The Herta Space Station, Chronicles Universe…
Hajime couldn't help but laugh. On the holoscreen in front of him, Hachiman's dumbfounded expression was just too good.
And that just made it even funnier.
[…Seriously. I'm starting to believe that if trouble comes to me… Noah is the type who runs straight toward it.]
Hachiman held his head and let out a long sigh.
"Ahahaha! Come on, at least give the guy the benefit of the doubt, Hachi!" Hajime said, trying to rein in his laughter. "He just wanted to catch an interdimensional being. It just… somehow turned into a war between civilizations—and ended with him becoming their god."
Hachiman stared at him, completely deadpan.
[Like I said. He chased the trouble himself.]
That triggered another round of laughter from Hajime.
Especially when Hachiman added, without missing a beat—
'I rest my case.'
Hachiman let out a sigh and shook his head. [So, how about you? Anything interesting happen on your side?]
"Hmm… not really." Hajime tilted his head for a moment, then shrugged. "Aside from dealing with some god-related trouble back home, nothing too special."
He added casually, "I just picked up another authority. That's all."
Hachiman raised a brow.
[That's not what we heard from Kouki.] He looked straight at Hajime. [Didn't you end up with a Valkyrie as your 'knight'?]
"Pffft—!" Hajime choked. "When did that guy tell you that?! And that's not even the whole story!!"
[So you're not denying it, huh?]
"Shut it!!"
Hajime snapped, pointing at the screen.
'Kouki… I'm definitely getting back at you for this!'
Now it was Hachiman's turn to smirk.
Hajime answered with an annoyed glare.
"It's because of that Odin back in DXD!" Hajime complained. "He just disappeared without a word! He just took Waltraute and Loki with him and left Rossweisse behind after we dealt with Loki and the rampaging Issei!"
He threw his hands up.
"All I got was a letter saying she's the 'reward' from the Norse Pantheon for the trouble Loki caused!"
[Hoo… so our compassionate Demon King didn't have the heart to refuse… and just took the chance to get himself a Valkyrie, huh?]
"Damn you, Hero… you really are my mortal enemy," Hajime muttered, gritting his teeth at Hachiman's teasing.
Hachiman's smirk only widened at his comment.
"Haa… for now, though, I had Rossweisse join as Ingvild's temporary Knight for her peerage," he added after a sigh. "At least this way, there's someone else watching over her aside from Villhaze."
[That's probably for the best.] Hachiman nodded. [Even if she is now a Pathstrider of Preservation, it would be better to have another person by her side to protect her.]
Hajime was about to agree, but stopped the moment he heard Hachiman's 'We don't want something to happen to Ingvild that will set our Demon King to go rampage, right?'
"...Hachi… you got infected by Noah's 'elation' personality," Hajime said as his cheeks kept twitching.
[Praise, Aha…] Hachiman replied in his usual flat tone.
Hajime deadpanned in response.
After letting out a small snort, Hachiman switched back to the original topic.
[So what's your plan now? You just came back from that universe, right?]
"...We're currently at Herta's Space Station," Hajime answered after sighing. "I have a meeting with Mr. Screwllum and Madam Herta about the other universe, how we'll handle Sol and Alpha Centauri here in our universe… and the development of Trailblaze tech."
He rubbed the back of his neck.
"And I kinda brought my parents and little sister as well to get implanted with the Synesthesia Beacon. They want to tag along and experience a cosmic 'vacation.'"
[That's good for you.] Hachiman smiled, genuinely happy for him.
"Thanks." Hajime returned it.
[So, what did Noah say? Are we putting those two star systems under our wing as well?]
"Noah's still considering it. He wants us to scout first. Depending on what we find… We'll decide once he gets back."
[That might be the best option—for both worlds.]
"…Yeah. Probably."
Hajime let out a small, wry smile.
"How's your side, Hachi? Anything interesting happening with you guys there?"
Hachiman's expression cramped; he looked like someone who had just bitten into something bitter.
[...That's actually what worries me the most. Nothing's happened yet.]
"…What?"
Hachiman ran a hand through his hair as he spoke.
[Nothing. Ever since we left Muno Barondom, nothing major has happened. And that's what scares me the most.]
"…Yeah… that would make me uneasy too," Hajime said after a brief silence.
Knowing Hachiman's tendency to attract trouble every single time… The fact that he hadn't met one again felt wrong—no, unsettling.
"Hachi… do you need anything? Weapons? Shields? Armors? Mechas? I can put something together fast."
[…Would it be strange if I said I was actually thinking of asking you that?]
Silence settled between them.
"…Alright. I'll see what I can do and send it over."
[Sniff… thanks, bro.]
The call ended shortly after.
Hajime pinched the bridge of his nose and let out a sigh.
'Yeah… something big is definitely coming.'
He stared at the black screen for a few more seconds before closing it.
'Let's just hope it doesn't explode too badly this time…'
"Onii-chan, we're back!!!"
Before he could dwell any further on his thoughts, Hajime heard his little sister's voice.
When he looked up, he saw her—Mitsuha Nagumo. A petite girl with long black hair and teal eyes, her usual bright energy practically overflowing. A flower hairpiece rested on the right side of her hair, while a butterfly clip sat on the left.
Behind her were their parents—Sumire Nagumo, elegant with her bob-cut brown hair and purple eyes, and Shu Nagumo, tall with short black hair and dark brown eyes.
They were accompanied by Alice, Ingvild, Ophis, Rem, and their new addition, Rossweisse.
"Welcome back," Hajime greeted them. "How was it?"
"It was amazing! really magical even!!" Mitsuha burst out, her eyes twinkling. "With this, there's no way I'll fail my English classes anymore! AHAHAHA!!"
"Don't let it get to your head," Hajime said, reaching out and pinching her cheeks.
"Sh-top it!!!"
He let go, snorting in amusement as Mitsuha shot him an annoyed glare.
"Waaah, Al-nee, Onii-chan is being mean to me!!" she cried dramatically, jumping straight into Alice's arms.
"There, there, Mitsuha-chan," Alice said with a soft laugh, gently patting her head. "The big bad Demon King is just being mean again,"
Hajime rolled his eyes before turning his attention to his parents, who were still looking around with open curiosity.
"How about you, Mom, Dad? Are things okay on your end?"
Sumire tilted her head, taking another look around before smiling as if this were just another fun outing.
"Hmm~ 'okay' might be an understatement," she said lightly. "A space station, instant translation, and all these cute girls around you… Hajime, you've been living quite the life, haven't you?"
Hajime's cheeks twitched as Alice and Ingvild chuckled behind him. "Mom…"
Shuu let out a small laugh as well, giving Hajime a light pat on the shoulder.
"I thought the 'Godslayer' story was already a lot to take in," he said, glancing around again. "But this… is on a whole different level."
He looked back at Hajime, raising a brow.
"So this is your normal now?"
"…Something like that."
"Hah! Not bad."
Sumire clapped her hands softly, more amused than shocked.
"Well, as long as you're doing fine and not getting yourself killed, that's all that matters," she said. "Everything else? We'll treat it as a bonus."
Mitsuha popped back into the conversation without missing a beat.
"He's definitely hiding stuff! Onii-chan always skips the craziest parts!"
"Hey, I don't—"
"You do!"
Shuu and Sumire laughed at the siblings' banter.
"Please don't worry, Father, Mother," Alice said with her usual confident smile. "As long as I, Ingvild, and everyone else are here, we'll keep Hajime in check."
"That's right, Father, Mother!" Ingvild added, pumping her fist with determination. "We'll all work together to protect Hajime-kun!"
"Ohh!! Such reliable daughters-in-law!" Sumire wiped a mock tear dramatically. "Now I can rest easy knowing my reckless son will live a long, happy life!"
"Hajime really did find the best girls for his life," Shuu said with a nod. "But make sure you all take care of yourselves, too, alright? Don't forget that."
"Please don't worry about that, Sumire-sama, Shuu-sama," Rem replied with a small, composed smile. "Rem, along with the entire maid team, will ensure our Queens remain healthy and strong."
"Yes! I may be new and inexperienced, but I will surely protect them all!!" Rossweisse said with a slightly stiff tone.
Hajime could only shake his head as his parents immediately brightened.
"Just as expected from a real Maid-san and Valkyrie! How reliable!"
"By the way, Onii-chan, where are An-nee and Euphy-nee? Shouldn't they be here with you?" Mitsuha asked, noticing their absence. "It's already sad that Sona-nee, Sagiri-nee, and Lavi-nee had to go back to their worlds after your last trip… and now they're missing too."
Anis got called by Asta about the meeting with Mr. Screwllum and Madam Herta. Euphy and Ilia went with her," Hajime answered, patting Mitsuha's head. "As for Sona, Sagiri, and Lavi—they're filing reports about the other-universe mission. They're the main points of contact of our allies in the DxD world, after all."
Just like he said, Sona, Sagiri, and Lavinia couldn't come to the Space Station this time. Sagiri had to brief Amaterasu and Yasaka of the Shinto-Youkai-Japan side, while Sona, Lavinia, and the rest of Slash Dog were doing the same for the DxD alliance.
Even if they were now part of the Nameless, they were also the bridges connecting Astral Express to their homeworld allies. Keeping that link strong mattered.
"Muu… I thought you and the onee-chans were on vacation. Why are you still working?" Mitsuha pouted.
"That's just how it goes, Mit-chan," Hajime said with a small shrug. "Even on vacation, work has a way of finding you."
That didn't help. If anything, Mitsuha's pout only got deeper.
"Fiiineeee…" she dragged out. "Then where are we going next, Onii-chan?"
Hajime glanced at the time, then smiled.
"There's still some time before Screwllum arrives, so… how about we show you guys around the Space Station?"
"Deal!!!"
Mitsuha and their parents answered immediately, unable to hide their excitement. And so, until Hajime's meeting time came, they spent it touring the station together.
—---
En route to Ougoch Duchy, DesuMachi Planet…
Hachiman let out a deep exhale as the holoscreen of his communication line with Hajime closed. He leaned back against the couch, closing his eyes for a moment as he thought about how the rest of the crew was doing.
After hearing about Noah's misadventure in another universe, Hachiman couldn't help but feel a bit lost at how his friend's life had turned out.
He originally left the Express to lure out enemies targeting their crew… then somehow got involved with an interdimensional being that was trying to swallow a world they just happened to pass by.
And from there—
They were jumping from one universe to another, chasing that same being…
Only to end up in the middle of a war.
A peaceful world under invasion.
And somehow…
It all ended with Noah becoming the 'god' of two star systems… and starting to build something close to an interstellar empire.
'This might sound weird coming from me, but… Noah's life is as crazy as mine, huh.'
A small, wry smile formed on Hachiman's lips.
If Noah were here, he'd probably fire back with something like—
'At least I don't get entangled with girls every time trouble shows up.'
Hachiman's eyes snapped open. He immediately looked around, scanning every corner of the living area.
"…That's weird… I swear I just heard Noah's voice." Hachiman frowned. "Don't tell me… did that guy's power evolve again? He can send thoughts across universes now using the Force?!"
A cold sweat slid down his temple. "…How frightening."
"…You… what exactly are you doing?"
Hachiman flinched at the sudden voice, and whatever happened next, he would absolutely deny the small "kyaa" that almost slipped out.
He turned around and saw Tinasha holding Kagura, both of them looking at him strangely.
"Ehem… yo, Tina… Kagura."
He coughed lightly, trying to play it off. Tinasha only raised a brow. Kagura blinked.
"Auuu?"
Ignoring that, Hachiman stepped forward and held out his arms, inviting the baby.
"Aaaa!!!"
"Ah—hey, careful!"
Kagura giggled as she reached out toward him, wiggling free from Tinasha's hold.
"You're full of energy, huh?" Hachiman said with a small smile as he carried her.
"Daa!!" Kagura beamed in response.
"…HOW PRECIOUS."
Both Hachiman and Tinasha felt like their hearts had just been struck by her sheer cuteness.
"As expected from my daughter!" Hachiman lifted Kagura a little higher, making her giggle. "At this rate, you'll conquer the world with that smile alone."
"Daa!!!" Kagura laughed, clearly pleased with herself.
Then his expression sharpened. "Still… I'll make sure no bugs get anywhere near you when you grow up."
…Who would've thought the cynical loner Hikigaya Hachiman would end up like this?
'I guess I can't really complain about my old man being a daughter-con anymore, huh.'
"Hey! Be careful, or you might drop her!" Tinasha said, already stepping closer, ready to catch Kagura if needed.
"Uh-uh. That's not happening." Hachiman answered confidently.
"You're holding her wrong."
"I'm not holding her wrong—"
Before he could finish, Tinasha slipped in smoothly, adjusting Kagura in his arms with familiarity.
"There. Support her back properly—no, like this—ah…!"
Seeing both of them leaning in so close, Kagura decided to join the fun and reached out by grabbing Hachiman's face.
"Ow!—Hey, wait—Ouch—don't grab my eye—Ow!!"
Kagura giggled, completely ignoring his struggle as she patted his cheeks like she was testing something.
"…You're getting mischievous. Must be from your mom, huh?" Hachiman muttered, trying to pry her tiny hands off.
"Just what are you saying? She got that from you, you know?" Tinasha snorted, a teasing grin forming on her lips.
"Isn't that right, Kagura~?"
"Aa!!" Kagura happily raised both hands, as if proudly agreeing.
"…You definitely influenced that." Hachiman grits his teeth while complaining.
"I did not."
"You absolutely did!"
"Hmmp! That's because she's happy." Tinasha crossed her arms, looking very pleased with herself.
"She was already happy!" Hachiman shot back.
"That's a different kind of happiness."
"What kind of logic is that?!"
Tinasha ignored him completely and reached out, gently poking Kagura's cheek.
"That's a big no, alright?" she lightly scolded. "You shouldn't grab someone's face like that… even if it's your father."
"Auu?" Kagura blinked—then immediately grabbed Tinasha's finger and stuffed it into her mouth.
Tinasha blinked for a second before letting out a small, helpless smile.
"…She's expanding her targets," Hachiman said flatly.
"And that's your fault."
"How is that my fault?!"
"Because you're a bad influence?"
"Waa…" Hachiman deflated, not even sure how to argue back.
Kagura, suddenly full of energy, started bouncing in Hachiman's arms.
"Daa! Auu!"
"Ah! Don't do that—careful!" Tinasha stepped closer, clearly ready to catch her. "Don't you dare drop her!"
"I'm not going to drop her!" Hachiman shot back immediately.
"Then hold her properly!"
"I am holding her properly!"
Tinasha clicked her tongue. In her eyes, Hachiman was handling the overly excited Kagura way too clumsily.
She reached out her arms.
"Give her to me."
"No." Hachiman twisted his body away, tightening his hold around Kagura.
"Give her."
"No."
"…You're being childish."
"I don't want to hear that from you!"
"Auu…!" Kagura suddenly leaned toward Tinasha, reaching out for her.
"—See? She wants me." Tinasha said with a smug smile.
"…Don't get cocky." Hachiman's eyes twitched.
"Tsk! Stop refusing to hand her over!"
"Never! You'll just hog her!"
"And you won't?"
"…That's different."
"It's not!"
Kagura, completely enjoying the chaos, clapped her hands.
"Daa! Auu!"
"…And now she's encouraging this," Hachiman deadpanned.
"Of course she would," Tinasha replied without missing a beat. "She's your daughter."
"That sounds like an insult."
"It is."
They stared at each other, neither willing to back down, as if imaginary sparks were flying between them.
"Huh? What exactly are you two doing?"
Mei stepped out from the kitchen carrying a tray of snacks and drinks, looking completely bewildered at the scene. Beside her, Patricia—pushing a trolley stacked with snacks—wore the same expression.
"Maa!!!"
The moment Kagura saw Mei, she wriggled out of Hachiman's arms and reached toward her.
"Fufufu, did you miss me, Kagura-chan?" Mei set the tray on the table before gently taking her.
"Maa…"
Kagura snuggles against Mei's cheek, making herself comfortable.
"Hehe, aren't you a spoiled one?" Mei smiled softly.
Hachiman stared at his now-empty arms, a faint sense of loss showing on his face.
"…Guess nothing beats the real mom, huh." Tinasha let out a small sigh, watching how quickly Kagura had left their side.
"…We didn't even stand a chance."
"We're back!!!"
"Back, nanodesu!!"
"Alright, alright, no need to pull me that hard."
Sora and Pochi's energetic voices were heard as they came down from the second floor, dragging a slightly reluctant Ruan Mei along with them. However, the faint smile on her face says otherwise.
"Mission accomplished, Mistress Mei!" Fran saluted proudly.
"Accomplish~." Tama copied.
"Maaa!"
Hearing Ruan Mei's voice, Kagura perked up from Mei's chest and lifted her head, giving her other mother a warm, happy smile.
Ruan Mei smiled gently and reached out, lightly pinching Kagura's cheeks.
"Hello to you as well, my dear. It has been 5 hours, 18 minutes, and 23 seconds since we parted. I hope you've been behaving?"
Hachiman gave a wry smile.
"…Isn't that a bit too precise?"
At that moment, the door from the driver's seat opened, and Zena, Arisa, and Lulu stepped out.
"Nice! Just in time for snack time~" Arisa said, her eyes immediately locking onto the table.
"Ah! Arisa, don't run!" Lulu lightly scolded before quickly moving beside Patricia. "Sorry for the wait, Patricia-san. Please let me help you."
"Thank you, Lulu-san," Patricia replied with a gentle smile. "Could you please bring the tray of assorted snacks to the table? I shall prepare the tea."
"Please leave it to me!" Lulu answered without hesitation.
The two continued setting the table, while Hachiman, Mei, Ruan Mei, Tinasha, and Zena settled on the sofa. The kids—Sora, Pochi, Tama, Fran, and Arisa—sat at their 'Kids Zone,' eagerly waiting.
Then Pochi, Tama, and Fran's ears twitched at the same time. All three turned toward the entrance.
Right on cue, the door opened as Liza and Nana stepped in.
"Liza! Nana! Welcome back, nano desu!"
"Welcome baaaack~ safe and sound!"
"Nn. Welcome… waited long. Stomach is empty."
"Sorry to keep everyone waiting, Master," Liza said, giving a light bow before moving toward Pochi, Tama, and Fran. "Since you three behaved so well while we were gone, I will ask Lulu and Patricia-san to prioritize your servings."
"Returning from duty. Master," Nana reported—but her gaze immediately went to Kagura… then to Sora and the rest of the kids, completely ignoring the snacks.
"The young organisms are gathered in a high-density formation. My heart-beat sensor is reacting to the cuteness. So I declare."
"Welcome back, you two," Mei said with a gentle smile. Kagura, mimicking her, gave them a small smile as well. "Take your seats and enjoy your well-deserved break."
"Good work, you two," Hachiman added. "As Mei said—eat and rest. You'll need your strength for what's ahead."
"Yes, Master!"
After responding, Liza took her seat, but Nana remained standing, her eyes still fixed on Kagura.
"Master, I have a request."
"No," Hachiman answered instantly, without hesitation.
"..." Nana's already flat expression somehow became even flatter.
Ruan Mei and Mei looked at Hachiman in exasperation, while Tinasha immediately reached over and pulled his ear.
"Don't be mean to Nana!"
"Ow! Hey—that hurts!"
Hachiman complained, shooting Tinasha a glare.
"You didn't even let her finish before rejecting her request?!" Tinasha snapped, matching his glare.
Hachiman snorted and crossed his arms. "She doesn't need to say it. I already know what she wants."
"Hooo…? Then what is it?" Tinasha challenged, not backing down.
Hachiman smirked, completely confident.
"Nana wants to carry Kagura."
"Aaa?" Kagura tilted her head in confusion.
Tinasha blinked, then slowly turned toward Nana, who was looking back at her with a hopeful expression. She crossed her arms, nodded to herself a few times… then gave her answer.
"Yeah. Rejected."
Nana's hopeful expression collapsed as her shoulders dropped. She slowly turned her head toward Mei and Ruan Mei, silently asking for support.
"Hmm… no from me as well," Ruan Mei replied without hesitation.
"Sorry, Nana-san… but it's also a no for me," Mei added with an apologetic smile.
"Master and Master's wives have denied my request. This action has negatively impacted my emotional parameters," Nana said, staring blankly at her empty plate. "Initiating 'Dejection Mode' until further notice. Snack consumption will be increased to compensate. So I declare."
"Ahahaha…" Zena weakly laughed, giving Nana a sympathetic look.
"Zena-sama!!! Then perhaps—!" Nana tried to speak, but—
"I'm sorry, no," Zena cut in quickly, not even letting her finish.
"Gaaaahh…" Nana collapsed onto the table. "…All routes have been blocked. So I state."
"Just ignore the dramatic one," Hachiman said dryly, waving it off. "So, Zena-san, are we about to reach Gururian City?"
"Mhmm…" Zena swallowed the donut she had just taken a bite of before answering. "Yes. We should reach the City by tomorrow afternoon."
Hachiman let out a small sigh. "Finally. We can stretch ourselves in a new city."
"Ugh… can I just stay inside the carriage once we're there?" Tinasha said, not even trying to hide her reluctance.
"That won't do, Tina. You still have to go outside every once in a while," Mei replied gently. "What happened last time was just an exception."
"P-please don't remind me!" Tinasha protested, shrinking a little.
"Sorry, but once we get close to Gururian City, we'll switch to the carriage the Earl Seiryuu provided us."
"Ehhh?!"
Hachiman's words drew reactions from everyone.
"Are you for real, Hachi-nii?" Sora leaned forward, completely forgetting the dango sauce on her mouth.
"Yes," Hachiman nodded. "It's to avoid unnecessary attention from the public, and…"
"We don't want to repeat what happened in the Muno Barondom," Ruan Mei added, taking a sip from her cup.
Everyone grimaced at the memory. Especially Tinasha—she shivered slightly, having suffered the most from that incident.
"That was… something," Zena muttered.
"Ughh… I don't know anything! I don't know anyone named Witch of the Azure Moon!! Waaaah!!!" Tinasha hugged her knees and curled into a ball. "Please spare me already!!!"
"Auu?" Kagura reached out and patted Tinasha's head.
Tinasha slowly lifted her head, peeking at Kagura with watery eyes. "…Kagura…"
She sniffed. "You're the only one who understands me."
"Aaa!"
"She definitely doesn't," Hachiman said flatly.
"Let me have this moment!"
Laughter broke out around them. Snacks were passed along as the chatter picked back up.
Mei leaned back with a small smile. "Gururian City of the Ougoch Duchy, huh… I wonder what kind of sights we'll see this time."
"I don't mind anything," Hachiman said, taking a sip of his coffee. "I just hope it'll be peaceful this time… crap."
The moment the words left his mouth, the carriage fell silent. Everyone turned and gave him the same dry stare.
"…I jinxed us, didn't I?"
They all nodded.
Hachiman dropped back onto the sofa, staring up at the ceiling with tired eyes. "…I'm really going to contact Hajime for more defensive items."
"Daa~!" Kagura chirped, as if approving the plan.
They all glanced at the smiling baby—then burst out laughing again.
"…Whatever. I'll deal with it like always."
And just like that, things settled back down.
No one bothered worrying too much about whatever trouble might be waiting ahead.
======