「────『魔族』の討伐、か」　

　魔術師達の間で幻とまで呼ばれた技術、【二重詠唱】を独自の鍛錬で会得し、【双魔】の二つ名で呼ばれ、その隔絶した実力が広く認められ始めたオーケンの元に『魔族討伐』の依頼が舞い込んだのは、既に彼が壮年を迎えた頃だった.

　数十年もの間、独り山奥で鍛錬に励んでいたオーケンには、近年急に活動を始めた『魔族』という種族がどんな存在なのか知らなかった. 彼らは十数年前に急に大陸で活動を始め、不思議な力で魔物を自由自在に操り、人を殺戮する『敵性種族』だという.

　そんな奴らの話は、オーケンが冒険者として活動しているときは一度も耳にしなかった.
　彼らは、短期間のうちにとてつもない大勢力を築き上げたという.
　その規模は多くの国の国軍の戦力を軽く凌駕すると言われ、実際、既に多くの大都市が彼らに滅ぼされていた.

　彼らは強かった.
　『竜種』や『魔獣』といった強力な魔物を多数使役するだけでなく、知略にも長けていた.
　彼らは大陸のいたるところになんの前触れもなく出現し、街を襲うという.
　各国が保有する軍戦力だけでは『魔族』を相手取って戦うにはとても足りず、『魔族』の討伐依頼が大陸中の冒険者ギルドに出されていた.
　だが、その依頼を受けて生きて帰ってきた冒険者はほぼ居なかった.
　例外として、戦う前に尻尾を巻いて逃げ出した者だけが生き残った.

　────あれはとても人間が相手にできる相手ではない、と.

　五百名を優に超えるベテラン冒険者で構成された大規模戦団(クラン)が瞬く間に壊滅する光景を目にした男は、そう怯えながら依頼失敗の報告をしたという.
　そんな噂を聞き、オーケンは『魔族』という種族に興味を持った.

「……それなら、俺の相手としては丁度いいかもな」

　山を降りて再び『冒険者』として依頼をこなすようになったオーケンはその時、既に自らの生きる目的を魔術の探求のみに置いていた. 自分の魔術が深められるのなら、他のことは大抵どうでも良くなっていた.
　危険な場所に赴き、自らの命を危険に晒すことさえ厭わなかった.
　自分の力不足で命を落とすなら、別にそれはそれでいい.
　────元々自分の死に場所がそこだったというだけのことだ.
　そんな風に思い、数々の危険な依頼を受け続けた.
　そうして【金級】クラスの危険な依頼を単独(ソロ)で幾つもこなすようになり、それすら物足りなく感じていたオーケンにとって、『魔族』の存在は魅力的に映った.

　────今の自分の技術を試す相手としては、丁度いい.

　そうして、オーケンはその大集団(クラン)規模受託推奨の『魔族討伐』依頼をたった独りで受け、魔族が人を襲撃しているという戦地へと向かった.


　◇


　オーケンが目的の平原に辿り着くと、そこは広大な平原を埋めつくさんばかりの魔物の群れがひしめいていた.

　それはあまりに異常な光景だった.
　迷宮の中ですら、こんな風に魔物が集結することはあり得ない.
　────確実に、ここに『魔族』がいる.
　確信を得たオーケンは、目測で優に数千を超える魔物の軍勢に、真正面から飛び込んだ.

　そうして、一対数千の戦いが始まった.

　まず、オーケンが得意とする極大の雷撃で数十の魔物を屠ると、それを合図に魔物たちは一斉に彼の元へと押し寄せた.

　だが、【二重詠唱】を駆使し、無数の強烈な攻撃魔術、補助魔術を間断なく放ち続けるオーケンは、雪崩のように迫り来る魔物の群れをまるで簡単にあしらった.
　凄まじい轟音が平原に鳴り響き、雷が、炎が、氷が天変地異のように舞い踊り、魔物の群れが次々に駆逐されていく.
　オーケンはたった一人で、誰もが絶望を覚えるであろう魔物の軍勢を圧倒した.

　だが、オーケンは冷静だった.
　まだ目的の存在が、姿を見せていないことに注意を払いながら、魔物の群れを焼き尽くしていった.
　そして、オーケンが魔術で殲滅した魔物の数が千を超えた頃、ようやくそれらの魔物を操っている『魔族』が顔を見せ、オーケンは顔を僅かに綻ばせた.

　────ようやく、会えたな、と.
　オーケンは噂の『魔族』の顔を拝もうと目を凝らした.
　だが、そこでオーケンが目にしたのは意外なものだった.

　巨大な魔物にまたがって姿を見せた彼らが例の『魔族』であることには疑いはなかった.
　でも、オーケンは初めて『魔族』の姿を目にしたにも関わらず、彼らの姿に覚えがある気がした.
　彼らに共通する特徴的な薄青の髪色、そして蒼白の肌は、かつてオーケンが長い間旅を共にした一人の男にそっくりだった.

「いや、違う────」

　────いや、そんなはずはない.
　オーケンはすぐに考えを振り払った.
　彼に案内された故郷の集落で共に過ごした人々に、彼らはあまりによく似ていた.
　でも、違う.
　彼らは優しく温和で、とてもこんな乱暴なことができる人々ではなかった.
　それに、自分がかつて出会った彼らは、あんなに憎しみに歪んだような険しい顔はしていなかった.
　それでも、どこか見覚えのある姿の彼らが自分に襲いかかってくることに戸惑いを覚えつつ、オーケンは魔術を駆使して迫り来る脅威を片っ端から殲滅した.

　彼らは強かった.
　ある者は巨大な竜種にまたがり、火炎のブレスをオーケンに浴びせ、ある者は素早い魔獣の群れを使役した.
　だが、大型の竜種『火竜』といえど、数頭で平原を征する『黒狼』の群れといえど、【二重詠唱】を手にしたオーケンの敵ではなかった.
　オーケンは魔力の続く限り渾身の魔術を発動させ、次々に相手を討ち滅ぼした.
　そのまま押し切れば、勝てるような勢いだった.

　────だが、それも束の間.

　思っていたよりも魔族の軍勢はずっと冷静で、狡猾だった.
　オーケンがたった一人で戦いを挑んできていることを理解した彼らは、次第に主戦力を後方に引き下げ、戦力を小出して攻撃するようになり、オーケンにひと時の休みも与えずに消耗を待った.
　そして彼らの目論見通りオーケンの準備していた魔力回復の魔法薬(ポーション)が切れ、疲れが見え始めたところで一気に畳み掛けるように戦力を投入した.

　魔族の軍勢は想像以上の規模の魔物を従えていた.
　オーケンが倒した千を超える魔物たちも、その戦力からすればごく一部でしかなかった.
　そうして、大軍勢を相手に優勢だったかに見えたオーケンは魔族の軍勢に囲まれたまま、魔力切れを起こし、膝をついた.

　────やはり、ここまでだったか.
　もはや、なすすべがなくなったオーケンは自嘲気味に笑った.

　この数十年間、自分はずっと力だけを追い求め続けてきた.
　自分はあまりに、弱かったから.
　弱かったせいで、あの時の自分は何もかもを失った.
　あれから、少しは強くなったつもりだった.
　でも、やはり限界があるのだと今更ながら実感した. 　
　いくら力があっても、独りでは限界がすぐに来るのだと.
　あの時の自分は弱くても、仲間がいたからなんとかなった.

　────仲間か、とオーケンはまた自嘲気味に笑った.

　そんな風に呼べる存在はもうどこにもいない.
　今、自分がいなくなったとしても悲しむ人間はいないのだ.
　だから自分はもうここで終わってもいいのだ.
　……ここが、自分のちょうどいい死に場所だった.

　そうして死を覚悟したオーケンは自分を囲む魔物たちが自らの身体を引き裂くのを待っていたのだが.

「────待て. そのまま、動くな」

　Suddenly, a familiar voice came from deep within the crowd of demons.
　Then the demons and monsters surrounding him stopped attacking at once.

"...... Oaken, why are you here?

　A large army of demons opened up a path, and a man appeared from behind it.
　It was a scarred man riding on the back of an extraordinarily large black dragon.

　At first, Oaken didn't know who it was that had called his name.
　The moment he heard the voice, he was sure it was him, but the moment he got closer and saw the face, he couldn't believe his eyes, and then he couldn't recognize it.
　I was not sure if it was really the person I had imagined from the voice.

　But there was no way that ──── Oaken could have mistaken his appearance.

"──── Roy. Is that you?

　He wondered, though he did not say it.
　The man's mood had changed so much.
　The deep wrinkles on his face, etched with hatred, made him look like a different person.
　But it was definitely Roy, Oaken's former comrade.

"Roy, why are you here ......?

　More than nostalgia, a feeling of doubt prevailed.
　I thought I had come here to defeat the demon race.
　And yet, the fact that he is here ────

...... That's what I'm talking about. Oken, why are you here ...... now, what do you want? No, ...... right, you're asking me to take it down.
...... Ah. I'm here on a mission from the Adventurer's Guild to take down a demon tribe. But why, Roy ......, why are you here ......?
"You know ────. We're the demons.

　Given the circumstances, that was the only way to look at it.
　But Oaken didn't want to admit it.
　He couldn't accept it and he didn't want to believe it.

　He didn't believe that he (Roy), who had a character that couldn't even kill an insect, was the "demon tribe" that was killing people all over the continent.
　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to try to find out.

I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I'm sure you've seen it before. ...... Hey, what's up, Roy? You're not the kind of person who's going to look like that, are you?　What the hell happened to you? And what do you mean you're a demon ......?

　Roy was silent for a moment.
　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.

"It's ...... Astila. He's alive.
"Astila is ......?　Really, that's... But why is that ────?


"He came to my village. And he took the red stone.
"...... Red stone?　What's that?

　Roy didn't answer Oaken's question, but suddenly, as if he had changed his mind, he let out a heavy voice that seemed to echo from the depths of the earth.

"──── And then the children were kidnapped. The women were taken.

　It was a voice that seemed to curse everything.
　It sounded like he was angry or sobbing.
　While Oaken was puzzled by Roy's appearance, Roy continued to spit out stagnant words, as if he was cursing someone.

"──── Then the men were killed.
　The old men were killed.
　...... And so our village was destroyed.
　He came and broke our village into pieces.
　It was so peaceful and beautiful, our village.

　Roy's eyes darkened, and he could no longer see Oaken.

　It was the image of someone who had the strongest hatred for something that Oaken had ever seen in his life.
　Oaken couldn't believe that it was the image of his former comrade Roy.
　He was a different person than the Roy that Oaken knew.

Wait, that doesn't make any sense. ...... Why would he (Astila) do that?
　No, I know you're not the kind of guy who lies, but ──── is it true?

　I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but I think it's a good idea.

...... I thought so too.
　I never thought he'd do something like that.
　I wanted to believe.
　And I did.
　And this is the result.
　He's changed.
　That's not the Astira we knew.

"...... Roy, what the hell kind of ...... is that?

──── And I'm not the me you know anymore either.

　In front of Oaken, who can only continue to be confused, Roy raised one hand as if to signal something to the demons around him.
　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

...... Go home, Oaken.
　You're no longer with me.
　So you stay out of it.
　...... This is between us.
　──── Let's go.

　I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I'm sure you've. 　

. ...... Roy.

　Oaken could no longer call out to him.



　The only thing I could do was to watch in amazement as my former friend was swallowed up by a huge army of demons that filled the plains and disappeared under the control of a giant black dragon.


　I'm sorry.


　Astira is alive.

　In order to confirm the truth of the story that Roy had told him, Oken then gathered information with his own eyes.
　I'm not sure if you've ever heard of this, but I'm sure you've heard of it.

　In the center of the capital city, named "Holy Mithraic State", a huge cathedral had been built, and Pope Astira was said to be inside.

　Forcing his way through the gates of the cathedral, which was heavily guarded by guards, Oaken claimed to be an acquaintance of Astira and asked for a meeting with her.
　His forceful plea was accepted and he was immediately ushered into a room adorned with glittering jewels.
　He was told that this was the room of Pope Astira, and he was shown in.

"It's ────, and this room is ......?

　As Oaken frowned at the overly ornate room, which was the complete opposite of what he knew of her taste, a woman appeared.
　It was the face of a woman Oaken knew well.

"Oaken. It's been a long time. I've missed you.

　It was indeed Astira.
　An irreplaceable companion he thought he'd lost long ago.
　It should have been a very familiar face.

"Astira. I talked to Roy. Is it true what you did to his village?

　But instead of being happy to see her again, Oaken's first words were to question her.

I'm not sure what to say.　Who's that? ...... Oh, you mean that demon lord (・・・・・)? I'm having a hard time with that one right now. You have to get rid of it as soon as possible.

　The words that came out of her mouth were much colder than Oaken had ever imagined.
　Oaken immediately questioned her.

"Who are you, ......?　Are you really that Astira?

　The face was exactly the Astira of Oaken's memory.
　There was not even the slightest difference, and she had not changed at all.
　But yet, he couldn't feel any of the softness that Oaken knew her to be.

　What the hell is going on here, Oaken wondered.

It's funny, her appearance hasn't changed.
　Don't you remember this face? I'm Astira, the real Astira. Here: ──── Take a good look.

　Astira then approached Oaken, showing her face, and smiled.
　It was, after all, the same face that Oaken had remembered from his past.
　The sight of her brought tears to Oaken's eyes without his knowing it.



　But ──── Oaken turned his face away from that nostalgic presence.

────You are not the Astira I know.

　...... similar, but different. This is not the girl I knew.
　This is not the woman I knew, the woman I once considered an invaluable companion.
　She was never the kind of person who could shun Roy, the person she once trusted with her life, with such coldness.

I'm going to miss him. We were such good friends.
"......, the Cup of Wisdom, has disbanded. You are no longer with us.
I see. I'm sorry to hear that.

　Astira smiled happily at him.
　Seeing her expression, Oaken could not help but realize.
　There was nothing left for her to understand.
　She's changed so much.
　No, she's not the only one.
　Roy, ──── and myself.

　Knowing that there was nothing left in common between them that they had once traveled together, Oaken couldn't stand there any longer.

I'm going to ...... leave now.
You've got a visitor. Lead the way.
"I'll go to ────. I'll go alone.

　As he left the cathedral, he muttered to himself. 　

I really don't know what's wrong with me, Roy ...... Astila.　

　Before he knew it, everything had changed.
　They were both like different people.

　He realized that there was nothing he could do for them now that he was stronger, and he disappeared again, feeling alone and helpless.

　And so ────

　In the event that you have any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, please do not hesitate to contact us.



　I'm not sure what to say.



　The Demon Lord's army has been annihilated.
　However, the body of the Demon Lord has not been found.

　When he heard the news, the first place he went to was the village of the Lepi.
　This was his hometown that Roy had taken him to in the past.

　When Oken arrived at the Lepi village, he found nothing there.
　There was no mistaking the location.
　But he couldn't believe his eyes, everything was really gone.
　The houses, the fields, the trees, the lives of the people, the laughter of the young children.
　The peaceful and happy scenery that used to be there was gone without a trace, and all that was left was a desolate ruin.



"──── that is.

　But that's where Oaken found the man he was looking for.

"Roy.

　He called out from a distance, but there was no answer.
　Oaken hurried closer to the figure.
　And when he saw the ──── figure up close, he flinched for a moment.
　It was indeed Roy, just as Oaken had thought.

　But ────

"...... Hey, Roy. Are you okay?
"──── Oaken, huh?

　Roy responded to Oaken's call.

　But his face was completely lifeless.
　His eyes were unfocused and his voice was weak.
　This is because ──── his fingers were almost completely gone, his arms and legs were cruelly torn off, and half of his torso was gouged out as if something had bitten it off.
　It was a wonder that he was still alive, his condition was so miserable.

"...... Hang on, Roy. I'll patch you up now. ...... Don't worry, I've prepared the best potions for something like this to happen. ────

"Oaken.

　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it's a good idea.

"It's ....... If you don't hurry, you'll bleed ......!

　Roy laughed weakly at Oaken's panic and squeezed out a small voice.

"...... I'm sorry, but that's enough. ...... Just let me go. ...... We've fought enough... We've fought enough... ...and there's no one left to fight with. I can't be the only one who survives.

　I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.

"...... Roy. How did this happen?

　──── There was a great war. He fought on the front lines of it.

　I knew that.
　But I couldn't accept it.
　That his former comrades had fought each other and ended up like this.

"Oken, do me a favor ──── and take this.

　Roy's body was enveloped in a pale light.

"What are you doing, Roy ────?　What is this light?

　I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but I think it's a good idea.

"──── Hey, Oaken, ...... where did we go wrong?
　I'm sure you'll be able to understand what I mean.


　Or was it when I left my homeland?
　Is it when I broke the law and took on the demons?
　...... Was it still all my fault?

"──── No. That's not true. That's not true, Roy. ......!
　It's not you, ....... It's not your fault, ────!

　No more words came out of Oaken's mouth.

　I wish I had more power back then.
　If only I hadn't broken up with Roy then.
　No, if only I hadn't suggested that we start a party with these guys in the first place.
　If only I'd done one thing differently.
　Maybe none of this would have happened.

　If only I had done more at ──── that time.
　All sorts of regrets swirled in Oaken's mind, and he couldn't formulate any words.

"...... Hey, Oaken.
　Why did this happen to me ────?
　Why did ──── Astila do that to me?
　And why did I have to kill her like that?
　Why did ...... we have to be killed like that?
　I don't know.
　I really don't know. ──── Oaken.
　I've come this far without knowing.

　As he spoke quietly, light leaked from the countless cracks in Roy's face.
　Oaken didn't know what was going on.
　The only thing he knew was that Roy was trying to do something in exchange for his life.

"Hey, stop it!　No more ......!　Stop. Stop it. ──── Not yet. Wait. There's still a potion here. If you use this, you'll still be ────!

　Oaken was crying pleadingly as he held Roy in his arms.

"...... Hey, Oaken.
　I don't know what's right anymore.
　I've done too many wrong things.
　I don't know what I've done wrong anymore, and I don't know what I've done right anymore.
　...... I don't know anything anymore. I can't trust anything.


　I don't know what's going on with me anymore. But ──── let me tell you this.

　For a moment, Roy's eyes took on their old kindness, and he looked firmly at Oaken, who held him, and said.

I'm so glad ...... that you were the last one to see me.

　Roy then crumbled into a glowing red stone in Oaken's arms.

　It was a magical stone of extraordinary purity, now called the Demon's Heart by those who knew it.
　Oaken took it without anyone knowing ──── and kept it in his possession for over two hundred years without telling anyone.

　The stone was made into a ring and given to a boy.

　He gave it to the boy, who looked like his former best friend, to give him the "power" to carve out his own destiny.