Ex Strongest Swordsman Longs For Magic In Different World Chapter 384 (Self Edited) – Reuniting with Something Familiar

Chapter 384 (Self Edited) – Reuniting with Something Familiar

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Soma was walking alone under a still bright and clear sky. Today, Felicia and Sheila apparently had their own things to do, so he was heading home by himself. In reality, perhaps he should be keeping an eye on Felicia… but, well, he couldn’t exactly act like a stalker. Besides, he wanted some time to think, so it was actually convenient. Though it could be said that it would have been just as well to think once he got home, he wasn’t sure if he would have the time then.

This was because, as they parted ways in the cla.s.sroom, Aina had told him she would be waiting for him at night. It seemed to be both for a discussion and for gathering strength. Well, since he had no objections to going, having some time alone like this was quite precious.

However—

“In the end, it’s about what I should do, isn’t it?” (Soma)

If asked what the best outcome was, the answer was obvious. Preventing interference from the outside world, ensuring the Holy City did not disappear, and saving Felicia. No one would disagree with that. But if it were that easy, he wouldn’t be going through all this trouble. Indeed, this situation was troublesome. For example, if Soma alone could handle it, things would have been much simpler.

Certainly, this world had its own rules, but Satya should be able to make some adjustments. In that case, they could just isolate Soma and Felicia together, keeping Soma’s power intact. Soma could then handle the rest and solve the problem. The fact that they hadn’t done this meant that Soma’s power alone wasn’t enough. However, if killing Felicia was the only option, there would be no need to go to such lengths. There would be much easier ways to kill Felicia. Continuing this situation would be pointless.

Above all, if there were no other options, Satya would have executed it without hesitation. Even if it meant turning Soma and the others into enemies, it wouldn’t be a reason to hesitate. In the end, if that was the only choice, they would have no choice but to do it. Thus, they wouldn’t be doing anything unnecessary. But, even if there were other means, it was still questionable. That was because the current situation was overly roundabout.

If there was a method, they should just present it. If the result leads to the best possible outcome, no one would hesitate, no matter the difficulty. Naturally, Soma wouldn’t either. However, there were no signs of such a thing happening, and the ambiguous situation continued.

“Well, perhaps it’s because various complex issues are intertwined…” (Soma)

Ideally, he wanted to reach a conclusion as soon as possible. With that thought, Soma let out a sigh.

“…Considering the situation, it feels like a repeat of the past.” (Soma)

It was similar to the time when he saved Felicia in the Elven Forest. Back then, too, people said that things would be resolved if Felicia died. However, unlike that time, there wasn’t a clear target to defeat to resolve the situation. If anything, defeating the world itself might be an equivalent, but that wasn’t feasible. The issue wasn’t about whether it was possible. Defeating the world meant causing its destruction. That would be the ultimate contradiction.

“So, what should I really do? I’ve been told I can do as I please, but I’m not sure if that’s really the case… What do you think about it?” (Soma)

The words thrown towards the sky weren’t directed at anyone in particular. There was no one around, after all. However, there was a response.

“—Well, what do you think? As for me, I can only say that I have no idea.” (??)

When Soma turned towards the voice, he saw a figure. There hadn’t been anyone there a moment ago, yet now there was clearly a smiling boy of around ten years old. No, it was more accurate to say it was something that looked like a boy. Soma knew what it was. This wasn’t their first encounter.

“Hmm, well, shall I say ‘long time no see’?” (Soma)

“How about that… It doesn’t feel like it’s been that long. But what is certain is that we’ve met again. I’ve been waiting for you, Demon King.” (??)

With that, it… the Devil smiled in a way that didn’t suit a Devil.

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—

Since standing around talking was impractical, Soma and the Devil headed to the park they had visited the previous night. The Devil’s figure on the swing seemed oddly fitting, though Soma couldn’t pinpoint why. Reflecting on this, Soma shrugged his shoulders.

“I considered the possibility, but you were referring to Felicia, weren’t you?” (Soma)

“Oh my, you figured it out. It seems I still have a lot to learn.” (Devil)

With that, the Devil, who seemed bored, began to slowly swing back and forth. Looking at the scene, one might not guess it was a Devil, but there was no mistaking its true nature. As the Devil swung, it gazed curiously at Soma and tilted its head.

“Even so, it’s surprising you’re not showing any intent to kill me. To be honest, I was prepared to be killed without question.” (Devil)

“Even if that were the case, as you can see, I currently lack the power to do so. Besides, strangling you wouldn’t be enough to kill you, right?” (Soma)

“True enough. I don’t need to breathe.” (Devil)

“Moreover, you haven’t done anything that warrants being killed, have you?” (Soma)

“Do you think so? I don’t. Even if I were the true cause behind the impending destruction of the Holy City?” (Devil)

Those words were too serious to be a joke, and there was no deceit in the Devil’s eyes. Soma believed the demon enough, but his response was simply a shrug. Still, his answer remained unchanged.

“If there was malice involved, that would be a different story. But there wasn’t, was there?” (Soma)

“…You are quite a difficult person. Intentional or not, a crime is a crime. And crimes must be atoned for. You have the right to make me atone, don’t you?” (Devil)

“That’s just your way of trying to feel better, isn’t it? Unfortunately, I have no reason to oblige.” (Soma)

“Harsh, but true, I suppose?” (Devil)

For a while, the only sound was the creaking of the swing. The Devil’s face was expressionless as it stared into the void. After a moment, a quiet murmur escaped the Devil’s lips.

“I wanted to do something because I didn’t like it… but it’s difficult.” (Devil)

Though the Devil’s face remained expressionless, there was unmistakable emotion in its voice. It was surely frustration, or perhaps anger. Watching the Devil, Soma let out a breath. This Devil truly was an unusual being. He understood that the concept of a “typical Devil ” was shaped by certain prejudices.

Soma genuinely felt no desire to kill this demon. If anything, Soma felt grat.i.tude towards the Devil. It had helped him in Veritas. Soma had been able to defeat those Devils so effortlessly because this Devil had informed him about their abilities. Without that knowledge, things might have turned out very differently. He might have still emerged victorious, but the path to victory wouldn’t have been the same. There could have been more sacrifices along the way. That’s why Soma was grateful to this demon.

Of course, he understood that the Devil had its own reasons for helping. Soma had learned about the Devil’s goals during their encounter. But even so, his grat.i.tude remained unchanged. The fact that he was helped didn’t change, and more importantly, he believed the Devil was worth it. He still remembered the look in the Devil’s eyes when it spoke of wanting to help someone.

That was when Soma decided to trust the Devil. Although it appeared that the Devil had ultimately failed, resulting in the near destruction of the Holy City, it was likely unintentional. The Devil’s actions must have somehow revealed Felicia’s existence to the world, leading to the attempt to obliterate the city along with her. But surely, it wasn’t on purpose. The aura and eyes of the Devil seemed unchanged from that time.

Maybe Soma was being deceived, but if that were the case, so be it. It would simply mean that the Devil was more cunning. He would accept the outcome. For now, he believed in the Devil, and there was no need for any action against it.

“So, you didn’t come all this way just to say that, did you?” (Soma)

“…Indeed. While I did hope you might condemn me, I came here because I have business with you.” (Devil)

With that, the Devil leaped off the swing and landed effortlessly and looked directly at Soma. With the same eyes and expression as back then, it spoke again.

“I have an answer for you.” (Devil)

“An answer, you say?” (Soma)

“Yes. In three days, she will reach her limit. At that moment, the world will also reach its limit, and it will be the time when this world reaches its deepest point.” (Devil)

“Ah, yes. I recall Eleonora mentioning something like that.” (Soma)

Soma remembered Eleonora’s words. She had mentioned it before they entered this world.

“That will be the time to defeat the source of all this. At that moment, there will be no other repercussions. This entire situation was set up to create that moment. …And also, perhaps, to give you a chance at some peace.”

With those words, the Devil turned its back and started walking away.

“Now that I’ve said what I needed to, I’ll take my leave.” (Devil)

—Until then.

With only the sound of the empty swing and those parting words left behind, the Devil vanished. As the sky began to turn red, Soma simply continued to stare at its figure dissolve into the crimson horizon.

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