Hajime ignored Ririana’s, *not sure how i'm supposed to use this expression, パァ*Pa~a!, expression which was shining, and with a, is this alright then? he glanced towards Kaori and them. The three people as well as Ririana returned a joyful smile at Hajime.
Somehow or another it’s become really sweat now, he thought, even Yue and Shia besides him were smiling at him, [Ma~a, this isn’t bad I guess], Hajime let out a bitter smile as he shrugged his shoulders.
[And where are you guys planning on heading Nagumo-kun? If you’re aiming for Age of God’s magic then you’ll be going for the great labyrinths right? If you came from the West then…...is it the Sea of Trees?]
[Ahh, that’s our intent. I had plan to go via Fuyuren but, heading partly towards the south is bothersome so I think we’ll just go as is towards the East]
After hearing what Hajime had planned, Ririana’s expression was as if she had thought of something.
[Then, will you be passing through the Empire’s territory?]
[It’ll probably happen…..]
[If so then, would it be alright if I tagged along as well?]
[N? What for?]
[There are mountains of things to talk about with the Empire about the Kingdom being invaded. The messenger and ambassador have already left for the Empire but, it’s best to talk about it at the earliest possible. With Nagumo-san’s transportation artifact, getting to the Empire would be quick right? That’s why, I was wondering if I could board as well and have a direct talk over there]
Hajime was amazed at Ririana’s bold plan and how she worked her way up towards it, if he thought about it, she was the princess who in order to get help, ran away from the Kingdom and traveled through a caravan. Thinking of it he was strangely convinced that it was natural that she would naturally think up of such an idea.
And, since it wasn’t much trouble to just lower her down as they went along their path, his mind consented that it was alright. However, he didn’t forget to give a warning.
[Dropping you off is fine but, we won’t be entering the Empire? We’ll never accompany you to a meeting with the Emperor?]
[Fufu, don’t say such impudent things. Just dropping me off is more than enough]
Ririana unintentionally let out a wry smile after Hajime’s cautious remark, then Kouki who was silenced by Hajime began to talk again.
[If that’s so then, We’ll also tag along. Riri can’t be left alone with someone who thinks nothing of this world. We’ll be the guards along the way. Besides, if Nagumo doesn’t plan on doing anything then, I’ll save this world! For that purpose, power is needed! The power of Age of God’s magic! If we tag along with you guys, we’ll be able to obtain Age of God’s magic right!]
[No, I’ll tell you their locations so don’t come without permission. If you tag along it’ll always be troublesome all the time]
What are you suddenly getting so fired up about, Hajime had an amazed expression. I guess the criticism about not relying on others wasn’t understood. There, Aiko timidly points out Hajime’s words from before.
[But, Nagumo-kun, you said that even if we challenged a great labyrinth now, we’d be killed]
[......No, that was, that other thing. Look, even I who was “incapable” managed to do something about it, so you guys should be fine. You can do it, you can do it. In short you need fighting spirit]
[Isn’t that impossible?]
Hajime irresponsibly turned his eyes away from Aiko who completely remembered his remark.
As for Hajime, the dawn when they surpassed the limits of the world was something that he didn’t mind allow his classmates to get a free pass into. But, helping them obtain Age of God’s magic from the first step was something he wanted absolutely nothing to do with. There was no other reason but the loss of time.
[Nagumo-kun, could I ask you a favor. Just once is fine. Even with just 1 Age of Gods magic, it’ll make a decisive difference in completing the other great labyrinths. Won’t you let us follow along this once?]
[If you plan on leaching then the magic won’t be obtainable? Its required through actions to be accepted by the labyrinth]
[Of course. Putting aside God’s case for now, we’re also the same in wanting to return home. We’ll desperately challenge it with determined will. That’s why, I ask of you. Being saved several times and only being able to say our thanks of repaying your kindness to you, but right now, we can’t do anything but rely on you. Please lend us your power once more]
[Suzu’s also asking, Nagumo-kun. I want to become stronger and have a talk with Eri once again. So I ask of you! This favor will definitely be repaid if you take along suzu and us]
Up until now Aiko had listen to their unreasonable words, only Shizuku earnestly wanted help to obtain the Age of Gods magic. Her expression was stiff and uneasy as she felt sorry that they had to rely on them while not being able to repay their kindness.
Suzu who had kept silent for a long time was also influenced by Shizuku and lowered her head. It appears that she had thought of various things about Eri. Her voice and expression carried desperation. Kouki’s eyebrow jumped up a little in reaction to the spectacle he saw but, in the end he didn’t say anything.
Hajime was hesitating. Normally, taking along Kouki and them to finish [Harutsuina Sea of Trees] was troublesome and unthinkable. He wanted to quickly refuse them and tell them to go to whichever they wanted out of [Orcus Great Labyrinth] or [Raisen Great Labyrinth].
However, this time, after his battle with Nointo his judgement was hesitating.
That was because, he thought of how to eliminate Nointo as well as the influential men who were seen manipulated back in the past at the [Merujine Underwater Ruins] who will likely be a nuisance, she was a doll who was the embodiment of God’s will and literally the hands and feet of God that moved around secretly behind the scenes.
Then, if “God’s Apostle(Nointo)” was clearly created, sure enough, can we be certain that there’s not more than one. It may be overly optimistic in thinking so.
Nointo had said. Hajime was an Irregular and God’s wish was to have him die while suffering. If so then, sure enough it’s logical to believe that they’ll send in more existences like Nointo. Assuming so, for the sake of that time, it may be a good idea to give Kouki and them some power? Hajime thought.
Although it was quite evil to throw others at the enemies which were after him, [Ma~a, the Hero has his mind set on fighting God so there shouldn’t be any problems right?], he thought lightly, in the end, he finally decided to accept their company and moved towards [Harutsuina Sea of Trees]. For the time being, he glanced at Yue and them for confirmation and it didn’t appear that they had any particular objections.
Shizuku and them had a smile of relief which leaked out, Hajime was thinking about the 2 remaining great labyrinths that would come in the future.
Regardless of what’s there, the ending of these travels were coming into view. No matter the existence which blocked their path, no matter the situation that they fall in, he’ll beat them by all means and return home. Along with the “Importance” that he obtained in this world.
That oath renewed his desire and included his new bonds which piled up and became even stronger. While feeling the flame of determination growing bigger within his heart, Hajime quietly smiled.