episode_0170

I woke up.

It is said that he barely survived.

It was almost like I was on the verge of death.

It’s a good thing.

Luckily, he avoided immediate death, but his injuries were not surprising even if he died.

After waking up and all the fuss, I heard what the fruit warriors were doing while I was unconscious.

Fortunately, I found what I had written down, and it looks like we each got what we needed.

It’s definitely a happy and good thing, but my expression isn’t all that happy.

“… … .”

That’s because I’m sitting on Katy’s lap and holding the story of the fruits.

“Master. Are you uncomfortable?”

“Ask because you don’t know?”

“I like it.”

“My opinion is.”

“Please be patient.”

“… … .”

Maybe it’s because I died and woke up, but the expression is too aggressive.

Kati sat me down on her lap and gently wrapped her hands around my waist.

It is a lightly hugging posture.

… More than anything else, it bothers me that something keeps touching the back of my head.

“… And from that tree came this red gem.”

After finishing her story, Vivian gently extended the tip of her cane to me.

A red gem fixed to the end with a vine sparkled.

“Ta-da~ This is it. As written in the note, I think it increases mana sensitivity.”

… That’s all good, but why are you talking like you’re telling a child about old times?

“Before, I didn’t think I knew Scarlett’s class, but after taking this, I definitely understood it. So, um… .”

Vivian took out a pine cone from her bosom, not knowing where she got it from.

“Now, look~”

So why talk like that… .

-puck!

The pine cone was broken.

Vivian didn’t hold it, and it didn’t look like she had used any magic.

It just broke down when she looked at it.

“Like this, I can now control the mana in the world.”

“… Wow.”

To be honest, I was just amazed.

I didn’t really know what kind of power that artifact could give Vivian.

I just thought it might be helpful.

‘I never thought it would reach this level… .’

“As I participated in more battles, my magic level increased significantly. You might be surprised when you see it!”

“I don’t think I should be more surprised here.”

I knew that I was very talented, but how far do I want to grow?

I haven’t seen it with my own eyes, but I think it has already surpassed Sylvia’s level.

It seemed like it was Helena’s turn next… .

“I want to hug you too!”

“Yes?”

Vivian stretched out her arms to me.

“I want to hold you too!”

“… … .”

Katy growled from behind.

“I am not a doll.”

“Where is that? Give it to Katy!”

“It’s not that I was hugged, it’s that I was hugged.”

“Do it to me too!”

“… … .”

It was not a situation where I had the power to make a decision, so I remained silent.

Vivian glared above me.

To be exact, where Kati’s face is.

The two glare at each other fiercely, as if they were having a snowball fight.

“… Hehe. Next time, I have to hug him first… .”

Vivian, with her shoulders slumped, muttered that and sat down next to Kati.

Feeling Vivian’s burdensome gaze, Helena sat across from her and held out a yellow gem.

“This is what I got.”

Pilgrim, Sisyphus.

It was a holy relic that he presented upon his death after completing a pilgrimage, and was discovered very late in the second round.

The person who discovered it died on his way back, and the person who went to find it died again, so it is not known exactly what it was.

All I know is that it is called the jewel of the sun because of its color and shape.

“Efficacy is… . hmm… . It’s difficult to say with my own mouth, but I’m doing great on the battlefield.”

Healers are always in short supply.

Therefore, Helena, whose miraculous effects have greatly increased with the Sun Jewel, has no choice but to be active.

“And now I can call the sun.”

“… Yes?”

“It’s hard to show it often. If that happens later, you’ll see it for yourself.”

What does it mean to be able to call the sun?

It was hard to understand, but Helena smiled so confidently that I couldn’t ask anything more.

“Um, Ian… . Ha, can you excuse me for one thing?”

“Excuse me?”

I feel uneasy for some reason… .

Regardless of my answer, Helena grabbed the back of my head and hugged my face to her chest.

“Oop!”

“Hmm… !”

Then, he buried his head on the top of my head and took a deep breath.

Before I could struggle, Kati pulled me away.

Whether or not Katy was glaring at her, Helena looked at me regretfully and said,

“Cowardly… !”

“What on earth is it?”

“I can’t stand it when you’re so cute… !”

“… … .”

No matter what I say, it doesn’t seem to work.

Helena sat opposite Vivian.

Meanwhile, Katy lowered her head and sniffed.

“Don’t take it, man.”

“… … .”

Lucia, sitting across from me, grinned.

“Does it look good?”

“Did you hurt your eye?”

“Why, it’s a scene that would make you very happy?”

His tone is oddly sharp and almost like he’s complaining.

… Is it because of my mood?

“Hmm. Anyway, this is what I brought.”

Lucia waved a necklace with sparkling blue gems.

“Mugu’s Tomb. Right?”

“You passed the exam safely.”

To stop all functions of incoming weapons.

That is the condition for obtaining that artifact.

This is what I wrote in the second round, and I originally planned to use it this time as well.

However, I think it would suit Lucia much better than me.

“How do you feel about using it?”

“The aspect of battle has changed tremendously. I can still only handle 5 items at the same time… .”

“… It’s been a few weeks since I got it, so I’m handling 5 bags at a time?”

“That’s me.”

Lucia grinned and shrugged her shoulders.

“And, they also helped me a bit.”

Lucia turned her head and said.

Kylie was there.

Next to him were Sylvia, Beatrice, and Aria.

I heard that he accompanied the Fruit Warriors while I was down and actively helped with their training.

Have you finally gained some maturity?

‘… But why can’t you just sit still like that?’

-Cock.

Something stabbed my cheek.

“… What is it?”

It was Lucia’s finger.

When I turn my head, he grabs my face with both hands and rubs it.

“Because it’s cute.”

“… … .”

Kati pulled back, but Lucia followed closely and maintained her distance.

Lucia, who was grinning, suddenly made a gloomy face and spoke.

“I’m glad you woke up… .”

“Then, relax your expression. Don’t die.”

I said as I took Lucia’s hand away.

Then, Lucia looked at me intently.

“If you let me touch my face again, I will.”

“No.”

“It’s really shameful. It’s a crime not to let you touch something so cute.”

“Take it then.”

“Katy, did you hear? He wants me to catch him. It’s mine now, so give it to me.”

“No, please!”

The three Fruit Heroes, Kati, and Mercy were added, and they fought for a long time, arguing over who would sit on their laps next.

There was nothing I could do in that gap.

As I grew younger, I also became weaker.

I’m worried about whether I can hold the sword properly.

‘I don’t have anything to fight anyway, and the dark army is gone… .’

This is my first time being this weak, so I feel anxious for no reason.

I watched the fight between the five people while almost buried in Kati’s arms.

Other than that, there was nothing I could do in this situation.

“I can only pray with Ian! So next time you have to sit on my lap!”

What does praying have to do with sitting on one’s knees?

“Helena, that’s incorrect logic. What does that have to do with prayer?”

Lucia spoke calmly.

For some reason, that is correct.

“I should be the next one. I didn’t even get to touch Ian as much as other people.”

… What are you talking about?

“Well, that’s the same for me… !”

“Sister. You often touched Ian while he was sleeping.”

“Yes?! I-I can’t believe I touched you, uh, when… !”

“I touched it randomly, thinking it was amazing that it got smaller every time I came.”

Vivian’s face turned red.

Vivian, I see… .

“But I didn’t. And Helena hugged Ian like she wanted earlier, and Kati is enjoying it to the fullest right now, right?”

“If you think about it that way, I couldn’t touch it much either!”

“As Ian’s future spouse, I cannot be left out!”

Mercy and Grace also participated in the war.

For a moment, I hope that the debate will continue with no end or origin known.

Vivian shouted.

“Among these, I am the biggest and fluffiest… !”

“… … .”

It became quiet as if cold water had been poured on it.

Perhaps because she was embarrassed to say it, Vivian couldn’t help but blush.

I lowered my gaze from that face and then turned my head into the distance.

‘What the hell, what on earth could I do, why would Vivian say something like that… .’

Fortunately, a savior appeared.

My video mirror started beeping.

I took a quick look at the audience and received a call.

-… Ian? Is that correct?

The opponent was Wolf Gang.

“Yes. Wolfgang, it’s been a while.”

-her… . I heard that there is a side effect of getting younger, but you have become very cute. You have become younger than I’ve ever seen you before.

“Don’t say anything gross.”

Wolfgang said, chuckling.

-How is your physical condition? If you don’t mind, would you like to join the upcoming meeting? You should also know how the war situation changed while you were unconscious.

“I’ll be right there.”

-You can come to Gate 8.

As soon as I disconnected, Katy lifted me up and sat me upside down.

A cat-shaped hole appeared before my eyes… .

“Master.”

“What, why, why… .”

“Dangerous. It would be better for you to stay here, far from the front lines… .”

“Kathi.”

I know what he’s worried about.

Still, at least I should know what I need to know.

“It’s okay. I’m not saying I’m going anywhere near the battlefield, it’s probably just the command center at the gateway or the conference room.”

“… … .”

“Don’t worry, man. Next time something like that happens again, I’ll call you first.”

“… I understand.”

“Let’s go.”

I’m trying to go to the portal outside the magic tower… .

Kati stood up holding me.

“… Put it down.”

“This way is safer.”

“I feel uncomfortable.”

“… … .”

Since he is held in his arms, his face is close.

In that state, Kati looked at me intently and pouted her lips.

It doesn’t matter if it’s cute or not.

“That’s right! It’s not right to have Katy all to herself!”

“Don’t you know the laws on market monopoly regulation and fair trade?!”

Lucia, you are needlessly smart.

Thanks to the support of the other party members, I was able to get down from Kati’s arms.

However, my freedom was not granted.

“What is it?”

“Young children need parental guidance when moving around!”

Helena came close and held my hand.

“So let me hold your hand!”

“I am 24 years old. I’m an adult.”

“No, should we say Ian is 7 years old?”

Lucia held his hand on the other side.

“Do you like it when your sisters hold your hand?”

“I don’t like it.”

“Pretending to hate it.”

“… … .”

Vivian and Mercy, who had lost their seats from behind, gritted their teeth.

Currently, with the exception of Kati, Helena and Lucia are on par in terms of physical ability.

As for Kati… When I looked at what they were doing, I saw that they were keeping the first hero party in check, which was slowly following behind them like a guilty prisoner.

“Should Ian play on the swing?”

“Don’t do it.”

“One, two, three~”

Lucia and Helena raised their hands at the same time.

Because of that, it floated slightly in the air.

Like a swing.

“Wow, I’m really excited. Haha.”

“He’s cute even when he’s grumpy and grumpy.”

Why, why do these side effects happen… .

The problem is not just this treatment.

Perhaps my brain is adapting to my younger body, but strangely, I am becoming more comfortable with this situation.

‘This is crazy. ‘What are you thinking now?’

Come to your senses, come to your senses… .

“Um, Ian?”

Someone called me.

I just turned my head while holding both arms.

It was Scarlett.

“… Sorry. I called him for no reason… . I’m sorry for hurting you.”

Scarlett bowed politely and apologized.

It was such a contrast to his usual light appearance.

‘It’s not really Scarlett’s responsibility… .’

It’s subtle.

I came running because of the guilt I felt towards her, but in turn, she ended up feeling guilty towards me.

It was also funny to see myself embarrassed by the responsibility that only I knew.

So, I said it as if it was no big deal.

“It happened as a result, so it’s okay. Don’t worry about it.”

“No matter what help I need in the future, I will help myself.”

Why am I hearing the same story as the second time?

“Take care of yourself.”

After saying that, I moved towards the portal.

… While holding Helena and Lucia’s hands.

***

Ian’s symbolism was much greater than he thought of himself.

The builder of the current warrior system.

Even though he fell, he was the one who created the light of the first warrior party.

The news that he was on the verge of death affected not only his group but also quite a few people.

In addition to several warrior parties he knew, including Dora’s party, many warrior parties he did not know came and went to visit him in the hospital.

His serious injuries had a negative impact on the battlefield, but fortunately, all the corps commanders were dead, so humanity’s victory was still intact.

However, there were few warriors who cheered when they saw him return to the gate.

No, I actually didn’t recognize it.

‘… Ian? ‘That?’

That’s right, a child who looks like Ian is walking holding Helena and Lucia’s hands, so who would think it’s Ian?

Not many people knew about the side effects of improved elixirs.

***

“Please wait outside.”

I spoke firmly to the group outside the command center.

“Ahh, it’s too much!”

Vivian angrily refused, but it wasn’t possible.

“You’re going to keep trying to touch me, even in the command room.”

“I won’t! Promise!”

Lucia even stuck out her little finger, but my stance was firm.

More than anything, I feel uncomfortable thinking that they will be watching me from behind with eyes that are difficult to describe.

“No.”

“Deadly! Being assertive is also cute!”

“… … .”

Ignoring the overwhelmingly sorrowful eyes, I closed the door to the command room.

… I tried to close it.

‘Why is this so heavy… .’

The door is extremely heavy.

It’s not that I’m heavy, it’s that I’ve become extremely weak.

I groaned and pushed, but it didn’t move at all.

“Aaaagh-! So cute~!”

Looking at me like that, Helena screamed, and Vivian snorted harshly.

Mercy’s hand covering her mouth trembled.

At least normal Kati… He looked down at me with a happy smile.

Lucia squatted down to eye level and smiled.

“Sister, please close the door~ and I will close it for you!”

“… … .”

I just turned away leaving the door open.

Next time someone comes in, it will close.

When I turned around, I saw people inside the command center looking at me with confused eyes.

Perhaps because I am younger, my body stiffens when all eyes are focused on me.

I shook it off with all my strength and walked confidently towards the round table.

Wolfgang, who discovered me one step later, burst out laughing.

“Haha! Hahaha! ah! Ian, ah, hahaha!”

I couldn’t bear to say anything back.

I sat down in a random chair, and a problem occurred.

‘… ‘Low.’

Visibility is low.

Only the head is barely above the round table.

At this rate, it is difficult to view any information given.

More than anything, it looks strange.

“Uhihahahaha!”

I ignored the Wolf Gang rolling around on the floor and approached the command room door.

As I expected, someone came in and closed the door.

I stared at the doorknob that was higher than my head.

No matter how much I think about it, I can’t open this.

“… … .”

I waited with my arms crossed.

Someone comes in, or someone opens it from the inside.

I glanced into the command room, but since it was before the meeting, everyone was busy.

Wolfgang giggled every time we made eye contact, as if he had no intention of helping.

therefore… This is something that cannot be helped.

‘Katie, open the door… .’

Katy’s face was visible through the carefully opened door.

“Master?”

“Ah, that… .”

“Wait, wait! What now! Could it be that you couldn’t open the door so you asked Katy to open it for you? Is that right?”

Lucia hastily intervened.

Behind him, Vivian, Helena, and Mercy waited for an answer with eyes full of anticipation.

I bit my lip in shame.

That reaction alone was enough of an answer.

“Haaiyaang!”

Vivian let out an odd exclamation and hugged me, while Helena screamed again and punched the air.

“This, this, this… ! This guy… !”

Mercy hugged me and Vivian without saying anything, and Lucia burst into laughter.

“What’s going on?”

Kati, who was at least somewhat sane, asked what was going on.

The real problem is this.

‘I have to tell them directly why I asked them to open the door… .’

With Vivian and Mercy next to each other, I opened my mouth with difficulty.

“Well, the chair is too low… .”

ah.

I want to die… .

I can’t bear to say it all.

“The chair is low?”

Vivian repeated the words.

“… No way.”

Helena, who was seriously thinking, muttered as if she had realized.

“Ask me to sit on your lap… Are you saying… ?”

I just woke up, and I feel like I’m going to die.

The cause of death is shameful.

Everyone looks at me.

The look in his eyes that asks me to please say yes is a little scary.

“… … .”

I couldn’t bring myself to speak, so I lowered my face and nodded slightly.

A short silence.

“Gaaagh-!”

Afterwards, Helena almost broke down the gate.

***

The command room of the 8th gateway.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Army saw the younger Ian.

Although he came back from the dead and became younger, his grim expression and expression still remained the same.

The way he looked around the crowd while sitting at a round table with his arms crossed was sharp, not befitting his younger appearance.

Imperial prophet.

He was an indispensable talent for humanity who knew key information about the Demon King’s army in advance and gave advice.

In particular, by protecting the Demon Tower alone, he was able to rid himself of the mysterious stigma of being a spy for the Demon King’s army.

The Magic Tower was not a strategic point, but if it collapsed, it was certain that it would cause a stir within the human camp that it had been taken over.

Ian blocked it alone.

Although Katy was also there.

anyway.

Ian was still in a fierce mood… , the viewers did not feel that it was bloody.

That’s because he was sitting on Vivian’s lap, his arms folded resolutely.

Vivian, who sat him down, smiled and occasionally buried her head on the top of Ian’s head or tried to hug him tightly.

Through a fair game of rock, paper, scissors, Vivian was given the honor of serving as acting chair.

“… Don’t do it.”

Even though Ian grumbled a little, it was no use.

“Uhuhuhong.”

Vivian just laughed strangely.

Ian gave up arguing.

I realized I could have sat on the supply box, but it was already too late.

“Phew. Once everyone is gathered, let’s begin.”

He frowned as if threatening, but it wasn’t threatening at all.

Especially because of the cut on the back of Ian’s head… .

“… Then, let’s start the meeting.”

Ian listened intently, trying to ignore the warm and cozy feeling on his back.

I needed to know for sure how much I had changed while I was unconscious.

… The problem was that it had no weight in other people’s eyes, but he was really serious.