Crackling and burning like a campfire, it was indeed the house we had lived in.

　A crowd of people have begun to form here and there around the house. If this is the case, it's only a matter of time before the Vault's guards gather around.
　We need to take Maria and leave this place right now.

　There's no need to leave the burning house.
　We just need to act quickly.

　That should be enough, but--

　The girls in front of us make it hesitant.

　Maria stares at us with vacant eyes.
　And Arti, who has transformed half of her floating body into flames right behind her.
　Neither of them seem to be able to approach it casually.

　But standing around here like this is not going to solve the problem.
　I step forward and call out to Maria, who is standing in front of the burning house.

'Ma, Maria ....... Let's go. Anyway, let's get away from here .......

　We're in a race against time now. I urge you to move first.

　But when Maria hears this, she mutters in a small voice with empty eyes.

'Now it's mine ....... It's been mine all along. Now you can take your master ......--'

　I don't think she understood my words in response.
　Maria stared at us, muttering. Then, as she is about to step forward, she is stopped by the girl next to her, Alti.

　Alti whispers something to Maria. Then Maria becomes quiet, turns over and continues to mumble something in a small voice.

　I look at her and decide that it's Alti who is the problem. I turn my eyes not to Maria, but to Arti.

　Arti feels my gaze and replies with a smile.

'--Welcome, Christ the Searcher. This is (...), this is the tenth layer (・・・・・・・). It is the hierarchy of "The One Who Steals the Reason of Fire" Arti. Sorry to be so rushed on a business trip, but you can think of this hilltop as the tenth level of the labyrinth. And although it's late, I'm going to have you undergo the 'Tenth Test'.

　While answering, Arti gave an ostentatious bow.
　The gesture reminded me of the guardian (guardian) of sometime ago.
　It was the same smile and attitude as that unreasonable and selfish Tida.

"Arti, you're the ....... Did you do this to me?
'Yes. I instigated Maria and dragged her over here to give me the benefit of the doubt.
............!

　The moment Arti affirmed it, I was under the illusion that heaven and earth had been turned upside down.
　Somewhere along the line, I had almost trusted Arti.
　That's why I'm more shocked than I expected to be to have that betrayed.

　With my shock, I shouted while pulling out my beloved sword from my 'possessions'.

''Oh no, Arti......!　Why!　Alty is a monster, but ...... still, we could talk about it!　I thought we were going to understand each other!　After all, you're the enemy with Tida, Arti!

　I shouted and crowded into Alti.
　Seeing me approaching, Arti indicated my rear with his chin.

'Yeah, I'm with Tida. But is it okay to bypass it?

　I was not foolish enough to look behind me as I was caught. It was out of the question to look after the enemy in front of me. However, due to the nature of my magic, I could single-handedly check my rear.

　And I choke on the disaster that happened behind me.

'Apostle Sith, you're a bit of an afterthought--'

　Saying that, Palinclone slashed up Dia's torso, which was chanting magic, with his sword from below.
　Fresh blood danced and dyed Rustyala and Raydiant-san red.

　Perhaps Dia was preparing to unleash her magic against Arti, who showed her wariness. Seeing this, the Palinclone next to him slashed at the defenseless Dia. The slash slashed deep from waist to shoulder.

　It was a bad position to stand in.
　And above all, the relationship was bad.
　Out of all of them, Dia was the only one who didn't know Palinkron in detail. She didn't know that chaotic personality and wasn't wary of him at all.

　Furthermore, Palinclone would try to attack Dia with his returning blade.
　At this rate, Dia would die.
　Immediately I change direction and try to get back - but I can't get back in time.

　However, the deadly blade was blocked by Hein-san's sword that was nearby. Raydiant-san leaps away in a big way with Dia and Rustyala on board. It seems that the safety of the two of them was the priority.

　However, perhaps because Hein-san overworked her exhausted body and interrupted it with a reckless stance, her body was swimming from the impact of Palinkron's sword. Palinclone saw the opening and mercilessly swung his sword out to the side. The vicious blade slashed through Hein-san's body.

''--!

　Hein-san kicks Palinclone away from me as his side is slashed, and he takes his distance.
　So finally, I move backwards and hold my sword between Palinclone and Hein-san.

''Palinclone!　You!
"Hmmm, I'm not your brother in Christ. I guess you didn't hear me. Now, your brother is going to have his 'test' with the guardian there. I'm just playing with the Lord and the others.

　Palinclone laughs at my desperation.

　Immediately after that, a flaming arrow is released from Arti.
　I twist around and dodge it.

　Out of the corner of my eye, I see Arti, full of wariness. And Maria, full of madness, is holding me in her sights.

　I calmly and quickly analyze the current situation.

　The clear enemies are Arti and Palinkron.
　Probably, the possibility that the manipulated Maria will also be my opponent is high.

　In contrast, there are five of them here.
　However, most of them are exhausted. Or seriously injured.

　Rastiara's MP is low left due to the effects of the ritual, and her physical condition is terrible. He wouldn't be able to move satisfactorily.
　Dia is bleeding heavily and distantly conscious from the earlier attack. Next to her, Rastiara is chanting recovery magic with all her strength, but the magic light is weak and the effect is not good.
　Hein-san can't fight any longer either. Today, Hein-san is definitely the one who has fought the most battles. He was slashed in the gut by Palinclone, and it could be seen that he was nearing his limit.
　Only Mr. Radiant was not seriously damaged. The limb that was ripped off by me has already recovered. If you lend me a sword from your belongings, I can help you fight. However, if I did that, the two people on my back would be left defenseless.
　Then--

　I finish analyzing the situation and raise my voice.

'Mr. Raydiant, please take the two of you and run first!　Rastiala, keep it up, Dia, please!　Mr. Hein, follow him and provide an escort!　I'll be fine here by myself!　This is my problem here!

　If anything were to happen to Dia and Rustyala, everything would be ruined. For now, I'll make it a priority to keep them both away.

What--?　Christ, I will fight!

　Rustyala shouted while casting a recovery spell on Dia. However, after shouting, she immediately wobbled, holding her head down. No matter how I look at it, I don't think she can fight to her satisfaction. Just being there is a hindrance. Honestly, if the Palinclones take me hostage, it would be a disaster.

　Hein-san, with an expression of crushed bitterness, runs silently towards Raydiant-san while glaring at Palinclone.

　Mr. Raydiant-san must have analyzed the situation the same way I did. He shot through my eyes with the sharp eyes of a wolf and hung his head (Kobe). Then, with Hain-san on its back, the four of us started running in a huddle to get away from here.

Serah!　Wait, don't leave Christ!　Seraaa--!

　Without listening to that Rustyala's restraint, Raydiant-san left the place, taking everyone with her.

　And only I, sandwiched between the enemies, remain.
　Seeing this, Palinclone shows his admiration.

It was a quick decision. It's as close to a correct decision as you can get. ...... Miss Arti, I'll go after those four, but it's okay, right?　Without me, you can't move the Valtese troops.
Yeah, that's fine.
Well, I'm off to see you, then.

　Palinkron was about to run off, as he said - and Alti stopped him by calling his name.

''--Palinkron.''
Mmm-hmm, what is it?　Miss Artie. Hurry or we'll lose him.

　Palinclone stopped and pointed in the direction that Mr. Raydiant and the others had left.
　In response, Alti slowly closed his eyes.

'Palinclone, bless your life: ......

　Then, like a church nun, she prayed.

'Ha, ha?　It's not like that, Miss. Blessing?

　I was puzzled by Arti, who suddenly started to pray.
　But Palinkulon is even more confused than I am.

'Forgive us (...) for the shamelessness of imposing our mission on you, a mere mortal. Hence, let us pray to the last guardian of the modern world, Palinkron Legacy: ......

　Leaving us bewildered, Arti prayed.
　The prayer, not unlike the situation, enveloped the place in silence for a few moments.

'Haha. I'm just doing what I want to do: ......

　The silence ended as Palinclone returned the words.
　As it was, Palinclone ran out without looking back, and Arti looked away from it with a blank expression.

　Thus, it was Arti and I who remained in the place.
　And Maria, who looked down with vacant eyes. The three of us were left alone.

　Arti also confirmed this and snapped his fingers.
　At the same time, the momentum of the blazing flames increases and the hill is engulfed in flames as they fly everywhere. It was the very aspect of the 10th layer of the labyrinth. The flames surrounded us to the extent that it was no wonder Arti had said "this is the 10th layer".

'Then let's begin ....... And let's fulfill my long-cherished wish: ......

　Arti muttered, with a divine look on his face.

　I 'gaze' at the two of them and prepare for their beginning.


[The Ten Guardian] The one who steals the reason for the fire

[Status]
　Name: Maria HP107/122 MP855/132+723 Class: slave
　Level 10.
　Strength 4.48 Strength 4.02 Skill 2.96 Speed 2.37 Wisdom 3.97 Magic 6.89+34.23 Qualities 1.52
　State: mental pollution 1.98 Mental pollution 1.98 Confusion 3.42 Memory impairment 0.78
　Inherent skill: penetrating eye 1.50
　Acquired skill: hunting 0.68 cooking 1.08 fire magic 1.52+2.00


　At the same time, he also collects information about his surroundings.
　Make sure that we are surrounded by flames and have nowhere to run.

　If possible, I'd like to take Maria alone and catch up with Raydiant-san. However, if we don't defeat the guardian (Guardian) in front of us, it will be difficult to escape. Above all, the situation indicated by Maria's status 'state' of status makes it unlikely that she will follow me maturely.

　I glare at my enemy, Arti, and take one last look at him.

'Arti, is this what you wanted ......?'
Yeah. Here's what I've been dying for: ......

　With that, Arti spreads his hands out.
　This situation. This disastrous situation is a longing. So that means--

So killing me was your longing ....... You've been fooling me all this time with this 'love fulfillment' bullshit: ......!
'No, I didn't lie about 'love fulfilled'. I didn't mean to deceive you. If Maria's love comes true, I will definitely lose my power and disappear.

　Arti and I answer nonchalantly.

“Therefore, no matter how it goes. Today, here, I'll be gone.

　At the end of it, Arti told me in no uncertain terms that he was going to die.
　I couldn't hide my upset and asked the question as it was.

'......?　I don't know what you want or what you want to say ....... I don't know what you want me to do ......!

　I can't help but feel angry in front of a humanoid monster who is willing to die.

''Love fulfilled. I want you to make Maria's 'tragic love' come true.
"'Tragic Love', you say ......?

　Arti rephrased love as 'tragic love'.
　I don't know the difference and I hear it back.

'Maria's love is a 'sad love' ....... It's a love that is determined to end sadly. Our 'eyes' can see it. We want to make it happen. If we don't make it happen, we'll never die.
So, I don't know: ......!　I don't know what you're talking about: ......!
'You're backing out because you're broke in love?　Do you give up because you're hopelessly in love?　It's not possible. That's not what love is about. Love is something more helpless and maddening. If I can't reach it, there's no point in living it. So I want to have a heart attack. I want to kill it and take it away from you. I don't have a choice in the matter. I can't stay sane. That's it, that's all, tragic love is ...... the real love!

　Arti said the love that was almost out of the ordinary, as if it were the truth.

　The expression on Arti's face as he spoke it had changed. Her expressionlessness was broken here, and her face was distorted as if she was spitting out the passion within her.

　I take a step backward in that spirit.
　As I retreat, Arti continues to speak to me.

''Maria, you deserve to have your 'tragic love' fulfilled. More than anyone else .......

　Arti stroked Maria's head and changed her expression to one of calm.
　The entire gesture of stroking was compassion for Maria.

　Without a doubt, Arti cares for Maria more than anyone else - more than me. I could see that.

　Arti's expression changed to a serious one and he stared at me.

'So, Christ. You are going to be Mary's, here today. Even if it is to die with you and make it eternal, ...... I will gladly fulfill it!　And I will disappear too. If the three of us die here, I'll be fine with that ......!

　Clearly, Alty told him.
　I will become Maria's.
　That's the purpose, the 'ordeal'.
　That's why I'm setting up this stage.

　Yes, I told him unequivocally.

'Oh no, for such a thing (・・・・・) ......?　Did you drive Maria crazy for that kind of thing: ......?

　I didn't want to admit it.
　I didn't want to admit to Arti's purpose, his means, his stage, and everything else.

　Now, more than anything, I can't allow my mind to be played with for any reason. That's exactly what Alty is trying to do.

"That's not ......?　Yes, such a thing (・・・・・). I wasn't even able to do that before I was born. And that's what I'm so sorry about!　Whether I tear my throat out or tear my chest open, this crazy reminder will continue to torment me!　I couldn't do anything about it then and they left me there!　My lover must have been happy with a stranger, unknown to me!　And I regretted it until the day I died!　I'll regret it until I die, and I'll regret it (・・・・・・) when I'm dead!　So I'm going to fulfill it!　Through Maria, this time, my (...) tragic love will come true too!

　Arti let the flames burn fiercely, expressing the emotions within him.

''Such a selfish thing to do!　Don't bring Maria into this!　You're on your own!　That's not a good reason to drive people crazy!

　But whatever emotions may be lurking in Arti's body, it's none of Maria's business.
　I can't ever admit that Arti is trying to make Maria take care of her emotions.

　I look at Maria.
　There's Maria, who turns her empty eyes to the ground and mutters.

　The skill '??' I can't just tolerate the act of playing with your mind like ......!

I just gave Mary's heart an honest look ....... This is the truth. I just told her what she really wanted, what she really wanted, the fire of true love!　This is the right way to go!
'I call that crazy!　How can it be normal for all people to remain honest?

　The discussion is no longer over.
　It's just an argument.

　Denying each other, both Arti and I are building magic by turning our internal feelings into magic.
　We both knew that a fight was inevitable, and we both knew it was inevitable.

　I was the one who completed the magic first.
　I unleash my magic while holding my sword against it.

　I put forth my best effort, the best I could muster, even during the retaking of Rastiara.
　The true magic of winter.

　Winter is deployed on all the hills of fire, and the range of the sword's reach develops dimensional magic.
　A double circle of magic is constructed, and the snow of magic power falls on the raging hills of fire.

　The world of flames and the world of winter overlap--

'I knew it was ......, I knew it (・・・・)!　You're just like Tida!　You're the enemy, Alty!　-- "Dimension Decisive Arithmetic (Gradiate), Magic, Dimensional Winter (Di Winter)!

　In contrast, Arti begins to envelop Maria with the gentle magic that overflows from her hands.
　A fantastically glowing pillar of flame, not unlike red, yellow or blue, rises above their heads. The rising flames dissipated in the sky, sending snowflakes of flame down.

'Christ, you remind me of the past!　The past!　And that look reminds me of what it used to be!　Defeating you will finally make my (...) tragic love come true!　--The Flame Decisive Flame Region (Gladiate), Magic, Scorching Hot World (In Cadeth Blazer)!

　Red and white snow (Tear-Ray) in an overlapping world.

　They were very similar.
　The secret depths of each other were, oddly enough, the same kind of magic.
　We don't know why. It's a coincidence that it can't be a coincidence, but now is not the time to think about it.

　I'm not going to be able to get the best of it, but I'm going to be able to get the best of it.
　Of course, I've been blocking it with my magic "Di Winter" all along. However, it didn't make any sense against Arti's enormous magical power.

''Now, wake up ....... Maria. In a few minutes, love will come true. You will be happy.

　Arti whispers in Maria's ear.
　Slowly, Maria lifts her downcast face and stares at me. Her eyes are empty. Worse than when she was a slave. She has eyes that are desperate for everything.

　He glares at Arti, who is probably the one who dropped him there.

　Arti, too, burns with the flames of madness, stares back at me and mutters.

'Let's go, hero (Christ). I will repent until the day I die for not choosing a girl.
f*ck you, Arti. --Go off on your own, be sorry for yourself.

　Taking that as my cue, I run off.

　Now.
　The tenth test of the one who stole the logic of the fire has begun.