No Game No Life-Vol 3 Chapter 4

Chapter 4 - Rule Number

10/Convergence Method

Part 1

Capital of Elchea - Elchea's King City.

The two Imanity kings were sitting on the throne, busy playing games.

However, there was an additionalface present.

"——Why——why can't I win, des!?"

The Kemonomimi girl dressed up in a kimono shouted out while clutching her

black hair——she was Izuna.

What she held in her hands was the DSP that the siblings brought from

another world.

"Hahaha, this is originally from my world. After solving out all the variables

and thoroughly studied the game, we are like TAS players

[12]

. There is no

way you can beat us that easily~"

".....Izuna-chan, give up....Like this...Much to learn...."

Sora and s.h.i.+ro laughed. Sora was currently controlling the DSP's left side

while s.h.i.+ro controlled the right side of the DSP. They were playing using

weird methods.

They'd only brought two consoles from the other world, so they had to make

do with this.

Although it looked to be a handicap, to s.h.i.+ro and Sora, this reflected their

true abilities as a two-in-one gamer.

"I won't give up, des! One more time, des!"

"Okay okay, keep those challenges coming, right? s.h.i.+ro."

"...Izuna-chan....Too reliant on eyes....Need....Predict...."

"Oi, s.h.i.+ro, don't spoilIzuna! You have to master that technique on your

own!"

The throne hall was full of lively sounds, when suddenly someone dashed in,

albeit panicky.

"So, So So So Sora! We've a problem!"

——these few days, Steph painstakingly ran errands everywhere in order to

accommodate the sudden increase of territories due to the Eastern Union.

Steph seemed to be out of breath, but Sora's eyes didn't leave the handheld

console.

"Whoa~ what happened? Steph."

"How could you be so relaxed and carefree? We're getting pushed into a

corner by the Eastern Union!"

Steph was carrying an unusual look——Sora merely smiled and replied:

"During the compet.i.tion, the Eastern Union withdrew their talent and

technology from the mainland——right?"

"....Nuu, ah....Eh?"

....Sora was spot on.

Steph was stunned because Sora already knew the situation.

Yes——the Eastern Union indeed obliged to the Oaths and handed out

[Everything on their continent].

Just before the beginning of the game, the Eastern Union removed all

technology, equipment and necessities away from their territories, preventing

Imanity who desperately needed these resources for their survival.

This didn't violate the Oaths, as what Sora requested was [Everything on their

continent], so it wouldn't include those items that were not in the continent.

Upon seeing Sora laugh while saying this, Steph asked:

"You, you knew all along?"

Sora absently replied, his eyes still glued to the game:

"Yes, or should I say——because I wanted this to happen, I requested

[Everything on their continent]."

"——Wh, what is going on? We can't fully utilise the territories like this."

If this happened, they would have only [Gotten] land.

The Eastern Union's developed facilities for agriculture couldn't be used at this

rate.

In fact, they only required the knowledge from Sora's world, although it

would take time, it shouldn't have any problems.

But taking into account the food crisis Elchea was currently facing, getting

those facilities would be better.

Then, Sora said out these words:

"Don't worry——the game has yet to end."

"Ha, has yet to end....?"

After being close to death, the game hadn't ended yet——?

Depending on the meaning behind that sentence, Steph considered whether or

not to pa.s.s out in front of him.

"....Sora-san, may I interrupt?"

At this time, a new face entered the hall.

An old hakama-wearing Werebeast——Hatsuse Ino.

"Oh, it came? I was waiting."

"As if you know what I have."

"Its not as if, I already know it——the letter from the Eastern Union right?"

"Ye, yes....Sent using the express way...."

Sora opened the letter handed to him.

It was written in Imanity language.

Sora merely glanced at the contents, not bothering to even read it.

"Jibril."

"Here!"

Responding to Sora's call, Jibril appeared from the void, kneeling in front of

him.

"Could you s.p.a.ce transfer into the capital of the Eastern Union?"

"Yes, I can——how did you know?"

Jibril widened her eyes. Sora did not explain and merely smiled.

"The Eastern Union's sole representative——[Miko] summoned us, so we

need to head there."

Sora casually uttered out. However, both Izuna and Ino reacted to those

words and were stunned.

"Mi, Miko-sama summoned you !?"

"Yeah, what about it? Is it that surprising?"

"Of course it's surprising——"

——[Miko].

This name was known to all. The person who united the countless islands of

Werebeasts tribe to form the Eastern Union.

In just half a century, she successfully rose the ranks of the Werebeasts to

third place in terms of territories. She was truly a living G.o.d to the

Werebeasts.

That kind of person——summoned Sora?

However, Jibril laughed and replied with a completely different meaning.

"Of course it is surprising, Master. They cut off their resources and still dare

to [Summon] Master even though the positions are reversed, this is simply

ridiculous. She should just personally come here herself."

Jibrilsmiled sweetly while saying so, which prompted Izuna and Ino to glare

at her.

To the Werebeasts, she was probably that kind of existence, but Sora——

"No, Jibril. They probably knew we had you, so they [Summoned] us. Which

means——there is an emergency that requires my immediate presence."

Sora said while laughing. Ino hesitated before saying again:

"——you seem to know what is happening."

Sora smiled in reply. Picking up s.h.i.+ro who was on his lap, Sora stood up and

said:

"Okay, grab onto Jibril, we are moving out! Let's go to paradise on earth

——Kemonomimi land!"

Jibrilspread her wings to respond to Sora's words.

"Then——because it is a long-distance s.p.a.ce transfer, please don't let go and

fasten your seat belts. Also, if you feel any physical discomfort aside from

Masters, taking off your clothes would stop it. Ah, Masters shouldn't hesitate

too——"

"....Jibril, that's enough, let's go."

With her crystal-like eyes, Jibrilread out the knowledge from Sora's tablet.

However, probably because Sora couldn't wait to reach the Kemonomimi

kingdom, he urged Jibril.

"I'm really sorry, Master. Because this is a long distance s.p.a.ce transfer, I

need some preparation time."

Jibril calmly said while spreading her wings wide open.

The geometrical aperture significantly picked up speed and rotated while her

wings emitted a faint sheen and began to glow.

The scenery began to shake——then, s.p.a.ce gradually became distorted.

"——!"

"This is——ah...!"

Ino and Izuna used their hands to cover their ears.

Humans who were unable to detect magic, would feel the pressure of the

compressing air and start to have breathing difficulties.

As to what the Werebeasts would perceive with their superior five senses,

Sora didn't know.

But as for those people who could control magic——Fii, for example,

something unpleasant would happen——

...Those present would lose consciousness due to the huge amount of

compressed Elemental particles surrounding the air.

Then——Jibril's amber-eyes slightly opened.

Her eyes were looking at a distant place. She then said:

"Okay, the destination is [Capital of the Eastern Union], Miko's home——

[The atrium in the center of the huge building]."

Hearing Jibril's announcement of wanting to [Jump into the center of Miko's

residence], Ino protested——

"Distance is 4527.21km(2813miles), time 0.023 seconds. To both

Werebeasts, this may be a far cry from a comfortable journey, but don't

worry and enjoy it?"

Without a chance to speak out——

The view was cut off, accompanied with the sound of broken gla.s.s——

The scenery——was switched.

Part 2

"Ouchhhhh...."

Probably affected by the s.p.a.ce transfer, Sora held his sore head and looked

around.

——it was a j.a.panese garden resembling their previous world's.

Southeast Asian look-a-like architecture surrounded the place, and in the

black sky, pink lights illuminated the buildings. Jibrilsaid they were jumping

into the center of [Miko's home]...But probably because the area was huge.

The buildings and walls surrounding the area made it hard to see the town.

The numerous high-rise buildings emitted red lights. The trees blocked the

lights, forming contrasting black colours.

"Ah, right, there's a time difference."

Sora realised that it was currently nighttime here.

"——eh?"

Then, there was the sight of Izuna and Ino sprawling on the ground.

Sora and s.h.i.+ro also held onto their slightly pained heads, before looking

around.

Jibril clasped her hands together in prayer, silently implying to her Master that

[They had arrived].

"....Jibril, what's wrong with Ino and Izuna?"

"As I've said earlier, it will be an uncomfortable journey for them due to their

superior five senses. They probably heard the extremely high-frequency

sound during the s.p.a.ce transfer, so that's why they've become like this."

"....Wuuu, fortunately we are too weak to not feel your race's pains."

Ino held down his ears and painfully stood up.

"Are you insane! There is a limit to how much you can defy the laws of

physics! d.a.m.n antique goods! Charging to Miko-sama's sacred home

without informing, how much do you want to look down on people before

you are satisfied?!"

Hearing Ino shout this out, Sora thought :[Is there a need to even ask these

questions?].

"Old man, your true face is showing, calm down a bit, it's only just——"

Sora couldn't stand it and retorted, but then Izuna painfully murmured out.

"...Painful..Want to vomit, des."

"Jibril, how could you not take Izuna into consideration!!! HOW COULD

YOU DO THIS TO THE WORLD'S TREASURE!!!"

"Ahhhh, I'm sorry, Master! I didn't take into consideration from anything else

aside from Master! I'llreflect on this!"

Ignoring that kind of commotion, s.h.i.+ro and Steph looked and looked around.

"....This is...The Eastern Union?"

"The buildings are quite old for an advanced civilization. The emba.s.sy looked

like that , so I thought——"

Listening to their words, Jibril added:

"Miko's home was built 920 years ago, you'llsee interesting and high-rise

buildings similar to the emba.s.sy if you go out of here. According to the

information I've read from Master's tablet, if this was compared to Masters'

previous world——then this should probably be in the [Early 1900s]."

Sora recalled what he saw.

The first impression he gave to the emba.s.sy in Elchea was similar to the

Empire State Building, built after the Year 1930 using the latest buiding

technology."

"...Yet they have advanced to a virtual game level? Darn."

"There is a difference in culture even though it is similar to Master's world."

Sora was troubled and couldn't accept being [Corrected by a fantasy

creature].

"But Jibril, you are aware of this because of the books?"

"That is certainly one of the reasons, but mainly because I frequently flew over

the Eastern Union."

Jibril laughed while saying so. Still holding onto a grudge, Ino shouted to her:

"Isn't that territory infringement!"

"I'm sorry, but please accuse me when you develop aviation technology,

when you've reached the point where you have the rights to claim your

airs.p.a.ce okay? In addition, since the one who called us here is Miko-sama

(laughs), intruding is not law-breaking. Even if violent actions were to be

taken, it can't be implemented due to the [Oaths] right?"

"Oi, you vermin! You implied something else when you p.r.o.nounced Mikosama!

You better give——"

Everyone started shouting, when suddenly——

".....Ah ha, it seems like you guys are having fun, can I join in too?"

——*ching*

A small, clear sound echoed in the surrounding area, causing everyone to halt

in their movements.

——when did she appear?

Sitting on the railing of a red bridge across the garden pond was a beautiful

blonde girl.

She was wearing red, black and white, standard Miko clothing. A golden

——two-tailed fox.

Basking under the moonlight and the red lights that illuminated the garden,

with long hair and prominent Werebeast ears.

She was like gold——her cold eyes that emitted light reflected the figure of

Sora and s.h.i.+ro.

"I thank everyone for coming here from the other side of the ocean. I

welcome you here, Elchea's folks——Imanity kings. I'm the owner of this

garden——also known as [Miko], pleased to meet you."

With her hands on her cheeks, [Miko] started chuckling.

This was the sole representative for the Eastern Union——the Werebeasts'

[Queen].

Seeing her figure, Izuna and Ino immediately fell to the ground and bowed.

"Pl, please forgive our rudeness Miko-sama. We allowed them to take away

the territories, gave them our rights and they even offended you. I don't have

any face to see you——"

"So, sorry, des...."

"I, Izuna! Don't use human language, don't you know how to speak the

Werebeast language! You need to watch your——"

"Ah~ Ah~ how c.u.mbersome. Could you please relax a little, this is making

me tired."

Ignoring the respectful att.i.tude of the two, Sora retained his rude att.i.tude.

"Oh~So you are Miko? You're just like a painting. Can I take a picture?"

——but could a mere camera capture the beauty he was seeing?

Sora regretted about the fact that he didn't bring his SLR camera out.

Steph whispered panickingly to Sora:

"He, hey! She is super VIP of another country! Be polite!"

However, the siblings and Jibril were alarmed at the sight of a kneeling Steph.

"Hm? Why? Shouldn't the caller be the one kneeling instead?"

s.h.i.+ro and Jibril nodded, expressing their agreement to Sora.

Steph felt the pain caused by the s.p.a.ce transfer and started hugging her head.

Miko simply chuckled at the scene in front of her.

"What interesting people....Well, I was the one who called you here, it stands

to reason that I should be the one kowtowing——"

"——but I called you here because of a protest, so I won't kneel, forgive

me?"

"Ara? I don't remember us protesting about something."

——you still have the face to say that.

Ino and Steph wanted to shout out. With a different tone, Miko answered in a

clear voice:

"About this....Then I'll go straight to the point."

Even though she was stillsmiling while squinting her golden eyes, it was

obvious that there were different meanings behind that smile.

"——really, look what you've done, bald monkeys."

Miko said, her style and atmosphere didn't collapse. Sora revealed a

sarcastic smile.

"Haha, is that so, as expected of the Elves. They took action faster than I

could imagine."

Only s.h.i.+ro, Sora and Jibril truly understood what Miko had meant.

Izuna——was [Told by Sora].

Ino and Steph looked confused, but Miko ignored them and started sighing

and revealed a bitter smile.

"You should be aware that if our continent is s.n.a.t.c.hed away, the Eastern

Union would be cornered. We'll even die in order to s.n.a.t.c.h back our

territories, or else the political and economic activities would stop functioning.

But, for us to initiate——is undoubtedly, a bad move, so——"

She didn't finish her words when Sora suddenly laughed and continued for

her:

"As a precaution, you completely moved away key technologies, technical

staffs, important people and resources."

——exactly.

Steph was impressed that Sora deduced it out. As if replying to her gaze,

Sora said:

"Since the opponent requested [Everything on the continent], it was definitely

stupid to not take measures in the form of an [Insurance]."

Miko chuckled, nodding her head before continuing:

"There is no point if the land can't be controlled, and Elchea would need to

challenge us again to obtain and utilise our technology. Following that would

be simple. As long as it falls in my hand, we will be pleased."

——in other words, a game without anyone monitoring, where cheating is

entirely possible.

But.....Miko placed her hand on her cheek and gave a wry smile before

saying:

"But we are certainly pushed into a corner eh."

"——you already know what we intend to do, right?"

"Of course, because I would do the same if I were you."

"Really...You aren't even letting [That time] off."

Miko sighed.

"When we were evacuating the important materials from the mainland, you

contacted the Elves——using the spy to expose our game....Allowing Elven

Gard to [Surround Eastern Union]."

"Sorry, poor people can't afford to slack."

"What——"

Ino was speechless, however, it should be like————[He was too early to

be speechless].

"——having said that, I've already predicted this step!"

This time, Miko stared at Sora and said.

"It should be, I originally thought you were a spy from Elven Gard."

"I also think so, it was more logical to think that way instead of believing the

words that I'm from another world."

"Yes, logical thinking....Bounded by that kind of thinking resulted in our

failure."

Miko showed a wry smile and closed her eyes.

"——if even Avant Heim shows up, we can't go without a fight."

This time Ino was really speechless, as he s.h.i.+fted his gaze.

Jibril was silent while closing her eyes, expressing extreme admiration for her

master's plan.

Ino swallowed his saliva, in the end——when was the plan set?

No, according to [Miko], who said that it was [From the beginning], then

——

When Sora visited Ino...He had already——

(A person who wants to swallow up the entire world, against someone who

built the third largest country in half a century——)

Ino shuddered at this thought.

——yes, Jibril was a member of the 18 Council members——previously a

political person at Avant Heim.

Even when she became Sora's property and was removed from the

government, she still had her [Influencing power]. As long as he requested

Jibril, conveying words to The Flügel would be easy.

——[The Eastern Union's secret is revealed, if you want information I'll tell

you the method to win].

Next, what the knowledge-seeking Flügels would do——was obvious.

Perhaps unhappy about the fact that she lost, Miko had a bitter smile and

constantly slapped her feet together.

With the sound of the clogs. .h.i.tting together, the golden fox said with a piqued

tone:

"Elven Gard, Avant Heim and even Elchea.....With so much countries backing

up to lay the fence, and even exposing our secret———winning is

evident.....I can't stand it."

At this time, the sound of the clogs stopped.

She gently kicked up from the parapet of the bridge.

"....So——"

With that one action, the golden girl arrived in front of Sora in an instant.

Her eyes stared into Sora's. She then said:

"The Eastern Union wants——to retaliate against Elchea."

"What——!"

Ino doubted his own ears, while Izuna was lowering her head.

For the Eastern Union to be on the offensive, was unheard of to Ino.

Even so, the opponent was that——Sora and s.h.i.+ro.

Defeating the Flügel and the Eastern Union. Winning games without relying on

cheats.

Not to mention that they were taking the initiative, the odds of winning was

close to none——

However, Miko's eyes showed that she was aware of that fact, yet she

continued:

"Blocking us from the retreat route is this man! Since our trump card is

revealed, we can't be on the defensive. Furthermore, their methods caused us

to have no choice but to take the initiative, or else we'llrun out of time."

"....Even if you did what you did in the past, facing against the Elves and

Flügel——is a dead end."

Sora smirked, causing Miko to smile in low self-esteem.

"To be honest, being hostile with three countries, our only chance of winning

is against Imanity——Elchea."

The smile that contained low self-esteem started fading from her face——

"We've resources and technology to use as bait, in order to take back what's

rightfully ours so that the country can go on surviving. Otherwise, we'll get

cornered, and then demise.....Want me to repeat that?"

"Look at what you've done, bald monkey——don't think we'll die off that

easily!"

Miko glared at Sora, her expression pale and full of killing intent.

——[Even if we die, you'll be the scapegoat]——her atmosphere seemed to

imply.

Then, Ino felt gooseb.u.mps.

Facing against the Eastern Union, the world's third largest country, two ranks

higher than humans.

(This man used one step, to force us into a move where we [Can't survive]!?)

——This unbelievable fact caused Ino to feel chills down his spine.

Before the demonic calculation exceeding human resourcefulness, Miko was

releasing killing intent. No matter how disrespectful or rude it seemed——to

Ino, it was a [Death Struggle].

Using half a century to create the world's third largest country, the living G.o.d

[Miko].

Her opponents were two humans——but they used just [One step] to utterly

destroy what she had built up over the decades.

Sora faced up against her gaze head on and said:

"Ah, that is it, I still don't get it...."

Those words deflated the balloon-like atmosphere.

"Why would I destroy the world's kemonomimi kingdom!?"

The persons stunned upon hearing these words were Ino, Steph, and also

——Miko.

"The motherland of Kemonomimis!? And a bunch of kemonomimis that are

as cute as Izuna, plus the leader is a beautiful blonde Miko, it definitely is a

cheat race!! Losing the Werebeasts would mean the loss of culture, why

didn't that idiot TET cla.s.sify your race as protected?! I can't help but suspect

if his brain is functioning properly or not!"

——————

The tension in the air dissipated.

Ino, Steph, and even——Miko froze in place.

"Just because of this reason——okay, you want to retaliate? Okay, I

accept."

Concluding his words, Sora took out——a coin.

"I'm tired of this psychological game we're playing, so we shallsolve this

quickly okay?"

The game to play using the coin——was incomprehensible.

"I'll throw the coin and allow you to choose heads or tails, so I'd have to pick

the other side. If I win, Elchea and Eastern Union is to be merged, is that

okay?"

Letting her see both sides of the coin, Sora said.

"The one who wanted to retaliate was me, and the rights to the game belongs

to you......But you want to use a coin toss to determine the outcome."

"Hmmm? Do you refuse to accept it?"

Sora casually laughed, but Miko followed up with a laugh too.

"——no, this can do."

"Spending more than half a century to build a country that got taken away by

two mere bald monkeys, fufu......And the final battle.....Is a coin toss——

hahaha!"

Miko placed her hand on her waist, laughing untilshe started having

difficulties breathing, her mind thinking:

——this is interesting, since I don't have an escape route anymore.

The opponents were humans, the only race whom they had the chance to win

against.

And the game they picked, was actually.....Coin toss.

No matter what kind of cheats they used, with her Werebeast's five senses,

she could detect it.

Furthermore, she was allowed to choose first, the side that she liked.

——very interesting.

Ifshe lost even with these circ.u.mstances. Since no matter what....The Eastern

Union's fate was destruction.

Miko formed a proud smile and said:

"Fine, we'll use that game."

Sora happily looked at her.

As if——watching a comrade.

"Sure enough, you belong to [Our side], I like this."

"My request is——the guarantee to the Werebeasts' rights, autonomy and the

usage of their resources."

The challenger was....Miko, her request must not be too huge, or it'll be

asking for a rejection.

High-risk, low-reward, yet the opponent was willing to accept this.

Miko's judgement was simple.

Request the [Return] of the continentalresources, which means getting back

what they lost.

The initiative was with the opponent, so using a chance to cheat——was very

limited.

———but as long as the Werebeasts' rights are guaranteed——

"After the Werebeasts' rights are guaranteed, it is possible to request [Only]

the return of the Werebeasts in the mainland. After that, it will turn into a

chance to take back the resources——as expected of Miko-san, how

deplorable."

Sora smiled and said, saying that Miko's demands [Pa.s.s through].

(Everything was seen through by this man!)

"Then——this is the world's most dangerous coin, are you ready to start?"

"You really are interesting.....Can I interrupt your request?"

"That depends on the contents."

"Please swear that you would be kind to Izuna and Ino and everyone else,

since you have our piece."

——indeed, if the Eastern Union and Elchea was to be merged, then the

representative rights of Miko——would automatically transfer to Sora.

After that, [Slavery] and [Oppression].....

It was equivalent to peris.h.i.+ng——that was the meaning of the [Race piece] to

be taken away.

Hearing that so, Sora's eyes seems to say that that [Did not pa.s.s through].

"————You still don't know? Nevermind, okay————[Acciente]."

"[Acciente]——"

Then, the coin toss that probably held the world's highest risk.

Began——with the sound coming from Sora's hand.

Part 3

The audible sound of the coin being tossed resounded after leaving Sora's

hand.

The golden Miko's pupil and hair——suddenly dyed red.

"——what....!?"

n.o.body on the scene probably knew that Miko's body was originally [Blood

Devastation].

——no, aside from Sora and s.h.i.+ro who was giving off [Is something strange

going on] looks, everyone was exclaiming out.

(Okay, I'llshow you, what my death struggle looks like.)

In the scene where blood was flying, Miko's world was slowed down.

Her body's nerves swelled, exceeding her five, six senses, she could perceive

magic.

——there was a magic reaction, coming out from the Flügel.

But this was not a tingling sensation as from a complex magic.

Only the Flügel let out elemental particles at that moment,

Which meant that no one else was using magic——no one was cheating.

(But, there must be a trick right?)

Miko smiled, her brain causing the world to explode again.

——following that was the sound of pounding.

The increased awareness caused by [Blood Devastation] would incur harm to

herself.

Forcefully breaking the physical limits of the five senses——to capture all

movements within a 500 meter radius.

It was like an——[Enchantment].

The s.p.a.ce within a 500 meter radius became Miko's world, where everything

that exists; from a leaf to a grain ofsand could be captured. Fully grasping

hold of everything in her head, that was the degree of how far she had gotten.

(There is no magic reaction in the surrounding area——as for the coin...There

is no magic reaction?)

Doubts started surfacing in Miko's heart.

——Miko's five senses could interpret the flow of wind, the dust in the wind,

even the particles could be read.

The turning of the coin did not have any traces of magic on it.

But Miko knew that the [Coin was tossed skillfully], and started calculating.

If the coin is turning in accordance to what Miko was reading out, then——

142 and 3/4 turns, once it reaches the floor, it would bounce 4 times,

returning after 5.2 seconds——stopping on [Tails].

The results of the coin toss was easily determined out, a fact that was quite

unbelievable,

(....He is looking down on my actions and five senses.....Which is impossible.)

After the compet.i.tion with Izuna, Miko didn't think that this man would

misjudge Werebeasts' five senses.

However, since there was no interference, the coin would stop on [Tails].

If Miko answered [Tails], and it wasn't, then it was definitely a cheat which

Miko did not intend to let go.

However——Sora's heartbeat, s.h.i.+ro's heartbeat, even the reaction ofJibril's

elemental particles, and——

Even Izuna's heartbeat——they believed that Sora would win, what was

going on?

Before the coin hit the floor, heads or tails?

——don't even have to wait.

"....Tails."

The usage of the exceeded limits and the lifting of the [Blood Devastation]

was almost at the same time.

She was different from Izuna. Instead of the virtual world, she used [Blood

Devastation] in reality. Literally, it was a [Broken Bad blood]————a

strength that sometimes even requires death as a compensation.

Ifshe lost even after using that ability.....

(——it won't be stupid, it would completely be ridiculous.)

The coin drew an arc and began to fall.

——as long as it was tails it would be Miko's win. If it was heads then it

would be a cheat, resulting in Sora's loss.

Following that would be to prove how he cheated. Sora's chance of winning

was zero.

Because of [Blood Devastation], her vision was blurry, but she wouldn't allow

the cheat to pa.s.s.

The coin started to turn.

——landing on the stone slate, it would bounce upon hitting it——

——it didn't bounce.

The coin was stuck between two stones——standing still.

......

——————....What?

"Ohhh, is this the meaning of a tie!? What an unexpected result eh!!"

Sora announced. Aside from Ino, Steph and Miko, everyone else——

Including Izuna whose head was lowered, started laughing.

"What a headache, if the coin stood like that, either both sides win or both

side loses, right?"

As if acting, Sora placed a hand on his chin and started thinking. He then said:

"If both sides won——that means the request of both sides would pull

through. Which means, although Elchea's flag would be brought in, the

Werebeasts' rights would be guaranteed, the autonomy would be maintained,

and there would be a mutualflow of resources.....That's about it, right."

"Elchea and the Eastern Union would be a [Federalstate] right?"

At ease——to Sora who proposed an alliance while smiling, Miko was

speechless.

——from the start, Miko understood.

Sora knew that the stone slate would move, so he deliberately stood there.

Then, when the coin was about to fall, the slate——

Was slightly kicked, [Creating a gap], forcing the coin to get stuck in between

the slates.

It was clear——to everyone else————that it was a [Cheat].

Complying with the [Ten Oaths], it would result in a loss when the cheat was

found out.

As long as Miko said that, she would win.

But the question she asked herself, didn't allow her to say it out——

"Yo, you.....Isn't that condition....Better than my request!"

.....Indeed, the [Both sides win] Sora raised out.

Miko would get benefits better than she requested, while Sora's request was

reduced.

No matter how one looked, that kind of cheat, to Miko——to the Eastern

Union, was a more beneficial one.

——Because of this, Miko couldn't point out his cheat.

She had to see what Sora truly wanted——but Sora happily said:

"Ahh~ as the leader of the Eastern Union, both a smart and beautiful girl, yet

you don't listen to people, what does that mean? Do you want to obtain the

properties of a r.e.t.a.r.ded girl and then become G.o.d!?"

——don't listen to people?

Unless I missed something?

Miko widened her eyes, reviewing all interactive processes thus far.

Then she immediately realised it.

[The motherland of Kemonomimis!? And a bunch of kemonomimis that are

as cute as Izuna, plus the leader is a beautiful blonde Miko, it definitely is a

cheat race!]

——[Because of that reason]——

"....From the start....?"

"Eh? What are you talking about? Do you want both sides to win? Or both

sides to lose? Which is good?"

Miko was stunned, but Sora was stillsmiling as he wriggled his body.

(...Really, from the beginning to the end, I was dancing in his palm....That

should be it.)

Muttering in her heart——Miko knew she didn't have any other choices.

The question of [Why], there's probably no one who would ask it. Miko

thought while giving a wry smile.

(That sort of thing...Do you even need to say...)

These people——if they wanted to win....Miko felt that she couldn't win at

all.

"....What an eye sore.....Both sides win then."

She said while smiling. The fatigue caused by using [Blood Devastation]]

forced her to sit on a nearby rock.

"Fufu, hahaha, really, this is really interesting! You guys! Hahahaha!"

Miko placed her hand on her waist, supporting her laughter.

What a stupid game.

So many stupid traps, so many underestimating tricks.

These people played with the Eastern Union, with the Werebeasts——and

even me!

Miko could only laugh at that seemingly interesting method.

[Can I trust this man?] Allsemblance of this thought vanished without a trace.

Sora's motive from the start was this, this was his real purpose——it was

clear.

That——

(This man didn't even want the Werebeasts' race piece at all.)

What that represents.....There was only one.

This man——really intends to challenge G.o.d.

Because of this, she realised.

——the race piece.....is something that can't be taken away——

Like this——Sora who was full ofsmiles stretched his body.

"Un~~! Okay, so we'll establish the [Elchea alliance] then, is that okay?"

At this time, Sora gave Miko another surprise, her expression as ifshe found

a treasure chest:

"About Elven Gard, we used the Oaths to tamper with the memories. So the

information that Elven Gard received about the game content——is all

fabricated."

"Wha————..."

Raising his thumb up, Sora spat his tongue out. There was no expression

more relaxed than his, saying out all these unbelievable things.

"So, if they challenge, you guys will be the predators——and let them come.

Or we can help, don't hesitate to ask for us, we'll definitely win over their

territories!"

——by this time, Steph and Ino finally understood.

Kurami and Fii——why they were there in the first place.

Monitoring the Eastern Union's cheats, giving an illusion as if they were

working for the elves, and then——attack on their weaknesses.

(——the game was calculated——to this point?)

What flashed past Steph's mind was——yes...

Sora said these words before coming here—— [The game has yet to end].

"Ah, and then there is Avant Heim. We only used Jibril's influencing power to

ask them to come here, they don't have any malicious intents at all. However,

the time when Avant Heim joins Elchea is ticking down, you can ignore

them....okay——"

Spitting out a series of incredible things, Sora ignored the shocked crowd.

He then breathed in deeply and said:

"——Okay——! Is is over? We shall end it here okay?"

Sora said anxiously, and Steph replied:

"Wh,what, why do you have a look of restlessness."

This sentence detonated the bomb.

"Huh!? Isn't that obvious? Because of this troublesome thing I had to do!"

Sora revealed his true thoughts.

"I did this so that I could touch the Kemonomimis, I already reached my limits

already! Miko-san!"

"Eh? Hmm? What?"

"Let me start by touching you!"

"...Let me touch——"

Sora and s.h.i.+ro used their light emitting eyes to look at Miko.

But Miko gave a beautifulsmile in response.

"As long as I give the consent, and there is no harm, then you can go ahead

——I jump."

"Wh——what——!?"

"If you had known it earlier, you should have added a [Rights to touch]

condition to the coin toss......For now, if you want to touch me, then you must

fight me one more time!"

MIko smiled while sitting cross-legged on the rocks, causing Sora to ask

anxiously:

"——guuu~uhh~! Jibril, what's the time now?"

"Erm——uhh~ around 8pm at night."

....Can't, there won't be any time to challenge Miko to another game.

"d.a.m.n, can't help it! We will make do with the Kemonomimis on the streets.

s.h.i.+ro!"

"....Golden....Fox.....rub..!"

s.h.i.+ro stretched her hand out, unable to leave Miko. Sora had to pull her

away.

"Relax, s.h.i.+ro, we won't give up! We'll definitely come back for the federal

affairs——no, to decide on important things! Miko-san——you better keep

that neck, ears and tails of yours cleaned before we come back!!"

Sora announced while pointing at Miko. s.h.i.+ro agreed to Sora's words.

s.h.i.+ro's eyes had a sharp glint, following Sora's forefinger.

".....Prepare....Definitely....Touch you.....!"

After that, Sora picked up s.h.i.+ro and bolted out, briefly leaving some words

behind:

"Ah, Steph, before we satisfy ourselves and return, we'll leave the country

affairs to you!"

"Eh?"

Sora hurriedly exclaimed and left abruptly. Jibril didn't hesistate to follow him,

causing Steph to chase after Sora panickingly.

"Eh, you are lying right? This is a joke right!? I'm already tired handling our

country affairs, and now there is another federalstate affair? Are you really

going to throw all of that to me?! Oi!!"

Then——like a storm, silence enveloped the garden.

Izuna kept glancing at Sora and s.h.i.+ro's gradually fading figures.

With silence covering the garden and Miko whose calmness was restored, a

ringing sound resounded forward.

"....Hatsuse Ino, Hatsuse Izuna."

"Ye, yes!"

"What, des!"

"Izuna, what did I say!"

"Since both parties have accepted the conditions——your rights are also

freed."

——yes, the guarantee to Werebeasts' rights.

Since Sora agreed to the request, both of them didn't belong to Elchea

anymore, but——

"——as the sole representative of the Werebeasts, I order you as [Miko], to

follow those people."

"Roger, des!"

After Miko finished her words, Izuna immediately left using her fastest speed

to chase after Sora.

On the other hand...Ino thought, if they were to be spies?

"Go ahead and learn from those interesting people, learn the [Methods of the

weak], and then...."

Miko smiled happily from the bottom of her heart and said:

"Don't ever let those siblings become our enemy."

——as declared by Sora, they would come back a few days later to settle

the [Federation].

Undoubtedly, they would use that time to use a game to challenge and obtain

the alliance rights.

And undoubtedly——she would lose. Having those kind of thoughts caused

Miko to laugh bitterly.

"This is the first time I thank my opponents. Perhaps they really might——"

Her expression showed that in her lifetime, she had never been this happy.

With her heart jumping for joy, she looked at the figures of Sora and

company with expectant eyes before saying:

"——defeat G.o.d."

Part 4

To Sora and s.h.i.+ro, this was a road that had a sense of nostalgia and an

antique kind of feel.

Red neon lights shone on the street——

"...Sora-san."

"Ahhh!? Old man, are you trying to interfere with our [Road of touch]!"

Slower than Izuna by one step, Ino caught up and immediately found them

touching girls, stunning him speechless.

"...Your actions are really frightening, I suppose you sought consent right?"

"Un? Ah~ I don't know why, but when Izuna said out [Their stroking skills

are super good, des], they instantly allowed us to touch, why is that so?"

Seeing those kemonomimis letting out [Fuahh~~] sounds, Ino thought:

——I know the reason.

Because in the past, there was no one who could satisfy Izuna with their

stroking techniques.

In the Eastern Union emba.s.sy, Izuna actually said it was [Comfortable]——

"....No, I'm worried about something."

Telling them that kind of thing would discourage him, so Ino switched back to

the original question.

"Ahh, okay, cut it short, we are in a hurry."

With his hands still unwavering, Sora replied:

"....If Miko-sama didn't agree to the challenge——what would you do?"

——that was the only question that was still unresolved in Ino's heart.

Even when she was cornered, Miko would easily take on the initiative herself,

which Ino thought was unacceptable.

——Go ahead and learn, learn the [Methods of the weak].

Miko's words flashed past his mind.

Ino finally saw it, the [Method that ensures no one dies] Sora told Izuna.

But seeing how Sora prepared to that kind of extent, Ino couldn't help but

doubt.

Unfortunately, he couldn't fully comprehend the true meaning behind Sora's

actions.

But Sora casually answered his questions.

"Until then——I just have to use the final hara.s.sment method I've prepared."

That is——

"——I just have to tell Avant Heim and Elven Gard the details to the game."

———hearing these words, Ino's face was frozen.

"I'll use Kuramifor Elven Gard, and Jibrilfor Avant Heim. [Let them do the

mutuals.n.a.t.c.hing], which would definitely cause severe harm to the Eastern

Union. So I wouldn't want to do it."

And——he continued saying:

"...Because I've predicted that step, everything with the showdown with

Miko."

——indeed, if the a.s.sumption that Sora was from Elven Gard that Miko

pointed out was true, then it would be the worst case for the Eastern Union.

Before that, ifshe couldn't get back the territories....then they would really be

cornered.

"I say gramps, do you know what [Checkmate] means?"

"Checkmate and check is different——it means [Certain death]."

Then he started smiling.

"From the first day I saw you, didn't I say that whatever you guys do, would

be useless?"

Ino started recalling that day, that day when Sora betted up the Imanity piece.

"Checkmate——eh."

——yes, everything.

Everything was over starting from that day.

(——Miko-sama, you want me to believe in this man?)

Indeed, this man gave a favourable benefit to the Werebeasts.

However, he did this so easily and beautifully.

(Won't that mean....He could betray us that easily too....?)

Ino started having those kinds of doubts, but Sora suddenly had a serious

expression.

He said while stroking the rabbit-eared girl:

"Okay, although I'm reluctant, we have to find a place to stay."

"...Bye....Rabbit-eared.."

The rabbit-eared girl had a sad expression as she left.

"Okay, Izuna-chan, is there any place we can stay for the night?"

"....? My house would do, des."

"..Overnight event....Here we come..."

"There must surely be games at Izuna's house! Of course there is right!"

"Of course, des! We'll have a showdown, des?"

"Of course! We'll play until morning comes and we'll go roam the streets

again! Ah, Izuna-chan, does your country have any electronic games, unless

they even have adult——"

"....Nii...."

"What! It won't be a problem if I secretly played it right!?"

From a distance, Ino and Jibril looked at the three conversing people.

"I, I finally caught up! Yo, you two...Why are the kings not in their country

——"

Obviously the first to chase, yet abandoned by everyone was Steph. She

breathlessly caught, but Sora——

"Jibril! Bring Steph back to Elchea! And then you can come back!"

"Yes, sir."

Jibril gently held onto Steph's shoulder.

Believing that she was too powerless to resist, Steph paled.

"Ah, bring gramps over too! It would be hard on Steph alone."

This caused Ino to be livid with anger.

"Wh——yo, you have to make me listen to those unpleasant sounds again!?"

"That's not the problem! Oi, eh? You are lying right, joking——"

"Okay then, please let me take you to Elchea King City okay?"

Leaving behind these words, a surge of wind was created due to their

disappearance.

Finally......Sighing, Sora——seemed to be really tired.

"....A little break, should be okay."

"...(nods nods)."

Okay, Sora cheerfully said:

"Then we'll temporarily stay in the kingdom of the Kemonomimis!"

————.....

Steph and Ino who got abandoned at Elchea King City.

....There were so many things to think about that Steph didn't want to think

anymore. Sora's words suddenly appeared.

"No one would die.....This is just a game after all."

Steph previously thought that Sora was insane for saying those words, but

after reflecting, she thought:

He said he wanted to conquer this world.....He said that we did something

wrong.

From the Eastern Union, it was obvious that no one received any harm.

——unless he really wants to conquer this world without any bloodshed?

Let the whole of Exceed to coexist——and challenge G.o.d?

.....The tenth of the [Ten Oaths].

——Everyone should have fun while playing——

"Th, that bonehead——no, that commanding man, next time I see him, he

better be careful!!"

Holding down his ears while rolling on the ground, Ino said. Upon seeing him,

Steph whispered;

"....You'll get used to it soon."

That sentence brought back a lot of memories.

Ino then replied to Steph:

".....We must work hard, Stephanie-san."

"...Yea, we have to endure this, Ino-jii-san."

Now, this place, quietly...A fraternity between Sora's victims gradually

formed....