And so, it ended.
This wasn’t just about the battle on the 100th floor. It was the culmination of a story that began in the *Original World*, connected across dimensions, and had dominated the *Another World* for over a thousand years.
Finally, I could sleep.
I would remain in a deep slumber, like a fetus curled within the embrace of the mother sea, forever.
***
At times, I would dream again.
I dreamt of being seated in a *seating area*, before a dazzling, seven-colored light. The chair was sturdy and well-padded, offering excellent comfort. The area was dim except for what lay ahead, where a large curtain was slowly descending before my eyes.
As the light was gradually blocked, a gentle darkness filled my vision—just before that, I thought I glimpsed the backstage where the actors were lined up. Furthermore, I was able to confirm that the *seating area* I occupied was made of wood, crafted in the *Another World*.
This meant it wasn’t a cinema in the *Original World*.
It seemed I had been watching from an old theater in the *Another World* for a long time.
The moment I understood, the warm sensation of my right hand being held continuously disappeared.
This meant that *She* had let go of my hand as the finale arrived.
“…”
Rustiara was the first to leave her seat.
I could accept this fact with a sense of relief.
It was fine now. I believed in everything that lay ahead, so I would no longer engage in self-destructive behavior. More importantly, I was the one who wanted her to break free from her *dream* more than anyone else.
However, as I remained alone, I felt a pang of loneliness… A memory from the distant past flashed through my mind.
At that moment, the surrounding situation changed drastically. The theater dissolved like a mirage and transformed into a different form.
The old theater in the *Another World* was replaced by a modern room in our *Original World*.
It was my childhood bedroom in the Aikawa family home. In retrospect, this dark room had been a place I’d revisited many times whenever I was near death. Relieved to be in a familiar place, I noticed something different from my accustomed memory.
The light. Unlike my memories, the room was incredibly bright. The electric lights were on, casting illumination from corner to corner.
I stood alone in the bright room. Before me, a large screen flickered. It was showing the final, divine battle, as if organizing my memories. However, it seemed the ending had already been reached, and the event was proceeding automatically without the need for a controller.
It was a truly strange feeling.
As I gazed at the screen with curiosity, I saw Rainer and the others achieving a grand victory. I could also see everyone comforting Noi, who was weeping over her defeat.
A few minutes later, Noir began a ritual as their representative. With the help of everyone’s power, he deployed a complex *Spell Formation*, and extracted a *magic stone* from his own chest. He then chose one from the *magic stone* he held in his hand to replace it.
I understood why Rustiara had left her seat first, through the information on the screen. Then, a voice called out from behind me.
“Kanami.”
Called, I immediately turned around. He was standing in the corner of the room. It was Rainer Helvirshine, a blond-haired boy in attire that didn’t quite fit this bright, modern apartment.
Rainer Helvirshine. He had intruded into the room with my signature “just like that.” This was proof that he had used dimensional magic comparable to that of a *Thief of Principles of Dimensions* to penetrate the *Dimensional Gap*.
Rainer, now a great mage, no longer called me *Christ*. Just as everyone else had stopped seeing me as a *Hero*, he now called me simply *Kanami*. So, I responded lightly, as just a *person*.
“…Rainer. You managed to reach this room.”
“This room? To me, it still looks like just a ‘flagstone path’ floating on the shallow sea… Ah, I see. Wait a moment, I’ll adjust myself to your perception.”
Rainer was surprised by my reply. He immediately closed his eyes, and a white-rainbow aura of magic power erupted from his body. He likely already knew this was the *Dimensional Gap*. With that in mind, he adjusted his soul as if focusing his vision and slowly opened his eyes. Then, after looking around my bright room, he commented,
“Oh… is this your room in the *Another World*?”
From his series of actions, it was clear Rainer was already here. The Rainer from the dimension above me had descended to the *seating area* one dimension below, and was looking at me with a strangely solemn expression.
“Kanami… As promised, I will use the name ‘Christ’ from now on. So, please ‘rest assured.’ Don’t end up like Noi…”
I had been worried. Had he developed some new worries while I was sleeping? I immediately shook my head at him, who had worked so hard to get here.
“I won’t. Never again. Because I had so many companions. Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t, I felt that keenly… Besides, if anything were to happen, everyone would come flying over instantly, so it’s impossible.”
“Ah… I see. We will fly over, no matter how many times it takes. Absolutely.”
When I promised “absolutely,” Rainer immediately retorted with “absolutely.”
So, everything was fine now. After confirming this, we both took a breath and let our lips curve into a smile. Then, we slowly began to walk together in this bright room.
I hadn’t noticed when it was dark, but my room was larger than I remembered. In the center was a magnificent desk, too large for a child. At the end of the room was an expensive-looking study desk. There was a bookshelf filled with reference books and textbooks on various subjects, and many sports equipment items were leaning against the wall. The room, too large for a single child, conveyed the deep affection of my parents. However, covering these were many home video game consoles left lying around. I picked up a few scattered game cases, looked at their backs, stacked them on the central desk, and sat down in a chair. Rainer, drawn by my actions, sat opposite me at the desk.
This was a strange situation. As the host, should I offer tea? While I pondered this, Rainer smiled wryly and said,
“Rustiara isn’t here anymore, is she? It’s good that everything went according to plan.”
He seemed to know that Rustiara had been with me until just a moment ago. And I knew that Rainer and the others had taken her away.
“Yeah, she just left. …Rustiara returned to the surface first.”
“We had her go back first. The *Spell Formation* was more difficult on that side, and it had a higher priority… We finished the fusion of Rustiara’s soul and Noir’s body, and the ‘Rebirth’ ceremony was successful. Of course, the one who withdrew also became the magic Noir and is doing well.”
As he said this, Rainer looked at his arm. It was enveloped in a white-rainbow magical aura, its outline slightly blurred. It was a special body that was both physical and magical. It seemed that Noir-chan had also reached the same domain as him. It should have required considerable aptitude, but perhaps those around them cooperated well.
“That’s good… Everyone really worked hard for me.”
“Ah, everyone worked hard… and it went well. It went much better than I ever imagined. However, it was also quite difficult. It was so incredibly difficult… sigh.”
I had already read about this in my *reading*, but Rainer’s direct report was the best. However, his face seemed a little downcast. He kept repeating the word “difficult.”
“Fufu.”
His dejection made me happy, and I let out a small laugh. Rainer was now a great mage and had been appointed the “Master of the World.” But his downcast expression made him look his age. Unlike me, he didn’t wear a detached “outer shell” depending on his role. No matter how strong he became, he was still a boy who needed a lot of help, I thought from the bottom of my heart. So, to my younger brother, who seemed to want to vent, I could listen as an older brother would. Casually, as always, normally—
“So, it was really that difficult afterward, wasn’t it? As the previous holder of the position, I’d like to hear the details, if you don’t mind?”
“The details? After you fell asleep, many people rushed to help. However, among them was Apostle Legacy, who was clinging to the *Deepest Part*… With his power too, we were able to achieve a complete victory over Noi. That much was good. The problem was after Noi surrendered in tears. That’s when it got really difficult—”
From what he was telling me, it seemed he had progressed smoothly to the happy ending I had read about in my *reading*, “everyone comforting Noi.” However, Rainer began to complain that what followed was the problem.
“Noi, her *Lingering Desire* disappeared, and it seemed she could pass on peacefully… But then, Legacy suddenly started instigating, saying, ‘Master, shouldn’t you seek more *happiness*?’ And then… she… sighs…”
Muttering, he let out a sigh of exasperation.
Although it was unfortunate for Rainer, I couldn’t help but smile. It seemed that after her *Lingering Desire* was gone, Noi had sought further *happiness*. The cause was Apostle Legacy, who loved watching *people* desperately living their lives—
“And then, Lord Siddharuku, Teeda, and Princess Kuuneru sided with Noi, saying, ‘We’re on the side of maidens’… By then, the explorers from above had already reached the 100th floor… and Lord Siddharuku and the Princess were quite popular among the explorers… sigh… Truly, sighs…”
His explanation was completely rambling, but from his complaints and sighs, I was beginning to grasp the general flow of the “difficulty.” Because of Legacy, they had reconciled with Noi and she had become their companion, but another wave of trouble had apparently occurred. Moreover, it was something close to a “betrayal.” If Teeda, the epitome of such actions, cooperated, and El, who could wield white-rainbow magic, sympathized, then even Kuuneru, who had presumably been watching all along, joined in…
Certainly, this seemed quite difficult. It was no wonder he couldn’t help but sigh.
“They all got caught up and started doing ridiculous things… It turned into a mess… and somehow, only I had to deal with the troublesome parts. Well, that’s pretty much it.”
After complaining to his heart’s content, Rainer cut his explanation short, saying it was too troublesome—but he also had the same smile as me. He must have been tired from everything. However, that wave of trouble was by no means a bad thing.
Thinking back, Apostle Legacy, in his child form, was always like someone trailing quietly behind me. He must have simply imitated me. He had elevated it into an even better happy ending by cooperating with everyone. Seeing that expression on Rainer’s face, I decided not to pry too deeply and praised him first.
“That must have been tough… but you managed to do it, so you’re truly amazing. As expected, my knight.”
“…Ah, I am your proud knight. Besides, if I can’t manage something like this, I won’t be able to move forward.”
Rainer accepted the praise honestly, nodded with satisfaction, and puffed out his chest. I, too, was satisfied to be able to finally commend my knight and, nodding, continued the conversation.
“Yes, I’m proud of you… It’s all thanks to you, Rainer. We won that battle because you were there—”
“No, Master. That is not correct.”
However, on that point, Rainer shook his head slowly.
“While fighting, I was always looking back. I know that your and her *magic* was pushing my flow forward… So, let me say this. My Masters, you two, are the truly amazing ones, let me praise you in return at the end.”
He let me know that he had been looking back at me and Rainier, just as I had been watching Rainer and the others on the 100th floor. Then came the highest praise for me.
“‘Aikawa Uzunami’s true *magic* was indeed the ‘magic to make everyone happy.'”
With those words, my *magic*—and simultaneously my life—was praised, and I took a breath. I felt rewarded. Various emotions mingled, and I felt like crying. However, I would not shed tears anymore. I conveyed my happiness with a nod and continued our casual conversation.
“…Yes. …If so, that’s good. Honestly, I thought the *magic* was a bit of overkill and perhaps unnecessary.”
“How could it be unnecessary, you fool of a Master? If there were no *magic*, I believe we would have met a different end. If either you or Rustiara were missing, we could not have saved the world.”
“…That’s true, that *magic* was only possible because of Rustiara. Rustiara had been preparing so many things for so long.”
We praised each other. I praised Rainer and Rustiara, Rainer praised me and Rustiara, and Rustiara surely felt the same.
However, Rainer, realizing that this was an exchange of praise among family, probably thought it wasn’t his style. He cleared his throat shyly and got straight to the point.
“Ah, it was all thanks to you Masters… So, I must fulfill the purpose for which I came here soon. As your knight, properly.”
Saying this, he extended his right hand forward while still seated. I immediately understood his intention and extended my right hand back. Although the scale was smaller than the desk in my room, it was an intersection of “I want to be saved” and “I want to save,” just like Rainer’s and Noir’s “souls’ arms” and “magic beast’s arms” moments ago. It was also the same as when I entrusted him with *Spell Formation* and clasped his hand. There were no wounds or bleeding, but thanks to this *Dimensional Gap*, it went smoothly. Everything I had just entrusted to him was refined and used for him.
“—Magic 《Distance Mute: Role Synchronization》.”
Rainer had modified the magic. However, as I was also knowledgeable in dimensional magic and the Aikawa Kanami-style magic naming, I immediately understood its effect: “Extraction and simultaneous transfer of souls using 《Distance Mute》.”
In other words, it was an exchange of bodies.
Frankly, my roles as ‘Protagonist’ and ‘Christ’ had been completely passed on. My name had been carried on, the meaning of the world’s gaze had changed, and that particular *Curse* had become Rainer’s *Blessing*. However, he probably wanted to be absolutely sure. Also, we simply felt a sense of camaraderie, like exchanging jerseys after a soccer match. So, after shaking hands, for a few seconds. The magic 《Distance Mute: Role Synchronization》 was completed. It seemed safer and more efficient to exchange bodies in the *Dimensional Gap* than on the 100th floor, and it was faster than I expected. There was little discomfort. A faint white-rainbow glow emanated from each of our bodies, but that was all.
“Phew… All right. That’s done. If you leave this room in that state, you will awaken. However, since the *Summon* will use ‘recalling convergence,’ you will likely awaken on the first floor. Please be careful… Honestly, a new body will be difficult. But the *Summon* conditions are the same as before, so it should be fine.”
His explanation was full of things I wanted to comment on along the way, but all my anxieties vanished when I heard “the same as before.”
“I’ll be careful… But if it’s the same as before, it should be all right.”
“Yeah, it’s all right because it’s the same… Also, with that *Summon*, this room will lose you as its master… As a memento, may we have it?”
“This room…? That’s perfectly fine. I can’t come here anymore… and I think it’s better if I never come again.”
“Yeah, it’s better if you don’t. So, from now on, we’ll take it and use it… Actually, we were looking for a space about this size for the ‘path’ we’re about to take.”
I, who was about to be *summoned* again, likely wouldn’t have my previous, frivolous ‘aptitude.’ I wouldn’t be able to come to this *Dimensional Gap* again with my consciousness intact. It felt a little unreal to hand over a room from my memories. However, Rainer seemed to intend to use it effectively. As it was a conversation about a keepsake, I readily entrusted him with the room, filled with the experiences of Aikawa Uzunami’s life.
“It’s a little embarrassing, but… feel free to use it however you like. The games here are all my favorites, so I really recommend them. Try playing during your breaks.”
“I will. My policy is to take breaks and work with everyone, so this is perfect…”
Saying this, Rainer averted his gaze slightly. I wondered if “everyone” included Noir-chan, whose name he had mentioned earlier. I envisioned a very enjoyable scene and my smile deepened.
From now on, he would share the same room as me. However, unlike me, he probably wouldn’t overwork himself, he wouldn’t be alone, and the lights would be on. Therefore, I could leave this room with peace of mind. Casually, I glanced at the door behind me… but feeling a sense of lingering attachment, I turned my gaze back and asked,
“…So, what will you do after this, Rainer?”
“Hmm, let’s see. After I see you off, I plan to report various things to Mr. Hein and the others. And to Noir, for the record. After that—”
Rainer unhesitatingly mentioned his family first. And then, the name of a friend who seemed likely to become a lifelong acquaintance. After that, he explained a *plan* that was completely different from my perfectionistic approach.
“I plan to think about the details with everyone. It’s best to leave difficult things to smart people, and my main role is the distribution of magic power… Also, there was talk of making deals with souls who have regrets? I vaguely recall talk of contracting with souls from distant *Another Worlds*, using magic power as payment… For now, it’s a stage of trying various things.”
Listening to him, I thought he sounded like the CEO of a startup company and found it a bit amusing. While “the power to connect” sounded romantic, the reality might involve a lot of tedious work. However, with my personality, I would have desperately strived to “accomplish this company management perfectly by myself.” But Rainer, with a relaxed demeanor, looked like he was happily thinking, “Let’s share the work and manage it well for now.”
Finally, having reconfirmed our different approaches, I felt no further worries. This *Dimensional Gap* was dangerous for me, now that I had lost my *magic stone* and normalized. It was definitely not a place to linger… but I wanted to prolong this time even a little.
“It seems you’re already getting advice from many people. In that case, there’s nothing I need to say. Also,… well, it really does work out somehow… I’m really thinking that right now.”
“…I feel the same way. However, from my perspective, the two Masters who were particularly troublesome. The fact that I was able to manage you two was the biggest surprise and the greatest sense of accomplishment… Ah… hah, you were truly troublesome…, hahaha!”
At the very end, Knight Rainer confessed to my face that he had always found both me and Rustiara “troublesome.” Of course, it wasn’t just that.
“But it was more fun than anything. It was truly fun for me to have you as my Masters. From now on, I will continue to choose such fun paths—”
“I understand. If it was fun, then as your Master, I am happy. Because fun is the most important thing. From now on, let’s each walk the path that is fun for the other—”
We vowed and laughed “Ah”—and then silence filled my room.
There had been many opportunities to leave my seat up to this point. I had managed to prolong our conversation, but it seemed this was the end. Rainer, knowing I couldn’t stay long, stood up first. I followed suit. We walked like mirror images of each other and faced each other next to the desk.
“Well then, my knight.”
“Farewell, my Master.”
And with that, we exchanged our final words. After that, I thought about shaking hands one last time… but we both realized we had just done so. So, we laughed and raised our right hands together—
*Pop*.
Master and subordinate exchanged a powerful high-five.
With that, I turned my back. Looking only at the room’s door, I didn’t look back. No matter how much I felt like lingering, we had to move forward. To leave my past self’s room, I walked towards the exit that led to the future.
Taking that new path, I reached for the door. As I turned the doorknob and opened it, I let go of my consciousness in this *Dimensional Gap*. However, this was not like falling into a dark abyss and falling asleep. It was simply waking up to the bright light beyond this door—
As I awakened, my thoughts turned to the future awaiting me ahead.
—The days of living happily ever after with Rustiara—
Of course, this was no longer an ambiguous imagining of the story’s continuation. It was not the continuation of a *dream* that I inwardly believed could not be fulfilled, nor was it an illusion like the moon on a lake’s surface. I would no longer deceive myself or run away. When I awakened, I would definitely fulfill it. I would think of it again as a real goal.
—Absolutely live happily ever after with Rustiara, forever—
With that vow, I left the room of the *past*. Breaking free from the dreamscape to live the true life of Aikawa Uzunami. The final *Summon* was taking place.
