What Do You Wish For With Murky Eyes: Record of Highserk War - Chapter 23

Asama Yuuto looked down at the scars he had carved into the earth. It wasn’t his first battle, but whenever he ended up killing someone, he couldn’t help but feel sentimental.

Yuuto came to this world six months ago. While walking home with two childhood friends, they were led by a black cat to an old shrine.

With no one around and having lost sight of the black cat, Yuuto and his friends tried to return home. However, they were suddenly drawn into a black vortex.

When Yuuto woke up, the shrine was gone, and they had been transported to an ancient stone ruin.

Exiting the entrance, they found themselves surrounded by people seemingly out of their time. Amidst the confusion, Johanna, a female knight claiming to be from the Rehauzen Knight Order, patiently explained to Yuuto.

Over four hours of conversation and demonstrations of «magic» and «skills» served as ample evidence to believe in the existence of another world.

Under the guidance of Johanna, who took on the role of their mentor, Yuuto and his friends underwent daily training in knowledge and skills. They eventually became known as the Three Heroes of the other world, actively participating in various activities both domestically and internationally.

Among them, Yuuto manifested «magic» and «skills» specialized in combat. Yuuto, originally chosen for representative sports teams due to his high athletic abilities, seemed to immerse himself in battles, perhaps to forget the world he had come from.

In the Craist Kingdom, which bordered powerful demon territories, demonic creatures were both detested enemies and valuable resources.

Defeated demon beasts were processed and transformed into daily goods and weapons. Yuuto vividly remembered the day he cautiously ate an orc he had defeated.

Even for Yuuto, killing humans was not something he could easily get used to. The first time he pointed a sword at a person was in the villages along the magical territories, where former soldiers of the old Kanoa Kingdom had turned into a band of thieves, wreaking havoc.

Yuuto wasn’t overflowing with a sense of justice, but he did possess modern human morals and a conscience. Truth be told, he wasn’t enthusiastic about humans killing each other.

The extermination squad cornered the bandits to their hideout, but entering it was expected to result in significant casualties. Suppressing his trembling hands, Yuuto stepped forward.

The outcome was gruesome. Yuuto unleashed his skill «Holy Strike». The hideout’s defensive wall blew away in a single blow, and over a dozen bandits died instantly. The rest were exterminated by the knight order. Yuuto himself engaged with a hiding bandit, piercing his chest with a sword.

The sensation in his hands lingered for months, and for several days, he couldn’t eat a proper meal. Enduring unbearable psychological stress, Yuuto, just a high school student, managed to overcome it.

The support from the members of the knight order and the presence of his two childhood friends, who were also transferred, played a significant role in his ability to overcome the challenges.

Yuuto finally returned from the sea of his thoughts to reality.

“…How many people died?”

With the «Holy Strike» unleashed by Yuuto, the building where the enemy squadron leader was stationed was blown up, and considering the Highserk soldiers attempting to retreat, he might have killed around 40 or 50 people.

Although comrades and liberated villagers expressed their gratitude, Yuuto’s heart remained clouded.

“Yuuto, what’s bothering you?”

The one who approached Yuuto with these words was his fellow transferee, Isaki Makoto.

“Makoto…”

“Sorry to disappoint you by being me. Ayane is treating the injured.”

Makoto, who had participated in the battle using area-of-effect magic to kill enemy soldiers, laughed and patted Asama’s back.

“You’ve probably already worried as much as you can. It’s tough to make the switch, but we have no choice but to live on here.”

“Yeah, there’s no going back, huh?”

Yuuto couldn’t turn back for two reasons: one was returning to his original world, and the other was going back to a life without killing.

Yuuto was fortunate in terms of both environment and guardians. He was taken care of until he adapted, and in this world, he led a lifestyle that could be considered upper-class. He had witnessed numerous times that those without power in this world were mercilessly trampled upon.

Upon learning from Johanna that leaving the aggressive Highserk Empire unchecked could lead to the Kingdom of Craist becoming a vassal or perishing like the Principality of Myard or the Kingdom of Kanoa, Yuuto made the decision himself.

He resolved to protect the country he had come to rely on, his place in it, and his comrades. Escaping from battle at this point was no longer an option.

“It’s okay. With Johanna-san and us here, let’s do our best.”

“Yeah, I’ll definitely survive in this world.”

“Sure, sure. Oh, by the way, you haven’t had a meal yet, right? Let’s eat. There’s orc jerky and bean soup. Also swordfish pickled in oil.”

“Again with the orc, well, the appearance is something else, but the taste is addictive, right?”

“Exactly. Let’s invite Ayane and the three of us can eat together.”

Led by Makoto, Yuuto disappeared into the tent. Coming to this world, he had lost immeasurable things, but he had gained something as well. Yuuto somehow managed to switch his focus to the meal.