Just one step.
I understood the meaning immediately.
First, dizziness from the high concentration of Demonic Poison struck.
Then, the stagnant water, ignoring my clothes, touched my skin, and before I could even ignore my flesh, it began to erode the surface of my soul.
I realized the stagnant water was an amalgamation of souls.
Like a person who unintentionally steps on an ant, it tried to swallow the minuscule souls it touched with its immense mass.
Even a single drop of water was larger and more abyssal than my soul, which had grown this much—and I felt another new “World” within it.
It was on the same scale as the Original World or Another World; a new “World.”
What was even more terrifying, I could sense another new “World” within the water of that new “World.” Furthermore, within the water of that world’s water, there was another world—and new worlds continued to be observed like a multi-layered doll.
It was forced upon me, and I couldn’t stop this expansion of perception by my own will—which is why there was a world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world.
Furthermore, within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. Within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world within the water of the world, there was a world. White, so white, so white, so white, so white. White, white, white, white—
“…!” Hah…
My mind went blank.
I was overcome by this long-lost sensation.
There was an incredible amount of information.
Right now, my information processing ability was enhanced by my Status’s Intelligence. Depending on the situation, I could increase my “auxiliary brain that doesn’t possess mass” at will through Magic Power Conversion. Nevertheless, the sheer volume of information from the water coiling around my feet made my knees tremble.
I raised my face.
My field of vision showed only a wide, shallow area.
But, it seemed to gradually deepen behind the throne.
So, from here on, I would call it a black ocean, not a shallow area.
Even so, it was just a vast ocean.
The moment I stepped into it, my feet felt cold—and a jumble of immense information flooded my brain: heavy, painful, bitter, smelly, wide, noisy, old, itchy, hard, and dark.
“I see…”
With every touch, it tried to erase the boundary with my soul, to mix and become one with it.
In short, it was a large-scale assimilation trap.
I knew it was an infinite Demonic Poison and a repository of souls, but it seemed to harbor this kind of danger as well.
Even this water, only up to my ankles, was incredibly layered, deeper and wider than the previous hundred floors of the labyrinth. However, thanks to my experience of reading other people’s lives using Distance Mute and Past Sight, it was within my acceptable range. Perhaps because I had re-experienced the suffering of Hidaki and the obsession of Tiara, I had some room to analyze it.
Noi, who had been watching from behind, added to my analysis, though separated by a barrier.
“My first image was of a sea of night that stretched endlessly. I think Kanami probably sees the same thing. A very dangerous abyss, stretching on forever, and looking back at you. — This is what I called the ‘Deepest Part.’”
“I see the exact same ‘Deepest Part.’ I think most people would see it the same way.”
“I don’t recommend trying to force your way through the ‘Deepest Part’ right now. …Even when I could still stand, three steps was my limit. On the fourth step, I felt like I would cease to be myself, so I came back.”
“Even for you, Noi, only three steps?”
“…For reference, Tiara Fuziaze from a thousand years ago went even further and came back. From my perspective, it looked like she advanced about five steps? I couldn’t see clearly because of the angle I was watching from.”
“Tiara also challenged it. It’s true she said she’d been here once… somehow, amazing.”
Still, even for the Magical Tiara who surpassed that Hidaki, it was five steps.
It certainly wasn’t a simple matter of being five times deeper than the first step.
“No, I think you’re more amazing for being unfazed even after one step… Doesn’t it feel like countless tragic lives are being thrown at you? Are you really okay?”
Noi, seeing me standing still at the first step and contemplating, had turned pale.
If I had created auxiliary brains externally or used multiple thinking skills like Parallel Thinking, the first step would be processed semi-automatically. It would be more difficult to be completely preoccupied with ‘Narrowing’ and Rustiara.
I wanted to confirm it lightly, up to those three steps, but Noi, with a stern expression, shook her head, indicating it wasn’t something to be tried so easily.
I trusted her wariness.
If I were to take a second step, it would be after transforming my body from flesh to magic, at the very least.
Just as I was steeling myself for that, Kuuneru’s cheerful, loud voice echoed from further behind Noi.
“T-this is the ‘Deepest Part’?! It feels like I’m being jostled by a crowd. I’m not good with things like this~”
It was Kuuneru’s voice.
Turning around, I saw her, with Seldra at the front as if using him as a shield, approaching us.
Seldra advanced while guarding her, keeping an eye on our surroundings.
“Is it a little different from when I came before? …But the fundamental nature hasn’t changed. Kuuneru, never get in front of me. You’ll be swept away, soul and all.”
“Eek…”
Thanks to the path and light Noi created, our arrival was quite early.
I raised my foot and moved from behind the throne to greet the subordinates who must have come through the Connection on the 99th floor.
However, the first to speak was not me, but Noi, who was leaning against the armrest of the throne.
“Kuuneru-san, this isn’t the ‘Deepest Part’ yet.”
“…?!”
It was a casual remark.
But the moment Kuuneru’s gaze shifted to us, she completely froze.
Noi, whom I met for the first time, stood beside me.
Her appearance was that of an adult Ragune Kaikuola, but I intuitively understood who she was.
“In legend, this should have been the ‘Deepest Part,’ but that’s incorrect. Well, I was the one who spread that rumor,” she said.
“Are… are you… perhaps…? Hahaha!”
Kuuneru immediately prostrated herself on the stone path.
It was a perfect *dogeza*.
“It is… not… regrettable.”
I wasn’t surprised that Kuuneru had the courage to crack a joke here.
She would play the clown for the Senate if it meant survival. What *did* surprise me was that Noi had the composure to play along with her exaggerated reaction.
Perhaps it was due to the resolve she had found facing Maria’s sun earlier.
She seemed quite assertive, unlike her tendency to hide at home.
“So, the story that I reached the ‘Deepest Part’ is a lie. After all, this is merely the surface of the ‘Deepest Part.’ No, to be precise, it’s the approach, isn’t it? I was always alone at the ‘approach to the deepest part,’ completely dejected… thinking I could go no further… A pathetic loser who lost heart…”
She stared at the back of the throne where I had been standing until just moments ago, and let out a dry laugh.
Then, still kneeling, Cuuneru began to play with the shallow water.
“Because, this was enough for me. I didn’t need to go any further. I think Kuuneru-san would understand. The area around this throne I created is specially adjusted by *Default*, so it’s custom-made. Even here, I could sufficiently interfere with the souls of my entire world. At the very least, I had perfect control over births… or I used to.”
Saying that, she scooped up the water in her palms, splashing it around.
Ripples formed on the water’s surface, shimmering and reflecting not the 100th floor, but a distant scene.
Like a screen, it displayed the grand festival. Kuuneru recognized the familiar faces of the Allied Nations, such as the Seven Knights of Heaven, and understood it was the Final Festival on the ground.
Once more, Noi stirred the water, and the scene changed.
This time, it showed the interior of a Cathedral, with priests rushing about during that very Final Festival.
The imagery on the water’s surface seemed to bend to Noi’s will.
Earlier, I thought of the 100th floor as an eyeball’s lens, but I realized this water around the throne was like a retina.
However, that metaphor wasn’t accurate.
I could infer that from Noi’s words about “interference.”
This water at the “approach to the deepest part” served as a pseudo-Dimension, and thanks to a pseudo-Default, it ignored distance—if I reached out, I could probably touch it.
“This is the place connected to all the souls of the world.”
It seemed I wasn’t the only one who understood this. Fedelt, who had arrived from behind Kuuneru, chimed in with a question.
“This strange water here controls our births and deaths…? Does that mean it’s connected not only to the souls of the dead but also to the living on the ground?”
However, it wasn’t Noi who answered, but Apostle Diplakla, who had walked up beside her.
“Indeed, Fedelt, that is correct… However, this is merely the surface. We interpret this shallow water as the surface of the collective souls.”
“Just… just the surface…? The surface of all souls…”
Fedelt looked troubled by the reply but gazed around with interest. More curious and excited than him was Kuuneru, who picked up the thread of conversation.
“The surface? Hmm? …No, I think the surface is just about right! What I’m curious about is, can anyone become the ruler of humanity by sitting there? Hehehe, but I don’t mean any harm!”
The next person to react to that overly direct and vulgar question was the last in line. Apostle Sis, walking at the very back of the group, answered with confidence.
“Yes, Kuuneru! If you sit there, you’ll be the ruler of humanity! No, not just humanity, but all living beings, including Monsters—a true ruler! Furthermore, even of places and concepts! In any case, you can understand it as a throne connected to the entire world by sensation!”
It seemed my subordinates had gathered as planned.
After confirming this, Noi began to summarize their conversation.
“Yes. To sit there is to stand above all things. However, as the *Price* for that power comes the responsibility of circulating the *Demonic Poison*. As you can see, if left unattended, the murky water will flow endlessly that way. If ignored, it will become a dark cloud over the land. This circulating process is truly delicate and difficult, and wide-ranging… yet, with just a slight mistake, the land will be overrun with powerful *Monsters*, infants will become *Demons*, and humanity will approach extinction… It’s not work for ordinary nerves. At the very least, it would be impossible without *Dimension*.”
Pointing at the throne, Noi sneered, inviting anyone to sit if they dared. Kuuneru, trembling, refocused on the water at her feet.
“The… circulating process…? I’ve heard of it. Come to think of it, ever since just now, there have been bad-feeling waves from my feet… they’re getting stronger and stronger.”
“Kuuneru-san, this throne is your marker. It’s best not to get too close to this side. Besides Seldra, this murky water is dangerous.”
Heeding the warning, Kuuneru retreated, pulling on Seldra’s hem. Her not letting go of her shield suggested she still didn’t fully trust Noi.
Seeing this, Noi took a breath.
She seemed to believe she had given all the necessary warnings.
She was ready to get to the main subject.
The main subject as the world’s ruler, Noi.
“Long ago… ancient history for you. I’ve been here before with old companions like this. And only I, with my affinity for dimensional attributes, was able to serve as the ‘World’s Ruler.’ …Well, perhaps Hitaki or Tiara could have managed it through some bizarre method even without *Dimension*… But generally, only a *Dimensional Magic* user can be the ‘World’s Ruler’.”
She spoke little by little.
The fact that she was revealing information about the 100th floor one after another wasn’t because she trusted us who had gathered here—no.
She had completely surrendered to the flow. I realized that now.
Perhaps the battle with Maria earlier hadn’t made Noi resolve herself, but only pushed her to her limit.
“Various problems have piled up on this 100th floor… and if we go beyond this throne, those problems can be fundamentally resolved… Originally, the ‘World’s Ruler’s’ job isn’t just to play around on the surface. To the source of this murky water. Further beyond this throne. One should have gone to the true ‘Deepest Part.’ In truth…”
Noi looked at the back of the throne with tired eyes.
However, once she finished explaining, she turned back to her subordinates with a dry smile.
“However, that concern is no longer necessary. Because Kanami will go to the ‘Deepest Part’… It’s a little late, but Sis, Diplakla. Thank you for bringing Kanami all this way. I am happy.”
Sis was the first to react to her praise.
“No— No! Rather, Master! It was me! Apostle Sis is the one who brought Kanami this time! Despite everything, I did my best!”
“Yes, I know. I was watching the whole time. Sis was the one who most faithfully fulfilled her role as an Apostle… Of course, Diplakla, you worked hard as well. I saw your patient battles.”
Pleased, Sis was overjoyed, wearing a beaming smile.
In contrast, Diplakla remained solemn.
“My apologies, my Master… More than anything, I am ashamed that one of our Apostles is not here right now.”
“Regretfully regarding Legacy. But there is no problem. I never expected results from him in the first place. I was always expecting you two.”
A thousand years ago, Noi had placed her highest expectations on Legacy.
Betrayed by him, she had lost trust in the other two Apostles.
While I was exasperated by Noi’s double-dealing, not even revealing her whereabouts—I knew now that I was no better, so I didn’t interfere with her interactions with the Apostles.
“Well then, shall we begin the ritual immediately? By the way, this is not just a ritual for changing the ‘World’s Ruler.’ There is further continuity for Kanami. It will also be a ritual to gain the power to advance into the abyss that I have given up on.”
And then, the time came.
Despite many irregularities along the way, they have been “adjusted.”
As the triumphant return concludes, everyone has gathered here to watch the succession.
For this moment, I have abandoned everything and devised this *Plan*.
“Now, please sit. Kanami… no, the new ‘World’s Ruler’.”
Nodding to Noi’s invitation, I walked forward.
Standing before the large stone throne—finally, I gazed at the scenery visible from there.
This was the 100th floor, the place I had been striving for all along.
The view from the throne at the center.
It’s a black shallow sea and a black sky.
A stone-paved path stretched out in a straight line, and mismatched furniture floated on either side.
Tall candelabras lined the path… and there was nothing else of note.
This will be my home from today.
And the Connection that connects to the 99th floor at the end of the path of light will be the entrance and the final defense line of the Plan.
The seven people here will be the main axis guarding that defense line.
Noi, the accomplice of the Plan, who grasped the full picture, and a former Thief of the Principles of Dimensions.
Sis and Diplakla, his loyal subordinates and Apostles who control Revannism on the ground.
Seldra, the Thief of Nothingness, who will be the final gatekeeper on the 99th floor.
Neisha, the acting Thief of the Law of Blood, who manages—no, reconstructs—the labyrinth stacked above.
Fedelt, the Fuziaze Cathedral administrator, who unites the knights and priests on the ground.
Finally, Kuuneru of the Senate, who oversees and dominates the Allied Nations.
Seven people, each specialized in their respective fields, have now gathered.
The number seven… the words Seven Knights of Heaven came to mind. But I quickly shook my head. Maria was asleep on the bed over there, and Reaper was here too. Tiara’s Prophecy was irrelevant.
I’ve surpassed Tiara. I’ve surpassed Hidaki. So, I am alone.
I have reached this place all by myself.
From here on out…
“Ah, Noi. I accept it. From now on, I will be the World’s Master.”
I answered and sat down.
Just as I imagined, it wasn’t comfortable to sit on.
It’s a rough stone chair, but its presence here holds great significance.
I felt ripples from my feet on the ground.
It was water, but slow, filled with the souls of billions.
Though thinner than the black ocean I saw earlier, it tried to invade my body and distort it, along with my soul’s vessel.
I turned my consciousness to the vessels within me.
First, my own Magic Stone. Then Ragune, who has the same shape.
Hidaki and Tiara. Then Tida, Rowen, Aid, Titty, and Nosfy.
And finally, Arti.
Originally, this many wouldn’t have been necessary, but I had ten ready to be absolutely sure.
Beyond that, I even have Arti, exceeding the original Plan.
With more than enough width and circulation capacity in my vessels, I absorbed all the Demonic Poison from the ripples and took in all the information transmitted.
Compared to the depths behind the throne, this place was surprisingly easy.
Each drop of water was thin, pure, narrow, and quiet—comfortably so.
It fit my current body well.
I also had plenty of room in my mind.
Rather, I could control it, so I let multiple Threads hang down from the hem of my clothes.
I created artificial ripples on the water’s surface, not just natural ones.
During that process, I remembered Hidaki from a thousand years ago.
Every time I went on an Adventure abroad, she would always wait for me in the castle garden. She would extend countless white Threads and manipulate all sorts of flows in Another World—creating a massive white vortex in the garden, surprising Tiara when she returned.
I began to create the same thing, centered around the throne on the 100th floor.
The shallow sea at my feet was interfered with by my Threads, and its movement began to change slowly. Instead of a unidirectional ripple, it gradually began to move sideways. And before I knew it, touches of purple joined the shallow sea, forming a giant black-purple vortex.
The flow wasn’t fast.
It was leisurely and very slow. For my subordinates lined up here, it must have become easier to stand than before.
Touching that wave, Diplakla, who had been observing, began to sob.
Everyone’s eyes widened, but they remained silent, except for him, who shed tears and let out words he couldn’t hold back.
“A, Ah… Aaaahhhh… That, we couldn’t do that, so we went to the ground a thousand years ago. Just like my master… no, it’s a more beautiful vortex than that. As expected, Kanami’s mind and body have already reached their peak…! Even at the time of that Final Battle…!!”
As he spoke, he fell to his knees, his body trembling, and began to pray.
It was the exact same posture as the Magic Stone Humans who worship me on the ground.
Noi, next to him, patted Diplakla’s trembling shoulder.
She was also trembling slightly, but she shook her head and encouraged him.
“Diplakla, I understand how you feel. This ‘peace of mind’ is what we’ve been seeking all along… But it’s the Plan. First, as per the Plan, you should make your declaration. From here, the World is watching closer than anyone—Celebrate with Sis right now.”
Her voice was gentle. But it was also a command that implied a farewell.
Diplakla shook off his tears and nodded in return.
He powerfully accepted his final duty as an Apostle.
He released his praying posture and stood beside Noi.
Sis, as an Apostle, followed his lead.
Then, as if to praise me on the throne, Sis and Diplakla spoke in unison.
““—Now, on the 100th floor of the labyrinth, the World’s Master has returned.””
Sis spoke softly and deeply.
Diplakla sang out loudly.
They performed the Ceremony.
“The name of this new World’s Master is Kanami. A boy, a Foreigner, summoned from a different world—”
“My brother, Kanami, has become the complete vessel, surpassing Hitaki, Tiara, and even the previous World’s Masters—”
Alternately.
They intertwined their congratulatory words.
Of course, this wasn’t just a declaration to Seldra and the others in front of us.
First, towards the 100th floor.
Towards the filled gazes.
And to the souls on the ground connected to the water’s surface.
—To everything in this Other World.
The two apostles who were declaring acted as if they were on a stage.
It wasn’t a priest reciting scripture, but actors who had deeply studied their script, continuing their exchange.
“The deepest vessel on this continent will drink all the Demonic Poison down to the bottom of the stars. Therefore, darkness will never spill onto this land again.”
“This created vessel of Ideal will circulate all Demonic Poison. Therefore, it will never choose who its hands scoop up.”
“Because he has inherited the souls of all Thief of Principles. We call him the Star Principle Thief.”
“Because he who inherited all has become the savior of the world. We call him God.”
“Dolls that defy God’s teachings will no longer be born. Our mission as Apostles ends here.”
“Yes, no longer…! Our fervent wish as Apostles has been fulfilled here! —But not yet! There was still more! Though the pages number a hundred, the next story awaited! We have received the continuation from God! The new World’s Master has declared he will head ‘Beyond’!!”
“‘Beyond’ means beyond the Deepest Part. A realm never reached by past World’s Masters. He has sworn… yes, the Master has sworn to walk a path with no road.”
“Therefore, Kanami will become Magic! Magic itself! He chooses to reach true Magic!”
“The name Kanami will be discarded. His fleshly prison will also be shed. That soul will not become stone, but the Law of Magic.”
“The Law of Magic transcends all principles! It will become the most sacred law in this world, transcending dimensions! God, because he is God!”
“That is the Miracle everyone has always wished for, desired, and worshipped. The very Dream that all of humanity has been watching…”
“It will become the Magic that brings happiness to everyone…! As Magic, he will remain in our world forever and protect it eternally…!”
“Therefore, the world will be reborn anew. And the one to accomplish this is our Master—”
“Therefore, a completely different world will begin. And the one to accomplish this is our Master—!”
Singing out their declaration, Diplakla knelt.
““—We Apostles bless the new World’s Master!””
Diplakla, blindly faithful, bowed his head and waited for the next words.
However, Sis showed a sliver of hesitation and turned her face towards me, repeating a name that no longer needed using.
“Kanami—”
“Behind me… ‘Beyond’ this, Rustiara is there.”
I understand what she wants to say.
As I preempted her, Sis seemed at a loss for words.
“……I understand, my Master.”
“……I’ve really made you wait, Sis. And I’m sorry that it’s me here and not Hidaki. But I swear I will save the world. You will no longer be used or deceived by anyone, and there’s no need to rush. …I want you to ‘rest assured’ by looking at this. The excess Demonic Poison is consumed by Magic like this at first. If the social structure and population on the ground aren’t stabilized, the circulation won’t go well either.”
“P-, Population stabilization…?”
While still seated, I raised my right hand slightly so it would be clearly visible to Sis.
Numerous Threads hung down from the sleeves of my clothes.
Along those Threads, the stagnation of the water—the Demonic Poison—continuously flowed into me.
For now, my capacity as a storage is sufficient.
I can convert the stored Demonic Poison through Magic Power Conversion, or adapt it into Magic.
However, what I want to show now is not my circulation ability.
—This is a continuation of Noi’s.
What’s important here is that this water surface contains not only the power of Dimension but also Default, meaning there is no concept of distance.
With this, I won’t need to perform Incantation multiple times like I did during Seldra’s The Eightieth Ordeal.
Without needing to employ remote magic with immense magic power, I can spread any necessary rumors as much as I want.
Directly giving revelations to priests and believers would also work.
The reconstruction efforts that have been carried out by the Allied Nations until now can be conducted simultaneously in various places from here, without any need to move.
The methods are varied, and the flow is entirely as I please.
However, for some people, this guidance through “Threads” might be unpleasant and unacceptable.
Many will likely feel anxious about having the “World Ruler’s” thoughts imposed upon them. But, for me now—
“—Reading Shift,” “Dimension – Decisive Calculation (Prelude),” “Dimension – Decisive Calculation (Prologue).” Shis, please watch closely.
The procedure here is almost the same as when I saved the “Blood Dolls” and “Blood Beasts” in the “Blood Land.”
As long as I cast “Threads” onto the water’s surface, I am now continuously connected to all souls through “Distance Mute.” Therefore, I can perform the exact same salvation as that time, simultaneously and at a distance. The procedure for soul salvation has been further refined by dispelling Fafnir’s and Seldra’s “Lingering Desires.”
I open the book in my left hand and utilize all kinds of magic and skills. The water’s surface then reflects the scenery of a certain mountain village on the ground. Simultaneously, a scene from the near future of that mountain village is superimposed, as if overlapping.
That near future is a future where all souls in the mountain village move slightly towards “happiness.” While sitting on the throne on the 100th floor, I create a flow that aligns with that future.
It’s “adjustment.” For instance, it could be that illnesses and injuries heal faster, long-term efforts bear fruit more readily, or small wishes come true. A stream that leads to a tiny bit of “happiness.”
I’m not creating large ripples yet. Generally, the desires of multiple souls tend to conflict. So, I create a gentle flow, ensuring the waves don’t collide with each other.
But, if at some point… if there’s a soul that despairs of fate, falters, and falls, I want to show them a “dream” in the end. I want to write in a momentary salvation at the end, so that no “lingering desire” remains in their soul. With the magic that saved Fafnir, who was more unfortunate than anyone, and even Seldra, who was more villainous than anyone—
…
If Ragune were here, she’d probably say, “That’s incredibly fishy.”
However, it was after being killed by Ragune that I understood. It is we alone who can decide the “happiness” of others in this way. That’s how I and Ragune were made. Souls that can only reflect the “happiness” of others, using our own “skin” like a mirror. That’s how our souls were created—
“Th-That’s it…”
During a trial run of world salvation, it wasn’t Shis who was impressed, but Noi.
“This is my continuation… For so long, I lacked that ‘mirror’… That’s why, no matter how many wishes I granted, I continued to be hated…!”
Noi suddenly exclaims in an excited voice. Shis, looking worried, calls out her name.
“Ah, Master—Lieber-Rul?”
She no longer calls me Master. Ignoring Shis’s concern, Noi continues her explanation.
“As expected, only Kanami can do this. And it was something I could absolutely never do. —A god is not a god unless it is a ‘creation’.”
Noi speaks about the gods as she understands them. I’ve thought this since we first met, but when she gets too excited, she loses sight of her surroundings and only spews out what she wants to say.
“Aikawa Uzunami, a ‘creation’ of that Aikawa Hidaki, was born with the nature of the ‘Moon’—in our terms, a ‘Thief of the Principles of the Moon.’ Exploited by that nature, she was repeatedly manipulated by that terrifying sister, experiencing all forms of souls. It’s probably very important that she learned all attributes at once. On top of that, you were established as the soul most fitting for a ‘World Ruler,’ a ‘Thief of the Principles of Dimensions.’ That is precisely why you are so natural as a ‘Star Principle Thief’ now…! Ah, it’s completely different from us…! It’s finally here…! It’s truly according to the ‘Contract’, it’s finally time! The true ‘World Ruler’ has finally appeared! Completely different from us! You, no, you are precisely—”
She says things I’d rather not remember so easily. However, it’s also clear that she’s confessing her true feelings precisely because of that. Noi’s innermost thoughts are now spilling out.
“—The ‘World Ruler’ of everyone’s ‘Ideal’.”
If it were me before, I would have shaken my head until I reached my limit. However, I can’t do that anymore. Noi is finding her “ideal” in me now. My soul is reflecting exactly what “Noi’s true happiness” is.
“Ah, God… Finally, this moment has come…”
Then, Noi, who was supposed to be the “World Ruler,” kneels beside Diplakla like a believer. The girl, tears welling up with emotion, offers a prayer and a wish.
“Please, go beyond where I could not reach… Go to ‘that place.’ Your “One and Only Destined Person” must be there as well… Only that future is a ‘world where everyone can be happy’.”
“…Ah.”
Then, slowly, Noi turns around in front of me as I sit. Addressing those behind her, she speaks solemnly.
“—Listen up? As you’ve heard, he is a god.”
I understand this is part of the ceremony. I watch silently, not wanting to interfere with Noi, who is working hard to complete the “Plan.” However, the direction I was looking was something others would say, “I can’t tell where he’s looking,” which I’ve been told many times. As expected, I was looking somewhere else, not at Noi and the others—but I don’t care anymore and continue to listen.
“We will absolutely not forgive anyone who obstructs our God. Right? Apostle Diplakla, Apostle Sis.”
Noi addresses her own “Apostles” with honorifics, as if drawing a line. That action itself seems like proof of the transfer of the “World Ruler.” The Apostles, understanding their former Master’s will, treat Noi as an equal.
“Indeed… That is so. Having listened to your words just now, I am convinced. The new Master is indeed the God we needed.”
“The new Master has made a ‘Contract’ with me and said he will become the foundation of the world. I believe his words.”
Furthermore, they begin to call me Master. By gathering attention with a grand succession ceremony and by treating me as the “World Ruler,” they make a spectacle of it. That work was truly meticulous.
“Ah, I believe it too. He is the ‘Ideal’ God that we humanity has finally obtained, after going through various ‘Prices’ and going as far as to summon him across dimensions. He is a common possession of all humanity that must not be taken away, and a beacon to navigate this dark ocean—”
She pauses there for a moment. After taking a deep breath, she looks around again.
“That’s right. He is our future beacon. A god, perhaps this expression is better for you all? He, the crystallization of a thousand years of blood and history, is a future beacon, a ‘World Ruler,’ and the path to true ‘Magic.’ This is the most ‘Ideal’ ending for you all… Right? Seldra, Neisha, Kuuneru, Fedelt.”
Upon hearing these words, everyone freezes—and then slowly nods in return. The words are too heavy, so nodding is all they can do. Thus, not only the Apostles but also the representatives from the ground acknowledge me as the “World Ruler.” This is also an important ceremony. And it was a “Price.”
Everything up to this point becomes a “Price” and further enhances the “Magic Kanami” that will be completed from now on. The magic power supply from that “Price” arrives directly from behind like a wave. I draw up that undulation with “Threads” and continuously convert it into “happiness” on the ground. Then, that “happiness” becomes a “Price,” and the waves come from behind again—and so on, it repeats. That work itself is the signal to move to the next ceremony.
“Ah, God…! Yes, that’s it! Prepare for the construction of ‘Magic Kanami’ immediately!”
Seeing this, Noi urgently spins the next incantations. The ceremony moves to the next stage.
“Please, as per the ‘Plan,’ discard that physical body and ascend to a higher dimension. Become magic, become a symbol, become a god… And then, to ‘that place’—”
Having finished speaking, Noi crawls forward in the shallow water and returns to her original position. She slumps against the handrail of the throne and closes her eyes to rest. She’s probably exhausted from speaking at full strength for the first time in hundreds of years. She looks slowly relieved and seems on the verge of sleep.
She’s completely exposed. A soul that would cry if poked even a little. This is the former “World Ruler,” the former “Thief of the Principles of Dimensions,” and one of my future possibilities…
“Ah, I am going… No matter what happens, the ‘Plan’ will not change. No, by overcoming the ‘110th Ordeal,’ it has changed into something more perfect. My magic will make all souls ‘happy.’ That’s what I wished for at first. With Konagi and Hidaki… With Tiara, with Rustiara… I’ve been aiming for that all along… There is no ‘Curse’ in this world. True ‘Magic’ was magic that makes everyone ‘happy,’ and I believe that more strongly than anyone.”
Responding to Noi’s expectations, I open the book I’d been holding in my left hand all along and begin to turn the pages.
Then, I start to recite the words written there.
“—The number of transgressions of life shall go back,” “To the projection drawn at that farthest end—”
I expand.
I extend the reach of my hand even further.
Not just the 100th floor.
Not just the labyrinth.
Not just the ground.
Not just their present.
Not just the past.
Not just the future.
I expand it further and further.
If it is insufficient, supplement it.
That is what magic is for.
That is why I have lived all this time.
This is the meaning of my life. My value. My role.
—My mission.
That is why I could use this magic from the very beginning.
“—Dimensional Magic 《Dimension》”
I speak the name of the magic of beginnings.
This will be the core, the foundation of “Magic Kanami.”
Yes.
Still just the foundation.
It is merely the first stage of magic construction.
Combining it with “Black Shift: Overwrite,” which makes things “non-existent,” is the final stage, so it will take a long time to complete.
Therefore, first, the second stage—
《Dimension》.
《Dimension – Multiple Expansion》.
《Dimension – Decisive Calculation》.
《Dimension – Curvature Calculation》.
《Dimension – Thousand Calculations Offset》.
《Dimension – Decisive Calculation (Prelude)》.
《Dimension – Decisive Calculation (Prologue)》.
《Dimension – Decisive Calculation (Epilogue)》.
—I will integrate all 《Dimension》.
Up until this point, I had been performing them simultaneously without much thought, but I need to tie them together more cleanly.
In order to become a being that transcends not only distance but also the concept of time, by incorporating the past and future of all domains.
“—I swear to atone for all my transgressions—”
The first word that came to my mind was “atonement,” for some reason.
I understand.
Like Seldra, I feel guilt.
Like Fafnir, I continue to beg for forgiveness from the scriptures.
Transcending time, wishing for the resurrection of the dead.
Transforming souls, even faking “happiness.”
I have always been breaking human taboos.
Thinking back, I had a similar incantation in a similar place before.
Behind the 66th floor.
The first time I remembered the existence of “Curse Technique” and wished to change my destiny.
From that moment on, I must have anticipated that one day I would come here, like this, and have no choice but to commit all sorts of taboos—
“—Even if it means the end of this world, I will surely—”
As I continue the “incantation,” my gaze becomes stronger and denser than ever before.
I once feared this gaze, finding it too vast and immense, but now it feels warm.
Thinking about it, this gaze truly belonged to a kind child.
It unconditionally cheers on those who are trying hard with an innocent heart.
Whether they are evil or good, if it becomes interested, it can’t help but follow them with its eyes.
Pure and kind. Because of that, it is a very anxious young child.
By entering “between the cracks,” I became certain.
I’ve been talking about grand and difficult matters unnecessarily, but in the end, what I need to do is simple.
Just protect this young child.
Since it is still small, someone will have to stroke its head from above soon.
Sometimes, I’ll have to scold it and teach it many things.
This child needs a lot of care.
If it eats a lot, I’ll rub its back.
If it looks sleepy, I’ll sing it a lullaby.
It’s sick and weak now, so it’s important to put a blanket on it.
The body temperature called “happiness” is low, so its symptoms will continue to worsen in various places.
Because the immunity called “population” is insufficient, the poison in its body will not be completely expelled.
In other words, this is child-rearing and nursing.
Gradually circulate the “Demonic Poison” to bring it closer to a healthy state.
That is the first role of the new “Ruler of this World.”
It felt just like usual.
It’s not much different from when I was nursing Hidaki in the past.
In fact, compared to Hidaki, this child is more compliant, so it feels easier.
The only question is, if this “Another World” is a young child, when and who gave birth to it?
Why was it afflicted with illness in the first place?
And why has it been left neglected for so long?
I might find the answers to these questions after I finish my role as “Ruler of this World” and go “beyond.”
But honestly, it doesn’t matter.
It has nothing to do with me.
What’s important is that within whatever lies “beyond,” I will find the figure of my precious person.
“—Therefore, ‘Let me save everyone,’ ‘Rustiara’—”
With 《Dimension》, my thoughts expanded to the farthest reaches.
Even so, my thoughts continued to dwell only on “The One and Only Destined Person.”
And now, finally, having completed the “Ruler of this World” succession ceremony and begun the construction of “Magic Kanami,” one slot has opened up in my “Parallel Thinking.”
However, the moment it opened, my consciousness was drawn to that “Parallel Thinking.”
That was the nature of this “curse.”
What my eyeballs reflect are Maria, sleeping in her rocking chair, and Reaper, sitting beside her.
And behind them, standing and accompanying them, is “Rustiara.”
“Rustiara” had been gently caressing Maria’s forehead.
She was not entirely uninterested in the succession ceremony of this “World.”
Rather, she was cherishing the moments just before Maria’s cry even more.
As Maria fell from the 10th floor to the 100th floor, she was scolded with all her might by Maria, was shocked and dejected—but then, happy, her lips curved into a smile, and she continued to stroke, savoring the many emotions and impressions.
She was cherishing the lingering feeling of Maria’s story. She isn’t as fast at reading as I or Hidaki. She cherishes stories, savors them, and only then turns the page.
“Rustiara” was good at reading stories.
You could say she was a genius at enjoying stories.
That’s why she looked happy, smiled, was bright, and beautiful in every scene.
That’s what I love about her.
Ah, I love her.
Simply because I love her.
Because I love her, love her, love her, love her—!
No matter what happens, in the end, it’s only because I love her—!
“Therefore, please let me go,” “Rustiara”—”
“Therefore, please let me meet,” “Rustiara”—”
“Therefore, please live,” “Rustiara”—”
Even though I knew it was an illusion, I continued to chant as I watched.
Because that is my life.
Because that is my final “incantation.”
I continued to chant “Rustiara,” “Rustiara,” “Rustiara” while turning the pages.
I continued to hum.
I continued to gaze.
It’s fine if I can’t see anything else.
“—My happiness from now on is only one thing—”
I don’t need anything else.
Mimicking Tiara, I also aim for magic that transcends life and death.
The incantation of that vow continued to resonate in space.
It filled the 100th floor of the labyrinth, like a lake surface.
Yes.
On this legendary 100th floor, where any wish can come true.
I, who finally arrived,
“—I want to be with you,’ ‘Rustiara’—”
I continued to wish.
That is my only wish for the 100th floor.
The construction of “Magic Kanami” has begun.
Added 2020/05/01: The first episode of Chapter 10 of “Let’s Aim for the Deepest Part of the Otherworld Labyrinth” will be posted on May 22nd.
Thank you for your support.
(However, before that, I plan to post a “Review of Chapters 1-9” on May 15th. It will be similar to the “Character Introduction up to Chapter 5” in Chapter 6 and is not related to the main story.)
Chapter 9 ends.
With the next Chapter 10, “Let’s Aim for the Deepest Part of the Otherworld Labyrinth” will be concluded.
Chapter 9, Final Status.
[Status]
Name: ■■■■ HP–/– MP–/– Class: ■■■
Level —
Strength 000.00 Stamina 000.00 Dexterity 000.00
Speed 000.00 Intelligence 000.00 Magic Power 000.00 Aptitude 00.00
Condition: Stenosis 0.00
Experience Points: –/–
Equipment: “Rustiara” – Fuziaze’s Notebook
[Magic]
Failed Magic 0.00
◆◆◆◆◆
And, at this somewhat commemorative timing, I would like to introduce the character designs of “Childhood Tiara” and “Magic Tiara,” who are one of the prime movers of this story.
Please check them out in the activity report.
Tiara will be active in the 13th volume, which will be released next week. I heard it might be available as early as the 23rd, but first, let me do the usual promotion—
※Promotion
On January 25th, the first volume of the “Let’s Aim for the Deepest Part of the Otherworld Labyrinth” manga and “Let’s Aim for the Deepest Part of the Otherworld Labyrinth 13” will be released! They will be released simultaneously!
Both will feature Rustiara on the cover! She is the main heroine.
I recommend them as usual, so please take a look at the wonderful covers and more!
※Furthermore, regarding the light novel popularity poll “Suki Rano,” which I’ve been promoting in parallel all along, I received 18th place. Thank you all very much for your support and votes!
I will use the “Activity Report” and Twitter for any announcements.
Until then.
