Kays Translations

Volume 3: The World Union Arc

Chapter 72: The Princess of Vengeance

“Lord, Odin is escaping. Is this acceptable? Right now, we could—”

Shortly after the Imperial Sword and Martial Festival ended, one of Lord’s subordinates approached him.

“Isn’t this the perfect opportunity to defeat Odin?”

After all, hadn’t they stationed such a considerable force outside the arena for this exact reason?

Lord, who had only limited military power under his direct command before ascending to emperor, had gathered what little he could near the arena.

Even so, it was not an insignificant force.

“No, leave it. If he’s not coming at us, there’s no need to start a war. The worst-case scenario would be an all-out conflict breaking out at this very moment. I was honestly worried, but… I’m relieved my brother didn’t become desperate.”

Following Lord’s command, his subordinates remained on standby, though they couldn’t understand why he would let such a golden opportunity slip away.

Soon, however, the reason became clear.

“That is…”

A massive airborne fleet appeared to retrieve Odin.

It was Odin’s military force—a power so immense that, if engaged in full combat, it could turn the capital into nothing but rubble.

“Even though he’s my brother, I must admit I admire his meticulousness. Even in that situation, he was prepared for the worst-case scenario. Or perhaps, it wasn’t just for defeat—maybe he had also prepared to eliminate me in case of victory.”

Lord had been aware that Odin had been amassing military strength for this very day.

He had noticed an unusual flow of ammunition and stockpiles—an abnormal increase, as if preparing for war.

If he had lost today, Odin might have killed him outright.

Lord had prepared as much military power as he could, but as someone who had not yet officially become emperor, his available forces were limited.

“I also owe this to my knight. He remained standing until the very end. Without that… perhaps I wouldn’t be here right now.”

Had Odin fully committed to assassinating Lord, the battle would have been lost in terms of sheer firepower.

However, thanks to Kenya standing his ground until the last moment, Odin was forced to retreat.

Because if Kenya could buy time, then the nobles who had sided with Lord after his ascension to emperor would have time to arrive as reinforcements.

And at that point, Odin would be the one facing defeat.

“I see… It truly was a close call.”

“Yes. If my brother had chosen war, Asgard would have been placed in a dire situation. Especially now, when we have to face the World Union.”

If an internal conflict broke out between Odin, who controlled half of Asgard’s forces, and Lord, the World Union would take advantage of it and launch an attack.

That was a situation they absolutely had to avoid.

But Lord knew Odin would never make that choice.

Because—

“To you, losing to another nation is far more unacceptable than losing to me, isn’t it, brother?”

Lord simply watched as Odin disappeared into the distance.

Understanding, at last, that this was the final, irreversible parting between him and the brother he once admired.

—Flashback—

“Look, Lord! This is called chess! I’ll teach you how to play!”

“Brother… Are you sure? I’m… tainted…”

“Huh? That doesn’t matter! Don’t sweat the small stuff! Come, sit next to me! Don’t hold back—I’m your brother! It’s my job to look after my little brother!”

—-

They would never laugh together like that again.

—Some Time Earlier—

The day Kenya was imprisoned by Odin’s scheme—the day after the Imperial Sword and Martial Festival was announced.

The location: The Asian Union.
The nation: Chubu.

A country that stood as the leader of the world’s largest unified political body.

Aside from Asgard, it was the largest nation on Earth, boasting a population exceeding one billion.

In its capital, Kamui, the central headquarters of the Asian Union resided—a city that was home to top military, political, and financial leaders.

It was a metropolis rivaling even Asgard’s imperial capital, Valhalla.

And in one of its military training facilities, a young girl was pushing herself through rigorous training.

A gym, dedicated to physical enhancement.

A soldier approached her.

A man with long black hair, tied back in a neat ponytail—a trait common among Asians.

He appeared to be in his mid-twenties.

“You’re pushing yourself too hard again… You’re going to break your body, Kaguya.”

“Byakuren… It’s fine. If I don’t push myself this much, I won’t get stronger.”

From morning until night, she engaged in simulators, strength training, and tactical studies.

For over six months, she had dedicated herself to learning everything about KOGs (Knight-Operated Gears), throwing herself into relentless training.

“To think you’ve gone from a mere foot soldier to one of the Asian Union’s Thirteen Gods in just half a year… You’re terrifying. I’ve never seen you take a break.”

“If you’re here to distract me, leave. Or are you offering to spar?”

Kaguya was lifting a barbell heavier than her own body weight, strengthening her physique.

People often said that a KOG couldn’t perform movements its pilot couldn’t execute.
Though there were rare prodigies whose KOGs outperformed them, they were anomalies.

So, Kaguya trained her body without fail.

Her slender limbs, toned waist, and flat chest—

All built for combat.

“If that’s what you want, I’ll gladly spar with you.”

“Good. Then let’s go.”

“Of course, princess.”

“I told you to stop calling me that.”

“It’s from an old story in your country—Kaguya-hime. Besides, I’d like to be your knight, even if I’m not from Asgard.”

That name stirred something in Kaguya.

Memories of someone she loved, someone who had once risked their life to protect her.

A love that had not faded even after six months.

Instead, her longing had fueled a fire of vengeance that burned brighter with time.

“I’ve told you many times—I can’t return your feelings. I already have someone I love.”

“You think there’s a man out there better than me? I’m one of the Thirteen Gods—the strongest among them!”

“Yes. A much better man. Someone stronger than me… and stronger than you.”

“Hah! There’s only one person in this world who could defeat me!”

The man immediately thought of one person.

The strongest knight of the Asgard Empire.

After facing him in battle, he had understood—

That man existed on an entirely different level.

The rumors that he had single-handedly cut down fifty KOGs with just a sword?

He believed them.

Osiris Halberd—an existence so overwhelming that he could scarcely imagine anyone surpassing him.

“Well then, add one more to that list.”

“…People tend to glorify the past, Kaguya. But someday, you’ll choose me.”

Byakuren smirked, watching her.

Something about his expression made Kaguya suspicious.

“…What are you planning?”

“Heh. I have a gift for you. Something you’ve been longing for.”

“What…?”

“No need to rush. My father will finalize it in today’s meeting. You’ll find out soon enough. So, shall we?”

“So, today’s World Union meeting will decide it…”

She set down her weights and stepped forward.

“Fine. Let’s fight.”

“Then, let’s hop into the simulator.”

And so, they faced off once again.

Though she had never defeated him before, the fact that she could hold her own against one of the strongest warriors in the world was proof of her insane dedication.

So today—

“Today, I’ll win.”

She fanned the flames of her vengeance even higher.

…

“Isshin, today everything will be decided, right?”

“Yeah. Genbu-san said it’s almost certain. Now, we can only hope.”

At the same facility, Isshin, Kaguya, and other Japanese members had gathered.

Over the past six months, Isshin and his group had established a solid position within the Asian Union as the former Japanese military.

Kaguya’s achievements were significant—she had grown into an ace pilot, chosen as one of the strongest thirteen warriors of the Asian Union.

Because of this, she was the only one permitted to reside in the military facility of the capital, Kamui.

Along with her, Isshin and the others, including Amaterasu, had also secured their positions as the Japanese military force within the Asian Union.

“If the decision is made… does that mean another war?”

“Yeah. I’ll go get Kaguya.”

With that, Isshin headed towards Kaguya’s room.

—

A dimly lit room.

“Ah… nn… Kenya… Kenya… ah…”

The girl lay alone, eyes closed, thinking of a certain boy.

This was the only time of the day that truly belonged to her.

Lying on her bed, with tears welling in her eyes, yet feeling a fleeting moment of happiness—because, at least in this moment, she could think only of the one she loved.

“Nnngh! …Haa… I did it again… I’m hopeless…”

And yet, every time, a small wave of self-loathing followed.

Knock, knock, knock

A knocking sound came from the door.

Kaguya immediately bolted upright in bed.

“Kaguya… are you there?”

“F-Father! J-Just a second!”

Panicking, Kaguya scrambled to compose herself while Isshin waited patiently outside the door.

“S-Sorry. What is it?”

“What’s with that flushed face? Were you training in your room or something?”

“Y-Yeah! Something like that. I just didn’t get enough practice…”

“I see…”

Isshun reached out and gently patted Kaguya’s head.

“Don’t push yourself too hard. I understand your feelings all too well.”

Even Isshin still carried the weight of the boy he couldn’t save that day.

That’s why he had been working tirelessly, day and night, towards the reclamation of Japan.

“Yeah… So, what is it?”

“You know Genbu-san, right? The father of Byakuren.”

“Yeah, I’ve met him a few times. He’s the leader of Chubu, after all. Of course, I know.”

Genbu was a politician and the ruler of Chubu.

He was around the same age as Isshin, and the father of Byakuren—the strongest warrior in Asia.

No, one could even say that Byakuren was the greatest masterpiece, born because of Genbu’s influence.

“Yeah, well, Genbu-san and the others are about to hold an important meeting. I’m attending, but do you want to join too?”

“An important meeting? That must be the one Byakuren mentioned earlier.”

“Yeah. It was already planned, but the decision was made suddenly yesterday. You know about the Imperial Swordsmanship Tournament of Asgard, right? The battle to determine the next emperor has begun.”

“…Yeah.”

“Depending on who becomes emperor, a world war may break out. All we can do is hope it won’t be Lord Asgard. That’s why now is the time.”

A devilish genius, said to have nearly destroyed the EU with his strategies.

Every nation outside Asgard hoped to avoid such a fate.

“Alright. I’ll go.”

And so, Kaguya and Isshin went to the meeting.

As representatives of Japan, just as Genbu had instructed.

—

A massive conference room, resembling the Japanese parliament.

In the center was a gigantic monitor, surrounded by the representatives of various Asian Union countries.

This was the highest decision-making body of the Asian Union.

In the adjacent, slightly smaller room, Isshin and his group entered first.

It was here that a preliminary discussion would take place before moving to the main conference hall.

“You’ve arrived, Kurokami. Ah, and Kaguya-kun too, I see.”

“Yes. I figured it would be best for her to listen to today’s meeting as well.”

“Indeed. You two are the ones most directly involved. The representatives from the other side should be arriving soon. First, let’s go over the main points here, then we’ll proceed next door.”

“Understood.”

Seated next to Isshin was a middle-aged man in his mid-fifties.

Not a soldier, but a politician, with a body softened by years of diplomacy.

Yet, his sharp gaze carried the presence of someone who ruled the Asian Union.

A seemingly gentle, slow-moving man, like a turtle—Genbu.

After a short while, the door opened.

In stepped a group of people with diverse hair colors—

Except for black.

The group greeted them with polite nods.

“Nice to meet you, everyone in the Asian Union. I am Camille, representing the EU. Now, shall we begin? Today is a historic day! Because…”

The entire Asian Union delegation turned their attention to him.

With a smile, his glasses gleaming, he made his declaration—

“Because today marks the birth of the largest nation in the world!”

It was the delegation from the EU.

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