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The Crawlers

🇯🇵DaoistLPLirj
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Synopsis
"What is human?" Utsuro, a sixteen year old boy, has been thinking about all of these things in his hidden village deep in the mountains. Abandoned by his parents, he and a young boy of the same age and background, Akuta, were raised by the assassin Kyogetsu Nigarashi, leading a strict but happy life. One night, mysterious bandits attack their village, and Kyogetsu and Akuta escape from Utsuro by presenting themselves. However, Utsuro encounters Maoh-zakura(the cherry tree of demon king), the ruler of the other world, which is said to bloom on the border between this world and the other. Maoh-zakura imbues Utsuro with an extraordinary ability called "Altra". Utsuro wakes up and meets four boys and girls in a western-style apartment. Ryoko Sanada, a kind-hearted girl, Miyabi Hoshikawa, a strong-minded girl, Masaki Minami, a bad-tempered boy, and Kotaro Sanada, Ryoko's younger brother who has a habit of thinking. They were all "Altra Holders" and Utsuro was protected by the organization that controlled and supervised the Altra Holders. Through his interactions with them, Utsuro is rescued and hurt by them, and tries to find his way. From the author: This novel contains the minimum amount of cruel, violent, sexual, and grotesque depictions necessary for expression. Despite my best efforts, those who reject such depictions should be aware of their rights. 「人間って、何だろう?」 十六歳の少年ウツロは、山奥の隠れ里でそんなことばかり考えていた。 彼は親に捨てられ、同じ境遇・年齢の少年アクタとともに、殺し屋・似嵐鏡月(にがらし きょうげつ)の手で育てられ、厳しくも楽しい日々を送っていた。 しかしある夜、謎の凶賊たちが里を襲い、似嵐鏡月とアクタは身を呈してウツロを逃がす。 だが彼は、この世とあの世の境に咲くという異界の支配者・魔王桜(まおうざくら)に出会ってしまう。 ウツロは魔王桜から「アルトラ」と呼ばれる異能力を植えつけられてしまう。 目を覚ましたウツロは、とある洋館風アパートの一室で、四人の少年少女と出会う。 心やさしい真田龍子(さなだ りょうこ)、気の強い星川雅(ほしかわ みやび)、気性の荒い南柾樹(みなみ まさき)、そして龍子の実弟で考え癖のある真田虎太郎(さなだ こたろう)―― 彼らはみな「アルトラ使い」であり、ウツロは「アルトラ使い」を管理・監督する組織によって保護されていたのだ。 ウツロは彼らとの交流を通して、ときに救われ、ときに傷つき、自分の進むべき道を見出そうとする―― <作者から> この小説には表現上、必要最低限の残酷描写・暴力描写・性描写・グロテスク描写などが含まれています。細心の注意は払いますが、当該描写に拒否感を示される方は、閲覧に際し、じゅうぶんにご留意ください。 「小説家になろう」「カクヨム」「NOVEL DAYS」「ノベルアップ+」「アルファポリス」にも投稿しています。
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Chapter 1 - Chapter 1 : Utsuro and Akuta

"What is human?"

 When Utsuro muttered that, Akuta freaked out, "It's happening again".

 This is because his friend's bad habit have been activated.

 It was late afternoon in the mild spring, deep in the mountains, in a tiny hidden village.

 A small leek field surrounded by a cedar forest.

 The two boys are busily pulling out the leeks, so much so that they can forget what they are saying.

 One was named Utsuro and the other was named Akuta.

 They are both sixteen years old, but they have never counted their own age, nor do they know their own age at all.

 They don't know their date of birth.

 The sun is gradually getting stronger, and the dark blue work clothes the two of them are wearing is becoming more and more sweaty.

"What do we call a human being?"

 Utsuro's bad habit, which he calls himself "Contemplation".

 This boy loves to read philosophy books, and makes it his hobby to ponder his thoughts.

 However, according to him, it is not a hobby, but rather it is in order to become human.

"What is it that makes a human being a human being?"

 Utsuro and Akuta were orphans.

 They are told that when they were red, they were abandoned in a different place, and that the master of this hidden village found them, picked them up and brought them up to this point.

 The two of them are bearing the harsh reality of being abandoned by their parents.

 Utsuro in particular, unable to bear this reality, "Isn't it my fault? I've been blaming myself for this.

 I was abandoned by my parents.

 It is impossible for a human being to do such a thing.

 That's right, I'm not human.

 They are ugly and disgusting...that's right, they are like a poisonous worm.

 That is why, in all times and places, in all places of the world, the wisdom of philosophers and thinkers is the basis of their work, and they are constantly asking questions about their own existence.

 It's not so much that he is thinking about it, but rather that he is fighting against the self-denial impulse that comes at him whenever he feels like it.

"If we assume that man is capable of overcoming himself, then"

"Utsuro"

"And that action is the human life activity, in other words, the humanistic life activity"

"Utsuro"

"Only when you continue to do so can you be a true human being"

"Utsuro!"

 With the strength of his strong shoulders and the snap of his arms, Akuta threw the leek in his hand at Utsuro, who was trapped in a chain of thought that could not be completed, like a shuriken.

 With a slight movement of one hand, Utsuro grabbed it and removed it from the air with such a speed and sharpness that it cut through the air.

 I'm sure that even though it's only a leek, if it had been a direct hit, it would have cracked at least a crack in the skull.

 But both Utsuro and Akuta looked quite cool.

 The cedar trees are still rustling in the breeze.

 Their smiling "everyday life" is like this, and even the springtime cheer seems to be smiling and laughing at them.

"I'm just in the middle of a good time, Akuta.so please don't bother me"

 As the Utsuro's face is swollen up, Akuta turns his natural face to the Utsuro and reciprocates.

"But that's enough of the hypnosis. If you fall asleep here, you'll end up being a fertilizer for leeks"

"It's a nice expression"

"Didn't I just compliment you?"

"Yes"

 Akuta tried to express his will with a softness that is contrary to his appearance, but Utsuro treated him lightly.

 Although this is not the first time Utsuro's habit of speculation is nothing new, for Akuta it is still like listening to sutra incessantly.

 He was very well aware that he had no ill will, but this was a source of great worry for him.

"Do you want me to tell you what your favorite word in the world is? 'Human', right?"

 The words of the low, thick, full-bodied, full-bodied Akuta seemed to startle Utsuro.

 It's a good idea to make sure that you have the right information about the person you are looking for.

"Akuta..."

"What?"

"I can't believe you knew that much...about me.

"Don't do that. It'll give you the wrong idea"

"..."

No different, but no different.

What's that?

You are in contradiction.

You can go to.

 The Utsuro's attitude is causing him some confusion.

 He is well aware of Utsuro's feelings.

 Therefore, I have long suggested the danger of thinking too much about unnecessary things.

 But while the Utsuro is aware of this danger, he is unable to stop thinking about it.

 He is carrying that much trauma.

 Utsuro dropped his gaze and was thinking again.

"What is a human being? That's what I've been thinking about all along. What makes a human being a human being?

"Your "humanism" is too difficult to understand"

"If...if I find the answer to this question, I will be able to become a human being...when I find the answer to this question.

 What could possibly be so absurd?

 He believes that he is not even human.

 He's not even going to reveal the fact that Akuta is in the same situation, but he even thinks that "my existence is a mistake" and "I was born in the wrong place".

 It is very unreasonable.

 What on earth is his crime?

 Or even though he could have lived a happy life.

 Self-denial is eating away at him, killing him.

 The demons that nestle within his mind try to lead him to his destruction.

 How much pain will this cause?

 Utsuro's face becomes distorted in anguish.

 I can't watch it.

 Why is it necessary to suffer so much?

 There's nothing wrong with you. ...

 He made a decision, "It can't be helped," he said.

 Utsuro was depressed with his face down.

 Huh.

   dullness

 When he looked up, Acta pulled his cheek right beside him.

 This is the reason why it's so important to have a good time with them.

"Whnyat, Akuta?

 Akuta lets go of his hand and with the restorative power of his hand, Utsuro's cheeks return to their original shape.

"Don't play with me"

 This is the same as in the past, but this time the face of Akuta is still the same.

 He takes a breath, and slowly, with a pause, he begins to speak.

"Hey Utsuro, we are alive, right? That's why we're human. That's fine, isn't it? Don't think about it too much"

 If he made one mistake, he could hurt Utsuro.

 But this is also a dangerous situation.

 Akuta thought about it and reached for the highest possible bet.

 Utsuro is having trouble getting his mouth tied up in a knot.

 Akuta was so nervous that he almost broke out in a cold sweat.

"It's good enough to be alive, right? Mmmm..."

"Can't you get it?"

"human beings are difficult..."

 Utsuro felt his mind clearing up, although he was still thinking about it through his example.

 I'm going to be able to get the best out of it.

"It's a bad habit of yours to think too much about unnecessary things. You need to open your head like I do"

"Isn't that hard to say?"

"I'm just a regular helper."

"What's that?"

 When he saw Utsuro's face loosen up, Akuta finally revealed a smile.

 I was able to get through this situation, but one thing is always another.

 But if I don't do it, who is going to take care of this thing?

 That's what I told myself.

 It's not easy for the big brother.

 Akuta kept on laughing, so that this unforgiving friend, so that he wouldn't be able to realize that his body would be drained of strength.