Episode 93: Mashiro Dragonia

When we arrived at Kaiser’s house, the first thing I saw was Baal—yet again acting as a human jungle gym for a girl I recognized. He was giving her a piggyback ride, and while she frolicked happily on his shoulders, there was a faint, weary melancholy in his eyes.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Ah, Reima, you’re back—wait, why is Yuika with you?"

"I helped her out on the way home, so we came back together," I said. "More importantly, what is Mashiro doing?"

Kaiser sighed. "The moment she laid eyes on Master Baal, she started begging for a ride... and here we are."

I got the gist of the situation, but I still didn't quite understand why it had to be Baal. He liked children, so I knew he wasn't exactly hating it, but I could tell he was bewildered by the sheer suddenness of the request.

"Oh, it’s the person from the video! I want to talk, so mush, Baal! Mush!"

"Young lady, I am not Ba-al, I am Baal!"

"Muu? Then... Baal, launch!"

Whether she was actually obedient or just didn't care, she switched his name immediately. With short black hair and red eyes, she looked like a miniature version of Yuika. She was having the time of her life, and Baal, being the type who couldn't bring himself to ruin a child’s fun, simply carried her over to me.

"Nice to meet you, Big Brother’s friend! I’m Mashiro Dragonia! I’m Big Brother’s little sister, and I’m in second grade!"

She hopped down from Baal’s shoulders and gave me a high-spirited greeting, looking up at me with wide eyes. She puffed out her chest with a proud "Ehem!" I crouched down to match her eye level before speaking.

"Yeah, nice to meet you. I’m Reima Kariya... uh, Kaiser’s friend. I’m a high school freshman."

"So you’re Reima! Hey, hey, do you like Big Brother?"

It was a pure, innocent question—the kind only a child could ask. It hit me with a sincerity that demanded a real answer. Kaiser was someone I’d only known for a short while, but he was reliable. He’d accepted me even though I was from another world and treated me like a true friend. If someone asked if I liked the guy...

"Yeah, I like him. What about you, Mashiro?"

"I love him! Big Brother is cool and kind!"

"You’re right. He’s a good guy... and an important comrade."

Saying it aloud felt a bit itchy, like a rash of embarrassment, but I figured it was better to be honest with a kid. I turned my face away to hide the awkwardness, only to see Kaiser doing the exact same thing.

"You’re gross, Brother," Yuika muttered.

"Hey! My friend is the one who said it! And Shiki, stop laughing!"

"Kuhaha, sorry, sorry. But it’s him we’re talking about. Can't be helped."

"Ahaha, you guys are weird. Oh, Reima, Reima! Can I play with Baal?"

"Sure. Baal, I’ll lend you some mana. Why don’t you show her some magic?"

"Is that wise, Master? Using mana so carelessly is..."

What is he talking about? I thought. He’s the one who’s been draining my mana since the moment he was summoned here. Still, when he wasn't letting loose, he actually possessed a modicum of common sense. He was probably just worried about my condition.

"It's fine," I told him. "Don't hold back for her sake."

"Very well. I shall fulfill that mandate. Lady Mashiro... prepare to be enthralled."

Baal cast [Wind's Blessing], lifting her small body into the air. She was startled at first, but once she realized she was flying, she began zipping around Kaiser’s slightly spacious room.

"Look, Big Brother! I'm flying!"

"I see that. Just don't get hurt... Master Baal, thanks."

Kaiser whispered his gratitude to Baal while quietly moving furniture out of the way. In this room lined with countless books, he was being surprisingly attentive, making sure his sister didn't smash into anything.

"I am late in asking, but who is this exactly?" Yuika asked.

"That’s Reima’s [Summoned Beast], Master Baal," Kaiser explained. "He’s incredibly strong."

"I saw him on the stream, but... he really is a [Summoned Beast] in human form."

She had used the [Weapon Summon] skill earlier. She was likely a [Summoner], or something similar. No wonder she was curious about Baal.

"Most of my comrades are humanoid," I said.

"Are you a special type of [Summoner]? I’m a [Weapon Master]. It’s a special [Job], so I feel a certain kinship."

"[Weapon Master]?"

"Yes. It’s not a unique [Job] like my brother’s, just a rare one. It’s a [Summoner] that can only call forth weapons."

Interesting. The [Job] system here was clearly different from the one in the other world. I needed to dig deeper. If I researched the mechanics of this world, I might find a clue on how to return home—or how to give this body back to the real Reima.

"I see. So that’s how you summoned those weapons."

"Yes. I can’t contract with [Summoned Beasts], but in exchange, I can call powerful armaments."

"Wait, Yuika..." Kaiser broke in. "Does that mean you were in a situation where you had to summon a weapon?"

"Oh, right. Some guy tried to corner me, but Reima-san saved me."

Kaiser turned to me, bowing slightly. "My friend... I can't thank you enough for protecting my sister. I truly owe you one."

"Don't worry about it. Yuika handled the rest herself anyway."

We ended up staying for dinner. Baal almost caused a disaster when he tried to take the lead in the kitchen, but we managed to survive the meal. After parting ways with Shiki on the bus, I walked the quiet night path back home with Baal.

"By the way, Baal. How was your time with Shiki and the others?"

"Regarding that, I was able to hear much about the original master of this world. As expected, he was quite impressive."

"Oh? What was your impression of him?"

"Hmm. From what I've gathered, your personalities are remarkably similar. Beyond that... your likes and dislikes are identical. He truly is 'Master.'"

"I mean, we share the same name and body, so that makes sense."

As we walked, Baal, who was trailing a step behind me, suddenly stopped.

"Baal? What's wrong?"

"Master."

"Yeah?"

"Are you enjoying yourself?"

"I guess. Today was fun enough."

"I see. That is good, but..."

His voice dropped an octave. I tensed up, expecting a threat, but his tone was just... heavy.

"Master... I am worried about you. I have been watching you from within, and you have become far too reckless. You show no hesitation toward self-harm. I understand your goal, but... please, value yourself more."

"Don't worry about it," I said, cutting him off. "Ayane already chewed me out for that. I won't do anything stupid with Reima’s body, and I'll lay off the [Sacrifice Magic]."

I couldn't see his face in the dark, but I knew he was wearing a grim expression.

"If you say so. Forgive me, Master. I shouldn't have brought it up so suddenly."

"It's fine. You're just worried. No need to apologize."

The conversation died there. We reached the house, and there wasn't anything left to say anyway. I sent Baal back to the [Soul World] before heading inside. As I lay in my room, reflecting on the day, I let my consciousness slip away.