An ordinary profession creates the world's strongest

Oh, now I remember. Yue at that time kept teasing me.

Tio was resting to take turns casting soul magic on me, and after supplying her mana, Hajime and Shia also went to rest. That meant Yue and I were the only ones left. At that moment, Yue kept teasing me, his mouth never stopping.

"That's enough! Stop reading!"

“…Stop talking nonsense! Who told you to die so easily? Idiot, idiot!”

At the time, I was really upset. Now, looking back, I feel a little embarrassed. Because...

"I tried my best! Even with my heart pierced, I still helped everyone heal! Even if it meant death, I never gave up..."

"You were just lucky this time, don't forget that!"

That was the first time Yue really scolded me angrily.

Her sudden excitement made me feel as if time had stopped. I had never imagined Yue could be so angry and yell so loudly, as if the very air itself trembled. Even in my spirit-like state, floating in the air like a ghost, I still twitched with fear.

"If the conditions for conquering the sacred mountain were slightly different, if the standard route were a little more complicated, if any other mistake had occurred, you would have been dead, beyond rescue!"

"this……"

“Why weren’t you more careful!? Why didn’t you protect yourself more carefully!? Why did you prioritize healing others? If Tio’s strategy isn’t recognized… there’s no way to salvage it…!”

Yue's roar grew fainter and fainter, until it seemed to dissolve into the fresh mountaintop air. Facing her like this, I was speechless. It wasn't out of fear or confusion. It was because I clearly understood how worried Yue was about me.

While Tio was trying to extend my life, Yue and Shia challenged each other to the test of obtaining soul magic, and Yue was the first to pass the test.

Later I heard from Xia that Yue's aura when accepting the test was simply ghostly. He challenged most of the tests head-on and broke through with force, which even Xia could not match.

Even under attack, she ignored the damage she took, letting "Auto-Regeneration" heal her while she continuously unleashed wide-area magic to ravage the enemy. That was certainly Yue's typical fighting style, but in this situation, it wasn't necessary. Because of this, she successfully passed the test in just an hour.

Later I heard from classmate Shi that when Yue returned to the top of the mountain, he was panting heavily and couldn't even stand steadily. He looked like he was trying his best.

Since I was unconscious at the time and had no idea of ​​these things, I was only happy about having a strong new body. How stupid of me.

Looking back now, I really was such a fool. Even I wanted to join Yue in mocking myself.

Afterward, there was a long silence between the two sides. I wasn't sure how much time had passed at the time, but looking at it now, it seemed like they were both silent for a long time.

And then, at that time, I finally understood Yue's words, and finally—

"...Yeah, you're right... I'm sorry."

I could only respond to her with such ordinary words. Looking back, I feel really ashamed.

However, Yue just shook her head in embarrassment and apologized to me instead.

"...Don't apologize, stupid Kaori. I was just letting it out. I'm the one who should apologize. I'm sorry for letting my emotions get in the way and leaving you alone."

"No, you made that judgment because Lily and the others were there, didn't you? And it's only natural that you'd think it would be safer to just take down the enemy leader. It's also a personal vendetta... but there's nothing you can do about it. If I had the fighting power, I'd probably do the same thing."

"……Um."

The two of them fell silent again. The atmosphere was awkward yet not awkward. There was an indescribable itchy feeling in their heart.

Yue refused to meet my gaze. So I moved closer to her, peering into her profile. At that moment, I inexplicably wanted to talk to her, but I didn't know what to say, so the topic that came out of my mouth was—

"Um... by the way, tell me about the Great Labyrinth of Kamiyama. I'd like to try it out, too."

This topic is actually like this. This is ridiculous, she's my lifesaver. Shouldn't I thank her first?! ――Though I thought this, for some reason, I only thanked her in my heart and didn't say it out loud.

Maybe it's because Yue doesn't seem to want my thanks at all. This might sound a bit presumptuous, but I guess Yue feels that true friends don't need to worry about saving lives or owing favors. Maybe that's the case.

"...As long as you can use the power of the apostles, you can also conquer Kaori."

"Really?"

"...Yes. And even if you can't use it, we will still assist you. Moreover, by conquering the Great Labyrinth, we can finally confirm whether your soul can stably attach to the apostle's body and whether there will be any problems in combat."

"I see. I really wish I could use the power of the apostles. And if the attack succeeds, I can revive myself and worry you less!"

"...Don't assume you'll die! Besides, I'm not worried about you!"

"And I won't lose to you again!"

“…Listen to what I say!”

In fact, it only took me three hours to complete the walkthrough.

Unlike other large labyrinths, the interior of [Sacred Mountain] isn't a complex maze. Instead, you'll battle past Templar Knights at every level. Honestly, they're incredibly powerful, and modern knights simply can't compare. Each possesses powerful innate magic, and they're equipped with replicas of holy swords and armor.

It turns out that the church was even more powerful in the past, which gave me a deeper understanding of past history.

However, the most difficult thing is that while fighting them, brainwashing effects that directly affect the soul will come in various forms, all of which are mental attacks designed to turn people into fanatics of God.

As long as you have even a little bit of faith, it would be difficult to control yourself.

Of course, our group not only lacks faith, but also harbors hostility towards Esheed. As long as we have a firm sense of purpose, we can withstand the mental attack.

The theme of this big maze test should be breaking through the maze of mind and will.

If you are a person of this world, your heart will definitely hesitate between faith and truth.

I kept thinking about the walkthrough, but it was just a way to avoid reality. It was almost time to face reality.

I was so engrossed in talking to Yue at the time that I didn't notice it. But I did see it, it was definitely within my field of vision.

Three heads popped out from behind the rubble, looking at us with warm eyes like totem poles. They were Hajime, Shia, and Tio.

That's as it should be. Yue yelled so loudly just now, it would be strange if they didn't wake up.

No, but I think they shouldn't have been looking at us with such warm and smiling eyes! I didn't notice it at all at the time, and I only realized it now.

We were just having a normal conversation, but I felt inexplicably ashamed.

Just as I was twisting my body in shame, the sun peeked out from the top of the mountain and my vision switched to another scene.

Although there is no basis for this, I roughly understand it.

What I am recalling are the memories between Yue and me that are particularly memorable.

My job now is to search through memories to identify the apostle's weaknesses. I really shouldn't be distracted like this. However, I want to see just one more memory, just one more. It's rare to see memories so vividly in this memory world, even clearer than normal recollections.

Perhaps my wish had finally come true. The scene before me was a forest of trees. The moonlight at night filtered through the gaps between the branches and leaves, casting a shadow over the forest.

This is my memory of the night after conquering the tree. In the square outside of Feyalbergen, I sat on a tree stump, gazing at the moon. Then, Yue approached.

"...Ah~ Kaori is pretending to be so elegant~"

"Don't say something that ruins the atmosphere!"

“…I don’t care about your mood. I want to talk about Hajime’s expression. Please accompany me.”

"Aren't you being too overbearing!?"

"...Even though you say that, you really want to talk about this, right?"

“Hmm… That’s… correct…”

Yue raised the corner of her mouth and sat down on the tree stump next to her.

I knew what she meant by "Hajime's expression" without even asking. It was Hajime's expression when, after completing the game and learning about the existence of concept magic, he finally discovered the clue to returning home.

His smile at that time was both kind and gentle as before, yet also sharp and powerful as before. It was truly captivating, and no wonder Yue wanted to talk about it with others.

So, Yue and I spent some time chatting with each other normally, occasionally bickering and then continuing to chat, and this passed a long time.

After that, Yue will get to the point. This is the main reason she came to see me.

Now, Yue stood up. She walked to my side and patted my head gently.

Facing my puzzled look, she continued.

"...Is it better to be homesick alone?"

She was right. That night, I felt incredibly homesick. Not only was there a concrete hope of returning to Japan, but also because Hajime had that old expression and vibe, it inevitably brought back memories of home and made me miss my parents terribly.

“…Did you find out?”

Yue shrugged, as if it was a matter of course. However, she didn't make fun of me.

“…Including Hajime, tonight isn’t the right time to discuss this with the kids from my hometown, so I’m alone reminiscing about my hometown. But you don’t want to be alone, right?”

What Yue said is absolutely right.

Shia's feelings were finally accepted, and I wanted her to have Hajime all to herself for at least this night, without any interference.

As for Shizuku and the others, they weren't in the right mood to talk about their hometown right now. Suzu was definitely preoccupied with Eri. And Shizuku... no matter what topic they talked about, she couldn't avoid mentioning Hajime. Her feelings for him were definitely making her unable to remain calm.

Not to mention Guanghui and Ryuutarou, I don't want to talk to them alone.

That's why I'm alone in this quiet place, thinking about my family. But it's still lonely.

And Yue could see all these feelings of mine.

"...What kind of people are your parents?"

"Hmm, let me think... Dad loves me very much, even a little overprotective. Mom is a cooking teacher—"

Finally, Yue patted my head again, sat back on the tree stump next to me, and asked me to continue. At this time, I wanted to act coquettishly to her so much that I found it incredible.

I talked about my hometown and family in a few words, and Yue listened attentively and nodded.

Normally she always likes to tease me and make fun of me.

She was my first real rival in a fight. She'll always be my fiercest rival in love. She's a gentle and tolerant person, and I understand why Hajime is so devoted to her.

What a cunning man...

But, it's not here now...

──Fragrant...weave...weave!

The fact that she is not here makes me feel very sad, and my chest seems to be tangled.

Although I believe that Shi will bring her back in the end, I still can't help feeling uneasy and anxious whenever I have a little free time, and it shows in my expression. I inexplicably want to scream.

--Miss Xiang...! Open your eyes...!

The moon is smiling at me. Perhaps when the sun rises in the morning, this image will disappear again. The thought of this makes me tremble with fear.

Therefore, I want to continue to stay in this world of memories──

"Kaori! Wake up!"

"Miss Kaori!"

Suddenly, a sharp pain on my cheek woke me up and I opened my eyes immediately.

I saw the faces of Hajime and Shia, both of them staring into my eyes with worry. The forest of the sea of ​​trees, the moonlit square, and Yue's figure were all gone.

"Ah, I...I'm sorry, in my own memory—"

Just as I was about to apologize, my vision suddenly blurred, leaving me at a loss. I felt something running down my cheek, and when I touched it, I found tears on my fingers.

"No, no... It's all my fault. I already told you... to be more careful, but Yue... disappeared. I wanted to blame her, but... she's not here...!"

Even I didn't understand what I was saying. However, my emotions kept overflowing like a dam breaking, and I couldn't control myself, and my mouth couldn't help but say incomprehensible words.

Suddenly, everything went dark before my eyes, and a warm feeling enveloped my entire body.

It was Hajime and Shia who came over and hugged me.

"I'm sorry. It's my fault for losing control and not letting you express your feelings."

"You've been feeling anxious and lonely, haven't you?...me too."

Hajime-san gently stroked my head, just like the moon.

Shia's soft bunny ears caressed my cheek.

"Absolutely. I'll definitely bring her back with me. And then, feel free to have a huge fight with her."

"Tsuki-san really loves teasing Kaori-san. I'm getting a little jealous."

The two said this with a smile.

"Uh-huh!"

I still couldn't stop crying, and only nodded in response. But at least I could smile. Something stuck in the cracks of my heart melted away softly, disappearing. In its place, a stronger heart filled my heart.

moon……

You are my most hated love rival in this world. But you are also the most important person I can confide in.

Come back soon.

We still have a lot to say and a lot to quarrel about.