Vol 1 Chapter 14: Yuu’s Objective and True Wish (Great Labyrinth Arc)

“Then, Kaimu, have you been fighting alone all this time?”

“Yeah, pretty much. I guess it’s partly my fault for not going along with the others.”

After that, we exchanged information about Nio.

I told her about my meeting with Nio—from our first encounter until I left the village, leaving Asterion behind. According to Yuu, judging by the lingering concentration of mana in the labyrinth, there was a high chance that she was captured right after that.

I didn’t know much about mana concentration since I rarely used magic, but apparently, Nio’s magic was so distinct that her mere presence left traces behind, like a scent.

From that lingering sensation, it seemed she had been here for at least a year and a half. Since we parted two years ago, it’s highly likely she was captured shortly after leaving the village.

In other words, the past two years I spent relentlessly fighting and searching had all been for nothing.

When I said that, Yuu looked incredibly sad.

“Kaimu, that’s so sad… You’ve been all alone this whole time… Hmm? Being alone… that’s just like me… Ehehe…”

For some reason, the cold, emotionless expression and voice Yuu had until now vanished. After sympathizing with me, she suddenly started blushing.

It wasn’t as if she was faking her emotions or putting on an act.

The earlier lack of emotion carried an undeniable weight—I didn’t know why, but it felt genuine.

It was as if she believed that having emotions was a mistake, or simply unnecessary. She had been completely focused on analyzing every bit of information and learning about Nio, which was probably why she suppressed her feelings so thoroughly.

Why did she have to go so far just to learn about Nio? And now—blushing and showing sympathy—it was hard to understand.

Even now, as we talked about Nio, her true feelings began to surface. When she learned that one of my main reasons for fighting was to find Nio, her eyes darkened, and she muttered, “Are they really that important to you…?”—a clear sign of jealousy.

I almost wondered if she had another personality.

The turning point came when I finished talking about Nio and explained how I obtained Asterion.

Up until that point, she had been acting as if she were completely numbing her emotions.

As for Asterion, it seemed Yuu had never seen or even heard of it before she was sealed.

Apparently, under normal circumstances, the chains that had sealed her shouldn’t have been able to be cut, yet for some reason, Asterion managed to slice through them. That’s what piqued her curiosity. “I can’t even begin to imagine who made it or for what purpose,” she said.

When I mentioned that Nio had possessed it, Yuu frowned in deep thought—it seemed she really did know her.

However, Yuu didn’t know what Nio had been doing when she was sealed away. She recalled that Nio was considered “a high-ranking demon of considerable status,” but at the time, Nio was busy running around addressing crises in various regions, and they hardly ever met.

Then why was Yuu so obsessed with Nio—to the point of that earlier expression? And why did she suddenly seem content and let go of that fixation after learning about the connection between Asterion and me?

The way she lamented my loneliness, then delighted in our similarities, and even grew jealous when I mentioned Nio—those emotions were undeniably real.

Yuu said she would take me to where Nio was, but I couldn’t shake this nagging feeling.

I didn’t want to doubt her, yet my connection with Yuu wasn’t ending anytime soon. Leaving the Great Labyrinth of Grimoire wouldn’t mark the end of our journey.

It wasn’t just a matter of being in the same boat. If Yuu was going to continue living as an Ancient Elf, I would have to help her. Teaching her about the modern world was essential.

It was already my responsibility since I was the one who helped her rise from that darkness.

And after rescuing Nio, parting ways wouldn’t be an option anymore. Or rather, this time, I wouldn’t let her escape.

At the very least, until she explained why she disappeared, Yuu would have to stick with me.

For that reason, I couldn’t afford to keep doubting her.

If I left things as they were, I wouldn’t be able to expose the truth to the world, nor help her conceal her identity as an Ancient Elf. I’d always be burdened by this lingering uncertainty.

And honestly, even after everything was settled, I might end up traveling with Yuu for a while.

I couldn’t imagine that a gap of several hundred years could be filled so easily, and in the end, Yuu needed someone to rely on—even if only temporarily.

Dependency or not, until she regained her former strength and knowledge, I had a responsibility toward her.

After some thought, I decided to throw a slightly mean question at Yuu.

Apologizing in my heart for what I was about to do, I spoke up.

“Since you know how this place is structured, that makes things simple. Tell me where Nio is, then you can go ahead and get out first and secure a safe spot.”

“Eh…?”

“You can do that, right? Whether it’s illusion magic or something else, you’ve been stuck underground all this time. The sooner you get out, the better.”

“B-But…”

“Worried about leaving me alone? Don’t be. That armor-clad bastard—I was busy fighting him while protecting you. I haven’t even used my trump card yet. Besides, the Demon King isn’t stupid. He’s probably already realized I broke your seal and learned the truth. Right now, he’s likely searching for us, don’t you think?”

Then, Yuu suddenly cut in, as if struck by a realization.

“Th-then, I can be of use! I’ve regained my senses now—I can even take on the Demon King! I want to help you, Kaim! Since you saved me, even just a little—I want to repay my debt!”

……Normally, this is exactly how it would go.

But though she appears earnest at first glance, the fact remains that she had been sealed underground for hundreds of years. Until I rescued her and reached out my hand, she had even lost hope of living.

I could feel her gratitude toward me for saving her, and it made perfect sense. I understood her desire to be of help.

But if she stays here, it’s certain that the Demon King will target her. Even if nothing else happens, his forces will surely come attacking.

Even if I were to die, it wouldn’t be surprising if Yuu were sealed away once more—this time with an even stronger seal, permanently. She surely understands that danger.

Even though she finally has a chance at freedom, would she risk death—or being sealed again—just to lend me her strength? Asking myself that, I felt that doubting her would be tantamount to denying her genuine goodwill.

I know full well that idealistic notions alone never get things done. But if I start doubting such earnest goodwill, I can’t call myself the Sword Saint of Hope.

Even so, the darkness Yuu harbors is unfathomably deep. I still needed to be personally convinced before I could trust her completely.

That being the case, I decided that the next question I asked would be the last one I’d pose.

So I cut straight to the chase.

“Is that because you’re also seeking revenge on the Demon King?”

Revenge. At the sound of that word, Yuu’s eyes widened, mirroring the darkness within them. Then she fell completely silent, as if at a loss for words.

“…You, after all…”

In those dark eyes, I sensed unmistakable anger. No—”anger” hardly covers it; even “fury” sounds too mild. They were chaotic, infused not only with hatred and irritation but, above all, with an obsessive determination.

“Is your goal to take revenge on the Demon King?”

“…I won’t lie to you, Kaim—who has given me so much favor and hope. That’s right. My purpose is to take revenge on the Demon King.”

“You know exactly who you’re up against. Even if nothing goes wrong, you’ll end up dead, won’t you?”

At my words, Yuu’s face turned as tense and cold as ice for a brief moment. Then, with a small sigh, she said,

“No matter where the Demon King is or what he’s planning, I had resolved to forget him. However…”

Then, with a face as if the ice had melted and black flames had been kindled, Yuu continued,

“Things have changed. I absolutely must kill him with my own hands, or else I cannot face the future.”

“…I see.”

I understood her thirst for revenge—and why she sought me out. There’s the debt she owes me, and perhaps a bit of dependency, too. But above all, what Yuu seeks from me is—

“My strength, is it what you want?”

I glared at her as I said it, and Yuu fell silent. After all, given the enemy, it’s only natural to want extra strength—even if it’s just one person. Especially for a Sword Saint.

Once again, a heavy silence fell between us.

But eventually, Yuu spoke again.

She fixed her gaze on me and, with pure emotion free of any darkness, declared clearly,

“I want to live with you, Kaim…! Even if it means overcoming the barriers between our races, I want to be with you—!”

“Wait a minute—could that really be your main reason?”

Yuu blushed and nodded.

I had assumed that even if she felt that way about me, it would pale in comparison to her burning desire for revenge. But I was wrong—I found myself at a loss for words at her unexpected reply.

“…I understand. Even though we’ve only just met. And besides, I’m an Elf and you’re human. I know our lifespans are different. And yet, Kaim…”

After a moment of silence, Yuu spoke, as if carefully weighing her words.

However, I realized that in those chaotic eyes, it wasn’t just a thirst for revenge against the Demon King—it also held a fixation on me. Yet if there was another reason you don’t want to part ways, it is probably this:

“Perhaps you want to be with me, but aside from that, is it because you need me for your revenge against the Demon King that you insist on coming along?”

“N-no! I mean, that’s not it… I’m really grateful to you, Kaim… but on my own, I just can’t…”

She almost contradicted herself, yet she firmly adhered to her vow not to lie to me. Still, it’s obvious from your words that you cannot achieve revenge on the Demon King alone.

So, is it that when battling the Demon King you need my strength—and that’s why you refuse to part with me? Or rather, is it because the Demon King is likely to target me that you won’t let go?

“…I, um—”

“Don’t force yourself to speak. After all, it’s been hundreds of years since you’ve conversed with anyone—but keep your wits about you. Out there, you’ll be nothing more than an Elf, discriminated against and silenced, while I am, even if only modestly, the Sword Saint. If the Demon King splits his forces, it’s clear he’ll come after me first.”

If I die, your greatest wish will never be realized. But even putting that aside, it seems you won’t compromise on your revenge against the Demon King.

Now, Yuu says nothing more. She is clearly torn between her commitment to honesty with me and her burning desire for revenge.
That’s like trying to balance on a scale the one who dragged you into hell against the benefactor who saved you from it—beyond words.

If it were me, I’d have been fed up and resigned myself to it. But the intelligence and kindness that allow you to remain silent—those are your virtues, even if they stem partly from the naïveté that once led you astray.

But if your purpose is revenge against the Demon King, then that’s just right. With a steadfast ally like you, I can bring Nio along and face the Demon King.
Nio was my own personal matter, but if you care for me that much, then it’s a different story. Unlike those I deceived in the past, I can now enlist your strength as a partner rather than as a tool.
There’s no need to test or exploit you anymore; such thoughts must be discarded. To do otherwise would be an insult to the genuine, kind Yuu—the one who feels gratitude and would never seek to deceive.

I let out a long sigh, scratched my head vigorously (【ガシガシ】), and then extended my hand.

“Then, let’s make a promise right here. I’ll guide you to Nio, and together we’ll take revenge on the Demon King. Until that goal is achieved, we’ll maintain a relationship of complete honesty. I’ll do everything in my power to live up to our hopes. After all, I’m more than eager for revenge on the Demon King, too.”

“A relationship with no lies…”

With a sly grin, I recalled the Demon King I had seen in the upper levels. There’s that damn Sieg too, but to exact revenge on all those bastards who exploited this ridiculous scenario, all I need is the Demon King’s head.

“If you take my hand, I promise that once everything is finished and we leave this place, I won’t forsake you.”

“Kaim…”

“I admit, I got you into this mess—or rather, I forced you into it—so I take responsibility. That’s why I’ll stick with you until you’ve adjusted to this world… heck, even beyond that. Besides, it’s not so bad for a guy like me to be with a strong, beautiful Elf.”

Even as I said that, I felt my own cheeks grow warm with embarrassment. Yuu too, blushing, closed her eyes, took a slow, deep breath, and when she opened them again, they shone with earnest resolve.

She stared at the outstretched hand with eyes wide open, like a cat at midnight. I’m sure all sorts of thoughts were racing through her mind. Of course, there must be one or two things she can’t even tell me. Taking this hand is, in a way, a reconfirmation of your commitment to work with me—like a confirmation made after the seal was broken and some time had passed.

After a long moment, Yuu placed her pale palm over mine and, this time, grasped my hand.

“I swear. Until I guide you to Nio and we take revenge on the Demon King, I won’t lie to you.”

“…Really?”

“Yes, because I too want to leave this place with you, Kaim, and live in a new world together!”

It seems you’re truly sincere. I relaxed a bit, but then Yuu suddenly raised her index finger as if she’d just remembered something.

“However, there’s one thing I must tell you beforehand.”

At that moment, Yuu’s expression softened—as if it had melted away—and in a bewitching voice she said,

“Even if I kill the Demon King, please don’t hold it against me, okay?”

My, to utter such perilous words with that face—makes me wonder how long it will take to dispel this dark emotion. I felt a slight unease.

Nonetheless, I nodded in agreement.

“…Alright, I got it.”

“Then, I gladly take your hand! I wouldn’t mind holding it forever!”

When she smiled brightly, I felt a tinge of fear—not because of the Demon King, but perhaps due to that unsettling quality that some women possess, which sent a chill down my spine as a man.