Baseka V1c1

Volume 1 Chapter 1 Prologue

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Edited by: Kanaa-senpai

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 ”Koushi, I have something important to tell you.”

 I was playing a game in my room when I heard my big sister knock and call out.

 I opened the door and faced her. She was tall, about 180cm (5 feet 11 inches) like me, with a cold stare. Even though I was used to her, she had a strong presence that made me feel a bit intimidated.

 She was dressed casually in a long sweater and men’s pants. Her expression was the same as usual, but she seemed more serious than normal. She looked the same, but the vibe around her felt different. Something was definitely up.

 ”If it’s going to be a long talk, should I make some tea?”

 ”No, that’s not necessary.”

 Big sister sat down on my bed and looked straight at me.

 ”Koushi, I want you to listen without getting too shocked. I’m not actually your sister.”

 That was sudden. It’s hard not to be surprised when she says that… but thinking about it, I could see some signs. We don’t really look alike, and if we were just step-siblings, that would make sense.

 ”So, you’re saying we’re not related by blood?”

 ”No, I mean, I’m not even human.”

 Her unexpected words made me stop thinking. I knew big sister wasn’t the type to joke around like that. Still, I had to ask.

 ”This isn’t some kind of joke, right?”

 ”Yes. I know it’s hard to believe, but it’s the truth. It’s better if you see it for yourself.”

 Suddenly, big sister’s body started to glow white.

 When the light faded, I saw 6 huge wings on her back. Her outfit had changed to a sexy white robe with slits.

 ”I am Seraph Isto. That’s my true identity. For a reason, I blended into the human world as your sister, but my role is over, and I have to return to Heaven.”

 I couldn’t find the words. It was hard to accept that the big sister in front of me was real.

 I tried to speak, but the first thing I felt after confusion was anxiety.

 ”Does this mean I won’t see you again?”

 ”At least, you won’t see me as your sister ever again.”

 ”No… I’m surprised to hear you’re an angel, but you’re still my big sister.”

 ”…We’re not just unrelated by blood; we’re different species.”

 ”But the time I spent with you doesn’t just disappear.”

 ”…”

 ”If you go back to Heaven, will I never see you again?”

 Big sister smiled. Her long black hair had turned pure white, and she still had the 6 wings, but that smile was definitely hers.

 ”If you wish, there may be a chance.”

 She said that and then wiped the smile off her face.

 ”But that’s only if you can pass the Trial.”

 ”Trial?”

 ”According to the will of the Godborn, you and the other students in Class 2-3 of the Soumei Academy have been chosen as Hero Candidates (Eiyuu). You will now take the Trial to become a Hero (Eiyuu).”

 My head started to hurt. Everything was happening so suddenly that I couldn’t keep up.

 ”I don’t want to be a Hero, and I’d like to decline if possible.”

 ”You can’t refuse. You need to be prepared.”

 So, it’s non-negotiable. That sounds like something big sister would say, but this is getting complicated.

 ”Let me guess, you came to the human world to find Hero Candidates?”

 ”That’s right. You’re quick to understand, just like I expected from my brother.”

 ”What does being a Hero even mean? Am I going to be sent off to war or something?”

 It didn’t seem like the world needed Heroes. I wondered what big sister and the gods were really looking for in a Hero.

 ”Your mission as a Hero is to go to Another World and defeat the Demonkind. You’ll be fighting with a sword, using magic, and living a life of battling the Demonkind.”

 This is totally like a fantasy.

 Honestly, I’m not really excited about it. I can’t see how someone like me could be helpful, and I don’t even have confidence that I can get through this Trial thing.

 But if it’s my big sister saying it, I can’t just give up before even trying.

 ”Okay. If it’s big sister asking, I’ll do my best.”

 Big sister’s expression changes a bit. She looks kind of down.

 ”The Another World is a dangerous place where death is always close. There might be endings that are scarier than death waiting for you. You can even blame the Godborn.”

 ”Well, it would be a lie to say I’m not worried… but I’ll give it a shot. It’s something we have to do, right?”

 Big sister has helped me so many times in my life, and she’s really important to me. I was surprised to hear about being a Hero, but I’m honestly happy she’s counting on me. This is a good chance to repay her.

 ”Thank you, Koushi. It hurts my heart to put you in danger, but there’s no one better than my brother. You will definitely become a great Hero.”

 Big sister hugs me tightly. Being wrapped in her big wings feels warm. Just that makes me feel safe and gives me strength.

 ”We’re going to teleport to Celestial Realm now. I won’t act like your sister there. But please believe me. Your sister will always be watching over you.”

 ”Yeah. I believe you. No matter how much big sister changes, the memories we’ve made together won’t disappear.”

 Big sister smiles one last time and gently steps away from me.

* * *

 The scenery around me changes.

 I was just in my room, but now I’m standing in a strange white space.

 In front of me stands a blonde woman, smiling kindly. I’ve never seen hair that long, reaching all the way to the floor. Her shiny blonde hair is so beautiful, it looks like a work of art. Even though I don’t usually care about how others look, I can’t help but stare.

 ”Nice to meet you, Hyakudou Koushi. I am the Goddess of Order. It seems you’ve heard about me from Isto.”

 I hesitate for a moment, wondering if I should use polite language. I’m not that respectful, but talking casually to a goddess feels disrespectful.

 ”…Yes. I heard I was chosen as a Hero Candidate.”

 The Goddess covers her mouth and smiles elegantly.

 ”You don’t need to worry. It’s not rare to meet disrespectful people.”

 When I look closely at her face, I notice her eyes aren’t smiling at all.

 Did she just read my mind?

 That’s what you’d expect from a goddess.

 ”Even Isto could read minds. It seems I didn’t teach her everything.”

 What? So I haven’t been able to hide anything from big sister all this time? That’s scary.

 ”Even after revealing her true identity, do you still call Isto your sister?”

 Big sister is still big sister. That fact won’t change for me.

 ”You’re like a loyal dog. I can see why Isto likes you.”

 This Goddess always has a smile, but there’s something mysterious about her. Big sister was also pretty emotionless, but this is different. I can’t figure out what she’s thinking.

 ”Oh, have I made you wary? I don’t have any bad intentions towards you, so please relax.”

 It doesn’t seem like she has good intentions either.

 Maybe thinking that is a bit disrespectful.

 ”I have some goodwill since you’re an important Hero Candidate. As proof, I’ll explain the Trial to you.”

 An image appears between the Goddess and me. It doesn’t look like she’s using any electronic devices. There are no projectors or screens. It’s truly a mystical technique.

 The image shows a huge island, giving off a creepy vibe.

 ”You Hero Candidates will take a trial on a deserted island. The goal is simple… to survive. You will have to survive on the Island of Trials, where many Demonkinds live.”

 Surviving on an island filled with monsters is definitely dangerous.

 ”As a warning, the Demonkind living on the Island of Trials isn’t very smart. They are much weaker than real demons.”

 It’s hard to tell if that’s a good thing. If they’re not smart, they probably can’t talk, so I can’t negotiate with them to let me go. But honestly, I don’t think the Demonkind would even listen to me.

 ”For the trial, each Hero Candidate will be given one magic spell. You will choose from a type that fits your nature──Base Magic.”

 Base Magic? I like games, but I’ve never heard of that. When I think of magic, I picture things like fire or ice, something easy to understand.

 ”It seems like Base Magic lets you teleport to a base space and slowly expand your living area. Congratulations, it’s a very rare magic. But it’s not unusual for Hero Candidates to get rare magic.”

 It’s nice that it’s rare, but I don’t think it’s the kind of magic that can help me fight the Demonkind.

 ”That’s just how fate is. Well, good luck!”

 Without any more words, I was suddenly teleported to the Island of Trials.

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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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