Everything about Ragune was conveyed to me.
“Contradiction.”
That was the nature of the mist between Ragune and me.
It was over.
The direct hit of “Distance Mute” could annihilate its target, ignoring life and death.
This was the end of Ragune Kaikuola, the “Star Principle Thief.” Yet, I continued to watch the Ragune, who had lost both arms, below me with unwavering attention.
[Stat Situation]
Rank: Moon… Lagoon… Principle… Ria
HP — / — MP ■■9 / 3■9 Class: Guardian
There was corrupted text.
Palinkron had the same phenomenon before, but there was no sign of it being corrected like last time.
It was only I who understood that the “Conversion Result” display was not keeping up with Ragune.
This meant she had surpassed the power of the Primordial Kanami.
Furthermore, it meant she had become a being beyond the world’s perception, which even modifies its “display” as needed.
Ragune called herself an illusion.
She probably thought she had tried to become a “Star Principle Thief” as a “person” but failed to become either a “person” or a “Star Principle Thief.”
But that was not the case.
I believe she is the first being to have attained the status of a “Thief of Principles” on her own while still being a “person.”
Because her existence is a contradiction, her “display” is impossible, and the world’s demand for “price” is exceptionally strong.
“Ragune Kaikuola is real.”
However, that real person lay sprawled on the shimmering lake—or rather, in the shape of the character “person”—and let out a deep sigh. She also muttered softly, “Thank you, Nosfy-san…”
She was ready to die anytime, it seemed.
With an expression that accepted even annihilation without a soul, she confessed her dying wishes.
“Well then, Kanami’s older brother… Please do your best for me… carrying both Nosfy’s and my lives…”
“Ah, I understand.”
One of the survivors had the obligation to carry the lives of the other two.
I had no intention of denying that.
I had received Ragune’s dying wish.
All that remained was to pull out my inserted left arm, and then it would be over.
But I hesitated to move my arm.
Throughout the battle, Nosfy’s message had been constantly in my head. The words that only I could save Ragune.
Ragune before me understood all the wavering in my heart.
And for some reason, she used her remaining lifespan to start a meaningless chat.
“…No, hahaha. Still, we two really were fated, weren’t we? A duel in the labyrinth, watching a play together at the ‘Dance Battle Tournament’… Riding on the same ship, being included as companions… finally going on a date in the Great Holy Capital, and then fighting to the death… It was surprisingly fun, wasn’t it?”
The atmosphere of battle just moments before had vanished, and she had returned to the carefree Ragune of a few days ago.
With that friendly nature, Ragune confessed to me.
“I hate you, Kanami’s older brother, but I love you…”
Those were contradictory words.
But somehow, I didn’t feel any disharmony that would cancel them out.
“Inside this mist, I hated you, and on the surface of this act, I liked you… Both are me, and both are true… That’s all there is…”
Ragune showed no intention of resolving her own contradiction.
Because of our bond, I could be certain… she was now accepting everything. Including her own meaningless existence. That was probably why she was real.
“Hahaha. Truly, we are so careless and shady, aren’t we? … But Riel-sama praised this shady me. Riel-sama, you know him, right? He let me go, saying it was okay. So—”
I thought she was being considerate.
This Ragune was my “Ideal” Ragune.
However, I shook my head, thinking such an act was unnecessary.
“It’s okay now, Ragune. You don’t need to worry about me so much… Thanks to you, I understand things clearly too…”
“Mmm? Hahaha. No, that sounds really fake. I can’t imagine you, my brother, being able to defeat that sister.”
Ragune predicted the outcome of the battles that lay ahead and spoke. To deny it, I asserted my own growth and change.
“Still, it’s alright. Thanks to you killing me, I realized many things… and from the ‘Thieves of Principles,’ I learned everything I needed. Especially from Palinkron, who made me affirm my own existence repeatedly… I can do it now.—Ah, I promise.”
“Oh? …As expected of Palinkron-san. I thought you were being sly, but you did what you had to do. That’s good preparation, isn’t it?”
Ragune bypassed my heartfelt promise and mentioned the name of her former colleague. I felt a little sad seeing how little faith she had in me, but I understood and continued the conversation.
“Ah. Preparation, huh… As expected, all of his words back then must have been preparations…”
“Yeah. That guy is good at laying the groundwork for the distant future.”
It seemed we could continue this casual chat forever.
But Ragune wouldn’t allow it.
“…You should hurry, older brother. You’ve been held back by me for quite a while. The area below has clearly become abnormal… Please hurry and go save Fafnir-san…”
Ragune’s gaze shifted to the “Scripture” in her own bosom. It seemed to be a parting gift, telling me to take it.
However, her attitude made me hesitate. Ragune had been giving me advice all along. She was using her final moments to help me as much as she could.
“—Older brother kept his promise.”
Ragune sensed my feelings and answered before I could ask. Then, with that one sentence, she averted her eyes from me.
It took me time to recall the promise she mentioned. It was surely the night before she killed me. I had promised to save Ragune. It was secondary to saving Nosfy, but I had indeed promised.
However, I had not kept my promise. I wasn’t the one who brought light to Ragune, and she was born without meaning. Frankly, Ragune hadn’t changed at all since that night. She wasn’t saved in the slightest.
Currently, Ragune, who averted her gaze from me, was looking at the sky with great regret. Without blinking, she shed a single tear.
“I always knew there was no ‘First Place’… but I wanted to believe there was… I wanted to believe Mom…”
Ragune, who wanted to believe but couldn’t.
In the end, she couldn’t defeat the “First Place” enemy and gained nothing. On impulse, I threw something at Ragune that I hadn’t been able to say to Nosfy.
“But, Ragune… To me, you were undoubtedly the ‘First Place’ enemy. …After all, you killed me once. You are the worst enemy…”
That was the complete opposite of the words I spoke to Nosfy and the hand I extended.
“I never want to fight you again, and I never want to see you again… So, I will finish you now.”
Hearing that, Ragune repeated my words.
“I am the ‘First Place’ enemy. I don’t want to see you again. So I will kill you… right?”
“Yeah…”
“Hahaha.”
Ragune immediately sneered and shook her head.
I tried to give Ragune’s life some meaning, but she laughed and rejected my attempt. Then, as if saying such things didn’t exist for us, Ragune continued to shake her head.
“We.”
Someday, I too would have to shake my head and accept everything, just like Ragune. It seemed Ragune was telling me to be prepared for that.
After shaking her head, Ragune narrowed her eyes as if she were dazzled and began to speak to the empty air. She no longer looked at me.
Or perhaps her vision was fading due to blood loss. I knew from experience that the world suddenly darkened at the brink of death. If anything, her ears might also—
“—…Yes. …I didn’t believe you. I knew Mom hated me. I knew she wanted me to die. Because Mom is a loser. Words like “I love my daughter” were truly shady. There was no way I could believe them…”
Her words were directed at her mother. Towards her, Ragune found her own answer alone.
“…But I liked that Mom. I hated her, but I loved her.”
On her way to this “Summit,” Ragune had “reversed” many precious things as a “price.” Some might still be “reversing.” Looking at her crumbling “Status,” it was obvious. Ragune was undoubtedly in a state more terrifying than death, but it was a powerful voice that was not defeated by that “price.”
“I couldn’t believe anything, but I want to believe this feeling of mine. This at least is not an act. I don’t like Mom because she’s my mother; I liked Mom because I am me. —’I hate you’.”
I understood the meaning of “I love you” because of what I went through.
Ragune, finally.
Only because she could finally admit from the bottom of her heart that she hated her mom… could she finally say from the bottom of her heart that she loved her mom.
No matter how much it was “reversed,” this would remain eternally unchanged.
“I don’t need love or life. I don’t wish for words like “live on.” …I just wanted Mom to be there.”
At the same time, Ragune acknowledged that she didn’t have a mother.
Ultimately, Ragune couldn’t mention whether there was a blood connection between “Mom” and “Ragune Kaikuola” until she died. And she never believed in that connection at all. We had made it practically nonexistent ourselves.
Still, Ragune said, “I love Mom.”
That was her answer to the sky.
“The world was always bright and dark… I didn’t know where I was walking… but thanks to Mom’s words, I felt like I walked straight… I felt like that… —”
It shouldn’t be alright, but Ragune closed her eyelids, saying it was alright.
“Ah, I couldn’t become ‘First Place’— but— this is the most— highest— and brightest— place in the world—…”
With that, Ragune died from blood loss.
Confirming her death through the connection of “Distance Mute,” I extracted her magic stone without farewells. Like the “Thieves of Principles” of the past, her body dissolved into magic particles and disappeared.
What remained were her clothes and “Hermina’s Heart.” Also, the “Scripture” and the pendants of the “Thieves of Principles.”
I put Ragune’s magic stone and the “Scripture” into my “Inventory,” then hung the magic stone pendant around my neck and girded the “Aris Family’s Treasure Sword” and “Hermina’s Heart” with the makeshift belt Ragune had made. Taking everything of hers, I stood up.
“Nosfy… Ragune…”
I deeply felt the loss of two family members.
At the same time, the “Summit” was coming to an end.
First, the mirror magic left by Ragune shattered and scattered.
This removed the wall that enclosed the light. Then, a particularly brilliant light exploded, and all the magic power on the rooftop escaped into the outside world. Amidst the descending “magic snow” from the mirror, the rooftop plunged into darkness as if light switches were turned off— but it did not.
Just as an orange-yellow sun began to rise from the rounded horizon.
It was the morning sun. The morning sun reflected off the mirror’s “magic snow,” creating a dazzling myriad of light that filled my vision like a melody.
After a long battle, the Great Holy Capital was about to greet its second morning, having passed through the night.
—I already know its meaning through “Future Sight.”
Thanks to the mirror’s “magic snow,” it became an even more brilliant morning, and I entered a state of readiness without letting my guard down.
It was natural to be able to draw my sword anytime, and I was always prepared to activate “Dimensional Magic.” Assuming the battle with the “Thieves of Principles” was not over, my thoughts raced at full speed.
During that time, the mirror’s “magic snow” completely fell to the floor.
And then, a different kind of snow began to fall on the rooftop.
It was white and cold, melting upon touch— snow.
It was a physical natural phenomenon, not magic. Snow, crystallized from atmospheric water by the cold air, fell gently.
“Real snow… This is my first time here… Since back then, maybe…”
It was the first time I had seen it in this other world, apart from magic.
I picked up a snowflake in my palm and watched it melt with my body heat. A nostalgic memory was evoked.
It was life in my original world. After losing both parents, my siblings and I moved out of our father and mother’s luxury apartment. From that white room, we moved to a snowy town. I clearly remember it being cold all year round, unlike the warm city center where we had lived for so long.
Just going outside for a short walk would freeze my fingertips and my core.
So, we always walked holding hands. We believed that if we were together, this snowy town wouldn’t be cold.
—For me, snow is a symbol of my sister, Aikawa Hidaki.
Clenching the melting snow in my palm, I re-examined my feelings for my sister.
Hidaki is precious family. Most precious, loved deeply as family, and more important than my own life. To save my sister is an obligation, and to make her happy is my mission.
That’s why I once aimed for the “Deepest Part” of the labyrinth. I believed that if I could reach the “Deepest Part,” I could meet my sister. I could live with her again, back in my original world. Like before, just the two of us, intimately—
“Hahaha… That’s impossible, isn’t it, Ragune…”
A dry laugh escaped me.
I immediately shed the “idealized surface” of my sister and examined the mist within. Thanks to Ragune, a pioneer, the process went smoothly. Most importantly, having died once and been reborn— some things have been fixed.
I am the same as Ragune. That was clear from last night’s “Affinity.” Ragune misunderstood slightly, but it wasn’t just to save her; it was also for myself.
As a result of the re-examination during that “Affinity,” I understood— first, just as Ragune is not a “Star Principle Thief,” I am not a “Thief of the Principles of Dimensions.” My magic is merely an act using the nature of mirrors to deceive the world.
Naturally, if Ragune Kaikuola is a dream itself, then Aikawa Uzunami is also a dream itself. In my case, that dream is—
“I am Aikawa Uzunami. Therefore, I will absolutely protect my sister.”
This is an illusion.
Through Ragune, I saw a side of my sister I didn’t know. With chilling eyes and magic, she drove away Ragune who approached her.
From now on, I must confirm each contradiction within myself one by one.
I opened my tightly clenched fist and faced forward. I intended to descend from this rooftop and meet my target—
She appears ahead of me.
—Even though there must have been a fierce battle by the “Thieves of Principles” downstairs, she ascended the stairs elegantly without a single scratch.
Yes, only one person. After the battle in Fuziaze Castle ended, only one person reached the “Summit.”
I wouldn’t misrecognize her form, her face, her eyes.
Her attire was unchanged, newly crafted in this other world. She let her black hair, of the exact same quality as mine, grow down to her waist, letting it billow in the snowy wind as she walked. Her eyes were also deep black, while her skin was a contrasting, almost sickly transparent white. Her eyes and mouth drooped, hinting at her gentle and approachable personality. Her quiet demeanor and gestures brought to mind the word “Yamato Nadeshiko.” Such a girl.
It was my sister, Aikawa Hidaki.
“—Haa. It’s a bit chilly.”
Hidaki exhaled a pure white breath and rubbed her hands together for warmth. Despite it being a reunion after who-knows-how-many years, she reacted as casually as one would after waking up in the morning.
“Ah. Brother, good morning.”
Hidaki smiled and offered a cheerful greeting to me. As her older brother, I was certain there was no sarcasm or ulterior motive in her words.
As always.
The Hidaki I know. So, I responded as always.
“Ah, good morning. Hidaki.”
We exchanged greetings. At that moment, as if having heard our conversation, the morning sun fully emerged. The sunset light shone from behind Hidaki.
Although the light hurt my eyes, I didn’t look away and focused on our conversation.
“But… how should I put it…”
“Well. Indeed, there’s too much to talk about, isn’t there?”
Perhaps it was because we met before I had gathered my thoughts, but my words were hesitant. The intense battle just before likely had an effect too. I felt like a gear in my head had broken due to the drastic change.
However, I recalled the battles with Ragune and the others and calmly offered a reply.
“No, there’s no need to rush… Let’s talk slowly. First, ‘Talks.’ Starting with that is more like me…”
“…Haa. Talk, you say? Indeed, that might be like you, brother. Including that unnecessarily drawn-out manner.”
This time, I immediately understood that sarcasm and ulterior motives were included. Recalling her ever-present sharp wit, I retorted.
“Sorry for showing off. But this is who I am.”
“Yes, that’s right. That is exactly my brother.”
We said the same thing, but it didn’t mean the same thing. I thought of myself as merely an “act for a surface,” while Hidaki saw me as the “brother I ought to be.” I intended to smooth out— and break— that discrepancy starting now.
“As promised, let’s not keep any secrets.”
“Yes, we promised. After the battle ends, we’ll talk without keeping any secrets… Unlike a lying brother like you, I will honestly tell you everything. Including why I woke up now and am here.”
“I won’t lie either. I’m not the same as I was a thousand years ago— no, back then.”
If I were the same as back then, I wouldn’t be able to face the “Thieves of Principles” who vanished. The many lessons learned from everyone. They cannot be in vain. I gripped the pendant on my chest and swore to everyone present.
“So, let’s put an end to it here. Hidaki.”
Seeing my figure, Hidaki—
“—Haa.”
She displayed an expression of ecstasy. I could tell that her feeling was joy. Hidaki was more thrilled than anyone by my growth.
It seemed Hidaki had finally obtained what she had been waiting for. Hidaki continued to gaze at me ecstatically, praising me.
“Brother, your magic power… and more importantly, your heart has become stronger. Now we can talk as equals. Even if I speak with all seriousness, you won’t run away, break, or die anymore.”
She added a dangerous remark at the end, but I felt with my skin that it was not a joke. Understanding everything, I promised Hidaki that no matter what, I would not run away, break, or die.
“Ah.”
I nodded. Seeing me, Hidaki’s cheeks flushed further with joy. Then, she glanced briefly towards the stairs behind her and exclaimed with admiration.
“Ah! And now! Including the area below, all the [Principles] you carried have ended! You have cast aside weakness and gained true strength…! All according to that ‘Future Prediction’! Ah, ah, ah—!”
Ah, she too, below, has ended. I knew it, but I could not be present at that moment.
Still, it was unusual for Hidaki to make such a fuss. Recalling, the only time I could think of was when my parents disappeared and we reconciled at the hospital. She was showing me a smile now, comparable to that moment.
“Haa. This time, we can finally ‘Affinity’ with each other.”
She said this with a hot white breath, smiling at me with nothing but affection.
That was our signal.
“Then, let’s begin our family meeting, just the two of us. Brother.”
“Ah, let’s begin. Hidaki.”
It was the signal for a long story to reach its end.
The life spun by a pair of “Foreigner” siblings who wandered into another world. The verification of the meaning and reason for that life— begins.
In truth, I didn’t want to know. I didn’t want to understand. I didn’t want to accept it.
It was the “Truth” I didn’t want to know until the day I die.
But I could no longer hide in the darkness. Guided by the “bright light” in my heart, I moved forward. I would walk in my own way, as I swore to the “mirror image” I had just witnessed.
Even if what awaited me at the end was the same as Ragune’s fate—
The rooftop of Fuziaze Castle.
In the falling snow, the siblings were alone. As we basked in the dawn sunlight, we drew closer.
Thinking back, it was long yet short. Several months since being summoned to the labyrinth. Including the time I was unconscious, it was even a thousand and one years. Finally, the separation of siblings had ended, and a reunion had been achieved.
—Ah, it begins.
I thought two words simultaneously. A true, wandering tale, one, begins now, here.
It contradicted, yet without contradiction— yes, I certainly felt it. I acknowledged it.
This concludes Chapter 7-3.
Incidentally, the character design of “Aikawa Hidaki,” who makes her first appearance here, can be seen on the cover of Volume 8 of the book.
From Chapter 4 until this Episode 346… I have finally reached this point.
And, as usual, the final status!
[Status]
Name: Aikawa Uzunami HP — / — MP 1923 / 1923 Class: —
Level 36
Strength 20.12 Stamina 23.45 Dexterity 28.99 Speed 39.78 Intelligence 30.77 Magic Power 108.56 Aptitude 10.21
Condition: Immortality 1.00
Experience Points: 121980 / 145000
Equipment: Aris Family’s Treasure Sword “Rowen”, Hermina’s Heart
Necklace “White Green Principle”, Necklace “Abyss Principle”
Red Talisman, Green Talisman, Epic Seeker’s Uniform
Chrome Gloves, Megistus Boots
[Skills]
Innate Skill: Swordsmanship 5.00
Acquired Skills: Martial Arts 2.02, Sub-Martial Arts 1.03, Dimensional Magic 5.97+0.70, Light Magic 2.00
Magic Combat 1.02, Curse Technique 5.58, Sensation 3.65, Command 0.91, Rearguard Technique 1.01
Sewing 1.02, Knitting 1.15, Deception 1.72, Blacksmithing 1.04, Divine Metal Blacksmithing 0.57
Unique Skill: Covenant of the Deepest Part
???: ???
[Magic]
Dimensional Magic: Dimension 1.80, Rag(ne) 1.00, Shift 1.00, Form 1.12
Time Shift 1.00, Connection 1.05, Default 1.09
Distance Mute 1.25
Unique Magic: Dimension – Multiple Expansion 1.15
Dimension – Decisive Calculation 1.36
Dimension – Curvature Calculation 1.01
Dimension – Thousand Calculations Counteract 1.02
Dimension Severing Sword 1.05
Form – Twisted Iris 1.02
Resonance Magic: Dear Flash 1.12
Cherry Blossom Child Paradise 1.00
Substitute for Lost Light 1.00
Magic: Dimension – Decisive Calculation (Prelude) 1.39
Dimension – Decisive Calculation (Prequel) 1.04
The status is simplified, as before.
—Next is Chapter 8.
According to the plan, this chapter will mark the conclusion of “The Wandering Tale of the Aikawa Siblings in Another World.” Of course, Chapters 9 and 10 are also planned, but this will essentially be the final chapter.
Until then.
