GalaxyTL
I panicked and immediately rushed outside to frantically search for Licht. Where is he, where did he disappear to…!?
But, well, it was something I should have easily figured out.
Licht, a human child with a lot of magic power. It was only natural for him to have been teleported to the headquarters by that magic circle. It’s something I could have predicted, but…
And yet, I…
For some reason, I was convinced that he would live a peaceful life on his own. Honestly, how stupid.
I wandered through the forest, searching for Licht. Recklessly, without even eating. Even though I knew there was no way I’d find him.
That’s why I doubted my eyes when I found him. But I was incredibly relieved. And at the same time, I was frustrated with myself. On reflex, I kicked him. Haha, I don’t know why.
“Don’t you ‘what the hell’ me! You suddenly disappeared, what have you been doing?!”
“There were circumstances! And it wasn’t my fault! Look, those two over there, they were also involved!”
Our usual conversations, our usual emotions. No, there were so many unanswered questions, like how he was able to return here. But what filled my heart was—relief.
I decided to think about everything later. About how he was here even though he should have been at the headquarters, about the two extra children. I’d hear everything, once we’re back at the cabin.
After hearing their explanation, I understood everything. Those guys at the Eastern Castle weren’t just incompetent. They must have used some interference magic. …Not to be underestimated. But considering how much magic power the teleportation magic circle uses, the interference at the castle must consume the same amount. I predicted they probably wouldn’t be able to use it again so often.
Well, it doesn’t matter right now. The problem is that I have to move with these kids. There’s even a little girl, and I’ll probably be pursued, it’s an unexpected mission. And a high-difficulty one, at that.
There’s no way I can leave the children Gordon gathered behind. Alright, I’ve decided. I’ll write a letter to Gordon explaining the situation and take all of them with me. I’ll have to make detours and somehow make it to the headquarters. Even if it takes a long time. I have no choice.
And so, Licht, who decided to come with me, became a “product” for the first time.
Once you admit it, it’s simple. I just decided to think that Licht was destined to become a product from the start.
During the journey, I desperately kept telling myself that these kids are products. Otherwise… I would get attached. Especially Meg. Every time she looked at me with those big, sparkly eyes and showed concern for me, my heart would waver. Please stop. I’m a terrible adult who’s going to betray you.
And yet, I went and promised to train the kids because they asked me to. Even though it might be disadvantageous for us?
But I thought it was fine. I thought it was fine if they could escape on their own someday. I’m sure I won’t stop them from running away. And I won’t help them either. Rather, I started hoping that they’d escape, with their own strength.
When we were just a step away from the headquarters, I showed mercy. Or rather, showed weakness.
“N-Never mind. You want to go as soon as possible, right! Sorry, I said something weird!”
I wanted them to complain, saying it’s not okay. To say they want to go quickly. If they did, then I—
“You’re the weird one, Ravi! Don’t hesitate over something so stupid! I don’t mind if it takes a little longer at this point. I don’t, but…”
“I don’t mind either.”
“Me neither! Ravi-shan, let’s go say goodbye!”
We could have escaped together—
But I already knew they’d respond like this. What was I expecting? I scoffed at my own stupidity.
“I didn’t want to take care of a brat. Who would take care of a kid with no background if it wasn’t a mission? And I was ordered to make you trust me. I got a hefty reward, but it was quite tough. And for such a long time, too.”
That’s a lie. The days we spent together are the most precious memories in my life. But Licht, please hate me. Hate me from the bottom of your heart.
“Ravi…?”
“Ravi-shaaaan!!”
It’s over. I can’t do this. We’ve missed our chance.
I secretly cried as I laughed out loud, something I did for the first time. The name “Ravi” is just a fake name I gave to Licht. Even though I just wrote it in the letter, Gordon started using it too. I’m Seravis. The notorious criminal, Seravis. The kind Ravi no longer exists.
It was too much to hope for. Yes, it was wishful thinking.
To think I could repeat these crimes, even betray Gordon. Gordon’s my life-saver. He’s that kind of guy, but it’s a fact that can’t be changed. Even if we know what we’re doing is wrong, I can’t betray Gordon. That’s why I…
“S-Stop… Stop it! Ravi!!”
“Shut up! If you want me to stop, hurry up and channel your magic power like I told you!!”
With trembling hands, I held the fire to Ronny and Meg’s chains. Until Licht, crying, channeled his magic power and we could confirm the results. I closed my eyes and listened to the sizzling sound of their hands and feet burning. Occasionally, I’d hear muffled moans. They’re enduring it. They’re still children, and yet, they don’t want to make Licht suffer. Thinking about that, it was painful, like my heart was breaking.
But I wanted to cut off any way back. Seeing their charred hands and feet, I finally became an accomplice. I’d engraved proof of my involvement in this case. There’s no running away now. And I don’t intend to run away.
Those hellish days were nothing. The real hell was here.
See, there really isn’t a God.
…No, maybe there is a God after all.
That’s right, there’s no way God would reach out to me. God smiled on those children. They’re trying to escape with their own strength, so quickly.
Ah… is this different too?
“…Ravi, I still want you to…”
“Get going already, you brats.”
If there is a God, then those children are God. This is the result of believing in themselves and acting with their own strength. It would be rude to them to say it’s thanks to God, right?
It’s embarrassing. You’re too dazzling for me, you know? I shouted. I spilled out all the frustration that had been building up inside me.
It’s enough. I’m satisfied with this. So, you know?
“Are you prepared for the consequences, Seravis?”
Go. Don’t look back.
I don’t think I can win. I know Gordon’s abilities best. And even if I could win… I have no right to hurt Gordon. I’m a traitor, Seravis, to them, to Gordon and our comrades.
I no longer… have a place to belong.
“A-Ah… That’s… pathetic… Guh…”
But I lost too easily, didn’t I? I’m supposed to be pretty confident in my abilities. To think I couldn’t even buy them time. Slash, diagonally across my left shoulder. With this amount of blood, I won’t last long.
But I can’t die yet. I have to see it through to the end. What becomes of those kids. Whether they manage to escape or get caught. I want to at least have closure before I die.
I desperately climbed the stairs, but then I realized how strangely quiet it was. Eerily so.
“What on earth… Haa… what is…?”
The sight I saw when I reached the top was pitch black, like my own future.