Title: The Severed Hand
Disclaimer: This is a fan-made translation from Chinese translations! Please go easy and enlighten us on any mistakes or deviations from the original light novel. All credit goes to the original author and illustrators. - Hyaka and Kuro Shion
—————————————————————————————
In the depths of a quiet residential site in Shibuya, there was such a building.
A place which could be called the headquarters of
This was the first time Guren was called here. Apparently, it was said that no matter what happened, there was a need to report to
After the stringent security check and identity verification, he was brought to stand in front of a large, black door.
The lady who received him,
“Please wait here to be called.”
She left.
Guren nodded and waited there for the time being.
It seemed like the Head of the Hiragi House, Tenri Hiragi, who was also Kureto, Mahiru and Seishirou’s father, was present in the room.
The figure of authority who ruled over the entire of
Apart from him, the nine Houses which decided Guren’s father’s execution was said to be present too.
“……So slow.”
No one seemed to reply him. In this empty place, 10 minutes, 20 minutes passed like this.
Was this to reinforce the difference in his status, or was he being totally forgotten? He had no idea. Just when an hour had passed–
“…..Come in.”
Someone called out.
He entered the room.
There was a round table. A few men and women around the age of forty were sitting around the table.
A total of ten people.
Probably Tenri Hiragi and the nine Heads of House. In other words, Goshi and Mito’s father or mother should be present. But Guren was not sure who they were.
The man sitting at the innermost area of the round table spoke.
“Are you Sakae Ichinose’s son?”
The man made one feel oppressed. A large, sturdy body, cold pupils. He was probably very strong. From the aura he emitted, it could be inferred that he as the master here.
In other words, Tenri Hiragi.
Guren nodded and lowered his head.
“Indeed. That is right.”
Tenri maintained his cold expression and said.
“Oi, what’s wrong with you?”
“What’s wrong?”
“Don’t you understand your status? Kneel down. Lower your head more. Lower it till it was enough to shatter your boring self-esteem.”
He was ordered.
Ordered to kneel.
Ordered to go into a position to show complete servility to the bastard who killed father.
Guren lifted his face, looked at Tenri and,
“This is indeed, impoliteness on my part.”
As he said that, his knees touched the ground.
“Not willing to resign?”
“…..No, how could I?”
“Impossible. You did not hide the fury in your eyes.”
“…..”
“Your father was stronger than you. Even when ordered to dance naked over there, he was all smiles.”
Guren felt his fist clench immediately. If he did not hide his wrath, then it would be like this. He had yet became as strong as father.
Tenri said.
“Well, rather than strong, I should put it as useless.”
“…..”
“But I heard that, you are, more or less, a little intelligent. It seemed like you managed to trick Seishirou once right?”
He did tell such a lie. He said something like, in order to investigate Kureto’s actions, he received special orders from Tenri. Afterwards, he told Seishirou to keep it a secret. But it seemed like that stupid son’s mouth was leaky.
Guren lifted his head and said.
“How can I? It was merely a joke. I didn’t think that Seishirou-sama would listen to someone like me.”
Tenri nodded.
“Yeah, indeed. It was the fault of Seishirou who believed a dreg like you. The Hiragi House does not need weaklings. If it is not to my liking, it doesn’t matter if he was killed.”
“I beg you to stop joking.”
“Because of a joke like this, I can kill everyone in
“Yes, I understand.”
“Since you understand, then why do you have such a look in your eyes.”
“My deepest apologies. Even if this is the case, I’ll continue to remain obedient.”
Tenri looked at him as if judging him.
“You, do you know the meaning of your existence?”
“…..I beg your pardon?”
“I am asking. Do you know the history of how the Hiragi and the Ichinose House parted ways?”
Of course he knew.
An Ichinose woman was in love with the second son of the Hiragi House— the first son of the Hiragi House went mad with rage over this. The moment he stampeded this couple into despair was the moment
Since then, the constant humiliation the Ichinose House received was allowed to continue by the Hiragi House. Looking down upon the Ichinose House was already part of the education of the Hiragi House and that of
Tenri said.
“Branch House trash like you only exists to be discriminated.”
“……”
“Even though I have no intention to bring up the love story of the ancestors until now, this system seems to work very well. Followers of “……” “This is, the reason for you to live. If this reason did not exist, you will be long disintegrated. You better accept your fate.” Tenri stood up. And approached Guren who was kneeling on the ground. “Lower your head again.” Hearing the command, Guren lowered his head again. The next thing he knew, his head was being harshly stepped on. His forehead hit the floor so fiercely the skin tore and blood started to flow from the wound. But he did not budge. Even if it felt like he was going to be crushed into pieces by humiliation, he did not budge. It must be at the same place. In the same room, father had experienced something similar. Once every few years, father would be called to attend the meeting of the higher-ups of Afterwards, things like that would happen. If that was the case, then he should be able to tolerate this too. His head was being stomped on again. The pain could no longer be felt. Wrath was the only thing swishing around in his heart; it took all that he got to suppress that fury. Tenri spoke. “……Alright. I now recognize you as the Head of the Ichinose House. For my sake, put in your best effort to maintain your subservient existence.” His shoulder was being kicked. Forcing his head to look up. The blood seeping from his wound dripped into his right eye; he couldn’t open his eye. So Guren scanned the room with his left eye. A few men were laughing at him. It seemed like this was a joyful scene. Just then, Guren realised that Mahiru actually grew up in such a place. Beside this father. She used to be a human experimentation subject. A petite girl, amidst such a harsh environment. She had never received love from anyone as she grew up. What kind of person would she become? He suddenly thought of this. Guren recalled her face during their first encounter. She said she was a forest fairy. “Oi, where are you from?” “I wonder where. If I say that I am the fairy of this forest, what are you going to do?” “This is not a forest, it’s a mountain.” “Then the fairy of a mountain.” “Then what business does fairy ojou-san have with me?” “If you are being bullied, I can help you~” But the one who needed help, was probably her. She must be, hoping for redemption. She wanted a partner to rebel against such a fate. Even if it was the Ichinose trash. That hope must have persisted till now. She had been hoping for redemption. Hoping for someone to change her incurable fate. “You can go out. Disappear.” Tenri said as he returned to his seat. Guren stood up and lowered his head. “…….Well, then. I’ll take my leave.” He retreated and left the room. After he left the room, another of Tenri’s child was waiting by the corridors. Kureto Hiragi. He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. Kureto looked at a bloodied Guren and said. “What an unbecoming sight.” Guren ignored him and walked on. Kureto started to follow him. “What? Aren’t you here to meet your father?” “No, I came to see you.” “To humiliate me?” “Well, that can be said.” “Then laugh.” “Hahaha.” A laughter that sounded dry and devoid of humor. Kureto caught up to Guren. “You met father then?” “……” “What happened?” “At least he didn’t make me dance naked.” “That’s because father should be in a good mood today.” [note: good mood = stomping people? >:( ] It seemed like he was in a good mood. He was saved for once. Guren rubbed his right eye with his palm. The blood had stopped. Perhaps the wound had started to heal too. This was the power of the Kureto handed him a handkerchief. “Use this.” Guren ignored him. Kureto shrugged. The two of them fell silent as they walked past the corridors and out of the building. Kureto’s chauffeured car was parked outside. “You want a ride? I can bring you back.” Guren replied. “What kind of wind is blowing today?” “Seeing you at your feeble moments, I thought I’ll sell you some kindness.” But there was no need. Kureto had absolute authority. That was something Guren could not go against. After all, this bastard was the reserve for the next Head of House. Therefore, if there was a need for Guren to help, then that was be, “……. the feeble one, isn’t that you? Kureto.” Guren said. For some reason, he thought of Mahiru. Thought of her who was born in the Hiragi House and was hoping for redemption. Kureto gave a thin smile. As he settled down on the backseat of the car, “Well, the fact that you are not killed today was good. Because you are a imperative chess piece to me.” But, what was this trying to achieve? Guren thought as he kept silent. Kureto had everything. The power to make everything possible was within his hands. If there was still something lacking, then that would be the power to rebel against his father. Mahiru despised her birth. Was Kureto the same? Guren watched the car leave. In the end, everyone was trying hard to achieve something. Was there a place happier than this? Guren looked up as he thought of this, watching the sky of Shibuya. ◆ ◆ ◆ Guren went home all bloodied and beaten. Both Sayuri and Shigure were shocked seeing this. “Guren-sama!” “What happened?” He replied. “Nothing serious.” Sayuri panicked. “However, we need to get this treated quickly.” Despite this, the wound should have already healed by now. Because of the Noya was helping to heal the wound. Therefore, “The wound has disappeared. Let me have a bath and wash away the blood.” Guren replied. “I’ll have it prepared immediately.” As she said this, Shigure prepared to get the water ready. Guren walked past the noisy duo and into the living room. A visitor was present. A man in black suit– the Hyakuya Sect spy who connived with Mahiru, Saitou. Saitou was sitting on the sofa. He gave a thin smile as he slowly turned to look at him. “Ya, welcome back, Guren-kun.” Guren glared at Saitou and said. “Why are you here?” “It shouldn’t come as a surprise? After all, under this special situation of investigating the “So? I am the Saitou smiled. “Not again. You brought back He might have said this, but he was, in fact, Mahiru’s partner. And the person who passed Guren placed his hand on the katana at his waist. There were things he needed to ask this guy. Despite so, Saito was all smiles. “Ah, talking about your subordinates, they are not here even though we have talked for some time. Did something happen?” He said. Guren turned around. Sayuri and Shigure were wrapped in chains, they lost consciousness at the corridors. They were chains Saitou had used before. Guren was prepared to unsheathe his blade and slice towards the chains, but “Alright, don’t move. Or I’ll kill your subordinates?” “……” Guren stopped. Saitou looked at him and smiled. “Ahh, you stopped. Sacrificing your subordinates and attacking me should have been the right choice? Don’t you think?” Guren turned around and glared at Saitou. He continued to smile. “It is because you are like that, you cannot catch up to Mahiru Hiragi. This is going against your wish for strength. There are too many things you hold dear….” Before he could finish, Guren readied his sword. He absorbed Noya’s powers and was close to going berserk as he attacked with all his might. He broke the chains around Sayuri and Shigure. Guren could sense a killing aura from behind. Saitou’s chains shot towards him. If he turned around to ascertain the target, it might be too late. So he closed his eyes and felt the atmosphere. Sensing the vibrations in the air. There was a slight dissonance. The image of him slicing that dissonance appeared in his mind, “Now, Noya!” Guren turned around and waved his sword according to how he imagined. 7 chains shot towards him. He sliced away all of them. “Aiya, what’s happening, this is way too strong.” Saitou leaped backwards to maintain some distance. He eyed Guren’s actions with caution. As Guren’s movements were faster than expected. He glared at Saito. “Who say who couldn’t catch up?” However, Saitou did not seem to mind as he smiled frivolously. “You are the one who understands this most.” Indeed. He still could not catch up with Mahiru. “Who exactly, are you?” “An assassin from the Hyakuya Sect.” “Liar. You betrayed the Hyakuya Sect.” Or else, the number of unexplainable things would be way too many. For instance, the case of Saito was the reason why that incident leaked. Normally, such incidents would never be reported on the newscast. It was the same when Guren went wild. He intended to excise Guren’s rationality. However, what was that for? For the Hyakuya Sect, this was simply a blunder. After all, Guren going berserk allowed Furthermore, this should be what Mahiru expected. In other words, this bastard was controlling the world along with Mahiru. Guren asked. “What common ground do you share with Mahiru?” Saitou laughed and said. "If I say that we are lovers now, what are you going to do?” “…” “Ah, you are not going to get angry? Well, we are not lovers, please relax. I’ll won’t dare to approach such a scary girl….” Guren interrupted him and said. “Shut up. I don’t intend to engage in a boring conversation. Answer my question.” “If you can ask an interesting question.” “Who is Hearing that, Saitou’s expression changed. “And Both of whom had appeared beside Saitou. Furthermore, these two names also appeared on the documents Mahiru provided. The military experiment named On top of that there were many names listed. Yuuichirou Amane. Mikaela Shindo. Yoichi Saotome. Tomoe Saotome. ….. ….. ….. ….. Who knew if everyone had some kind of connection to him. This guy definitely appeared beside those two guys. To top it off, it could even be said that this bastard wanted Guren to see this. What was that for? Guren asked. “What exactly is Saitou replied. “What was written on the documents Mahiru ojou-san gave to it?” It wrote that it was a sorcery weapon capable of mass destruction. It exceeded even the Apart from that, she left a few more clues. Guren recalled. Her prophetic words. [– The first stages of destruction will visit the greedy and ugly adults. More accurately put, in the whole world, everyone above age 13 will perish. Earth had started to rot. Monsters roam. Poison rained from the sky. The Seraph of the End will blow the trumpet. The world will destruct. The humans will not live. Weak humans are unable to live in such a world.] Mahiru used to say this. She used to say that the world would be destroyed this coming Christmas. An apocalypse would make a visit. An unknown virus would cause a global epidemic. In other words, “It is a large scale bioweapon?” Saitou laughed at Guren’s words. “No, it is not.” “That, what exactly is it?” “Punishment from the gods.” “Ah?” “To punish the arrogant humans, it is a punishment from the gods. But the idiotic humans wanted to utilize it instead, weaponizing it. They don’t even know there are better ways to use it.” Guren glared at Saitou and spoke. “You are saying that, if it is you, you have a better way of using it?” Saitou nodded with any signs of hesitation. “Yeah, it is indeed like this. After that, Guren Ichinose-san, won’t you become our partner?” “……” “Ah, don’t worry about being eavesdropped. All of them are broken. Everyone watching this is killed too.” “…..” “So please be frank with your desires. Now, you are approaching the truth of this world. You can know it earlier than the Hyakuya Sect, Saitou extended his palm. Guren looked at his palm and said. “……What kind of religious bait is this?” “Haha, would the Head of the Ichinose House, who rules over a religious organization himself, say this?” “Also, there’s no reason for me to cooperate with you. You haven’t offered anything I want.” Saitou shrugged. “Once we are allies, I’ll give you the information you want. Mahiru ojou-san’s information. Information regarding “The price for all this information? What do I need to offer?” Saitou seemed to smile rather happily. “Your soul.” “……” “More accurately put, please kill the two subordinates behind you. If you can do it, then you are my partner.” “……” “There’s too many boring and cumbersome things you carry. You cannot move forward quickly like that. You cannot catch up with Mahiru ojou-san. If you want to be faster and stronger than anyone, and obtain what you want–” “Then kill my friends?” Saitou laughed. “They are not your friends. The tyranny they anticipate from you is useless.” “…..” “They are only, obstacles. Clean it up quickly.” “…..” “Well, tell you the truth, if I had helped you kill them off when we were on the rooftop of the school, things would be much better. However, there should be greater growth if you killed them with your own will. Therefore, please kill them.” Mahiru said the same thing countless times too. You couldn’t take any action like this. You couldn’t move forward quickly. He felt the same way too. Protecting your friends, what can you obtain? If one wanted to be stronger than anyone and to move forward quickly, such erroneous weakness was nothing but a roadblock. Even if he killed Shigure and Sayuri, if he did not wish to move forward from the bottom of his heart, he still could not become strong. At least, Kureto was walking on this road. Perhaps Tenri Hiragi was too. And Mahiru, was as well. To become strong, what did they sacrifice? Then what was he thinking? Did he really want to be strong? Guren gripped his blade with force. In his heart, he talked to Noya. —– Noya. —– I want power. The kind of power that can shut that guy up. —— …….. ——……. Despite this, I have already decided to walk down this path. This conviction, was already decided when Shinya, Goshi, Mito, Shigure and Sayuri placed their lives on the line to save him and offered their hands to him. He wanted to walk down this path. Maintaining this boring friendship, walk forward. Shinya said that this was crazy. Said that in this crazy world, to scream about friends and friendship like an idiot was beyond Kureto’s imagination. But he also said that because of this, he had to take the responsibility. Take the responsibility of being the pioneer. And now, Guren wanted to take this responsibility. Therefore, —— Enough, give me power. Give the present me a power that can make everything yield to me. He could feel Noya laughing bitterly. After that, he felt himself being granted the greatest power ever. An unmanageable amount of curses started to circle his arms and face. Saitou looked at Guren and said. “Are you going to use the same tactic again?” “…..” “Making me yield by sheer power, forcing the information out of me?” “Yeah.” “If this is the case, you cannot become strong. Even if you make me yield by sheer power, you still cannot catch up with Mahiru ojou-san.” “If I don’t try how do I know?” “I know. Also, you cannot win me.” Guren did not feel this way. Saitou’s chains were not that fast. It was still that same power that could possibly pose a threat. But now, once Guren focused, he could resolve this immediately. Saitou, whom he had fought a few times, should know this too. -Part 1 End- K.Shion: This is how I feel now: Going to cut down a douchebag. Btw the handkerchief scene is the only scene thus far I see Kureto try being actually nice for once. REVELATION OF THE YEAR. wth…Saitou….irritating bastard. ._. Tags: owari no seraph owari no suffering owari no serafu owasera light novel light novels guren ichinose ichinose guren kureto hiragi kureto hiiragi hiiragi kureto mahiru hiragi tenri hiiragi shinya hiragi hiiragi shinya gureshin yukimi shigure shigure yukimi sayuri hanayori