This is a small glimpse into how a once ordinary boy achieved what many said was impossible. A prelude to the tale of the one who would be revered as the Demon King, Godslayer, Campione, the Lord of Reason. It marks the turning point of his life, where he met his love, his friends, and his lifelong companions.
—
London, England, Earth Campione-verse..
[Listen Onii-chan, make sure not to follow any strange women, ok?! Remember this: the more beautiful a woman is, the more dangerous she is!! Trust me on this!! Just go straight to the National Museum, hand over that trinket to Grandpa's friend, and come back home!] a young girl's voice rang out from the mobile phone in Nagumo Hajime's hand. He rolled his eyes but let out a chuckle.
"You worry too much, Mitsuha. With my plain looks, I doubt anyone here would even be interested in me."
[Tsk! Kaori-nee and Shizuku-nee don't seem to think so!] Mitsuha Nagumo shot back on the other end.
Hajime tilted his head, puzzled. "What do Shirasaki-san and Yaegashi-san have to do with that?"
[You blockhead! Dense as a black hole, Onii-chan!!] Mitsuha snapped. [How am I supposed to get a sister-in-law if you're like this?!]
Hajime deadpanned, "…is this really coming from the same person who told me to avoid women and hurry straight back home?"
[Details!] Mitsuha sighed as she continued. [Still, just who is this friend of Grandpa? And why do they have a trinket so valuable it can't even be sold?]
"Mit-chan, careful—your business sense is showing again," Hajime said dryly.
[Ha! Sorry!] Mitsuha snapped back to herself with a sheepish laugh.
Hajime smiled wryly. "Grandpa said his friend was a priest at some shrine… Hmm… I think it was Amagami Shrine, or something like that."
[Really? Hmm,... seems right. It's in Kyoto.] Mitsuha confirmed. [As per gooogo-sensei it's actually a pretty big and popular shrine.]
"Hmm, is that's why Grandpa told me that if I complete this task safely, I'll be blessed by the god of the shrine?" Hajime frowned.
[Onii-chan, It seems that Amagami Shrine is famous for love, marriage, fertility, and family.] Mitsuha explained. [And according to Grandpa, his friend has three beautiful granddaughters of marriageable age who are looking for partners.]
"..Is this his way of telling me I won't get a girlfriend without depending on divine intervention?" Hajime muttered.
[Why is that the part you focus on?! Not even curious about his friend's granddaughters?!] Mitsuha groaned, wanting to facepalm.
"Did I… say something wrong?" Hajime asked carefully. He heard a thud on the other end. "Ehh? Mitsuha? Mit-chan? Are you okay?"
[..I suddenly feel tired. I'll sleep for now. Call you later, Onii-chan.] Mitsuha said before ending the call.
Confused, Hajime stared at his phone. "I didn't say anything wrong… right?"
Before he could think further, he heard someone stumble nearby. Turning, he saw a girl about his age struggling to get up.
"Ow!" she winced, trying to stand but stopping as pain shot through her leg. "Ugh… this is harder than I thought."
Hajime immediately ran over. "Hey, are you alright?!" he asked in slightly broken English.
The girl let out a startled yelp before turning to him in shock. Hajime froze for a moment, taking in her appearance—wavy blonde hair, wide green eyes filled with innocence and curiosity, and a noble-like dress that couldn't hide her graceful figure.
Shaking his head clear, Hajime knelt beside her and asked with concern, "Are you hurt?"
The girl blinked at him, lips parting as if to answer, but voices rang out before she could reply, turning toward the source.
"There she is!"
Hajime followed her gaze to see four men in suits sprinting toward them. His eyes narrowed as he turned back to the girl, who stiffened at the sight. Without hesitation, Hajime scooped her up into his arms. "Excuse me for a bit."
"Kya..!" The girl flushed scarlet as she held on his shoulders. "O-oh my!!!!!… I-is this the famous princess carry?!"
Smiling despite the situation, Hajime adjusted his hold. "Hang on tight, alright? It might get a little bumpy."
Before she could say another word, Hajime turned and bolted, carrying her away from their pursuers.
"Ah! Hey, stop!"
"Kid, stop!!"
Hajime ignored the shouts behind them, his focus solely on running. The girl tightened her hold around his shoulders and neck, her heart racing from the thrill of escape and from being carried like a princess by a boy her age. The city blurred past them, wind rushing against her face and hair. She dared to look up at Hajime, her cheeks grew warm as she watched him, and for the first time in her life, she felt something unfamiliar yet comforting bloom in her chest.
—
After a while of running and blending into the crowd, Hajime and the girl reached a park. Hajime slumped down on a bench, huffing as he caught his breath, while the girl sat nearby, watching him curiously.
"Please have some." The girl offered a bottle of water, which he gratefully accepted.
"Thank you," Hajime said, downing the water in one go.
Smiling, the girl pulled out a handkerchief and gently wiped the sweat from his forehead. Finishing the bottle, Hajime let out a satisfied sigh as she continued to wipe him.
Huh? Where did she get this bottle?
Feeling much better and wanting to question her, he turned to look at her, only to see her eyes widen before she blushed and gave him a shy smile.
The sight made Hajime unconsciously gulp at her endearing expression. Coughing to hide his own blush, he attempted an introduction in English. "Ah… My name is… Nagu— ahem. Sorry, Hajime Nagumo."
The girl giggled at his hand signals and broken English. Her bell-like laughter made Hajime's cheeks warm and his heart pound as he rubbed the back of his head.
"Sorry for laughing," the girl said in smooth Japanese, stunning Hajime. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Hajime-sama. My name is Alice Louise Gododdin."
Alice Louise gave a small curtsy as she introduced herself.
"...You can speak Japanese?" Hajime asked, eyes wide.
Grinning mischievously, Alice leaned closer. "Hehehe, I learned it before. And now I'm grateful for it—after all, I couldn't let my savior feel embarrassed, right?"
Hajime turned his face away, feeling oddly flustered by the way she spoke. "By the way... who were those guys chasing you?" he asked, eager to change the subject.
Alice's smile stiffen, and she even flinched. Hajime raised a brow as she fidgeted under his gaze.
"Actually… those men are from my family," Alice admitted with a guilty look. "I… well… escaped from home because I wanted to explore the city."
Hajime deadpanned. "...So they were just trying to take you back because you went out without telling anyone?"
Alice nodded with a sheepish smile. Seeing her expression, Hajime sighed and rubbed his face.
"Apologies, Hajime-sama. You got involved because of my willfulness," Alice said softly.
"..It's fine." Hajime sighed as he sat up. "So, where do you actually want to go?"
"Eh?!" Alice's eyes widened. "You… you'll still accompany me?"
"Yeah," Hajime answered with a wry smile. "I'm already involved, so why not go with the flow?"
Alice blinked, then let out a small laugh. "Hajime-sama is surely gentle."
"It's not about being gentle," he replied firmly. "It's just taking responsibility for my actions. Anyway, is there somewhere you'd like to go?"
Alice smiled, but didn't press further. "Hmm… I'm not familiar with the kinds of places people our age usually go." She said tapping her chin, "That is the reason why I escape since I always wanted to experience such things."
"I see, the classic sheltered young lady, huh." Hajime chuckled as Alice scratched her cheek sheepishly.
"Since I'm a tourist here, I don't really know any good places either." Hajime crossed his arms, thinking aloud. Alice tilted her head, watching him closely. "Alright! Since neither of us knows, let's just go with the flow and discover things together. Sounds good?"
Alice blinked at him before bursting into a light laugh. "Yes! That sounds wonderful!"
Hajime extended his hand toward her. Alice hesitated only for a moment before shyly placing hers in his. Together, hand in hand, they set off to explore the city.
—--
The afternoon unfolded like a true first date. Hajime led Alice through the bustling streets of London, pointing out sights as they wandered. They strolled down the Thames and boarded a small boat cruise. Alice leaned over the railing, eyes wide as she watched the water sparkle below, while Hajime held her with a hand keeping her from falling, amused by her excitement.
Later, they went into a cozy café near Covent Garden, sharing tea and scones piled high with clotted cream and jam. Alice giggled when Hajime ended up with cream on his cheek, leaning close with a napkin to wipe it away. Both of them blushed, the air briefly turning awkward before softening into laughter.
Their next stop was a clothing shop along Oxford Street. Alice twirled in front of a mirror in a simple dress, her noble-like presence softened by the casual outfit.
"How do I look?" she asked, cheeks pink.
Hajime rubbed the back of his neck, muttering, "It… suits you," before quickly looking away. His reaction only made Alice's smile brighten.
As the sun dipped low in the late afternoon, they stopped at the British Museum to deliver the trinket Hajime's grandfather had entrusted to him.
"So the reason Hajime-sama came to London is because your grandfather asked you to give this artifact to his friend?" Alice asked as she clung to his arm.
"Y-yeah." Hajime nodded, keeping his expression straight as he tried to ignore the soft feeling on his arm. "G-grandpa couldn't do it himself since he had other errands, so he asked me."
Alice tilted her head, confused as to why Hajime suddenly stiffened. Before she could pry further, they arrived at the information desk. Hajime pulled out his phone and typed something.
"Hello, good afternoon. What can I do for both of you?" The female receptionist greeted them with a smile.
Hajime double-checked what he had written on his phone, nodding once he confirmed the details, then showed it to the receptionist. She leaned in to read before smiling at him.
"I understand. Let me call the professor to let him know you've arrived," she said kindly. "In the meantime, please wait for him at the reception area." She called another staff member, who guided Hajime and Alice toward the guest lounge.
"Thank you," Hajime said to the receptionist, who returned his smile.
As the staff led them, Alice's curiosity got the better of her. "Who is the person we're going to meet, Hajime-sama?" she asked softly.
Smiling, Hajime replied, "We'll be meeting Professor Elias Nokianvirtanen."
Alice's eyes widened at the familiar name. She gave Hajime a careful glance, studying him. "If I may be bold… how did Hajime-sama's grandfather come to know Professor Nokianvirtanen?"
"Huh? Why the sudden formality?" Hajime tilted his head, then shrugged. "Hmm… I think it was because of an exhibit a few years back. You see, my grandfather was a history professor back home. He often traveled abroad to attend exhibits or lectures."
"I see." Hearing no deceit in his words, Alice exhaled in relief.
When they reached the reception area, the two thanked the staff before settling into the lounge.
Alice fidgeted, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. She looked up at Hajime with a shy expression. "Would you mind… if I asked more about your life?"
Hajime nearly choked on his coffee at Alice's sudden request. Turning to see her shy yet earnest expression, he swallowed hard. "...I don't mind, but it's really nothing special. Pretty boring, honestly."
Alice shook her head with a bright smile. "Impossible! There's no way I'd find it boring. I truly want to know more about you."
Her words made Hajime blush. Clearing his throat, he began to share pieces of his ordinary life back home—about his mangaka mother, Sumire, his game developer father, Shuu, and his business-savvy sister, Mitsuha, who seemed obsessed with collecting eighty-thousand gold coins. Alice listened intently, her eyes widening at each new detail, surprised to learn that Hajime could both draw and design games in his free time.
"Eh?! So that viral game, 'Snack Catapult,' was actually made by you?!" Alice asked in astonishment.
"It's nothing, really. Just a side project I worked on when I was bored. My dad decided to roll it out through the company, and somehow it blew up." Hajime rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed.
"Amazing… you truly are amazing," Alice said softly, her voice full of admiration.
Moments later, as their conversation continued, the door of the guest reception area opened and a handsome middle‑aged man with messy blond hair stepped inside.
"Sorry for making you wait! I was caught up in a meeting," he said in perfect Japanese.
Hajime rose to his feet and offered a polite nod. "No, it's fine. I understand you're busy, Professor."
"Thank you for understanding, Nagumo‑kun. Ah, please—just call me Elias." Elias Nokianvirtanen smiled warmly as he extended his hand, which Hajime shook firmly.
"I hope Hiro‑sensei is in good health?" Elias asked once their hands parted.
"Yes, Grandpa sends his regards," Hajime replied with a smile. "Unfortunately, he had a conference at Kyoto University and couldn't come himself."
"Ahaha, it seems Hiro‑sensei is still full of energy despite his age." Elias chuckled, but then his laughter died as his eyes landed on the girl beside Hajime. His expression froze.
"Y‑y‑you are…!" Elias stammered, jaw dropping.
"Hello, Professor. It has been a while," Alice greeted him with a graceful curtsy.
Blinking, Hajime glanced between the frozen Elias and the smiling Alice. "Do you… perhaps know each other?"
"I've heard about the professor through my father's work. We also met briefly a few days ago at a meeting with the 'company' where he and my father are affiliated," Alice explained smoothly.
"I see." Hajime nodded at her answer, though his eyes stayed on Elias's shocked face.
Finally snapping out of his trance, Elias bowed quickly to Alice. "Greetings, Princess. I hope you are doing well… Wait—that's not the point! Why are you here, Princess Alice?! Shouldn't you be at home?! And why are you with Nagumo-kun?!"
"Princess…?" Hajime murmured in disbelief.
"Why? Of course, Hajime-sama and I are on a date!" Alice declared, clutching Hajime's arm and pressing close to him, her cheeks faintly pink.
"W-what?!" Elias's voice cracked as he shouted in shock.
—--
A few hours later, Hajime and Alice found themselves at Hyde Park, walking hand in hand down a pathway. After leaving a stunned Elias behind, Hajime handed over the trinket before excusing themselves with a cheeky, "our date still continues, so we have to go now," and the two slipped out of the British Museum.
"...So, you're a princess, huh?" Hajime finally broke the silence.
Alice looped her arm tighter around his, resting her head on his shoulder. "You don't seem very surprised, though?"
"I'm surprised, alright." Hajime smiled wryly. "Though I already figured you were some kind of rich lady or maybe a noble… I just didn't expect you to be an actual princess."
"I'm sorry. I never meant to deceive you," Alice said softly.
"Don't apologize. You didn't lie to me. Besides, I never actually asked who you really were," Hajime assured her. "I just didn't expect I'd get dragged into something this big."
"Are you… disappointed?" Alice asked carefully.
"Not disappointed. Just a little overwhelmed," Hajime admitted.
Touched, Alice rubbed her cheek against his arm, then glanced up at him with a smile. "Thank you, Hajime-sama, for everything."
"Anything for you," Hajime replied, smiling back at her.
But before their sweet moment could continue, a heavy presence suddenly descended upon the park. Alice froze, and Hajime dropped to his knees under the crushing weight.
"The time I've given you both should be enough." A blonde man with crimson eyes walked toward them, his tone cold and commanding. "Miko, come with me. I have a use for your life."
"Y-you are…! A heretic god!!!" Alice gasped, cold sweat trickling down her temple. Hajime forced himself to his feet, stepping in front of her protectively.
"I don't know who you are," Hajime growled, "but I won't let you have her!"
The man narrowed his eyes. "Hoh… it seems you have some steel in you, Mongrel."
Just then, the men in suits Hajime had seen earlier appeared, forming a protective wall in front of them.
"You are…" Hajime muttered.
"Galvin!" Alice called out in relief.
"Kid, take the princess and run. Don't look back—just go!" Galvin barked, his stance firm.
"Really now? You underestimate me far too much," the blonde man sneered.
Then a golden portal appeared beside him, unleashing a storm of weapons—axes, knives, swords, and spears—raining toward the men in suits.
"W-what is happening?!" Hajime shouted, stunned by the sudden phenomenon.
"Go! Now!" Galvin barked.
'I'll think about this weirdness later—right now I need to get Alice out of here!' Hajime snapped out of his daze and was about to scoop Alice up when an invisible pressure slammed into him, hurling him into a nearby tree.
"HAJIME-SAMA!!!" Alice screamed.
'That hurt… Just what was that?!' Hajime coughed blood, forcing his battered body to rise. But when he opened his eyes, Galvin and the rest of the men in suits were already down, their bodies pinned by countless weapons. The sight made Hajime's stomach churn—he nearly vomited but forced himself to hold it in.
"Aren't you a stubborn one," the red-eyed man said lazily, watching Hajime stagger forward toward Alice.
"Hajime-sama, please stop! You're injured!!" Alice cried, rushing toward him with tears in her eyes.
"Run, Alice! I'll hold him off." Hajime forced the words out, his body screaming in pain. I don't know what's happening, but this bastard can somehow use magic. And he clearly wants something from Alice… and if all the stories(Otaku base Wisdom) I know are right, he might use her as a sacrifice!
Hajime didn't wait for her reply. He squared his shoulders and faced their attacker, determined to buy her time to escape.
"Ha?!" Alice gasped, stunned.
Unbothered, more golden portals flared to life, spewing weapons toward him. Fueled by adrenaline, Hajime ran forward, dodging blades and spears as he closed the distance. He lashed out with punches and kicks, but the man simply tilted his body, slipping past each strike with ease.
A burst of light erupted from the man's frame, slamming Hajime back and sending him sprawling across the ground. He rolled aside just in time as a set of weapons skewered the spot he had been. Gritting his teeth, Hajime snatched up a stone and a handful of dirt, forcing his battered legs to move as he charged again, attacking with everything he had.
The man shook his head, looking bored, and attacked Hajime with the same pattern. Just as Hajime was about to throw dirt at him, the man clicked his tongue and raised an arm to shield his face. That brief opening was enough—Hajime threw the rock at his hand, forcing the man to lean to the side, and in that instant Hajime timed a punch, landing it squarely against his ribs.
The man staggered back, then glared at Hajime with fury. "You! You mongrel!!!"
Power flared around him as Hajime stumbled, barely managing to shield himself with his arms.
"It seems you are seeking death! Then this king will grant your wish!!" the man roared, summoning more golden portals that unleashed a hail of weapons.
Hajime tried to dodge, but with his injuries and weakening strength he slipped. A spear pierced into his thigh. "Gaahh!!!"
He crashed to the ground, unable to avoid the next barrage. Blades and spears slashed into his arms, torso, and legs. Just as he thought it was the end, a familiar scent reached him. Forcing his eyes up, he saw Alice standing in front of him, arms spread wide as she shielded him from the onslaught.
"A-Alice?! What are you doing here?! I told you to run!!" Hajime shouted.
"God… please, spare his life, and I will come with you," Alice said, her voice trembling but resolute.
The man sneered. "And what makes you think you have the right to negotiate with me, Miko?"
"Because if you don't, I will end my life here and follow him into the afterlife," Alice replied firmly.
"Alice?! Just what are you saying?!" Hajime's voice cracked as he heard her reply.
The man narrowed his eyes before dismissing the portals. "Fine. Come, let us go."
Alice nodded faintly, then turned and knelt beside Hajime. Her trembling hands cupped his cheeks as she smiled through falling tears.
"I'm sorry, Hajime-sama. I dragged you into something far too dangerous."
"I don't care! Just run, please!!" Hajime tried to push himself up, but the pain paralyzed him.
"Today was the best day of my life. Meeting you, walking together through the city… I'll treasure it forever." Alice's voice broke as tears fell from her eyes. "I only wish… we could do it again."
"If it's a date you want…. we'll go again! That's why you have to run! Escape, don't go with him!!" Hajime's sight blurred as the adrenaline faded from his body.
"Farewell, Hajime-sama. I only wish I could have more time with you." Alice whispered before leaning down to give him a fleeting kiss on the lips.
'No! No!!! Alice!! Don't go!!!' Hajime's consciousness slipped into darkness, his last sight Alice standing beside the man before vanishing with him.
—--
As Hajime's consciousness slowly resurfaced, faint voices reached his ears.
"...Vital…stable…. He'll… survive."
"How's...rest… can.. be saved?"
"Sadly… injuries... severe…"
His eyes fluttered open to a white ceiling. Turning his head, he saw rows of advanced medical equipment. Am I… in a hospital?
Turning to the other side, he spotted a small group— a pink‑haired girl, a blonde girl, a white‑haired girl, and a boy about his age with messy hair, talking. The white‑haired girl turned, her gold and blue eyes widening as she noticed him.
"Captain, he's awake!" she called, drawing everyone's attention. They turned in surprise before the boy rushed to Hajime's side.
"Hey there. How do you feel? Any pain?" he asked gently.
Hajime's throat was dry; he coughed before managing a hoarse reply. The boy helped him sit up as the blonde girl quickly handed him a glass of water, which he gratefully drained. Meanwhile, the pink‑haired girl busied herself checking the nearby machines.
"Most of his injuries are healed. With a bit more rest he should be back to normal."
The boy nodded at her words, then turned to Hajime with an assuring smile. "Hello. I know you must be confused right now, and we'll do our best to answer your questions. But first, let me introduce ourselves."
Hajime glanced around, unsettled by how advanced the place looked. Holographic screens hovered in the air, and pods lined the walls—inside them, Galvin and his men were being treated. First I saw magic being used, and now this… it's like I stepped into a sci‑fi movie.
"My name is Noah. The girl with pink hair is Elysia, the one who gave you water is Lumine, and the white‑haired girl at the back is Kiana," the boy introduced.
Hajime gave a small nod. "Nagumo Hajime… thank you for saving me."
Noah smiled warmly. "You're welcome."
"So… where am I right now? And how are Galvin and his men doing?" Hajime asked.
"The other men with you are severely injured and will need more time to heal," Noah explained. "Thankfully, we arrived just in time. If we'd been even a minute later, all of you might have died."
Hajime nodded slowly and drew in a deep breath. Seeing him accept that, Noah continued.
"Right now you and the others are in the medical bay of our ship, the Astral Express," he said.
Hajime blinked at him, not fully understanding.
Scratching his head, Noah added awkwardly, "Well… the short version is: we're alien travelers who came in this world with a space train, found you all half-dead, and brought you here to heal. Something like that?"
The girls gave him a deadpan look, and Hajime pinched the bridge of his nose. "...I'll think about that later. For now, I need to leave and find her."
Hajime tried to stand, but Noah pressed a hand on his shoulder to stop him. "Whoa, whoa! Easy, man! You just got out of the pod, you need to rest a few more hours to recover! You're not in any condition to move around yet."
Hajime placed his hand on Noah's arm, gently pushing it away from his shoulder. "Sorry, but I can't rest right now… I need to get Alice back."
He forced himself to his feet and tried to walk, but stumbled almost immediately—Noah caught him just in time. "Like I said, you just got out of the medical pod! You'll destroy your body at this rate. You have to rest!!"
Gritting his teeth, Hajime pushed against Noah's grip and stood again. "I'll rest later—once I get her back. Only then… Only when I see her safe can I relax."
"You…" Noah stared at him, surprised by the sheer force of will in his eyes.
"Is this 'Alice' so important to you that you'd force yourself like this?" Kiana, with Sirin's voice overlapping, asked softly.
"Yes." Hajime answered without hesitation. He took one step, then another, before stumbling again. This time he caught himself on the nearby bed, panting hard but refusing to fall.
Noah, Kiana with Sirin watching silently inside, Lumine, and Elysia all watched in tense silence as Hajime struggled toward the door. But just as he was about to reach it, his legs gave out completely, dropping him hard onto the floor.
"Kuh!! Stand!! I said stand!!" Hajime roared, forcing his trembling body to move, but his legs and waist refused to respond. "Why won't you move?! Alice is waiting for me!!! Come on!! Please!!!"
Tears streamed down his face as he tried again, first to stand, then even to crawl, but his body wouldn't budge an inch.
"Why? Why is even my own body betraying me?" Hajime choked out, his voice breaking. "I… I just want to save her!!!"
Kiana and Sirin felt their eyes sting as they watched Hajime's desperate struggle.
Lumine clenched her fists, her heart twisting at his powerlessness.
Elysia's gaze softened. She could feel the memories and emotions from him, meeting Alice, their fleeting date, the warmth they shared… and the crushing moment when she was taken away.
Noah remained silent, watching Hajime's fallen figure. For a moment, it overlapped with the boy he had once seen in a vision back in Teyvat, when they fought Gosoythoth in the night kingdom. It's him… the one we fought alongside.
Elysia stepped forward, condensing the power of Origin into her palm. Kneeling beside Hajime, she gave a soft, almost teasing smile. "You're a stubborn fool… very much like our Noah. Someone who would burn everything just to keep us safe."
Hajime's eyes widened as he saw a pink crystal flower bloom in her hand.
"Seeing you like this, I can't help but cheer for you and for your Alice," Elysia said gently. She slowly placed the crystal flower on his chest. "If your resolve… if your will is strong enough, perhaps you can awaken this power."
She pressed the crystal into his chest, and light blossomed outward, flooding the entire medical room.
—---
Somewhere in Iraq, Earth-Campionverse.
Amid the desolate ruins, Alice stood beside the man—the heretic god who had torn her away from Hajime. He was once the oldest king of humanity, the first hero, the original epic itself: King Gilgamesh of Mesopotamia.
"The preparations are complete, Miko. Do your duty and summon my friend to this plane," Gilgamesh commanded.
Biting her lip, Alice let out a helpless sigh. "By your will, King Gilgamesh."
She stepped toward the center of the summoning circle, her steps heavy. He had brought her here for one purpose: to summon his old friend and rival, Enkidu. Closing her eyes, Alice's thoughts strayed to the memories of her date with Hajime. I hope you're alright, Hajime-sama.
Reaching the circle's center, she pressed her hand against the ancient markings. Mana converged, and the runes lit up one by one. Alice's spirit vision awakened, the memories flowing through the leylines flooding into her mind.
"In the beginning, when the world was young, the gods shaped clay and gave it life. From that clay came a man—wild and free—a being born to temper the arrogance of a king."
The winds howled, whipping Alice's hair and dress as the circle glowed brighter. Her voice trembled, her strength draining as overexertion took its toll on her fragile body.
"You who ran with gazelles, who fought lions, who stood with loyalty against tyrants… answer this call… stand once more… beside… beside your king."
Gilgamesh narrowed his eyes, watching intently as the circle flared. Alice's vision blurred, her consciousness fading. She opened her mouth, but words refused to come.
"The…"
Before she could finish, something slammed down, sweeping her away from the circle. Gilgamesh grit his teeth in fury as the ritual was interrupted. He waved his hand, clearing the smoke revealing Hajime, carrying the pale and weakened Alice in his arms. Around him floated cannon constructs, hovering protectively.
"I made it…! I made it in time!" Hajime murmured, hugging Alice close.
"Ha…jime…sama?" Alice whispered weakly.
"Yeah… it's me, my princess. I came to take you back." Hajime pressed his forehead to hers, his tears falling onto her cheeks.
"How…?" Alice whispered, her voice faint.
"YOU AGAIN?!" Gilgamesh roared, his crimson eyes blazing with fury. "I SHOULD HAVE KILLED YOU BACK THEN!!"
Golden portals erupted around him, unleashing a storm of weapons toward Hajime. The cannons orbiting Hajime instantly move, forming a defensive wall and firing back at the incoming blades and spears. Explosions rang out across the ruins, smoke and dust filling the air. When the barrage finally ceased, not a single strike had touched Hajime or Alice. Gilgamesh's shoulders shook with rage.
"ONORE, ZASSHU!!!" he cursed. (AN: I can't help it ehee~ 😜)
Hajime glared at him, then turned to Alice with a gentler expression. "I'll explain everything later. For now, let me handle this guy."
With a flash of light, streams of code formed beside him, materializing into a floating half‑bodied construct. Alice gasped as Hajime carefully set her into its arms.
"Protect her no matter what," Hajime ordered the machine. Then, leaning close, he kissed Alice's eyelids softly. "I'll be back."
"Hajime‑sama…?" Alice whispered, reaching toward him as he stepped forward to face Gilgamesh.
"I don't know what power you've gained that even my clairvoyance can't read it, but it doesn't matter," Gilgamesh sneered. "The end will be the same. This time, I'll end you without mercy."
Hundreds of golden portals flared to life around him, releasing another storm of weapons. But this time, Hajime didn't flinch, nor did he hide.
"I'm not the same as I was yesterday!" Hajime shouted, his eyes turned red as a gear-like symbol appeared within them. Funnels materialized around him, some moving ahead to form a force barrier against the rain of weapons, while others spread out and unleashed volleys of laser fire at Gilgamesh. Golden chains came out of nowhere to shield the king from the beams.
Hajime didn't hesitate. He sprinted forward, controlling the funnels, some firing to force Gilgamesh on the defensive, others intercepting the endless weapons pouring from the portals. The constructs moved fluidly between offense and defense, a storm orbiting his every move.
A spear shot toward him too fast to dodge. Hajime called a group of funnels into formation, generating a barrier that absorbed the impact. The shockwave rattled his battered body, sending spikes of pain through his limbs, but he grit his teeth and pressed on. More funnels whirled above, raining beams down to keep Gilgamesh moving.
Through the chaos, Hajime forced himself forward, each step agonizing yet unyielding. His body screamed, but his will drove him on, determined to close the distance and end this fight quickly. As he advanced, Noah's words rang in his mind, a reminder of what is at stake in this battle.
"Listen Hajime, I've eased the pain in your body with the Force, and the Exo-skeleton is supporting you, but you're still not fit to keep moving—much less fight. So be decisive and finish this battle quickly. I'll let you borrow my Divine Key, so you'll have a trump card against your opponent. Remember this: even the stars can shatter. Don't push yourself too far!"
Just as Hajime closed the last few meters to Gilgamesh, golden portals flared around him and an axe whistled past, nearly cleaving him. He snapped the funnels into an omnidirectional barrier, but the sheer force shattered several of them. The resulting explosion slammed him to the ground, pain ripping through his body.
"See, mongrel. Even if you manage to surprise me, in the end nothing changes. You will die in vain, uselessly," Gilgamesh mocked.
Hajime staggered upright, huffing, and broke into a run once more. He called the cannons he had stationed near Alice and the robot protecting her, directing them to fire at Gilgamesh. But golden chains surged up, forming a wall to block the barrage. Gritting his teeth, Hajime reshaped the funnels into a short sword and lunged. He was a step away from striking when golden chains wrapped around his body, tightening with crushing force. Hajime bit his lip to stifle a scream as Gilgamesh drew him in close.
"No!! Hajime-sama!!!" Alice's scream tore across the ruins.
"Nice try, mongrel. Now die like the pitiful trash you are." Gilgamesh sneered as he summoned a nameless blade, raising it to stab Hajime. But Hajime only glared back defiantly.
"Hey… bastard… you act…" Hajime coughed violently, blood spilling from his lips, "…so mighty… but have you ever seen…" Another cough wracked his chest, yet he grinned through it. "…how the stars shatter?"
Hajime opened his palm. There was the Divine Key Noah had lent him—the Star of Eden, a weapon capable of controlling gravity and creating black holes.
Gilgamesh's eyes widened. Feeling the danger he hurriedly tried to finish Hajime off, but it was too late. Space twisted as a pseudo black hole bloomed between them, swallowing everything in its pull. The king struggled to escape, but the crushing gravity bound him tight.
"Damn you!! Mongre—" His words were cut short as his body was shredded apart by the collapse.
Moments later, the golden chains binding Hajime dissolved into motes of light. His battered body dropped heavily to the ground.
"Hajime-sama! Hajime-sama!!" Alice's cries rang desperately as Hajime's vision dimmed, her voice the last thing he could hear.
As the robot Hajime built carried Alice to him, she gently lowered his nearly lifeless body onto her lap. Tears streamed down her cheeks, falling onto Hajime's cold, pale skin. And then it began—the ritual of a Godslayer's birth. Alice watched in awe as the essence and divinity of Gilgamesh poured into Hajime, light bursting from his body as his wounds slowly began to mend.
"Hajime-sama… you reckless, wonderful man. What am I going to do with you?" Alice whispered, pressing her forehead to his, willing his healing to continue.
But before relief could settle, a heavy presence filled the ruins once more. Alice froze and turned—standing there was the very being she had been forced to summon. Long green hair flowed behind him, his white robes billowing with divine radiance.
"Just as I descend, my friend falls, only to give birth to a new Godslayer," Enkidu said with a low chuckle. "Really now, Pandora… your children never fail to surprise us."
Alice instinctively tightened her arms around Hajime, shielding him protectively from Enkidu's gaze.
"Relax, handmaiden. I won't strike someone who isn't fit to fight." Enkidu's voice was calm, his smile oddly gentle. "Despite being called a god, I was once a hero. I will not do something dishonorable."
The light around Hajime finally settled. His battered body slowly returned to a pristine state, his breathing evening out as strength returned to him.
"Handmaiden, when your king awakens, tell him to seek me out and finish the battle that my friend and I once left undone," Enkidu said, his form beginning to fade. "Do not keep me waiting too long, or else I shall come to find him myself."
Alice bit her lip, her eyes softening as she turned to the sleeping Hajime. "It seems our life has become outrageous, Hajime-sama…"
Seeing his peaceful expression, Alice leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips. "Rest for now, my king… because once you wake up, everything will change."