If I hadn’t met her, I might not be on the 100th floor right now.
I met her a year ago, after the Dance Battle Tournament.
It was when I was directly opposing Kanami, just like now.
Drawing out and reciting the precious connections with that person.
“—’Fill the sky with my voice, and I wish to save the world.’ ‘Let us pray together. Now, let our blood connect and resonate with the song of true souls.’ —Magic: The Song of All Living Creatures, Bright Red Melody (Hairi Weisprorope)!”
I chanted the name of the last Magic Stone Human of modern times as a Fresh Blood Magic.
It differs from normal Fresh Blood Magic. Not only does it draw down experiences and memories from blood, but it is further sublimated to the next level through the power of the Thief of the Law of Blood. Through the accumulated Blood Arts from Fanian’s research institute a thousand years ago, connections were woven together, and souls resonated. This was different from normal Vibration Magic as well.
“”—Boy.”'”
Vibrations echoed. Unlike the illusions before, the source was not a dream, but my throat. My actual throat vibrated, and my voice resounded through the 100th floor. The research on blood that had continued for a thousand years was about to bring about a miracle. Christ repeated the name of the person who connected that miracle.
“…Ha, Hairi? Hairi Weisprorope?”
Sensing the presence of the Magic Stone Human who had dissolved into nothingness in the Shaka Hōkan Jin, Christ completely stopped fighting. It was clear he was perplexed by his unexpected benefactor. My body reacted to the calling of that name. It was not my will. Another soul superimposed within my body vibrated, emitting vibrations from my throat. In other words, Hairi-san was… using my body.
“‘…Boy, I am always grateful. It brings me joy that you, who came from another world, are helping us. However, please understand that it pains me to burden you alone with our problems. …Would you grant my younger brothers a chance, just once? I am sure they will fulfill your true lingering desire. We, everyone in our world, wish to show that we are not inferior to you, the Foreigner, right here.'”
She was admonishing Christ, using me as a proxy. It was also a plea on behalf of those who had survived in this world. However, Christ’s confusion deepened, and he refused to accept her voice.
“Brother…? Ha, Hein-san? No, either way! This is a voice created by Fafnir’s magic! You’re just making me hear convenient auditory hallucinations! Such vibrations… they aren’t real! They aren’t real!!”
He emphatically denied it was “made.” And indeed, he was right. It was a vibration created by Fafnar-san’s magic. However, even if something is “made,” it can sometimes be indistinguishable from “real.” This was also something Christ had taught me. Having watched his back up close for so long, I knew.
—Whether something is “real” or not has always been decided by oneself. Because only one’s own choice can determine the authenticity of both the voices of the living and the dead—
“‘…,’ I learned from you, boy, that ‘made’ things can also be ‘real.’ Thanks to that, I was able to survive as myself even within the Shaka Hōkan Jin.'”
“……!” “T-that wasn’t me. It was the threads from a thousand years ago that made me do it…”
“‘Both I and my friends know about the threads. There were times we despaired at the fate that had been laid out since a thousand years ago… However, we learned from your way of living that we can overcome it. That as long as we keep living, there are things we can achieve even in defeat. You were able to convey this because you were you. So—’… So, I believe. Both Hairi-san and Hein-older brother haven’t reached the end of their stories yet. Even if they are dead and only souls, they still—”
Deciding not to completely rely on her as a proxy, I continued her words partway through. Then, I turned my gaze. The destination of my eyes was not the throne situated in the center of the 100th floor, but the vast ocean beyond. It was illuminated by the red light, shining brightly. There was no sun, but it was a strange sight reminiscent of a morning sea. Thin orange light rested on the pale blue sea. The horizon was far away, assuring me it continued not just to the ends of this world, but “beyond.” This sea was the true Deepest Part. At first glance, it appeared to be water, but its essence was the floor. It was a core of our world, a gathering place for all souls, composed of countless layers of dense information—
From that Deepest Part, I had been sensing it for a long time. On the black threads called connections— no, it was clearly discernible because Glen-san, even after death, had connected and conveyed it to me with those Black Threads.
“They are still waiting in that Deepest Part… for the ‘Lord of the True World’ to appear.”
“Hein-san and the others are in the Deepest Part…? That’s impossible. There’s no way…”
“Christ, look closely. Doesn’t that Deepest Part look like a place one can’t go alone? Isn’t that the True Labyrinth that should be challenged by forming a party with reliable companions?”
“That’s why, what have you been saying?! I myself created it and I’m telling you the labyrinth is over! Yet, you’re just saying strange things! Rainer, are you the same as Fafnir?!”
“Yes, I am also Helvishein, like my ancestor… Therefore, there is nothing to fear in the Deepest Part. Together with the people waiting there, Rainer Helvishein can surely go anywhere, enjoyably. Much farther than you, Christ, who is trying to go alone—”
These were my honest feelings. Looking out at the vast ocean on the 100th floor, excitement outweighed fear. It was a sensation similar to when I first saw the sea as a child. The world was still vast and full of unknowns, and I couldn’t stop being thrilled. I felt as if a new, enjoyable Adventure was beginning from the 100th floor. Of course, the journey would be fraught with hardship. But I wasn’t alone. As I looked cheerfully towards the Deepest Part, Christ shook his head.
“Even if… by some chance, my power were taken, and someone were waiting in that dark sea! They would be entangled in the task of being the ‘Lord of the World’…! They would be endlessly repeating thankless acts of helping others, reduced to mere beings who adjust the Demonic Poison… There’s no way that’s fun! There’s no need to spread such ‘misfortune’ to anyone! It’s enough for one person to fall into hell!!”
Work, misfortune, hell. Christ continued to gaze at the bright ocean with a dark expression. That is why he is not suited for it. I wish he would realize sooner that he is not a good fit. The fact that helping others has no end and is not appreciated is not a dark story at all. Rather, it is something to be proud of oneself for working hard even without reward. For those who can praise themselves, helping others is a rather worthwhile form of happiness. As long as one is helping others, no matter how difficult the place, one can continue to look forward with brightness and joy—which is why I, an orphan once, was taken in by Helvishein, not by a Walker.
Clenching my crimson twin swords, I conveyed this.
“You might think so… But Fafnar-san must have been different. Even if it were a place like hell, they were someone who could feel happy helping just one person!”
“Fafnar was insane! By continuing to play the part of a non-existent ‘Great Savior,’ happiness and misfortune became mixed up! Because of me, they began helping people regardless of the place or person concerned!”
“Yes, Fafnar-san did…! Thanks to meeting you, I finally became the admired True Knight! Therefore, we, who have become like that, will go in your stead, Christ, who fears the Deepest Part! Please, Christ… Don’t take away the greatest happiness from Helvishein, whose hobby is helping people…!!”
“Hobby…? H-ha ha, Rainer, you’re mixed up too! You’re insane! You’re exactly like Fafnar now!!”
I poured out my true feelings as Rainer Helvishein, but he completely rejected them. However, that very rejection is proof that he is not suited to be the “Lord of the World.” The Lord had always acted as if “everyone’s happiness is my happiness.” It was like the ideal image of chivalry, but it was a fabrication by his sister. Christ was not born with a love for helping others.
—He was simply kind.
He had always been that way since he saved my life and the slaves in the labyrinth. Christ, being naturally weak, could empathize deeply with those who were weak. He was someone who also felt pain when he saw someone suffering. That’s why he continued to help others, as if driven. In reality, it was not “helping others is fun,” but “it is painful not to help others.” And that compulsion has now worsened to “it is painful not to help all reachable humanity.” The trigger for this was, as expected—
【Skill】
Unique Skill: Covenant of the Deepest Part
Base Body 1.00
With Hairi-san inhabiting my body and using Appraisal, the skill name I saw was “Base Body.” It had changed from what was previously “???” in a short period. Hearing from my companions beforehand that ‘Rustiara Fuziaze had the skill ‘Foreigner’ visible, I was convinced that the second ‘???’ changed depending on the soul that viewed it. It’s probably similar in nature to Ragune-san. It reflects the opponent’s soul like a mirror, changes it to the name of their ‘Ideal,’ and grants the power corresponding to the skill name—I’ve deduced this far and truly want to complain about the troublesome fabrication my younger sister left behind. However, once the seed is known, I won’t mistake it again. Facing what needs to be cut away, I continue to gaze straight at Christ. The Lord’s eyes, which gazed back at me, wavered.
“Helping people, and that’s ‘happiness’…? Ha ha, Rainer… I know. Those words, claiming to be the protagonist of that story, are the most sinful incantations in this world! Because of those convenient words, everyone was deceived, built up with expectations, betrayed, and suffered! Arti, weren’t you the first victim of that!? Instead of saying that, you can hate me more! Don’t forgive those who save nothing with just their words!! Right, Seldra!? I, a flawed product, should continue to suffer and die only after benefiting the world even a little. If I can’t become the True Hero, then at least as a False God until I die— Ahh, it all comes down to that! As expected, in every sense, I am the most suitable for God! For me to become the ‘Lord of the World’…—!! There’s absolutely no mistake, Rowen! This path is my greatest!!”
Christ repeated self-denial and denial, as if shaking me off. He claims my words are incantations, but to me, that self-deprecation is the incantation. Thieves of Principles tend to try to reassert themselves through incantations when they weaken. And then, they weaken further due to that incantation, leading to a vicious cycle of relying on incantations again. Realizing that this troublesome habit was the same for Christ—however, I had already learned how to save such a troublesome Thief of Principles from Christ—I relentlessly hurled my heartfelt words at him to stop him.
“Where is that…! Looking at you now, who would think you’re the ‘greatest’! At least, we can find a better future than you, who wants to be unhappy alone!”
“No, that’s not…! Because Father said…! That I could go higher than anyone else and become the ‘greatest’! That it would be everyone’s ‘happiness,’ and my ‘happiness’ too…! I will become the ‘greatest’ and obtain the ‘happiness’ called Rustiara!!”
After his eyes and voice wavered, Christ cried out, clinging to “Rustiara” once more. He could no longer endure the clash of emotions. Although he had started it himself by buying time with words, he began to move to resume the fight while still not having regained his breath. As is customary for Thieves of Principles, he intended to gloss over everything with his disproportionate power. However, the moment he started to walk— he swayed. Christ collapsed onto one knee, losing his balance.
“…What!?”
Subsequently, the purple magic power overflowing from his body rapidly waned. Christ’s Magic Power, which was already close to depletion, further decreased, affecting the Magic Beast’s Arms as well. Half of his Eight Arms dissolved like mist, vanishing as particles of magic power. He was finally unable to maintain even “half-magic,” let alone a “half-corpse.” Annoyingly, this too was as I had heard from him. Confirming that our strategy was finally starting to take shape, albeit clumsily, I looked up at the red-lit sky of the 100th floor.
“…Christ, the magic supply from the Final Festival seems to be decreasing. Haven’t the circumstances on the ground changed while you weren’t paying close attention?”
I provoked him to continue the strategy. Christ immediately seemed to understand the meaning of my provocation. Drawn by my gaze, he turned his eyes upward. Then, straightening his bent knee and reconstructing his Magic Beast’s Arms, he put on a brave face.
“The change in the ground’s situation being ‘according to plan’… It was just a slightly bad timing… I have more than enough magic power left to defeat Rainer.”
“Yes, it might have just been slightly bad timing… However, do you think that ‘slightly bad timing’ will end with this one instance?”
“……..”
“I don’t think so. It will continue indefinitely, as long as the people you saved continue to wish to help you, who are here. It’s good deeds leading to good results, but it’s also his own doing. I will recite this at the 100th floor as everyone’s representative, like an incantation. This accumulation of ‘slightly bad timing’… will gradually shift your ‘plan.’ —Snow, the Dragon Person’s great tremor, reached me here in the labyrinth. The explorers of the Guild who admire her will likely follow the same path. Perhaps one of the Magic Stone Humans will follow in their footsteps. Especially Elmirad-san’s path is large and easy to follow. The knights who were close to Rustiara should also begin to notice the truth behind the Final Festival one after another. Seeing Sera-san, who had sworn loyalty to you, betraying you is more than enough to make one think something is wrong. And there’s Dia of the Cathedral. And there, at this very moment, is my—”
I recited at length, as if addressing an audience, that we had the momentum. Christ, not to be outdone, recited back to regain the momentum.
“That is all according to my ‘plan,’ Rainer. I knew from the beginning that you would believe in and rely on your older sister, Franryure Helvishein, whom you hid until today… However, unlike you, she will definitely choose me. Because that is how she was born and made. The flow of that blood was created by Tiara Fuziaze a thousand years ago. Fran-chan was created to remind me of my childhood friend’s trauma and help me overcome it. That’s why she will absolutely ‘side with Uzunami Minase, just like Konagi Minase.’ …I knew this from the start. Therefore, I also know what will happen next. I can see all the way to the ‘last page.’ So, my ‘plan’ is absolute, certain, and without error… But, why…? Hidaki, I became the person you wanted me to be…!? Why are you making that face!?”
However, the moment the topic of his childhood friend from the Original World came up, Christ’s “incantation” crumbled. It was clearly broken by the vibrations of his younger sister, who came from the same Original World. The current Christ is completely reflecting the bad habit of Hidaki, the Thief of the Principles of Water, with his “mirror.” Because he can see the future so clearly, he is judging based on only reading the “last page”—I confirmed that my younger sister, who had taken the lead, was cooperating. In other words, this is everyone. All the Thieves of Principles that Christ empathized with, helped, and developed an Affinity with are now lending me their strength.
“You have reflected all the Thieves of Principles with your ‘mirror’… But now, that ‘mirror’ is cracking, and you are about to repeat the same mistake as everyone else. It’s natural for everyone to try to stop you…”
“The same mistake… Stop? No. I haven’t done anything wrong…”
“You really don’t like Elder Sister Fran, do you, Christ? Thinking about it, wasn’t your sister more troublesome when she was on your side? After being pestered like that, you’ve already forgotten what kind of person she was. That’s the first mistake. That incredibly troublesome Elder Sister would certainly be on your side, and would hold you back.”
While pretending to give advice, I boasted about my sister, who I imagined was in the red light sky above. I also added a defiant smile, as if to say that an irregularity was occurring in Christ’s “plan.” Christ, drawn by my gaze, looked upwards and murmured.
“Franryure Helvishein… what kind of person she was…”
Both of us thought about the surface. While it’s true that he’s weak to coordinated actions, time is on his side. Christ chose to spend time confirming Elder Sister Fran, considering the analysis of his Soul Arms and magic recovery. His personality and tactics are truly predictable. This way, I can buy more time. Although not as grand as Christ’s “plan,” I have a strategy too. It’s a strategy I’ve been planning and assembling after consulting with people in various places for two months, building it in the second labyrinth, and receiving advice from experts in its depths. I confirm that it is proceeding according to that strategy—unlike the Lord, I cannot do that, so I can only believe. Right now, on the surface, Elder Sister Fran is responding to my trust. The battle between Dia of the Cathedral and Sis is finally reaching its conclusion. And the Apostles, who are enthralled by the Lord of the World, will surely create further “slightly bad timing”—
I will now move to the surface. Apologies for the brevity. In comparison to the Seldra Fafnir arc, the progress will be more relaxed.
