No Game No Life - Volume 6 - Chapter 3

Chapter 3 - 1+1=Deathless
In a far away cave, after the land map of the new colony was
handed out to Coron.
The ones who simply constructed the hideout, received orders
until the very end, and lost their lives----
That is how it’s being made to be. The one hundred seventynine
[ghosts], including Riku and ShuVi, gathered around a
round table.
After looking at each of their faces, Riku---- the [Head of the
Ghosts] slowly talked.
“The war’s end that may come one day---- I'm tired of
waiting for this “future that won't come”.”
Even though everyone there became stunned, Riku still
continued speaking lively.
“While keeping fleeing and surviving in this shit smeared
world, you will pray for the war's end?---- To whom?”
He said that, as if throwing out something that he always
wanted to say but held back.
“To the destroyers who call themselves God!!? To the
heavens or to something else that couldn't stop those guys
either!!? Live and survive in this shit-like world until the end
of the war---- and then!? What about after that!?”
Moving his hands in an exaggerated manner, Riku roared as if
lashing out at his emotions.
“It seems those guys are conflicting all around after the
Throne of the Sole God, but those bunch of trash participating
in this war, it doesn't matter which one of them end up with the
victory! Do you think you can expect the shit after that to be
better than the current one!?----- HUH!?”
And in an instant, Riku lowered his voice, and said with a
voice that lacked any warmth.
“It's about time we recognize it. In this world---- something
like hope---- doesn't exist.”
-------
If it's just noticing then they already had noticed, but their
hearts would crumble if they recognized this fact. At his words,
the [Ghosts] lowered their heads.
That's why, it was said, while each of them let a painful
expression show up in their faces----
“We, have no choice but to “create it”---- with our own
hands.”
After hearing Riku's strong declaration, everyone there raised
their gazes.
“The method is only one. Certainly, it's a stupid, crazy and
insane method, easily considered an absurd.”
That idea made even Riku himself have no choice but to smile
bitterly at it.
“We are the [Ghosts] ----We are the ones that don't interest
anyone, and the ones that doesn't stay in anyone's attention.”
Riku looked at the girl standing at his side.
“We are the [Ghosts]----but even if we aren't recognized by
anyone, we are the ones that walk with the will of relaying a
legacy.”
Towards the red eyes, that made him think that even so it was
possible.
“That's the proof that we are “still” existing... The proof that
the world “still” haven't ended yet.”
Riku once again made his mind, and tightened his face.
“Let's stop pretending to be clever already. We, humans, are
fools.”
---- And then he affirmed. “As such---- let's “fight”.”
---- Fight. Not run, but to fight.
Certainly after Riku said that, one hundred seventy-seven gazes
concentrated on him. But Riku laughed weakly.
“That's right, let's fight. All enemies that stand in our way, no
matter who it may be, with our power---- in other words, with
“foolishness”. Fool everyone; outsmart them, just like a
[ghost]. Just like the weak. The kind of method doesn’t
matter, do it without shame or pride. Be flattered with
cowardice. Be praised with vulgarity. Be honored with
inferiority-----!!”
---- And then, “Be victorious.”
---- That's right, what should be obtained is a single one
victory.
“The endlessly stacked and lined up defeat, shall be cancelled
by changing it into a meaningful defeat, that one victory.”
Riku thought about it too, amidst the silence, the thing that
anyone envisioned.
The one Riku said to fight against---- those without
identification, the ones that reduced civilization to nothingness.
The ones who can in a single whim, open a hole in a mountain,
change the ocean into land, and pulverize the stars.
What enveloped the room, was laughs. While everyone was
amazed and letting out laughs, Riku too laughed.
“That’s right, we’ll challenge that---- and win. Before such
absurdity, all we can do, is laugh like idiots right?”
Yes that’s true. There’s no way we can stay without laughing
right---- That’s exactly why.
“That, is the proof that we are humans. The proof of
foolishness. It’s the last fate---- of our existence.”
After saying that, and looking around to the faces of the one
hundred and seventy seven peoples, Riku said.
“----[The End of the Great War]---- that’s the single victory
we will obtain.”
.........
With only a human body, they will end the eternal great war of
the Gods.
Towards Riku’s affirmation, the one hundred seventy-seven
peoples---- no, even ShuVi who was at his side looked at him
with round eyes.
“Well, the victory condition is~... even if I resume it all and
say it, it’s so severe that you all will start spacing out, but...”
But Riku, with a smile like a child who succeed in a prank,
accepted---- and remembered.
----When he was a child, he thought that the world was much
simpler.
There aren’t any competitions which can’t be won, and hard
work will definitely pay off. Everything was possible.
That was the ignorant and foolish thinking of a child that didn’t
know anything.
Looking at the world with such pure and unclouded eyes and
thinking that, is that wrong-----
“This world... was a really simple [game].”
----I knew it----I wasn't wrong.
“The Gods are just doing whatever they feel like seeking the
Throne of Sole God[Star Grail], while enjoying the game with
an everything goes rule.”
Riku thought---- the story is simple then, right?
“Then---- here too, we should just create the rules the way we
want it.”
While saying that, Riku played with a chess piece on his hand--
-- and looked at ShuVi.
ShuVi said that she wanted to know the answer that Riku’s
[Heart] showed. Then let’s answer---- After saying that, Riku
saw ShuVi nodding.
Laughing fearlessly---- he announced the (answer)<Rules>.
“<Rule 1> No one should be killed.”
---- The reasoning is, if you kill you will be killed. At heart, it’s
because I don't want to kill anyone.
“<Rule 2> No one should be allowed to die.”
---- The reasoning is, if you let someone die you will die. At
heart, it’s because I don't want to let anyone die.
“<Rule 3> No one must be perceived.”
---- The reasoning is, if you are perceived you will die.
“<Rule 4> No matter the method it’s not illegal.
----At heart, if you're not perceived, no matter what illegal
method is used it won't be seen as illegal.
“<Rule 5> No one cares about their rules.”
---- The reasoning is, if you share their stage it will be certain
defeat. At heart, it’s because this kill each other thing should
just eat shit.
“<Rule 6> Anything that opposes the above, shall be
considered a defeat.
---- The reasoning is, rules that aren’t enforced are
meaningless.
---- At heart, it’s because there’s no worth to be felt, in a
victory that opposes any of those.
And that’s all---- of the doing it the way I want.
At the answer (rules) given by Riku’s [Heart]---- Riku looked
once again at the one hundred seventy-seven peoples.
“We are [Ghosts]---- Without killing even a single one
person, from any of the races, including the Old Deus. Not
even being perceived. Only---- [by inducing the war situation]-
--- we will end this war.”
An emotional rule, exactly what’s appropriate to be called a
“child’s nonsense”.
But at the same time, if it’s to end the war with just a human
body, then there’s no other way.
Ending the war with just a human body---- because that by
itself is already a “child’s nonsense”.
“It doesn’t even need to be said but, if we fail it will be our
annihilation. Guarantees are, well~ absolutely useless. There’s
a talking wolf inducing the situation of the war----if just this
fact even enters the vision of those guys, certainly everything
will be over.”
In short---- Riku summarized.
“The Great War’s end (win), or our downfall (lose). It’s a
gamble of all or nothing, without draws or renunciations.”
And then Riku let everyone take a peek at his “true nature”,
something that no one in that place ever did.
“The enemy is [God], the embodiment of despair, with a
violence that sear through the heaven and earth. The chances of
victory are on the far end of one in a one hundred quintillion.
Since making everything succeed while acting in converts is
our victory condition, then even if we win, it won’t remain in
anyone’s memory, nor in any records, neither will it be talked
about. We are [Ghosts] and as such, [Ghosts] don’t talk. But
you know, if----“
After defining this crazy insane world as a [game] and doing
maneuvers to challenge it, with an exceptional smile,
“If, we really accomplish this [game]... If we manage to
[win]----” He let out, as if defining it.
“Don’t you think that, we would be able to proudly die,
knowing that we lived cooler than anyone else?”
....... Well then.
“I want only the guys that want to start such a [game]---- to
remain in this place.”
After finishing saying everything, Riku closed his eyes and
waited for the withdrawers.
He smiled bitterly inside. There aren’t many people---- idiots,
which would join such a [game] out there.
The folks that Riku choose---- all of them without exception,
are possessors of superior intelligence and skills.
Many times they ended in the verge of death, and those many
times they survived---- looking from the dwarves’ viewpoint
they are worthless garbage. Even while being garbage, they are
owners of extraordinary ability---- that’s why, Riku smiled
bitterly inside.
----Probably, no one will remain right. They aren’t insane. If
it’s about being stupid, then I alone am enough.
If it goes to that then, it can’t be helped. At the worst, with
ShuVi---- we will show that we’ll make it happen with just the
two of us.
The chances of victory are on the far end of null, so far that
goes beyond the cold horizon of Nirvana.
......Well, to be honest I haven’t thought of many plans that we
can do something about it with just the two of us, but…
Even so-----
..........
While thinking that, after counting a few minutes, he opened
his eyes. “.......Ahh~ I’ll be honest okay?”
Riku said towards everyone there that had an amazed face as if
asking until when he would keep his eyes closed.
He said towards the one hundred seventy-seven folks----- in
other words, towards the result of zero withdrawers.
“You guys, I thought you were a little cleverer than that,
but…”
To that Riku---- the one hundred seventy-seven [ghosts] smiled
bitterly, and said.
“Hey hey General, don’t come out with a wrong reading from
the very start alright, the future will look bleak you know?”
“Riku-san, you said clever humans but---- at this point do you
still think that there’s such a thing in this world?”
“Crazy insane? Something more insane than this world, it’s
too late for it to exist anywhere.”
“If they are clever then, they would choose death in this
world. And the cleverest ones, would choose to not even be
born...”
“The ones here---- Are the ones who came and survived until
today---- Riku, it’s the ones you chose you know.”
Or something like that, everyone nodded while laughing.
“It’s that thing, the representative of the fools doing his
selection, isn’t it.” Smiling bitterly---- Riku laughed. Right, it’s
exactly that.
----Humans are fools.
It’s exactly because they are fools, that they avoid being killed
by that foolishness by polishing their knowledge, their wisdom.
The ones what survived until today---- In a world without any
worth in living, even so they survived.
The ones who betted all their knowledge, wisdom and skills for
that sake-
----The proud fools, if they aren’t the venerable weak, then
what would they be?

“Unintentionally being born in this world.” “Meaninglessly
living while sipping mud.”
“But coolly dropping dead, meaningfully---- isn’t it perfect.”
“Is there any greater freedom than that, boss?”
“Until the very end we will act cool and entrust it to you. Our
way of life---- take care of it, General.”
Riku hid his face, as if amazed from the bottom of his heart,
and murmured.
“...You guys, be it this one or that one, you’re all going
insane. So much that it’s reliable---- then.”
As if, spilling happiness from the bottom of his heart---- and
then---- he spread the map.
What the humans, in order to survive, have been updating for
five years---- no, even before that---- the game board.
While the one hundred seventy-nine [Ghosts] including Riku
and ShuVi, looked over the game board knitted with countless
corpsesRiku
started talking about a detailed plan----- “Now---- let’s
start the game.”
“----Ashieit [Swear upon the Commands].”
That’s right---- But toward everyone who answered like
always, Riku said.
“...That word is now forbidden. We move by swearing upon
the rules we agreed on, not by a command.”
Then----right.
“It’s ----- Aschente [Swear upon the Agreement].”
----And thus the secret maneuvers of the ones who didn’t exist,
silently started.
Having the hope for the future stolen, despairing even at the
despair, and finally getting tired of even that.
Not to wait, but for the sake of finding it out---- the one
hundred seventy-nine ghost fleet moved----
■ ■ ■ ■ ■
“...Riku, as expected... ShuVi... don’t get... the [heart]...”
The meeting ended, and on the hideout’s entrance while
playing card games with Riku, ShuVi spilled that.
ShuVi saw---- Every single person in that place, touched
Riku’s [heart], and resonated with it.
Everyone but one---- excluding her own, ShuVi looked
downwards.
Only her, not being able to understand that---- it was terribly
sadly, she continued.
“...Riku, and the others’... plan, each of them... has less than...
1%... success chance...”
Let alone, the chances of every single one of them succeeding--
-- thinking logically zero would be the appropriate----
“Hm~ hey, ShuVi.”
As if cutting off ShuVi’s thoughts, Riku said.
“That thing you said just now, probabilities was it? Is it fine
with this?”
Riku doesn’t possess the Ex-Machina’s mathematical
knowledge. He asked---- judging solely by ShuVi’s actions.
“If you throw a dice the probability of a six coming out is one
in six. If you do that twice consecutively the probability of it
coming out will turn into one in thirty- six---- I don’t know
about percentage, but the calculations are more or less like this
right?”
“......That’s, right...... that’s why----“
ShuVi could affirm that she never once underestimated Riku.
But she couldn’t hide her surprise on how easily Riku got the
Ex-Machina’s logic, and that’s why, she tried to talk about that
success chance----
“Then I’ll tell you something good. That calculation---- is
mistaken.”
---- And then, she froze.
“If you throw a dice the probability of a six coming out is one
in six. But in this game that calculation is wrong.”
That’s because, Riku said while he cut the deck and smiled
bitterly.
“If six come out you win, other than it all the others means
losing. In other words---- it’s “one in two”.”
----Illogical. But the probability depends on which view points
and conditions the calculations are made, and that’s an
important factor.
All or nothing---- if you calculate from Riku’s point of view,
that logic can be raised without contradictions.
“.........”
A human made an Ex-Machina, furthermore an [Proofer],
confute----- moreover, emotionally.
To the ShuVi whose thoughts froze due to so much shock,
Riku continued.
“And then the second mistake. If you throw a dice and six
come out in the first time---- then “if you throw it ten thousand 
times consecutively then it also can come out consecutively”...
that’s why those calculations are really, mistaken.”
“......Wrong...variability, if weaved... on the contrary, if its
thrown ten thousand times, distribution error, convergence...”
The probabilities of a six coming out when you throw a dice,
isn’t restricted to one in six. There’s much variability.
But if you increase the number of attempts, the probabilities
will converge and the calculation instead will be easy. In other
words it’ll become just like the planned result----
ShuVi tried to refute like that, but Riku laughed and grinned.
“Weave everything? Even what you can’t know, and what
you can’t imagine too? Then for example----“
----That’s right, for example, Riku said-
“Something “that shouldn’t exist” (we), sneakily altering it
into a dice that won’t give anything but a six, or something like
that?”
-----You can’t weave it. At the very least, not in the “first
attempt”.
But if you continue you will notice the irregularity, the reason
for the error will be found---- after thinking this far ShuVi
froze.
Finally----inside ShuVi, Riku’s words, the meaning of the plan
got through.
The true meaning of, no one must be perceived, it must not be
noticed---- and the[Plan].
“...Artificially manipulate, the battle situation...without,
drawing attention---- within the range, of “error”....”
The already impossible to predict----going against the
“variability that was expected”.
Riku nodded towards ShuVi’s conclusion----that
mathematically, any more calculations about this will be too
troublesome.
“This is called cheating. Interesting right?”
----Even so, ShuVi still doesn’t understand. You can’t talk
about this [game] by using the Probability Theory.
She was able to understand that. But, even so, why----
“...Why, can you turn... the lowest... probability... into, the
value you, expect?” After ShuVi looked straight at Riku and
asked---- Let’s see, Riku started thinking.
He can answer whatever he wants---- If you don’t believe you
can’t do it, or something like that?
By believing, by having hope there’s no need for a basis, or
something like that?
----But Riku thought, that the answer ShuVi wanted surely
wasn’t that kind of answer.
While looking outside the entrance---- to the world that was
becoming a star of death---- Riku answered.
“ShuVi, what are the percentages of... coming out the [result]
of humans surviving in this world?”
“.........I got, it.”
After Riku said that with a creepy wry smile, ShuVi
recognized. Probability Theory is, just statistics after all.
Before the result of a [miracle], any calculations at all are
dismissed. Then paradoxically that is----
“...If you make a...”miracle” happen... something like,
Probability Theory, becomes... far-fetched.”
Riku laughed, and nodded at ShuVi’s answer.
“Saying it in your style, we go around as a “singularity of
calculation”. Whatever predictions, strategies, calculations...
with just a minor manipulation, we mess up with everything,
and make it converge to the direction we want.”
Riku thought after saying that. It’s impossible to predict
everything, those words turned back to him.
Knowing that---- If that was really possible, wouldn’t exactly
that be a [Work of God].
Then, Riku deepened his smile.
“Isn’t it interesting? The work of the guys with a smug face
waiting for the return above the heavens, forced to suffer a
downfall by the manipulation of mere humans. If everything
goes well---- don’t you think that it will be the greatest irony?”
Towards Riku who innocently said that---- towards his crystal
clear black eyes… ShuVi finally understood.
----[This] is it. The true identity---- of what she saw the first
time she met Riku. If it’s now, then ShuVi can affirm. This is
the [Origin of the Heart]---- the [Soul]. It’s what she (ExMachina)
illogically held “interest”, and finally “longed” for.
It’s like that because it was necessary to be like that----
Something herself (Ex- Machina) who is just a [Responder]
doesn’t have.
It’s because she wanted to be like that that she wished,
challenged, struggled, aimed for---- [Ideal]----
“Well, besides... fundamentally, Probability Theory is after
all, just desk speculation you know?”
Certainly she was forced to confute. But to even say that it’s
speculation, ShuVi felt troubled.
“Then let’s prove it---- <Question>What are the probabilities
of me proposing to ShuVi here and now?”
While unable to scoop the intention of the question, ShuVi
gave out the approximated numerical value.
“.........? Intention of the question, unclear... approximately...
near zero.” “Look, it missed---- Marry me, ShuVi.”
Towards ShuVi who froze, Riku handed out a small ring, and
said.
“In the Probability Theory there’s no zero---- The
probabilities of being victorious
in this [game], no one can deny it, isn’t that right?”
ShuVi looked up with round eyes, towards Riku who was
handing out a small ring, and answered.
“...Unable to, understand... I, refuse.”
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Laying down on the cold land, Riku, virgin, eighteen years old,
while shedding out tears----
“...*fu, fufu, ufufufufufu*...”
----After having his best marriage proposal bisected in a single
cut, he welcomed the end of the world even a single step
sooner.
Hey Riku... It’s already enough right, the world doesn’t
matter...
A fool that makes a miss from the beginning, at any case he
will just make a miss here and there and lose in the end after
all.
I don’t care about it anymore be it humans or the world too it
should just perish already.
Aah...Coron, I’m already tired... ahaha, haha, ahahaha.
“...Riku, I seek... an explanation...”
“No...I’m sorry I got carried away even though I’m just a
virgin... please don’t widen the wound----“
Sure, Riku was laughing as if he broke down while laying on
the ground, but. “...Refusal...I want, a... explanation.”
ShuVi asked, while being so expressionless that it even looked
unnatural.
“...[Marriage]---- A exchange of contracts between humans to
turn into a relationship for breeding...”
Then as if pulling out the information from a dictionary---- and
an even biased
one at it---- she guessed while using it as a basis.
“...Evaluated, ShuVi’s, usability... want to, turn into
possession...?” “Wroooooong! I simply want ShuVi to always
stay by my side!” “...Why? I’m, at your side...now.”
“It’s not in that meaning you know... I mean like, as a partner
for the entire life!”
“...Partner--- one who stands by the side and goes together.
Companion. Also---- Spouse...?”
“That’s right! That is it! I meant it as a spouse!”
But towards Riku who was nodding desperately, even then she
answered expressionlessly.
“...Spouse... married couple. ShuVi is, an Ex-Machina, can’t,
breed.” “There’s no problem alright!!”
“...Unable to perform... the act of breeding... Riku, will be a
virgin... for the entire life...?”
----------,
“There’s no problem alright!!”
“.........There was... a pause, for an instant...”
“Ahh damn it all it doesn’t matter it’s just a little detail!!!”
Riku shouted as if trying to deceive himself, but even so----
ShuVi continued while being so expressionless that it seemed
unnatural. “...That’s crossing over the races...there’s no
precedents, of a... married couple.”
“Then we are the first of the world!! We became the pioneers
right! Yahoo damn it!”
While creepily shouting desperate, Riku refused to go back due
to some mysterious confidence.
The baseless confidence that is---- If he pulled back here he
would lose.
But, was she pressured by that momentum---- ShuVi’s
expression gradually crumbled.
“......That’s impossible... since----“
“.........ShuVi?”
----That’s right, with a troubled, confused, and for some
reason----sad expression.
Riku noticed ShuVi saying with a trembling voice, and called
her name worried. Riku doesn’t know----that.
----That he just gave the last blow, towards ShuVi’s thoughts
that gave out a huge amount of errors.
The thoughts rapidly started crumbling. Incorrectness and
contradictions and failures increased infinitely. An endless
cycle of collapse of theories and contradictions. But the
[thought] that overturns that logic kept breaking the classified
information altogether.
“......Because---- Riku’s----“
When ShuVi opened her mouth----the logic and the reason
screamed. Don’t say it.
But the errors [contradictions]----what couldn’t be recognized
as anything but that----screamed. Say it.
For an Ex-Machina, it’s a worthless conflict. Will it prioritize
the logic, or will it prioritize the error.
But inside the thoughts----the vision of the first time she saw
Riku continued returning in a loop.
While the undefined errors associated to that vision----[Fear]
and [Guilty],
continued contradicting.
----ShuVi thought, what she herself, couldn’t believe more than
anything----
“......Because---- the one who... destroyed---- Riku’s
hometown, was---- ShuVi, you know...?”
----With a trembling voice... She prioritized the error.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
----Twelve years ago, the Ex-Machinas, participated in an
exceptional large- scale battle.
The opponent was one of the three Draconia crowned with the
name of
<King>---- Enryuu [True Dragon] Aranreiv and seven dragon
followers.
(TL Note: it’s written as True Dragon but read as Enryuu,
which means Flame Dragon.)
The opposing Ex-Machina side’s war potential was starting
with Cuvre, a [Composite Cluster] compounded of eight
clusters.
Each cluster had, four hundred thirty-seven machines----
totalizing three thousand four hundred ninety-six machines.
From all armaments possessed by the Ex-Machinas, a fourth of
them had already been deployed; it was an ultra large-scale
battle.
Combat result---- the Ex-Machina’s strategic victory. Target
and Self’s losses are as it follows.
Target----[True Dragon] Aranreiv, along with seven dragon
followers, -
<<Annihilation>>.
Self----42% of the war potential deployed, equivalent to one
thousand four hundred sixty-eight machines lost, factual
<<destruction>>.
Mostly of that loss, was due to the [True Dragon] Aranreiv’s
last attack----
Self Destruction, the last roar at the expense of his life---- it
was due to the damage caused by the Far Cry[Fallen Roar].
From the Ex-Machinas that were in combat, in the 0.0007
seconds of activation of the True Dragon’s Far Cry, about 2%
were vaporized.
Falling behind for 0.018 seconds until they received the
information from Zea[Observation Unit], the Proofers took a
fast-action.
At the time, there weren’t that many Ex-Machinas able of
avoiding a True Dragon class’s Far Cry.
Also it took 0.4 seconds until the information about the
estimated damage calculation recreated by the 
Zweihen[Examination Unit]got analyzed and transferred to the
Bepher[Command Unit].
Estimated Damage – Loss of 9% of the war potential.
Strategically, that attack worth of being called “annihilator”
meant his defeat.
But one [Proofer], instead of defending against the Far Cry----
proposed to “deflect” it.
“Distorting the directivity of the energy”, with the armament
Org. 2807, that the Ex-Machinas possessed---- Eensweg
[One-Way Traffic].
(TL Note: In dutch it would be something like “one path”, but
the kanji means “One-Way Traffic”)
It was calculated that, if there were multiples deploying of that
armament, the estimated damage would fall to 2%.
The proposal was voted by the Bepher, and the Far Cry had its
directivity distorted and was deflected to the other side of the
battlefield----
The Ex-Machina’s losses---- barely stopped in
<<Destruction>>.
The Proofer that made the proposal, was ordered to verify the
damage caused by the deflected Far Cry, and from it make the
necessary reanalysis and decisions.
Then it descended on the ruins where it was estimated that,
even though it was far from the Ground Zero, it was the nest of
a beast called human that got destroyed by the attack.
(TL Note: Ground Zero is a term used to mark the point of the
most severe damage or destruction, usually from bombs or
natural disasters.)
And then---- “............------------“
The Proofer sensed the look of an offspring of the humans
turned to it---- while clenching a tile-patterned board.
The look of the human’s offspring had hostility in it but, on top
of that---- he turned the back to it, and went away.
----The Proofer---- For the machine that analyzes and considers
phenomena, that action was incomprehensible.
That human’s offspring was in an extreme condition, but it
confirmed the [enemy] without confusion or exhaustion.
On top of that, it chose the survival. That was, clearly different
from the survival instinct of the beasts.
That’s because in the look it gave the Proofer, there wasn’t any
fear, or nothingness, just endless----
It could only perceive “heat”---- a heat so great that it even
overcame the True Dragon’s Far Cry.
The Proofer let out an error---- an error called [surprise].
That offspring was confident that it could win---- It’s just that,
now it was still impossible.
Assumption. Isn’t that, what the Ex-Machina doesn’t possess---
- heart; isn’t that life.
The nature of concluding something without requiring a basis,
something that overcomes even the computing was confirmed.
----The Proofer who concluded that---- decided that humans,
especially that offspring required a reanalysis.
But---- due to the subsequent analysis a huge amount of errors
<Failures> occurred and it was excommunicated---- from the
cluster.
Machine Individual Identification Number---- Machine
Number Üc (Übercluster) 207, Model Pr (Proofer), Machine
4f57t9.
----Later on, by that offspring himself.
----Was the Machine Unit given the name “ShuVi”.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
“......Even, then... can, Riku, still say...the... same thing...?”
After ShuVi told everything, without being able to look at
Riku’s face, she only murmured with a trembling voice while
looking down.
---- Error <Wrong> Error <Irregular> Error <Failure> Error
<Doubt> Error
<Cycle> Error <Inexplicable> Error <Unclear> Error <Loss> -
---
What filled ShuVi’s thoughts, was the invariably storm-like
chain of errors.
----<Self Question> Why did you talk? Be it logically or
illogically it was a profitless action.
----<Logical Answer> Profit---- none. Loss----the loss of
becoming enemy with the observation target.
----<Illogical Answer> Profit---- none. Loss----being hated, by,
Ri...ku?
----Loss? By being hated? So much that it would go up to the
position of principal loss? Error, error, error...
“...ShuVi, you know----“
Hearing Riku’s voice, ShuVi felt her shoulders jumping so
much that it surprised even her.
The storm of errors gave a scream with a massive sound----
[Run!].
----Run? Why?
The storm of errors answered with a massive sound----
[Because I’m scared!].
Scared. Fear. Ex-Machina doesn’t have such a concept. But
that error (thought) couldn’t be denied.
Why is it that she’s currently with her head lowered? It’s
because seeing---- Riku’s face was----
Unbearably---- “scary”---- Once again while the storm of errors
swept away the thoughts----
“......I noticed it. Quite vaguely, though.”
At the words she heard the errors quieted down all at once, and
converged into a single question.
“...Ho,w...”
“Hm~...it’s an embarrassing story but, the first time I
remember that something was wrong was----“
Riku said while scratching his head and seeming embarrassed.
“...The first time we met, I wondered why did you knew that I
was a virgin.” “-------------------“
Towards the state of ShuVi that perfectly, and literally froze,
Riku smiled bitterly and continued.
“Well there was also others, like how you said
[reconfirmation of the heart] to me, also like how you
hardcoded and said it as “my heart” while there were other
humans surviving in this world, and like how you for starters
was even “awaiting” in that place so distant from the colony,
and like why the “first” game number was chess---- well,
right.”
To Riku who was laughing shyly while saying that it was
unexpectedly justified, ShuVi could only look with round eyes.
She lost her words. The thoughts that got dyed in errors did
nothing but stay idle---- but, a question was let out.
“...Yet,...why,...?”
“Hm~...Why is it I wonder? Hahah, I don’t know.”
In a state that really looked like he himself didn’t know, he
continued while laughing.
“...It’s because, on top of factoring all of that, I still fell in
love with Shuvi, I think.”
----------.
“...You will, forget, the past…?”
“No. By result alone ShuVi destroyed my hometown... that’s
a definite past.”
Through these words, ShuVi felt that she was about to collapse
from a [pain] that shouldn’t exist, but----
“Hm~...as expected, I am stupid. Because you see, at the
same time, I think this.”
As if hiding his embarrassment, or maybe really snorting. He
scratched his head,
“If ShuVi denied the past that she destroyed my hometown---
- we wouldn’t had met right.”
“---------............!!”
She held her breath. Even though it’s a machine that doesn’t
even have a respiratory organ.
“Results are results. It can’t be helped even if you twist it.
Humans, aren’t that kind of living being.”
After slowly walking over, and after crouching down, Riku’s
hand-
“Even if they clench their teeth, regret, cry and shout---- Next
time, definitely next time, and that way they keep going
forward---- that’s why.”
----Gently enveloped ShuVi’s cheek and raised her face,
“That’s why...ShuVi held interest in me, right?”
Riku waited after saying that with a smile similar to a child.
After seeing her own frightened expression reflected in Riku’s
eyes, even ShuVi herself got surprised at it.
As if soothing that, Riku continued with a quiet voice. “I,
absolutely won’t deny anything of the past.”
--------,
“ShuVi’s past, the present that you are at my side, and the
future that I want you to continue with me from now on too, I
love everything about them.”
-------------,
“The conscience of the sin too. Do it like that or should it
have been done like that. Too bad but humans---- no, I am just
an idiot. In any case---- I don’t have time to be looking
anywhere but the now. Hold expectations for tomorrow, and
hope for the next time. Even on top of stepping through the
past, right.”
That’s why---- and Riku picked ShuVi’s left hand,
“If I’m with ShuVi, even in such a world, it seems like I’ll
want to live in it.” He slowly passed the ring through the ring
finger-----
“If I’m with ShuVi, no matter the hardship, it seems like my
heart won’t break.” The ring’s---- after showing a red gem like
ShuVi’s eyes----
“If I’m with ShuVi, it seems like I’ll never become unable to
laugh again.” And then as if troubled somewhere---- he said.
“That’s why, you see. If you don’t hate me----“ “I
don’t...hate----!! There’s no such, a thing----!”
After ShuVi swung her head as if trying to cut off Riku’s
words---- then.
After extending his hand, Riku---- wished.
“Ignore all reasoning---- won’t you walk the same path as me.
As my wife, that is.”
......
............Suddenly, ShuVi noticed.
That at some time, the storm of errors that filled her thoughts
stopped. “.........I, see...”
----Ex-Machina is, a race that corresponds. If it’s necessary it’ll
rebuild itself as it is necessary.
Since when, “there was such a function” is unclear but----
through the single tear in her cheek, she understood.
The storm of errors. Those logical and contradictive things are,
something given a name altogether and treated as such.
Namely----[Feelings].
“...Riku.” “Un.”
“...Literally...just, as it, looks...I’m unworthy----but.”
“Idiot, I think you’re even too good of a wife for me, you
see.” While Riku smiled bitterly like that.
ShuVi, who still didn’t know how to work with her currently
faced [feelings]. Crouched, and with a wet voice----as if
squeezing it out, answered.
“...Always, always, forever---- please let me stay, by, your
side...”
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
“...In the end it became like as if I was peeking until the very
end didn’t it... damn~ you stupid little brother...”
----Outside the hideout’s entrance, Coron murmured while
sighing.
After hearing the position of the hideout, she headed out even a
single moment faster and ended up peeking all the way.
----Because it couldn’t be helped! I lost the timing to show
myself!
She thought while looking at Riku from the shadows, who was
stroking ShuVi’s back since she still haven’t stopped crying.
About the day that Riku, who survived from a destroyed
colony, got adopted by the adults of her village.
-------------…………
“Hello~, hey you! What’s wrong?”
Since Riku didn’t talk with anyone, they thought that maybe if
it’s Coron who was about the same age as him, then...
Expectation covered the adults’ faces. It doesn’t matter how or
why, it’s a survivor of a destroyed colony, they said.
“Alright~ if you have something you want to say then Oneechan
will hear it ♪ Hurry up try saying it~☆ ”
Towards Coron who said that and started tickling him, Riku
opened his mouth, and said a single word.”
“...Annoying.”
“Fufun~, at such age, Onee-chan isn’t someone that will be
hurt by just something of that level! Come on come on, using
bad-mouthing as an excuse won’t work anymore alright~? Did
something happen I wonder~?”
Riku talked trickling. The light that came from the south,
burned down the
colony, then he put aside his parents that became ash and went
east----
“----Didn’t you search for survivors? If the light came from
south then why head towards the east?”
Looking aside from the adults that got startled, Riku kept
answering indifferently.
----Even if there were survivors it would be impossible to treat
them. If they were well enough to walk then they would do the
same as him and take distance from there.
----The reason he headed east, was because over there was
wilderness... it’s because, the Black Ash wouldn’t pile up there.
----If he went even more to the east there would have a river. If
he went until there then he thought he would be able to
survive----
Towards that calmness that made you think he wasn’t a child,
while the adults lost their words, Coron asked.
“...What did you wanted to do after surviving?” “...Next time,
I’ll win... for that sake, I must survive…”
----“Next time”...he answered next time. And---- he said he
would win.
The adults gathered and made an amazed face, but Coron
rubbed her cheek at his face and shouted.
“Ahhhhhn~! Damnnn~ This child, I’ll make him my little
brotherrrr!!”
Coron had noticed. His eyes when he said that the next time he
would win---- Those unfathomable eyes.
That’s why Coron thought in an instant. That he couldn’t do it
alone. Let’s stay by his side. At that time she decided that.
So that Riku wouldn’t go in a rampage---- so that he wouldn’t
hurry to his death----but, the truth was----
-------.........
“I knew... what was necessary to that child wasn’t an older
sister to stop him. It was someone that would walk the same
path.”
He, Riku, will go to a distant place. To a place so distant, that I
won’t be able to follow----
….Well, but, putting that aside…
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
“Until when you will be making ShuVi-chan cry!! This
useless husbannnnd!!”
Riku groaned after someone suddenly jumped from the
shadows and thrust the fist into his stomach.
----What happened, he thought and raised his face, and Coron
said while standing royally before him.
“For the time being, as the older sister---- I’ll have you let me
say it, congratulations on your marriage ❤ .”
----Hmm, please wait for a little while, Riku thought and stood
while pressing his stomach.
“Coron---- erm, you see... why do you know, more like, why
are you here?”
“Eh? I reached the hideout. And then there was a nice mood--
-- I didn’t have any choice but to peek right?”
Coron said without any bad will, with a face as if asking if
there was any other choice but that.
----This self-proclaimed older sister...until where---- Riku
thought while scratching his head,
“Ahh, then, since continuing to hide it from Coron would be
that, then----“
“Ah, if it’s that ShuVi-chan isn’t human thing then I already
know, or it's another talk besides that?”
.........
---------------Huh?
“Wa, wait...huh, since when did you notice...”
“Since the time you brought her to the colony. The sensation
from hugging her made it clear that she wasn’t human,
really~.”
While Coron was acting like she would rather know why he
thought that she didn’t notice.
----Suddenly, ShuVi understood, while remembering back.
----The sensation from that day where she was asked “just what
in Riku attracted you”.
What this person... Coron, really wanted to ask was this.
----[With what intentions you approached Riku?]----.
That’s exactly why----there was that mysterious feeling of
nervousness. “...If you knew then, why, you didn’t say
anything?”
If Coron noticed in the first meeting that she wasn’t human,
then she didn’t understood the meaning of her acting surprised
at Riku being a lolicon.
He brought another race to the colony you know---- shouldn’t
she be wary, vigilant----
While Riku was amazed, but without hesitation----Coron said
with a smiling face like a real older sister.
“Because, it was the girl that Riku chose , right?” “--------“
“At the start there were circumstances right? Riku, the time
he first brought ShuVi-chan, he seemed to be stretching the act
so much, that even now it looks like he would break it----
That’s why I too, played along with it but...”
----I see. If even after reading our circumstances, she
excessively pretended
that she didn’t notice then----it can’t be anything but that.
Moreover that was----she believed Riku, nothing else but that--
--
“But, well, it was like we suddenly got intimate you see!? I
could get suuu~ch a cute little sister you know!? Really~
something like being human or not became completely 
unrelated alright!! You see ShuVi-chan, humans after marry,
they make family and kiss, and this ceremony goes on ever
since the ancient
past----“
“They don’t! ShuVi too don’t take that seriously get away
from her!!”
“Ah, hey Riku! Since you got a family----give her a marriage
ceremony ok!?” “----Coron, I’m grateful to your feelings but, I
already, don’t exist anym----“
Though he tried to say that----but after noticing Coron’s
serious face, he cut his words.
----Be it Riku, or be it Coron, they don’t have something that
can be called family.
They’re...no longer there.
Much less officially, since both Riku and ShuVi, are already
considered to be dead----that is...
“I’ll be the ministrant, so stay as an “official married couple”,
ok? How about we do a marriage ceremony with just the three
of us?”
But unexpectedly, ShuVi answered. “...I want to do it...”
She let out, while looking up to Riku.
“...I want to become...an official, married couple...”
----------............
----As if there was such a thing; it was just a simple ceremony.
Exchange words of pledge, write the name of the three in a
document, and it’s over.
Originally they would gather the people from the colony but----
Riku and ShuVi are considered to be dead.
That’s why, Coron held it in that place.
“Husband Riku, do you swear to have ShuVi as your wife, to
walk together, to support her, love her, and survive with her?”
After hearing Coron’s words----he smiled bitterly at how much
those words of pledge were similar to the ones of the colony,
befitting of this age.
When a marriage ceremony is held within the colony, he had
no other choice but to lower his eyes, or so he wanted to
complain, but now----
“Aah, I swear.”
“Hey Riku! Here you should say Ashieit[Swear upon the
Commands]----“
“Sorry, just while ago that was forbidden. That’s why---- it’s
now Aschente [Swear upon the Agreement].”
After hearing those words Coron’s cheeks inflated and she let
out while mumbling.
“...Seems like while I wasn’t around, a lot of things were
done, somehow~ I don’t like it...”
“Hey~ ministrant. There’s too much private talk you know~?”
After glaring at Riku who was booing as if he was an outsider,
she coughed once.
This time Coron faced ShuVi, and asked for her words of
pledge.
“Wife ShuVi. Do you swear to have Riku as your husband, to
walk together, to support him, love him, and survi----“
“...I, swear...”
An instant answer as if to cut her out. Coron dropped her
shoulders at the continuous ignoring of the form but---- ShuVi
continued.
“...ShuVi’s existence, meaning of, birth... I swear it all... to
Riku, who gave me a heart...I definitely won’t let, Riku, die...
he’ll survive, until the end...I’ll stay, with him... Aschent
[Swear on the Agreement]...”
-------.
I see~ I see~ Coron who turned her gaze to Riku saw
something priceless.
Indeed----to think the day would come where she would see
that little brother with a red face.
“Then ShuVi continue. Do you swear to be---- husband
Riku’s “wonderful bride”?”
“...wonder...ful, bride...?”
So she started getting carried away at the bad direction, while
Riku sighed thinking that, ShuVi tilted her heads towards the
words with unclear definition, but----
“Don’t make Riku sad. From this child who once lost his
smile...don’t steal his smile again...”
Towards Coron who asked with a serious look, ShuVi
contemplated. “...Can you do it?”
-------.
To be honest, I have no confidence. I don’t know what should
be done, or if I can do it or not but---- ShuVi answered.
“...I swear...I will...become... a “wonderful bride”.”
...Un. As if relieved she gave a big nod, and then----
“Ah, also, be sure to properly fulfill the essential conditions
of a wonderful bride during the night life too ok? Being skilled
in the bed is----“
Coron accelerated in the bad direction, but,
“Ahh, Coron. ShuVi, can’t do such things. Look, the races----
“ After hearing Riku’s words----she bent her face and reflected.
Since she finally had the trouble of trying to soften the mood,
she made a verbal slip----she thought.
But unexpectedly ShuVi raised the hand,
“...If ShuVi, knows, the structure...self construction--------she
can create, a[hole].” “WH----AT!?”
“Oh♪ You did it Riku! Congratulations on graduating from a
virgi----“ “...So that's it, Coron... let ShuVi see, Coron’s
genitali----“
-------------------------The world is unfair.
Riku though, after his cheek got punched by a fist that made
even his brain shake.
“----Wait, why am I being hit!”
“It’s because this is a talk that ends well if you just remain a
virgin for the rest of your life!!----Well then.”
While saying that, Coron picked up the stone that she always
kept at her waist and said.
“Then, after we carve we three’s names here, you’ll be an
official married couple.”
Without Riku even explaining anything, Coron grasped his
intention and continued precisely.
“...Since you guys officially doesn’t exist anymore, you can’t
remain in a document right? This gem, is something I received
from my grandfather. If we make the side with the three’s
carved names a decoration then---- right?”
----I got it, that way no one will be able to see it huh.
Riku admired inside his heart, as expected of Coron. I knew it,
if it’s Coron---- then I can entrust everyone to her.
That’s because, in the stone---- there was already Coron’s full
name engraved into it.
Riku, and ShuVi too, neither of them have surnames. In other
words Coron’s real intention was----
“...With this, the two of you are a married couple. And my,
official younger brother and little sister.”
With a happy, yet at the same time somehow sad face, she
announced that. Giving a bitter smile---- Riku and ShuVi,
picked up the knife with their hands.
They put Coron’s surname, bellow their own names. Somehow
they felt like the writing was a little bad but----
After the engraving was done, to Coron whom the stone
seemed more dazzling than to anyone else, she put it away
dearly.
And then---- with a face looking like a older sister’s, even more
so than a real older sister.
“...Hey, Riku, ShuVi.”
I want to stop them, but I can’t do it. She understood it, and
with an smile---- that even now seemed to be forced.
“I don’t know what you two---- that everyone is trying to do--
-- You two aren’t in this world, but.”
Saying that, Coron---- hugged those two, her younger siblings,
and said.
“I know---- I have a dear younger brother and cute little sister.
That’s why...please.”
“----I, don’t want to lose my family anymore. Don’t be
reckless, please...”
----Her face can’t be seen. But towards Coron’s trembling
whisper, the two younger siblings nodded.
“Aah. No one will die nor will I let die. At least only this
[game]---- I’ll definitely win.”
“...Count on, us...onee,chan...”
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
------------............
----After the [ghosts] gathered around the round table, the head
of the ghosts, spread the[Board] with his hands.
“We don’t exist.”
“Without killing anyone, without letting anyone die. While
using any methods, information, plans, and deceives alone we
will induce the situation of the war---- we have rules, so if
there’s a victory condition then this is clearly a [game]----“
“Everything will be decided by this map---- by this board
alone. Then... let’s decide on the [pieces].”
After receiving the gazes of the ghosts, the head of the ghosts--
-- took out a white piece.
“This is us.”
----A White, King.
“The weakest piece. The piece that can’t become anything.
But it’s the most important piece. It’s the piece that if it’s taken
it will be the end.”
He set that on the map---- correction, on the outside of the
[board]---- on the border of the table, and continued.
“We are the King. But at the same time---- we are also
[ghosts].”
Something that doesn’t exist. Something that mustn’t exist.
Therefore it’s something that mustn’t be allowed to be sensed.
“We don’t exist anywhere, but we can exist anywhere. We are
the ones that control everything from outside this board.”
And then, he continued while taking out many pieces---- all
white pieces,
“We will obtain victory in this game, without taking a single
piece. Therefore all races are---- [white].”
Saying that---- he took out a [White Pawn]---- “This is---- the
Warbeasts.”
He placed the White Pawn---- on the [board]----in the region of
the warbeasts’ habitat.
.........---------
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
----Three warbeasts killed their presence, and wandered inside
the forest searching for food.
In this world, at this age, securing food isn’t an easy task even
if they are warbeasts. For starters there are too few decent
animals living. Much less when it’s limited the other races they
can “hunt” without attracting risks.
After sharpening the five senses, and following the smell----
they finally found one prey.
----It’s a human. It’s an animal that’s not much delicious but, it
will fill the stomach.
They cooperated with a voice that only a warbeast can hear.
Even if the opponent is a human they won’t be careless.
Encircle him and attack all at once---- they raised their fangs---
- “--------!!?”
----Or so they were about to do, but they all jumped backwards
at the same time as if bouncing.
“As expected of the warbeasts. I don’t mind if you’re going to
eat me but---- I can guarantee the bad taste ok?”
“...What, are you?”
Towards the something that looked like human who talked to
them in the language of the warbeasts, the three warbeasts
became cautious and asked.
It’s terribly smelly---- the “something” who had taken in a
“massive amount of poison”, and was talking in the language
of the warbeasts, answered.
“The Forest of the Gulf in the west that the warbeasts are
using as a base... the Dwarfs are trying to turn that place into a
experimental detonation site for a bomb you know.”
“----What, are you saying.”
The three warbeasts all at once, observed their opponent by
picking from the beats of the heart until the sound of the blood
flow with their five senses.
----Body temperature abnormal, number of heartbeats
abnormal, but that is due to the poison. The pupils are----
“If you doubt me then, try going to the place in this map. You
are an individual with Blood Devastation right? If it’s just the
Dwarfs' facilities then, you somehow should be able of
infiltrating it and finding out that those guys are doing. I’ll tell
you just a hint.”
----Reaction of lie---- none. At the same time that those three
reached that conclusion,
That human, said.
“----It’s a weapon of large-scale destruction called
Zuibaku[Corpse Bomb]----
able of killing even an Old-Deus.” “””------!!?”””
Picking up once again, heartbeat reaction, pupils, even the
sound of the blood flow in the capillary vessels----lies----
there’s none!!?
“Search for it. As in, to where it will be carried away, and
destroy things like materials and equipment. Also even by
mistake don’t try to destroy the weapon ok? There’s also the
possibility of it blowing away everything at that instant. The
west of the Russia Continent, all of it.”
And then, that mysterious “something”, said all it wanted, and
leisurely started walking away.
---------………
“----ShuVi, is there any reaction?” “...None...it’s, alright...”
To Riku’s question, ShuVi used an elemental compass----or so
she feigned to, and searched for living reactions.
There’s no one, when that confirmation was taken in, the
[ghosts] infiltrated the Dwarfs' facilities all at once.
“Rather... to be “dialoguing” with the guys that are doing
something like this, please spare me from a second time,
General.”
----A [ghost] from the past who had the name Alei would look
around, and take a breath and say that.
The steel building that was once a dwarf facility, had traces of
giant claws carved on the walls, and its origin wasn’t found.
There were also other traces of giant claws engraved with so
much depth that it had length of the height---- but
“If it’s necessary then it will be done again no matter how
many times. The only one able of talking flawlessly in the
language of the warbeasts is you alone. The
blood serum also worked right.”
“Yeah, perfectly. It was over with only two days of
convulsion.”
The [ghosts] smiled bitterly and replied to Riku, who answered
that indifferently.
----As if there was such a thing. They did a “few applications”
to the force map Ivan left behind, infiltrated the crashed
battleship of the dwarfs who blew away the colony, and only
did a little “exchange” to the little amount of information
communicated.
All that’s left is just to convey the fact to the warbeasts---- that
the warbeast’s habitat is a land scheduled to have a
experimental detonation.
“But I wonder just how many with [Blood Devastation]
sneaked in. After destroying this much are you sure there won’t
be any deaths, General?”
“Yeah there won’t be. There are no traces of blood---- as
expected of the warbeasts, their intuition is incredible.”
If it’s the warbeasts’ five senses then, even number of people
inside the facility from afar, they can find it out with their
literally inhuman senses.
----And then it would be fine if they just sent an adequate
number of individuals with Blood Devastation to sneak in.
The Dwarfs aren’t idiots. They can’t use magic and they
wouldn’t put a bomb able to blow away everything aside.
What would happen if many Warbeasts with Blood
Devastation appeared there? Would there be any other choice
but to run?
And the Warbeasts aren’t idiots either. What should be
prioritized over the fleeing Dwarfs is----
“----It seems that the rumored Zuibaku was carried away huh,
General. By the Warbeasts, or by the Dwarfs.”
“It was the Warbeasts. Was there any other guys here capable
of leaving “footprints” on the ground and walls made of steel?”
----Surely they forcibly carried it.
But the [Warbeasts’ intuition] should understand the most the
dangers of that bomb.
Therefore what they can do is---- discard the bomb, and then---
- escape. “That’s why I’m saying. This is, a [game].”
If the conditions are met, an specific race is almost powerless
against another specific race. That’s exactly why the war is still
ongoing.
“But the dwarfs won’t abandon this place. The time limit is
fifteen minutes. Gather information and disappear. [Ghosts]
are----“
“Something that doesn’t exist anywhere---- Aschente[Swear
upon the Agreement]----“
While the ghosts dispersed all at once, and where gathering
information, ShuVi asked.
“...Is, this...how “you will form”...the pieces...?”
“I didn’t do up to that much. Not yet----it’s just that,” The
reason he set the Warbeasts as a pawn---- that is.
It’s because if they go too deep in the enemy army, they can
even form a queen. But---- Riku smiled bitterly.
“Even if it’s a pawn, it can still take out a bishop... it’s just
that.”
■■■■■■
-------------............
Once again, the [Ghosts] gathered around the round table, and
the head of the ghosts spread the [board] with his hands.
And then---- he took out a [White Rook]----
“This is----the Elves.”
After saying that he put--- the White Rook on the[board]. At
the coordinates---- that had the capital of the Elves.
--------------............
■■■■■■
Capital of the Elves----on a mansion at its outskirts.
The elf who just returned home----the one who was called Nina
Clive, (TL Note: it’s クライヴ - lit. “Kuraiv”, so I left it
as Clive.)
“-----!! ...Who is it?”
Instantly noticed the presence of the trespasser, became wary
and used searching magic and verification magic.
In the depths of the illuminated darkness, a cloaked figure was
sitting in a table as if trying to blend with the darkness.
With the entire body covered in tattered clothes and beast hide,
the shadow covered with fur and deep eyes said.
“...Greetings, I allowed myself to intrude.”
Using a fluent Elf language, towards the shadow who started
talking, the elf instantly made a attack magic----
But she didn’t fire. Because the second ability deployed at the
same time---- the analysis magic, told her.
-----[Unidentifiable – True Identity Unclear ]...she must be
quite surprised by now, the shadow laughed.
Since he tried to deceive his appearance---- but she didn’t
expect that even with magic she wouldn’t be able to find out
not even his outline.
Therefore, she didn’t have any other choice but to ask.
“...Who are you, is it alright if I ask that?”
Against something you don’t know its true identity, you
mustn’t carelessly lay your hands on it---- the shadow laughed.
“Let’s call me just a [ghost]. Let’s just say that, I’m not your
enemy but I’m not you ally either.”
Obviously, the Elf searched for the veracity of the words----
but the [ghost] knows the result.
----[Ghost] is a “lie”, while everything besides that is “true”----
the magic will answer like that.
The [ghost] laughed because it was a fact that he wasn’t her
enemy neither her ally.
“----Since you entered someone’s house without permission, I
think you must have an appropriate business right?”
But the elf who didn’t understand that meaning asked. Of
course I have.
Do you think that a mere human---- would sneak into an elf’s
mansion without reason?
“----I thought of doing a simple game you see.” “...Huh?”
“The chip that will be betted by each side will be
[information]...if you win against me I’ll offer information, and
if you lose I’ll take it.
While Nina was still cautions, the [ghost] laughed inside his
heart thinking that it was fine like that.
The elf called Nina Clive. She’s an excellent and sharp person,
also the best caster of the current generation.
----Riku read those thoughts beforehand; that’s exactly why I
chose you as the opponent I would make contact with.
“You’re wondering if each other’s information is certain or
not, since it won’t be a
bet if the chips don’t have any guarantee, right?” “--------------
Yes, that’s right.”
Nina was concerned about the possibility of her thoughts
having been read and carefully complied---- That’s obvious.
If a sharp person goes against something with its [true identity
unclear], first thing they’ll do will be to consider the worst
possibility.
In other words---- they will consider the possibility of it being
a race ranked higher than its own.
But it’s because of their good head, that they won’t honestly
back off.
A higher ranked race, a lower ranked race, or from the same
race, it’s because those three possibilities overlaps.
That’s exactly why, the [ghost] laughed and thought---- This
one will definitely join the game.
“Then have one in advance. Let’s prove that the game can be
held if it’s information that can’t be ignored regardless of its
veracity.”
For example, right, if I say this word----she’ll definitely join
the game.
“How about---- “Arka-shi-anse [Void Zero Divine
Protection]’s existence is being leaked to the Dwarfs”?”
“---------!!?”
The[ghost] can’t sense it, but surely she once again used magic
to search for lies---- but it’s useless.
“...Did you find that satisfactory? There’s no problem with
the veracity of the information. Since it’s you, who is the caster
of the logic of the Arka-shi-anse, also its formula editor, it’s
possible for you to probe it without the veracity---- there will
be no difference right?”
The elf created a calm face while thinking in a hurry. The
[ghost] knew that as if picking it up with the hand.
----Arka-shi-anse is, a super important secret being concealed
even from the logic caster.
Even confidential documents that could lead to the ones
involved in its development had been recorded as “encrypted”.
It was recorded in the few documents----which ShuVi found
left behind in the subterranean room, in the elf ruins.
In the her eyes who didn’t knew that---- the [ghost] was being
reflected as an existence who knew everything.
That’s right, no matter what it may be---- it was as an existence
which she can’t carelessly lay her hands on.
“............-----------“
As expected he can’t sense it, but the elf must be doing a lot of
searches in the words of the [ghost] right.
But---- it’s useless. There are no lies.
The information is certainly being leaked. But it’s because that
“the one who is leaking it is no one but the [ghost] himself”----
-
“...Fine. It seems like, I can’t leave without knowing what
you are, right.”
After saying that, she seated in front of the [ghost], folded her
hands and asked.
“Well then, about the game---- judging from the use of chips,
will it be a card game?”
“No, it will be a [fast move chess]---- it’s easy to understand
since there won’t be anything wrong for both sides right?”
After saying that, the elf let her gaze fall to the chess board
above the table, and said.
“----Fine, then, let’s start.”
“Yeah, but before that...”
And the [ghost] said, with a voice that was as if making fun of
her.
“Could you return the piece? The first player is me who is the
white you see. My apologies.”
“------------Yeah, I’m sorry. I’m not that well-informed about
chess.”
----With that said she clicked her tongue inside her heart at the
fact that she was “seen through”, and her expression distorted
slightly.
Even after deceiving with her supposedly “full power”----the
power of an Octo- Caster, her lies were still seen through.
The elf called Nina will think---- As expected, is it dangerous
to test out an opponent whose true identity is unclear?
And then she will return the piece, and at the same time she’ll
surely think this----
“Well then my chip will be...the Arka-shi-anse’s logic caster
is actually----“ “Not you----I already have that information.”
Try to test him with a bluff---- the elf who was laughing inside,
against the following words----
“I also have the information that it was a lie, and I too have
the information that you used a magic in that lie to make me
believe it.”
----Was seen having the color drained from her face.
“Well, you already finished confirming that lies won’t work
against me right. How about we start the game already?”
For the [ghost] who was asking joyfully, she understood that he
could pick up the opponent’s heart even without using magic.
What is him, just what is this guy---- it’s because she was
making such a face.
At such a appearance, the [ghost]---- Riku smiled bitterly.
----As if he would reveal that.
Riku is human, he can’t sense magic---- he couldn’t even
confirm that the piece was moved.
But the current generation’s sharpest elf, and also number one
caster, looked at the chess board.
If she outstretched it towards the one with the true identity
unclear, what would happen, she could predict---- therefore.
She became unable to move “any of the pieces”, nor able to use
a magic to make him believe in a lie.
----It’s just a bluff. But it won’t reflect that way in her eyes----
There’s no way it would.
All those bluffs---- if even a single one of them gets read
wrong, it’s over. The necessity of pressing it that much, she
definitely…can’t even imagine it.
There was no choice but to press it to that point; the humans
who are called the weakest... she can’t even imagine it.
Hence, I’m examining the information carefully like this----
----The [ghost] couldn’t sense something like disguising magic,
also, he couldn’t detect lies either.
But it was a magic that the current generation’s number one----
she, who possessed magic considered to be in the legendary
level since past times, called [Octo-Caster], wasn’t able to
break through.
If such a thing is really being used then, either way, there’s no
method to oppose it.
Grabbing the initiative even in the psychological warfare----
But even so he let her peek at information she can’t ignore.
Neither an enemy nor an ally---- For now there’s no choice but
to believe those words and draw out information.
Just like this [ghost] said, it will be fine if she confirm the
veracity on her own---- she thought.
But since she managed to sort her thoughts to that point, now
is----
“The information that will be betted will be decided on your
own accord. How about, in case of the information being
judged as worthless, it’s possible to request a change?”
----The concern of drawing out information too much
inconvenient.
The elf clicked her tongue, at how Riku was talking as if
waiting for her thoughts to follow.
----Why, did Riku choose her as the opponent he would make
contact with.
She looked like the editor of Ark-shi-ense, the Elf’s weapon for
the decisive war, and someone that possessed a huge amount of
information.
And also, a very excellent caster, and a sharp person----she was
the possessor of excellent “intelligence”.
That’s why she was chosen----it was “just because of that”.
It was safe even though she possesses incredible power, and
could just destroy everything if it came down to that---such
“intelligence”.
Survive from the weakness and foolishness. That itself is the
human way of life----such “intelligence”.
Doing something like hitting off using intelligence against
humans----against the weakest, it’s a useless effort.
Therefore----this one, will definitely think like this.
“In other words----in case I request[your true identity]...”
“As a compensation for that, I’ll request that you bet
information very
inconvenient for you too.”
----That’s right; that is your real objective---- the elf will think
like this.
Throw away the optimistic thoughts, and assume that the
[enemy] will “reveal all” of your lies.
On top of that, draw out all the information that can be drawn,
and then it should be possible to pursue the self-proclaimed
[ghost]’s intention, and true identity, by exploring the
information obtained---- like that.
“Fine let’s start the game. Neither an enemy nor an ally----
I’ll assume that you have no will to harm me.”
Riku laughed inside with those words----Right, I’ll definitely
do that.
It’s because she have an excellent intellect. It’s because she’s
strong. It’s because there is pride there.
----That’s exactly why---- she is easily read. She can easily be
induced.
And then as expected, showing a smile as if seeing through
everything, Riku held up his hand.
“Then---- Announcing in the traditional way of the [ghosts],
let’s start the game. Could you recite for me?”
In other words,
“----Aschente[Swear upon the Agreement]...”
-------------............
“...Now then, let’s start with the information you presented----
“
“I request the background from the leaking of Arka-shi-anse
to the Dwarfs and, if possible the presentation of evidences.”
“That was the chip presented in advance... I will share it
without even needing to bet it.”
Saying that, Riku handed out the recording stone on which was
recorded the transmission sent from the Dwarfs’ crashed
battleship.
The information that Riku (the one leaking) is telling can’t be
betted. That’s exactly why---- he turned it into a bait...
“More importantly---- the information that I’m offering is----“
And then---- he let her take a glance of a hook and bait even
greater than that.
“Let’s bet the reason for why, on top of knowing about Arkashi-anse,
the Dwarfs concluded that there’s no problem.”
“----------what, was it?”
----Arka-shi-anse was “confirmed to not be a problem”. What it
meant, can be only three things.
It was undervalued, there’s something to deflect it----or maybe,
it can’t be---- “----It’s exactly that “it can’t be”.”
That’s right, after waiting for the elf called Nina think---- Riku
said.
The thoughts are being read----In order to deepen that illusion
even more. That’s why---- she complied again.
“...So you say that you’re holding it. That information, I
mean.”
----Returning fire with a bluff, by avoiding the specifics of that
“it can’t be”---- but Riku laughed.
“I’m holding it. The information of the [weapon], that the
Dwarfs concluded to be equivalent or greater than Arka-shianse.”
----That’s right, if it’s Riku he will answer.
Towards the answer that was exactly what she considered that
“it can’t be”
thought to be, she clenched her teeth.
But...again she fell to a childish induction right, or so Riku
laughed inside.
Evaluating an absolute weapon as [no problem]---- the
possibilities that can be imagined are limited.
But she didn’t notice---- the importance of the meaning of
mentioning “that information”.
If she, who held confidence that there’s no way they could
have something to deflect it, were to be asked without the
presence of specific information then.
-----By method of elimination, that “it can’t be” is----the
[existence of a weapon greater than that].
She was upset; with the fact that her own thoughts, were being
read by some unknown method.
While being the current generation’s number one caster, she
had a reputation of being a sharp person, yet was being played
one-sidedly in intelligence warfare.
That fact wounded her pride---- her ability of thinking calmly
was being stolen...
About that, Riku thought----what an odd person.
If it were the absolutely strong ones then, they would be fine if
they just killed him without a word in the instant they come
across each other.
Regardless if that’s possible or not, if it’s just a half-assed
power that can do nothing but use tricks and measure your
enemy then----don’t boast about intellect.
If you don’t boast about foolishness, about weakness itself
then, on the moment that that [half-assed power] gets sealed----
----Trying to hit off against humans with only “intellect”, such
a thing---- It won’t even become a talk.
“The magic system lost due to a Flügel---- after that a new
system was created,
and I respect that it’s your pride that conceitedly thinks that it
overcame the first one by far, but if I win let’s talk about
details. What is it that you will bet?”
With a sigh towards Riku, who was yet standing in an
advantageous position, talking about the information gathered
by ShuVi and the [ghosts].
The elf called Nina bit her fingernails and tied her thoughts.
“----Arka-shi-anse’s current number of continuous uses
possible, and the number of machines capable of loading it,
how about this information?”
“It helps that you understand fast. As expected of the Elf’s
sharpest person.”
A weapon that surpass the Arka-shi-anse. That by itself is
tremendous information.
So she understood---- that if she wants those details to be
revealed, anything besides an appropriate compensation won’t
be accepted.
----As for how much dangerous of a bet that is, Riku too could
imagine, but.
After grabbing and using this much advantage---- he aksed,
intentionally shaking her up.
“By the way, if this leakage of information gets found out,
may I ask what would happen to you?”
“...An omitted court judgment for top-secret leakage, along
with treason, and then execution, I guess.”
After answering the obvious question made to steal the
concentration in the middle of the game, the elf glared at Riku-
---
But, Riku thought [wow~] inside his heart, surprised at how
that was more than he imagined.
To be honest, it’s because that thing about the details of the
Arka-shi-anse----he isn’t holding anything like that.
The name and developer...that was something the Dwarfs
randomly blew out in reaction to the horror called [ultra-scale
destruction weapon].
And then----with this one’s reaction he was finally able to see
the whole picture. But, the elf even now resolutely----gave
appreciated information.
“Even so Arka-shi-anse is what the Elfs---- what I betted all
my elements on, the strongest elemental destroyer spell----If
you say that those mole scum (Dwarfs) created something that
can overcome it then, I’ll take that information even at the cost
of my life...”
----I see~ is that so. So Arka-shi-anse seems to be this thing
called elemental destroyer spell.
While smiling mischievously inside, Riku said. “Then----shall
we start the game?”
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
----There were twelve chess matches. The elf had five
victories, four loses, three draws.
By result alone it was her victory. The information she
demanded----correction.
All the information that Riku wanted to deliver to the Elfs were
already delivered----a good part of the information he wished
were already obtained.
But the elf----was already supporting her cheek with a hand,
and growled while holding her face.
“Making the [essence] of the inactivated Old Deus detonate
during their inactivation......? They are going insane, those
Dwarfs...”
Look who’s talking----on the other hand, Riku hid his face and
couldn’t help but think that.
----While continuing to pretend that he knew the true identity
of Arka-shi-anse, he matched the information, and reached its
principle.
(The one who turned it into a weapon that makes the
Phantasma self-destruct is calling someone madman----it’s not
even funny.)
In this world----no matter whoever it is, they are all going
crazy already.
After letting that out inside his heart, he passed through the elf
who was holding her head and was about to leave----
“...Wait.”
He was halted.
“----Be it your true identity, or how you gathered this much
information, at this point already I won’t even pry into it.
Besides, from the current point until the veracity of all this
information is confirmed, there’s no choice but to accept it all
as just delusions.”
“That is fine. It’s a wise conclusion.” “But, let me say just
one thing.”
With keen eyes----If there wasn’t a “certain reason” for that,
even Riku wouldn’t be able to pull out such a face.
While directing a killing intent that was like a well-honed blade
towards Riku, the Elf pointed out.
“You, there were times that you intentionally moved in a way
that would make you lose----I’ll ask only one more time.”
Depending on the answer, it doesn’t matter what you are, I’ll
attack unconditionally while using all killing methods I know
of.
Even if by result I end up being the one shot down, I’m
prepared for that; that is what her gaze announced.
“----Are you, an enemy? Or are you an ally?”
----But unfortunately.
“I’m neither an enemy nor an ally, it’s the second time I
answer this but, let’s see...”
To Riku who was laughing like that while answering, at this
point that much of killing intent---- was even less than a
breeze.
For those who lived while holding hands with the death,
something like killing intent---- was just a cute thing with
intent.
“If that was an answer that doesn’t satisfy you then, let’s
complement it like this.”
And then, Riku who had been living in such a world---- spoke
words from the depths of his [heart].
“As much as it’s possible, I’m wishing so that there won’t be
deaths coming from you guys. “
----------.
“...Fine [ghost]-san. You want to ask me, what I plan on
doing by accepting that information right.”
Once again, she surely must be using for real her Octo-magic
to search for my true intention right.
----No way there’s falsehood in there. That’s because that is
Riku’s real heart.
Then even without showing out that intention, even as someone
who is neither an enemy nor an ally,
“----I will only understand that you are an existence that
doesn’t have any “harmful intentions” towards me. Just as you
desired, alright.”
Saying that and smiling bitterly, the elf called Nina---- no... “---
-By the way~”
Suddenly the way of talking---- no, even the personality----
“As expected even for the [ghost-san]~...there are things
which you don’t know about right~♪”
As if everything changed into a different person, the elf, “Nina
Clive is a false name, my real name is----“
She said, with a soft smile, reminiscent of the warmth of a
fireplace.
“Sink Nirvalein---- you see~♪”
(TL Note: it’s シンク - lit. Shinku, so I left it as Sink, since it
sounded more feminine to me.)
And then, *fufu*, she laughed.
“This one, is the true me but~----this acting, were you able to
see through it~? Instantly, as if it was a different person, with a
teasingly smile, Nina---- no.
Sink Nirvalein---- but Riku, while still covering his face,
smiled bitterly and answered.
“Yeah, I saw trough it.” “.........”
“Did I call you [Nina]---- even once?”
----Developer, and even the logic caster were described while
encrypted in the documents.
Because of such thoroughness, doubting that real name or
whatever---- is just obvious.
But, if it’s now that he understood the principles behind the
Arka-shi-anse, he can consent honestly.
----This crazy logic, Sink Nirvalein isn’t so idiot that she would
announce something like that with her real name.
“Fufu, I’ll be honest~, right now~, I’m really boiling inside
you see~”
The elf’s number one caster----Sink, who is aware that she’s a
performer, laughed dissatisfied.
In the end----she resented the fact that not even once it was
something out of the blue for him, but Riku----
“My bad but acting is the favorite trick of a [ghost] you see...
I have confidence in being able to see a compatriot.
----That’s right.
“That’s exactly why---- I made contact with you.”
----Why did he choose Sink, the last reason is this.
Being able to perfectly cover the fact of having made contact
with a [ghost], pick up the support of the information, and on
top of that----should be able to guide the Elfs in the direction of
reapplying it----Sink continued, without turning her gaze to
Riku who turned the heels.
“By the way, ghost-san~? Did you hear the rumor~, about
Elfs having a sticky- persistently nature?”
“Aah, I heard about it. Something like how a grudge won’t be
settled even if you spend dozens of generations right.”
Slowly, laughing like a flower, Sink declared.
“I’ll sincerely take the information~, and the effort of not
wanting deaths to come out~...but that aside~”
Sink Nirvalein said, smiling----but glared at Riku’s back with
eyes like those of a vengeful ghost.
“The ghost-san’s true identity----I’ll find it out and then
locate you~---- and I’ll “definitely kill you” you see~. To think
from all peoples, you had to play just with me with the back of
your hand, I’ll make you regret that~----it’s because the origin
of the rumor of Elfs having a sticky-persistently nature is
from~...none other than---- the Nirvalein house you see♪”
-------------Hmm.
“I’ll honestly recognize that it’s the first time I heard that. I’m
already regretting that I bought the antipathy of a troublesome
opponent, alright.”
While Riku was saying that and leaving, Sink kept watching
over him the entire time, with a smile mixed with killing
intent…
■■■■■■
“...Riku----hurry, up! Drink...this...!”
In a small room after getting away from Sink’s mansion----
ShuVi hurried desperately with Riku’s “decontamination”.
Even now the excruciating pain made he feel like almost losing
his consciousness along with his life, but Riku shook his head
and withstood.
With the sensation of having melted iron being poured into
every blood vein, he couldn’t even let out a voice.
No, I wonder if that’s even a sensation or not, Riku smiled
bitterly at that thought.
The Elfs who possess the greatest aptitude for magic within all
races---- he acted like a [ghost] against their number one caster.
If they met normally, he would be stark naked after being
identified with the body elementals, and his true identity would
be revealed in one instant.
Then what should be done? It’s simple right.
It’s fine if you just become impossible to be identified.
“...If we don’t, drain, the elemental bones, soon... Riku, you
will, die!”
While letting Riku, drink the decontamination fluid that could
be called her (Ex- Machina) blood, ShuVi grievously shouted.
----That’s right, it’s fine if you just take in the black ash, and
get [Elemental bones contamination] on purpose.
Broken elementals--- the [elemental bones]disturb all
elementals, erode, and destroy them from inside-out.
No matter how much of an excellent caster she is, a body that
was disturbed with elemental bones contamination, can’t be
identified.
Let alone if she has an excellent intellect she won’t even
imagine it----such a suicidal act.
“...Riku...you liar! Even though...you said, one hour...it was
more than two hours...!”
Riku drank what ShuVi calculated to be the verge of a lethal
dose of black ash, and painted his body surface with it.
But that lethal dose---was calculated to be a dose for merely
only one hour.
Riku’s body that was affected by more than two hours of
[Elemental bones], eroded without mercy, and was being
destroyed.
If he don’t hurry up and decontaminate, just like ShuVi said it
will lead to death. But.
“It can’t be helped, right...that fellow, was stronger, than I
imagined...” Riku answered as if squeezing out the voice.
He thought that there’s no way there is someone who can play
chess better than ShuVi.
But if it’s Sink Nirvalein then, even if she can’t win against
ShuVi it seems like they will have a good match.
Smacking a bitter smile he remembered...[lost on purpose] you
say? I’m really grateful---- I’m being extremely overrated.
Even though the necessary information was obtained,
everything besides that, I just seriously challenged and lost.
It’s thanks that everything that got through were bluffs. If even
a single step was wrong I would be killed instantly right----
“...Riku...! It’s, just a little more...so----! Do your, best...!”
If the decontamination ShuVi is holding don’t succeed----either
way surely I won’t last much right.
----At the very least, the skin won’t go back to how it was
anymore right.
I already saw the fate of those who continued in direct contact
with the Black
Ash, many times.
Being affected by the burns, and those marks---- will never
disappear.
After his just how many years I’ll live---- in any case, Riku
will spend his entire lifetime wrapped up in bandages.
Not only his body surface, but his insides too must be in a
similar situation.
A dumbass that would ingest a huge dose of Black Ash from
his mouth; as far Riku knows, the first one in the history to do
that was a dumbass known as [Riku].
Since his skin became like this, it’s certain that his internal
organs too will burn and necrotize.
He probably, won’t be able to have a proper meal, never again.
Fortunately he didn’t take it in by nose. The cardio-respiratory
functions must be safe.
----If the [Elemental bones]caused erosion from the blood then
that too would be suspectable but----
“...Riku...even though, you said, that, no one will die, no one
will be allowed to die...!”
ShuVi struggled desperately with the decontamination, but----
Riku thought.
----That’s just how much value it had.
The details of the Elf’s Arka-shi-anse, the words Sink let out
[number of machines capable of loading it] and it’s method of
operation was revelated. The Dwarfs' Zuibaku too, after
reading the force map Ivan bet his life to obtain---- with this
finally, he can cooperate with the [ghosts] that are sneaking
around in various places, and achieve the first goal.
The “exclusion of the front from the humanosphere”----made
through battlefront induction.
And then, Riku laughed inside---- “the last one hand” will
charge into reality---- but.
“Hey, ShuVi...I...just how much, I’ll live, after this?”
Will he make it or not until “the last one hand”, it was a
question he wondered about, but.
ShuVi glared at Riku---- with an expression unusually filled
with clear “anger”. “...I won’t let, you die...Riku
will...live...until, ShuVi dies...!”
“----I see...hey~, an Ex-Machina’s lifespan...how many years
is it?”
“...ShuVi’s, number of years of durability...approximately
eight hundred fifty-two years, left...”
Riku laughed, at that answer, even while being assaulted by a
pain that felt like his entire body was cracking.
“Haha--- well~ I must put effort into that now, right~...”
Really, I can’t afford to die, at such a place, right...
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
-----------............
Once again, the [Ghosts] gathered around the round table, and
the head of the ghosts spread the [board] with his hands.
In the [board] which mostly of the pieces of the races were
already set, dozens of pieces of race were lined up.
And then---- this time he took out a[White Queen]---- “----This
is, the Flügel.”
After saying that he put--- the White Queen on the[board].
At the coordinates where Avant-Heim was---- the Phantasma
that had the Flügels’ base set at its back.
----Queen. The strongest piece.
The [ghosts]put on question marks at why it was allocated to
the Flügels, and not to the Phantasma nor to the Old Deus.
“...Is it because, they are strong?”
But the head of the ghosts smiled bitterly and answered.
“There’s also that but---- it’s because “they don’t grow”.”
No one understood the true meaning but---- suddenly, a [ghost]
said towards the board surface that had nothing but white
pieces.
“But, with this all pieces are white--- it means that they are
ally?”
“That’s right. We---- will win without taking out even a
single piece, there are no [enemies].”
“No, but then, against what, we should be victorious, you
say?”
After being told that, the head of ghosts fearlessly---- took out
the [Black King]. “----If we defeat this guy---- it will be our
victory.”
“...Win without taking out even one piece----but will there be
a need to kill someone?”
With those words everyone’s gazes concentrated on the head of
the ghosts all at once, and he received it.
But, the head of the ghosts chuckled, held up the Black King,
“Noo? The rules are absolute. No one will die. That’s because
the [Black King] is----“
And then vigorously----slammed it on top of the [board], and
said.
“----Since it is “this guy”.”
The [ghosts] made round eyes---- but only their head;
Laughed with confidence.
 

Chapter 3 - 1+1=DeathlessIn a far away cave, after the land map of the new colony washanded out to Coron.The ones who simply constructed the hideout, received ordersuntil the very end, and lost their lives----That is how it's being made to be. The one hundred seventynineghosts, including Riku and ShuVi, gathered around around table.After looking at each of their faces, Riku---- the Head of theGhosts slowly talked.The war's end that may come one day---- I'm tired ofwaiting for this future that won't come.Even though everyone there became stunned, Riku stillcontinued speaking lively.While keeping fleeing and surviving in this shit smearedworld, you will pray for the war's end?---- To whom?He said that, as if throwing out something that he alwayswanted to say but held back.To the destroyers who call themselves God!!? To theheavens or to something else that couldn't stop those guyseither!!? Live and survive in this shit-like world until the endof the war---- and then!? What about after that!?Moving his hands in an exaggerated manner, Riku roared as iflashing out at his emotions.It seems those guys are conflicting all around after theThrone of the Sole God, but those bunch of trash participatingin this war, it doesn't matter which one of them end up with thevictory! Do you think you can expect the shit after that to bebetter than the current one!?----- HUH!?And in an instant, Riku lowered his voice, and said with avoice that lacked any warmth.It's about time we recognize it. In this world---- somethinglike hope---- doesn't exist.-------If it's just noticing then they already had noticed, but theirhearts would crumble if they recognized this fact. At his words,the Ghosts lowered their heads.That's why, it was said, while each of them let a painfulexpression show up in their faces----We, have no choice but to create it---- with our ownhands.After hearing Riku's strong declaration, everyone there raisedtheir gazes.The method is only one. Certainly, it's a stupid, crazy andinsane method, easily considered an absurd.That idea made even Riku himself have no choice but to smilebitterly at it.We are the Ghosts ----We are the ones that don't interestanyone, and the ones that doesn't stay in anyone's attention.Riku looked at the girl standing at his side.We are the Ghosts----but even if we aren't recognized byanyone, we are the ones that walk with the will of relaying alegacy.Towards the red eyes, that made him think that even so it waspossible.That's the proof that we are still existing... The proof thatthe world still haven't ended yet.Riku once again made his mind, and tightened his face.Let's stop pretending to be clever already. We, humans, arefools.---- And then he affirmed. As such---- let's fight.---- Fight. Not run, but to fight.Certainly after Riku said that, one hundred seventy-seven gazesconcentrated on him. But Riku laughed weakly.That's right, let's fight. All enemies that stand in our way, nomatter who it may be, with our power---- in other words, withfoolishness. Fool everyone; outsmart them, just like aghost. Just like the weak. The kind of method doesn'tmatter, do it without shame or pride. Be flattered withcowardice. Be praised with vulgarity. Be honored withinferiority-----!!---- And then, Be victorious.---- That's right, what should be obtained is a single onevictory.The endlessly stacked and lined up defeat, shall be cancelledby changing it into a meaningful defeat, that one victory.Riku thought about it too, amidst the silence, the thing thatanyone envisioned.The one Riku said to fight against---- those withoutidentification, the ones that reduced civilization to nothingness.The ones who can in a single whim, open a hole in a mountain,change the ocean into land, and pulverize the stars.What enveloped the room, was laughs. While everyone wasamazed and letting out laughs, Riku too laughed.That's right, we'll challenge that---- and win. Before suchabsurdity, all we can do, is laugh like idiots right?Yes that's true. There's no way we can stay without laughingright---- That's exactly why.That, is the proof that we are humans. The proof offoolishness. It's the last fate---- of our existence.After saying that, and looking around to the faces of the onehundred and seventy seven peoples, Riku said.----The End of the Great War---- that's the single victorywe will obtain..........With only a human body, they will end the eternal great war ofthe Gods.Towards Riku's affirmation, the one hundred seventy-sevenpeoples---- no, even ShuVi who was at his side looked at himwith round eyes.Well, the victory condition is~... even if I resume it all andsay it, it's so severe that you all will start spacing out, but...But Riku, with a smile like a child who succeed in a prank,accepted---- and remembered.----When he was a child, he thought that the world was muchsimpler.There aren't any competitions which can't be won, and hardwork will definitely pay off. Everything was possible.That was the ignorant and foolish thinking of a child that didn'tknow anything.Looking at the world with such pure and unclouded eyes andthinking that, is that wrong-----This world... was a really simple game.----I knew it----I wasn't wrong.The Gods are just doing whatever they feel like seeking theThrone of Sole GodStar Grail, while enjoying the game withan everything goes rule.Riku thought---- the story is simple then, right?Then---- here too, we should just create the rules the way wewant it.While saying that, Riku played with a chess piece on his hand---- and looked at ShuVi.ShuVi said that she wanted to know the answer that Riku'sHeart showed. Then let's answer---- After saying that, Rikusaw ShuVi nodding.Laughing fearlessly---- he announced the answerRules.Rule 1 No one should be killed.---- The reasoning is, if you kill you will be killed. At heart, it'sbecause I don't want to kill anyone.Rule 2 No one should be allowed to die.---- The reasoning is, if you let someone die you will die. Atheart, it's because I don't want to let anyone die.Rule 3 No one must be perceived.---- The reasoning is, if you are perceived you will die.Rule 4 No matter the method it's not illegal.----At heart, if you're not perceived, no matter what illegalmethod is used it won't be seen as illegal.Rule 5 No one cares about their rules.---- The reasoning is, if you share their stage it will be certaindefeat. At heart, it's because this kill each other thing shouldjust eat shit.Rule 6 Anything that opposes the above, shall beconsidered a defeat.---- The reasoning is, rules that aren't enforced aremeaningless.---- At heart, it's because there's no worth to be felt, in avictory that opposes any of those.And that's all---- of the doing it the way I want.At the answer rules given by Riku's Heart---- Riku lookedonce again at the one hundred seventy-seven peoples.We are Ghosts---- Without killing even a single oneperson, from any of the races, including the Old Deus. Noteven being perceived. Only---- by inducing the war situation---- we will end this war.An emotional rule, exactly what's appropriate to be called achild's nonsense.But at the same time, if it's to end the war with just a humanbody, then there's no other way.Ending the war with just a human body---- because that byitself is already a child's nonsense.It doesn't even need to be said but, if we fail it will be ourannihilation. Guarantees are, well~ absolutely useless. There'sa talking wolf inducing the situation of the war----if just thisfact even enters the vision of those guys, certainly everythingwill be over.In short---- Riku summarized.The Great War's end win, or our downfall lose. It's agamble of all or nothing, without draws or renunciations.And then Riku let everyone take a peek at his true nature,something that no one in that place ever did.The enemy is God, the embodiment of despair, with aviolence that sear through the heaven and earth. The chances ofvictory are on the far end of one in a one hundred quintillion.Since making everything succeed while acting in converts isour victory condition, then even if we win, it won't remain inanyone's memory, nor in any records, neither will it be talkedabout. We are Ghosts and as such, Ghosts don't talk. Butyou know, if----After defining this crazy insane world as a game and doingmaneuvers to challenge it, with an exceptional smile,If, we really accomplish this game... If we manage towin---- He let out, as if defining it.Don't you think that, we would be able to proudly die,knowing that we lived cooler than anyone else?....... Well then.I want only the guys that want to start such a game---- toremain in this place.After finishing saying everything, Riku closed his eyes andwaited for the withdrawers.He smiled bitterly inside. There aren't many people---- idiots,which would join such a game out there.The folks that Riku choose---- all of them without exception,are possessors of superior intelligence and skills.Many times they ended in the verge of death, and those manytimes they survived---- looking from the dwarves' viewpointthey are worthless garbage. Even while being garbage, they areowners of extraordinary ability---- that's why, Riku smiledbitterly inside.----Probably, no one will remain right. They aren't insane. Ifit's about being stupid, then I alone am enough.If it goes to that then, it can't be helped. At the worst, withShuVi---- we will show that we'll make it happen with just thetwo of us.The chances of victory are on the far end of null, so far thatgoes beyond the cold horizon of Nirvana.......Well, to be honest I haven't thought of many plans that wecan do something about it with just the two of us, butEven so-----..........While thinking that, after counting a few minutes, he openedhis eyes. .......Ahh~ I'll be honest okay?Riku said towards everyone there that had an amazed face as ifasking until when he would keep his eyes closed.He said towards the one hundred seventy-seven folks----- inother words, towards the result of zero withdrawers.You guys, I thought you were a little cleverer than that,butTo that Riku---- the one hundred seventy-seven ghosts smiledbitterly, and said.Hey hey General, don't come out with a wrong reading fromthe very start alright, the future will look bleak you know?Riku-san, you said clever humans but---- at this point do youstill think that there's such a thing in this world?Crazy insane? Something more insane than this world, it'stoo late for it to exist anywhere.If they are clever then, they would choose death in thisworld. And the cleverest ones, would choose to not even beborn...The ones here---- Are the ones who came and survived untiltoday---- Riku, it's the ones you chose you know.Or something like that, everyone nodded while laughing.It's that thing, the representative of the fools doing hisselection, isn't it. Smiling bitterly---- Riku laughed. Right, it'sexactly that.----Humans are fools.It's exactly because they are fools, that they avoid being killedby that foolishness by polishing their knowledge, their wisdom.The ones what survived until today---- In a world without anyworth in living, even so they survived.The ones who betted all their knowledge, wisdom and skills forthat sake-----The proud fools, if they aren't the venerable weak, thenwhat would they be?Unintentionally being born in this world. Meaninglesslyliving while sipping mud.But coolly dropping dead, meaningfully---- isn't it perfect.Is there any greater freedom than that, boss?Until the very end we will act cool and entrust it to you. Ourway of life---- take care of it, General.Riku hid his face, as if amazed from the bottom of his heart,and murmured....You guys, be it this one or that one, you're all goinginsane. So much that it's reliable---- then.As if, spilling happiness from the bottom of his heart---- andthen---- he spread the map.What the humans, in order to survive, have been updating forfive years---- no, even before that---- the game board.While the one hundred seventy-nine Ghosts including Rikuand ShuVi, looked over the game board knitted with countlesscorpsesRikustarted talking about a detailed plan----- Now---- let'sstart the game.----Ashieit Swear upon the Commands.That's right---- But toward everyone who answered likealways, Riku said....That word is now forbidden. We move by swearing uponthe rules we agreed on, not by a command.Then----right.It's ----- Aschente Swear upon the Agreement.----And thus the secret maneuvers of the ones who didn't exist,silently started.Having the hope for the future stolen, despairing even at thedespair, and finally getting tired of even that.Not to wait, but for the sake of finding it out---- the onehundred seventy-nine ghost fleet moved---- ...Riku, as expected... ShuVi... don't get... the heart...The meeting ended, and on the hideout's entrance whileplaying card games with Riku, ShuVi spilled that.ShuVi saw---- Every single person in that place, touchedRiku's heart, and resonated with it.Everyone but one---- excluding her own, ShuVi lookeddownwards.Only her, not being able to understand that---- it was terriblysadly, she continued....Riku, and the others'... plan, each of them... has less than...1%... success chance...Let alone, the chances of every single one of them succeeding---- thinking logically zero would be the appropriate----Hm~ hey, ShuVi.As if cutting off ShuVi's thoughts, Riku said.That thing you said just now, probabilities was it? Is it finewith this?Riku doesn't possess the Ex-Machina's mathematicalknowledge. He asked---- judging solely by ShuVi's actions.If you throw a dice the probability of a six coming out is onein six. If you do that twice consecutively the probability of itcoming out will turn into one in thirty- six---- I don't knowabout percentage, but the calculations are more or less like thisright?......That's, right...... that's why----ShuVi could affirm that she never once underestimated Riku.But she couldn't hide her surprise on how easily Riku got theEx-Machina's logic, and that's why, she tried to talk about thatsuccess chance----Then I'll tell you something good. That calculation---- ismistaken.---- And then, she froze.If you throw a dice the probability of a six coming out is onein six. But in this game that calculation is wrong.That's because, Riku said while he cut the deck and smiledbitterly.If six come out you win, other than it all the others meanslosing. In other words---- it's one in two.----Illogical. But the probability depends on which view pointsand conditions the calculations are made, and that's animportant factor.All or nothing---- if you calculate from Riku's point of view,that logic can be raised without contradictions..........A human made an Ex-Machina, furthermore an Proofer,confute----- moreover, emotionally.To the ShuVi whose thoughts froze due to so much shock,Riku continued.And then the second mistake. If you throw a dice and sixcome out in the first time---- then if you throw it ten thousandtimes consecutively then it also can come out consecutively...that's why those calculations are really, mistaken.......Wrong...variability, if weaved... on the contrary, if itsthrown ten thousand times, distribution error, convergence...The probabilities of a six coming out when you throw a dice,isn't restricted to one in six. There's much variability.But if you increase the number of attempts, the probabilitieswill converge and the calculation instead will be easy. In otherwords it'll become just like the planned result----ShuVi tried to refute like that, but Riku laughed and grinned.Weave everything? Even what you can't know, and whatyou can't imagine too? Then for example--------That's right, for example, Riku said-Something that shouldn't exist we, sneakily altering itinto a dice that won't give anything but a six, or something likethat?-----You can't weave it. At the very least, not in the firstattempt.But if you continue you will notice the irregularity, the reasonfor the error will be found---- after thinking this far ShuVifroze.Finally----inside ShuVi, Riku's words, the meaning of the plangot through.The true meaning of, no one must be perceived, it must not benoticed---- and thePlan....Artificially manipulate, the battle situation...without,drawing attention---- within the range, of error....The already impossible to predict----going against thevariability that was expected.Riku nodded towards ShuVi's conclusion----thatmathematically, any more calculations about this will be tootroublesome.This is called cheating. Interesting right?----Even so, ShuVi still doesn't understand. You can't talkabout this game by using the Probability Theory.She was able to understand that. But, even so, why----...Why, can you turn... the lowest... probability... into, thevalue you, expect? After ShuVi looked straight at Riku andasked---- Let's see, Riku started thinking.He can answer whatever he wants---- If you don't believe youcan't do it, or something like that?By believing, by having hope there's no need for a basis, orsomething like that?----But Riku thought, that the answer ShuVi wanted surelywasn't that kind of answer.While looking outside the entrance---- to the world that wasbecoming a star of death---- Riku answered.ShuVi, what are the percentages of... coming out the resultof humans surviving in this world?.........I got, it.After Riku said that with a creepy wry smile, ShuVirecognized. Probability Theory is, just statistics after all.Before the result of a miracle, any calculations at all aredismissed. Then paradoxically that is----...If you make a...miracle happen... something like,Probability Theory, becomes... far-fetched.Riku laughed, and nodded at ShuVi's answer.Saying it in your style, we go around as a singularity ofcalculation. Whatever predictions, strategies, calculations...with just a minor manipulation, we mess up with everything,and make it converge to the direction we want.Riku thought after saying that. It's impossible to predicteverything, those words turned back to him.Knowing that---- If that was really possible, wouldn't exactlythat be a Work of God.Then, Riku deepened his smile.Isn't it interesting? The work of the guys with a smug facewaiting for the return above the heavens, forced to suffer adownfall by the manipulation of mere humans. If everythinggoes well---- don't you think that it will be the greatest irony?Towards Riku who innocently said that---- towards his crystalclear black eyes ShuVi finally understood.----This is it. The true identity---- of what she saw the firsttime she met Riku. If it's now, then ShuVi can affirm. This isthe Origin of the Heart---- the Soul. It's what she ExMachinaillogically held interest, and finally longed for.It's like that because it was necessary to be like that----Something herself Ex- Machina who is just a Responderdoesn't have.It's because she wanted to be like that that she wished,challenged, struggled, aimed for---- Ideal----Well, besides... fundamentally, Probability Theory is afterall, just desk speculation you know?Certainly she was forced to confute. But to even say that it'sspeculation, ShuVi felt troubled.Then let's prove it---- QuestionWhat are the probabilitiesof me proposing to ShuVi here and now?While unable to scoop the intention of the question, ShuVigave out the approximated numerical value..........? Intention of the question, unclear... approximately...near zero. Look, it missed---- Marry me, ShuVi.Towards ShuVi who froze, Riku handed out a small ring, andsaid.In the Probability Theory there's no zero---- Theprobabilities of being victoriousin this game, no one can deny it, isn't that right?ShuVi looked up with round eyes, towards Riku who washanding out a small ring, and answered....Unable to, understand... I, refuse. Laying down on the cold land, Riku, virgin, eighteen years old,while shedding out tears----...*fu, fufu, ufufufufufu*...----After having his best marriage proposal bisected in a singlecut, he welcomed the end of the world even a single stepsooner.Hey Riku... It's already enough right, the world doesn'tmatter...A fool that makes a miss from the beginning, at any case hewill just make a miss here and there and lose in the end afterall.I don't care about it anymore be it humans or the world too itshould just perish already.Aah...Coron, I'm already tired... ahaha, haha, ahahaha....Riku, I seek... an explanation...No...I'm sorry I got carried away even though I'm just avirgin... please don't widen the wound----Sure, Riku was laughing as if he broke down while laying onthe ground, but. ...Refusal...I want, a... explanation.ShuVi asked, while being so expressionless that it even lookedunnatural....Marriage---- A exchange of contracts between humans toturn into a relationship for breeding...Then as if pulling out the information from a dictionary---- andan even biasedone at it---- she guessed while using it as a basis....Evaluated, ShuVi's, usability... want to, turn intopossession...? Wroooooong! I simply want ShuVi to alwaysstay by my side! ...Why? I'm, at your side...now.It's not in that meaning you know... I mean like, as a partnerfor the entire life!...Partner--- one who stands by the side and goes together.Companion. Also---- Spouse...?That's right! That is it! I meant it as a spouse!But towards Riku who was nodding desperately, even then sheanswered expressionlessly....Spouse... married couple. ShuVi is, an Ex-Machina, can't,breed. There's no problem alright!!...Unable to perform... the act of breeding... Riku, will be avirgin... for the entire life...?----------,There's no problem alright!!.........There was... a pause, for an instant...Ahh damn it all it doesn't matter it's just a little detail!!!Riku shouted as if trying to deceive himself, but even so----ShuVi continued while being so expressionless that it seemedunnatural. ...That's crossing over the races...there's noprecedents, of a... married couple.Then we are the first of the world!! We became the pioneersright! Yahoo damn it!While creepily shouting desperate, Riku refused to go back dueto some mysterious confidence.The baseless confidence that is---- If he pulled back here hewould lose.But, was she pressured by that momentum---- ShuVi'sexpression gradually crumbled.......That's impossible... since----.........ShuVi?----That's right, with a troubled, confused, and for somereason----sad expression.Riku noticed ShuVi saying with a trembling voice, and calledher name worried. Riku doesn't know----that.----That he just gave the last blow, towards ShuVi's thoughtsthat gave out a huge amount of errors.The thoughts rapidly started crumbling. Incorrectness andcontradictions and failures increased infinitely. An endlesscycle of collapse of theories and contradictions. But thethought that overturns that logic kept breaking the classifiedinformation altogether.......Because---- Riku's----When ShuVi opened her mouth----the logic and the reasonscreamed. Don't say it.But the errors contradictions----what couldn't be recognizedas anything but that----screamed. Say it.For an Ex-Machina, it's a worthless conflict. Will it prioritizethe logic, or will it prioritize the error.But inside the thoughts----the vision of the first time she sawRiku continued returning in a loop.While the undefined errors associated to that vision----Fearand Guilty,continued contradicting.----ShuVi thought, what she herself, couldn't believe more thananything----......Because---- the one who... destroyed---- Riku'shometown, was---- ShuVi, you know...?----With a trembling voice... She prioritized the error. ----Twelve years ago, the Ex-Machinas, participated in anexceptional large- scale battle.The opponent was one of the three Draconia crowned with thename ofKing---- Enryuu True Dragon Aranreiv and seven dragonfollowers.TL Note: it's written as True Dragon but read as Enryuu,which means Flame Dragon.The opposing Ex-Machina side's war potential was startingwith Cuvre, a Composite Cluster compounded of eightclusters.Each cluster had, four hundred thirty-seven machines----totalizing three thousand four hundred ninety-six machines.From all armaments possessed by the Ex-Machinas, a fourth ofthem had already been deployed; it was an ultra large-scalebattle.Combat result---- the Ex-Machina's strategic victory. Targetand Self's losses are as it follows.Target----True Dragon Aranreiv, along with seven dragonfollowers, -Annihilation.Self----42% of the war potential deployed, equivalent to onethousand four hundred sixty-eight machines lost, factualdestruction.Mostly of that loss, was due to the True Dragon Aranreiv'slast attack----Self Destruction, the last roar at the expense of his life---- itwas due to the damage caused by the Far CryFallen Roar.From the Ex-Machinas that were in combat, in the 0.0007seconds of activation of the True Dragon's Far Cry, about 2%were vaporized.Falling behind for 0.018 seconds until they received theinformation from ZeaObservation Unit, the Proofers took afast-action.At the time, there weren't that many Ex-Machinas able ofavoiding a True Dragon class's Far Cry.Also it took 0.4 seconds until the information about theestimated damage calculation recreated by theZweihenExamination Unitgot analyzed and transferred to theBepherCommand Unit.Estimated Damage Loss of 9% of the war potential.Strategically, that attack worth of being called annihilatormeant his defeat.But one Proofer, instead of defending against the Far Cry----proposed to deflect it.Distorting the directivity of the energy, with the armamentOrg. 2807, that the Ex-Machinas possessed---- EenswegOne-Way Traffic.TL Note: In dutch it would be something like one path, butthe kanji means One-Way TrafficIt was calculated that, if there were multiples deploying of thatarmament, the estimated damage would fall to 2%.The proposal was voted by the Bepher, and the Far Cry had itsdirectivity distorted and was deflected to the other side of thebattlefield----The Ex-Machina's losses---- barely stopped inDestruction.The Proofer that made the proposal, was ordered to verify thedamage caused by the deflected Far Cry, and from it make thenecessary reanalysis and decisions.Then it descended on the ruins where it was estimated that,even though it was far from the Ground Zero, it was the nest ofa beast called human that got destroyed by the attack.TL Note: Ground Zero is a term used to mark the point of themost severe damage or destruction, usually from bombs ornatural disasters.And then---- ............------------The Proofer sensed the look of an offspring of the humansturned to it---- while clenching a tile-patterned board.The look of the human's offspring had hostility in it but, on topof that---- he turned the back to it, and went away.----The Proofer---- For the machine that analyzes and considersphenomena, that action was incomprehensible.That human's offspring was in an extreme condition, but itconfirmed the enemy without confusion or exhaustion.On top of that, it chose the survival. That was, clearly differentfrom the survival instinct of the beasts.That's because in the look it gave the Proofer, there wasn't anyfear, or nothingness, just endless----It could only perceive heat---- a heat so great that it evenovercame the True Dragon's Far Cry.The Proofer let out an error---- an error called surprise.That offspring was confident that it could win---- It's just that,now it was still impossible.Assumption. Isn't that, what the Ex-Machina doesn't possess---- heart; isn't that life.The nature of concluding something without requiring a basis,something that overcomes even the computing was confirmed.----The Proofer who concluded that---- decided that humans,especially that offspring required a reanalysis.But---- due to the subsequent analysis a huge amount of errorsFailures occurred and it was excommunicated---- from thecluster.Machine Individual Identification Number---- MachineNumber c bercluster 207, Model Pr Proofer, Machine4f57t9.----Later on, by that offspring himself.----Was the Machine Unit given the name ShuVi. ......Even, then... can, Riku, still say...the... same thing...?After ShuVi told everything, without being able to look atRiku's face, she only murmured with a trembling voice whilelooking down.---- Error Wrong Error Irregular Error Failure ErrorDoubt ErrorCycle Error Inexplicable Error Unclear Error Loss ----What filled ShuVi's thoughts, was the invariably storm-likechain of errors.----Self Question Why did you talk? Be it logically orillogically it was a profitless action.----Logical Answer Profit---- none. Loss----the loss ofbecoming enemy with the observation target.----Illogical Answer Profit---- none. Loss----being hated, by,Ri...ku?----Loss? By being hated? So much that it would go up to theposition of principal loss? Error, error, error......ShuVi, you know----Hearing Riku's voice, ShuVi felt her shoulders jumping somuch that it surprised even her.The storm of errors gave a scream with a massive sound----Run!.----Run? Why?The storm of errors answered with a massive sound----Because I'm scared!.Scared. Fear. Ex-Machina doesn't have such a concept. Butthat error thought couldn't be denied.Why is it that she's currently with her head lowered? It'sbecause seeing---- Riku's face was----Unbearably---- scary---- Once again while the storm of errorsswept away the thoughts----......I noticed it. Quite vaguely, though.At the words she heard the errors quieted down all at once, andconverged into a single question....Ho,w...Hm~...it's an embarrassing story but, the first time Iremember that something was wrong was----Riku said while scratching his head and seeming embarrassed....The first time we met, I wondered why did you knew that Iwas a virgin. -------------------Towards the state of ShuVi that perfectly, and literally froze,Riku smiled bitterly and continued.Well there was also others, like how you saidreconfirmation of the heart to me, also like how youhardcoded and said it as my heart while there were otherhumans surviving in this world, and like how you for starterswas even awaiting in that place so distant from the colony,and like why the first game number was chess---- well,right.To Riku who was laughing shyly while saying that it wasunexpectedly justified, ShuVi could only look with round eyes.She lost her words. The thoughts that got dyed in errors didnothing but stay idle---- but, a question was let out....Yet,...why,...?Hm~...Why is it I wonder? Hahah, I don't know.In a state that really looked like he himself didn't know, hecontinued while laughing....It's because, on top of factoring all of that, I still fell inlove with Shuvi, I think.----------....You will, forget, the past?No. By result alone ShuVi destroyed my hometown... that'sa definite past.Through these words, ShuVi felt that she was about to collapsefrom a pain that shouldn't exist, but----Hm~...as expected, I am stupid. Because you see, at thesame time, I think this.As if hiding his embarrassment, or maybe really snorting. Hescratched his head,If ShuVi denied the past that she destroyed my hometown---- we wouldn't had met right.---------............!!She held her breath. Even though it's a machine that doesn'teven have a respiratory organ.Results are results. It can't be helped even if you twist it.Humans, aren't that kind of living being.After slowly walking over, and after crouching down, Riku'shand-Even if they clench their teeth, regret, cry and shout---- Nexttime, definitely next time, and that way they keep goingforward---- that's why.----Gently enveloped ShuVi's cheek and raised her face,That's why...ShuVi held interest in me, right?Riku waited after saying that with a smile similar to a child.After seeing her own frightened expression reflected in Riku'seyes, even ShuVi herself got surprised at it.As if soothing that, Riku continued with a quiet voice. I,absolutely won't deny anything of the past.--------,ShuVi's past, the present that you are at my side, and thefuture that I want you to continue with me from now on too, Ilove everything about them.-------------,The conscience of the sin too. Do it like that or should ithave been done like that. Too bad but humans---- no, I am justan idiot. In any case---- I don't have time to be lookinganywhere but the now. Hold expectations for tomorrow, andhope for the next time. Even on top of stepping through thepast, right.That's why---- and Riku picked ShuVi's left hand,If I'm with ShuVi, even in such a world, it seems like I'llwant to live in it. He slowly passed the ring through the ringfinger-----If I'm with ShuVi, no matter the hardship, it seems like myheart won't break. The ring's---- after showing a red gem likeShuVi's eyes----If I'm with ShuVi, it seems like I'll never become unable tolaugh again. And then as if troubled somewhere---- he said.That's why, you see. If you don't hate me---- Idon't...hate----!! There's no such, a thing----!After ShuVi swung her head as if trying to cut off Riku'swords---- then.After extending his hand, Riku---- wished.Ignore all reasoning---- won't you walk the same path as me.As my wife, that is...................Suddenly, ShuVi noticed.That at some time, the storm of errors that filled her thoughtsstopped. .........I, see...----Ex-Machina is, a race that corresponds. If it's necessary it'llrebuild itself as it is necessary.Since when, there was such a function is unclear but----through the single tear in her cheek, she understood.The storm of errors. Those logical and contradictive things are,something given a name altogether and treated as such.Namely----Feelings....Riku. Un....Literally...just, as it, looks...I'm unworthy----but.Idiot, I think you're even too good of a wife for me, yousee. While Riku smiled bitterly like that.ShuVi, who still didn't know how to work with her currentlyfaced feelings. Crouched, and with a wet voice----as ifsqueezing it out, answered....Always, always, forever---- please let me stay, by, yourside... ...In the end it became like as if I was peeking until the veryend didn't it... damn~ you stupid little brother...----Outside the hideout's entrance, Coron murmured whilesighing.After hearing the position of the hideout, she headed out even asingle moment faster and ended up peeking all the way.----Because it couldn't be helped! I lost the timing to showmyself!She thought while looking at Riku from the shadows, who wasstroking ShuVi's back since she still haven't stopped crying.About the day that Riku, who survived from a destroyedcolony, got adopted by the adults of her village.-------------Hello~, hey you! What's wrong?Since Riku didn't talk with anyone, they thought that maybe ifit's Coron who was about the same age as him, then...Expectation covered the adults' faces. It doesn't matter how orwhy, it's a survivor of a destroyed colony, they said.Alright~ if you have something you want to say then Oneechanwill hear it Hurry up try saying it~ Towards Coron who said that and started tickling him, Rikuopened his mouth, and said a single word....Annoying.Fufun~, at such age, Onee-chan isn't someone that will behurt by just something of that level! Come on come on, usingbad-mouthing as an excuse won't work anymore alright~? Didsomething happen I wonder~?Riku talked trickling. The light that came from the south,burned down thecolony, then he put aside his parents that became ash and wenteast--------Didn't you search for survivors? If the light came fromsouth then why head towards the east?Looking aside from the adults that got startled, Riku keptanswering indifferently.----Even if there were survivors it would be impossible to treatthem. If they were well enough to walk then they would do thesame as him and take distance from there.----The reason he headed east, was because over there waswilderness... it's because, the Black Ash wouldn't pile up there.----If he went even more to the east there would have a river. Ifhe went until there then he thought he would be able tosurvive----Towards that calmness that made you think he wasn't a child,while the adults lost their words, Coron asked....What did you wanted to do after surviving? ...Next time,I'll win... for that sake, I must survive----Next time...he answered next time. And---- he said hewould win.The adults gathered and made an amazed face, but Coronrubbed her cheek at his face and shouted.Ahhhhhn~! Damnnn~ This child, I'll make him my littlebrotherrrr!!Coron had noticed. His eyes when he said that the next time hewould win---- Those unfathomable eyes.That's why Coron thought in an instant. That he couldn't do italone. Let's stay by his side. At that time she decided that.So that Riku wouldn't go in a rampage---- so that he wouldn'thurry to his death----but, the truth was-----------.........I knew... what was necessary to that child wasn't an oldersister to stop him. It was someone that would walk the samepath.He, Riku, will go to a distant place. To a place so distant, that Iwon't be able to follow----.Well, but, putting that aside Until when you will be making ShuVi-chan cry!! Thisuseless husbannnnd!!Riku groaned after someone suddenly jumped from theshadows and thrust the fist into his stomach.----What happened, he thought and raised his face, and Coronsaid while standing royally before him.For the time being, as the older sister---- I'll have you let mesay it, congratulations on your marriage .----Hmm, please wait for a little while, Riku thought and stoodwhile pressing his stomach.Coron---- erm, you see... why do you know, more like, whyare you here?Eh? I reached the hideout. And then there was a nice mood---- I didn't have any choice but to peek right?Coron said without any bad will, with a face as if asking ifthere was any other choice but that.----This self-proclaimed older sister...until where---- Rikuthought while scratching his head,Ahh, then, since continuing to hide it from Coron would bethat, then----Ah, if it's that ShuVi-chan isn't human thing then I alreadyknow, or it's another talk besides that?.........---------------Huh?Wa, wait...huh, since when did you notice...Since the time you brought her to the colony. The sensationfrom hugging her made it clear that she wasn't human,really~.While Coron was acting like she would rather know why hethought that she didn't notice.----Suddenly, ShuVi understood, while remembering back.----The sensation from that day where she was asked just whatin Riku attracted you.What this person... Coron, really wanted to ask was this.----With what intentions you approached Riku?----.That's exactly why----there was that mysterious feeling ofnervousness. ...If you knew then, why, you didn't sayanything?If Coron noticed in the first meeting that she wasn't human,then she didn't understood the meaning of her acting surprisedat Riku being a lolicon.He brought another race to the colony you know---- shouldn'tshe be wary, vigilant----While Riku was amazed, but without hesitation----Coron saidwith a smiling face like a real older sister.Because, it was the girl that Riku chose , right? --------At the start there were circumstances right? Riku, the timehe first brought ShuVi-chan, he seemed to be stretching the actso much, that even now it looks like he would break it----That's why I too, played along with it but...----I see. If even after reading our circumstances, sheexcessively pretendedthat she didn't notice then----it can't be anything but that.Moreover that was----she believed Riku, nothing else but that----But, well, it was like we suddenly got intimate you see!? Icould get suuu~ch a cute little sister you know!? Really~something like being human or not became completelyunrelated alright!! You see ShuVi-chan, humans after marry,they make family and kiss, and this ceremony goes on eversince the ancientpast----They don't! ShuVi too don't take that seriously get awayfrom her!!Ah, hey Riku! Since you got a family----give her a marriageceremony ok!? ----Coron, I'm grateful to your feelings but, Ialready, don't exist anym----Though he tried to say that----but after noticing Coron'sserious face, he cut his words.----Be it Riku, or be it Coron, they don't have something thatcan be called family.They're...no longer there.Much less officially, since both Riku and ShuVi, are alreadyconsidered to be dead----that is...I'll be the ministrant, so stay as an official married couple,ok? How about we do a marriage ceremony with just the threeof us?But unexpectedly, ShuVi answered. ...I want to do it...She let out, while looking up to Riku....I want to become...an official, married couple...----------............----As if there was such a thing; it was just a simple ceremony.Exchange words of pledge, write the name of the three in adocument, and it's over.Originally they would gather the people from the colony but----Riku and ShuVi are considered to be dead.That's why, Coron held it in that place.Husband Riku, do you swear to have ShuVi as your wife, towalk together, to support her, love her, and survive with her?After hearing Coron's words----he smiled bitterly at how muchthose words of pledge were similar to the ones of the colony,befitting of this age.When a marriage ceremony is held within the colony, he hadno other choice but to lower his eyes, or so he wanted tocomplain, but now----Aah, I swear.Hey Riku! Here you should say AshieitSwear upon theCommands----Sorry, just while ago that was forbidden. That's why---- it'snow Aschente Swear upon the Agreement.After hearing those words Coron's cheeks inflated and she letout while mumbling....Seems like while I wasn't around, a lot of things weredone, somehow~ I don't like it...Hey~ ministrant. There's too much private talk you know~?After glaring at Riku who was booing as if he was an outsider,she coughed once.This time Coron faced ShuVi, and asked for her words ofpledge.Wife ShuVi. Do you swear to have Riku as your husband, towalk together, to support him, love him, and survi----...I, swear...An instant answer as if to cut her out. Coron dropped hershoulders at the continuous ignoring of the form but---- ShuVicontinued....ShuVi's existence, meaning of, birth... I swear it all... toRiku, who gave me a heart...I definitely won't let, Riku, die...he'll survive, until the end...I'll stay, with him... AschentSwear on the Agreement...-------.I see~ I see~ Coron who turned her gaze to Riku sawsomething priceless.Indeed----to think the day would come where she would seethat little brother with a red face.Then ShuVi continue. Do you swear to be---- husbandRiku's wonderful bride?...wonder...ful, bride...?So she started getting carried away at the bad direction, whileRiku sighed thinking that, ShuVi tilted her heads towards thewords with unclear definition, but----Don't make Riku sad. From this child who once lost hissmile...don't steal his smile again...Towards Coron who asked with a serious look, ShuVicontemplated. ...Can you do it?-------.To be honest, I have no confidence. I don't know what shouldbe done, or if I can do it or not but---- ShuVi answered....I swear...I will...become... a wonderful bride....Un. As if relieved she gave a big nod, and then----Ah, also, be sure to properly fulfill the essential conditionsof a wonderful bride during the night life too ok? Being skilledin the bed is----Coron accelerated in the bad direction, but,Ahh, Coron. ShuVi, can't do such things. Look, the races---- After hearing Riku's words----she bent her face and reflected.Since she finally had the trouble of trying to soften the mood,she made a verbal slip----she thought.But unexpectedly ShuVi raised the hand,...If ShuVi, knows, the structure...self construction--------shecan create, ahole. WH----AT!?Oh You did it Riku! Congratulations on graduating from avirgi---- ...So that's it, Coron... let ShuVi see, Coron'sgenitali-----------------------------The world is unfair.Riku though, after his cheek got punched by a fist that madeeven his brain shake.----Wait, why am I being hit!It's because this is a talk that ends well if you just remain avirgin for the rest of your life!!----Well then.While saying that, Coron picked up the stone that she alwayskept at her waist and said.Then, after we carve we three's names here, you'll be anofficial married couple.Without Riku even explaining anything, Coron grasped hisintention and continued precisely....Since you guys officially doesn't exist anymore, you can'tremain in a document right? This gem, is something I receivedfrom my grandfather. If we make the side with the three'scarved names a decoration then---- right?----I got it, that way no one will be able to see it huh.Riku admired inside his heart, as expected of Coron. I knew it,if it's Coron---- then I can entrust everyone to her.That's because, in the stone---- there was already Coron's fullname engraved into it.Riku, and ShuVi too, neither of them have surnames. In otherwords Coron's real intention was----...With this, the two of you are a married couple. And my,official younger brother and little sister.With a happy, yet at the same time somehow sad face, sheannounced that. Giving a bitter smile---- Riku and ShuVi,picked up the knife with their hands.They put Coron's surname, bellow their own names. Somehowthey felt like the writing was a little bad but----After the engraving was done, to Coron whom the stoneseemed more dazzling than to anyone else, she put it awaydearly.And then---- with a face looking like a older sister's, even moreso than a real older sister....Hey, Riku, ShuVi.I want to stop them, but I can't do it. She understood it, andwith an smile---- that even now seemed to be forced.I don't know what you two---- that everyone is trying to do---- You two aren't in this world, but.Saying that, Coron---- hugged those two, her younger siblings,and said.I know---- I have a dear younger brother and cute little sister.That's why...please.----I, don't want to lose my family anymore. Don't bereckless, please...----Her face can't be seen. But towards Coron's tremblingwhisper, the two younger siblings nodded.Aah. No one will die nor will I let die. At least only thisgame---- I'll definitely win....Count on, us...onee,chan... ------------............----After the ghosts gathered around the round table, the headof the ghosts, spread theBoard with his hands.We don't exist.Without killing anyone, without letting anyone die. Whileusing any methods, information, plans, and deceives alone wewill induce the situation of the war---- we have rules, so ifthere's a victory condition then this is clearly a game----Everything will be decided by this map---- by this boardalone. Then... let's decide on the pieces.After receiving the gazes of the ghosts, the head of the ghosts---- took out a white piece.This is us.----A White, King.The weakest piece. The piece that can't become anything.But it's the most important piece. It's the piece that if it's takenit will be the end.He set that on the map---- correction, on the outside of theboard---- on the border of the table, and continued.We are the King. But at the same time---- we are alsoghosts.Something that doesn't exist. Something that mustn't exist.Therefore it's something that mustn't be allowed to be sensed.We don't exist anywhere, but we can exist anywhere. We arethe ones that control everything from outside this board.And then, he continued while taking out many pieces---- allwhite pieces,We will obtain victory in this game, without taking a singlepiece. Therefore all races are---- white.Saying that---- he took out a White Pawn---- This is---- theWarbeasts.He placed the White Pawn---- on the board----in the region ofthe warbeasts' habitat..........--------- ----Three warbeasts killed their presence, and wandered insidethe forest searching for food.In this world, at this age, securing food isn't an easy task evenif they are warbeasts. For starters there are too few decentanimals living. Much less when it's limited the other races theycan hunt without attracting risks.After sharpening the five senses, and following the smell----they finally found one prey.----It's a human. It's an animal that's not much delicious but, itwill fill the stomach.They cooperated with a voice that only a warbeast can hear.Even if the opponent is a human they won't be careless.Encircle him and attack all at once---- they raised their fangs---- --------!!?----Or so they were about to do, but they all jumped backwardsat the same time as if bouncing.As expected of the warbeasts. I don't mind if you're going toeat me but---- I can guarantee the bad taste ok?...What, are you?Towards the something that looked like human who talked tothem in the language of the warbeasts, the three warbeastsbecame cautious and asked.It's terribly smelly---- the something who had taken in amassive amount of poison, and was talking in the languageof the warbeasts, answered.The Forest of the Gulf in the west that the warbeasts areusing as a base... the Dwarfs are trying to turn that place into aexperimental detonation site for a bomb you know.----What, are you saying.The three warbeasts all at once, observed their opponent bypicking from the beats of the heart until the sound of the bloodflow with their five senses.----Body temperature abnormal, number of heartbeatsabnormal, but that is due to the poison. The pupils are----If you doubt me then, try going to the place in this map. Youare an individual with Blood Devastation right? If it's just theDwarfs' facilities then, you somehow should be able ofinfiltrating it and finding out that those guys are doing. I'll tellyou just a hint.----Reaction of lie---- none. At the same time that those threereached that conclusion,That human, said.----It's a weapon of large-scale destruction calledZuibakuCorpse Bomb----able of killing even an Old-Deus. ------!!?Picking up once again, heartbeat reaction, pupils, even thesound of the blood flow in the capillary vessels----lies----there's none!!?Search for it. As in, to where it will be carried away, anddestroy things like materials and equipment. Also even bymistake don't try to destroy the weapon ok? There's also thepossibility of it blowing away everything at that instant. Thewest of the Russia Continent, all of it.And then, that mysterious something, said all it wanted, andleisurely started walking away.-------------ShuVi, is there any reaction? ...None...it's, alright...To Riku's question, ShuVi used an elemental compass----or soshe feigned to, and searched for living reactions.There's no one, when that confirmation was taken in, theghosts infiltrated the Dwarfs' facilities all at once.Rather... to be dialoguing with the guys that are doingsomething like this, please spare me from a second time,General.----A ghost from the past who had the name Alei would lookaround, and take a breath and say that.The steel building that was once a dwarf facility, had traces ofgiant claws carved on the walls, and its origin wasn't found.There were also other traces of giant claws engraved with somuch depth that it had length of the height---- butIf it's necessary then it will be done again no matter howmany times. The only one able of talking flawlessly in thelanguage of the warbeasts is you alone. Theblood serum also worked right.Yeah, perfectly. It was over with only two days ofconvulsion.The ghosts smiled bitterly and replied to Riku, who answeredthat indifferently.----As if there was such a thing. They did a few applicationsto the force map Ivan left behind, infiltrated the crashedbattleship of the dwarfs who blew away the colony, and onlydid a little exchange to the little amount of informationcommunicated.All that's left is just to convey the fact to the warbeasts---- thatthe warbeast's habitat is a land scheduled to have aexperimental detonation.But I wonder just how many with Blood Devastationsneaked in. After destroying this much are you sure there won'tbe any deaths, General?Yeah there won't be. There are no traces of blood---- asexpected of the warbeasts, their intuition is incredible.If it's the warbeasts' five senses then, even number of peopleinside the facility from afar, they can find it out with theirliterally inhuman senses.----And then it would be fine if they just sent an adequatenumber of individuals with Blood Devastation to sneak in.The Dwarfs aren't idiots. They can't use magic and theywouldn't put a bomb able to blow away everything aside.What would happen if many Warbeasts with BloodDevastation appeared there? Would there be any other choicebut to run?And the Warbeasts aren't idiots either. What should beprioritized over the fleeing Dwarfs is--------It seems that the rumored Zuibaku was carried away huh,General. By the Warbeasts, or by the Dwarfs.It was the Warbeasts. Was there any other guys here capableof leaving footprints on the ground and walls made of steel?----Surely they forcibly carried it.But the Warbeasts' intuition should understand the most thedangers of that bomb.Therefore what they can do is---- discard the bomb, and then---- escape. That's why I'm saying. This is, a game.If the conditions are met, an specific race is almost powerlessagainst another specific race. That's exactly why the war is stillongoing.But the dwarfs won't abandon this place. The time limit isfifteen minutes. Gather information and disappear. Ghostsare----Something that doesn't exist anywhere---- AschenteSwearupon the Agreement----While the ghosts dispersed all at once, and where gatheringinformation, ShuVi asked....Is, this...how you will form...the pieces...?I didn't do up to that much. Not yet----it's just that, Thereason he set the Warbeasts as a pawn---- that is.It's because if they go too deep in the enemy army, they caneven form a queen. But---- Riku smiled bitterly.Even if it's a pawn, it can still take out a bishop... it's justthat.-------------............Once again, the Ghosts gathered around the round table, andthe head of the ghosts spread the board with his hands.And then---- he took out a White Rook----This is----the Elves.After saying that he put--- the White Rook on theboard. Atthe coordinates---- that had the capital of the Elves.--------------............Capital of the Elves----on a mansion at its outskirts.The elf who just returned home----the one who was called NinaClive, TL Note: it's - lit. Kuraiv, so I left itas Clive.-----!! ...Who is it?Instantly noticed the presence of the trespasser, became waryand used searching magic and verification magic.In the depths of the illuminated darkness, a cloaked figure wassitting in a table as if trying to blend with the darkness.With the entire body covered in tattered clothes and beast hide,the shadow covered with fur and deep eyes said....Greetings, I allowed myself to intrude.Using a fluent Elf language, towards the shadow who startedtalking, the elf instantly made a attack magic----But she didn't fire. Because the second ability deployed at thesame time---- the analysis magic, told her.-----Unidentifiable True Identity Unclear ...she must bequite surprised by now, the shadow laughed.Since he tried to deceive his appearance---- but she didn'texpect that even with magic she wouldn't be able to find outnot even his outline.Therefore, she didn't have any other choice but to ask....Who are you, is it alright if I ask that?Against something you don't know its true identity, youmustn't carelessly lay your hands on it---- the shadow laughed.Let's call me just a ghost. Let's just say that, I'm not yourenemy but I'm not you ally either.Obviously, the Elf searched for the veracity of the words----but the ghost knows the result.----Ghost is a lie, while everything besides that is true----the magic will answer like that.The ghost laughed because it was a fact that he wasn't herenemy neither her ally.----Since you entered someone's house without permission, Ithink you must have an appropriate business right?But the elf who didn't understand that meaning asked. Ofcourse I have.Do you think that a mere human---- would sneak into an elf'smansion without reason?----I thought of doing a simple game you see. ...Huh?The chip that will be betted by each side will beinformation...if you win against me I'll offer information, andif you lose I'll take it.While Nina was still cautions, the ghost laughed inside hisheart thinking that it was fine like that.The elf called Nina Clive. She's an excellent and sharp person,also the best caster of the current generation.----Riku read those thoughts beforehand; that's exactly why Ichose you as the opponent I would make contact with.You're wondering if each other's information is certain ornot, since it won't be abet if the chips don't have any guarantee, right? --------------Yes, that's right.Nina was concerned about the possibility of her thoughtshaving been read and carefully complied---- That's obvious.If a sharp person goes against something with its true identityunclear, first thing they'll do will be to consider the worstpossibility.In other words---- they will consider the possibility of it beinga race ranked higher than its own.But it's because of their good head, that they won't honestlyback off.A higher ranked race, a lower ranked race, or from the samerace, it's because those three possibilities overlaps.That's exactly why, the ghost laughed and thought---- Thisone will definitely join the game.Then have one in advance. Let's prove that the game can beheld if it's information that can't be ignored regardless of itsveracity.For example, right, if I say this word----she'll definitely jointhe game.How about---- Arka-shi-anse Void Zero DivineProtection's existence is being leaked to the Dwarfs?---------!!?Theghost can't sense it, but surely she once again used magicto search for lies---- but it's useless....Did you find that satisfactory? There's no problem withthe veracity of the information. Since it's you, who is the casterof the logic of the Arka-shi-anse, also its formula editor, it'spossible for you to probe it without the veracity---- there willbe no difference right?The elf created a calm face while thinking in a hurry. Theghost knew that as if picking it up with the hand.----Arka-shi-anse is, a super important secret being concealedeven from the logic caster.Even confidential documents that could lead to the onesinvolved in its development had been recorded as encrypted.It was recorded in the few documents----which ShuVi foundleft behind in the subterranean room, in the elf ruins.In the her eyes who didn't knew that---- the ghost was beingreflected as an existence who knew everything.That's right, no matter what it may be---- it was as an existencewhich she can't carelessly lay her hands on.............-----------As expected he can't sense it, but the elf must be doing a lot ofsearches in the words of the ghost right.But---- it's useless. There are no lies.The information is certainly being leaked. But it's because thatthe one who is leaking it is no one but the ghost himself-----...Fine. It seems like, I can't leave without knowing whatyou are, right.After saying that, she seated in front of the ghost, folded herhands and asked.Well then, about the game---- judging from the use of chips,will it be a card game?No, it will be a fast move chess---- it's easy to understandsince there won't be anything wrong for both sides right?After saying that, the elf let her gaze fall to the chess boardabove the table, and said.----Fine, then, let's start.Yeah, but before that...And the ghost said, with a voice that was as if making fun ofher.Could you return the piece? The first player is me who is thewhite you see. My apologies.------------Yeah, I'm sorry. I'm not that well-informed aboutchess.----With that said she clicked her tongue inside her heart at thefact that she was seen through, and her expression distortedslightly.Even after deceiving with her supposedly full power----thepower of an Octo- Caster, her lies were still seen through.The elf called Nina will think---- As expected, is it dangerousto test out an opponent whose true identity is unclear?And then she will return the piece, and at the same time she'llsurely think this----Well then my chip will be...the Arka-shi-anse's logic casteris actually---- Not you----I already have that information.Try to test him with a bluff---- the elf who was laughing inside,against the following words----I also have the information that it was a lie, and I too havethe information that you used a magic in that lie to make mebelieve it.----Was seen having the color drained from her face.Well, you already finished confirming that lies won't workagainst me right. How about we start the game already?For the ghost who was asking joyfully, she understood that hecould pick up the opponent's heart even without using magic.What is him, just what is this guy---- it's because she wasmaking such a face.At such a appearance, the ghost---- Riku smiled bitterly.----As if he would reveal that.Riku is human, he can't sense magic---- he couldn't evenconfirm that the piece was moved.But the current generation's sharpest elf, and also number onecaster, looked at the chess board.If she outstretched it towards the one with the true identityunclear, what would happen, she could predict---- therefore.She became unable to move any of the pieces, nor able to usea magic to make him believe in a lie.----It's just a bluff. But it won't reflect that way in her eyes----There's no way it would.All those bluffs---- if even a single one of them gets readwrong, it's over. The necessity of pressing it that much, shedefinitelycan't even imagine it.There was no choice but to press it to that point; the humanswho are called the weakest... she can't even imagine it.Hence, I'm examining the information carefully like this--------The ghost couldn't sense something like disguising magic,also, he couldn't detect lies either.But it was a magic that the current generation's number one----she, who possessed magic considered to be in the legendarylevel since past times, called Octo-Caster, wasn't able tobreak through.If such a thing is really being used then, either way, there's nomethod to oppose it.Grabbing the initiative even in the psychological warfare----But even so he let her peek at information she can't ignore.Neither an enemy nor an ally---- For now there's no choice butto believe those words and draw out information.Just like this ghost said, it will be fine if she confirm theveracity on her own---- she thought.But since she managed to sort her thoughts to that point, nowis----The information that will be betted will be decided on yourown accord. How about, in case of the information beingjudged as worthless, it's possible to request a change?----The concern of drawing out information too muchinconvenient.The elf clicked her tongue, at how Riku was talking as ifwaiting for her thoughts to follow.----Why, did Riku choose her as the opponent he would makecontact with.She looked like the editor of Ark-shi-ense, the Elf's weapon forthe decisive war, and someone that possessed a huge amount ofinformation.And also, a very excellent caster, and a sharp person----she wasthe possessor of excellent intelligence.That's why she was chosen----it was just because of that.It was safe even though she possesses incredible power, andcould just destroy everything if it came down to that---suchintelligence.Survive from the weakness and foolishness. That itself is thehuman way of life----such intelligence.Doing something like hitting off using intelligence againsthumans----against the weakest, it's a useless effort.Therefore----this one, will definitely think like this.In other words----in case I requestyour true identity...As a compensation for that, I'll request that you betinformation veryinconvenient for you too.----That's right; that is your real objective---- the elf will thinklike this.Throw away the optimistic thoughts, and assume that theenemy will reveal all of your lies.On top of that, draw out all the information that can be drawn,and then it should be possible to pursue the self-proclaimedghost's intention, and true identity, by exploring theinformation obtained---- like that.Fine let's start the game. Neither an enemy nor an ally----I'll assume that you have no will to harm me.Riku laughed inside with those words----Right, I'll definitelydo that.It's because she have an excellent intellect. It's because she'sstrong. It's because there is pride there.----That's exactly why---- she is easily read. She can easily beinduced.And then as expected, showing a smile as if seeing througheverything, Riku held up his hand.Then---- Announcing in the traditional way of the ghosts,let's start the game. Could you recite for me?In other words,----AschenteSwear upon the Agreement...-------------...............Now then, let's start with the information you presented----I request the background from the leaking of Arka-shi-anseto the Dwarfs and, if possible the presentation of evidences.That was the chip presented in advance... I will share itwithout even needing to bet it.Saying that, Riku handed out the recording stone on which wasrecorded the transmission sent from the Dwarfs' crashedbattleship.The information that Riku the one leaking is telling can't bebetted. That's exactly why---- he turned it into a bait...More importantly---- the information that I'm offering is----And then---- he let her take a glance of a hook and bait evengreater than that.Let's bet the reason for why, on top of knowing about Arkashi-anse,the Dwarfs concluded that there's no problem.----------what, was it?----Arka-shi-anse was confirmed to not be a problem. What itmeant, can be only three things.It was undervalued, there's something to deflect it----or maybe,it can't be---- ----It's exactly that it can't be.That's right, after waiting for the elf called Nina think---- Rikusaid.The thoughts are being read----In order to deepen that illusioneven more. That's why---- she complied again....So you say that you're holding it. That information, Imean.----Returning fire with a bluff, by avoiding the specifics of thatit can't be---- but Riku laughed.I'm holding it. The information of the weapon, that theDwarfs concluded to be equivalent or greater than Arka-shianse.----That's right, if it's Riku he will answer.Towards the answer that was exactly what she considered thatit can't bethought to be, she clenched her teeth.But...again she fell to a childish induction right, or so Rikulaughed inside.Evaluating an absolute weapon as no problem---- thepossibilities that can be imagined are limited.But she didn't notice---- the importance of the meaning ofmentioning that information.If she, who held confidence that there's no way they couldhave something to deflect it, were to be asked without thepresence of specific information then.-----By method of elimination, that it can't be is----theexistence of a weapon greater than that.She was upset; with the fact that her own thoughts, were beingread by some unknown method.While being the current generation's number one caster, shehad a reputation of being a sharp person, yet was being playedone-sidedly in intelligence warfare.That fact wounded her pride---- her ability of thinking calmlywas being stolen...About that, Riku thought----what an odd person.If it were the absolutely strong ones then, they would be fine ifthey just killed him without a word in the instant they comeacross each other.Regardless if that's possible or not, if it's just a half-assedpower that can do nothing but use tricks and measure yourenemy then----don't boast about intellect.If you don't boast about foolishness, about weakness itselfthen, on the moment that that half-assed power gets sealed--------Trying to hit off against humans with only intellect, sucha thing---- It won't even become a talk.The magic system lost due to a Flgel---- after that a newsystem was created,and I respect that it's your pride that conceitedly thinks that itovercame the first one by far, but if I win let's talk aboutdetails. What is it that you will bet?With a sigh towards Riku, who was yet standing in anadvantageous position, talking about the information gatheredby ShuVi and the ghosts.The elf called Nina bit her fingernails and tied her thoughts.----Arka-shi-anse's current number of continuous usespossible, and the number of machines capable of loading it,how about this information?It helps that you understand fast. As expected of the Elf'ssharpest person.A weapon that surpass the Arka-shi-anse. That by itself istremendous information.So she understood---- that if she wants those details to berevealed, anything besides an appropriate compensation won'tbe accepted.----As for how much dangerous of a bet that is, Riku too couldimagine, but.After grabbing and using this much advantage---- he aksed,intentionally shaking her up.By the way, if this leakage of information gets found out,may I ask what would happen to you?...An omitted court judgment for top-secret leakage, alongwith treason, and then execution, I guess.After answering the obvious question made to steal theconcentration in the middle of the game, the elf glared at Riku----But, Riku thought wow~ inside his heart, surprised at howthat was more than he imagined.To be honest, it's because that thing about the details of theArka-shi-anse----he isn't holding anything like that.The name and developer...that was something the Dwarfsrandomly blew out in reaction to the horror called ultra-scaledestruction weapon.And then----with this one's reaction he was finally able to seethe whole picture. But, the elf even now resolutely----gaveappreciated information.Even so Arka-shi-anse is what the Elfs---- what I betted allmy elements on, the strongest elemental destroyer spell----Ifyou say that those mole scum Dwarfs created something thatcan overcome it then, I'll take that information even at the costof my life...----I see~ is that so. So Arka-shi-anse seems to be this thingcalled elemental destroyer spell.While smiling mischievously inside, Riku said. Then----shallwe start the game? ----There were twelve chess matches. The elf had fivevictories, four loses, three draws.By result alone it was her victory. The information shedemanded----correction.All the information that Riku wanted to deliver to the Elfs werealready delivered----a good part of the information he wishedwere already obtained.But the elf----was already supporting her cheek with a hand,and growled while holding her face.Making the essence of the inactivated Old Deus detonateduring their inactivation......? They are going insane, thoseDwarfs...Look who's talking----on the other hand, Riku hid his face andcouldn't help but think that.----While continuing to pretend that he knew the true identityof Arka-shi-anse, he matched the information, and reached itsprinciple.The one who turned it into a weapon that makes thePhantasma self-destruct is calling someone madman----it's noteven funny.In this world----no matter whoever it is, they are all goingcrazy already.After letting that out inside his heart, he passed through the elfwho was holding her head and was about to leave----...Wait.He was halted.----Be it your true identity, or how you gathered this muchinformation, at this point already I won't even pry into it.Besides, from the current point until the veracity of all thisinformation is confirmed, there's no choice but to accept it allas just delusions.That is fine. It's a wise conclusion. But, let me say justone thing.With keen eyes----If there wasn't a certain reason for that,even Riku wouldn't be able to pull out such a face.While directing a killing intent that was like a well-honed bladetowards Riku, the Elf pointed out.You, there were times that you intentionally moved in a waythat would make you lose----I'll ask only one more time.Depending on the answer, it doesn't matter what you are, I'llattack unconditionally while using all killing methods I knowof.Even if by result I end up being the one shot down, I'mprepared for that; that is what her gaze announced.----Are you, an enemy? Or are you an ally?----But unfortunately.I'm neither an enemy nor an ally, it's the second time Ianswer this but, let's see...To Riku who was laughing like that while answering, at thispoint that much of killing intent---- was even less than abreeze.For those who lived while holding hands with the death,something like killing intent---- was just a cute thing withintent.If that was an answer that doesn't satisfy you then, let'scomplement it like this.And then, Riku who had been living in such a world---- spokewords from the depths of his heart.As much as it's possible, I'm wishing so that there won't bedeaths coming from you guys. ----------....Fine ghost-san. You want to ask me, what I plan ondoing by accepting that information right.Once again, she surely must be using for real her Octo-magicto search for my true intention right.----No way there's falsehood in there. That's because that isRiku's real heart.Then even without showing out that intention, even as someonewho is neither an enemy nor an ally,----I will only understand that you are an existence thatdoesn't have any harmful intentions towards me. Just as youdesired, alright.Saying that and smiling bitterly, the elf called Nina---- no... ----By the way~Suddenly the way of talking---- no, even the personality----As expected even for the ghost-san~...there are thingswhich you don't know about right~As if everything changed into a different person, the elf, NinaClive is a false name, my real name is----She said, with a soft smile, reminiscent of the warmth of afireplace.Sink Nirvalein---- you see~TL Note: it's - lit. Shinku, so I left it as Sink, since itsounded more feminine to me.And then, *fufu*, she laughed.This one, is the true me but~----this acting, were you able tosee through it~? Instantly, as if it was a different person, with ateasingly smile, Nina---- no.Sink Nirvalein---- but Riku, while still covering his face,smiled bitterly and answered.Yeah, I saw trough it. .........Did I call you Nina---- even once?----Developer, and even the logic caster were described whileencrypted in the documents.Because of such thoroughness, doubting that real name orwhatever---- is just obvious.But, if it's now that he understood the principles behind theArka-shi-anse, he can consent honestly.----This crazy logic, Sink Nirvalein isn't so idiot that she wouldannounce something like that with her real name.Fufu, I'll be honest~, right now~, I'm really boiling insideyou see~The elf's number one caster----Sink, who is aware that she's aperformer, laughed dissatisfied.In the end----she resented the fact that not even once it wassomething out of the blue for him, but Riku----My bad but acting is the favorite trick of a ghost you see...I have confidence in being able to see a compatriot.----That's right.That's exactly why---- I made contact with you.----Why did he choose Sink, the last reason is this.Being able to perfectly cover the fact of having made contactwith a ghost, pick up the support of the information, and ontop of that----should be able to guide the Elfs in the direction ofreapplying it----Sink continued, without turning her gaze toRiku who turned the heels.By the way, ghost-san~? Did you hear the rumor~, aboutElfs having a sticky- persistently nature?Aah, I heard about it. Something like how a grudge won't besettled even if you spend dozens of generations right.Slowly, laughing like a flower, Sink declared.I'll sincerely take the information~, and the effort of notwanting deaths to come out~...but that aside~Sink Nirvalein said, smiling----but glared at Riku's back witheyes like those of a vengeful ghost.The ghost-san's true identity----I'll find it out and thenlocate you~---- and I'll definitely kill you you see~. To thinkfrom all peoples, you had to play just with me with the back ofyour hand, I'll make you regret that~----it's because the originof the rumor of Elfs having a sticky-persistently nature isfrom~...none other than---- the Nirvalein house you see-------------Hmm.I'll honestly recognize that it's the first time I heard that. I'malready regretting that I bought the antipathy of a troublesomeopponent, alright.While Riku was saying that and leaving, Sink kept watchingover him the entire time, with a smile mixed with killingintent...Riku----hurry, up! Drink...this...!In a small room after getting away from Sink's mansion----ShuVi hurried desperately with Riku's decontamination.Even now the excruciating pain made he feel like almost losinghis consciousness along with his life, but Riku shook his headand withstood.With the sensation of having melted iron being poured intoevery blood vein, he couldn't even let out a voice.No, I wonder if that's even a sensation or not, Riku smiledbitterly at that thought.The Elfs who possess the greatest aptitude for magic within allraces---- he acted like a ghost against their number one caster.If they met normally, he would be stark naked after beingidentified with the body elementals, and his true identity wouldbe revealed in one instant.Then what should be done? It's simple right.It's fine if you just become impossible to be identified....If we don't, drain, the elemental bones, soon... Riku, youwill, die!While letting Riku, drink the decontamination fluid that couldbe called her Ex- Machina blood, ShuVi grievously shouted.----That's right, it's fine if you just take in the black ash, andget Elemental bones contamination on purpose.Broken elementals--- the elemental bonesdisturb allelementals, erode, and destroy them from inside-out.No matter how much of an excellent caster she is, a body thatwas disturbed with elemental bones contamination, can't beidentified.Let alone if she has an excellent intellect she won't evenimagine it----such a suicidal act....Riku...you liar! Even though...you said, one hour...it wasmore than two hours...!Riku drank what ShuVi calculated to be the verge of a lethaldose of black ash, and painted his body surface with it.But that lethal dose---was calculated to be a dose for merelyonly one hour.Riku's body that was affected by more than two hours ofElemental bones, eroded without mercy, and was beingdestroyed.If he don't hurry up and decontaminate, just like ShuVi said itwill lead to death. But.It can't be helped, right...that fellow, was stronger, than Iimagined... Riku answered as if squeezing out the voice.He thought that there's no way there is someone who can playchess better than ShuVi.But if it's Sink Nirvalein then, even if she can't win againstShuVi it seems like they will have a good match.Smacking a bitter smile he remembered...lost on purpose yousay? I'm really grateful---- I'm being extremely overrated.Even though the necessary information was obtained,everything besides that, I just seriously challenged and lost.It's thanks that everything that got through were bluffs. If evena single step was wrong I would be killed instantly right----...Riku...! It's, just a little more...so----! Do your, best...!If the decontamination ShuVi is holding don't succeed----eitherway surely I won't last much right.----At the very least, the skin won't go back to how it wasanymore right.I already saw the fate of those who continued in direct contactwith the BlackAsh, many times.Being affected by the burns, and those marks---- will neverdisappear.After his just how many years I'll live---- in any case, Rikuwill spend his entire lifetime wrapped up in bandages.Not only his body surface, but his insides too must be in asimilar situation.A dumbass that would ingest a huge dose of Black Ash fromhis mouth; as far Riku knows, the first one in the history to dothat was a dumbass known as Riku.Since his skin became like this, it's certain that his internalorgans too will burn and necrotize.He probably, won't be able to have a proper meal, never again.Fortunately he didn't take it in by nose. The cardio-respiratoryfunctions must be safe.----If the Elemental bonescaused erosion from the blood thenthat too would be suspectable but----...Riku...even though, you said, that, no one will die, no onewill be allowed to die...!ShuVi struggled desperately with the decontamination, but----Riku thought.----That's just how much value it had.The details of the Elf's Arka-shi-anse, the words Sink let outnumber of machines capable of loading it and it's method ofoperation was revelated. The Dwarfs' Zuibaku too, afterreading the force map Ivan bet his life to obtain---- with thisfinally, he can cooperate with the ghosts that are sneakingaround in various places, and achieve the first goal.The exclusion of the front from the humanosphere----madethrough battlefront induction.And then, Riku laughed inside---- the last one hand willcharge into reality---- but.Hey, ShuVi...I...just how much, I'll live, after this?Will he make it or not until the last one hand, it was aquestion he wondered about, but.ShuVi glared at Riku---- with an expression unusually filledwith clear anger. ...I won't let, you die...Rikuwill...live...until, ShuVi dies...!----I see...hey~, an Ex-Machina's lifespan...how many yearsis it?...ShuVi's, number of years of durability...approximatelyeight hundred fifty-two years, left...Riku laughed, at that answer, even while being assaulted by apain that felt like his entire body was cracking.Haha--- well~ I must put effort into that now, right~...Really, I can't afford to die, at such a place, right... -----------............Once again, the Ghosts gathered around the round table, andthe head of the ghosts spread the board with his hands.In the board which mostly of the pieces of the races werealready set, dozens of pieces of race were lined up.And then---- this time he took out aWhite Queen---- ----Thisis, the Flgel.After saying that he put--- the White Queen on theboard.At the coordinates where Avant-Heim was---- the Phantasmathat had the Flgels' base set at its back.----Queen. The strongest piece.The ghostsput on question marks at why it was allocated tothe Flgels, and not to the Phantasma nor to the Old Deus....Is it because, they are strong?But the head of the ghosts smiled bitterly and answered.There's also that but---- it's because they don't grow.No one understood the true meaning but---- suddenly, a ghostsaid towards the board surface that had nothing but whitepieces.But, with this all pieces are white--- it means that they areally?That's right. We---- will win without taking out even asingle piece, there are no enemies.No, but then, against what, we should be victorious, yousay?After being told that, the head of ghosts fearlessly---- took outthe Black King. ----If we defeat this guy---- it will be ourvictory....Win without taking out even one piece----but will there bea need to kill someone?With those words everyone's gazes concentrated on the head ofthe ghosts all at once, and he received it.But, the head of the ghosts chuckled, held up the Black King,Noo? The rules are absolute. No one will die. That's becausethe Black King is----And then vigorously----slammed it on top of the board, andsaid.----Since it is this guy.The ghosts made round eyes---- but only their head;Laughed with confidence.