Chapter 1 – 3-1=Hopeless
Exuding out radiant white flames, coloring the sky with
The [Great war] between gods and creatures scorched the earth.
The ash-filled sky and the overflowing Astronomical Force—
which resulted in the sky turning red.
lands. Or perhaps, the star itself was lamenting, spilling out
In the blood-stained sky, only aquamarine-colored ash
————......
The [black ash] that let out aquamarine light fell onto the
Ivan dazed when thinking about the limits a human could
Humans were unable to sense elemental particles, so they
sky was dyed red, it was probably due to the polarizing light or
originally blue to begin with....
Elemental Gallery.....It probably has something to do with the
with the ash.
including humans, this was a lethal poison.
If consumed, the innards would be dissolved.
ash] because the nature of it symbolizes death itself.
The dust mask covered his head. The fur armor was built to
the ground——the ground filled with [Black ash (Death)], it
(Really want to rest. Working non-stop since this morning. My
all these ash and snuggle in my wife's chest and sleep——if I
should just.....)
stopping his thoughts. Born in this kind of world, there was no
enter your brain?"
blinking a few times, he saw his two partners beside him.
years eh?" "If you are getting old, then shouldn't we be the
Against the young boy who was one year younger than he was,
"Are you awake yet? Maybe someday we can't fool around like
—— Riku, you too."
of him.
underneath the
His face couldn't be seen. Looking through the wind
"Thank you for the advice. Then——after a short
——dressed like a rock, together with leather clothing that crept
His limbs were numbed, he didn't even eat——this was for the
And——in order to come here.
As expected, there was a huge pit....A steel mountain laid in the
This was built by the dwarves, a warship meant for air combat.
There were traces of earth-shattering [Skirmishes] in this area a
usable resource.
Ivan asked Riku. "....The elemental needle plate?"
would affect it."
for their lives.
elemental particles. An artifact created by connecting obsidian.
informing the direction of those [Monsters] with extremely
Riku and his sister, for now it couldn't be used.
five senses.
sent away, against monsters with super senses——too
Indeed, too hilarious.
face.
sneaking into the wreckage.
past the accumulated dust, was definitely luck——
Ivan then said to himself.
the sound of breathing and the heartbeat. Tense up the five
——compared to previous times, this didn't even count as being
They were a considerate distance away from the battlefield.
of abandoned garbage.
There was a chance that a lost monster was still lurking around.
the war wandering around.
this ship——
survive a confrontation.
If a dwarf held an item, it meant one thing——hundreds of
This was the impact of being their enemy. In order to survive
So——
Hearing the loud cry from behind him, Ivan turned around with
Some distance away was Allei, who had a look of excitement.
dramatically.
Ivan squinted his eyes to look at Allei as well as Riku's face.
Riku remained silent as he slowly lifted a hand——creating an
Just like that, Allei who couldn't control his excitement and
"So....Sorry. But, but, take a look at this."
It was connected with several pieces of complicated items.
released a rainbow- colored light.
Looking at the large-scale map projected in the air, even Ivan
"Could this be——the world map?!" "Yes, the latest edition
——world map. Although they've collected data as well as made
of a certain degree.
continents and oceans accurately without lacking a single
any time, this was indeed——
"A strategic map, and also the enemy forces——there are
language. No problems."
It was understandable why Allei was this excited——even Ivan
In other words, with this map——inferring the situation of the
Infer what happens in the future and choose a safer place to
"Ivan, Allei, compare and amend the map we currently have
transcribe the strategic and enemy forces map."
Ivan and Allei couldn't hide their excitement as they accepted
—acceptance.
packs, they started working.
and copy down. However, Allei suddenly thought of something
"Ne, Riku, can't we just take the projection device back?" Riku
"Isn't it better like this? It wouldn't be a burden regardless of
"Dismissed. We can't take anything that uses Elemental
"I'm saying that, but, the size of this..." "Allei."
"....If you want to die, then say it out——I'll grant your desire."
face expressionless and his pupils lightless.
elemental particles and destroying us all. It is simply too cheap
"——I, I understand——...Sorry..."
don't have to be so angry right....?"
Ivan gave advice, but the look on his face was serious, causing
"——[We don't exist, we cannot exist, so we cannot be
"See, don't you remember it? To die because of the refusal to
——is there anything more boring than this death?" "....Sorry."
At this time, a slow and heavy vibration came from the ground.
Instantaneously, the three of them lowered their body and went
——using his best efforts to calm the violent beating of his heart.
looked at Riku who was also concealed.
the tip of his index finger.
Pressing his exposed nerve onto the ground, intelligence was
other senses, mainly his ears.
behavior at this time.
sounds from outside could be heard.
finished analyzing the [Enemy] that inadvertently revealed
This level of vibration and rhythm of the sound led to some
watching Riku's gestures.
slow——probably meant as a trick.
approximately——[Twenty feet].
in short, it should be searching for something....?
Then, from their ears came the sound of roars, shaking the
They were convinced even without Riku's gestures.
king].
they were beasts not given enough brains was not too far away
Despite its huge strength, it was aware of them [Preys]——it
instinct of quietly approaching their prey. Now, was the thing
the more inferior races. It was estimated to be a man-eater and
——impossible. This was clear. Yes——completely impossible.
humans were still piles of meat when facing against them.
because there wasn't a need to.
own strength. This has always been their tender and rational
The weapons on their hands.....no, even if they developed a
All these actions were pointless.
launch attacks against the Demonia——what was the point?
higher wisdom and they would understand the [Threat] of
The extinction of humans would be met with no resistance. So
There were no other choices.
perceived]....
hunted [Prey]. In that case——Ivan guessed the outcome.
next words. "Ivan, I command you."
"Swear to the commands. Leave it to me." Smiling wryly——
Entrusting his pack to Allei, Ivan started walking forward. "Oi,
Facing against Allei who was holding the pack with trembling
"You understand right, Allei. In here, someone has to be
Yes——someone has to be bait, while the remaining two look
180 feet——would take about 8 seconds for a human to run.
was no other choice.
worst case was to get chased towards the colony——even
still capable of being done.
sacrifice take place.... "Riku is important, and as for Allei, you
be the bait right?" "But——because of this...!" Ivan smiled.
dust mask. "Ivan....!?"
tension.
stench of the beast's skin away, bringing an extremely
"Don't mind me. [In order to protect my friends and family]—
Saying this, Ivan handed his mask over the still trembling
Patting on the shoulders of his long time friend, Ivan turned
Ivan turned towards Riku——looking through the windshield
"Goodbye, Riku. I'll leave my family——my kids, in your
Watching Ivan who was gazing at him, he nodded. "Ahh, leave
.......
Hearing Ivan's words, Riku replied back in surprise. "...Why do
"I'm sorry too." "Oi, Ivan. You...."
As if to hide his true feelings, Ivan was back-facing Riku.
"Allei, together with my part, take care of Riku. ......Then, I'll
——using his best efforts to calm the violent beating of his heart.
looked at Riku who was also concealed.
the tip of his index finger.
Pressing his exposed nerve onto the ground, intelligence was
other senses, mainly his ears.
behavior at this time.
sounds from outside could be heard.
finished analyzing the [Enemy] that inadvertently revealed
This level of vibration and rhythm of the sound led to some
watching Riku's gestures.
slow——probably meant as a trick.
approximately——[Twenty feet].
in short, it should be searching for something....?
Then, from their ears came the sound of roars, shaking the
They were convinced even without Riku's gestures.
king].
they were beasts not given enough brains was not too far away
Despite its huge strength, it was aware of them [Preys]——it
instinct of quietly approaching their prey. Now, was the thing
the more inferior races. It was estimated to be a man-eater and
——impossible. This was clear. Yes——completely impossible.
humans were still piles of meat when facing against them.
because there wasn't a need to.
own strength. This has always been their tender and rational
The weapons on their hands.....no, even if they developed a
All these actions were pointless.
launch attacks against the Demonia——what was the point?
higher wisdom and they would understand the [Threat] of
The extinction of humans would be met with no resistance. So
There were no other choices.
perceived]....
hunted [Prey]. In that case——Ivan guessed the outcome.
next words. "Ivan, I command you."
"Swear to the commands. Leave it to me." Smiling wryly——
Entrusting his pack to Allei, Ivan started walking forward. "Oi,
Facing against Allei who was holding the pack with trembling
"You understand right, Allei. In here, someone has to be
Yes——someone has to be bait, while the remaining two look
180 feet——would take about 8 seconds for a human to run.
was no other choice.
worst case was to get chased towards the colony——even
still capable of being done.
sacrifice take place.... "Riku is important, and as for Allei, you
be the bait right?" "But——because of this...!" Ivan smiled.
dust mask. "Ivan....!?"
tension.
stench of the beast's skin away, bringing an extremely
"Don't mind me. [In order to protect my friends and family]—
Saying this, Ivan handed his mask over the still trembling
Patting on the shoulders of his long time friend, Ivan turned
Ivan turned towards Riku——looking through the windshield
"Goodbye, Riku. I'll leave my family——my kids, in your
Watching Ivan who was gazing at him, he nodded. "Ahh, leave
.......
Hearing Ivan's words, Riku replied back in surprise. "...Why do
"I'm sorry too." "Oi, Ivan. You...."
As if to hide his true feelings, Ivan was back-facing Riku.
"Allei, together with my part, take care of Riku. ......Then, I'll
Part 4
shadows, but in contrasting directions.
to the ground, Ivan ran full speed ahead while shouting out.
giving a slight glance to his back.
and started moving over to Ivan's direction.
was at least three times bigger than a human.
could be seen. Jagged teeth that nearly covered half of its face
Ivan laughed upon thinking that he would get to experience the
Facing the monster, heading in a completely different direction
Attracted by the great movements as well as the loud shouting,
"————ha, ha!"
then focused his attention on the escape route and picked up
The decoy mission was proceeding smoothly. The next step
No matter what, the best outcome is the best right? After
——yes, his mission was over from here onwards.
a simple task. "I'm sorry Riku——to leave you with such
From now on, there would be more difficult, more precarious
little brother(Riku).
wouldn't feel as relaxed as this——
please——damn it."
Even when staring at Ivan, there was——nothing shone out of
No fear, no hesitation, not shaken, no sorrow, no pain. Nothing
To throw away his life because of the command given by a
If necessary, his own life could be treated like garbage and toss
He believed that——he was going to use his life more
"I know this might weigh down on you——but Riku, aside
So, I have to apologize. Because the reason you gave me to
Actually, I shouldn't think about dying. My wife and my cute
No matter what, I must escape, I want to be with my family,
——but, this.
difference? "Ahhh, Ahhhhhhh....!!"
At this timing, to even be afraid of choosing happiness, was
involuntarily.
——in this broken, crazy and tragic world.
finding a little bit of happiness.
endlessly?
It was to protect your friends, protect your family——in order
Fantastic. Simply perfect. The meaning behind one's own
Even if I die, at least die in style right? Like that——I should
and familyyyyyyyy——!!" Okay——there was no need to be
This is too cliché. Only humans who were heading to their
"Ha, ha! Oi, Riku! This era, when will it endddd——!" There
——as for [When], it would still be strange to Ivan even if he
This world was so cruel that people could only despair.
humans of today.
continuously weave towards the future, to not tolerate any
Someone impulsively would definitely get eliminated like trash
"Ahh...."
—!" Just keep going straight.
Even if you fall on the way, someone else shall bear this
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!" Humans, aside from this—
Then, the shout disappeared.
Humans were both weak and fragile, they couldn't survive as
Personal feelings were ignored, everyone existed to survive as
For this, although it couldn't be said to be the best, it was the
Through comprehensive and rational plans, humans could
Covered with ash and mud, sacrificing their little happiness,
ends.
sacrifice the minority to save the majority.
colony was the top priority.
implemented this——was Riku himself.
remorse for it. But
He sprinted full speed without looking back, until he fled to the
".....Wuu."
struck Riku.
feeling a sense of unbearable and strong sense of disgust for
man than he was. He was brave, thoughtful and considerate. In
Nevertheless, it was love at first sight for his wife. Even though
These.
"Riku...Oi, Riku!"
shoulders. "Won't you collapse——with all that burden you are
Riku however used soulless and dimly lit eyes to look at him—
Hearing those light words, Allei fell silent.
after them, started walking.
heaviness was not just due to the accumulation of thick dust.
that have to be used to continue weaving——
Both of them didn't know. It was the same question Ivan roared
Riku couldn't answer this question as he looked up at the red
Suddenly, words that came from someone unknown flashed
The debris floating in the air that exuded a faint aquamarine
"Ahhh. It will be soon."
now.
The roundtrip would take four days.
aquamarine ash- filled wilderness into the depths of the forest
At the foot of the tall and steep hill, there was a hidden cave.
beast.
numerous hanging lamps.
Relying on the dim lighting from the lamp, they headed deeper
While paying attention to avoid any traps used to catch
Afterwards, they saw an outer wall made with sturdy logs. The
through.
such things were ineffective.
beat——he then waited.
door, and the face of teenage boy who was donned in a fur coat
"Welcome back. It must have been exhausting."
the door. "....Where is Ivan-san?"
The guard held his breath, looking as if he was holding back
"....It must be tough."
Going through the door, the place started becoming spacious.
people.
solved the water problem, while livestock grown on the open
There was also an estuary that was connected to the shore,
Compared to the other humans outside that were killed due to
in.
minimal force from a stray bullet coming from the war.
along the wooden stairs into the colony.
over to them—— In the midst of a crowd, a young teenage girl
Although she was petite in stature, her blue eyes as well as
The girl who ran in front of Riku opened her mouth and called
worry your big sister!" "We were trying our best."
"Coron, did anything changed while I'm away?"
you knowwww
The girl known as Coron pursed her lips while nodding
"Well, nevermind. There isn't anything important that needs
rawhide. A good wash is a must!"
dust and said. "Allei too. Rest well!"
mask and equipment from Riku. Suddenly, a figure appeared
Before being questioned, Allei replied. "....As for Ivan, he's
Coron was astonished, and at that moment——another voice
"Daddy!"
unsteadily. Seeing that figure, Allei gasped.
smile while crying out.
"....."
Shining hair and blue eyes, similar to her father's——Ivan's
"Hey, Riku. Where's Daddy?"
However, behind that cheerful face, she felt a little uneasy.
Allei solemnly walked over and opened his mouth, but Riku
At the same time, he used his gaze to stop Coron who was
————it's fine. Stay.
come back anymore."
As if not comprehending what the sentence meant, the girl
Facing against Riku's silence, the girl left from Riku's side,
Big teardrops flowed down from her eyes, as her trembling lips
"......"
obediently at home!? Nona has been a good girl——she has
come back!?"
Nona's desperate cry echoed in the cave.
started thinking, from when all this began.
"Ivan wanted to keep the promise too. But on the way, we met
"I don't care about those things! Why isn't Daddy come back!?"
Why protect, what was the death for, this reason had nothing to
come back——this was a fact. "Daddy said it before, that
"Of course we will win. Ivan fought just for this purpose. To
Riku started thinking, from when all this began.
small face tightened.
A sharp voice as well as an outstretched hand covered the
——[Wouldn't it be better if Riku died]——
Ivan's wife appeared.
Riku's face.
moment, Riku—— touched his own chest.
Meranda——Nona's mother, used a hoarse voice to call out his
swallowed it back.
three of us would die. Because we believe that if the [Harvest]
protected."
Tears flowed down Meranda's face as she said that.
back into the depths of the cave.
Coron had been uttering our prayers for them.
———yes, a great man. His wife too, was a great woman.
believed someone like him.
she was very smart.
as well as his intentions——
Without warning, Coron held Riku with a considerate amount
"——welcome back. It's a blessing that you are okay..."
Afterwards, Coron deliberately changed the subject with
"Oooo——okay okay! The bath should be heated up by now,
"Shower!"
"Isn't it enough to just wipe the body——waste of fuel."
Coron said as she smelled her clothing as well as the smell
started pacing.
older man suddenly called out Riku.
"Simon how could you!! Now we are exposed!? I even wanted
Seeing Riku's widened eyes, Coron puffed her chest out
"Fufu, as long as it's something I've taken apart before, the
"Well, although Coron figured out the theories....Like before,
Under Simon's guide, Riku walked up the stage.
in the center, there was an insignificant and cylindrical item.
Dwarves' chariot, was an ultra-long-range telescope.
supposedly useless—— Riku asked.
"Un, rest assured. This is a modified version of what Riku
round glass. Even the lens can be adjusted oh?"
utilize it well." When retrieving this, Coron was also present.
agreed as well.
humans to be sacrificed in the process of fleeing.
"With this thing, the need to go out for investigation would be
"——ahh, yes."
Riku knew Coron used a lot of effort to fix this telescope.
carefully transferred this was, as long as those guys had the
immediately be found.
entire place.
of growth].
"It can put someone at ease to be able to detect the attack right.
♪. As for the route, just slowly think about it when the time
The two of them left the workroom. Walking in the direction of
"Those guys who were out investigating?"
so basically everyone has already came back. ♪"
problems." Looking at Riku's unchanging self-depreciative
"Bu...But! Since you are in this position, there must be some
"In the fallen battleship of the dwarves——we found the latest
Riku nodded his head in reply towards Coron's surprised voice.
language, mingled with some codes. I'd like to interpret and
Hearing this, Coron had a complex expression.
suuuu—pper smelly."
out, Riku sighed and agreed.
It was originally dug out from the cave, that's why it was
it even more narrow.
table was also present deeper into the room, standing next to a
Placing the hanging lamp onto the table, the items that were in
The most attention grabbing items were three——three
Using the light, Riku confirmed that there was nothing missing
in vain.
Nobody. The distance between this room and another room
Done with the [Routine checks], Riku inhaled deeply and
——with a Kacha——the [Lock] opened.
BASTARD HYPOCRITE!!"
The newest world map. The diagram of the enemy forces. The
Ahhh! Yes very important! A very big harvest. This could very
It can be used to speculate the position of bases and resources.
other race's territories.
been ongoing for more than five years.
of the world was plotted.
be constantly updated with newer information. Only until
And adding the intelligence brought back today, the credibility
——but, for this map, how many people have died? Riku knew
It could be said that he even remembered when, where and how
——for every one of them, Riku had asked all of them to [Go and
Riku didn't inform all of them directly, there were some who
But regardless of which, the person who gave the command of
——sacrificing one person to save the others, sacrifice the
——if a situation where others would be harmed and suffer,
This rule was developed.
everyone of the final struggles——
—even if this continues, then....What can...?"
people get killed.
people died.
colony now—— was not more than 2000 people.
It would end one day right——until the day where [For 1001
Or maybe——until the day where only [One man is left] right?
To tell a child who lost his father that [This is mankind's
Deceiving everyone with the guise that the sacrifice couldn't be
heart to abandon these negative feelings.
throat. Am I clueless about what shame is, or have I forgotten
How low am I going to stoop until I am satisfied——you
........ "Ha......Ha, ha...."
The fist he has been using to punch the wood was embedded in
The gushing blood that headed into his head started to cool
heart.
Feel like crying?——ahh, how can crying change anything.
I don't have the right to cry, if it must flow——then blood shall
Bloodshed is compatible for someone despicable, disgusting,
——compared to tears which were on a higher level,
Closing the eyes, the hand was brought unto the chest——
——kacha.
completed the process.
thorough person was forged out.
with the heart of steel——[Riku], is complete.
opened his eyes.
scattered blood, Riku sighed.
asshole....What are you going to do."
complained. No pain——just like the calm heart, feelings were
"....There is no excuse for this——no, wait, turning it into
resource count. Two birds one stone. Eating directly on the
——outside the door.
.....This was customary. The reason to allow him to be quiet
In order to allow Riku to adjust his heart, to allow Riku's heart
procedure.
surely be broken.
Coron couldn't say anything, like this——aside from listening,
Only 18 years old——it wouldn't be weird to call him a teen.
jurisdiction——no matter what, was too much to handle.
him.
that makes the most appropriate choice when necessary.
could move forward without falling——
was Riku.
[Preys] waiting for death to come.
organisms——even Coron was sure of this point.
This wasn't a metaphor. The war was at a stage where no one
when it began.
like weeds. It was silly to even call that kind of thing history, it
handed down generations....
and the red sky that had no day nor night.
passage of time—— couldn't be understood.
turning the world to be more violent——but humans were
Taking one step out of the colony, the scythe from the grim
Even facing against wild animals, if they charged headfirst,
Meeting against gods and their dependents——the [Different
upon.
city, the culture would get destroyed.
No end no end no end no end no end——the repetition of death
If hell existed, it would be here, Coron thought——but even
——nobody wanted to die without a reason.
without a reason.
—can it even be called normal in the first place.
The colony took in Riku and Coron from their home because
Those who were previously the leaders all got struck with
cave.
child saw the cave and said.
Everyone who lost everything a couple of hours before,
——what could that do.
Facing against this theory produced from the despair and
"Yes, we do not exist——we are not the same as those who
Afterwards, the teenage boy said out the methods to achieve
"We do not exist, we cannot exist, so we cannot be perceived—
His eyes were even darker than the depths of the deep cave.
presence—— because someday, someone will see it——the
Since if nobody could do anything, at least inherit the powers.
successors.
follow me——follow me!"
The words of the child whose hometown was destroyed twice,
With his soulless and truthful eyes. However, he gave the
existence——as well as the meaning of death.
appointed as the leader of over a thousand lives.
people. Coron's feelings——were incredible small.
crushed due to his responsibility of commanding people to
The death of 48 people——was all due to the [Expeditions].
of food, Infanticide(killing newborn babies) would occur,
Moreover, if they were discovered by other different races,
The fact that only 48 people died in the last five years, was no
——so, everyone believed in Riku.
But——sometimes everyone forgot about this. Then when they
they would feel remorseful before apologizing and thanking
this.
pointed at his neck. And on that neck——an addition of 2000
——......
she didn't notice the injury on his fist.
guarantee...." "————save the comforting words. I'll be
heading to the bath."
Looking at Riku's lightless eyes——Coron who couldn't hold
The limit was reaching. In this world, to continue living a
thousand people that was like a bonfire—— was impossible.
"Hey——Coron."
"When will it end——this era."
doesn't stop] and [Dawn that never comes from the night]——
the day aquamarine ash stops falling down?
Yes, it would end one day——it's not perpetual, that was
In a human's perspective, this war.....it feels as if it will cease to
"So they then asked. When will——it, ah, Awhoaaaaaa!?
Tet who was playing the game while looking at the distance
"Too, too cunning, des.....purposely said such a story, sobs,
"Soooo, sorry! That topic was a bit too dark!!"
face and thought.
story——as expected, this child is extremely precious.
races, they would simply say that [This was natural] and
That was because even though 6000 years had passed, different
The young girl who said this story was too much and
"I'm sorry. But, this is all true....This was the time period of the
"...Ivan, died, des..."
[Ten Oaths]—— no."
world's weakest creature oh."
Seeing how Izuna was about to say how————she