In the center of the Alrena Temple; Goddessâs room.
A massive round pillar stood tall in this large room, a solemn atmosphere enveloping it.
This wasnât the first time Chiyuki and the others had visited this room, because this was the place they had arrived in when they were summoned to this world; the very first view they set their eyes upon.
Once they entered the room, Rena had immediately descended from heaven; the scene Chiyuki and her companions witnessed was astonishing as always.
The Holy Republic of Lenariaâs temple was Renaâs residence in the mortal world. Rena would descend every now and then to this place to guide humanity. Chiyuki who had heard about this fact a long time ago once again realized that Rena really was a Goddess, whose existence influenced many people.
ăItâs been a while, everyone.ă
Rena greeted them with a bright smile on her face, it was bright enough to charm Chiyuki and co. [TL : That smile is a TRAP!!!]
Gazing at her, Chiyuki once again realized that the Goddess before her was truly a transcendent beauty.
A beautiful face, snow white skin, br*asts bigger than Sahokoâs, who had the biggest size among Chiyuki and her companions, and lastly, a constricted and extremely thin waist. Chiyuki and the others had never seen such a beauty, even back in their original world.
Though Chiyuki had confidence in her figure and appearance, she was no match for Rena.
Reiji aside, Chiyuki thought that Renaâs beauty alone was enough to topple countries and convince any man to do her bidding.
ăItâs been a while, Rena. I missed you so much you know.ă
It had been a long time since Reiji last saw her, his sparkling eyes could not leave her figure. He had really missed seeing the beautiful Goddess before him. His fervent gaze was understandable as the last time Rena had descended was right after his fall into a comatose state, after his battle against the Dark Knight.
ăItâs been a while, Reiji. Is the wound you got from the Dark Knight fully healed now?ă
Reijiâs expression darkened as soon as he heard Rena mention the Dark Knight. It was really the biggest shame of his life.
ăI definitely wonât lose next time. Donât worry, Rena, I will defeat the Demon King for you!ă
ăOkay, Iâll be waiting for that day, Reiji.ă
Rena was extremely delighted with Reijiâs declaration. However, no one shared her sentiment, especially Chiyuki who had mixed feelings about the whole ordeal. Reiji had almost died in his duel with the Dark Knight, thatâs why she was against him going into another battle.
ïŒIn the first place, itâs already strange that only us are fighting against the Demon King and his army. What in the world are those Elios Gods doing up there? Watching a soap opera?ïŒ
Chiyuki decided to ask Rena about that matter.
ăGoddess Rena. Can you please answer my questions?ă
ăWhatâs the matter, Chiyuki?ă
Rena tilted her head with a confused look on her face, even such a simple action was extremely graceful.
ăFirst, why did the Gods of Elios just leave the Demon King on his own devices til now?ă
Chiyuki asked her first question.
ăItâs not like we wanted to leave him unhindered⊠Itâs just that we have our own circumstances.ă
Rena replied with an apologetic look on her face.
ïŒCircumstances? What kind of circumstances do the Gods have I wonder?ïŒ
After hearing Renaâs vague answer, Chiyuki wanted now more than ever to visit the Heavenly Realm, Elios, to confirm everything firsthand. She was curious about what circumstances could make everything so baffling to them. But, seeing Reiji frown as he gazed at Renaâs troubled expression, Chiyuki decided against asking any further questions about this particular topic.
ăWhat are these circumstances youâre talking about, Rena?ă
However, unlike Chiyukiâs composed self, the innocent and simple-minded Rino bluntly asked the question, ignoring the state of her surroundings altogether. Though not as much as Rena, Rino was a one of a kind cutie. She could make any man do her bidding if she wished for it as well.
Yet, her charm did not work on the ravishing Rena since she was still seen as a normal woman in her eyes.
ăSorry, Rino. Iâm not allowed to sayâŠă
ăHumph.ă
Rino puffed her cheeks with displeasure. That particular action raised her cuteness by 200%, though unfortunately, it still didnât work on Rena.
ăAre those all of the questions you wanted to ask me?ă
ăNo, thereâs still an extremely important inquiry I want to make.ă
ăImportant inquiry? What might it be, Chiyuki?ă
ăGoddess Rena, is there another summoned person in this world aside from us?ă
Renaâs face turned grim as soon as she heard this particular query.
Chiyuki and the others were really surprised to see this kind of expression on Renaâs face. This was the very first time she had shown them such a face that was neither her usual smile or her cute and pitiful expression. It really made them on edge.
ăSo you noticed it too, Chiyuki. Your foresight never fails to surprise me⊠Even I never expected for another person to perform a summoning ritual like meâŠă
Rena shook her head as she revealed the fact with a sad look on her face.
After her response, Chiyuki concluded that the one who summoned that mysterious pervert wasnât Rena. She was even more convinced of that fact since Rino, who possessed Lie Detection magic, didnât react in any way.
ăIâve told ya, thereâs no way Rena will keep those things from us.ă [TL : SHE DID, D*CKHEAD]
ăYeah, Reiji-kunâs right. Ahahaha.ă
ăIndeed, Rei-kunâs right.ă
""
Both Shirone and Sahoko affirmed in tune with Reiji.
Rena looked at Chiyuki and the othersâ state with a curious look on her face.
Chiyuki dismissed that as a natural reaction since Rena had no way of knowing the topic of their discussion during the emergency meeting before they came to meet her.
ïŒSorry for doubting you, Rena.ïŒ
Chiyuki apologized to Rena in silence.
ăSo, this means that thereâs another summoned person aside from us. Do you know what kind of person he is?ă
ăI have no information about him, Chiyuki. The only thing I know about him is that heâs extremely powerful. As for his powers and the world he comes from, itâs a complete mystery, even to me. This matter is currently under investigation, Iâll let you guys know once we have some results. Do you have any other questions?ă
Rena heaved a deep sigh as she touched her forehead.
ïŒWe already know about him being summoned and the fact that heâs extremely powerful. In addition, Rena doesnât seem to know that he came from the same world as us. I guess thereâs no need to ask her more questions since she has less information than us.ïŒ
Chiyuki decided to change the topic since there was no need to ask Rena more questions about the mysterious summoned person.
ăWell, thatâs all we need to ask about that mysterious summoned person. But, we still have a request.ă
ăWhat kind of request, Chiyuki?ă
""
ăPlease send Shirone and I back to our original world.ă
Rena showed a troubled look on her face upon hearing that request.
Chiyuki actually wished for everyone to go back with her and Shirone. But, Reiji had declared that he wonât go back until he completed Renaâs request.
However, more than a year had passed since they were summoned. They had to to go back no matter what. After further discussion, they had come to a consensus that only Shirone and Chiyuki would go back.
ă Does that mean you donât wish to continue the Demon Kingâs subjugation? ă
Rena asked, her eyes moist as if tears would flow at any given moment.
ăItâs already been over a year now, we canât stay in this world any longer.ă
ăCanât you change your mind?ă
The pleading look on Renaâs face plucked everyoneâs heartstrings, including the members of the same sex.
ăItâs not like we have to return right away, right Chiyuki? Look, even Rena is troubled by your request.ă
Reiji stopped the discussion as he looked at Rena.
Chiyuki heaved a sigh as realization dawned on her.
ăI understand.ă
ăWhat do you understand, Chiyuki?ă
ăAfter our discussion here and careful deliberation, I can conclude that thereâs another person who can use summoning magic.ă
Yes, Chiyuki realized that they only needed to search for that person. This would solve all of their problems. They wouldnât need to subjugate the Demon King to be able to leave.
ïŒThe most worrying thing is that pervert, but⊠thatâs also the only thing we have to worry about, unlike if we wait for Rena.ïŒ
Renaâs expression became even more severe than before in hearing Chiyukiâs words.
ăWhat do you mean, Chiyuki?ă
ăIf you canât grant my wish, I just need to go to that personâs place.ă
Rena showed a frightening look that she had never shown before, more chilling than the one prior, upon hearing Chiyukiâs declaration.
That look alone sent chills down Chiyukiâs spine. Even Reiji was visibly surprised seeing that expression.
ăDo all of you have the same thought?ă
Everyone in the room knew that Rena was upset.
ïŒIt seems I stepped on a land mine. Well it does seem like weâre abandoning her.ïŒ
Chiyuki felt slightly bad for Rena, but since she felt that she was only forced to get herself involved in this matter, she definitely wouldnât back down on her request.
ăRest assured, Rena. I wonât abandon you.ă
Reiji was confused about Renaâs anger, but still uttered this statement to appease her.
ăYes. Iâm the only one whoâs considering that optionâŠă
That was the truth, Chiyuki was the only one who wanted to return, along with Shirone.
Renaâs expression returned to normal as soon as she heard Chiyukiâs confirmation and everyone heaved a sigh of relief as soon as it did.
ăI understand, Chiyuki. Iâll make the preparation to send you back then.ă
Rena adorned a sickly sweet smile as she spoke.
â
Two days had passed since Kurokiâs encounter with Reijiâs little sister.
Kuroki, who was currently living in a certain dilapidated house in the outer city, noticed that there was a large scale search for him.
The house he was using right now was Dozumiâs hiding place. Dozumi had prepared this hiding place in case of an emergency and had entrusted it to Kuroki before he left.
ïŒIn the end⊠I can only rely on Nut to gather informartion.ïŒ
Kuroki sighed. He felt that he lost his original goal for coming to this place. He hadnât stayed low-key as planned and had instead alerted his enemies. Now, he could only rely on Nut for intelligence gathering.
Nut was currently sneaking into the temple.
Following the rumors floating around amongst the priests, Kuroki was now aware that the Goddess, Rena, had descended and was currently in the temple.
ïŒThe one who summoned Reiji and the others descended, which means that something happened.ïŒ
Nut returned right when Kuroki was pondering about that matter.
ăIâm back, Kuroki-sama~ă
ăWelcome back, Nut. Do you know the reason behind Goddess Renaâs descent?ă
Nut shook his head.
ăIt seems she has something to talk about with the hero and his companions, but I have no idea what theyâre discussing since the security around that room is too strict~.ă
Kuroki wasnât irked by that fact, it was within his expectations that the security around the Goddess would be too strict for Nut to pass by.
ăI see, it canât be helped then⊠Thanks a lot, Nut.ă
ăBut⊠thereâs a certain thing that Iâm worried about.ă
ăWhat is it?ă
ăWell, it seems theyâre making preparations for another summoning ritual.ă
ă⊠Pardon?ă
Kuroki couldnât believe what he just heard.
ăPreparations for a summoning? Sheâs going to summon another person?ă
Nut shook his head.
ăThis is just my guess, but I think theyâre trying to send someone back and bring another person in their stead.ă
Hearing that piece of news had convinced Kuroki that not even Nut knew what was happening.
ăBut still, I hear that the one theyâre going to send back are the ones called Chiyuki and ShironeâŠă
Sure enough, that piece of information was worrying.
ăEh, wait a minute⊠There should be no way to send us back to our original world, right?ă
ăIndeed.ă
ăThen, is there actually⊠a way to send us back that we donât know of?ă
âCould it be that Modes was the only one who thought that thereâs no way back while in fact, Elios had already developed a magic to send us back?
Kuroki couldnât help but muse to himself.
ăKuroki-sama! Heibos-sama wonât do something like deceiving Modes-sama!ă
Nut declared a moment later.
Kuroki had been told that the Blacksmith God, Heibos, was Modesâ BFF. Just as Nut had said, Heibos wouldnât be so stingy with the information he shared with Modes.
It really was as Heibos had said, there was no way to send summoned people back to their original world. Doing so might cause the person involved to be trapped in a rift within dimensions forever.
âAnd yet, Shirone wants to go back to our original world.
Even though there was no way for them to go back to their original world for now.
ïŒWhatâs the meaning of this contradicting information?ïŒ
âThereâs also the possibility that Rena might have already known that there was no way to send a summoned person back to their original world.
âAnd yet, sheâs still trying to send Shirone back despite knowing that?
âShirone might be in danger right now.
Worry dominated Kurokiâs mind as he thought of the danger his childhood friend would face.
ăRena is the one who will perform the ritual, right?ă
ăYes!ă
ăAnd sheâs currently staying in the temple, right?ă
ăYes, thatâs right.ă
âThen the only way to confirm this matter is to ask Rena herself.
Kuroki decided to make his move.
ăNut, itâs time to raid the temple. Letâs disturb the ritual to make it impossible for her to summon another person.ă