"Looks like you're awake."
"Ngh..."
As soon I regained consciousness, a voice called out to me. I didn't raise myself, my whole body felt like hell, anyways.
I tried looking to the left but my view was obstructed. I was too dazed to even try and look at my location.
"Looks like you're still slightly out of it."
The voice shifted to my right.
It was Ayaka.
That meant this place was the nurse's office. I would love to talk but my throat feels like it caved in, alongside the strain and ache I got from all of my muscles.
I attempted to look at my body while lying down. I was naked. I had bandages and scars all over my body. I never had scars before, meaning that... these are from the recent battle.
Honestly... I'm surprised I even survived.
"You're probably still confused, so I give you a rundown on some things."
Glad she knows me well.
"Firstly, that guy named Ragnarok is confirmed to be dead. We found a King-class beast's corpse but from the account of Kuroha, it seemed to be one of his accomplices, Asmodeus."
That guy. I still remember his words. But why... why was he jealous of me?
"Three others were arrested. The one dressed as a nun, Titania, is going to be imprisoned alongside the one that looks like a student, Ephraim. The young woman with dark hair is in protective custody. She's giving Maria information as we speak. After that, she'll also be imprisoned."
They must've been defeated by the others. That's good to know.
"Your team casualties were more on the positive side. You're the most injured out of all of them. You had fractured bones all over the place and now have multiple scars since those places had mana residue, which made it so that, when I accelerated your healing process, it didn't fully close."
I guess that makes sense.
"Maria is completely fine and Emika only suffered a sprained ankle. Kaguya had a deep cut through her stomach but we've already solved that. Kuroha had the second worst injuries after you."
Ayaka looked to the right.
I tried as well. It hurt just by moving my neck.
Kuroha was sound asleep. She was also bandaged up, however, she was clothed, unlike me. At least bandages covered my sensitive part.
"Don't worry, she'll survive. She's just exhausted like how you were. You were both mana-depleted."
So that's why she's still sleeping. Well, she was channelling Nyx and she did give me some of her mana while also fighting that big dog.
I suddenly remembered Maki.
I tried to mention it to Ayaka.
"Ma..."
However, only a faint grunt came out.
Did they find Maki? Is she safe? I need to know before resting comfortably.
Ayaka smiled.
"Don't worry. Principal Kamish questioned Ishtar, the young woman with dark hair. She was in a derelict building in Osaka. She's safe."
Thank god.
That was all I could think of at that moment as I smiled and looked up at the white ceiling.
A lot of things have happened lately.
I mean, it was only a year ago when I first reawakened as a Streia. I met my friends, Tatsuya, Emika, Anastasia and Akane, and also the boys.
Then the attack on the school happened. Then, I met Altair for the first time. After that was my training and then the Japan vs China exchange match. Then I fought Aden-Lada, leading me to be trained by the Emperors. I returned home and attended the World Conference in Olympus.
I got two girlfriends and met Mashiro after fighting Chrysus. I met Kaguya when I started my second-year here. And now I'm here, after my fight with Ragnarok.
Ah.
I only just noticed now but... excluding the battle with Chrysus, the exchange match and my spar with Kaguya.
Was there ever a crucial battle in which I won solely by myself?
I don't think there was. No, there wasn't. Even in this latest battle with Ragnarok, I received help from Nyx and Kuroha since I couldn't deal with his fallen angel form by myself.
I guess all the power I have is for show.
I bitterly smiled.
[What're you talking about?]
Erebus' voice leaked into my head.
(Erebus.)
[I'm sorry, it's just that your stupid thoughts are pouring into my consciousness because of your emotions. It's stupid.]
(Me?)
[Of course, you!]
(I know.)
Even Erebus admitted. I was stupid. To think I did everything with my own power. I'm so utterly stupid.
[Yeah, you are. Because you don't even realise the impact you made.]
(What?)
[Each battle you had, even if people helped, you still were the one who got them and yourself through the problem. It was like that with Ragnarok, was it not?]
What's he...
[Even when Altair was renowned in the Shadow District, he had help from me, Nyx and Celestia. He never did anything alone until he became Emperor. Even then, we still helped him. But, even if we did, he still helped us pull through difficult situations.]
Altair. One of the bravest and most powerful people I know... even he didn't last with help for a while?
[That's why you can't sulk over something like this. Pick yourself up. So that next time, you can do it all alone.]
(Right.)
I answered him.
(Thanks, Erebus, for whipping me into shape.)
I thanked him.
[No problem, that's what partners are for.]
I guess I am the stupid one. I can't believe I have to let a demi-god, who is in the shape of an ever-changing weapon, had to lecture me.
I might not be as powerful as an Emperor right now, but I swear I'll live up to the name. I'll be so strong that barely anyone will be able to catch up to me.
"Wah!"
From across me, Kuroha woke up in a huff. She looked around, slightly distressed, before sighing and laying back into bed.
"No dogs. No dogs."
She muttered.
I couldn't help but laugh internally.
How am I stupid when there are idiots like her around?