The Magatsu Empire, located on a remote island in the middle of the ocean, is said to be protected by a powerful magical barrier.
It’s like the entire country is encased in a barrier. A truly impenetrable barrier that repels all intrusion.
However, that would mean the people of the Empire couldn’t come and go either. Therefore, the barrier has dedicated entrances and exits that only those from the Empire can pass through.
There’s one in each cardinal direction—subspace passages called ‘Veile’s Path’. We learned these routes from Dorothea and were about to launch our offensive against the Empire.
The plan is extremely simple.
The mages of Rungaria will use a large-scale group magic to move the elite army gathered from the Six Great Nations through Veile’s Path and infiltrate the Empire.
Then, they will head straight for the Emperor’s castle and defeat him.
Those elite forces are already gathered in front of Aisha’s Royal Palace. It’s like a rally.
Receiving words of encouragement from the Queen and the Kings and Emperors of each nation, the morale was at its peak.
Departure is tomorrow morning. Finally, the decisive battle begins.
“It’s finally time, Lord Abel.”
It was the girls from Rungaria who called out to me in the Royal Palace’s courtyard—members of ‘Valkyrie’, the foremost unit of the Phantom Ark.
They look like delicate beauties, but each is a top-tier fighter. They were formidable warriors that could make even the Captains of the Slayer blanch.
“We will definitely make use of what we learned from you, Lord Abel.”
“…It’s a shame about Dorothea-sama.”
Yes, their teacher was Dorothea. Knowing that Dorothea was actually a high-ranking official of the Empire, they must be shocked.
“For now, let’s focus on the battle ahead.”
That was all I could say to them. Ordinary words that offered little comfort. But in the end, overcoming shock is a matter of their own mental fortitude. It might sound harsh, but they have to sort out their own feelings.
“Thank you, Lord Abel.”
“We’ll do our best to support you, Lord Abel.”
Though their expressions were somber, they all nodded. Nearby,
“The Empire is nothing!”
“Let them know the divine radiance!”
the forces of Gimul and the Clergy Divisions of Reclome and Almedia were raising their war cries.
I bid farewell to the girls of ‘Valkyrie’ and moved on. Then,
“With this much fighting power gathered, we might be able to conquer even the Magatsu Empire.”
It was Irvin, the Minister of Internal Affairs, walking towards me as usual.
“I want you to understand that it’s not enough to just win against the Empire. Whether it’s Rungaria, the Gimul Empire, or any of the other Six Great Nations… their attention must already be turned to the ‘aftermath’. The distribution of reparations from the Empire, the division of territories. And the power balance of the world after defeating the Empire—for our Aisha to lead the world from now on, we must first show that Aisha is the strongest of the Six Great Nations.”
The Minister of Internal Affairs spoke volubly, his eyes shining brightly.
“Ideally, it would be best if you were the one to defeat the Magatsu Emperor. ‘Aisha’s hero defeats the evil Emperor’—there’s no clearer action to demonstrate our nation’s superiority. It will leave a strong impression on people. That Aisha is the righteous Kingdom that protects the world—”
“I—”
I interrupted Irvin’s almost ecstatic speech with a feeling of exasperation.
“I will defeat the Empire to protect many people. I have no interest in the prestige of nations or power struggles.”
Besides, I can’t do something so grand on an individual level. I just want to protect the people I see, the people I cherish. Even if my feelings have become clouded from taking so many lives during the war—that’s the one thing I must never waver on. To defeat the Empire. And when a world where I can laugh with Claire and the others arrives—I will ask for nothing more.
After parting with Irvin, I was walking through the courtyard when two women in knightly attire approached me. It was Ashe and Veronica.
“Abel, can I have a moment?”
Ashe said.
“I have something to give you.”
“It’s the new Messiah Rod.”
Veronica presented the staff. A rod about thirty centimeters long—the Messiah Rod in standby mode. The staff, which was destroyed during the battle with Dorothea, seemed to have been completely repaired.
“Thank you, Veronica. It’s as good as new.”
“It’s not just as good as new.”
“What?”
At Ashe’s words, I directed a questioning look at Veronica.
“Ah. In preparation for the final battle, I’ve added some new functions.”
“New… functions?”
Veronica then explained the functions. Unlike the other functions, this mode requires the cooperation of everyone in the Third Squad. While it can unleash more powerful magic than ever before, it poses a danger not only to me but also to everyone. Using this function means everyone will be involved with me in the battle against the Emperor and the other Elysion Octa. In other words, it means involving everyone in magic combat at an extreme level.
“Thank you, but I… would rather not use this function if possible.”
“…You’re worried about us, aren’t you, Abel?”
Ashe smiled.
“But it’s okay. We’ve gotten stronger too, you know. Haven’t we defeated enemies of the Empire without relying on you before?”
“That… is true, but…”
But this time, the enemies’ level—no, their very dimension is different. It’s probably completely different from anything before. After all, Dorothea, whom I defeated, so readily provided the infiltration route. She must have been convinced that the Emperor’s power is far greater than mine.
“It’s meant to be a last resort.”
Ashe smiled.
“The Messiah Rod will primarily be used by alternating between offense and defense modes. It also has support functions like ritual magic and summoning, but they don’t really fit your magic style, so you probably won’t use them often.”
Veronica said.
“But this function is special and unlike any of the others. The burden on the staff is extraordinary, so don’t use it unless it’s absolutely necessary. If you do, the staff will likely be completely destroyed.”
But I still don’t want to use this function—a function that could endanger everyone.
“Hmph, we’re fighting knowing the risks. There’s no need to worry.”
Veronica snorted.
“Besides—you’re with us, so it’ll be fine.”
“Huh?”
“A-anyway, it’ll be fine as long as we coordinate properly. I don’t mean I trust Abel or want to be by your side to help or support you or anything. Don’t get the wrong idea, okay?!”
Veronica suddenly turned bright red and stammered. Um, her tone sounds angry, but this looks unmistakably like… she’s flustered. Veronica is kind of cute.
“Honestly, Veronica, you’ve always been so direct.”
“You’re not much better yourself. For a married woman to have feelings for a young man—”
“I-I am married and wouldn’t have such… feelings towards Abel!”
Veronica’s counterattack surprisingly flustered Ashe. Yeah, Ashe is also undeniably cute. I watched the two older women with amusement.
