Chapter 242 – A Small Step!

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After the battle was over, we headed to the gate that was built at the foot of the mountain.

I now stood in front of a place that looked like a white valley at a glance.

It seemed like they had painted over the rock materials that were on the outside of the stacked up summoning stones.

Mette raised her voice.

“This is incredible. To be able to build this much even without Joshua.”

Apparently, all of the demihumans had worked together to build it. I had just made the materials.

Ymir said,

“Everyone here likes to create things. Even if they know that they could never match Joshua.”
“No…everyone is already better than all the craftsmen and production magicians I have ever seen. They have truly done well.”

Upon hearing those words, the demihumans shouted with joy.

I was not immortal. They and their descendants… I wanted them to carry on the knowledge of production magic and craftsmanship. And with the power of the demihumans, Fendel should continue to be prosperous.

Iria then said,

“But it was also because of Sir Joshua’s power. After all, you processed such large building materials in such a short amount of time.”

Sophis nodded in agreement.

“You really are the most remarkable production magician. Of course, I was also astonished at the ability of the Fendel people.”

Melk then muttered, ‘And yet the Demon King’s expression is always the same.’

“Melk, you are one to talk.”
“Asuha, be quiet.”

Melk said a little frantically, and the other smiled with amusement.

And then I turned to look at everyone.

“This gate is the result of everyone who worked hard to build it, as well as the people who stayed to protect Fendel. Thank you. And thank you for helping, Sophis.”
“We are the ones who should be thanking you. This is something that barely has any advantage for the people of Fendel.”

Like Sophis said, the completion of the gate did not exactly help the Fendel people.

Fendel had helped because we were now allies, and in order to avoid the deaths of many. As a result, it also became necessary to stop Kyuby.

Upon hearing this, Iria opened her mouth.

“It is not in our nature to look away.”
“Yes. And being able to meet the dead…I would be lying if I said that I was not interested.”

Ecleshia said with a mysterious expression as she looked at the gate. Monica nodded.

Mette, Iria and most people here had lost family members.

I turned to Sophis and asked.

“I am fine… But if there is a chance for the others…”
“Of course. I am not thinking of keeping it all to myself. Besides…we don’t know if it will even succeed…”

Upon hearing this, Melk seemed to remember something.

“By the way, what happens if it fails?”
“Even if it fails, our direction will remain the same. We would like to continue to cooperate with you. We will not go against your wishes… I promise that there will be no plans like the previous one.”

Sophis said without hesitation as she looked up at the gate.

“That does not mean I have given up… If this doesn’t work, I will search for a different, peaceful method. Preferably, with you people.”
“I will not allow the monsters and demihumans to do it alone. If that happens, you must allow me to join.”

When I turned around, I saw Emperor Nordos III there.

He had appeared without us noticing… As we looked at him with suspicion, he shook his head as if he knew everything.

“There is no point in trying to hide things from me. I watched your earlier battle from a distance. I had heard stories from the Toria ruler, but… You really do have an unmatched fighting force… I would not want to be your enemy. Any plan that would anger Fendel should be stopped.”
“I agree. Fendel would be glad to hear that.”

Answered Sophis.

“I am grateful that you feel that way. We do not wish to fight with anyone.”
“I do not know if all humans will listen. But I will believe your words.”

I nodded at the Emperor.

“Thank you… In any case, we must find out if this gate works properly.”

The entrance of the gate had a curtain of light blocking it. I suppose you were supposed to step through.

However, Sophis then said,

“You must will it…and then they will be called and…!?”

Sophis had closed her eyes, and her voice and body shuddered.

“What is it, Sophis? Hmm?”

I noticed that Mette and the others were also closing their eyes and being silent.

And then, spheres of light came out of the sheet of light, and they floated in front of everyone.

“Father…mother.”

I heard Mette mumble.

Sophis and the others were also saying something. Everyone had tranquil expressions on their faces.

“All of them…”

Apparently, they were talking to the people who they had wanted to meet.

I also had people I wanted to see. Family and loved ones who were killed in my homeland. And my fallen comrades.

Fearfully, I closed my eyes. And there they were, as clear as day.

But strangely, I could not find the words to say to them. It didn’t feel right to say anything that was like the prayers offered in front of a gravestone.

Eventually, they all disappeared.

When I opened my eyes, Iria’s voice echoed next to me.

“Sir Joshua. Are you finished already?”
“Huh? Uh, ah… I didn’t know what to say. You were fast too, Iria.”
“Yes. I was satisfied with just saying one thing. And upon hearing it, my parents and the others smiled.”
“Huh. What did you tell them?”
“That I am happy.”

She said with a contented smile.

Her words made me realize what I should have conveyed.

“I’m happy as well… Now that I am living with you and the others in Fendel.”

It was because I was fulfilled, that I had not felt the need to speak with the dead.

Iria nodded.

Just then, I noticed that Kyuby and Yomotsu were crying.

They were not tears of joy, but of regret and sadness. Regret at not being able to protect… No, perhaps Kyuby’s mother and Yomotsu’s mother had not wanted revenge. And Yomotsu and Kyuby were hearing about that.

As for Sophis and the Emperor, they had calm expressions.

While this was not the kind of reunion I had been expecting… I suppose it was a success.

However, shortly after, a noise, like something was cracking, echoed.

Melk raised her voice.

“The top of the gate… The sound is getting bigger.”
“Everyone, move away!”

I said, and we all moved away from the gate.

Eventually, with a loud crash, the gate crumbled to the ground.

Amidst the dust and debris, I said in a grievous voice,

“It collapsed… It was not strong enough then.”

Melk opened her mouth.

“Build it again?”

However, everyone else shook their heads.

And then Sophis said,

“That was…enough. I was able to hear the rest of those words.”
“And I…have a new perspective. While I may not have much time left, I want to get as close as I can to my ideal world.”

No one argued that they wanted to meet their loved ones again. Even Yomotsu and Kyuby shook their heads.

“I see… Then we do not need this gate anymore.”

Sophis and the Emperor nodded in agreement.

And so the construction ended as a success.

We then went to the palace at the top of the mountain, and held a meeting about the future.

A meeting of the three who represented demihumans, humans and monsters. The subject was peace on the continent.

But Fendel aside, humans and monsters were not unified. And we all agreed that stopping all fighting between humans and monsters was impossible.

Even now, we could not stop the battle between humans and the Demon King army.

Still, Sophis and the Emperor promised to withdraw as many troops as they could.

Furthermore, both agreed that they would not harm Fendel, and that little by little, we would start to interact and connect with each other.

It was just a small step. However, after this meeting, the three groups would slowly walk down the road towards harmony.

Next Chapter

Seisan Mahoushi no Rakuraku Henkyou Kaitaku - Saikyou no Ajintachi to Howaito Kokka wo Kizukimasu!