・─ Fort's POV
My father and I awaited their return home, whilst my grandparents temporarily went home.
Unfortunately, I was unable to attend Lucifer Empire, as I had an obligation to present myself as a holy knight at the world church cathedral.
Afterward, I proceeded towards the standardized portal, which connected to the bridge of the esteemed Great Ueno Empire.
Upon my arrival, I was greeted by an unsettling sight; the air was thick with smoke and fiery rain fell from the red sky.
I was taken aback, witnessing the destruction and chaos caused by collapsing stone mansions, houses, and roads.
The inhabitants of Ueno were desperately fleeing the area as flames consumed everything in its path, including the once lush trees.
....What's going on?
I cannot fathom what is occurring, but the sight of others suffering deeply troubles me.
It feels as though I am being consumed by an internal turmoil.
The atmosphere is filled with tension, and I struggle to maintain my composure
"°^Your Highness, the prince!"
"°^Help us please."
The urgent cry pierces through the chaos as I stand on the bridge, facing a colossal figure who is holding their child.
Their desperate plea for assistance indicates their fear of an impending calamity.
It is imperative for me to remain composed and level-headed amidst this high-pressure situation.
"Go to Arcadia land and inform others about the current state of affairs."
They acknowledge my words and express their gratitude.
Utilizing my levitation skill, I conduct a thorough scan of the surroundings, hoping to find any races who might be trapped and unable to seek safety. Regrettably, no one seems to be present, and the area appears devoid of any spontaneous encounters.
I'm approaching the castle.
"°^Aaaaaarrrggggghhh!"
"─Don't hurt them!"
I suddenly hear agonizing screams coinciding with the enraged voice of my father.
In response, I enhance the utilization of my aura and hasten my progress.
Eventually, the sight of my father's plight, caused by those responsible for the desolation of this place, fills me with intense anger.
I control my aura flow, I swiftly hurl my sword towards the enemy, successfully striking her waist and igniting her body in flames.
Fixing my gaze upon her, I concentrate my mana, intending to teleport in front of her and deliver a powerful blow.
However, my attempt is obstructed as someone intercedes.
"So you're the one who threw the holy sword."
Even if one is a woman and one has committed wrongdoing, I would refrain from causing harm. The divine entity created both men and women, granting them equal perspectives in life.
"Fort! Get out of here!"
During my childhood, I encountered benevolent people. However, as I matured and observed them closely, I noticed a discrepancy between my expectations and reality.
This incongruity is perplexing and lacks coherence. It encompasses verbal assaults, physical and emotional abuse, as well as a fractured familial environment.
That's why everyone is alone because they've been traumatized, leading to their isolation.
However, it is important to me to recognize that both men and women were created by a God, and therefore, we are not alone in our struggles.
...There is a fear within me that I may adopt similar behaviors, which is why I place my faith in myself. I diligently seek to understand the nuances of right and wrong through my own unique perspective.
"I will engage in combat with him, Nefaria," As my thoughts were interrupted, one of the cyclops race expressed their desire to confront me.
"No, let our subordinates encircle him and engage in combat."
The woman remained composed, and as I surveyed my surroundings, I observed numerous individuals from various races utilizing levitation to encircle me.
"Son, d-don't die on me!" He exclaimed while settling himself upon the charred ground in front of the dilapidated castle.
Don't worry father.
"Urk!"
All of a sudden, a sharp object penetrated my body, resembling a needle.
The pain is excruciating; it feels as if someone is manipulating its every movement.
...It hurts. ...I'll endure it.
Many have inflicted wounds upon my body, and yet I still stand tall, with my blood staining the ground beneath me.
"He's tough! Ahahahahaha! My underlings, eliminate him!"
Could it be the work of vampires? I see. ...It is you, the cause of others' agonizing cries.
Your actions are truly vexing.
I'll win this fight.
The [Holy] power is exclusively reserved for the clergy; only holy knights are authorized to wield it. Through the church, I have consumed the communion bread, along with the wine, in order to manifest the [Holy] within my soul as a holy knight.
The god's gift with me It is a privilege that I do not take for granted.
"Don't underestimate me!"
「Holy: Fist of Apollo!」
/Boom!
As I fiercely struck the air, I assumed a punch stance, and swiftly conjured a translucent, immense fist materialized from my fist, radiating a brilliant yellow glow.
Their subordinate's bodies were sent flying, their clothing now tattered with slash wounds covering their forms. Among the opponents, there was a sense of fear, except for the representative of Akrasia and their founder.
"Argh."
My injuries are causing me pain, but I'll keep up.
Suddenly, someone from the cyclops race stood before me.
"Why do you persist in fighting while your body trembles?"
Pardon?
...She seems concerned for my well-being.
What could have prompted this sudden change in her?
What is happening?
My heart is aching.
"To protect the place I cherish, with everyone's gaze upon me and my loved ones."
"I see― Urgh!"
Abruptly, someone teleported behind her, his hand cruelly piercing through her abdomen, causing blood to spill from the wound.
The man, donning a tuxedo, promptly vanished.
Meanwhile, the Akrasia Organization found themselves entangled with the unidentified association.
I hold her slender, hourglass-shaped figure in my arms and employed the power of invisibility and levitation simultaneously.
As I hold her close, she remains hidden from the sight of others. It's like she's infected from capability.
The invisibility is considered a lost magic.
"A-Are you okay?"
Amidst these circumstances, I found myself questioning the reasons for my worry.
"Why do you express concern? We are enemies, so kindly release me."
"I fear that, if I were to let you go, you would plummet to the ground," I uttered while healing her wounds.
...I never needed anyone and I never been in love.
"You appear to be quite earnest. …You see, I am not an immortal being. I have accepted the time of my death."
"I won't let you to die on me."
"...On you? Why? Why would you say such a thing? ...Do you hold affections for me?"
Yes.
...What?
"I do, indeed, hold affections for you."
"W-W-What?! I am a member of the cyclops race, with my singular, u-unsightly eye."
"I am guided by the sentiments of my heart, which led me to you, rendering your physical appearance inconsequential."
"G-Goodness. Thank you for healing my wounds."
"Once everything has settled, would it be possible for us to converse and meet regularly?"
"I-I-I would truly appreciate that. Ah, Y-Y-You make me blush, It's so embarrassing."
She said, with a smile adorning her face, she placed both of her hands gently on my cheeks.
"Your smile is quite lovely."
"Yes. I have been defeated, stop now. My name is Amerya."
"I am Fort, can I kiss you? It will act as a symbol of our connection, ensuring that you will not abandon me."
"Are you rushing things?"
"No, I am not."
"Fort, I assure you, I will not leave your side. Once our present circumstances have been resolved, we can discuss our future together."
"I'm glad... I wonder who those races are."
We observed them engaged in combat.
"Don't fight anymore. It appears that you have sustained numerous injuries."
"The needle has ceased its puncturing motion, suggesting that my aura flows to regenerate has taken effect. Although wounds have formed, only blood remains as evidence," I said, and she sigh of relief.
...I wonder how strong a vampire is?
"Fort, I must go with them and your father is currently searching for you."
"Indeed, until we meet again, Amerya, please take care."
"Don't worry, I'm strong and s-see you again."
She departed from my embrace, her invisibility fading away.
I proceeded to join my father, while being encircled by the knights.
・─ Fort's POV
My father and I awaited their return home, whilst my grandparents temporarily went home.
Unfortunately, I was unable to attend Lucifer Empire, as I had an obligation to present myself as a holy knight at the world church cathedral.
Afterward, I proceeded towards the standardized portal, which connected to the bridge of the esteemed Great Ueno Empire.
Upon my arrival, I was greeted by an unsettling sight; the air was thick with smoke and fiery rain fell from the red sky.
I was taken aback, witnessing the destruction and chaos caused by collapsing stone mansions, houses, and roads.
The inhabitants of Ueno were desperately fleeing the area as flames consumed everything in its path, including the once lush trees.
....What's going on?
I cannot fathom what is occurring, but the sight of others suffering deeply troubles me.
It feels as though I am being consumed by an internal turmoil.
The atmosphere is filled with tension, and I struggle to maintain my composure
"°^Your Highness, the prince!"
"°^Help us please."
The urgent cry pierces through the chaos as I stand on the bridge, facing a colossal figure who is holding their child.
Their desperate plea for assistance indicates their fear of an impending calamity.
It is imperative for me to remain composed and level-headed amidst this high-pressure situation.
"Go to Arcadia land and inform others about the current state of affairs."
They acknowledge my words and express their gratitude.
Utilizing my levitation skill, I conduct a thorough scan of the surroundings, hoping to find any races who might be trapped and unable to seek safety. Regrettably, no one seems to be present, and the area appears devoid of any spontaneous encounters.
I'm approaching the castle.
"°^Aaaaaarrrggggghhh!"
"─Don't hurt them!"
I suddenly hear agonizing screams coinciding with the enraged voice of my father.
In response, I enhance the utilization of my aura and hasten my progress.
Eventually, the sight of my father's plight, caused by those responsible for the desolation of this place, fills me with intense anger.
I control my aura flow, I swiftly hurl my sword towards the enemy, successfully striking her waist and igniting her body in flames.
Fixing my gaze upon her, I concentrate my mana, intending to teleport in front of her and deliver a powerful blow.
However, my attempt is obstructed as someone intercedes.
"So you're the one who threw the holy sword."
Even if one is a woman and one has committed wrongdoing, I would refrain from causing harm. The divine entity created both men and women, granting them equal perspectives in life.
"Fort! Get out of here!"
During my childhood, I encountered benevolent people. However, as I matured and observed them closely, I noticed a discrepancy between my expectations and reality.
This incongruity is perplexing and lacks coherence. It encompasses verbal assaults, physical and emotional abuse, as well as a fractured familial environment.
That's why everyone is alone because they've been traumatized, leading to their isolation.
However, it is important to me to recognize that both men and women were created by a God, and therefore, we are not alone in our struggles.
...There is a fear within me that I may adopt similar behaviors, which is why I place my faith in myself. I diligently seek to understand the nuances of right and wrong through my own unique perspective.
"I will engage in combat with him, Nefaria," As my thoughts were interrupted, one of the cyclops race expressed their desire to confront me.
"No, let our subordinates encircle him and engage in combat."
The woman remained composed, and as I surveyed my surroundings, I observed numerous individuals from various races utilizing levitation to encircle me.
"Son, d-don't die on me!" He exclaimed while settling himself upon the charred ground in front of the dilapidated castle.
Don't worry father.
"Urk!"
All of a sudden, a sharp object penetrated my body, resembling a needle.
The pain is excruciating; it feels as if someone is manipulating its every movement.
...It hurts. ...I'll endure it.
Many have inflicted wounds upon my body, and yet I still stand tall, with my blood staining the ground beneath me.
"He's tough! Ahahahahaha! My underlings, eliminate him!"
Could it be the work of vampires? I see. ...It is you, the cause of others' agonizing cries.
Your actions are truly vexing.
I'll win this fight.
The [Holy] power is exclusively reserved for the clergy; only holy knights are authorized to wield it. Through the church, I have consumed the communion bread, along with the wine, in order to manifest the [Holy] within my soul as a holy knight.
The god's gift with me It is a privilege that I do not take for granted.
"Don't underestimate me!"
「Holy: Fist of Apollo!」
/Boom!
As I fiercely struck the air, I assumed a punch stance, and swiftly conjured a translucent, immense fist materialized from my fist, radiating a brilliant yellow glow.
Their subordinate's bodies were sent flying, their clothing now tattered with slash wounds covering their forms. Among the opponents, there was a sense of fear, except for the representative of Akrasia and their founder.
"Argh."
My injuries are causing me pain, but I'll keep up.
Suddenly, someone from the cyclops race stood before me.
"Why do you persist in fighting while your body trembles?"
Pardon?
...She seems concerned for my well-being.
What could have prompted this sudden change in her?
What is happening?
My heart is aching.
"To protect the place I cherish, with everyone's gaze upon me and my loved ones."
"I see― Urgh!"
Abruptly, someone teleported behind her, his hand cruelly piercing through her abdomen, causing blood to spill from the wound.
The man, donning a tuxedo, promptly vanished.
Meanwhile, the Akrasia Organization found themselves entangled with the unidentified association.
I hold her slender, hourglass-shaped figure in my arms and employed the power of invisibility and levitation simultaneously.
As I hold her close, she remains hidden from the sight of others. It's like she's infected from capability.
The invisibility is considered a lost magic.
"A-Are you okay?"
Amidst these circumstances, I found myself questioning the reasons for my worry.
"Why do you express concern? We are enemies, so kindly release me."
"I fear that, if I were to let you go, you would plummet to the ground," I uttered while healing her wounds.
...I never needed anyone and I never been in love.
"You appear to be quite earnest. …You see, I am not an immortal being. I have accepted the time of my death."
"I won't let you to die on me."
"...On you? Why? Why would you say such a thing? ...Do you hold affections for me?"
Yes.
...What?
"I do, indeed, hold affections for you."
"W-W-What?! I am a member of the cyclops race, with my singular, u-unsightly eye."
"I am guided by the sentiments of my heart, which led me to you, rendering your physical appearance inconsequential."
"G-Goodness. Thank you for healing my wounds."
"Once everything has settled, would it be possible for us to converse and meet regularly?"
"I-I-I would truly appreciate that. Ah, Y-Y-You make me blush, It's so embarrassing."
She said, with a smile adorning her face, she placed both of her hands gently on my cheeks.
"Your smile is quite lovely."
"Yes. I have been defeated, stop now. My name is Amerya."
"I am Fort, can I kiss you? It will act as a symbol of our connection, ensuring that you will not abandon me."
"Are you rushing things?"
"No, I am not."
"Fort, I assure you, I will not leave your side. Once our present circumstances have been resolved, we can discuss our future together."
"I'm glad... I wonder who those races are."
We observed them engaged in combat.
"Don't fight anymore. It appears that you have sustained numerous injuries."
"The needle has ceased its puncturing motion, suggesting that my aura flows to regenerate has taken effect. Although wounds have formed, only blood remains as evidence," I said, and she sigh of relief.
...I wonder how strong a vampire is?
"Fort, I must go with them and your father is currently searching for you."
"Indeed, until we meet again, Amerya, please take care."
"Don't worry, I'm strong and s-see you again."
She departed from my embrace, her invisibility fading away.
I proceeded to join my father, while being encircled by the knights.
