To become a king and a magician

"Ah, not Gaia on Earth, just Gaia here... If I say it's the 'Gaia of the New World,' you should understand, right?"

Gaia of the New World... I see.

"[Sajō Aika] wanted to create that new world, Gaia? That really is..."

“This is a bit unexpected, isn’t it?” Hiel laughed. “Well, actually, at first I was just an ‘eye’ that she created to observe her sister, and incidentally, to act as Ayaka’s guardian. After all, Ayaka didn’t have the ability to handle things when she was young, so I had to do everything.”

"nanny?"

"It's more like being a babysitter in secret; surprisingly, it's a rather tiring job. The reason I've become something like Gaia is because I've been doing this for so long. To ensure Ayaka's safety, I have to keep track of everything happening in Tokyo at all times."

So that's what Gaia meant.

Speaking of which, it's yet another person created... Wasn't it the same with Reiryukan Misaya that time?

"So, what is it that you wanted to talk to me about?"

"You and Ayaka are going to stop Aika from creating a new world, right? If you succeed, this world will disappear, and I will cease to exist... At that time, Ayaka will become a person."

Natsukawa Torato could roughly guess what Hiel was asking him for: "So, you want me to take care of her?"

"You could say that. The main problem is that there's no one else I can ask for help right now. With her personality, which makes it difficult for her to make even one friend, I'm worried about her living alone. I guess you could say that we've gotten to know each other better over time and developed feelings for each other." Hiel smiled. "Can I ask you for a favor? As payment, I can tell you about Aigo's situation."

"No problem... By the way, are you so sure I can stop her?"

Hiel pointed to Natsukawa Torato's heart: "The holy sword that saves the world—before the power you possess, there is no crisis that cannot be resolved."

"You've already saved the world so many times, saving it again shouldn't be a problem for you, right? [Savior]"

"You flatter me. I was just a little too strong."

"That's enough. I'll tell you about Aige later. Now go take a shower, see you later."

After saying that, Hiel turned and disappeared down the corridor. The moment she left, the locked door next to Natsukawa Toramaru opened, and Aozaki Aoko came out. Before Natsukawa Toramaru could say anything, she raised her hand and flicked his forehead hard.

"Ouch—Aoko, what are you doing?"

"It's nothing, I just wanted to give a little slap to idiots like you who always think they can save the world." Aozaki Aoko glared at him fiercely. "I need to talk to you tonight, so don't wander off and go back to your room early."

"Go back to your room... uh?"

Natsukawa Tora watched Aozaki Aoko leave with a somewhat bewildered expression.

Should we go back to our rooms soon?

What does that mean?

126. Aozaki Aoko's Determination (Part 1)

Savior.

It sounds simple, but in reality, it is probably the heaviest title imaginable. The weight it carries is enough to crush anyone's spirit. And to achieve this goal, one must pay an unimaginable price—a price so heavy that no one can bear it.

Aozaki Aoko doesn't believe her junior is a savior. Perhaps he does possess the power to be called a savior, and even obtained the holy sword to save the world by chance, but that doesn't mean he has to become a savior.

At least in Aozaki Aoko's eyes, her junior never thought of becoming a savior. He just did it because he had the power and was the only one who could do it at the time.

This was the case in Guanbuzi City, and it's the same this time.

She disliked this situation, even loathed it. To dump such a heavy responsibility of saving the world on one person... wasn't that going too far? A young person who was only twenty-one years old, who had only been an adult for a few years, had absolutely no need to shoulder such a heavy responsibility.

It happened several times.

Unfortunately, even though she is one of only perhaps five magicians in the entire world, she cannot take over the responsibilities that her junior has to bear.

Of course, there's also the option of ignoring the world and running away with him and Gray, but Natsukawa Torato definitely wouldn't accept that.

He's actually quite competitive; if it's something only he can do, he'll definitely do it. If he's the only one who can save the world right now, he'll definitely do it.

(What a troublesome junior!)

Lying on her bed in Natsukawa Torato's room, Aozaki Aoko looked up at the chandelier on the ceiling.

At a time like this, is she being petty by clinging to her own feelings? Although she doesn't dislike him, it would be troublesome to maintain the status quo afterward, as relationships are hard to return to once they change.

Although Aozaki Aoko is carefree, she can't possibly get along normally with her junior after that. She doesn't have that kind of big heart. I guess her junior feels the same way. He takes relationships very seriously. Aozaki Aoko thinks it's not impossible that he'll propose to her tomorrow.

"Sigh, that girl Meryl, if only she were a little more reliable, things wouldn't have turned out like this."

After returning this time, Aozaki Aoko is determined to go to London to confront that nightmare demon and demand an explanation. How could she betray her like that?

However, there's no point in dwelling on these things now. When she told Natsukawa Tora to go back to his room early, she had already made up her mind—if she couldn't take over the heavy responsibility of "saving the world" from her junior, then she would share some of the burden with him.

It's shameful that a mage can only do this much.

"Click..."

The sound of the door opening came from inside.

It was already past 7 p.m. After having dinner with Natsukawa Tora and the others, Aozaki Aoko made an excuse to go upstairs first. Judging by the time, it should be time for Natsukawa Tora to finish cleaning up the kitchen and go back to his room.

Aozaki Aoko sat upright by the bed, unable to help but feel a little nervous.

As the door opened, Natsukawa Tora's figure came into Aozaki Aoko's view. Seeing her sitting on his bed, Natsukawa Tora exclaimed in surprise, "Aoko? What are you doing in my room? Didn't Sajo prepare a room for your sister?"

"I told her I could sleep with you, and that her sister's room could stay with her. I felt like sleeping with her would be a curse, so I'm sleeping on the floor here instead. What, you don't welcome me?"

"No, it's just a bit of a surprise..."

After all, it's Ayaka Sajou. If she found out her room was being used without permission, she'd most likely be furious. Furthermore, sleeping with Ayaka Sajou is an even bigger taboo; that siscon would definitely go berserk with envy.

Looking at it this way, it seems that Aozaki Aoko really can only share a room with him.

"How about I sleep on the floor? You can sleep on the bed, Aoko."

“No need. Do you take me for some pampered young lady? Deserts, rainforests, caves... there aren’t such good conditions outside. A sleeping mat on the ground is enough.” Aozaki Aoko laughed. “Besides... a sleeping mat on the ground is easier to tidy up.”

"Huh? What did you say?"

"I'm talking about that Ayaka Sajou—have you figured out how to deal with her?"

Hearing this, Natsukawa Torama's expression turned serious: "Well... to be honest, I've only thought about how to deal with my other self. As for Sajou Aika, I really don't know what to do. Although I did defeat her once before, that method is no longer applicable."

The Demon Eye of Corruption is so powerful that even beasts cannot resist its corrosive influence. However, having already sealed away one Ayaka Sajou, there's no way to seal away a second one. As for a direct confrontation...

"But you know, I have a holy sword that can save the world, and I can also transform into the Star Holy Sword Wielder. When the time comes, I'll hold a meeting to unleash the holy sword, and I think that should be able to completely solve the problem."

"You make it sound so easy. Listening to you say that, I don't even feel like we're facing a crisis that could destroy two worlds."

"The world is going to end? I haven't really felt it. Maybe it's because the previous times were too easy, or maybe I've just gotten used to dealing with those kinds of situations... Even if you say that, Aoko, I still don't feel it at all."

Even the crises that Natsukawa Tora experienced before, which could have triggered the destruction of the world, were mostly aimed at him; the destruction of the world was just a side effect.

"Speaking of which, Aoko, you told me to come back early. Is there something you wanted to tell me?"

"Ah, that..."

Climbing onto the bed to Natsukawa Tora's side, Aozaki Aoko smiled and said, "I actually heard everything that Hield told you inside, so I couldn't help but overthink things. Saving the world is such a heavy responsibility... I don't think it should be entirely left to you alone."

"A heavy responsibility? Is there? I think it's actually not too bad." Natsukawa Tora said casually, "If you're worried about my mental health, Aoko, I can tell you I'm fine. I'm very strong, so it's okay to leave everything to me."

"You only dare to say that because you possess the Holy Sword."

Aozaki Aoko's voice suddenly became louder.

"Junior, if... if you didn't have the Holy Sword, would you still go and save the world?"

127. Aozaki Aoko's Determination

Without the Holy Sword, would I still go and save the world?

Natsukawa Tora's answer was straightforward.

"If I'm the only one who can go, then I'll go. I don't know if I'll have the courage to say it then, but just in thought, I would go."

This was just empty talk; Natsukawa Tora wasn't sure if he would actually do it.

If he has the power, he will definitely do it; if he doesn't... then he will probably run away.

Unless something really happens that only he can do it, like he's the only suitable pilot for a Gundam that can save the world—like that.

But thinking about it, it's impossible. The Counter Force has been working all along, and the Grand Servant will be much more useful than him. Arthur, as the true Holy Sword Wielder, won't sit idly by... The situation where he is the only one is probably impossible to occur.

This answer suddenly ignited a nameless anger within Aozaki Aoko.

"That's exactly what I hate, Tiger."

"Ugh... Aoko, what are you saying?"

"It's nothing, I just finally made up my mind."

Saying these nonsensical words, Aozaki Aoko stood up, walked up to Natsukawa Tora, and then pushed him down onto the bed.

The sudden turn of events startled Xia Chuanhu: "Qingzi? What are you doing?"

"Huh? Can't you tell? That's why I said a young boy like you is really..."

Aozaki Aoko loosened a few buttons, leaving her shirt half-on and half-off, and then climbed above Natsukawa Torato, pinning him down and looking down at him. The sight that came into view caused Natsukawa Torato's brain to shut down completely.

What is this scenario?

Why is Aoko taking off her clothes? Why is she making such an ambiguous pose? Is she being seduced?

She smells so good, her hair is even scratching his face! You can practically see her chest! Is that what the Northern Hemisphere is like?

"Qingzi, stop for a second, what are you doing?"

"Replenish mana."

"Replenish mana—?!"

Xia Chuanhu's brain went blank once again.

Mana replenishment? Is that the mana replenishment you're talking about? It really is the mana replenishment between magicians, right?

"I can tell what you're thinking just by looking at your expression; that's pretty much it."

"R-Really?" Natsukawa Torato asked incredulously. "Why did you suddenly need to replenish your mana? Aoko, are you short of mana? I remember you were a mana monster like me."

"I may be a monster, but I'm not as monster as you, right? Is that why?"

Aozaki Aoko pointed to the flower on her chest: "Although I am a magician, I cannot use magic here. I can only use magic normally after I deceive this field by using this Meryl's spell. However, because of the battle with the other you and the escape from that Sajō Ai singer, this thing is almost unusable and needs to be replenished."

"Then why don't you just use your own magic? Why do you need to...replenish your magic?"