An ordinary profession creates the world's strongest

Yue sat back down next to Hajime, put her face close to his ear, and asked quietly:

“…What’s the truth?”

"Knights with smiling faces are disgusting."

“…Yeah, I agree.”

Incidentally, behind Aiko, who was sticking her head out of the sunroof, was Tio, who was tied to the roof and had a dazed expression for some reason. However... Aiko and the knights seemed to have decided not to see her.

Later, upon arriving in town, Yue, upon learning of Tio's disgraceful appearance, couldn't help but wonder, "...is this really a Dragonite?" She seemed slightly shocked. Ever since she first saw Tio undo her dragon transformation in the Northern Mountain Range, she'd been feeling a strange feeling. But seeing Tio seemingly enjoying the pain, her previous admiration and respect for the Dragonites shattered like a fantasy.

After arriving in Ur Town, unlike Hajime and the others who leisurely strolled, Aiko and the others stumbled towards the mayor's place. Hajime had originally intended to part ways with Aiko and the others there and quickly return to Fren with Will. However, Will dashed off before Aiko and the others, forcing Hajime and the others to chase after them.

The town was bustling with activity. With its abundant cuisine and nearby lake, it naturally attracted crowds. They had never dreamed that a single day, it would be overrun by a horde of monsters. Hajime and the others took in the scenery, devouring skewers from the vendors with relish, as they headed towards the town hall.

When Hajime and the others finally arrived at the town hall, the place was already in turmoil. The guild leaders of [Ur Town], town officials, and church priests had all gathered there, creating a cacophony of activity. Everyone had expressions of disbelief and disbelief, and they flocked to Aiko and Will, the ones who had brought the intelligence back, peppering them with questions as if they were about to grab them by the collar.

Normally, if someone claimed the town would be destroyed tomorrow, they would simply be dismissed as the ravings of a madman. This time, however, it couldn't be easily ignored. After all, it came from the mouth of the beloved son of both the "Apostle of God" and the "Goddess of Fertility." Furthermore, the fact that demons could control demons was a well-known fact, so no one could dismiss it as nonsense.

Furthermore, after discussing it in the car, Aiko and the others unanimously decided to conceal the details of Tio's identity and the possibility that Shimizu Yukitoshi was behind the incident. Regarding Tio, she did not want the existence of the Dragon People to be made public, and asked everyone to keep it a secret. As for the conspiracy, Aiko insisted that it was only a possibility at this point, and she did not want to make a hasty conclusion without evidence.

Aiko's thoughts aside, the Dragon People were a semi-taboo to the Holy Church, and revealing her identity would only further confuse the situation. If her identity were revealed, they would likely organize a punitive expedition, which would be very troublesome, so everyone agreed to keep it secret.

Amidst the clamor, Hajime came to greet Will, completely oblivious to the chaos around him.

"Hey, Will, don't run off without permission. You should at least recognize that you're under protection. Now that you've reported, let's hurry to Fren."

Hearing Hajime say that, Will, Aiko, and the others looked at him in surprise, while the other nobles looked at Hajime with an attitude of "Who is this guy?" and displeased eyes as they looked at Hajime who interrupted the discussion about the survival of the town.

“Hajime-san, Wh-what are you talking about? This is a critical moment, huh? Are you planning to abandon this town and leave…?”

Will showed an expression of disbelief and excitedly said to Hajime. Hajime still had an expression of annoyance and replied casually:

"There's no point in saying whether to abandon them or not. Anyway, we have to abandon the town and evacuate until help arrives, right? A tourist town has no defenses... We have to evacuate anyway, so choosing Fren doesn't matter, right? We just got there earlier than everyone else."

“T-That’s… that might be true… but I can’t just evacuate on my own in this critical moment! I think I can be of some help, Hajime-san, please…”

"Please help them, Mr. Hajime." Just as Will was about to say this, Hajime's cold eyes and icy words interrupted him:

"...Do you really need me to explain it to you? My job is to take you back to Flen. What happens to this town is none of my business. Listen, I'm not asking for your opinion. If you refuse to come with me no matter what... I'll drag you back even if I have to break your limbs."

“What! How, how could this happen…”

From the aura he exuded, Will could tell he was serious, and he couldn't help but turn pale and step back. His expression clearly expressed how much he couldn't believe it.

To Will, Hajime's overwhelming victory—the Black Dragon that easily annihilated veteran adventurers like Gale—was truly a hero. Despite Hajime's ruthless nature, Will had no doubt that if the townspeople were in danger, even if he said he wouldn't, he would ultimately help.

Therefore, hearing Hajime's cold words, Will felt betrayed.

He was speechless, subconsciously distanced himself from Shi, while Shi, as if forcing him to make a decision, approached step by step. In the strange atmosphere, the people around him looked at Will and Shi, unable to take any action. Suddenly, someone walked up to Shi.

It was Aiko, and she looked directly at Hajime.

"Nagumo-san, if it were you...if it were you, could you defeat the monster army? No...you can do it, right?"

Aiko's tone was as if she was certain that Hajime could do it. If it was Hajime, he could defeat the monster army. In other words, she was certain that the town could be saved. Hearing her words, the important people in the town who had been observing the situation suddenly became agitated.

If one were to believe the impending threat reported by Aiko and the others, the enemy would be a monster numbering tens of thousands, and they would be extremely powerful monsters gathered across multiple mountain ranges.

This was already on the scale of war. It was common sense that a single individual could hardly influence the war. Even among those summoned from another world, only the most extraordinary could subvert common sense, transcend it—indeed, only the brave could do that.

Even so, a hero alone can't defeat an army; he must lead humans and fight alongside his companions. Otherwise, simply outnumbered, they'll eventually be overwhelmed by the vast army. Therefore, even if it were the words of the "Goddess of Fertility," Aiko's claim that this young man, not even a hero, could resolve the crisis was a bit hard to believe.

Facing his son's intense gaze, Hajime waved his hand away in annoyance, as if to conceal his denial:

"No, no, Sensei, of course that's impossible. From what I've seen, there are over 40,000 enemies. It's simply beyond my ability to defeat them."

"But when Mr. Will asked Nagumo-san on the mountain if he could handle it, Nagumo-san didn't say 'I can't'. He even said, 'A place with such steep ups and downs and full of obstacles isn't suitable for a battle of annihilation,' right? So, if it were a flat plain, it would be fine, right? Am I wrong?"

"...You remember it so clearly."

He didn't take into account Aiko's excellent memory and accidentally said something he shouldn't have said. Hajime couldn't help but frown, regretting it. Aiko saw Hajime turn away and asked him with a more serious expression:

"Nagumo-san, could you please help us? If this continues, not only will this beautiful town be destroyed, but countless lives will be lost."

"...I'm surprised. I always thought you put your students first. You engaged in various activities because the outcome might be a chance to return to your original world sooner, right? And now you're asking your students to die for strangers? Even if they don't want to? That's just like those people in the Church who forced their students to go to the battlefield."

Hajime's teasing words left Aiko speechless for a moment. She seemed to be struggling internally, biting her lip and frowning.

However, her eyes were fixed on Hajime, staring at him for several seconds as if to confirm something. Finally, as if throwing aside her hesitation, she showed a resolute expression. That was the expression of a "teacher". Ever since her time in Japan, she would always show this expression whenever her students faced a problem.

The priest of the Ur Town Church, who was listening to Aiko and Hajime's conversation nearby, frowned when he heard Hajime's words insulting the church, and glanced at Hajime. Aiko said in a serious tone:

"...If there were a way to return to my original world, I'd immediately want to take my students back with me. That feeling hasn't changed to this day, but I can't...So, since I'm living in this world now, at least within my ability, I don't want to stand by and watch the people I met, talked to, and laughed with die. As a human being, this thought should be natural. Of course, since I'm a teacher, my priorities in critical moments won't change..."

Aiko continued speaking word by word, as if confirming her own words:

"Nagumo-san, you were once so gentle, but now you've become like this. You must have experienced something I can't even imagine. I imagine you were in that place, without the luxury of caring about others. When you were in the most pain, I wasn't there to help you. What I'm saying... may seem insignificant to you, Nagumo-san, but please listen to me..."

Hajime remained silent, staring at Aiko, asking her to continue.

"Nagumo-san, I understand that you desperately want to return to Japan, perhaps more than anyone else. But, Nagumo-san, will you continue to live like you do now, forsaking everything except those who are important to you? Will you eliminate everyone who stands in your way? Can you survive in Japan with that kind of lifestyle? Or will you be able to change your lifestyle the moment you return to Japan?"

"..."

"Nagumo-san, you have your own values. The choices you make about your future are always yours. I won't judge you or force you to do anything. However, no matter what future you choose, I believe that living without everything except the people who matter to you... is truly 'lonely.' Such a way of life will never bring happiness to you or those who matter to you. If you want happiness, just live within your means... Don't forget to consider others, and don't abandon... the important and noble feelings that already exist within you."

Every word Aiko spoke came from her heart, and every word was conveyed accurately to Hajime, who was facing her. The town's gentry, Yuka, and others also listened quietly to Aiko's words.

Yuuka and Atsushi, in particular, felt their words rebuke them for getting carried away by their past power. They lowered their heads with a look of guilt, realizing anew that Aiko still truly wanted to take them back, even considering their lives in Japan. They couldn't help but express a mixture of joy and shyness.

Seeing how Aiko still desperately tried to act like a "teacher" even across worlds, regardless of the situation, even if her students had changed beyond recognition, Hajime couldn't help but smile bitterly.

Hajime wasn't mocking her; he admired her. Aiko had received special treatment due to the rarity of her abilities, and since she hadn't experienced the same hardships as Hajime, it was easy to retort with arguments like, "You clearly know nothing!" or "Don't be so conceited!" Or, as Aiko said, she could simply dismiss her words as "insignificant" and discard them like trash.

However, there was no way Hajime could do such a thing.

Because Hajime felt that it would be too embarrassing to refute the 'teacher' who was still looking directly at him with such 'insignificant' words, even if there were contradictions in Aiko's words...

Furthermore, Aiko never imposed "justice" on Hajime from beginning to end. Although all her words and intentions were partly for the people of this town, even so, she was truly thinking about Hajime's future and happiness.

Hajime shifted his gaze from Aiko to Yue, who was standing beside him. For some reason, Yue looked at Aiko with a look of nostalgia. But when she noticed Hajime's gaze, her calm eyes immediately met his. Her expression told her that no matter what conclusion Hajime reached, she would stay with him.

At the bottom of the abyss, this lovely girl preserved the last of her humanity for Hajime, who was on the verge of "degradation." Hajime truly wished for her happiness, and he also hoped that he would be the one to make her happy. If he believed Aiko, perhaps Hajime's way of life would never bring happiness to Yue.

He shifted his gaze again, seeing the bunny-eared girl looking at him worriedly. She was the girl who brought a touch of life to the narrow world of just Hajime and Yue. No matter how many times Hajime treated her cruelly, she never gave up, desperately pursuing him. Now, Yue, in turn, treated her like a companion and friend, doting on her. Was it Hajime's acceptance of Shia that brought Yue a certain happiness?

For Hajime, this world is a prison, a cage that prevents him from returning home. Therefore, devoting himself wholeheartedly to the people and things of this world is extremely difficult. At the bottom of the abyss, he gave up everything else to return home, showing no mercy to those who stood in his way. These values, deeply ingrained in him, are not easily changed.

However, even if Hajime struggled to truly consider others, he could still take that action. If that action could bring happiness to those important to him... Yue and Shia, he would not hesitate to contribute his heart and soul.

Hajime didn't agree with everything Aiko said. But even so, it was still childish to dismiss the sincere "preaching" of "one's teacher" as nonsense.

Because of this commotion, Hajime's existence will become known to the world, and the possibility of troubles will increase dramatically. However, I ask that 'Teacher Aiko', who cares about the students, do her best. She said those strong words to Hajime, and this responsibility must be shouldered by her.

Regardless, it was clear that Hajime and the others would be targeted sooner or later. Hajime had already made some advance arrangements for those troubles, and he had decided not to be polite to this world. So, a flashy display of strength wouldn't be a bad idea.

Hajime thought this, as if making an excuse, and turned to Aiko again.

"... From now on, no matter what happens, will you always be my teacher?"

The implication of this sentence is to ask, will she continue to stand by him? This question is mixed with a bit of malicious intentions and his wishes.

"certainly."

Aiko answered without hesitation.

"...No matter what decision I make? Even if it's a result that the teacher doesn't like?"

"Yes, a teacher's duty is not to decide a student's future, but to help them make better decisions. If Nagumo-san still decides to do that after listening to me, I won't deny it."

Hajime and Aiko stared at each other for a long moment, trying to confirm her words. Hajime had specifically sought her verbal promise because, if possible, he didn't want to become Aiko's enemy. After confirming that Aiko's eyes held no falsehood or disguise, he slowly turned and headed for the exit, followed by Yue and Shia.

"Nan-Nangumo-san?"

Seeing Hajime's behavior, Aiko called out to him in panic. Hajime turned around and, as if surrendering to Aiko's "teacher mode," shrugged and replied:

"To deal with an army of tens of thousands, we still need to prepare. I'll leave the consultation to you."

"Nagumo-kun!"

Hearing Hajime's answer, Aiko's expression suddenly brightened. Seeing Aiko's expression, Hajime smiled bitterly.

"That was advice from the best 'teacher' I've ever known. Furthermore, since it concerns the happiness of these two people... I can't take it lightly. Anyway, I will crush those guys this time."

After saying this, Hajime patted Yue and Shia on the shoulders, turned around again, and left the room without looking back. Yue and Shia, exuding a very happy aura, trotted after Hajime.

With a bang, the door slammed shut. The town officials, previously intimidated by the tension between Aiko and Hajime and remaining silent, all demanded an explanation from Aiko.

Aiko was shaken by the crowd, staring at the door that Hajime walked out of. Her face no longer had the joy she had felt when Hajime forgave her. Aiko told Hajime that she felt sad for his way of life, and this thought was truly from her heart.

However, in the end, she still let her important students make the decision and go to face a large number of monsters. Aiko also realized that she was conflicted because she didn't want her students to get used to using power, but she also let them go to the battlefield.

She hoped that Hajime would re-evaluate his way of life, and that he could save the people of Ur Town. In the end, both wishes seemed to be fulfilled, but...was there no other way? Aiko felt frustrated by her own inadequacy and powerlessness as a teacher.

She only hoped that every student would return home with their original intentions intact... Aiko's wish was no longer possible. After hearing what Hajime had said last night, she knew that hope had become a fantasy. Even so, she couldn't stop hoping.

Surrounded by the noise and questions from important people, Aiko sighed secretly.

Yuka and the others on the side, either with complicated emotions or with intense looks, stared at the door that Hajime left through.

Incidentally, Tio, who had come to the office with Hajime and the others, blushed and said, "I'm supposed to be an important witness... Could this be some kind of play... As expected of you, the master (omitted)", but was naturally ignored.

To the north of [Ur Town] is the [Mountain Range], and to the west is [Lake Urdia]. This resource-rich town is now surrounded by an "outer wall" that did not exist until last night, and a strange atmosphere shrouds the town.

This "outer wall" was built temporarily. He rode on the Huetifu, and instead of using it to level the ground, he built the "outer wall" while circling the town's perimeter.

However, the wall's height was limited to Hajime's cultivation range, and four meters was the limit. It wasn't very high. A large monster would easily be able to scale it. However, this wall was built just as a precaution, with the thought that something was better than nothing, so it wasn't a problem. Besides, Hajime hadn't intended for the enemy to scale the outer wall.

The townspeople had already heard that a horde of tens of thousands of monsters was approaching. Given the monsters' speed, the vanguard would likely arrive before dusk.

Naturally, the residents were in a state of panic. Some cursed the mayor and other officials, others broke down in tears, some embraced those around them, some scrambled to escape, and some argued in the chaos. Knowing that their hometown would be destroyed tomorrow and that their lives would be in danger if they stayed, few remained calm, and their actions were understandable.

However, one person calmed their hearts—Aiko. The escort knights finally returned to town and listened to the situation. The "Goddess of Plenty" led them, standing on a high platform and shouting encouragement to the crowd. Her fearless, majestic presence, coupled with her already high profile, temporarily restored the crowd's composure. Hatayama Aiko—in a sense, she was even more heroic than a hero.

Those who regained their composure split into two groups: the group that stayed behind, unwilling to abandon their homeland and willing to live and die with the town, depending on the situation; and the evacuation group, who, as originally planned, took shelter until rescue arrived.

Many of the remaining group also advocated for the women and children to evacuate. Some men, trusting Aiko's words, believed they could defeat the monster and decided to stay and help. There were also wives who evacuated just in case. Although it was well past midnight, the town was still brightly lit, and everywhere one could see people hugging each other and saying tearful goodbyes.

The evacuees had packed up and left town before daybreak. With the sun high in the sky, everyone was either preparing for battle or taking a nap. Most of those who stayed behind believed the "Goddess of Plenty" and her companions would help them repel the enemy, but even so, they maintained the spirit of "defending their own town" and wanted to contribute whatever they could.

The town was much emptier, yet it felt more vibrant than usual. Hajime sat on the makeshift wall, his back to the town, gazing aimlessly into the distance. Naturally, Yue and Shia were beside him. Hajime seemed lost in thought, while the two of them quietly clung to him.

At this moment, Aiko, Yuuka, and several other students, along with Tio, Will, David, and several other knights, arrived. Hajime had clearly noticed Aiko and the others approaching, but he didn't turn back, earning David and the others a stern look. However, Aiko spoke before they did:

"Nagumo-san, how are your preparations going? Is there anything you need?"

"No, it's okay, Sensei."

Shiji still didn't turn around and answered simply. Seeing his attitude, David finally couldn't help but challenge him:

“Hey, you bastard, Aiko… your mentor is talking to you, what’s with that attitude?! We were supposed to ask you in detail about the artifacts you possess and how you defeated the monster army, but because Aiko came to ask for your help, we didn’t pursue it. You almost—”

"Mr. David, could you please be quiet for a moment?"

“Hmm… I understand…”

However, when Aiko asked him to "be quiet," he immediately shut up in frustration, looking like a loyal dog. He was clearly not a demihuman, but he had the illusion of having dog ears and a tail, and now, being scolded by his owner, he drooped his ears in frustration.

"Nagumo-san, that black-robed man..."

It seems that this is the main topic. I can feel Aiko's distress from her voice.

"You want to confirm his identity, right? Do you want me to not kill him even if I find him?"

“…Yes, I have to confirm it no matter what. Um… I keep forcing Nagumo-san…”

"I'll bring him here anyway."

"what?"

"I will bring the black-robed man to the teacher, and the teacher will do as the teacher wishes... and I will cooperate."

"Nagumo-san...thank you."

Aiko seemed a little surprised by Hajime's unexpected cooperation, but seeing as Hajime didn't look back, he must have had mixed feelings. So, Aiko decided to accept his kindness with gratitude, and inwardly lamented her own helplessness, thanking Hajime with a wry smile.

Seeing that the conversation with Aiko was over, Tio took this opportunity and walked up to Hajime and said:

"Well, I can speak now, right? I have something to say... or should I say, I have something to ask of you. Will you please... listen to me?"

“?……………………It’s Tio.”

"What's that blank space?! You, you didn't forget my existence, did you? Fufu, this is not bad either..."

Hearing this unfamiliar voice, Hajime couldn't help but turn around, a look of surprise crossing his face. Before him stood a black-haired, golden-eyed beauty wearing a garment resembling a kimono, its black fabric faintly embroidered with gold. The collar of the garment was wide open, revealing her snow-white shoulders and alluring breasts. The hem of the garment rolled above her knees, unreservedly showcasing her beautiful legs... She was a beauty you could never forget once you saw her. Yet, upon seeing her, Hajime called out her name, as if only now remembering it.

Tio's existence had clearly been forgotten. Far from being angry, her cheeks flushed and her breathing became rapid. What was this "this kind of thing" she was talking about...it was better not to ask.