Volume 9 Chapter 62 Day Three (The Beginning of the End)
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Traveling from gate to gate took hours. By the time we finally reached the southern gate—the First Emperor’s Tent—Kadokura Hikari and I, along with Naje, arrived well past dusk. The First Emperor had already been informed, and he came out to greet us with Asakura Chinatsu, Kito Ginga, and the Witch of the Dead Arm, Almaria, at his side.
And the first words out of his mouth were—of course—completely unserious.
”So, Ginga-kun. Do me a favor, alright? Don’t tell everyone I slept with Chinatsu-chan. It’d be a whole mess if that got out.”
”Geez… seriously, Takumi-kun? No matter which version of you it is, you’ve got no self-control with girls. Can’t you just be like me—loyal to Shion-chan, one and only?”
Takumi grinned, tilting his head like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
”No can do, Ginga-kun. If I did that, I’d end up a losing-heroine candidate. To compete with Hikari-chan and Aria—sure, I can match them in beauty points, but bust size-wise, I’m doomed. That’s why Tak-kun needs things like MDGC and TPP. Totally his vibe♡”
”…Wait. MDGC? TPP? What the heck do those even stand for?”
”Easy. McGaref Slave Girls Collection and Takumi-kun Princess Party. Oh, MDGC is Tak-kun’s beloved collection of classmate-slaves♡ Besides me, there’s Aria, Kurumi-chan, Shiori-chan, Haruka-chan, Hikari-chan, Rira-chan… Kahoru-chan too, though she just sleeps with him, not technically a slave.”
”Hold it! You’re seriously telling me you’ve been sleeping around with that many classmates? Aria’s paizuri service—ugh, I mean, wow, envi… no, I mean, sure, I also… uh… ravished and executed some queens and princesses from conquered nations but—”
The First Emperor bit his tongue before the words “ravished and killed” could slip out. Ever since Livia’s poisonous influence had waned, he couldn’t even make sense of why he’d sunk so deep into brutality.
”Yeah. Definitely Livia’s damn fault…” he muttered.
”By the way,” Chinatsu chimed in, “was Livia actually our Livia-sensei?”
”Not sure. When Raphastia and I were killed, she revealed herself as a god, but before I could press her… she killed me.”
”Right, right. You’re combat power five, after all.”
”Ugh… hey, I had a Drive Knight, remember? That counts for something!”
He glanced toward the headless knight waiting silently at his side—an artifact he’d claimed in the Depths of the Labyrinth, a rare treasure and a warrior strong enough to duel Chinatsu one-on-one.
Talking with him was uncanny. He was Takumi—my Takumi—but also the First Emperor, carrying centuries of scars. And yet when he spoke, it felt like the school-trip bus ride had only just ended yesterday.
”We share the same last memory: the bus. After that, it all diverged.”
”Yeah. But I’m glad—Shion-chan married you in this world. Congrats. Which makes it even more urgent. We’ve declared a truce, but to end the war for good, we have to kill Livia.”
”For Shion-chan’s sake, I’ll fight too. Ah—looks like someone’s coming.”
In the distance, silhouettes grew larger with each step closer.
”Wow. No matter how many times I look, they’re both Hikari-chan.”
”Yeah. Two identical selves in the same space. Weird, huh.”
”So, Takumi-kun, confident you can tell your Hikari-chan apart?”
”Eh… don’t make me answer that! If I mess up, Hikari-chan’ll kill me. …No, wait. Hikari-chan… I missed you. I missed you so much…”
Tears slid down the First Emperor’s cheeks as he stared. But it didn’t matter—because one Hikari broke into a run, sprinting toward him. He ran too, and they crashed into each other’s arms.
”Takumi-kun, it really is you…!”
”Hikari-chan…! I wanted to see you. I really did. It’s really you.”
Their kiss was long, desperate, full of the heat of years lost. Bodies pressed together, searching for familiar warmth. To him—who’d lived on as emperor after her death in childbirth—it was a reunion carved straight from his dreams.
”You could’ve come sooner… why were you in McGaref?”
”I think I was the first to incarnate here.”
”Ahh. Probably the order of death. Before Raphastia and me, Almaria died of illness, a year earlier, so she was already here.”
”Oh, you’re right. Almaria-san, it’s been forever!”
Hikari waved, and Almaria, standing a little apart, returned it with a gentle smile. She wasn’t as close with Hikari as Cartera had been, but even for her, this reunion stirred something warm.
”And with no one else around, I left the Labyrinth. That’s how I ended up meeting… me.”
The modern Hikari caught up, calling out brightly, “Takumi-kun, over here! It’s me!” Same face, same voice, same everything. Impossible to tell them apart.
”Hikari-chan, you made it too, huh.”
”Chinatsu-chan! Ginga-kun! Thank goodness. When I heard you’d been captured, I was so worried. Shion-chan was devastated too…”
She smiled, carefully avoiding any mention of Shion’s disappearance. She hadn’t yet heard that Shion had been rescued.
”Don’t push yourself, okay? You’re gonna be a dad now, Ginga-kun.”
”Yeah, sorry. But who knew Berhardt was that strong…”
”Fufu, I beat Ber-chan one-on-one, though♡”
”Wait—you beat that thing? Asakura-san, are you even human?”
As they joked, smack! A sharp sound split the air. They spun around—just in time to see Hikari slap the First Emperor across the face.
”This is for starters. You know what it means, right?”
”…Yeah. Suenaga-kun and Yoshizuka-kun.”
”Not just them. Kanare-san, the soldiers, the people of Gonan, the residents of McGaref… you started a war, Takumi-kun.”
”I’ll take responsibility. But first, let’s head inside. Hikari-chan, you don’t know Livia’s true nature yet. We need to kill her.”
”Speaking of responsibility—when you’re executed, I’ll be executed with you.”
His steps faltered. He turned, eyes wide and wet, staring at her. He knew this side of her—once she said something, she never let it go. And he hated hearing it.
”Please, Hikari-chan. You weren’t part of the war. Don’t die with me.”
”Thank you. But… talking with myself made me realize. Two identical people in one world—it’s wrong. So when it’s over, let’s die together. Tonight, I’ll love you again, so… okay?”
”…That look. You’re serious. Of course you are—you’re Hikari-chan.”
”Of course I’m serious.”
Her words landed heavy. He knew that determined tone. And he knew the weight of his own responsibility as war’s instigator.
Cartera breezed in then, cutting through the tension like only she could.
”Well then! How about I join too? It’s been ages since the three of us loved each other. May I?”
”Of course. Even if it’s wartime… who knows how many nights Takumi-kun has left to feel love. Let’s give him plenty while we can.”
”Haha… two-on-one, huh. Guess I’ll be wrung dry tonight. If it weren’t me, anyone else would keel over on the spot.”
Takumi’s crooked smile—it was exactly the same as the present Takumi’s. Chinatsu and the modern Hikari exchanged wry looks.
”He really is the same, huh. Though honestly, with two Beast of Lust gods appearing at once, shouldn’t we just… um, mercy-kill him with passion?”
”Wait—you mean me sleeping with this Takumi-kun? No way. That’d be awful—for him and for me.”
”Aww, so much for shared destiny…”
”…Did you say something?”
”Nope, nothing at all♡”
And so, with laughter and teasing in their wake, the First Emperor’s group made their way into the Tent, joined by Grano, to discuss killing Livia. The modern Hikari and the others were finally told the truth about Livia’s danger, and what this war was really for.
”Still, Livia’s been running from Cartera, right?”
”Yeah. Even when we went to the Imperial Capital, she sensed us and vanished. It’s a chase with no end.”
”She loves the shadows. Leave her be and she’ll rot the world from underneath.”
”Maybe Haruka-chan’s Dora-chan could help? That little ‘Underworld Emperor,’ Dora Ghorat?”
”In our time… did someone like that exist?”
Almaria shook her head.
”No. If she were there, the Witch of the Dead Arm—that is, me—would have noticed.”
”I see. Then for now, let’s just create situations that frustrate Livia. Keep the truce alive, stabilize the empire’s chaos. I’ll handle most of it until it’s over. After that, I’ll surrender, be executed, and dump Quvar into my present self’s lap.”
”Then may I die with you?”
”…No. Almaria, you and the commander should stay, support the me that’s still alive.”
”Understood. What about that fool Raphastia?”
”Mm… what do we do about him?”
”My strong recommendation: execute him too.”
”Haha. Almaria, still harsh with Raphastia, I see.”
”No, you’re just too soft, kid.”
The banter sparkled with a strange warmth. It had been too long since any of them had laughed together. And so, without any brilliant plan against Livia, the council ended.
That night, though, Hikari caught Takumi by the collar, sniffed, and said: “Your skin smells like another girl… not Almaria-san. Who is it?” Which forced him to confess to being with Sheryl, Stella, and Chinatsu. Morning came with Takumi and Chinatsu kneeling in 正座 for the Great Scolding Session, no excuses allowed.
By dawn, the group was already moving toward the north gate. Their goal: reunite with the current Nasu Takumi—”McGaref’s ruler”—and at last confront the root of all evil: Livia.
The war that history would call the McGaref Great Campaign was, strangely enough, already on track for a swift conclusion.
Notes:
• Kito Ginga – 1st Division leader. Modest, respected.
• Chinatsu – White Wall — Black hair, B-cup. Adventurous, masochistic, Takumi’s first slave & lover. Master of Asakura-ryu Iaijutsu, wields cursed sword Chisame (blood-powered). 12th-ranked fighter, close to Hikari. First appears in v1c1 Prologue.
• Almaria – ‘Witch of the Dead Arm,’ ex-Quvar court witch turned 2nd Division vice-commander under Raphastia. Dutiful but hot-tempered, she shoulders his neglect, mocked as everyone’s toy yet deadly with assassins from the underworld. Slew Rex Velacoat, captured Sheryl and Stella. First appears v9c11. Reminder: Earnest witch cursed to babysit a gambling general.
• Hikari – 4th Division leader. Stressed, relies on Takumi.
• Naje – First princess of the Lesta Kingdom and deputy commander. The tragic princess of the Lesta Kingdom who was executed for her country.
• Shion-chan – Ginga’s GF. Archery, healing.
• Shion – Ginga’s GF. Archery, healing.
• Hikari-chan – 4th Division leader. Stressed, relies on Takumi.
• McGaref – Fortress city, adventurer hub.
• Haruka – Witch of Destruction — Silver-haired, F-cup. Former class vice-president, now a powerful witch. Wields the Agilaus Staff, capable of devastating ritual magic. Became the world’s strongest after acquiring the ‘Dark Emperor of the Abyss’ as a familiar. Exhibits exhibitionist tendencies, often seeking public intimacy with Takumi. Deeply devoted to him, balancing her role as a leader with her desires. First appears in v1c1 Prologue.
• Kaho – 3rd Army leader. Worried, ceremonial magic.
• Rira – A classmate and one of Takumi-kun’s harem members. She has J-cup breasts and short black hair, which she plans to dye blue. Rira enjoys playful and creative expressions of intimacy, including cosplay and affectionate physical affection. Rira is also known for her ‘Intuition’ skill, which has been evolving into something more advanced. She is a key figure in Takumi-kun’s life, offering both emotional and physical support. First appearance in v1c15.
• Livia – 8th-ranked imperial witch, heir of Cartera and friend of Lilus (Neige’s sister), whose death drove her to hate Quvar. Austere, sharp, and feared, she opposed the Ghost Army and toppled Emperor by using then betraying Gritch, secretly backing Princess Sheryl. First appears v9c3. Reminder: Brilliant witch who twists loyalties to save the world.
• Raphastia – A once-renowned general who now serves the First Emperor in the underworld army. He is referred to as a ‘Holy Corpse,’ indicating his undead state. Raphastia retains his self-awareness and will, which is unusual for the undead, and his loyalty to the Emperor remains unwavering. He is described as having a raspy voice and is one of the key figures in the Emperor’s command post. First appearance in v9c8.
• Cartera – Eternal Witch — The First Emperor’s mistress and a resurrected sorceress of immense power. Cruel and seductive, she takes pleasure in destruction and defilement. Her loyalty to the Emperor is absolute, and she shares his desire to end the world. First appears in v9c3.
• Berhardt – ‘Black Sword King,’ 1st Division vice-commander, once hailed as the empire’s strongest swordsman. Simple-minded, straightforward, often teased as everyone’s toy, but unmatched in battle. Slaughtered Sheryl’s guards, captured her, later fought Chinatsu. First appears v9c11. Reminder: Muscle-headed swordsman who laughs through bloodshed.
• Suenaga-kun – Classmate, Kahoru’s customer.
• Suenaga – Classmate, Kahoru’s customer.
• Kanare – The stern battalion commander, who once led Chinatsu, shares a solemn mission, his eyes reflecting battlefield memories.
• Grano – The Black Flame General, a legendary figure from Quvar’s past, now resurrected as part of the First Emperor’s ghostly host. Known for his ruthless tactics and unwavering loyalty to the Emperor, Grano commands a significant portion of the undead army. He is disdainful of the living, particularly those who oppose the Emperor’s plans, and shows no mercy in battle. His presence, alongside other legendary generals like Belhart, underscores the immense threat posed by the Emperor’s forces. First mentioned in v9c7.
• Dora – Dark Elf from the underworld, sharp and cautious with deep knowledge of magic cycles. Travels with Takumi, Shiori, Haruka, and guides Scaya and Neige, often taking a steady leadership role. Her body can morph into deadly substances like Aqua Regia, capable of melting or piercing mountains. First appears v6c14. Reminder: Dark Elf who blends wisdom with terrifying alchemy
• Sheryl – Second Princess of the Quvarian Empire, a striking beauty with red hair. Initially appears as a diplomatic envoy, but she is a reformer within the empire, seeking to atone for Quvar’s past betrayals, particularly the destruction of the Northern Kingdom. Sheryl is highly intelligent and politically savvy, using her position to gather secrets and undermine the empire’s plans to destroy McGaref. She is also a slave to Takumi, bound by enslavement magic, and tasked with sowing chaos within Quvar. Despite her circumstances, she maintains a sense of duty and hopes to bring about change. First appears in v6c26.
• Stella – A royal guard and Sheryl’s companion, who was also enslaved by Takumi. She harbors hatred towards Takumi for violating her, but enslavement magic forces her obedience. Stella is a viscount’s daughter and understands the political implications of her situation. She accompanies Sheryl in lewd acts as a form of penance and to cope with their shared shame. Her defiance is internal, but she follows Sheryl’s lead in their intimate moments. First appearance in v6c29.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
Leave a Reply