Chapter 1

Hagure Yuusha no Kichiku Bigaku Volume 8 Chapter 1

A tower of Babel reaches through the clouds.

They stand in each of the special autonomous regions of the G7 countries, symbols of COCOON's authority.

Their operation and management were left to the COCOON in charge in that area.

Each of those countries that comprised the G7 had very different cultures and religions. It would of been more of an obstacle to regulate them all the same way. Therefore besides the infrastructure, the construction of the building as well as management of the towers of Babel change depending on national circumstances in an attempt to make every special autonomous region the most effective.

So to speak, a tower of Babel was the exclusive castle of the COCOON in control of that region. And,

The COCOON currently in charge of JPN-Babel — Hikami Kyouya — was presently inside a certain place within Babel.

"Who could have thought this place would come in handy this soon……"

Kyouya floated a thin sneer.

Part of the building wasn't drawn in any of the blueprints, and he was in that secret space.

Other than Kyouya himself there wasn't a second person in the world who knew of its existence.

The reason was very simple — to reach the room it was necessary to pass through three concept barriers. An ordinary person wouldn't even be able to detect the entrance which was concealed under the influence of first concept barrier.

Even if the entrance was discovered, beyond the first barrier was nothing but an empty space. Of course, the empty room was a facade.

Whereupon most people would choose to turn back there.

However, someone of the level of Crimson Twilight or COCOON should detect a 'strange feeling" lurking inside the empty space. After finding the source of that 'strange feeling" they would need to break through the second concept barrier to enter into the next space.

And that concept barrier protects the room from all physical and magic attacks.

The unfaltering fortress barrier.

The barrier had been reinforced with several layers providing an absolutely impregnable defense.

It was unlikely there would be someone would suspect the purpose of this space.

However, it was also part of Kyouya's meticulously set trap.

Masked inside the fortress barrier was the barrier that leads to the third space.

Even members of Crimson Twilight or the rest of COCOON would find it very hard to detected that last concept barrier.

And only if the barrier was released according to the correct procedures would the entrance appear.

All to establish an absolutely secret space.

At this very moment, Hikami Kyouya was standing in his little fort.

The environment within the space made it seem like a temple from an another world.

The air was crystal clear.

A sacred space void of impurities as if they did not exist at all. Kyouya's voice sounded,

"– Now, let's get started."

Kyouya stared ahead — at the alter in the center of the room.

It was composed of a light blue ore.

And lying on said altar was a girl.

"……"

The girl was silent, because she was unconsciousness.

Only peaceful, calm breathes were being repeated.

The lovely sleeping beauty's name — Ousawa Miu.

She was the demon king's daughter from the alternate world of Alayzard.

— Then.

Under Kyouya's watchful eye Miu's body began to dimly give off a white light. And simultaneously,

Kyi~i~i~i~i Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze

A shrill rumbling began in the room which sounded similar to the noise of a dimensional shift.

So……

"Everything seems to be going smoothly… … Wonderful."

Kyouya unintentionally deepened his smile.

The ultimate goal of COCOON was the — "Y Plan". In short, it was to bring about the manifestation an ultra-high-order life form, a living entity which transcends the law of causality and freely able to manipulate all events, and place it under their control. Allowing COCOON to bring complete order to this world, liberating all of humanity from every kind of suffering thus creating a new paradise.

However — to elicit a manifestation of such a supreme entity into the world an appropriate "place" was essential. This was the reason COCOON constructed the towers of Babel in various countries around the world.

The towers control the Chimyaku flowing through the earth, turning the planet into a suitable "place."

This 'Y plan' by COCOON, even while receiving interference from 'Crimson Twilight' was still gradually progressing. However, at the present rate of progress it may take several years to be realized.

— Meanwhile, Hikami Kyouya had obtained a golden opportunity.

He discovered that Ousawa Miu was possibly an ultra high-dimensional being.

And after he got the report from the person sent to observe Miu, he found out she had returned to Alayzard with Akatsuki that possibility turned into conviction.

Therefore, Kyouya started on a course of action to fulfill his own ambition.

There were too many people within COCOON. The world needed only one true God — that was, Kyouya alone.

The life form transcending the law of causality that Kyouya / Cocoon were going to manifest originally was a type of conceptual existence that did not posses a living consciousness towards itself. All events could be manipulated. If the one in charge of that power were to think 'I want to destroy the world' it becomes an event at once, and this world would be destroyed.

Therefore a way to stabilize the power, and always control uncertain phenomenon were needed. And COCOON had already completed — the device.

The equipment unit was located beneath COCOON's headquarters in the United Kingdom in a state that could be activated at any time.

And Kyouya exactly replicated the same device under utmost secrecy in JPN-Babel. It was not noticed by anyone, in a place which no one knows about.

In short, Kyouya had completed all the preparations to control Miu.

"Now its just a race against time……"

To draw out the power of an ultra-high-order life from Miu, and stabilize said power would take time. Further to control it from there would take an even greater amount than that, and also that Miu was an existence equivalent to ultra high-dimensional being, after all, was just an unconfirmed possibility. Kyouya had no expectations for her existence to be superior to all the laws of cause and effect. However, it should at least be a level where COCOON's strongest Michael Arcwood would pose no problem to him.

And that also meant exceeding the leader of the Crimson Twilight, who was about equal in terms of power.

In other words.

"With this kind of power, I will stand at the top of this world."

And after COCOON and Crimson Twilight were suppressed the "Y plan" could move to the later stages.

Allowing himself to be the only true God in charge of this world.

At that time — there would be no person in this world who could stop him.

"Now ……"

Kyouya took out a pocket watch from his breast pocket to check the current time by opening the lid.

— A few minutes to nine p.m.

Almost an hour had already passed since JPN-Babel had went into lock down. The other COCOONs including Michael himself should already have grasped the situation, and it was around the time when they should have started to take some kind of steps. And when the moment comes will it be China to act — CHN-Babel's Wang Feilong ?

…… Or is Michael himself going to move……?

Well, it was fine either way.

Including the nuclear submarine of the Japanese Government JPN-Babel's defenses were well prepared to withstand any enemy coming form the outside.

So the focus of attention was not the outside, but from within.

Actually, two members of 'Crimson Twilight' had at present invaded JPN-Babel's premises.

Among them was one person Kyouya was very familiar with.

"Kaidou-kun, did you also finally move?….. unable to hold back anymore."

Although there was no positive proof, it was understood from the beginning Kaidou was not ordinary by any means. Perhaps it was the mutual understanding from a strong man to another. Even if Kaidou tried to keep a low profile, it was clear to Kyouya's eyes. Not every returnee from another world had that degree of strength. Since he was not a COCOON like himself, the answer was virtually given what he was.

— Of course, Kaidou himself came to the same understanding.

For him to be openly known by Kyouya, and still overtly pretend to be mundane.

On such a poor imposter Kyouya was very clear, Kaidou would be quite the troublesome enemy. However "Crimson Twilight" was not after Miu. With the confusion over the bait, the <Phoenix cells>, the other side shouldn't figure out Kyouya's real intention.

No matter, toys have been prepared to keep them company. Until the time comes, it would be good for them to play to their utmost. Now no one can interfere with Kyouya's plan.

— Except him.

When the figure of that youth came to mind Hikami Kyouya can not help but look up at the empty space.

The corners of his mouth gave rise to a delightful smile,

"Yes, except you…… Ousawa-kun."

In the bathroom of the Ousawa home came a continues screaming, and crying.

It was the wailing of a teenage girl who's heart carried an unbounded amount of regret and sadness — Nanase Haruka.

"………………"

Inside the warm bathtub Ousawa Akatsuki's arms were around the lower back of the crying girl in front his eyes, as he thought to himself.

…… That guy was abducted by Hikami?

Not long ago, Haruka had been transfer to Akatsuki's side while he was bathing.

— When they all where in Alayzard in order to ensure the personal safety of Haruka he placed a transfer seal on her body. Since that was activated must mean she faced a life or death crisis. When he asked the reason Haruka kept crying as she explained, but within that sobbing clogged voice he was only able to make out a few words about the situation.

On how Miu — had been captured by the President.

When Akatsuki returned to the house Miu was nowhere in sight. Before he had asked Listy the reason, and was told she went out with Haruka.

…… So that's it.

Since she was not fully accustomed to this world he didn't think she would make such a rash move on her own.

Perhaps, Kyouya wanted to speak with Miu, and it appears she was unable to wait for Akatsuki to come home. Maybe someone was sent on behalf of Kyouya to compelled her to meet so soon. The reason for Listy's vague explanation must of been because they were unclear on what Kyouya wanted.

After all,

…… I've been looking for an opportunity to fight Hikami.

If Listy told it like it was there was no guarantee that Akatsuki wouldn't go marching into JPN-Babel.

However COCOON — no, Hikami Kyouya's power was clear that anyone with eyes could see, and without being in the right mind set wasn't someone Akatsuki could handle. Therefore, Miu decided to keep the appointment. Haruka might have gone in an attempt to protect Miu. In short, because of their concern over what his impulsive nature would do. Miu had chosen exposed herself to danger.

"…… It was my fault."

Akatsuki quietly said. Still sobbing Haruka looked up at him.

"……!"

The look in Akatsuki's eyes said it all.

— I'm the one who didn't protect Miu. It was not your fault.

However, Akatsuki floated a tender smile,

"Your sense of responsibility is one of your strengths, but don't put all the blame on yourself."

Then he gently wiped away her tears.

— That's right, this wasn't Haruka's responsibility.

Having dangerously exposed Miu, also having made Listy worry.

And even the cause of Haruka's tears — all the blame was on Akatsuki.

So Akatsuki drew closer and embraced Haruka stronger.

"– Ah."

After hearing a small voice come out from his arms, he whispered into her ear,

"I'm sorry, Haruka…… even under normal circumstances, being wedged between the student council and us had to be painful — I put you in a situation that hurt you the most."

So ……

"-!"

After hearing that Haruka shoulders began to shake, as her body was slightly trembling again.

And then she pressed her head against his chest, and shook her head — as if telling him he doesn't need to apologize.

"Oh dear…… how troublesome."

His intention was to stop her tears, but it caused her to cry more.

Akatsuki could not help but smile wryly. He was still really bad at dealing with a crying woman.

…… But……

As Haruka remains now, Akatsuki was not going to wait for the crying to stop naturally.

Not because of a question of time.

It was just that right now a girl was crying in front of him.

To stop a woman from crying he will do whatever it takes. That was just the aesthetics of Ousawa Akatsuki.

However, Akatsuki's aesthetics were not that simple.

"…… It seems that will have to do."

Akatsuki took a half step back, and gently touch Haruka's tear stained cheek.

She was one of girls who decided to take part in the destiny Akatsuki had chosen. They were already well mentally prepared, and willing to sacrifice part of their lives for that. Including the most important things like precious people and things, or even their past, present, and future just to stay with Akatsuki.

Ousawa Akatsuki couldn't help thinking – what can I do for them?

Just like before, it wasn't enough to just stop her tears.

This girl Nanase Haruka deserved more.

A method of conveying that feeling, and Ousawa Akatsuki understood the best way to do that. So in order to let his thoughts reach Haruka's heart —

Akatsuki overlapped his lips with Haruka's.

Nanase Haruka for an instant didn't understand what had happened.

Pressed up against his torso, and with his hands tightly wrapped around her back she felt a warmth entirely different from the hot water. It was the heat coming off — Ousawa Akatsuki's body.

And now her lips were feeling the same warmth.

She had been kissed by Akatsuki.

"-!"

Haruka stiffened up in the surprise for a moment — But,

"…… Ah."

There were no signs of resistance.

Instead she slowly closed her eyes, and put her hands around the back of his neck.

She accepted that kiss, as Nanase Haruka committed to her first kiss.

Because,

……. I liked him for a long time……

— A little while ago, when she found out she was saved from Kyouya thanks to Akatsuki.

She was finally able to realize it. She wasn't willing to admit to herself, and had been deliberately ignoring and denying her feelings. She didn't know exactly when it began — but Nanase Haruka was definitely sure she liked Ousawa Akatsuki.

To the point she couldn't help it.

So……

Even though there were feelings she couldn't explain to herself, rejecting the kiss made no sense. So Haruka admitted to herself she liked Akatsuki and accepted him.

The tense mood suddenly relaxed.

…… Ah……

Taking advantage of the situation Akatsuki's tongue advanced into Haruka's mouth.

Without knowing whether it is good or what to do, she let Akatsuki take the initiative as he entwined their tongues.

"– Fuaan~"

She leaked a sweet lovely voice from her nose, since Haruka's tongue was being pinned down, her slender waist involuntarily twisted back and forth.

Intense pleasure ran through her whole body in an instant.

…… Th-this is……

Through Akatsuki's Kiss something invaded Haruka's body.

Since the emergence of a seething heat inside, representing the continuous influx of Akatsuki's Ki, Haruka felt her body gradually becoming soft.

…… A-amazing……

Although it was her first kiss it brought so much pleasure.

Haruka couldn't help thinking, what was going on with her body?

…… Oh….. maybe……

She recalled it. The time in Alayzard inside the brothel when they drank that aphrodisiac, and after how Akatsuki came to detoxify them.

That night — Haruka had the Ki inside her body sucked out through her moles continuously by Akatsuki. She tasted the peak of pleasure many times. That kind of supreme pleasure was deeply imprinted on Haruka's body and mind.

And so……

…… My body's senses have been developed by that person……!

Long before her first kiss Haruka's body had already known a woman's happiness.

"Mmhnn…… oh, chu…… oh…… mmm~"

Under the influence of Akatsuki's tongue assault, Haruka's euphoric intoxication deepened.

Then — suddenly she felt a warm heat coming over her chest.

When she looked down she was surprised to find all the buttons on her school uniform were undone.

"…… Ah."

Feeling the shock of not knowing when he did that, Haruka pulled herself away, and saw a gentle smile appear on Akatsuki's face,

"It's not good to have your clothes on while taking a bath."

He barely finished when Akatsuki's hands lightly caressed the left and right side of Haruka's collarbone from outside to the inside. In addition to the buttons on the jacket and blouse, apparently even the bra clasp could not escape his clutches. It was hard to believe how easy it was for her clothes and bra to be taken off, and tossed outside of the bath. She felt a brief pleasant sensation as her upper body was exposed for him to see.

"AH……!"

Haruka quickly covered her chest with both hands.

Apart from embarrassment from being exposed, she felt more shame over,

…… I just kissed him. He actually let me……!

That alone brought about a female physiological response in her body. The tips of her breasts tighten into two sensitive spots.

To that fact, her face reddened and a surge of heat emerged in her lower abdomen.

However, Haruka was not able to run away. Akatsuki had firmly encircled her waist with his arm. And as if he had seen through everything,

"– You don't have to hide your embarrassed side from me."

Then he said earnestly,

"Your usually very dignified, and now your very red face with shame is cute as well… … I already know about these sides, and have accepted them."

"I …… I ……"

After receiving some gentle comfort, the blushing Haruka didn't know how to respond.

It was certainly as Akatsuki said.

— After she drank that harmful aphrodisiac that night, Nanase Haruka would never forget that image of herself she exposed to him.

Initially she was somewhat reserved, and then in the end simply reveled in pleasure she had in that drunken state.

Under the pretext of being detoxified Miu and herself let out some unbelievable lewd noises, and surrendered their minds and bodies to the pleasure Akatsuki brought forth.

She gave up being that Nanase Haruka, and indulged in the happiness of a woman.

At each mountain peaked she would involuntarily call Akatsuki's name over and over again.

And so ……

…… If it's in front of this person, perhaps I don't need to hide anything.

Whether it was her deplorable, regretful crying self.

Or her shameful self drowning in pleasure during the detoxification.

Even the embarrassed self who felt more helpless because of a kiss.

Akatsuki accepted all of Haruka, unconditionally.

But still,

"……!"

Haruka couldn't bring herself to entrusted everything to Akatsuki.

She thought it was impossible to enjoy such a right, because she couldn't protect Miu.

And — it was at that time.

With a clank the bathroom door opened from the outside.

"Eh-?"

Haruka had a confused look as he turned back to look face to face with her.

Looking at the nude Akatsuki and the half naked Haruka inside the shower was Listy Sherfied.

After being seen by Listy — Haruka realized the fact of the predicament,

"This, this is……!"

At the same time as the embarrassment was an inexplicable anxiety.

Listy was aware how she went with Miu to JPN-Babel.

…… And it unexpectedly resulted in me snuggling alone in Ousawa Akatsuki's arms……

As she began to reflect over things a sense of guilt and apology sprang forth.

Shamelessly only herself had escaped, furthermore was seen being comforted by Akatsuki in this sort of place. Haruka felt she betrayed Listy's trust.

At the very least Haruka wanted to provide an explanation to justify Akatsuki, and when she tried to convey so —

"Listy… … Did you also want to enter together?"

Behind her, some incredible words came out Akatsuki's mouth.

It was undoubtedly adding oil to the fire.

Haruka thought Listy would immediately furiously condemn Akatsuki and herself — but,

"…… Nn."

An unexpected answer reached Haruka's ears.

"….. Listy?"

In front of the surprised Haruka, Listy slowly moved —

And she started to take off her clothes.

With a hand on the shoulder strap of the camisole, Listy couldn't help but gulp.

A feeling of shame and tension flooded her mind, but.

…… You can't hesitate.

After she pushed aside both shoulder supports, in the entrance changing room to the bathroom — the camisole slid directly to the floor. And when she grabbed hold of her inner undergarment there was incidental eye contact with him.

…… Please let me do this…… I believe you understand my feelings.

Listy sent a glance begging for approval, conveying how she roughly understood the current situation.

— That's right, Listy guessed to how things ended up.

Haruka's cries had echoed throughout the whole bathroom, and even reached the living room where Listy was. Therefore, Listy immediately rushed over.

But — Haruka had gone with Miu only to return alone, and was hiding out crying inside the bathroom.

That was enough to figure out something must have went wrong.

So in the changing room, which was was separated by a door, she eavesdropped on much of the conversation between Akatsuki and Haruka.

Because she believed only Akatsuki could heal the sadness inside Haruka.

But ……

If Haruka were to hesitate to show her real self to Akatsuki, then the story was different.

In that case, only another woman like herself could help her.

So Listy firmly decided to open the door to the bathroom.

At that time — Akatsuki asked if she wanted to bathe together.

Although it was said in a tongue-in-cheek tone his eyes were very serious.

— That also wasn't that surprising.

Usually in that case, Listy would have made a fuss over "what are you doing?" indiscriminately blaming Akatsuki. However, if she did that Haruka would only blame herself more.

And, far more than anything else she was crying in front of Akatsuki.

He probably stopped her tears in his special way, but that wasn't going to settle her emotions. So Listy picked that seemingly coincidental time as the the best time to intrude. She saw through everything when Akatsuki said "enter together?"

And of course Akatsuki clearly understood what she intended her mind.

That — her timing was to help Haruka accept Akatsuki.

Haruka, at this point, wouldn't have been able to permit herself to do so — because an issue weighed heavily on her mind that only Listy, a woman like herself, could undo.

Now Listy was standing in the same situation as her, to prove to Haruka that she had not done anything wrong.

That was the only way to resolve her guilt, and have her frankly face Akatsuki.

And so……

The first step for Listy to put herself in the same situation was to take off all her clothes.

Last night — even though Listy stirred up a lot of trouble, Miu still accepted her. And today Miu also went to JPN-Babel with Haruka in order to protect her. She herself was unable to do anything about it, and forced Haruka into the role of protecting Miu alone while she stayed home.

That's right……

Miu's abduction wasn't Haruka's fault.

Akatsuki may think he should be held responsible, but that too was incorrect.

Strictly speaking, it was because of Listy.

Whether it was Miu being taken, or Haruka's inner suffering over not protecting her, everything stemmed from Listy.

So……

It was her turn this time to lend a helping hand to Haruka, and then attempt to rescue Miu.

Starting with Haruka, Listy Sherfied knows how to do it.

The other day in the monorail she was personally taught by Miu on how to accept Akatsuki.

Now she only had to do the same thing this time herself.

"Listy…… Uh, I……"

To Haruka's bewildered expression, Listy silently returned a smile.

She crossed her hands as she grabbed the hem of the undergarment, and then —

"-!?"

In one breath — she took it off.

Listy was trembling slightly, only because her skin was exposed to the cold outside air.

There was embarrassment being exposed to Akatsuki, however it wasn't the reason Listy couldn't help but shiver.

— Now was not the time to hesitate.

The only thing remaining on Listy's upper body was a bra, and once that fastener was undone it would naturally fall to the floor.

It became so that she was almost completely naked in her underwear.

And finally she unhooked the bra clasp, and it was just a pair of panties.

"…………"

She hid her exposed breasts with her left hand, as she slowly walked into the bathroom.

In preparation to personally show Haruka the best way to fully accept Akatsuki.

In the bathtub Haruka looked up at the nearly nude Listy wearing only a pair of underwear.

…… How beautiful……

Seeing her newly, Haruka couldn't help but think so.

In the world of Alayzard Listy was called "The greatest treasure of the Sherfied," yet Listy's beauty at present exceeded even that title.

Listy then dropped to the waist to draw in some hot water in the washbowl, and over the period of time it was flowing from her shoulders,

"…… Stop looking so much."

Then with her checks were bright red — she entered the bathtub in front of Haruka.

Looking at her very much sandwiched in the middle, Haruka couldn't help say,

"Listy…… Why would you ……?"

Her red face said it all, Listy was definitely feeling very embarrassment.

…… Ah……

It was only for a moment, but she had seen the look on Akatsuki's face. The seriousness in his face was different. Listy had known him for a long time, and could count the number of times she had seen an expression like that on him.

"Let's go……!"

And Sleipnir departed. As if it understood its owners feelings the pitch-black machine made off with Akatsuki and Listy in the wind.

…… At such time I, what the……

While clinging to Akatsuki's back, Listy had dropped her head down and cast her eyes down.

In her, there was a somewhat tight feeling that had silently raged in her heart. It was surely a little jealousy.

— Once in Alayzard, when they were fighting to free the Imperial City of Erdia taken by Galious.

Akatsuki had rushed to the battlefield to save Listy and the others from the crisis.

Listy Sherfied couldn't help think.

At that time — while he was heading toward the battlefield.

Whether Akatsuki had made the same face as he had now.