Vol 3 Chapter 54 – Hmph… You Have a Point

“Conflict arises because people interact with people. Conversely, a person living alone cannot have a conflict. There is no one to fight with.”

I thought she was spouting the most outrageous and absurd theory without a shred of shame, but Melia spoke with overflowing confidence.

At this point, no amount of criticism from anyone would make her waver.

In her mind, this was already an established fact.

“No matter how you look at it, the current world population is too large. Each and every person is diverse, different, a precious life. That is precisely why they can’t back down, and why conflicts occur. Not only that, but people form groups. They rally around worthless principles and try to destroy different ideologies. When that happens, the scale of the conflict grows, and so too does the tragedy.”

Groups, for example, like nations or religions.

And even within those nations and religions, factions form and attack each other.

…Ugh, humans are such a pain.

Why do they have to flock together and attack each other? It does nothing but cause pain.

See, this is why being a holy sword is number one.

“In that case, we have no choice but to reduce their numbers. The current population is far too large for me to manage. If we reduce the population, the scale of conflict will also shrink. If my eyes can reach them all, I can quell disputes before they even begin. By doing so, we will achieve world peace!”

Melia declared proudly.

Wow, she’s nuts…

It’s a common story for people who hold up grand ideals. They start off fine, but then they lose the balance between their ideals and reality and just… break.

If they self-destruct, I couldn’t care less, but it gets bad when they start forcing their will on others, like Melia.

Usually, people like that get crushed by those around them and disappear without accomplishing anything major, but Melia is a Hero, one of the most powerful people in the world. Her selfishness just might prevail.

“Hmph… You have a point.”

“Wh-!?”

I shuddered at the words Al muttered under his breath.

H-He’s convinced!? The one person who absolutely shouldn’t be convinced is convinced!?

“T-This is bad! If a crazy guy falls for a crazy ideology, crazy things are gonna happen!!”

“What are you talking about?”

What are YOU talking about!

If Al starts wholeheartedly cooperating with Melia’s ideology, it’s all over!

“Then, will you not walk with me? You might be… my very first comrade! To walk with a wonderful ally toward a wonderful goal! I-I’m deeply moved!”

“Indeed, there is reason in what you say. When people gather, they inevitably cause conflict.”

As Melia reached out her hands in感動, Al again showed his understanding.

Ah, it’s the end of the world… Not that I care what happens to any humans besides me…

Just as I was thinking that, Al looked Melia sincerely in the eyes and opened his mouth.

“But that, too, is justice.”

“Huh?”

Melia tilted her head.

…Where in any of this was there anything about justice?

“Conflict is also one of humanity’s endeavors. A world with no conflict at all would stagnate, decline, and perish. That is not what I desire.”

“Uh, huh…”

Says the guy who, evil or not, repeats mass slaughter without a second thought…

“So, you won’t become my ally?”

“That’s right. For now, you can just die.”

The decision was instant.

Without a moment’s delay, Al brandished me, rubble and all, and charged at Melia.

That switch was fast!?

Even Melia was forced to meet the attack with a look of astonishment.

◆

Fundamentally, when Alvarado fights a powerful opponent, he is often forced into a defensive battle.

This might seem natural against a stronger foe, but he is a powerful warrior in his own right.

That being the case, there should be no reason for every single one of his battles to be defensive, even if it happens from time to time.

However, one of the biggest reasons for this is that he basically cannot use the power of the Holy Sword.

He can only use that power when the Holy Sword is in the mood and gives her permission.

On the other hand, the powerful opponents Alvarado fights can use their own immense power without any restrictions.

Thus, it is often the case that he is overwhelmed by that power and cannot mount an offense.

“Hmph!”

With no assistance from the Holy Sword, Alvarado displayed incredible speed using pure physical ability alone.

In the blink of an eye, he was inside Melia’s guard.

Then, he swung down with all his might, brandishing a Holy Sword of such weight that it was impossible for a single human to lift.

THUD!

A tremendous sound echoed as a cloud of dust flew into the air.

Ugh, mincemeat…

The Holy Sword couldn’t help but let her cheek twitch.

It was the usual sight.

The thud happens, and a spray of blood scatters everywhere.

And then the Holy Sword… or rather, the rubble attached to her tip, would drink the blood again.

“…No, I don’t feel an impact.”

Alvarado had turned people to mush countless times.

The lack of that sensation confirmed that Melia was still alive.

“You try to crush a person’s head without any hesitation. Impressive.”

“Hmph.”

A sharp sword line attacked from a blind spot.

In an instant, multiple sword flashes ran out.

Alvarado blocked them all without a change in his expression.

Not only that, he immediately counter-attacked.

Even if it was hard to see through the dust cloud, all he had to do was swing the Holy Sword in the direction the attack came from.

“Mmph?”

But again, there was no sensation of bludgeoning a person, only of cutting through empty air.

Alvarado furrowed his brow, perplexed.

That last one should have been quite difficult to dodge, given the timing…

“Mmmph?”

This time, Melia attacked without a sound.

Even Alvarado couldn’t block everything, and his body sustained several wounds.

Sharp pain assaulted him, but he paid it no mind.

Mentally, he’s taken zero damage.

“…It doesn’t seem like you’re immune to pain, so just what kind of mental state do you have?”

Melia appeared, letting out an exasperated sigh.

“To destroy evil. Until that goal is fulfilled, I will not stop.”

Alvarado swung the Holy Sword with a whoosh.

I’ve made an enemy of a truly ridiculous person.

So thought Melia.