CH prologue 2

The Beginning after the End

A brown haired boy about 10 years old and a black haired boy of the same age were fighting each other with wooden swords.

The battle was so fierce that it was hard to believe it was a child’s fight. When the brown-haired boy swung his sword, the impact caused the ground to gouge out, and when the wooden swords collided with each other, a gust of wind was generated all around.

The brown-haired boy had the upper hand. It was only a matter of time before the battle was decided, but the dark-haired boy was just barely hanging on.

“As expected of The Hero. Even the child prodigy is no match for you.”

“That’s right. In the past, the child prodigy’s growth rate was frightening, but now he’s on the same level as ordinary people. As expected, it is the Hero Oliver who will fulfil our wishes.”

“Ah. However, even a child prodigy can at least be a shield for the brave.”

A few adults were chatting a short distance away, watching the fight, when their talk finally came to an end.

The black-haired boy was lying on his back on the ground, and the brown-haired boy was breathing on his shoulder, pointing the tip of his sword at the black-haired boy.

“Haa… Haa… Haa…”

“Man, I lost. I don’t think I can beat Oliver anymore. Hahaha…”

“-! Why don’t you take it seriously, Orun! You’re supposed to be stronger than this! The you from before was better!”

“You’re overestimating. I gave it my all. I may have been stronger than you before, however you grew up and surpassed me. There is no way I could beat a genius like you.”

“I don’t believe that! It doesn’t even feel like I’ve beaten you! One day I’ll beat you for real!”

“I’m telling you, this is the best I can do…”

” Shut up! You’ll see. I’m going to make you really go all out!”

The brown-haired boy, Oliver, called out to him, then turned his back on the black-haired boy called Orun and walked away.

“…I hope I don’t get that chance. I… don’t want to kill you. Since I’m absolutely not going to let you die because of me…”

Orun looked at Oliver’s back and said in a voice too quiet for him to hear.

“Shion-sama, it’s about time for you to go home.”

Someone who looked like a maid called out to the silver-haired girl who had been watching the fight between the two apart from several adults.

Yeah, okay. I’m going to go say hello to Orun.”

“Very well. We will prepare a carriage for you.”

The silver-haired girl called Sion went to Orun, who was still lying down.

“Good work, Orun. That was unfortunate.”

“Shion? You were here. I showed you something uncool, huh.”

Orun stood up with an uncomfortable look on his face.

“No, it wasn’t. It was cool, okay? And I know what your true power is, Orun.”

“True power or not, this is what I’m capable of now.”

“But that’s-”

“Yes. It was because I was weak at heart and couldn’t stand the fearful stares of those around me, so I broke out in tears. As a result, I became a huge burden for Oliver to carry. That’s why I have to do the same-”

“I won’t let Orun be alone!”

“…Shion?”

“I’ll become strong enough to stand next to Orun! Strong enough to defeat ***** together! Since we’re both ****. I’ll always be with Orun! Even if Orun goes somewhere far away, I’ll catch up with him! So, don’t carry this burden alone…”

Orun was puzzled by Shion’s words, but his face gradually turned red and his eyes began to moisten.

“Isn’t it time for Shion to go home? I’ll walk you to the carriage.”

Orun turned his back on Shion and spoke quickly as he walked toward the carriage.

“Ah, wait for me! …Huh? Hey Orun, are you crying because you’re happy~?”

“Of course not. You can’t make fun of me until you’ve caught up with the real me.”

“Hmm? Wasn’t that Orun’s strength in the fight earlier? If that’s the case, then I’ve already surpassed you.”

“Guh… you’re so uptight!”

“Ahaha!”

The two of them walked towards the place where the carriage stopped, talking happily.

When they arrived at the carriage, Shion turned and looked firmly into Orun’s face.

“I know it sounded like a joke earlier, but I’m serious. I’m serious about catching up with Orn. That’s why I want you to be my guide for now. One day, we’ll be able to walk shoulder to shoulder in that place!”

“…Okay. Don’t go missing.”

“I won’t. I’m not a lost child. I’ll see you later, Orun.”

“See you later. Shion.”

After the greeting, Shion turned her back on Orun and got into the carriage.

“Now then, Orun-sama, we will be taking our leave.”

“Ok. Be careful on the way.”

Finally, the maidservant bowed to Orun, then climbed into the carriage and the carriage began to move.

“Orun~, bye-bye!”

“Shion-sama! You’re being immodest!”

Shion ignored the maid servant’s remark, put her head out of the carriage and gave a big wave to Orun. Orun followed suit and waved Shion goodbye.

A few hours later, the place had been cleared of all traces of the fierce battle. And all the people who were here…