ZAP – Chapter 122-123: Eugene reunites

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Merged Chapters by Reigokai

“Waah… So many ships, Eugy-kun.” (Sumire)

“I am impressed they gathered these many in such a short period of time.” (Eugene)

Sumire and I let out our voices in admiration after seeing the warships lined up on the harbor and the Flying Ships covering the sky.

The main force of the Blue Waters Federation and the navy managed mainly by the Gold Country, the Sun Armada.

And then there’s the air force of the Dragon Country, the Blue Sky Air Squadron.

All other military forces affiliated with the Blue Water Federation had gathered in the harbor of the Gold Country.

Not only that.

The Black Flying Ship Fleet led by the Empire is one division.

A number of white Flying Ships from Caldia.

Airi is riding an Empire’s Flying Ship, Sara is riding a Flying Ship from the Holy Union.

The oldest and strongest Great Demonic Beast is approaching, so it is a natural measure.

The two of them wanted to stand in the battlefield, but they were dragged away by the people around.

And so, my only party member is Sumire.

I told Sumire to evacuate as well, but she didn’t listen to me and said ‘I am definitely going if you are going!’.

So I gave up.

After that, we went to check how the armies were gathering at the harbor.

“By the way, Eugy-kun, we are still in the 2nd party?” (Sumire)

“They haven’t told us anything, so that’s most likely the case.” (Eugene)

We haven’t gotten any specifics as of present.

The Golden Country and the Blue Waters Federation established a special unit to deal with emergencies aside from the Black Mermaid. The 1st party was apparently absorbed by that special unit, but there was no call for the 2nd party.

But the 2nd unit’s Dragon Knight Claude, Fist Saint Candidate Soran, Bow Hero Candidate Leonhart have been called to the special unit.

The reason Sumire and I weren’t called…

(The special unit is most likely a gathering of the whole force of the Blue Waters Federation against the Darkness Dragon. They can’t afford to let people from other countries know about it.) (Eugene)

The potential enemy country of the Blue Waters Federation is most likely the Grandflare Empire.

I heard they are in the middle of drafting a new plan, so the soldiers at the end will most likely receive a notice tonight or tomorrow morning when the operation is going to begin.

“It is about time we return to the lodging to rest.” (Eugene)

“Yeah.” (Sumire)

A big shadow passed by when Sumire and I began to walk.

A light landing sound rang.

“Yo, Eugene, Sumire-chan, I finally found you.”

Blue centric armor and orange hair that’s closing into red.

“Claude? Is it okay for you to be here?” (Eugene)

“What’s the matter, Claude-kun?” (Sumire)

Claude is the ace of the Dragon Knights of the Dragon Country.

He is a main factor in the Anti-Darkness Dragon operation.

There’s no way it would be okay for him to be wandering around alone at a place like this.

“I was thinking about greeting you two.” (Claude)

“Greet?” (Eugene)

Why all of a sudden?

I thought this, but after I looked at his face again, he was making a sharp face that he normally doesn’t have.

“You also know the story about how the Dragon God Spear that I inherited pierced through the heart of the Darkness Dragon in the past and fend it off, right? Sumire-chan might not know though…” (Claude)

“I know about it because Sara-chan told me about it. That there’s an old story like that.” (Sumire)

“I see. Then, this will make it faster.” (Claude)

Claude laughed with a sad tinge.

I have a bad feeling about this.

Sumire must have felt the same.

“Hey, Claude-kun, could it be that you have to fight the Darkness Dragon?” (Sumire)

Sumire asked uneasily and I also added my own question.

“Weren’t we supposed to use the explosion magic of the Real Dolls like we did with the Black Mermaids?” (Eugene)

Airi should have brought 1,000 from the Empire.

I thought we were going to be using a tactical weapon strategy.

“Of course, we are going to use the magic tools that the Empire sold. The tacticians are also considering other plans just in case. But…the key in order to fight off the Darkness Dragon according to the Destiny Oracle-sama…is the Dragon God Spear. If we are going to be going through this operation as it is foretold, I am the only one who can use the Dragon God Spear. The Legendary Hero that used the Dragon God Spear to destroy one of the hearts of the Darkness Dragon…” (Claude)

“Died, unable to endure the curse of the Darkness Dragon and the power of the Dragon God Spear…” (Eugene)

“…”

The face of Sumire clouded at my words.

“Don’t make that face, Sumire-chan. It is not like it is set in stone that I will die.” (Claude)

Claude smiled and made the same refreshing expression as usual.

I could tell he was forcing himself to make the usual expression.

“Claude, if I am nearby, I can use healing magic, so I can use barriers to mitigate the curse of the Dragon God Spear—” (Eugene)

“It is okay, Eugene.” (Claude)

Claude cuts off my words.

“The number one mage unit in the Blue Waters Federation will be providing me support. I can’t cause trouble to Eugene from the Empire.” (Claude)

“…I see.” (Eugene)

He normally wouldn’t say ‘from the Empire’.

In other words, they can’t create even more debts to other countries than this.

“Well then, I will be returning to headquarters.” (Claude)

Claude said this, jumped onto his wyvern, and left.

◇◇

“……”

“……”

Sumire and I walked in silence on our way back to the lodging.

Is there anything we can do?

I was pondering but no good idea came out.

We were walking on and someone called us.

“Oya, Eugene-dono and Sumire-dono?”

“You are…” (Sumire)

“The vice-captain of the Tomoa Kingdom?” (Eugene)

It is the person that gave me his sword in Floor 10 of the Zenith Tower when I defeated a Floor Boss for the first time.

We were together in the 2nd party, but he evacuated first, so I didn’t see him afterwards.

“Did something happen? You look awfully down there.”

“Actually…” (Eugene)

He asked that and I explained the situation without telling him any specific names.

“I see… There’s a high chance for your friend to lose their life in the operation.”

The expression of the vice captain darkened at my explanation.

“But I am also jealous that he has been left with such an important mission.”

““?!””

I was bothered by that line.

“Vice Captain-san, that way of putting it…” (Sumire)

Sumire was about to object, but she stopped in the middle.

Because of the sad face of the Vice Captain-san.

“Could it be that the Darkness Dragon will be heading to the Tomoa Kingdom, too…?” (Eugene)

“Yes, the whole island is most likely going to be destroyed.”

““…””

I couldn’t say anything.

“Soldiers of small countries like the Tomoa Kingdom have been ordered to provide support from the back. The main units of the operation are the strong countries of the Gold Country and the Dragon Country. We can only pray for their success. It is vexing. We can’t even risk our lives for our country…”

“I…see.” (Eugene)

“That’s…” (Sumire)

Sumire and I couldn’t say anything more.

◇◇

“See you later somewhere if fate so desires.”

The Vice Captain-san said this and left.

The air around me and Sumire got even more heavy.

Our friend from the Legendary Hero Department that plans on facing the Darkness Dragon with his life on the line.

The talk about the people that may lose their own homelands.

A group of mages was walking in front of us the moment we caught sight of our lodging and our hearts were heavy.

I glanced at them as they were about to pass by us, and one of them turned our way.

“Y-You are… Why are you here?!”

A loud voice rang.

There was someone who ran this way.

The shadow of someone who looks like a little girl and has a voice that hasn’t matured.

Brown skin and red eyes.

It is the devilkin boy.

I am familiar with that face.

“An acquaintance of yours, Eugy-kun?” (Sumire)

Sumire asked.

“Yeah, not that long ago…” (Eugene)

Before I could answer…

“Eugene-sama, I am honored to meet you again!!”

He had a smile as if he was going to hug me, or more like, he hugged me.

“Your name was…Miguel-kun, right?” (Eugene)

“Yes! Miguel, the one you saved the life of!” (Miguel)

Just the other day in the investigation of the Darkness Bird Raum in the Holy Union.

The summoner and Demon Lord worshiper, Miguel.

■Comment Response:

>Jubei-san’s wife is a loli?

>I didn’t expect her to look so young, or like loli.

-There were quite a lot of similar comments, but when the mother of Eugene, Laila, met Jubei, she was using Transform for investigation purposes. Her outward appearance was like that of an adult Sara.

I wrote about it in the main story, but I didn’t write about it in detail, so I am explaining it here just in case.

■Author’s Comment:

An illustration from the 3rd volume.

So lewd.

If you are interested, please buy it!

<Warning: NSFW>

 

 

• ZAP – Chapter 123: An unsavory reunion

◇Sumire’s POV◇

“Eugene-sama!!”

A handsome boy with brown skin hugged Eugene-kun.

Uh, he is a boy…right?

He looks girly.

“It has been a while… Wait, not really. You doing well, Miguel?” (Eugene)

“Yes! What about you, Eugene-sama? Why are you here?” (Miguel)

“The plan was to subjugate Vepar, but it has gotten troublesome.” (Eugene)

“…True. You were still here, Eugene-sama? A notice for civilians to evacuate was given. You are not from the Federation’s army, right, Eugene-sama?” (Miguel)

“I am technically in a special unit of the Federation army. The subjugation target is gone now though.” (Eugene)

“If you don’t have anything to do, how about going to our place? I would like to introduce Eugene-sama!” (Miguel)

“I have no pressing matter to attend to, but I have company…” (Eugene)

Eugene-kun glanced at me.

Looks like the boy noticed me for the first time.

“My apologies. To think you had company! I am Miguel from Greta Island!” (Miguel)

“Nice to meet you… I am Sashiogi Sumire. I am in the same party as Eugy-kun.” (Sumire)

“Ooh, so you are someone from the same unit as Eugene-sama?! In that case, you must be a worshiper of Erinyes-sama as well! Then, go ahead and come too, Sumire-sa—mgh.” (Miguel)

Eugene-kun swiftly covered the mouth of Miguel.

“Miguel-kun, try not to say that too loudly. Also, Sumire is unrelated to Eri.” (Eugene)

“That’s… My apologies!” (Miguel)

(Hm?)

Strange words came out from the boy.

Erinyes refers to that Demon Lord Eri-san, right?

The one that has a contract with Eugene-kun and has a lewd relationship with him.

This boy worships that Demon Lord-san?

Uh, worshiping the Demon Lord in the South Continent is popularly known as being in the Snake Cult, but I also learned in the history class in the academy that devilkins are a mix race of demons and humans.

Does that mean Miguel is a devilkin?

I could see red eyes and small fangs when he opened his mouth.

(People who worship Demon Lords and have inherited the blood of demons, huh.) (Sumire)

It is a bit scary when I think about it like that, but Eugene-kun doesn’t seem to be that bothered by this.

Or more like, he is the man that has put his hands on the Demon Lord Eri-san…

There’s no way he would be bothered by this.

“Sumire, I am thinking of greeting the compatriots of Miguel. Want to come with me?” (Eugene)

“You are welcome to, Sumire-sama!” (Miguel)

There’s apparently a lot of skilled mages within the devilkin.

It seems like Eugene-kun wants to see their magic since the opportunity has been presented.

He is so studious.

I hesitated a bit and decided to refrain.

I don’t worship the Demon Lord-san. We even fought against her in the Zenith Tower, and she is a love rival.

“Then, I will be borrowing Eugene-sama.” (Miguel)

“Alright.” (Sumire)

“I will try to not be too late.” (Eugene)

Eugene-kun and Miguel walked off to an evacuation area at the corner of the island after saying this.

The island country of Miguel is apparently included within the predicted damage of the Darkness Dragon.

I came to an isekai, so my homeland is in a far away place, but their homeland is going to be trampled by a Great Demonic Beast in the near future.

(This world is harsh…) (Sumire)

I knew that though.

“Haah…”

I return to the lodge.

My mind was tired and I laid down completely exhausted.

My room is a room for two with Sara-chan, but she is not here.

Sara-chan is an upcoming Holy Maiden from Caldia, so she has already evacuated to a Flying Ship.

I am currently occupying a two person room.

I closed my eyes and was assailed with drowsiness even though the outside of the window was still bright.

I couldn’t tell if it was a dream or reality anymore. Just how much time went by in this spaced out state?

*Knock knock*

Someone knocked on the door.

“Come in.” (Sumire)

I answer with a drowsy face.

Is it Sara-chan?

But this is the room of Sara-chan too, so there’s no need to knock.

The one who opened the door and came in was a beautiful blonde with blue eyes.

Eugene-kun has taught me that the black and red military uniform she is wearing is a trait of the Grandflare Empire.

That said, I know almost no girl from the Empire.

“Oh my, you are alone, Sumire.”

“Airi-chan?!” (Sumire)

The childhood friend of Eugene-kun and a big shot that will be the next Empress.

She is by no means someone who would show up by mistake all of a sudden.

“Uhm…Why are you here?” (Sumire)

I notice after asking.

There’s only one reason Airi-chan would come.

It is to meet Eugene-kun.

“I thought it would be about time Eugy would be coming to the lodge… Looks like not yet.” (Airi)

“Eugy-kun went to the place of the devi—mage that he met just recently. He is apparently going to be taught magic.” (Sumire)

I learned in class that it would be better to not mention devilkins in public too much.

There’s apparently people who get discriminatory.

I don’t think Airi-chan would be like that though.

“……Hey, Sumire.” (Airi)

“What?” (Sumire)

Airi-chan directed a dense gaze at me.

“That way of calling him Eugy-kun… You didn’t call him like that before, right?” (Airi)

“R-Really?” (Sumire)

Yeah, I didn’t.

I was jealous of Airi-chan for calling him Eugy, so I tried imitating her and called him Eugy-kun.

(Wait, I can’t tell that to the person herself!) (Sumire)

“I see…” (Airi)

Airi-chan placed a hand on her chin and stared at me.

Looks like she totally knows.

““……””

Silence ruled the room for a while.

At that moment…

*Pam!*

The door opened.

Entering the room without knocking means…

“Are you here, Sumire?! I have something to talk to you—wait…eh?!”

Sara-chan saw Airi-chan who was in the room and opened her eyes wide.

“! …Nice to see you, Upcoming Holy Maiden-sama. I am intruding.” (Airi)

Airi-chan looked like she was flustered too. Her voice had a bit of agitation.

“Why are you… Aah.” (Sara)

Sara-chan had the same question as me and got the answer soon after.

“Hey, Sumire-chan, is Eugene not with you?” (Sara)

“Eugy-kun went to the place of a friend.” (Sumire)

“Friend as in Claude?” (Sara)

“No, not Claude-kun but a cute boy named Miguel.” (Sumire)

“Don’t know that name.” (Sara)

“He is apparently a boy from a place called Greta Island.” (Sumire)

“Oh my?”

“Eh?”

Airi-chan and Sara-chan reacted to what I said.

“Greta Island… If I remember correctly…” (Airi)

“The hidden village of the devilkins that worship the Demon Lords.” (Sara)

Uwa, the two discovered it.

Could it be that they know about all the islands of the Blue Waters Federation?

“Aah, so that’s why.” (Sara)

Sara-chan, who knows about the contract with the Demon Lord-san, seemed to understand what was going on here.

“Eh?! Is that okay? Eugy is close with the devilkins?” (Airi)

Airi-chan is flustered here.

“More importantly, next Empress of the Grandflare Empire and princess, Airi. Eugene is not here, so can you please leave?” (Sara)

Sara-chan looked cold here.

I have learned in class and from Eugene-kun…about how badly the Holy Union and the Empire get along.

Airi-chan didn’t change her complexion at all.

“Oh my, I am a good friend of Sumire. There should be no issue in being here, right?” (Airi)

“Uuh.” (Sumire)

It is true that we can talk carefreely, but can we be called friends?

“Sumire-chan? Your only friend is me, right? Right?” (Sara)

“Uuh.” (Sumire)

I feel like ‘only’ friend is a bit wrong.

There’s also Leona-chan for example.

“Good grief, the people of the Holy Union are so possessive. It is fine for someone to have more than one friend, and it is fine to have many lovers too.” (Airi)

Airi-chan muttered this.

“That’s right, good friends are…wait, eh?” (Sumire)

I was about to agree, but stop speaking in the middle of it.

The friends stuff is one thing, but however many lovers?

“This is why people of the Empire are just… Your sense of morals is nonexistent!” (Sara)

“What did you say?! I don’t want to hear that from brick heads like the Holy Union!” (Airi)

““……””

Sara-chan and Airi-chan glare at each other.

At that moment…

*……Knock knock*

The door opened with that knock.

The person who opened it was…

“Eugy-kun, welcome back!” (Sumire)

“Sumire, I am home. Sara, you are back to—Airi??” (Eugene)

Eugene-kun came back and froze when he saw us 3.

He hesitated for a moment and then slowly…tried to close the door.

“Where are you going, Eugy-kun?” (Sumire)

I grab the right hand of Eugene-kun.

“Welcome back, Eugene.” (Sara)

Sara-chan grabbed his left hand.

“Eugy, I have been waiting for so long!” (Airi)

Airi-chan hugged Eugene-kun.

I see~.

“Sumire… Sara… and… Airi?” (Eugene)

Eugene-kun was grabbed tightly by us 3 and was trembling like a puppy which was a bit cute.

■Comment Response:

>It would be lonely to only have Sumire as a party member… How about inviting someone?

-They gathered by themselves.

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