The Underworld. It's another world, separate from the Human World, where non-humans reside. Here, devils and fallen angels rule over their own territories, and it's also home to countless monsters, phantasmal species, and even dragons. From a human perspective, it's a place you might call "Hell," and I've heard its landmass is about the same size as Earth's. There are no oceans in this world, and with so much nature left untouched, there are vast tracts of unexplored land. In a way, even though it's connected to Earth, I feel like I've been transported to a different world. It has a real sword-and-sorcery vibe.
It should be almost noon, but the sky is a dim, dusky purple. The wind, the smells, even the air itself feels heavy and damp. It seems like a comfortable place for devils who dislike the sun, but I'm not a fan of this atmosphere. I guess that's natural for a human; it's a stark reminder that the Human World is where I truly belong. Lavinia told me she wasn't used to it at first either, but that you adapt after a few days. The human ability to adapt is pretty incredible sometimes.
"Well, that doesn't change the fact that there's plenty here that can harm humans. Things that are harmless to the residents of the Underworld can be deadly poison to you humans. Lavinia can fend them off with magic and the aura of her Longinus, but you can't do that."
"Right. That's why I have to constantly use my Sacred Gear's ability to block out anything from the outside world that might harm me."
"Exactly. It'll use up one of the slots for your ability, but it's the safest way. The air, the soil, the scent of the plants—what might harm you varies from person to person, so you never know. And don't you dare forget to keep that insect-repellent gear I gave you on you at all times."
Listening to Mr. Azazel's warnings, I double-checked to make sure I was fully prepared. I'd hate to catch some infectious disease, and if I can prevent it, I should do everything in my power to do so. Even if I can nullify abnormal status effects, I'm not foolish enough to march around carelessly because of it. Still, this place is truly what humans would call the "other side." It must be a harsh environment for humans to live in. We're from different worlds, after all.
"I manage by constantly maintaining a barrier of cold air with my Sacred Gear's power, but it's a bit of a pain to lose one of my erasure slots," Lavinia said.
"Tell me about it. But I managed to create one more slot during these past two weeks, so I still have my usual three in stock. I guess I'll just have to use them wisely."
"I can create drinking water with magic, but the tricky part is that things in the Underworld don't work the same way as they do in the Human World."
"I see, so I have to be careful about the water, too. I even brought things like a cross, salt, and garlic with me for this trip to the Underworld. I got them from a former church-affiliated magician, so I hope they have some effect."
"That's a vampire-hunting kit, you idiot. Well, some of it might work on devils and monsters, I suppose..." Mr. Azazel said with an exasperated tone.
I know, I know. I only bought it for peace of mind. But hey, if it keeps the monsters away, it's a win-win, right? It might not protect me directly, but still. I tucked the items safely into my pocket so I wouldn't lose them.
Getting back to the topic of the Underworld, Mr. Azazel mentioned that any human Sacred Gear users in the Fallen Angels' territory are forbidden from entering or leaving any facility not specifically built for humans. That's why, despite the risks, they generally build their facilities for Sacred Gear research in the Human World. Bringing humans to the Underworld must come with a lot of risks. It's probably only possible with abilities like mine and Lavinia's, along with help from the residents of the Underworld.
Could that also be why, in the original story, they couldn't bring Akeno Himejima's mother to the Fallen Angels' territory in the Underworld? Even though she was being targeted by humans, she and Akeno hid in the Human World instead of being by Baraqiel's side. I'm sure part of the reason was that you can't just bring a human into the Fallen Angels' organization, even if she was the wife of a Cadre. Still, no fallen angel would dare lay a hand on a Cadre's wife. If they had to live in hiding anyway, it seems like it would have been safer to move to the Underworld where her husband was.
Speaking of which, it's a bit late to be thinking about this, but I wonder where we are in the original story's timeline. It's impossible to tell from long-lived people like Lord Mephisto or Mr. Azazel. The whole thing would be solved in an instant if I just asked him Akeno's age, but then I'd be in a tough spot if he asked me how I knew about her. I know Rias has been born, so they can't be that far apart in age, but that's all the vague information I have. My only sources of information are a devil who is away from the Underworld and a fallen angel who is currently hostile towards the devils, making it difficult to find out the exact year.
...Yeah, I should probably visit Kuoh Town at least once. There's only one way for me to find out the original story's timeline with the most safety. And that's by checking the age of the protagonist, who is likely still an ordinary person—Issei Hyoudou. The original story begins in the spring when he becomes a second-year high school student. And from there, it's a non-stop, whirlwind of events. His schedule and the power inflation are on par with a certain lightning-wielding middle school girl. The idea that he's able to fight on par with a 'Transcendent Being' in about a year is just insane.
Anyway, once this summer vacation is over, I have no choice but to go to Kuoh Town and search high and low for a house with the name "Hyoudou." In the anime, his house was within walking distance of Kuoh Academy, so that should narrow down the search area considerably. If I go to a library, I should be able to find a map and a list of local family names. I doubt I'll draw any attention just by visiting the homes of ordinary people. I could also break into the city hall to check the family registry, but since devils manage that territory, I need to avoid any suspicious behavior.
Hmm, but still. If I do meet the protagonist, what should I do? Personally, I'd like to talk to him. He's an affable guy, and aside from his perverted tendencies, he has a normal sensibility. But I'm scared of how my existence might affect things. I love watching him forge his own path, just the way he is. I'm not saying the original story is everything, but there's a part of me that doesn't want to destroy it. ...I'll put a pin in that for now. Right now, I need to prioritize this job in the Underworld. First things first.
"This is one of the dragon nests managed by Tannin. He's an oddball who invites dragons who can no longer live in the Human World or have lost their place in the Underworld to his territory and protects them."
"An oddball?"
"From a biological standpoint, ensuring the continuation of a species is a perfectly normal act, but this is being done by a dragon—the very personification of power, and one who was once called a Dragon King, no less. To put it simply, dragons are an extremely self-paced bunch. They hate forming groups and have their own unique values. The stronger the dragon, the more pronounced this tendency becomes. That's why they act selfishly, without any regard for their surroundings or the current state of affairs."
"And that is why Mr. Tannin is such an incredible dragon," Lavinia added. "For a dragon, who despises being tied down, to become a devil's servant, and to fulfill his responsibility as one with power for the sake of other dragons... It's said that thanks to him, a great number of dragons were saved, and it also helped to restore the image of dragons."
After crossing through a dimensional space and getting off the train, we were walking straight toward our destination. This was Tannin's territory, which meant it was devil territory. If word got out that the Governor-General of the Fallen Angels had snuck in, it would cause a major incident. Apparently, Mr. Azazel has visited Tannin's territory a few times before, but just in case, he's refraining from using his wings or light-based powers. That's why we're walking, even though it's taking longer. A war would be a disaster.
Come to think of it, I think the original story also mentioned that dragons are disliked. In mythology, they're usually depicted as villains and evil beings. They are feared and detested by various races. It seems that's no different in the Underworld, where they're even disliked by the devils and fallen angels, who are considered evil themselves. Just how hated are they? They're surrounded by enemies.
The reasons for this include those who run wild according to their own rules without a care for themselves or others, and the existence of Evil Dragons. The prime examples often cited are the great battles between the Red Dragon Emperor and the White Dragon Emperor. They were the type to start a brawl in the middle of a war, causing a huge nuisance to everyone around them. Yeah, no wonder they're hated. So, it was Tannin who helped soften that negative image of dragons. I doubt that was his intention, though.
I wonder if the reason the devils in the original story were so accepting of the protagonist, the Red Dragon Emperor, was partly thanks to Tannin's efforts to improve their image. No matter how strong he was, there must have been some resistance to accepting the power of a detested race, even if it was sealed in a Sacred Gear. The protagonist did face some prejudice, but it wasn't that pronounced. Perhaps it was because Tannin had softened the negative image of dragons that he was able to become a hero as the "Oppai Dragon."
If that's the case... Issei Hyoudou, don't you think you owe Tannin a serious, head-to-the-ground apology for the events of the original story? At the very least, that "pitiful dragon number three" incident was seriously messed up. Ddraig and Albion were the original source of the trouble, so they're a different story, but Tannin is someone you absolutely must not cause trouble for.
"Will we be able to meet this Mr. Tannin?"
"He did say something about showing his face, apparently. But he's a busy guy, so who knows when that'll be."
"He is a very busy person, so it can't be helped."
I see, but that means there's a chance we might meet him. First Lord Mephisto, then Mr. Azazel, and now the former Dragon King, Tannin. Man, my list of encounters from the original story is as ridiculous as ever. These aren't just bigwigs; they're people you can't just meet whenever you want. What is going on with my destiny?
"Whoa, you two, stop."
"Huh?"
My feet, which had been moving as I listened to various stories about my first visit to the Underworld, came to a halt at Mr. Azazel's sudden command. When I shot him a quizzical look, he silently gestured with his chin towards the path ahead. I strained my eyes to see, but the lush nature created too many obstacles, and I couldn't see anything. The trees and grass are in the way.
"They're here. Five of them. They seem to be monsters," Lavinia said.
"Lavinia, you can see them?"
"Kanata, remember your training. I taught you how to sense presences, didn't I?"
He reprimanded me in a hushed voice. Sorry, you're right. I held my Sacred Gear in my right hand and focused my mind on it. Sharpening my senses, I observed the surroundings through my partner and could make out something beyond the trees. It was still a vague sensation, but I could definitely tell there were five of them. Based on their size and the auras I felt, they were probably four-legged monsters. It might be a pack.
"Should we take a different route?"
"That'll take too much time, so no. We'll be running into plenty of monsters of this level from here on out. We can't afford to take a detour every single time."
"...P-plenty, you say?"
"This is the other side, you know. It's only natural for it to be teeming with grotesque creatures. Besides, this area has been left untouched so that dragons can live comfortably. In other words, there's an abundance of prey for them."
Wait a minute. You didn't tell me that. Don't say you just told me now. I guess it should have been obvious, but does this mean there are a ton of obstacles before we even reach the dragon's nest? I wasn't expecting to get there right away, but still. This world is a true fantasy.
"Shall I use my magic?"
"No, Kanata. You take care of it."
"What?"
"Don't complain. Why do you think I've been training you? What you're overwhelmingly lacking is actual combat experience. It doesn't matter how much power you gain if you can't use it when it counts."
He's... absolutely right. I've pointed my spear at training dummies and even Mr. Azazel during practice, but my only real combat experience is still that one stray magician. That time when I was crying and desperately trying to deal with the spears of light being hurled at me doesn't count as a battle. It was a slaughter, and I was on the receiving end. If I got injured, I was told to heal myself with my Sacred Gear's power, and if my healing wasn't enough, I'd be healed with a magic potion, and the training would immediately resume. It was Mr. Azazel's world.
My mind drifted back to those training days, but I shook my head to bring myself back to the present. What I should be thinking about now is the battle before me. I was surprised to be called out, but it's obvious what I'm lacking. Combat against actual living creatures. My life is guaranteed since they're both here, but that won't always be the case. From now on, when I start acting alone, I'll have to protect my own life. I should gain experience while I can.
"Mr. Azazel, um, do I have to kill them?"
"That's up to you. But you'd better get used to it while you're in the Underworld."
"...I understand."
I gripped my Sacred Gear tightly and nodded deeply. I know it myself, that this is something I have to do. I've never been able to point a weapon at a person, let alone an animal. I just couldn't bring myself to hurt or kill a living being for my own sake. I know that's my weakness.
"Your way of thinking is indeed naive, Kana. But I like that you don't want to hurt anyone," Lavinia said.
"Lavinia..."
"However, the time will come when it's necessary. Fighting happens in order to protect something. It could be for yourself, for someone precious to you, for something you can't give up, or for the future. The time will come... when you must hurt someone for the sake of that something."
To me, who must have looked nothing but pathetic to them, she gave a gentle smile and spoke with sincerity. Her words resonated within me, and I took a slow, deep breath, engraving them into my heart. I'm not just a civilian who got caught up in this anymore. I'm a member of the 'Gray Magicians,' Lavinia's colleague, and a person who has decided to do my best to live here.
"Thank you, Lavinia. I might cause you a lot of trouble from now on, but I'll do my best."
"Yes, of course."
"Mr. Azazel, I look forward to your continued guidance."
"Don't be so formal, it makes it awkward for me. Just act normal. Sheesh..."
As Mr. Azazel spoke, ruffling his black hair with his hand, Lavinia and I shared a small laugh. This is probably another reason he brought me to the Underworld. This is a world where the strong devour the weak. This natural world is the very embodiment of that. I turned my gaze forward and focused once more on tracing the enemy's presence. I pinpointed the monsters' locations and held my Sacred Gear at the ready.
"Delete."
Ever since I started my training, I've started to say the "word" when I use my ability. Of course, I can do it without speaking, but Mr. Azazel taught me that my Sacred Gear's power "acts on what I define." By consciously verbalizing it, I can enhance the ability's effect.
That's why I decided to say "Delete" when I use my erasure ability. There are many other English words that mean 'to erase,' but for some reason, this one just felt right for the "concept" of it. Mr. Azazel told me to choose whatever felt right, so I went with it. With that in mind, I erased my own presence and began to move behind the monsters.
This was the fighting style Mr. Azazel taught me over the past two weeks. Or rather, it was a setup. My fighting style is plain and, frankly, cowardly. I have to avoid head-on confrontations at all costs. My Sacred Gear's ability has the drawback of consuming a lot of stamina. In other words, I have to end battles quickly while conserving as much energy as possible. The longer it drags on, the more of a disadvantage I'll be at. So if I'm going to do it, I have to do it in one shot.
After sneaking to my position, I peeked out from the bushes. There, with their backs to me, were several large lizards, growling. I've seen them in the monster encyclopedia. If I remember correctly, their back scales can deflect iron, and they are carnivorous monsters that hunt by sinking their sharp fangs into their prey.
Once they bite down, it's difficult to shake them off, and they hunt successfully by attacking in groups. They aren't very fast, but if you're in a straight line, they'll lunge to close the distance, so attacking from the side is effective. Their backs are tough, but their sides and bellies are soft. For now, I should thin their numbers. It'll be bad if they all come at me at once.
"Analyze."
I focused on my partner and broke down my erasure ability. My Sacred Gear currently has four erasure slots. Two of them are being used to survive in the Underworld and to conceal my presence. But I still have two more slots. I erased a part of my Sacred Gear's composition and detached the two remaining slots from it. In my palms, two crimson spears appeared. I shrank them down to the size of darts and held the original Sacred Gear in my left hand.
With my right hand, I readied the first dart-like spear and took aim. Outside of my training time with Mr. Azazel, I spent all my time in my room practicing throwing darts. Throwing the large spear as it is would have more attack power, but my ability is more about hitting the target than raw power. That's why this smaller, harder-to-notice size was deemed optimal. And just throwing darts conserves a lot of stamina.
Right now, I can only throw about two spears in a row. I'm practicing with three, but my accuracy drops sharply. Suppressing my racing heart, I aimed for the large lizard's side, swung the crimson Sacred Gear back, and threw it with all my might.
"Delete air resistance."
I activated the ability the moment I threw, and then immediately threw the second one at another lizard a short distance away. Each of these separated spears can be imbued with one erasure ability.
By the way, I tried to erase my own air resistance for high-speed movement... but unfortunately, my body couldn't keep up. It seems I still have a lot of training to do. But with the spears, it's not a problem. I imbued each of them with my Sacred Gear's effect, and in the blink of an eye, the two spears struck true, piercing two of the lizards.
"GRAAAAAAAAGH—!?"
With a sudden pain in their abdomens, the two lizards roared in anger. The other lizards nearby turned their attention to them, wondering what was going on. The wounds themselves were nothing serious. Just small cuts, really. But that was enough. My spear's ability activates as long as it pierces even a little. By throwing them at high speed, even with a child's strength, I can make it work against an opponent with tough skin.
"Delete consciousness."
Next, I instantly changed the effect of the two spears from air resistance to shaking their very consciousness. The lizards, which had been roaring in pain, suddenly fell silent. Their eyes rolled back into their heads, and they collapsed, unconscious.
After confirming the remaining lizards were still unable to react to the sudden turn of events, I focused my mind on the two spears I had thrown. Sacred Gears are items that respond to their wielder's will. As a result of my strong will, the small crimson spears, their purpose served, disappeared, and I felt their power return to the original Sacred Gear in my left hand. Confirming this...
"Analyze."
I broke it down again and summoned two spears to my hand. It takes a few seconds to retrieve the thrown spears, break them down again, and recharge them. In a head-on-brawl, those few seconds would decide the outcome. That's why I erase my presence like this and create a one-sided battlefield. Incidentally, this throwing method was, of course, Mr. Azazel's idea. Breaking down the spear's ability, imbuing it with the erasure effect for a long-range attack—it's apparently one of the applications I can manage at my current level.
"You could call it the Ruin Javelin, I suppose."
And then he went and named it himself. I don't mind, though, since he's the one who came up with the technique.
I then threw two more spears at the still-confused monsters, robbing them of their consciousness. This erasure effect can be activated as long as they are within my line of sight. However, the trajectory of the spear seemed to have revealed my position to the last one, and it charged at me with a threatening roar. With the Sacred Gear in my left hand, I converted 'presence' to 'gravity' and immediately leaped away. I glanced at the lizard crashing into my hiding spot, then quickly retrieved the thrown spears and broke them down again.
A shiver ran down my spine for a moment as the lizard turned its bloodshot eyes on me, but the fear of Mr. Azazel hurling spears of light at me was many times worse. I feel like I've developed a strange kind of courage. It's helpful, but I'm not sure if I should be grateful.
I moved slowly, keeping my eyes on my opponent, but it seemed to be wary of showing its side. Would it be okay to just throw a spear at it from the front? If it gets deflected by its skin or dodged, I'll be the one left with a fatal opening.
"Trying to knock it out has its risks. But—"
I combined the two broken-down spears back into one and held one spear in each hand. Adjusting the size of the spear in my right hand to make it easier to throw, I stared down the lizard as it poised to charge. Certainty should take precedence over uncertainty. We still have a long way to go to our destination, and more importantly, I can't keep them waiting. I have a way to deal with this thing quickly.
"Delete air resistance."
The moment I threw the spear straight at my opponent, the lizard charged. It seems it intended to meet my attack head-on, thrusting its toughest part forward. I gave the Ruin Javelin, now containing two erasure slots, its final command from my remaining erasure slot.
"Ruin."
My command was a simple erasure effect that acts on physical matter. The crimson spear, flying at high speed, glowed brightly and pierced straight through the charging large lizard. Its prized scales were penetrated by the erasure effect, and blood and flesh scattered everywhere. The lizard's face was almost completely unrecognizable. Its body trembled for a moment before it fell to the ground and stopped moving. ...I knew it was dead.
The blood-soaked ground, the exposed white bone, the scattered flesh, an eyeball rolling as if to look at me. The sight and the smell that assaulted my nostrils made me want to vomit, and I instinctively covered my mouth with my hand. But I managed to hold it back. Tears welled up in my eyes, but I managed to hold those back too.
There was a sense of accomplishment in having achieved my goal. But right now, it was overshadowed by a feeling of discomfort and disgust. Will I ever get used to this? No, I have to. There's no need to kill for the sake of it. But hesitation in a life-or-death situation would be fatal for me. I can't afford to stand still.
"You handled that calmly. Well, for you, that was a good effort."
A hand gently patted my head, then roughly ruffled my hair. Reassured by the warmth of his hand, I nodded back in silence. It's okay. I was the one who decided to do my best. And most importantly, I have people around me who support me like this. So I'll just keep trying to do more, one step at a time.
Summer vacation was entering its latter half, finally reaching the halfway point. And so, the curtain rose on my days in the Underworld.
***
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