Episode 5

……Originally, there are conditions for angels and demons to make contracts with humans. 

These conditions require that the angel or demon executing the contract has reached a certain level of power. 

Currently, Seraph and Luminous, being one year before the main game starts, are still in their apprenticeship period as low-level angels and low-level demons. 

…However, I know that I can bypass those contract conditions using a certain trick. 

The power of humans, angels, and demons fluctuates greatly based on emotions. 

To put it simply, it’s like gaining a power boost from anger. 

So, if I can stir up their emotions, it should be possible to make a contract. 

“Isn’t it about time to end this game of hide and seek?” 

The eerie voice of the Kyōjū echoed nearby. 

…The footsteps of the Kyōjū suddenly stopped. 

It’s already close. And likely… it’s about to enter this room. 

“…You two, there’s still no sign of reinforcements, right?” 

“Yeah, it seems difficult. …At this point, we have no choice but to brace ourselves.” 

Seraph’s words were filled with determination. 

“Seraph. Do you have a good plan?” 

“If we stay together like this, we’ll end up taking each other down. If there’s a chance for all of us to escape… we’ll have to use a decoy.” 

“Don’t tell me you’re—” 

As Luminous questioned her, Seraph smiled faintly. 

But that smile was tinged with resignation. 

“In any case, one of us has to remain behind.” 

“That doesn’t mean you should say it like it’s a possible death sentence!” 

“Indeed… You and I have always been neck and neck competing since elementary school.” 

“That’s—” 

Luminous lowered her gaze. 

As Seraph began reminiscing about the past, Luminous’s expression twisted, almost like a death flag was being raised. 

“D-Don’t talk like it’s our last goodbye. I don’t want that, not at all…” 

“Whether it becomes a last goodbye depends on you, Luminous.” 

“Hmm?” 

“Please do your best as the decoy.” 

“Wait, you mean me!? It sounded like you were going to take on the role!” 

“I don’t want to die yet, you know?” 

“I don’t want to die either…!” 

…Ah, how precious. 

Seeing the two of them bantering like this made me feel like I was about to ascend to heaven. 

I can’t let go of these two here. 

“Seraph, is there a chance that the decoy plan will work?” 

“…Well, I honestly think it’s going to be difficult. The one who stays behind as a distraction will be in considerable danger.” 

“You’re trying to make me do that, aren’t you?” 

“I’m just joking. Originally, I was going to do it.” 

Seraph said this with a smile, but Luminous shook her head with tears in her eyes. 

“That’s not… I don’t even like you or anything, but… I don’t want you to die. So if someone has to stay behind, it’s going to be me.” 

“Oh, is that so? Then I’ll leave it to you.” 

“Wait, at least show some hesitation!” 

Seraph chuckled softly, but… she had a completely resolute expression. 

Although Seraph was saying this, once she made up her mind, she would go through with it. 

If I’m not careful, she might go off alone to face the Kyōjū and start the decoy plan. It would create an unmanageable situation for Luminous. 

I need to stop that from happening. 

The moment Seraph turned her body toward the door, I instinctively reached out my arm and grabbed her hand. 

…Ah, her hand is soft. It’s unbelievably squishy; this is Seraph-sama’s hand…!? 

I’m really sorry for grabbing it without permission. Seriously. 

Honestly, my consciousness is drifting a bit, but I need to stay focused. 

“Seraph. About that contract you mentioned, if it doesn’t work out, what about just trying it? I don’t want either of you to take any reckless actions. …If we can make the contract, then that should resolve everything, right?” 

“”……””

The two looked at each other at my suggestion. 

What I really want is for them to use me as a decoy and get away quickly, but since they’re not going to run… we have no choice but to make a contract. 

Besides, if I can do it… I don’t want to die yet either. 

“…I don’t know if it’s possible, but if we succeed, that would be best.” 

“…Yes. If either of us can make the contract, it’s a win-win. We don’t have much time, so let’s do it simultaneously.” 

Seraph nodded as if she had made up her mind. 

Both of them stared at me intently. Then, Luminous slowly opened her mouth. 

“What’s your name, human?” 

“…Takigawa Yuma.” 

“Got it. Well then, I’m going to start the contract now.” 

“Yeah. Please do.” 

The moment the two nodded to my voice, 

“I found you…!” 

A low, sticky voice echoed through the room. The Kyōjū appeared at the entrance, wearing a disgusting grin like a predator hunting its prey. 

Having completed its physical form by the time it arrived here, the Kyōjū looked even more ominous, with black scales absorbing the light and its red eyes gleaming fiercely. 

Its gaze was sharp, as if it were about to devour all of us. 

Seraph and Luminous shuddered for a moment but quickly tightened their expressions and began to weave the words of the contract simultaneously. 

“I am Seraph. In the name of the angel, I form a contract with Takigawa Yuma. With the power of light—” 

“I am Luminous. In the name of the demon, I form a contract with Takigawa Yuma. With the power of darkness—” 

Their voices reached me with a pleasant resonance. 

…To think I’d witness the scene of their contract being formed live. 

Even in such a situation, I could feel my heart racing as if I were experiencing the main game firsthand. 

However, the Kyōjū didn’t seem to hear the precious voices of Seraph and Luminous; it just grinned wickedly. 

Original Author’s Comment:

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