Chapter 90: The Way Home with My Childhood Friend (Sky)

"Reima-kun, where is the enemy?"

Senka-san arrived, carrying a woman I didn't recognize on her back.

Scanning the rest of the group, I saw Chizuru-san was carrying one person, and Makoto-san had two men slung over his shoulders. It was the exact number I’d been told to expect on the way to Akihabara. I felt a flicker of relief that they were all safe, though I kept my voice flat as I answered her.

"I took care of it... though it cost me a fair amount of mana."

It had required a secret technique—or rather, one of the ultimate arts—used by Balor: [Evil Eye of the Demon].

It was the most localized, yet devastating, ability available without fully unsealing the original text. Its primary function was to inflict the target with [Death Decay].

[Death Decay] was a power that cursed, rotted, and withered the opponent's flesh until they crumbled into nothingness. Balor had warned me that using it on a target that lacked the concept of death was a gamble, but even if the creature didn't "die" in the traditional sense, it was still a living thing. It had succumbed to the decay all the same.

"You didn't do anything reckless, did you?"

"Well, no... not really."

"Let me... give you a quick once-over?"

"Huh?"

I knew she was just worried, but the way she phrased it was unsettling. I let out a strange noise—something I couldn't believe had come from my own throat. Behind me, Luna and Sol stopped stretching and directed a sharp wave of bloodlust toward her.

"...Your wrist. You're injured, aren't you?"

She must have used a diagnostic spell to check my status, similar to the ones used by healers in the other world. She closed the distance instantly, pressing her hand against the wound.

I remembered cutting it deep, but looking back, I should have just healed it myself immediately.

"Did you do this to yourself?" she asked.

"I needed the blood to trigger the magic."

"...I won't scold you for that, then. But didn't it hurt?"

"I suppose it did."

"Ayane-chan, pass the verdict."

"Guilty," Ayane chimed in. "I wish you would have at least talked to me first."

Hearing that from Ayane made me pause. Self-harm for the sake of a contract was second nature in the other world, but I had to remember I was inhabiting Reima’s body here. I’d resolved to return this body to him eventually; it wouldn't do to leave it covered in scars.

"Sorry. I'll be as careful as I can."

"...I’d prefer if you didn't do it at all, but I know how things are," Ayane sighed.

"I've closed it for now, but no more being reckless, Reima-kun."

The efficacy of her [Heal] was impressive. My own version of healing was essentially a blunt-force application of mana, but she had closed the wound perfectly with a remarkably small amount of energy. It made sense, in a way. This body had likely only survived this long because of Senka-san’s constant care.

"Alright, let's pull out. The mission is a success. Besides, we have things we need to report to the government—now then, why don't you all come give big sis a hug? I'd be especially happy if Ayane-chan and Reima-kun volunteered."

"Not happening. Let's just go home," Ayane shot back.

"I don't think I have the courage for that, either," I added.

"So cruel! Chizuru-chan, look at how cold these kids are!"

"............Shut up and move, you idiot."

"At least call me by my name!?"

With those being the final words of the mission, we made our exit.

I dismissed Luna and the others as we stepped out of the dungeon. The adventurer who had posted the request was waiting at the entrance. Upon seeing the rescued survivors regaining consciousness, he began bowing and repeating his thanks over and over.

Seeing that, I felt a genuine sense of relief. We’d made it in time. The weight finally lifted from my shoulders, and the tension that had been humming through my nerves finally dissipated. I allowed myself to relax into the reality of the moment.

"We're heading back to the Valsia headquarters for now, just to be safe," Chizuru-san said. "Your wound was deep, and I want to keep an eye on you for a bit longer."

"...Understood. I'll arrange a car. What about you two?"

"Ah, I think I'll just head home," I said. "Since the job's done."

Getting back from Akihabara would be easy enough if I just borrowed Berg’s strength again. I turned to ask Ayane what she planned to do, but she beat me to it.

"If Reima’s going home, then I am too. Good work today, everyone."

"I see... My thanks to you as well for the help. You've grown strong, Reima."

"I'll look into the matter regarding your memories as well," Makoto-san added. "So don't try to handle everything on your own, okay?"

Listening to the two of them, I felt like I was getting a clearer picture of who Reima was. He was a guy who was genuinely loved by those around him. It made me realize I needed to get serious about finding a way to bring him back.

"We’re heading out, then... Ayane, you coming?"

"Let's go home together."

"...Right. [Summon]: Berg Fernir."

I called Berg and helped Ayane onto his back. There was no reason to hurry, so we flew slowly through the night sky, drifting in a comfortable silence.

"...Hey, Reima."

"Yeah?"

"Want to have a sleepover tonight?"

"—What for?"

Her voice had sounded so serious that the question caught me completely off guard.

"...Pfft, just kidding. But I'm bored, so let's talk on the phone later?"

"A call?"

"Yeah. A sleep-deprivation challenge. First one to pass out loses."

"I’m pretty sure I'm going to win that one."

"I won't lose. I'm an expert at staying up."

"...Good for you. What is that, some kind of middle school flex?"

"Exactly."

"You're a high schooler now."

We traded idle banter like that until we reached my house. It was late into the night by the time I finally made it inside. I was exhausted, but the moment I hit the bed, my phone started buzzing. It was Ayane.

『Ready to talk?』

"...Don't judge me just because the light in my room is on."

『It's your fault for turning it on in the first place.』

"Whatever... what are we even talking about?"

『I haven't decided.』

"...Typical."

I could practically see her smug expression on the other end of the line. I stayed on the phone, talking to her until my eyes grew heavy. There was a profound sense of security in the sound of her laughter. It felt nostalgic. It made me want to meet him again—the person who truly belonged here.

『...Goodnight, Reima.』