"Elysium… why the fuck are you here…" Shangarula frowned as he
looked at the two-horned man—Elysium.
Then Elysium plainly told him, "Of course, to bring you back."
"Ha, and then punish us for ignorin' your order?"
"I planned no such thing, I merely judged that any more fighting
would be unproductive. You should have fully understood the
youngster's capability. There is no more reason to stay here."
Elysium said calmly
But of course Shangarula wasn't dissuaded. "Haa!? There ain't no
more reason to stay here, you say!? Of course there is, you fool! I
got done in terribly, y'know!? There ain't no way I'm gonna fall back
like a coward!?"
"Then will you use 'Beastification' and continue fighting him? It's still
evening—not your domain. Withdraw, otherwise—I will kill you."
"Gh…!?"
Shangarula flinched due to the overwhelming feeling of intimidation
Elysium had released.
Although it wasn't directed straight at me, I too felt some degree of
'pressure'.
That man named Elysium—he must be incredibly strong.
And seeing the tachi hanging on his waist, he was no doubt the
'Sword' Saint.
Just then.
"…Tsk."
Shangarula clicked his tongue while relaxing his fighting posture
before walking towards Elysium dissatisfiedly.
When I looked over, Boreios had also put away his Sacred Treasure
and was standing quietly next to Elysium.
Looked like they were really intending to withdraw.
But I couldn't silently let them go just like that.
I asked Elysium, who was about to turn around, "What on earth is
your purpose? You guys are saints, yet why are you disturbing
harmony?"
When I did, Elysium turned around in our direction and said, "Our
purpose is the eradication of mankind—and the creation of the new
world of only demi-humans."
""""""—!?""""""
The eradication of mankind…!?
"Which is why we, as saints, eliminates the 'filth' of the world that is
humans. The dwarves' overgrown technology, too, is unnecessary in
the new world. We will have them perish when the time comes."
"How could you decide that arbitrarily!? What do you take life for!?"
Magmell screamed, unable to hold herself.
"…Life?" Elysium raised his frowned, "Do you humans even have the
right to ask us about that? You humans who have ruthlessly taken
countless lives?"
"T-that's…"
"Oh right. I suppose you haven't done such a thing personally. But
the folly of humans as a race is beyond the scope of what can be
overlooked. Hence why we will exterminate mankind, and bring
peace to the world."
"I see. I've well understood your basis. True, mankind is stupid. I've
beat up other humans for my own interests, too. From outsiders'
perspective, I may look like a selfish and unseemly woman.
"But," Arca kept her sharp gaze trained on Elysium, "what you guys
are doing is selfish and stupid as well. What is the way to describe
the act of rejecting all humans including the innocents other than
sheer folly?"
"Well said. However, just the fact that they are alive make a human a
sinner. Hence, no human is innocent."
"Oi, that old man must've a screw loose, don't cha think? Words
can't get through him at all."
Zana sighed and agreed with Ophir who had given her a look of
amazement. "Yeah. They've long past the level of being
persuadable. They've completely firmed their resolve."
"Mm, I think so too.
"But," Tirna asked Elysium with a somewhat doubtful face, "why do
you look so sad?"
"...What?"
"I can feel very deep sadness from your eyes. What are you sad for?
Is it for destroying humans?"
"I see. If I remember correctly, you're the mixed child born to a
mermaid and a human, aren't you? Do you inherit your sharp
sensitivity from your mother?"
"I don't know. But that's what I felt. So answer. Why do you—"
At that moment.
"—You spoke a little too much, lass."
""""""Wha!?""""""
In a blink, Elysium moved behind Tirna.
He then tried to swing out his tachi at her but,
――Clang!
"…You think I'll let you!?"
"Hou?"
Of course, I went in between them to protect Tirna.