Chapter 59 Heroes of the Dungeon, Part ③
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
A little while back, when Kanata was racking his brain to save the three maidens of Setsugekka while flirting with Shizuka, things were already spiraling. Maya had gone on a “scouting mission” and vanished without a trace, leaving Miyako in a panic.
No contact today either… Maya-chan, are you okay?
Miyako clutched her head, wincing from the headache caused by the sudden cutoff from her kenzoku (vassal spirits). Her gaze fixed on the lake’s far shore, but her human eyes could barely make out the faint outline of Kanata’s land on the horizon.
To see “beyond,” she needed her kenzoku’s power. Lately, though, her diversionary bombing runs had been too aggressive. The enemy grew wary, shooting down even harmless birds, making it nearly impossible to approach their territory.
The idea of aerial bombings came from Nisei Tsubasa, who was currently with Sayaka. Sayaka’s Imperial Guard had ventured to a different region and was supposed to rendezvous with Maya and Miyako at Aran Fortress in three days.
But when Miyako reported Maya’s loss of contact, Tsubasa altered the plan. The moment he arrived at the fortress, he swiftly crushed the opposition and declared independence.
Of course, declaring independence didn’t mean immediate victory.
Alfheim Kingdom sent threatening letters, using the Setsugekka maidens in the Royal Palace as leverage. Tsubasa ignored them, forging ahead to establish “Double Wing,” his new organization.
As for the Demonkin, Tsubasa’s stance was simple: “Just ignore them.”
Morita, driven by his sense of duty, protested. “We can’t do that!”
Tsubasa shrugged.
”Fine. Drop bombs from above to distract them, then land troops from the side.”
Morita scoffed at first, but when he tested the strategy, it worked shockingly well. The landing was a breeze—at least initially.
His skepticism led him to skimp on troops, and the enemy retaliated, destroying the bridge they’d built. Still, the tactic proved effective.
They reinforced the landing party and tried again, but the enemy wasn’t stupid. They countered the bombings and blocked the landings. Even so, the two-pronged attack kept them on their toes. If a bridge could be secured, victory seemed certain. The strategy repeated daily, with growing confidence.
After a week, though, doubts crept in. Are we being played?
If they could land successfully, victory was assured, but the enemy kept them at bay, and losses were piling up bit by bit. It felt like a trap, yet with no better plan, they were stuck repeating the same moves.
Tsubasa’s Gift made things worse—or better, depending on the perspective. He could easily build bridges across the lake, intensifying the conflict and leaving no room for new strategies. While his classmates grumbled, Tsubasa redirected them and quietly prepared for independence.
Maya-chan… are you safe?
Miyako sighed. She’d suggested to Morita that they pull back and rethink their approach, but that touched a nerve. He doubled down on the bombings, draining her mana so quickly that she spent half her days recovering in her room.
Unbeknownst to her, Kazuo, Morita’s commander, was grappling with his own insecurities. His Gift, “Commander,” thrived on leading armies but offered no personal strength. Watching Kudo and Tsukamoto grow stronger and dominate battles made him restless. He clung to his pride, telling himself, I’m the one using them.
Then he learned about Sayaka’s Gift, “Princess Knight (Valkyrie).” It was everything his was—commanding armies—but better, boosting her combat prowess and even granting healing abilities. Knowing her Gift outclassed his cracked Kazuo’s pride.
Almea, sensing trouble, had kept Kazuo and Sayaka apart, calming him down. But now, with Sayaka and Tsubasa at the fortress, Kazuo’s composure was unraveling. She’ll take my command…
Technically, General Tuuran of the Empire led Aran Fortress, with Kazuo’s Alfheim forces as “allies.” But the Empire’s army had dwindled, and Alfheim’s troops outnumbered them.
The nominal commander, Captain Nible Heiya of the Northern Region Border Army, disliked conflict and deferred to Kazuo, becoming a figurehead. Kazuo’s misunderstanding of his authority was understandable.
Tsubasa’s arrival changed everything. Those who opposed “Double Wing” were exiled or sent to the front lines against the Demonkin, abandoned to their fate.
Soldiers soon pledged loyalty to Tsubasa. Kazuo, humiliated, had no choice but to bow to him. After much turmoil, “Double Wing” was established, recognized as an independent force by the Empire and Alfheim Kingdom.
Days later, Tsubasa summoned Miyako. He shared new intel: Kanata was nearby, the Otaku Trio were involved, and Maya was likely a prisoner under Kanata.
He asked Miyako to act as a bridge to Kanata, certain that Kanata would reach out to her soon. Half-doubting, she nodded.
* * *
And now…
”…yako? Can you… hear me?”
Days after Tsubasa’s request, a faint voice reached Miyako as she sat dazed in her room.
”…yako? Miyako? Can you hear me?”
She snapped to attention, looking around, but no one was there.
”Maya-chan? Is that you?”
Miyako recalled Maya’s ability and called out to her own shadow.
”Miyako, thank goodness we connected,” Maya said, relief clear in her voice.
”You’re safe… I was so worried!”
”More importantly, is anyone there?”
”No, it’s just me in my room.”
”Okay, then close your eyes… and relax…”
Miyako hesitated but complied.
Maya had never asked anything that would harm her. If Maya needed this, it must be important.
Suddenly, a strange sensation rushed through her body.
It was hard to describe, but the sensation was like the sudden drop of an elevator, a fleeting jolt that left Miyako’s stomach lurching.
”You can open your eyes now, Miyako,” Maya’s voice called softly.
Miyako blinked slowly, and the sight before her made her gasp.
”Maya-chan! What’s with that shameless outfit?!”
Maya stood there, barely covered by an ultra-micro bikini that hid only the bare minimum at her chest and a thick string that just covered her lower half.
It was practically no different from being naked—if anything, the scant coverage made it more provocative.
”Shameless? I didn’t have a choice,” Maya said, shrugging. “It was this or nothing.”
”But still… Maya-chan, that…” Miyako’s voice trailed off as her eyes caught the collar around Maya’s neck.
”Yeah,” Maya said, her tone flat. “I’ve been made a slave.”
Miyako’s scream came before she could stop it. “Why?! Why would they do this to you?! It’s cruel!”
She grabbed the collar, yanking with all her strength, but an invisible force repelled her, sending her stumbling back.
”Careful,” a voice called from the side. “Try to rip that off, and Maya’s neck might go with it.”
Miyako froze, her heart skipping a beat. She turned and froze again, words catching in her throat.
”K-Kunugi-kun?”
”Hey, Otonashi-san,” the boy said with a grin. “First time we’ve talked like this, huh?”
”Is… is it really you, Kunugi-kun?”
Miyako’s eyes darted between Maya and Kanata, struggling to process the scene.
”Yup, the real Kanata-kun,” Maya confirmed.
Before she knew it, Miyako lunged forward, throwing her arms around him.
”You’re alive! You’re really alive!” she sobbed, tears streaming down her face.
Kanata stiffened, caught off guard, and shot Maya a pleading look.
”Well, what can you do?” Maya said with a smirk. “Miyako’s been crushing on you forever.”
”For real?” Kanata blinked.
”Totally for real,” Maya teased.
”So, what, if I’d just asked her out back then, she’d have been my girlfriend?”
”Hmm, maybe,” Maya said, tilting her head. “But knowing her, she’d probably have run away blushing if you tried.”
”What’s that supposed to mean?” Kanata asked.
”She’s shy, you know. If you confessed, she’d bolt. Then what would you think?”
”Uh… that I got rejected, I guess.”
”Exactly. Oh, and by the way, Saya likes you too, but her confession didn’t work out either. Her family picks her partners—probably some arranged marriage nonsense.”
”Huh,” Kanata said, scratching his head. “So, you’re saying you’re the only one I had a real shot with, Maya?”
”W-Well… I mean… maybe…” Maya stammered, her face turning red as she fidgeted.
”Um, care to explain what’s going on here?”
Miyako, no longer crying, fixed them both with a half-lidded glare.
* * *
”So, let me get this straight,” Miyako said, her voice dripping with accusation. “While we were worrying ourselves sick, you were off flirting with those cute girls, Kunugi-kun?”
She shot a pointed look at the maids—Syl, Alma, and Sara—who blushed and averted their eyes at being called “cute.”
Kanata leaned toward Maya, whispering, “Hey, has Otonashi-san changed since we got here? I thought she was the shy type who couldn’t speak her mind.”
Maya chuckled softly.
”She’s an inner firecracker. Around people she trusts, she’s like this.”
”An inner firecracker, huh?”
”Yup. She sees you as someone she can be herself with, so you should be flattered.”
”Yeah, but still…”
”Are you listening, Kanata-san?!” Miyako snapped.
”Y-Yeah, I’m listening!” he said quickly. “Look, I didn’t even know the others got summoned here, okay?”
”Well, sure, but…” Miyako’s argument faltered under his logic.
Kanata pressed on, his voice softening.
”I’m really glad I got to see you again, Miyako. I thought we’d never meet after… everything.”
His words were sincere. Reuniting with Shizuka had been a relief, but being alone in this strange world had weighed on him more than he’d realized.
Meeting someone familiar—especially a girl he’d always noticed—was a joy he couldn’t overstate. Even if, well, he’d already reconnected with nine other classmates before her, five of whom were girls he’d gotten very close with.
”Uh… I-I mean…” Miyako’s face flushed as she processed his words. The weight of the situation hit her, along with the realization that others—Syl, Alma, Sara, and more—were watching. Her old shyness roared back, and she ducked behind Maya, her face burning.
* * *
”You okay now?” Kanata asked gently.
”Y-Yeah… sorry for losing it,” Miyako mumbled, clutching a cup of tea in Kanata’s private room.
The room held only Kanata, Maya, and Miyako. Kanata had asked El and the others to give them space, though Rena, Amisa, and Saria lingered in their maid outfits at the room’s edge, serving quietly.
In the next room, El, Princess Sakura, and Annamira kept watch, monitoring the conversation. It wasn’t truly private, but with only Kanata and Maya in her line of sight, Miyako began to relax, ready to get to the point.
”Look, there’s a lot to catch up on since we were summoned,” Kanata said, “but right now, we need to focus on fixing things. That’s why I asked Maya to call you here, Miyako. We need your help.”
Miyako nodded.
”Tsubasa-kun gave me some instructions too. He said you’d probably reach out.”
”Tsubasa, huh?” Kanata muttered. “How far ahead is that guy planning?”
”Here’s the deal,” he continued. “We don’t want to invade your territory. Honestly, we’d rather you left us alone.”
”I get that,” Miyako said, her tone measured. “But with the Demonkin army attacking and your group acting separately, we can’t just say, ‘Okay, sure,’ and walk away.”
”Fair point,” Kanata admitted. “That’s why we’ve been keeping you at bay with force.”
Maya gave a wry smile. “If it weren’t for us ‘Heroes,’ this would’ve been settled by now, right?”
”Seriously,” Kanata said, shaking his head. “What a mess.”
”That’s our line,” Miyako shot back, matching his wry smile.
”So, if we’re talking peace,” Maya said, leaning forward, “what kind of concessions are you willing to make, Kanata-kun?”
”Hmm,” he said, rubbing his chin. “I haven’t thought too hard about it, but how about we set a boundary here? Mutual non-aggression.”
He pointed to a map, marking a line that covered two-thirds of the Aaren Plain, including the Dungeon’s territory.
Miyako raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t that a bit greedy?”
Her eyes narrowed, searching for any hidden intent in Kanata’s expression.
”I told you, our immediate goal is to reclaim our utopia,” Kanata said, his tone firm. “For coexistence and prosperity, we need the Aaren Plain. But honestly, we don’t have the time or resources to keep fighting the Human Race over this land. If you agree to leave us alone, we can adjust the terms and reduce our claim to this.”
He redrew the boundary on the map, now claiming only about one-tenth of the Aaren Plain.
The concession was so drastic that Miyako couldn’t help but suspect some ulterior motive.
In truth, Kanata saw giving up most of the Aaren Plain as a small price for a non-aggression pact with the Human Race. But he wasn’t being entirely upfront. The Aaren Plain was fertile, perfect for farming. Any lord in this region, where arable land was scarce, would covet it.
The only reason it had remained untouched was its proximity to Demon Territory. A tacit understanding had kept the peace, but it was fragile—Demons could turn hostile at any moment, making cultivation too risky.
Building fortifications to guard against Demonkin would only provoke them, giving them an excuse to attack. So, the Aaren Plain had been left as a “neutral buffer zone.”
The current conflict had erupted precisely because both the Demonkin and the Human Race (Empire) had made moves on the Plain. If Kanata could secure a formal treaty ensuring the Demonkin wouldn’t touch it, the Human Race could develop it without fear.
That was the benefit for the Human Race. For the Demonkin, the advantage was merely avoiding conflict—a passive gain at best.
But Kanata knew the Dungeon’s resources meant giving up the surface wasn’t a huge loss. Plus, ceding the Aaren Plain would likely spark a territorial dispute between the Alfheim Kingdom and the Empire. If the Human Race turned on itself, they’d be too busy to bother the Demon Territory, at least until the dust settled.
Then there was Tsubasa’s “Double Wing.” Kanata had planned to ignore them, but now saw an opportunity. If he could ally with Tsubasa, he could offload dealing with the Empire and Kingdom to him.
In that light, sacrificing the Aaren Plain’s surface was a fair trade. It would buy time to negotiate with Auzawler, pacify the southern Demon Territory, and seize control of a new Dungeon.
”So, to sum it up,” Miyako said, tilting her head, “you’re willing to give up most of the Aaren Plain for a non-aggression treaty. That about right, Kanata-san?”
”Yeah, pretty much,” Kanata replied. “If you don’t take the deal, you’ll be facing the entire Demonkin force.”
”Hmm,” Miyako mused. “Alfheim might go for it, but the Empire? They’ll probably demand reparations or something.”
”That’s why we pulled out all the stops,” Kanata said with a smirk. “If they don’t play ball, tell them the lake’s about to get a lot bigger.”
Miyako’s eyes glinted, as if he’d struck a nerve.
She flashed a sly grin. “Ever heard of a spell called Meteor Impact, Kanata-san?”
Kanata matched her wicked smile. “That kind of magic would reshape the whole landscape.”
”Who cares?” Miyako shrugged. “I don’t owe this world anything.”
”Fair enough,” Kanata said, leaning forward. “Then I guess I could use Grand Fall to sink this entire fortress.”
Their voices heated, mana leaking from their bodies as they tried to out-intimidate each other.
”Stop it, both of you!” Maya cut in, stepping between them. “Cool it! No giant spells that’ll wreck things for everyone here!”
Kanata and Miyako froze.
Unseen by them, Rena and Amisa, standing by the wall, nodded vigorously in agreement. In the next room, El and Princess Sakura were already debating how to handle a potential magic showdown.
”Okay, fine,” Miyako said, exhaling. “I’ll work on setting up a peace negotiation. That’s the plan, right?”
”Pretty much,” Kanata said, scratching his head. “Would’ve been easier if the Otaku Trio hadn’t stirred things up, but oh well.”
Miyako glanced at the documents she’d been reviewing.
”Then I’ve got two conditions. Meet them, and I’ll cooperate fully.”
”Conditions?” Kanata raised an eyebrow. “If it’s something I can do, I’ll consider it.”
”Thank you,” Miyako said, her gaze shifting to Maya—specifically, the collar around her neck. “First, free Maya-chan.”
Kanata hesitated. “That’s… complicated.
I can’t do it right away. But I promise I’ll make sure nothing happens to her against her will.”
Miyako studied him, then nodded. “Fine.
That’ll do for now. The second condition…”
”Yeah?”
Miyako locked eyes with him. “Make me your bride.”
Kanata blinked. “Uh… bride?”
”Yes!” Miyako’s voice rose, her cheeks flushing. “I heard you! You’ve been all sweet with Maya-neechan, and that’s not fair! I want you to dote on me too!”
Kanata and Maya stared, dumbfounded, as Miyako’s outburst echoed in the room.
Notes:
• May – Blonde, soft-eyed shrine girl. ch14–15. Gentle and pleading (“Please… just let us go…”), timid but loyal, relies on Mina’s strength. Came with Mina to save Sara, but was disarmed and bound by Kanata as his captive maid.
• Maya – Cheerful brown-haired girl, naturally charming and social, Kanata’s classmate and morning conversation neighbor.
• Miyako – Quiet library girl with golden hair, intelligent and book-savvy, occasional silent companion to Kanata.
• Setsugekka – Trio of Yukishiro Kotono, Tsukikage Maria, and Hanasaki Haruka.
• Shizuka – Classmate, wielder of Sniper, nicknamed “Shizu-tan.” Neglected, raised herself after father’s death and mother’s abandonment. Nearly assaulted in another world, broke her stoicism with first real plea for help. Saved by Kanata, now torn between distrust and fragile hope. Reminder: hardened loner, only cracks under extreme pressure.
• Aran Fortress – A heavily fortified base raised by the Empire in Aran town, land claimed by Alfheim but surrendered under pressure. Officially built to fight Demonkin spilling from the Aaren Plain, it also secures a permanent Imperial foothold on Alfheim’s border. Local towns rely on the Empire’s protection, making resistance nearly impossible.
• Nisei – Tsubasa’s Family Name. The Creator and the androgynous.
• Saya – Orphanage sister of Maya and Miyako, later adopted into the wealthy Kitahara family for a political marriage. Holds rare Gift Princess Knight (Valkyrie): versatile fighter-leader with light magic, stronger than Morita’s Commander. Quiet in Class A but bound by childhood oath to protect Maya and Miyako. Torn between duty as Kitahara heir and hidden first love for Kanata.
• Sayaka – Athletic blonde with sharp presence, expert in multiple martial arts, Kanata’s lunch-time sparring partner and admired distant figure.
• Tsubasa – A classmate, and a gift holder of Creator. He has an androgynous charm, popular yet approachable, bonds with Taichi’s group.
• Alfheim Kingdom – A demi-human realm of Elves, positioned among the powers bordering Florence. Its existence, along with Alefgard and Mercuria, kept Florence trapped in a triangle of stronger neighbors. Reminder: the elven neighbor whose presence tightened Florence’s cage.
• Morita – Kazuo’s Family Name.
• Kazuo – Silver-haired, confident class rep, natural leader and strategist, takes charge of classmates in the summoned hero scenario.
• Kudo – A classmate and a Swordsman gift holder, slices through enemies with precision in training battles.
• Tsukamoto – Joujirou’s Family Name. The Defense of class who wield Guardian’s Shield.
• Almea – First Princess of Alfheim, poised and graceful, leads and guides summoned heroes, embodies calm authority and divine favor.
• Tuuran – A commander stationed at Aran Fortress on Alfheim’s northern frontier, facing constant pressure from the Empire and Demonkin. His urgent request for reinforcements forced Almea to send Heroes despite her reluctance, triggering the chain of events that pulled Maya back from Altena negotiations. Reminder: the fortress general whose plea reshaped Alfheim’s plans.
• Nible Heiya – A human officer of the Empire’s Northern Region Border Army, first appearing at Aran Fortress during Tsubasa’s arrival to form “Double Wing” (direct: Tsubasa’s independence push; underlying: weaken Imperial control). Heiya dislikes conflict and yields command to Kazuo, becoming a nominal figurehead; no known direct relationships beyond subordination to the Empire; trait: passive, hands-off commander.
• Otonashi – Miyako’s Family Name.
• Alma – A demon maid serving under Kanata, first seen when Miyako visits his private room after Maya’s summoning (direct: reunion meeting; underlying: peace talks between Demonkin and Humans). She works alongside Syl and Sara, serving tea during the tense exchange; she has no stated personal relationships beyond serving Kanata; trait: quiet, dutiful maid.
• Sara – Once part of Rick’s party, was lured and bound by Kanata in the Dungeon. Timid and dependent, her trust broke with his betrayal, yet she stayed close—pleading mercy for others and later standing by him publicly, claiming it was her will.
• Syl – Alma’s elder sister whose proud defiance wavers only when forced to betray her role as “Onee-chan.” She appeared in the dungeon as a captured intruder, meeting Kanata only when El threatened Alma and forced her to speak her name.
• Amisa – Fallen Demon noble of Grayladd, joined Angula’s Aaren Plain campaign with maid Saria , captured with Rena, Annamira, Sheila; spared by Kanata, now loyal aide with maid Saria, calls him “Master/Big Brother.” Reminder: ex-heiress turned submissive servant.
• Rena – A silver-blue haired commoner drafted for water magic. Brave but naive, she tried to save Annamira and was recaptured. To spare others from ogres, she volunteered first as a slave. Her trademark is the imouto archetype, calling Kanata “Onii-chan” in her shy-yet-clingy water-mage way.
• Saria – Former maid of Grayladd house, captured with Amisa in Aaren Plain campaign. Unlike her mistress, quickly submitted to Kanata after capture, now serves as his devoted aide and handler for Amisa. Reminder: loyal maid, pragmatic in survival.
• Annamira – The noble princess-squad leader of the Miller family. Drawn into the human–ogre war, a conflict where nobles were bound by duty and commoners drafted as expendable tools, she was captured in battle and delivered into Kanata’s dungeon, where her compassion for even commoners marked her first meeting with him.
• Sakura – Sent with her Ogrekin tribe in Angula’s Aaren Plains war, Sakura was captured with Annamira’s 18th Squad. Meeting Kanata, she boldly claimed the role of his “Second Consort~desuwa”—an Ojou-sama whose teasing elegance hides a cruel, playful edge.
• Aaren Plain – Grassland east of Florence, flanked by Mercuria (south), Alefgard (north), and Alfheim (west). Trade artery for food, steel, and elven goods; lifeline in peace, choke point in blockade. Reminder: Florence’s survival hinges on this crossroads.
• Auzawler – A demon lord of the eastern frontier, appearing during the Southern Uprising after Succubus Queen Earluza’s death. His subordinate General Angula invades the south to seize the Aaren Plain Dungeon and rally southerners under his name—exploiting a power vacuum—setting him against Kanata; relations: Angula’s superior, Westone’s rival, Earluza’s former foe, maternal ties to Grayladd family; lauds success, disowns failure.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
Leave a Reply