Depths of the Otherworldly Labyrinth (WN) – Chapter 495

I inherited my ancestors’ magic stones and names.

They must have been waiting for a long time. I believe Fafnir-san gave me the perfect timing, considering my immaturity. And then, with the best possible transition achieved, before me—

“Haa, haa… Rainer…!”

My master, who had completely collapsed into a ‘half-corpse,’ panted and glared at me, who had stolen the magic stone. His body was extremely unstable, reminding me of the ‘chimera’ from textbooks. His monstrous,異形 (iform) arms wavered like a mirage, indistinct, changing into the features of different monsters depending on the viewing angle. In his hands, which could induce ‘confusion’ just by looking at them, were blades of ice—twin swords solidified with “Ice” and “Freeze.” He was a completely different person from when I last saw him. However, if what I heard beforehand was true, the Christ of the 100th floor was a being close to a ‘god’… I could tell from his painful expression that ‘god-slayer’ had already been achieved by someone’s hand. Thanks to that, I am now united with my master, not just in strength, but in heart and eyes.

Undoubtedly, the stage was meticulously prepared by Glenn-san and Fafnir-san, who went ahead at the risk of their lives—or so it should be, but my skill ‘Evil Sense’ told me that these two alone couldn’t explain it. Exceeding our plans, Serdra, the ‘Thief of Nothingness,’ was inside Christ. Maria, who was faster than anyone else, and Arti, the ‘One Who Steals the Logic of Fire.’ The damage might have been accumulating since the ‘final battle’ two months ago. Or rather, even before that—

If asked who was responsible for this stage, I would say, “Everything that has happened so far.” Everyone that appeared in our world a thousand years ago, met, interacted with, and sometimes fought with—as a result of being continuously reflected in that ‘mirror,’ Christ’s current form has come to be. Believing this, I muttered towards the ‘final enemy’ standing on this final stage.

“—Appraisal.”

This was one of the powers developed by the ‘Primordial Kanami’ a thousand years ago. Originally, only the priests of Revannism could use it, but now, it’s fine for me.

【Sta■tus】
Rai■ner: Mo■n■■awa■ri■n■t■—

The name didn’t fit entirely within ‘Status.’ It’s probably because he far surpasses the ‘Primordial Kanami,’ the curse technique developer from a thousand years ago. Just like Christ’s current form, his ‘Appraisal’ was unstable and vague, taking on the characteristics of a monster. However, only the skill section was different and clearly visible. As if this hadn’t changed since a thousand years ago, there were two skills.

【Skills】
Unique Skill: Covenantor of the Deepest Part
？？？: ？？？

The skill ‘Covenantor of the Deepest Part,’ which was originally ‘???’. I confirmed that a second ‘???’ remained below it. This is likely the foundation that has made Christ, Christ, since a thousand years ago. Having confirmed what we must deny—Christ, fearing confirmation, began to charge forward with a shout, resuming the battle on the 100th floor.

“Give it backkkk!! Rainerrr!!”
“Christ!!”

I too shouted and responded. The distance instantly closed, and sword flashes sparkled. First, Christ’s twin ice swords. Against them, my ‘Aris Family’s Treasure Sword Rowen’ and ‘Sylph Ruf Bringer.’ The four swords clashed beautifully, leaving a moment of brilliant sparks, and then separated.

“…Tch!”
“………!”

I could keep up with Christ’s ‘swordsmanship.’ It makes me truly happy, even at a time like this. Of course, it’s thanks to the magic stones. Among them, the power taught by Rowen-san, the ‘The One Who Steals Earthly Principles,’ is particularly potent. The promise of “teaching me swordsmanship,” unfulfilled at the ‘Dance Battle Tournament,’ felt like it was being fulfilled now, further widening the smile on my lips as the swordplay continued.

As countless moments of sparks flew, my heart was strangely calm. I was fatefully battling the promised ‘final enemy’ on a stage finally set. However, in the end, there was only one thing I could do.

—Rainer Helvirshine, borrowing power from everyone and wielding it.

It had always been nothing more than that. Rainer Helvirshine’s power had always been something received from others. All the people I met, interacted with, and sometimes fought in this world—as a result of their continued trust, my current form exists. Borrowing the power and might of all of them, I shouted back along with my twin swords.

“It’s the same…! You and I are no different! Our power is the same!!”
“Th-The same…!? No! I’m overwhelmingly superior! Don’t compare me to Rainer, who grew this strong without any cheating!!”

Christ also retorted, as if biting back. His voice was uncharacteristically rough. But I felt that I was facing his true feelings, something that was absolutely inaudible two months ago, on equal footing.

I have fought Christ three times so far. The ‘Dance Battle Tournament,’ the ‘Great Holy Capital,’ and the ‘final battle.’ To be frank, each time was a crushing defeat. I could buy time, but it wasn’t a real fight. However, finally. Now, the battle is finally taking shape. Therefore, the sensation of my arms going numb through this swordplay was as pleasant as touching the light I had always admired. Joyfully, I gripped my sword even tighter. Then, it felt like the rings of the ‘Thief of Principles’ magic stones in my hand faintly lit up. Undoubtedly, it was thanks to Rowen-san that I could clash swords like this. However, the foundation of my body was thanks to Aid-sensei, the foundation of my magic was thanks to Titty, and regrettably, the resolve not to give up against any superior opponent was thanks to Nosfy—

I wield magic, channeling the power that connects like threads.

” ‘Resonance of Blood and Soul,’ ‘Twin Swords of Life that Tear the World’…! —Magic Helvishein Duet Sword!”
“This is that ‘Arm of Wind’ from back then…!”

Recalling when I fought Nosfy in the underbelly of the 66th floor, I generated ‘Wind Arms’ in the shadow of my own arms. The will of Hairi Weisprorope, the white ‘Magic Stone Human’ who dissolved away in the ‘Shaka Hōkan Jin,’ rode on the ‘wind arms.’ I drew the ‘Holy Twin Swords of the Helvirshine Family’ that I wore at my waist and swung them. That’s right. I am not just borrowing power from the ‘Thieves of Principles’ now. I am embodying and ‘harmonizing’ with souls comparable to the ‘Thieves of Principles,’ and I am convinced of this now, moving on to the next step—

“Not yet, Christ! The Helvirshine’s twin swords aren’t finished! Fafnir-san connected them, telling them to continue endlessly!! —Magic Helvishein Trio Sword!!”
“………!? …Impossible.”

Magic flowed through the ‘Holy Twin Swords of the Helvirshine Family’ via the rings, dyeing the blades red. Then, the even sharper and heavier sword flashes shattered Christ’s ice twin swords. Seeing the ice shards shatter and scatter so easily, Christ’s expression contorted, and he retreated.

He looks a little similar. Perhaps it’s because they are father and daughter. From Christ’s words and expression, I was reminded of Nosfy. Come to think of it, when I fought that guy to the death, I was also holding the ‘Aris Family’s Treasure Sword Rowen.’ And seeing the ‘Wind Arms’ that reminded me of the Three Knights, Nosfy had said, “Impossible.” —Now, I understand a little of what she meant. As that guy said, this is not a phenomenon that can be explained by ‘Wind Arms.’ No matter how much I learned from Titty, the ‘King of Magic,’ this sharpness and weight cannot be explained by wind power. —This is a soul. Clearly, Hairi-san’s soul resides in these ‘Soul Arms.’ Not only that, but through a special birth among those ‘Magic Stone Humans,’ I am now connected to the blood and soul of my deceased older brother, Hein Helvirshine— —And so, those ‘Soul Arms’ move in sync with me. The Helvirshine’s twin sword techniques are sublimating. From duet to trio. Continuing further, into the next realm, endlessly. Those overlapping swords chased after the retreating Christ. But the opponent’s reaction was also swift.

“Swords overlapping… sharp! Then—!”

Utilizing his ‘half-corpse’ state, he grew a third and fourth arm from his back. Those increased arms seemed to be a mixture of the features of multiple monsters—beasts, fish, birds—and for now, I decided to call them ‘Monstrous Arms.’ Christ also gripped ice swords in those new ‘Monstrous Arms’ and began to defend, mimicking my unique twin sword style. Christ probably has four arms for the first time in his life. For a normal person, handling extra limbs would cause ‘confusion,’ and nerve transmission would fail. However, he handled the ‘Monstrous Arms’ with ease, as if he had been using them since birth. Christ is weakened, but he is undoubtedly still divine. Confirming this without letting my guard down, our swords met, eight in total. Clashing again, they repelled each other evenly, and the distance widened slightly. However, Christ no longer rushed to close the distance. He let go of his anger, and while catching his breath, he slowly began to speak.

“Haa, haa, haa…. Rainer, you’ve gotten stronger.”

He praised me calmly. In times like these, he’s likely analyzing my ‘Soul Arms’ using ‘Parallel Thinking’ while talking. During the sword clashes just now, he didn’t regain his composure—rather, he used the skill ‘Covenantor of the Deepest Part’ that he confirmed earlier. I’ve watched Christ up close for so long that I can’t overlook the change, like a flame being extinguished. In other words, my master is unstable and vague, wavering like a mirage, not only in his form but also in his mind. As I reconfirmed the troublesome and troublesome nature of this, he continued talking with a distant gaze.

“You’ve really gotten stronger. It’s hard to believe you were dying on the 6th floor back then.”
“…The 6th floor? Was that when we first met in the labyrinth?”

To my question, Christ nodded. The 6th floor is really a long time ago. This was when I was still a student at the academy, exploring the shallow floors of the labyrinth with Franryure-nee-san and the others— Christ spoke of it as if it were yesterday. It’s probably due to the prolonged life of using ‘Future Sight’ and ‘Past Sight’ together, but somehow, I also feel like it was just yesterday. Back then, on the 6th floor, when I was attacked by a giant octopus-like monster. I was caught by its soft tentacles and was about to be chewed. Honestly, I had resigned myself to death, thinking, “But if I can die for Helvirshine—” and indulging in self-sacrifice. However, I survived. Christ appeared with a flourish and saved me like a protagonist in a story. He helped people as a matter of course and tried to leave without a word—well, that failed because of nee-san—but his retreating figure was truly cool. I was surprised that there were others like my older brother. I arbitrarily admired him as one of my ‘ideals.’ However, when I calmly recall Christ’s expression at that time, I develop a slightly different impression. The same goes for his expression when he later saved slaves abused by aristocrats. Come to think of it, Christ has always been…

“Are you… ‘regretting’ saving me back then?”
“…No. I wouldn’t. Gaining you as a friend was the greatest fortune, combining both the ‘Original World’ and ‘Another World’.”

Christ answered my question, his stern expression softening slightly. However, his next words immediately shifted to a sad expression.

“That’s precisely why I wanted you to choose me… To unravel the ‘Red String’ Tiara wove and not be swayed by a skill like ‘Evil Sense,’ I wanted you to be on my side… Hahahaha. In the end, nothing has changed from the ‘fate’ predetermined a thousand years ago. For Rainer, who can’t even unravel Tiara’s ‘Red String,’ you can never surpass me now. Never…”
“…Indeed. I probably won’t surpass you. Not until the end.”

I affirmed and nodded. Even though Christ’s mind and body are collapsing, his magic lightly surpasses mine. Even the divine techniques I’ve gathered through imitation up to today are still possessed in large quantities. If we could compare ‘Statuses,’ the difference would be obvious. That’s why, in front of the panting Christ, I reconfirmed. My consciousness, not on the enemy or ‘Status,’ but on my surroundings. I expanded it throughout the brightly lit 100th floor and spoke.

“—However, that’s assuming it’s a one-on-one fight.”

Fafnir-san, the ‘Thief of the Law of Blood,’ was gone, and the red color at my feet began to recede from the shallow waters. It was starting to return to clear water. On this 100th floor, there are only the stone-paved path and the throne—but a dazzling light has continued to illuminate the stage from the sky. Looking up, it was a red light that brought tears to my eyes. Also, if I strain my ears, I think I can hear singing— On the 100th floor, like the sea at dawn, I feel the pulse of the ‘Thief of the Law of Blood.’ It’s a rhythm that plays like a melody. Accordingly, I want to walk the path my ancestors walked. Believing in the ‘magic’ of the red light, I spoke to the girl who wasn’t here.

“Nosfy, can you hear me? It’s Rainer. I’m fighting Christ now.”
“………!?”

I had no serious intention of fighting. As is the standard for ‘Thief of Principles’ fights, the basic strategy is psychological warfare. For that purpose, I recalled Nosfy’s face, which I disliked, and provocatively initiated a ‘talk.’

“That day, didn’t I tell you to die for Christ? And you decided to continue protecting Christ even if you died… Yet, how pathetic. Being so close, can’t you stop just this weakened Christ?”

I provoked him, conveniently ignoring my own situation. I spoke harsh words to Nosfy, who wasn’t on the battlefield, as if she were alive. —Of course, no voice answered from anywhere. However, from somewhere in this red light, I felt a vibration that seemed like an auditory hallucination. If that girl, who thoroughly disliked me, were here, she would surely sigh and laugh, saying, “Haa… As always, you’re creepy.” But Christ, more than the me who believes this, is probably experiencing auditory hallucinations. In response to my current call, he answered with a tremor, instead of Nosfy.

“…It’s useless, Rainer. Nosfy is inside your ‘inventory.’ There’s no way she’d answer.”
“‘Inventory’? Is that all she amounts to? At least, the Nosfy Fuziaze that Rainer Helvirshine knows is strong, wicked, persistent… and never gave up until the very end. A companion I truly respect and trust. Even now.”
“………!”

At my assessment, Christ contorted his face and stammered. His expression showed a mixture of emotions. The joy of praising his daughter. And the bitterness of being surrounded by formidable enemies. —His cheeks softened, his brows furrowed, he looked bewildered, and was on the verge of tears. Ah, really… The ‘Thieves of Principles’ are weak to words… I relentlessly exploited that weakness. “Perhaps it’s thanks to the legendary Three Knights being here with us now… I can see the figure of the flag-bearer who curses so clearly… Hey, Christ, can you see nothing at all?” I thought. If Nosfy were here now, she would surely say, “Rainer, if you’re going to say that much, then you too. Survive with all your might and overcome all the ‘threads’—otherwise, I will absolutely not forgive you—” I imagine Christ thinking the same thing and shaking his jet-black eyes, his voice trembling. “Nos, Nosfy… No. Rainer is wrong… Those Three Knights are wrong again!!” There’s no doubt about it. Fafnir-san’s ‘magic,’ one of the Three Knights, persists even after death and is interfering not only with me but also with Christ. While thanking that support, I put strength into my hands. Specifically, I flowed magic into the magic stone rings on my fingers. Currently, Christ and I possess nearly the same number of ‘Thief of Principles’ magic stones. If we simply clash, the strength of the holder will become crucial. As the successor to the magic stones, I excited my heart and burned it intensely. Through this short exchange, I’ve gradually become familiar not only with Rowen-san but also with the magic stones in the other rings. Following everyone’s guidance, I move forward. Not wanting to lose to Nosfy, the girl I always considered a rival in the corner of my heart, I charge forward this time and shout new magic.

” ‘Resonance of Blood and Soul,’ ‘Twin Swords of Life that Tear the World’! ‘Ringing ensemble’! —Magic Helvishein Octet Sword!!”
In the shadow of my arms, in the shadow of the ‘Soul Arms’—four new ‘Soul Arms’ appeared. Each of those ‘Soul Arms’ held a sword of blood, darkness, wood, and wind, and began to swing with independent wills. What’s frightening is that all of them are pulled by the ‘Aris Family’s Treasure Sword Rowen’ in my right hand, and to a greater or lesser extent, they accompany Aris-style ‘swordsmanship.’ Beyond the dual twin sword techniques, now. The unfair eight blades surge forward in one breath.

“——–! Th-then, me too!!”

In response, Christ imitated. Like a mirror image, he created and increased four new ‘Monstrous Arms.’ He also held ice swords in those hands and clashed them roughly. Therefore, this time the sword flashes are sixteen. All of them are divine speed, divine, exceeding the limits of the human body. With each clash, the 100th floor trembles. Air and magic explode, creating strong winds like those that blow away clouds. It’s an inhuman swordplay. It’s a comparison between monsters. Not only ‘speed’ and ‘dexterity,’ but also ‘strength’ and ‘stamina’ stats, everything exceeds human limits. As a result, my arms naturally couldn’t take it anymore. No matter how many magic stones I was entrusted with, my body is still within human limits. Just as I, immature at the past, had caused wind magic to misfire, the flesh parts of my arms were torn, scattering a large amount of blood spray.

Even my enemy, Christ, worried and shouted. “Rainer…! Stop the self-destruct tactic, I told you so many times—”
“I told you so many times! You yourself said it! Realize it!!”

I immediately shouted back. You’ve been self-destructing all along. Your soul must be riddled with cracks, let alone your arm wounds… To this retort from his subordinate, the master also retorted. “I’m different! I’ve never let magic run wild! I’ve always been cautious and careful! I’ve used magic more safely than anyone else!!” “Where!? From where I’m standing, you’re now meticulously running your true ‘magic’ wild!!” “………!? It’s not running wild!!” When I delivered my honest impression, Christ’s expression became one of hearing it for the first time, and he vehemently denied it. It reached him. Although rejected, the words got through. If I had said this a month ago, the master would have likely dodged the conversation, eyes and words averted, avoiding it evasively. However, now, thanks to our ancestors and seniors who went ahead, Christ cannot ‘escape’ from talking. I continued the argument, leaving the sound of the balanced swordplay between eight arms behind me. “You are! That’s why everyone is coming to stop you!! It’s simple logic!” “Too simple, everyone!! What good is stopping?! It’s impossible for Noi to be the ‘World’s Master’ anymore! This job of ‘World’s Master’ has to be done by someone else eventually!” “Even so! We don’t think it’s a job for you alone!!” “The previous Noi appointed ‘Aikawa Uzunami’! Having defeated Hidaki, who was the enemy of this world, and becoming stronger than anyone else… having become stronger than anyone else in this world, I have that responsibility! …! Titty, why! You fulfilled the duty of a king, why don’t you understand!” Christ, while arguing with me, briefly averted his gaze and retorted to Titty, the former ‘Ruling King.’ —Ah, as I thought. He’s not alone. We were never alone. Perhaps, following Nosfy, her friend, she’s also making noisy remarks from behind. Having played siblings, I can easily imagine that scene. Matching her, I continued. “Does an imposed power carry responsibility!! You, who saw her up close, must understand!? You didn’t get stronger to do something like this!! You just struggled and lived your life, and got stronger! You have no responsibility to save strangers! ” …Even if not! It doesn’t mean you can be irresponsible! Think, Rainer! How many people will your irresponsible kindness make ‘unhappy’! Imagine!!” “You always decide people’s ‘unhappiness’ on your own, empathize on your own, and suffer on your own! You worry too much! The world won’t end just because you’re not here!” “You’ve been talking about the logic of the strong all this time!! Rainer and Fafnir everyone can say that because they’re strong! They don’t understand the feelings of the weak at all! The weak need a ‘god’ to cling to! Without a guiding light, they can’t live! Right, Aid!? Why are you shaking your head!? It doesn’t matter! We needed the recognition of hope! The weak need someone to recognize them! If that someone doesn’t exist, we have to create them, even if it means using ourselves, I will create them! I’m sure Rustiara is waiting at the end of that path! Don’t get in the way of that!!” “………!!” With that roar and fierce onslaught, both the argument and the swordplay were repelled. This time, I retreated, and the distance widened. Frankly, I don’t think Christ is wrong. My master has always been a friend to the weak, a friend of justice. It’s terribly correct—but it’s also ‘contradictory.’ Christ himself desires recognition of hope more than anyone else. His ‘narrowed’ jet-black eyes are probably only focused on ‘Rustiara’ now. Yet, he is disregarding that precious ‘Rustiara’ and trying to go down a completely different path. Like Ragune Kaikuola, ‘contradicting’ herself, seeking light, she kept climbing higher and higher, losing sight of the important person who should be at the ‘summit,’ and then jumped down to search for her again— —This time, please stop me. I feel a vibration from Fafnir-san in the ring. “Christ, look around more…! Do you really think you’re the only one left!?” “…Hahaha, everyone says the same thing. But I can see clearly. Rainer is in front of me now. I can clearly see a future where you can’t replace the ‘World’s Master’.” “Ah, I can’t. …I can’t do anything alone. I feel that keenly. That’s why I’ve always relied on others. And I will continue to rely on them. Like this—” I activated the white jade ring and prayed strongly, “Please connect us, Teacher.” I’ve always felt that soul close by. It’s always been watching over me, saying, “Rainer is not alone.” Thanks to the 100th floor, where souls are close, or thanks to someone, I feel this becoming a thick, dark line. Through Aid-sensei, who just came to my aid, I want to call out her name as magic. She traveled with Aid-sensei a year ago. They destroyed magic stone human research institutes and, like ‘Helvirshine,’ helped in various places, and finally. Even on this 100th floor—

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