There was a town closest to Anakura, which had been Masamune's living base for the past two years. It was a small town nestled in a field with no barriers or fences. It was a former village that had become a town.
　A row of yellowish-white houses that look like they were built from hardened sand. They are residences. Inside, there was a tavern where travelers, merchants and adventurers would stop by. There was also a farm.

　One adventurer noticed the noise of the town and left the tavern with a mug in his hand. The tavern had no windows and was dimly lit, with nothing to illuminate it but a candle on the wall.
　When the adventurer went to the entrance, he found a few people who went to look outside as he did.

'What's the matter, what's going on?'

　I heard a voice from the table. But there was no one to answer. The man had asked a few questions, but he was frustrated when no one answered.
　Feeling like the noise was increasing, the adventurer opened the entrance westerndoor and looked out.

''........Hmm?''

　It was so quiet outside that he could feel the gentle sound of the wind.
　There was no sign of those who had gone out before him. The adventurer tilted his head.
　He heard a voice from inside the shop asking what was going on at the table from earlier. If you want to know, look for yourself, he said, irritated, and then he was about to walk back into the shop.

Huh? --

　The adventurer's jock and head bounced into the air.
　A swarm of demons passed in front of the store, raising a cloud of dust.

　The Anagura was located in the center of the Vanome continent. The demons spread out unevenly and attacked the humans. They only attacked humans because they reflected the philosophy of the King of the Abyss.
　The monsters released into the wild leave the king's control and become wild based on the king's philosophy.

　When the monsters were confirmed to be demonized, the demons formed their own society. They speak a language, they have thoughts, they have consciousness, and they are no different from beastmen and demons. They attacked humans and took for themselves the villages, towns and countries where humans lived.
　A hierarchy was created among the demons, and some of them interacted with the beastmen and demons. Just like humans. Demons now inhabit Banome as a new generation of creatures.







　The Knights of St. Gwynn, led by the Steel Spider, had left Grayberg and marched on Radshausen.
　The target was the head of the current king, Arnold Radshausen. He has ascended the throne again since the death of his son Patrick.
　Now Amadeus is Nito, and Nito is Masamune Hidaka. Radshausen hailed Nito as a hero for once thwarting an imperial raid, and even built a stone statue of him. Radshausen is known throughout the world as a country with close ties to Nito. Greiberg took it as a rebellion against Bannoum and called for the king's head after he was held accountable. Radshausen refused to do so and continues to this day.

'Halt--'

　The line of elders came to a halt in turn as the steel spider commanded the head of the squad to do so.

'Ichijo,'

　He looked down at one of the articles, standing in the middle of the road.
　On the road near the village of Tanya, he and the steel spider faced each other.

'I hear they're raiding villages and towns, killing innocent people,' he said. 'Saeki,'

　Ichijo called it in front of him, "Saeki".
　From the waist down, it had six silvery, spider-like legs that sprouted from the waist down. This made the steel spider well over three meters tall.
　Its right arm was shaped like a man, but silver. Its left hand is a large scissor-like figure, like a scorpion or a crab. The upper half of his body is clad in steel of the same color. He has a scope of sorts attached to his left eye, which moves in and out, retracting and protruding as he looks at Ichijou. The mouth is also hidden by the same steel as those armor. Faint scars could be seen through the gaps.

'You look like the fool you once were, don't you think? Don't you think so? And Ichijo.

''Are you trying to tell me you're just like him?

I don't know.

You're a hypocrite.

I see.

Cleverly, Ichijo said.
Saeki was annoyed.

'From the moment you were summoned to that hall, or even before that, you were a hypocrite. People don't grow up. No one grows up, just as I'm a violent person, just as you are a hypocrite. Because others won't allow you to grow up.

You won't forgive me? Ichijo didn't understand what it meant.

'I knew I could do it. So I assigned myself a role. I moved to Greiberg and became a holy knight. I've risen to the top. I got it done. But he wouldn't let me. He couldn't admit that I was different. And he took away my family and my dignity. I couldn't see the reality for a while, but it was better that way. Every day since I started seeing is a living hell. And that's still true today. One day I was in a hospital room and it occurred to me - but that's just the way it is with people.

'Saeki, you were fine before. I admit it.

I'm calling you a hypocrite!　You're a talking head!　In the past, you know, the past is me forever. That's why when he met me, he didn't hear a single word, he didn't acknowledge me. That's why Julius and Aria died.... And now they're awake. The world was always gray. I didn't understand.

You're in the plot of Hidaka's revenge.

　For a moment, Saeki scattered his one-eyed gaze into the air, as if he were being attacked by a sleeper, for example. ''It's a plot...'' he said, returning his scattered gaze to Ichijou.
　It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get a good deal more than you think.

'You were created by him to resent the world.

　A mysterious look on his face.
　After a beat or two, Saeki clapped his hands. It's a metallic sound that echoes.

'You're an honor student, you know everything. Do you know who did that to your left arm like that, and of course you know me?

　Saeki stared at Ichijou from his high position. The next thing he knew, his body, his head was shaking in anger.

Do you know how much this hurts?

　Saeki's voice kicked up the birds of the forest. Those near the head of the squad delegated.

''He ... he killed your wife and daughter right in front of you.

So what, are you gonna take pity on me now, huh?

I made you watch the person who meant most to you die.

....

　Ichijo said.

'It's the happy fallout of the natural normal. That's what he spent at least six years figuring out.

　Saeki knew that, too. To Masamune, the people around Saeki, all of them, were material for Saeki to inflict pain on him.

'He ... he had a grudge against me. He also said it didn't matter. He said it didn't matter, but he brought Kida and everyone else before me. Most of them were dead by then. I killed the rest of them right in front of me.

So that's it.

What happened to Kawachi and Saijo, he's an old friend of his as far as Saijo is concerned?

They say Hidaka killed her during the war with the underworld.

"Huh, that's crazy... Hey, that's right, Ichijou, he's a freaking genius!

'Yeah, right. Hidaka-kun was crazy. But, Saeki, you're close to that now.

What?

'He said. He said he'd rather cut with a rough, razor-like blade than a sharpened blade. That wound that was inflicted by Hidaka-kun won't heal so easily.

And your left arm.

Go home and rest, Saeki.

　Every time Ichijo used words that sounded comforting, Saeki was annoyed.

　The column headed for Radshausen. Ichijo knows what Saeki is going to do now. It's the same with Masamune. Saeki said he would smash the source of his frustration.
　Ichijo didn't stop.

'Search the surrounding villages and burn everything related to Nito!

　Saeki's emotional command echoes through the streets.



*



　There was a vigilante group organized by the people in front of the main gate of Rashausen. At the head of the group were Sierra's parents - Brown Eckarlert and Maria Eckarlert.

'We can't let you pass through here. Please go home.

　Saeki is slowly becoming more and more irritated by the way he is unafraid of the steel spider in front of him. Now it's a virtue for him to remain calm. But his original sensitivity cannot be changed that way. On the contrary, that beauty has sharpened his previously half-hearted anger.

'Bring out the nit.'

There are no heroes here.

Heroes? ......... Hey, hey, you heard him, this guy called that big criminal a hero!

　Grayberg's army laughed loudly. Because if they didn't laugh, the Count would kill them. Some of them couldn't laugh well and their expressions were twitching. A colleague next to them noticed and whispered to them, "You're twitching," and here and there I could see them.

''The fact that He once saved the royal capital doesn't change the fact. No matter what.

"Facts are always overridden. He killed my wife and daughter in front of me and turned me into this monster.

　Brown's expression wavered in quicksilver. It was because in a corner of his memory, he imagined Masamune talking happily with Sierra and Hilda. It was puzzling to think of someone who would do such a thing.
　Not only that, Saeki also spoke about the killing of the brave man in Grayberg. Touching on the bloodline of the Jishi, he lied that the current White Order was also under the control of the Masamune, without any proof.
　Saeki didn't know about the case of the King of the Abyss.

'Ask yourselves, do you still defend Nito? Do you call Nito a hero? Is that justice, or is that the cause for you guys!''

　It's easy to hurt them. For Saeki, the person in front of him doesn't need the person in front of him for his purposes. It would be easier to cut them down. But Saeki was now at odds with himself. Then he would be no better than Masamune. If he ruled without violence, it meant that he had partially surpassed Masamune for him.

'If that is true, I cannot let you pass through here. Please leave.

　Brown said. The townspeople, who were holding spears, harpoons and swords behind him, followed him.
　Saeki's line was snapped by that brave figure.

''I see--''

　After that word, Saeki slashed Brown with a pair of scissors in his right hand.

''You!''

　Maria let out a cry of grief. It too was quickly cut off by the scissors of the Saeki.
　Crushing the vigilante's flesh barrier, the Grayberg army entered the royal capital. There is no one to protect the soldiers of the royal capital as they are out in a foreign country. The main street was soon occupied and soon Saeki reached the royal castle.



　As soon as he kicked the big door roughly open, he saw the White King's Knights, led by Reinhardt, at the end of the clear dust.

''White King Knight, huh?''

　With a knowing smile, Saeki shuffled over to him. Saeki's steel feet pierced the tiles of the hall.
　Far behind Reinhardt - Arnold said from the throne.

'This is not the place for an irreverent man like you.

　Saeki's gaze was diverted from Reinhardt to Arnold. A moment later, Reinhardt's slash was swung down on Saeki's leg.

''Kuu--''

　Saeki's steel leg was easily sliced off. That's because Reinhardt's sword skills are outstanding. With a flowing movement, he slashed off the legs one after another, taking away Saeki's balance.

''d*mn........''

　Daniel and Emily respond to the joining Holy Knights and push them out of the hall.
　All of their legs are slashed, and all that remains are two arms.
　Saeki points the scissors at Reinhardt.

FLEGINENESS TAKT!

　He made dancing fire appear around him. But Reinhardt grabbed me by the head.

Oblivion!

　The fire around him quickly disappears and Saeki begins to have his memories sucked out.

''Gah, gah, gah........''

　As the deletion of memories began, some of Saeki's tragedy flowed into Reinhardt's mind.

'Your Majesty - this man, Nito has killed his wife and child. And that too, right in front of my eyes.

I'm sorry.

　Arnold was convinced, as if disappointed.
　The information about the steel spider was now known to all countries. Saeki was willing to commit inhumane acts in order to destroy the cult. He killed anyone he covered for or suspected, even children. But I didn't know what he wanted from the White Order.

'It was Masamune who made him into this body, too. They slashed down his legs and arms, and ... and ... how miserable.

That's enough, Reinhardt. Kill him.

But.....

'There is nothing more we can do for him. He is possessed by vengeance. There is no salvation for him even if he were to live. The second Hidaka Masamune has been born. That's all.

　The story of Saeki and Masamune flowed into Reinhardt's mind. It was the image before they were summoned to this world.

''That's right. Indeed, it looks like we can't save them anymore.''

　Saeki, Reinhardt understood, was the main part of the vengeance deliberately left behind by Masamune. The sadness and anger Saeki feels every day, and the gray sky when he looks up, are all orchestrated by Masamune. Masamune had dropped Saeki into the "hole" and asked him to invade the world for him. Saeki fought back, but finally he could not resist. The nickname and appearance of the steel spider is proof of that.

"No, don't ... don't ... you can't take Julius and Aria away from me ...

　Saeki's gaze was scattered across the ceiling. He fought back with his body, trying to keep the memories sucked out of him.

''Please........don't take it away, please don't.......''

Reinhardt, kill him. I can't watch.

　Reinhardt cut off Saeki's head.
　On the floor, the head of Saeki, now a shadow of a man, falls. The material is steel. Reinhardt regretted his actions, even though it was the king's order.
　When he turned around, he saw Arnold, who was just as sorry as he was.

"...Your Majesty, this is my role.

　Reinhardt lowered his head.

　Then something blindingly bright shone behind him. A light that was enough to turn more than half of the hall into a white field.
　He turned around and immediately realized that it was emanating from the body of a steel spider. With a tense look on his face, Reinhardt shouted.

''Your Majesty, please run! --

　Reinhardt turns his back on the white light and tries to run to Arnold, but he disappears completely into the light - and then he disappears into the light.

　That day, the dazzling light emitted from the royal capital enveloped a wide area of Rashausen. By the time the light converged, the streets of the royal capital, including the royal castle, and its surroundings were a sea of fire.
　The fire flowed like water released from the ruins of the royal castle, which was completely destroyed and burning black, toward the castle town, and spread to each street. It even reached the main gate. It engulfed the guilds, the famous tool shop, and all those buildings.
　In an instant, people disappeared from the small country that was considered a symbol of peace.

　Eight years have passed since he was summoned to the other world, at the age of 25.
　Saeki Kenta died in the halls of Rashausen.







　........warm.

　My vision quickly cleared and I could see the living room of the mansion.
　I took my usual seat. It was a corner seat at a long table. In front of me was the proudly prepared home-cooked food prepared by the waiter. It was a nutritious meal made with the health of Aria, Julius and I in mind.
　I cut up the meat and take a bite.......

''Yes, it's delicious.''

　I said, and the waiters laughed their usual good-natured laugh.

'What do you think, Aria?'

Yeah, it's good!

　Aria said, taking a bite of bread with her right hand at the table. Julius and I both looked at each other every time Aria smiled at us, saying it was delicious. We smiled at each other. Aria's smile is the happiest thing in the world. When I see her smile, I naturally smile and feel at ease.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a place to sit down soon. Let's eat together.

　On weekends, they would gather around the table and eat together, including the waiters, and that's the rule in this house. That is the rule in this house. So there are enough seats for everyone.
　We cut up the meat, take the salad, pour a glass of wine, and eat as we please.

　Occasionally we could smell the greenery of the garden. Through the window on the left side of the room, we could see the sunlit lawn and the spray that splashed over the fountain. Sunlight streamed into the room through the glass window and colored the dining table as well. It's an idyllic and ordinary time. Everyday life glistened on the faces of Aria and Julius.

　They drank wine. They drank without being aware of it, drinking and carefree. Then you see only what you want to see.

　There was nothing out of the ordinary, a normal weekend in front of me.