To Become a King and a Magician

(Without the Holy Sword, would I still save the world?)

Naoki's answer was straightforward.

"If I'm truly the only one who can do it, then I'll do it. I don't know if I'd have the courage to say these words in the moment, but in my heart, I'd do it."

It was just empty talk—Naoki himself wasn't sure if he'd actually follow through.

If he had the power, he'd definitely do it. If he didn't… he'd probably run.

Unless it was a situation where he was genuinely the only option—like being the sole person qualified to pilot a Gundam that could save the world or something like that.

But on second thought, that seemed unlikely. The Guardians were always at work, and later, Grand Servants would be far more useful than him. Arthur, the original wielder of the Holy Sword, wouldn't sit idly by either… A scenario where he was the only one capable seemed improbable.

This answer inexplicably sparked a nameless anger in Aoko's heart.

"I hate that, Naoki."

"Hate… Aoko, what are you saying?"

"Nothing, I've just made my decision."

With those cryptic words, Aoko stood and approached Naoki, pushing him onto the bed.

The sudden shift threw Naoki into a panic. "Aoko? What are you doing?"

"Huh? Can't you tell? That's why I say guys like you are just…"

Undoing a few buttons, leaving her shirt half-open, Aoko straddled Naoki, looming over him and gazing down. The sight instantly fried Naoki's brain.

(What's happening here?)

(Why is Aoko undressing? Why this ambiguous pose? Am I being pinned down?)

(By the way, she smells amazing, her hair's brushing my face! I can see her chest! Is that cleavage that big?)

"Aoko, hold on, what's this about?"

"Mana Transfer."

"Mana Replenishment—?!"

Naoki's brain crashed again.

Mana Transfer? That Mana Transfer? It's gotta be the one among Magi, right!

"Just looking at your face, I know what you're thinking. It's more or less like that."

"R-really?" Naoki could barely believe it. "By the way, why Mana Transfer all of a sudden? Aoko, isn't your Mana enough? I thought you were a Mana monster like me."

"Even if I'm a Mana monster, I'm not as monstrous as you, got it? It's because of this."

Aoko pointed to the flower on her chest. "Though I'm a Magician, I can't use Magecraft here. I could only use it normally after Merry's Magecraft tricked this Domain. But after fighting your other self and slipping past Sajyou Manaka's grasp, this thing's almost done for. It needs a Mana refill."

"Then use your own Mana. Why… why… Mana Transfer?"

"If I use my own, it's too slow. Besides, you've got so much Mana going to waste—giving me a bit won't hurt."

"N-n-n-n-n-n-no, this is a huge deal!" Naoki scrambled out from under Aoko. "Aoko, are you seriously okay with this? You're a woman—be more reserved! Think about your reputation!"

"Why are you more long-winded than me…"

Aoko sat cross-legged on the bed, a bit resigned. "Of course I thought it through before deciding. You think I'm some loose woman who'd do this with anyone? Sure, there's some necessity… but at least for Mana Transfer with you, that was my own choice."

"Then… then you don't have to fight, right?" Naoki said. "Whether it's my other self or Manaka, let me handle them. Aoko, you can wait here until it's all over—"

*SLAP!*

Before he could finish, Aoko smacked Naoki, then straddled his waist and hit him a few more times hard.

"Don't get too cocky, you dumb, idiotic junior. That 'protect like a treasure' treatment you're offering? I'd never accept it, not even in death. I came here to help you, but in the end, you're the one protecting me? What's that supposed to mean?"

"Are you looking down on me?"

"No, I didn't…"

"And one more thing that pisses me off!"

Grabbing Naoki's collar and pulling him close, Aoko continued, "Saving the world or whatever—since when did you patent that? Who gave you permission to take on this huge burden so carelessly? I hate people like you who hog all the problems and cheerfully tell others to rest."

"Who do you think you are?"

"This whole saving-the-world thing… I don't dare say I can replace you, but at least half of it, as your 'senpai,' I can help you carry."

As if discussing household matters, Aoko's tone wasn't too intense or flat, but her words carried deep emotion, leaving Naoki momentarily unsure how to respond.

She wanted to help him. That's why she came.

"Don't make people worry about you, okay? Gray's still waiting for you to come back out there."

His life wasn't his alone anymore—Naoki had to live for more people.

Taking a deep breath, Naoki grasped Aoko's wrist. "I understand, Aoko… Sorry, I spoke without thinking earlier. I was a bit arrogant."

"Good, you get it. Now, let's do the Mana Transfer."

"Huh, I think we don't need to rush—Ugh!"

Before he could finish, Aoko leaned down and silenced Naoki's mouth, as if trying to choke him into fainting, almost brutally stealing the air from his body.

Lifting her head with a flushed face, as if she'd used up all her courage, Aoko, showing a hint of shyness, averted her gaze. "I'm super embarrassed too, so please, can you be more decisive?"

"My embarrassment's hitting its limit too…"

Done.

A shy Aoko—Naoki felt he couldn't handle it. This sight was too lethal for a man.

[Hey, vixen, don't get seduced! Where's your willpower? Where's the loyalty you promised?]

Manaka couldn't help but panic. The incident with Merry in the dream realm before was fine—dreams didn't matter; she could just erase the memory. But this was the real world!

Her beloved prince was about to act with another woman right before her eyes… That absolutely couldn't happen!

It had to be stopped!

*BUZZ!*

At that moment, a spark of light suddenly floated out from the flower on Aoko's chest and shot into Naoki's body. Immediately after, Manaka heard the succubus's voice—

[Alright, don't be insensitive and interrupt them, little Manaka.]

[Merlin! You—nobody pushes them out like that!]

"Waaaah!"

Aoko's involuntary scream snapped Manaka's attention back to reality. As she refocused, she saw Naoki lift Aoko and toss her onto the futon.

*CRACK!*

That was the sound of something breaking in Manaka's heart.