
Receiving Hinata's signal, Fritz moves to the edge of the classroom to protect the children. He looked down at the school yard from the classroom window on the third floor of the school building and he visualized the escape route in his mind. For Fritz, Hinata's orders were absolute, he wouldn't think of opposing them. Since Hinata's prediction was always correct, there was no failure in it except in the previous Demon Lord's Subjugation War. It could only be said that the opponent last time was too strong. Therefore running away with children according to the order this time should be the right thing to do. Fritz could understand that bringing back the children and his information took priority above all else, he certainly thought that the children and himself included would only be a hindrance to Hinata. But still, just following orders for no reason was not good, so Fritz was attacked by a feeling of uneasiness. Or rather, it was Fritz's intuition that made him think so. As a result, Fritz and the children's escape will be successful, or so. . . . . . .
(Hinata POV) Hinata understands the entire layout by looking at it from the sky using spatial perception. By the window was Fritz and his four children. The subjects he had to protect, he could not let them be swallowed by the attack. "Hero" walked calmly from the door near the corridor to the seat in front of Yuuki. A Hero's ability is equal to his own or better than his. The Hero's Tale sealed the storm dragon Veldora which was the "dragon type" he saw when he attacked the famous Tempest. "Can I really win against that dragon?" According to Hinata's calculations, the chance for him to win against the Veldora Dragon Storm was low. Although there was no chance of victory, if he thought about it, the Hero had just woken up from a sleep of several decades and it could be assumed that the Hero was not in a normal state. Moreover, since Yuuki is in control, the Hero may not be able to fully use his abilities. If it was just to hold him; then it might be. That's what Hinata's calculations came from. Hinata returned her katana to her scabbard at once, and took a posture for iai. And then, he let out a forward attack, not moving from his place, using extreme speed to draw the sword.
「Bind SlashAstral Bind Slash! [1]」 (Hinata)
The glint Iai hid it, countless amounts of spirit substances gathered at the blade section and turned into innumerable blades that had been released as soul restraining attacks. The spirit substance that was transformed into countless blades had the same effect as the talisman. This was a technique to bind the Astral Body which was a soul container instead of flesh, one of Hinata's hidden attacks to seal the opponent's movements at the same time when the shockwave of the batoujutsu's speed was released. The katana is part of the spiritual weaponry, it is the arm that results from the concretization of spirit power. Thus, the tip of the katana once again exuded brilliance. This was a possible action without letting the enemy predict his tactics since it could replace talismans and mediums to change the spirit substance. This would create a huge advantage in the battle between fellow experts. But . . . . . .
「Otto!」 (Yuuki) 「.....」 (Hero?)
His voice sounded joking, but his response also did not show any fret. Yuuki counteracted the shockwave with the knife [2] he held in his hand. This was called the Snake Sword [3], a unique legend-grade weapon that Yuuki possessed. The weapon is flexible, although it can be used as a knife, it can be expanded and used as a whip because the weapon has properties that allow it to change its shape freely. But, more than its status and performance as a legend grade weapon, it had the ability to absorb a fixed amount of damage. Until it reached its limit, his knife could undo all the attacks it received. However, once its capacity is reached, it cannot be used until it is recycled in one week. This time, Yuuki used his ability as he sat down. The blade absorbed all the shock waves without fail. "Ah? It becomes impossible to move. How else, I'll leave the fight to you. 」(Yuuki)
Although the shock wave itself was aborted, one of the blades pierced through Yuuki's shadow and the restraining effect was activated. However, there was no panic in Yuuki's expression, while sitting on a chair, unable to move, he appealed, Yuuki asked the Hero's order to fight Hinata. To be honest his behavior was unnatural, he was sure he hadn't missed anything, observing from the start. On the other side is the hero. The Hero performs defense with transcendental sword skills to intercept each blade piece, although that should be the first time the Hero sees Hinata's attack. Without changing her beautiful expression at all, there was no feeling of impatience or resentment on her face. 「Understood. Even if I'm going to kill, is that okay? 」(Hero?)
The hero nonchalantly accepted Yuuki's request.
And, in front of Hinata, the Hero asked a question as if it was a solved problem. "No problem . It seems like Hinata will not be a subordinate. How else, right? 」(Yuuki)「 I understand. Then, at least I will kill him without suffering. "(Hero?)
The voice was emotionless. The answer is as if it were written first. The hero reminded him of a ruthless killing machine. No, there was not even a cruel emotion, it was just carrying out his orders, a Doll. Hinata looked at her appearance and thought. He also defeated his enemies without emotion. He felt that his former self resembled the Hero who was now in front of him. Hinata holds her katana pointing a knife to her opponent's eye [4] and confronts the Hero. And, he prayed that Fritz and the others behind would escape quickly. When Yuuki appeared just a moment ago, he felt a barrier being installed around the school. He believes it may have the effect of blocking teleportation but they may be able to escape with 『Magic』 Transfer after they exit the school. In the worst case, if they ran to the Saint church next door, it was also possible to be transferred to the headquarters using a teleportation magic formation. Even if barriers are erected around the school, they can escape once they get out of the school. Therefore Hinata wants them to move fast. . . . . . However, it can be said that such an opportunity does not really exist.
But what Fritz and the others did not notice was that Kagari (In other words, Kazaream) was leading his men and waiting in the schoolyard. Because it was still morning, there were some people. Although it was time for the students to go to school, since the dorms were separate from this place, it was quite quiet. Even assuming he was paying attention to the people gathered, they could deal with it. In other words, the escape route from the school grounds had been blocked. Fritz did not realize it, but he hesitated to believe in his own intuition and take action. It only takes a few seconds. But as a result, in a short period of time under a minute all conclusions were settled.
Hinata focused all her attention on the Hero. There was no point in worrying about Fritz and the others. All he had to do now was eliminate the enemy in front of him and buy time. Hinata crossed swords with the Hero without noticing Yuuki who was making a fuss, still unable to move on the chair. Natural talent and effort. Hinata was proud of her almost genius ability, it was a fact that she remained invincible until her defeat against Rimuru. It was not only in sword skills but even in magic.
「Wind Blade!」 (Hinata)
Magic activated without singing along with wind blades attacking the Hero from all directions, the katana Hinata got closer to the Hero. Instead, the Hero ignores the blade of wind and receives the katana Hinata with his own katana. Although countless wind blades struck the Hero's body, they all turned into light particles and turned into magic power. It was completely prevented because of the Unique Skills 『Absolut』 Defense that Heroes had. Hinata uses countless magic, but everything is blocked by 『Absolute Defense [5] Hero Heroes and does not give any effect. And also, Hinata's swordsmanship was completely rejected by the Hero as if he could predict it. Above everything. . . . . . . . Katana Hinata is smashed to pieces by a single glint of the Hero katana. With this the third time. What is the difference between their swords? Or the difference between their skills. . . . . . . . ? Katana Hinata is easily destroyed by the Hero. Although the blade changed every time it broke, it clearly showed that Hinata was in an unfavorable position. From what he heard from others regarding the abilities of the Hero, there was no indication of when the Unique Skill 『Absolute Severance』 was used. Even so, Hinata did not panic. The Hero's sword skill was higher than him. The magic didn't work either. Even so, Hinata did not give up. He handled it gently. And he's waiting for an opportunity. "Egg hero" - his sprouting and his own talent, make his spirit strong. Above all, because he had people he had to protect and there was a place he had to return to. Little by little, Hinata's sword speed increased. The concentration is increased, and cracks appear on the eggshell. . . . . . . . Hinata ran to the peak of existence called Heroes. 「I won't lose! Even if my opponent is an invincible Hero. I will defeat you and I will advance beyond you! Accept this, Melt Slash !! 」(Hinata) Hinata challenges the Hero to fight with the fastest and strongest technique he has. There are no small tricks. The elevation made the throbbing heart rate not felt until now. And, as he exchanged blows with the Hero's sword, he noticed an increase in his sword force. That one punch was the strongest blow with all of Hinata's strength as she broke her egg shell.
(Back to Fritz) Fritz could not believe his own eyes. Hinata The Awesome. Hinata Dominating. For Fritz, Hinata was the symbol of Justice of Power that he adored. Although he was defeated by Demon King Rimuru, but after that he realized that Hinata grew and became stronger than before. The enemy is a Hero stronger than Hinata, beginning to respond to Hinata's sword speed. Fritz's perception could not keep up with the speed of the sword anymore. "As expected of Hinata-sama!" So his mind thought, then it happened.
「――Melt Slash !!」 (Hinata)
Hinata's attack is sent and attacks the Hero. Next moment.
「Hero can not lose because it is" Hero "lho. Existence is what a Hero is. 」(Yuuki)
Yuuki's muttering voice rang out in Fritz's ear. The voice was like a sage who achieved enlightenment but only conveyed simple truths. "Very bad . As expected, Hinata can't beat me. I wonder if that Rimuru-santhe results will be different? 」(Yuuki)
Yuuki spoke as if he was talking about something far away, as if Fritz was not in that place. Fritz could not understand it. In front of his eyes, he saw the appearance of Hinata who had fainted while vomiting blood after her heart was pierced by the Hero katana. Although he saw it, Fritz's mind was in denial and refused to acknowledge it.
「U, uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa !!」 (Fritz)
Fritz did not realize that the scream was coming from his own throat. However, reality did not waver and the situation continued without a care for Fritz. It was only a moment before Fritz understood this event,
(Back in Hinata again) Convinced of victory, a hopeless reality strikes Hinata. The Special Steps Hinata released overlapped with Heroes. This technique was entirely at the same rank as Hinata, but its speed and strength exceeded Hinata's. Slash GT. The hero replies to Hinata's technique by using the same technique as Hinata. And although the execution was after Hinata, the execution at the speed of Hinata's sword and with that power destroyed Hinata's sword. The energy left over from the aftershocks even cut through the dimensions. Technique activated with Hero Unique Skills 『Absolute Severance [6]』, surpassing Hinata's strength and skills in all aspects. And, Hinata's heart was pierced without hesitation by a single attack from the returning katana. (–Is this the end . . . . . ? No, not yet . There's something I have to do!) A hero is a person whose heart does not despair easily. Hinata did not give up and tried to stand up. However, ―― No, everything went as it was destined.
He tried using Extra HealSuper Recovery Magic but it was inactive. He thought he heard someone's voice. The voice of a crying girl. (Ah, I can still fight. At the very least, the children and Fritz were able to escape. . . . . . . ) ―― Yes, it's okay. The children were able to escape safely. (Is that so? That's a relief for now. . . . . . )
For some reason Hinata was relieved by those baseless words, Hinata vomited blood and fainted in her place. Although he saw it, Fritz's mind was in denial and refused to acknowledge it.
「U, uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa !!」 (Fritz)
Fritz rushed to Hinata and hugged her while shouting. Cold wrapped around his body quickly, and Hinata noticed that his consciousness was weakening and his senses were paralyzed even though he felt Fritz's warmth. "Ah, I can't be saved". So Hinata was conscious. Because of that,
「Fritz, this is an order. Due to the Hero's attack, space had been torn. If it is now, transfer magic can be used. . . . . . . Immediately leave this place. . . . . . . . . . 」(Hinata)
「But. . . . . . . ! 」(Fritz)「 This command. Fritz. . . . . I . . . . . . . . Don't want to die in vain. . . . . okay? 」(Hinata)
And the kids who saw the exchange, Kenya, are,
「Uoooo! Melt Slash !! 」(Kenya)
A dazzling light was generated in Kenyan hands and condensed into a single sword sweep. And the sword was swung, Kenya used Hinata's technique by imitating it after seeing Hinata use it. The eyes were blinded by the light from the flash of the sword. Although it was captured by the katana the Hero was holding, the attack managed to tear off some of the Hero's hair and make them flutter in the air. ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ At the same time, Alice moved. Their cooperation was perfect as they were connected by Telepathy, everyone was wrapped by the space manipulation magic formation that Alice had created. Even Hinata was in Fritz's arms after she received one blow from the Hero. Such a chain of events happened in an instant.
………
……
…
What was left in place when the light of the Space Manipulation Magic Formation of Alice disappeared was only two people. Only Yuuki and the nameless Hero. On the classroom floor there was a pool of red blood that had not dried up which clearly proved that this incident was a reality.
「Ahh, I made so many flags, so it is possible for them to escape huh?」 (Yumuki)
The hero did not answer Yuuki's mutter. Since there was nothing, his expression was not blurry either.
「Although that is so, is this on schedule? And when we're done, shall we come back? 」(Yuuki)
Yuuki showed no worried expression, there was no sign of regretting failure either. When Yuuki told Kagari and her subordinates who were waiting in the schoolyard to return, as if nothing had happened, he returned to the Freedom Association Headquarters. The nameless hero also rolled his eyes to see the tears in the space that were recovering in an instant. Will's light appeared in his irisless eyes, the aura he gave off as if it was the expression of a different person who had started to appear and disappear. 「So. It starts now. . . . . . . . . 」(Hero ... ..?)
No one heard the murmur with an unknown meaning. The Hero turned his legs, and began to follow behind Yuuki. His steps did not hesitate, and the doll-like presence he had until now disappeared. All that was left was a pool of blood that could not speak.
−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−
He heard a voice calling to him. Hinata awakens her fading consciousness and listens to the voice.
「――Please don't go! Hinata-sama !! 」(Nicholas)
Ah, that sounds very sad. . . . . . I'm sorry Nicholas. Fritz also. . . . . I can't see anymore. I only judge from the presence, maybe not so. Are you living your life to the fullest? ―― No, there's still something I haven't fixed. Even though I found a place for me to return after having a major problem, you know? Are you sorry? ―― No, I don't regret it. If I regret it, I am rude to the person I sacrificed. Do you still want to live? ―― I want to know which one? I don't want to die, I think? But it seems impossible.
My heart is broken, and magic cannot be used. Nicholas and Fritz. He also felt the sadness of the Holy Knights adoring him. However, there was nothing Hinata could do. If he thinks about it, he is warned by his Sensei (Shizu-san), is it a mistake for him to save the children? ―― No, that's true. I puffed out my chest proudly, so I could say it. After all, this event happened only because the enemy surpassed him even if he took precautions. My body stopped throbbing, it was already in a state where vital activity had disappeared. The brain wave had also stopped, it had become a complete corpse. Due to this circumstance, even if Nicholas 『Revival MagicResurrection [7]』 is used, a resurrection is unlikely. Resurrection is only in name, because it is still an incomplete magic. However, since he could hear their voices in the end, Hinata was satisfied. No, he had to be satisfied, so he thought. Since he had left something amiss, he wanted to seek out and help those troubled with his own eyes, but there was someone who inherited the Will. She's blessed. Because he didn't die when he made a mistake or when his mind was manipulated. At least, in his last moments he wanted to meet his Sensei again, so he hoped. Just before Hinata's soul will faded and disappeared.
Forgive me . Everything is as it was destined to be. Your soul will be warmed within me. Finally, the "hero Egg" your soul has will definitely appear. ―― Who are you? I'm Chloe. ―― Chloe? Fifth child? Yep. Because the Hero wakes up, the people who can recognize me disappear. [8] You will assimilate with me, and will become a true Hero shortly thereafter. What was born here was a Nameless Hero. Everything is a pre-existing harmony [9] . As for your defeat and also your death. ――It was somehow annoying. It's inevitable. I recognize what it is, and to get your soul, I jump into the past. ――Have things in the future been decided too? No, what was decided to that extent was unknown. All I know is this moment now, when the True Hero awakens, just to that extent. By the time I flew into the past, the Hero whose existence overlapped disappeared and was detached from all limitations. That is, even though it is my and your assimilated existence, it can be said of others. [10] Even so, are you going to come with me? No, I want you to come. –I see . That's something that can be rejected. But that can't be denied, yes. [11] Because the Hero is a person whose heart does not despair easily. Rejecting here is impossible for Hinata's personality, it means all is likely to be lost. More than anything, he might be able to help Shizu-san and everyone once again. Although it might not be possible, even if he were to count it with the Unique Skill 『Mathematical Expert』, yet he understood that the possibility for this was impossible. (But still, I can't help but pray. Because dying means giving up and making the best of my life for everyone ..)
Hinata accepted the offer. "Thank you," he muttered in a small voice to the girl, Chloe, Hinata and Chloe's souls mixed into one and jumped through the time barrier. Into the distant past. And now, the endless journey of the girl named Chloe and Hinata begins.
−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−
Nicholas confirms Hinata's death and lamentation. No matter how many times 『Rebirth』 is used no reaction. Nicholas continued chanting magic desperately while hugging him tightly to warm the cold body that was getting colder. Unknowingly, both of his hands were held back by Fritz, but he broke free. "If you bother me then I'll kill you," as soon as he thinks. Then, interrupt Nicholas and Fritz, and,
「Please stop, Nicholas-sama. Hinata-sama is dead. 」(Leonard)
Calmly, Leonard who took the position as the leader of the Holy Knights reported, but this was a cruel reality for Nicholas
「What, it is impossible. . . . . . It was Hinata, you know? There is no way Hinata-sama is dead !! 」(Nicholas)
Nicholas screaming. No one answered, Nicholas' words sounded blank. Nicholas understood it too. He just doesn't want to admit it. In this world with magic, in this place he prayed for the miracle of God. That day, the death of former Holy Knight leader Hinata Sakaguchi was confirmed.
This is the beginning of what will happen later. Hinata's death marked the beginning of a time of chaos in this world.