Ex Strongest, Returning to Reality

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Originally, that world existed to save Felicia. Therefore, it was only natural for the world that achieved its purpose to come to an end. So, there was no surprise in that situation itself, and Soma was only slightly surprised because the scene before him was a bit unexpected. Soma and the others entered that world by entering the Holy City from the outside.

By the time Soma and the others set foot in the Holy City, their physical time should have stopped, so logically, when they returned to the real world, Soma and the others should be near the entrance to the Holy City. However, the scene reflected in their view was not like that at all, and moreover, there was someone they had just met. It was Satya.

“Hmm… You even moved us to the temple. You’re quite considerate, aren’t you?” (Soma)

“Well, yeah. We’re dealing with a person of merit. It’s only natural to provide that level of service.” (Satya)

“A person of merit… referring to this incident?” (Soma)

“…Soma, do you actually remember anything?” (Sheila)

“Well, I couldn’t remember some things, but…” (Aina)

“Oh, so Soma-san did have memories after all. That must have been quite difficult…” (Felicia)

“As I mentioned earlier, it was a nostalgic place for me, so it wasn’t that bad. Although I was confused at first.” (Soma)

“If we’re talking about people of merit, I think I did my fair share, too!?” (Hildegard)

And with those words, Hildegard appeared on the scene a little later.  Certainly, considering that without Hildegard, Soma’s memories would have been incomplete. So, he thought Hildegard played a fairly important role—

“…Regardless of the importance of your role, did you really do your best?” (Soma)

Regarding that, there was not just a little doubt but quite a bit.  No, he didn’t not say that she didn’t do her best, but even so, he honestly had doubts about whether she made a special effort.

“Well, honestly, Hildegard only showed up in front of Soma-kun on the first night. She’s a person of merit if you call her that, but…” (Satya)

“Actually, I haven’t even met her.” (Aina)

“…Yeah, me neither.” (Sheila)

“In fact, that’s why! While you guys were enjoying school life, I couldn’t do anything…! It’s unfair! I wanted to spend school life with Soma too!” (Hildegard)

“Ah… Yeah, it was definitely unfortunate in that regard. Well, even if you could move in that world, you probably wouldn’t have been cast as a student role.” (Satya)

“W-Why not…!?” (Hildegard)

“Either way, it doesn’t matter to me.” (Soma)

In fact, before whether she tried hard or not, it was just a matter of dissatisfaction. And in the first place, since no one was actually playing around, there was no reason to consider it.

“Well, to get back to the point, the reason Soma-kun is considered a person of merit is, of course, because of this incident, but more precisely, it includes a series of events. Thanks to you, it seems that only one Devil remains.” (Satya)

“Hmm… I was planning to discuss that now, but it seems you already knew.” (Soma)

“After all, I am a god.” (Satya)

“You say that proudly, but I recall you previously mentioned the Devils wouldn’t act yet?” (Hildegard)

“Indeed, I did say that… but before I knew it, there was only one left.” (Satya)

“That’s harsh. But that’s also why you’re considered a person of merit.” (Aina)

Since it was something done for himself, it wasn’t something to be overly praised for… as Soma pondered this, he noticed Felicia looking somewhat puzzled. No, looking more closely, Sheila, though expressionless as usual, also seemed to have a faint hint of confusion in her demeanor.

“Sheila, Felicia, is something wrong?” (Soma)

“Oh, no, it’s not that something is wrong… it’s just that I heard the word ‘god’ earlier…” (Felicia)

“…It doesn’t seem to be a joke…?” (Sheila)

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“Oh, now that I think about it, I haven’t properly introduced myself to you two yet. I’ll give a proper introduction once things settle down… but for now, yes, I’m undoubtedly a real god.” (Satya)

“…I’ve heard rumors, but to think you really existed.” (Sheila)

“That being said, there’s no need to revere me. Even though I’m a god, I’m also a rebel.” (Hildegard)

“That’s true, but I don’t want to hear that from you… Anyway, back to the topic, thanks to Soma-kun, there’s only one Devil left. Well, technically, there’s one right here too.” (Satya)

“Oh, so you noticed.” (Devil)

Looking towards the voice, there stood the Devil boy. However, no one was surprised, as they had already noticed his presence.

“What a shameless thing to say. You walked in so boldly, there’s no way we wouldn’t notice.” (Hildegard)

“I tried to sneak in to surprise you, but I guess I can’t even manage that with my power so diminished.” (Devil)

“So, by showing that, you want to say you’re harmless now?” (Aina)

“I understand it’s hard to believe coming from me, but it’s true. I’m still a Devil in name, but that’s it. Even if there are dying comrades, I can’t absorb them anymore. You don’t need to worry about me. Well, I can’t help but worry about you.” (Devil)

As the Devil said this, he looked at Soma for some reason. Moreover, in his eyes, there seemed to be more than just mere interest. Not wanting to understand the nature of it, Soma shrugged.

“I’m not interested in being courted by a man.” (Soma)

“I may look like this, but my appearance means nothing. Age, gender, none of it matters. Originally, Devils don’t have genders. A Devil’s preferences are only influenced by the nature of the soul.” (Devil)

“…Soma, you really attract strange ones, don’t you?” (Aina)

“…Is that self-deprecation?” (Sheila)

“What do you mean by that?” (Aina)

“You don’t deny it, do you? In both senses.” (Hildegard)

“Sheila, doesn’t that comment come back to you as well?” (Felicia)

“…Sister too?” (Sheila)

It suddenly became lively, but Soma shrugged again. He had just recognized that there were various types of devils, so he didn’t intend to make a fuss about them being devils—

“In any case, my answer doesn’t change as long as you look like a man.” (Soma)

“Hmm, is that so… Should I have made my appearance female? Even though I don’t have a gender, my appearance is already fixed like this, so changing it now is difficult…” (Devil)

“Isn’t it fine? Appearance isn’t important. What matters is what’s inside.” (Aina)

“You say that because it’s not your problem.” (Soma)

“Because it really isn’t. Besides, if you follow Soma and help us out a bit, I’d appreciate it. Even though there’s only one Devil left, I used up most of my stored power in this incident.” (Aina)

“I’m sorry about that.” (Devil)

“No, no, it’s not your fault. I did it on my own. You shouldn’t feel responsible.” (Aina)

“Hmm… Well, it would be helpful if we could get some cooperation…” (Soma)

Though things had gone well so far, there was no guarantee it would be the same next time. Any opportunity to gain information was valuable. …Though he’d prefer not to be courted by a man in return.

“The worst tends to happen when you least want it to. We need information to avoid it as much as possible. If this is a strategy, it’s quite something.” (Aina)

“At least, I can assure you it’s not my strategy. But the result is the same… In return, I’ll provide information to please him. Something special about the last Devil.” (Devil)

The Devil said this with a proud smile. And then—

“No need for that.” (??)

It happened simultaneously with the words. The Devil, about to speak, stopped with his mouth half-open, spewing dark red liquid instead of words.

A strike from the void had slashed the Devil.

“It’s because now, no devils remain.”

With those words, a girl appeared at the scene. She was a girl they knew very well. The girl—Lina—looked at Soma and the others with emotionless eyes, ignoring the Devil she had just cut down.

 

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