Mushoku No Sonzai 無色の存在 (Colorless Existence)

Perspective : Nobiyuki Susumu
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As we left Kotome's house, we noticed it was getting late. It was a bit past evening, and surprisingly cold...
We walk down the street, but I hesitate to walk further. Ren stops.

"What's wrong?"

"No. Well, where are we going?"

"Hah? Aren't we going to your house?"

"No. We can't go there!"

He leans against a wall, as he begins unwrapping a lollipop.

"Why can't we go?"

"W-Well..."

I stare at the ground, silent.

"I don't really have a home..."

"Eh? But you---"

"I Attempted Suicide! I was admitted to a mental ward!"

Ren becomes silent. His eyes shifting towards mine.

"That mental ward...was going to intern me there for life....My entire family knew I wouldn't come back. Then, what makes you think I have a home anymore if they all knew I wouldn't return?"

"But, Susumu. I'm sure they would understan---"

"They Wouldn't! I don't have a great relationship with my family either..."

He scratches his head curiously.

"I just don't understand. Anyways, it's getting really late. We can't really stand around all day either."

"But, couldn't we just take shelter inside your world?"

Waving a finger, he dismisses my question.

"No good. First of all, my world stasis returns me to a journal form in this world. We would be completely invisible to everything, unless a demon or even another angel notices. Secondly..."

Ren places his finger on my chest.

"You are a Human. My world stasis can only do so much for you. Your body isn't meant to withstand the forces of these manipulations."

He retracts his hand slowly. The same flames that manifested my sword began surrounding his hand.

"Normally, a human is not supposed to be able to use an Angel's power. It is rendered impossible without leaving the body as a spirit. But....In this case, we are breaking a very strict rule. We can't risk being found so easily."

"Leaving the body?"

"Right. Under normal circumstances, a person opens their journal, and their body undergoes a state of unconsciousness. Their spirit is then free to use the Angel's power without restriction."

"Couldn't I just do that?"

"Then, why do you think I'm telling you we should go to your house? We can't just leave your body out on the street."

"But..."

As I look down at the ground, he lets out a sigh.

"I understand. It hurts doesn't it?"

He pats my back.

"But, we can't simply stand by and let it go unsolved can we? No matter how bad it may be, we still have to remind ourselves of the people counting on us. No matter how dire the situation, we must always remember that there are those who still believe you're strong when you're weak."

He smiles brightly.

"I'm counting on you, Susumu."

I nod, silently walking down the street once more.