Odd Medroa

◀　Read from EP1

◀　"The Useless Daughter"

▼"The Return of the Hero" - "The War of the Two Factions"

Odd(29) "Adam...! Eve...!!! You’re safe…!"

Eve(12 )"・・・・・・Dr. Odd..."

Adam(37) "Sorry to have worried you..."

▼ Scene change

Odd "...Lilith and Noah...I see.... That’s a shame..."

Adam "Anyway, we have to get Lilith back first.
She is already suffering from the "terminal disease".
She even lacks memories of Eve and I. I don't know what she'll do now."

I was pale when I heard what had happened at the Falsedad Cor.
How could Lilith and Noah try to kill Adam and Eve-chan?
I could no longer find the words to express my feelings for the heroes who were maintaining a strong attitude in front of me.
A heavy silence enveloped the area, and then, with a familiar voice, my "friend" opened the door with great energy and entered.

Abel "Adam ・・・・・・! You are here...!
Odd? Shouldn’t you be in the north...?"

Odd "Abel...? Long time no see. I came back a while ago."

Abel "Oh, I see. Let's go out for dinner later...but I'm too busy for that…
General Null, has a message for our hero, Adam Blaze.
First of all, turn on the TV and get an idea of what's going on・・・・・・."

Adam "...?"

I turn on the TV for Adam, who is confused about the request.

"Following the startling statement from Lady Lilith Maiya, Grand Chariot is now on high alert, the protection of Lady Lilith Maiya and the agency's staff as the top priority.
All eyes are now on Central's response."

Odd "...wh...what the heck..."

Adam "...Noah must have put her up to it. She was afraid that Lilith would get denounced."

The short version of the story is as follows.
Lady Lilith Maiya's estate "Falsedad Cor" has been under the control of Central for a long time, under the surface, the "new Kagaribito" were being researched by the hero Adam Blaze.

The "consumption chain reaction" of astral flares caused by an accident during the experiment is the cause of the "Terminal Disease". In order to conceal that fact, he used his power beyond human knowledge and plotted the destruction of all Kagaribito's active in the world.

Lilith tried to restrain him in order to stop him, but the power of the "hero" allowed him to defect to Central. We, as the noble Grand Chariot of "Compassion", will not allow Central to commit this atrocious act. We must protect both the human rights of these people, who already have "hearts" as new life, and the peace of humankind.

Destructive actions will mean "civilization regresses" and society will suffer again.
In order to protect people's lives from the "terminal disease," we must first prevent the depletion of astral flares. The best way to stop the depletion of astral flare by the "chain reaction" is to stop the power of all Kagaribito and to strengthen the restrictions on astral flare consumption on the part of mankind. I hope that the world will unite in the face of this adversity.
I promise to devote my life to their subsequent improvement and to use my wisdom to bring peace to the world again.

Therefore, we appeal to Adam Blaze, who possesses the power beyond human understanding, to help us "temporarily freeze” all Kagaribito. We sincerely hope that the humanitarian aid from the "peace-loving heroes" will be considered and applied.

Adam "...Things are moving faster than I expected. It's true that Null has been funding Falsedad Cor for a while, and I'm an Eden contractor, so … I've been aware of the depletion of astral flares for a long time. I'm also aware of the fact that their "pseudo-mental circuits'' are rigged to stop the chain. They've already figured it out. The more I learn about the structure of Kagaribito, the more I believe it. It is a believable lie. I guess they got suspicious because I took the magical jewelry that would be the core when I escaped.... I was just trying to take a big stand because it would be a little tough to destroy all of them at once in the future... Things would get tough if the core is destroyed by the others.
She’s a genius...”

He was so calmly analyzing the situation when he was almost killed by his wife, I cannot help but be amazed. This is the strength of a man who has fought his way through that war....
I would have fallen into depression....

Odd "...You did that? You're very thorough....
And they've also calculated that we can't reveal the truth about Eden..."

Abel "Hey... Seriously, I don't understand....
Can I just act as I normally would, Mr. Maiya?”

Adam "...hahaha. You're tough. I thought you were going to be awkward for a while."

Abel "If that's what you want me to do, I'll do it. I'm sorry about that.
But I thought maybe you don't like that kind of thing."

Adam "You know me well. You're right. Just be normal
Just call me Adam. Maiya is a last name I'm not allowed to use anymore."

Odd "...?"

▼

We are heading to General Null after that, keeping track of each other's situation.

Abel "Huh... Seriously. I heard that you were able to work as a doctor in the northland, I didn't realize you were Eve's doctor at the hero's house."

Odd "Ha-ha-ha... Sorry. Confidentiality...
But I was surprised, too. I didn't know it was you who saved Adam."

Abel "No, I was really scared. A girl with long hair came out in the middle of the night with a limp, I was forcibly dragged to the Las of Terminus, a bloody person lying in such a suicide spot."

Odd "That's a horror story..."

Adam "Thank you so much for your help on that occasion. It's the only thing that kept me alive."

Abel "...No, I'm glad I was able to save you.
If Adam had died in this situation, it would have been more horrifying.
And I also vote for destruction.
There is so much information that I don't understand what Eden is....
The more I hear about it, the more I realize that your wife's idea is just not realistic."

Adam "I would have done that if I could have....
If we choose to share the astral flare and let Kagaribito and people coexist, we would probably have to go over the corpses of numerous allies.
Besides, I am the guardian of the bonfire...well, I mean, the source of astral flare, I probably won't even be able to catch the disease.
If I lost Lilith, and even Eve went crazy… I'm afraid that I'll be the only one who survives in such a world with a sane mind. To be honest, I'm scared."

Abel "I guess even heroes have fears."

Adam "Isn't it natural? I am a person. I've never thought of myself as a hero.”

Abel "Ahh... my dreams are getting more and more broken..."

Adam "・・・・・・you've really stopped being so reserved, haven't you?"

was glad Abel was there. I think as I listen to their conversation.
To be honest, Adam's current situation is not something that can be made fun of.
If it had been just me, I would have made him feel uncomfortable.

Abel "Well, here we are.
Excuse me, General Null, Ma’am.
I have with me His Excellency Adam Blaze and Odd Medroa, Chief of the Medical Department."

He led me to a room where I opened the door to find the General and other top executives of Central. Colonel Sin was waiting in the corner. When she noticed us, she looked up and gave me a small wave. To be honest, I am not sure why I am here....
But now that I know what's going on.

Null "Thank you for your hard work, Lieutenant Abel.”

Abel "Now, if you'll excuse me..."

Null "You've heard everything from them anyway, haven't you? There is a seat for you. Have a seat."

Abel "Arrrrrrrr...? Me too...?"

Null "Well, as of today, you are promoted from second lieutenant to major. Work hard.”

Abel "This is more than a second-class promotion..."

Null "It is, isn't it? I have given you all the positions you need.
Only those who know my identity and that of the heroes, are here. No need to hesitate.
I will introduce myself once again, my true name is Levia Lyne.
I am the founder of this country, which you worship as the First Emperor. And there is Adam Blaze, The guardian of the bonfire that I sought and could not find.
Do you need more proof?”

Erde "You don't want it? If you want, I can bash your head in."

At the colonel's words, the executives shook their heads in unison.
No wonder. No one wants to see such a horrific scene.

Null "Thank you for getting to the point. It hurts to think about. I'd appreciate a break if you could."

Adam "You're the same as ever."

Null "Hello, Adam. It's been years since you were in Central.
The return of the hero of the battlefield. You'll be a great morale booster."

Adam "...You really have no shame."

Null "Oh, you need comfort? You're going to have to fight your wife.
I have a heart of mercy. If you want to stay here as a coward, I'm here to teach you a lesson."

Adam "Can you do that? Sure."

Null "Oh, you're fine, aren't you? Well, that's good.
I couldn't talk to you if you're crying like a baby.”

Adam "...Who's going to cry and sputter when they're old enough to know better?”

I had never seen Adam Blaze say such a thing in a whisper, as if he was going to throw up.
I wondered if it was General Null's way of giving him a pep talk. I had been nervous about this, but it seems that my fears were unfounded.

Null "Now that we have confirmed the morale of our tragic heroes, let's get down to business.
We have just received a declaration of war from the northland, Grand Chariot. They want us to hand over the exiled Adam Blaze, and temporarily freeze all of Kagaribito, plus immediately reopen the plant after the end of the disease.
The total amount of astral flare is unrecognizable to anyone but the hero in this place.
It is no longer worth talking about. They don't want to give up their wealth and prosperity once they have it. That's how human beings are. Especially in that country, they have relied a little too much on dolls. They don't want them to go away now."

Odd "Is it no longer possible to avoid fighting?”

Null "They are desperate. I'm sure you all heard Lady Lilith Maiya's demands, but as I know Eden, I can't accept such a thing.
To make a long story short, the human race is now on the verge of extinction. I have observed the rise and fall of mankind over the past 1,200 years, but this is the first time I have seen such a situation. For my part, I do not want to fall prey to the disease.
Immortals without hearts and minds are nothing more than a setback for civilization.
You don't want to die like this, do you?
Therefore, for once, I will not compromise.
Death to those who defy us. Kill all Kagaribito with all the power of Central.
This is an imperial order from the First Emperor, Levia Ryne, who rules the Eden."

The place goes quiet. No wonder. The "it" sitting in front of me with one hand on her cheek is The Emperor. She is no longer the same person, her eyes are as cold as ice, as if she would pierce and kill anyone who looks into them.
The majesty of the "Inhuman" seems to be crushing us.

Erde "Huh... I never thought the day would come when you would look so dependable..."

Null "What, it looks like I've been unreliable up until now."

Erde "That's right. Well, okay. I'll give you a chance.
I don't want to die. We're going to crush Kagaribito."

Odd "I don't like the idea of killing someone who defies you,
I agree with you about Kagaribito.
Can we rely on Adam's power as well?"

Adam "Regarding that, I probably can't be of much help."

Erde "Why not? If you ask them to die, won’t they die?"

Adam "As I said, my power is "the power to rule all spirits."
The Kagaribito that will probably be put into the front line will have that countermeasure.
The point is, my orders won't work on a machine that doesn't have a pseudo-spirit installed in it."

Odd "Ah... I see... If it is used as a weapon, it should just be a sophisticated combat machine..."

Adam "That's what I mean. Lilith is originally a genius of "doll" making.
She wouldn't bother to put something she doesn't want destroyed into the front line."

Erde "I see. In other words, in order to destroy Kagaribito, we must first fight against mere machines…”

Null "And be careful with the magic battle.
Even if it's just a matter of time until the astral flare is depleted.
You know what will happen to us if you eat a large amount of astral flare, don't you?"

Odd "...The Terminal Disease will accelerate."

Everyone looked at each other in unison at my words. Everyone was realizing that it was going to be a tough battle.

Abel "...I, perhaps it's my turn to be of use?”

The "new major" with low aptitude for magic, who had been watching the conversation restlessly. He said something that didn't fit the mood of the conversation. We couldn't help but laugh a little. And we all pledged to do what we could do to get out of this apocalyptic crisis alive and to the best of our ability.
Even in a hopeless situation, we will never give up.

Odd (...I am proud to have met you all.)

In this situation where anyone could die at any moment, I couldn't help but think about that.

▼ Four years later. (Human calendar 2101, the last year/ODD(33)) "The Water Attribute Eater"

The world was divided in two by the declaration of war from the North to Central.
After that, of course, the Central side issued a statement and counterattack by "Hero Adam Blaze" himself.
The end result was a war between two factions, the "Destructionist" and the "Freeze" factions.
Many people were also moved by Adam’s attitude of prioritizing "human life" to the utmost.

With the war that began again, the "Destructionists," who supported Adam, continued to secure "enough astral flare in the air" to keep people alive by reducing the number of Kagaribito day by day, thereby halting the progression of the symptoms of the disease as much as possible.

According to Adam Blaze, the guardian of the bonfire, the amount of astral flares when the life of a "conventional creature" ends is correctly converted to astral flare.
However, this does not seem to be the case with the dolls, and the situation is gradually worsening.

Adam "Machines don't return to the planet, do they?
So the astral flares they take in stay there forever, gradually they rot and become foreign to the planet."

(*This concept is a milestone in causing the old ones to run amok in the future. by Lily)

He looked into the abyss of the world in such a way, and we all learned the sinfulness.
The "creation of new life" and its use, which Lady Lilith began.
It has long been a common saying of the destructionists that this was the realm of the gods and it was forbidden to be touched by human beings. That is why we must put an end to it with our own hands. That is our belief.
On the other hand, the Freeze group says, "They have already been born. We all have to fulfill our responsibility as parents” also makes sense. “I don't need it anymore, so I'm going to kill it."
If we apply this concept to human beings, we are indeed committing a very inhumane act.

Odd “I wonder if the day will ever come when we will be able to work together again.”

I have been thinking about this more and more.
To be honest, I was tired.
The medical field is in chaos with the injured from the war and those suffering from the Terminal Disease. There was no time to even think about the lives that could not be saved.

Odd "Still... I don't want to give up until the end..."

I mutter to myself, and then, willing my sleep-deprived body, I returned to the battlefield.

▼

Erde "What should I do next?"

Odd "Oh, yes. It would be helpful if you could bring me all the bandages you can find from the shelf over there. I'm kind of sorry, Colonel, you must be tired..."

Erde "It's okay, it's better than my men dying like this. I'm off."

I'm busy treating the wounded. The place is supposed to be a "terminal disease" treatment area, but the emergency ward has not been able to accept the patients.
The medical team that can move around, is all out there to deal with the situation. When we were in crisis due to the lack of manpower. Erde, who was on duty, was covered in blood and brought the injured to the ward. She even offered to help.

When I looked at her, I turned pale and said, "Are you all right?” I could tell how terrible the situation had become on the frontlines this time by her regretful reply, "It's okay, it's not my blood."

When the treatment somehow came to an end, it happened.

Null "Odd...! Top priority...! Don't let him die...!!!!"

General Null rushed in looking more impatient than ever. After that, her subordinates brought in the "patient" on a stretcher. I felt a chill run down my spine.

Odd "Mr. Adam... ！！！！"

He's in cardiopulmonary arrest. There is no trauma. However, his originally cool and handsome face is devoid of anything.
It was obvious to everyone that he was in a critical situation.

Erde "・・・・・・...why...Adam said he wouldn't get the Terminal Disease..."

I and my medical team members begin frantic attempts to resuscitate him, but there is no improvement in the situation.
Tears well up in my eyes. I am gasping for air. I cannot breathe properly.

Adam saved me so many times.
He showed me a lot of "love" that I didn't know growing up as an orphan.
He was like a father to me.

Odd "Give me a break.... Please don't let him die...!
・・・・・・・・・Never, ever, let him die. ！！！！"

Crunch.
Then silence........not even the sound of the magic jewelry of the limiting device he gave me popping could be heard anymore.......
Military doctor "Wait...! Odd...! Stop!!!!"
The next moment, I activated the "resurrection magic" on my "father"....

▼(Null's point of view)

Null "・・・・・・."

I have never been so grateful for the power of water's "magical element eater" as I was at this moment. The magical elements in the area converge on him and a green smoke materializes.
Adam survived, even taking the "lives" of the patients and soldiers around him.
He had obtained the power of "bonfire" by paying the "price of death" from a flower garden.
I knew that price was “half his life.”
I brought him to Odd, knowing that he would not survive.
In the few remaining years of the hero's life he had earned, the Bonfire was passed on to his daughter Eve. A glimmer of hope for the distant future.

Odd "I'm sorry... I'm sorry. ・・・・・・・・・."

Erde "......Don't... cry... don't... cry... This... was... the right...choice......."
A familiar compatriot quietly dies in his arms.

Null "Well done."
I leave the ward, leaving him sobbing like a madman.

The entire ward is wiped out.
That's the greatest and most terrible achievement Odd Medroa has accomplished.
Together with you, I will bear this responsibility. I will bear this sin.
I sincerely hope that in the distant future, the noble heart that chose "death" for itself will be saved.

"Noah's Ark"　▶

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