Part 1
Spring.
It was the season where snow melts and the time for adventurers who shut themselves indoors to venture out once again.
The monsters became active in their breeding season, that's how Spring was.
Also —
"Don't wanna— ! No! It's cold outside! Nah, what is wrong with you? Are you two idiots? There are still snow everywhere, why the rush to go out? Are you still kids? Are you on the same level of children who want to play outside? If you really want to, then go by yourself!"
Spring was also known as the time people turn hot headed.
It might be Spring now, but there are still snow outside the town.
Aqua clinged to the couch in front of the fireplace as Darkness and Megumin tried with all their might to pull her away.
In reply to the two who wanted to do quests because of the surge in the number of monsters, Aqua was throwing a tantrum saying "It's still cold" and "Don't wanna".
"Who is a kid, Aqua, you are acting just like one! Hurry, we are going! You lazed around enough in the winter, it is about time to start working! Or else…!"
"Frogs and other monsters are turning active outside the town, I heard the farmers are facing losses. Adventurers have the obligation to protect the residents! Hey, hey Aqua! Release your hand now! If not…!"
Megumin and Darkness glanced in my direction as they said that.
"You will become like that!" x2
Their voices synchronized.
Aqua timidly followed their gaze and looked at me.
"I don't want to be like that no matter what… But before convincing me, take care of that bum!"
Aqua said something rude with a complicated expression.
"Hey you girls, even the gentle me will lash out if you do that. What are you all talking about, calling me a bum is rude okay?"
"If you have something to say then come out of there first."
Aqua who was still grabbing the couch replied to my protest.
The weather was bone chilling today. I wasn't in the mood to answer such foolish opinions and pulled my head in.
Pulled back into the ultimate weapon of Japan, the Kotatsu.
— After defeating the demon army boss Vanir, we returned to town.
And found that devil still very much alive and working in Wiz's shop.
He then made an ominous prophecy regarding Darkness and proposed a business opportunity.
The business proposition was — Merchandizing the goods of my original world.
I just need to develop the merchandize, the manufacturing and sale will be done by Vanir.
This was what I was intending to do anyway. And so I carried out Vanir's request and develop merchandize in my spare time during winter —
"… Kazuma. It is about time to come out of there alright? Or else it would be a bad influence on Aqua. I understand that Kazuma is really capable and the warming items in your country is really outstanding. But the snow is already melting outside. It is time get active again okay?"
Megumin bend her back and said with a gentle smile to me who had morphed into a Kotatsu snail, as if she was soothing a stubborn child.
"That's right Kazuma. That Kotatsu thing was really great during the winter. However, it is time to let it go. Come, help me like you did in the dungeon back then. Hurry, together…"
Darkness was also smiling bending forth with her hand reaching out to take off the blanket…
I cast a spell at Darkness' defenceless neck.
"Freeze!"
"Ahhh —!?"
Darkness whose neck and back was suddenly froze screamed.
It was probably doubly effective in this season, it made Darkness cup her neck and shiver as she squatted down on the carpet.
"This, this man retaliated! Don't push your luck Kazuma! You are lazing around too much even if the debts had been cleared! Get up now! Ah, what do you want to do with that hand, don't resist and obediently aahhhhh —!"
I grabbed the hand of Megumin as she tried to pull me out and activated 'Drain Touch'.
Megumin whose mana and vitality were drained shook off my hand with a yelp.
She jumped back in a panic to get away and fell onto the carpet.
Megumin knocked into Darkness who was still grabbing her neck and held the back of her head, moaning as she kicked her legs in the air.
"Don't look down on me. After all, I am Kazuma-san who crossed swords with demon army bosses and bounty targets. You think a clumsy Crusader and a silly Arch Wizard could defeat me? Come back after raising a few levels."
I stuck my head out from the Kotatsu and lectured them.
"… Kazuma-san is getting good at using tricks, how troubling. But I am fine with that, no one will fight for my special seat if Kazuma stays in his Kotatsu."
Aqua who was glued to the couch before the fireplace said as she watch the other two girls.
The two of them finally stood up with tears in their eyes and glared at me.
Even though they were looking at me like this, I don't feel the current me will lose to anyone.
Going out in this cold, ridiculous…
— Oh no.
"Hey, this is bad. I have an emergency, I need to go to the toilet. It is a bit wilful, but can we have a short truce. Sorry, could you carry the mat to the door of the toilet please?"
I asked the two of them as I send mana to the Kotatsu's heater.
This Kotatsu uses ore that will heat up if you inject it with mana.
So the moment I got out of the kotatsu, the mana supply will stop and the kotatsu will cool down.
Fortunately, I robbed some mana from Megumin, so it will be warm for quite some time.
I thought the two of them will be mad, but they exchange glances and followed my instruction obediently.
Megumin got in front of me, grabbed the edge of the mat under the kotatsu and said.
"You take the other side side. Let's throw this man outside."
"On it. Aqua, I know you don't want to leave the fireplace, but lend us a hand. You just need to help us open the door."
"Stop, staph! That's inhumane! Hey, stop…! If you don't stop, I will use 'Steal'! I will use 'Steal'!!"
'Steal' was very effective against ladies.
But Megumin merely sneered.
"We already took a bath together, there's nothing to be shy about. If you intentionally steal my panties, you will be branded a lolicon forever!"
She, she don't mind at all!
Why is she so unhesitant! Why is she so manly!
"I, I had been seen naked, and washed Kazuma's back too, something like steal… steal is… Uugghh…"
Darkness wanted to compete with Megumin, but she was hesitant and became embarrassed.
"Let's go, throw this hikikomori who turned into a bum in winter out!"
"Don't do that! Let's, let's talk! Right! When it gets warmer I will let you cast two explosion in one day! I will use 'Drain' to take mana from Aqua and let you use explosion twice instead of once a day!"
Megumin reacted strongly to these words, but was refuted by Aqua.
"Don't wanna! Why must my valuable holy mana be used to do such silly things! My mana stem from the deep faith of the Axis cultists. This is the important mana given to me by my precious devotees! I won't let you!"
"She might say that, but I will take responsibility in getting the mana!"
"Ughhh… One day… Two explosion…"
"Ugghh… Steal… Steal… No, but, it might not be the panties in one shot…"
Aqua was wailing while Megumin and Darkness was troubling over their thoughts. At this moment.
"Satou-san! Are you here, Satou-san!"
Someone was knocking the door loudly.
Part 2
The sudden visitor was prosecutor Sena who charged me in court some time earlier.
"Satou-san, it's terrible! The lizard runners outside… the town…"
Sena who came rushing in with a pale face saw me with my head sticking out from the kotatsu and turned silent.
"… Can I ask what are you doing?"
"As you can see, I am keeping warm as it is cold today. Ah, please close the door, it is getting cold."
After Sena heard what I said, she sighed deeply and closed the door.
"… Satou-san. You defeated two demon army bosses and even took out the mobile fortress Destroyer. I have the highest praise and respect for you, but…"
What was with this demeaning attitude just because I am keeping warm inside a kotatsu?
"Ignore that bum. What brings you here in such a hurry?"
"Ah, right! A large number of monsters called lizard runners showed up and the adventurers in town are fighting them. The lizard runners aren't that dangerous… But it is their breeding season and the queen of the lizard runners was born…!"
According to Sena,
Right now was the breeding season of this monster known as lizard runner.
This monster was a herbivorous, bipedal lizard and was normally not dangerous. But once a large sized female known as princess runner was born, the lizard runners will cause all sorts of trouble.
The lizard runners will congregate under the rule of the princess runner, and the group will compete to be the mate of the princess lizard.
And their way of competing was unique…
— Running.
Standing straight up, using their two legs, they will run at incredible speed.
Just like Frilled-neck Lizards that was popular a while back.
And they don't compete against each other, but instead sought out other fast species, race them and leave them in the dust.
And the one that could win the most will become the princess runner's mate and become the king runner.
Why princess, shouldn't the spouse of a king be the queen. And if you are calling them lizard runner, why is it king runner, not lizard king? It seemed that you will lose if you retort this out loud.
I hated this world even more after listening to this nonsensical way the lizard runner lives, but this was no small matter for people traveling by horse, dragon or bird.
In order to race, the usually docile lizard runner will kick their opponent, be it a horse or a dragon.
And then, it will run away.
The kick of a lizard runner was powerful and will break bones if it hits the wrong place.
With reports of princess runner surfacing, the guild handed out quest to take down lizard runners…
"And so, I am here at Satou-san's place!"
Sena looked straight at me with eyes full of anticipation.
… Absurd.
"What do you mean? Didn't the guild issued out extermination quests? Why are you here then? Someone will do something about it anyway."
"What are you saying, didn't Satou-san said that time when the demon king army boss occupied the dungeon— 'The obligation of the adventurer is to protect the citizens who lived in fear of monsters'."
Did, did I said such a cool line before… I think I did.
"Nah, it's useless to say that to the kotatsu bum over there alright? I don't think Kazuma who cleared his debts and made a tidy profit will work before the money runs dry."
Aqua who was staring at the fireplace said without even looking this way.
"Yeah, Kazuma has the lowest level among us after all. It's natural for him to be scared."
And now they are saying such nonsense…
"…Hey you, when did my level became the lowest here. Aqua you… I remember your level is rather high after defeating all those undead. Megumin…"
"Level 26."
Megumin showed her adventurer card proudly.
"… Why is it so high?"
"I defeated the mobile fortress Destroyer and demon king army boss Vanir. Most of the minions are done in by me too. Of course my level is high."
Are you kidding me?
And with such a high level, she should have plenty of skill points. But she used all of it to raise the power of her explosion spell.
However, there is one person who has a lower level than me.
"Darkness should be lower level than me right? You can't hit the enemy, so you should have the more problem leveling up. I don't know what are Lizard runners, but it's not time for me to take the field yet. Darkness, go grind some levels…"
"Fufu."
Darkness smirked.
She then shoved her adventurer card in my face arrogantly.
"During the fight with demon army king Vanir, the masked doll he created were basically defeated by me. They are difficult for normal people to handle, so their experience yield is high…!"
She said victoriously.
The card displayed her level to be 20.
I was annoyed by Darkness who was shoving the card into my face.
"Pui."
"Ahhh!?"
I spat on the card on reflex due to my annoyance and Darkness screamed.
While stealing a glance at Darkness who was wiping her card in tears, I got out of the kotatsu, took out my card and looked.
The displayed level was 13.
… Oh no, my level had became the lowest before I knew it.
I heard Aqua and the others said that the weak adventurer job could raise level much easier than high tier jobs…
Sena tilted her head as she looked at me studying my card. She looked me straight in the eye and said without any doubt…
"What is Satou-san's level? Satou-san crossed swords with a demon king army boss before, it must be really high…"
"Hey you guys, ready your gears, we are going to do some quests!"
I interjected Sena with my hasty announcement.
Part 3
"I think Kazuma couldn't handle that woman. Did you suffer a lot during your stay in prison?"
Megumin asked the me who was tired physically and mentally as we made our way to the blacksmith in town.
"They didn't do anything overboard, but they didn't treat me really well either… She seemed to be thinking of me as an ally of justice or something. I am the type who would prefer not to work and live a stable life, so I wish she won't look at me with eyes full of expectation."
After I defeated the demon king army boss Vanir, Sena comes to me whenever there was trouble.
I wasn't someone with special powers like Mitsurugi.
My stats were lower than normal adventurers except for my luck.
To be honest, defeating the demon king army boss and getting bounties were just luck.
But to come to me whenever there was trouble…
"I feel the same way as that prosecutor and hold Kazuma in high regards. Even with someone stronger as an opponent, you will unscrupulously grab their weak point and run if things turn bad."
"Are you praising or mocking me!?"
We reached the blacksmith as we spoke.
Actually, I wasn't simply lazing around during winter.
I accepted Vanir's proposal and started developing merchandize that was easy to manufacture. In order to do so, I learned a new skill.
I asked the owner of the blacksmith to teach me and learnt the skill 'construct'.
With this skill, I could work with metals and even create all sorts of items.
By the way, I stopped all of my work the moment I created the kotatsu.
As payment for teaching me the skill, I taught the owner of the smithery the technique of making katanas from my vague TV memories.
My cheap short sword was breaking, and with the influx of cash, I asked the owner to create new equipment for me.
He promised to sell the first blade he craft using this technique to me.
I was worried that the chest plate, gauntlet and shin guards won't be enough, so I requested for a full set of armor.
I shut myself at home for pretty long, it should be done by now—
"Yo~! Old man, is it done? Is my sword done?"
"Welco… Oh, it's just you. That katana you taught me to make is done. The shape looked just as you described…"
The owner took out a sheathed sword and handed it to me.
That sword was curved just like a katana.
I picked it up and drew it…
"Oh… It looks great…! It is not as pretty or sharp as the real thing, but it will do."
"Sorry about it being imperfect! I researched that 'quenching' technique of yours but don't get it at all. Nonetheless, this is interesting work. You just need to write the name of the sword on this magic talisman and paste it on the hilt to complete it. This will be your precious sword from now on, so pick a nice name."
The owner said with a crude smile as he took out the armor I ordered.
Naming the sword…
I observed the body of the sword and thought of the sword names that came up in games.
"Kazuma Kazuma, hurry up with the naming. I had been staying home all winter, my urges had been piling up!"
"… But you cast your explosion every day. Be patient, naming a weapon is important. I need to think about it carefully…"
I replied Megumin who was really hyper and rushing me and fell into deep thought.
Muramasa… Masamune… Kotetsu…
"Here, the full plate armor for men you ordered. I just put lots of adamantite in it, a high quality equipment for the adventurers of this town. Use it with care."
As I was thinking about which weapon to use, the owner brought the armor over.
The full plate armor that was glowing green was intimidating, making me feel that I would get injured if I was to wear this.
I put on the armor gleefully…!
"How is it. It fit just fine right?"
The owner said confidently.
The size fit just right. Although it fits…
"… It's too heavy, I can't move."
"... Is, is that so…"
The owner looked at me as if I was a pitiful child.
It seemed that with my weak stats, I couldn't equip such high class equipment.
Fortunately, my size was rather standard and the owner accepted my request to return the goods.
I was planning to raise my attack and defense drastically, but this couldn't be helped.
I guess getting a new weapon would do for now.
"All that's left is the naming of the sword. I have to do it seriously… Kiku-Ichimonj… Kogarasumaru…"
As I was pondering with my arms crossed, Megumin suddenly came to my side and said.
"Chunchunmaru."
"… What did you just say?"
"I said Chunchunmaru. This name is now 'Chunchunmaru'."
Before I realized it, Megumin was already hugging my sword tightly.
… No no no.
"How could you call it such a strange name. This is an expensive custom made item okay? As my precious sword, I have to give it a cool name…"
"Ah!"
The owner yelled when he saw Megumin hugging the sword.
I looked at the sword and saw the talisman on the hilt of the sword.
On the talisman was…
"… Miss, you already wrote the name down…"
"I did. From today onwards, this sword will be known as Chunchunmaru. That's settled, Kazuma! Let's do a quest!"
"You you, what have you done! Ahhh… my sword…!"
Megumin pulled me with her as I held my sword that was bestowed with a weird name.
"— Hey you… That sword cost a lot of money, and you just… If I used this sword to defeat the demon king, it would be displayed in a museum and labeled 'The weapon of the legendary hero, holy sword Chunchunmaru'— How are you going to fix that!"
"I already picked a cool name in the place of the indecisive Kazuma, what are you unhappy about. Compared to that, can Darkness convince Aqua to come out?"
Megumin said a bit uneasily.
We asked Darkness to persuade Aqua while we went to collect my weapons, but…
"Don't wanna— ! I don't wanna go today! Tomorrow! I will go if it is warm tomorrow! I have a bad feeling about today, this is the instinct of a goddess!"
"Stop spilling nonsense about goddesses! Hurry up, stop grabbing the couch… Ah, don't, don't pull my hair!"
— In the mansion, we found Aqua and Darkness wrestling on the ground.
The persuasion was a failure… There was no other options.
"Darkness, let Aqua watch the house since she is so unwilling. The three of us will be fine."
"As expected of Kazuma! It is rare, but you could say good things sometimes! Look Darkness, Kazuma-sama already said that, so unhand me!"
Aqua got me as an ally and started slapping Darkness who was grabbing her hand.
"Never mind that— The two of you, this is our first quest in a long time. After getting the reward, let's eat a good one outside. A hot pot party!"
The goddess of party reacted strongly when I said that.
The other two realized my intentions and looked at each other—
"That's right, we are beginning our adventure anew after the end of winter. For the long road ahead, let's eat lavishly tonight."
"Great, let's have fun outside. I know a good shop that caters to nobles. I will make a reservation there tonight."
They said something like that immediately.
Darkness released Aqua's collar, and Aqua started talking uneasily.
"… Nah, everyone, how about buying the ingredients back and having a hot pot party at home? Right, I will prepare the ingredients for everyone who will be tired after adventuring. So I think it would be better to have a party here."
We replied to Aqua together.
"Please watch the house." x3
"Wahhhh, I was wrong don't leave me behind— !"
Part 4
The open plain outside of town was still covered in remnants of snow.
"Alright, this is a good spot. Let's begin!"
On top of one of the few trees, I assumed a sniping position and gave the signal to start the operation.
"I am ready no problem! Let the weak Kazuma level up fast and take out the demon king for me soon."
Aqua crossed her arms under the tree I was at, watching my target like a Nio.
Now that she mentioned it, we do have the goal of defeating the demon king…
"Yeah, Aqua's support spells are taking effect. With this, I can take on any number of them!"
With her sword sticking into the ground, Darkness stood coolly with both hands on the hilt and looked very dependable.
"Leave any stragglers to me. I will blow them all away if they get too close."
Megumin took a stance with her staff with a fearless smile.
— With levels over 20 (except for me) and fully equipped, we could be considered mid tier leveled adventurers.
"Then let's get it on! Proceed as planned! I will snipe the king runner and the princess runner! Without these two, the lizard runner will disperse, so we can ignore the small fries. If the snipe fail and they charge us, I will snipe again while Darkness tanks them. If it still fails, Megumin will blow them all away with explosion before they surround us, I will take out any stragglers from up high. Aqua will support everyone with magic… Alright, begin!"
We had always acted impulsively but right now, we adopted a plan that took into account the possibility of failure.
I won't be a rookie forever.
Using farsight while on top of a tree, I could see the group of lizard runner from far away.
The lizard runner looked just as Sena described.
Just like a frilled-necked lizard becoming green, larger and walking upright on two legs.
In that group of lizard runners, There was one that was twice as big as the others.
It had a crest-like horn on its head and the other lizard runners followed it like servants.
"Hey Aqua, there is a lizard runner with a crest-like horn on its head. I know that is the princess, but which is the king?"
"How would I know which one is the king. The king runner… should be the one that looks like it is full of itself right?"
I wanted to retort how to tell if a lizard is full of itself, but gave up. I was the stupid one for asking her.
I could tell which one was the princess runner with its features, but to find the lizard that won the race…
I found a lizard which the princess runner was hanging all over.
Right, the winner will be the mate of the princess.
That one who was closest to the princess should be the king runner.
I aimed for that lizard and pulled my bow tight…!
"Oh, leave it to me Kazuma, I have an idea! If the winner of the race is the king runner, then it must be the fastest! Amongst the holy spells, there is one that does the opposite of repelling enemy and attracts monsters! If we call the lizards over, the fastest to reach must be the king!"
Our plan was to snipe the king from afar, but knowing which is the target was important.
But Aqua's method of drawing the enemy over to identify the king was putting the cart before the horse.
"Hey what are you saying. Do creatures like goddess have the habit of pouring oil into fire? I already found the king, so don't…"
"Force Fire!"
Before I finished, Aqua chanted her spell.
A bluish white flame ignited in Aqua's hand. After seeing that flame, I wanted to beat her up even though I was not a monster.
The emotion of me wanting to scold her for doing unnecessary things must be the effect of that spell right?
The lizard runner which were far away also saw the flames. They cried agitatedly and charged at Aqua.
"How fast!" x3
Darkness, Megumin and I were amazed by the lizards' speed.
Megumin started chanting explosion magic in a hurry, but at that pace, they would be here before she finish.
Darkness stood before Megumin while I set my bow and yelled angrily at Aqua.
"You moron, do you feel unhappy unless you mess something up! No one asked you to pretend being a retard, so clean up your act! It would be over if I took out the king and princess, why the heck are you drawing them here?!"
"Why, why are you saying all this suddenly?! I only wanted to help, why are you so angry! Ahh, I knew it! The development will be the same as usual right?! The lizards will mess me up bad! I already knew this is coming, so get it over with!"
After I lectured Aqua, she shouted exasperatedly, and laid on the ground in a tantrum with her limbs spread out wide.
"Cast support spells and healing you fool! Don't lie there, you will get trampled!"
As I shouted, I aimed for the king runner closing in at amazing speed and shot at him with the snipe skill.
My aim was true and the arrow hit the suspected king lizard who was at the head of the pack right between the eyes.
The accuracy of snipe was dependent on luck.
Even though I had scant experience with a bow, my accuracy was high because of my strong innate luck.
I thought the other lizards would falter after taking out the king, but somehow, the other lizards became more fierce.
"Hey Aqua, don't just lie there! I took out the one that looked like the king, but they became even more aggressive!"
Aqua was still lying on the ground with her limbs spread out wide.
"If you take out the king first, the other lizards will be fired up since they have the chance to be the new king. You should have taken out the lizard princess first."
"Tell me something that important earlier ahhhhhh! Me, Megumin! Megumin! Is your spell ready!? I permit the use of explosion! The distance is enough, blow them all away!"
"Leave it to me, wahahha! Taste my explosive magic! 'Explosion'— !"
But, nothing happened.
"!? Ahhhh! Mana! Kazuma, I don't have enough mana to cast explosion!"
"Ah!? Why at a time like this… Oh shit!"
It was because I drained Megumin's mana this morning!
"What what what do we do Kazuma! The princess runner! The princess runner is really…!"
I looked, and the large lizard with a crest— the princess lizard and its servants were charging us furiously, angered by the death of its mate the king runner.
Aqua laid below the tree I was on while Megumin was besides her.
Darkness stood before the two of them to guard them…!
"Hahahahaha! Bring it on—!"
She shouted in high spirit.
The lizard runner mob crashed into Darkness who was standing before Megumin!
"Wahahaha! Ka, Kazuma-san Kazuma-san!!"
Aqua finally screamed as the lizard runners rammed her, but I don't have time for her.
The princess runner determined that I was the enemy and glared at me alone.
From the speed she was running, she must be planning to jump right up and kick me down the tree, how scary!
"Tank a little while longer Darkness! I will take care of them now!"
"Don't mind me! Ahhhh, you, you can take your time ugghh— !"
As I listened to Darkness who was being kicked repeatedly by the lizard runner.
I drew my bow and aimed right between the eyes of the princess…!
"Kukyeee—!!"
"Snipe!"
I shot an arrow at the princess runner who was kicking at me!
At this distance, I won't miss even without snipe.
The arrow was right on target, and the leg of the princess runner lost its strength and missed me.
"In the nick of time…!"
I muttered softly to myself as the adrenaline rushed towards me who was facing a powerful foe.
The body of the princess runner hit the tree with its inertia.
Taking a defenceless cool pose after shooting the arrow, I lost my balance and fell down the tree.
The lizard runner saw me falling…!
— And got out of the way agilely.
And I fell head first to the ground and heard a dull thud.
"Ka, Kazuma!? Are you okay!? Aqua! Kazuma fell in a weird position! Use healing magic…"
As I listened to Megumin's frantic voice, my consciousness slowly—
Part 5
"..."
"..."
I stood there blankly, face to face with the goddess Eris.
It was a holy shrine like room I visited when Jack Frost killed me.
Like that time, I was standing right here.
Before me, with silvery white long hair and blue eyes—
Was the extraordinarily beautiful Eris.
This real goddess scratched her cheeks with her finger and said with a troubled expression.
"… Erm, please live on carefully alright? It took a lot of effort to break the rules and revive you… Sempai will forcefully resurrect you anyway, but I am always the one who suffer…"
"Sorry, I have nothing to say for myself this time, my apologies!"
After killing the princess runner, I fell from the tree and died while boosting my victory.
Even I thought this was a lousy way to die.
Eris sighed deeply.
"Your career is in adventuring, so it is understandable for your situation to be dangerous. I knew that but… you are too careless this time…"
I kept lowering my head and apologizing to Eris.
Eris suspicion was probably true, and Aqua will revive me shortly.
I troubled her again.
"Erm… What happened to the others after I died? Are they okay?"
"Yes, there is no problem. Sempai was trampled on since she laid down in a place at this and pleaded for help mid way… But while Darkness was tanking, the princess runner was down and the lizards dispersed. Megumin-san wasn't hurt thanks to Darkness protecting her. Sempai is fixing your body right now."
Great, so the quest was sort of a success.
It's fine to let them wait for a while.
Although I died, I am unexpectedly calm.
Maybe I hit my head when I died so there wasn't any pain, or I had gotten used to it.
I looked around me as if I was sightseeing.
"… You are really calm despite dying. The people who come here are usually more confused…"
"It's normal, once in Japan, twice in this world. I visited a total of three times already."
I answered Eris as I looked around the room.
… There was nothing here.
Eris looked quietly at me as I checked out the surrounding.
I had nothing to do, so the two of us looked at each other.
… Oh no, this is awkward.
What was taking Aqua so long.
But…
"Won't you feel bored staying in this room without anything? I don't know how many people are in this world, but do people visit often?"
Eris answered me with a smile.
"That's true. My job is to guide the people who died because of monsters… I am usually busy, but the adventurers stay indoors in the winter and I am thankfully more free. If I am bored, that means everyone is safe, so having nothing to do is great."
Eris said with a brilliant smile.
I couldn't take it anymore. What is happening. My chest was stuffy and my face was burning up.
… I always thought there was something missing in my life in this alternate world.
Although we live under the same roof, there were no romantic development between my comrades and me at all.
All of them looked pleasant and nice. But…
The self-proclaimed goddess who daydream before the fireplace and only eat and sleep.
She welcomed her 14th birthday recently, but there was probably still legal restrictions. Competitive and troublesome explosion maniac loli.
Her figure looked great at first sight, but she had a strange fetish, a crazy daughter of nobility.
What I wanted wasn't so extreme.
I just want a gentle girl with common sense.
— That's right, the main heroine was right here.
As I was feeling awkward with my face red.
"Actually, I don't stay here all the time. I will ask someone to cover my duties and play in the mortal world sometimes… Keep this a secret okay?"
Eris-sama closed one eye and smiled mischievously like she did the last time.
Oh, hnnngg…
I nodded my head repeatedly with my blushing face when—
"Kazuma! Can you hear me Kazuma? I already used resurection, you can return now. Get Eris to open the door quick!"
Every Time, this girl who couldn't read the mood would barge in like this.
Why couldn't you just take a little longer…
I thought about something totally different from my previous thought and almost clicked my tongue.
"Just wait a bit more. I still have many things to say with Eris-sama. Please take care of my body before I go back."
I answered loudly into the void.
Eris-sama yelped "Huh!?" softly, then lowered her head shyly.
I didn't know if my voice reached her. The surrounding fell silent.
"Ah!? What are you saying!? Don't spout nonsense and get back here! Raise your level defeat the demon king and return me to heaven!"
Aqua's words reminded me of reality.
— Defeat the demon king.
That's right, defeat the demon king. The low level and powerless me has to challenge the demon king.
And I had the handicap of being surrounded by problem children.
Even if I revived, I will just suffer with the three of them from now on, and take on the ridiculous homework of defeating the demon king.
I am aware of the situation.
Work hard, awaken an incredible power and defeat the demon king with luck— This damn world won't let something so good happen.
I would probably die a few more times from now on.
What do I get for working so hard?
… I didn't answer Aqua and fell into deep thought.
I pondered about my future life and the hardship I will experience from now on—
I choose starting my life over with reincarnation.
"Hey Aqua! I am tired of life and won't be going back! I want to reincarnate as a baby and start over! Send my regards to the others!"
"Ehhh!?"
When she heard what I said, Eris yelled.
In the end…
"What nonsense are you saying! Wait!"
As I listened to Aqua's panicking voice, I turned to Eris.
"In summary, Eris-sama, I have a request. I won't ask for much— but if possible, I hope to be a boy in my next life. I hope to be born into a family with a beautiful elder step sister and a cute younger sister."
"Wait, wait a minute! Please, please wait!"
Eris seemed to be panicking when she heard what I said.
Aqua's voice rung out again.
"Kazuma! Darkness said that if you are not coming back, she will doodle on your face! She is holding a marker excitedly now!"
… I, I won't be shaken by something like this.
I'm dead anyway, do what you want with my bod…
"…? What are you doing Megumin? What are you doing to Kazuma's clothes… Hmmm Megumin!? Wait, wait Megumin!?"
"Hey, hey stop, what are you all doing to my body? Don't desecrate the dead, you will be cursed!!"
How were they abusing my body?
While I was feeling uneasy, Aqua screamed.
"Megumin! Megumin!! Wait, Kazuma-sama! Come back! Hurry!!"
"Hey stop it! Aqua, stop Megumin! Stop…! E, Eris-sama, please! Please open the door! I beg of you!!"
Looking at how frantic I was, Eris chuckled and snapped her fingers.
A door of pure white appeared before us.
I stood before that door in a hurry…
"Well then, Kazuma-san. I will pray that you will not come here again. Bon Voyage!"
Listening to Eris bid me farewell, I opened the door…!
Part 6
Megumin's face that was red from anger appeared before my eyes.
She was sitting on me, tidying up the clothes on my chest.
"… Hey, what are you doing? I even thought of you as the only one with common sense except for being a explosion maniac with a strange name, what did you do to me?"
Megumin didn't answer, stood up and said.
"Hey, if you have any comments about my name then let's hear it… It's all your fault for pulling a joke saying you are 'not coming back'. If you throw such a tantrum again, I will do something even worse."
She thought it was a joke, but she will get even more mad if I told her I was half serious.
I checked every part of my body and sat up.
"… Nah, what did you do to me? Depending on what happened, I might be too shy to look Megumin in the face from tomorrow onwards."
I glanced at Darkness and saw her squatting on the ground with her hand covering her red face.
I threw a suspicious gaze at Aqua who was squatting at the side, waiting for me to stand up…
"… What are you making a sacred goddess say? Ask her yourself."
She averted her face.
"Nah, tell me Megumin. If not, I will be very conscious of you from tomorrow onwards…"
"You will know after taking a bath at home… Instead of that, how is your head? Anything uncomfortable?"
I touched my head, there wasn't any problems.
I remembered I died falling from a tree.
"Kazuma, your head was bent in an incredible direction. I thought you were acting out a scene in 'the exorcist'. Your wounds are serious, so no fighting for the next two weeks."
I felt a chill after hearing Aqua's words.
'The exorcist' was that horror movie where the head could turn 180 degrees.
My head turned like that?
Megumin patted my shoulders as I was shivering while holding my head.
"Let's retire early for the day. Look, thanks to Kazuma, the lizard runners had dispersed. Thank you for your hard work. I will report to the guild, so go back and rest, Kazuma."
Megumin used a gentle voice I never heard before to say this.
She must be worried about me and my death experience.
I accepted her kindness gratefully, and returned to the mansion with Darkness whose face was red and refuse to look at me in the eye, and Aqua who was covered in footprints of the lizard runners.
— After reaching town, Megumin headed for the adventurers guild.
And then, on our way back to the mansion.
"Speaking of which, why did you say something so silly, Kazuma? You are living a wonderful life surrounded by beauties, what are you so unhappy about that you refused to come back?"
Darkness nodded when she heard what Aqua said.
Looking at the two of them, I—
"… Fufu."
"Ah!" x2
When the two of them heard me snicker, they yelled.
When we reached the mansion and was about to open the door, Aqua harassed me.
"Nah, I think you are looking down on us recently right? Didn't I revived you too today— Although Kazuma didn't want to! Nah, stop treating me like an unwanted child! Revere me more! If you go to the capital of water and hot spring, Alcanretia you can find lots of my statue and merchandize!"
I think it was weird to make figures of a goddess you idolize, but I said to the noisy Aqua behind me without turning back:
"Moron, when did I treat you like an unwanted child. Without you, who will clean the toilet? For someone who proclaims to be the goddess of water, there are place more suitable for you to clean then that right?"
"That's what I am talking about! I am the goddess of water, not the goddess of the toilet!! I am saying your attitude is bad, you have to treat me nicer!"
I entertained the teary eyes Aqua casually, entered the mansion and took off my equipment such as my chest armor.
I turned and saw that Darkness was taking off her armor that was battered by the kicks of the lizard runners.
Darkness kept peeking at my lower abdomen after taking off my armor.
…?
When I looked at her curiously. Darkness averted her eyes with a red face.
I was worried what it was about, but I just revived and still felt a bit tired.
Since I was going to rest early, I went to take a bath.
Entering the bathroom, I reached for the magic heater, used mana to heat the water and stripped in the changing room…
And charged outside.
"Where is Megumin! She isn't back yet?! That stupid loli, don't think I will hold back because she is a kid. I will strip her with steal and let her enjoy the same treatment!"
"Megumin said she will stay in the inn with her friend for a few days after visiting the adventure guild ahhhhh!?"
After seeing I was nude, Darkness who was reading a magazine on the couch hid her face into the magazine.
I still don't get what her standard of shame was, and had no time for her.
Aqua looked at me who was grinding my teeth with bloodshot eyes.
"... Hey Kazuma, having confidence is a good thing, but I think being too cocky is not good."
"Mo, moron! Weren't you there when Megumin wrote this!? Damn, damn you ahhhh!"
I escaped back into the bathroom.
And wash the words 'Holy sword Excalibur ↓' from my lower abdomen.