Epilogue: -Like this Forever…

A magical light shone brightly over the lake near Axel.

"EXPLOOOSION!"

The sound of the explosion echoed throughout the lake, accompanied with a blinding flash.

At the same time a large amount of water was blasted into the air, creating a rainbow over the lake.

"Wow…"

Sylphina let out an amazed voice as she observed the scene, while Darkness patted her head with a smile.

"How many points is that?"

"I feel that the shockwave today is a little weaker. Can I assume that you reduced its power for Sylphina's sake, since she just recently recovered from her illness?"

For the sake of her pride, I confirmed with Megumin who has collapsed next to me.

"Precisely. A true master of explosive magic can obviously adjust its destructive power. It's only natural to keep the audience in mind if they are present."

"With respect to your love for explosion magic, and taking into account the needs of your audience… I give today's explosion a full hundred points!

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Megumin repeatedly thanked me while still lying on the floor. Seeing this, Darkness gave me a flat look and said,

"Say, Kazuma, were you guys always doing this kind of stupid things?"

"Darkness, how could you call this stupid? You're saying the same things as Aqua!"

"Exactly! Even if it's you, I won't forgive you if you keep saying that."

Alongside me, Megumin indignantly shot back.

"Very well, I'll accept that challenge, Megumin! Now, bring it on whenever you want!"

"Ah, wait, Darkness! How could you take advantage of me when I can't move! Please stop! Ah, no, they'll see my panties, stop pulling at my skirt! I'll start calling you Lewdness like Kazuma does… Okay, I surrender! I surrender, so please stop! Kazuma, hurry up replenish my mana with Drain Touch!"

Unable to move a muscle, Megumin quickly surrendered to Darkness.

"By the way, where did Aqua go off to?"

"It seems like she realized she could use the shockwave from Explosion for fishing. Lately she's always been rushing around to gather the fish that float up after each Explosion."

"Thanks to her, we are probably going to have to use this spot for Explosions for some time. What a drag."

We started preparing lunch while watching Aqua collect fish in the lake.

Today's lunch is sandwiches.

Darkness and Sylphina grew jealous after learning that we had a picnic at this lake without them, so I specifically prepared those.

"Everyone, look! It's a big haul today! I might even consider bringing one back as a souvenir to that ill-mannered demonic black furball."

"That kid has grown picky as of late. She won't eat raw fish or bland food. The other day, she followed me into the shower and started using Aqua's laundry as a scratching post. I wonder what's going on with her."

"Wait a second, what did she do with my laundry? Why is that kid only hostile to me!?"

After sharing some of my mana with her, Megumin started skewering fish for the people present, while I got a fire going using Tinder and the firewood that Darkness gathered.

Sylphina acted like a child on a camping trip, and excitedly watched the fish as they grilled.

"I personally gathered these fishes, so obviously the biggest one would go to me."

"Hold on, Aqua, while the one who gathered them might be you, but I'm the one who killed them. The biggest one should obviously go to the most capable in this party, me."

"Umm, I'll give you half of my fish… I can't eat that much anyway…"

"That won't do, Sylphina. Children need to eat more. Otherwise you'll end up with nutrient-deficient body like Megumin."

"Oh, now you've said it! Then let's use strength to decide who receives the biggest fish! Bring it on! Come at me whenever you want!"

Watching the two of them squabbling like children, I retreated to a small hill a short distance away, intending to take a short nap before the fish is grilled.

And Darkness took a seat next to me, a smile playing on her face as she watched the two of them squabble.

"Thank you."

Darkness softly said without looking at me.

"After boldly proclaiming that I will protect you back then, I ended up getting saved by you again."

Despite the topic, Darkness seemed to have a jovial tone.

"This isn't the first time it's happened, and it'll probably keep happening. Ah, I'm getting really tired of cleaning up after you all. Well, I did manage to save that girl, so I guess it's fine. Plus, I did have an adventurer-like experience for once."

I closed my eyes and putting my arms behind my head.

"…Just confirming, but you really aren't a lolicon, right?"

"Do you want me to punch you!? Why don't I use your body to demonstrate that I'm not a lolicon!?"

Seeing me bolt up, Darkness started giggling.

"You don't have the guts to go through anyway."

This little…

"There's a very good reason why I don't cross that line. I… no, all the men in this city have a very reliable companion."

Yes, if I pay those onee-sans a visit…

"Is that so? Then I'll wait till you wish to tell me. What kind of life you really led before you came here, where did you come from… and, while you're at it, what Chris' true identity is."

Darkness casually said while still looking at the others…

"Eh? Wait, you were awake back when Chris said that?"

"Of course. I'm the Crusader with the strongest defensive power and stamina in this city. How could I stay unconscious for that long? I'm going to need to properly lecture Chris one of these days."

Still averting her gaze, Darkness let out a small chuckle.

"…Ah, it seems I like you more than I thought…"

She said in a faraway voice and let out a bitter laugh.

… D-don't say that, you'll make me want to cry again.

"I-I, umm, Megumin…"

"I understand."

She cut me off before I could say anything more.

"I'm older than you all, and a noble above that. I have no intention of tearing apart my friends by throwing a childish tantrum. I don't want that to happen. But…"

While twirling her hair between her fingers, Darkness moved her face closer to me until she loomed over me.

"You can forgive a little bit of teasing, can't you?"

"Y-You…"

Not just once, but twice!

Darkness had a mischievous 'my prank just succeeded' look on her face. I need to get a little payback for her leading me on once again.

"You need to pay more attention to the time and place. Look behind you."

"?"

Hearing my words, Darkness turned around.

Standing there was a wide-eyed and trembling Sylphina, holding a pair of grilled fishes.

"Mo-Mommy, sorry, I…"

"W-Wait a minute, Sylphina, this is—"

And standing right next to her was Megumin, holding what's probably my grilled fish, her eyes glowing a brilliant shade of red.

"While I did say that it's fine to express your feelings, I didn't recall allowing you to have a secret affair with him. Pushing your child onto someone else to have a tryst, just how much of a pervert are you!?"

"Bu-but… that's…"

Once again ending up in such a situation, Darkness tried to explain while looking like she was on the verge of tears.

"I need to let everyone know… Darkness tried to force herself on Kazuma-san, I need to let everyone know…!"

"W-Wait, that's not it! Well, it's not exactly untrue but— Ah, Aqua! Get back here!"

Looking at Darkness frantically chase after Aqua as she headed towards the city, I couldn't help but think out loud.

"Well, this doesn't feel too bad. It's like I'm the main character of a harem show. I've gone through plenty of hardships so far, but it seems like my luck is still pretty good."

"This man…!"

I hope things will remain like this forever…