Transported to a hyper-realistic RPG.

"You're saying that the demon soldiers came here to use Hyoka as an eye drop... right?

Yes. I don't know... what it does, though.

I'm going to try out some appraisal magic, but...

Hyoka...a very rare flower that exists only on the island of Ouka. It is vulnerable to heat and dissipates when exposed to fire. It is a type of flower in the legend of the Four Demons, and it is said that if you collect the four types, you can refine an elixir.

The description is almost identical to Yohka.

I'm not sure what it means to be able to see the scenery as seen by the gods...

"Rikka doesn't seem to like that drug, what's wrong with it?

"That drug will shorten your life. Rikka is here to put up with so much, and I'm going to be angry when she does that.

Rikka is here to avoid hurting people. You can't control your power and turn the surroundings into extreme cold. That's why I was holed up alone and lonely in a place like this.

And yet, Ricca couldn't allow herself to use a potion that would shorten her life span.

You'll be able to see that you've got a lot more than just a few minutes to spare.

'Is that what they were talking about?

Rikka has a pretty good idea of what happened on this mountain. So there's no doubt about it.

"Ricka has affected the entire mountain with her holy spirit magic, so it seems that she can sense anything that happens in this mountain.

"That's a hell of an ability...

Does that mean you knew we were coming in?

Yeah. I knew. I didn't want you to come, so I did with the blizzard.

"That blizzard was Rikka's doing?

"Yeah...sorry...

I don't know what happened when the demon warriors came, but it wouldn't be a good thing.

If they thought a similar thing might happen, it's no wonder they're trying to keep you away from them.

'We let it snow, we're in big trouble...'

I think it's about the collapse.

That was unexpected.

Yeah... it just cooled the sky and dumped snow on us to make it harder to go... sorry...

The reason is the reason... and we forgive Ricka.

Chill the skies above... that's really a tremendous power.

You will be able to get the best out of it.

You can also find that the original reason for this is because of the demon squad that did something to the holy spirit, which is supposed to have a pure heart, and that's why Rikka put people off.

It's not Ricca's fault...but if Senna can forgive, we, who are not seriously injured, don't need to say anything more.

"Injured .........?

It's not a big deal. I'm fine, I'm all healed up now.

The truth is that it was a serious injury, but... Senna smiles to keep Ricca's mind off of it.

I'm sure you'll have nothing to say about it, if you say so.

'Yeah ......'

So, the guys in the masks took the iceberg with them?

I don't know. I didn't give you the flowers from the place where Ricka knew them, but they grow a lot, so maybe I got them from somewhere.

A lot of growing...? Does it grow in clusters as well as dark flowers?

"Didn't a long time ago, there was a contract with the companion of Ricca, the Four Demons came here?

Yeah. I'm here.

Ricca easily affirms it. I'm sure the legend of the Four Demons Flower is true.

I'm sure you'll be able to find your way to the top.

"There weren't that many of them in the past. But they multiplied and multiplied, growing in many different places.

In other words, when the four demons came, they were only growing in a limited number of places, so you couldn't find them, but when the demon squad came, they were growing in other places...?

'But listen to me, Rikka's got it all together.

Originally, it was much easier to get, but one day, the demon squad met with Ricca, and after learning about the iceberg, Ricca moved the flowers.

It's a good idea to have a conversation with him, but Senna and Nil didn't realize that he was a person with great power, and the demon squad members also talked to him without realizing it.

'What kind of conversation did you have with the masked guys?

...... That day I saw some people approaching, so I went out to warn them.

Rikka's story was difficult to understand because it was broken up in so many ways, but when I listened to it along with Lat's additions, this is what happened.

I don't know the exact time, but it was probably not that long ago.

Rikka noticed a few people coming into the mountains.

Those people, it seems, had taken a long time to get up the mountain.

It's a dangerous place, and apparently Rikka went to warn them about it because she didn't want to get too close to Rikka and let her powers get out of control in some way.

It seems that they weren't too wary, as they had saved Angak, and showed up in front of the masked men who were around the mountainside.

The masked men didn't think twice about the fact that a beautiful woman appeared deep in the mountains, but they invited Ricca in and had a chat with her about various things.

They were good-natured people, Rikka thought, and she enjoyed the conversation, buoyed by the fact that she could talk to them before giving them advice.

In that conversation, he heard a lot about Hyoka.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it.

Apparently, Rikka was so angry when she heard the story that she almost let her powers run amok, but she managed to keep them in check.

However, the masked guys ......

It attacked Rikka.

It's a speculation, but even in its human form, Rivka is definitely a beauty. They don't think twice about the fact that there is a woman in this place alone, so they must not think twice about the reason for the human race to be here.

Perhaps they were thinking of a poor man abandoned in the mountains. Maybe they had lost their minds in this harsh mountain environment.

Either way, they were trying to get at the most untouchable person in the world.

Although humanoid and yet female, Ricka is a snow woman, a holy spirit. Originally, it is the equivalent of an SS-rank monster.

It's not hard to see how you can kill them without moving a single pinky.

But... Rikka's heart was still pure at that time.

You'll be able to find a lot of good people, and then suddenly a few people gather and put their hands on your clothes.

If you look at Rivka now, you can understand her emotions at that time.

I'm sure she was terrified.

You may be wondering what an SS-rank equivalent monster would do... but there was a similar story in the one Bertonilay told me.

Hence the appearance of a holy spirit that had gone completely out of control...

It was then that Ricca was exposed to the ugly side of people and became frightened of them.

'It's terrible...'

I can't allow it!

Senna and Nir are women, so they will be even more angry.

'So you were particularly wary of me?

'Yeah...'

That would make them wary. Especially with men, there would be nothing but bad feelings.

It's true that people have greed.

But if you take it out on people, it's a disrespect to the beast... or even to Lat. You are inferior to the monster.

I don't know. I'm sure you're right.

It's true that we do have greed. But we also have intelligence. That's why people are able to suppress their greed.

Wasn't the reason why Ricca was alone here, because she didn't want to go outside? That's the same.

"But... those men...

Well...there are indeed such people. But they are a very small number. So please don't hate us too much.

I agree. Well, as a fellow man, I apologize. But...

It's okay...Shinya will know it's not true.

...... Okay. What happened then?

Apparently, Rikka was attacked by the masked ones, and the power she was holding back went out of control, freezing her halfway through. I don't think there's anything wrong with freezing those people permanently, but to Ricka, it seems that people were people, and she couldn't kill them. Fortunately, it ended in an attempt, but Rikka carried those people to the bottom of the mountain and left them there. They don't know what happened to them after that.

It is said that Rikka, knowing the effects of the flowers, immediately moved the ice-flower growing in the mountain to another location.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work. If I were here, I'd make sure you never left the mountain again!

"Senna. Calm down a bit.

Whew! Whew!

Cena clenches his fist and snorts. I know how you feel, but it's in the past. I can't do anything about it now.

'I understand how it happened. But we're here to swear that we'll never abuse it. So, why don't you take me to the place?

...... okay.

With that, Rikka flips her body around and walks to the back wall, where there are many icicles.

Then, with one hand raised horizontally and palm facing the wall...

Whoohoo!

The arms raised from around Rikka, and the wind blows out from the tips of her hands towards the wall.

Joooooooooooo...

When the wind hit the wall, the ice covering the wall melted at once.

I couldn't see it because it was blocked by the ice wall, but it seems there was a metal door in the center of the wall.

It's hidden up ahead.

'That was closer than I thought...'

I feel safer here than anywhere else in the mountain.

If the room was guarded by Ricca, no one would be able to break through, no matter who came. As for Rikka, she might feel safe because it was the closest, but it was also the safest.

When I stepped forward to go see the Hyoka, Rikka turned around and stared into my eyes.

"Shinya.

"What's up?

Are we going to have a problem with Rivka being here?

It's not true. There are people who would rather not have you around.

Rikka said she wouldn't hurt people unconsciously anymore.

Did Beltonilay say that?

Yes.

That's good to know. You can go anywhere you want.

"Yes...but ......

Rikka looks down once, thinks about something, and then looks me in the eye again.

"......... Rikka. I'm not going to the Island of the People of Light.

Probably Bertonilei told me to come and live with them on their island.

Are you going to be alone here at ......?

If I had been alone all along, maybe I wouldn't have felt so painful... but I think it's a lonely thing.

But maybe even if you pluck all the flowers, there will be more.

In other words, I'll be the guardian of the iceberg.... That's too devoted. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

"It would certainly be a relief to have Rikka protecting you, but... it may sound heartless, but it's up to the person to use it or want it. Rikka doesn't have to feel responsible for it, and if it kills her, I think it's his fault.

In the end, no matter what you do, you can't make a person's greed go away.

And that greed creates conflict.

It doesn't make much difference whether Rikka is involved or not.

If people really wanted the icebergs that bloom here, they would use the dirtiest and most awful hands that Rikka could imagine.

Considering the possibility of being exposed to it, it's definitely better to go to Bertonilei's place.

But ......

Ricca. Can you make an easier way up this mountain?

"......?

Rikka tilts her head at Cena's words.

"I can make it.

"Can you hide it, like here?

Yes.

That's...we'll be here occasionally.

When the Four Devils are together and cured, I want to bring Sakura with me.

Senna.

I try to stop Senna from doing a good job of it, but...

Shinya. The people of this island, including us, have been protected by Rikka without knowing it,

Senna says with a serious face.

I'm not sure how long it's been, but it's been unimaginably long.

What do you think our demon tribe can say to Rikka?

I want to let Rikka do what she wants to do.

If it gets really dangerous, I'll take responsibility and we'll take care of Rikka.

The snow god.

It's not right to say something to a being that is so respected as to be called that...?

It's not just a matter of how much time you have left, it's also a matter of how much time you have left. You can't get away from the fact that you can't be without it.

"If you don't hurt people, you can take them somewhere else, right? You don't have to stay here all the time, and if you can move around more freely than you've been able to, you're going to miss it...

You know what you're talking about is a convenient thing to do. Senna cuts off the conversation in the middle.

If you think of Rikka, you will surely be happier if you leave her in the care of Bertonilei and the others. But when I think of the people around here...

Is it a state of affairs that if you take one or the other, one loses?

Is Ricca really that good?

Yes. And now I'm connected to Shinya.

......... the best idea isn't the best idea...

It's Rikka herself and it's not up to me.

I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about it.

It is arrogant to worry about a person with this much power, but...

All right, but if something goes wrong, you have to let me, Lat and Bertonilai know. But if you have any problems, you'll let me, Lat, and Bertonelay know, okay?

Yes. I understand.

Saying that, Ricca headed for the door to the back.

In her mind, she felt a different intention.

I will remain here. The reason for that choice is not a lie, considering the consideration for this neighborhood.

But there are other reasons. I'm not sure if that was the case.

I'm not going to be able to say that I'm not going to be able to do anything about it, but I'm going to be able to say that I'm not going to be able to do anything about it.

I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on, but I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on. You're going to be able to get the same kind of results as those who attacked her. I don't want to do that.

But my guess is that it has something to do with the fact that ...... wears extremely fine white clothing and manipulates people's language.

Gee...

The metal door is opened by Ricca's hand.

When I followed behind Rikka into the back, I found a much more beautiful scene inside than I had imagined.

There is an altar in the center of the room with a single large, thick pillar on either side, as if it had originally been a room to worship something.

The room is only about half the size of the previous one, but it seems to create an air of holiness.

The walls and pillars are decorated with the same detailed and precise ornamentation, which alone is enough to give the room a beautiful form.

The room is filled with flowers made of transparent ice.

The shape of the flowers is closest to the cyclamen. It is a little shorter than the cyclamen, but the shape of the leaves is also similar.

The iceberries growing on the floor of the room. I don't even know how many there are in total.

The room has been opened and the air has flowed, perhaps because of the light, small ice particles are dancing and sparkling in the room illuminated by the light.

'Wow... this is a beautiful flower...'

It's clear and sparkly.

I looked at the floor to see where it was growing from, and the floor was completely frozen and covered with ice without any gaps.

This flower grows from the ice.

Rikka says, looking at the flowers on the floor, which have just sprouted.

There are several other smaller flowers, and when I look at them, they seem to go through the process of sprouting, buds, and blooming, just like normal flowers.

Will the flowers die?

It will die. I've seen the petals fall off and melt into the ice. But then it sprouts right back out again.

It's strange to see an ice plant grow and die just like a flower.

Is this safe to collect normally?

Yeah.

I snap one of the icicles off the base and try to collect it.

It feels cold to the touch, and feels just like ordinary ice... I wait for a while, but the ice doesn't melt.

This ice is different from regular ice, so it will slowly melt over the course of a day. It will melt quickly when subjected to intense heat.

It's an interesting property... much easier to handle than Yinka.

I'm sure you'll be able to find the right one for you.

Are you sure it's safe to collect all the flowers?

"Yes, but... But...

I won't spend it on anything bad or give it to anyone else, I promise. I promise.

"....then it's good. Tomorrow it will grow back in the same way.

That's a lot of life force...

It seems that when the four demons came looking for it, they simply couldn't find it.

With Ricca's permission, we collect all the icicles and store them in our inventory.

I'm sure you'll be able to find it. There are two more to go.

It's going well... right?

Definitely. I'm sure. I should be able to make it.

"But it's going to take a while to get down from here.

That's because Rikka will find a way. That's the deal I made with Senna.

As I was saying... how do you make it?

"Easy. Just make the stairs.

No, yeah. I know that, but I'm just saying there's no way to do that... even if we were to make it with magic, how many meters do you think it is from here to the ground... it shouldn't be a thousand or two thousand...

"Before that! Ricca. I know it's not cold, but it's cold enough for us to watch, so I'll make you all kinds of things!

Cena held up his index finger and looked into Ricca's face.

"I don't need it, but...

"I'm curious! Nil! Help me!

Hmm. I understand.

When I say make, I don't mean make a big deal out of it.

Socks and gloves and scarves...just sew simple things that can be made from the fabric. It's a quick and easy process if you have Nir.

If it's not cold in its current state, I was worried that it would be hot when I put it on, but it seems to be fine.

When Cena and Nil touched Ricca, cold! And because of the noise, the body temperature itself must be low.

After that, Sena and Nir won't budge, even though the work is already done.

It's late and we can stay here all night.

I don't think Nir and Senna were willing to move until I said so.

If you listen to Rikka, there was no option for the two of them to split up like this.

Already, both Senna and Nir see Ricka not as a snow woman, but as a woman. No, it was so from the beginning.