Published at 29th of October 2022 11:00 am

Chapter 143 Path

This chapter is updated by JustRead.pl

Once, we ever walked swaggering about brazenly, be it in the town or in the school, we would make our names resound.

“A bit surprised? Milco.” (Velt)

I wasn’t able to sort out my feelings. That’s because, compared to other classmates I’ve reunited before, the nature of our relationship was somewhat different.

“Kukukuku, A mixed love song that’s closer to an anime song, that’s the rock I feel from you right now. Despite it was the punk rock when around we first met, you’ve mellowed out huh. Right? Ryuuma.” (Kishin)

“So I tried to listen to your messy live performance, but I just can’t endure it so I need to go up the stage myself.” (Velt)

Aah, what is this. Things about world, ogres and humans, or demihumans, somehow I ended up not caring about any of them. In this battle to create a legend, by mixing the me who was an unnecessary substance, the production of that legend got interrupted instead.

Could it be, I’m encountering the junctions of history itself right now?

Putting that thought on the back of my mind, I walked closer to my old friend.

“Asakura-kun…” (Arusha)

Ayase looked up as if clinging to me. Was it of frustration, or sadness?

“Hey, Ayase. Why did you keep quiet about this?” (Arusha)

“I didn’t know it! But, because this is the first time I’ve met with Demon King Kishin… But, to think… it became like this.” (Arusha)

It must be so. Even I thought like that too. Despite her looked already calmed down but her inside must be jumbled up.

“Velt, what is this about! Why, why, are you here!” (Forna)

“Boy, what’s the meaning of this?” (Hyule)

“No, wait! The ones right there… Zetsuki! And, Yubamensch!”

“Wait, why? There’s something going on here!”

“What’s happening, who is he?”

Note: I’m just putting the names on who have the most obvious way to talk, so well there are just some people I can’t really distinguish

Ooh, the lord heroes that represent the world were bewildered. Well, It’s understandable. The man that suddenly appeared brought along the great ogre general and one of the Four Heavenly Beast Demihumans, and even converse with the Demon King like this after all.

“Velt Jeeha-san. What’s happening here! Who are you really! Why are you with Kishin! Even with General Zetsuki and the legendary Yubamensch!” (Roa)

As Roa raised his body while asking that question, I with irrepressible smile answered him.

“Murata Milco. Formerly second year in Gokukawa Highschool. His father is a Croatian and his mother Japanese, because of his father’s work he had to move around the world a lot. Because ever since tender age he had to move out a lot before even remembering the language of the country he was staying at, when he finally settled at Japan his language got so jumbled up, he’s such a pain in the ass guy.” (Velt)

Note: So he wasn’t fully Japanese. 村田ミルコ (Murata Miruko) the Miruko part could be translated into Mirko but well I’ll translate it int Milco still. Correction is appreciated.

Honestly, I don’t really know about the details of my classmates. The same goes for Samejima, Miyamoto, Ayase, Kagami, and Biyama. However, it’s only him I know of.

“Ever since he awakened to rock since middle high, he kept slacking around even in high school and went uncontrolled each and every day. He did music, played with women, and hang out with the first best friend and partner he made in Japan, kicked the asses of the guys he pissed of, and sang out the crappy song about resentment to the world.” (velt)

I was reminiscing like bursting.

He was the same as me, a hopeless guy be it in the town or even in the school. But, there’s something this guy has. Above the stage, the him who was screaming out his feeling packed sh*tty song, he was shining.

“Velt! Could it be, could it be Kishin is… he has the same circumstances like you and Arusha?” (Forna)

As Forna who was the first to noticed it nodded her head, I faced Milco with complicated feelings inside me.

As I thought that, Milco was just having quiet look to him and smiled slightly.

“Fuh, It’s nostalgic right? Ryuuma. Me don’t have that much memories of high school. That’s why even when I met with Ayase, there was nothing that I thought of that much. But, meeting you again like this, I can’t help but feeling nostalgic myself.” (Kishin)

“Heck you said that. Even you started to come to high school yourself midway ain’t it.” (Velt)

“There was something that caught my interest. It’s because I was wondering why a person strong like a demon like you who kicked the asses of me and Jugenmaru, ended up going to school and looked having fun everyday.” (Kishin)

There was a time when we fought against each other but after that when we meet at the town at times we would eat together or just chat around. Even when in school where we were in a dicey position, we were able to group up like it was natural. It was those times that we share together.

“Anyways, it’s good that you’re fine, my friend.” (Kishin)

“I see…”

Despite we ended up being like this, I nodded my head honestly.

“Ryuuma. You were badass and exciting. Me and Jugen were attracted by you. But then you fell in love to a girl, went to the high school, and became weak like an animal that has its fangs pulled off, but still, we enjoyed it back then.” (Kishin)

“Same goes for you. Back then with your soul put into those crappy songs, you somehow made them into a rock n’ roll that had the feel of freedom. But now, I only can feel it as though it’s a violence that’s destroying the world’s grudge.” (Velt)

“We’re in the middle of war. What the world wanting for is something different. Right now, ‘to be or not to be, that is the question.’ It’s such a sad world.” (Kishin)

“… you’re, unexpectedly like a geezer huh…” (Velt)

“Yes.” (Kishin)

“Seventy years… sure is long.” (Velt)

It made me think of Miyamoto. However, the only difference was that, Miyamoto trembled inside the ravine between humans and demihumans, and at the end of his anguish he finally resolved himself.

But, Milco wasn’t like that. He didn’t feel anguish nor attachment to the fact that he was a human. And then, his perception of war, it felt different from that of Roa and Forna, and Zetsuki too.

“Because you hated being dragged in by the flow of the world, you resisted against it, but why are you, the one who sing songs about freedom, why are you letting yourself being dragged to it now? Do you have grudges against humans? Or are you saying, since you were born as a royal that it can’t be helped?” (Velt)

That, in a way is a question that questioned the way of how Kishin living his life itself.

Why are you living your life like this?

In response to that, Milco answered to that truly simple question with a quite indifferent face.

“I fight so that I can end this war as soon as possible.” (Kishin)

Hah? Fighting in the war to stop it as soon as possible

“If the war were to end, me will have freedom. And then me will change the ruined world where the gloomy and dark war has ended with rock. Me will end the dark world with powerful and violence soul, and then create a new era! Then shout this out. Let’s party! Something like that.” (Kishin)

No well, I don’t get it at all.

However, Milco continued as if adding to his words.

“But, the other races and also me country’s people, were unable to stop themselves from doing war. Everyone’s sadness and anger, along with their mind about greater cause, they never be able to forget those things. That’s right, as long as the outcome of the war still hasn’t been decided, the war will never end. Do you understand? Since the country’s people and the demon race itself still can’t stop doing war, me will fight to make the war to end as fast as possible.” (Kishin)

Aah, I can somewhat understand that.

Milco wanted to end the war as fast as possible. However both his country’s people and the demon race won’t allow any interruption with the war. So, what can he do? If he can’t interrupt the war itself, he can only make the war to end faster.

“Even for that America, for the sake of ending the post war dark atmosphere after the end of Vietnam War, they ushered in the golden era of rock. That’s right, me will be the pioneer for that in this world! Me will blow the wind for rock in this world!” (Kishin)

And then, he will shout it out in the world where war has ended. Shouting the song about the beginning of a new era.

“Ri, ridiculous! If you said it like that, then won’t we be unable to understand each other? Kishin! If you are really grieving about the war, then don’t force both sides to hurt each other!”

At that moment, Roa stood up as he heard Kishin’s real intention, shouting out his earnest wish.

“That’s right, fighting isn’t necessary, Miyamoto-kun! It is not to use your song to change the world after the war, instead, reject the war itself… Can’t you sing for the sake of changing the current world? About the human and demon race, there maybe still issues about the difference between races and the unhealable scars after! But, right now you are not alone anymore! Me, and Asakura too, if we walk on together we can definitely make it!” (Arusha)

It’s natural to thinking and wishing it like that.

It’s because, this war isn’t just about simple mutual hate between each other, it is understandable to go and do war for the sake of ending the war even a little bit faster.

Of course, for the soldiers who were the ones who actually fight might find it to be something intolerable. Just like the unfortunate battle that happened before, because of the uncontainable sadness and hatred there maybe people that ended up hating their enemies till death.

However, if the leader of both sides at least step forward, there surely things that could be changed. And that is, to do a good discussion rather than do an all or nothing war.

“Kii-kun, though we said it like that but what do you think? At least, from what I see from your and Vel-chan’s conversation, you guys aren’t just acquaintance but have a kind of relationship between you. Can’t you believe in Vel-chan and his group? After destroying the human race, it will be all out war against the demihumans, and after that war against the divine race. The chances are much better don’t you think?” (Yubamensch)

The always silent Maman once again posed that question. How would Kishin, and also Milco answer that?

“…Ryuuma.” (Kishin)

“Yeah.” (Velt)

Milco who has heard the words of the Hero and Maman was…

“Me… I knew it, there’s no rock or anything in this world. It’s all just, despair ♪.” (Kishin)

However, he just plucked his guitar. And it wasn’t with the hard exploding sound that he played until now. It was a slow tone melody.

“Then I will create it. If this world truly is a fantasy then, isn’t the rock n’ roll fantasy also here ♪.” (Kishin)

It is unknown to whom he sent that song to. However, as everyone lost their words, in the now silent space only the calm song kept flowing on.

“Fuh……”

At that time, I was immersed in a nostalgic feeling. He is always like that. He doesn’t hide anything. The things he thought of and things he found hard to say, he turned them into music and then convey them.

And each time he sings with a slow tempo, it is also the time when he always feels down.

“Ryuuma. Have you met with Jugomaru?” (Kishin)

“Nope.” (Velt)

“Is that so. Me also haven’t meet him.”

“… I see… that’s unfortunate. Well, if it’s him… I don’t think he’d just simply dead and then be reborn again though.” (Velt)

“I thought so! Ryuuma is the Tsundere Yankee, Me is the Rock Idiot, and Jugenmaru is…” (Kishin)

“Gambling Devil, right?” (Velt)

“Ahahahahahahahaha! Fufu………… fuh.” (Kishin)

The one other thing that connected us.

After confirming of his existence, a bit of silence flowed by, after then Milco finally said something.

“It’s too late. Against the seventy years of Kishin’s life, the seventeen years of Milco’s life can’t be compared at all. That includes you too.” (Kishin)

He let out that kind of atmosphere.

“Hey… Milco… If Jugenmaru is here, can we go back like we used to be?” (Velt)

“Probably. But, Kimurata combi doesn’t exist anymore. And Murata Milco has also died. The me right now is the future Rock Demon King Kishin.” (Kishin)

Aah, I knew it, things won’t be going so sweet.

Even for me too, he was just a buddy from fifteen years in the past. And for him I am just a buddy from seventy years in the past.

Even if he were to feel nostalgic with the happy times in the past, if he were to put it in a balance scales…

“Zetsuki” (Kishin)

“Ha!” (Zetsuki)

“We’ve shed blood more than we’ve expected. Tell the whole army to stop fighting.” (Kishin)

With eyes that held no doubt. However, there was also flitting speck of sadness that I can’t have overlooked.

“Wha, Ki, Kishin-sama! What, do you mean by that!”

“Demon King Kishin! That’s, do you mean that, you wish to reconcile with the human race?” (Roa)

“Murata-kun…” (Arusha)

“What is this about?” (Forna)

The enemies and allies both unable to grasp his real intention, then Milco closed his eyes and answered.

“For argument’s sake, if we were to keep fighting like this, I might be able to get rid of the Ten Heroes of Light. But, if me keep on getting wounded, other Demon King’s army might lay their eyes on me, and also if Yubamensch here were to also join in the battle, things would become very hard.” (Kishin)

Despite him wearing such a serious face that might be just his public attitude.

“But, but, the whole troops, there’s no telling if the other generals might agree to this…” (Zetsuki)

“Our home country has become short of hands, the other countries surely will come to invade. We need to do the clean up campaign.” (Kishin)

I can understand it. Those reasons that he said, he is thinking right now.

“Hero Roa, understand? I will let you off and me go home. That’s why, you should tell your side to stop doing pursuit. Especially that Gyanza over there should have her neck rocked. If something like unnecessary pursuit happened, I will banish all human race immediately.” (Kishin)

“……eh, ah……”

He became bewildered to be so suddenly being told of that. Even so, Roa should also ascertain Milco’s true purpose, seemingly judging that the retreat order to be not a lie, he straighten his back in a hurry and then answered.

“I understand! I will take the responsibility with my life!” (Roa)

An agreement between the leaders. That is, if put in whatever case may be, that would meant the end of a war.

“It, it’s over… is it over?” (Forna)

“This, this might be a kind of trap. I can see through this.” (Gyanza)

“Stop it, Gyanza! Now, from now on you are not allowed to act as you please.” (Arusha)

“… b, but, this is unbelievable. This kind of thing…”

“Are we saved?”

“It is seems like he is letting us off. But… Forna’s husband… what the heck is he?”

As he passed through the heroes who were still unable to believe the current situation, Milco also passed through in front of Maman.

“Thank you. Though it was just a bit, I was happy.” (Milco)

“Fufu, things might be more fun if I can step in a bit more.” (Yubamensch)

The two of them exchanged a word and then passed by each other without looking back.

Then, Milco once again came before me…

“Ryuuma. Back then, You and Jugenmaru together sold a lot of tickets of my first live right? To the point that you guys’ bought the surplus with you guys’ own pocket money.” (Kishin)

“Aah, that’s when we had buzz hair cut in the first year right?” (Velt)

“You know, me was happy then. Not because there are people coming to my firs live performance, but because you guys were there. For someone like me who have half of his words messed up like this… can have such good friends like you guys. This is the thanks for that time. And also… Me can’t be together with you anymore.” (Kishin)

With those words meaning as a goodbye, Milco made a decision.

“This is the last for my private decision. Sorry, Ryuuma.” (Kishin)

He was unable to change the demon world. That’s why, right now Milco is doing the least thing he can do for me.

“Stupid bastard…” (Velt)

Sh*t… to be being held back in a time like this made me think of things I usually unable to think.

“Trying to act cool huh! You guys always like this! You guys have things I don’t… flashing it, and then fly away…” (Velt)

“Ryuuma?” (Kishin)

“You’re aiming to be the top in Rock n’ Roller, and that idiot Jugenmaru seriously wanted to rule over Las Vegas… You guys have those dreams… it’s like… making me feel envious.” (Velt)

One after another the nostalgic memories in the depths of my heart that I thought already gone came to my mind.

I, kept on shouting things like a kid would.

“Samejima too! Miyamoto too! Ayase too! And you too! You guys were just high schoolers so why each and every one of you have to shoulder those tiring things! Why can’t you just go living more freely! Just like me, Biyama, and Kagami! If it’s like this isn’t Jugenmaru gonna be in a mess too? I can’t stand this kind of thing anymore!” (Velt)

Everyone shouldn’t be in a situation like this. If they keep on living like this, they gonna live a completely different life.

Why? Why do we have to wrap our head with these heavy thoughts while living in this world? To even make me have to part away from my only buddy!

“Then, Ryuuma… won’t you change the world into one that you wished for?” (Kishin)

“……what do you mean?” (Velt)

“Me was intending to change the current world with this kind of method. However, you are doing it in a different way… the reunion with you guys… made me happy from the bottom of my heart, to make a world equal to everyone. … even with the difference of races.” (Kishin)

At that moment of parting, it was just a small whisper, but I can hear it so clearly in my ears.

“See you again. My friend.” (Kishin)

At that moment, it felt like the hazy path that I was unable to see up until now, became slightly visible in my view.

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