The battle was fierce.
　Rather, I should say that Yuto was considerably stronger than expected.

　Even compared to the cheat holders in recent memory, it must be said that as expected of a hero.
　He also has a complete mastery of magic wave motion, and he is a master at granting magic to swords. In particular, the dimension-breaking slash that cuts off an entire space or concept from the opponent, and the denial magic that allows you to deny the opponent's existence for the entire event, buried the copy under a single blow.

　It's not just a matter of time before you get to the point where you'll be able to get your hands on it.

''You're next, Sakagagi Ryoji!

　It's a very good idea to have a good time with your friends.
　By the way, if you want to make a copy, you can make as many copies as you want at the same time, so you can send out only 100 Gaelafs and force them to play an impossible game, but that's going to be a weird power-up for the hero's correction.

I'm not sure how easy it is to defeat them. I'll give you credit for a job well done.

　While applauding generously, I calmly dismissed their power.
　Yuuto overwhelms his enemies with absolute domination that is perfected as the perfect cheatman and reinforced by the hero correction. It's a good match with the cheat holders who got beaten up for good when I was weak.
　And, surprisingly, the harem members are not to be taken for a fool. It's not just the fighting ability, but also the supportive magic and advice for Yuto's assault nature, and the mental support. It would be a really good party if it wasn't for Nicoponadepo's mental link.

　Now, depending on Yuto's fighting ability, I was thinking of using it as a training ground for Ituna and Sianne, but as expected, it seems to be a heavy burden to deal with this main character party.

I'm sure you'll be able to find out. I'll teach you despair myself.

　While spouting lines like a villain, he absentmindedly took out the magic sword and staff that the copies were using from the item box and equipped them in both hands.

''That's Gaelaf and Snygraf's!
'Of course you do.　Everything I gave them is a copy, too. I own the original.

　I'm feeling better about Yuto's reaction and I explain it with a smug look on my face.
　Well, my original combat power isn't item-related. If they feel threatened, I'll buy this level of production service if they feel threatened.

　Yes, this is a game.
　The way I fought when I wasn't blessed with cheat ability, how far can I go now with only experience against a gutted cheat holder?
　Well, it's kind of a tie-up play. If I don't do this much handicapping, it's not even a sideshow.

　If I'm struggling with this, I'll pretend I'm being hunted down while deliberately taking damage, and finish it off in my doomed beast form (Fenrir style).
　And in the end, if Yuto, who was made to stand on the edge of despair, breaks, that's it. Or if he awakens at random and unleashes the final blow, he can turn into light and disappear while reforming. That way, you won't be chased around by these guys.
　When the relaxation is over, the hellish scrap rush will resume.

''.......Why?''

　I don't know if you can see through my lustful spirit, but Lily-chan appeals to me with tears in her eyes, saying: "Why don't you have that much power and use it to help people in the world?

Why is it that you have so much power, but don't you try to use it to help the world?
I think there's a misunderstanding. I help people, too.
You don't know what you're talking about!

　As usual, Yuto starts to make a mess of things, but I ignore him and continue.

There was a time when I was trying to do my best to help people, and there was a time when I thought I would take responsibility for my actions. But then I realized. It didn't make much difference what I did or didn't do.

　The gods of other worlds continue to process and consume otherworldly people as resources for their own benefit. There must always be some other world somewhere else that I can't see or interfere with, where they are always working in the dark.
　It's the same this time. In order to prepare a world where Yuto can play an active role, he adjusts the scum humans so that they can be born easily, and uses the will of the stars to spur opportunistic developments. In a universe under the control of a f*cking god, it's a very common occurrence. Even the more outrageous acts are easy to do.
　What's the point of being the only one who cares about such a situation, when I'm the only one who cares about it? If I'm the only one who stops to feel remorse, that's one less life I can save.

That's right. No matter how powerful they are, the lives that are being lost for nothing will never be lost. There's no end to the number of lives that will be lost if you think about it all the way through.
''It's not like that... it's something that affects people's lives and destiny!　How could you be so cruelly cut down!

　Apparently, Lily-chan plays a heroine who appeals to my conscience. Even though it's overwritten, her personality data is as good as her own, so I'm sure the real Lily-chan will be asking the same question.

"Is the life of a stranger you don't know really that important?

　I, on the other hand, calmly and blissfully asked back.

'At least the people I got involved with and wished for to be happy and the people related to them don't get caught up in the misery. That's the kind of blessing I'm giving them.

　Also known as Happy Endings Cheat.
　It is an ability to realize that the people of the country lived happily after the protagonists solved their problems.
　It's a blessing to the extent that people you know won't suffer an unreasonable fate unbeknownst to the person with the ability, but it's just enough to make you feel better.

So as long as my people are safe, I don't care what happens to the rest of them. I don't care.
It's not important to you!　Even though it could be someone else who means something to someone else!
It's a stranger, after all. In the first place, the person who should be responsible for that person is himself. Why am I the only one who has to carry the weight of a stranger's ass on my shoulders?
Because that's the responsibility of those who have the power!

　It was Yuto, after all, who sidled into Lily's question and answer session with Lily at the perfect time.

'I too came to another world and got this kind of power and was buoyed by it at first. But then I learned that what you do for good reasons can make someone else unhappy...
Ute...

　The mage girl reacts to Yuto's recollection.
　Ah, so that kind of event was caused between the two of them. If it was the work of Hoshi's will, then the doubts and conflicts about Yuto's power might have been there from the beginning.

''Ryouji Sakagagi, you're just trying to get away from that responsibility!　Because I want to make myself feel better!

　Mm-hm.
　It's a nice thing to say, just like the protagonist.
　I know all about Yuto's reality, but it doesn't resonate with me at all.

　That's right, I'm taking the easy way out of the responsibility. But you're too hardheaded to think that taking it easy is bad. If you have to continue for a long time, at least make it easy for yourself, or you will eventually go out of business.
　There's nothing hard to say. It's just a matter of doing so, as long as you've made up your mind to see it through to the end. I'm not pretending to ignore it like you do, but I don't look at it with an understanding of everything.
　Once you think about what's important to you, you'll know exactly what to cut back on. There's no way to sacrifice anything, not even an illusion. It's just a fantasy.

'Isn't that the same for you?　Yuto Kirigaya

　That's why I don't dare to deny Yuto's words and cut back with a grin and a disgusting smile.

It's not a problem for me," he said, "as long as you come to another world and wield a borrowed supernatural power in the midst of the extraordinary, and as long as you have a cause to do something for someone else, it doesn't matter what you do. Isn't that what you're talking about?

　How do you answer this question? If you have an answer that you give yourself, I think it's okay to be wrong.

　And yet, when it comes to this guy.

''It's........''
No, it's not!
Ute is not like you!

　When Yuto snickered at the question, the Nicopo heroines were quick to argue back.

''That's right, I'm not like you.......!

　And then Yuto gets back on his feet and regains his power. I'm sure that Kirigaya Yuto doesn't realize that this is his desire. That's why Lily brought up such an obvious topic.
　It's all a travesty to lead to this series of events. The desire for self-realization is the ultimate in this. Well, it is a kind of the way of being of a person, and I don't really dislike it.

　By the way, I don't listen to Yuto's long talk of self-defense though it continues.
　It was like this at the end.

'In the end, it's all good if you're only good for yourself, isn't it? There's no way I'm allowed to use my power like that!　You are wicked, Ryouji Gakihagi!

　Well, yeah, but?
　He is more selfish and unprincipled than anyone else. He travels around other worlds, saving and destroying on a whim.
　How can such a person not be a bad person? That's exactly what I'm talking about now.

　Well, I guess it's a self-deception to cover up the contradictions Yuto feels. You want to feel safe by being different from me. Actually, it's not.

'Totally, though, I wish you'd consider the position of being sent to the side of preparing a bad guy for you.
"...what are you talking about?
'Oops, that's an afterthought. Forget it.

　I couldn't help but slip up.
　It's a good thing that you're able to get a good idea of what's going on in the world, but it's not a good idea to correct this guy's personality or free the heroines from slavery.
　I'm not going to tell you the truth like I did with Ishikaga Yuya, because these guys are insignificant strangers to me.

Now, let's get started. It's nonsense for the protagonist to have a long conversation to find out why it's okay for him to defeat the boss. You'll never forgive me. I'm not going to change. Isn't that enough of a reason to fight?　There's no need to be conscientious of each other's circumstances in the first place anyway. Do your best to dance for the sake of the stranger, hero.

　I guess that's enough for a boss to say.

　Well, how shall I cook it?
　The menu changes daily.
　Seasoning is a matter of whim.

　I've got to entertain the gods up in the sky, to the extent that they're on the edge of their seats.



　Here's your first move.
　First, I'm going to try to control their minds with my staff, just like Grandpa Dark Elf used to do.

It's no use. I've seen that move plenty of times!

　However, it's countered by the exact mental defense items, so it's ineffective.
　It's a good idea to use your own magic, because if you rely on items, you'll be resisted, so it's easier to use your own magic. Well, it's not the purpose of manipulation, so I guess this is fine.

Then how about this?

　When he raised his magic sword, a baby-like, disastrous cry echoed through the ruins.
　Then..........

''Ugh, what the hell!''

　Yuto and the others start to suffer with their heads in their hands.

''It seems Gaelav didn't know about it, though. This is the original use of this 'Night Crying Magic Sword'. It's called temporarily counteracting the effects of the resident magic items of the defense system within the range of the squeal.

　In other words, with the effect of the staff's countermeasure item nullified, the mental attack became effective.

''And this one is the 'Change of Mind Staff'. As the name suggests, it makes the target change their mind. Originally, it is an item that is used to convert an evil person. Didn't you know that?

　But it was my genius wife, who developed the sealing beads, who made those modifications, and in the original VR MMO, they were just equipment items!
　Nevertheless, it seems that Yuuto, who has a strong resistance to mental attacks and hypnosis, as well as the already Nicoponadepoised heroines, have only been given the discomfort of being stirred up inside their minds.

　In this kind of rivalry, otherworldly magic and items cannot, in principle, defeat the cheat ability, which is the source (rule) of the universe.
　Yes, it will be on the test here.

You're doing great. But how far can you satisfactorily use your sword in this state?

　When I swing my sword lightly in check, the blade of magic power flies more than its actual reach. The name of the technique as Ken Sei-ryu is Demasen, but similar techniques to this one were used by Yuto and Gaelafcopy, so it's not that unusual in this other world.

''Kuh!　I won't let you do it!

　The Priestess Warrior held up her shield and received the magic flash.
　She was the one who had been in charge of defending and recovering all the time until now. In other words, as long as this girl was attacking to the extent that she didn't get crushed, she wouldn't accidentally kill Yuto.

''Sora-sora, what's going on!

　So the slashes continue to fly while determining the power that the Goddess Officer Warrior can just barely withstand.

''Void Flare!''

　In an attempt to follow up somehow, the mage girl unleashed an intermediate level of fire magic with an abbreviated chant, but I knocked the flying ball of flame off carelessly with my staff.

''Attack magic with my wand!''

　Hmm, is it that strange?
　Since you can do it with a sword, I don't see any reason why you can't do it with a staff.

''That wand had that kind of effect, didn't it?

　Oh, Lily, you didn't think that was my move.

"Calm down, people. The attack is the sword and the defense is the staff. And the combo of each item's special abilities.......if we can get through any of them, we have a chance to win!

　Oh, I honestly don't like that interpretation........
　If they find out that I can't get a single scratch from a direct hit, they'll wonder why I'm fighting like this.
　Well, if they find out, so be it!

　But the real problem is that the synchronized cooperation of the Nicopolo link is quite troublesome when you try to fight it seriously. They don't talk, or even make eye contact, they help each other, and they practice appropriate attacks and defenses.
　But at the same time, they also have a clear weakness.

'Sora yo!

　Instantly, she swings her sword twice and aims at Yuto and the mage girl at the same time with her magic flash. Naturally, the attack on Yuto is blocked by the Goddess Officer Warrior........

''Uggh?''

　A scream went up as soon as the magic blade hit the mage girl's arm. The power is reduced to the limit, but it's enough damage for the rear guard.

''Shit!''
Lasia!

　The Priestess Warrior gets impatient and Yuto calls out the mage girl's name.

'Oooh, I thought you were going to protect the sorceress, right?　Oh no, I'm out of my depth.

　Of course it's a lie. It was completely on target.
　As you can see, the Goddess warrior has given priority to Yuto instead of the rearguard that she was supposed to protect. This is not because she dislikes the mage girl or because she is in love with Yuto, but because Yuto is the center of the Nikopolink. The Nicopodores would put their master first and move on unless they were given special instructions.

'Mireina, enough about me!　Keep Larsia safe!
Okay, okay!

　Sure enough, Yuto gave up the shield role to the rear guard. This makes it easier to attack Yuto. Everything is in my hands so far.

　If it comes to this, the remaining problem is Lily-chan.

''Teyaa!''

　As a matter of fact, since a while ago I've been subjected to not only Yuto's cheat bayonet attack, but also Lily-chan's relentless claw attack.
　Just as the beastman looks, Lily-chan is a speed fighter just like Ituna and Sianne. She is the type of person who uses her small moves and hands to keep you glued to her.
　Of course, you can hit an attack if you want to, but even if you hit it oddly, it could be fatal because of its acceleration. It moves really well, even though it's supposed to be under the effect of the staff.

　I mean, these guys are a perfect upside down version of Ishidou Yuya's adventurer party, The Bond of Dawn. That one wasn't as haphazard as Yuya was with Yuto, though. If you think about it, their names are kind of similar, too.
　I didn't mean to go off on a tangent, but I guess it's because I have a lot of room in my heart. I can understand everyone's movements without activating my magic eye or divine eye abilities, and from the way they move and the way they move, I can predict their actions a few moves ahead. Even against an opponent like this, I now know that I can fight them without cheating, while still having some extra power. That's a good thing.

　Well.
　I'm tired of being a small handful. As the founder of the cheat-killing swordsmanship.......the founder of the Kensei Style, should I show you a part of my power?

"The secret technique of the Kensei Style Fu Ban!
"Yikes!

　The demon sword's belly was stirred like a fan to create a gust of wind, stopping Lily's feet.

''Kensei-ryu profound technique, Karinui!

　He also thrust the magic sword into the floor........Lily's shadow.

''Eh, why........can't I move.......!
Lily!

　Yuto tries to move to protect Lily, but his decision is one move too late.
　He quickly lets go of his magic sword and pokes Lily-chan in the stomach with a stone thrust of his staff.

''Gefu........''

　With her shadow and body sewn into space, Lily-chan let out a sob, just like the heroine, and passed out while standing with her shadow and body bound to her.

''First one.''

　With a nimah and a wicked smile, he turned back to Yuto and the others.

''Oh no, how could Lily be so easily beaten...''

　Yuto let out a powerless murmur.
　The mage girl and the goddess warrior were also staring behind me, staring at their hapless companions with sad expressions.

　It's difficult to neutralize a strong enemy without killing them, without using cheats, magic or special items to kill them. That's why it's worth the challenge, and it's a way to overcome boredom. In that sense, these guys are probably the perfect match. I'm sure I'll be able to enjoy this a bit more.

　While indulging in the pleasure of tormenting such strong people, in search of further enjoyment, I pulled out my magic sword from Lily's shadow.



　Immediately afterwards, I received a powerful claw strike fired at the back of my head with the staff I turned behind my back.



''Whew!

　My mouth moved unconsciously without looking back at the other person who was as excited as a beast.

''....I see. Looks like I've been estimating Kimi pretty cheaply.

　I thought I had fainted. No, I really did pass out at one time.
　No matter how strong he was, as long as he was a life form, he had a kryptonite. Of course, we can cover it up with magic wave motion, skills specific to other worlds, or compensation by the level system, and although there are differences in race, I know all about that, and I haven't neglected to take countermeasures. In that sense, my attack was perfect, and I had already figured out that there was no way to instantly revive them as far as my appraising eyes could see.
　And yet, that's why they counterattacked. Even though I myself was able to defend myself from the attack from my blind spot for a moment with a chill down my spine and my natural reflexes, it is true that I was caught off guard.

　But that doesn't matter now.
　It wasn't remorse that suddenly bubbled up from the depths of my body.

''Ah, it's been a long time since........I feel like I've met an 'enemy'

　My heart was filled with unspeakable joy.
　It wasn't a lavish tribute to Lily's Never Give Up spirit...or anything pretty.
　It was something more horrific.

　I have a hunch.
　Something far beyond my expectations is happening right now in front of me.
　Trusting my instincts, I re-evaluated her (Lily) again.

　The moment I understood, my whole body trembled.
　So much so that I unintentionally dropped my magic sword and staff.

''Yeah, that's right. Because we can't be measured by appraisal-type cheats.''

　I can't see the bottom of it, even with my own eyes.
　In other words, Lily is my kind.
　A non-standard exception (Overflow One) that allows her to store unlimited energy and source (cheat) in her body and still keep her soul intact.

　I thought we would never meet again.
　I assumed that we were the only two people in the world, Artorius and I.

　It was the unexpected.
　The ultimate in the unexpected.

"Lily!　Oh, thank God!　Okay, Ryouji Ohagi!　The game begins here...
Hmm?　Ah, you're still here, Yuto. Enough of you guys. Go away.

　With a snap of my fingers, the entire ragtag bunch, except for Lily, popped up like balloons from within.
　Blood and flesh disappeared without a trace, and among those who disappeared without a trace, Yuto, who was supposed to have been promised invincibility by the world, was naturally included.

　Oh, was that guy allowed to kill him?　It's all right. It's going to be all right.
　It's just the two of us in the world, me and Lily.