Published at 26th of December 2025 7:41 am

Chapter 493: Being Enemies Is Not a Reason to Refuse a Handshake.

This chapter is updated by JustRead.pl

Gnuu

The posture of crawling on the ground with my rear sticking up was truly that of a defeated person. As I involuntarily let out a strange groan, Tias rather cheerful voice echoed from above my head.

My, arent you quite the sleepyhead today, Ed? Come on, are you alright?

I guess so.

I grabbed the offered hand and stood up. A broad smile with an unmistakable sense of triumph was plastered across her face, but while I felt frustrated, I wasnt angry. That must be what they call the difference in personal virtue. If it had been Taruho, I would have kept punching him until his face changed shape.

Eh, eh!? Senpai lost!?

At that moment, Luka belatedly exclaimed in surprise. He kept looking back and forth between Tia and me, his face filled with confusion.

Um did senpai go easy on her or something?

Dont be stupid. I might do that with kids, but not with Tia. I wasnt careless either, I just got outmaneuvered.

Eh? Thats even more surprising I didnt know Tia-san was that strong.

Hehe, thats right! is what Id like to say, but this was only because Ed was my opponent. If youre as strong as Ed, Luka, Id probably lose to you.

? Im sorry, but Im getting more and more confused.

Lukas confusion deepened at Tias wry smile. As Luka kept tilting his head in thought, Tia turned to me and continued the conversation.

I was able to beat Ed because my final trump card worked right?

Thats right. Without that, I think I would have won.

It wasnt bravado or sour grapes; I was certain that without that one strike, I would have undoubtedly won. But thats precisely why that strike was more valuable than gold, and I lost because I couldnt see it coming or respond to it.

By the way, what was that? It felt like I was suddenly punched from a place that was a complete blind spot not just for me, but for you too, Tia.

Thats right, I couldnt visually confirm the activation point either. But I was able to hit you because it was you, Ed.

Because it was me? Whats that supposed to mean?

As if Lukas confusion had transferred to me, I tilted my head significantly. Tia puffed out her chest and continued her explanation.

I see you every day. I probably know Eds face better than you yourself. Because were so close, I knew exactly where Eds jaw was, which is why I could hit it perfectly. Conversely, it would have been impossible with anyone else. I activated that magic without an incantation, so if the target spot had been off by even a centimeter, I dont think it would have had much power.

Ooh, I see

Indeed, it was because it hit me square on that my brain was so rattled. If the location had been off even slightly, I think I could have at least knocked Tia away and escaped from that spot.

But Tia accurately calculated the position of my jaw from the back of my head and precisely struck a vital point with magic activated in an invisible location. Faced with such a feat, it would be disrespectful not to gracefully accept defeat.

Youre amazing, Tia. This time, its a complete defeat for me.

Once again, I offered words of praise to Tia. But Tia, receiving them, wore a somewhat ambiguous smile for some reason.

Thank you. But its just this time. Now that you know I can do this, you probably wont fall for it again Besides, if we fought with real seriousness the outcome would be completely different, right?

Thats

In this match, I didnt use any of my [Banishment Skills] at all. And if I had used even one of them, my victory would have been decided at that point.

Of course, if I had used [Hermes Dash] to approach quickly, Tias incantation wouldnt have made it in time, and if I had used [Magiasorb] all magic attacks would have been nullified. Moreover, if I had wielded the Power of the End as the Demon King, I wouldnt even need to approach; it would end with one swing of my sword.

But I had no intention of fighting Tia like that, nor was there any point in showcasing only my power in a mock battle meant to show our abilities to the hero. Therefore, its true that I only exerted my full strength within the framework of a match to show the hero, so if Im told I held back, I cant argue against it, but

Ah, no! Its not sarcasm or me being self-deprecating or anything like that! I just wanted to say that Eds true strength is much, much more amazing than this match. After all, my partner isnt someone who just gets rolled on the ground by a girl, right?

Haha, of course not! If I get the chance, Ill always show you just how invincible I am!

I grinned at Tias mischievous words and swung my sword. The sword, tracing a perfect trajectory, left an afterimage as it reflected the light, and for just a moment, dawn shone in the midday meadow.

Kyaa! Senpai, youre so cool! What do you think, Yuusha-sama? This means they pass for sure, right!?

Hm? Thats right. Both Ed and Lunaritia showed excellent skills. I would certainly like to have you as companions, but Luka.

? What is it?

How should I put this werent you against these two becoming my companions?

Ah!?

Luka, who had been tilting his head innocently, made a face that said I messed up at Lorenzs point. He looked at me, then at Tia, then back at Lorenz and finally turned away, muttering under his breath.

I-It cant be helped. Senpai and Tia are strong, after all? Although its very, very reluctant, I have to acknowledge their abilities

I silently swallowed the Is that really okay? retort that had almost escaped my throat. I thought it was absolutely not good for Lukas position, but it would be too out of place for me to point that out, and moreover

Hey Luka, lets put aside the complicated stuff for now and just decide to go on an adventure together, shall we?

Senpai is that really okay with you? Im

I just said it, didnt I? That kind of thing doesnt matter. There are relationships that can only form because we know each others various circumstances, and besides I can trust you with my back, Luka.

At those words, Luka stopped moving. He opened his upturned eyes wide, directing a glass-like transparent gaze straight at me, neither expectant nor anxious. Thats why I wanted to light a fire in that transparent soul that was still newborn and untainted by anything, so I continued speaking.

So lets go. Im your senpai, arent I?

Senpai!

Luka leaped at me. The body I caught was much lighter than I expected Is this guy eating properly? Well, maybe as Gods Apostle, he doesnt need to eat.

No way! After being told that much, I guess I have no choice but to come along! Geez, senpai is so dishonest!

I cant find a single part of your statement that applies to me, but what kind of person am I in your mind?

Of course, senpai is senpai! Ah, but dont misunderstand! Ill still do what I need to do, so if you fall head over heels for my charm, you might get stabbed at a crucial moment, okay?

Dont worry, Ill never fall for you in my entire life.

How cruel!?

I grabbed Lukas head as he clung to me and forcibly peeled him off. Then Tia came over and tightly grasped Lukas hand.

I understand you two are getting along, but dont forget about me, okay? Nice to meet you, Luka.

Likewise, pleased to meet you, Tia-san! Ah, look, yuusha-sama too!

M-Me!? No, Im not really

Its fine, its fine! Look, now were all friends in the hero party!

Pulled by Luka, Lorenzs hand was placed on top of Tias hand holding Lukas. At this point, I was the only one left out, but

Come on, senpai, hurry up!

Ed!

Id be happy i you could get this over with quickly.

Ah, yes. Well, then

The four hands were stacked together, filling the air with a ticklish atmosphere.

The new hero party is hereby formed!

Hey, isnt that usually said by the hero?

Dont sweat the small stuff, Ed. Besides, even the hero Huh?

Eh? Dont tell me, yuusha-sama, did you actually want to say it? Then one more time! Go ahead!

I-I didnt want to say it at all! Thats enough, isnt it!

Aww, youre so shy! Yuusha-sama is almost as cute as me! Ow, that hurts!?

I dont care!

Lorenz dropped his fist on Luka, who pressed his head with teary eyes. It felt rather anticlimactic, but thats precisely why we, in our own unique way, once again managed to successfully join the hero party.

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