I regretted it.
After only 5 minutes in, I already began regretting it a lot.
About the contents Root was talking and the explanation drawn out.
Because it was practically at an incomprehensible level already. Right now he is
smoothly writing down a mathematical formula I can't understand at all.
"That's why, when people fall to this world, it is normally done in this manner…" (Root)
Root draws a circle on a part of what he wrote while continuing to explain on and on.
Tomoe is p-probably still able to follow this. I want to believe that.
"And in the case when it synchronizes from A to D, the phenomenon called transfer
happens between the worlds. In the cases where a God orchestrates this, there will
first be a time division joint…" (Root)
Forever, it is truly continuing on for eternity. Now even the words I can understand
are starting to become fuzzy. In the several parts like people, gods, and transfer; they
probably still hold the same meaning that I know of.
"…And so, a discrepancy in the world's times will be created and it will become
extremely difficult. I think you already understand this part, but the time paradox
created from the flow of time will originate an outbreak of energy, which is an
incredibly important problem, but at the same time, the chances of this happening is
low…" (Root)
I… What was I asking to begin with?
Uhm…
"And because of the stated reasons, the time passage of this world and the time
passage of the original world of Makoto-kun are managed in a totally different manner.
This is the reason why my first husband and Makoto-kun know about games and RPGs
that have been recently introduced to your world, but…" (Root)
Root looks at me. I didn't understand most of what he said, but I was able to stay
conscious. Mission clear.
"So, in the case thatI want to return to my original world, is there a chance of success?"
(Makoto)
"…You, didn't understand my explanation right?" (Root)
"The moment science and magic began mixing up, I wanted you to understand that
there's no way I could get it" (Makoto)
"Eh? Isn't all this science talk? Ah, that's right. Your original world doesn't have the
concept of magic in your science" (Root)
Concept of magic in science? It is such a contrary statement that I can't even put my
finger on it.
"Are there worlds where science is combined with magic?" (Makoto)
"Of course. Broadly speaking, this world also has magic and science mixed you know.
But it has already been forgotten. In Makoto-kun's world, just by being able to put out
magic power from your body, you would be considered a psychic. In that case, things
like warp, time streams, and also world dimensional navigation would be pretty
difficult" (Root)
Instead of saying it is difficult, it is in the sci-fi reign already. I remember my physics
teacher saying that warp needs an incredible amount of energy so it is impossible.
Root also knows that kind of techniques? With magic you can move with teleport
formations, so it is probably a part of his everyday life already. When I think about it
calmly, it is pretty impressive stuff.
"Leaving aside magic and science for now… Tomoe probably understands, so I will
have her resume it and explain it to me later" (Makoto)
"Waka, I honestly didn't understand all" (Tomoe)
What?! Then there's no way I can understand it. In the middle of it, I even though he
was playing around with me.
"Should I explain it one more time, in an easier to understand way?" (Root)
"No, it will probably be the same. *I think the line I don't understand is just several
minutes late*. I can understand that it was incredibly advanced talk, so I would be
happy if you were to answer my questions concisely" (Makoto)
Well, he did say to listen to him till the end, but didn't say I had to understand it, so
there should be no danger of him attacking me, probably.
"…No helping it huh. Well, there's only been two otherworldlers that have understood
this talk after all. Okay. The question was if Makoto-kun can succeed in transferring to
your previous world, right? The answer is: close to impossible" (Root)
So there were two. Even though it would probably take me an eternity to just
understand 15 minutes or more of what he said.
"…"
Tomoe isn't saying anything. So the answer to my question is: close to impossible, huh.
That means, there's a way.
"You are saying, there's a method right?" (Makoto)
"N, it is a bit different. With Makoto-kun's current magic power aggregate amount,
transfer itself will practically succeed without doubt. The technique is child's play, so
just by studying it there's no mistake. That I can guarantee" (Root)
Eh, isn't he talking in a pretty positive way here? I have been doing archery frequently
after all. I think my magic power has increased quite a bit. I still have problems with
the amount I can use. I have been studying a decent amount in that aspect since I
arrived at the academy though.
"Then why is it close to impossible?" (Makoto)
"To pinpoint the destination is crazy hard, moreover, there's the high rate of
randomness. Well, if you repeat the transfer a thousand times, you will probably be
able to arrive at your original world. Just, there's no way of knowing which time your
original world will be in. The chances of returning to the Japan of your current era,
optimistically thinking, is close to 1 in a billion" (Root)
"…"
"Is what I have been explaining to you since a while ago though. Well, if you go about
increasing the number of times you can transfer in a single day while thoroughly
putting in order the conditions, I think the success rate will be higher than what I
mentioned. Regarding how much time it would take to get to that point, even I don't
know though" (Root)
The chances are not zero, but it is close to impossible. Is what he is trying to say huh.
"I see. In short, it is incredibly difficult. I have understood that it is not an objective I
can pursue yet in my current state" (Makoto)
"Yeah. Wouldn't it be a good idea to look around a bit more? I will make it so you can
contact me anytime you want, so call me anytime you want a talking partner. If
possible, when you are alone" (Root)
Today I learned that you can be both a genius and a pervert. I don't think I will ever
contact him(?) when I am alone.
Honestly, it would have been better to just think in an Urashima-way and ask him
questions on my own. This tired me like crazy.
After Root's words, a curtain of silence descends. Then in less than a few minutes, Root
suddenly stood up.
"Well then, since I have already finished my greetings, I will be excusing myself
tonight" (Root)
Tomoe sees Root out and leaves together with him from the room.
Ah, that's right. If Shiki were here, it would have probably gotten through him. He is
attached to the talks of world travelling after all.
It will be at a later time, but let's have Tomoe tell Shiki what she understood of Root's
talk.
I cover the sleeping Mio with a blanket and silently leave the reception room.
Let's think a bit in my room. About what I want to do.
Ah.
AAAAHHH?!
"Ring. That's right, I didn't ask about the thought transmission jamming! I was pretty
surprised about the Guild talk after all. Hah…" (Makoto)
Did he give me the slip, or is it that I just didn't ask him.
Damn it…
I still have a long way to go.
2
On the way back from the Kuzunoha Company to the Adventurer Guild, Root and
Tomoe were walking in line.
"You guys are pretty interesting. It may be because it is a relationship between
someone that hasn't stood in a high position before and people that have never stood
below anyone though. It is quite the amusing master and servant relationship. A
master that even when exchanging a ruling pact, he still thinks of them as family. A
servant that acts as an elder of sorts, trying to guide her master; a servant that blindly
obeys her master; and one that had to go through the trouble of putting a pile below
and stand on tiptoes to barely reach the condition of ruling. Fufufu, not a single one of
those have been in a slave relationship before. It is truly strange… and interesting"
(Root)
Root's mouth continues to talk. But the warmth in his voice when talking to Makoto is
not there and it is more of an indifferent tone.
While saying it is amusing, there was no fun mixed in his tone. It was just like telling
his results of an investigation, cold words of an observer.
"…"
Tomoe doesn't show any special reaction and just followed on Root's steps.
"What? If you want to ask something, go ahead" (Root)
"…So you noticed" (Tomoe)
"Of course. I was even thinking about talking with Makoto-kun the whole night you
know. But your gaze was so annoying that I left didn't I? In the first place, what was
that about not understanding anything? Tomoe, you understood all. If that weren't the
case, I wouldn't have explained till the end" (Root)
"Right. There are a number of things that… I want to ask no matter what" (Tomoe)
Tomoe's tone was heavy and hard.
"You said that people are liars and deceivers, and yet, you were lying to your master
as well didn't you? Well, we are both dragon acquaintances, go ahead and ask me"
(Root)
"Otherworldlers, humans that have come from the world of origin. As expected, they
die in a hundred years or so?" (Tomoe)
"…Yeah, they do. Actually, it is unusual that they live till the hundreds. They seem to
get longevity from magic, but even with that, the most they can live normally is
somewhere around two hundred years, maybe. More than that… I don't recommend
it" (Root)
The last words of Root had the color of anguish in it.
"I see. So short. Really… short" (Tomoe)
Tomoe whispers the word short several times. It looked like she was trying to
permeate herself with the reality she can't accept.
"There's nothing we can do about that. I have met with more than 10 humans in my
life and have parted with them, but there's no choice but to get used to it. Every single
one of them is charming in their own way, and when I have to part with them, it is truly
painful though" (Root)
Root's eyes look at the distance. Most likely reminiscing.
"Root, you are a very old acquaintance of mine so I will endure the embarrassment
and ask this-ja… Is it hard to bear? When Makoto-sama dies, will the world I see return
to the dull colored one?" (Tomoe)
"Yeah, no doubt. When I lost my first partner, I was engulfed with an overwhelming
sense of loss. To the point that, for a while, I couldn't see the value of the world I held
so important" (Root)
"For the current me, Makoto-sama is my everything-ja. To lose the time I have with
him, I just can't picture it" (Tomoe)
"Right, I understand you. I also think he is splendid. I didn't think you would make a
pact with a person, but honestly, I am jealous" (Root)
"You, don't understand it. Makoto-sama's gonna get scared" (Tomoe)
"How awful. Even though I was agreeing with you. And in truth, Makoto-kun is nice. It
may be a rude way of saying it but, he is a jackpot. It is the first time that three humans
come at the same time here, so the world will change greatly" (Root)
Root's voice turns slightly lively. It looked like he couldn't contain his happiness at
having the world change because of the humans' arrival. From his wry smile, he did a
complete change into a cheerful expression.
"Change huh. Root, how did you know of Makoto-sama? If you said jackpot, does that
mean you checked the other heroes as well?" (Tomoe)
Each word of Tomoe was emitted as if confirming Root. She probably doesn't know if
the change of the world will be positive for her or if she should carefully take countermeasures for it. This is the first time she has lived along a human, and this is the most
time she has been in society. She didn't know if she could be like Root, who has
experienced many turning points in his life and has just accepted them, living his life
with enjoyment.
"I learned of him, or more like, about you guys when you registered in Tsige. The 4
digit level you both had that has never happened before. I soon discovered the
existence of a third otherworldler. I confirmed the information and sealed it. That's
why, when the names of Tomoe and Mio leave Tsige, they remain anonymous. I am
truly grateful for you two. Because thanks to that, I was able to learn of Makoto-kun's
existence. It is okay to consider the information sealing as my gratitude. Not a human
and yet, human; doesn't have talent, and yet, surpasses talent; doesn't worry when
killing someone, and yet, when his family is hurt, his heart will suffer. Terribly opaque,
vague, his thought patterns and decision making is that of a commoner; and yet, he is
walking a completely different path from a commoner. There's no otherworldler who
I have felt so much interest in watching his progress at his side. It really… arouses me"
(Root)
"Root, why are you so into Makoto-sama? I don't think it is just because he is an
otherworldler though…" (Tomoe)
"It may be a repeat of what you said but, otherworldlers die in about a hundred years.
But you see, listen closely okay? We are unable to make babies with hyumans,
however, if it is a human, we can" (Root)
"?!"
"True, they do die. But they are able to leave the crystallization of their emotions in
our bodies" (Root)
"No way. We live as individuals. In other words, we are separated from the world. No
matter if you say they are humans, to be able to make children is just…" (Tomoe)
Tomoe's words tremble in confusion.
"We can actually do it. I haven't had a woman bear my child, but having a child with a
male, I have. That's why, I want to be loved by Makoto-kun as a male and female, and I
want to love him in return. I want to live beside a human that is so interesting. It is to
the point I even want a pact. Well, I do have the public image of a guild master, so I
can't stick to him all the time though" (Root)
"I… met the Empire's hero. That thing also possessed excelling power you know?"
(Tomoe)
"Ah, him huh. He is not bad either. In terms of how interesting they are, it would be:
Makoto-kun, Empire, and Kingdom; in that order. In terms of danger it would be the
same. The eyes of the Goddess to find heroes is as one would expect. Kingdom, Empire,
Makoto-kun. She isn't a god for nothing. Well, the empire's hero probably won't live
long. He is completely entranced to his own position of being a hero, or more like,
drunk at his own position as a special being. For the sake of protecting that, he would
easily sacrifice anything. Counting himself. In reverse, the Kingdom's hero has
everything hidden inside her. To the point that it is not even interesting. That… will
probably rule over the hyumans in a future. Naturally gathering people around her,
naturally utilizing people; in that sense, she surpasses the millions. Truly a history
engraving hero. I can predict the movements of those two to a certain extent you see.
And regarding that, I don't know what Makoto-kun will get into next, so it is pretty
appealing" (Root)
Root gives a brief review of the two heroes. He indifferently talked about them, and
there was no passion like the time he was talking with Makoto. What Root looks for in
an otherworldler is unexpectedness and amusement, this attitude is proof of that.
That he didn't show himself to the one with properties of a ruler and the one that
doesn't flinch to sacrifice someone, but to Makoto-kun, supports that truth more.
"About the other kids, I have no other choice but to believe you, however, I see, because
you can't predict what will happen next huh… Hey, those two wish to return to their
previous world? Just like how Makoto-sama wishes in a part of his heart. Do
otherworldlers really… want to return?" (Tomoe)
"So next is that huh. As expected, everyone thinks the same way. The answer is no.
From the otherworldlers I have met, only 3 actually tried to do it. 1 in every 3, is how
I would divide it" (Root)
"1 in 3 huh. Not everyone right?" (Tomoe)
"By the way, the current two heroes don't wish to return. The Limia hero has been in
low spirits recently, but it seems that she got over it already. Seems like she has
disposed of the few articles she had of her previous world. She has probably prepared
herself to leave her mark in this world. The otherworldlers that think about returning
in the beginning, by the time they get more deeply connected to this side, they
normally continue their lives here. It is probably the ability to adapt that humans
possess by nature. Ah, from the 3 that wanted to return, I don't know if any of them
was actually able to return. Just like I told Makoto-kun, in that group there were 2 that
were able to understand what I said, so parting with them was regrettable" (Root)
"What do you think Makoto-sama will do? Being told about the possibility by you, do
you think he will begin moving in order to return?" (Tomoe)
"If what I predict is correct, he… will probably not return. Just that, I still don't much
about him yet. Bluntly speaking, I don't understand him. But instead of an adventure
that follows a spider's thread, I prefer the soft people like you guys" (Root)
"I also think that way. That softness is his strength and also his weak point. But, I don't
want him to lose that. It is not because I don't want to resign myself to a ruling
relationship, but simply because I want Makoto-sama to remain as he is" (Tomoe)
"What, so you do understand. Then you should be a bit kinder to Makoto-kun. Always
showing your back that can do all things, isn't that harsh for the current him? He has
his own pace. Within the otherworldlers I have seen until now, he is quite the
abnormal one. Especially that mind. At this rate, he will probably bring that magic
power which surpasses Gods to his grave, but with just one trigger, it can flip
everything" (Root)
Just a bit before reaching the Adventurer Guild. At that place, Root stops his feet and
looks straight at Tomoe. In there, there was hope, grief and fear. A deep and complex
light that mixed all those.
"Trigger?" (Tomoe)
"That's right. Right now he is bound. Counting the softness that you pointed out not
too long ago as well. But on top of that, he is still in his self who lived in the original
world. The other two heroes have already separated the original world and their
current world and have begun determining their own path. Well, it is not restricted to
differentiating. With some sort of trigger, there's the chance he will understand the
importance of his own power. That magic power, that strength. Depending on the
trigger, he might hold the key for a third choice. A choice that differs from if he will
return or not that you are worrying about" (Root)
"Are you saying there's a possibility other than return or not returning?" (Tomoe)
"Come and go. Being able to actually travel between worlds, in other words, a
superhuman type of existence. The current Makoto-kun has enough magic power even
for creation. And I wonder what kind of "trigger" will awaken it. I am looking forward
to it. Just, it is better to not hurry his growth. I don't know what method you used to
stimulate it but, that amount of magic power increase is abnormal. Even from my eyes.
If he pushes himself at that pace, there's the chance that he might break. If that
happens, I will be stepping in got it? The way to increase magic power capacity is
information that hyumans would go crazy for, but I won't forgive anyone that uses him
as an experimental subject, uses him in such a boring way. Well then, see you again in
a near future" (Root)
"…Trigger, huh. If I can avoid a future where Waka simply returns to his world, I…"
(Tomoe)
Tomoe realizes that she has totally gotten dependent on the time together with
Makoto. Strictly speaking, it wasn't only to him. It was to Makoto, Mio, Shiki, the world
of Asora, and their residents. Since the time she made a pact with him, Tomoe has left
behind her body. It is a dependence to this comfortable time.
No matter what she does, it is fun. She is able to engross herself into a single thing.
Everything was as Root said. The density of every single day is totally different. Tomoe
didn't want to think that this present will finish in just a hundred years like a festival.
No, if it were a festival it would be better. If you wait, it would return again. But the
time she passed with Makoto will never return. A once in a lifetime happening.
The more fun it gets, the more she fears of losing it. She never shows it outside, but
that's Tomoe's anxiety. That one in a lifetime supreme bliss, if she were to make a child
with Makoto, there's a chance of prolonging it. Root seemed to be wishing it, but
Tomoe's wish seemed to be a bit different. Root has his own way of thinking, and she
decided to not think too deeply on his words.
In truth, if Makoto truly desires to return and asks for Tomoe's help, no matter if it is
a ruling pact, she would still try to grant it for him. Her feelings of wanting to be of use
for him are also her true feelings after all.
Now, the supreme dragon Root has pointed out a new choice. That is… a way for
Makoto to stay as Makoto, and while granting his wish it will also grant Tomoe's wish.
Trigger.
That one word resounds countless times in Tomoe's heart as she returns.
"…Tomoe-san"
In the late night's street, in the street where not a single resident can be seen, Tomoe
reacts to that voice that came from herself and stops her feet.
"?!"
"Did you see off that pervert-desu no?"
"…Yeah, that's right-ja. Mio, what's with that appearance? Having a blanket wrapped
around you. Don't tell me you really walked all the way here looking like that"(Tomoe)
"Yeah. Something wrong with that?" (Mio)
"Even if it's night, I can't say I admire that. We won't be staying in this town long so I
don't care, but there will be strange rumors flowing about Waka you know?" (Tomoe)
"…It is fine to just promptly make the people that have seen it to forget-desu wa"(Mio)
For a bit, Mio considered the words of Tomoe about troubling Makoto, but in the end,
she decided to stay wrapped and somehow deal with the witnesses. In the depressed
face of Tomoe, a small smile returns.
"What a troubling fellow you are-ja no, fufu" (Tomoe)
"The same goes for you-desu wa" (Mio)
"N?" (Tomoe)
"Tomoe-san, even if it is you, if you lose your mind and try to do something to Wakasama, I…" (Mio)
From the two footsteps, one stops. The feet of Mio that have been following Tomoe
from a few ways back, have stopped.
"There's no way that will happen. But maybe, if I truly were to lose my mind, please
smack me and try to return me to my senses. I don't mind if you are rough" (Tomoe)
"I will not hold back" (Mio)
"Got it. Hey, Mio… thanks" (Tomoe)
"…"
Without turning back, words of gratitude come out from her mouth. And then, an
answer of silence. But the will of the two probably transmitted in some sort of way.
Until Tomoe and Mio returned, there were no more words exchanged between the
two.