A/N: Welcome back everyone for this week's update!!!!
To be honest I thought I won't be able to update this week as I've been starting on my blank doc for how many days... So I reread what I have written so far.. then boom I got the idea on how to proceed! Lucky isn't!!
So I can now safely say that the rewrite version of vol can be finished properly... I finally got the idea how to end it. while the main story on Volume 2 is well... hehehe... to be honest maybe next week I might focus on the rewrite and just make all so finish it.
Well let's see how much I can make after this weekend updates!
now I'm doing rumbling, please enjoy chapter 79 and chapter 29 rewrite version!
PS: Thank you for the power stones Aethergrey314 and Gelo_Podcast! I truly appreciate it!!
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"Our target is this small island villa just off the coast from here," Tobio said as he pointed at the floating holographic map, his other hand casually lifting a forkful of paella from his plate.
After the Slash Dog team's introductions, everyone had gathered around the long wooden table for a late lunch. Hajime sat at the head, flanked by Alice on one side and Anisphia on the other, quietly eating while listening intently.
Alice and Anisphia, despite keeping their ears tuned to the briefing, couldn't help glancing now and then at Lavinia, who sat a few seats away. As if she felt their eyes, Lavinia turned and waved at them with a bright, innocent smile.
Sagiri, seated beside Anisphia, narrowed her brows and leaned slightly forward. "...But there's nothing on that island," she said with certainty. "I surveyed the area when we arrived. The spot you marked is just an empty coastline—no signs of structures or activity."
"We thought the same at first," Sae said, finishing her bite before continuing, "but thanks to Lavinia-san, we were able to detect a cloaking barrier surrounding the island."
"Mmhmm~ normally no one would even notice the island exists, you know?" Lavinia chimed in, taking a cheerful bite of buttered shrimp. "I only caught it because of some odd, erratic magical pulses—lucky, right? Delish~!"
Hajime, Alice, Anisphia, and Sagiri blinked in sync, watching Lavinia continue eating at her own whimsical pace like none of this was out of the ordinary.
"…To pick up on such subtle magical fluctuations…" Alice murmured, eyes narrowing with interest. "Lavinia-san must be an extremely gifted mage."
Anisphia and Hajime both turned to Alice, equally surprised by her words.
"Wait, wait—did you just give a sincere compliment to a possible rival?" Anisphia asked, eyes wide with disbelief. "You must be really impressed."
Hajime's hand paused slightly mid-sip. The word "rival" twitched at his nerves, but… he didn't deny the rest of her words.
"Hmm?" Lavinia looked at them, tilting her head slightly with her spoon still resting against her lips. The innocent gesture was oddly adorable and for a brief moment, Hajime's heart skipped.
"...Yeah. I'm impressed," Alice admitted, her expression tightening with little frustration. "I'm someone directly blessed by Hajime's authority. I can access a part of his power... and even then, I didn't sense anything strange about that island."
That revelation immediately changed the atmosphere. The Slash Dog team all leaned forward, interest visibly piqued. For them, hearing that Alice Louise, someone who is blessed by the authority stolen from a god, couldn't detect the barrier—but Lavinia could—wasn't just surprising. It was significant.
Meanwhile, Sagiri, Anisphia, and Hajime exchanged glances. For someone like Alice, known among their crew as a magical genius, to have missed such an anomaly? That sent a silent alarm across the table.
Hajime straightened, his casual tone gone, replaced with serious expression. "...What else do we know about that area?"
"...That's actually the problem," Tobio said as he leaned forward. "We were able to confirm the island's existence and location... but we couldn't get inside. The barrier surrounding it is pretty nasty."
"Oh! But along the way, we caught a rumor along the coast," Natsume added, sitting up with interest. "Some locals and even tourists reported hearing a strange singing voice from that direction."
Hajime's eyes narrowed, his fingers tapping silently against his glass. His mind was already putting pieces together.
"I also heard something," Shigune added softly. "A few drivers mentioned spotting crystal-like creatures moving in the shallow waters near the island. They didn't stay long, they just vanished the moment they were noticed."
Lavinia tilted her head thoughtfully. "Actually, now that I think about it... the locals naturally steer away from that coast. Maybe there's some kind of charm or mind-affecting field? Something that pushes people away before they get too close."
"Hmmp. So it's not just cloaking it's also layered with consciousness redirection spells," Anisphia muttered, crossing her arms. "This is a lot more complicated than we thought."
Hajime exhaled, setting his glass down. "Then we rest for the night. No use rushing in blindly. Tomorrow morning, we will move."
The Slash Dog team raised their brows in sync.
"Hmm? You want to head out tomorrow? Not right now?" Kouki asked, clearly surprised.
"Yep," Hajime replied with a shrug, calm and certain. "No use rushing into the unknown. Better to rest, recover, and head in with a clear head and full energy."
"Hehehe~ Hakkun really is different from what we expected," Lavinia chimed in with cheerful amusement, her eyes sparkling as she studied him with growing curiosity.
Hajime twitched slightly as he felt Alice and Anisphia's stares sharpen beside him.
"...Just for reference," Hajime muttered cautiously, setting down his drink. "What kind of person did you think I was?"
They looked at one another, exchanging wordless glances, before slowly turning their attention back to Hajime each with a different reaction.
"I thought he'd be this giant brute with bulging muscles and a weapon taller than himself," Natsume said with a half-grin. "Y'know, like a walking anime protagonist who solves everything by yelling and punching gods in the face."
Kouki crossed his arms. "I expected a cold, arrogant type who vaporizes people with just a stare. Someone who acts like he owns the world."
Sae tilted her head. "I thought he'd be... intense. Like one of those battle maniacs who only knows how to fight and destroy."
Shigune spoke quietly. "I thought he'd be someone who forgot how to be human.... who only cares about power or strength... A weapon pretending to be human."
Alice and Anisphia couldn't help laughing. Sagiri tried to keep a straight face, but her shoulders betrayed her.
Tobio gave a small chuckle. "Instead, we got someone... who is down to earth, caring and understanding."
Hajime blinked slowly, then took a sip of his drink. "...Should I be offended or flattered?"
Lavinia let out a cheerful laugh and looked at him with a playful grin. "Hakkun just breaks every expectation~! Like earlier when he is fishing—"
"Waaaaah! Reni-san, please don't bring that up!" Hajime waved frantically.
"Ump! Why does Hakkun still call me that? Just call me Lavi already!" Lavinia pouted with puffed cheeks.
Because the moment I do... I'll fall....into something I don't understand.... Hajime said in his mind
------
That night, Hajime walked along the seaside. Though it was already quite late, the town remained full of life—music spilling from every corner, laughter from open-air cafes, and tourists strolling hand-in-hand along the moonlit shore.
He walked alone, hands in his pockets, the rhythmic crash of waves accompanying his thoughts. A few girls—locals and tourists alike—turned their heads as he passed. Something about him drew attention. The confidence. That dangerous yet gentle presence. Some giggled, others whispered, and a few flushed red just watching him.
Several looked like they were about to approach him, encouraged by the breeze and nighttime glow… but then Hajime let out a sigh. A soft, heavy one—filled with something hard to name.
That one sigh was enough. The girls froze in place, their courage dissolving as fast as it formed. Their hearts beat faster, not out of love, but uncertainty.
Why did it turn out like this? Hajime thought, staring ahead at the endless stretch of moonlit sea. This was supposed to be a night for all four of us. Me, Alice, Anis... maybe even Sagiri. Walking together under the stars, teasing each other, laughing, enjoying the sea breeze... and yet, I'm alone.
Yes, for now, Hajime was walking alone. Alice and Anisphia had taken Lavinia aside, using the opportunity to question her about how she and Hajime met and their strange closeness. Sagiri had gone with them, likely to observe... or act as a backup.
As he continued along the moonlit coastline, the breeze brushing through his hair, Hajime felt something in his chest, a strange, empty feeling.
He missed them. Anisphia's random chatter that often spiraled into absurdity. Alice's calm responses that always kept pace, matching her tone but never outright denying her. And Sagiri's silent, watchful presence… just listening.
Without them, the shoreline felt colder. Less alive.
So it's true what they say... you only realize something's important once it's gone, Hajime thought, a small sigh slipping from his lips.
To Hajime, it was surreal sometimes.
He had once been a loner with no real friends, just an introverted otaku boy pushed to the margins of the classroom, often ignored, sometimes mocked. Bullied by his classmates.
Tsk. Damn you, Hiyama...
The only ones who had ever shown him kindness were Shirasaki Kaori and Yaegashi Shizuku which more often leads to even more trouble.
But everything changed the day he met Alice. From that moment, she was always at his side. Whether facing gods or living an ordinary day. Then Anisphia joined them, bright and relentless. And now Sagiri.
He'd gotten used to it. Having them close. Not being alone.
Then—
A soft voice drifted through the sea breeze.
Huh? Is someone… singing? Hajime blinked, lifting his head. Drawn by the melody, he followed the sound, his steps silent against the sand.
There, at the edge of the sea, Hajime saw her.
A girl with long, flowing purple hair stood with the waves brushing over her bare feet. She wore a white dress with elegant high slits and long sleeves that showed her curves and even exposed much of her large breasts. She also wears a short black mini skirt. The moonlight draped over her like a spotlight, as if the world transformed as her stage just to let her sing.
Beautiful... Hajime thought, nearly breathless. Her voice was soft, ethereal—each note wrapped in emotion. It wasn't just singing. It felt like a song woven from longing.
He stepped forward, slowly, not wanting to break the moment.
But she heard him.
The girl flinched and turned to face him. Her orange eyes widened in shock as they locked with him.
Hajime blinked, frozen in place. "...Ah. Hi?"
Big?! No! Don't say something stupid like that! he mentally screamed at himself, panic flashing in his head.
She clutched her hands to her chest, a hopeful voice barely a whisper. "...You... Can you see me?"
The girl stared for another heartbeat then looked almost… afraid and yet there is small hope in her eyes.
Then a soft splash interrupted the moment. Hajime turned his head toward the water—and there it was.
The same sea serpent from earlier, the one he somehow fished up. The cause of Lavinia's interest in him, now poked its head out from the surf, blinking its eyes at him.
"Kruu..."
"...You again," Hajime muttered, exhaling through his nose. He glanced back to where the girl had been standing.
Gone.
There was no trace of her—not even a footprint in the sand. It was as if she had never been there at all.
Hajime frowned. His thoughts caught up a few seconds later.
Natsume's words from the briefing...
"Oh! But along the way, we caught a rumor along the coast.... some locals and even tourists reported hearing a strange singing voice from that direction."
His hand moved up to pinch the bridge of his nose as the pieces started sliding together.
"...Damn you, Noah, just what kind of 'event' you set up for me.." Hajime groaned under his breath.
The sea serpent tilted its head, letting out a confused chirp, clearly wondering why the human was scolding someone who wasn't even there.
----
The next day, Hajime and his group, joined by the Slash/Dog team, were en route to the island. The rented motorboat sailed across the waves, and the coastal silhouette of their destination was already in view. With only a few minutes left before they arrived, a strange silence lingered on deck.
Hajime sat in silence, glancing at Alice and Anisphia beside him. Both girls wore expressions that hovered between spiritual defeat and an awkward, newfound respect.
"...We're totally defeated, aren't we, Anis…" Alice whispered, her voice barely above the sea breeze. "That girl… she didn't even try. She just smiled and talked, and suddenly we were all pacing ourselves to her rhythm…"
Anisphia groaned softly, eyes locked on the distant shoreline. "I can't believe we agreed to that," she muttered. "We literally promised her she could have Hajime for a full day."
She buried her red face in both hands.
"…This is Hajime's fault. Why'd you go fishing for a magical girl and a sea serpent?"
"Yeah, seriously," Alice chimed in, pointing a finger at him. "Magical girls are supposed to be in the Captain's zone of preferences. You, mister, are into the princess zone."
"Okay, putting aside the zone nonsense between me and Noah," Hajime exhaled heavily, rubbing his temple. "What exactly did you all talk about last night? Because I'm starting to regret leaving you girls."
The girls looked at him, then turned in perfect sync toward Sagiri who stiffened as their eyes silently telling her to explain.
Sagiri sighed, brushing her hair behind one ear before she began. "Well... she told us about how you two met during your very questionable fishing adventure which by the way, none of us have fully processed. Afterwards we had a little chat. All of us. With Lavinia Reni. About your relationship."
She looked out at the ocean and continued, "And well... she somehow charmed everyone. Even me."
That earned a few blinks, but Sagiri just gave a faint smile and went on.
"She said she found you mysterious. That she wanted to understand you more. She insisted it was just curiosity, nothing romantic, though…" She glanced sideways at Anisphia. "Princess Anis asked her straight up if she had feelings. Lavinia got so flustered she hid behind her hair."
Alice groaned. "Ugh. She pulled the 'shy maiden' routine, didn't she?"
"She did," Sagiri nodded. "And it was... honestly? Really sweet. That moment kind of got us. It wasn't about romance, it was just someone being honest, awkward, and kind. And we all kind of… wanted to support her."
"…she had that look you know, like someone who just stumbled into her first love," Anisphia muttered, almost grudgingly.
"Before we knew it… instead of stopping her, we ended up cheering her on," Alice added, eyes squinting at the memory. "How did that even happen...?"
"We lost. All of us… lost to her," Anisphia, Alice, and Sagiri said in unison, sighing as one.
Hajime kept his expression unreadable as he turned toward the girl in question. Dressed now in a white witch robe trimmed with soft blue, her figure stood out clearly against the breeze. She adjusted her pointed hat, then caught Hajime's gaze and unlike her usual bright smile before, she gave him a small, bashful smile, cheeks flushing pink as she gave him a tiny, almost hesitant wave.
...I'm absolutely doomed, Hajime thought.
----
After about ten minutes on the boat, they reached the island.
The moment they set foot on the shore, Hajime's eyes narrowed. Something felt... off.
"…We didn't notice it at all from the sea," Alice muttered, scanning their surroundings with a frown. "But now that we're here, everything feels… wrong."
"Over there," Anisphia pointed toward a cluster of trees. Through the gaps between the trees were faintly glowing eerie crystals they are familiar with.
Hajime stepped closer, his gaze sharpened. "Fragmentum," he confirmed. "… this is a solid zone."
Alice moved toward the crystals without hesitation. "Azazel-san was right. A Stellaron must've been active here before. The after effects of spatial distortion still remained."
Anisphia moved closer to the crystal deposit, her expression serious as she pulled out her scanner and began collecting readings. Hajime and Alice fanned out a bit, examining the perimeter and noting just how far the crystal growth had spread.
"Are those... familiar to you?" Tobio asked, narrowing his eyes as he watched the trio work. His voice carried a slight edge of concern.
Alice gave a short sigh, her tone tinged with weariness. "Unfortunately, yes. These crystals are called Fragmentum. They're usually found in areas affected by Stellaron corrosion."
That alone was enough to draw a grim silence from the Slash Dog team. Sagiri's brows furrowed. Even Sae and Shigune looked unsettled.
Anisphia glanced back toward them. "I know how it sounds, but don't panic. These readings show the corruption isn't active. In fact... These crystals have been here for quite some time. According to the data, this predates even the Kokabiel incident."
Alice stepped beside her, nodding. "Which means, the Stellaron responsible for this has been destroyed. All of these are nothing but the remnants of the corrosion. ."
"So that's why the locals didn't notice anything strange," Hajime muttered, a hint of relief easing into his voice. "The corruption never had a chance to spread more than this."
Natsume raised her hand like a curious student. "Umm, just to make sure we got this right—since you already destroyed the source, does that mean this place isn't a huge threat anymore?"
Alice gave a small, reassuring smile. "That's right, Natsume-san. The Stellaron that was with Kokabiel has already been eliminated. What remains here is residual corruption. If we handle the cleanup properly, the island will be safe again."
That answer seemed to ease the tension in the air. A few shoulders dropped, and even Sagiri let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding.
"So basically," Shigune murmured, "it's like disinfecting a wound that's already closed."
"Well put," Hajime nodded.
The Slash/Dog team glanced among themselves and gave small nods. No further words were needed—they understood the task.
"Alright then," Tobio said, cracking his knuckles, "Let's clear what's left."
With that, the team began spreading out, each member moving to clear the last traces of corruption from the island.