Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody

Corrected typos on 2017/1/22.

Partially revised on 2018/5/21.

This is Satou. I love simple and straightforward Hollywood movies. When you think deeply, you can find many plot holes, but the clear succession of hardships followed by catharsis is irresistible. After all, I believe a happy ending is the best.

◇

"Phew, I guess the tidal waves are mostly taken care of now?"

I rescued two girls from the Sea King, defeated the Roc-sized rock bird "Sky King," a subordinate of the dog-headed divine beast, and the fiery Tyrannosaurus-like "Flame King," and flew across the South Sea to handle the tidal waves.

Along the way, I also had to deal with ancient undead who raised floating islands and ghost ship fleets—it was tough.

To be honest, the South Sea is way too dangerous.

As I muttered this complaint, a bright red window appeared in my AR display.

—Red Alert?

"Ugh, this is bad!"

I returned to the Isolated Island Palace by unit deployment.

"Hikaru! Handle the aftermath off the Marquisate of Ganika’s coast."

"Got it—"

I instructed Hikaru, who was waiting at the Isolated Island Palace, then teleported using spatial magic to the Weasel Empire.

Ideally, I wouldn't want to send Hikaru out either, but Arisa's situation is more critical right now.

I want to believe Hikaru is safe, not only under God Parion's protection but also under the patron deity "Heavenly Water Blossom Princess."

Where the gate opened, Arisa's partially melted Staff Ship had crash-landed, surrounded by beast girls, the Demon King-transformed Weasel Emperor, and the dangerous-appearing hero Meiko, radiating blue light.

Ryuryu and Lady Ringlande seemed to be on a large airship nearby.

Looking up, I saw seven glowing orbs of light floating.

The display read "UNKNOWN," so they were likely gods or divine retainers.

The rings of light transformed into a swirling vortex of brilliant colors.

—Danger detected.

That’s really bad.

I extended my Magic Hand to those within reach.

Despite the tingling sensation of danger pressing on my back, I managed to—grab hold.

—This is bad.

Something was falling from the sky.

—Danger, danger, danger.

Just in time, I pressed unit deployment.

Touching the descending white light from above—just barely, I managed to activate the defense.

◇

"Phew, that was a close call."

I moved to my desert space and took a breath.

—Wait, not yet!

I immediately re-teleported to rescue Ryuryu and the others.

—LYU-RYU-RYU-U-U.

The White Dragon, happy to see me, flew over like Pochi.

—Ugh.

Behind Ryuryu, past the crashed large airship, a white glowing tidal wave was approaching.

It was probably a ripple from that white light that fell on us earlier.

"Hey, this isn’t just outside the Imperial Capital—it’s the halfway point to the neighboring city—"

I muttered in disbelief, then used the Magic Hand to grab Ryuryu and the large airship, moving them to the same safe place as before.

"Master! Please help the hero’s child."

Pochi flew over and pleaded with me.

Indeed, hero Meiko, who was rampaging with blue light spewing from her mouth and eyes, looked on the brink of destruction.

I swiftly restrained hero Meiko with shadow magic and handed Pochi the Blood Elixir Modified.

"Give this to her and observe."

"Yes, understood!"

Hopefully this will cure her; if not, I’ll have to give her the forbidden Nectar.

Nectar has many problems, so I can’t leave that to others.

But right now, I can’t spend more time on hero Meiko.

I need to deal with the white glowing tidal wave first. If left unchecked, it could swallow the diocese and Dejima Island.

Solving a major disaster takes priority over acquaintances I've only met once.

"Arisa, something’s wrong."

I heard Tama shout from atop the cockpit of the half-destroyed Staff Ship.

Faster than thinking, I dashed toward the Staff Chief on Flashstride.

I accidentally canceled the unit deployment preparation to Dejima Island, but I didn’t care at the time.

"Arisa! Are you okay?!"

"Daijoubu."

Arisa answered with a strange accent, visor down.

A pale purple phosphorescence leaked from the gaps in her golden armor.