Hundred Volume 14 Chapter 2

*I want to apologize if there are parts that have no sense or misuse of particles (more than usual). It was rather difficult to understand and translate certain parts of this chapter*

Comeback battle / Little Maria / Return party

There are a few buildings on the surface of New Planet Notre Dame. The population is still small because the Notre Damians live below ground, afraid of the attacks of the Savages.

(It's similar to Lunaltia Base, with the exception being that there is a colored sky)

That was the impression of Hayato.

『Do you hear me, Hayato-kun?』

– Yes, I hear you.

Hayato replied.

It's a communication from Irina.

『Those three machines have already withdrawn. Since those didn't try to withdraw so easily, we told them that reinforcements will come from near bases, so they had to withdraw forcibly』

– Certainly, the existence of Notre Damians in the surroundings can't be felt at all, huh.

Keeping a watch on the surroundings, it's Liza who said so.

– If that's the case, then we can concentrate on just annihilating the Savages.

And then she sees the three bodies of the Savages still moving ahead her line of sight.

– Well then, let's start the annihilation, shall we? Kisaragi Hayato, deploy the armament——

– Yes!

Replying firmly, Hayato closes the hand grasping the Hundred.

Although the shape is different, there was no uncomfortable feeling when he clenched it.

Liza was saying that he can deploy it without problems.

(Alright then, shall I do it?)

If he wishes so.

If he believes so.

The Hundred will answer.

It has been like that so far.

There's no doubt that even now it will be like that.

After he loosened his body by shaking his neck to the left and right and turning his shoulders.

Hayato shouted.

– HUNDRED ON!

Then the Hundred emits a red light and transforms turn into particles, creating an armor on the body of Hayato.

Because of the effect of the fight with Serivia, the Variable Suit was worn-out.

Naturally he can't wear that and as such, what Hayato is wearing now is something like a hospital gown provided by Irina.

With that said, the only thing that he deployed is Hien, his weapon.

Even though it's originally the Hundred of Emilia, nothing has changed so far.

There's no sense of discomfort with Hien itself either.

– Kisaragi Hayato——can you fight with that?

To the one who asked so, Hayato nods and replied grasping Hien strongly with both hands.

– Yes, I can fight!

His armor is thin, but the opponents are normal types.

Most of their attacks can be prevented with an E barrier alone.

– If so, let's start, shall we? We were out of the game for several months, so this will be like our comeback battle.

Saying so, Liza creates a number of light bullets around her body.

– After all, I'm a body of energy. Although I can recover a little with meals and the like, I will end up disappearing if I run out of it. So, I will devote myself to be your support. Kisaragi Hayato——please finish off the Savages as much as you can.

– Understood.

– In that case, let's go.

Simultaneously with the words of Liza that were 5 in total*.

She shot in one go towards the nearest Savage the bullets of light that she was creating around the body.

What was noticed by the Savage were the existences of the spheres of light that drew near till its very side.

It tries to knock them down by swinging downward the pincers, but it was able to knock down only two of them.

All the remaining spheres hit directly the body of the Savage, becoming unstable.

– Now, Kisaragi Hayato!

– Got it!

An opportunity was made.

If that's the case, he has no choice but to launch an attack now.

– HaaAAAA————!

Hayato who jumped by kicking the ground, holds Hien aloft while raising a roar and struck the head of the Savage.

His intention was to destroy the shelter, core and all with Zaneizan, the secret technique of Kenzaki Style's deadly blows.

However, because he was sleeping and drifting in the universe for a long time.

His body that grew dull didn't keep up with what he wanted to do, the timing of the second blow ended up being slightly misaligned.

Because of that, Hien fails.

The defense barrier was just barely fissured, so he couldn't destroy it, to say nothing of the core.

He thought the Savage is charging energy as it is, but due to the Savage moving its head, Hayato was shaken off to the ground.

– Kuh!

Doing an ukemi* and rolling on the ground, Hayato tries to get up instantly.

*TN: The art of falling safely.

Looking up, the pincers of the Savage were drawing near.

While rolling to avoid them, Hayato stands up.

The pincers of the other arm were swung down there, but Hayato forced them back, stopping them with Hien.

The huge body of the Savage wavers.

It' full of gaps now.

(I'll decide the victory immediately as it is!)

It's not a failed Kenzaki Style Technique.

He decided to pick the victory up with a technique as a Slayer this time.

Holding Hien aloft, Hayato shouts while putting energy in both arms.

– UOOOOOOOOOOO!

Then, a fierce aura is released from Hien.

When he pumps even more energy into it, and then amplifies that quantity in one go, the aura of Hien expands two times——three times——.

– Take thiii——s!

Hayato strikes the Savage with the blade of energy without pausing; the giant body, the defensive barrier and even the core were cut right in half.

(… this is the first….)

Although he made a mistake at first, Hayato regains his confidence as he seems to be able to do it in one way or another.

『Amazing, I am more surprised than I imagined』

– I made a little mistake though.

Hayato replies torturing himself towards the communication from the excited Irina.

Nonetheless, he was relieved to be able to do at the very least the work since he bragged before with『I'll do it』

But the defeated Savages are just two in total like the mobile soldiers that were knocked down some time ago——.

There are two more left, so it doesn't mean that he can calm down.

As if indicating so, the voice of Liza that draws attention to the crisis reaches the ears of Hayato.

– Kisaragi Hayato!

– I know!

Shouting and turning around, there was the figure of a Savage that just finished opening its head there.

It's preparing to bombard now.

It seems it's in the middle of saving energy.

(I won't make it in time)

Hayato accelerates, detonating the energy at his feet to slip into its bosom, and just like that——the giant body of the Savage is blown away around 300 meters to the back and crashes on a quay, collapsing.

Before commencing to pursuit it there, Hayato tried to confirm the state of the other Savage with a sidelong glance, and at that time.

What was reflected in his field of vision was the figure of Liza who stretched her hand directly towards the sky.

– I will finish it off.

It seems she noticed the glance of Hayato.

As Liza said, a number of light spears rose above the head of the Savage that was about to get up.

When Liza waves her hand downward, those light spears rained incessantly all at once, aiming at the core.

– This is the second.

Just as those words say, the Savage went down to the ground.

– Not that you were just a support?

Hayato asked while unintentionally smiling wryly.

– I also wanted to move a bit, you know.

Answering while slipping out a chuckle, Liza continued.

– If it's of this degree, then it won't have much effect on my body.

Immediately after that.

The other Savage roared and entered in a bombarding stance.

– Good grief, it is quite energetic, don't you think?

The figure of Liza that murmured such exasperation vanishes from that place.

——when he thinks about it, she makes her appearance near the head of the Savage that roared.

Making a shining sword with energy in her left hand that is raised overhead, she slashed at its head.

Although she was able to prevent the bombardment, she wasn't able to deal great damage.

The Savage swings downward the pincers towards Liza who landed.

——No.

Not only she stopped the blow.

She makes ivies of roses appear from her right hand that were created by her own energy then wrapped them around the pincers of the Savage.

And with that, the Savage is in state where it's unable to move.

– Now, Kisaragi Hayato.

In other words, it's to make him deliver the coup de grace.

(I'll do it well this time!)

Hayato who kicked the ground in response to the words of Liza, raises Hien overhead and attacked the Savage.

– UOOOOOOOO———!

Hien was swung downward aiming at the core, it destroyed the defensive barrier and the core splendidly.

The second Zaneizan is a success.

Liza made the ivies of roses disappear as the Savage collapses from the feet, then revealed a smile with a puff, turning her eyes to Hayato.

– It appears that you remembered how to fight right away.

– I somehow just felt that my body remembered so.

While Hayato replied that. A communication from Irina enters there.

『Hayato-kun, Lizsan, you did a fantastic work. Thank you very much to both. You saved us』

– I didn't do anything. Almost all was thanks to Liza.

Hayato cancelled the armament while replying.

『Anyway, come back to the base——we are waiting for you』

In response to those words, Hayato and Liza returned to the underground base from the surface.

– Hayato-kun!

What welcomed Hayato who returned to the underground facility was a hug of Kikka.

Her big breasts touched the body of Hayato.

– You're really amazing. Hayato-kun is very strong ❤.

– No, rather than me this time, it's mostly thanks to Liza, and, perhaps I should say…. How to say it, please don't cling to me, Kikksan. They are touching me.

– Don't be so humble. Hayato-kun was incredibly cool back there. I fell in love with you again ❤, so this is a service ❤.

– Hey, take your body away now.

Irina who separated Kikka from Hayato, stood before Hayato and Liza and continued speaking.

– I am saying this again but, we are really grateful to you. Your battle was also seen by our superiors——the so-called high officials of New Notre Dame Government. With that, there is a positive but also a negative thing.

– A positive and negative thing? What do those mean, I wonder?

The one who asked is Liza.

– First, the positive one.

Irina answers.

– Naturally, we appreciate that you have defeated the Savages, it is a delightful thing to us. That was also praised by the high officials. However, you are a little too strong, or perhaps I should say that you are regarded as dangerous people… that is the negative thing.

– Oh, is that kind of thing…?

Although Irina was thinking of a way to give freedom to Hayato and Liza as much as she can while their safety becomes clear with further examinations, some of the high officials of Notre Dame Government feared their abilities as Slayers, so there was a possibility that a "no" would be thrusted at them.

– Anyway, first is the examination. I think that there won't be any problems, probably.

– Before that, let me eat something. I like the delicious stuff of this planet. I used my power too much, so I got hungry.

With the examinations after that, it turned out that there was nothing wrong for Hayato to be in contact with the people of Notre Dame.

However, and following the uneasiness of Irina, the matter of Hayato regarded as dangerous and the opinions to try to house arrest him in the room were too great, so his immediate freedom wasn't given.

However, thanks to the efforts of Irina who made negotiations, he got a certain degree of guaranteed freedom under the condition that the Hundred will be put in care of Notre Dame Government except in case of emergency.

But Liza, whose existence itself is a threat, didn't get that.

At any rate, she's practically capable of manipulating unusual abilities of powers without a Hundred.

It was judged that the danger level was too high.

However, As Liza didn't intend to move around in the first place, no problems come with it, so there are no complaints.

As for Hayato who contrasts with her, since he will end up growing dull if he doesn't move his body, he's grateful that freedom was given to him.

Although he was just waking up, he ended up failing once with Zaneizan in the fight against the Savages.

The consumption of physical strength was also fierce after the fight was over.

Concerning the results, it was possible for him to slaughter the Savages, however, that wasn't able to convince Hayato——the battle left him dissatisfied.

So, when he suggested Irina that he wanted to train, she got him a fake sword.

It seems to be something like a bamboo sword of this planet.

Hayato started running in order to recover his physical strength and started doing practice-swinging when he received it.

He was happy to move his body like that.

However, there was a problem.

Wherever he goes, he's the center of attention.

Feeling that they somehow resembled Kikka, he was being tempted in a lot of ways by the woman of Notre Dame, so he didn't feel at ease at all.

He basically decided to do it in his room except when he can only do it outside.

In other words, Hayato spent most of the time in his room.

Seeing that he finished talking to that point, Liza said.

– Kisaragi Hayato was really amazing, you know. When I saw him being accompanied by Irina when I happened to see him going out once in a while, a different woman was next to him every time. There were times when he was surrounded by a lot of women. He was quite popular. It was always a harem. It was expected that his body didn't have time to rest.

– Hey!

And, without thinking, Hayato inserts a tsukkomi on Liza.

– Saying things like that, they will misunderstand, you know!?

– I just told the state of the things as they were.

– *Annoyed*

Emilia swells out her cheeks, listening to the words of Liza.

– … Hayato, you didn't do any lewd things because you were desired by the women, right?

– No, I didn't!

– Naturally that also goes for the name of Kikksan that you know well, hmm? She eventually didn't do what she wanted, right?

– I'm telling you that no, I didn't!

After saying so to Emilia.

– Enough about me. More importantly, let me continue the story.

Saying so, Hayato focused his attention on the chair placed a little away, on the isolated person sitting there.

– … well, going back in time a little, three days had passed since Liza woke up…. It was there that Maria woke up.

– Hayato, are you trying to dodge the subject?

– I'm not!

Hayato resumes the story.

That day, there was a call in the room where Hayato was in.

The room where Hayato immediately woke up.

That call says that they want him to come to the room where the capsules were placed.

When he went there, Irina and Kikka

And Liza were there.

Everyone is gathering in this place.

With that much, he was able to guess the situation somehow.

– Did Serivia wake up?

Right after he said so.

Sitting in the chair in front of him and eating like he did when he woke up first——.

The figure of a young Serivia eating dried fruits and flakes soaked in milk jumped into the eyes of Hayato.

What she was wearing was also the hospital gown itself that Hayato was bringing first.

– Although it was no more than a sign when I contacted you, she woke up completely a few moments ago.

And so, as they can see, Irina replied that they are providing her a meal now.

It seems she noticed the existence of Hayato.

Grabbing the spoon, and by franticly stopping the hand that had scooped the flakes and fruits, Serivia turned her eyes towards Hayato.

– …

Serivia kept fixedly staring at Hayato in silence.

– … is he an acquaintance of mine?

After looking at Hayato for about five seconds, the young Serivia asks Kikka standing next to her.

– You don't remember Hayato-kun?

– … Hayato?

Serivia returned the question to Kikka then turns her eyes towards Hayato once again, and after five seconds in silence——.

– I don't know him.

She answered.

– I see, well, that is expected.

Irina muttered mixed with a sigh, then adds an explanation to Hayato.

– Apparently Serivia——no, Maria seems to have no memory.

He heard that even the name "Serivia" is not in her memory.

Because she said 「I feel that I know that name」, Liza, Irina and Kikka decided right before Hayato came to call her by her real name, Maria.

– Does that mean that she completely forgot her memories of the Earth?

– Well, it sounds like that.

Liza says that almost all of her other memories are gone.

Her memories of hatred spanning a million years.

– Incidentally with that, I wonder what are we going to do with her?

Irina shows a troubled-like look.

She turns her line of sight to Serivia——.

Maria had resumed the meal.

– For the time being, it seems that we have no choice but to wait until she recalls something.

As a result, they don't know whether she'll remember or not, but that doesn't appear to be necessary for now, and that appears to be the thinking of Liza as well.

However, the problem is what to do about her.

Regarding that, Liza appears to have an idea.

– As far as I can see, her amount of energy doesn't seem to be significant, even compared to me which is in a state of considerable exhaustion. If we stay together, then I should be able to deal with her, no matter what may happen.

In the end, if she puts her under control, it means that there won't be any problems.

Irina agreed with it because there are no other choices, so she arranged a room for the two.

The girls started living together.

Hayato was worried that something might happen, but in the end, nothing happened.

Based on the reports from Liza, Maria seems to be just reading books and playing games.

Even when Hayato sees her, the young figure of Maria doesn't seem to be like that Serivia.

She just looked like a little girl who was silent and whose emotions didn't have variations.

In this connection, it seems that Liza can confirm the presence of her Hundred in her body.

It seems that the core has become what constitutes her.

What exactly is the intention of the Hundred by making her look like she is now?

Not to mention what is the Hundred thinking about, now that it has spent and slept a week inside her body?

In the first place, even if she's really the original Serivia——or Maria, Liza doesn't know that.

And then, a few days later.

It was around 2 weeks since Hayato woke up.

Together with Liza and Maria, Hayato was eating in the lounge inside the facility.

The staff in the facility got used to the existence of the three people who came from a different planet, so recently, but only inside the institute, there were a lot of times where they ate their meals ordinarily outside their rooms.

Irina got to where they were with an excited look.

– Ah, everyone was here! Listen! We did it!

– What's the matter, Irinsan?

– Well… ah, I am sorry, you were still eating. As soon as you have finished eating, come to my laboratory at once. Let's talk there. Well then, see you later!

Liza muttered while staring at the back of Irina returning from the lounge to her laboratory.

– That feeling, could it be that she found a way to return to the Earth?

If that's the case then it's great news, so she can see why Irina is excited.

Hayato and the girls who still had half of their meal remaining, headed to the laboratory of Irina immediately after they finished eating hurriedly.

– Actually, we found a way to return you to Earth.

Towards Hayato and the others who entered the laboratory, that's the first thing that Irina says after opening her mouth.

In other words, Liza's hunch hit the mark.

According to Irina, the data gathered and analyzed from the time when Maria Florence headed to a former migration exploration and the data of the transmission records from the satellites of New Notre Dame scattered throughout the universe determined the position of the planet that could be considered the "Earth".

However, the distance from New Planet Notre Dame to the Earth is considerable, and if it's a small spaceship, then an enormous energy is needed to head there.

Naturally it will take hundreds of years if they go normal*, so a warp is also necessary.

*TN: That means moving in space with just the propulsion of the spaceship.

In case the moving fails, the energy to return to New Planet Notre Dame is also required.

That energy isn't easy to gather and it's nothing like money can buy it in the first place.

Half of the national budget is necessary.

So, the first one who cooperated was New Notre Dame Government.

Because Hayato cooperated in the extermination of the Savages during his stay and also because Maria caused trouble for them.

To interact and exchange information with the earthlings in consideration of the possibility that the Earth will be the first place to migrate and the first to take refuge when considering the time that an even more critical situation hits New Planet Notre Dame, persons who displayed a fervent speech were essential.

As a result of that and thinking that a major technological advancement and some progress may occur regarding the anti-Savage war, Irina accompanied them on the premise that she will interact as a scientist with the inhabitants and the government organization of the planet called Earth, so remodeling funds and some Variable Stones for the spaceship were lent.

Some wealthy persons who got on it turned up and managed to secure the energy to return to the Earth somehow.

However, that's only to go back to the Earth——just the energy.

Considering the energy for Irina to return to Planet Notre Dame from Earth, it's not enough.

– So, there is something I would like to ask Lizsan and Marisan.

Irina turned her eyes towards them, saying so with an earnest look.

– You mean that you want to use our energy. Isn't that correct?

-´As expected of Lizsan. That is correct. I was wondering if you can help us?

– I was thinking so, and I will certainly help. I want to return to the Earth after all.

Showing a smile with a puff, Liza replied.

Then, looking at Maria, Liza continues.

– Maria, in the first place, and since this is your responsibility, you are also going to help… okay?

– Even if you tell me that, I don't get it all.

– Don't you want to remember your memories? If you return to Earth, then you may remember them.

The moment she heard those words of Liza.

The eyebrows of Maria moved slightly.

– What would it be? Do you feel inclined to help us?

– … there's nothing else to do, so if this can be done by me, I'll do it.

– You really are honest, aren't you?

Slipping out a giggle, Liza smiled.

It seems that the relationship between the two who are somewhat similar improved a lot in the last few days.

That seems to be the case.

In this way, the situation is in good order.

Nonetheless, it seems that it will take about a month to prepare the spaceship.

Meanwhile, Hayato taught the researchers of Notre Dame about the Earth and he taught fencing to the kids and pilots of the mobile suits while training on his own to kill time.

However, it doesn't mean that it was to all the mobile suit pilots.

When looking at the results, there were several people who were looking on Hayato as hostile and boycotted him, including the pilots that in some form their achievement was stolen by Hayato.

Hayato taught less than half of the pilots.

That's also inevitable.

Hayato was thinking so.

Even on Earth there was a lot of people who pointed hostility towards the Slayers.

Even in Little Garden where the Slayers gathered, there were times when the same hostility was aimed at him just by having the highest reaction value of all generations.

He was bewildered at those times, but he was already accustomed to it.

Eventually, the spaceship is completed.

Hayato boarded the spaceship with Irina and Maria while being sent off by those who became familiar with him in New Planet Notre Dame and that's how he reached to where he is now.

– That's the gist of it, it was a week's journey since we left New Planet Notre Dame. That's all from my part.

After Hayato finished saying so, Irina opened her mouth.

– Please say any doubts that you may have. I will do my best to answer them.

– In that case, allow me to ask you a question.

Saying so, Charlotte raised her hand.

Looking towards Irina, she continues speaking.

– I have a question for Irinkun. How are you going to return to New Planet Notre Dame?

– About that.

It seems that there's also a way for her to go back since she accompanied Kisaragi Hayato and the others who returned.

It seems she wants to ask about it.

– I intend to return with the spaceship that I boarded, of course. However, there is just one problem.

The fuel loaded in it was more than enough, but they used more than what they calculated, so she doesn't know if it can produce enough energy to return.

Rather, Irina tells them that she is quite anxious.

– That energy is created by making react the energy of the Earth with a special liquid fuel. I would appreciate if you were able to lend Variable Stones which are the source of the energy, but I am not sure about the energy resources of the Earth, so I do not know if it can produce liquid fuel. In that regard, and if we can talk about it, then it would be the best.

– That's a warm welcome. Let's try exchanging each other's knowledge*.

*TN: Not sure how to interpret "warm welcome" or if I'm missing something here.

By the way, now the spaceship has been transferred to Yamato branch of Warslan Company and is kept under strict conditions.

Early next week, Charlotte will head to Yamato with Irina to check the state of the spaceship, and their conversation ended.

Then Charlotte turns her eyes towards the small Serivia aka Maria Florence.

– Next is Maria. There's something I want to ask you.

– … what is it?

Charlotte asks towards Maria who's fixedly staring at her without tearing down her expression while wearing a hood on her head.

– A couple of days have passed since you came to this planet. So, how about it? Did you remember something of this planet?

– I can't remember anything. But——

Maria looked up at the sky and murmured.

– … I remember the air of this planet. It doesn't feel strange, it feels nostalgic——.

– If that's case, then the original memories may be there somewhere. You're thinking that you want to get them back. Or am I wrong?

– I don't understand.

– You don't understand? What you do mean?

– The things that I did, that I heard from Liza. But, there's no sense of reality, and if I remember myself, then I may lose the one I am now. And that's——

Turning her eyes towards Liza and Irina, Maria continued.

– ——that's very sad.

– I see.

Smiling with a puff, Charlotte turned her gaze towards Claire.

– Claire, can I take care of them please? She's definitely in a very interesting state for me and I'd like to examine her.

– I don't have any issues with it, but…

Claire is in a guardian position of Irina and Liza——.

And then, she turned her eyes to Maria.

– Are you girls okay with that?

– I am okay with it. There are a lot of things that cannot be understood by me. Rather, I would like to ask Dr. Charlotte to teach me various things.

It was Irina who answered first.

Liza continues.

– That's the same for me. Anyway, I wanted doc to see this child. Even if I understand her state, it doesn't mean that I understand everything about her, including the preservation of her current state.

Even though Liza is an existence close to God, there are things she doesn't know.

Maybe that's something science can clarify.

– Are you okay with that, Maria?

– If Liza says so.

– In that case, it's decided. I don't have more questions. Does anyone have any other questions?

– If so, then it's my turn.

The one who raised her hand is Claire.

Her eyes are directed at Irina.

– What I want to ask is about the Savages desu.

To what extent do the Notre Damians understand about the ecology of the Savages?

Claire asked Irina, wanting to know about that.

Irina replies.

– … we do not yet fully understand the ecology of the Savages. However, we realized that there is something like a nest.

– … a nest desuno?

– Yes.

After that, Irina told them before the Notre Damians migrated from Planet Notre Dame to New Planet Notre Dame.

Because they were exposed to the threat of the Savages, and in order to ascertain where that place is and from where they are coming from, it's said that the scientists of Notre Dame scattered exploration satellites in the space.

They didn't find it at that time, but because Notre Damians migrated to New Planet Notre Dame, she said that they discovered a planet while being in cryostasis for around a million years.

– In your words, that planet had strong energy responses. There were huge numbers of small energy reactions around it as well.

– Strong energies and small energies you say…

– We do not know yet whether the strong energies are something that is attracting the Savages or the raw materials that create Savages. However, it's to the extent that the energies of the numerous Savages that are on that planet feel small as there is something there that is letting out a great power.

It is already confirmed that the energies that feel small are Savages.

And Irina tells them that the planet was provisionally named as《Planet X》by the Notre Damians.

– In other words, you not only predicted that the Savages are gathered on《Planet X》but also and without a doubt that it's their manufacturing base?

– It is no more than a guess based on our observation data, but I think we are sure of it.

In response to the doubt of Charlotte, Irina replied clearly.

Following her, Claire asks.

– That is to say that there is a possibility that the Savages that invade the Earth are also produced on that《Planet X》desuno?

– Regarding that possibility, I think that it is high.

Towards the question of Claire as well, Irina replied immediately.

– But, even if it is so, we do not feel that we can do it, it cannot be done by Notre Damians because searching any more than that is dangerous now. But if it is everyone who has the effective strength to oppose the Savages, then it might be possible——that is what I think.

– In short, if we discover the production of Savages by heading towards《Planet X》and if we destroy it, then there is a high possibility that not only New Planet Notre Dame——but also the Earth will be saved. That is a very good thing desuwane.

– That is why I came to Earth with Hayato-kun and everyone.

After she replied to Claire who showed words of consent.

Irina continued, she kept gazing at Claire with a serious look.

– Please. Lend us your strength to save the Notre Damians——no, to save this world——to save the universe.

※※※

The night Hayato returned to Little Garden.

As it was planned, the party was about to be held.

The place is the school cafeteria.

And the terrace.

There were a lot of people, from Hayato's classmates, kouhais and senpais to people who took care of him in Little Garden till now, including Mihal, and those with whom he's making friends with, from students to adults even.

– Oh, if it isn't the leading actor of today——the hero who saved the world, huh.

It was Alphonse who started talking to Hayato once he found his figure.

– Alphonse, please don't flatter me like that…

– Ahahah, I'm very sorry… I forgot. That's right, your little sister and the others were waiting for the return of Hayato. Hey, Sakuraaa, Karen-chaan, Hayato has arriiived.

Now Little Garden is anchored in the Sunshine State District in the United States of Liberia where the Space Port is.

Hayato came to Little Garden after having a press conference at the facility of the country in the inner-city area and was sent to the terrace of the cafeteria just before the party.

When they heard the call of Alphonse, the venue noticed Hayato and immediately got excited.

The ones who came right away are Karen and Sakura.

It was Karen that came and greeted him first.

– You did a nice work, Nii-san. Karen and the others were watching the interview of Nii-san while preparing food here!

– Is, is that so?

– Yes! Take a look at this. It has 400 million views! 400 million views!

– 4-400 million views…?

Certainly, when he looked at the numbers displayed on the screen of the PDA pressed by Sakura.

– That's right, there's no doubt that 400 million people have seen it around the world! Even us haven't experienced such simultaneous views till now. You're amazing, Hayato-kun!

– Haha…

Without thinking, his cheeks ended up having a cramp.

Certainly, there were reporters that he had never seen before in the press conference and a lot of people were gathered around the venue.

Even when Hayato entered the hall, it was quite a difficult thing to do.

He was able to anticipate that it was going to turn into something important and nothing more, but to think that it was going to get like this…

However, and at the same time——it was a little appreciated by Hayato about how the big news in this world are being dealt with.

What preceded the interview of Hayato was the interview of Irina and Charlotte——the contents were about the intelligent life forms that differ from the Earth which exist on a planet, the New Planet Notre Dame and the Notre Damians.

Apart from the return of Hayato, it's getting big attention throughout the world.

The interview of Hayato also had a lot of questions related to the planet and the Notre Damians.

– Oh, it seems that the greetings of President Liddy will begin.

While he was having a friendly conversation with Sakura, Karen and his classmates.

When he looked at Shuemei who said so, he saw the appearance of Liddy that was on the stage prepared in that place.

It appears that it's to start the party.

– Here, Hayato-kun. Karen-chan and everyone, hold this.

Next, Noah handed over the glasses.

It seems that cola is in them.

Just as the drinks reached Hayato and the others, Liddy started moving her face closer to the microphone she was holding and started her greeting.

– Umm, I'm grateful that many people have gathered here today at Kisaragi Hayato's return party organized by the Student Council. As you already know, I'm Liddy Steinberg, the President of Little Garden. With that being said, let's have the leading figure appear without delay. Kisaragi Hayato——give your speech.

– Eh, me?

With the microphone suddenly being pointed at him, Hayato ended up being perplexed.

– As I said, the main character of today is you. So, come here, quickly. Because the leader of the toast was decided by your work.

Hayato ended up going up to the stage as he was pushed by the clapping hands of everyone in that place.

When surveying the scene like this, there were a lot of nostalgic faces in front of him, including members with whom he hasn't talked yet.

They are Touka, Mirai and Sango.

And also, the figures of Aila and Ryuuto.

– E-err… to begin with, I didn't expect to come back and suddenly talk in front of a lot of people twice in a day.

Naturally, he wasn't aiming for laughs.

Until he told the fact, the venue was packed with laughter.

But, he certainly got a little comforted with that.

– Well, what should I say is… that I'm really happy to see you again and for welcoming me like this. In one way or another, 'm being treated like the hero who saved the world, but I think that it was really thanks to everyone. As long as I'm in Little Garden, I think that there are going to be a lot of things after this, and so I may be causing trouble for everyone again, but if there's anything, I think that we will overcome it with the strength of everyone, and also I think that it would be great if everyone gathered in this place again like this in the future. Umm, there are still lots of things I want to say, but anyway, thank you very much for preparing a place like this! I hope to have tons of conversations with everyone for a long time. I'm really, really grateful to everyone who gathered today! And as they say, cheers!

Matching the leading toast of Hayato, everyone who was there gathered their voices with『Cheers!』.

He wants to talk a lot with everyone——.

Such wish of Hayato was to come true soon.

His companions come one after another.

Hayato talks with each one of them——.

By the time the conversations were over, about an hour had passed.

– Yo, Hayato. it seems that it finally calmed down, huh.

When he took a breather, it was Fritz who greeted him.

Next to him are Latia, Sakura and Karen.

Everyone had a dish with cooking in their hands.

–  Isn't it funny that you haven't eat too much because you're the leading role? That's why we brought these to you!

– Go ahead and eat as much as you want!

– Thank you Latia and Fritz. Sakura and Karen as well.

– Fufu, look look, Hayato-kun. This meat pie was prepared by me and Karen-chan.

– Here, Nii-san! This is the meat pie you really love! Try it, please!

Saying so, Karen cuts off a slice of the pie and turns the fork towards him.

– Err, am I eating it like this?

– Of course.

Wishing for it, Karen is watching with eyes full of expectations.

It's embarrassing, but it's hard to refuse, so it can't be helped.

As he was, Hayato sunk his teeth into the fork, including the meat pie.

– How is it, Nii-san, is it delicious?

Karen asks him.

– How should I put it, is this…

– Did Nii-san perhaps get it with that bite?

– This is the flavor of… Ryōko-san, right?

– Yes, it's correct! I remembered that Nii-san liked the flavor of Ryōko-san when he was a child. Did you get it?

– Yeah, I got it. It's truly nostalgic…

– We did it, Karen-chan!

– Yess!

This time Hayato himself saw them eating the pie by stabbing a fork in it, both Sakura and Karen smiled very happily.

After that there were also fun and delicious things, and while he was about to continue the mealtime.

– … oops.

Together with such a voice of Fritz, *clink*, the dish and the fork made a sound.

It appears that Fritz failed to cut the meat with the knife.

– Hey, are you okay, Fritz? Should I do it instead?

– No, I'm fine. I'm just a bit clumsy, that's all.

– I'm telling you, let me do it.

Fritz does it himself as Latia tries to help him.

Hayato remembered something while watching these two people.

The story he heard from Emilia.

– Look, I cut it properly, right?

Saying that, Fritz put the meat into his mouth and swallowed it.

Hayato spoke to Fritz.

– So umm, your arm, is still not good…?

– … hmm, yeah…. You heard about it, huh. It's getting better lately, but it's still a bit…

– Is, that so…

– Don't make such a gloomy face.

Giving a tap on Hayato's back, Fritz continued.

– My arm will absolutely return to how it was. Like you came back in this way. I trust so, I'm rehabilitating, without giving up. So, let me be your backup until then.

Then Fritz told Hayato that he was also studying as a member of the intelligence department.

He ended up talking about a dark thing, but when looking at the whole, it's a very fun party.

The time passes in the blink of an eye.

By the way, neither Irina nor Maria nor Liza are in this place.

Nor Charlotte nor Mei Mei nor Claire.

Liza doesn't want to appear in public too much, and since it is required for her to act together with Maria, then she can't go out to the party either.

According to Charlotte, 「Adults are adults and only the adults can drink and have fun」it's what she said.

Apparently, some scientists from Little Garden and Warslan gathered and seem to get acquainted with Irina, the engineer of another planet.

Claire and Chris who aren't in this place are also participating in that.

The party is already in its final stage.

All the prepared dishes were eaten up completely and it was about time to move out.

Hayato noticed that Karen was beginning to doze off.

Becoming worried, he asks.

– Hey, Karen… are you okay?

– Fuaah!? Karen is alright!

– No, no matter how you look at it, you aren't alright, you know?

It was Karen who replied being taken aback, but it is obvious that she doesn't seem to be okay, so she ended up retorting that spontaneously.

Sakura who was watching their figures next to them said while smiling wryly.

– Actually, Karen has been so excited to meet with her Nii-san in a long while since yesterday, so she has slept almost nothing.

– Wait, Sakursan, that's!

– It's fine, you know. It's the truth. That's why Karen-chan, I know you are happy that you reunited with him after a long time, but isn't almost time to rest, I wonder?

To begin with, Sakura added an explanation where the two of them moved to Little Garden a little before Hayato returned from Yamato this morning.

Although they were working in the same Liberia until yesterday, she said they were in a different district.

In other words, it means there's also fatigue of movement.

There was a voice that came there.

– If so, then I will escort these two people.

– Mihal-san!

Without thinking, Hayato showed a tender smile to the woman.

The only hospital in Little Garden.

He says the name of Kashiwagi Mihal, who is a nurse.

– I came from the hospital by car. I have a night shift after this, so I just thought that I should go to the party momentarily then go to the hospital, and it looks I was just right in time. I will go and get the car, so please wait here for a bit.

Saying so, Mihal left that place immediately and came by car from the parking lot, then stopped near the terrace.

Depending on the kindness of Mihal, Sakura gets in the car while supporting Karen who is walking shakily.

– Sakura and Mihal-san——I entrust Karen to you.

– Of course, Hayato-kun. Good night.

– Good night, Hayato-kun ❤.

– Good night, Nii-san…

After seeing off Mihal who escorted Sakura and Karen to the car.

Hayato was about to return to the venue once more.

Suddenly, a voice reached his back.

– Haaayatoo♪.

– Emilia?

Did she hear anything unnecessary? Emilia continued as Hayato turned around.

– Before you return to where everyone is, there's a thing that I'd like to talk with you. So, do you have a minute?

Although he heard so, she didn't give him room to answer.

Hayato was pulled by Emilia as he was and decided to move to the roof of the martial arts school building.

– It's been a while since we came here, huh.

– … yeah.

It's been six months since they came to the roof of the martial arts school building like this.

– Shall we sit there?

When prompted by Emilia, Hayato sat down in front of the water tower.

Emilia also sits down next to him.

Emilia said while looking far away at the distance where her arms go along with it.

– Indeed, it's been a long time since we saw the view of Little Garden like this… and beyond that, we can see the townscape of Sunshine State district. As I thought, the night view is beautiful, isn't it?

– Yeah——.

It's already 21:00, but the lights are shining brightly as if they were natural.

The scenery that couldn't be seen in space.

Even in New Planet Notre Dame was a nostalgic scenery that he couldn't see.

For ten seconds and a little——.

The two of them kept admiring the scenery motionlessly.

– … so, what's the topic?

When Hayato began to talk, Emilia replied with a sullen look.

– Jeez, speaking of Hayato who ruins the mood. Even though it's finally just the two of us, watching the beautiful night view like this. Let's enjoy this time a little more, okay?

– Well, I thought that it would be weird if I'm away from everyone for a long time, so I was thinking that they will come to look for me, don't you think…?

– *Annoyed*, certainly that may happen.

While pouting her lips as if looking uninterested, Emilia continued.

– … well, surely what Hayato said has a point, so let's talk, shall we? There's something that Irinsan said today. About《Planet X》. Hayato already knew about it, yes?

– I heard about that over there.

– Let's speak honestly.

– … speak honestly?

– Yeah, speak honestly.

Emilia said, turning a serious glance towards Hayato.

– I've been thinking that I don't want Hayato to participate in the exploration of 《Planet X》if at all possible. Because if Hayato joins it, I think that it will be too much again. I definitely don't want to be separated from Hayato again.

– …

In response to the words of Emilia, Hayato couldn't say anything.

He made her have a lonely feeling.

After all, he made her have hardships, leaving even the institution to her.

Besides, there's no way that he can say that he's not going to do anything unreasonable.

There's no way he could make a promise about it.

The place to go is an unknown planet.

He doesn't know what will happen.

However, there are reasons why Hayato cannot take the option of not participating in it.

Emilia said, as if she saw through him.

– But Hayato will go no matter what, right?

– … I promised that I'll do it.

And that is the matter about New Planet Notre Dame.

To the people over there, he would come back and bring Slayers with him.

He promised to help with the investigation of《Planet X》and that if there was a base of Savages that is oppressing them, then they would release the people of Notre Dame from the menace of the Savages.

It is to thank them back since they saved him, looked after him and made him return to Earth.

Emilia who heard that story smiled as if she was amazed.

– Anyway, I thought that it would be such a thing. It can't be helped.

– So, it's fine… even if I go?

– Of course. With the condition that I'll accompany you though. I've just got to wear the vice president uniform and I'll immediately have to go out, so it makes me feel bad though.

– That's certainly the case, huh.

Hayato smiles wryly spontaneously.

Not only because of President Liddy.

But also because he'll end up causing trouble for his classmates of the martial arts faculty who are supporting him.

– ——lastly, a promise.

A complete change of a while ago.

Turning a serious look again, Emilia continue speaking.

– A promise?

– Yeah, a promise… You'll never leave from my side again. Finally——and if it's possible, I want this to be the last one.

– The last one…? Emilia, what are…

When looking at her, one tear, then another tear began to fall from her eyes.

– If with this, the world——the universe reaches peace, then I want Kisaragi Hayato, the everyone's hero, to graduate. In other words, I want you to retire as a Slayer. Of course, I'll also retire. And then, live in Yamato with the children. I think that's the best. I truly feel sad again… because I don't want to be separated from Hayato… I hate that… so…

While wiping her wet eyes, Emilia keeps speaking with a tearful voice.

– But, I understand your feelings.

– … you do?

– Yeah——

While nodding, Hayato speaks out.

While he was wandering in the universe, the thing that crossed his mind many times.

He has thought about it.

That he might not be able to return to Little Garden never again.

Emilia, Karen, Claire, Sakura and the others——.

That he might never see Ryōko-san and every one of the institution.

Everyone who will probably protect and will probably fulfil the duty of those who have it*.

*TN: I can't understand this sentence. It's kind of straightforward and vague at the same time. みんなは護れたかもしれないし、持つべき者の義務も果たせたかもしれない。

But, will he really be okay with this?

Because if he doesn't return, then people will be sad.

That's something he wants to avoid.

(Precisely because I strongly wished for it, I was sure that I would be able to come back like I did…)

It's not just limited that he might come back in the next one like he did this time.

It's not just limited to being able to make his shoulder touch Emilia's shoulder like this again.

But everyone as well——.

– That's why, Emilia…

– … hmm?

– I don't know when that time will come for now, but if that really happens, if peace came to this world, then at that time——

– At that time?

– … at that time, I'll say it properly. That's why, today——

Hayato put his hands on Emilia's cheeks.

Then he lightly piled his lips with hers.

– Please forgive me with this much.

– What was that!? You're unfair, Hayato!

– I'm really sorry. But supposing they're saying that, that I became what everyone expressly expected me to become——I feel that I'll go back to that again.

——To be a hero.

He still thinks he's not such a thing but by feeling that he has to try and live up to the expectations of everyone, the Hundred responded

In this way, He pulled himself up by being called a hero.

And then, he was able to come back to this place.

But if he wants to step down from there, the Hundred won't respond.

He won't be able to live without meeting everyone's expectations.

Even the worst results may end up coming.

Hayato told Emilia that he feels like that.

That it's not that time yet.

– … that's how it is. I got it. If that's the case, then I'll wait for that time.

– I'm truly sorry.

– Well, I was really happy that I was kissed by Hayato. Thank you. This is to return the favor.

Saying so and after she returned a kiss to the cheek of Hayato.

Emilia stands up quickly and stretched her hand to Hayato.

– Well then, should we back to where everyone is?

Chapter end