An ordinary profession creates the world's strongest

"Yes! I'm Kaori! Shirosaki Kaori, Shizuku's best friend. My appearance may have changed... but I'm still alive!"

"...Kaori...Ahh, Kaori!"

Shizuku was stunned for a few seconds.

I have absolutely no idea why the situation turned out like this.

Despite this, she felt deeply the fact that her best friend was standing right before her eyes, and tears immediately streamed down her face as she tightly hugged the silver-haired, blue-eyed woman - no, Kaori, who had obtained a new body.

Seeing Shizuku hugging her and crying like a child, Kaori hugged her tightly and said gently:

"I'm sorry for worrying you. It's okay, it's okay."

"Wow, wow, that's great, it's really great~"

Shizuku and Kaori buried their faces in each other's necks, fully confirming each other's existence.

As everyone was stunned, all that was heard was a cry filled with warmth and tenderness, echoing for a long time under the clear and cloudless sky.

"So? What's going on here?"

Shizuku's eyes were red from crying, and her cheeks were almost as red from embarrassment. She turned her head away, as if to hide her embarrassment, and asked Hajime to explain the situation.

They changed places, leaving the training grounds and coming to the large room where Guanghui and the others usually ate.

In order to explain to Shizuku why she is now Kaori in spirit but Noin in body, Liliana suggests "changing to a place where it is more convenient to talk."

Furthermore, not only Shizuku was present, but also the entire class, Aiko, and Liliana.

"Let me think... To put it simply, we use magic to protect Kaori's soul, and then attach it to Noin's remains? Or should I say, the remains? In short, it's Noin's repaired body."

"I see. I don't understand at all."

Hajime's explanation was too concise, and Shizuku glared at him coldly.

Her eyes were filled with anger, clearly saying, "Do you really want to explain?"

Hearing Hajime's unmotivated explanation, Kaori said with a helpless expression:

"Shizuku-chan, you know that the magic we're using now is a degraded version of the magic from the Age of Gods, right?"

"...Yes, I've learned a little bit about this world's history. That's the magic that appears in its creation myth, right? Unlike today's elemental magic, that magic can affect the fundamental laws of the world... Wait a minute, Nagumo-san, could it be that you possess Age of Gods magic, the power to interfere with souls... the power to interfere with human souls? So that's why you were able to protect Kaori's soul, who should have been dead, and attach it to another body?"

"Yes! As expected of Shizuku-chan."

Kaori puffed out her chest with pride for some reason. Shizuku was actually quite intelligent. He'd known this before, but Hajime couldn't help but admire her intelligence once again.

"But why that body? Is Kaori's body already broken? If it's just about healing, recovery magic should be enough..."

"Yes, in fact, Kaori's body has fully recovered, and it is possible to return her soul."

Soul magic can achieve an effect close to immortality by attaching and fixing souls. It is a very exaggerated magic of the Age of Gods.

"Fixing" is magic that interferes with the soul that is about to dissipate upon death, preserving it and preventing it from dissipating or deteriorating. This was what Tio had initially used on Kaori. Since it only takes effect within a few minutes of death, Tio was very lucky to have caught up.

The so-called "attachment" is just as the name suggests, that is, attaching the fixed soul to organic or inorganic matter.

If it attaches to an aging body, or one that is damaged or unfit for life, it will eventually die. However, if it attaches to a healthy body, it can be revived. It can also, like Millardi Raison, transcend the limitations of physical aging by attaching to a golem, becoming immortal.

Of course, this magic is not simple enough to be used immediately in battle.

Tio, a magic expert who had lived for a long time, tried his best to preserve Kaori's soul. Yue Zai took advantage of that period to learn soul magic and unreservedly used his talents that surpassed Tio to provide assistance, which led to success.

Even so, it took five angels to completely fix the soul, which shows how difficult this magic is.

Incidentally, Yue and Shia had an easier time learning soul magic. Since they didn't believe in the god Esid, the first condition was easily overcome.

Regarding the condition of "overcoming the influence of divine power," if the challenger doesn't fight anyone associated with the modern Church, the Great Labyrinth's trials involve brainwashing, charm, guiding consciousness, and subconscious suggestion, all of which affect the challenger's mindset and values. The challenger then battles past Church warriors in a fantasy world (similar to a dream world that's very close to reality). However, Yue and Shia easily passed these trials.

"Then why...what happened to Kaori's original body? Is there really something wrong?"

"Shizuku-chan, calm down. I'll explain everything."

Shizuku couldn't wait to ask, and Kaori comforted her and continued to explain.

At first, he planned to use regeneration magic to repair Kaori's injured body, and then let her soul return to revive Kaori.

But Kaori took the initiative to stop at this time.

Even in a fixed soul state, it is still possible to communicate with consciousness through soul magic called "mind guidance".

Kaori, in her spirit form, asks Hajime to attach her spirit to a golem, just like Millardi Raison did. Kaori believes that if it were Hajime, he would be able to create a powerful golem.

At the Melkine Underwater Ruins, Kaori realized her own weakness, but she didn't want to continue like this.

Because she had no intention of giving up her dream of standing shoulder to shoulder with Hajime.

However, just after making the vow, he was easily killed.

Kaori felt useless and incompetent, and regretted it deeply...

That's why she thought, "Even if it means sacrificing my life, I won't hesitate."

Once she makes up her mind, Kaori becomes incredibly stubborn. Hajime and the others try to persuade her, but she won't listen. Kaori's determination is so strong that Hajime can only surrender.

As a last resort, Hajime was about to help her make the strongest golem when an idea suddenly struck him, "That should work, right?"

That’s right, it was Noin whose heart was pierced by Hajime.

Noin's body is almost human, but he is a puppet made by God.

There was a high chance that the body would be usable, and most importantly, it looked very useful.

Hajime immediately recovered Noin's remains and asked Yue to repair his wounds with regeneration magic.

Then, using the strong body of a true "Apostle of God" as Kaori's new body, he tried to "attach" Kaori's soul to the new body, and it was perfectly successful.

Unfortunately, even if the magic stone-like organ successfully regenerates, the magic power supply has stopped, so there is no infinite magic power available. However, Noin's inherent magic "Decomposition", dual great swordsmanship, silver wings and silver feathers can be used.

It seems that Noin's body still retains the techniques and combat experience gained so far. Kaori can't fly yet, as she's still getting used to her new body, but once she does, she should be able to fully unleash the power of a "God's Apostle."

Since she can also manipulate magic directly, her abilities are comparable to those of Hajime and the others.

After the spirit successfully attached itself, Kaori was visibly delighted. Despite her icy beauty, Noin, she was leaping and dancing with a beaming smile. Seeing her former opponent, who had previously fought her, smiling so happily and even running over to hug her, even Hajime frowned, unsure how to react.

In fact, Hajime almost couldn't help but hit her, but Shia grabbed his wrist and prevented him from doing so. However, let's keep this a secret.

Incidentally, Kaori's real body has been frozen by Yue's magic and is currently stored in the "Treasure House".

It's like a beautiful girl sleeping inside a giant block of ice, looking incredibly mysterious. When thawed, regeneration magic can repair damaged cells, so if Kaori wishes, she has a high chance of returning to her original form.

"...I see. Alas~ Kaori, you've always been known to do impulsive things, but this time it's completely out of the blue."

After listening to Hajime's explanation, Shizuku pressed her hand to her forehead, trying to endure a headache.

This gave Shizuku a bigger headache than when Kaori visited a game store to find out what game Hajime liked, but accidentally ended up in the adult game section.

Incidentally, the store manager warned them, "No one under 18 allowed!" Kaori's exaggerated excuse, "I bought this for my dad!", has become legendary. Of course, Shizuku, besides having a headache, was so embarrassed she wanted to dig a hole and jump in.

"Hehehe, sorry for making you worry, Shizuku-chan."

“…It’s okay, as long as you’re still alive…”

Kaori apologized with a guilty look on her face. Shizuku smiled at Kaori, then her expression turned serious. She bowed deeply to Hajime solemnly and thanked him.

"Nagumo-san, Yue-san, Shia-san, Tio-san, thank you for saving my dear friend. Although my debt to you is growing, and I have no way of repaying it... I will never forget this kindness. If there is anything I can do, please ask, and I will do my best to fulfill it."

"...You're still as straightforward as ever. Don't worry too much, we're just trying to save our comrades."

Hearing Hajime's casual answer, Shizuku gave a wry smile.

Hajime not only saved Kaori, but also saved his classmates, and it was a second time he saved their lives.

Even rescuing them from their predicament was in Hajime's own best interest, so it wasn't a big deal. Thinking of this, Shizuku could only laugh.

At the same time, seeing Hajime's nonchalant attitude, Shizuku felt annoyed and couldn't help but pout and say:

“…That being said, you were considerate of my mental state, but you also gave me the secret medicine for the sake of Glory, right?”

"If Yaegashi loses his mind, Kaori will become very troublesome..."

“You’re saying I’m troublesome… You’re going too far, Hajime-kun.”

Hajime answered nonchalantly, ignoring Kaori's complaints and continuing:

"And a certain teacher told me not to live a 'lonely lifestyle'. I can't help you with everything, but small things like this are no problem..."

“! Nagumo-kun…”

Aiko, who had been silently listening to the conversation between Shizuku and Hajime, looked at Hajime with emotion when she heard these words.

Now that Hajime has become rebellious, he actually listens to Aiko's teachings. The other classmates admire him and seem to think that Aiko is moved by Hajime's obedience. Yue and the others, as well as the members of the Ai Guard and Shizuku, all keenly sense that there is something else in Aiko's eyes.

Kaori gave a surprised "No way!" look and glanced at Yue and the others, as well as Shizuku. Yue and the others nodded in confirmation with sharp eyes, and Shizuku looked away, gazing up at the sky. The boys, including Atsushi, gritted their teeth, while the girls, including Yuka, gave a few dry laughs and turned away.

Shizuku was sensitive to the tense atmosphere that was beginning to spread, and in an effort to restore the atmosphere to normal, she continued the conversation. She had a mountain of questions that she wanted to ask.

"May I ask what you planned to say to us the day you were abducted? It must have something to do with Nagumo-kun and the others learning Age of Gods magic, right?"

Hajime heard Shizuku ask this and turned his gaze towards Aiko.

He used silent pressure to demand that Aiko explain. Aiko coughed and told her what Hajime had told her about the mad god, the purpose of Hajime and the others, her own captivity, and what happened in the church base when the capital was invaded.

After listening to everything, Guanghui spoke first.

"What? Doesn't that mean we're just being manipulated by God? If that's the case, why didn't you tell us earlier? You could have told us when we met again in Orcus!"

Kouki's eyes and tone were full of accusations, but Hajime glanced at Kouki without bothering to reply.

Seeing his attitude, Guanghui suddenly stood up from his seat and exuded hostility.

"How about you say something! If you could have told us earlier!"

"Hey, Kouki!"

Guanghui ignored Shizuku's advice and looked indignant. Hajime frowned, as if he was being too noisy. After sighing deeply, he looked at Guanghui impatiently.

"Will you believe me if I tell you?"

"What?"

"Anyway, with your headstrong and wishful personality, if I told you that the god most people worship is a 'mad god' and that what you're doing is meaningless, you wouldn't believe me and would actually blame me, right? I can imagine that scene."

"But, but, as long as you explain it to us in detail and without interruption..."

"Are you an idiot? Why would I bother with all this trouble for you? You don't think I have to help you just because I'm your classmate? ...If you keep talking nonsense...you'll end up like Hiyama, okay?"

Almost all of the students quickly looked away after being glared at by Hajime, whose eyes were as cold as the permafrost.

However, it seemed that only Kouki disagreed and continued to look at Hajime with a stern gaze.

Yue, who was beside Hajime, looked at Guanghui with a look that seemed to say, "Hajime has saved you twice, what's your attitude now?", but Guanghui didn't notice.

"But, since we're going to fight God together from now on..."

"Wait, wait, hero (laughs), when did I say I was going to fight God? Don't make decisions on your own. If he comes looking for trouble, I will of course kill him, but I don't intend to go looking for God on my own initiative, okay? I want to quickly conquer the Great Labyrinth and return to Japan as soon as possible."

Hearing Hajime's words, Kouki opened his eyes wide in surprise.

"What! Don't you care about the lives of the people from the other world?! If we don't take action to eliminate the gods, people will continue to be manipulated by them! How can you just ignore it!"

"I won't work hard for someone I've never even met..."

"Why...why! Aren't you stronger than me?! With such great power, you can do anything! If you have power, shouldn't you use it for justice?!"

Guanghui roared. His words were filled with a sense of justice as always.

However, those kinds of "words" from someone without a clear will were useless to Hajime.

Hajime faced the glorious gaze as if he were looking at a stone on the side of the road.

"...'If I had the power'? You're just so naive, that's why you always end up lying on the ground in critical moments... I believe that power should always be used with a clear will. It's not about having the power to do something, but about pursuing and using power because you want to do it. If you have to do something 'because you have the power' without any will, then it's just a 'curse'. You're just too weak-willed... Besides, I don't want to discuss my decision with you. If you keep nagging, I'll beat you to death."

After saying this, Hajime turned his gaze away as if he had no interest in Kouki and the others.

Seeing his attitude, Kouki couldn't help but understand that Hajime neither hated nor resented them or the world, he simply had no interest in them.

Furthermore, upon hearing him mention the reasons for his defeat, Kouki's heart was shaken to the point of being speechless. He tried to retort, "I have a strong will!" but for some reason, the words remained in his mouth.

Apart from the frontline team and the Ai Guard members who already knew Hajime's attitude, the other students had originally thought that Hajime would act with them after his return. Now they know that it was just an illusion, and they can't help but tremble with fear when they think that if they are not careful, they might really end up like Hiyama.

After all, even though they were turned into puppets, Hajime should have known all of those knights, including Meld and Kondou, yet he blasted them into pieces without hesitation.

As for the group that stayed behind, they had treated Shi unfairly before he fell into the abyss, so they didn't even dare to look at him.

"...You still won't stay? I hope you'll at least wait until the capital is well-prepared before leaving..."

Liliana requested.