Chapter 86

The "Ten" is the Hardest Part of Kishōtenketsu*

(tl note: Kishōtenketsu (起承転結) describes the structure and development of Chinese and Japanese narratives. In order, the characters mean introduction, development, turn or twist, and conclusion)

(University break begins next week. Gone will be the days of me rushing every work I have during weekends because I immediately fall asleep from exhaustion after going home from university. For two weeks.)

Sheriruth was repelled.

Driven by rage over Hod’s death, Rikidou Chouta and Kazaoka Tsubasa unleashed powers never before seen by anyone.

In that moment, their abilities—"Freezing" and "Gale"—expanded beyond their limits. The whirlpool of energy overflowing from their bodies turned into a single bullet and pierced through Sheriruth’s barrier.

It surpassed even the power of a Fairy Burst, a strike worthy of being called a sacred domain.

This was the first time Sheriruth had received damage in their battle, with about a tenth of his body being partly burnt from that attack. Letting out a shrill scream, he frantically flapped his massive wings and sank into the sea of clouds.

It must have been a very unexpected situation for him as well.

Was his decision to retreat because he was, contrary to appearances, composed, or was it because he was spurred by his survival instincts, uncharacteristic of an Abyss?

In any case, as angels who protect this world, Gevurah and Chokmah couldn’t just let him escape without any resistance. Especially not while he was wounded.

『We’re chasing him, Gevurah. We have to finish him off before he reaches the abyss.』

『As you wish. This will be a battle of revenge…』

Chokmah and Gevurah. The two, who had originally come here to fight the Savers, paid no attention to the humans and dove into the sea of clouds.

The Qlippoth of the abyss… and not just any, but Sheriruth, revived in his prime and at full power, was far too dangerous. It was said that nothing is more dangerous than a wounded beast, but the two of them both judged the present time as the perfect opportunity to seal the monster once more.

Even though the two held intense hatred toward humans as individuals, they still had their priorities. The existence of the Qlippoth of the abyss, which could bring about the world’s ruin even if there were only one of them, could not be allowed under any circumstances.

Besides… Gevurah glanced back briefly in his moment of departure.

In the distance was the Island of Understanding, Elohim, inhabited by its beloved people. It was the island their proud sworn friend Hod had put everything he had to protect.

And before it were the two who had contributed the most in this battle along with the angels carrying them.

Perhaps they had used up all their strength in their attack earlier as the two were now falling feebly in the air. Binah and Malkuth each caught and supported one of them.

The women of the Ten Archangels of Sefirot, including Tiferet who wasn’t present, were all too soft-hearted. But precisely because of that, Gevurah understood why they were adored by more people than he was.

…Though this was the first time he’d found out Binah was that sort of woman.

『You all right, Tsubasa?』

“Y-Yeah… You saved me, Binah-sama. I just suddenly lost my strength…”

“Thanks, Malkuth… Never thought ya’d be the one to catch me.”

『…It was just on a whim. Still, for a human, you’re needlessly heavy.』

“That’s ‘cause I train! My muscles can even rival an ogre’s!”

『Yes, yes.』

Toward the two humans bantering with the angels, Gevurah began to revise his view of them.

Even if you call it great strength in a crisis*, the blow that drove Sheriruth back was in no way ordinary. (tl note: original means “great physical power in the scene of a fire.” The brain limits physical strength to prevent injury. In the event of an emergency such as a fire, this limiter may be released due to extreme tension or excitement.)

It was stronger than any sacred art wielded by the Ten Archangels of Sefirot. Hot and blazing, like the sun that illuminates this world—Gevurah felt something that made him shiver.

Chokmah, who had gone ahead to chase Sheriruth in haste, was no doubt feeling the same.

──I see… So this is “Fairy Burst.”

The power of humans the Holy Dragon Ein Sof announced would save the world.

And now, they had caught a glimpse of a fragment of that power.

True to the oracle, their strength had broken through Sheriruth’s barrier, which even the attacks of the Archangels of Sefirot could not pierce.

…Certainly, if that power could be brought to their side, everything would be working out as desired. With the threat of the Abyss becoming more active, now was undoubtedly not the time to be hostile with them.

But when he thought about when humans using that power in the wrong way in the future would appear, he felt that he must resolutely respond as the angel who presides over severity.

Frankly speaking, Gevurah was afraid.

Afraid of the future that humans with such power would eventually reach.

『…But for now, I offer my thanks. I am grateful to you, brave humans.』

He held all sorts of feeling regarding the beings called humans. Still, it was an unmistakable fact that it was thanks to them that Sheriruth could be repelled, and now Gevurah, on Chokmah’s behalf as well, thanked the two who had wielded that power so effectively.

While the limp Rikidou Chouta and Kazaoka Tsubasa were being carried by Malkuth and Binah respectively, they stared in wonder at Gevurah’s laudable attitude.

What… Did they think he was some old man they couldn’t communicate with? If so, the Archangel of Severity had been looked down on.

While Gevurah could not take their side due to his position, as an individual, he did have a favorable impression for these brave warriors.

In a manner of speaking, as an angel, the part of him with the business stance, like "that is that, and this is this," was strong.

With a wry smile at how he is, Gevurah leapt into the sea of clouds, fleeing the scene, and chasing after Sheriruth and following after Chokmah.

The abduction of T.P. Eight Olishua and the revival of the Qlippoth of the abyss, Sheriruth.

These two disturbances dealt a heavy blow to the Savers, but three hopes still remained.

The first was the power that Chouta and Tsubasa had unleashed earlier. That power might very well be the true value of those who had reached Fairy Burst. If they use it properly, it might be enough to oppose even the Qlippoth of the abyss or Keter.

—And the second hope was the contract between the Archangel of Glory Hod and Mea.

Yes, Hod’s existence had newly resurrected after changing vessels.

By the time Chesed rushed to retrieve him and crash-landed on the island, Hod was already in a hopeless situation.

The price of him risking his life to protect the island from Sheriruth’s bombardment was severe. His trademark armor and helmet had been tragically smashed up, and his existence was wrapped in a faint light, just waiting to fade away.

It was then that he called out with the last of his strength to Mea, who came to stay by his side in his final moments while in tears.

『Is it painful?』

“...!”

『It is the fate you are burdened with that saddens you, isn’t it? You suffer… because of the way you ought to be…』

“…Yeah.”

As his own life was slipping away, his concern was not for himself but for Mea.

Holding his rough hand with both of hers, Mea nodded slightly then shook her head.

“Yes, I’m* sad. But what hurts the most is… just staying like this… unable to do anything at all. Mea can’t do anything… because there’s nothing Mea can do anymore…” (tl note: Mea still doesn’t use pronouns for herself, but it feels off to write her name as a substitute every time)

『What do you want to do? Not what you can do, what is it that you want to do?』

“…Mea wants to have a proper talk.”

『With whom?』

“With Keter… with Father. One more time.”

『What will you talk about?』

“That Mea is… that Mea is alive. Even if I was born just to be eaten… I want to convey I don’t want that.”

『…I see. So at last, you’ve taken your first step forward…』

Even if she had been created as the “Mugenko” and made only to offer her power to the king… Mea now had a heart.

That heart had taught her the true feelings she held deep inside.

And there were kind people who had supported those feelings.

So now, she no had any intention of sacrificing herself for the king.

Yes, that was what she really felt. Even though she knew she shouldn’t, Mea had become hopelessly attached to living. Just like a human.

—Because she had come to understand… that she loved this world where everyone was, and wanted to be part of it too.

While feeling that such emotions were shameful, Mea laid bare her feelings bit by bit. Hod lost his strength── and breathed out as if relieved.

Hod’s true face, exposed now that his mask had shattered, looked at Mea’s face with gentle eyes.

With those eyes that were like a father’s… he spoke as if to admonish.

『To resist in order to protect your own existence is not something to be ashamed of. Whether one’s a holy beast [fairy] or a human… to live is to continue fighting. I see… you’re alive too.』

“…Yeah… yeah…”

He affirmed Mea’s life.

Just like humans and holy beasts, she was allowed to wish to live—to fight against her fate.

Then, his eyes lit up with determination.

『Yes… Those who writhe and struggle are worthy of walking the path of glory. In that case, I, Hod, shall struggle once more. Just like you.』

“Eh…?”

Hod was inspired by the girl who hadn’t given up on living and chose to continue existing.

Thus, he chose to fight against his own dying life.

—And so, he proposed a “contract.”

Using Mea’s body as a vessel, Hod entrusted all of his power as an archangel to her.

Mea, who wished to live but lacked the power to resist, and Hod, who had the power but whose life was fading. The interests of these two people now coincide perfectly.

“...Are you sure about this?”

『To resist in order to live is a right given to all life born into this world. But without power, that cannot be fulfilled. You want to speak with the King... with your father, don’t you? Then use this Hod’s power.』

“Hod… Thank you”

『What, we're fellow people struggling to live, so our interests happened to align.』

Perhaps it was one possibility.

A flash of light gleamed sharply—wrapped in a dazzling orange light, a fairy warrior was born into the world for the very first time.

Once again, light had resided within the girl of nothingness, who had lost both the power of Chesed and the Mugenkou.

She was neither human nor holy beast. Mea, a girl who was no one, still set her eyes on the road of moving forward and resisting.

She believed that this must be the path that leads to glory.

“Let’s combine our strength, Hod.”

『Of course. This fading existence... I swear to use it once more, for this world—and for you.』

And so, the Glorious Archangel Hod formed a pact with Mea.

Hod’s body faded, becoming power and settling within Mea. As a result, her black hair transformed into a beautiful orange, bearing a close resemblance to Hod’s armor. One of her deep blue eyes was dyed with twilight, turning into heterochromatic eyes once more.

From her back spread eight pure white wings, the same as the Ten Archangels of Sefirot, and the power born from their mutual consent was at a higher level and more stable than anything before.

“Mea! Hod!”

“What... What just happened...?”

Descending from the sky to group up, Binah and the others all had looks of bewilderment, surprise, or understanding when they saw her transformation.

『Hod... it seems you took quite a liking to Mea.』

『That’s right. I, Hod... even though I’ve outlived my time, must take care of things unfinished business. Together with this child.』

『You really are... I’m glad you didn’t die.』

『Fuh... Sorry to make you worry, Malkuth.』

『Ah... yeah』

Binah, the quickest to grasp the situation between the two, watched the reborn Mea with a wry smile that seemed a little lonely.

Mea set her gaze on the distant World Tree, Sefira, a look of determination on her young yet dignified features.

“Kyuu...”

『Mea…』

As if they guessed the feelings in the girl’s heart, Kabbalah-chan and Chesed drew close to her side.

Noticing them, Mea turned her returned heterochromatic eyes toward them, and while caressing their cheeks, swore what she must do, what she wanted to do.

“From here, Mea and the others will go to the World Tree—to Ein Sof. Keter, Eight, and En... they’re all there.”

The Qlippoth of the abyss, the Ten Archangels of Sefirot, the Holy Dragon. And the Will of Sefira, Charon.

Within this Fairy World, where the intentions of many beings intertwine, the journey of the Savers was now heading into its final phase.

—And at the same time, the third and greatest hope… the story of Akatsuki En pushing on, was also reaching a great turning point.

In creating a story, whether in novels or manga, what you can’t do without is the Kishōtenketsu of the story.

"Ki" is the introduction, where the description of the situation and premise of the story are depicted. "Shō" develops the story based on the premise depicted in "ki." "Ten" is, literally, where the story turns to a new direction. It’s an element that particularly stands out within the story, and the more unique or distinctive it is, the more likely the work is to leave a lasting impression.

Well, there are plenty of cases where this part gets twisted too much and turns into an incoherent story development from out of left field, or where an ill-considered, pointless contrarian plot causes everything to get out of hand, so as a story, this is an especially difficult element.

If this “ten,” the most exciting part of the story, ends up in a mess, then the following “ketsu”… in other words, the end, becomes vague, so it’s difficult. Especially if the conclusion of the story isn’t settled perfectly, the work that has been going on for so long itself can end up completely ruined

Even in commercial works, there are many cases where the kishōten is satisfactory, but because the “ketsu” wasn’t done well, they end up going in flames*, and in amateur fanmade light novels, that’s even more so; the complexity of the structure goes without saying. (tl note: also means “stirring up a storm of criticism online”)

Well, precisely because of that, the satisfaction you feel when you encounter a story that reaches a beautiful conclusion becomes everlasting.

I, who feel that way, am the happy ending-loving Eight-chan.

So, when the story of the anime Fairy Savers ∞ entered its "ten," in other words, the climax, the action I took was to promptly operate the remote and turn off the TV.

That’s right… I don’t need any more knowledge of the original work [spoilers].

For me to continue being who I am, I judged that this was the best point to cut short.

Meanwhile, looking at my face, I don’t know what she was thinking… but Daat, who had been embracing me as if reluctant to part ever since, finally loosened her arms.

Daat-obaa-chan’s hug gave me the same sense of security as a real grandmother's, but this is goodbye.

And so, freed from her arms, I slowly stood up and gave a few pats to my wrinkled cape.

I’m about to step onto the stage of a lifetime, after all. I have to tidy up my appearance.

“So you chose that world, after all…”

She murmured, looking at me with lonely eyes.

I did feel sorry within at seeing her like that, but even so, my heart had already been made up from the moment I arrived in this world—the so-called “world of reincarnation,” which lies in the interval between life and death.

“I’m T.P. Eight Olishua, after all… Where I’m supposed to go was already decided from the start.”

Charon-sama’s intentions. Daat’s intentions.

I’d picked up on a lot of things in this world, but just on this, there was this one part where I couldn’t meet their expectations. What am I talking about? I’ll explain in detail eventually. I’m a mysterious original protagonist, so I’ll deliberately keep things ambiguous, including the continuation of our last conversation.

“And besides… I'm not Hod, but I still have things left undone too. Watching over them is important too, but I still want to be in contact with them, after all.”

Well, thanks to coming here, I found all sorts of new things I want to do, and I’ve also come up with some nice original protagonist moves for the future development.

Now all that’s left is to put them into practice. With my prided cheat powers, of course.

“It’s okay. You’re inside me, after all. Whenever you’re watching over me, we’ll be together.”

“Eight… Thank you. I’m glad I got to talk with you.”

“Me too, Daat. Thanks for everything. I’ll be counting on you from here on too.”

“From here on, huh…”

Yeah. So… I’m heading out now.

As the perfect cheat original protagonist I aspire to be—starting today, I’ll show off your and my T.P. Eight Olishua.

So this isn’t a farewell. My story may have already ended, but our story is still only at the “ki” stage in terms of its kishōtenketsu. Meeting you allowed me to confirm that again, and that made me very happy.

I also have to go convey that gratitude to Charon-sama properly… So either way, I was never planning on staying here forever, acting like an observer of the story.

Well, what I’m trying to say is… Eight-chan is an original protagonist, not the author or a reader of this story!

…And so, that’s what happened to me.

I headed off toward the protagonist of Fairy Savers, the protagonist of Fairy Savers ∞, and an important figure in this world, Akatsuki En.

To stylishly assist him original protagonist style—!

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