Now, if you'll excuse me.
Yeah. I'll see you later. I'll see you later, Shelly!
Yes. Now, if you'll excuse me.


　Sherry and I bowed our heads and left the Sixth Knot City.

　Since then, nothing happened in the Sixth Warding City, and we had to leave here with our duties as usual. Although Sheila-san had done a lot of work for us, there was still no proof that this person was not a traitor. I'm really getting sick of the fact that I need to doubt him when he's been so good to me and so good-natured.


　Then, as I walked out into the twilight again, I headed to the fifth ward city next. I'm already used to this twilight world, but I can't relax just because it's a safe zone.


''Come to think of it, Shelly was much more adept with the sword.
Yeah?
'Yeah. I don't think it's as good as it used to be.
I hope you're right.


　In the battle in the sixth ward city, me and Shelly fought together for the first time in a long time. And I was astonished. I didn't know that she had become so strong in such a short period of time. Shelly had become a completely different person than before. Her ability was one of the best among first-class anti-magicians. I'm fighting in the seventh special squad, and I'm on par with the members in that squad.


　It may have been the change to the weapon of a sword, but even more than that, Shelly's growth was remarkable. Not that I didn't believe Bell's words, but it was far more than I expected. But Shelly didn't seem to be that happy with herself.


'I think I'm really getting stronger, don't you?'
'Hmmm ... what can I say, since it's the strength of the teacher or Yulia that I'm using as a role model ... maybe I'm not satisfied.



　If you ask me if Shelly can currently reach the special class antagonist, I would say that I can't yet. Although there is no absolute standard, I still had an intuitive feeling that it was not yet. It would be the same for Shelly. That's the kind of strength she wants. But I didn't try to comfort her any further.

　This is her own problem, and it's something that Shelly needs to face.


　◇



Hey. Julia, it's been a while.
Mr. Gil. It's been a while.


　We arrived at the fifth ward city. The one who greeted me there was Gil-san. It seems that he was just off duty today, so his timing was good. I shook Gil-san's big hand and we exchanged greetings.


I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this. You've grown up a lot since I last saw you.
Well it's been a while.
I will. Keep up the good work for my daughter.
Yes, sir.


　Shelly also seemed to be acquainted with Gil.

　Sherry and I greeted each other and were led directly to the base's quarters. Along the way, Gil asked me about Sophia.


'How is she?　Is he doing well?
'I think she's doing it right. But Shelly's in the same squad with me, so I think she knows more about it than I do.
Well I think Sophia is doing a good job of that. But ... maybe she's still dragging that thing out a bit.
"...about Raul. Is Julia listening too?
Are you talking about your brother, by any chance?
Ah. Sophia's brother, his name is Raul, and he disappeared in the twilight...
Sofia is trying to get over it. She's dealing with her past.
I see.


　We didn't talk about it any more.



I've left my luggage behind. For now, Julia, go to the research department. He's calling you. Sherry, you'll be training with me.


　Who is that guy? By the way, Shelly looked surprised, "What?! He said, "Well, if you say so, I can't blame you.


'The research department, right?　What's his name?
Special Grade Anti-Magician, 10th in the pecking order. Her name is Ellie.
I understand.
Well, let's see how good Sherry is, who Bell is pushing so hard.
Now go easy on me.


　Shelly is completely deflated, but I'm sure it will be a good experience.


　With that in mind, I left the two of them and headed to the research department by myself.



　◇



'Excuse me, I'm here to see Miss Ellie...'


　When I walked into the research department, there were people everywhere doing desk work and research. But when I told them the name, they all gave me a blatantly bitter look. What's going on?


Those stairs lead down to her lab.


　A woman nearby told me that, so I thanked her and went down those stairs.


''It's ... long.''


　I wonder how far down I've already gone. The stairs seem to be longer than I thought, but I'm relieved when a door appears in front of me. Then I knock on the door, but there is no response. I wonder if he's not there...?


Now if you'll excuse me.


　It might not be a good idea to enter without permission, but since it wasn't even locked, I opened the door anyway. I opened the door and found a messy room. A large amount of documents were scattered on the desk, but the experimental equipment was apparently well placed. Looking at it, one could somehow predict the character of the other party...where is Ellie-san?


''Uh ... uh ... um ... um ...''
What?


　Yes. The voice came from underneath the papers. Her long blonde hair was spread out on the desk, and her beauty could be seen through her long, though closed-eyed, eyelashes.


''Um.........''
'What?　What time is it?
...and it's not even 10:00.
Well that's good. I didn't oversleep. Who the f*ck are you?



　She wakes up with a bang, adjusts her white coat lightly, and looks at me closely.


'Um, I'm Julia Curtis. Well, we've met before, haven't we?　In the First Warded City.
'Ah!　You're Julia!　My name is Ellie!　Nice to meet you!　Oh, and by the way, she's a young lady of 24!　You're so young!
Yes?


　He suddenly grabbed my hand with a gasp and shook my hand with a buzz. No, it was no longer one-sided........but if they are welcoming me, it should be good.......


''Hmmm. Hmmm.........well, that's interesting........
Well, what is it?
Actually, I've been wanting to talk to you for a while now just lie there for a minute.
'What?　Huh?
Come on, come on.
Yes.....


　I'm swallowed up by her nonchalant attitude, and I lie down on what looks like a bed for now. Then, as she holds her hand over my body, she senses something.


I'm sure. Hmmm.


　Ellie says, and then makes a note on a piece of paper. It's also very fast.


'Ehhh, can I go now?'
Yeah. Good.


　I get off the bed and look at her hand.


'What are you doing?'
A study of Twilight Syndrome. My major is the study of Twilight Syndrome. But still, it's not like I've been there for two years. The concentration of twilight is outrageous. The other special class anti-magicians are the same, but you are special. If you were a normal human, you'd be at the level of death.
"...What is it about me?
"...there are several possibilities. A theory I've been working on recently that fits. But, well, I'll tell you about that some other time. For now, there's the whole traitor thing.
Okay. I see.


　After that, Ellie and I talked about twilight for a while.