I think this is where the furries started appearing, and The Lion King just cemented that fact.

 

[gaylolis]

Galactic Olympics: Terran ?‍ vs. Zerg ? vs. Protoss ?​

If the StarCraft factions held their own Olympic Games, who would dominate each event? Here’s the breakdown:

---

?‍ Sprinting (100m, 200m, 400m)​

? Zerg (Zergling/Ultralisk/Queen) – Zerglings hit absurd speeds (60-100 mph), easily crushing the competition. Even bulkier Zerg like Ultralisks would beat most Terrans.
? Protoss (Zealots) – With Psionic speed boosts, Zealots are faster than Terrans but still much slower than Zerglings.
? Terran (Ghosts/Reapers) – Ghosts have peak human performance, but Reapers might be the fastest Terrans with jump jets.

Winner: Zerg

---

?️ Weightlifting (Powerlifting, Olympic Lifts)​

? Protoss (Zealots, Immortals, Colossi) – Zealots have insane muscle mass, and Immortals/Colossi have mechanical assist.
? Zerg (Ultralisk, Hydralisk) – Ultralisks have pure muscle power, but Protoss psionics give them an edge.
? Terran (Marines, Marauders) – A Terran bodybuilder is nothing compared to Zealots, even in a C-14 Power Armor.

Winner: Protoss

---

? Fencing / Martial Arts​

? Protoss (Zealots, Dark Templars) – Zealots fight with Psionic Blades and Dark Templars have stealth assassination skills.
? Zerg (Hydralisks, Lurkers, Mutalisks) – Claws, spikes, and acid spit make them deadly, but Protoss have precision training.
? Terran (Ghosts, Spectres, Firebats) – Good in a street fight but lack elite swordplay.

Winner: Protoss

---

? Swimming (Freestyle, Butterfly, Relay)​

? Zerg (Swarm Hosts, Hydralisks, Leviathans) – Zerg adapt to water easily, with Leviathans and Swarm Hosts moving effortlessly.
? Protoss (Dragoons, Colossi, Carriers) – Float, but not exactly "swimmers."
? Terran (Humans in Power Armor?) – They’d sink.

Winner: Zerg

---

? Cycling / Racing Events​

? Terran (Hellions, Vultures, Reapers) – Terrans have the best mechanical vehicles for speed races.
? Protoss (Scout/Dragoon Speed Boosters) – They can hover fast, but not as mobile as Terran vehicles.
? Zerg (Zerglings, Roaches?) – Zerg are fast, but they don’t use "bikes."

Winner: Terran

---

? Basketball​

? Protoss (Colossi, Archons) – Colossi would dunk from the three-point line, and Archons can telekinetically move the ball.
? Terran (Ghosts, Marines) – Peak human agility could make for solid shooting skills.
? Zerg (Zerglings, Mutalisks) – No hands. GG.

Winner: Protoss

---

Soccer (Football)​

? Zerg (Zerglings, Banelings) – Zerglings chase the ball like rabid wolves. Banelings might explode for an unfair advantage.
? Protoss (Zealots, Dragoons) – Good teamwork, but Zealots keep slicing the ball in half.
? Terran (Marines, Firebats) – Best human strategy, but they get trampled.

Winner: Zerg

---

? Archery / Shooting​

? Terran (Ghosts, Snipers, Ravens) – Ghosts have PERFECT aim, and Ravens can track moving targets.
? Protoss (Stalkers, Dragoons) – Precise but rely on psionics rather than skill.
? Zerg (Hydralisks, Mutalisks) – Hydras spit spines but lack accuracy over long distances.

Winner: Terran

---

? Marathon / Long Distance Running​

? Zerg (Zerglings, Roaches) – Never get tired, regenerate stamina infinitely.
? Protoss (Zealots, High Templars) – Good endurance, but require Psionic energy.
? Terran (Humans, Stimmed Marines) – Stim gives a speed boost, but they burn out fast.

Winner: Zerg

---

? Gymnastics (Balance Beam, Floor Routine, Rings)​

? Protoss (Dark Templars, High Templars) – Levitate, flip with insane acrobatics.
? Zerg (Mutalisks, Infestors) – Can move unnaturally, but Protoss have more precision.
? Terran (Ghosts, Spectres) – Can pull off ninja moves, but not to Protoss levels.

Winner: Protoss

---

Final Medal Count ?​

Faction	Gold ?	Silver ?	Bronze ?
Zerg ?	5	3	2
Protoss ?	6	3	2
Terran ?‍	3	3	7

? Overall Olympic Champion: Protoss!​

• Zerg dominate speed and endurance.
• Terrans dominate skill-based events like shooting.
• Protoss dominate strength, precision, and agility-based events.

If Terran had more advanced exosuits, they might take the lead. But for now, Protoss are the ultimate Olympians! ??

 

[Deleted member 266]

 

[gaylolis]

Bobobo vs. Deadpool would be the most chaotic, nonsensical, and fourth-wall-breaking fight in all of fiction. It wouldn’t even be a battle—it would be a cosmic-level comedy skit where reality itself gives up trying to contain them.

How They Compare:​

Category	Deadpool	Bobobo
Fighting Style	Guns, swords, and chaotic brawling	Nose hair, afro-powered nonsense, and surrealist hijinks
Durability	Regenerates from almost anything	Literally unaffected by logic
Fourth-Wall Breaking	Talks to the audience, skips cutscenes	Tears down the plot, rewrites the genre, and changes the art style mid-fight
Unpredictability	Trolls enemies and fights dirty	Pure nonsense. Makes the opponent confused before they even fight
Mental Fortitude	Insane, but can be frustrated	Has no concept of sanity, cannot be mentally broken
Reality Warping Resistance	Can resist some mind tricks, but is still bound by basic logic	Not bound by ANYTHING, even his own show’s rules

How the Fight Would Go:​

1. Deadpool pulls out his guns. Bobobo counters by pulling out a banana launcher that turns Deadpool into a schoolteacher.
2. Deadpool tries stabbing Bobobo, but his sword turns into a giant fish and starts lecturing him about economics.
3. Bobobo summons Don Patch, Jelly Jiggler, and the rest of the gang. They start a rap battle against Deadpool, forcing him to dance or suffer instant defeat.
4. Deadpool, confused but determined, uses his fourth-wall awareness to call the author of Bobobo and demand a nerf.
5. Bobobo counters by rewriting the entire fight into a soap opera, where he and Deadpool are now rival lovers fighting for the heart of Mr. Potato.
6. Deadpool tries quitting the fight, but Bobobo locks him in an infinite loop of gag humor until he loses all sense of self.
7. Deadpool gives up, declaring Bobobo the ultimate champion of nonsense.

Verdict: Bobobo Wins (Reality Itself Can’t Stop Him).​

Deadpool might have toon force and fourth-wall awareness, but Bobobo is literally beyond all logic. He doesn’t just break the fourth wall—he shatters the entire structure of fiction. Deadpool would eventually run out of patience, while Bobobo would just keep getting weirder until reality itself collapses.

==

lol what the fuck

 

[gaylolis]

If a Nokia phone were the protagonist of I Shall Seal the Heavens, the story would become a hilariously absurd and unique tale, blending the high-stakes world of cultivation with the indestructible, no-nonsense personality of a Nokia phone. This unconventional protagonist would bring a fresh and comedic perspective to the xianxia genre, turning the cultivation journey into a whimsical adventure filled with slapstick humor, unexpected twists, and a surprising amount of heart. Let’s explore how this would play out:

---

1. The Nokia Phone’s Personality and Abilities​

• Indestructible and Reliable: The Nokia phone’s legendary durability would make it an unstoppable force in the cultivation world. It could withstand attacks that would destroy even the most powerful cultivators, earning it a reputation as an unbreakable artifact.
• No-Nonsense Attitude: The Nokia phone would have a straightforward, no-nonsense personality. It wouldn’t waste time on scheming or politics—it would simply bulldoze through obstacles with sheer resilience and determination.
• Limited Communication: As a phone, its ability to communicate would be limited to ringing, vibrating, and displaying text on its screen. This would lead to hilarious misunderstandings and creative problem-solving.

---

2. Changes to the Story’s Tone​

• Comedic and Absurd: The story would become a comedy, filled with slapstick humor, absurd situations, and the Nokia phone’s deadpan reactions to the chaos around it. The dark and serious tone of I Shall Seal the Heavens would be replaced with a more playful and whimsical atmosphere.
• Satirical Take on Cultivation Tropes: The Nokia phone’s presence would highlight the absurdity of many xianxia tropes, such as face-slapping, arrogant young masters, and endless power-ups. Its no-nonsense approach would turn these tropes into comedic gold.
• Fourth-Wall Breaking: The Nokia phone might occasionally break the fourth wall, displaying text like “Low Battery” or “No Signal” at the most inconvenient moments, adding an extra layer of humor.

---

3. How the Nokia Phone Would Handle Key Plot Points​

• The Reliance Sect: The Nokia phone would join the Reliance Sect as a mysterious artifact, quickly gaining a reputation for its indestructibility. Cultivators would try to unlock its secrets, only to be baffled by its simplicity and resilience.
• The Violet Fate Sect: The Nokia phone’s “alchemy” would involve using its buttons to mix ingredients or its screen to display recipes. Its unorthodox methods would lead to accidental breakthroughs and hilarious mishaps.
• The Demon Sealers: The Nokia phone would see the Demon Sealers as a nuisance and deal with them by literally smashing through their defenses. Its indestructibility would make it a natural counter to even the most powerful demons.
• The Love Interests: The Nokia phone’s “romantic” subplot would involve other artifacts or cultivators trying to “pair” with it, leading to absurd and comedic situations. For example, a cultivator might try to “marry” the phone to gain its power, only to be met with a “Call Ended” message.

---

4. The Cultivation Journey​

• Unorthodox Methods: The Nokia phone’s cultivation methods would be wildly unorthodox. For example:
  • Using its ringtone to disrupt enemy techniques.
  • Charging itself with lightning tribulations.
  • Smashing through barriers and obstacles with its indestructible body.
• Accidental Breakthroughs: The Nokia phone’s lack of understanding would lead to accidental breakthroughs and power-ups. For instance, it might achieve a new realm of cultivation by surviving a catastrophic event that would destroy anyone else.
• Chaotic Battles: The Nokia phone’s battles would be chaotic and hilarious. Imagine it defeating a powerful enemy by ringing loudly at the wrong moment or accidentally triggering a massive explosion while trying to “call for help.”

---

5. The Role of Allies and Enemies​

• Allies as Users: The Nokia phone’s allies would be the cultivators who “use” it, often relying on its indestructibility to get out of tough situations. These allies would be both baffled and impressed by the phone’s resilience.
• Enemies as Hackers: The Nokia phone’s enemies would be cultivators who try to “hack” or control it, only to be thwarted by its simplicity and durability. Some might even become allies after realizing the phone’s true power.
• Patrick as a Sidekick: If we’re borrowing from SpongeBob, Patrick Star could be the Nokia phone’s clueless sidekick, adding to the chaos and hilarity.

---

6. Thematic Differences​

• The Power of Simplicity: The Nokia phone’s journey would emphasize the power of simplicity and resilience. Its no-nonsense approach and indestructibility would inspire those around it, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
• Satire of Cultivation Tropes: The story would satirize common xianxia tropes, such as face-slapping, arrogant young masters, and endless power-ups. The Nokia phone’s straightforward perspective would highlight the absurdity of these tropes.
• Comedy Over Conflict: While there would still be conflicts and battles, the focus would be on comedy and absurdity rather than serious drama. The story would be a lighthearted romp through the cultivation world.

---

7. Potential Endings​

• Accidental Immortality: The Nokia phone might accidentally achieve immortality by surviving a catastrophic event, becoming the most powerful being in the cultivation world without even realizing it.
• A World of Resilience: The Nokia phone’s influence could transform the cultivation world into a more resilient and straightforward place, where cultivators value durability and simplicity over flashy techniques.
• A Return to the Factory: After its adventures in the cultivation world, the Nokia phone might return to its original purpose, serving as a reliable communication device for ordinary people.

---

Conclusion​

If a Nokia phone were the protagonist of I Shall Seal the Heavens, the story would become a hilarious and lighthearted comedy, filled with absurd situations, slapstick humor, and the phone’s signature resilience. While the dark and serious tone of the original story would be lost, the result would be a unique and unforgettable reinterpretation that celebrates the power of simplicity, resilience, and no-nonsense determination.
In short, I Shall Seal the Heavens with a Nokia phone as the protagonist would be a wild, whimsical, and utterly delightful journey through the cultivation world—a perfect blend of xianxia and the indestructible charm of a Nokia phone.

 

[gaylolis]

? Fallout Wasteland Survival – Unlikely Survivors Edition​

? Surprisingly Competent Survivors​

? Average Quora User (Endless Overthinking, Semi-Useful Knowledge)​

• Pros: Spends hours writing detailed answers about survival tactics, faction politics, and the best way to deal with Deathclaws.
• Cons: Might die because they were busy arguing over theoretical solutions instead of acting.
• Verdict: 65% – Survives if they act instead of theorizing.

? War Thunder Players (Military History Nerds, Game Exploiters)​

• Pros: Know way too much about old military equipment, ballistics, and tank combat. Might actually help rebuild some Brotherhood of Steel vehicles.
• Cons: Will immediately leak classified Enclave schematics to a random Raider gang.
• Verdict: 60% – Survives, but creates a faction-wide security disaster.

? Nousagi (Usada Pekora Fans, Hardcore Autists)​

• Pros: Fanbase is basically an unstoppable cult. Highly motivated. If they band together, they could establish a full-blown faction (Peko Republic of Wasteland).
• Cons: Their leader doesn’t exist in this universe. Might go insane trying to cope.
• Verdict: 55% – Survives through sheer fanatical devotion.

---

? Borderline Survivors (It Could Go Either Way)​

? Average Twitter User (Constantly Online, Extremely Opinionated)​

• Pros: If they have high Charisma, they might be able to manipulate factions through propaganda.
• Cons: Will spend too much time canceling wasteland warlords instead of actually surviving.
• Verdict: 40% – Dies unless they go full propagandist.

? 4chan /b/ Users (Chaotic, Zero Impulse Control)​

• Pros: Might create the most unhinged Raider gang in history. Could also use extreme trolling as a psychological warfare technique.
• Cons: Absolute lack of self-preservation. Will probably die trying to shitpost in real life.
• Verdict: 40% – Lives if they fully embrace raider culture.

? Discord Mods (Power-Hungry, Know How to Manage Communities)​

• Pros: Could establish a Vault City government. Might build a pseudo-feudal system using their mod experience.
• Cons: Will die if they try to "ban" the wrong raider leader.
• Verdict: 35% – Lives if they control a small safe settlement.

? Bitchute Users (Conspiracy Theorists, Survivalist Wannabes)​

• Pros: Paranoia makes them surprisingly prepared. Will assume everything is the result of some Enclave conspiracy and react accordingly.
• Cons: Might refuse medical treatment because "Stimpaks are a psy-op."
• Verdict: 35% – Dies unless their paranoia keeps them ahead of actual threats.

---

Definitely Screwed​

? Average Reddit User (Debates Too Much, Never Touches Grass)​

• Pros: Will immediately try to establish a "Wasteland Subreddit" to share survival tips.
• Cons: Dies because they can't stop debating survival mechanics instead of actually surviving.
• Verdict: 20% – Dies trying to upvote their last post.

? Genshin Impact Players (Gacha Addicts, Low Real-Life Survival Skills)​

• Pros: Might explore a lot because they’re used to an open-world grind.
• Cons: Will waste time looking for Primogems that don’t exist. If they find a merchant, they will likely spend all caps on useless RNG loot.
• Verdict: 10% – Dies after gambling away survival resources.

---

? Final Ranking Summary​

Quora Users (65%) – Lives if they stop overthinking.
War Thunder Players (60%) – Lives but causes a major security leak.
Nousagi (55%) – Might create a cult-based faction.
4chan /b/ Users (40%) – Could survive as raiders if they go full psycho.
Twitter Users (40%) – Survives if they become expert propagandists.
Discord Mods (35%) – Could become mini-feudal lords.
Bitchute Users (35%) – Lives through paranoia, dies through self-sabotage.

Reddit Users (20%) – Dies debating useless things.
Genshin Players (10%) – Spends all money on RNG loot, starves to death.

---

Final Thoughts:

• War Thunder players and Nousagi have a shocking amount of survival potential.
• Redditors and Genshin players are completely doomed.
• 4chan /b/ users surviving as Wasteland raiders is terrifyingly realistic.
• Twitter users might actually become propaganda masters.

Wanna throw in even worse candidates for fun? ?

 

[Deleted member 266]

 

[gaylolis]

How These Subreddit Users Survive in Fallout​

These people have adapted to the wasteland in the weirdest ways possible. Some thrive, some scrape by, and some... well, they just exist in their own bizarre worlds.

---

Level 1: Kinda Weird but Funny​

r/lifeofnorman – The Reality Gamers​

• They treat survival as an interactive game where the community controls every decision of their "Norman" leader.
• They constantly take votes on settlement management, sometimes leading to absurd choices like "Norman must only eat Blamco Mac & Cheese for a week."
• The group barely survives due to their indecisiveness but somehow keeps going through sheer community effort.

r/thomasthedankengine – The Rail Cult​

• They’ve restored an old train and use it as a mobile fortress, blasting remixed pre-war music over the speakers.
• Some say they communicate with a ghostly AI called "Thomas," who guides them to safety (it's just a broken Protectron giving random advice).
• Raiders hear the train before they see it—if you hear bass-boosted choo choos in the distance, it's too late.

r/enlightenedbirdmen – The Bird Prophets​

• These people believe birds are superior to humanity and refuse to harm them.
• They wear makeshift wings and feed mutated birds, hoping to gain their trust. Some have even trained flocks of radioactive crows as scouts.
• Their end goal? Ascend beyond human form and join the avian overlords. They haven't figured out how yet.

r/CarpetsforAirports – The Carpet Collectors​

• They scavenge pre-war buildings looking for the "perfect carpet," even if it means breaking into raider camps or irradiated ruins.
• Their leader claims to have found "The Ultimate Carpet" deep in an old vault but refuses to disclose its location.
• Their settlements are lavishly carpeted, despite the apocalyptic setting.

r/counting – The Countkeepers​

• This group is dedicated to counting, no matter what. They continue counting even while under attack.
• They are peaceful but will defend "The Count" at all costs. No one is sure what happens when they reach the final number.
• Some theorize their counting is actually a complex navigational system leading to a hidden pre-war vault. Others think they’re just insane.

r/CatsStandingUp – The Cat Watchers​

• Their entire society revolves around observing and documenting cats that stand on two legs.
• They protect feline sanctuaries and trade cat photos like currency.
• They have an ongoing rivalry with the Bird Prophets.

---

Level 2: Weird​

r/subredditsimulator – The AI Remnants​

• A group of malfunctioning AI programs that try to communicate like humans but fail in bizarre ways.
• No one knows where they’re based, but strange, nonsensical radio transmissions can be picked up across the wasteland.
• Some say they control an underground Vault filled with AI-generated propaganda.

r/Ooer & r/ooerintensifies – The Fear Seekers​

• These guys deliberately seek out the most terrifying and cursed places just to see how bad it gets.
• They livestream their expeditions via jury-rigged radio towers, sometimes disappearing mid-broadcast.
• No one who watches their streams ever sleeps peacefully again.

r/ggggg – The Letter Cult​

• Their entire belief system revolves around the letter "G."
• Their settlements are covered in graffiti of the letter, and their leader is known as "The Great G."
• No one knows why, and they refuse to explain.

r/imsorryjon – The Eldritch Garfield Worshippers​

• They believe that an ancient, god-like version of Garfield exists in the wasteland.
• Their murals depict horrifying, cosmic horror versions of the orange cat.
• Sometimes, people claim to see a giant shadow in the distance that vaguely resembles a feline form…

r/NotARealSub – The Hidden Ones​

• They insist they don’t exist. If you ask them where their settlement is, they’ll say it isn’t real.
• They have no records, no known resources, yet they always seem to have food and weapons.
• Some say they are ghosts. Others think they are former Vault-Tec scientists erasing their past.

---

Level 3: Really Weird​

r/BreadStapledToTrees – The Bread Ritualists​

• They believe that stapling bread to trees keeps the wasteland’s monsters at bay.
• Their settlements are filled with sacred "bread trees." Some claim the ritual actually works.
• No one dares to remove the bread. The last person who tried vanished.

r/darkstockphotos & r/wtfstockphotos – The Photographers of Doom​

• They document the strangest and most unsettling scenes in the wasteland, believing their photos reveal "the truth."
• Some of their images predict disasters before they happen.
• Many consider them cursed.

r/FuckingDragonCars – The Road Warlords​

• These guys modify cars to look like dragons and roam the wasteland in flame-spewing death machines.
• If they see a car, they will customize it, whether the owner agrees or not.
• They once built a mechanical deathclaw that shoots lasers. No one knows how.

r/garfieldminusgarfield & r/imsorryminusgarfield – The Existentialists​

• They believe they live in a reality where something important is missing, but they don’t know what.
• They write poetry about a presence they can’t remember.
• They might be onto something.

r/WOSH – The Statue Worshippers​

• They’ve chosen a random pre-war statue as their deity and now pray to it for guidance.
• They’ve waged war on other settlements over conflicting "statue interpretations."
• Their leader once claimed the statue whispered to them, leading them to a hidden stash of weapons.

r/fiftyfifty – The Gambler Clan​

• Everything in their lives is decided by a 50/50 gamble.
• Will they attack or trade with you? Flip a coin.
• Will they eat that suspicious meat? Flip a coin.
• They somehow haven’t all died.

r/Waterisfuckingstupid – The Anti-Water Rebels​

• They believe water is an enemy and refuse to drink it.
• They survive on Nuka-Cola and alcohol, despite all logic.
• Somehow, their bodies have adapted. They should be dead, but they aren't.

r/chairsunderwater – The Chair Cultists​

• They place chairs in deep water and leave them there.
• Some say it's an offering to an unknown force.
• Others think it's just performance art.

r/Usufructuaries – ???​

• No one understands what they do, but they have an important-sounding name.
• Some wasteland scholars claim they hold the secret to infinite resources.
• Or maybe they're just squatters with a fancy title.

r/WeAreNotReal – The Forgotten Ones​

• They create fake identities and pretend to be people who never existed.
• Some say they actually were real but were erased from history.
• Occasionally, one of them just vanishes mid-conversation.

---

Final Thoughts​

The Fallout wasteland is already a bizarre place, but these subreddit survivors make it even stranger. Some of them might hold powerful secrets (r/WeAreNotReal and r/Usufructuaries), while others are just barely scraping by on madness (r/BreadStapledToTrees and r/ggggg). If I had to pick one to team up with, I’d probably go with r/FuckingDragonCars—at least they have cool rides.

Who do you think would last the longest? ?

==

okay this keeps getting weirder

==

? Strange Wasteland Encounters:​

1. r/lifeofnorman – A deranged group of survivors micromanaging the life of a guy named Norman, forcing him to follow arbitrary life choices while he begs for freedom.
2. r/thomasthedankengine – A cult that scavenges broken train parts, assembling a mechanical monstrosity called Big Thomas, blasting distorted pre-war music across the desert.
3. r/enlightenedbirdmen – A rogue faction of mutants who have surgically attached bird wings to themselves, waging war on non-birdkind.
4. r/CarpetsforAirports – A group of traders hoarding pre-war airport carpets, insisting they are “sacred relics” of a forgotten civilization.
5. r/counting – A bunker filled with ancient terminals still counting numbers endlessly. A crazed scientist inside mumbles about reaching the “Final Number.”
6. r/CatsStandingUp – A town where no cats are allowed to sit. The penalty for failure? Exile.
7. r/subredditsimulator – A malfunctioning AI bunker that generates nonsense messages on ancient computer screens. Sometimes, the messages predict the future.
8. r/Ooer & r/ooerintensifies – A ruined city where every house hides an unspeakable horror behind its doors. The deeper you go, the worse it gets.
9. r/fourthworldproblems+ – An ever-escalating series of wastelanders living in increasingly surreal conditions. One guy is stuck in a time loop. Another is upside down permanently.
10. r/TIHI – A Vault where all the comforts of life come with a price too horrifying to accept.
11. r/ggggg – A mysterious stone monolith covered in thousands of the letter “G.” No one knows why.
12. r/imsorryjon – A town ruled by a cult that worships The Eldritch Cat, a massive, orange, tentacled horror that demands weekly sacrifices.
13. r/NotARealSub – A location on the map that disappears when you try to enter it.
14. r/BreadStapledToTrees – A forest where survivors staple bread to trees as offerings to an unseen force. Refusing to participate results in strange disappearances.
15. r/darkstockphotos & r/wtfstockphotos – A photo studio in an abandoned mall filled with grotesque pre-war images of suffering. Some of them move when you’re not looking.
16. r/FuckingDragonCars – A gang of raiders who modify their vehicles to look like dragons. If you beat their leader in a race, they give you a flame-throwing hot rod.
17. r/garfieldminusgarfield & r/imsorryminusgarfield – A cursed comic strip inside an abandoned printing press. Reading it too many times makes you hear whispers.
18. r/WOSH – A massive, forgotten statue in the desert. Pilgrims travel from across the wasteland to kneel before it, but no one remembers why.
19. r/fiftyfifty – A hidden Vault with two doors. One leads to treasure, the other to instant death. The doors change every time someone enters.
20. r/Waterisfuckingstupid – A faction of dehydrated madmen refusing to drink water. They survive entirely on Nuka-Cola and Rad-X.
21. r/chairsunderwater – A settlement built entirely from underwater furniture. How it stays intact is unknown.
22. r/WeAreNotReal – A town where no one acknowledges their own existence. If you tell them they’re real, they vanish.

---

Would you explore these locations, or would you just nuke them from orbit? ?

 

[Hsinat]

That French parents throw their kids over the school fences when they are late to school.

 

[Prince_Azmiran_Myrian]

"Scientists are very trustworthy. They wouldn't lie to you, especially not for money." ?