CH 1.8

「Another world….? But that’s….No, given that variants exist….no, but….」

After being confused for some time, Yui stared into my eyes.

「I want to believe Kazu but, I want to see some evidence. Is there any evidence that you went to another world?」

「Then, I’ll show you magic. Magic isn’t very developed here, right?」

「Yeah. Basically, the only way for someone to cast magic is with the help of a magic tool.」

「Then, asked me to do anything. If it can be done with magic, I can do almost anything.」

「By almost anything you mean….then, try using ice magic. Of all offensive attributes, ice magic tool is the most difficult to make.」

Compared to high heat system, which can simply be done by increasing the vibration speed of molecules, or lightning system, which is not difficult if you understand the theory, ice system requires you to stop molecular vibration and it becomes more difficult the more you try to master it.

「Understood.」

However, it’s not difficult for the current me.

「…..what’s wrong? It’s hard after all, right?」

「No, I already did.」

I pointed behind Yui.

An ice sculpture appeared behind Yui.

「How could you do it in an instant without ritual or catalyst….? Moreover, this is….isn’t this the magical girl in sailor uniform, Usako-chan?」

「She’s Yui’s favorite character. I thought that just putting a lump of ice was not an art so I made it like that.」

The training of making ice statues reminds me of my magic training over there.

It was hell….

The reason I shuddered was not because of the cold air that the statue is emitting.

「There is no sign of using magic tool….somehow….in many ways, you’re the real deal.」

I feel like Yui’s strength came off her shoulder.

「Hey Shiratori, I can’t protect this city as much as I can now. It’s not a big deal compared to saving the world. Do you still choose to fight? 」

「…..hey, Kazu, do you remember your parents?」

「Of course. I haven’t seen them since they went overseas when I started high school.」

「It’s been more than a year and they’ve never come back. They left their high schooler son and junior high schooler daughter at home.」

「It can’t be helped since they were transferred to the Amazon hinterland.」

「Then, have they ever contacted you? Even once?」

「No since they’re a sloppy couple.」

「Were they like that before they were transferred overseas?」

「No, they were rather….」

「Isn’t it strange? No, didn’t you ever think it was strange?」

「Now that you mentioned it….I never find it strange….」

「Do you know your parent’s contact information? Did you see them off at the airport?」

I recall none of those. However, I never wondered, not even once.

「No way….are you saying that my parents are no longer…..」

「You’re really perceptive….that’s right. Once a person was eaten by a variant, that person will lose all causality.」

「So they were treated as if they never existed and you won’t feel bad that they’re not here anymore?」

Even in that world, there were demons that have abilities like that.

「I had a little sister myself. However, only when they found out that I have an aptitude for the divine object that I learned about it.」

「Your little sister was….」

「I don’t have any memories of her at all….that’s why I couldn’t forgive them. Even if I’m a failure who can’t even bring out 10% of what the divine object….That’s why I wanted to protect Kazu….that….but half of it is anger….so, you know, I didn’t do it because I want to become a hero or something….」

Yui seemed to be ashamed but I don’t think she was wrong.

Yui chose to fight even though she knew there was a good chance she would die.

Even though she has the resources to live a life without a care in the world, she chose to fight.

Unlike me, who gained special abilities as a savior when I was reincarnated.

Yui has true strength.

I remembered the friends I met in the other world.

I remember the friends who had died…….

Then, I look back at my memories of Yui.

Since we became estranged, we no longer kept in touch…or even remembered Yui….?

How about during the reunion?

I attended on a whim but, was Yui there?

No one brought up the fact that she’s not.

Yui who stands out so much….

No way….she was killed….

And I didn’t even know about it…..

「I’ll fight too」

「Kazu seems to be strong so you can do so but….you might die. Unlike me, you don’t have any mission imposed on you by your family….」

「Shiratori is not doing this because of your mission alone, right? 」

「That’s true, but… 」

To be honest, I wanted to take it easy in this third life of mine.

However, if I just do what I want, I can’t face those people who have died.

Besides, I’m….

「I have no choice. I want to save Shiratori.」

「Kazu….you’re so cool. However, I’ve always known it. Kazu has always been cool.」

Yui looked away.

T-too cute….

I may have been made to forget about her but she is my first love….

Yui would probably say she doesn’t want to be protected but I’ll definitely protect her.

「From now on, we will be partners in defeating variants, right?」

「That’s right.」

「Then, call me by my name. If you call me by my family name, it will be hard to distinguish who you are referring to, right?」

「I don’t think I’ll deal with anyone else from the Shiratori family….」

「I don’t care!」

Yui’s cheeks puff out.

Aren’t you being shy earlier?

「Understood, Yui.」

「Yeah! Please take care of me from now on!」

I’m going to fight with all my might so that this bright smile will never cloud again.

I should be capable of doing that now.