Chapter 30

The Treasured Family Sword, Its Name Is "SEKKYOU"

(tl note: sekkyou might mean sermon or scolding.)

 

When it comes to traveling, camping out is the way to go.

 

As you journey from town to town, if you can’t make it in a day, setting up a tent by the roadside to spend the night is a staple of any adventure in another world. Occasionally, a kind old man might offer you shelter, only for him to turn out to be some sort of werewolf-like creature, that’s a classic twist.

 

Of course, as an original protagonist, I’m prepared for this sort of thing.

 

I’ve got all the basic knowledge of camping covered and the skills needed for a comfortable outdoor life. Honestly, as long as you have “Curse of Darkness” and “Barrier,” you can easily shield yourself from the elements. Add “Item Box” to that mix, and you’ve got a sturdy makeshift shelter.

 

The sun outside has set and the inside of a forest where the moonlight is brighter than on Earth.

 

Inside the shadowy tent I made, the three of us sat facing each other, relaxing in the cozy seven-and-a-half tatami space lit by a candle En had set and the light from Kabbalah-chan, who was sitting by my side.

 

After eluding Malkuth and Tiferet, I used teleportation to pick Kabbalah-chan up.

 

Kabbalah-chan is a really clever carbuncle; she waited for me while staying in the shadows. Man, I’m so glad, I’m so glad. After saying “thank you,” I caught her while enjoying the fluffy stuff that had jumped into my chest. Do you like my chest, Kabbalah-chan? Because I like you too, you’re welcome to jump in anytime.

 

Right now, Kabbalah-chan was nibbling on a tulle-like treat I’d given her as both a reward and an apology for making her wait. She held it in her paw and ate it eagerly. She’s more like a cat than a squirrel, really. I’s so cute, it’s a sight for sore eyes.

 

"Even so, it’s pretty bright. We don’t even need that candle."

 

“More importantly, look at this tent. Depending on the combination of supernatural abilities, something like this can be made.”

 

Fufun, keep the compliments coming, main characters. Just spare me the worship! Getting admiration from mob characters already made me feel restless. If main characters from the original work treat me like them, I might go crazy due to the difference in interpretation.

 

As an original protagonist, while I do want to be superior, I’d prefer to interact with everyone here on equal terms.

 

“Oh, now we can camp in the wild, and thanks to you, we don’t even need a bath. I’m really glad you’re here, nee-chan.”

 

“Flattery will only get you dinner. Want some?”

 

“You have some? Thanks!”

 

Every household should have someone like Eight-chan, the perfect travel companion.

 

I knew this would happen from the beginning, so it was only natural to prepare abilities for daily needs on a long journey.

 

Even so, getting compliments is nice, so I handed over a “Netzach-sama Bento” souvenir I bought at Tsabaoth’s shopping district to the two of them.

 

Since I’d already eaten, I was focused on my current task.

 

Oh, by the way, the reason he said there’s no need to bathe is because I possess an ability called “Purification.”

 

Just moments ago, I used it to cleanse the two of them from their sweat, and I also use this ability regularly for myself.

 

Incidentally, in the original anime, Chouta made a human-powered open-air bath by melting ice with En. I’m very grateful for Akari-chan’s service scenes.

 

Well, as for me, I still think a bath feels nice, so maybe I’ll sneak off to a town bathhouse later with a teleport.

 

Man, sorry that only I can go! Sorry for being too much of a cheat!

 

Ah, I got carried away and pricked my finger with a needle. That smarts a bit. But I, the ever-cool Eight-chan, keep a poker face. Ouch.

 

“…What have you been doing over there, anyway?”

 

“? I’m sewing?”

 

Come on, Chouta. If you look, you can tell I’m mending my cloak. It got torn up while helping you.

 

I’m wearing a fresh set of the same outfit now, but it’s always better to fix what you can.

 

That’s why I’ve been stitching away at this royal blue cloak I wore today.

 

“You’re pretty handy.”

 

“It’s an ability I use, and despite how I look, I actually like making clothes.”

 

“Hmm…”

 

Indeed, sewing has been my forte since my previous life.

 

I used to make cosplay costumes as a hobby, and this outfit itself is modified from ready-made items.

 

In addition to my original hobby, I also have an ability that enhances finger dexterity, which I also use for playing the harp.

 

As a result, I can work at triple the usual speed, restoring the fabric with skillful ease like a sewing machine. The two of them watched my handiwork with surprise and admiration. How embarrassing.

 

“Can’t you fix my clothes too?”

 

“I’m afraid not. Your battle suits are made of special material, so regular fabric would only cover appearances.”

 

“No, that’s enough. After you finish with yours, can I ask you for something while you’re at it?”

 

“…Are you sure? I might sneak something into it.”

 

The battle suits worn by the Savers Task Force are custom-made, especially those worn by these two aces. So, it’s impossible to fully restore them with the materials I have on hand.

 

I’m not uninterested in their mysterious material that keeps them clothed even in burst state, but… aren’t they being too trusting, letting someone outside their team handle their gear, I thought.

 

Feeling a bit uneasy, I asked with a hint of sarcasm, but Chouta replied without a second thought.

 

“Nee-chan wouldn’t do that. You’re kind.”

 

…………

 

…..Hm, hmm?

 

Well, yeah.

 

I’m an original protagonist who supports you guys. I was thinking of using the abilities I have in stock to make you stronger than in the original work, but it’s true I have no ill intentions.

 

However, being told something so perceptively feels like being put in my place, and it leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

 

“I think you should be a bit more thoughtful about what you say.”

 

“Huh? Why?”

 

“…Ugh.”

 

Honestly, these airhead types… I let out a small sigh and a wry smile.

 

Hey, En, what are you laughing at?

 

“All right… all right. Shall I fix En’s as well?”

 

“No, I’m fine. I can manage a temporary fix myself. Besides… relying on you this much makes me wonder why I’m even here…”

 

Fine. Ah, Now that I think about it, this guy, despite his stern appearance, is actually quite family-oriented. He stayed with the Mitsui family for a while, but given that Akatsuki En has lived on his own since childhood, he's acquired plenty of skills.

 

Then, Chouta mutters to En, "Stop holding onto boring pride." But aren't you the same type who holds onto boring pride yourself?

 

This is exactly why muscle-brains who live life on impulse are so troublesome, and I sigh at the entirely different kind of troublesome from the natural airhead En. (tl note: actual translation for “live life on impulse” is “live on the spinal cord.” Since autonomic reflexes sometimes involve the spinal cord, Eight is basically saying that Chouta lives without even having to think.)

 

After folding the freshly repaired cloak on his lap, I look directly at Chouta, who seems completely at ease in this tent.

 

"W-What, nee-chan?"

 

“Hmm.”

 

Even he seems flustered when a beautiful girl stares at him in silence.

 

It's endearing to see him so bashful, which is quite different from when he's fighting. But regardless, I have a small lecture for him.

 

It's perfect timing. I've had something I wanted to say to him.

 

That is the Original Protagonist Treasured Family Sword, “SEKKYOU.”

 

"That things you said to Malkuth—"

 

"?"

 

At that time, I deliberately didn’t point it out. Well, actually, I was too distracted by Malkuth’s absolute territory to say anything… but looking back, his attitude was quite unacceptable, at least from an original protagonist’s perspective. That's what I remembered.

 

"Malkuth... you mean that pipsqueak angel?"

 

"Yeah. What you said wasn’t entirely wrong, but I don’t think it matched your actions."

 

"Actions, huh..."

 

Regardless of the ridiculous sight of a muscle-bound man intimidating a petite girl.

 

Being the TS original protagonist, I'm an advocate for gender equality . His defiant words at the time reflected the sentiments of the Savers, and even I felt like cheering, "Well said!"

 

But the issue I want to point out is that right after delivering those defiant words, he launched a full-on attack.

 

Perhaps understanding my point first, En nods beside him.

 

"Yeah, I wasn't sure about that either."

 

"Right after you said, 'Look at me!' you went on the offensive. The only one who could really take that in stride would be Netzach. After taking your attack, that girl probably thought, 'See? Humans really are savages!' and now looks down on us even more."

 

"…Ah."

 

"You're pretty good at impressions."

 

Yeah, I almost got carried away by the momentum, but upon calmly reflecting, I realized that his actions back then were probably just taunting.

 

Especially since Malkuth is the youngest of the archangels.

 

Her mental age is probably around that of a middle school girl. She looked so cute arguing with him, but it’s tough to think about her feelings.

 

"I was kind of hoping if I spoke with my fists like with Netzach, she'd understand… Honestly, I feel that was my bad."

 

Well, if someone suddenly interrupts a duel while you’re riding high on adrenaline, it’s understandable to get angry.

 

No matter how much of a cute girl she is. In that regard, he’s completely justified.

 

Even so, I wonder if it’s just my ego as a Fairy Savers fan that wants to keep their relationships as peaceful as possible. No, it's just because she's a beautiful girl. As a cheat original protagonist, I am absurdly kind, at least to cute girls.

 

"Alright, as long as you understand. Apologize the next time you see her."

 

"Aah, got it."

 

"I don’t really want to see her again, though."

 

En, stay quiet.

 

Sure, you probably don’t want to meet such a tough opponent repeatedly, but you’re definitely going to run into her again. Just going by the original work.

 

But if that’s the case, since your aim is not to fight the archangels, but to engage in dialogue, that’s all the more reason why you should avoid stirring up unnecessary resentment.

 

"Your way of communicating through fists is great, but it doesn’t work on everyone. Looking at your opponent is the first step toward dialogue, you know? If you’re going to say, 'Look at me,' then do it properly."

 

"...Sun." (tl note: Sun (pronounced soon) means a completely emotionless, completely "empty" look.)

 

It's funny to see Chouta sitting straight and listening to my SEKKYOU without saying anything in return. It's the first time I’ve seen someone slump down while actually saying, "Sun..."

 

Come to think of it, he's always had trouble with girls who come at him with cold logic like this.

 

Well, he's fundamentally honest, and I know he didn’t strike Malkuth out of malice or anything.

 

The guy is, for better or worse, too pure, just as he went into a berserk state when he realized his own weakness.

 

As long as he understands, that’s fine. Having demonstrated that I’m the strongest original protagonist even in a debate, I’ll refrain from poking at him like an anti-original protagonist.

 

…No, maybe I went a bit overboard. He was so lively during the fight, but the way he looks now is like a big dog that just got scolded. He doesn’t need to be that down about it.

 

Imagining him with dog ears that don’t suit his head, I can’t help but let out a little chuckle.

 

"Don’t make that face, Chouta. You said the right thing."

 

"..."

 

While it wasn’t the right move for your ultimate goal, the sentiment of "Don’t lump all of humanity in with those PSYence pieces of shit!" was spot-on.

 

I walk over to him, slumped with a guilty expression, and give him a couple of reassuring pats on the back. If he were a little kid, I might have patted his head like a true original protagonist, but he’s seventeen, and I’m not exactly some dream girl, so I’ll skip the obvious gestures. Eight-chan isn’t some oblivious harem protagonist.

 

I place a hand on his cheek, meeting his gaze.

 

"I get how you feel. But angels have hearts too. Malkuth, in particular, has her emotions run high, and she’s as pure-hearted as you."

 

Thanks to him, I got to see Malkuth-sama’s adorable blush, so good job. But I genuinely felt sorry for her, too.

 

And it seems Chouta shared that feeling.

 

Or rather, he—

 

"...I knew, that much. Her eyes looked just like mine back then."

 

"Chouta..."

 

"That Chesed guy implanted in Mea was her family, right? Hating the person who took that away, I know that feeling really well."

 

──It seems he was considering Malkuth's feelings more than I realized. Was it because he’s clumsy that he did that after thinking about it?

 

Thinking about it, her current situation is similar to yours, including En, who was once out for revenge.

 

If that’s the case, then they can understand why she was shouting in anger.

 

"If that guy hates humans… then we’ve got to shoulder that anger. If she hates those that killed her family, then she should direct her anger only at us, the ones who let PSYence get away with it. That’s why I wanted all her anger aimed at me."

 

…hmm?

 

What are you talking about?

 

You said it yourself that PSYence is the bad guy here.

 

Eight-chan doesn’t understand why the Savers need to take responsibility.

 

I expressed my confusion with a stylish phrase.

 

"You’re human, too. You don’t need to bear more than you’re capable of. After all, you can’t become a god."

 

"...That so..."

 

That’s right. You don’t need to adopt such a heavy mindset. Even the hero you admire isn’t all about self-sacrifice. (tl note: actual translation here would be “gravity thinking” instead of “heavy mindset.”)

 

In the first place, the protagonist is enough for such a character. No need for character overlap.

 

"I don’t think that highly of myself, anyway. Someone’s influence must’ve rubbed off on me."

 

"...Why are you looking at me?"

 

"I see, you two really are alike."

 

“"Where?""

 

When Chouta mentioned that he developed a strong sense of responsibility due to the influence of the protagonist──Akatsuki En, the person in question looked upset.

 

How precious.

 

The bond between men, built throughout the story, is truly wonderful... I don’t mean that in a weird way.

 

It's a shame I wasn't involved from the first season. I'll say it for the rest of my life, goddess-like person! I have endless gratitude and a lot of respect for you, but that’s another story.

 

After chatting for a while longer, a relaxed atmosphere began to flow within the dark tent.

 

It was about time.

 

Getting down to business, we decided to discuss what lies ahead.

 

"So, what's the plan? At this rate, it seems only nee-chan who can teleport can return to Tsabaoth."

 

That’s exactly the problem... With Tiferet and Malkuth, the two of the Ten Archangels of Sefirot, having barged onto this island, we’ll have to make some major adjustments to our plans.

 

 

In the anime Fairy Savers, the next part involves obtaining information on the fourth member, Akihiro Mitsui.

 

Upon learning he has been held captive on Yod, the second island belonging to the country of Chokmah, the three  embark on a rescue mission.

 

──Yes. With that said, Akihiro hasn’t even made it to Fairy World, so the entire scenario is flawed from the start. Great.

 

Following the typical pattern of fanfiction, I can’t help but worry that someone else might be captured on Chokmah’s island in his place. But for now, we haven’t gotten any information like that.

 

If that were the case, though, word should spread throughout Fairy World soon enough.

 

As can be seen from the fact that Chokmah, one of the most militant of the Ten Archangels of Sefirot, was leading a direct assault on the human world.

 

But he who bears the name “Wisdom” is also a cunning schemer, plotting to lure Akatsuki and his allies into his realm by threatening Akihiro’s execution in the original work. It was one of the developments meant to cloud over Akari-chan.

 

So, despite Chokmah's intense killing intent toward humanity, or perhaps because of it, he’s unlikely to execute someone they captured right away.

 

…Or so I thought. But when it diverges from the original work this much, I start to worry.

 

Caution seems like the best course of action. It's exhausting, but I might need to scout ahead alone using back-to-back teleportations.

 

Kazaoka Tsubasa can escape at extreme speed with his supernatural ability, Gale, if needed, and Mea is an original protagonist. I think it's unlikely that either of them would be captured, but lives of characters from the original work are at stake.

 

If one of them were captured, launching a solo rescue mission would be an original protagonist's job, wouldn't it? Thinking about that motivates me.

 

As I was contemplating plans alone, En, the leader of the Savers, started speaking.

 

"Elohim."

 

Eh? What’s erotic?

 

Jokes aside…

 

Elohim—one of the ten islands that make up Fairy World. Although the is not mentioned in the original anime, I learned about it up on a world map I bought in Tsabaoth.

 

“I see…”

 

The third island, Elohim, is said to be managed by Binah, the Archangel of Understanding, who was only briefly mentioned in the background setting among the Ten Archangels of Sefirot but never appeared in the story.

 

The mention of this name from En surprised me, and I listened intently.

 

"Haniel recommended we leave this island and go to one called Elohim. Apparently, if we go there, Archangel Binah will support us."

 

"An archangel on our side!? Is that for real...?"

 

"...He's not one to lie and set traps. Either way, we need to leave this island. It’s worth checking out."

 

Seriously?... Even with Tiferet against us, there’s actually an angel who’d support us?

 

But if it’s backed by Haniel... considering how earnest that angel is, there’s no way he’d lie.

 

According to the map, the island of “Elohim” is farther than the World Tree Sefira visible from here, and we’d have to go through Tiferet’s island to get there.

 

Still, if we could gain the cooperation of the Archangel of Understanding, he might at least be able to tell us where Mea and Tsubasa are. Although, since he didn’t appear in the original story, I have no idea what kind of character he might be, which is a bit unsettling.

 

But this is... it’s finally come, a completely original development!

 

A completely original development is the opposite of following the original work and refers to a story that diverges completely from the original storyline. If necessary, it requires the creation of original characters, so the hurdles required of the fanfiction author are higher than those required for the original work. But in exchange, it allows for greater range of developments, and as a fanfiction reader, I can enjoy it like a movie adaptation. It’s one of my favorite formats.

 

Finally, the time has come. Kukuku, as an original protagonist, my blood is boiling!

 

“I see, Elohim, huh... Got it. Leave the transportation to me.”

 

“Kyuu!”

 

“See? Kabbalah-chan here says she’ll guide us, too.”

 

“Kyuu?”

 

“Thank you, Kabbalah-chan.”

 

“Wait a sec! You actually understand what it’s saying?”

 

“More or less.”

 

Of course not.

 

Hm? What’s wrong, Kabbalah-chan? You’re tapping my leg and squirming... do you need to go to the toilet?

 

Okay. I wouldn’t mind some fresh air myself, so let’s go.

 

“Well, alright... but seriously, nee-chan, you seem to know everything! I don’t mean to doubt you now, but who are you, really?”

 

Yes, I am the all-knowing TS Beautiful Phantom Thief Mysterious Eight-onee-san.

 

Smiling knowingly, I held Kabbalah-chan close and said,

 

“I am T.P. Eight Olishua. For now, all I can say is that I exist in that way.”

 

You’ll understand soon enough... no, you won’t understand anything, since I have no intention of explaining.

 

There’s so little about myself I can reveal. It must seem insincere to my traveling companions, but I hope they’ll forgive me since I’ll be helping out with travel and battles against the archangels.

 

“I see... whatever. It doesn’t matter who you are. You trusted me. So, I’m going to trust you back.”

 

“Thank you, Chouta.”

 

“No, what’s with that… I should be the one thanking you! Umm... can I call you Ane-san?” (tl note: Ane means respectable elder sister.)

 

“I’d prefer it if you called me onee-san actually.”

 

“Alright, then I’ll keep calling you nee-chan. Looking forward to working with you, Eight-no-nee-chan!”

 

“Fufu…”

 

As expected of Chouta. I like how straightforward he is.

 

But still, it’s a bit embarrassing. Being accepted by two main characters from the original story feels like the whole world has accepted me. I can’t help but smile. Eight-chan’s got a dere face. Take it with gratitude, saviors. (tl note: dere as in tsundere)

 

──Oh, I almost forgot!

 

“By the way, I don’t dislike your current hairstyle, but... I prefer your usual look. It makes you look like a strong boy.”

 

"!"

 

──Okay, with that, by tomorrow morning, he should be back to his classic pompadour.

 

The yankee (strong boy)-style pompadour is an outdated hairstyle, but it’s the defining trait of Chouta. Letting it go would be unthinkable.

 

Sure, it’s fine if he sports a handsome look for special awakening moments… but otherwise, he should keep his usual character. A small request from Eight-onee-san, who has been watching over him since the anime days.

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