ch21-ch40 · 026-ch26

Chapter 26: Anomaly

The battlefield seen from above was absolutely thrilling.

The number of monsters coming out of the World Clock was visibly decreasing — you could tell the end was near.

"They're scary..."

These S-Rank Hunters are way too insane.

Wait, didn't they say sealing a World Clock solo with a single guild was supposed to be impossible or something?

Lumiel, for some reason, was puffing out her cheeks as she looked at me.

"I'm stronger."

"Why are you feeling jealous?"

Don't lean out like that. And stop fidgeting — if you make a move now, you'll ruin everything.

Sure, Remnant Guild is ridiculously strong, but I have to admit the Descent Arts that ended a battle of this scale in a single instant and a single blow is on a completely different level too.

"More importantly, my sis..."

I'd heard about her exploits plenty of times, but this was my first time actually seeing her fight.

Wait, did I do some stuff that'd be bad if it came out? Like deciding she was a virgin and borrowing her hair without permission? Can my absorption power handle that arm strength that tears Ogres apart? Or can it not?

"Lumiel. We're going to buy cake after this. Cheesecake, a big one."

No ulterior motive, but just in case.

That's what the five hundred million yen contract fee is for, after all.

"I'll eat cake every night."

"If you brush your teeth yourself, sure."

"I don't want that."

Speaking of which, Lumiel has some pretty lazy habits here and there.

She still won't wash herself in the bath, she waits for me to feed her at meals, and when it's time to brush her teeth, she just lays her head on my lap and opens her mouth.

She can master things like how to hold a pencil and studying within the same day though. Is it personality? It's a mystery.

And so, with a heavy metallic groan, the World Clock's doors began to slowly close. Their escape routes were cut off, and the goblins left on the battlefield had nothing left to do but wait to be crushed.

Within less than a minute, the doors closed completely — and all the monsters fell silent.

『What, what a development!! Remnant Guild has succeeded in sealing the World Clock with a solo guild effort——! No longer just a guild, they're truly a national-level military asset!!』

A tremendous roar of cheers came through the monitors. Watching the announcer's excited voice and the rapidly scrolling comments, I finally realized that the World Clock was truly "over."

"We really didn't do anything, did we..."

I'm not saying the training with Momose-san was a waste, but there was never a scene where I got to show it off. Just like Vice President Mineyama said, Remnant Guild sealed the World Clock using 100% of their existing combat power alone.

When Ken-kun landed on the battlefield, the four of them were waiting, looking a little worn out. None of them had any noticeable injuries.

"I'm glad to see everyone is safe."

"Thank you. I intended to finish it in one blow, but I couldn't quite match Lumiel-san's level."

Shiki-kun said with a smile.

No no, you literally changed the weather, what are you saying?

You were plenty incredible too.

"Ah! You're the Descent Arts guy?"

Kunimori-kun suddenly said, as if something had clicked.

Shiki-kun shook his head and sighed.

"You just realized now..."

"That's awesome. Hey, why're you with us?"

"Because he's Akira-san's little brother..."

"So why weren't you participating today?"

"What DO you actually know!?"

I thought they had some kind of feud, but it just seems like they get along well. Actually, it seemed like Shiki-kun didn't know about us either.

"The long and short of it is, I'll be in your care from now on."

"Yes, you will."

Lumiel bowed along with me.

Kunimori-kun stared at us intently, then said one thing.

"So, which one of you uses the Descent Arts?"

He apparently really didn't know anything.

That means this guy didn't have any doubts about taking on a World Clock solo with just the guild... That's kind of impressive in its own way.

"These combat clothes are no good. Can't handle the movement."

My sister's clothes were tattered, especially around her legs and arms. The intense hand-to-hand combat was too much for them.

The moment my sister saw my face, she walked over with a wry smile.

"Hey, why are you crying?"

"Because..."

The tears just started flowing naturally.

Because, you know — this was a fight everyone took on knowing the risks, all for me and Lumiel. Sure, they dominated, but that's just hindsight. There was always the risk of death.

I'm really glad everyone made it safe.

"Everyone... thank you so much for doing this for me and Lumiel..."

My sister smiled wryly and said, "Of course," then patted both mine and Lumiel's heads.

"We decided we'd all protect you."

Hearing my sister's gentle words made the tears flow even more.

I want to repay this debt by contributing to the guild.

"I've got extra armor, want some?"

"Oh, thanks Ren-kun. Well then, I'll take you up on that."

"No, I insist! I also obtained armor from this battle, so please use mine!"

"Hehe, thanks to you too, Mitsumune-kun."

They had the composure to chat even after a battle.

For ordinary hunters this would obviously be a life-or-death situation, but seeing exchanges like this, I could understand how citizens who've never experienced a battlefield might underestimate the threat.

Because I was the same way before I Awakened.

Momose-san dismounted from Wol-kun and, stroking Ken-kun as if to praise him, opened his mouth.

"We kept our promise. Naturally, they'll have to keep theirs too. Fortunately, we have plenty of witnesses."

I followed Momose-san's gaze to the screen and saw that the comments were still flooding in.

We were chased by the Hunting Dogs, we were practically in conflict with the Association — but the people who watched this whole fight are our witnesses now. They can't nitpick anymore.

There was a lot of stuff, but it finally feels like we're part of Remnant now.

"Yes... thank you so much."

I bowed my head to the four of them over and over.

In the end, the tears just wouldn't stop.

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Two hours before Remnant Guild sealed the World Clock — Akayama Town.

Footage of Remnant Guild's exploits was also being broadcast at this battlefield.

Among them, the Association-affiliated guilds with multiple S-Ranks had received government orders to seal the World Clock first, in order to maintain their authority.

Perhaps because of that, the World Clock here showed changes earlier than Aoba Town's.

"We're the national Hunter allied army, they're just four people. We're fighting on completely different levels — why are they getting so worked up over it?"

Narashima of the Hunting Dogs scoffed at the Association's instructions, but still cut down the last enemy with his twin swords.

The World Clock was closing.

"We follow orders from above. That's all."

"Yeah, yeah, I know."

Narashima wiped his blade and sheathed it, while the Hunting Dogs Guild Master gave him a mild reprimand.

That's when the anomaly occurred —

『Everyone, don't break combat formation.』

A short, panicked radio transmission came through.

It was from the Association's operations room.

"Please explain the situation."

In response to the Guild Master's question, the reply came back after a long pause.

『The World Clock is... not closing.』

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