The near-death experience erased everything that had bound me.
And at the same time, I gained the ability to see truths that should not be seen.
The world reflected in my eyes was completely repainted. The hazy outlines of the “Red String of Fate”—no, the “Red String”—were now clearly visible. Furthermore, multiple red threads shimmered not only around my little finger but also around my legs and elbows.
Next, I turned my attention to the “something like a flow” that distorted space. At first glance, I thought it was the visualization of air currents, but I quickly realized it was a tangle of countless “Transparent Threads.” These threads of magic power, just like the “Red String,” lacked mass and continued to swirl slowly.
Finally, I turned to the “gap” watching over me from behind. However, with Kanami’s death, that oppressive gaze had completely vanished.
The drastic change in my vision made me feel sick.
—In reality, I should have died here, right now.
That fact, coupled with everything else, instinctively made me nauseous.
However, that “Prophecy” of death had gone awry. If the fragmented memories I picked up during my near-death experience were correct, I was supposed to be the “Substitute” here. But with Ragune-chan’s intervention, the sacrificial life had shifted to Kanami.
Suppressing my nausea, I calmly surveyed the changed world. Close by, Nosfy, more entangled in “Threads” than I was, trembled with tears in her eyes. Unlike me, she was entangled with two types. Likely, the “Threads” of Tiara-sama and Kanami’s sister. That sight immediately made me understand the intertwining of multiple intentions.
However, Tiara-sama from a thousand years ago had said they would “cooperate and guide”; it didn’t seem that way at all. Including Ragune-chan’s sudden attack earlier, many things didn’t make sense.
I wanted to know the reason why. No matter what I did, I felt I had to know first.
“—Then, let’s go, Nosfy.”
For that reason, though it might be cruel to Nosfy, I asked her to walk ahead.
And then, as if pulled by the “Threads,” with the hope that Kanami would be revived, we pursued Ragune-chan—and reunited with her on the first floor of Fuziaze Castle.
However, before I could even ask Ragune-chan “Why?”, she had already lost herself. Having become one of the “Thieves of Principles,” she was mocking the many “Prices” she had lost.
“…Ah, ahh. Ah, it’s me. —Ahhh, ahhh, hahahaha, ahhhhh, damn it!!”
Nosfy, the “Thief of the Principles of Light,” and Fafnir, the “Thief of the Law of Blood,” who were her peers, were also surprised by Ragune-chan’s sudden change.
There was no doubt that Ragune-chan had become a “Thief of Principles.” With my “Eye,” I could clearly confirm that she was marked as the “Thief of the Principles of the Moon.”
However, compared to the “Thieves of Principles” so far, her appearance was strange. Firstly, she seemed aware of the mechanisms and her “Lingering Desires.” Moreover, she was touching the truth of the “World” that I had just managed to realize at the risk of my life.
“—You’ve realized by now, haven’t you? About the countless ‘Magic Threads’ hanging from our bodies right now! The truly terrifying thing is being manipulated from behind by a being who shows neither form nor even a shadow! If I’m going to give ‘Immortality’ to Kanami’s older brother, I’d be a hundred times better! I can get one over on the world!”
Ragune-chan’s body, as she shouted, shimmered with as many “Red Strings” as mine. On top of that, her gaze shifted to the surrounding “Transparent Threads,” and she disparagingly called them “Magic Threads.”
Clearly, Ragune-chan also knew. However, the situation didn’t allow me to press her for details, and we were forced to retreat from Fuziaze Castle.
Then, we fled to our temporary base in the Underground City. Fortunately, the recovery of the injured was not a concern. It was thanks to Nosfy’s healing magic, as she had joined us as Kanami’s “Substitute.” However, Kanami’s sister still did not awaken.
I knew the reason why. For Hitaki-chan, it was probably still too early. Knowing the reason well, I decided to prioritize my childhood friend Ragune-chan and gather information from the “Seven Knights of Heaven” within the mansion.
However, the new information about Ragune-chan was limited to her being a talented woman from Sidoh Village in a border region. Apart from that, I only had the information I possessed, the “Red String of Fate” attached to her body, and her own words.
—And no matter how I tried to connect these pieces of information, Ragune-chan only presented “Contradictions.”
First, despite being the “Thief of the Principles of the Moon,” she loudly utilized the “Star Principle.” While saying she wanted to be “First Place,” she was trying to turn away from being “First Place.” Most surprisingly, despite clearly being guided by Tiara-sama, she was trying to break free from the “Prophecy.”
From Ragune-chan’s appearance and behavior, I could keenly feel her desire: “I don’t like the predetermined world of the ‘Prophecy,’ so I want to ruin it.”
Tiara-sama was guiding Ragune-chan down that path. While binding everything with the “Prophecy,” Tiara-sama did not want it to proceed according to the “predetermined script.”
I couldn’t understand Tiara-sama’s intentions. Similarly, Ragune-chan’s objectives were unclear. As I hesitated on our next “Operation”—
“—’Now, I cast aside my flag.’ ‘I no longer need the world’s blessing.’—”
While having a long talk with the Knights, my older sister Nosfy visited the mansion’s living room. Then, she wove a “Magic” “Incantation,” gathered the companions’ feelings for Kanami, and explained that she would “complete the ‘Magic’ to resurrect Kanami.”
—From Nosfy’s “Incantation” and appearance, Tiara-sama’s and Ragune-chan’s intentions began to become clearer.
Thanks to Ragune-chan, Nosfy had now cast aside her long-standing doubts, faced her own “Lingering Desire,” and was moving forward more powerfully and swiftly than anyone else.
As a result, two entwined “Threads” were stretched taut.
Conversely, the threads were being pulled by Nosfy.
— I felt as though I had seen this same scene before, just once, somewhere.
However, before I could recall it, the second Fuziaze subjugation attempt was initiated. The plan, decided without much time or foresight, was a rough outline: “Utilize the Fuziaze army to enter the castle from all four directions, attack Fafnir as a group, and somehow escort Nosfy to the rooftop. After that, everyone will think and act for themselves.”
Yet, it was by no means inferior to the first attempt. As the Great Holy Capital was transforming into a brutal battlefield by the rampage of Fafnir, the “Thief of the Law of Blood,” the voice of the “Saintess” echoed. As the country was sinking into foul blood, Nosfy’s light ignited in the hearts of knights who had resigned themselves to defeat.
“—Now, in Fuziaze! This shining ‘Flag’ stands! It is raised and watches over everyone! All wounds! All magic power! All fear! This flag will surely drive them away!!”
This was accompanied not only by spiritual light but also by visual and magical light. As Nosfy brandished the “Royal Banner” on the battlefield, the injuries of over ten thousand knights were healed, and their combat capabilities were enhanced.
Furthermore, the continent’s heroes, such as “Apostles” and the “Acting Commander-in-Chief of the Southern Alliance,” appeared as reinforcements. Following that, Nosfy implored me, the “Living God,” to join them. As we parted ways, I asked:
“—Nosfy… right now…”
“Rustiara… I am the legendary ‘Royal Banner’ from a thousand years ago. In this situation, I can shine brighter than anyone. So, please, won’t you leave it to your older sister today…?”
Having retrieved Tiara’s memories, I understood the mechanism of the magic Nosfy was currently performing. I couldn’t even imagine the “Price” required to simultaneously heal and enhance the minds and bodies of over ten thousand knights.
However, I knew Nosfy was resolute from before the operation began. Even if it was the result of being guided by someone’s “Threads,” her face conveyed that she would proudly live out this life as her own.
From now on, Nosfy will use her true “Magic” to fulfill her “Lingering Desire.” And then, she will disappear. I can see that future.
“—Nosfy reaches the ‘Summit,’ and Kanami is revived. In the end, facing each other at the ‘Summit’ are Ragune-chan and Kanami. By then, the ‘Thief of the Principles of Light,’ Nosfy, was no longer present, but she was certainly watching over them. The light she left behind would grant them a ‘Trial’ to save the two hollow individuals—”
This was the final chapter of the girl named Nosfy Fuziaze. It left behind not the slightest trace of “Lingering Desire,” but only proof that she had lived her own life. I could not stop that happy ending.
If there was something I should stop, it would be “the next.”
“—The ‘Trial’ of the ‘Thief of the Principles of Light’ has ended. At the ‘Summit’ of Fuziaze Castle, Ragune Kaikuola fell, and the Great Holy Capital welcomed its second morning. However, bathed in that dazzling morning light were Kanami and Hitaki. Only the ‘Foreigner’ siblings, reunited at the ‘Summit’ of another world, with no one else—”
“…Yes, I’ll leave it to you. Big Sister will do what Big Sister needs to do, and I’ll do what I need to do.”
Answering thus, I headed left, accompanied by two of the “Seven Knights of Heaven.” As per the plan, I rallied the soldiers struggling against the “Blood Doll” and slowly advanced towards Fuziaze Castle.
Along the way, I couldn’t help but turn my gaze towards Nosfy, who was pushing through the center of the Great Holy Capital. She clearly looked to be in pain from the magical “Price.” She looked hurt. She looked suffering. She looked dark. She looked scared. She was likely bearing all the burdens of this battlefield “in exchange.” Concerned, I continued to watch Nosfy—
I saw light emanating from her. The magic’s name was “Light Brünnhildr.” It was a light that shattered the main gate of Fuziaze Castle. But more than that, that flash carried Nosfy’s feelings.
“Though it is painful, it is not painful. Though it hurts, it does not hurt. Though it is difficult, it is not difficult. Though it is dark, it is not dark. Though it is scary, it is not scary. Though I will die now, I will not die.”
I saw this from the light.
“Nos-, Sister Nosfy…”
I felt as though my sister had just told me not to worry.
Even now, two kinds of “Threads” were entwined around my sister’s retreating figure. But it didn’t matter. Moving forward, forward, forward, faster than the guidance of the threads, too fast to be caught up to. She was living her own life, not someone else’s stage. Therefore—
“She will disappear, but she will not disappear.”
That’s what I felt. And now, I understand clearly.
“Ah, ah… this…”
I remembered having the same feeling during the final match of the “Dance Battle Tournament” a year ago. This was the same as the end of Rowen Aleis, the “Thief of Earthly Principles.” On that day, Rowen fought in the center of the arena ship’s fighting ring with the exact same expression. He himself had emphasized that it was a stage, declaring, “Blinking is strictly forbidden,” and tried to show the audience something more than the original performance until the very last moment.
Because of that, I and Dia and the others couldn’t choose to “interfere in the arena to help Kanami” until the very end. Just like us back then, everyone on this battlefield was captivated by Nosfy, watching her. That included even the gaze from behind me, the “gap’s” gaze.
Next, I remembered having already heard about a situation exactly like this one. It wasn’t the words of Saint Tiara, but the words of the man I least trusted: “—The Palinkron Legacy cheers for a friend’s life. I sincerely wish for them to live it out, never allowing anyone to control them.” The man, who seemed to have realized something, just like Ragune-chan, had told me this.
I am now understanding its meaning.
“Mother, you gave this to everyone…? Then, that—”
With my own will, I activate the skill “Reading.”
Then, I read Tiara’s plan from the beginning of the new calendar.
“—I now understand the role of the “Thief of the Principles of Light.”
It is to pass on the extreme characteristic of “immortality” to Master.
I confirmed the phenomenon that makes this possible with a magic stone just a moment ago.
All I need to do is remove the magic stones and combine them.
With just that, I can expand the vessel and pass on the power—”
Perhaps Tiara, her sister, the Apostles, and even the World, were all initially planning the same thing.
They were trying to gather the magic stones to Kanami, regardless of the “Lingering Desire” of the “Thief of Principles.”
They believed that Kanami would grow and gain power sufficiently even with that.
—However, in this world a thousand years later, the act of simply removing and combining them has never happened.
I also understand why the power inheritance of the “Thief of Principles” did not occur during the “thousand years ago when they became defenseless magic stones in the World Restoration Formation.”
Perhaps Tiara felt it was “not enough.”
Not enough of the darkness of the human heart. Not enough of the light beyond it.
Most importantly—for example, the “Girl” from the Fanian arc who smiled “It’s okay” at her parents as she faced an unreasonable death from illness from “between the lines”—that kind of miracle-like “Magic” was lacking for victory, so Tiara—
“—Young Lady, the Blood Wall has opened up! Let’s go!!”
As I understood, I had already finished passing through the fierce battle to the left.
The knights led by Sera-chan were destroying the strong castle walls of Fuziaze Castle.
Immediately, I handed over this place to Perciona-san, the former leader of the Seven Knights of Heaven, and leaped into the castle, riding on the rippling silver fur of Sera-chan, who had “beastified.”
Just as all my companions rushed into the first floor of Fuziaze Castle at the same time, they were attacking Fafnir, the gatekeeper, the “Thief of the Law of Blood.”
Maria and Dia’s Resonance Magic, combined with Snow’s “Dragon’s Wind,” stopped Fafnir’s movements for just a moment.
Taking advantage of that momentary gap, I stretched my hand to its limit and shouted.
“—Nosfy!!”
“—Yes!!”
I pulled my sister’s soft and slender body closer, embraced her, holding her as if to protect her, and together with Sera-chan, we ran up to the upper floors.
In the atrium next to the stairs, Snow, who had “Dragonized,” followed us, batting away the “Blood Dolls” that stood in our way.
However, this castle, ruled by Fafnir, was not so lenient that it would end with just that.
Snow, who was protecting me, was on the fourteenth floor, facing Glenn, who was stained with blood and had “returned to a demon.”
I, who was holding my sister, was on the thirty-third floor, facing Elmiraud, who was stained with blood and had “returned to a demon.”
We were each blocked.
However, Fafnir didn’t seem to have the upper hand either.
“—Please… Elmiraud Siddharuku, the noblest bloodline of Fuziaze. Honestly, below is more dangerous than you. You are my—last—”
He left those words behind.
On the thirty-third floor, Nosfy and I were held up for a long time.
Because my ability and Elmiraud’s were close, the battle had become a stalemate for no good reason.
It was unavoidable that Nosfy, disliking this situation, chose to advance alone. She dismounted from Sera-chan’s back and headed for the stairs by herself.
I, as her sister, almost stopped her, looking at her back.
But Nosfy—
“—Let’s all reunite later, ‘together’!”
She replied and ran off.
I vaguely understood what “together” meant.
It wasn’t the living Nosfy who was there. She was saying “together” in the sense of having inherited. I understood that, but I had no choice but to nod.
“…Ngh! Yes, we’ll reunite “together” later! It’s a promise! …Sera-chan, the two of us will hold Elmiraud down! Or rather, we’ll defeat her quickly!!”
Shifting my gaze from my sister’s back, I focused on what I had to do.
“—, ————————t!!”
Elmiraud, having lost her sanity and transformed into a lion, roared and began to run towards Nosfy, who was ascending the stairs.
Immediately, I stomped on Sera-chan’s side with my heel to prompt a body check, and began weaving a gust of wind magic.
“—Zea-wind!!”
With the wind from the side and the wolf’s charge, the golden lion’s legs lifted.
However, just as I thought she would be blown away, the lion—braced herself in mid-air where there was nothing.
Presumably, she was deploying hardened magic power or wind at her feet.
To erase that, I began weaving an additional “Zea-wind,” but the lion in front of me also began weaving the exact same magic.
Two un-chanted “Zea-winds” collided, and a wind that seemed to erupt like a storm blew through the thirty-third floor.
Unable to bear it, Sera-chan moved away from the lion.
But by then, Nosfy had already succeeded in running up to the thirty-fourth floor alone.
I watched my sister, alone, head towards the “summit” to aid Kanami.
◆◆◆◆◆
From this point on, Nosfy’s story felt faintly visible, like Kanami’s “future sight.”
Like Rowen Aleis, I could read a page with the skill “Reading” where she exceeded her original role and passed on her own life to Kanami and Ragune.
It was too early to feel relieved, yet for some reason, I felt Kanami and Ragune-chan were safe, and I was about to let out a sigh of relief.
Just before that, the golden lion began to sprint again.
Fulfilling her master Fafnir’s command, she headed towards the stairs Nosfy had climbed at maximum speed without any preparatory movement.
“—Flame Arrow!”
I constructed magic on the fly and placed multiple fire arrows in her path.
In response, the lion calmly observed the activation of the fire arrows and attempted to evade them while maintaining her speed.
I couldn’t stop it, but I managed to buy a little time.
Using that time, Sera-chan’s swiftness caught up to the lion.
Simultaneously, with Sera-chan riding on my back, I drew Noah, the heavenly sword at my waist, and aimed for the enemy’s legs. In some cases, it was a slash meant to sever bone and all, but it was easily dodged.
Then, in the next moment, the lion was far away again.
Without delay, I cast a disruptive attack magic and asked Sera-chan to pursue again, but no matter how many times I repeated it, my sword couldn’t catch the lion.
“Ku…”
It was too fast to follow with my eyes. It was also incredibly powerful.
And despite clearly not being sane, its movements were intelligent.
I winced at its fighting style, which seemed to extract only the strengths of reason and wildness.
What’s more troublesome is that this lion, like a boss monster in a labyrinth, has endless stamina and concentration.
I heard this from Sera-chan, who has experience with the same “demonification,” so it’s reliable information. By paying a great “Price,” Elmiraud possesses the characteristics of a monster as well.
This is the true value of a knight who has undergone “demonification.”
It’s a realm that humans can’t possibly reach, but—
“I said I’d defeat you quickly!”
I shouted, abandoning my sword and magic, and resorted to entirely different measures.
Naturally, Rustiara Fuziaze is not Elmiraud Siddharuku.
Her true worth lies not in speed, nor power, nor intelligence.
Her strength is as a “Magic Stone Human,” inheriting power as Tiara’s vessel.
I knew her true worth lay in the skill “Blood Arts.”
Furthermore, conveniently, this battlefield is filled with a large amount of blood thanks to Fafnir, the “Thief of the Law of Blood.”
While fighting, I read the explanations on its handling and began to wield the new power inherited from Tiara.
“—’Blood Arts’ is another name for ‘the power of blood.’
It is one of the techniques established by Hermina Neisha a thousand years ago, before she became the ‘Thief of the Law of Blood.’
Its characteristic is that even ordinary humans can wield it, and it allows one to ‘move vigorously even in death.’
Utilizing this, Hermina Neisha once established the ‘Five Stage Thousand Year Plan.’
In the first stage, she founded a religion; in the second, she mass-produced magic stones; in the third, she drew lines; in the fourth, she created artificial humans; and in the fifth, she achieved miracles akin to ‘magic.’
The entire plan is concentrated in a single person born a thousand years later.
And that one person would come to be known as the ‘Living God,’ a title that Romis Neisha once aimed for—”
When I finished reading, I instinctively jumped off Sera-chan’s back and plunged my hand into the pond of blood created by Fafnir.
My “Blood Arts” are the same power as Hermina’s, the “Thief of the Law of Blood.”
I chanted magic to seize control of the “things that move vigorously even in death” accumulated in the shallow blood from Fafnir, the “Thief of the Law of Blood.”
“—Magic (Blood)!”
I read the blood and appealed to the souls sunken to the depths of the earth.
The dead souls were constantly seeking someone to take revenge on.
Once I understood that, all that remained was to construct the appropriate “Spell Formation.”
Fortunately, the means to guide those souls already existed within my blood.
“—Magic (Fuziaze Blood)”
Then, mimicking the “Thief of the Law of Blood,” I succeeded in creating several “Blood Dolls” nearby.
Those “Blood Dolls” had no free will and would obey my commands with all their might. However, I immediately broke their humanoid forms and returned them to the pond of blood.
Leaving their souls dormant, I borrowed only the “Spell Formation” inscribed in their blood.
Next, like the “Thief of the Principles of Light,” I flowed magic instead and constructed magic. Then, I gathered the multiple instances of the same magic that occurred and fired them.
“—Resonance Magic (Flame Arrow)!”
I activated the magic.
In response, the lion, as if by habit, activated the same magic, “Flame Arrow.”
Elmiraud, an excellent mage, unleashed “the best fire arrow imaginable.”
However, my “Flame Arrow” was a compilation of “the best fire arrows imaginable” from multiple excellent mages.
It wasn’t canceled out, and only my “Flame Arrow” attacked the lion, piercing its shoulder.
However, even so, the lion did not flinch, and its ferocity increased like a wounded beast, letting out a growl.
“—Resonance Magic (Water Arrow), (Wind Arrow), (Light Arrow)!”
I continued to unleash resonance magic one after another without letting my guard down.
Because both El and I were omnipotent mages of similar power, a balance of cancellation had occurred. That’s why the tipping point and collapse were so swift.
All the magic arrows fired by the lion were swallowed by my magic arrows.
Furthermore, they pierced its sturdy, massive body one after another, causing a large amount of blood to gush from multiple locations.
For a human, this would be instant death.
However, I did not underestimate the life force of “demonification” and rushed forward, delivering the finishing “Blood” at point-blank range.
I manipulated the blood not only to suppress the “demonification” but also to extract all the blood other than Elmiraud’s.
Gradually, his appearance began to shrink, losing the characteristics of a lion.
When he returned to his usual handsome figure, I finally let out a sigh of relief.
“Phew.”
It felt like I had used a lot of tricks, but I subdued Elmiraud in a short time.
While I was at it, I casually sealed the superficial wounds with “Cure Cool,” but I honestly can’t guarantee that he won’t wake up today. However, I decided to leave him as he is, valuing the time.
My thoughts were already elsewhere.
The resonance magic I had just used.
Its power was tremendous, rivaling that of other “Thieves of Principles.”
However, that was more the true value of the “Thief of the Law of Blood” and not the unique power of a “Living God.”
What is important for a “Living God” is not the resonance magic just used, but the mechanism itself.
Every “magic” has a connection point somewhere in its “Spell Formation,” prepared in advance—from a thousand years ago. Understanding this well, I want to perform solitary resonance magic using the blood within myself next.
“So that’s why there was no room in my blood,” I muttered to myself.
As I spoke, Sera-chan, who had been waiting by my side in her wolf form since the battle ended, let out a cute “Grrr” with a worried sound.
I simply responded, “Don’t worry,” and infused her wounds with the magic of “Cure Cool.”
Then, I calmly assessed the situation in the castle.
Right now, I was on the 33rd floor of Fuziaze Castle, roughly in the middle.
Above me were Ragune-chan, Kanami, and Nosfy.
Below me were my companions battling Fafnir, the Thief of the Law of Blood.
—This is probably it.
Everything begins here.
I had a premonition that a completely different story would unfold above and below this floor.
My true battle begins up here, with Nosfy.
And my true battle begins down here.
I am standing at a crossroads.
“—I shouldn’t go up. Nosfy-nee-chan can definitely save Kanami, and Kanami can definitely save Ragune-chan. I believe that. …So, Sera-chan. Let’s go down, so no unnecessary people go up.”
As I explained this, I finished healing Sera-chan and mounted her back.
However, Sera-chan, a loyal knight with the Skill “Intuition,” seemed a bit hesitant about my decision.
Because she had absolute confidence in her own speed, she was humbly suggesting that she should head up immediately and go to Nosfy’s aid alone.
To her earnest advice, I solemnly shook my head.
“Didn’t Fafnir just say something dangerous? I think there’s a more dangerous enemy coming from below than Ragune-chan. …I want to stop that. So that Nosfy-nee-chan can fight with peace of mind.”
An immense, non-elemental magic power, unlike anything I had felt before, was surging from below. It was a potent magic that even Maria-chan and Dia would find difficult to counter.
More than anything, I had been feeling a chill.
The temperature in Fuziaze Castle had been rapidly dropping.
This meant she was coming, on this day of destiny.
Therefore, as Tiara-sama’s daughter—as her Substitute—I had to go and ‘confirm the answer’ from a thousand years ago.”
Sera-chan seemed to sense my firm resolve. After a slight bow, she trusted her master and ran off without any further questions.
Even while running at full speed, she skillfully dodged the Blood Dolls, heading lower and lower.
Touched by the knight’s loyalty and affection—words involuntarily slipped from my lips.
“Sera-chan… thank you. …Thank you for being with me until today. You were always the only one on my side. …That’s why I love you.”
After confessing my “love” filled with four years’ worth of feelings, I realized it was not the time to say such things and hastily continued with my next words.
To avoid her misunderstanding the meaning, I even added a little boast.
“Of course, the one I love the most is Kanami…! Unfortunately, Sera-chan, you’re about second best!”
I tried to lighten the mood.
But again, it happened.
More unintended words spilled from my mouth.
“…Sera-chan. Do you remember the ‘Red String of Fate’ I told you about before? …I was always anxious, but it seems my destined person finally arrived. Kanami, my One and Only Destined Person, has finally come. …So, that’s something I’ll never give up, even if I die.”
I wanted to end it with lighthearted words, but memories overflowed.
So, deciding I couldn’t continue, I forcefully lowered my head and summarized it in one sentence.
“Remember that.”
I asked my most trusted knight.
Sera-chan was a little confused by my sudden words.
Frankly, it was questionable whether she could properly hear my words while concentrating on dodging Blood Dolls on the battlefield.
However, even so, as she leaped through the shallow blood, Sera-chan nodded in affirmation.
Seeing that, I felt relieved.
Clutching her back tightly, I felt my chest ease.
Then, we descended to the 30th, 28th, and 26th floors—and at one point, I suddenly felt a strong gaze from behind. It seemed that my recent mention of “my One and Only Destined Person” was not unnecessary after all.
“…Ah.”
I wasn’t surprised, but rather happy to reunite.
The intensified gaze meant that Nosfy’s battle above was going smoothly, and Kanami’s revival was imminent.
I quickly turned around and met their eyes.
However, the emotion in that gaze flustered me slightly.
“Hmph.”
Hearing my words to Sera-chan just now, “the rift” seemed to pity me.
Perhaps this situation was against her will.
It felt like she was telling me, “You shouldn’t mention ‘my One and Only Destined Person’ anymore,” and “You should run away far away immediately.”
More than that, she looked like she wanted to avert her eyes, not wanting to see what lay ahead.
—But I absolutely must not let her do that.
Rather, I want her to look closer.
What lies ahead is not something to be pitied or grieved over.
To teach her that, I—
“—’I cherish the World’—”
I uttered a single line of my life’s Incantation.
With this, the benevolent World could no longer ignore me, the party in this transaction.
From “the rift,” I immediately felt a wave of agitation.
She wasn’t just surprised that I knew the mechanism of “the World’s transaction”—she also seemed unaccustomed to being directly shown affection.
Regardless, this ensured she would watch me until the very last page.
And even after the final page ended, she would continue to bear witness.
Having completed this preparatory work, Sera-chan and I arrived.
First, at the 15th floor of Fuziaze Castle.
To the battlefield of Glen Walker and Snow Walker.
