“Well, there’s a lot of things I want to retort about though!” (Haine)

Even when humans have reconciled with monsters, the hero system still serves as a big role for the church as their face.

It looks like, within that hero system, the long long legacy of Sasae-chan was about to begin.

• 417: The Wind since then

A few days more after the shocking happenings at Ishtar Blaze.

We were heading to the next place, the Wind capital, Rudras Metropolis.

When talking about Rudras Metropolis, the first thing that comes to mind is the Wind Church that’s the most advanced ethereal technology research, and thanks to that advancement, the city itself is on top of a gigantic mobilization device.

They don’t stay in one place, and if need be, they can move their whole city together with them.

Of course, there’s terrain limitations in that they can’t cross deserts or seas.

……It has been four years since then.

*********

“…It is floating.” (Karen)

“…..It is indeed floating.” (Haine)

We were dumbstruck by the panoramic view we had of Rudras Metropolis.

Dumbstruck by the full portrait of Rudras Metropolis that has changed to a point that our understanding can’t catch up.

The moving city that was the amalgamation of their ethereal technology was now floating in the sky.

I don’t know what’s the deal with that, but it is flying in the sky.

A whole city was floating at a pretty high altitude.

The moving city of Rudras Metropolis had now become the flying city of Rudras Metropolis.

*****

“Haine! And also Karen-dono! It is an honor to see you here!!”

Since we are riding flying machines, we could easily enter the place.

When we lower at a place that seems to be a space specially for takeoffs and landings of flying devices, the Wind Founder, Toreido Shiva was waiting for us.

“Why is it flying?!” (Haine)

It had been a while since we met again, but the first thing that came out flying from my mouth was that.

Because there’s no way not to.

Why is a city flying?

“……Well, to tell you the truth, we had plans of remodeling Rudras Metropolis since a good while ago, but…” (Shiva)

It is impossible to cross mountains and seas after all.

Everything they pass through would be mowed down by the city after all.

That’s why, I can understand that, rather than using tires to move, it would be more convenient to fly in the sky.

But…!

“Didn’t you say that it would take at least a decade to actually make it come true?! Why did the estimated time get reduced by more than half?!” (Haine)

“Hahahaha. You could say this is the true power of our Wind Church.” (Shiva)

Even when I was shaking him by the collar, Shiva was filled with composure.

“Ethereal technology is always in constant progress. It is not strange for it to be possible to do what we couldn’t do yesterday. That progress at times can advance time of other things even more.” (Shiva)

Advance time.

“Well, this flying city still has many issues we have to solve. The biggest of them is the energy issue. Its continuous flying time is limited. A practical flying city is still a thing of the future.” (Shiva)

Also, it seems to be weak to bad weather.

That’s a problem that one can easily arrive to if they were to think a bit though.

“In the first place, the reason why we made Rudras Metropolis into a moving city was because we wanted to make our location unknown by constantly moving, so that we could hide from the other churches. We could get a strategic advantage against the opposing churches in the past after all.” (Shiva)

“But there’s no need for that anymore. The Five Grand Churches have gotten along incredibly well after all!” (Karen)

Shiva nodded at the remark of Karen-san.

“That’s right. That’s why this flying city is not for past grudges, but for friendship.” (Shiva)

“Meaning?” (Haine)

“In the future, we will have the floating Rudras Metropolis be connected to the other four capitals by something like a wire, and with that, we can make a ropeway of sorts to come and go. We will make Rudras Metropolis into a communication center that connects the whole world together!” (Shiva)

What a big dream.

That edge of Shiva that was so sharp it would cut anyone close to him had reduced as time went on.

It is as if his fangs have been trimmed.

Is this also because of time?

“Aniue-sama, you were still here-de gozaru ka?”

The moment I felt the conversation would lengthen, a reproachful voice rang at my back.

“Hyue-chan!!” (Karen)

The little sister of Shiva and previous wind hero, Hyue, had appeared.

As a comrade of hers that went through harsh battles together, Karen-san hugs Hyue without any restraints.

“I came here worried because you weren’t coming back no matter how long I waited, and what I find here… Aniue-sama, what’s your idea of having guests standing here in the open? We of the Wind Church will be known as people who don’t know how to receive our guests, you know?” (Hyue)

“Ah, sorry. I got excited talking about this flying city. I ended up rambling on.” (Shiva)

“I also wanted to welcome Karen-dono properly. It is incredibly inconvenient that someone has to watch over the flying engine at all times-de gozaru.” (Hyue)

“Right! Why is Hyue here?! Why did you leave the flying engine alone while it is still activated and came here?! The flying engine is still incomplete, and the floating limit is 30 minutes, you know?!” (Shiva)

It can only last that long? That’s short.

“I know. That’s why…” (Hyue)

Our footing seemed to be shaking.

“We are preparing to land-de gozaru.” (Hyue)

From the speakers of the deck, a noisy announcement resounded.

{Prepare to land! Prepare to land!}

{We will be cutting off the energy of the flying engine and landing on the ground.}

{Residents, please brace yourself for landing! Hold onto the security handrails at your vicinity, and please secure safety!!}

{10 more minutes! 5 more minutes for landing! 3 minutes!!}

What an incredible ruckus!!

Looks like there still the need for more time before humanity can take the skies.

*****

While making a big *zushiiiiin!* noise, Rudras Metropolis landed.

Because of that, a big ruckus like that of a toy box being flipped over was made, and we who were at the outer edge of the city were on the brink of being thrown out.

“Don’t fly again until you make proper improvements in your facilities!!” (Haine)

“It is not as if we fly regularly. We did a special exception today in order to welcome you guys.” (Shiva)

So you made it fly when we came?!

That’s troublesome for us, but more than that, it makes me feel as if we were causing trouble to the populace of Rudras Metropolis, so please don’t do that again!

“It has been a while, Hyue-chan. What have you been doing after retiring from being the wind hero?” (Karen)

Karen-san was going at her own pace, or more like, even after that messed up event, she was prioritizing her own curiosity.

Karen-san and Hyue had a tight connection as fellow heroes.

Hyue was the one who was the latest in joining the ranks of hero within the Legendary generation, but she was older than Sasae-chan in terms of age, so she has retired as a hero recently.

Really, I wonder what she has been doing lately.

“I have been appointed as the boss of the Kazama Shinobis.” (Hyue)

“Eh?”

Aren’t the Kazama Shinobis the organization that serves as the military force of the Wind Church? Like the Aurora Knights of the Light Church.

Heroes serve as the fighting strength of the church as well as their standard bearer, so their roles were basically to keep order of the military forces in their respective nation.

“Does that mean Hyue has retired as a hero and is now in a behind-the-scenes position?” (Haine)

“No, that’s not it.” (Shiva)

Shiva joined in the explanation.

“It has been decided that the Kazama Shinobis will be dividing in two. The division that will be specializing in armed might, and the other that will be specialized in information gathering.” (Shiva)

“These two were originally one. The Kazama Shinobis were heavily different from groups like the Aurora Knight corps to begin with, but now that the wars are over, and being friendly with other churches is prioritized nowadays, there were opinions here and there that said they didn’t want to show a dirty image-de gozaru.” (Hyue)

“In this era where disputes are gone, you could say that the importance for information has increased even more. And so, by separating those areas from the Kazama Shinobis, the newly remade information gathering of the Kazama Shinobis was born.” (Shiva)

Hyue and Shiva explain alternately.

“The remaining military force of the Kazama Shinobis has taken the name of Whirlwind Raid corps it originally had from the Church. We left the command of them to the newly appointed wind hero. In that sense, you could say that the information division Hyue is taking charge of is the real Kazama Shinobis though.” (Shiva)

“Ooh! That’s impressive, Hyue-chan! It is like the boss of a spy division?!” (Karen)

Where did Karen-san learn that word?

“My objective is to be of help to Aniue-sama so, no matter what form it changes to, it is a blessing to be of use to the people of the Wind nation as well.” (Hyue)

Hyue says in an admirable manner.

“Ah, now that I think about it, there’s something I remembered in regards to the information gathering. Haine-dono…” (Hyue)

“Yes?” (Haine)

“There’s this Frost guy that entered the Light Church at the same period as Haine-dono, right-de gozaru?” (Hyue) <Wow, I thought author forgot about him.>

Ah, now that she mentions it…

Entering the Light Church at the same period as me, and stationed at the cafeteria because of a weird exam. My post was changed soon after, so I haven’t spoken much with Frost after that.

I thought he was still doing his best in the cafeteria though.

“He was a member of the Kazama Shinobis-de gozaru.” (Hyue)

“Eeeeeh?!” (Haine)

I didn’t know at all!

“At those times, the churches had friction with each other, so in order to grasp the inside state of the other side, we forged the identity of many and had them infiltrate the church as commoners-de gozaru. But now that times have changed and there’s no need for spies anymore, many have been released and have returned-de gozaru. But…” (Hyue)

-De gozaru, but…?

“Only Frost refused returning, and stayed in the Light Church-de gozaru. He said he got a wife there and can’t leave the place.” (Hyue)

A wife? Wait, don’t tell me…the amazon of the Light cafeteria…Regine-san?

“The current Kazama Shinobis may be an intelligence gathering division, but it is not as if we steal information from opposing forces now. We simply gather information legally, and analyze it. Because of that, I want to inform you guys as members of the Light Church-de gozaru.” (Hyue)

“I see. Thanks…” (Haine)

“If you meet Frost there, please give him my regards-de gozaru. Tell him that there’s no need to think of his former home and protect his own family.” (Hyue)

I feel like she said an incredibly big secret as if nothing at this late of a time.

Rather than the secret that only a few people know, I was more shocked by the fact that Frost managed to conquer Regine-san.

Looks like a lot happened since then.

(…Oi.)

With those short words, I was brought back to reality. It looks like several armor parts were flying around in my sight.

Those parts combined in mid-air and made a human shape…

“Raphael! You are still rocking that style?” (Haine)

By using his special ability of changing his cells into insects, he can divide and combine as many times as he wants, so by entering an armor set, he can freely fly around.

For a period of time, he had no choice but to rely on the armor as a shell, but he has regained his strength now, and there’s no need for the armor to serve as shell…

“Isn’t that fine? And also, don’t call it a style! You may not know, but I am pretty popular among the children. I got a big cheering not that long ago.” (Raphael)

Popular with the kids?

“More importantly…I was wondering why you guys haven’t come at the stipulated time, so I came to check, and here I see this pitiful sight. Shiva and Hyue, you guys haven’t finished the work you have today, right?” (Raphael)

“Tch. These few years, you have become a demon that stresses the schedule times…” (Hyue)

“Huh? Who do you think has made the technology progress drastically in the Wind Church? It is because I am using all of my separated insect cells for parallel thinking, and am able to simulate several scenarios in an instant, right?” (Raphael)

Eh?

Raphael has been doing that?

“Raphael is basically a living nano computer of this Rudras Metropolis now, and is respected by everyone-de gozaru yo.” (Hyue)

I really don’t understand what she is saying.

“And such an important person like I is being used as an errand boy, you know? ……Kuromiya Haine, and also Karen.” (Raphael)

““Y-Yes?!””

I got surprised by the sudden call of my name.

“There’s still someone who wants to meet you guys. I will guide you to that person.” (Raphael)

““W-What?””

A person that wants to meet us?

Who is that?

“…Well then, I will be returning to work-de gozaru.” (Hyue)

Hyue immediately ran away for some reason?!

“I will go as well.” (Shiva)

“Wait-de gozaru. Aniue-sama has even more work piled up than me-de gozaro. You activated the flying engine just to welcome Haine-dono and Karen-dono, so there should be plenty complaints from the pertinent areas regarding that-de gozaru.” (Hyue)

“Wait, Hyue! I will go with Haine and the others! Because my cute treasure is there~~!!” (Shiva)

Even though Shiva was desperately pleading, he was powerlessly dragged away by Hyue.

Really, who are we meeting?

“Ah, damn it…… Haine!” (Shiva)

“Hm?” (Haine)

“For now, let’s meet at that place.” (Shiva)

“Yeah, at that place.” (Haine)

And so, in this way, Shiva was dragged by his little sister, and led to his working place.

• 418: Future heroes

Continuing our stay at Rudras Metropolis.

After finishing our greetings to Shiva and Hyue, we were being guided to another place.

The one guiding us is none other than Raphael.

“……”

“…..”

“Uhm…” (Karen)

The silence while we were moving was painful.

Karen-san valiantly tried to make conversation, but she was unable to find a topic, and silence fell back.

Within the Demon Lords, Raphael was the Demon Lord that we fought the most fiercely with.

We tried to erase him one-sidedly before even giving him any chance to see what path he would be taking, and with that as the trigger, a battle of hatred was created.

The one who received that hatred and solved it was Hyue.

That’s why, after Raphael came back to life, he was able to take residence in Rudras Metropolis with not much issue in living together with humans just like the other Demon Lords.

Humans and Demon Lords; even if the ill feelings between races is gone now, I personally still feel awkward when with Raphael.

“Uhm…”

“Don’t try to be considerate.” (Raphael)

Raphael said straight.

“Even if the reconciliations of humans and Demon Lords is progressing well, it doesn’t mean we have to force ourselves to get along. Kuromiya Haine, our first meeting was the very definition of a battle to the death. Being able to have friendly chats with memories like those would be pushing it.” (Raphael)

It was a cold attitude.

“B-But…” (Karen)

Because of her personality, Karen-san tried to push on, but Raphael stops it with his hand.

“What’s important is not the past, but the future. Seeing that child, I learned that, in order to create a path to the future, there’s the need for the new generation that doesn’t know of the past grudges.” (Raphael)

“That child?” (Karen)

“When you see for yourself, you will understand.” (Raphael)

Looks like we arrived at the destination.

We even used a car in the middle of it, and after entering a big house, we crossed a corridor, and entered a room.

The place we arrived at was an incredibly noisy space.

“Ooh, you are finally here!”

“To make us wait, you guys have grown cocky huh.”

“Well, they are actually a big deal, you know. They are the legends that saved the world after all.”

“Fuhihi… Truly normies.”

These people…!

“Previous heroes?!” (Haine)

“Mirack and the others retired, so we can’t be considered previous heroes anymore though.” (Kyouka)

Mirack’s predecessor, Abi Kyouka-san; Celestis’ predecessor, Ra Sarasa-san; Sasae-chan’s predecessor, Iemon Yoneko-san; and the problematic wind hero that came before Hyue, Brastor Juo.

Excluding the Light Church, we are in the presence of all the heroes of two generations ago.

…It is a pain to call them in a new way, so let’s just call them previous heroes collectively.

“Now that I think about it, it was strange that, no matter what nation we were in, we didn’t meet any of the previous heroes. So you were all gathered here?” (Haine)

Is what I said with confusion and surprise.

“Yeah. Since the heroes battle, we have gathered here regularly to have chats.” (Kyouka)

“This time, it coincidentally overlapped with your visits.” (Sarasa)

“Saying it be a coincidence be dishonest~.” (Yoneko)

And everyone began to speak their piece.

“Actually…we arranged this meeting beforehand. We all wanted to meet you at the same time, you see…” (Juo)

The bride of the Wind Founder, Juo-san, said.

Looks like she is taking care of her skin lately, her attire and hair look refreshing, making her outward appearance beautiful.

“That’s a gesture that makes me incredibly happy.” (Karen)

Karen-san walks forward before me.

“When I see everyone gathered, it reminds me of the heroes battle. That was the trigger for the five Churches and the heroes to completely unite.” (Karen)

‘Harmony between the churches is an unreachable dream’, that’s how badly the previous heroes of that time got along.

It is true that this event served as an opener for the new era. It may not have been on the level of changing the whole world, but it was a moment that changed society heavily.

And after that, the previous heroes were the biggest help to the current ones in the battle against the Demon Lords.

“In the past, we acted as if looking down on the heroes of other churches proved our own worth.” (Kyouka)

“To think we would be getting along so well now. Remembering the past actually makes me feel embarrassed.” (Sarasa)

“It would be great if, not only us, but our husbands were ta get along with each other as well~. It would influence the economy of the churches after all.” (Yoneko)

“The hotel chain that Kyouka’s husband manages; the mercantile enterprise of the family Sarasa married into; Yoneko’s husband, because of his connection with the Earth Church, is the most influential member of the congress. Thanks to everyone working as middlemen, my husband has been helped out a lot…” (Juo)

“What are you saying, Juo?” (Kyouka)

“Your husband is the biggest fish out of all of them.” (Sarasa)

“He be the Wind Founder after all~. Yer the biggest gold digger here~.” (Yoneko)

Everyone laughs with a cheerful ‘Ahahahaha!’.

These people have changed so much it is shocking.

“Now that they mention it, this is Shiva’s house huh. No surprise it is extravagant, being the house of a Founder and all.” (Haine)

And it is a suitable place for Juo-san and her friends to gather.

I feel really constricted being the only man here invading a home party of housewives!

“…Light hero, Karen. Congratulations on your retirement as a hero.” (Kyouka)

“We called you here today because we wanted to tell you that. You have been a truly great help to us after all.” (Sarasa)

Inviting Karen-san and I to take a seat around the table, the previous heroes offer us tea.

With four years passing by, the young beauties of before are now completely giving off the presence of wives.

“N-No really… I wasn’t that big of a help…!!” (Karen)

Karen-san quickly grew modest.

“You really were, you know. You were the one who stood at the foremost in the battles.” (Sarasa)

“The reason why we can be here together be because of yer hard work.” (Yoneko)

“There’s someone we want to introduce you to.” (Kyouka)

Someone they want to introduce?

“…It is okay now, Raphael. Bring them all here.” (Juo)

Juo-san says, and the door of the room opened up with a bang, and right after, critters began to pour in.

—Is what I thought, but that wasn’t the case.

What I thought were small critters were actually normal humans.

But they were incredibly small and young. Four children that are around 2-3 years old.

Following them was Raphael who was making metallic noises as he entered the room.

And here I was wondering where he had gone to.

“You people…make it so we can enter quicker. I know it was to give them a surprise, but…” (Raphael)

What’s with these children?

They were going ‘wai~’ ‘kya~’ as they head towards the feet of a respective previous hero.

There’s four previous heroes; four children in total appeared.

Could it be…

“Raphael-san, thanks for looking after these children.” (Sarasa)

“If you are going to learn of humans, try properly learning how to babysit. It was a nice experience, right?” (Kyouka)

Is what Kyouka-san says as she holds up one of the children.

That child had similar skin color and hair color to that of Kyouka-san. The other children that the other previous heroes held up had similar resemblances.

There no doubt about it.

“No, impossible impossible impossible. Human children feel like they would break just by touching them a bit. That just makes it too scary to deal with them. More so when the children themselves do dangerous things on their own. I just can’t get a rest. It is too much for me.” (Raphael)

“All children be like that. Human women be pushed around by those kids and manage to raise them, so it should serve as nice experience for Raphael-san~.” (Yoneko)

Karen-san and I were beginning to feel left out, so I decided on asking.

“Uhm…sorry but, who are these children?” (Haine)

“You can tell just by looking, right? They are our children.” (Kyouka)

Right.

They are the children that each of those four had raised inside themselves and gave birth to.

Yoneko-san was already the mother of three four years ago, so this one must be her fourth.

She must have matched her friends and gave birth to more.

“We were made to fight in the Demon Lord battle even when we had retired heroes already after all.” (Sarasa)

“We were not allowed to have a child until the Demon Lord battle calmed down.” (Kyouka)

“The reason why we could give birth to these children and raise ‘em be because Karen-san and the others managed to put an end to the battle~.” (Yoneko)

“That’s why…we are truly grateful.” (Juo)

The children look to be around three years old, and the Demon Lord battle finished four years ago, so…just calculating it feels embarrassing…

“Ah, also, Shiva said he wanted to come with us…” (Haine)

“Papa is enamored with our child after all…” (Juo)

Juo-san held up the obedient child that resembled her.

I see…so Shiva tried to use us as a chance to meet her child.

“Uhm…everyone’s children? Then…” (Karen)

Karen-san asks shyly, and the mothers respond in order.

“As you can tell, they are all girls.” (Kyouka)

“Kyouka-san’s child is so much of a tomboy that I wonder at times if she is actually a boy though.” (Sarasa)

“Being energetic be a good thing~. But with such a coincidence in genders, I feel fate at work here~.” (Yoneko)

“They were born at the same exact year…and they are all girls. With these much matching, in time, they will most likely…” (Juo)

““““All become heroes together.””””

“…Such a thing might actually happen.” (Kyouka)

“That would be a dream-like situation.” (Sarasa)

“Would be around 10 years from now. By that time, I’m sure Sasae-chan should have retired~.” (Yoneko)

“Friendly heroes.” (Juo)

Hearing this, Karen-san’s expression brightened more than anyone else.

“Waah! That sounds great!!” (Karen)

With the Demon Lord battle reaching an end, monsters are not enemies of humanity anymore.

That’s why there’s no enemies for the churches to fight anymore, and the heroes have remained as simply the face of the church.

As long as the five Churches remain, heroes will continue to exist.

With many more successors to come.

“Well, if I were to mention a problem, it would be that we would be missing the Light one from the five Grand Churches.” (Kyouka)

“That’s why, isn’t that where Karen-san has to do her best in?” (Sarasa)

“Ye have retired already, so yer duty now be the same as us~.” (Yoneko)

“Give birth to the next generation and raise them. The birth of a new light hero depends on you.” (Juo)

What are you people inducing to the recently retired hero?!

“To think that everyone was having so much expectations in me…! Understood! For the sake of a bright future, I myself will give birth and raise the person that will carry on the next generation!! Isn’t that right, Haine-san?!” (Karen)

“And we go full circle!” (Haine)

I was expecting it already, geez.

“W-Well…that’s how humans have passed on their will in the more than thousands of years. Seeing the sight of you all like this, I can truly experience the reality of that.” (Haine)

It took my all to say this as I drank tea, so that I could at least dilute the situation a bit.

“That’s right. Humans have loved each other, gave birth to the next generation, and in that way, we have continued existing for thousands of years.” (Kyouka)

“Haine-san, you can’t slack on that duty. Men think of no one else other than themselves unless they are expressly told by someone else after all.” (Sarasa)

And yet, they are now ganging up on me!

This is hella embarrassing! This calls for a strategic retreat!! I must escape from the premises!!

“N-Now that I think about it, that was unexpected! To think Raphael would act as a babysitter!” (Haine)

“Don’t go trying to change the topic so blatantly.” (Raphael)

Raphael completely saw through my intention.

“But…didn’t I tell you before? That my technique can grasp the heart of the children.” (Raphael)

“Grasp the heart of the children?” (Haine)

“Watch and marvel.” (Raphael)

As soon as he said this, he separated the armor parts that constitute himself, and begins to fly around the room.

And then, he once again combines, and makes a pose!!

“Waai~~!!”

“Rafa-chan, so cool~!!”

“One more time! Do it one more time~!!”

“Do it again holding a rifle and a sword~~!!”

Cheers from the children were flowing out?!

“How’s that?” (Raphael)

“Well, it was indeed decently cool even in my eyes, so…” (Haine)

It must have been quite shocking for the children.

“But I thought those kind of things would make boys happier than they do for girls though.” (Karen)

The opinion of Karen-san is valid.

The little girls that have inherited the blood and talent of the previous heroes; being able to cope with something like this must mean that they really do have the aptitude to become heroes in the future.

The kind of girls that like sword fights more than playing with dolls.

“By the way, Raphael…” (Juo)

The lady head of this household, Juo, speaks.

“Dividing and combining indoors is dangerous, so from here on, do so outside.” (Juo)

“Yes, sorry.” (Raphael)

And in this way, the life of humans is passed on.