āThe curse of sterility, the Demon King of Winterā¦?!ā
I was at a loss for words at the overwhelming power of such a malicious Demon King. Tia, who was next to me, was the same, looking back and forth between me and Harris with a worried expression. And in front of us like that, Harris continued his story.
āThe first to notice the curse were the researchers in the royal capital. Even though the blizzard continues, there are crops that can grow in cold climates. In fact, for the first year only, they were able to harvest plants that seemed to grow in the snow mountains as usual. But when the next year came, not a single seed sprouted, even though the temperature had not dropped further than before. A researcher who found this suspicious used the seeds he had saved, used a vast amount of fuel to create a greenhouse, and conducted research. Then he discovered that no matter how much he adjusted the environment, the seeds that had once been exposed to the blizzard did not sprout at all. From there, it was like dominos. The types of bugs that were thought to be dwindling due to the cold, and the types of beasts that were thought to have disappeared due to overhunting when the crops failed, all of them were being eaten away by the curse. The dead trees that people were happy to use for firewood because they were dry and easy to burn were the final forms of trees that had lost their power to sprout new buds, and even the demonic beasts that attacked people died out due to the curse. From the time when its power was vaguely revealed, various methods were considered to try to break the curse. But all attempts ended in failureā¦ And then, finally, the curse began to affect humans as well. The last time I saw a newborn baby was more than 20 years ago.ā
āYes, no babies have been born to mankind since then. Depending on the circumstances, you two might be the last babies born to mankind. Hahaā¦ā
Harrisā dry laugh sounded oddly clear amidst the loud noise of the blizzard. But even after hearing all of this, questions still flooded my mind.
(What does that mean?! Iāve never heard of such a Demon King before?!)
Even if I, as a human-like being, do forget things, thereās no way I could forget the existence of such a powerful Demon King. In fact, this Demon King is by far the strongest Iāve ever known.
Of course, it would be. If Harrisās story is true, then this world is already over. There might be a slim chance of surviving in the sea or underground, where the blizzard canāt reach, but itās too late for that. Even if there were someone who had been shut away for decades without showing any interest in the worldās changes, itās unlikely they could sustain the human race.
Thatās why itās strange. Even though the game is already decided, why were we transported to this world at this timing? Is there a way to turn things around from here by our coming? Orāā
āThatās the end of my story. So, do you understand how the world ended up like this?ā
āYes, Iā¦ I donāt know what to sayā¦ā
At Harrisā words, Tiaās expression clouded over and she mumbled. I understand her feelings. I donāt know how to respond to his explanation either. Seeing our thoughts, Harris once again showed a tired smile.
āYou donāt have to push yourself. And today, I saw a new hope. I havenāt met anyone in a decade, but I met beings like you. You both look healthy, so I assume youāre eating properly? Oh, Iām glad. Iām truly glad. If there are beings like youā¦ if there are places like that, then thereās still hope in this world! Thank you. Thank you! Because of you, I can move on. It seems I can add a new meaning to this journey.ā
āWhat do you mean by āmeaning of the journeyā? What are you trying to do, Harris-san?ā
āā¦Iām going to kill the Demon King.ā
In response to Tiaās question, Harris opened his eyes wide and asserted. He put his hand on the rusty sword at his waist, and a piercing murderous intent began to emanate from him.
āEven if I defeat the Demon King, I donāt know if the curse will disappear. But at least the blizzard should stop. That would prevent a new curse from spreading, and the world might eventually return to normalā¦ No, thatās not it.ā
Harrisā hand gripped the handle of the sword tightly. Thick veins stood out on his hand, like a dried up branch, and his mouth was gritted so tightly it seemed his teeth might break.
āThis is personal. My wife and daughterās lives were taken unfairly because the world turned into this. I canāt forgive that, and I want to avenge themā¦ This is the dirty desire of a man who once missed out on becoming a hero. Thatās my only wish, and the motivation thatās kept me alive until today.ā
Harrisā fierce voice, like a candle flame about to burn out, resonated around us. His voice, filled with a strong will but also fragility, could only lead to one response from me.
āHarris-san. Can we join you on your journey?ā
āYou two? Donāt be foolish, I have no intention of involving young ones like you in such a reckless journey.ā
āBut, Harris-san, you are going, right? Even though you know itās reckless?ā
āā¦Yes. This is all I have left. Iāve come this far over a long time, just to kill the Demon King. Itās because I have neither a place to return nor anything to protect, that I can challenge the Demon King. So, thatās whyāā
āWe are the same, then.ā
Despite Harris trying to dissuade us, I met his gaze head-on.
āWe also have reasons why we must defeat the Demon King. Even if Harris-san refuses, we will continue our journey alone. So why not travel together?ā
āPlease let us join you.ā
To the conflicted Harris, Tia pleaded as if delivering a finishing blow. But something about Tia seems different than usual, more desperate. Well, Tia is always serious, but her desperation seems to have a different direction this timeā¦ Hmm?
āā¦All right. Letās go together. But I want you to promise me two things. First, if I say run, you must run. I canāt stand the thought of you two, who have a future, dying in vain. Understand?ā
āWe understand. And the second one?ā
I responded to show that I understand his point, but I donāt say that Iāll keep the promise. Smiling inwardly, I nodded and Harrisā expression changed again.
āThe one to kill the Demon King is me. I wonāt give that up.ā
āā¦We understand. We leave it to you.ā
To Harrisā flaming red eyes, I swallowed lightly and responded. Ah, these eyes are not good. Iāve seen many people with such eyes.
Whether for revenge or pleasure, they shine like they were possessed or mad. If I deny that, Harris would never accept us.
What kind of life has Harris lived? How much was the life of a hero I donāt know distorted by a Demon King I donāt know?
I canāt do anything about that. However, if we defeat the Demon King, we can accomplish Harrisā revenge in this world, and if by any chance it were to happen again, we can eliminate the very cause of Harrisā distortion in the subsequent world
A journey heavier than ever in a world harsher than ever. Preparing for that, Harris extended his right index and middle fingers straight, touched his forehead with the tips, and then pointed towards us.
āFufu, Iāll be counting on you both.ā
At that gesture and the smile on Harrisā deeply wrinkled face, a flash of light runs through my mind. Harrisā¦ Harrisā¦ that gesture and this faceā¦!?
The young swordsman, Harris, who dreams of becoming a hero, who I was supposed to meet in the 22nd world. If the two are the same personā
(Did the transfer time shift by 40 yearsā¦!?)
At that unexpected possibility, I had to do my best not to collapse on the spot.