Episode 32
The reunion with classmates was only a brief moment of cooperation—it wasn’t something that could last long.
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“…Well then.”
By the time the campfire was dying down, Renji Saeki finally spoke. His voice was exhausted, yet carried a firm resolve.
“Moving forward with Yuto like this… the risk is way too high. The Kingdom’s target is him. If we get involved… it’s the end for us too.”
At his words, the classmates quietly nodded. The doubts from yesterday were no longer just rumors or whispers; they were being shared as a clear, collective judgment.
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“But… are we just going to leave him behind?”
“Can’t be helped. If that subjugation skill is aimed at us, we’re done for.”
“And… did you see the way Yuto went wild alone against those monsters earlier? Honestly, there’s no way we can keep up with that.”
Their words grew colder, as if to hide their guilt.
“….”
I silently listened to their conversation, letting out a small sigh in my heart.
(Just as expected.)
The so-called “incompetent” who was thought dead… was alive. And he possessed a bizarre skill that subjugated anyone he encountered. It was only natural they would fear him.
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“…Yuto is different.”
A small voice cut through the murmurs. Turning around, I saw Misaki standing, fists clenched.
“He helped us so many times, even knowing the danger… Have you forgotten that?”
“Misaki…”
A few people were at a loss for words.
But Renji shook his head.
“I understand how you feel. But there are lives we must protect. My role is to bring everyone back to the Royal Capital.”
“…!”
Misaki couldn’t argue, biting her lip. Yet, her gaze never left mine.
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“It’s decided. We’re returning to the Royal Capital.”
Following Renji’s declaration, the companions began packing their belongings. Their clumsy movements and downcast eyes spoke volumes about their unease.
“…Yuto.”
Misaki quietly approached, lowering her voice. “I—”
At that moment:
‘Confirming command—subjugation initiated.’
“W-waiiit! Master! Don’t leave me behind!”
Rolling out from the grass behind us was Shinichi Sakurai, waving his hands frantically, tears in his eyes, prostrating himself on the ground.
“…Not again!!”
I yelled as Sakurai-sensei pressed his head to the dirt with full force in a dramatic bow.
“I’ll do your homework corrections, career counseling, anything at all!!”
“NOOOO!!!”
The serious atmosphere evaporated in an instant.
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In the end—
The classmates returned to the Royal Capital. Yuto and Rine took a separate path. Only Misaki lingered, watching me off with hesitation until the very end.
(…This is the distance between us now.)
I spat the thought out in my mind and continued walking.
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Afterword
Thank you for reading this far!
Episode 32 portrayed “decisions and partings.” The classmates chose to return to the Royal Capital for self-preservation, leaving Yuto and Rine isolated. Yet only Misaki showed hesitation until the end. And Sakurai-sensei’s appearance balanced the tone so it didn’t get too heavy.
From here, the story splits into two paths: “the Royal Capital” and “Yuto’s group.” The next episode will begin a new sequence from the Royal Capital’s perspective. Look forward to it!
