Vol 1 Chapter 7: The Outstretched Palm of Hope (Great Labyrinth Arc)

Not being able to find the right words—this is exactly it.

Yuu’s past was a darkness that defies the single word “despair.”

What can I do for a girl burdened by such darkness? Should I simply hold her gently? Should I just offer some convenient, empty words?

No. Is that truly the hope I desire? Mere superficial platitudes won’t forge the Sword Saint of Hope I long to be.

I stood up smoothly and quietly spoke to Yuu, who was slumped on the ground with tears streaming down her face.

“Let me say this right off the bat: I need you.”

Yuu’s abilities, though not yet fully understood, will surely be necessary for escaping the Grimoire Grand Labyrinth. The knowledge accumulated over several hundred years before this place was sealed—and Yuu herself, who has experienced the truth firsthand—will all be indispensable moving forward.

“If you’ve been rejected, then I’ll affirm you. If you harbor a grudge against the Demon King, I’ll lend you a hand. So, why not come with me?”

Instead of the crude method of denial I once used, I offered words of affirmation—a sincere expression of genuine feelings and goodwill—that stand as the opposite of the “rejection” you clung to.

But Yuu shook her head.

“I have no reason to live anymore… Everyone has rejected me. I’ve been abandoned by everyone. But it was all inevitable…! Because if we Ancient Elves hadn’t meddled, none of this would have happened… a world where demi-humans are oppressed and a select few humans and demons revel in their own delight would never have come to be…”

Perhaps even the current King is secretly connected with the Demon King.

That’s why someone like Sieg—who relies solely on brute strength—can call himself a hero.

After all, despite possessing the strength and wisdom to claim the title, he elevates a dangerous individual—one who alternates between the persona of a madman in high circles and that of a saint—to the status of a beacon of hope for the people.

Because of you and the other Ancient Elves, the Demon King, the King, and even Sieg are able to achieve their respective goals without taking any real risks.

No matter how many words I muster, this fact remains unchanged. Even if it means being used, it is the “sin” committed by you and the Ancient Elves.

Noticing my demeanor, you continued in a tone tinged with self-mockery.

“Isn’t it because such a world continues that even someone as righteous as you ended up being used and ended up here…?”

“…Well, yeah. I, too, was deceived by a ridiculous scenario, and ever since I fell to the bottom of the earth, I’ve been wandering for a long time.”

“…I’m sorry… I’m so sorry… It’s all my fault… I just can’t forgive myself…”

I deliberately chose affirmation. No matter what becomes of you later on, I must explain how I came to be here.

Yet you lament so deeply—even after being rejected by everyone—that you regret how this world has come to be.

You truly are a kind-hearted girl. Precisely because of that, I’ve resolved that I absolutely must save you.

What kind of Sword Saint or hope is there if not even one kind-hearted girl can be saved?

Let those who sneer, accusing me of merely using others, sneer all they want. And if anyone wants to point out that I’m contradicting myself compared to before, then by all means, point it out.

But if one confronts the jeers head-on and can’t overcome even a single contradiction, the ideal will never be realized.

Success or ideals that lack such resolve hold little value. Even if mocked and burdened with contradictions, one must hold fast to and believe in one’s own ideals. Without that spirit, you can never become a Sword Saint of Hope.

I can’t proudly say that I’ve grown because of “that person.” In that case, my personal dreams and hopes will never come true.

That is why I must save you. For the sake of my own dreams, for the sake of survival, and above all, because it’s the right thing to do as a man.

So, first, I need to change your way of thinking. Searching for the right words, I focused on the world you lament that has changed.

“This world hasn’t changed all that much since the days you used to speak of it, yet it’s far too atrocious to be labeled ‘this kind of world.’ Do you really believe that?”

“Eh…?”

Until then, you—who had been crying with your head down—finally lifted your face and looked at me.

Then, you stuttered, “B-because…” as you began to speak of the world you had seen.

“How can you possibly say that a world—where innocent demi-humans are oppressed and people ignorant of the truth, along with demons, are exploited—isn’t cruel?”

“Harsh things are harsh. Of course, a world like that would be better off without it. In that sense, without the Ancient Elves lending their strength, the world as it is now wouldn’t exist.”

Yuu tried to interject, but I immediately cut her off with a firm “But!”

“If you all refuse to lend your power and the conflicts between races escalate, what awaits is a world plunged into warfare—where every race bleeds upon itself!”

“Th–that is…”

In the first place, as rifts began to form between the races, the Ancient Elves were forced to rush everywhere. Because of that, they were exploited—but it also meant that many battles were quelled.

“Can’t you see it this way? Because the Ancient Elves were there, excessive bloodshed was prevented. Sure, the burden was shifted onto the demi-humans, but with less blood spilled, there was less sorrow and hatred as well. And those demi-humans—they’re still alive in this world, even if they must live as slaves—yes, they’re still alive.”

With that forceful declaration, I placed my hands on Yuu’s shoulders. Every word I spoke—and every belief behind it—had been hammered into me on my path to becoming the Sword Saint and a beacon of hope for the people.

I turned the maxims and values of the heroes who led history into my own words and resolve, all to become the Sword Saint and a symbol of hope.

Gathered together as a light, those ideals shone as I stared into Yuu’s tear-filled eyes, silently wishing they could clear away her darkness.

“As long as you live, you can start over. In fact, you can even overcome adversity. The reason a race that once fell into slavery was able to spark a revolution and succeed was simply that they had life. You Ancient Elves saved a world that would have otherwise seen countless lives lost.”

“B-but life isn’t just a number… Even so, I cannot bear that my existence has been denied by the multitude of lost lives… I know I’m being contradictory. But all the elves who have died will no longer affirm me… I’ve become burdened with sin. If I’ve come to the point where I can even die like this, then I should die to atone…”

“That may sound harsh, but it’s just an escape.”

When I said that, Yuu’s face was overcome with an unspeakable sorrow.

But I went on, “It’s not time to die yet.”

“What is lost will never return. The many lives of your comrades—and those who denied you—will never be revived. Not in this life… not even in death will you receive an apology for all that was denied, nor any new words of affirmation.”

“Then…! …Then, I no longer want to live… If living is this painful, isn’t death the only option?!”

At last, Yuu finally let her raw feelings spill out. Though it pained me to speak these words, the moment had come to state the very conclusion of the words and ideals I had ingrained in my mind and soul on my journey to become the Sword Saint and a symbol of hope.

“That’s why I said it—the time to die has not yet come.”

“After losing so much, being rejected and used, you’re still telling me to live…? Me, this miserable wretch…?”

“…Let me say it once more: what is lost will never return. The days of rejection and overwhelming sorrow can never be reclaimed. That pain… it’s almost as if it could kill you.”

—Ah, yes, they won’t return. Once someone has vanished, no matter how hard you call, they won’t come back; and if they’re dead, the dead have no voice—meaning you might never see them again. I know, as I say this, it feels as if I’m projecting my own self onto you, Yuu.

—And precisely for that reason…!

“But do not forgive those who exploited you…! If you’re going to die, first make them face their sins and receive their due punishment…! If you die while letting those who used you—and who continue to deceive the world with their so-called ‘scenario’—get away with it, then your death will have been in vain!!”

I shouted with every ounce of strength, desperate for you to understand, and for a moment, silence fell.

I wonder if it reached you. No—this must be made clear.

As a final push, I stood and extended my hand.

“I’m going to take revenge on that Demon King and the Hero who, from the very depths of this land, weave that absurd scenario! But since I can’t be sure I’ll make it on my own, I need your strength! That’s exactly why I need you!! I completely affirm your existence!! Now, take my hand!! This is the atonement and judgment you can offer!!”

Yuu’s tear-streaked, sorrow-twisted face slackened into a vacant expression.

After a while, she began to speak in hesitant, broken words.

“…My heart is still a mess. I haven’t used my magic in so long that I’m not sure I can immediately wield either Ancient Elf magic or even basic magic. I’m sure I’ll only end up causing you trouble…”

“Hey, even if I look this way, I’m still called the Sword Saint. I’ll cover for you—fight in your stead—at least until you recover.”

“…I’m certain I’ll just hold you back. My heart and body are in ruins. I don’t know when I might start saying I want to die again.”

“Then, every time that happens, I’ll show you ‘hope’ to wake you up.”

“Hope…”

Muttering that, Yuu hesitantly fixed her gaze on my eyes.

I, too, stared back with my dull green eyes, still burdened by my own darkness.

Then, Yuu quickly looked away, but with her cheeks flushed, she whispered,

“…Even so, is it alright if I come with you?”

Hesitantly, Yuu slowly lifted her slender hand, which indeed came to rest upon mine.

I answered that hesitation by gripping her hand tightly.

“Ah, I’ll take you with me. Didn’t I say from the start that I need you?”

“Gah!”

Perhaps at that very moment, Yuu unleashed the magical power she had kept hidden. An enormous surge of magic—one I had never felt emanating from her before—flowed from her palm.

Moreover, it filled the room and seeped into our weary bodies, healing wounds and easing our fatigue.

Amid the sensation of being revived, we heard the sound of something rampaging outside the room. Then, an extremely potent magical force could be sensed from beyond the door.

Apparently, this magic had stirred even those things best left alone.

“Looks like this one’s up next.”

Saying that, with my body feeling lighter, I reached for Asterion—when Yuu called out, “Uh, um!”

When I looked back, she fidgeted and said, “Ah, what is your name?!”

Ah, come to think of it, I hadn’t introduced myself. With a sly smile, I announced,

“I’m Kaim! Now, let’s go, Yuu!!”