by Chuuni Suki
His free left arm then thrusted with a Karate-like chop, Hajime immediately dashed into the bear-like demi-human's bosom.
"Fly"
DOPANn!
His "powerful arm" activated and gunshot came from his artificial arm that moved with a thrust. And, at the same time impact were generated from part of the elbow while a cartridge jumped out and flutter in the air. The fist that already strong to begin with were accelerated to increase the destructive power.
The fist that used mechanism to give it tremendous power were piercing the belly of the bear-like demi-human without mercy, while at the same time it generated shock wave and literally blown him off with full power. The bear-like demi-human, without even a chance to scream, with his body bent into < shape disappeared after break through the wall. After a while, scream can be heard from the ground.
What Hajime used was a shotgun that can be fired from his elbow. The propulsion was possible by using the recoil of shot shell that was built-in, also while shooting Schlag he can use it to shot enemy in the back at the same time. This time the propulsion was used. His "powerful arm" demonstrated its full power.
While everyone stunned and at loss for words, sound of GASHUN! that come out from operating the gimmick can be heard then Hajime look at the other Elders with killing intent.
"Well? Are you my enemies?"
To that words, no one was able to nod.
After Hajime blown off the bear-like demi-human, Alfrerick somehow manage to intercede, so the trampling play by Hajime was avoided. The bear-like demi-human's internals were ruptured along with almost all of his bone fractured, but it seems his life was saved. Using the most expensive recovery medicine (spending money like a faucet). However, his life as a warrior were finished...
Currently, the Elders, Zell of Tigerman tribe, Mao of Wingedman tribe, Rua of Foxman tribe, Guze of Earthman tribe (commonly called Dwarf), and Alfrerick of Forestman tribe were seated opposite of Hajime. Yue and Kam seated beside Hajime, Shia was seated along the other Haulia tribe clustered behind him.
Expression of Elders, except Alfrerick, were stiff with tension. The bear-like demi-human (called Jin) who had battle prowess of number 1 or 2 was unable to attend because he was instant-killed so neither his hands nor feet can be used.
"Well? What do you want to do with us? I only wanted to go to underneath the Great Tree, if you don't interfere then I will leave you alone... ... the demi-humans was <<...>> thinking if they don't unite their intention then when the time come, won't they be troubled if they don't know which is good? For your information. In the middle of massacre, to consider the distinction between enemies and allies, I am not that kind of good natured person you know."
Having heard Hajime's words, the Elders were stunned. They have noticed that it was implied he won't hesitate to start war against the demi-humans.
"For our incapacitated companion's sake, first of all this is... ... is it possible for us to become friendly?"
Guze muttered with groan along with bitter and crushed expression.
"Huh? What did you say? Aren't that bear the one who came with killing intent? I was only pay him back. Resulted with him became incapacitated was his own fault."
"Y-you! Jin was! Jin was only thinking of his country!"
"And, is that why it's okay to kill someone he met for the first time without talk first?"
"Th-that was! But!"
"Didn't you misunderstand? I am the victim while that bear is the assailant. Aren't Elders must judge the crime? Then, that's why, aren't that Elder of your the one who made mistake?"
Probably Guze was gotten along well with Jin. Therefore, though he understand in his head that Hajime was right but he was unable to accept it. However, to consider his feeling was not something Hajime would do.
"Guze, though I understood how you feels, but leave it at that. His is a sound argument."
Having heard Alfrerick's word of admonishment, Guze who tried to stand up was "DOSUNn" sit down with distorted expression. And currently, he fall into silent sullen.
"This boy, certainly, has one of the crest, his ability also made him able to completed a Great Dungeon. I have admitted that he has the qualification as said in the tradition."
The one who said that was Elder Rua of Foxman tribe. After his slit eyes looked at Hajime, he looked at other Elders asking what they think.
Having received his gaze, Mao of Wingedman tribe and Zel of Tigerman tribe even though it wasn't known what they think, they give their consent. On the others behalf, Alfrerick tell Hajime.
"Nagumo Hajime. We of Elder council admitted that you're a person qualified as said in tradition. Therefore, it is our consensus to not oppose you... ... as much as possible, I'll told them to not lay a hand on you. ... ... however... ..."
"It was not absolute... huh?"
"Aah. As you've known, demi-humans don't think well of humans. Honestly, it can be said that they hate them. The is possibility of someone disregarding the notice from Elders conference. Especially, the tribe of the incapacitated Jin, the Bearman tribe's anger can't easily be suppressed so there is a high possibility of it. He is popular after all... ..."
"So?"
Hajime's expression didn't change even after heard Alfrerick's words. What's done is done, He only do what should be done, it can be understood from his eyes. Alfrerick who can understand that, he look back with the will of an Elder.
"I want you spare those who attack you."
"... ... are you asking me to take it easy at those who came with killing intent?"
"That's right. Isn't that possible with your power?"
"If it was someone with ability around the level of that bear, I can't say for sure. However, I won't take it easy when killing each other. Although I understand your feeling, I can't relate to your circumstances. If you don't want your brethren to died, then seriously stop them."
It was something he cultivated in the Abyss, sense of values to kill it if it was enemies were deeply ingrained in Hajime's mind. Even he doesn't know what will happen when killing each other happen. If he take it easy, even cornered mouse can mortally wound the cat. Therefore, Hajime can't accept Alfrerick's request.
However, Zel of Tigerman tribe intervent.
"Then, we, let us refused to guide you to underneath the Great Tree. Even though it was tradition, there is no need to guide someone which we didn't like."
Having heard his words, Hajime was dumbfounded. From the beginning, he was leave it to Haulia tribe to guide him and there is no intention to seek help from anyone in Faea Belgaen. Even they surely know about that. However, Zel's next words clarified his intention.
"I don't think Haulia tribe will be able to guide you. They are criminals. They'll be judged by Faea Belgaen's rule. Although we don't know what had happened, you will be separated here. Their crime was to harbored the child who has the same power as demonic beasts. It was the same as exposing Faea Belgaen into danger. Their execution has already decided in Elders Conference."
Shia was trembling in tears having heard Zel's words, while Kam and his tribe were already thoroughly resigned. Even now, no one blame Shia, that's just how depth their affection is.
"Honored Elders! Somehow, somehow please let my tribe go! Please!"
"Shia! Stop it! We are already prepared. It was not your fault. No one wanted to stay alive so much to the point of selling out a family's member. It was already talked many times in the Haulia tribe. There is nothing for you to worry about."
"But, Father!"
Even though Shia desperately beg while prostrating, no words of pardon come from Zel.
"It has already decided. All of Haulia tribe will be executed. Even though if you didn't escape from Faea Belgaen, it'll only ended with banishment from harboring the taboo child."
Shia who cried was comforted by Kam and the others. The decision been decided in Elders Conference was the truth. The other Elders didn't say anything. Probably because it was a taboo child, to kept concealing s
uch factor of danger in Faea Belgaen made their crime heavy. It also can be said their strong feelings for their family worsen the situation. It was an ironic story.
"And that's it. With this, aren't your method to go to the Great Tree were gone? What will you do? Will you leave it to luck to reach it?"
Zel was implying that they should accept the demand if they don't want that. The other Elders of council also didn't give any objection. However, Hajime who didn't even show any bitterness in his expression, told him back as if it was nothing.
"You, are you an idiot?"
"Wh-what!"
Zel raised his eyes having heard Hajime's objection. Shia and her tribe also looked at Hajime in reflex. Yue who understand what Hajime was thinking only keep a clarifying face.
"As I said, I can't relate to your circumstance. If you want to take them from me, then you are trying to obstruct my way after all."
Hajime who glared at the Elders, reach out his hand and put it on the crying Shia's head. Having surprised by it, Shia look up at Hajime.
"If you want, to take them away from me... ... I hope you're prepared."
"Hajime-san..."
What Hajime mean by that was he won't forgive anyone who tried to obstruct him anymore than this. However, still, for the sake of Haulia tribe he won't hesitate to wage war against Faea Belgaen, the stronghold of demi-humans, that resolution, was piercing into Shia whose heart already sank in despair.
"You are serious, right?"
Alfrerick looked at Hajime with sharp gaze that won't permit any deceit.
"Obviously"
However, Hajime wasn't shaken at all. His unyielding resolve can be seen. There is no respect for this world, those who obstructing doesn't need to be compromised and pardoned. It was his decision that he made in the Abyss.
"Even if I say that there will be guide from Faea Belgaen?"
The execution of Haulia tribe was already decided in Elders Conference. Even more, it'll will affect the country's prestige to overturn it by yielding to the threat. Also in the future, the card of guiding can't be used as bargaining chip because they might attack Hajime and his party because the Elders Conference's decision can't be overturned. Therefore, Alfrerick make the proposal. However, Hajime made it clear that there is no more room for negotiation.
"Don't make me say it again. My guide is Haulia."
"Tell me the reason, for you to stick to them. If you only wanted to go to the Great Tree then anyone can be your guide."
To Alfrerick's words, Hajime reveal that it'll be troublesome, while Shia take a peek at him. From a while ago, Shia kept staring at Hajime and their eyes met for a moment. Then she felt her heart slightly throbbed. Even though their eyes met only for a moment, Shia pulse keep rising.
"I've promised to them. I'll help them in exchange for their guide."
"... ... promise. If it was that don't you think it was already fulfilled? Haven't you protected them from the demonic beasts of the canyon and the empire's Soldiers? Then, it's only left with the reward to guide you. There won't be any problem if the one who give the reward was different."
"There is one big problem. I've promised to ensure their safety while guiding me. Just because there is better thing on the way, I can't just tossed them aside and substitute them that'll be..."
Hajime cut his words then look at Yue. Yue also looked at Hajime then slightly smile. Having told by Hajime, Alfrerick can only shrugged his shoulders while smiling wryly.
"Uncool right?"
Sneak attack, surprise attack, deceptive attack, cowardice, despicable lie, bluff. When killing each other, Hajime doesn't think those were bad. In order to survive, it was necessary to do that.
However, because of that, other than killing each other he want to protect his honor. If that can't be done truly he won't be no more than a scum. Hajime is also a man. For the girl that he met in the Abyss he wanted to draw that line, to not show any disgraceful behaviour more than needed.
Maybe because he realized what Hajime was thinking, Alfrerick can only let out a deep sigh. The other Elders' face was looked to ask what should they do. For a while, silent wrap them, before long Alfrerick made a proposal with a tired face.
"Then, let make it that they are your slaves. In Faea Belgaen's law, those who gone outside the Sea of Trees and didn't come back, those who catched and made slave, was assumed to have died. Though there is a good chance we can win inside fog of the Sea of Trees, there are person who can use magic outside so we hardly has chance to win. Therefore, we considered they died so that no one come after them and expand the damage. ... those who already considered to be dead won't be able to be executed!"
"Alfrerick! That is!"
It was a complete sophism. Naturally, the other Elders' expression turned into "gyo". Zel unintentionally leaned over then raised his protest.
"Zel. You should understand. What that boy shown and his power. If you execute the Haulia tribe then he'll be our enemy. In that case, how many will be sacrificed... ... as one of Elders, we must avoided that kind of danger."
"However, what will it show (to the citizen)! If the rumour that we yield to power and let loose a monster child spread, then the Elders Conference's prestige will surely fall!"
"However..."
Other Elders also joined the discussion between Zel and Alfrerick, the place became full of commotion. As expected, having overlook and let loose the risk factor, then suddenly they can't punished them was not an easy thing. With the establishment of this bad precedence, the Elders Conference's prestige will take a fall and there'll be various speculation such as approval with ulterior motives.
However, inside that (discussion), Hajime made a remark without reading the mood.
"Aah~, even though it's bad to say it now, isn't it too late that you realized that you're not only overlooking Shia?"
Having heard Hajime's words, their discussion stopped, then the Elders glance at Hajime asking what he mean by that.
Hajime slowly turned over his right arm's sleeve then he did direct magic manipulation. By doing so, red lines appear on his right arm's skin. In addition, spark come off from his right hand that use "Lightning-clad".
The Elders' eyes were opened wide. Because the magic was invoked without chant and magic circle made them startled. They only thought that he was able to defeat Jin because his artificial arm was an artifact.
"I am also the same as Shia who can directly manipulate magic and use unique magic. Next is Yue. She is the one whom you call a monster. However, aren't your tradition said "whatever that person is, don't be hostile to them"? According to your law, you must overlook these monsters. Well it's already too late for Shia though."
Although the Elders was stunned for a while, before long they began to whisper to each other. Because it looks like they've come into conclusion, represented by Alfrerick, he began to report the result of Elders Conference with a big sigh.
"Haa~, Haulia tribe's taboo child, Shia Haulia, was regarded as relative to Nagumo Hajime who is also a taboo child. Therefore, because Nagumo Hajime passed the qualification we won't be hostile to them, but they are forbidden from entering Faea Belgaen and its surrounding villages. Followed by if someone tried to lay their hand on Nagumo Hajime's family then everything will be their own responsibility... ... over. Are there anything else?"
"Well, whatever it is as long as I can reach the Great Tree is okay. These guys were my guides, There are no problem"
