I Don’t Want to Be a Heroic Spirit [359]

Time and space held no sway here.

This was a place that belonged to no world.

Amid the ocean of [Nothingness], there stood a single structure: [Chaldea].

Or, more formally, the Chaldea Security Organization.

Its mission was to ensure the preservation and continuation of human history. A facility where magic and science converged, staffed by researchers and observers from every conceivable field, united under one purpose: to prevent the extinction of humanity.

And they succeeded.

Through the fiery trials of Humanity Incineration, the bleaching of the planet's surface, and countless Singularities, they had fulfilled their mission time and time again.

But now, those who remained at Chaldea had shifted their focus.

No longer tasked with safeguarding humanity as a whole, they now sought to protect one person.

---

Inside Chaldea.

The pristine white hallways gleamed with a futuristic sheen, exuding an atmosphere of advanced technology far beyond its time.

In one of the facility's many rooms, a young girl sat on a chair, her feet swinging idly. Her appearance bore a striking resemblance to the Mona Lisa, but her eyes shimmered with an intellect far beyond her youthful visage.

"I see, I see… So Master has already traversed five different worlds? That's quite the pace," Da Vinci murmured, her voice carrying a hint of amusement. She tilted her head, gazing at the console in front of her.

"Let's see here… a world with gods, demons, heroes, and Demon Kings? What is this nonsense? It sounds like so much fun! I want to see it for myself!"

Her small hands danced over the console as she scrolled through logs.

"A would-be hero who wet himself in terror at a tractor, a penniless Lich King surviving on nothing but sugar water, and a dim-witted goddess who got dragged into the mortal realm by her own reincarnator… Oh, this is too good! Master must've had an absolute blast!"

Da Vinci chuckled as she reviewed the events Nero had experienced in the fantastical world of Konosuba.

"Hmm… this feels like something you'd watch while sipping tea. But given my current form, maybe I should be drinking milk instead?"

Just as Da Vinci spoke, a second voice echoed through the room, cutting through the quiet.

"And here I find you playing at being a child again, Da Vinci."

The voice was cold as winter's frost, invoking the chill of eternal ice and the unyielding stillness of a frozen tundra.

It carried a regal detachment, a commanding presence that demanded reverence.

The owner of the voice stepped into view. Her snow-white hair was tied in an elegant braid, her figure adorned with a black and dark blue gown of exquisite design. The sharp lines of her dress exuded nobility, offset by the seven-pointed crown atop her head. A black veil obscured her face, adding an air of mystery to her already imposing demeanor.

Da Vinci turned toward the speaker, her expression lighting up with delight.

"Master! When did you get back?"

"Two minutes ago. Let's leave it at that."

The black-clad woman's voice remained icy. "So? Do you want me to get you a glass of milk?"

"Hm~? I was just saying that for fun," Da Vinci replied playfully. "But if you're offering to pour me a glass, who am I to refuse? After all, wouldn't it be an honor to serve milk to such a perfect, beautiful genius like me~?"

The veiled woman let out a derisive scoff. "Ridiculous."

But a moment later, a teacup filled with milk appeared on the table in front of Da Vinci.

"Oh, thank you, Master!" Da Vinci eagerly picked up the cup and took a sip. The milk was the perfect temperature, with just the right touch of sweetness.

"So, Master, why the sudden return? Is something going on?"

Before the woman could answer, Da Vinci smirked, narrowing her eyes mischievously.

"Wait… don't tell me. Did you come back because you missed us? Oh my, how scandalous! How utterly embarrassing for you~!"

After licking a stray drop of milk from her lips, Da Vinci spread her arms wide in invitation.

"Well? How about it? Want to cuddle up in the arms of a mature woman? I'll let you, just this once!"

The veiled woman fell silent for a moment, and though her expression was obscured, her reluctance was palpable.

"…Da Vinci, compared to me, you hardly qualify as a 'mature woman.'"

"Yaaah~! You're so mean, Master!" Da Vinci pouted, puffing out her cheeks in mock indignation.

But then, the woman's tone softened slightly, taking on an almost nostalgic warmth.

"It's been a while since I've indulged in such banter. I suppose it's not entirely unpleasant… Still, I didn't return for idle chatter. I have a task to complete."

Her voice regained its solemnity as she continued, "The world I'm heading to next is… unusual. Servant-class Spirit Origin ranks too low there to ensure my safety."

Da Vinci blinked in surprise before realization dawned on her.

"Ah, I see. It's that world, isn't it?"

She sighed, her tone turning reflective.

"A world where gods long since vanished from the Earth can still descend and wreak havoc… and where humans can rise to challenge them. Honestly, it makes me wonder if someone mixed up the settings somewhere…"

Shaking her head, Da Vinci met her Master's gaze.

"But knowing you, I'm sure you've already figured everything out, haven't you?"

In response, the veiled woman produced a Spirit Origin in her hand.

"It's already been modified. With this, my safety is guaranteed."

Da Vinci's eyes widened as she scrutinized the Spirit Origin, her expression growing increasingly curious—and slightly amused.

"Oh? You based it on her Spirit Origin?"

"Yes," the woman replied, her voice tinged with irritation. "As much as it pains me to admit, that idealistic little brat's Spirit Origin has the highest compatibility with that world. It also gives me an excuse to bend the rules in my favor."

Her tone grew bitter, though it carried an undercurrent of reluctant respect.

"She's a natural troublemaker, born to challenge and annoy me at every turn… But for the sake of my survival, I'll graciously let it slide this time."

Pausing briefly, the veiled woman clenched her fist.

"The journey is far from over. Until I reach my destination—my end—I cannot afford to fall."

Da Vinci's gaze lingered on the Spirit Origin, a mixture of awe and admiration gleaming in her eyes.

"Incredible… Master, your mastery of magecraft is becoming more terrifying by the day. You're about to deceive the world itself, aren't you?"

The woman dismissed the remark with a faint chuckle.

"Magecraft, at its core, is nothing but deception. That's why that silver-haired nightmare of a trickster is called the greatest of magicians."

"It's nothing special. Just a simple matter of deceiving the world… and mocking fate. Compared to saving hopeless faeries and subduing a self-destructive Britain, this is child's play."

---

T/N: I LOVE YOU DA VINCI!!!!!!!!!!! also...im guessing its campione maybe...? ID ONT KNOW AHHHHHHHHHH im not gonna use my clairvoyance too cheaty

...

Huh. You really stuck it out all the way to the end.

Didn't think you had the patience. Guess I was wrong.

WiseTL's the one who actually made all this come together. I'm just here putting a bow on it... or, well, shoving it in a backpack and calling it a day. Same thing.

If you had fun, you know what to do:

👉 [patreon.com/WiseTL]

And if you're the social type, there's a Discord too. Pretty decent spot to hang out—no battles required.

👉 [discord.gg/wisetl]

Alright. That's enough standing around. Go on—before you make it weird.

—Leaf