Chapter 42: Lick You, and You Shall Be Well!
There are many ways a mortal can tackle a girl.
A godslayer can tackle a girl in many ways too.
So, Hikigaya Hachiman instinctively executed what he considered the most scholarly style of tackle — the "Pear God Slam."
Honestly, back when he was still a single dog, he had practiced this move for quite a while, always dreaming of using it on some girl.
Finally, the day had come for a field test!
With a loud "Oops! My foot slipped!", a god who had possessed a human body, and a godslayer who still looked more or less human, collapsed together in an elegantly intertwined heap — right in front of a bunch of gawking Set beasts.
The depth of his fingers, the angle of his chin burrowing in — everything was nearly perfect.
Unfortunately, he still couldn't match the original creator of the move, the Pear God himself — that guy apparently even used his tongue and could make even the dumbest of love interests fall for him.
Even without going that far, at the very least, Hachiman didn't see any hint of shyness on Yukino's face.
On the contrary — she was radiating murderous intent…
She was still glaring at him…
Hachiman glared back indignantly, then inhaled deeply, taking in her scent — so pure! He nuzzled his face closer to hers.
He had no choice — ever since that divine possession, she seemed to have gained some bonus Strength stats, and was now super strong.
If not for Hachiman's unique talents, he wouldn't have been able to pin her down at all.
He was already using every resource he had. If his fifth leg wasn't totally useless in this context, he might have used that too. So now, his face was the only thing left that could be useful.
Still glaring? What do you want?
This body obviously belongs to me now — shouldn't you just leave?
Hachiman had been enduring that piercing stare for a while and finally grumbled in his heart.
After the long stare-off, Yukino's aura seemed to soften. She spoke faintly:
"Godslayer, you should release me now."
"I will — once you leave her," Hachiman said with a face full of contempt.
Heh. Like it'd be that easy to fool him!
"To be so shameless... this land truly has yet to give birth to someone like you."
Yukino seemed to give up struggling. Hachiman could feel that strange strength leaving her body.
He still heard her voice in his ears, though it was gradually fading.
"You should not have touched us. Now, we have obtained your 'history,' and the warped time shall settle.
You and your companions don't have much time left. But my goal has been fulfilled.
Godslayer, remember my name. I am the goddess of Arinna, protector of the king. I shall remember this act of generosity. I look forward to our next encounter."
As soon as she finished speaking, Hachiman could feel that the divine power within Yukino had completely dissipated — cleanly and entirely, as if it had never been there.
At the same time, he felt two more divine energies erupt elsewhere in the camp, then vanish into the heavens.
No wonder he hadn't seen the husky or the fox…
So… is it over?
Hachiman snapped out of his thoughts and happily looked down.
Huh? Yukino, are you sure you're awake? What's with that expression?
Did the Sun Goddess of Arinna not fully leave yet? That could be handled.
Hachiman hesitated a bit — but then remembered: he was saving someone. Moved by his own noble intentions, he felt there was no reason to hesitate any longer.
With the utmost sincerity, and a very serious expression on his face, he lowered his head…
…and gave Yukino's lips a lick.
…Not cherry-flavored! Another lie!
He had been so focused back when planting that tree for Haruno, he hadn't taken time to taste it properly.
He had assumed this time he'd finally know what "cherry flavor" meant!
He was going to beat that liar senseless when he got back — return all those hopes and feelings!
"Y-You… you…"
A voice came from below, stuttering slightly.
"T-This is… illegal, you know!"
Hah! What kind of cop would arrest him for this? Girl, you're hilarious.
It was just high-level artificial respiration.
Wait! Yukino! Is it really you?
"Yukino, you're awake?" Hachiman put on a delighted face. "My sacrifice of dignity wasn't in vain — I finally cured you!"
"…"
Yukinoshita Yukino, though still a bit fuzzy-headed, had one clear thought upon hearing that line:
She really wanted to kill the shameless animal lying on top of her.
Being treated like that — she felt both humiliated and angry.
She had considered doing such things before, but… not like this! It was too much!
Being… sprayed on by that dirty thing?! Unthinkable! Absolutely terrifying!
She began to wriggle fiercely to get free.
"…Feels like you're thinking something very inappropriate?" Hachiman looked at her suspiciously, all while enjoying — er, enduring — her emotional outburst after being manipulated by a god. With a magnanimous heart, he comforted her.
Huh? Isn't this how it works?
Say no and I'll beat you!
That's the kind of righteous mindset Hikigaya Hachiman had — willing to threaten the audience to protect his values.
Finally, when it seemed Yukino had vented enough, Hachiman let her go.
"Alright, alright, better now?" he said.
Yukino appeared fully calm again. Her expression was still cold, but unlike when she was under divine control, this coldness now had warmth. She was alive again.
"Why… am I here?" she asked, clearly having thought carefully about the situation. "I remember… I was in the hotel."
Perfect — just like Haruno.
The only difference was, Haruno had snapped back immediately after losing Horus's influence. Yukino, on the other hand, had been captured by a god right after being sent back in time.
Unlucky beyond belief.
But why would that Hittite goddess target him?
Ever since he learned her identity, Hachiman had been puzzled.
And her final words also bothered him.
"Hachiman?" Yukino called again, seeing he was zoning out. Her irritation, which had barely settled, flared up once more.
Was she really not as good as Haruno?
"Ah?" Hachiman blinked, scratched his head, and — while pretending to be confused — perfectly recalled her earlier question.
A big thumbs-up to himself for having such a great memory.
"There was a little accident. It's okay. We'll be heading back soon."
He said, looking off to the side.
The surrounding Set beasts, sensing his command, dispersed and ran off in all directions.
Before long, Hachiman heard the barking of the husky and the fox.
Those two fools were in the camp after all.