Chapter Seventeen: Little Hina Is Coming to School! / Chapter Eighteen: Hot Pot Again? I'm Going to Get Heartburn!

"Why did it have to be like this..."

"It is precisely because the world is so cruel to these children that you need to help them. Look at these Cursed Children in the Outer District; without you, they would only become even more wretched—unable to eat their fill, unable to dress warmly, with no one to teach them knowledge, no one to cherish them."

"Atalanta, are you really going to give up your wish? Isn't what you are doing right now what you have always wanted the most? Stay strong!"

Yuxian continuously comforted her. He was genuinely afraid that Atalanta would give up at this moment, as that would inflict even deeper wounds upon her.

What a fucking world!

"Come, let's go return her favorite toy to her." Seeing that Atalanta was somewhat moved by his words, Yuxian hurriedly pulled her outside. "This is something she was willing to risk everything to take back. It must be her most cherished treasure."

The two arrived at the seaside, and Yuxian handed the box to her. "This must be her final wish."

Atalanta drew the Sky-Piercing Bow, fastened the box to the arrow, drew the bowstring to its limit, and loosed it toward the ocean.

Plop!

The box landed precisely where the Scorpio had died, slowly sinking into the sea and returning to the side of its former master.

Having finished all this, Atalanta slumped to the ground, tears blurring her vision. She felt as though she saw a little girl in the distance, waving and expressing her gratitude.

She burst into weeping...

Yuxian quietly accompanied her by her side, feeling an equally heavy burden in his heart.

Humans truly were the most cruel creatures in the world. For the sake of selfish desires, they could wantonly slaughter their own kind, turning children who ought to be happy into monsters capable of destroying the world.

Whether it was the Scorpio or the Cursed Children, they possessed no right of choice; they could only silently endure it all.

Looking at Atalanta's sorrowful and tearful appearance, Yuxian made a silent decision in his heart.

Whoever makes my Atalanta cry, I will make that person never able to cry again!

This world was sick, and it was time for a cure.

He would gladly play the villain; the Master of Chaldea had never belonged to the good faction!

Section 37 Chapter 17 Kohina Is Coming to School

Atalanta wept while Yuxian stood quietly to the side, letting her vent the grief in her heart to the fullest. At this moment, the only thing he could do was accompany her.

Yet this scene was interrupted by an uninvited guest—or, to be precise, two of them.

Hiruko Kagetane and Kohina, father and daughter, appeared in Yuxian's field of vision at a most inappropriate time.

Yuxian cast a look of disgust in their direction. He had no mood to fight Hiruko Kagetane right now, and even less mood to shoot the breeze with him.

Yet Hiruko Kagetane lacked any self-awareness, acting as though he failed to notice Yuxian's unwelcome gaze as he spoke from afar, "It seems I have come at a bad time?"

"If you know it's a bad time, then get lost immediately!" Yuxian issued an unceremonious eviction notice.

"It is truly unbelievable, Yuxian-kun." Hiruko Kagetane showed no intention of leaving, beginning to speak to himself, "A legendary hero actually appearing in the Tokyo Area, and that strike descending from the stars—it could only be called a miracle. No matter how unwilling I am to believe it, I am forced to admit this fact."

"Atalanta, the heroine and huntress of ancient Greek mythology; Chiron, likewise the Great Sage of ancient Greek mythology and teacher to numerous heroes. I originally thought they were merely identical names, but I never expected the living persons to be standing before me."

Hiruko Kagetane removed his fedora and bowed to Atalanta in salute. "My respects to you, esteemed lady!"

Atalanta had already regained her composure by this moment, standing by Yuxian's side. She was not skilled in interpersonal communication and stood quietly without speaking, leaving everything to Yuxian to handle while her gaze lingered more frequently on Kohina.

"You're quite clever!" Yuxian knew that the identities of Chiron and the others could no longer be kept hidden from those paying attention, but he had not expected Hiruko Kagetane to accept such an unbelievable fact so quickly.

Hiruko Kagetane said flatly, "Eliminate all impossibilities, and whatever remains must be the truth—even if that truth completely transcends previous understanding."

"State your purpose. You surely didn't just come to admire the heroic bearing of a hero, did you?"

Yuxian did not believe that Hiruko Kagetane was simply here to express his cleverness; he must have an objective. As for what that objective was, Yuxian couldn't be bothered to guess. Since he had come, he would undoubtedly spell it out; he could simply ask directly.

"To be able to recreate mythology, Yuxian-kun's company is indeed endlessly fascinating. I have developed a deep interest in the invitation you extended to me last time."

What Hiruko Kagetane spoke of was precisely that occasion when he had invited Yuxian to become partners, only for Yuxian to invite him in return.

However, Yuxian had zero desire to accept Hiruko Kagetane right now, refusing without a second thought, "I've changed my mind. You'd better hurry up and get lost while I still don't want to kill you!"

"With legendary heroes as your companions, Yuxian-kun naturally has no need for a dispensable person like myself." Hiruko Kagetane did not shift his stance by a fraction, speaking in his usual manner, "Yet there are some things heroes cannot accomplish. You will eventually need someone who can help you finish certain dirty work."

Before Yuxian could reply, Atalanta's anger flared up once more. She raised the Sky-Piercing Bow in her hand, pointed it at Hiruko Kagetane, and demanded coldly, "Are you intending to make this child do those filthy deeds!?"

Seeing this, Kohina instantly drew the two katana blades from behind her, striking a combat posture.

Hiruko Kagetane reached out a hand to stop her. He took a slip of paper from his pocket and flicked it toward Yuxian. "We will be setting up our residence not far from here. Feel free to contact me whenever you have need."

He turned and left with Kohina. Before walking far, he paused his steps, turned his head, and said, "Kohina will come to disturb you all in due time. After all, he is the Great Sage who has tutored countless heroes; even I am somewhat tempted to receive his teachings."

With that, the two figures turned their backs for good, their silhouettes gradually vanishing from sight.

Yuxian picked up the slip of paper in his hand. It bore only a simple string of numbers—evidently Hiruko Kagetane's contact information.

Atalanta asked with an unkind expression, "You plan to accept him!"

"Why not?" Yuxian no longer accommodated Atalanta, putting away the slip of paper as he said indifferently, "Sometimes, dark methods can resolve many matters much more simply."

"But—"

"There are no buts!" Yuxian roughly interrupted Atalanta's words. "A method capable of preventing more people from suffering harm—even if it is unjust, so what? I am no ally of justice."

Yuxian realized that his emotional state was somewhat abnormal and that the tone of his words had been rather harsh. Adjusting his mindset, he spoke in a softened tone, "Atalanta, we are merely passing travelers here; we do not need to become the heroes of this world. Those children do not have that much time to wait for us to slowly accomplish all of this. Creating a happy environment for them as quickly as possible is our top priority."

Atalanta fell silent, unable to offer a rebuttal.

On the other side, Hiruko Kagetane and Kohina found a deserted old residence to use as a temporary stronghold.

Kohina sat at the doorway, cupping her chin in her hands as she asked with curiosity, "Daddy, why do I have to go to school over there?"

Hiruko Kagetane was meticulously cleaning the interior of the house. Without turning his head, he replied, "You will be able to make many new friends there."

"Can I not go?"

"No!" Hiruko Kagetane refused with absolute decisiveness. Then he sighed and said earnestly, "I cannot accompany you forever, Kohina. You must have your own life in the future."

"No! I want to stay with Daddy!" Kohina stubbornly resisted this arrangement.

Hiruko Kagetane stopped his work, walked over to Kohina's side, and patted her head. A trace of a smile curved the corners of his lips beneath his mask.

Having spent so much time together, he had developed an unbreakable emotional bond with Kohina. No father wished for his daughter to live eternally amidst slaughter.

He saw hope in Yuxian. This era was changing; henceforth, Kohina would no longer need to wield a blade to kill people. What she required was a bright classroom and a happy childhood.

He hoped that when the new era arrived, Kohina would have already returned to the life of a normal child, rather than continuing to trail by his side and endlessly committing slaughter in dark corners.

This was the only thing he could do as a father.

ps

Gretel is so cute!!!

Section 38 Chapter 18 Eating Hot Pot Again? I'm Going to Get Heatiness!

How could the upper echelons of the Tokyo Area fail to foresee what Hiruko Kagetane could think of? It was simply that they harbored far more misgivings, causing their reaction time to be somewhat sluggish.

Following the death of Kikunojo Tendo, Kisaragi Tendo took over a portion of the family's resources and became an advisor by Seitenshi's side.

She invited Yuxian to meet at the Tendo Civil Security Company, and Yuxian did not refuse.

Bringing Mash and the four little ones into the city center again after a lapse of several days, his mood was entirely different.

Inside the office, Rentaro Satomi and Enju Aihara were both present; everyone had gathered.

"Yo! Long time no see!" As soon as he stepped through the door, Yuxian greeted them with a smile, showing no trace of awkwardness stemming from previous events.

Rentaro was still angry about Yuxian's bewitchment of Kisaragi Tendo, wearing a stiff face and remaining silent.

Enju happily gathered together with her little friends, chattering back and forth about all the fun things that had happened during this period. Children possessed simple minds and did not harbor so many complicated thoughts.

"Yuxian, let's talk about you." Kisaragi Tendo took the lead with her question.

"About me?" Yuxian scratched his head and asked, "Which aspect?"

"Such as your origins, or that Great Sage from mythology." Kisaragi Tendo looked at Yuxian with a meaningful gaze.

"We come from a place called Chaldea; even if I told you, you wouldn't know." Yuxian shrugged and spoke the truth. "Chiron and the others are all my companions. As for why we came here, I can only say it was simply an accident."

"An accident?" Kisaragi Tendo nodded, pondering the deeper meaning within Yuxian's words. "Then what are your plans for the current situation?"

"For now, the plan is to forge a stable living environment for the Cursed Children of the Outer District." Yuxian answered calmly.

"And to that end, you killed Kikunojo Tendo?" Kisaragi Tendo's tone turned sharp.

"That was also an accident. He tried to move against me and ended up getting counter-killed." Yuxian spread his hands to indicate that he was quite helpless about it as well.

At this moment, Rentaro Satomi stood up in agitation and demanded, "This is pure slaughter! Slaughter can never bring peace!"

Yuxian cast a deep look at him and said flatly, "Why can't slaughter bring peace? Rentaro Satomi, you are far too self-righteous. The justice in your heart is worthless in my eyes; I have seen true allies of justice a hundred times firmer than you."

Yuxian glanced once more at Enju, who was playing off to the side, lowering his volume to continue provoking Rentaro: "Enju's infection rate has already exceeded 40%, hasn't it? Just how do you plan to protect her?"

Rentaro collapsed back into his seat, lowering his head in silence.

Kisaragi Tendo picked up the conversation thread and asked, "Do you have a way to suppress the Gastrea Virus? Can a Great Sage like Chiron also do nothing against the Gastrea Virus?"

"It's difficult. I've asked him; given his capabilities, he cannot completely resolve the Gastrea Virus." Yuxian shook his head. He had inquired of Chiron early on, but Chiron had expressed powerlessness regarding the matter. "If it were his disciple Asclepius, perhaps there would be a better way."

This answer left the other two present quite disheartened, yet Yuxian's subsequent words gave them hope once more.

"Chiron can try researching some methods to suppress the virus, mitigating the rise of the infection rate within the Cursed Children. In the future, there will always be an opportunity to find a way to completely resolve the Gastrea Virus. For now, we can only do things this way."

In terms of medicine, Asclepius was far more professional than his master Chiron; Yuxian believed he would have superior methods. Moreover, Yuxian would travel to more different worlds in the future, and he believed he would find worlds extremely advanced in medicine capable of locating pharmaceuticals to solve the Gastrea Virus.

"Really!" Yuxian's words excited them both, sounding no different from celestial music.

"However—" Yuxian immediately poured a bucket of cold water over them, "Even if medicine capable of resolving the Cursed Children is truly developed, are you genuinely certain that all Cursed Children will receive salvation?"

Yuxian was well aware that even with such medicine, the Cursed Children would still exist. Putting aside the cost of such a medicine, merely considering the formidable combat prowess of the Cursed Children, there would certainly be those who could not bear to cure all of them.

Such an obvious truth did not require Yuxian to spell it out; Kisaragi Tendo and Rentaro would quickly understand as well.

Rentaro stated, "Seitenshi will soon promulgate the "New Gastrea Law", and the Cursed Children will receive fair treatment."

Yuxian shook his head. "That's still not enough. I hope you can acquire more authority. At least within the Tokyo Area, you must rise to the pinnacle, ensuring that absolutely no one can obstruct you."

"Is that why you had me take over the Tendo family's resources?"

"You could say that. The two of you possess natural advantages in this aspect; it's always easier than an outsider like me coming in. Besides, we will leave one day after all, and many things ultimately need to rely on yourselves."

It was impossible for Yuxian to remain shackled here forever; enabling Kisaragi Tendo and Rentaro to control the entire Tokyo Area was the optimal choice.

The two of them were the Children of Destiny of this world; many matters would mysteriously trend in a direction favorable to them.

"Here is a telephone number. If there is anyone you find inconvenient to deal with, you can have him make a move."

Yuxian placed Hiruko Kagetane's contact information onto the table and pushed it toward Kisaragi Tendo.

Kisaragi Tendo picked it up and asked in confusion, "Who is he?"

"Hiruko Kagetane."

"Hiruko Kagetane!" Both of them were astonished.

"That madman—he nearly destroyed the entire Tokyo Area! Why do you have his contact information!" Rentaro demanded.

Yuxian glanced at him sideways and said softly, "Is there a problem?"

"You!..." Facing Yuxian's breezy indifference, Rentaro was momentarily at a loss for words.

Instead, Kisaragi Tendo readily accepted this hidden backing. She put away the slip of paper and said calmly, "I'll look for him if the need arises."

"Then you two had better work hard, future rulers of the Tokyo Area."

Declaring that he had finished what he had to say, Yuxian spoke no more. He stood up, intending to return to the city-center residence with the little ones; having been uninhabited for several days, it would undoubtedly require a thorough cleaning.

Seeing that the three of them had finished discussing business, Enju walked over and said to Rentaro, "Rentaro, I'm inviting everyone over to our place for hot pot today! Hurry up and come buy groceries with me!"

"Huh?" Rentaro looked at her in bewilderment, wondering inside why she would think of eating hot pot in this kind of weather.

"Rentaro, don't you think the hot pot we ate that day was extremely delicious? We have to return the favor; we're treating this time. Don't worry, I'll pay for it—after all, Rentaro is so poor! Oh-ho-ho-ho!"

With that, Enju placed her hands on her hips and laughed aloud, looking immensely proud of having seized financial control of the household.

They agreed on the time to eat hot pot at Rentaro's place by twilight. Yuxian naturally yielded to the little ones' decision; as long as they were happy, eating hot pot on a scorching hot day was entirely acceptable.