CHAPTER 9 - The Words of Goodbyes

"I understand… But before that, can you explain to us what sort of sorcery or magic exists in this world?"

"Correct," I absolutely affirmed, "our choice would be dependent on the abilities of each possesses… Isn't that a given already?"

And they're the fundamental requirement for one to be able to activate magic skills. Furthermore, based on the Cosmic System, these magic skills are also used to activate alterations in the fundamental laws of nature. In short, one can utilize magic skills because of this energy particle… Please note that the main effect of magic skills is to alter nature itself.>

"Kwa-ha-ha-ha!" Hirata suddenly burst into laughter after Mr. Spokesman's long monologue. "That's funny! The word 'magiton' meaning 'magic particle' seems kinda silly. It's like the way 'particles of light' meaning 'photons' were named. The etymological and semantic play kinda makes me laugh…!"'

"Idiot, don't talk about science here!"

"W-Wait, wait, I was just joking, okay? Please don't scare me like that! I don't wanna be a snack for the snakes. Oi, oi, wait a second! Did you just say 1348? Isn't that the recorded date for the plague in Europe….!? Don't joke like that! Just forgive me, okay?!"

"Mr. Spokesman," I called him while satisfyingly grinning, "I'd be happy if that happens… Can you please do that? Make him be the first rat to spread the disease…"

"Brother!? Don't be so mean! We've known each other for so long, why are you so cold?" he cried like an immature brat.

"Shut up! Anyway, Mr. Spokesman, how about the abilities in each of the species of the choices??"

"Ooh, is that so?" I weighed on things deeply, "I guess I'd just choose the demon species…" I made the decision first to decrease the number of his potential choices, as he was a bit confused.

"H-Hang on, Brother, is that really final?"

"Huh? When did I ever make a decision recklessly? Of course that's final…!"

I had a few reasons in mind. Since childhood, I was never one of those kids who dreamed of becoming heroes and save the weak and the oppressed. I worked in government as an agent not to help people but to earn more money since the offer was undeniably high. Besides, for me, personal priorities should take precedence over anything else. Thus, hero thing was out of the question. Next, spirits were kind of soft and vulnerable for me. In the novels I read way back on earth during my free time, spirits had a number of weaknesses that the enemies could breezily exploit— so a big no. With regards to dragons, honestly, I liked them if not for their tremendous size that could potentially hamper in running some errands. And if I became one, it might be hard to move around since your body would be so majestic and gigantic — quite a letdown! Demons are the best. I supposed they did not need a huge cage or material form, just their normal humanoid figure. In Hirata's case…

"Fine then, I'll chose the draconic species!"

"Wait, are you sure? You know, you've never been a good decision-maker, you know? I'm a valid witness to that…!"

"Uhm… You're right. But I've no choice. From what I've known, a dragon is the real overlord of any world… So that's it. Nothing more, and nothing less. I don't want my days as a bossy executive to end so soon. I wanna be the boss when I go there…"

That reason was much expected. Even though Hirata was a good person in front of me, I heard from various intel sources that he was so cruel in punishing his men every time mistakes happened on missions. He was so bossy and demanding. It was only natural that he must have enjoyed being at the top of the food chain always.

"—A dragon-slaying sword…?" I said.

"—A demon-slaying sword…?" Hirata immediately replied.

The voice of the Spokesman seemed in panic.

"Mr. Spokesman, isn't that obvious? My demon-slaying sword is for my competition with brother."

"Tch, don't be stupid! Before you land a pinch on me, I'll cut your wings with my dragon-slaying sword… Don't worry, it'd be painless if I drive it through your chest directly… Nonetheless, Mr. Spokesperson, I want a dragon-slaying sword to discipline this guy over here…"

"Wait, are you, by any chance, thinking of killing me? That's so mean, Brother!"

"Shut up! You're so annoying… You chose a demon-slaying sword yourself, so you thought of killing me as well, right?"

"Wait, one soul per four minutes? Is that an absolute rule? If so, then one of us would be 400 years late than the other. That's quite long, isn't it?"

"Yeah, I agree… If possible, I want to stay with you, Brother. But 400 years? That's a bit long."

"Then, if that's the case, I—"

"Oh, me! Me, I suppose…?" said Hirata energetically while raising his hand, "I'll go first. Brother, this is a chance for me to be independent and not rely on you always."

"Are you fine with that, Hirata…?" I was really worried knowing the uncertainties this new world awaited us. "You'll be on your own in four hundred years, you know?"

"Don't worry. I'll do my best to fit in and be safe always… I am a gang boss, okay? How can I fret over such uncertainties?" He grinned like the king of evil in front of me.

"If you are wearing that face of confidence, then I concede."

"Yeah. Four hundred years is long, but if it's to see you, I can wait for it. We are basically close to immortals there, so don't worry about it. Draconic species are long-lived creatures, so unless I'm killed, I'd surely be there… Goodbye!"

"Then good luck, brother. Au revoir!"

In that moment, a silvery white aura enveloped his body, and then he disappeared. A few minutes later, I followed suit.