Rowen vanished, and the emcee, judging the match decided, shouted.
“R-Rowen’s death… no, his disappearance has been confirmed! Rowen, as the ‘Sword Saint,’ wielded his ultimate sword, but Kanami managed to surpass it head-on! With this, no one should have any complaints about Kanami’s victory! It’s over, right? Right, Kanami? The ‘Ichinotsuki General Knights’ Dance Tournament’ is won by Kanami Aikawa—!!”
The cheers praising Rowen remained at the same volume, and now, cheers praising me began to increase.
“Now then, to interview the winner, Kanami, I shall return inside! After that, we will proceed to the award ceremony, so please wait just a little longer, everyone—!”
The emcee, who had fled to the seating area, ran down the stairs and back into the barrier.
As I watched, I spoke to Reaper, who was still standing, lost in the afterglow of my parting with Rowen.
“Reaper, are you alright?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Just ran out of magic power. How about you, big brother?”
“More than magic power, my stamina is at its limit. I can’t put strength into my body properly.”
The climax had passed.
However, my entire body ached from conjuring ‘Swordsmanship’ and magic beyond my limits.
Still, I wouldn’t dissolve the minimally maintained ‘Dimension.’
I didn’t want to count how many times my overconfidence after a victory had been exploited in the past.
I used ‘Dimension’ to grasp the situation within the venue. Behind the spectators’ cheers, I could see various people beginning to act with various intentions.
“I guess I can’t afford to complain. It’s filled with adults making strange moves…”
Reaper sensed my concern and similarly used ‘Dimension’ to scan the surroundings.
“Yeah, let’s escape quickly. First, let’s get everyone who came here—”
While planning the escape route with ‘Parallel Thinking,’ I counted the enemies.
First, the Walker family, whom I picked a fight with just yesterday, were undoubtedly enemies.
Furthermore, the knights of Fuziaze, the ‘Seven Knights of Heaven,’ would also be enemies. The venue was strangely filled with Fuziaze personnel. It seemed Fuziaze had gathered people upon hearing of Rustiara’s participation. Among those knights and priests was a man named Fedelt, who had overseen the Christmas festival. He’s a person to be wary of.
Additionally, adventurers with strong skills were eager to capture Rustiara and the others, for whom a bounty had been placed. If Valt or Fuziaze made overtures, I figured several guilds might become enemies as well.
Then, I also needed to be cautious of the ‘Epic Seekers,’ who were acquainted with Palinkron. There was a possibility they would act in a way to go around us, following Palinkron’s orders. Especially since Rail Senks was present during my brainwashing—
—In the midst of that analysis, ‘Dimension’ picked up a surge of immense magic power.
It wasn’t within the venue.
Therefore, it took me too long to react.
The towers surrounding the arena.
He was vertically attached to the outer wall of one of them.
He drew a magic circle on the outer wall, reinforcing it with a large number of magic stones.
The moment I looked his way, all of those magic stones exploded.
Then, condensed wind was released, and Rainer Helvirshine—leapt.
His leaping power combined with the force of the wind, transforming him into something akin to a cannonball.
“—’Ixu Wind’!”
His own magic was added to that.
The wind magic, capable of freely moving through the air, was all converted into propulsion.
His speed was deadly.
He must have been experiencing pain as if riding a fighter jet, spreading through Rainer’s entire body. However, without changing his expression, he continued to glare at me.
His glare was directed at—
“—Reaper! Get down!!”
“—Eh!?”
I had thought that if an attack came, it would be either me or Rustiara. But Rainer wasn’t looking at me.
I didn’t know who the target was.
Therefore, as if to protect Reaper, who was next to me, I extended my sword, “Magic Power Freezing.”
In response, Rainer also extended his sword.
It wasn’t the skill ‘Magic Power Solidification.’
It was rather similar to my ‘Magic Power Freezing.’ Rainer was extending his sword with wind magic. If I were to name it, the skill name would probably be ‘Magic Power Wind Blade.’
Rainer’s sword, Ruf Bringer, easily sliced through the barrier and intruded into the venue.
My sword was parried by Rainer’s sword.
Then, he landed not on me or Reaper, but somewhere else. Simultaneously, further wind magic was activated.
“—’Wind’!”
Like a bouncing rubber ball, Rainer offset the impact of his landing with wind magic. Then, he drew a crystal sword.
His target wasn’t us, but the ‘Aris Family’s Treasure Sword Rowen’—the guardian’s magic stone.
I shouted at Rainer.
“Wait, Rainer!! Give me that sword back! It’s dangerous!!”
“I promised Rowen I’d learn swordsmanship from him! I’m taking the sword as compensation for what I haven’t been taught yet!!”
Then, Rainer, propelled by the force of his wind magic, escaped from me. He cut open the barrier on the opposite side and plunged into a corner of the spectator seats.
One of the spectators there laughed.
“Heh heh heh, as expected of a knight of Helvishein… Being outmaneuvered by barbarians felt like a humiliation, but this is the first step…!”
The man named Fedelt, whom I had seen at the Fuziaze cathedral, was at the place Rainer had dived into. The man who had once been advancing plans to kill Rustiara was now getting in my way. He might be the mastermind manipulating Rainer.
“Rainer!!”
Calling out to him, I pushed my aching body to move.
But I immediately reconsidered.
I couldn’t leave Reaper alone in this situation.
Reaper and I were both utterly exhausted right now.
Scattering our forces here would not be a wise move.
Most importantly, if I moved, I wouldn’t be able to execute the escape plan that Rustiara and I had discussed and decided on beforehand.
While I was hesitating, the situation escalated.
To my surprise, Dia chased after Rainer without any hesitation.
“Hey, you! That’s mine and Christ’s! Don’t take it without permission! —’Flame Arrow’!!”
As he ran, Dia unleashed magic.
It wasn’t the ferocious beam of light from before.
It was fire magic, considerate of the surrounding ordinary people.
Rainer leapt back, evading the magic.
However, Snow and Rustiara were waiting there.
It seemed they had been running alongside Dia.
Surrounded by my companions, Rainer’s fighting spirit ignited.
“Tch—! You intend to fight, Living God!”
His hostility was particularly strong towards Rustiara, his enemy.
However, Rustiara, who was being glared at, had no fighting spirit at all.
Rather, she looked troubled.
“No, Dia and Snow suddenly ran out, so I had no choice but to follow… I don’t really feel like fighting, though…?”
Rustiara seemed to be cooperating out of necessity, unable to stop Dia’s reckless pursuit.
Originally, according to the plan, Rustiara was supposed to bring everyone and rendezvous with me inside the barrier after the match ended.
“I, um… am trying to earn points?”
Snow claimed she was trying to earn points.
What is she talking about?
A little further away, I could see Sera and Maria acting together.
Although they knew they had to rendezvous with me, they seemed unable to leave the rampaging Dia and the others be.
—The situation was the worst.
The audience stands are on the verge of being engulfed in chaos due to Rainer’s assault. Meanwhile, various factions are beginning to make their moves behind the scenes, each with their own hidden agendas.
If someone were to ignite the flames of battle, it could easily devolve into a free-for-all.
That is something I absolutely want to avoid.
And there, someone who, like me, wishes to avoid conflict, raises their voice.
“P-p-please, wait a moment!! Fighting in the audience stands is strictly forbidden! While the ‘Dance Battle Tournament’ has concluded, fighting is prohibited for all spectators and participants until everyone has left the Fuura River, alright?! Those young knights will be apprehended by the tournament guards, so everyone else, please refrain from any actions!!”
The announcer declares the disposition ofainer, who has broken the rules.
Simultaneously, guards stationed in the audience stands begin to move.
However, multiple knights from Fuziaze step forward, blocking their path and preventing them from approaching Rainer.
Then, Fedelt, who is directing them, shouts.
“My sincerest apologies for the discourtesy during the tournament! However, this is also for the sake of the Revannism’s vow! We would appreciate it if you could overlook the actions of that young knight, Rainer Helvirshine! Securing the magic stone of the Guardian Rowen Aleis is an order from the Senate of the Fuziaze homeland! If there are any issues, please direct them there!!”
“The homeland’s Senate!? …Even so, some things are simply unacceptable! There’s no way such an arbitrary act can be permitted! …Or rather, it *can’t* be permitted, can it!?”
The announcer, while surprised by the sudden intervention, maintains their stance. However, faced with such immense authority, they quickly confirm with their superiors.
I use Dimension to ascertain their decision.
The tournament organizers are in a state of confusion.
They wish to avoid conflicts between allied nations as much as possible.
However, overlooking individuals who have so overtly broken the rules would impact the future of the ‘Dance Battle Tournament.’
After a brief moment of hesitation, they shake their heads.
“–Ngh! Regardless of the organization, authority holds no sway in ‘Valfala’! Guards, please apprehend the young knight! And detain all those who appear likely to cause trouble as well!!”
Without compromising the stance of the ‘Dance Battle Tournament,’ they refused third-party interference.
That decision brings me some relief. The worst has been averted.
However, there is no waver in Fedelt and the Fuziaze knights. It seems they intended to carry out their orders, even if their intervention was not permitted.
The magic stone of Rowen must be that important to the Fuziaze homeland’s Senate.
The guards inch closer to the Fuziaze knights.
In response, Rustiara and her group also attempt to close in on Rainer.
Rainer accepts this with a cool expression, drawing the attention of those around him.
“You can glare at me all you want… But do you really have the luxury to do so?”
He then points the tip of his sword at a knight near Rustiara.
There, knights whose strength clearly stands out are present.
“Tch… a ‘Seven Knights of Heaven’ is mixed in…!”
Rustiara groans.
Among the knights mobilized by Fedelt of the Senate were three members of the ‘Seven Knights of Heaven,’ Perciona and her companions.
Accompanying Perciona are a knight with high magic power and a middle-aged knight with streaks of white in his hair.
The middle-aged knight, Hopes, laughs.
“Haha. Perhaps it’s the sudden turn of events, but we ended up surrounding them somewhat haphazardly… Do you think we’ll be overlooked for this, considering it’s for Fuziaze’s vow as well…? Say, Commander. I don’t recognize most of these knights… what are they?”
“They’re likely knights dispatched from the homeland. They have no relation to us ‘Seven Knights of Heaven.’ Our objective is solely the recovery of the Young Lady and the Apostle. For now, focus on abducting the Young Lady amidst this chaos.”
“Got it. If we can knock out the Young Lady and the Apostle, then our mission is complete. It’s straightforward.”
Having had their positions revealed by Rainer, the ‘Seven Knights of Heaven’ admit their intention to abduct Rustiara amidst the confusion.
“Ah, wait just a sec! I’ll deal with you properly later! It’s a time-out right now!!”
Rustiara, with a troubled look, tries to stop the ‘Seven Knights of Heaven.’
In response, Hopes chuckles.
“Well, you seem a bit flustered. I’m thinking that if I attack now, I might actually succeed, you see.”
“Ugh, you’re as annoying as ever, Hopes!! ”
“That’s right. Guys without talent can only fight dirty, you know. Please forgive me, Young Lady.”
The ‘Seven Knights of Heaven’ draw their swords.
Rustiara and Dia, their targets, brace themselves.
And then, Snow, who is not a target of the ‘Seven Knights of Heaven,’ is also in danger.
Taking advantage of the confusion, individuals are moving to target Snow.
“Mother-in-law… Older Brother…”
The head of the Walker family stands opposite Snow.
“Snow-san. You have no knights by your side right now, do you? This situation is an opportunity not to be missed. You are mine. …Absolutely mine.”
And he orders the elites of the Walker family to draw their swords. My companions, instead of surrounding Rainer, have found themselves being surrounded.
Confirming this, Rainer, about to leave with his prize, says.
“Alright… All that’s left is to escape with this—”
“Wait! Rainer! What in the world do you think you’re doing!?”
However, a blade of wind slices at Rainer’s feet as he attempts to move.
There stands Franryure Helvirshine, Rainer’s older sister.
Rainer panics at the unexpected appearance of an enemy.
“Wh—!? Please don’t come here, Elder Sister! The ‘Seven Knights of Heaven’ aren’t after me, they’re after the Living God, aren’t they!? Don’t mix personal matters with work, I’ve told you multiple times! If you read the situation, you’d understand, wouldn’t you!? I have another mission from the Senate!!”
Rainer attempts to reason with his sister logically.
However, Franryure is completely unyielding.
Standing firm, she blocks Rainer’s escape route.
“That’s precisely why! That’s why, *now*, I am standing here not as a ‘Seven Knight of Heaven’ but as Franryure Helvirshine! Rainer! I haven’t heard anything from you! Yes, nothing at all! If you wish to proceed from here, do not rely on being someone’s subordinate; convince your sister with your own words! Otherwise, I will not forgive your dishonest actions!!”
“Grgh, you’re as stubborn as ever—”
Behind the bickering siblings, a girl dashes forward.
“—It’s an opening! You’re as soft as ever with family!”
Ragune-chan’s Magic Power Solidification extends, skillfully knocking the hilt of the sword Rainer is holding.
Taken by surprise, Rainer drops the Aris Family’s Treasure Sword Rowen, and Ragune-chan snatches it.
“Ragune-san!? Damn it, you’re as underhanded as ever! Aren’t you also a ‘Seven Knight of Heaven’!?”
“Well, I violated orders previously and was excluded from that capture operation. Right now, I am simply Ragune Kaikuola, Fran-chan’s friend. In other words, if you want this back, you’ll have to talk it out with your Elder Sister properly, Rainer.”
“Right now, here!?”
Triggered by Rainer’s assault, the smoldering embers begin to ignite one after another.
Swords were drawn one after another in the spectator seats, where arguments were forbidden.
The guards were at a loss as to whom they should restrain first.
Amidst this, Ragune-chan gazes at the blade of the “Aris Family’s Treasure Sword Rowen.”
“So, this is the cursed sword of ‘The One Who Steals Earthly Principles’ huh… Incredible…”
Ragune-chan shows a never-before-seen expression.
It was clear at a glance that she was captivated by the sword’s radiance.
With an expression as if she had met someone she admired, she traces the tip of the sword with her finger.
I feel a sense of unease.
My “Sensation” sounds a loud alarm. It shouts, “That alone is dangerous.”
I don’t mind if it goes to anyone else.
However, I intuitively felt that no matter what, the magic stone must not fall into the hands of Ragune Kaikuola.
With that chill of dread, I decide to act.
Either way, I can’t continue to stand by and watch this chaotic situation. I have no choice but to act, even if it means bringing Reaper with me.
“Reaper, let’s move from here! For now, we’ll save everyone!”
“Y-Yeah!”
Reaper and I head for the hole in the barrier that Rainer had cut open.
However, a cool voice stops us.
“—There’s no need for that, Kanami. I’ll return a favor from sometime ago. You can rest.”
It was Elmiraud Siddharuku, a handsome warrior with flowing golden hair.
Once again, Elmiraud had anticipated my thoughts and acted ahead of me.
And the words I had said to him in the labyrinth, he now said to me.
“—Water Wire.”
He unleashed a water spell without reservation.
The rope-like water surged and attacked Ragune-chan.
Ragune-chan, who had been entranced by the sword, was too slow to react. Although she managed to dodge the water attacking from all angles, she failed to notice Elmiraud approaching from behind.
Elmiraud, just like Ragune-chan, surprised her and managed to snatch the sword.
Seeing this, Rainer shouts. However, he is unable to move due to his sister’s resolute expression.
“Ah, ah! It’s been stolen, Ragune-san!”
“No, that wasn’t it just now. That was—”
Ragune-chan shakes her head as if making an excuse.
“Not very elegant, knights of Fuziaze. This is unprecedented, isn’t it?”
Seeing them, Elmiraud reprimands them.
“Weren’t you watching the match? ‘Hero’ Kanami fought ‘Sword Saint’ Rowen for his sword, and he magnificently defeated the ‘Sword Saint.’ In other words, this belongs to Kanami. It’s not admirable to steal the spoils of the victor.”
As Elmiraud speaks, the knights of Fuziaze attack him.
However, he elegantly parries them all with his sword and magic.
Then, the members of the guild “Supreme,” Elmiraud’s subordinates, join them.
The knights of Fuziaze and the knights of Laura Via are locked in a tense standoff.
“Now, it seems the Fuziaze people are quite desperate for the sword… They seem very intent on it, to the point where the Senate of the mainland is moving. However, if my memory serves me correctly, this does not belong to Fuziaze. It was given by Rowen Aleis to Kanami Aikawa. And both of them were people of Laura Via… Hmm. There’s no reason to hand this over to Fuziaze.”
Elmiraud states his case with a lascivious tone, but speakes the truth.
He moves away from the Fuziaze knights and heads towards where Snow is.
On the way, he is rebuked by the head of the Walker family.
“Lord Siddharuku, what are you doing…? You should just focus on getting your fiancée back.”
“No, that is incorrect, Head of the Walker family. In order to get my fiancée back, I had no choice but to defeat the ‘Hero’ who is over there. However, unfortunately, I was defeated by him in a public duel. At least, until this ‘Dance Battle Tournament’ ends and I leave ‘Valfala,’ I cannot lay a hand on the ‘Hero’ or my fiancée, Snow. That would be far too unsightly.”
Elmiraud confidently breaks through the Walker family’s encirclement and stands beside Snow.
Snow was bewildered, unable to grasp his intentions.
Leaving everyone behind, Elmiraud declares.
“Of course, this sword is also unsuitable for me. In that case, for now, I have no choice but to use it to appease my fiancée.”
Saying so, he hands the sword to Snow.
Rainer and Fedelt, who were held back in the distance, let out small screams.
Snow accepts the sword and thanks him.
“Th-Thank you… El…”
“Don’t worry about it. I am simply trying to uphold the sacred duel. Now, Snow, return it to its rightful owner with your own hands. That would be a fitting end to this duel.”
Guided by Elmiraud, Snow nods.
Then, raising the sword, she shouts.
“Dia-samaaaa!! I got the sword back! I, Snow, got it back—!!”
“Are you an idiot, Snow! She’s been watching the whole thing from here, of course! That man over there took it back!!”
“Huh!? Then it’s not my accomplishment!?”
She was reporting to Dia, not me.
Seeing this, Elmiraud sighs heavily.
“N-Not that way, Snow… Sigh…”
Despite Elmiraud going to such lengths to set things up, Snow ruined it all.
However, regardless of that, thanks to him, the cause of Dia and the others’ rampage has been removed. Now I can concentrate solely on escaping.
I express my gratitude.
“Thanks, Elmiraud! You’re the best, Elmiraud! Someday, I’ll repay you for anything!!”
Elmiraud, hearing my words, smiles back at me with half his body turned.
Then, I immediately issue instructions to my scattered companions.
“Snow, take that and go into the arena! Dia, Rustiara! Let’s gather together for now!”
Snow nods and tries to move with the sword.
However, the people of the Walker family stand in their way.
“Do you think you can reach her!?”
Elmiraud stands before that wall of people.
“Hmph. It’s the other way around, Head of the Walker family. Do you think you can reach Snow? The Siddharuku family, and the guild ‘Supreme,’ have decided to admonish the Walker family for losing their minds amidst this chaos. As fellow high nobles, we cannot overlook this…”
Led by Elmiraud, many warriors move in between.
Seeing this, the head of the Walker family curses.
“Mere figurehead high nobles… Do you really think you can match us, the Walker family…! Glen… Why are you standing there! Hurry and capture Snow!!”
Behind the head of the Walker family, many powerful individuals are waiting.
The representative among them, the former “Strongest,” Glen Walker, receives instructions.
However, Glen himself, ignoring the head of the Walker family, bows his head to Elmiraud.
“Lord Siddharuku, this is a welcome turn of events. Thank you.”
Then, he speaks to an elderly man standing beside him.
That man’s name is Fenrir Aleis. If not for Rowen, he would still be called the “Sword Saint.”
“…It seems Snow-san is alright. So, as planned, Fenrir-san, please take care of the Apostle.”
“Yeah, leave it to me.”
“I’ll help Rustiara-chan.”
After a brief exchange, Glen and Fenrir Aleis depart from the scene.
“Glen-san!? As I thought, you are—!”
Glen pushed aside the Walker family head’s restraining hand and ran in Rustiara’s direction. Fenrir Aleis, meanwhile, headed towards Dia.
Fenrir Aleis stood beside Dia in a friendly manner.
“Yo, Sis-chan. Still doing something foolish, I see.”
“Old Man Aleis… Are you going to get in my way again…?”
“No, not this time. Back then, I didn’t quite understand what was going on and interfered… but this time, I understand perfectly. I won’t lose sight of what needs to be done.”
As if protecting Dia, he drew his sword.
Then, he aimed it at the enemies trying to capture Dia. His oppressive aura was abnormal. Even though he shouldn’t be able to wield a sword at his age, he was no less than that Rowen.
The surrounding knights, though awestruck, tightened their encirclement.
“Sword Saint-dono… No, Lord Aleis… You don’t intend to interfere with Fuziaze, do you?”
“My ancestor asked me to… As the former Sword Saint, I will support Aikawa Kanami and his companions with all my might…”
A few knights entered Fenrir Aleis’s range.
Fenrir Aleis met them head-on with all his might, just as he said.
With a flash of speed that perhaps only I or Rowen could have received, the swords held by the knights were all snapped in half.
Fenrir Aleis assumed a frontal posture and declared:
“—My name is Fenrir Aleis. The current head of the Aleis family, and a sword that severs evil. With the pride of being a descendant of the ‘Sword Saint’ Rowen, I stand before you. If any brave soul wishes to surpass my sword, come at me. Even if ten thousand brave souls stand side by side, I will not let them pass.”
Unlike Rowen, his declaration as ‘Sword Saint’ was majestic.
The solemn atmosphere caused many knights to retreat.
Nearby, Glen had arrived at Rustiara’s side.
“So, Glen? Where are you?”
Rustiara asked Glen, who had appeared, frankly.
“I live for Snow-san anytime. So, this time, I’m on Rustiara-chan’s side.”
“Alright! Then, take on all of those ‘Seven Knights of Heaven’ and Fuziaze’s pursuers!”
“Haha, as always… But, I was indeed asked to. I will take responsibility for holding them all back.”
With a wry smile, Glen took out his weapon from his belongings.
He was a short sword user, rare in the Allied Nations.
He held several short swords with strings attached and assumed a unique stance.
“Even so, I was once called the ‘Strongest’. I can handle that much.”
He then referred to facing all the Fuziaze knights present as merely “that much.”
His eyes held a genuine skill and self-confidence.
He was demonstrating the reason he was whispered to be the strongest in the Allied Nations with his very being.
He glared at all the surrounding knights and finally conveyed one last thing to Rustiara.
“—In return, please take care of Snow-san.”
“Mm-hmm, got it.”
Rustiara entrusted the situation to Glen and attempted to leave the area.
The ‘Seven Knights of Heaven’ moved to stop her. However, their movements were thwarted by a short sword thrown by Glen.
Confirming that the battle had begun, Rustiara leaped.
She moved across the seating area with a jump and called out to her companions.
“Dia, Snow, grab on! I’m going to throw you!”
First, she took Dia, protected by Fenrir Aleis, in her right arm, then grabbed Snow, protected by Elmiraud, by the scruff of her neck.
Then, she leaped over the heads of many people.
After confirming the departure of the three, I called out to Sera and Maria, who were watching from afar.
“Sera-san, bring Maria and come here!”
“Ah, let’s do that!”
With that reply, Sera transformed into her wolf form. Then, she began running across the seating area with Maria riding on her back.
The barrier disappeared, and all my companions entered the arena.
The sight of them leaving many soldiers behind reminded me of when Rustiara was abducted from the Cathedral.
At that time, I had few companions.
I was forced to rely on that Palinkron, the situation was so dire. Even the ‘Strongest’ Glen and the ‘Sword Saint’ Fenrir Aleis were enemies.
—But now, it’s different.
Rustiara, holding Snow and Dia, stood beside me.
Sera, carrying Maria, also arrived.
Of course, drawn by them, many knights and soldiers also poured into the arena.
But my companions—all of ‘Epic Seeker’—formed a wall to defend us.
The one directing them was Sub-master Rail Senks.
After repelling the knights trying to push through, Rail spoke to me.
“Boy, you seem to have overcome the ‘Ordeal’… Both the ‘One Who Steals Earthly Principles’ and the ‘Thief of Principles’, your ‘ordeals’…”
“Yes.”
I replied briefly.
He was present when Palinkron cast magic on me in the past. He was likely the man with the deepest connection to Palinkron here.
However, this man had the kindest eyes in the entire place.
Gazing at Maria and me with those eyes, Rail confessed.
“…I thought you wouldn’t be able to break through. You have talent, but I thought your heart was weak. I thought that if a convenient world appeared before you, you would seek peace there. No, perhaps that was just my wish.”
“No, my heart is still weak. I surely couldn’t have broken through alone. Coming this far is also thanks to you, Rail-san…”
I bowed to Rail, who should have been my enemy.
“…Do you have no grudges?”
Rail was surprised.
He might have come prepared to accept being killed right then and there without complaint.
“It would be a lie to say I have no grudges. But you are different from Palinkron. Even when you were restraining me, you were concerned for my well-being. Even when I lost my memory, you worked hard for me. I remember it well. You truly wished for Maria and my happiness.”
“H-haha. It might have just been an act…?”
“It doesn’t matter. More importantly, you are an essential person to ‘Epic Seeker’. If we defeat you here, ‘Epic Seeker,’ which has become so famous, will collapse.”
That was not a mistake.
The inexperienced me, Snow who was unmotivated, and Palinkron as sub-masters in the guild ‘Epic Seeker’. If it was functioning well, it was thanks to Rail, the last sub-master.
From the bottom of my heart, I respected and praised Rail.
Upon hearing that, Rail muttered softly, “I can’t compare.”
Then, with a serious expression, he intended to fulfill his past promise.
“…You have brilliantly defeated the ‘One Who Steals Earthly Principles’. The proof, the magic stone, is also there. As promised, I will tell you everything I know.”
I believed there was no falsehood in his words.
Neither Rail nor Palinkron would lie in such a transaction.
Therefore, I also listened with a serious expression.
“If you are to chase him, it is undoubtedly the ‘Mainland’.”
Rail calmly sold Palinkron’s information.
“Palinkron was scheming to raise you as a ‘seed of conflict’… He’s secretive, so I don’t know the details myself. But the more he escalates things, the more he’ll be pleased. Be careful if you decide to pursue him…”
Rail should be a Palinkron companion.
However, he prayed for my safety on the road as if he were my companion.
“Rail, you are a Palinkron companion, aren’t you…?”
“Ah, that’s right. So, don’t take what I just said at face value. Just keep it in the back of your mind, that’s all.”
“Why… would someone like you be with a person like that—”
“It’s a lingering connection. He’s unpleasant, a liar, depraved, and worthless, but… he’s my friend…”
I don’t understand, but there must be a history built up since childhood. I had no choice but to accept his explanation and concluded my conversation with Rail.
Indeed, I received my reward. Now, all that’s left is to settle my life in Laura Via. I tell everyone who has protected me honestly.
“…As Guild Master, I declare to all of you in ‘Epic Seeker’. At this moment, Snow Walker and I will withdraw from the Guild.”
It’s very selfish, but I have to make this declaration. I was in ‘Epic Seeker’ with fabricated memories. That’s the same as lying to them. The real me is not the kind of person who can live in an organization like a Guild. I confess this.
“I will leave the rest to Rail, Teiri, and Volzak. These three would be ideal as sub-masters. And the position of Guild Master will be vacant again. It will probably remain vacant forever. Because there is no ‘hero’ anywhere who is worthy of being a Guild Master. Surely nowhere…”
I was prepared to be condemned and insulted. However, the expressions of the guild members who heard of my withdrawal were very calm. Of course, this excludes the younger members.
“Huh? Huh?! Master, you’re quitting!?”
“Hey, Seri. Did you even watch the ‘Dance Battle Tournament’ properly? Master was forced to be Guild Master because he was scammed by Palinkron. But that ends today. You should understand that much…”
“Huh? It ends today?! No way, I thought your legend was about to begin from here!!”
The mature Alivers admonishes the pure and young Seri. The adults, other than Seri, seemed to have anticipated my withdrawal. The guild members who watched the ‘Dance Battle Tournament’ understand the situation, having heard my shout in the semifinals. Nevertheless, it’s thanks to their kindness that they protect me.
One after another, the members leave me with their farewell words. Even until the end, they all called me Master…
“See you, Master. Well, all the promising children brought by our less-than-stellar sub-master have already dropped out midway. I actually thought this would happen someday.”
“Please take care of our lovely sub-master. I won’t forgive you if you make her cry. …Oh, and come by ‘Epic Seeker’ if you ever come back. I’ll make sure to leave a scar or two this time, Master.”
“After you screamed that much, it’s understandable. Master is not a ‘hero’. That’s why you can’t stay here, right? But I’m grateful. These weren’t bad days. We were allowed to dream that you, Master, were the ‘hero’ we were looking for.”
Even in their farewells, everyone in ‘Epic Seeker’ was strange. However, I feel like they were never normal. It’s as if, while they admired me as a ‘hero’, they were also convinced that I, as a person, could never remain in ‘Epic Seeker’. The ‘hero’ for them is already deified. Perhaps that’s why they believe a ‘hero’ who is close to divinity cannot possibly belong to a single guild.
Everyone sends me off with pleasant expressions. I return their farewell greetings with the same expression.
“Thank you for everything…! Please continue to be there for people, ‘Epic Seeker’…!!”
As I bid farewell, I begin constructing magic. Pouring in the remaining magic power, I make snow fall from the sky.
Seeing me covered in white snow, the announcer, blocked by a wall of people, shouts.
“Wh-what!? Are you by any chance trying to escape, Kanami!? There’s still the interview! The awards ceremony! Many ceremonies and festivals remain!”
“Uh… I’ll decline them all…”
“No! If you and your group disappear from here, then the winner, the runner-up, and the top four will also disappear, won’t they!?”
“That is, well, my condolences.”
“This is problematic! It’s fatal for us who are operating this event!”
While I was having my final conversation with the announcer, the people who had been competing in the seating area began to enter the arena. I cut off my conversation with the announcer and declare to the approaching Walker family.
“—Excuse me, but I will take Snow with me. She said she wanted to go outside. I want to grant her wish.”
Snow, standing beside me, bows.
“I’m leaving… Thank you all very much for everything until now…”
It wasn’t the Walker family, but the members of ‘Epic Seeker’ who responded to her farewell greeting. Teiri, representing them, speaks to Snow.
“Go well, Snow…”
In the background, Volzak also waves without a word, his back turned. Snow waves back with a smile.
Next, I declare to the people of Fuziaze.
“Of course, I will take Rustiara and Dia with me. They are not your tools. They are my companions.”
The Seven Knights of Heaven acknowledge their defeat and the atmosphere shifts to one of seeing us off. Ragune-chan is even waving both her hands at me with a cheerful expression. Their performance has now become purely a formality.
Fudelt and his group, who came under orders from the Senate, are the ones who are putting up an ungraceful fight. They are shouting various things from a distance, but they can’t even enter the arena because of Glen and Fenrir Aleis.
Then, I call out by name to one of the Seven Knights of Heaven, who is a little further away.
“Reiner!! We are pursuing Palinkron! If you are still seeking revenge, then come to the mainland! We will settle things there!!”
Reiner, who couldn’t move until the end due to his sister’s obstruction, had a bitter expression.
I should have no regrets now. All that’s left is to offer my thanks. I scatter white snow and create a large Connection in the blizzard. Then, opening that door, I finally shout to the audience. With a voice that could not be outmatched by the magic tool microphone or Snow’s vibration magic, I convey my words of gratitude.
“Well then everyone! Goodbye!! Thank you very much for all your cheers—!!”
A roar like an echo returns. The audience was also enjoying the large-scale commotion after the match. They seemed satisfied with the unprecedented ending of the ‘Dance Battle Tournament’. Amidst thunderous applause, we disappear into the snow.
“—Let’s meet again somewhere!!”
With those words left behind, we pass through the door of Connection.
—And so, our ‘Dance Battle Tournament’ ended.
This time, without anyone missing, we finally conquered the ‘Ordeal’ of the labyrinth.
