An ordinary profession creates the world's strongest

After finishing what seemed like the nth cup of coffee, Hajime took a breath.

Cho and Sumire also took a deep breath, relaxing their tense bodies. Cho rubbed his brows, while Sumire stared down at the empty cup, unsure how to react, remaining silent and hesitant.

"You really can't believe it, right?"

Hajime asked with a wry smile. He also admired his parents. They listened to such a topic without interrupting him or refusing to listen any further because they thought he was talking nonsense. He was very grateful.

Hajime himself knew that this was ridiculous and unbelievable.

Chou and Jin looked at each other and were silent for a moment, seemingly choosing their words carefully. Then, they slowly spoke:

"Well...after all, Dad and Mom are not averse to this kind of thing due to their jobs, and they are quite knowledgeable. But...in reality, when you encounter something like this, it's inevitable..."

"I can't accept it right away."

Shuu spoke tactfully, taking Hajime into consideration. Sumire, on the other hand, was forthright in expressing her feelings.

"After all, this mass disappearance is truly unnatural... We can't completely rule out the possibility. And you have no reason to lie. So... what we're worried about is..."

"We're concerned that you might have been tricked by someone into thinking this."

"Haha, Dad is right. This is the most realistic possibility. If I were you, I would think so too."

The entire class was kidnapped and brainwashed by someone, and implanted with such ridiculous memories...

This is indeed more likely to be true. It's not that I suspect my son is lying, but rather that he's been brainwashed. If he truly is brainwashed, he should receive treatment as soon as possible—this consideration and concern is indeed more practical.

"Mom and Dad, I actually have a way to prove whether what I said is true or not. So, please assume that what I said is true and answer my next questions."

His parents were staring at him, their eyes filled with worry and a desire to uncover the truth. Facing their gazes, Hajime took a deep breath.

To confirm something he wanted to confirm no matter what.

This was also to face the doubts that were pointed out by his own virtual image in the ice cave before. That was the thing that was hidden deep in Shi's heart and what he feared the most.

"...What do you think of what I've done? Or rather, what do you think of me now?"

Disappointment, fear, rejection, disgust...

Although Hajime had already prepared himself mentally, if his parents really had such feelings for him... to be honest, it would still be hard to bear. He might run out of the house and escape into the arms of his loved ones.

However, in contrast to Hajime's nervousness, both Sou and Sumire wore wry smiles. Their expressions looked like they were troubled, yet also somewhat helpless.

“Hajime, you’re really something. Sumire and I are not saints or gentlemen.”

"what?"

While Hajime was filled with confusion, Chou and Sumire both stood up, sat next to Hajime and snuggled up to him.

"We care more about our son's safety than the death of others. Even if it's wrong, it's what being a parent is. And you're so nervous, kid... Did you think we'd disown you? How foolish."

"But... Mom. It's true that I killed because I had to, but I didn't hesitate at all. That's absolutely true. I've become someone who doesn't feel any repulsion or disgust towards killing. Can you really accept a son like that?"

His mother gently stroked Hajime's head, as if to say, "I really can't help you, kid." After hearing his mother's response, Hajime impulsively asked further questions. He felt that this was very unlike his usual self, because this way of asking questions was just demanding the answer he wanted.

From a certain perspective, maybe this is just acting like a spoiled child.

Chou seemed to have noticed what Shi was thinking, and she reached out to touch Shi's head, a little more roughly than Sumire's, ruffling his hair.

"There's no question of acceptance or rejection. In the Nanyun family, there's no concept of severing family ties. No matter how unwilling you are, no matter what happens, you can't stop being my son."

"dad……"

"It means 'You can't escape from father's grasp!'"

"Don't joke around at a time like this..."

Dad was still talking nonsense, but this also proved that he was sincere.

"Hajime, do you regret what you did?"

Sumire, who was sitting next to him, asked. Hajime spoke without hesitation.

"No, I don't regret it, nor do I think it was wrong. I decided to do it because I was determined to bear all the consequences."

If he didn't, he could lose everything at any moment. No matter how powerful Hajime was, when he had more important things, he had to live even harder. Softness and naiveté were his greatest enemies.

Seeing her son's unwavering eyes, Sumire's eyes softened a little and she continued to ask:

"So, will you do the same thing when you come back?"

"...No, absolutely not. Not at all, Mom. Because, the journey I embarked on, determined to kill the enemy, has now come to an end. Therefore, I must change the way I live... But I don't intend to be someone who won't resist either."

"Is that so? That's good. Hajime, even if your heart no longer rejects killing, you still retain your rationality and compassion. In that case, it doesn't matter."

If my son goes astray in the future, as a mother, I will definitely guide him back on the right path this time. If he makes a mistake, I will bear the responsibility with him this time.

Regardless of emotion, the mother expressed her willingness to face the responsibility with Shi.

As a parent, if I had witnessed my son committing murder, I would certainly be shaken. I might not have been able to make such a reassurance to my son without hesitation.

However, Chou and Sumire would never fear and abandon their son. This was the only thing they could guarantee.

Shi fully felt the thoughtfulness of his parents.

“…I see.”

The breath I'd unconsciously held finally returned to a natural, smooth flow. My tense shoulders finally relaxed. The lingering fear that had been lurking deep within me finally dissipated.

The son closed his eyes, seemingly trying to gather his emotions. Chou and Sumire simply looked at him quietly, eyes filled with care.

Perhaps it was only at this time that the couple finally felt the reality of their son's return.

"...Dad, Mom, thank you."

He opened his eyes, looked straight at his parents, and expressed his gratitude from the bottom of his heart.

The parents just nodded. Because, that was enough.

"So, Mom and Dad, regarding the premise I just mentioned—"

"Uh, oh."

"That's so sudden. You change your mind so quickly, don't you?"

Hajime suddenly raised the corners of his mouth into a mischievous smile, and the atmosphere changed completely, causing Sou and Sumire to tense up.

However, as parents, they could see that their son was trying to hide his shyness. The couple smiled wryly and nodded.

"I just said I have the means to prove my words are true, right?"

Hearing Hajime's words, both Cho and Sumire wore indescribably complex expressions. They were half-believing, half-doubting—no, more accurately, half-believing, half-doubting. Their inner doubts were reflected in their faces.

"Dad, Mom...we used to talk a lot about what would happen if we were summoned to another world. We excitedly discussed all sorts of 'what ifs', right?"

"Hmm? Yeah, I remember. Not just in the past, but we often talk about hypothetical topics like this."

"Like, what if the world were overrun by zombies and plunged into chaos, or if your workplace or school were attacked by terrorists? I guess any otaku would love to imagine these scenarios."

As they said, Hajime had discussed the topic of summoning to another world with his parents more than once or twice. Because of their professions and hobbies, the Nagumo family often discussed this topic.

But why did their son suddenly bring up this matter? Chou and Sumire tilted their heads in confusion.

Hajime continued shyly:

"Dad always said that every man wants to defeat the Demon King and start a harem in the world of swords and magic."

"After all, this is the most classic plot development. But every time I say this, you always say things like, 'I can't defeat the Demon King, but I will try my best to get home. If there are important people, I will bring them home with me.' It makes me feel bored, Dad."

"I'm truly sorry. But I defeated the evil god. That's more than just words."

"...Hajime? I don't think that's possible, but are you... planning on introducing us to that fantasy girlfriend you've mentioned so many times?"

"It's not my fantasy girlfriend. But, this is exactly what I want to talk about."

Cho and Sumire turned to look at each other. It was clear they weren't sure how to react. And no wonder.

“Wait a minute. Honey, maybe that person is the culprit who brainwashed Hajime and implanted false memories into him…”

"Ah, Sumire! You're so sharp even though you just stayed up all night!"

"Yes, that must be the case. This kid was smirking while he was explaining it, almost to the point of being a little disgusting. He must have been tricked! And that person must have said something like, 'If you want your son back, buy me this sacred pot!' That must be the case! How despicable! They actually took my precious son...!"

Seeing that Jin was getting more and more excited, Chou thought to himself, "No, your head is still in that state after staying up all night," and tried to comfort her.

Realizing that his parents had mistaken their beloved for a malicious salesman, Hajime nearly burst out laughing. Then, he looked up at the empty sky.

"... Yue, can you hear me? It's me."

“!? Uh, hey! Sumire! Hajime is talking to a place that has nothing in it! Is it really like you said, that she’s an imaginary girlfriend? As a father, what should I do in a situation like this!?”

"Honey, don't panic. Maybe... Tsk, I was too careless. Maybe Hajime has been bugged. If that scammer selling the Sacred Pot really exists... she'll show up soon!"

"What!? Damn it! You're using my son as your salesperson... I won't let you down! Watch me unleash my incredible bargaining skills and make sure she suffers a crushing loss!"

Not only Jin, but even the originally calm father Chou started to behave abnormally.

But it's no wonder that he felt flustered when he saw his son suddenly talking to nothing in the air.

Hajime decided that if he continued to complain to them, the conversation would be lost, so he continued on his own.

"Well, Yue, that's all. I'd like to introduce you right away... Yes, open the space gate and come directly over. As for your location... just one meter east of me."

In fact, Yue and others are currently waiting at Hajime's alma mater.

Because when I came back from Todas, the coordinates of the "Space Gate" were specified as the top floor of the school.

The reason for choosing this place was that for Hajime, this place was second only to his hometown in terms of its ease of visualization. Moreover, even during the day, it was generally locked and not easily seen by others. It was indeed the most convenient location.

After everyone returned, they embraced each other, tears streaming down their faces. They even forcibly lifted Hajime up and threw him, demonstrating their overflowing joy. "Hey! No jumping around on the rooftop!" After being reprimanded by Shizuku, everyone dispersed and headed home at a pace that would have made even Olympic athletes blush. Then, Yue and the others offered to stay at the school and wait.

They didn't want to disturb Hajime from spending time with his family.

Of course, Chou and Jin had no idea of ​​the reasons. Seeing their son still talking to nothing in the air, they took out their cell phones with tears in their eyes and were about to search for information about the hospital.

However, this expression only lasted for a moment. Then, they froze in shock.

“Hajime, don’t be afraid. Dad will definitely heal you—huh?”

"I got it, honey. This hospital should be—huh?"

At the wall right between the living room and the dining room, the space began to twist in a vortex shape and emitted a golden light.

The couple dropped their phones at the same time. They had no idea what was happening and could only stare in amazement.

Before their eyes, the golden light gradually formed a smooth oval shape, and then the inside gradually became transparent, revealing a place that looked familiar. Yes, it was the school classroom.

“Wha, wha, wha, what!? This is—Anywhere Door!?”

“Eh? Eh!? W-What’s going on!? Eh!?”

Chou and Jin were so surprised that they suddenly stood up, and their chairs fell over. As they panicked and didn't know what to do, a beautiful girl poked her head out from the corner of the space door.

Her hair was as beautiful as golden threads, her eyes were like rubies, and her appearance was so stunning that even the most luxurious dolls would be outshined.

The phenomenon happening before their eyes and the beauty of the girl who stuck her head out were so unreal that Shuu and Sumire froze up again.

Yue looked around the room with great interest, and upon seeing Sho and Sumire, she immediately smiled. That smile, filled with love and kindness, was like the moment a doll was brought to life.

"Uhuh...!" Sumire couldn't help but make this otaku-specific sound, while Cho rolled his eyes.

Then, Yue looked at Hajime and asked with her eyes, "Can I come in?"

Hajime stood up, held out his hand to her, his eyes filled with tenderness.

"Welcome to the Nagumo family. You're welcome, come in."

"……Um."

Yue stepped in lightly.

She stood up straight with her hands placed neatly in front of her, and it was obvious that she was unusually nervous.

To Yue, the fact that she was about to be introduced to the parents of her beloved seemed like a matter of life and death, and she had to take it seriously no matter what.

Hajime looked at Yue with affection and stood beside her. A moment later, a mischievous smile spread across his face, like a child who had pulled off a successful prank. Then, he introduced his beloved vampire princess to his parents.

"Dad, Mom, her name is Yue. She's the most special person to me. She's from another world, a vampire, and she was originally a princess."

“What…Royal Attribute!?”

No matter how panicked he was, he would still be an otaku. When he heard familiar attributes, his body would automatically react.

Wow, they really are Hajime’s parents—Yue immediately thought to herself after seeing their reaction.

This made Yue feel a little warm inside, and her tension eased a little. Then she took a deep breath, composed herself, and gathered her energy to prepare for the crucial scene.

Yue pinched the hem of her skirt with both hands and bowed with graceful and elegant movements, performing an impeccable curtsy.