With that, no one spoke, and silence fell over the surroundings.
Neither I, Snow, nor Rouge could say anything in front of Titty, who had a monstrous expression. Only one person could answer her question.
“…Those individuals are Magic Stone Humans. I cannot yet say they are true Demons that I wish to save.”
Aid’s voice, tinged with fear, echoed from one of the trees. Titty immediately retorted.
“So you’re abandoning them?! That way of thinking is the same as the old South! Don’t you realize you’re just twisting words?!”
“…I have no intention of arguing with the Ruling King now. More importantly, it’s Shiso Uzunami. If I don’t eliminate Shiso Uzunami first and then persuade you, any discussion will be a pointless loop.”
However, the debate was cut short and did not continue. Aid had no intention of talking with his sister. Just as Titty had eyes only for Aid, Aid seemed to have eyes only for me as he spoke.
“Shiso Uzunami, I have a rough idea of your current strength. The biggest difference from before is your Swordsmanship. Also, you seem to be even more of a slow starter than before. …Despite various changes, it’s still within the expected range.”
“Aid! Don’t ignore the child!”
Titty grew angry at his rudeness, but he continued speaking, ignoring her.
“It’s within the expected range… but still, you’re strong. Shiso Uzunami is unfairly strong. I knew it, but my body trembles. …However, I’ve also grown stronger over the past year. Of course, the Apostles and my sister have as well.”
Hearing Dia and Hidaki mentioned, I could no longer remain silent.
“I’m sorry, but I’ll be taking Dia and Hidaki back. That’s why I’m here.”
“…It seems we both have something we want back. If we could exchange hostages, this would be simple.”
“That’s impossible. As long as you want Titty back as the Ruling King, I cannot return Titty even if I wanted to.”
We were holding each other’s important people hostage. If we could exchange them immediately, we would. But we both understood that it was impossible.
We took a breath and waited calmly for each other to speak. Finally, Aid spoke first, issuing a declaration of war.
“—Then, Shiso Uzunami. Duel me. Let’s bet the lives of our important people.”
It was so unexpected that even Titty, who had been raging in the background, stopped speaking for a moment.
“Aid—?”
As if to explain to both a surprised Titty and a suspicious me, Aid spoke about the duel.
“There’s no need for detours or tricks. No need for negotiations or discussions. Come straight to Viaisia Castle, where I await you. —There, I will stake everything I have and defeat you. I should have done this from a long time ago. To be perfectly honest, I’ve had a premonition of this day ever since I met you.”
His voice sounded like he was reminiscing about the past. It was so calm that it made the earlier assessment of “Aid has gone mad” seem like a lie.
“Shiso Uzunami, there were times when I wanted to walk alongside you. But now that you’ve appeared again with my King, I will cast aside those sentiments. I’ve given up on reaching that ideal country. I don’t need Shiso Uzunami in my kingdom. I’ve decided that now.”
There was a hint of affection towards me, which I felt for a fleeting moment. It was a one-sided affection that I couldn’t recall. But it was quickly erased by fury, and a fierce challenge was thrown down.
“—I will defeat the Shiso. This is something that must not be avoided. It cannot be left to anyone else. You are the wall I must overcome. My nemesis, Aikawa Uzunami—!!”
Titty reacted first to these words, which carried an unwavering will.
“A, Aid…. Could it be, you… —”
Titty seemed to be worried about her opponent in their argument, perhaps thinking the proposal was disadvantageous to Aid. She fell silent, sensing something in her younger brother’s reckless challenge.
“I will be waiting for you in northern Viaisia, along with your sister and companions. If you defeat me, I promise to fully cooperate with their return. In exchange, you must fight me honorably.”
All this time, Aid had been throwing unexpected words at me. I repeated the same words for confirmation.
“Honorably…? Are you serious?”
“To save the heart of the Ruling King, there is no other way. I must prove to my King that I, the Chancellor, am more reliable than you, the Shiso, not just eliminate you.”
“…Understood. I accept the duel.”
To prove that Chancellor Aid was more suitable to be by Titty’s side than Shiso Uzunami—I found that reason somewhat convincing. Honestly, there was no duel more convenient for me. It was definitely more beneficial to agree, even if it was a trap. I accepted with calculation.
“Then, let’s end this communication magic here. I must now prepare for the confrontation with the Shiso, so I will be unable to respond at all. Is that alright?”
Aid asked with concern. He was worried if we could reach them without detours.
“Ah, that’s fine. I’ll head straight there without stopping, so wait for me.”
“As expected of the Shiso. You must have absolute confidence in victory, entering the enemy’s territory without any preparation. However, I will surely overturn that confidence. …Excuse me.”
Seeing me willing to enter the enemy’s arena without hesitation, Aid let out a slightly regretful sound, but quickly suppressed it and ended the conversation with polite farewells.
Then, after feeling all the demonic energy inhabiting the surrounding trees disappear, I apologized to Titty, who had a troubled expression.
“I’m sorry, Titty. I made a duel promise without your consent…”
“No, that’s fine, but… something seemed off. I thought Aid was like a child, somehow mad, but was that wrong in the end? Perhaps he regained his senses midway? If so, when? Kanamin might know.”
Even Titty, my older sister, doesn’t seem to understand what Aid is thinking right now.
Naturally, I don’t understand it either.
When Titty first voiced her heartfelt wish, Aid still seemed somewhat absent-minded. His furious scolding of me seemed utterly unhinged. Did he regain his composure only after Rouge-chan and Noir-chan appeared? Or was it simply thanks to Titty’s final admonishment?
“Um, forgive me, Kanamin…”
As I was trying to guess Aid’s inner thoughts, Titty spoke to me apologetically. I suspect she, like me, couldn’t arrive at an answer no matter how much she speculated. Her expression clearly showed that she felt the only way was to meet him and talk again.
“Ah, I understand. Let’s hurry to Aid’s location. Glen and Reaper are with Maria. We’ll have them wait for us to join up.”
In my earlier recollection, it seemed as though there were no enemies for Maria and the others. Having the sensible and restraining Glen and Reaper accompanying them was also a significant factor. Furthermore, they had a proven track record of traveling safely for the past year. Calming myself, I decided to head north, not south.
“…Thank you. Once we talk, I don’t think I can bear it. I want to see him right away.”
“I understand that feeling.”
That’s what family is like. That’s precisely why we’ve come this far. Perhaps it was never possible to turn back at all.
No more detours, just push forward on the remaining “path home.” Realizing this, Titty spoke with a hint of regret.
“It was fun up to here, Kanamin. But it seems it’s over now.”
“Yeah, it looks like it’s over.”
This is the end of the fun “path home.” The playtime is also over. Titty and I will likely never play together again. We both acknowledge this and share a slightly sad laugh.
“—Ah! Right, what about these people? They took quite a strong blow to the head. I hope they’re not dead…”
As if shaking off that sadness, Titty acted as energetic as usual and pointed at the fallen Magic Stone Humans.
“No, they’re breathing, so they’re not dead. However, it’s not good to just leave them like this.”
If Aid is correct, they are likely spies dispatched from the Northern Alliance to the Second Labyrinth City Daril. If left in this condition, they might be captured by the southern soldiers and subjected to terrible treatment.
Watching Rouge, who was the only one not unconscious, cast healing magic on her fallen comrades, I considered their fate. Meanwhile, one by one, the fallen Magic Stone Humans began to regain consciousness.
“So… tough…”
Noir-chan aside, the others likely have some special reason. Though unable to stand, they were starting to get up, staggering. Among them, only Noir-chan muttered curses and still maintained her fighting spirit.
“…Huh? …I lost? No… No, no, no. I am a Saint, a being who will save the world, and I should not lose to anyone anymore! Yes, I’m a being who has surpassed even that Living God! …And yet, ahhh, Apostle! Why?! Apostle—!!”
Shaking off Rouge, who was trying to restrain her, she crawled towards us. I thought this time I would succeed in persuading her, but Titty shook her head and stopped me. It seems she wants to handle this herself.
“The Ruling King from a thousand years ago and Shiso! A rematch! I refuse, once more! Please fight me one more time…!!”
In response to Noir-chan’s challenge, Titty replied while activating *Wind*.
“Even so, this child has spent a long time on the battlefield. I’ve fought many troublesome beings like you. Therefore, I know some require dismemberment to understand. I will likely kill you next. —Even so?”
A gust of wind blew past, leaving shallow cuts on Noir-chan’s neck, hands, and feet. Titty threatened her, implying she could kill her right then if she wanted to.
“Hic, hic!”
Facing that reality and the overwhelming magic of the Guardian she saw again, Noir-chan let out a scream fitting her age and lost her footing.
“Black one, calm down a little. You are on absolute rest.”
It seemed she could maintain her fighting spirit against me, but not against the genuine article, who was once called the “Mad King” in the past. Noir-chan began to tremble like a frightened puppy and could no longer stand.
I thought the enemies were gone now… but just then, Rouge, who had been quiet all this time, stood up and began giving instructions to the other Magic Stone Humans while looking at us.
“Everyone, take care of Noir-chan. Flee immediately not to the north, but to the west. That’s what the teacher said in the end.”
“…Understood, Leader.”
Hearing one of the Magic Stone Humans reply, Rouge stepped forward. Unfazed by Titty’s murderous *Wind* still lingering, she approached.
“Please, Aikawa Kanami-san. Teacher’s older sister. Take me with you…”
And so, while her own party was moving away, she requested to accompany us. First, Titty responded.
“Wha, wha? That’s not possible. You guys are Aid’s subordinates, aren’t you?”
“I know I’m asking for the impossible. But please… I’ve been waiting for you two… for this entire year…”
“Uh, I don’t really know…” Titty glanced at me, confused, as Rouge-chan bowed her head deeply and sincerely.
I felt the same way as Titty.
Just moments ago, we had been ambushed by Magic Stone Humans who were utterly devoted to Aid, treating their lives as if they were worthless. It was impossible to know when we might face the same fate if we traveled with Rouge-chan, who was one of them.
As if sensing our thoughts, Rouge-chan continued.
“Not all Magic Stone Humans are your enemies. Unlike the others, I actually want you to lose, Teacher…”
I had known Rouge-chan was different from other Magic Stone Humans, but I hadn’t realized to this extent. She must have understood that Aid losing could mean him dying.
“That’s why I want to guide you both to Teacher. If I’m with you, we can get past most of the Northern Alliance without any trouble. I am, after all, one of the founding members of the Northern Alliance.”
Titty grumbled, looking at Rouge-chan’s earnest gaze.
“Hmm. Those eyes of a child don’t seem to be lying… Kanamin, can you handle it?”
I knew that request was for the magic that connects hearts, Distance Mute. Nodding, I confirmed that I still had magic power left.
“Alright. Then, Kanamin will now investigate whether you are lying. To put it bluntly, it’s a magic that involves inserting an arm into your chest and tearing open your heart. If you accept that, you can accompany the children. We do need guidance, after all.”
Despite Titty’s slightly menacing explanation, Rouge-chan walked toward me without hesitation and presented her chest.
“As expected of you, Aikawa Kanami. You have good magic. I appreciate it.”
“Then, please excuse me. —Magic: Distance Mute.”
I immediately inserted my arm to create a Connection. Understanding the effects of Distance Mute by accepting the magic, Rouge-chan continued her story as if to prove her sincerity.
“…All of us Magic Stone Humans were saved by Teacher Aid. We were beings created only to fight, but he gave us a reason to live and a place to belong. Also, thanks to the treatment method Aid discovered, we can now live longer. The reason everyone is willing to die for Teacher is because of that…”
Through the Connection, I could confirm that there was not a shred of falsehood in her words. Furthermore, as Rouge-chan delved deeper into her memories with Aid, I found myself drawn into them.
It was the memory of Rouge-chan’s first encounter with Aid.
From that memory, I could see a plain swept by a dry wind. It was a place that felt strangely familiar, as if I had seen it somewhere before.
***
It seems that the Past Sight was triggered by Distance Mute.
This is likely from Rouge-chan’s memory a year ago. Various things become visible from Rouge-chan’s perspective.
The sky was clear with few clouds, and it was immediately evident that this was a remote area, a plain that had barely been touched by human hands.
There was one exception to the plain. Beside a lush forest, a mansion stood hidden, engulfed in flames. It burned so fiercely that it seemed on the verge of spreading to the forest. The intensity of the fire was such that I was convinced the mansion would be nothing but ashes within a few days.
In front of the roaring flames, which crackled and scattered embers, Rouge-chan and the others stood stunned. Holding Noir-chan’s hand, they watched their birthplace vanish.
The burning mansion was a research institute in a certain country. It had repeatedly conducted inhumane experiments, only to be discovered by Hairi, a special Magic Stone Human produced by Palinkron, and Aid, the Guardian of Floor 40—and this was the result.
Before Rouge-chan and Noir-chan could be used up as research material, the two figures, a man and a woman with matching long white hair, saved them. Perhaps due to the Past Sight, I could vaguely glimpse them battling researchers and guards with incredible skill.
After everything was over, a grim-faced Hairi cautioned Aid. The lifespan of these children is too short. The longer they live, the more they may suffer. He said this in front of the two Magic Stone Humans themselves.
—But Aid immediately shook his head.
Shaking his head, he confronted Hairi’s grim prophecy head-on.
“—Hairi, that’s not true. There are no lives that should not have been born in this world.”
Without a moment’s delay, he took Rouge-chan and Noir-chan’s hands. They were bewildered by the warmth of those hands. It was likely a temperature they had never experienced in their short, tragic lives. Though they were confused, they never pulled away.
“There absolutely aren’t. I will definitely save them.”
As if reassuring himself, Aid repeated—and vowed to protect these two oppressed lives. He emanated his wood-elemental magic, as if to say that he himself existed to help the Magic Stone Humans. Surprised by the Guardian’s firm resolve, Hairi smiled with a hint of bemusement—and finally agreed. They vowed to help the Magic Stone Humans within their reach.
—This was the beginning.
This was the start of a new story for the Thief of the Laws of Wood summoned to this era, and the start of a new life for Rouge-chan and the other Magic Stone Humans.
Aid placed his hands on their heads and began to comfort them, telling them there was nothing more to fear. As if recalling something, he continued to caress them with unfamiliar gentleness.
“—How did you escape the institute with such small bodies? But you can rest easy now. The humans who tormented you are gone.”
Rouge-chan and Noir-chan meeting Hairi and Aid was by chance. Escaping from the research institute and reporting the ensuing devastation also happened by chance. Everything was an accident.
From that chance, the Magic Stone Humans were only able to be bewildered by the kindness that spontaneously appeared.
However, I believe this person will help me. And surely, everyone can be helped.
Being able to believe that somewhere in her heart, and feeling joy from being petted, Rouge-chan unintentionally narrowed her eyes.
—And so, their journey together begins.
The main objective of their journey was the liberation of other Magic Stone Humans suffering in research institutes, but it was fundamentally a journey to help people. They went around saving persecuted slaves and beastmen, and aiding starving villages and towns.
Guardian Aid possessed the knowledge and power to make this possible.
During the journey, through Hairi’s connections, they also borrowed the power of the Legacy family to create places for the rescued Magic Stone Humans to live new lives.
The oppressed Magic Stone Humans were continuously rescued—but at the same time, they couldn’t understand the meaning of being saved and raised questions.
They stated that they were created beings, useful “things,” and didn’t understand why they needed to be protected.
To their births that were more tragic than any slave’s, Aid responded kindly.
He explained that he had decided to save them because the Magic Stone Humans were family.
“—It doesn’t matter if you’re a Magic Stone Human. You can decide your own family. By the way, in my own law, I believe everyone here is one family.”
Through Aid’s law, the Magic Stone Humans gained a family.
The journey of the four continued as they discarded the numbers indicating their sequence of creation and gave each other new names.
Naturally, various problems arose during the journey.
The Magic Stone Humans adjusted in the research institute were simply too physically weak. However, Aid treated them all, barely taking time to sleep.
The Magic Stone Humans tried to stop Aid from searching for treatments, even at the cost of his own well-being. They suggested that Thief of the Laws of Wood, Aid’s time, should not be spent on Magic Stone Humans with no future.
“—I’m sorry, Teacher… Our lives are just too fragile. Honestly, further treatment is pointless… Let’s just give up…”
“So what? If we’re talking about life, then I myself am a ‘death person’? It’s useless no matter what you say. I decided to save the Magic Stone Humans. Yes, I’ve already decided.”
However, the Guardian brushed aside their laments with a single stroke.
In front of the Magic Stone Humans, who grew increasingly bewildered by his overly forceful helping hands, Aid wove various words.
“—Even if you have a few problems, there’s no doubt you are all strong youths. And I always welcome promising youths. My envisioned kingdom needs many talented individuals—”
He dispelled the Magic Stone Humans’ shame and anxiety, stating that it aligned with Aid’s goal of “nation-building” and there was nothing to worry about.
Among his words were terms that Titty had also seen in her memories.
“—Never give up. Let’s aim for ‘paradise’ together, laughing.”
With that, he invited his family to ‘paradise’.
A kingdom where even Magic Stone Humans could live happily and peacefully. Aid said they would reach it together.
And there, Rouge-chan’s memory recall ended.
She must have thought she had conveyed everything she wanted to tell me. Gradually, I returned from ‘Past Sight’ to reality—
◆◆◆◆◆
—And so, I saw the reason why Rouge-chan and the other Magic Stone Humans were willing to give their lives for Aid.
I feel respect for that journey.
I wouldn’t call it salvation, but I felt something akin to a story of world reform based on rewarding good and punishing evil.
Aid’s figure, helping people suffering from hardship and curing intractable diseases, was incredibly noble.
At the same time, I also learned that Aid had changed significantly over the past year.
Seeing the shift in my expression, Rouge-chan, with my hand still in her chest, muttered.
“—As Teacher declared, he quickly prepared a new Ruling King and created a kingdom… but after becoming the kingdom’s Chancellor, he started acting strangely little by little… Without a moment’s rest, Teacher worked and worked, continuously working, and was gradually cornered by something… Before I knew it, he stopped smiling entirely…”
The Guardian might be a walking corpse, but that doesn’t mean everything about him is unchanging. He might change his mind, or perhaps he might break the vows he made in life.
He might have found something more important than helping people. Or perhaps, he no longer has the leeway to help people…
“Now, deliberately escalating the war between the Northern Alliance and the Southern Alliance is something the Teacher from the beginning would never have considered…”
The current Aid is far too strange compared to a year ago.
Therefore, Rouge-chan, the Magic Stone Human who has been with Aid for the longest, probably wants to know the true nature of this strangeness before protecting Teacher.
No—she might already know the reason. Because she knows, she might be offering us her cooperation.
“Lately, even when I call Teacher, he doesn’t respond… It’s like he’s ignoring me, as if the time he was Teacher never existed… Only when I call him ‘Chancellor’ does he turn around with a very tense expression… It pains me to see that, I…”
Her desperate plea pierced the depths of my heart thanks to our ‘Connection’.
“So please, Aikawa Kanami. You are the older brother of the current Ruling King, aren’t you?”
The current Ruling King—from what I heard from Rainer and Rustiara, there’s no doubt it’s my sister Hidaki. Without hiding it, I nodded.
“…You know well. That’s right.”
“Please, take my sister with you. And depose the teacher from his position as ‘Chancellor.’ That is my wish.”
“Understood. We will absolutely make Aid stop being ‘Chancellor.’ And we will definitely rescue your sister.”
I naturally agreed.
Thanks to the ‘Connection,’ I understood Rouge’s story well, and Aid’s problems were also convincing.
Perhaps because Titty and Aid are siblings, their problems are very similar. It felt like the task was no different from dealing with a Labyrinth, merely swapping the word ‘King’ for ‘Chancellor.’
Titty, who had been listening from behind, seemed to agree, as she didn’t interject in the promise and instead petted Rouge’s head, welcoming her.
“Aid helped you, who were suffering a tragic fate…”
“Y-Yes, that’s right… Um, please take care of us. Our true ‘Ruling King’…”
“Ah, likewise. But there’s no need to be so timid. You can speak to me casually, child.”
Titty had probably trusted Rouge from the start. After I finished confirming my ‘Distance Mute,’ she interacted with me very unguardedly.
After offering sufficient hospitality, Titty spoke to me with a serious expression.
“Kanamin. It seems to me that Aid’s heart still holds the image of the elderly couple who once saved the children… Just like with us, even after decades, that hasn’t faded. However, he seems to have made the wrong choice regarding what comes next.”
As we exchanged information, Aid’s problem became clear.
While the problem seemed troublesome, I honestly wasn’t too worried. After all, Aid’s true older sister was right beside me.
“It seems to have become a bit complicated. However, I believe it’s easier than your situation.”
“Hahaha, that’s reassuring.”
Perhaps it was due to using the grand technique of ‘Past Sight,’ my senses were now incredibly sharp.
Because of that, I could clearly see what I needed to do next and the flow of events.
First, instead of fighting the Guardian, I needed to understand its wish. That was the usual approach.
However, I had a hunch that this time, the ‘reason for the mistaken wish’ would be complicated.
Unlike previous Guardians, it felt as if it had been artificially complicated… that sort of feeling.
Even so, there was no mistaking that this time would be easier because the goal was in sight.
I was absolutely certain that Aid being with his family, Titty, was the absolute prerequisite.
“Well then, let’s move. We made quite a spectacle, so people are gathering.”
The battle between Titty and me in front of the ‘Great Hole’ had leaked considerable magic power and sound into the city. Several Explorers were watching us from a distance. If this continued, even the city guards would show up.
Let’s leave the ‘Second Labyrinth City Daril’ immediately.
If we were to leave, it would likely be towards Viais in the north. While subtly extending my ‘Dimension,’ I decided on our next course of action.
By the way, Kuuneru, who had fled, had already made it outside the city. She had been genuinely averse to accompanying us, and from this point on, it was truly dangerous, so I decided to let her escape. Titty also didn’t try to capture her here.
This is farewell to Kuuneru.
However, I had a feeling I would meet her again somewhere soon…
It wasn’t fate, but I felt something close to it with her.
“Aikawa Kanami. I believe the Teacher is definitely in Viais, a country at the southern tip of the ‘Northern Alliance.’ That country is the new nation the Teacher founded. Let’s head north and go straight for Viais.”
“Ah, I don’t believe Aid lied. It will undoubtedly be Viais…”
The name of that country was familiar.
Titty and Aid would settle their differences there, and nowhere else.
However, Titty herself voiced a slightly worried opinion.
“But is it truly alright to head straight north? I heard there’s a war going on.”
“It’s fine to go straight, Mrs. Aid’s older sister. They don’t fight all year ’round, you know.”
“Wh-They don’t fight all year ’round…!? Hmm, well…”
“If we go through the northern checkpoints, I can get us through with just my face. And if we are spotted by people from the south, it should be okay with Snow… right?”
Snow, who had been standing back, was startled when suddenly called upon and tilted her head.
“Uh, uh? But I’m not the Deputy Commander General anymore…”
“Snow… things like that aren’t easily abandoned just because you want to… At least, I don’t think people’s perceptions have changed. So, if something happens, can I rely on you?”
“Hmm, hmm. It seems you’re in a hurry, so I’ll try my best.”
“Alright. Then, regarding the journey ahead…”
Rouge spread out a map from her possession as she walked. It was filled with many notes, and a quick scan with ‘Dimension’ was enough to grasp the current wartime situation.
Relying on my Dimensional Magic’s perception, and incorporating Snow’s opinion as a former southern general, we decided how to avoid the battlefields.
The country of Viais was just across the northern and southern borders. The Royal Capital wasn’t far either, so it didn’t take long to decide on the route.
“—Then, let’s take this route over several days. I want to recover the magic power I used today and need time to use Future Sight before the duel.”
Once the plan was made, we returned to the carriage.
Once in the carriage, it would be a straight shot.
The journey from the Allied Nations would end.
Titty’s journey home would end—
“Yes. Then, let us go, to the child’s homeland, Viais—”
Titty turned her face towards the north, where her younger brother presumably awaited, and finished speaking.
And so, we departed from ‘Second Labyrinth City Daril’ that very day.
