Isekai Mahou wa Okureteru! (LN) - Volume 4 - Chapter 4

Chapter 4: Devil 

Late that night in the imperial capital, Suimei, Felmenia, and Liliana were walking around outside. Felmenia, who was sticking close to Suimei, was observing their surroundings and cautiously voiced her concern regarding the apparent unnaturalness of what she saw. 

“It is quiet, is it not?” 

“They probably anticipated that there would be a fight and evacuated the area beforehand.” 

Suimei shared his speculation as he looked around himself. Just as Felmenia had said, the streets were perfectly still. There wasn’t a soul in sight. Since there was now a curfew on the city, that much was to be expected, but Suimei couldn’t even sense the presence of people in the houses around them. And walking down the empty streets, the sound of the cold, crisp nighttime wind carrying their voices and footsteps seemed far louder than usual. Suddenly, Liliana tugged on Suimei’s hand. 

“Suimei... That.” 

“They’re already showing themselves, huh? That was fast.” 

There were several moving shadows in the direction Liliana was pointing, which was down a road that led straight to the southern plaza. And sure enough, accompanied by the sound of running footsteps, a lot of soldiers appeared from the darkness. 

“Suimei-dono, will you really be alright with just you and Liliana?” 

“No problem. The damage to my astral body has recovered well enough for this. All that’s left is to catch the target.” 

As Felmenia and Suimei were talking, the approaching soldiers came to a stop some distance away from them. From what Suimei could see, the soldiers were heavily armed and had come in force. Their rear line was even a squad of mages standing at the ready. But they only stood there for a few moments before parting ranks as Graziella, Elliot, and Christa emerged before them. 

“I see everyone came to the party,” Suimei said somewhat flippantly. 

“It’s been a long time, hasn’t it, Suimei Yakagi. How is your health since then?” Graziella responded. 

“Thanks to you, my recovery was delayed. It was quite a pain, honestly. But more importantly, you certainly brought a lot of friends along today, didn’t you?” 

“Considering my opponent, I only made suitable preparations.” 

“That’s quite a grand assessment.” 

“Quit it.” 

Graziella spat out her words like she was disappointed at Suimei’s false humility. Next it was Elliot who began speaking. 

“To think that you were the one sheltering that girl...” 

“Is it surprising?” 

“Of course. I never would have thought that the person who was competing with me to find the culprit would be protecting one of the suspects.” 

“Well, that’s fair.” 

As Suimei unapologetically shrugged his shoulders, Elliot sharpened the gaze of his blue eyes as he looked at him. 

“So, why are you doing it?” 

“It would take a long time to explain, and I don’t have the time to spell it out for you.” 

“What do you mean?” 

“I mean that I’m on my way to catch the mastermind behind the coma incidents.” 

Hiding nothing, Suimei had no problem telling them what he was doing. But he heard a snort in response; it seemed Graziella couldn’t hide her displeasure. She wasted no time denouncing his actions. 

“How shameless. You yourself are complicit in these crimes, are you not?” 

“Even if I said I wasn’t, you aren’t going to listen at all, right?” 

“If you already know that much, it should be obvious.” 

As Graziella declared this, her black lined gauntlet chinked as she held her hands up at the ready. She was implying that it was about time they start. Her fighting spirit overflowed her body. 

“Tonight I will have you thoroughly demonstrate your damned power for me. You only gave me a glimpse last time.” 

“Sorry to say it, but that’s not gonna happen.” 

“What?” 

Seeing that Suimei had no intention of complying, Graziella glared at him with a perturbed and somewhat puzzled expression. As she did, someone casually walked out from the alleyway beside them. It was... 

“Well, well, what do we have here? It’s been a while, Your Imperial Highness Graziella.” 

Shana Reiji, the hero of Astel. Elliot in particular looked quite shocked over his unexpected arrival. 

“You’re...” 

“Hmph, Reiji the hero, huh? I heard you came to the imperial capital, but what are you doing walking the streets this late at night?” 

“Lately during the day, there are people just absolutely everywhere. It’s been quite cramped, so I thought I would cool myself off some by taking a stroll at night when things are quiet. But don’t worry—I didn’t come alone.” 

As Reiji spoke, Mizuki, Titania, and their knight escorts came out from behind him. 

“Your Royal Highness, what is the meaning of this?” 

“I simply followed along after being told that Reiji-sama wanted to go and cool off.” 

Titania was feigning ignorance the same as Reiji. Graziella sharpened her gaze like a blade as she looked at her. This development was far too convenient. Graziella could sense it was all an act and questioned the lot of them in an oppressive tone. 

“What are your intentions here?” she asked. 

“Our intentions? We’re simply passing by. But on that note, just what are you all doing out here in the middle of the night?” Reiji countered. 

“We’ve come to capture that man, White Flame-dono, and that little girl.” 

“That sounds serious. What did they do?” 

“Surely you’ve heard of the damned incidents happening in the imperial capital. That little girl is suspected of being the criminal behind them, and that man has been harboring her.” 

“Is that so? I haven’t heard anything about that. How about it, Suimei?” Reiji replied in a deliberately loud voice. 

“Who knows? I honestly don’t know what she’s talking about. We don’t have a single clue as to who’s responsible for the incidents, after all. Unless... Ah, I see. Is that it? You lot couldn’t produce any results, so to deceive everyone, you’re making us out to be the criminals, right?” 

“Well, that’s no good. No, that simply won’t do at all. We can’t have that.” 

Playing along with Suimei, Reiji spoke in an exaggeratedly sympathetic tone. Watching their well coordinated act, Graziella discerned that they were both good friends and that they arranged this all beforehand. She looked extremely annoyed. 

“You bastards...” 

On the other hand, Elliot seemed to think something was rather funny and was holding back his laughter. He was apparently rather amused to see Graziella so stymied. But on the side, Mizuki and Titania were looking at Suimei and Reiji and sighing in exasperation after witnessing this exchange. 

“What can I say? This only looks like two best friends acting perfectly in sync.” 

“Yes, the two of them are completely shameless...” 

And it wasn’t just the two of them who thought so. Felmenia and the knights also beheld this spectacle with suspicious eyes. And once their little charade came to an end, Reiji turned his handsome and gallant face towards Graziella. 

“I’ll say it loud and clear. Your Imperial Highness, as a hero, I cannot abide such tyranny.” 

“What are you saying? Surely you aren’t thinking of fighting us.” 

“Of course. That is exactly what I was thinking.” 

Hearing Reiji’s declaration, Graziella looked at him skeptically, but composed and unfazed. 

Her demeanor indicated she had no intention of backing down. Reiji drew his orichalcum sword from its sheath. The blade shone with a luster like the afterglow of burning metal, and a metal noise almost like a buzzing in one’s ears rang through the air. 

“My deepest apologies, princess, but until they capture the mastermind, I cannot let you proceed. If you insist on doing so no matter what...” 

“Hmph. Then we’ll have to do so with force, is that it? Will you be the one keeping me company, then?” 

“No, Your Imperial Highness’s opponent will be me,” Felmenia said as she stepped forward. 

“White Flame-dono will? Hmph, that in itself also seems interesting. You certainly served me my fill the other day, after all.” 

Graziella flashed a fearless smile towards Felmenia’s challenge. Though she didn’t let it show, Felmenia faltered slightly. 

“Erk...” 

“It’s alright. You’ve got this, Menia,” Suimei whispered to her. 

“Y-Yes!” 

Encouraged by his words, Felmenia regained her confidence. A fire lit in her amber eyes as she proudly stuck out her chest. Titania, Mizuki, and the knights then dispersed. Falling behind them, Suimei and Liliana moved on towards their destination by cutting through the back alley. 

After separating from Felmenia and the others by retreating down an alley, Suimei and Liliana were now running down a different street en route to their target using magicka to sprint far beyond the capabilities of any ordinary human. 

“Suimei... are you sure about this?” 

“Yeah, there’s no mistaking it.” 

Suimei was certain of the identity of the culprit. He could think of no other possibility. Based on everything that had happened so far, based on the far too convenient circumstances and the information Felmenia had gathered, Suimei was headed to the Imperial University Library. He’d find his answer there. At the speed they were running through the stillness of the night, a structure taller than anything else around came into sight. 

“That’s... weird.” 

“It’s a type of spell that clears away unwanted people by making them drowsy. It’s set up so that the people who wander into this area will get sleepy and go back the way they came.” 

“It is like a thinly spread dark veil of stupor... right?” 

While listening to Liliana’s conjecture, Suimei approached the entrance and opened the doors to the library. Greeted by the darkness within that felt like it would suck him in, Suimei threw himself in of his own will. He was getting the feeling that the end was in sight. 

The only light he could rely on to illuminate his way was the moonlight shining down through the skylight. Inside the building, everything was far too quiet. It made Suimei think of the dead silence that fell right before the appearance of a haunting spirit. 

Liliana anxiously cuddled up next to Suimei for comfort and safety. As he gently stroked her head, he took a good look around the area. None of the employees were present, which was to be expected at this hour. None of them but one. Sensing someone’s arrival, a light came on deep within the darkness of the library. A man with fair skin, long ears, and glasses appeared. 

“Are you looking to use our facilities? I’m afraid the library is closed for the evening.” 

It was the male elf named Romeon, one of the librarians of the Imperial University Library. And when he realized it was Suimei who’d come in, he looked quite surprised. 

“Oh? Yakagi-kun and... If it isn’t Lord Zandyke’s daughter. If you’re here at this hour... is something wrong?” 

Suimei made no attempt to conceal anything and plainly stated his intentions. 

“I just thought I’d come and arrest the culprit behind the coma incidents.” 

“Oh...? The culprit behind the coma incidents, you say? Then certainly you know that girl you brought along is rumored to be the criminal.” 

“Publicly, at least. However, the truth is that there was someone behind even that. A mastermind who used magic on Liliana and manipulated her.” 

“My goodness... But this is the library, you know?” 

Romeon pretended to look around the area as he spoke as if to imply there was no way such a person was there. But Suimei didn’t falter and didn’t back down. 

“Exactly. And the mastermind is right here.” 

“Right here? Whatever do you mean?” 

“If it’s just us and you standing here, then there’s only one answer, right?” 

Hearing those words, Romeon flashed an astonished expression before bursting into laughter like he’d heard a bad joke. 

“You couldn’t possibly be saying that I’m the criminal, right?” 

“Unfortunately, that’s exactly what I’m saying.” 

“No way, Yakagi-kun. Think about it. There is no way I would do something so outrageous, is there?” 

“When the bad guy says that kind of thing, it doesn’t really hold a lot of water, you know?” 

A troubled smile floated on Romeon’s face as Suimei asserted himself. He then reined himself in and pushed his glasses up as he adjusted their position on his nose. He was as calm as ever, but the friendly demeanor he’d had up until now vanished. 

“Hmph... You sound quite confident. What basis do you have to believe that I am the criminal?” 

“I have plenty of reasons.” 

“If you do, may I ask what they are?” 

“What first tipped me off was that time I came here with Menia,” Suimei began. 

“...You mean the time I talked with you about dark magic? Treating me like a criminal just from that is what we call imprudence.” 

Before Suimei could finish explaining, Romeon took a guess as to what Suimei was implying and, with a tedious sigh, began defending himself. 

“Is it not hasty to decide that I am the criminal just because I know about dark magic? There are people all over the world who know of the existence of dark magic, you know?” 

“Listen, I wouldn’t treat you like a criminal just because you know a thing or two about dark magic. Like you said, there are plenty of people in this world who do.” 

“Then...” 

“But that wasn’t all you talked with us about that day.” 

“Then you mean something else?” 

Romeon made a puzzled face like he had no idea what Suimei was talking about. 

“Those words used to strengthen dark magic.” 

“...Now that I think about, I do remember mentioning something like that. The words the criminal appended to the end of their spells were savage names, right? But what of it? Do you find me suspicious just because I know of savage names?” 

“That’s right. After talking with Liliana about it, it seems they’re something she learned from the real mastermind behind the incidents.” 

“So just because I know savage names too, I must be the criminal? Is that any different from judging someone on the basis that they know dark magic?” Romeon said with a grand sigh. “Yakagi-kun, will you stop this already? If you do, I will forget all about this.” 

As he spoke, Romeon’s voice returned to its usual amicable tone and he put on a troubled smile once more. The man proposing to ignore everything as nonsense certainly did appear to be harmless. 

“Okay, Mr. Librarian, there’s just a teensy little thing that I’d like to confirm. How did you explain it to us at that time? That’s all I want to know. Could you remind me once more?” 

Astonished at Suimei’s question, Romeon again sighed in an irritated fashion and answered ambiguously. 

“Savage names are words used in this world since ancient times to strengthen dark magic. They have been long lost, but they amplify the power of darkness. Needless to say, anyone struck by such strengthened dark magic would suffer serious harm. What—” 

“It’s that. That’s the part that’s strange.” 

“...” 

As Suimei suddenly identified what was bothering him, Romeon went quiet before pointing a sharp gaze at Suimei and questioning the source of his doubt. 

“I do not understand what you’re trying to say, Yakagi-kun. What about what I said is strange? Surely this isn’t because of some turn of phrase...” 

“Before we go any further, let me just come out and say that I’m not from this world. I was a bonus that came with the hero who was summoned in Astel.” 

Hearing Suimei’s declaration, a bit of surprise flashed across Romeon’s face. But he then nodded in acknowledgment. 

“Now that you mention it, there were rumors of an accident around the time of the hero summoning in Astel. However, I believe that has no bearing on our conversation, does it?” 

“That’s not quite true. It has a surprising connection to what we’re talking about.” 

“A connection...?” 

“That’s right. Those words are one of the mystical figures of speech from our world.” 

Hearing Suimei’s explanation, Romeon’s composure vanished and his expression turned grim. 

“I don’t know what conclusion you’re drawing from all that, but it’s not a given that they’re something that only exists in your world, is it? Just as different worlds can have the same technologies, those savage names could be born in different worlds.” 

“That’s true. It isn’t all that unlikely that the same concept was born in this world. However, unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the case.” 

“On what grounds? You couldn’t possibly be saying that you found the origin of savage names in this world, could you?” 

“Nope, I don’t need to go to all that trouble.” 

Romeon’s irritation was piling up counter to Suimei’s mounting insight. He was starting to get restless. While dusting a nearby chair with his finger, his tone turned sharp. 

“Why is that?” 

Suimei let out a laugh, knowing Romeon already knew the answer to the question he was asking. 

“I mean, for a while now, you’ve been saying ‘nomina barbara, nomina barbara’ repeatedly using the language from our world.” 

“...” 

Hearing those words, Romeon’s expression grew even more grim. He began to open his mouth like he had an objection, but Suimei ignored him and continued cutting forward with his words. 

“Normally, the people brought to this world by the magicka circle used for hero summoning hear the language of this world in their own native language. But it’s not like you people are actually speaking our language. You’re still speaking in your own native tongue. So if what you said was true and the concept of savage names existed in this world natively, the words I heard you say should have been magically translated into Japanese and the way your mouth moved when you said it should have been new to me. But I remember thinking there was something odd about it. Something familiar. Which leads me to believe only one thing.” 

“Ah... That’s why at that time... you asked me if I heard ‘nomina barbara,’ right?” 

Liliana spoke up as she came to an understanding. Suimei had specifically asked her about that while they were discussing the mastermind behind the incidents. All this time he had been referring to savage names in Japanese, but he wanted to confirm he got the same results when saying it in Latin. 

“That’s right. And because it’s something from my world and not here, I was actually hearing what you were saying rather than a translation. Which means that it’s rather strange for you to know about it, doesn’t it?” 

Confronted with this, Romeon replied by pointing out that there were holes in Suimei’s logic. 

“Even so, that doesn’t implicitly mean that I am the criminal, does it? Heroes have been summoned to this world since ancient times. It is not impossible to think that a hero came from your world long ago and passed on the knowledge of savage names, leading to its usage here, right?” 

Suimei listlessly scratched the back of his head as he heard this. 

“Yeah, about that... I have something I’d like to ask you. Exactly how long ago was the last time a hero was summoned to this world?” 

“...” 

“I don’t know if you actually know or not, but if you don’t want to say it, I’ll tell you myself. Based on my and Menia’s investigations, the last time a hero was summoned seems to have been over one hundred years ago. Of course, anything related to hero summoning is strictly controlled by the Church of Salvation and Mage’s Guild, so there’s no such thing as an off-the-record summoning.” 

Romeon remained silent as Suimei spoke, and Suimei moved into his endgame with this conversation. 

“Savage names first became a thing in our world during an age called the Crowley era. That was approximately one hundred years ago. But the first time it took a form that could actually be used was when Kenneth Grant fully established the concept fifty years or so ago. See? With that, your little theory is out the window.” Suimei then shrugged his shoulders like he was stumped by something. “There remains the question of why savage names are even in this world, but... Well, whatever. The important thing right now is that someone aside from myself and Liliana who knows of a concept that shouldn’t exist in this world is present in the imperial capital.” 

“...” 

Romeon cast his eyes downward. Just what emotions was he hiding behind those glasses? Suimei had no idea what he was thinking without being able to see his face. However, deciding it was too soon to back off, Suimei continued chasing Romeon into a corner. 

“It’s about time you stop playing dumb, Mr. Librarian. From what I’ve heard, you came to the imperial capital just as the coma incidents began, didn’t you? Isn’t that a bit of an extraordinary coincidence?” 

Romeon still didn’t capitulate. 

“Do you have any proof?” 

“Not at all. Before I could put the last nail in the coffin, I was forced to make my move.” 

Suimei confessed that he was one move away from perfection. But even without that, he wasn’t at a disadvantage. After all... 

“Well, I’m not a detective. I don’t have any evidence that strongly points to you. All I have is just speculation. And it’s easy enough to point out the problems with that, which won’t do. However, even though I’m not a detective, I’m a magician. In my world, there are techniques to forcefully extract another person’s memories, you see. So...” 

In the blink of an eye, Suimei donned his black suit—his battle uniform. Highlighting that he was no ordinary person, his crimson eyes lit ablaze. 

“If we cut out the talking, that way would be much faster.” 

With the circumstantial evidence mounting against him, even without definitive proof, there was no mistaking that this elf was the criminal. All that was necessary to confirm it would be to see if he was the one that manipulated Liliana. 

After a while, Suimei could hear clapping. With his gaze still cast downward, Romeon was putting his hands together for Suimei like he was praising him for finding the criminal. Grasping this as a form of admittance, Liliana regarded Romeon with a bewildered expression. 

“Mr. Librarian... you’re...” 

“My goodness, to think that Yakagi-kun was someone summoned from another world... That was completely outside my expectations.” 

“That time you told us about savage names here in the library, and that time you came to warn us in the alley... You did all that to try and keep us away from the incident, right?” 

“Yes, that’s right. You’re the person who endured Liliana’s strengthened dark magic, and despite still bearing those severe wounds, you fought Her Imperial Highness Graziella on even grounds. If possible, I didn’t want to face you myself. But I never expected it to backfire on me in such a way.” 

“Then the one... who gave my location to those guild mages... and also leaked it to the army...” 

“Yes, it’s just as you guessed. It was me.” 

Liliana looked at Romeon with fear as she questioned him further. 

“Why... did you... use me?” 

“No particular reason. It was just that I also found those nobles that you wanted to do something about to be hindrances. Moreover, above all else, you hold the power of darkness.” 

As Romeon spoke, the power of darkness, the pent-up resentment pulled from the outside world, swelled up rapidly. It seemed this man was also able to use dark magic himself. Before long, the dimly lit library behind him was dyed pitch black. The power hovering in the background began to stiffen and take form. 

“Even though things may appear this way, I have researched the power of darkness for quite some time. Just recently, I was curious what would happen to a being that the rich power of darkness sympathized with, and was just in the middle of investigating it.” 

Sensing what Romeon was hinting at, Suimei clicked his tongue with a displeased look on his face. 

“And because of that, savage names came up, huh?” 

“Exactly. Using savage names, the power of darkness is amplified, including the power of its influence. Especially for Liliana, who the darkness sympathized strongly with already. It could be said that she was the ideal vessel to carry out both my experiments and my goal behind the incidents.” 

“No... way...” 

Hearing Romeon’s inhuman confession, Liliana was deeply shocked. Far more than she thought she would be. Her shaking hands were firmly clinging to Suimei, who shot a scornful glare are Romeon. 

“Good grief. I already thought you were quite the lowlife, but to think it was to this extent...” 

“For a mage, the pursuit of knowledge is a simple matter of course. You are also a mage, are you not? You should be able to understand.” 

“Hmph. Don’t lump me in with scum like you. I would never go so far in pursuing the truth that I stray from the path.” 

“There’s no need to hide it. You must have also wanted to know what kind of monster someone who the power of darkness sympathized with would become, didn’t you? You wanted to know, right? Don’t you just tremble with excitement thinking about it? HAHAHAHAHA!” 

Romeon’s laughing voice became jarring to the ears after being tainted by the power of darkness. Behind him, the power that was manifesting thanks to Romeon was sluggishly swaying as it appeared and disappeared... He was already preparing the space required to summon a sinful figure. Suimei wasn’t sure, however, if that was his intention or not. As if it was his last question, Suimei called out to Romeon in a definitive tone. 

“So in the end, what did you hope to accomplish by studying the power of darkness?” 

“It’s obvious! If I’m able to further clarify just what dark magic is, I can save those who are struggling with the power of darkness even now! That’s why I want to know the depths of the power of darkness! I want to pursue it! I will take hold of that power!” 

“Huh...?” 

A bewildered expression floated onto Liliana’s face as she heard Romeon’s completely contradictory explanation. He wanted to save people who were suffering. Within the twisted laughter warped by the power of darkness, that desire certainly existed. There was no mistaking that he pursued the mystery for that reason, but what he was doing now was completely counter to his original desire. He’d taken the wrong route to get there. 

Using his own mana as bait, Romeon was expanding the power of darkness. His sense of reason had weakened. This was a man at the end of the road after living only to fulfill one purpose, and breaking down in the process. In stark contrast to before, Suimei now looked at him with eyes full of pity. 

“I see. You’re one of the guys who lost, huh?” 

Magicians pursued the truth; they were those who desired the truth following their own ideals. However, there are those who spent too long chasing after their own ideals. Following that path, they would touch upon many mysteries, and as they did, they would be affected by them. Gradually, their sense of self would become weaker and weaker. This must have been exaggerated in the case of an elf who naturally had a long lifespan. The man who was currently enthralled by malice may very well have started on the right path. 

“Now come! The two of you will be covered in sin and die right here!” 

Romeon sentenced them to death in a revelrous voice. The sound of mana pouring out of him took on a wicked roar as it blew violently. Suddenly, one of the bookshelves on the second floor took flight like it had been ejected by an explosion. Cutting an arc through the air, it slammed right into Romeon on the floor below it. However, obstructed by the darkness coiling around him, the large object did nothing against him. The bookshelves and the books within it were obliterated and sent flying as Romeon shouted in the direction they’d come from. 

“Who’s there?!” 

A shadow appeared from the second floor. 

“...I never would have thought it would be something like this.” 

Kicking down the railing on the second floor, the one quietly muttering from above was Rogue Zandyke. Suimei had no idea how long he’d been there. Even as a magician, he was unable to sense his presence in this place. Overflowing with fighting spirit, he swept open his military coat and turned his reddish-brown eyes on Romeon like a blade. 

“Colonel...?” 

Liliana looked at him in surprise. Romeon, as expected, was still brimming with excitement. 

“Well, well, if it isn’t Lord Zandyke. Just what are you doing here at this hour?” 

“I was chasing the two of them, and arrived here in pursuit... I heard everything you talked about.” 

“Oh, is that so? You have my condolences. You see, the number of people that must die here just increased by one.” 

Romeon pronounced death on them all. He had no intention of allowing anyone to leave this place alive. Glancing down at the source of the ominous laughter, Rogue drew his sword. And looking up at Rogue, Liliana rushed to his side. 

“Liliana, fall back.” 

“Colonel!” 

Liliana pleaded with him, but Rogue was not listening to her at all. He jumped down from the second floor and called out to Suimei. 

“Suimei Yakagi, I will support you.” 

“...I look forward to working with you.” 

As Suimei replied to Rogue, Romeon readied the power of darkness, preparing to mow them down. 

“So what if your numbers increase by one or two?!” 

The tables and chairs in the area were sent flying, shattering into pieces with a wave of darkness. Romeon hid himself behind a nearby bookshelf as Suimei, Liliana, and their new companion Rogue took cover in separate directions. 

“What’s wrong?! Weren’t you going to capture me?!” 

Bolstered by his belief in the strength of the power of darkness, Romeon’s movements were sluggish. He poked his head out from cover and emerged. He then began approaching at a relaxed pace, looking as if he was trying to decide what prey he was going to start with first. A voice then called out to Suimei out of nowhere. 

“Suimei Yakagi, can you hear me?” 

Suimei could hear Rogue’s voice being carried by the wind. It seemed to be magic to talk at a distance. Suimei used magicka to reply in kind. 

“I can hear you. What’s wrong?” 

“I have a question. What is the power that elf is using? It is far too powerful for just the attribute of darkness.” 

“No, it’s exactly that. But because it’s far too strong, he’ll end up summoning an evil existence from another plane. That’s why the source of the power behind the darkness attribute is flowing out in its pure form.” 

“Then I presume it’s bad to come into contact with it?” 

“As long as it isn’t prolonged contact, it should be fine. But in the end, it’s a mass of malice and resentment born of the human heart. I can’t endorse fighting while standing around in it.” 

“Then it will have to come down to striking once, getting some distance, and repeating...” 

“I’ll be going first.” 

As Suimei said this, Liliana called out to him from the side. 

“Suimei, that’s... a dreadful amount of power.” 

“Liliana, it’ll still be easy for that thing to suck you in. Be careful.” 

With that warning, Suimei leaped out from his cover. Catching this with his eyes, Romeon immediately swung his arm and fired the power of darkness at Suimei. However, his aim was poor and it only damaged more of the library. Suimei then put his strike magicka into action. A delightful snapping sound rang in the air repeatedly as the area around Romeon exploded. 

“A smoke screen, huh?” 

Suimei’s intention was exactly as Romeon said. And as if he’d been waiting for that, Rogue fired off wind magic that sucked a great deal of books into the air. Romeon defended against the incoming wind, but Rogue soared in, concealing himself among the books. After closing the distance between them in an instant, Rogue let out a backwards slash. But Romeon made no effort to avoid it; he simply used the power of darkness wrapped around his arm to mow down the attack. 

“Tch...” 

Being struck by the power of darkness directly would be bad. Knowing better, Rogue jumped backwards in a panic. 

“Mea acies est facta invisibilis, sed est instar adamantinum acre, et demergit meus inimicum in sanguis.” 

[My blade is invisibly made, however with sharpness like steel, it drowns my enemy in a pool of blood.] 

Covering Rogue’s retreat, Suimei fired off his magicka. A countless number of invisible slashes flew towards Romeon, and the power of darkness chasing after Rogue was cut to pieces. Seeing the power of Suimei’s magicka, Romeon then took a step back. 

“As expected, with one of the Seven Swords and Yakagi-kun as opponents, I’m at a disadvantage... However...” 

Romeon began chanting a spell. Matching his timing, Suimei also began chanting. 

“Oh Darkness. Thou art the one who swallows all existence. Drape thyself in jet black gruesomeness. With that indefinite appearance, grant death—an avoidable death—before me! Olgo, Lucuila, Ragua, Secunto, Labielalu, Baybaron!” 

“O flammae, legito. Pro venefici doloris clamore. Parito colluctatione et aestuato! Eva, Zurdick, Rozeia, Deivikusd, Reianima!” 

[Oh flames, assemble. Like the cry of the magician’s resentment. Give form to death’s agony and burst into flames! Eva, Zurdick, Rozeia, Deivikusd, Reianima!] 

Suimei and Romeon’s chants completely overlapped. On one hand was dark magic, and on the other was fire magicka. What they had in common were the strange, unknown words they both appended to the end of the chants. 

“Dark Embrace!” 

“Conluceto! O Ashurbanipalis fulgidus lapillus!” 

[Shine! Oh Ashurbanipal’s dazzling gem!] 

Suimei and Romeo activated their keywords simultaneously. The darkness born behind Romeon rushed forward and swallowed everything in its path, spreading out like a large wave. Suimei crushed the shining flame in the palm of his hand as explosive flames crowded around Romeon. Within the library that was shaking with a thunderous roar, the dazzling flames incinerated the power of darkness to nothing as the fire continued to surge towards Romeon unimpeded. 

Romeon took a defensive stance to protect himself as the excessive, vigorous flames burst through the walls of the library. Fearing another attack from Suimei, Romeon leaped outside through one of the freshly made holes. 

“Urgh... Impossible! How is it that you who does not hold the power of darkness can use savage names?!” 

Suimei exited the library the same way in pursuit of Romeon and snapped his fingers at Romeon, forcing him to retreat further back into a vacant plot of land. Suimei strode forward with composure, stepping out from the darkness underneath the moonlight. 

“The names of gods are in and of themselves a strong power. Since ancient times, many magicians had attempted to make use of that power for magicka. But gods from another plane of existence have names that are completely unpronounceable to humans. And even if they could speak them, they’re too powerful for humans to use. Savage names—words that hold tremendous power by bringing down the names of gods—are something that can enhance the effect of any magicka. Primitive names.” 

“Wha—?” 

“Savage names do more than just strengthen dark magic. I have no idea what conclusions you came to while studying them, but it seems you got it wrong.” 

Nomina barbara were capable of far more than increasing the effectiveness of dark magic. By bringing down the name of gods to the level of human speech, their significance was akin to the howl of a beast to humans. They held a great, primal power that could be applied to any magicka. 

“So what if it can be used for other magic?! If you are also able to use savage names, then I only need to apply savage names to an even more powerful magic!” 

After screaming, Romeon once more began chanting a spell. And seeing this, Suimei let out an exasperated declaration. 

“If one makes use of savage names, the effectiveness of the magicka is certainly increased. But magicka that uses them becomes bland, and there’s no way to fully control it. So it has its disadvantages. That’s why...” 

“Oh Darkness. Thou art more powerful than any of the eight attributes. The destruction that thou dost bring about will give birth to absolute despair! Olgo, Lucuila, Ragua, Secunto, Labielalu, Baybaron! Black Ruin!” 

“O mysteria. Subito depravato id axioma.” 

[Oh mysteries. Quickly distort that principle.] 

At the same time Romeon activated his keyword, Suimei recited a chant with incredible speed. When he did, a change came over the dark spell Romeon was casting. The enormous sphere of darkness taking shape in front of him suddenly lost its form and popped right where it was. 

“Ugh! I-Impossible! What the hell... just happened?” 

With the spell bursting in front of him, Romeon was struck directly by its power and staggered. Since it was his own power, the damage wasn’t terribly severe, but the shock to his spirit from his use of savage names was considerable. Liliana, who was watching the fight from behind Suimei, realized what was happening and spoke up with a surprised expression plastered to her face. 

“That was... when I...” 

“Phenomenon Mixer. At the point in time where it’s determined a physical phenomenon will occur, it contains the potentiality of all the events that could possibly occur, along with their processes and results. Things will flow naturally from there towards the most probable outcome, which is what will come to be. But when a mystical phenomenon becomes involved, then that outcome becomes unstable. When applied correctly, you can use that mystical law to your advantage, especially against bland magicka that can’t be properly controlled.” 

Using fundamentals of magicka theory, Suimei had used the confrontation between magickal forces to destabilize the result of the spell. The magic that Liliana used against Suimei’s magicka once before made use of the same principle. It was a technique that manipulated a spell with one that had similar components. It would destabilize the outcome to the advantage of the interloping mage. 

“Give it up, Mr. Librarian. You—who cannot use powerful magic without relying on savage names—have no chance of winning, right?” 

Suimei was declaring that his victory was inevitable. In response, Romeon’s shoulders drooped like he was giving up. But to the contrary, he had no intention of surrendering. 

“...Then I guess I don’t have a choice. I didn’t want to have to do this...” 

As he muttered to himself, Romeon once more began radiating dark energy, but this was far more powerful than before. Also, unlike before, Romeon acted without regard for his own safety or being. He let himself be swallowed entirely by malice, and his body transformed into something monstrous. His elven silhouette was now nothing more than a black shadow with an eye and mouth attached to it. It was just like the sinful figure... No, it was more like the sinister being that was its original form. 

“It was the same when I came here, but somehow this is always the general pattern...” 

Watching the black monster come into being before him, Suimei could only look on in a bit of astonishment at Romeon’s withered spirit. Certainly when people found themselves at a disadvantage, it was normal for them to call on tremendous power. But seeing where that had taken Romeon—the monstrous form he’d taken that was no longer human—Liliana worriedly called out to Suimei. 

“Suimei!” 

“That’s the fate of those who are swallowed by the darkness. Look closely and burn that image into your mind, Liliana,” Suimei warned. 

“Suimei Yakagi. You seem awfully calm, but do you have a spell to defeat that thing?” 

“Wha...?! Where did you pop out from?” 

“What? I just came through that hole like everyone else.” 

Hearing Rogue say that as though it were completely trivial, Suimei began to realize just how frightening this man standing next to him was. He had no idea whatsoever when Rogue had appeared. Suimei figured he’d probably come up to him while he was talking to Liliana, but he couldn’t say for sure. It was entirely possible that Rogue had been standing there the entire time. But since there were more pressing matters at hand, Suimei collected his thoughts and turned back to Romeon. 

“...It’ll take a bit of time, but I have magicka that can defeat it.” 

“Very well. Then I will buy you the time you need.” 

Leaving the rest to Suimei, the imperial swordsman turned away and dashed towards their mutual opponent. Suimei only had words of praise for his fighting style. Avoiding the waves of dark power Romeon was throwing around, Rogue kept up his own offensive without getting in Suimei’s way. 

“Scurrying around like a pest!” 

An irritated voice that grated their ears filled the air, and Rogue’s figure suddenly disappeared from sight. He was still fighting, but all that could be seen of him was a blur. Once in a while, he would appear here or there with a surge of tremendous fighting spirit. It was like a mirage, except instead of coming from the heat, he appeared to be emerging from his very own shadow. It was the special technique of one of the Seven Swords, the one known as the Sword Master of the Lonely Shadow. It was an exquisite skill that made his existence difficult for others to detect or comprehend. He’d boldly carried out many an assassination with the help of those mirages. This was nothing new to him. He appeared to be in his element, and quite safe from Romeon’s attacks. That left Suimei free to chant without worry. For a moment, he even looked up towards the stars. 

“Intra velum. Noctis lacrimarum potestas. Insigne Olympus et terrae pingito. Infestato ad irrationabilis veritas. Caecato, pluvia incessabilis. Ea qui lugent sunt vitium. Ea qui fatentur sunt bonitas. Omne perveniunt ex luce supra tumultum, ex coruscis stellis.” 

[Beneath the curtain. The majesty of the tears shed by the night. Colored by the symbol of heaven and earth. Infest towards the irrational truth. Dazzle, incessant rain. Those who lament are evil. Those who confess are virtuous. Everything comes from that light beyond the chaos, from the twinkling stars.] 

In the midst of chanting his spell, Suimei could hear Romeon’s laughing voice. That broken, loud laughter was proof of Romeon’s consciousness weakening. It was a mad, maniacal cackling. He believed that he would be victorious beyond a shadow of a doubt... 

However, even this blinded man would soon come to see. An enormous magicka circle covered the sky. Its dazzling glint that shone down on them took form from the starlight in the heavens. Yes, he would come to see the radiance of hope. 

Before long, everyone aside from Romeon fell dead silent as the moonlight vanished. Sensing the great power in the heavens, Rogue retreated from the front line. Liliana, who was standing behind Suimei, was completely ignoring Romeon as she stared into the sky above completely dumbfounded. Then even the sky itself became unseeable as a countless number of comets took form. 

“Enth Astrarle!” 

[Oh starry sky, fall!] 

With Suimei’s keyword, the imperial capital was swallowed by the light of the torrent of raining stars. In the bath of astral light, all evil that was present and all spells that had authored it were reduced to nothing. When the radiance finally died down and the vacant lot fell dark once more, the withered figure of Romeon lay motionless on the ground. Suimei drew nearer to the body of the man that had once been the librarian and reached out to touch it. Rogue sheathed his sword as he walked over as well. 

“Is he dead?’ 

“He’s alive. But not...” 

Romeon was indeed alive, but after being swallowed by malice and then by the brilliance of astral light, it was a petty distinction. His heart was still beating, but he could not think, much less move. The moment he’d taken in that malice like a breath of fresh air, his fate was sealed. As such, Liliana was puzzled when Suimei began using magicka on him. 

“What... are you doing?” 

“Hmm? Oh, there’s just a little something I want to examine.” 

When he was done, Suimei let go of Romeon. Liliana then turned to Rogue. 

“Colonel...” 

Liliana’s left eye was filled with sorrow and anxiety, but nevertheless, she called out to Rogue like she still had lingering affection for him. Rogue turned his back on her. And then, as expected, he spoke in a cold tone. 

“Liliana, you should go along with that man.” 

“Colonel, that’s... What do you...?” 

Following up on Liliana’s bewilderment, Suimei raised a question of his own. 

“What about taking responsibility?” 

“Liliana was being manipulated by that man, right? In that case, there is no such responsibility for her to take.” 

Rogue’s tone was severe as usual, but the words he spoke in that stern voice were completely unexpected to Suimei. Deep down, Rogue must have never wanted to kill Liliana in the first place. 

“Then what do you intend by telling her to go with me?” 

“Nothing more than what I said. It just means I will leave Liliana in your care.” 

“But Liliana is your...” 

Before Suimei could finish, Rogue shook his head as if he didn’t want Suimei to say it. 

“No. I have no right to stay by that child’s side after trying to kill her with my own hands.” 

Hearing that, Liliana yelled out to him in a flustered voice. 

“C-Colonel! I don’t... really...” 

“Liliana, this is my way of taking responsibility. Instead of believing you, I betrayed you. I don’t have any right to call myself a parent anymore.” 

Liliana was at a loss for words as she listened to Rogue denounce himself. 

“It is not something that I should be saying, but I feel it would be alright to entrust you to the one who protected you until the end.” 

And with that, Rogue turned away from them both and started walking. Suimei saw loneliness in his uniform-clad figure as it moved further away. He then called out to Rogue once more. 

“Where are you going?” 

“I have a duty to attend to.” 

In the face of Rogue’s tragic determination, Suimei sank into silence. Rogue, with his back still turned, then continued. 

“Suimei Yakagi... I may not be in a position to say such a thing anymore, but... please, take care of that child.” 

There was nothing Suimei could do to stop him. Any objection he raised, even if he shouted, would only pale in the face of Rogue’s stalwart resolve. So instead, Suimei simply nodded and said that he understood. He could see the faintest smile on Rogue’s stiff face as he glanced back over his shoulder. He then began walking off into the distance again. 

“Colonel!” 

A young voice chased after him as he left, but it didn’t stop him. Contrary to the young girl’s desires, he never looked back. He simply pressed forward to face his own responsibilities. But just as he didn’t stop walking, Liliana didn’t stop calling for him. 

“Colonel! Wait, please wait...” 

Liliana fell to her knees as she watched Rogue’s figure grow smaller in the distance. But because she understood how Rogue felt, she was unable to follow after him. But she couldn’t just let him go. Her attachment to him wouldn’t permit it. And so she raised her head. She mustered all of her courage, and... 

“D... Da... Dad!” 

It must have been the first time she ever called him that. As her voice tugged at his paternal heartstrings, Rogue stopped in his tracks. Liliana’s voice was calling him—her father. But slowly, surely, he put one foot in front of the other again. He didn’t even allow himself to look back. It was as if to say this would be his punishment. 

The conflict between Felmenia’s party and Graziella’s, which started in the city streets, had moved all the way to the imperial capital’s northern plaza and fallen into a deadlock. Currently, the battlefield was split into northern and southern sides, and was nothing more than a volley of spells shot from either side. Felmenia was the one who’d started firing first, but Mizuki and Titania joined in with magic of their own shortly thereafter, and that was how things had reached this stage. Everyone aside from Reiji and Elliot was keeping their distance from that invisible line in the middle of the plaza as they fought. 

The plaza resounded with choruses of chanting and bursts of destructive explosions. The laid brickwork was shattered to pieces here and there, sending shards of bricks into the air. The darkness of the night was illuminated by the scattered embers left over from the burning fire magic. In the midst of soldiers and mages flinging all kinds of spell at each other, Titania hurled orders at the knights. 

“Keep firing, everyone! Do not relent! Luka, take care of defensive magic! Roffrey, aim for the front line!” 

Evading and defending against the incoming spells repeatedly while inching forward ever so steadily, Titania urged her troops to advance. Firing a spell of her own, Mizuki drew nearer to Titania. 

“Tia! Are you sure you don’t want me defending?!” 

“Please leave that part to us! Just keep doing as you have been, Mizuki! Keep using your fire magic spells to break up their formation!” 

“Okay!” 

Following Titania’s command, Mizuki gave a confident nod and once more began tossing fire spells towards the enemy soldiers. Although, as one would expect, she could not help but restrain herself so that she wouldn’t hit any of them directly. Similarly, the enemy soldiers and mages were refusing to use wide-area spells due to Titania’s presence. But because they knew of Titania’s abilities as one of the Seven Swords, no one was anxious to advance on her and enter combat either. And on top of all that, the knights gathered around her formed a firm defensive shell to protect her. 

In the midst of everything, water magic came flying at Mizuki, who was still slinging fire magic at the enemy. 

“Whoa!” 

Mizuki dodged the aqua bullet and immediately looked in the direction it had flown in from. Elliot’s attendant Christa had separated from him and set Mizuki in her sights. And it was only a matter of seconds before she began chanting another spell. 

“Oh Water! Thou art a savage mass of liquid that shall fire forth. Aqua Bullet!” 

“Oh Wind! Thou shall become a firm shield to protect me! Repel everything before that severe vortex! Vortex Obstacle!” 

To defend herself from the many water bullets flying towards her, Mizuki chanted a protective spell. Air from all directions poured in to form a vortex in front of her. As the water bullets met the vortex, they were dispersed and flung away. However, Christa paid it no mind and showed no hesitation in unleashing another barrage of watery bullets. 

“W-Wait! How dare you fire so many at me?!” 

“You should expect no less! I am one of El Meide’s high-ranking magic priests—Wha?!” 

As Christa was in the middle of responding to Mizuki’s complaint, Mizuki fired off a flaming spell without any chant that evaporated all of the water bullets at once. The flames splendidly exploded as they slammed against the ground. 

“Sorry! I can’t really go easy against strong people!” 

“As one would expect of a companion for the hero of salvation, you are quite capable.” 

“Yeah! Thanks for the compliment.” 

The two girls exchanged praise on the battlefield like admiring rivals. Looking at them, Titania let out an exasperated sigh during a spare moment between chants. 

“Why did they get so friendly...?” 

Really, it was only Mizuki. Felmenia and Graziella’s fight showed no sign of reaching a conclusion as they matched each other offense for defense in the ebb and flow of battle. Graziella’s earth magic fired forth from the south end of the plaza, and Felmenia met it with magic of her own. As she chanted her spell, a magicka circle rose from her feet, the light of which constructed a wall of mana around her. Not a second later, the tsunami of earth and sand Graziella sent over assaulted her. But after it settled down, Felmenia was standing there completely unharmed. 

“As expected of the White Flame Felmenia-dono. This level of magic is absolutely nothing to you, is it?” 

“Of course not. I am still the mage representing Astel, after all.” 

Felmenia boasted fearlessly in a bid to cheer herself on. At present, her battle with Graziella consisted mainly of her defending against the magic Graziella was firing off without end, like she was trying to restrain Felmenia from advancing at all. Even though Graziella specialized in hand to hand combat, she wasn’t driving this battle into close range. If she did so carelessly, she would end up with her back exposed to one of the Seven Swords, after all. Though Titania herself had no intention of using a sword in this fight, nobody had any way of knowing it. 

Moreover, in the center of the battlefield, Reiji and Elliot were having their own fight without turning to look at any of the magic flying around in their vicinity. If anyone carelessly entered melee and got caught up in their fight, they may end up creating a major opening for their opponent. As such, everyone else was hesitating to get closer to fight. 

Felmenia shot out magicka with a short chant. 

“Oh Fire! Soar!” 

“It’s been nothing but magic without any feeling all this time...” 

Watching Felmenia casting yet another spell to restrain her, Graziella voiced her disappointment. Felmenia had only been attacking halfheartedly all this time. Graziella must have felt like she wasn’t even in a fight at all. Her body was in a state where it was filled to the brim with mana as she received Felmenia’s flame head on. It struck her directly, but despite the fact that she didn’t even put up a defensive spell, not even her clothes were so much as singed. 

As I suspected, with this level of magicka, there is no effect at all on Her Imperial Highness, I see... 

Felmenia was weighing the situation. She was trying to figure out what level of power was required to make Graziella serious. And as she’d expected, simply trying to hold her at bay wouldn’t do the trick. 

Then it is about time... 

In preparation to play her ace, Felmenia turned her attention to Reiji and Elliot. What she was concentrating on was not how their battle was unfolding, however. It was Elliot’s magicka. 

What resounded in the air was not the sound of metal clashing violently against metal, but something more akin to the clear clanging of a metallophone. Their swords were striking against each other, certainly, but all anyone could hear was a high-pitched buzzing in their ears. In the plaza filled with the chaotic sounds of rampant destruction, it was the one that lingered the longest in the air. Naturally, the only ones engaged in such combat—jumping around the battlefield with swords—were Reiji and Elliot. 

Only the two heroes were fighting in the middle of the magical volleys without concern for the division of the plaza into north and south sides. Reiji was in his uniform with his sleeves rolled up, while Elliot had already donned his armor and was perfectly prepared for battle. 

Suddenly, Elliot cast aside his shield and took his sword in both hands. With that, he stopped Reiji’s incoming blade. Reiji wasn’t sure what he was thinking, but after locking swords with him, a muffled voice reverberated from deep within his bucket helmet. 

“I did not think that I would end up fighting against another chosen hero like myself.” 

“I can’t say I anticipated this either.” 

Since he was putting all his strength into his sword, Reiji’s voice was somewhat strained. Then for some reason, the strength Elliot put into his sword weakened. Elliot then spoke up, sounding like he was smiling beneath his armor. 

“It seems that you are at the level of an amateur swordsman who only started learning, but as expected, you are remarkably strong. You have quite the knack for it.” 

Reiji was a bit puzzled to hear Elliot speak to him so casually, and questioned him accordingly. 

“What do you mean by that?” 

“Nothing. It’s just that I haven’t spoken much with you. I thought it would be nice to chat a bit.” 

“I really don’t think this is the kind of time for chatting.” 

“No? If you don’t talk when you have the chance, you may just find yourself regretting it. It is my belief that I should take the time to properly speak with those that I have the opportunity to... though it requires patience to talk with a man.” 

Reiji wasn’t sure if that last part was a lie or not. 

“Elliot, I heard you are the hero summoned by the Holy State, so why are you doing what her Imperial Highness Graziella tells you to? As a hero, there is no need for you to follow the orders of an imperial princess.” 

“This is just a one-time thing. I took her on in a match and lost, you see. I have to keep my word.” 

“Though you say that, I feel like you’re not very motivated.” 

Hearing this, Elliot replied with a dumbfounded yet somewhat amused voice. 

“No? That wasn’t my intention.” 

“That’s a lie.” 

Elliot laughed and quit playing dumb. 

“You just may be right. In truth, I do not enjoy bullying a little girl. I may just be holding back unconsciously.” 

He must have been referring to Liliana. While Elliot had eased up on his attacks, Reiji looked to the side. Elliot’s attendant mage Christa seemed to be fighting against Mizuki one on one now as well. 

“Could it be... that you know the truth behind this case?” 

“No, I do not know the truth. But there is no way that a man who holds such passionate rage would take part in acts of evil without a reason. Any man who would wear himself to tatters to protect a woman the way he did couldn’t possibly be a bad guy... Not that I intend to praise him as a good guy.” 

“But nevertheless, you don’t have any intention to just lose, do you?” 

“Naturally. On the contrary. If I held back that much, it would just make me angry.” 

As Reiji and Elliot’s conversation came to an end, they unlocked their swords and reclaimed some distance from one another. Elliot’s movements had gotten a little dull and the lightning clad around his sword began to weaken. The effect of his body reinforcement magic and weapon enchantment magic seemed to be reaching their time limits. Seeing that, Reiji suddenly yelled out. 

“Sensei!” 

“Are you hoping for support? I’m afraid her opponent is Imperial Princess Graziella.” 

When Reiji signaled Felmenia, Elliot suggested that it would be impossible for her to do anything. But elsewhere in the plaza, Felmenia heard his voice loud and clear. She too had started thinking that it was about time. She then started constructing offensive magicka against Graziella, who was still keeping her distance. The magicka circle at her feet invoked another plane. With her hand held out like a blade, she traced an inverted pentagram as she chanted her spell. 

“That which I desire stands before the fury of the storm. Oh wind, blow fiercely. Raise a cry of despair. For the sake of exterminating anything and everything before my eyes as much as you please...” 

After her chant that left an intoxicating reverberation in the air was complete, the magicka circle flashed a brilliant radiance. With the drawn pentagram at its center, a sudden gust blew in from the surroundings. The perfectly still scene around Felmenia suddenly transformed into a blustering chaos. While resisting being blown away by the extraordinarily powerful wind pressure herself, Felmenia fired out her keyword. 

“Clauneck’s Wind!” 

The compressed air that had gathered around her released as an intense shock wave that assaulted the area. Nearby trees bent backward from the pressure. Fire magic, water magic, the soldiers’ various magics, and all the bricks on the ground were blown away. Graziella too was caught in the shock wave, but she endured through it. It seemed she’d taken some damage, but she acted as though she were unfazed by the attack. 

“My, my, it seems I made light of you, White Flame-dono. To think you were holding on to this kind of trump card...” 

“And as expected, you withstood it...” 

“But of course.” Graziella gazed at Felmenia with disdain. “White Flame-dono, is it not about time that you run out of steam?” 

“That’s what you think. However, it seems Your Imperial Highness is also incapable of capturing me. Even if you spent all eternity firing such low-level spells at me, you would never be able to defeat me, I’m afraid.” 

A smile floated up on Graziella’s face as she heard those provocative words, though she did not seem amused at all. 

“So you say. But you do understand that if not for the damned Twilight Beheading Princess’s presence, I would have knocked you down long ago, right? Besides, you saw it, didn’t you? That fight in the southern plaza.” 

“I’m saying that if you do not put in at least that much effort, then you will never defeat me.” 

“Then so be it. If you are willing to go that far, I’ll allow you to thoroughly taste my magic.” 

Graziella was no longer able to endure Felmenia’s provocation and began chanting the spell for the teleportation magic she had been refraining from using all this time. 

“Heed my desires. Fly in from the beyond. To the one who won’t hold an audience with me, my hail detaches you from the world’s entangled and inseparable laws. Become a power that surpasses all reason. Open, Devil Connection!” 

With the release of her keyword, the night sky warped as it was being twisted and became vague. Sensing the teleportation of a massive object incoming, Felmenia began yelling. 

“It’s coming! Everyone take evasive maneuvers until you reach the safe zone! After evading, please begin using magic at full power!” 

Following her lead, Titania; the knights around her; Mizuki, who was trading fire with Christa; and Reiji who was fighting Elliot, all pulled back from the combat zone. Immediately following that, a massive rock appeared in the sky. It wasn’t quite as large as the one she’d used at the southern plaza, but it was more than enough of a threat. Felmenia began using her magicka at full power in response. 

“Just as the eternal wind conveys! Send the shining and swaying flames to His side! Hear my voice! Thou art the Ishim dyed in white! Hear my voice! Thou art the Ishim that shakes off all calamity! White Flame Hyacinth!” 

Felmenia’s white flames flew towards the massive rock. Using the reconstructed fire magicka she’d learned from Suimei, she burned the massive rock to ashes. 

“That damned magic from the other day? Something that I’ve staved off once before won’t protect you from this!” 

After her violent threat, Graziella once more began to chant her teleportation magic and called another massive rock in the sky. Then another and another as she repeated the chant continuously. As for Reiji and the others... 

“Reiji, it seems the little princess of the Empire is planning to bring this to a decisive end. It’s over.” 

“We don’t know that yet.” 

“Hmph. I do not know where you get the confidence to say that. Do you have some kind of plan? Well, so be it. If you do, then it has nothing to do with me. I will simply do what I must over here.” 

With that, Elliot began applying physical reinforcement on his body, which was already reinforced by the divine protection of the hero summoning. He then began chanting his spell. 

“Here I come, Reiji. I present my wish in celebration before the extolled spirit of wisdom. Oh lightning, demonstrate your sharpness before me. Blade Discharge!” 

As soon as his keyword cut through the air, Elliot’s orichalcos blade clad itself in lightning and shot out an electrical discharge from its tip. Or at least, it should have. 

“What—?!” 

“What the hell?!” 

Two bewildered exclamations of surprise came from the same side of the battlefield. It was Elliot and Graziella. Though Elliot had finished the chant for his spell, his magicka did not activate. And for Graziella, who had conjured multiple spells to fire at Felmenia, not a single one was actually invoked. Her eyes darted around in confusion. Their magics had failed with all too perfect timing. 

But Elliot suffered more for it. As he was using his magicka while crossing swords with Reiji, Reiji gained the upper hand and moved in on him. However... 

“Tch, too naive!” 

Elliot let out a cry. The distance between them was still enough for him to make a move in return. Without his magicka, he immediately switched to his sword and thrust out towards Reiji. As he did, Reiji kicked the ground with a great deal of force. The bricks he sent flying collided with Elliot’s sword and skewed the trajectory of his thrust. Reiji then ran to meet him. 

“Hah!” 

“Gah!” 

Reiji drove the hilt of his orichalcum sword right into Elliot’s skull. Taken by the blow, Elliot’s body rolled backward across the ground two or three times. 

“Elliot-sama!” 

Christa’s scream reached Reiji’s ears. But he paid her no mind and went straight towards Graziella. Thanks to Felmenia’s scheme, she was still unable to use magic. She readied her fists in a fluster, but was too slow to counter the brandished sword coming right at her. 

“My apologies in advance for this!” 

As he apologized, Reiji drove the hilt of his sword with all his might past Graziella’s fists and into her abdomen. She fell backward onto her rear end in defeat, and Reiji thrust his sword at her neck to make his position clear. 

“The match is ours.” 

“Ridiculous... This kind of...” 

Graziella’s surprise was more directed at the fact that she was unable to use magic rather than Reiji’s declaration of victory. Her face was still gripped in bewilderment. To demand an answer, she then turned to Felmenia. 

“What... Why can I no longer use magic?! Just what kind of magic did you bastards use?!” 

“It is not like I used a spell to magically silence you,” Felmenia replied. “The reason you can no longer use magic is simply because you’ve used too much of it, Your Highness.” 

“Used too much, you say...? Ridiculous! I’m nowhere near running out of mana yet.” 

“So it seems. However, the magic you’re using is based on the same magic behind the hero summoning technique. It is not magic that uses the Elements. Therefore, the Elements are not supporting your magic. So due to the massive increase of the mystical entropy in this place, the phenomenon known as magicka melt occurred.” 

“M-Mystical what? Magic-a melt... What is this nonsense?” 

“Mystical entropy is produced when the components that establish mystical laws and the components that establish physical laws end up in a cluttered state. If this happens in the extreme, the throughput of spells becomes insufficient and the phenomenon of magicka melt occurs, preventing magic from activating.” 

“But—” 

“But this has never happened before, right? That is because, on top of the magic used to teleport massive rocks, you’ve never used magic that heavily increased entropy in such a way before.” 

As Felmenia began explaining things to Graziella, she recalled everything Suimei had taught her about this phenomenon. 

“What about the magicka melt phenomenon that occurs when mystical entropy reaches its limit?” 

Felmenia inclined her head to the side as she asked this. Suimei then once more began his explanation from the beginning. 

“Yes, when entropy in one location increases, we just discussed how—physically—things will become unstable and easier to manipulate. But if entropy increases within a single space and within a certain amount of time, it will prevent magicka from being used any further.” 

“Such a thing happens?” 

“It does. The magic of this world has the portion of magic which is invoked from another plane taken care of by the Elements. Thanks to that, the outbreak of the components that establish mystical law is suppressed, and entropy doesn’t increase much when you use magic. Thanks to this, it never happens here, so I’m not surprised you don’t know about it.” After the brief tangent, Suimei returned to his explanation. “When entropy increases radically within a single space, the fight between the tiny people becomes fierce. Not just the components that establish physical laws, but also because of the increase of the components that establish mystical laws, they also receive quite the burden.” 

“But did you not say that when you use magicka to instigate a mystical action, those components end up increasing, so entropy ends up increasing and magicka becomes easier to use? Is that wrong?” 

“Before the components can scatter in the area, if one gives birth to too many of them in an instant, they will end up crowding together right there. Even components of the same type will begin to interfere with each other. In other words, the tiny people will find it difficult to move around and magicka will end up being unusable.” 

To add on to his explanation, Suimei began drawing on a piece of paper. 

“Think of magicka as something that’s activated due to the power of the tiny invisible people. It will be a slightly microscopic way of thinking about it, but the tiny people require time to perform their work to activate magicka before it can be invoked. When the entropy increases in one location, the tiny people will find it harder and harder to move around, which affects the time to perform their work. Eventually, it will end up affecting the use of magicka itself.” 

“In short, you are talking about creating a time delay before one can activate magicka?” 

“That’s right.” 

“But why does that lead to being unable to use magicka? If it is only a time delay, then once the magicka is constructed, should it not activate after enough time has passed?” 

“If you’re doubtful, try remembering the foundation of magicka activation.” 

Suimei urged her to ruminate on it. Based on what she had said before, Felmenia began talking as she thought it through. 

“The foundation...? For starters, I think that what we are talking about is based on the premise that when magicka comes into existences, it should not particularly mean that it will no longer be able to—Ah!” 

“Do you get it?” 

“It is the time, right?” 

“Yes, exactly. Magicka is something that is invoked only when the predetermined mystical actions are combined, the predetermined processes are followed, and the predetermined time has not yet elapsed. Normally, because magicka is invoked right as the actions are complete, one does not generally take notice of it. But in truth, the time until invocation is something to consider. If a large amount of time passes from construction to invocation, naturally this would violate the predetermined time allowed, and the constructed spell will begin to dissolve.” 

After explaining that much, Suimei’s face and tone turned very serious. 

“To sum it up, that is the phenomenon known as magicka melt.” 

If the conditions for activation are not met, then naturally the constructed magicka will become useless. Of course, it would not affect magickas whose effects were already active, but magickas that had not been activated would be severely restricted. If one were to predict the oppressive condition of entropy, it was possible to hold magicka’s activation on standby and adjust the predetermined time to easily solve the problem, but there were many people who never considered things to that extent. 

“Just as I said before, modern magicka theory produces an especially large quantity of entropy within a single space. In accordance with the grand unified theory, the magicka used mixes together many magicka systems and can be used both faster than normal and with great effect. Thus the production of components is accelerated.” 

“In other words, magicka with greater effects would be restricted in proportion to the scale of those effects, right?” 

“That’s right. And so the important thing here is that the magic that dangerous woman uses will greatly increase the entropy because of its power.” 

“If I am not mistaken... It was what was called teleportation magicka in Suimei-dono’s world, right?” 

“That’s right. You got a good look at it, didn’t you?” 

“Yes. It did not have many processes and activated quite quickly. It does not make use of modern magicka theory, but... even so, is it the same?” 

“Yes. It didn’t take much time to activate, but practically speaking, that’s only because the magicka circle was prepared beforehand in the lining of her coat. It does not change the fact that teleportation magicka is something difficult to physically manifest. That’s why...” 

“These ‘components that establish mystical laws’ you spoke of will suddenly be produced, and entropy will greatly increase, right?” 

As Felmenia arrived at the right answer, Suimei revealed a mischievous smile. 

“That’s right. With that, you now grasp the goal of this lesson, right?” 

What Felmenia had been using up until now was the magicka she learned from Suimei based on modern magicka theory. Because she was still a beginner, there wasn’t much to expect from its destructive power, but when it came to increasing mystical entropy, it was a rather simple matter to bring about the phenomenon known as magicka melt. 

After all, Graziella wasn’t the only one increasing entropy in the area. Though the amount produced was quite small, Reiji, Mizuki, the knights, and even Christa and Graziella’s mages were all contributing. And then there was Elliot, who used magicka from another world. Since his magicka did not rely on the Elements taking over a portion of the spell, it increased entropy considerably as well. Altogether, the potential for the magicka melt was quite high, which was why Suimei had chosen this plan. In fact, Elliot was an important part of the plan. 

“I’m sure you saw it before, but do you remember how Elliot linked together his sword skills and magic? If he suddenly were no longer able to use one of them, it would leave him wide open. That’s what we’ll aim for,” Suimei had explained. 

And precisely as Suimei had predicted, Elliot invoked his multiple enchantments over and over again to keep them active. If Reiji called out when he was about to renew them, they could catch him with his guard down. 

“I see. Your ridiculous magic and the fact that magic could no longer be used, was all that guy’s...” Graziella said in an annoyed tone. 

“With all due respect, I have no need to answer your questions,” replied Felmenia, resolutely cutting her off. 

Since Reiji and the others were also present, carelessly answering too many questions would only cause trouble for Suimei. With his sword still pointed at her, Reiji then requested she fulfill her obligation as the loser. 

“With this, it’s decided. Please remove your soldiers and withdraw.” 

However, Graziella snorted in displeasure. 

“I refuse.” 

“What?” 

“Do you really think that you’ve won with this? You’ve only thrust your damned sword in my face. Or are you saying that you think you could pierce my heart right now?” 

As Graziella pointed this out, Reiji spoke in an indifferent tone to hide the panic rising up within him. 

“If you insist on fighting more, then...” 

“Cease this. There’s no way that you could kill the imperial princess of a nation with your own hands.” 

Reiji was certainly bluffing. After seeing through this, Graziella looked disappointed. Since Reiji was not used to threatening others, he was unable to convince her of her defeat definitively. Their conversation, however, was shortly interrupted by the sound of a mass of quickly approaching footsteps. It wasn’t enough to shake the ground, but it was obvious that there was quite a number of them. 

“It seems like reinforcements have arrived,” Graziella said with a provoking smile. 

“It couldn’t be... You prepared contingency troops?!” Titania cried. 

“Of course. Facing such a strong opponent, it’s only natural to prepare a contingency or two. It seems you were just naive.” 

Despite the sweat forming on her brow, Graziella let out a fearless laugh. Reiji then repeated himself once more before her. 

“But I do still have my blade to your throat.” 

“As long as I give the order, the soldiers of the Empire will not hesitate. Besides, it doesn’t seem that White Flame-dono has any more schemes up her sleeve.” 

“Ugh...” 

Felmenia gritted her teeth at her oversight. Graziella sneered at her as she commanded all of her subordinates. 

“Everyone, do not hold back! Restrain all these fools!” 

Her troops replied vigorously, and the soldiers they were just fighting began to move. Mizuki and the knights were cornered and driven over to where Felmenia was. And just as they were all surrounded... 

“Graziella Filas Rieseld, you’re the same as ever. Have you already forgotten how I rebuked you before for that nasty habit of only fighting those in a weaker position than you?” 

A cool voice swept through the streets on a red wind. Immediately following it, the front line of Graziella’s reinforcements was blown away like they were caught in an explosion. 

“Wha?!” 

“Just what in the...” 

Both Reiji and Graziella were at a loss for words. The reinforcements that were coming in from the side alley were sent flying by a wind with a red brilliance, soldier and mage alike. It took out the front row of them, leaving the back rows staggering. Those who’d been hit by the red wind lay unmoving. Scattered in every direction, they were all unconscious. As if lurking over them, the red wind that had knocked them out was now hanging at the alley’s entrance. 

A puff of dust in the air scattered as the red wind dissipated. Standing there in its place was Lefille Grakis, having regained her original form. With her signature sword bigger than her own body resting on her shoulder, she gazed sharply at the soldiers before her. Before the overpowering pressure from this young girl who was not yet even twenty years old, the soldiers that were still standing were completely frozen in place. On the other hand, when Graziella saw Lefille, her eyes shot wide open in surprise. 

“It can’t be... The Shrine Maiden of Noshias?! You’re alive...?” 

As Lefille turned towards that voice, her eyes stopped on Reiji and the others. 

“It seems that I made it in time,” she said in a sigh of relief. 

The soldiers who’d been freed from Lefille’s oppressive gaze as she looked away regained control of their bodies and began to move again as they came to their senses. Perhaps due to the caliber of their training, they wasted no time taking up their formation again. The soldiers in front readied their swords while the mages fell to the back and prepared to fire magic aimed at Lefille all at once. 

“Look out!” 

Seeing this, Reiji worriedly called out to Lefille. But she simply turned back to the soldiers in a composed fashion. Not moments later, the multitude of spells fired at Lefille came rushing in. But as though she’d been struck by nothing but a gentle breeze, she stood there perfectly calm. 

“Ridiculous... Magic did nothing...?” 

One of the soldiers trembled in fear as they groaned, giving voice to the inner feelings of all the present soldiers. Even Graziella was gripped with surprise. 

“The Shrine Maiden’s spirit power... To think it could even render magic useless...” 

The mages turned towards Graziella as they heard her muttering. As if thrusting that ruthless truth before them, Lefille roared out at them. 

“Did you think that magic blessed by the Goddess would work against me, who has accepted a spirit within my body?!” 

Lefille’s thunderous voice drowned out all sound in the bustling battlefield. It was like electricity in the air as it shocked everyone around her. Lefille then raised her sword overhead once more. As if hailed by that action, the red wind formed a maelstrom with her sword at its center. And as she swung it down, not only a whole half of the soldiers deployed before her, but even the walls of the buildings and the pavement on the street were blown away by the explosive might of the wind she wielded. 

All that from a single intense swing. All present were at a loss for words and doubted their own eyes. The girl accompanied by the red wind was just that overwhelming. 

The wind once more began blowing in out of nowhere. As if it had no other choice but to gather in this place, it swarmed in from all directions of the city and gathered around Lefille as she clad herself in a red brilliance. As bewilderment spread through the area, one of the soldiers raised a voice of realization. 

“The power of spirits? You can’t mean... this is Ishaktney’s...” 

That triggered a cascade effect in the other troops. 

“Th-The red wind that comes up in Saint Alshalia’s legend, the Red Gale... They say everything swallowed by that red tempest is returned to nothingness without exception...” 

“Th-That’s impossible!” 

“But that girl just said she was a spirit or something...” 

“H-Hey, I heard Princess Graziella say something about her being a shrine maiden too!” 

As Lefille thrust the tip of her sword into the ground, the panicking soldiers all cowered in fear at the sound alone. A few of them fell to their butts. Looking down at them, Lefille once more began speaking. 

“If you do not wish to become rust upon my sword at the hands of spirits, make way!” 

As Lefille’s thunderous voice rang through the air once more, the soldiers opened a path for her like they had no choice in the matter. It was as though they were scrambling for their lives. A few of them even fell to their knees and began praying to the Goddess. Those who didn’t get out of the way in time were sent flying ruthlessly by another sudden gust created by Lefille. She cast a cold stare at the remaining men. When she turned to the left, all the soldiers on that side cringed in fear. When she turned to the right, all the soldiers on that side began to tremble. 

“Oh Goddess... Oh Goddess...” 

“S-Spare us! Please, please have mercy...” 

“We were ordered to... We had no choice...” 

The soldiers were already defeated. The only ones still conscious were praying or begging Lefille for mercy. Witnessing the state her troops had fallen into, Graziella spoke up. 

“Ridiculous... To think even the Shrine Maiden of Noshias was his ally... Did I misread him?” 

“Of course. There’s no way that Suimei-kun would make that kind of mistake in his plan.” 

Graziella ground her teeth at this completely unexpected outcome. Before her, Lefille proudly boasted like she was talking about her own family. Her behavior towards Graziella was quite disrespectful, but she was in a position that permitted it. 

“It has been a long time, Princess Graziella. It has been two years since we last saw each other, but it seems you haven’t changed at all.” 

“To just shamelessly greet me like nothing happened after all that... Surely you did not come to renew the old friendship between Noshias and Nelferia.” 

“If you understand that, then there’s no reason to put on airs. The reason I am here today... is to strike you down with my own hand.” 

“What...?!” 

“Oh Red Gale of mine...” 

With her spiritual request, Lefille’s right arm was clad in a red wind. And then, with a voice filled with anger... 

“This is for putting Suimei-kun through so much trouble when he was already injured. Resign yourself and accept it!” 

Lefille’s fist flew forward like a heavenly wind and struck Graziella right in the abdomen. 

“Gwah!” 

Graziella was sent flying splendidly like a thrown rubber ball. Even after she hit the ground and tried to get up, she was shaky and unable to move like she wanted to. Tossing only a single glance her way, Lefille then turned to Reiji and the others. After looking at each one of their faces, she revealed a slight smile. 

“It seems you’re all safe.” 

Lefille was one of their acquaintances, but naturally Reiji and the others had no idea who she was. On behalf of everyone’s bewilderment, Reiji replied to her. 

“I’m sorry. You speak like we’ve met somewhere before, but you are...?” 

“...How upsetting. Have we not been living together the past few days?” 

Based on those words, her appearance, and her tone, Reiji finally figured it out. With an astonished expression plastered on his face, he articulated his guess. 

“C-Could you be Lefille-chan?!” 

“I’m a little self-conscious of having ‘-chan’ applied to my name when I look like this, Reiji-kun.” 

Following up for Reiji, Mizuki raised a surprised voice. 

“B-B-But Lefille-chan was an adorable little girl!” 

“Up until recently, yes. But no more. I only looked like that as the result of some complicated circumstances; this is my original form.” 

“Complicated circumstances? Just what on earth could happen to make a person tiny...?” 

“I could explain, but it would take a while. To say it like Suimei-kun, it’s because it’s fantasy.” 

Hearing that, Titania also let out an astonished sigh. 

“Suimei is one thing, but surprising things just keep happening one after the other...” 

Of course, Felmenia was also surprised about Lefille. 

“A-Are you really Lefille...?” 

“Didn’t I tell you about this before, Lady Felmenia? About how that small figure was not my true form? Suimei-kun said so as well, right?” 

“Th-Th-There is no way I would believe that sort of thing! People do not just suddenly become smaller! I thought you and Suimei-dono were just having a joke of it together!” 

“So you thought Suimei-kun and I were lying? How cruel,” said Lefille, her shoulders drooping. 

“But... why are you suddenly back in your original form, then?” Reiji asked. 

“A few days ago, I prepared a magic circle to make it happen. It was completed, and I only just fully returned a moment ago.” 

“I see...” 

As they talked, Graziella finally got a hold of herself again. 

“What are all of you doing?! Can you bastards even call yourselves soldiers of the Empire like this?! Take up your swords!” 

Her hostility still burning strong, she barked commands at the soldiers who were still trembling in fear. As she did, Titania turned towards her with a composed expression. 

“You do not know when to give up, Your Imperial Highness. Is it not unbecoming of you to get lost in anger and fight on past the point of reason?” 

“Silence. Even if the Shrine Maiden and a hero are here, if I use the power of the Empire...” 

Graziella cast aside her dignity and refused to accept defeat. Hearing this, Lefille looked up at the heavens and spoke to Graziella while stifling her laughter. 

“Hmph. Can you still say such a thing after seeing that?” 

“What do you mean by that...?” 

Hearing what she said, everyone present looked upward. In the night sky of the Empire, an enormous magicka circle drawn with the ultramarine light of mana drowned out the light from the stars. Trembling, Mizuki cried out when she saw it. 

“Th-Th-Th-Th-That! What is that?! There’s a giant magic circle floating in the sky!” 

“It’s huge... Why is such a large magic circle... Not only that, but in the sky...?” 

Reiji’s eyes were wide open in shock as he spoke in partial sentences, completely dumbfounded. But Graziella said nothing. In the midst of all this, Christa moved over to Elliot and attempted to wake him up. 

“Ugh... It seems that while I was unconscious, something outrageous has happened,” he muttered once he came back to his senses. 

“Elliot-dono is here too, huh?” said Lefille. 

“My goodness, it seems an extremely familiar little girl has grown up quite a bit.” 

“Save the talk for later. It’s coming.” 

Just as she finished her sentence, a wave of mana surged forth from the center of the magic circle. Like fireflies dancing in the air, golden particles began rising from the ground and were sucked up by the magic circle floating in the starry sky. 

It was a fantastical sight, but it wasn’t over yet. Many small magic circles began to appear within the larger one. But they were only small in comparison; there was no telling how large they really were from this distance. And after a few moments, there was a pulse in the air. The imperial capital was then engulfed in light falling from the heavens. Felmenia was the only one who knew just what this spectacle was. It was the same magicka Suimei used during their battle back at Royal Castle Camellia—Starfall. 

Eventually, the light receded. It appeared no one had been harmed. Reiji turned to Lefille, who had acted like she was expecting this strange turn of events. 

“Lefille... Lefille-san, what was that?” 

“That? That was something Lady Felmenia prepared.” 

“What?! Is that true, Sensei?!” 

“Huh? Oh... well, yes. It was a spell prepared in advance... um... It’snotwhatitlookslike.” 

Felmenia managed to keep up the act as Reiji questioned her. Then in a somewhat forced manner, she cleared her throat and turned to Graziella. 

“Your Imperial Highness, you just witnessed the power of that magic, did you not? After seeing such incredible power for yourself, do you intend to keep on fighting? Your Highness’s soldiers are all but devastated now.” 

Felmenia indicated the assortment of men on the ground. They had no will left to fight, especially not against Lefille. They must have thought the light from the falling stars was the wrath of the Goddess. They were currently all on their knees in prayer. But they didn’t know any better. There was no way they’d ever imagine that kind of power could be drawn out by any single person. 

“Shit... Even so...” 

Graziella still did not give up. Cursing, it appeared she still intended to resist. However, the decisive blow that finally made her relent came from a completely unexpected source. From beyond the prostrate soldiers, several more men arrived on horseback. They came to a stop as they approached, forming ranks in an orderly fashion. From among them emerged... 

“Lyla, that is enough.” 

“E-Elder brother...” 

Graziella was dumbstruck. The man who rode out from the group on a horse of his own was the Nelferian Empire’s first prince, Reanat Filas Rieseld. He had the same long, blond hair Graziella did, wore glasses, and was dressed luxuriously. But before saying anything else to his sister, he first turned towards Reiji and the others. 

“I apologize for addressing you from horseback. Elliot-dono, Shrine Maiden of Noshias, Princess Titania... And you must be the hero summoned by Astel, Reiji-dono, right?” 

“Yes.” 

Reiji gave a brief reply. He did not know just who Reanat was, and was staying on his guard. Titania leaned to whisper in Reiji’s ear and fill him in. Meanwhile, Graziella shouted at Reanat. 

“Elder brother! What do you mean, ‘that’s enough?!’” 

“Exactly as it sounds. Restrain yourself.” 

“But...!” 

“Lyla, you have caused too much of a scene. Besides, it would become quite serious if word of a hero fighting another hero reached the ears of the Holy State, would it not?” 

“That’s... certainly true, but.” 

It seemed that even Graziella was unable to put up much resistance against the crown prince of the Empire. She clenched her fists, visibly vexed. 

“It has been a long time, Your Imperial Highness Reanat.” 

“Yes, it has been a while, Princess Titania. As ever, you are quite awe-inspiring. You are a flower who blooms on the battlefield indeed.” 

“Saying ‘on the battlefield’ does not count as flattery, Your Imperial Highness. Setting that aside, what you had said before...” 

“Yes, we shall be withdrawing. However, about the criminal...” 

But before Reanat could finish what he was saying... 

“Oh my, it seems something amazing is happening here.” 

Suimei appeared from an alley that led to the street with Liliana at his side and dragging the ruined body that was once Romeon. Seeing them, Reiji and Mizuki let out cries of joy. 

“Suimei!” 

“Suimei-kun! Liliana-chan!” 

“Hmm... It seems things have concluded on your end, right?” 

When Titania asked for confirmation, Suimei replied like he’d just been through something incredibly difficult. 

“Yeah, somehow or other.” 

After parting ways with Rogue, Suimei had collected Liliana and immediately brought her back here. Reiji and the others rushed over to them. Seeing that Liliana was downcast, Mizuki crouched down and talked to her. 

“Liliana-chan?” 

“...Yes...” 

“Mizuki, sorry, but keep Liliana company for a bit.” 

Leaving Liliana to Mizuki and the others, Suimei began walking towards Reanat and Graziella. 

“You’re sure dressed nicely. Are you related to that dangerous woman?” 

Suimei rubbed his chin as he addressed the prince arrogantly. The soldiers in his company began to stir. They intended to rush out and put an immediate end to such rudeness, but Reanat raised a hand to stop them. 

“I am Reanat Filas Rieseld. You are?” 

“Suimei Yakagi. I was summoned as a bonus to that hero over there.” 

“Ah, a guest from another world, I see.” 

Upon hearing he was summoned together with a hero, he couldn’t put up a strong front. Seeing this, Suimei handed over Romeon, who he’d dragged all this way. 

“Here. This guy is the true culprit behind the incidents. Take him... Although, fair warning, he’s not in a state where he can hear what you’re saying anymore.” 

His body completely blackened, Romeon was not even recognizable as an elf anymore. Seeing this, Reanat knitted his brow dubiously. 

“You say this is the criminal?” 

“Yeah. He tried to use dark magic, but instead got engulfed in it and met his fate. The recent incidents were all devised by him.” 

“And... you expect me to believe all this?” 

“Well, it’s not like there’s anyone who can give you testimony. But if you do believe me, things would be settled quite peacefully, right? If you guys accept that this man was the criminal, then at the very least, things won’t get any more serious than they have, right?” 

Reanat began contemplating Suimei’s words. He was surely thinking about what option before him was best to take. 

“Also, I’ll have you leave Liliana in my care.” 

“Bastard, do you really think we’d let you get away with that?” 

Graziella angrily objected, but Reanat simply nodded his head. 

“So be it. If you hand the real culprit over to us, we will let you do as you wish.” 

“Elder brother?!” 

“Lyla, we stand before the Shrine Maiden and two heroes. There’s also the matter of that magic light that engulfed the city.” 

“So that’s how it is.” 

Suimei wasn’t sure if Reiji and the others had heard all this, but having heard what he wanted to, Suimei brought the conversation to an end. 

“Bastard...” 

Having things turn against her in a most unpleasing way, Graziella glared daggers at Suimei. Seeing this, Suimei shrugged his shoulders. 

“Hmm? From the look of things, you weren’t able to give birth to a devil.” 

“...What was that?” 

“It’s nothing. If you were able to verify the existence of devils in this world, you could decrease the entropy in the area; that’s all. You wouldn’t have lost your ability to use magic.” 

Though she didn’t understand Suimei’s fragmented explanation, after hearing what he said, she seemed to realize just who had planned all of this out. 

“I will be most sure pay you back for this...” 

“Yeah, yeah. Sure you will. Next time, I’ll properly beat you to a pulp, so make sure you come at me prepared.” 

With those as his parting words, Suimei walked away. Felmenia then ran up to him to meet him ahead of the others. In a quiet voice, she happily reported her victory. 

“Suimei-dono! I did it! I was able to do it just as you explained it!” 

“I knew you could. I’m glad it went well.” 

“Heehee...” 

Felmenia revealed a dopey smile as Suimei patted her on the shoulder. His acknowledgment was all it took to make her that happy. Suimei then glanced over at Reiji and the others, who were taking care of Liliana and making a fuss over Lefille. Now that she’d returned to her original form, they were probably bombarding her with questions. Even Liliana had completely lost her cool upon seeing her and was shouting, demanding an explanation and calling her a fraud. 

Lefille, meanwhile, was just going along with all of it. Now that he could at last see eye to eye with her again, Suimei smiled pleasantly. 

“It seems you’ve safely returned to your original form.” 

“Yeah, thanks to you.” 

Lefille showed her gratitude and suddenly embraced Suimei. 

“Suimei-kun, thank you.” 

“H-Huh? Huuuh?!” 

“It’s all thanks to you that I was able to return to my original body. Not to mention what happened back in Astel... I can’t thank you enough.” 

Suimei was quite shaken by all this, but Lefille only continued to thank him. It was certainly as she said, but Suimei’s mind was in chaos after being embraced like that. And he wasn’t the only one who was quite flustered at this turn of events. Though her reaction was slightly delayed, Felmenia cried out. 

“Wh-What are you doing, Lefille?!” 

“Oh, no, I... I was just gripped by emotion, and, um...” 

Lefille began to fidget nervously as she turned red. She was boiling over with so much embarrassment that one had to wonder where her normal gallant self had gone. After a while, Elliot and Christa approached Suimei and the others. 

“To think that you were also summoned...” 

“Oops, you heard what we were talking about? Well, like I said, I was just a bonus. A freebie.” 

“Is that really so? Also, did you not say before that I shouldn’t take Lefille-chan with me because she was small and unable to defend herself? How do you care to explain all this, then?” 

Hearing Elliot’s words mixed with anger, Suimei played dumb in reply. 

“Oh, you know... She definitely couldn’t then, riiight?” 

“Ugh...” 

“I didn’t lie about that part.” 

Suimei wore a devious smile, and Elliot put on an annoyed expression as he bluntly spoke back. 

“I really do hate you after all.” 

“I don’t care if you hate me. But...” 

“Yes, I understand. I will resign myself graciously from the case... It seems this whole affair has only brought about one defeat after another for me.” 

“Hmm? What, didn’t you lose on purpose?” 

“Somehow, you saying that only makes me feel more defeated.” 

“Is that so? Either way, you have my thanks this time.” 

As Suimei properly thanked Elliot for backing down, Elliot pouted like he was dissatisfied. Perhaps because he was feeling self-conscious, he’d turned a bit red in the cheeks. When he was done talking to Suimei, Lefille addressed him. 

“Elliot-dono, you may not be satisfied with how things turned out, but you should know that I also met Suimei-kun thanks to an oracle from the Goddess.” 

“Is that right? My goodness, just what is going on?” 

As one would expect, Elliot didn’t continue to complain about the Goddess. Instead, he fell silent and shook his head. 

“Elliot-sama.” 

“Ah, yes. Well then, shall we also return?” 

Urged on by Christa, Elliot walked off with her as the two of them headed back to their lodgings at the Church of Salvation. It seemed that Graziella, Reanat, and their soldiers were also in the middle of departing. Suimei then turned to Reiji, who was walking over to him with Mizuki and the others in tow. 

“I really owe you one this time.” 

“It’s fine. Don’t sweat it.” 

Suimei and Reiji traded a fist bump. And with that, the coma incidents that had been plaguing the imperial capital and the evening’s battle came to a simultaneous end. 

Late at night in a church in the imperial capital, a skinny elven man was waiting for someone with unmanageable boredom. He’d come to deliver a regular report. He would hand over the information he’d gathered to his point of contact. That’s all there was to it. 

But no matter how long he waited, his contact didn’t show up. The skinny elf was quite high-strung, so he made a point to always show up early for their meetings. So factoring that in to how long had passed since their appointed meeting time, he’d been waiting around for quite a while. Naturally, due to his nervousness, he got irritated quite easily. The tapping of his foot crescendoed to the point he was about ready to kick a nearby bench, when... 

“Is somebody there?” 

Suddenly hearing someone’s voice, the elf stopped his foot mid-swing. The soft voice echoed from deep within the chapel where a statue modeled after the Goddess stood. When he turned around to look, he saw a therianthrope nun standing there under the skylight, illuminated by the moon shining through it. She walked out from its pure light towards the man, holding on to herself like she was protecting her stole. The elf hadn’t expected any clergy to still be around at this hour, and stiffened up as she approached. The therianthrope nun called out to him in a sweet voice like that of a cat. 

“To come to the church so late... Do you have some business here?” 

“No... I was just using it a little as a place to meet up with someone...” 

“Oh my, is that so?” 

As he spoke without really making any sort of excuse, the sister gave him a gentle smile. Seeing as how he’d come to the church with no real business there, he was expecting her to be irritated with him. But it seemed that was not the case. However, this was the first he’d ever heard of someone having a shift at this hour at the Church of Salvation. 

“Um, sister, why are you at the church so late yourself?” 

“To tell the truth, just like you, I am waiting for somebody here.” 

Her words should have been kind and gentle. She still spoke with the melodious, purring voice of a feline therianthrope, but he felt a shadow abruptly come over her cheerful smile. Seeing that slight change, without knowing why, the elf could feel goosebumps on his skin. 

“...What a coincidence, huh?” 

“Yes, it truly is.” 

The sister’s charming laugh resounded through the sanctuary. Hearing it, the elf was led to believe that the dark feeling he’d just had was nothing more than a passing fancy. Then, as if talking to a partner in crime, he spoke to her with a vulgar smile on his face. 

“Hey, sister...” 

“Yes?” 

“By the way, do you mind telling about who you’re waiting for? You’ve got me curious, wondering who a nun would have to meet so late in the night.” 

“That’s... somewhat hard for me to admit.” 

“Could it be your lover?” 

The elf man stepped forward with confidence as he closed in on the nun. He didn’t usually entertain this kind of conversation, but his boredom had gotten the better of him. It didn’t matter what it was, he just wanted to amuse himself and kill some time. And he was sure the only reason a nun would be meeting someone in secret so late in the night would be for a tryst. 

“That is... Though it is embarrassing...” 

Just as he guessed, the sister’s cheeks began to redden. 

“I have been waiting here for you.” 

“Wha—?” 

The skinny elf let out a bewildered gasp as the nun’s right hand pierced through his chest. When she pulled it out of him, all the strength left his body. His heart fell to the floor. His body had become like a rusted puppet; it no longer moved as he willed it and a thick red fluid poured out of it. Then, like his strings had been cut, he collapsed into a heap. 

All that he could see as he felt himself being pulled into the abyss was the figure of the nun with her stole hanging over one hand and her other arm completely dyed red. His consciousness faded as he watched her lick the blood from her fingers. 

“Hmph. Elves always extol just how high class their blood is, but its taste is unexpectedly bad.” 

The disappointed voice of the therianthrope nun, Clarissa, reverberated through the interior of the church. Looking at the empty husk of the elf with disdain as she rued the taste of his disgusting blood, she turned away as if she had completely lost interest. As she did, a small shadowy figure appeared behind her. 

“...As usual, you’ve got quite the nasty way of killing people.” 

“Oh my, Jill. You were there?” 

“I know you noticed me... Good grief, you really are shameless. But yeah, I got here just a moment ago.” 

The new arrival was Jillbert Griga, a female dwarf. She had a body that was about the size of a child from the church’s school, but she was over twenty years of age. And within that small body lay an unimaginable and terrifying amount of physical strength. As if to prove it, she was twirling around a large poleaxe on the tip of her finger like it was a quill pen. The poleaxe was three times her size, and certainly didn’t look like something she should be carrying, but she held it like it weighed nothing at all. Before long, Jillbert leaned on her poleaxe and took a seat. Clarissa then raised a question to her. 

“What is the matter?” 

“It was terrible... There’s no way it couldn’t have been. After being sent to the east to fetch drinks, and then on top of that having to take care of that kinda job... Sheesh, that person really does treat their subordinates roughly.” 

Jillbert struck her shoulder as she let out a tired sigh. She was idly complaining to somebody who was not present. However, keeping her thoughts on the matter brief, she then looked over at the corpse on the floor. 

“At any rate, is this alright? That guy was supposed to be Romeon’s servant.” 

“Not long ago, an order was passed down to eliminate both him and Romeon.” 

“Hmm... That so?” 

A ferocious light dwelt in Jillbert’s eyes. She was like a beast who had found its prey. 

“Yes. He had gone too far and he was too rebellious... That is why...” 

“Hmm? I understand the rebellious part, but what do you mean about him going too far?” 

“Jill, you are aware that that person had intended to usher in darkness, correct?” 

“Yeah. If it was that girl, then she would become quite the asset, right? It was for that reason that they first came into contact with Romeon, right?” 

“Yes. According to the plan, we would grant her wish and then usher her in. But Romeon took matters into his own hands and began to use darkness for his own purposes.” 

Hearing this, Jillbert let out a grand sigh. 

“Hahh, I see... So that’s how it all panned out. That’s why I was against it from the beginning, you know? I said not to pull in Romeon ’cause he had a vulgar stench to him.” 

“Certainly, your nose is quite exceptional.” 

“So are we going now? To bump that guy off?” 

“No, it seems there won’t be a need for that.” 

While Clarissa and Jillbert were discussing how to mete out punishment, a man’s voice cut in on their conversation. Hearing the familiar voice, they both turned to look. Standing there was a man with silver horns above his ears, a dragonnewt wearing traditional Japanese-esque clothing. 

“Hey, you’re late. I’ve never heard of a dragonnewt being so easygoing, you know?” 

“It’s been so long since I’ve walked the imperial capital streets. I got a little overwhelmed.” 

The dragonnewt replied frivolously to Jillbert’s criticism. On the other hand, Clarissa greeted him in a cheerful voice like she was seeing a good friend. 

“It has been too long, Eanru. But what did you mean about there being no need?” 

“Just a moment ago, Romeon’s overflowing presence weakened. Also, there was an omen of something big coming.” 

“...Where from?” 

“From the direction of the Imperial University Library— It’s here.” 

Not a moment later, they all felt the presence of a massive amount of mana as the world began to rumble. Pillars of light then began pouring down incessantly from the sky. This abnormal event continued for a while, but eventually, all fell quiet again. 

“So he kicked the bucket? No, he’s just at death’s door... He was completely blown away and never stood a chance.” 

“...Hey, dragonkin, just who could do that kinda thing?” 

“How should I know? I myself would love to know just who holds so much power... Hmph... To think that in one night, not just one but two people other than the heroes would surpass the power of the Geo Malifex.” 

“Oh? Two people? What do you mean?” 

“It’s just as I said. Right now, there are a total of five different strong presences within the imperial capital. One was the source of what we just saw. Another is around the north gate... It’s probably around where Geo Malifex and the heroes are.” 

“Huh...” 

After Jillbert’s halfhearted reply, the interior of the church was filled with Eanru’s pleasant laughter. 

“You seem to be having fun.” 

“Yeah, it’s been a long time since someone appeared who made my blood boil. It gets me excited.” 

“Damn battle maniac...” 

Jillbert spat out an insult at Eanru, though he was only capable of hearing such words as a compliment. Thrilled, he began speaking again in a cheerful voice. 

“Now... Clarissa, where is the Crimson Pain? Was that man not supposed to come today?” 

“The Crimson Pain is still rather busy, so he excused himself from today’s gathering.” 

“Even though that person is coming? He adores that person just like the two of you, so for him to not be coming, the sky must be falling—although, I suppose it is right now! Hahahahaha!” 

Eanru suddenly laughing on his own was just business as usual. Clarissa did not pay it any mind. Jillbert then returned to the subject of Crimson Pain’s situation. 

“There’s still a few complications left within the area. Those demons are closing in real flashily, after all. ’Cause of that, he was detained for a while.” 

“Demons, huh? But didn’t the hero subjugate them?” 

“Seems that wasn’t true.” 

“Oho...” 

“Well, setting that aside... It’s the cleanup that’s taking time. That country is precious to the Crimson Pain, after all.” 

“I see. How troublesome such obligations are. Well... It just proves he’s strong, despite being a human.” 

“That’s really all you’re on about today...” 

As Eanru began laughing again, Jillbert could only sigh. Rather than being astonished, it was more that she was just getting tired. But in a complete change of attitude, Jillbert aimed a sharp gaze at Clarissa. 

“So, Clara, what will we do about Romeon’s successor? If we don’t fill in the hole he made, it will become a hindrance to our progress.” 

“That has already been taken care of.” 

“Who is it?” 

“I had someone in mind that I suggested, but on top of apologizing for this case, it seems that they have invited someone they had their eyes on more seriously than before.” 

“Their eyes on...? Is it someone who uses darkness?” 

“No, darkness is being put on hold. They will come in contact with us another day.” 

Eanru then joined in on the conversation again. 

“So? Is it someone who holds enough power to match us in a fight?” 

“It seems their capabilities will not be a problem. After their business is concluded, it seems they will meet up with us on their own.” 

“What are our plans from here?” 

“Apparently we are to head towards the Saadias Alliance.” 

“Really now? If they were just going to send us back, there was no need to call us here in the first place...” 

As Eanru shared his astonishment at the wasted effort, Jillbert stared at him like he was out of line. 

“Didn’t you just say you were all excited?” 

“Indeed I did. You’ve got me there.” 

Eanru once more burst into laughter as Jillbert shook her head. Turning away from him like she had completely given up on him, she looked at Clarissa. 

“Why are we going back to the Alliance?” 

“It seems that the demons who slipped into Astel have altered the schedule.” 

“The schedule, huh...” 

Jillbert couldn’t piece everything together from just that. She was trying to put her finger on the broader implication. Clarissa, who was told this directly, Eanru, and even the Crimson Pain, who wasn’t currently present, surely also did not know. Everything was within that person’s head. So, having nothing more to talk about with the others, Jillbert took her weapon and began to walk back home. Eanru was all of a sudden at the exit of the church. The corpse that was on the floor at their feet had also suddenly vanished. 

“Well then, everyone, once you have completed your preparations, head to the Alliance.” 

As Clarissa’s parting words finished echoing through the air, the church was once more completely silent.