Not one died.
Some beast people were rendered unable to fight due to their limbs being shot. Some were temporarily incapacitated due to Honey Pot sucking their magic energy, and were still bound by the Domain Tree.
Qualia looked at the limp, unconscious Backdoor, and tried not to go over the line of fury, as he further updated the information around him.
“Analyzing situation. Estimating arrival of uncle Kernel in two minutes.”
“Request that you explain. Is he accompanied by the guard knight order Clearance?”
“That is estimated to be the case, considering the situation.”
As Qualia and Ace talked, they noticed a presence going away.
“Request explanation. Where are you moving?”
Qualia did not miss Liebe’s back as he moved away.
“The dead go to either Heaven or Hell. I’m sure it’s Hell for me.”
Liebe said that while looking at his right hand, that was disappearing even further.
“I felt mad with rage and like killing Backdoor when I saw him. But then we wouldn’t know about the ancient magic stones.”
“Affirmative. Qualia needs to input information from Backdoor.”
“…Now you two just need to say you beat the leader of Azure Skies, and it will all be over. I’ll take some of the malice with me to Hell.”
He said as he tried to leave with his body disappearing, but Qualia stood in his way.
“You are wrong. You should not move yet.”
“I’m telling you I’ll disappear even if you don’t do anything.”
“There is not enough ‘tasty’ detected in you. You input false information about yourself in a lot of individuals. At this rate, your ‘tasty’ won’t be perceived. Your actions are wrong.”
Qualia told Liebe in Lobelia’s mansion about his role in Hello World. And as he remembered that, Liebe let out a sneering, weak laugh.
“I’ve already decided it. There’s no ‘right’ way to die at this point. I’m just a ghost anyway. A lie that’s been here in overtime.”
“Liebe. Your existence as a ghost and not pursuing a smile make no sense as a causal relationship.”
Ace said as she stood next to Qualia.
“Creating your smile is part of the role of the guard knight chivalric order Hello World.”
“…Qualia, Ace. Let me teach you one good thing.”
Liebe had a look on his face, as if he truly understood it.
“Happiness isn’t just smiles.”
The humans were all gone, leaving no one in that main street. And Liebe continued speaking, in this space where there was only them, and the beast people still bound by the Domain Tree.
“I don’t need what you call ‘tasty’. I just want to do what I think I need to do. And what I want is a world where Ina can get over that wall even a little.”
Qualia did not reference any ‘walls’.
It was a metaphor, and he was still learning the clear meaning behind this wall.
Liebe suddenly saw a brother and sister beast people hiding. Although they were hiding, it was difficult to tell if they saw Liebe positively or negatively. But Liebe knew they were the ones who were being abused by humans, that he saved when he arrived.
The siblings felt a mixture of gratitude and fear, and seemed like they were thinking about whether or not they should get closer.
For just a moment, Liebe smiled for some reason, when he saw they were safe.
“Hey Qualia, ‘tasty’ alone isn’t proof of happiness. For me, being able to go out the way I want is a form of happiness. Especially after being manipulated by someone else’s plot for the remainder of my life. This alone is a satisfying way to die.”
Even if Ina was gone, and she was his motivation, he thought about other beast people. That was why, even if Backdoor incited them, he did not hesitate to take responsibility as the leader of Azure Skies.
“But still.”
But Qualia did not seem convinced.
“Qualia demands to perceive your ‘tasty’.”
Ace glared the same way as Qualia.
Liebe laughed again, as he disappeared.
“Stubborn… Guard knights.”
“Guard knight chivalric order Clearance has arrived.”
The elite unit clad in jet black armor marched. And in the center, was a duke wearing light clothing that was a little stuck between genders, who had a displeased pout on his lips.
“Hey. Talk to me beforehand. It’s important to brief and consult. We’re not some clean up crew.”
“Request understanding. Backdoor has been captured. Also, the usage of brief is wrong. Brief is classified as clothing.”
“I can see that, well done. It’s a good thing I’m not fussy. I’ll teach you society’s rules later.”
Kernel said as he stood in front of the unconscious Backdoor with Qualia.
Meanwhile, Clearance encircled the beast people caught by the Domain Tree.
“Captain Proxy, what should be done about them?”
The captain emerged from the back, with his arms crossed, and giving orders.
“Leave it to the law. Arrest them all.”
The moment Proxy passed by him, Liebe whispered without thinking.
He was wearing a helmet, so his head was hidden. But it was trivial for Liebe to tell humans and beast people apart.
“…I heard rumors, but the captain of Clearance is a beast person?”
“…I understand the circumstances as a beast person. But your methods are unforgivable.”
“Proxy… Stop slacking off and do it already. I’m sleepy and being out in the night like this is bad for my skin.”
“…Understood.”
Kernel kept watching until there was some distance between Proxy and Liebe. And then he turned his eyes to Backdoor, who was still buried in the tree.
“Ace, can your Honey Pot be reversed, and revive people?”
“Yes.”
“I see. Then do it. Now it’s fun interrogation time.”
Ace’s magic stone shined pink, and the cherry blossoms on the branches holding Backdoor disappeared. His eyes opened, as he began to wake up.
…And Qualia sensed rupturing anger again.
He knew it was bad, and held it as he clenched his teeth, and began to fulfill his role.
“Request explanation. Where are the remaining ancient magic stones Black Hole hidden by Woodhorse?”
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