Chapter 134 True Hero

 

Chapter 134 True Hero

 

With well-practiced movements, I chopped the ingredients before my eyes and at once shoved them into the hotpot to be boiled. However, just boiling them would take too much time. Even so, to the me who has grasped the air I’m capable of doing something like this.

“Fuwa Fuwa Pressure Hotpot!” (Velt)

Look and behold, the pressure hotpot is done. With this, the time needed to boil the soup would decrease by considerable amount. Well, if I were to do this at the shop sensei will get mad, though it is different now. We didn’t have the time and the ingredients were just anything we have on hand, instead this could be called a good job.

“Here you go, one serving of kotteri tonkotsu ramen.” (Velt)

TL note: Kotteri means thick soup, tonkotsu well, pig bone. It’s a ramen with thick soup plus a big slice of pig meat on it.

Sponsored by the military camp’s fire, hotpot, and ingredients, I presented the ramen I made to Forna who was already seated, waiting with smile on her face. It’s the meal before fighting.  The other guys was having bread or soup to stuff their stomach, while the top brass seemed having a bit more extravagant food inside their individual tents. And I was trying my best to not get in the way of other people, so I set a simple table and chair on some corner then invited Forna over.

A concrete strategy meeting has already over, so the next is the meal time. That was the order to the whole troops. Forna immediately responded to my invitation by nodding then arrived here.

“Ahh, this is it! Sluuuuuuuurp, hmh, this truly it! It’s really Melma-san’s taste!” (Forna)

Ooh, she made an excited voice that doesn’t suit a princess. And also, it’s already five years but seemed she still didn’t get how to use chopsticks.

“Aah, to think now Velt can make it this so tastily... the first time I ate it, I remember I vomited because of it.” (Forna)

“Nah not yet, it’s still so far off from the level the store was making.” (Velt)

“It’s not on the level of the store but it’s just right for the level of a kingdom’s princess. I expect no less from Velt.” (Forna)

Still, Forna didn’t stop moving her chopsticks. While at it she also drank the soup, taking in it’s scent, tasting the noodles’ texture, with smile that just won’t fade from her face. Somehow, as I watched her eating it so delightfully, it made me felt happy too.

 

“I made quite a lot of it. You can ask more serving as many times as you want you know? Stuff your mouth full with that intense garlic smell then make those ogres cringed by it!” (Velt)

“Ooh you, Velt. If it’s like that how can I kiss you then.” (Forna)

“Heh rest easy, I’m already got used to garlic smell so all’s good.” (Velt)

“Eh..... ah, erm....” (Forna)

“What’s wrong?” (Velt)

“I, I, I mean, you said such things to me in this kind of atmosphere after all....” (Forna)

When this meal is over Forna will return to be the Golden Comet of Ten Heroes of Light. And then going into the battle that put human race’s existence as its stake.

“Is this good enough? If it’s only like this?” (Velt)

“This is the best there is. This cooking.... has the taste of love hidden in its thick and rich taste after all♪With this, I’m invincible!” (Forna)

“It’s not like I hide it though~, kuhahahaha.” (Velt)

“Huff, Ve, Velt! Mou~, That’s unfair! Coward! Don’t tease me like that....” (Forna)

That’s right, Forna will be heading back to battlefield after this. However that is for later. Right now,  she is just Forna. That’s why, this is the time when only we two...

“WHOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAH, VELT-KUUUUUUUUUN!”

Welp, someone came.

“Garba, blaergh!” (Velt)

“Whoooaah, Velt-kun! Velt-kun! I thought it was a lie when I asked to Howe, to think Velt-kun to actually come here!” (Garba)

I, I thought my insides has been blown up.

Garba who was now also in the surviving army rushed fiercely towards me while crying, he hugged me as if also tackling me.

Well, it’s not just Garba.

“Really, are you supposedly our savior now?”

“I truly didn’t think you actually gonna come to the Divine Continent at all.”

Shout and Barts.

“Ain’t this a nice smell! Hey, you surely made our shares too right!”

“Velt-kun, if it’s okay with you, can you make gyoza too? I’ve always a fan of it since five years ago.”

Ship and Chetto.

“And uh, Velt-kun, fried rice for me!”

“Hit me up with this thicc ramen soup aight.”

Sanne and Hawk.

Each and every one of them became one step stronger in the short while we separated. They came right after Howe told them, coming in with such happy faces... hey,

“Heck, I’m not your cook doing a business trip!” (Velt)

“Ahahahaha, Velt, then can you give me roasted pork on my ramen?”

“Give me tons of garlic! Or I can’t put in any stamina at all!”

“Since you were busy flirting with the Princess when we were at the Empire, this time you need to make it up for us now!”

“It’s sure is a big honor. For the future king of our Elfarshia Kingdom to be making food for us.”

“I’m gonna be boasting about this in the future!”

“Oh my, that’s right, if it’s like that we must give it our best and win!”

Sheesh, all of them, can’t be helped then.

“Aah, Forna.” (Velt)

“Ufufufu, I don’t mind it. This in a way, can be a big source of strength for me too.” (Forna)

Though we can use a bit more time to be alone with just us two, somehow Forna too is feeling happy about this. It’s a bit unfortunate but, our childhood friends that had been broken down by the fight at the Empire were here now. With us all now being here like this, it felt like we were playing around like back in the time when we were just kids, despite they are now about to be plunged into war.

“Uoh, hic, sob, hic.” (Garba)

Moreover, Garba was completely crying now. Hey, don’t make yourself dirty. Sheeesh....

“Its very noisy huh, really.” (Howe)

“Yo, Howe. You want me make something for you too?” (Velt)

“Hah? Something you make? ..... then, a tsukemen.”

TL note : Tsukemen is ramen but with the noodles, meat and eggs, separated from the soup. The usual ramen has all of the inside at once.

She just went and said something troublesome...

I mean, I only made enough for Forna... and why are you guys keep carrying over chairs, tables, and food ingredients here, bastards.

“Hehehe, it’s like Tonkotou Ramen is having  a moving stall isn’t it. Five years ago I can’t even imagine it would be like this.”

“Felt that. For some reason I ended up coming to the Divine Continent.” (Velt)

“Well, since you’re already here you need to stuff our stomach now. Absolutely satisfy our belly you hear.”

“Fufu, I’m looking forward to it.”

“But, is this alright if it’s just us? Won’t the seniors in our corps will be looking for us?”

“I’m sure it’s alright. Here we have Elfarshia Kingdom’s princess and its future king after all.”

“Hawk. You can be that stupid at times huh.”

Haah, what a pain.

Well, I guess its fine. I only can do this much. It’s only this much after all. And, doing it like this doesn’t feel bad at all too somehow. It felt like we were hitting it up as if having a class reunion.

“Huh? Shout, there’s something glittering on your chest.”

“Ah, this? After the battle at the Empire we got dispatched to the Divine Continent right away. I made an achievement when we fought against the enemy’s elite troops once, that’s how I got this medal.” (Shout)

“So you got one again. You’ve become quite the big stuff huh.” (Velt)

“Eh nah, if this much it can’t be compared to the Princess and the Ten Heroes of Light at all.” (Shout)

Despite the topic of conversation being Shout’s new medal, he was proud of it but didn’t go flaunting it around at all.

But there’s something I was curious about....

“Hey, Shout. Do you.... exchange letters to General Tyler?” (Velt)

“With Papa? No, these days isn’t that much.... why ask?” (Shout)

“That, well....” (Velt)

As I thought, he didn’t know it at all. About his father and Love and Money.

Honestly, maybe it would be better if I talk to him about this, but it’s not something I should say at a time like this I guess.

“Anyway, where’s your medal? You got one from the Empire right? Aren’t you always keep it and carry it around?” (Shout)

“Hm? Wha? Now that I think about it.... uhh....” (Velt)

Medal.... what? Now that I remember, what happened to it? If I’m not mistaken, I just put it inside my pocket...... Ah! I know! When I was at Sky World my clothes got ripped here and there I ended up naked...

“Ah...... damn, I lost it.”

“  “  “  “  “WHOOOOOOAAAAA!!” “  “ “ “

Ah, everyone spit out their ramen from their nose....

“Y, you, what have you done!  It’s still hasn’t that long since you got it how can you lost it already?”

“What the heck you have done, you idiot!”

“You, it’s a medal that someone who isn’t a soldier able to get, it’s not your usual medal stupid!”

“Th, that’s a bit too much Velt-kun.”

“I mean, that medal is one that soldiers would struggle to death to get, even some of them actually died.... You are really...”

“As expected even I could go faint because of it! Velt, you really hide some amazing secret huh!” (Forna)

“Hah hah hah hah, isn’t it fine, Princess. Well, it’s what you can expect of Velt-kun.”

I mean, ever since that day shocking things kept happening one after another, I can’t put any mind to the medal. What I have right now are just ab bit of money, photos from JK City photo booth, and the ring I got from Samejima and Ura. Since it would be bad if I were to lose this I always carry it around.

Anwyay, I will keep anything about Eljela and Cosmos as a secret for now...

“Isn’t that amazing. A civilian who’s not even a soldier to be given a medal but immediately lost it, the Empire would be completely losing its face.”

That moment, as she laughed as if being astonished, a big shot appeared from the corner of military camp.

“Arusha! Why are you here?” (Forna)

“Fufu, Asaku... Velt-kun, I was looking for you. More than that, aren’t you cruel, keeping me away from this.” (Arusha)

I made eye contact with Ayase. And for some reason, she was looking happy too. Despite the human race got pushed to the corner like this, did it instead make them become more fierce?

“Well then, quickly get one for me too, make it less oily please. I might get fat after all.” (Arusha)

“Heck, you’re gonna eat after all.” (Velt)

“Of course I am? Do you think how many years has it been since I ate ramen?” (Arusha)

As if it’s her rightful place, Ayase sat onto a small chair inside our circle without even telling what’s her business with us.

“Wai-, a-are you Princess Arusha?”

“Ara, am I shouldn’t be here? I too am looking forward to eat ramen though.” (Arusha)

“N- no, that.... I mean, those two...”

A lot of things happened. And somehow Princess Arusha fell in love with me. However I got exiled from the Empire for eternity. Well, indeed a lot. And because Forna  already knew of my relationship with Ayase, maybe she felt unhappy. She slightly inflated her cheeks.

“Anyways, Ganza and others has returned, they’re now with everyone on the center.” (Arusha)

“Fuuuh, I see.”

“.... I hope they won’t fight, will they be alright?”

Aah, so she came here to say that huh. Well, I guess that’s fine too. I mean, Ganza is extremely valuable military asset after all.

“Relax, I’m fine with it.” (Velt)

Aah, it’s alright. Somehow, ever since I carried Cosmos within my arms in the Sky World I’m already fine with this kind of thing.

TL note: Damn I forgot who is this Ganza. Maybe the woman who killed Sharkryu/Samejima?

“Is it alright? Isn’t she has grudges with Princess Ura?”

“Yea, it’s alright. Even if she has grudges with Ura it’s fine now. Ura herself too is already quite stable now after all.” (Velt)

“I... see, I’m glad then. Right now the Ten Heroes of Light only has seven people. Fanred-sama.... The Queen of Elfarshia won’t be able to make it in time after all, so we can only fight with the heroes that we have here now.”

Aah, it’s because the queen was already in another expedition so she wasn’t here. Well, I can’t handle her so all’s fine I guess.

“Now that you say it, how about the others from the ten heroes? I don’t know that much about them. If I’m not mistaken, who is that True Hero [Neo Hero] again?” (Velt)

“You really, you don’t have any interest in that huh.” (Arusha)

Not just Ayase, everyone was amazed.  Uh, you guys, it’s something like that right? If it’s in Asakura Ryuuma’s world, its something like being able to tell each of the ministers in the government by name isn’t it? And to a person that doesn’t like soccer, it’s like able to know the name of every member of the Japan national team you know?

Like hell I can remember that.

And then, at that time.

“Princess, Its the time already.”

“How long are you going to keep doing this~, I’m tired of waiting already! The preparations are already done!”

These guys were a pair that I’ve never seen before. 

It’s already too many people here already, don’t come here. I’ve already went through the trouble of preparing things on the edge of the camp, sigh.

“That boy, is he the one from that time?”

Who is it?

One of them is a cool tall man with long black hair. His hair got curled up at its ends.  He gave off the feeling similar to Farga. He wore all black overlaid with black cloak, did he just attending a funeral?

“Aah~ That’s him! He was the one that beaten the crap out of that Mackey, I got very refreshed because of that!”

And then, the other one... What was that? Yellow bikini with short blue pants? What? A relative of the sexy hunters Kuri and Risu? Or maybe you just came back from Hawaii?

“I will introduce them, Velt-kun. They are from the Ten Heroes of Light’s, [Black Swordsman Leville] and [Spirit Warrior Hule].” (Arusha)

Whoa, they’re not from your run of the mill class of people..... if normal soldiers were to be dressed like this, it would be too much of a pain.

“Is Farga doesn’t here?” (Livelle)

“Ha?” (Velt)

“I thought you were together with him? Remember that defensive battle at the Empire.” (Livelle)

“Ah, ooh, we got separated right now.” (Velt)

“I see.” (Leville)

Huh? Is he Farga’s acquaintance? When I thought of that Leville immediately turned back.

“I don’t really care why you ended up being here, I’ll warn you to not go loitering around on the battlefield. If something were to happen to you, Princess Forna’s strength will be halved and it will bring trouble for us.” (Leville)

Eh, what’s with this guy? Why did he sigh to me? This was just our first meeting.

“Hehe, yea well, calm down please Forna’s husband-san. Leville is always like that. But he is good guy that’s very considerate to his comrades.” (Hule)

And then, with relaxed manner completely the opposite of Leville that woman Hule did a follow up.

I mean, what is this... I’m sure they’re strong when fighting but.....                                    

“Despite how they look, somehow, they’re quite normal compared to Ganza.”

Yea, maybe she was too abnormal?

“Eh, Ganza? Aah, so you are Ganza’s acquaintance?” (Hule)

“Hule, about that....” (Arusha)

“What’s wrong Arusha? Hey, more than that, Arusha you also quite close to Forna’s husband-san huh.” (Hule)

“No, about that, well, a lot happened...” (Arusha)

“Eeh, what is it? It feels like there’s something going on? What are you going to do? Forna? Seems your Husband-san did something~ (Hule)

“You seem having fun huh. What about yourself, how is it going with [Roa]-sama?” (Forna)

“No well, he is very popular after all, he always has girls going crazy for him.” (Hule)

Still, how to say it, everyone’s pretty young huh. If we exclude the queen, they’re in their teens or twenties. Could it be, without me knowing these guys already grasping the fate of the world in their hands?

“Anyways Hule, isn’t it the time already?” (Forna)

“Yeah, that guy finally finished his preparations!” (Hule)

That guy? Who is she talking about? As I thought of that, Forna and Ayase, and then, Barts, Shout, and co all simultaneously stood up at once.

“Right now, he is giving orders to the whole troops. Let’s go see him!” (Hule)

“That’s right, if elder brother still able to stand up once again, that means we can still fight!” (Arusha)

Elder brother? Ayase’s? Who is that....

“Velt, let’s go. Since you’re already here you should also go to see him in person. He is the one who bear the human race’s hope all by himself, [The True Hero (Neo Hero), Roa]-sama. A prince of The Empire,  [Roa Arklein]-sama.” (Forna)

Ooh, a hero huh. I’ve always heard of his name and achievements ever since I was still a kid. I don’t really remember his face though.... I see... this is truly the fitting entrance of human race’s supreme commander.

Once I thought of that, I became looking forward to meeting him a bit, so I, Forna and co went to the meeting place together. And over there soldiers that had been waiting eagerly can be seen everywhere as far as eyes could see. Their eyes were focused on an especially built platform.

“Oh, so he is... that’s the hero huh.”

And then, the hero finally appeared on the stage. Dressed with an outfit that one can immediately know that he is a hero if they laid their eyes on him. A silver and light blue armor, red cloak, hero’s circlet. It’s the very standard of a hero huh.

TL note: 勇者の額あて(Hero’s forehead piece) I don’t have any idea what is this till I remember that lots of fantasy heroes in Japan games usually wear a kind of tiara or circlet on their forehead.

Once the soldiers saw that figure appeared, they all became quiet and raised the tension of their bodies. The atmosphere became as if rattled, making even the insides of pits of one’s guts became hot.

“Everyone, please listen to what I have to say.”

This is the hero, Roa’s voice. It sounded quite calm and clear. Despite the voice didn’t sound harsh, it somehow resounded to everyone.

“The Demon King Kishin and his Hell Demon Kingdom’s army are strong. And we had been defeated by them once before.” (Roa)

Hm? I felt like I’ve heard this voice somewhere.

“Even so, it is all the more reason we have to fight them. It is because if we don’t stop them here it will be the downfall of human race.” (Roa)

Oi oi, I mean, what?

“The enemies are sturdy. While us having lost many of our heroes and warriors, the might of our military  has largely declined. If we were to fight in this condition, there will be even more blood being shed and sacrifices that we will make.

I too, will fight Demon King Kishin once again, but even so I can’t guarantee you victory. There is a big chance that I would get beaten back instead.

However! Despite that we shouldn’t perish, we have to keep fighting! It is something that us, only us can do!”

He is.... that, that uselessly handsome dude...

“Even if we died, as long as the human race kept on continuing to exist, there would definitely be someone who would inherit our spirit. And then they will one day bring an end to this era full of wars.

However, if the human race were to perish now, that spirit would be cut off.

Right now, it is up to us to protect that future! We can’t be replaced by anyone else! It is us that is here, right now at this place, are the only ones that can protect that future!

It is something that no one else but us, the duty that only us can do!” (Roa)

What’s this? An earthquake?

No, that’s not it! This trembling, it came rising up from the depths of one’s being....

“  “  “  “  “   “   “UUOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHH!!!!” “  “  “  “   “   “

It was the roar from the human race rebelling against its fate.

“All troops! This is a war with human race’s destiny as it’s stake, the time to fight till the very end has come to us!”  (Roa)

“  “  “ “  “  “  “ OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!”   “   “   “  “   “   “

“To win our right to keep existing in this world, to entrust our spirits to the next generations! Let’s protect the human race till the very end!” (Roa)

“ “ “  “  “  “ UAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!”  “  “  “  “  “

“Come, let’s go!  On this day, let us create a legend for the human race!” (Roa)

I, I got goosebumps.... it’s as if the world is.... this is, a hero, so this is the True Hero Roa!

He even can make a person like me trembled. He lit up the fire inside all members of human race here.

And then, it was at that moment.

“.......Ah......”

Inside these masses of people, as if by coincidence The Hero Roa’s eyes met with mine. Despite the far distance between us, somehow we were able to realize each other from afar.

My whole body got stiffened without me realizing it. And then, Roa moved his lips with. His voice couldn’t be heard.

However, to the me who can read the very air, I focused my whole nerves into concentration to decipher that voice.

----------Th....... anks........Ve.............lt...............Jee................ha..............sa............n

Let’s keep this a secret for only between us for now.

Hearing the hero’s whining was quite the bad thing after all. I mean, this is bad. I just casually told the hero that “Isn’t it fine to just stop fighting?”.

If he actually didn’t want to fight anymore, isn’t it going to be me who’s causing the downfall of human race? I’m scared by just thought of that.

 

Translated by : Thousand Vangs

Edited by : Thousand Vangs

 

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