With you

"…………Eh? "

　A dumbfounded voice escaped Akira's mouth as he read the words displayed there.

(What is this?　Scenario activation?　　And besides, when you say certain conditions were met, why, at this point ……?)


"What's wrong? "


　Nao, perhaps unable to comprehend Akira's thoughtful gaze as his eyes were caught by the screen that appeared in front of him, asked with a quizzical look on her face.
　Akira moved his gaze at the voice, and then hesitantly spoke up.

No, the thing is…… Actually, a screen came up saying that a scenario had been activated."
"Scenario?　I don't have that screen showing up for me."

　Nao stared into the air with a skeptical expression on her face.
　It was no wonder that Nao did not see that screen.
　The scenario was created by the additional effect of the "Return from Hell" skill after all. Since Return from Hell was a unique skill of Ichijou Akira, the screen should not appear for Nanase Nao.
　Akira thought for a moment and decided to tell Nao about the scenario.
　He already told Nao about the time leap. So, he believed that talking about the scenario should not be an issue.
　Nao finished listening silently to what Akira was telling her, and then she said, "I see," a thoughtful look on her face.


"……So, you're saying that because I said I'm going with you now, that scenario or whatever it is has occurred? Maybe that specific condition was that I really wanted to help you."


　This likelihood was quite possible, considering the timing of the screen's appearance.
　But it was still a hypothesis.
　With only one piece of information, they could not confirm that this was the case, but if something similar were to happen in the future, they would be able to identify the specific conditions and whatnot.


"Maybe."

　Akira nodded once at Nao's words.


"But I can't conclude that yet. At least one more time. It's hard to say without a scenario occurring one more time……"
"Well, yeah."

　Nao nodded her head in understanding to Akira's words.

"But it was just right. Ichijou, please accept that scenario thing. That way I can die with you and come back to life, right?　Then it would be convenient for us to go out and beat the boss."
"Convenient?―― Nao-san!　Hey, you know what that word means――――"
"I know."

　Nao interrupted Akira.

"I know. And I also know how hard and painful it all is. ……Upon waking up, this is the first thing you said to me."


　Nao slowly poured out the words as a smile graced her mouth.


"When I heard that story, I thought to myself. Why is it that I don't have the same power as you? I have status too, so why should I be any different than you? But if you accept that scenario thing, I can be just like you. ……No, more to the point, we can bear your suffering together. Ichijou, just a moment ago, I told you.　If you fight to the death, I will also fight to the death. So, Ichijou. Please, accept that so-called scenario."


　Nao said and looked at Akira pleadingly.
　Akira stared at Nao.
　No, all he could do was keep staring.
　There were so many different words going around in his head. Various words of refusal to this wish sprung up in his mind, saying that there was no way he could let Nao be involved in this hell.


"――――Nao-san"


　After a short pause, Akira finally spoke up.


"About the Return from Hell skill. It is not as all-powerful as Nao-san thinks. One moment you feel the pain, the fear, the agony, and the next moment you come back to life, remembering everything you felt when you died. Or rather, you are brought back, whether you want it or not. Still, do you think you are ready…… Ready to step into this hell? "

　At these words, Nao slowly nodded her head.

"Yes, of course. Because you are already in that hell, aren't you?　As long as I'm not alone, I won't be afraid. ……No, the truth is, I'm a little scared, but with you by my side, I'll be fine."


　Akira couldn't help but laugh at those words.
　He had known her for a long time.
　That is why Akira knew how straightforward Nanase Nao was with himself, and how she was a person who, once she had made up her mind, would carry it through to the end.
　Nao was already prepared for this.
　She was prepared to go through this hell with the man, Ichijou Akira, until the end of time.

　――If that was the case. Akira had only one word to reply.


"…………Understood."


　Akira stared into Nao's face.


"Nao-san. Will you return from death with me? "

　Nao returned his words with a small smile and a solid nod.


"Yeah. Of course."


　Akira looked at Nao's face once, smiled softly, and slowly touched the screen.
　――Ding.



　 ――――――――――――――――――

　Nanase Nao's scenario 【With you】 will begin.
　From now on, your Return from Hell skill will be applied to Nanase Nao.
　The condition for clearing the scenario is to defeat a boss monster together with Nanase Nao.

　 ――――――――――――――――――

　Number of boss monsters defeated  ０/１

　 ――――――――――――――――――



　Staring at the screen, Akira clenched his fists.
　Now there was no turning back.
　At the very least, Akira Ichijo's death would cause Nanase Nao to go back in time.

(It's all up to me.)

　Akira turned to look at Nao.
　Now that it had come to this point, she was in the same boat as him.
　So, they should know all about each other as they are about to take on the boss.


"Nao-san. If we are going to work together from now on, you should know about me. So, my status, skills, and all that. I will tell you all about it now. So, Nao-san, please share with me the skills you have acquired, your fighting style, and so on."


　Nao nodded quietly at the words that were muttered with a serious expression on her face.


"Yeah, I got it."

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 ToC    

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