IF Route 2: Chapter 2: Holy Spirit Girl

--I... I will never forget the moment the girl I loved died...

My name is Trust. They call me the Hero.

Right now, I was thinking about the girl floating in the air in front of me.

The girl's name is Filia.

The girl who saved me when I had lost everything and was in despair.

Lovely and kind, strong and dignified.

A girl as beautiful as light...

The Demon King's army was strong.

It's not like I was arrogant and thought I would definitely win.

However, considering the cooperation between countries that the city representatives had arranged, I believed that we would not be easily defeated.

The battle with the Demon King's army was fought with thorough preparations.

Warriors gathered from all over the world.

A meticulously planned strategy.

I thought that's what they meant when they said to take every precaution.

However... none of it worked on the Demon King's army.

It could be said that the number of legions, the strategy, and everything else was read like open book by the enemy.

To be honest, the Demon King's army was far stronger than humanity had thought.

It's true that I lost the battle against the Demon King in that city.

If Filia hadn't saved me, I probably wouldn't be alive today.

Still, I underestimated them, believing that they were not an enemy that could not be defeated, and that they could be defeated if I fought together with Filia and my companions.

Here's the result.

That desperate battle had us cornered in a real sense.

The warriors fall one after another.

It was only a matter of time before I made my name among them.

But I also thought it would be a better end than dying in that city.

"Don't give up!"

Filia said so.

Because this girl had saved me, I thought it was okay to die here.

At the same time, I was thinking of a way to at least keep Filia alive.

However, when the girl I love says this to me, I can't give up.

There was a light in my eyes and I was filled with hope for the future.

...But that was too naive.

"Ugh...!?"

Immediately afterwards, something clearly abnormal came out of Filia's mouth.

The spear pierced the girl's stomach.

Red represents the fading of life.

"I am okay..."

There was no way she was okay.

Healing magic... yes, in order for her to stay alive, I had to use healing magic as quickly as possible.

"Hero-sama, reinforcements from the Demon King's army are rapidly approaching us!?"

However, the situation doesn't even allow me to help the person I love.

If I didn't point my sword at as many demons as possible and kill them, the dying Filia would truly be killed.

And yet... Filia spoke in a hoarse voice.

“Leave....Me....”

There's no way that could happen.

I would rather die than run away and leave Filia behind.

"There's no way I could do that! It would be many times better to die here than to abandon Filia and live!"

I shouted.

Tears naturally welled up in my eyes, but I still screamed.

"...I see. I understand."

Filia was smiling.

When I saw that smile, I misunderstood.

"Can you bring my weapon...?"

I give Filia her weapon, a single-edged sword.

She had previously said that it was a weapon with a special origin.

"Trust-sama... please be happy...!"

With those words, Filia plunged the single-edged sword into her own chest.

"……eh?"

I didn't understand the situation.

No... Filia knew she was in the way.

So she killed herself to get rid of my regrets.

"………………"

…….

………….

……………….

My heart was calm as I gazed at the pathetic scene.

I foolishly thought that Filia wouldn't be taken away by someone like the other girls I loved.

What a hopeless guy.

I am so ugly.

Bastard like me should have died then.

So... I said that I would at least fight one last battle as a Hero.

"All forces retreat!"

"But what if we turn our backs on the enemy now?!"

"Don't worry. I'll act as bait."

"Hero-sama?"

"That's right. I absolutely cannot let anyone else die. So, quickly inform the entire army!"

"Al....alright!"

I was going to die.

I feel bad for the people who respect me as a Hero, but I can't see any value in living in a world without Filia.

So at the very least, I wanted to use my life for someone and then die.

But...

--Filia wouldn't even allow that.

"...?"

Filia's body was glowing.

Of course, there's no miracle that will bring her back to life.

However, the light grew larger and larger, enveloping the entire surrounding area... our human army and the Demon King's army.

"...Where am I?"

Before I knew it, I was near Nerisford.

It wasn't just me. All the other survivors were there.

It is far away from where we were fighting the Demon King's army.

No one could explain why this was the case.

All I know is that the Saint... Filia's body began to glow and this is what happened.

People called it a miracle.

The Saint performed a miracle to prevent the death of her loved ones.

And as we later found out, unlike us, the Demon King's army was caught up in that light and disappeared into ashes.

As a result, we succeeded in reducing the Demon King's military strength on a large scale.

But I killed the girl I loved.

What a Hero.

It must have been a terribly ridiculous, incompetent and foolish mistake.

And I even lost a justification for dying.

I don't remember the days that followed.

Before I knew it, I was spending every day in a daze.

I feel like I talked to the city representative about something, but I also feel like I didn't do anything.

All I can think about is how many demons I have to kill before I die.

Vengeance might sound good.

In reality, I just didn't want to waste the life that Filia had saved.

Because I looked so hopeless and weak, Filia probably couldn't die in peace.

"Umm... what should we do for now, Trust-sama?"

Filia was Filia.

I don't even know what I'm saying, but that's the way it is, so there's nothing I can do about it.

Even though she has taken on the form of a spirit like that heard in legends, she remains exactly the same as when she was alive.

She asks me with the same expression she has when she's in trouble.

"That's right..."

To be honest, I was holed up in the inn and didn't have a grasp of the current situation.

According to the last thing I heard, the Demon King's army that was there at that time should have disappeared.

Even if it's the Demon King's army, it would be difficult to prepare an army of the same size so quickly.

And so humanity was at advantage on such a large scale.

Taking these circumstances into consideration, they will immediately strengthen cooperation between nations and take action to strike at the weakened Demon King's army.

It would be best to talk to the city representative and include this information.

...That is, if he still sees me as a Hero.

"Okay, let's go tell them about Filia."

"I understand. But..."

Filia nodded at my words and then looked down.

I wondered if something had happened, but when I saw Filia, I immediately understood what she was thinking.

That's why I have to tell them.

"Thank you for coming to see me even in this state."

Filia even turned into a spirit to cheer me up.

If so, I must stand up.

Stand up so that at least Filia can sleep in peace.

"Filia, let's go together."

Saying this, I extend my hand.

"...Is it okay for such a monster-like girl like me to go?"

So that's what she was worried about after all.

Certainly, Filia looks like a ghost right now.

The evil spirits we hear about may also be seen as enemies to those who have regrets about leaving this world.

But I won't let them say that.

If anyone dares to tarnish the honor of the girl who protected her friends from the threat of the Demon King's army, then I will kill them.

Even if it means being called a criminal, I will not give in on that.

"Filia."

"Y-Yes...?"

"I couldn't protect you."

"That's not true…"

"That's what happens. So, this time I want to protect you."

I know that's not what someone who had been shut up in their room just moments before after losing the girl they loved should be saying.

But the thing I thought I'd lost forever is right in front of me.

This time, I will definitely protect it.

It's not just words. I really mean it.

"No, even if Filia doesn't want to, I will definitely protect you. That's what I've decided."

Filia was a little worried after hearing what I said.

Then she immediately looked up and said:

"I understand. But if I'm going to be a drag on you, Trust-sama, then please leave me behind."

Is that what Filia thinks?

That's only natural, since she's lost her body.

Before she knew it, she was in a spirit-like state...it would be unreasonable to ask her not to worry.

Still, I decided to keep her.

"I told you I would protect you, right? I will never leave Filia behind."

Filia looked puzzled as I said that so forcefully.

I know it's inappropriate at a time like this, but I thought she was cute.

...I really do like this girl.

"Let's go, Filia."

"...Yes. Thank you very much."

Filia's hand, which I took, was warmer than I had imagined.

Come to think of it, it was normal when we were lying together, so there may not have been any difference in body temperature.

However, it seems to be more viscous than when she had a physical body...

No, this is not the time to be thinking about such things.

I took Filia's hand and opened the inn door for the first time in a while.

"Eh? That's..."　

"But she died..."

"Saint-sama, your appearance ..."

That was the voice I heard as I left the inn and hurried to the city representative.

Anyone who knows Filia would be shocked.

This is especially true if they have been on the battlefield together.

But still, I won't let go of this hand.

"……"

Filia followed me with eyes that showed she trusted me.

I will and must be able to live up to that trust.

To never lose someone important again...to never let such a scene happen again.

•

•

"I'm glad you were there."

I was able to meet with the city representatives right away.

I don't know how much time has passed since then, but it seems he is not doing his office work but is instead giving instructions to his subordinates.

"Trust-dono...? Are you okay now?"

The city representative noticed me and came over looking worried.

It seems I have caused him a great deal of worry, and his tone conveys consideration.

I could understand from that reaction.

It's not wrong to tell him about it.

"Are you worried about me because I've lost my will to fight?"

"You lost the person you loved most. It would be strange if that didn't happen."

It was a straightforward statement typical of him.

...Now, how should I explain it?

Whatever I do, I'll have to show Filia.

I wanted to explain about Filia, but she was hiding behind my back.

"...It's embarrassing to show myself like this, Trust-sama."

"It's okay. Everyone will be happy."

After giving me a puzzled look, the city representative peered behind me and gasped.

I think it's a natural reaction.

Right now, Filia is floating lightly, her entire body slightly transparent.

"So, Trust-dono, could you explain to me what this means?"

"Ah, actually, I was feeling down at the inn when she showed up. And then--"

I told him everything without holding anything back.

Ah, no, I'm hiding what happened when Filia showed up.

There's no way I can say anything about it because it's a love affair between a man and a woman.

Filia would be embarrassed, so I don't want to say it either.

"Even after death, the Saint continues to be with the Hero..."

After finishing his speech, the city representative muttered this.

Then he turned to Filia and spoke.

"First of all, Filia-dono, let me express my gratitude. Without you, we wouldn't be here today."

The city representative expressed his gratitude in the same way as he did the day after Filia and I arrived in Nerisford.

At that time it was because she saved me, but this time it's different.

Filia saved thousands of people.

And she defeated a horde of demons, proving she was a large army on her own.

"Um... ever since I got this body, my memories have been a bit hazy. Could you tell me what happened in that battle?"

"Is that so?"

"Yes, I remember that the battle with the Demon King's army was fierce. And that I died..."

Filia didn't remember much of the battle.

To be more precise, it would be better to say that her memories are scattered.

It is unknown what effect losing one's body has on a person, but it seems that at the very least, she does not retain all of her memories from her previous life.

"So, is it correct that you don't know how you died?"

"Yes. However, after such a difficult battle, I don't think it would be surprising if anyone died... even if I myself died."

...The city representative looked at me with a troubled expression.

I see, so he knows the cause of Filia's death.

"After you died, your body began to glow and enveloped the battlefield."

"The battlefield?"

"Yes, when the light cleared, we were standing in a grassland close to Nerisford. I heard that afterwards, it swallowed up the Demon King's army that was on the battlefield and wiped them out."

"I see... Then I can understand why you would praise me."

I'm sure everyone is more grateful than Filia thinks.

I can remember the confused people on the battlefield all talking about the word miracle.

"That was a phenomenon worthy of being called a miracle. No one who was there... no one in this city would say anything bad about you."

"If that's the case, then my death was at least a little worthwhile."

"More than just a little. You have extended the little time left for humanity."

Extended time...

Considering the extraordinary strength of the Demon King's army, we certainly don't have much time left.

If people do not unite and pool their strength and wisdom as soon as possible, humanity will truly perish.

Filia sacrificed her own body to buy us plenty of time.

"Sorry. I didn't have time to rest..."

Damn... I'm so stupid.

The shock of losing Filia prevented me from even noticing what she had left behind.

The Demon King's army is powerful.

I learned that in that battle!

No, I should have realized that the first time I fought the Demon King...!

"Trust-dono"

I raised my head and looked at the city representative.

There, a capable man, a decade older than me, was smiling.

"Trust-dono, to be honest, I didn't think highly of you at first."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. When I first saw you, you had three women serving you, and you possessed immense power beyond anything I could have imagined. It was as if you had lived your life with the word glory on your shoulders... I remember thinking that this was the kind of man a Hero was."

...That might be true.

I had never experienced any real failure in my life.

If I wanted to try anything, I could do it, I had many friends of the same sex around me, and cute girls were always around me.　

Looking back now, I think I may have had a vague feeling that I was special.

Until that moment.

--Demon King.

The man who took everything from me.

My precious friends, my beloved girls, and my reason to fight were all taken away.

I guess that's what they mean when they say everything is taken away in an instant.

"I changed my mind after seeing Trust-dono after meeting Filia-dono. Perhaps I was relieved to see that even someone who is called a Hero can fall to that level."

The city representative laughs and says that jealousy may also be a factor.

The look on his face was something I had never seen before; it showed he understood me.

"Then, when I saw the eyes of Trust-dono as you stood up again, I thought that the woman who walks beside the hero must be like, no, it can only be Filia-dono"

"...That's right. I can't think of anyone other than her. Even if death were to tear Filia and I apart, I intend to love only her for the rest of my life."

"Ehh!?"

Filia was surprised to hear our conversation.

Before Filia died, I had sex with her every night.

However, I feel a little disappointed when I think that my feelings were not conveyed.

...From her perspective, it may have been to heal my wounds.

"I think Trust-dono seems more human right now."

"Human-like?"

"Well, don't you think that since you are human Hero, you needs to act human?"

This person...makes me realize that he is older than me in a good way.

Yeah, I'm human.

As a human being, I feel like I want to fight for this girl.

Fight not as a Hero, but as a man, as human.

"Mayor, from now on, please just call me Trust."

"Okay, Trust. Let's have some good drinks next time."

"Yes!"

I don't know why, but I felt a little relieved.

Filia looks at us with an expression that seems to show some interest.

Are you interested in male friendship?

"Now, I won't go into the details, but after that battle, we decided to strengthen our ties with other countries."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah, we were practically winning after fighting the Demon King's army on such a large scale. As expected, the surrounding countries must have felt a sense of crisis."

Furthermore, there were many people there who were familiar with war loss.

Since the participants were from various countries, there must have been many influential people among them.

If such people like us were virtually winning, it is no wonder that the other countries army felt a sense of crisis.

"Above all, thanks to Filia-dono, we were able to weaken the Demon King's army to some extent. If we want to attack them, now is our only chance. That's obvious to anyone."

"In short, they want to be the first to defeat the exhausted Demon King's army, right?"

"Oh... is that so?"

Filia nodded in amazement.

It's a truly shocking story, but it also makes me think that it's something a country would think.

In fact, although I have been active as a hero up until now, I have only acted on an army-scale a few times.

This means that countries only act in their own interests.

The country that defeats the Demon King will have a strong influence in the world afterwards.

However, the Demon King's army is not weak enough to be easily defeated.

The rewards are great precisely because they are not weak, but they are an opponent that a country may not be able to defeat even if it deploys all of its military strength...no, it is an opponent that it still cannot defeat.

Now, it has been weakened by unexpected circumstances.

If you think from the perspective of someone who is in charge of the country, not deploying military forces would be a foolish plan.

"Whatever the circumstances, military forces from various countries are gathering in this city of Nerisford."

It's a convenient situation for us.

However, on the other hand, if we cannot win this, it will be highly likely that humanity will be defeated.

In a real sense, there is no turning back.

"Trust, I say this as a friend. You could take Filia-dono and live somewhere safe."

"..."

"You have fought and contributed as a Hero up until now. It's more than enough."

That...maybe it is.

The battle from here on out will be on an unimaginable scale.

It is so great that the power of one person has no bearing on victory or defeat.

The city representative says that nothing will change if I'm missing.

When I looked towards Filia, she was standing there quietly.

She told me before.

Her attitude showed that it was okay to run away to a faraway place, and that she would be with me no matter what path I chose.

Even if I were to run away now, Filia would probably follow me.

I find that very attractive and delightful.

That's why... I can't run away.

"The Demon King is not that easy. I know this because I've been defeated by him twice."

"...So that means you will fight again?"

"Yeah. I feel like my fight won't be over unless I defeat the Demon King with these hands."

I guess you could say it's a bad feeling.

I feel like even if I run away now, it will only end up pushing me into a corner.

So I won't run away anymore.

...That's not right.

I'm scared.

To lose the girl who was still with me even in this state once again.

That's why I hate the idea of ​​someone still alive who would try to take Filia away.

I won't feel at ease until I eradicate the Demon King and all of his demons.

If I had to put this feeling into words, it would be... "revenge."

I feel my heart freeze.

I will destroy all those who took Filia's life.

That's the reason for my actions... I've come a long way from being a Hero.

But that's okay.

That's all a man who couldn't protect the girl he loved can do.

"I understand. In that case, there is something I would like to ask of you."

"What?"

"I want Trust to continue to be a Hero and a symbol as it has been until now."

"That was my intention from the beginning, but..."

Even if the Hero part is removed, I will still fight.

Stand on the front lines and kill as many of them as possible.

That would be the appropriate position for an avenger whose loved one has been killed.

"And if Filia-dono also returns, I would like you to be a symbol alongside Trust."

"Me?"

"Yes. I was confused when I saw you earlier, but looking at it from another perspective, it's actually beneficial for us."

...That's what will happen.

Filia saved many lives and eliminated many enemies.

The fact that she lost her life as a result of fighting at the expense of her own life is convenient in terms of a symbol.

Being special is only good as long as you can make it look good.

"Given your current appearance, you are a spirit... no, a holy spirit... I am thinking of announcing you as a holy spirit, is that okay?"

--Holy Spirit.

A saint who sacrificed her life to save her companions and lost her body, yet still appears in this world.

How do people view such a being?

...There's no better symbol than this.

She will surely be worshipped like a goddess, especially in this city where there are many who fought alongside her.

Filia noticed this.

Even though she noticed, she still looked at me with a gentle smile and said.

"I understand. I am Saint, now known as Holy Spirit Filia, and I will fight for Trust-sama!"

I will fight so that I don't lose this girl this time.

Defeat the Demon King, the demons, and the girls I held dear.