Chapter 19 The Protagonist Of This Story
When Shura bit down on the criticism rolling around in her mouth, an indescribable bitterness grew, and she frowned.
Weird. Odd. Strange. Rare beast.
The impressions the man had built up throughout the day in front of her settled into a confusing mix of those similar words.
(I don't really get this guy)
At first, she thought he was rude.
He looked down at her from a height that was a whole head taller, starting with the incredibly rude comment about her bad expression.
If she had a hand mirror, she would have wanted to smash it in his face. For the first time, she regretted her usual carefree attitude about her appearance.
There was no way to have a good impression of him. They say birds of a feather flock together, and looking at his rude noble companions, she thought he wasn't worth her time.
'I'm really here to become a knight.'
That's why Shura was surprised by the seriousness of his words.
She felt a little bit of curiosity tickle her. She even felt a bit guilty for it.
But anyone can say anything with just words.
There are many knights who wear fancy armor but are greedy on the inside. Since arriving in the Royal Capital from the outskirts with her hidden determination, Shura had seen many of those fallen proud knights and felt disappointed.
Even though she received his name, she didn't have high expectations.
'You... won't end until you win!'
And then, there was that fierce battle.
With a determination like a wolf, he clung on until the very end, refusing to break or back down against an overwhelming opponent.
As the pain increased, he bared his teeth, and even in a desperate situation, he kept the flame of victory alive. Every time Shura saw Hiiro's pale green eyes burning like red iron, she felt goosebumps on her skin.
(This guy... Hiiro might be different.)
He might be different from the nobles who see wealth as power.
He might be different from the knights who flatter others just to prosper.
He might be different from the commoners who only want to join the group for the guarantee of being a knight.
He might be different. The man with eyes that showed unwavering determination was someone Shura had never seen before.
"...I want to ask you something."
"What is it?"
"Why didn't you go along with the fixed match? It's not right, but it's smart. That choice would have been much easier and more certain. Right?"
"Hmph. Isn't it obvious?"
She was aware that she was asking something out of character.
Still, she wanted to know. She wanted to understand why this man chose hardship.
"I came here to become stronger than anyone. Not to play the coward."
"...Hmm. Stronger than anyone else, huh? After everything that happened, you can say that? Are you stupid?"
"Hah. Yeah, I’m stupid. I don’t care about being smart. People have always pointed at me and laughed. But I decided I’d become strong. Once I’ve decided, I do it. Even if I have to crawl through the dirt or choke down mud, I’ll keep going."
"...You're so intense."
"Shut up. You were the one who asked, ice queen."
To become stronger than anyone else.
Shura never expected such a pure and childish, yet straightforward answer.
He wouldn't shy away from hardship to become strong. But it wasn't just about seeking strength; Shura sensed that there was something deeper hidden within him.
(To become strong, huh? So, you're the same.)
As if savoring the moment, the girl closed her eyes.
The light in Hiiro's eyes, who claimed to be stronger than anyone, reminded Shura of the day she lost everything.
"I hope it's not just talk."
"Just watch. One day, I’ll show you, so you better be ready."
"...Just do your best."
"Tch, don’t get all high and mighty on me."
In just half a day. The number of times they faced each other could be counted on one hand.
But he was an intense man. Hiiro Merifar.
The girl, who had almost forgotten how to smile, lifted the corners of her mouth just a little and turned her back on the man who shared her heart.
She didn't need to respond to Hiiro's protest against her intended cheeky remark.
They would surely meet again.
Next time, as knights.
(See you again, Hiiro Merifar.)
She rolled his name around in her heart, never calling it out loud.
As she stepped out of the infirmary into the hallway, the wind blew through the corridor window, brushing her long hair.
Outside, the setting sun melted into the horizon, burning the clouds.
The sky, the world, was scorched by a engulfing crimson.
* * *
"Umm, my adjutant."
"What's the matter, Goddess Norn?"
"Well, you see... I'm playing the original world where I accidentally sent Mr. Shou, right?"
"What a detailed explanation. But why are you saying this so formally... Could it be that you've already cleared it?"
"There's no way I could! I've only been playing for about 2 hours. I just finished the prologue."
"Ah, then what do you need?"
"Um, well... for now, it doesn't feel as depressing as people say it is."
"That's probably because it's still the prologue. Plus, the main character's past is quite heavy, isn't it?"
"That's true, but even though it's about the past, it's only hinted at, and there aren't many details yet. I thought it would be heavier than this... Is it really going to get tougher from here?"
"Yes, that's right. Spoilers can ruin the fun of playing, but... it seems that heavy events continue from Chapter 1."
"But it's punishment, so there's no fun in that... Ah, fine, I'll do it!"
"That's the spirit, Goddess Norn. Since you've taken on this responsibility, you must definitely reach the ending. Here, behold...!"
'PlayStorm 5 Software! Rated CERO 'D' for ages 17 and up!'
──Why did you make such a scenario? Tell me!
──A challenging difficulty. A story that makes your teeth fall out.'
──Dear God, please forgive me for getting addicted to these heartbreaking plot twists.
──I wish the first edition bonus was stomach medicine.
──Is the happy ending not implemented yet...?
──Really, really... they actually did it.
These are the cries and laughter of players, gathering many reactions that have made this famous work a cult favorite even ten years after its release!
A command-style RPG of swords, magic, and despair!
[Shura of Scorching Flames──Ash, So It Goes──]!"
"Why does it sound like an advertisement!? Um! You're just enjoying my pain, aren't you, Adjutant!?"
"That's not true!"
"Which is it!? Waaah!"
Volume One Complete
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