Ex Strongest, Worrying about Future.

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It had been quite a while since Soma last saw Lina. They hadn’t met for some time, even before coming to the Holy City. But—

“It’s been a while, Lina… but this doesn’t seem to be the time for such greetings.” (Soma)

A brother would be a failure if he misread his sister’s condition just because it’s been a while since they met. And clearly, Lina’s condition was not normal. While focusing on Lina, Soma also glanced at the Devil lying at her feet. No, it should be said that it had been lying there. Its form had faded so much that one could see through it. Then, the Devil simply disappeared.

There was no thought that it had escaped, as its end was as if it shattered on the spot. Moreover, if it wasn’t just his imagination, the remaining remnants seemed to move towards Lina and disappear as if being absorbed.

“Hmm… I have many questions, but what do you mean the Devils are all gone?” (Soma)

“No, I just checked that myself. Indeed, it seems all traces of the Devils vanished just now.” (Lina_

“What do you mean? They were defeated while we were in that other world? No, that’s impossible.” (Aina)

“…Yes, time should have been stopped.” (Sheila)

“So, did we overlook something?” (Aina)

“Hmm… I don’t intend to defend him, but I don’t think he was so careless as to overlook something that obvious.” (Hildegard)

When Soma looked at her, Satya shrugged as if to say that was correct. However, her demeanor was filled with a sense of tension.

“Of course, it wasn’t an oversight. But… I can’t say it wasn’t careless. I had certainly been sensing the presence of the fourth Devil for some time. But it was a vague presence, like it existed somewhere but not quite… because of that, I misinterpreted it.” (Satya)

“That’s roundabout. If you have something to say, just say it.” (Hildegard)

“I was trying to be considerate. Well, even if I didn’t say it outright, you probably have a good idea of what’s going on. Especially Soma, you must have known before I even spoke.” (Satya)

“…Well, I did have some idea. I sensed a familiar presence from Lina… and just now, that presence became even stronger.” (Soma)

“Wait… I have a bad feeling about this.” (Aina)

“Yes… I have a suspicion, but I don’t want it to be true…” (Felicia)

“…But, given the situation, there’s only one possibility.” (Sheila)

Guided by Sheila’s words, everyone present directed their gaze towards Lina. However, Lina didn’t so much as twitch an eyebrow. Instead, she let out a breath and with emotionless eyes and began to speak.

“Impressive. I thought I had hidden it well enough.” (Lina)

“Which means…” (Aina)

“So, you really…” (Felicia)

“You absorbed the Devil’s power?” (Sheila)

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“Exactly.” (Lina)

Her calm response only served to underscore the truth of her words. There was no reason to lie here. This realization disturbed Felicia and Aina, and even Sheila, who usually had little expression, seemed unsettled. Half of the group, while not visibly disturbed, were not exactly calm either.

“Normally, I’d say it’s impossible… but for you, it is possible.” (Hildegard)

“It’s honestly beyond unexpected… but yes, it’s possible. Though it seems insane.” (Satya)

While the exact meaning was unclear, there were some guesses. From Lina, not only the presence of a Devil but also its power could be felt. It was faint, suggesting she was suppressing it. More importantly, absorbing a Devil’s power while being human was clearly not a good thing.

“Hmm… so, why did you do such a thing? It wasn’t just a coincidence or by chance, was it?” (Soma)

Defeating a Devil and absorbing its power might not be impossible under certain circumstances.  However, Lina appeared intentionally and defeated the Devil. Clearly, she had some purpose.

“That is—no, it doesn’t matter even if you know. Besides… you’ll find out soon enough.” (Lina)

Lina started to say something but changed her mind, simply turning her back. It was clear she intended to leave, but naturally, a voice called out to stop her.

“Wait. You can’t just leave after stealing a Devil’s power and trespassing in my temple without any explanation.” (Satya)

“On the contrary, may I ask why you think it’s impossible? Oh, and one thing… your precious apostles have already become useless.” (Lina)

“…What did you say?” (Satya)

“And since there’s no one here who can interfere with me, I can do whatever I want. That includes you, Nii-sama.” (Lina)

Those words could not be dismissed as mere boasting. The power that suddenly radiated from Lina confirmed she was telling the truth. At least in this world, it was undoubtedly the greatest power felt. It might even surpass that of Hildegard from the previous life—

“Hmm, I’d like to say ‘shall we test it,’ but starting a sibling quarrel here isn’t appropriate.” (Soma)

“…I’m not opposed to fighting you, Nii-sama, but now is not the time. Before facing you, I must surpass our parents first.” (Lina)

Having said that unilaterally, Lina suddenly disappeared from the spot. It made one wonder when she gained such an ability, but it was too late for that now.

“Was that the Devil’s power?” (Soma)

“Indeed. Strictly speaking, it’s an application of it… but seeing her master it so well is quite astonishing.” (Hildegard)

“No, I don’t think it’s that surprising. Her power has always been highly compatible with the Devil’s.” (Satya)

“Is this really the time to be discussing this so casually…!?” (Aina)

“…She’s definitely planning something.” (Sheila)

“Yes… it didn’t look like a peaceful intention… and her final words are also concerning.” (Felicia)

“Well, I understand that… but we don’t know what exactly Lina is planning, so there’s nothing we can do right now.” (Soma)

It wasn’t that Soma was being optimistic, thinking that Lina would be fine. On the contrary, he was extremely cautious, which was why he believed it was better to observe carefully before making any moves. Whatever Lina’s intentions, the fact remains that she absorbed the power of four Devils. And those Devils came to destroy this world. Therefore, considering the worst-case scenario, it was prudent to prioritize thinking things through now.

“Well, what we do know is… it seems we won’t have much time to rest.” (Soma)

Muttering this, Soma looked into the distance… in the direction of Radeus. Thinking of his father and mother, and Lina, he sighed while wondering what would happen next.

 

—

 

Author Note:

It still hasn’t been decided whether the novel ends here or it would be continued.

 

Translator’s Note:

The above note was written in the last chapter published back in August 27, 2019. This novel is considered incomplete since there is a notification of it on the raw site. In addition to that, this novel is the last novel published by the author. I supposed we all can be happy that this novel is over and I can start translating new novels.

 

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