At the end of the diagonal of the arena, Snow was looking at me with fearful eyes.

　Kanami is my property.
　You're probably thinking, "....... Snow.

'--and the one who appears from the west!　Guild "Epic Seeker" team!　This is a very stable and versatile party led by Snow Walker, a legendary girl known to those in the know!　How far will the descendants of that Ji Dragon win this 'Dancing Competition'!

　Finally, the performance of the "Dance Competition" begins.

　I jump up and down and check my condition.
　I turn my head and shake my hands to ease my body's stiffness.

　I -, Rustyala Fuzzyards is not in the best of shape.

　While Kanami has been torturing herself, I've been resting my body for a long time. But even then, once I hit bottom, my physical condition never recovered.

　On the day of the Nativity, I lost my magic to the limit and fled while healing the injured Dear. He shook off his pursuers from the two countries of Fuzzyaz and Valt and went into hiding in the southern country of Gliard. He uses force to stop Deer from pursuing Palinkron in depth, and gains insight into Kanami's movements. In order to advance the "Dance Tournament", he entered the labyrinth from Gliard and trained there. And, without being found by any of the forces, he participates in the tournament just in time...

　I've been moving without a break until the "Dance Competition".
　The price of that has been piling up deep inside my body.

　I'm still worried.
　The Nativity Ceremony has lifted much of the magic that had bound me.
　It also means that many blessings and corrections have been lost. For example, now I can't fight like I used to, and I can't ignore my fears.

　In other words, I can only fight with my power as an individual Rastiara, not as a vessel of Saint Tiara.

　I turn my attention to my opponents while calmly measuring my power.

　There are three representatives of Team 'Epic Seeker'.
　The submaster, Snow Walker, is accompanied by an old warrior and a wizard.

　As I'm measuring their abilities with the skill "Pseudo-God's Eye", I can hear their conversations.
　I am dismayed by my own high specs that I can pick up their voices even at this distance, but I pick up their voices.

　Snow was just about to convince her companions.

''--Volzak-san and Teyri-san, please stay back.
Well, wait, Snow. We'll fight with you.
No. I mean, it's impossible.

　The wizard appealed to him to join the match, but Snow coldly refused to do so.
　When the warrior saw the situation, he asked with a stern expression.

''Sister Glenn ......, are you going to be serious ......?
''Yes, just this one - I'm serious about this match. For the first time in a while, I'm also going to do some limited 'dragonization'.

　Snow also returns with a stern expression.
　As I thought, he is seriously planning to crush us.

　''Dragonization.
　Beastmen with thick blood have the ability to change into a beast. The 'wolfification' that my Sera is doing is the same. A type of beastman, the dragonborn (dragonet) Snow, can also do that.

　She is the only person in the world that can become a human 'dragon' as far as the Confederation is concerned.

''Snow!　No, not on that one!　Because if you keep using that thing, you won't be able to go back!

　When the wizard heard of 'dragonization', he changed his hue of blood and approached Snow.

''It will only change to the point of being able to return, so it's okay. But it's dangerous, that's for sure. --but I'm ready for that much today. I think I'm ready for today only. So, please.

　Snow tries to reassure the wizard with a dry laugh. The wizard is crestfallen when he sees that deadpan smile. Instead, the warrior continues to speak.

'...... So you mean to tell me that those little ladies are as strong as the dragons of that time?

　The warrior looks at me.
　I respond by smiling at him appropriately.
　I see the warrior chuckle.

I'm not a dragon, I'm not a dragon. If I'm the 'dragon incarnate', then that one is the 'god incarnate'.
"...... huh? We can't help you then. ...... All right, I'll take a tour with Teri. I'll take a look at it with Teri. But don't be too hard on yourself, okay?　If I can't get back, it's all over.
I'll be careful about that.

　The warrior tries to move to the corner of the arena, pulling on the wizard's arm.
　The wizard has the last word.

'...... Snow, if this is the path you've chosen, I won't say another word. But don't forget. Everyone in the 'Epic Seeker' is on your side.
Thank you for ....... ...... for looking out for me like this.

　Snow looked surprised and bit down on his words.
　But then he gave a sad, affectionate smile.

''--But it can't be everyone in 'Epic Seeker'. I'm sure they'll die too easily.

　It was an answer that included a decision to part ways.
　Snow doesn't trust anyone in The Epic Seeker. Because of his own strength--.

'Yes, ....... Go ahead, Snow. ......

　The wizard must have figured that out. He smiled sadly and sent Snow off.

''I'm going, Teyri-san. --Fresh blood magic 《flysphere》

　Snow walks to the center of the arena, chanting his magic.
　It's the beginning of "Dragonization".

　The back of his hand spontaneously splits open and blood spills out. The blood quickly evaporates and turns into mist. The bright red mist turns into the shape of a dragon and envelops her body.

　It's hard to tell due to the thick clothing, but her back appears to be bulging.
　The wings of a dragon must be sprouting from her back.

　The pupils of Snow's eyes open and change to eyes that are different from those of a human.
　It's the eyes of a greedy dragon.

　A gaze that an ordinary person would freeze as soon as their eyes met is directed at me.

'...... Ummm, Snow is serious. Sera, you must never leave my back.
Yes, Miss.

　I motioned to Sera, who was standing behind me.
　She nods without asking me why.

　But Dea next to her seems to be wondering.

It's a good idea to have a good time. Is he that strong?
Well. The strongest on the continent isn't just a name. Not just "the strongest," but really "the most powerful.
Hmm?　By 'strongest', didn't he mean his brother Glen Walker?
'That's not true. Glenn only obtained the title of 'strongest' by taking credit for his sister Snow's work. Snow Walker is the real 'strongest'. He's the most genius since the beginning of the Confederacy.
'Heh, I didn't know you did: ......'
Oh, what?　That's not very responsive. I thought I had a pretty amazing story to tell.
I'm surprised. But that doesn't change what I do. If they're the 'strongest', I'm just going to surpass that 'strongest'. I'd rather be that good or I won't stand beside Christ.
I see. Hmm, that's encouraging, Dear. ......

　Dia can be reckless, but she's reliable in these situations. She's not put off by the slightest thing. She probably won't lose her will to fight when she sees the power of Snow's dragon.

　I'm relieved and proceed to the center of the arena.
　Along the way, I'll have Sera change into her wolf form. There's no need to save it for a surprise attack. Her role will be to be Dia's means of transportation.
　By having Dia on board before the match, I will reduce the danger as much as possible.

　Thus, I reach the center of the arena and face Snow.

'Hey, Snow,'
We're going to win today, Lady Rastiara.

　Snow curtsies reverently.
　A frightening magic power is swirling around his back. It's a magic power that seems to crush everything it touches. As usual - the thoughts, heavy as ever.

　However, that may not be something we can say.

'Hmm, I've been thinking about this for a while. Don't we need to use honorifics anymore?　We've already had our honest feelings with each other.
'Maybe so, but ......, there's no reason to get close to it .......'
'I like Snow, you know?　No, rather, really.
I'm ...... and I hate you .......

　I love someone as unstable and tragic as Snow, but I don't think he felt that way at all. He was easily dumped.

'Can I ask you why you don't like me: ......?'
'Well, that's--......, I don't want to say ....... We don't need to talk about it right now. ......

　It's not a bad reaction.

　It doesn't seem like he hates my life or my character. It's probably for a different reason. Probably a silly reason, but one that is non-negotiable for Snow. That's what's getting in the way.

'More importantly, it's about 'Kanami. That's the only reason I'm standing here today.

　Snow cut to the chase with a serious look on his face.

'I know. This game, I'm betting on--
'Kanami,'
"'Kanami'. Or rather, 'Christ' to us.

　We verbalize and reaffirm what we've decided up front.

'I will never give you 'Kanami': ......!　That's my thing: ......!
'Yeah, that's fine. I'll bet that's what this fight is all about.

　Snow's face contorts at the mention of that name.

　Apparently, the harassment of the past few days has paid off. Her head is heated to a fever pitch.

　I laugh and continue to gauge her condition without a hint of alarm.
　If she's losing her cool, the game is going to be a lot easier to develop.

　As Snow and I stare at each other with our respective speculations, the moderator interrupts from the side.

'Uh, um, is 'Kanami' a person's name ......?'

　As usual, the moderator seems uncomfortable talking to me.
　He says he doesn't mind my position, but he doesn't seem to be able to do so.

'Yeah?'

　I reply lightly.
　Snow, who is facing me, looks away.

'Is that Aikawa Kanami from the north area ......?'
Of course.
'So you two are taking on the same lord ......?
'If you include Deer behind me, there are three of them, I guess. But in reality, it's not just the three of us who are going after 'Kanami' in the 'Dancing Tournament'. Funny thing.

　The host's face lights up when he hears this.

'Wow. ....... I'll have to let our guests know about this as a moderator.'
Yeah, sure. Good luck with your work. It's a lot of fun for me too.

　For some reason, it's so much fun to see Kanami in trouble for being courted by so many different girls. Thanks to Kanami, I was able to straighten up once, but it seems that my bad taste hasn't been fixed yet.

''--Now, it's getting very exciting!　What a surprise, it looks like the betting party will be the man of each other's dreams!　If possible, I'd like to ask him to come to the venue, but unfortunately, he's also at the game!　That man's name is Aikawa Kanami!　He is the master of the guild 'Epic Seeker' and an expected 'Hero' who is becoming famous as 'Dragon Slayer'!

　The moderator declares a high-pitched explanation of the situation.
　Ignoring that, I proceed to talk to Snow.

'If you can't continue or pass out, you lose. Oh, and if I die, I lose?
'Yes, please do that ....... If possible, I'd like you guys to be deceased in this game, so ......
"So, the loser is not going to get in the way of anything related to 'Kanami'.
That's enough.

　Snow takes out a large sword from his back.
　He effortlessly grasps a huge lump of iron, as tall as his body, with one hand.

　I respond and draw my sword in response. This is another famous sword, but compared to the Revan holy relic, Heavenly Sword Noah, that I used before, it's a little less forgiving.

　If it clashed with Snow's sword, it might be broken unilaterally.

''--Well, what?　Isn't that a deathmatch rule: ....... Why don't you make it another rule if you can: ......?

　The MC looks at us, glaring at each other with a murderous look on his face, and the MC looks troubled.

'No. I'll do it this way. If you don't do this, Snow won't be happy about it.
'But I don't want someone as noble as you two to die, or how shall I put it: ....... My life would be ruined if I had to take on the match that caused the death of the present human god of the Levantine religion, or how shall I put it, .......
It's your lucky day. Shame.

　I make the moderator give up with a big smile on my face.

　This is the only rule I can't change.
　A rule in my favor that I have arrived at after careful and deliberate efforts to agitate Snow. If this can be changed now, there is no way I will be able to capture Snow.

　Today, Snow is going to suffer serious injuries from which he can't recover in a day.
　At the same time, I'm going to break his mental faculties as well.

I'm not able to refute anything as a mere moderator in the face of the two of you're horrific killing spree ....... So, the Guild "Epic Seeker" team versus the Rustyala Fusoya's team. ''The fourth match of the West Area of the 'Ichino Moon United Kingdom General Knight's Seed Ball' is about to begin!

　With a declaration, Snow's head tilted and both eyes glowed red.

　Blue wings spread out from his back, tearing through his thick clothing.
　Snow's tangled magical power swirled and swelled up. The light purple magic power became a wave and permeated the entire arena.

　In contrast, I shift to the side as the start is declared.
　A line of fire is secured.
　The gazes of Dia and Snow behind me intertwine--

The Flame Arrow!

　Flashes of light rush through the air.
　Rays of light with immense heat, drawing lines in the arena with unseen speed.

　The inevitable speed of light magic--.

'Haaaaaaaah!

　Snow looked firmly in the eye and played with the back of his hand.

　The rays of light that hit his hand ripped into a dozen rays and scattered.
　Some of them almost hit the spectators' seats and hit the wards of the Rays of Magic (Line).

　The wards were cracked as the world's highest level of magic took a direct hit. The attendant wizards who were in charge of the safety of the spectators started the restoration process in a panic.
　It's natural for them to be in a hurry. After all, these wards cost more time and money than those used in war. It's not a matter of a few wizards gathering together, it's a thing that can't be damaged by a few wizards. Essentially.

　It was just a stray bullet that was played, and it has a crack in it, so it's a horrible thing.
　You can clearly see how substandard Deere is.
　And the Snow who played it is not normal either.

　I can see that his arms are no longer human due to 'dragonization'.
　It is bluer than the sky - a blue dragon arm.

　Snow used his hard skin and thick magic power to play Dia's magic. The surface is slightly burnt, but that's the only damage.

''Ah, ah, ah, aaaaah--!

　Snow howls.
　It's not just a roar. It's not just a roar, it's a vibration clothed in the magical power of a dragon. It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get a good deal more. I'm not going to be able to get any more than that.

　After confirming the hardness of the enemy, I immediately changed my instructions.

I'm not going to be able to get it right.　Next time, reduce the power output until there are no holes in those wards!
Okay, okay!　But that's not going to be the deciding factor!
I'm fine!　In the meantime, cover me with a series of shots!

　Deere is backing off significantly after the first Flame Arrow shot. The most fragile Deere is going to keep this long range from start to finish.

　After giving instructions to the rear, I run out and slash at Snow.

　Snow held the great sword in one hand and held it right next to her so that it was level with the ground.
　Then he flaps his beautiful blue wings once more.

　The wind of the entire arena was dominated and transformed into another substitute called 'Dragon Wind'. The wind writhes as if it has life, and tries to entangle itself in my body.

　I run through it, shaking it off, and close in on Snow's body, trying to slice it open.
　First, it's just a slash that strikes down. However, the one delivered by my muscle power and speed goes beyond a mere strike down. It's a flash that even a skilled soldier couldn't prevent.

　However, Snow easily took it in stride.
　I can clearly see that my opponent isn't a mere human being either.

　Immediately I recoiled and jumped backwards. I avoided getting into a battle of strength as a result of a clash of forces. My physical strength is probably one of the best in the world. I'm sure that the snowflakes that have been transformed into dragons are the best in the world. It's obvious that he's going to lose.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make up for this.
　Snow himself is not very fast. However, the 'dragon wings' that assist her, the 'dragon wind', evolves her into a cannonball speed.

　A terrifyingly long, single-foot stride.
　It would be more accurate to call it a flight rather than a walk any longer. Snow flies low above the ground and attacks me as I retreated.

''--ah, aaaaah, aaaaah!

　With Snow's roar, a great sword of lying weight and speed is wielded wildly.
　It's so loud that I want to hold my ears. I grit my teeth and endure the sound and avoid the great sword.

　After a thunderous explosion sound, the ground in the arena was shattered. The great sword gouged out the soil on the ground as if it had scooped out the pulp with a spoon.

　The earth and sand popped like fireworks, and a cloud of dust danced.

''This--!

　I, too, was defeated and tried to swing my sword down in the face of that powerful blow.
　However, the swinging arm is somehow slow. The "dragon wind" clings to my swinging arm, and I was about to be pushed back.

　As a result, before my sword can reach Snow, her return sword strikes.
　I had no choice but to stop my attack and avoid the sword.

　At the same time, a storm rises and roars.
　The ground is shattered anew and the foothold is no longer flat.
　Snow's sword had become a natural disaster more terrifying than the storm.

　It is truly a symbol of the worst of the world.
　It's the dragon itself.

　The dragon wind restricts my movements, and Snow continues to swing his sword wildly.
　As my sword parries the unavoidable blows, I can feel my sword slowly begin to hurt. If I continue like this, my sword will break.

　Immediately I cut off my hand.
　If Snow is going to push me with force, then I--.

Fenrir Arrais!

　Relying on magic.
　Among them, I chose a hand that was the opposite of a forceful push.

　With the declaration of magic, my heart jumps.
　It pulses strongly with a thud, and my vision turns red.
　Just like Snow's "Dragonization", the back of my hand rips open and blood flows. The blood evaporates and becomes a red mist that envelops my body.

　If Snow was "dragonized," should I call him "humanized"?

　If Snow is half human and half dragon, then I am half human and half magic stone.
　This body made of magical stones can be made even closer to "human". That's my fresh blood magic.

　From the memories of more than a thousand "people" in my blood, I chose the Sword Saint Fenrir Ares.
　In truth, the body that was supposed to bring down the saint is a perfect replica of the most powerful swordsman of modern times.

　The color of his eyes changes from golden to a dull dull color, and his chestnut-colored hair begins to blend in with his golden hair.
　Memories flow from his blood, and the experience of swordsmanship, which he has no memory of, becomes familiar to his entire body.

　Currently, the Sword Saint Fenrir is nearly 60 years old. He brings down his world's highest aged 'swordsmanship' to this world's highest young body.
　This is the true essence of the 'Jewelcrus' that Faydert of Fuzzyards and Reki of the Senate had planned to create. My magic that specializes only in becoming someone different. A part of it--.

Snow!

　I'm going to counterattack.
　Instead of my previous self-taught 'swordsmanship', I cleanly swept away Snow's great sword with a finely honed technique - and then attacked with an unmistakable flash.

　Snow showed surprise at my drastic change. And his face immediately contorts.
　It was a slightly different emotion than surprise. In the middle of the killing match, Snow looked at me with great envy.

　Snow swung his greatsword around and tried to crush my technique.
　But he taunts all of them with his sword skills, deflecting and scooting them away.

　Finally, my sword nearly reached Snow, who emptied his greatsword, and
　Snow shouts.

''--[Impulse Howling]!

　Dragon scales grow on Snow's neck and the world distorts.

''Ah, ah, ah -------- -----！！！！

　It's no longer a voice. It's a roar that has turned into the vibration of a deadly weapon.
　The vibrations distorted the landscape in the arena, and the enclosing wards trembled.
　The ship, the 'Vualhura' - no, the sea is trembling.

　I quickly bring my hands to my ears.
　It's not unbearable if it's my body. However, my body reflexively protected my eardrums.

　Then Snow's chase is about to strike - a rain of flames rains down on me.
　It seems that Dea, judging that I was caught by surprise, covered me from behind.

　I accept that I've missed my opportunity and re-partition by taking a big step back.
　However, the ringing in my ears, like a featherworm jumping, doesn't stop. Behind me, Dia and Sera were frowning as well, as well.

　And Snow - he's not chasing me.
　He glares at me enviously and grudgingly as he keeps his distance.

''That power, it's clearly not yours......!

　She must have had an idea of what it was because my sword skills had obviously changed.
　Fresh blood magic must have been her specialty as well.

　The horrific magic power became more and more vicious, rippling through the arena as if it were shaking the depths of my stomach.
　That wave condensed before Snow's eyes and transformed into a sphere. Snow flapped his wings and stabilized his spherical magic power with the 'dragon wind'.

''Why, you guys are aaaaah!　--Dragoon Ardor!

　The compression caused by the "dragon wind" is released and the condensed vibrations are released.
　With the wind blowing, a vibration that distorts space is coming towards us.

　But I don't do anything about it.
　I look away from it with relief.
　There's no fear in a magical battle at this distance. Because the strongest wizards in magic fights are behind me.

''--[Divine Wall]!

　A wall of sacred light by Deere unfolds in front of me.
　The wall of light, composed of a terrifying density of magical power, completely blocked the vibrating magic that shattered even the ground.

''Also (...)!

　Snow shouted abominably and glared at me jealously again.

　As we fight, I'm slowly understanding Snow's emotions. She seems to be jealous of us fighting with the power of more than one person.

'Snow, am I jealous ......?'

　Keeping his distance, he asks Snow.

'...... You are always, always protected by someone. Always, always!

　Snow builds another vibrational magic as he speaks.
　He's trying to refine the magic from earlier, this time with multiple refinements.

　Even so, it won't be as good as Dea's magic. Snow is also one of the best wizards in the world, but he is greatly inferior to Dia. So I keep talking to Snow with room to spare.

''Snow, you've been protected by Kanami until now, haven't you ......?
It's not what's been important, it's what's going to be: ....... If you don't protect the future, it's useless .......
Yeah. From now on, hey ....... But Snow isn't weak enough to be protected by anyone in the first place, is she?　If you have that much power, you can handle most things on your own, so why go that far: ......

　Implicitly, he urges Kanami to give up.
　If words were all I could do to dampen my spirits, it would be the best thing I could do.

'If I could manage on my own, I wouldn't be in this situation ......!　You have no idea how hard it is for a weakling like me to live alone. ...... You, who are pampered by many people, will never understand!
Snow alone ......?

　In my memory, she was rarely alone.
　She was always guarded by someone from House Walker or the guild.

　If there was one, it was when Snow was rumored to have run away from House Walker.
　I heard from Glenn about a year or two ago.

'Is that what you're talking about when Snow ran away from the Walker family?
If you know ......, go easy on me.

　I don't know the details.
　But I feel that this is where Snow's roots are involved, so I continue the conversation.

'No, I'm not going to go easy on you: ....... I don't know the details, and I don't know .......
It's ...... simple. From the beginning, there was no way I could get away with it. Because you can't do anything in the world alone. The Walkers could even send their pursuers after me without me having time to sleep. They can plot for as long as the money lasts. I can't stand by and watch that happen on my own. It's not possible. To endure it all alone while everyone else is dying: ......!

　Apparently, he was brought back in a very miserable way when he left in the past.
　Predicting the whole story from the edge of my words, I try to convince Snow.

'...... but I don't think we would have known if Snow had continued to resist to the end. If it becomes unprofitable, they'll give up too. If you don't give up until the end, I'm sure--
'How many people do you think will die while you don't give up on that?　Enemies and allies alike are dying, you know?　I'm strong and I'm not going to die. I'm not dying, but ...... the friend who ran away with me, someone who helped me with good intentions, dies easily!　How painful that is: ......!
Then why don't you protect them all with Snow...
'Cause no one else could protect you!　Because no one was protecting me!　I'm here!

　In response to Snow's cry, a large number of prepared vibrating magic balls are released.
　Even though it's just a magic that could break apart one of the houses with a single shot, a large amount of it runs around the small arena.

　--I made a mistake in persuasion.

　Apparently, Snow has made a huge mistake that cannot be expressed in words. It seems that easy words had the opposite effect.

''--[Divine Arrow]!　The Divine Wall!

　Dia is using sacred magic to offset Snow's vibrational magic. There are some things that can no longer be offset, but that's where Sera has been able to avoid them with her legs.

　The ground laid inside the arena was no longer on the verge of collapse.
　It had become a rough, rocky terrain, and the gritty dust blocked the view.

　Then a snowflake rushed at me, lost in the dust.
　I quickly meet him with my sword.

　Our swords clash, and it's a clash of swords and a clash of courage.
　Snow's face is so close to mine that it almost sticks to me.

　She moves her pretty mouth and smiles sneeringly.

'--so (...), please (・・・・・・). Please, please. Give me "Kanami", please. The only person who can stay with me is "Kanami" ....... Kanami" won't die. ...... Rather, he will help me. ...... You have an apostle behind you and a group of citizens who respect you. So please share the 'Kanami' with me ....... Please ....... Ehehehe ......

　It wasn't an affectionate smile or a heartfelt laugh - a very half-hearted smile was stuck to Snow's face.
　I was dripping with sweat at the unpleasantness of it.

'Nah, what, say ......!
'Let's find a balance. Balance, I'm with 'Kanami'. You're alone with the Apostle. It's just right, right?　Lady Rastiara and Sis are both very strong and shining. Everyone loves them. Isn't that enough?　So ......, 'Kanami' to me--

　It's a ridiculous theory.
　However, Snow is seriously proposing it.

''--【Flame Arrow】!

　However, in the middle of the process, a flash of light pierced Snow's side and she was blown away.

'If you've been listening earlier, you b*tc*--!

　It seems that Dea has unleashed her magic.
　I had included in advance to tell her to avoid talking to Snow as much as possible, but she finally seemed to have reached her limit. Maybe it was an unreasonable order for the belligerent Dea.

''Don't be silly!　You don't deserve Christ to live with such random thoughts!　If you want Christ, get the strength you deserve!
He said, "...... Our Deer absolutely hates it. Hmmm, maybe I don't like it either.

　I tell Snow, who is blown away, my answer as well.
　In the dust, Snow wavers and stands up, her red dragon eyes glowing.

'I'm asking so much, why ....... Why ......?'

　Snow wonders.
　He doesn't seem to understand why his proposal has been rejected.

　Then, after a moment of wondering, he walks up to me with a wobbly step. Spitting out words like a curse--

"--then I'll kill him. I'll kill him and get 'Kanami' back.

　Everything that had been mended has been stripped away and is no longer respectful.
　Snow's heart is now the language.

　It resonates with me many times more than the obsequious honorifics of the past.

'I've been listening to the sound of 'Kanami' for the last few days. You've been making me listen to it all the time.

　I can tell by the way he looks at me that he no longer intends to negotiate with me.
　Along with the piercing killing power, Snow's magic power also transforms. The surging magic power becomes sticky and is trying to cling to me everywhere.

"I hate you people who are trying to turn 'Kanami' back into 'Christ'. I hate you.

　The wings on his back expand as his 'dragonization' progresses. The wind grew stronger, and the shattered ground trembled.
　Now Snow is determined to kill us for real.

''Even if we die here, it's an accident. It's a common occurrence in the "Dancing Tournament" ....... You guys are not needed in my world ....... Here, I'm going to cut off everything in Kanami's past ......!

　It's not a conversation anymore.
　It's a one-sided Snow pronouncement.

　Snow's killing intent stings my skin.
　There is no longer any room for negotiation - it looks like there is no longer any room for negotiation.

''--Rastiara!　No more!

　Dia behind me asks for permission to use magic at all costs. Probably, Sera, who has been 'beastified', would have the same opinion.

''I'm almost there!　Let me do just a little more, Dear, Serah!

　But I refused to do so.
　Because I thought that now was the right time.

　Maybe I was reading too much into The Heroic Tale - a dream story.
　But I wanted to believe that the clash of true feelings was the key to a solution.

　With that in mind, I was about to glare back at Snow - and the next moment, she was swinging her great sword in front of me. The 『Dragon Wind』 exploded at her back, gaining a murderous acceleration.

　At the same time, the shockwave that was generated when she moved also hit her.
　That kind of secondary stuff is prevented by Dia's magic, but I can only prevent the sword that rides at a terrifying speed.

　Sword and sword collide again.

　I try to catch it with my swordsmanship technique, but it still can't kill the power. As I lose my stance, Snow's kick is unleashed. He manages to avoid it with the tip of his nose, and cold sweat pops off. But his head jolts even though he should have avoided it. The momentum of the kick became a shockwave that turned into a completely different attack.

　More attacks.
　Wild sword strikes down, cleave and cut up.
　Occasionally, blows and grabbing techniques would be mixed in.

　While dodging it with a paperweight, he chooses words instead of swords to counterattack.

''--Snow!　Regardless of whether Kanami's memory comes back, or if he calls himself Christ, Kanami is Kanami!　Snow is smart enough to know that!　Still, why don't you accept that you were Christ!

　Change the way you persuade her.

　Kanami wanted Snow to be independent, so I had chosen to persuade her to go along with that, but I knew that she would definitely not be convinced by that method.

　This girl is a protected person to the core.
　Snow needs to be pampered or she won't stop.
　There's no way she'll listen to harsh words.

　I continue to throw words at Snow as she attacks me.

''--That means you're aware that if Kanami's memories return, she won't choose you!

　Hearing my words, Snow's expression grows tense.
　As I expected, there is no indication that he is listening in at all.

''If Snow wins here, I don't think Kanami will remember anything until the ...... end of his life, having lived a life of running away from the past!　Do you really think that nothing will happen all the time!　No, it's not!　Someday, I'm sure my memory will return!
'No!　I don't want to hear this!　Still, if only I could make him my own--!

　Snow is furious.
　It's on schedule.

　The basics of persuasion--

"Drop and lift. My Lord.

　-- and I was taught once.

　They say the hand that rescues you looks brighter after you despair. The guy's humanity sucks, but ...... is why I've never been wrong about this kind of s*xist teaching only.

'What Snow is trying to do is a stopgap!　You're stupidly trying to protect an illusion that's bound to be broken one day!
But I can only be happy in that illusion ......!　I can't be: ......!　So, ah--!

　Snow grits his teeth and swings his sword with more force.
　I continue to receive it.

　There are many gaps in Snow's wild sword. I can counterattack. But I don't attack yet.

''I don't know much about Snow. But from what I've heard, I know that you want to cling to someone stronger than you. If that's the case--!

　And, 'If you're going to do it, do it thoroughly'.
　I think this was also the knowledge I was taught by Palinclone.

''-- Sacred Magic 《Growth Extended》!

　I transform all my magic into sacred magic.
　Light floods my body, and the magic of enhancement seeps into my entire body.

　Ignoring the recoil and strain on my body, my physical abilities are raised to their limits.
　It won't last for long.
　But what we need now is not the ability to continue the fight.

　This is not a labyrinth, this is the place to fight.
　You can put everything on the line in an instant--!

Snow!
RUSTIARA!

　At my cry, Snow responds.

　With my enhanced strength, I dispelled Snow's sword.
　For now, I had the advantage in a power contest.
　And I would return blows with blows, and grabs with grabs, and overwhelm them.

　Hard swords and hard swords strike each other, and strong arms and strong arms collide.
　Their flesh is gouged out of each other's flesh and their bones are cracked.

　The clash between the substandard beings was just enough to cut down on each other's lives.
　Snow was puzzled by the situation. It's no wonder, since he suddenly countered with a forceful technique when he thought he was dealing with a sophisticated technique.

　Taking advantage of the gap, I discard the sword in my hand and grab both of Snow's arms. Then, I hit Snow's forehead with all my strength with a head butt.

''Gah, ah, ......!

　Snow's body wobbles with a sudden head butt.

　As it is, he hits a full-force flying knee kick to the gut and falls in a tangled heap.
　I fold Snow underneath me.

　Face to face is close again.
　At close range, almost mouth-to-mouth, I declare.

'Well!　I'm strong, aren't I!
----?

　Snow is stunned by this sudden declaration.

　But he quickly regains his composure and tries to shake me off.
　Holding it back with force, I look at Snow and whisper softly.

'...... Hey, Snow. Can't I?
Yeah.

　With a huff, Snow's strength falters a bit.

　Thank God.
　The enhancement by my sacred magic is only temporary. If I was forced to come here, I would have been left out.

　I made up my mind that this was the last time I would be able to persuade him, and I chose my words carefully.
　Now is the time to pick up the Snow that I dropped.

''--I'll be Snow's 'hero' and save her!
...... Oh, you?　Are you, the present God, a 'hero'?

　Snow is stunned again.

'I have severe Heroic Syndrome, unlike Kanami, who's a badass. I'm sure I can help Snow more than Kanami can.
"...... Mm, of course you can't. You are not like that at all. You're too complete as a man-god to be seen as a 'hero'. No one thinks of you as a 'hero'!
Don't worry, don't worry, I'll stop being a human god soon enough. I'm going to become a 'hero' as a mere mortal named Rastiara, so don't worry. And Rastiara's first rescuer will be Snow, the "hero" Rastiara. See, isn't that all settled?
-What?　Wait, wait, wait, why are you doing this to me?

　Snow loses strength from her body.
　It's clear that he's confused by the sudden relief.

'Because I liked Snow's screams of grief so much!　The Hero goes well with the unfortunate!　The Hero and the Tragic Heroine go hand in hand!　I think me and Snow would be a great match for each other!

　I can feel that my words are reaching Snow.
　After all, if you spoil it, Snow will listen to you.

'Yeah, maybe so ....... But I feel like that's not the case. Something is different--
I'm taking you away from the Walker house!　Everything Snow doesn't want to choose, I'll choose for you!　I'll get rid of your pursuers, too!　I can promise safety and freedom to you, Snow!　If anything stands in the way of Snow's dreams, I will destroy them all!　The price is just going to be mine!
Ugh. ......

　Snow blushed and turned away.
　The quintessential line that saved me sometime ago. It looks like it's working pretty well.

　If I can just continue to move Snow from Kanami to me as a dependency, that should solve a lot of things.

'And I can't do that ....... There's no way to do that. That's not a 'real hero (・・・・・)'. First of all, you can't even trust ......!

　But Snow refuses.
　Although he finds my story fascinating, his emotions don't seem to allow it.

'I have a reason to save Snow!　For the sake of winning the 'Dancing Tournament', for Kanami and Dia, and for the sake of my hobby!
'Why ......?　Why is that: ......?　I-I want Kanami to save me. Kanami, not Lady Rastiara. ...... but why?　Why would I have Kanami--?

　Snow's face contorted and shuddered as he continued to deny it.

　I even tried to imitate Kanami, following Palinkron's yawning ways, but apparently that wasn't enough.
　There is no bond between me and Snow like there once was between me and Kanami. Hence, I can't take one more step.

　I don't know what more to say.
　I could try, but if I did, either Deah or Snow's life would be in danger. I don't want this to escalate into an all-out battle.

　--this is as far as it goes.

　It didn't arrive, but it visibly created a gap.
　Knowing a new emotion, Snow is lost.

　He picks up on that, and this time he concentrates on turning his attention away from the battle.
　Now is the time to expose what everyone has noticed but no one has said.

'--Yes. I knew Snow liked Kanami, didn't I?
What?

　Snow looked as if he had been told something unexpected, and he completely stopped himself.

　Seeing the look on his face, his suspicions were confirmed.
　He had a hunch that Snow's character wanted to marry him not because he liked him, but because it was easy. Judging from his reaction, Snow must have thought so too.

　But that's not the case. It couldn't be so.
　You can't get away with it, even though you're so obsessed with it.

　We're going in different directions, but Snow is a bit like me.
　That's why I was able to read Snow's depth of mind.

　Snow's mind is young.
　His body is big and he is stronger than anyone else. But his mind hasn't grown at all. It has been stagnant since the day the despair began.

　Like me, he has a big, useless figure, but his heart is an infant.
　That's why I'm not aware of that unusual love interest of mine.

'I think that means I love Kanami. That's why you can't accept me, I guess.
'Nope, no. ....... No, it's not ......!
What's your obsession, then?
'Ta, just that 'Kanami' met the requirements ....... It can't be. He just wants to make it my property because it's convenient and makes it easy for me. I was just trying to take advantage of it because it's strangely strong ......!

　A strain enters Snow's will.
　Where she was just fighting for herself, the extraneous things mix in and shake her beliefs.

　She tries to reject that superfluous thing, but ...... it's not something she can reject because she wants to.
　Maria was the same way. Once you realize that, you can't take it back.

'I was just trying to use it, nothing else ....... Because Kanami is strong, kind, and sweet to me ....... She was dependable, gaping, and convenient for me to ....... So, it's not separate ......, it's ...... eh?
They say people like that. As a matter of fact, I only just found out about it myself.

　Snow's 'dragonization' is loosening up.
　It's entirely clear that his thoughts are flying elsewhere, not in battle.

''--Did I like Kanami?''

　Snow muttered, shaking her head.
　He couldn't seem to believe the words himself as he spat them out.

　And then the strength of his whole body was being drained out.
　It seemed as if there was no more place to fight.
　Of course, I'm going to aim for that.

''There's a gap!''

　I drop my knee into Snow's stomach.
　I added more damage to his internal organs from the flying knee kick. While Snow's body is stiff with intense pain, he goes around to its back.
　It's still down, so now Snow is on top of it.

　I tighten my arms around Snow's neck.
　My aim is to knock him out.

"Guh--!　Ugh!

　Snow knows what I'm trying to do and tries to put his strength back into it.
　But I whisper more in his ear.

'Think about it, Snow. If you like Kanami, you have to think about the other person as well as yourself, or you'll seriously (...) hate them, right?　-- Snow should know a little bit about the fear of having someone you like.
Sufferable fear of being in love with someone else?

　Snow is surprised and confused in the face of her first emotion.
　Up until now, she had been willing to let someone else hate her for her sake. That's why it was so ruthlessly awkward. But now, I've added a fetters to the fetters. I imposed the constraints that everyone has to deal with.

　I gave the young Snow a bit of adult emotion.
　With just that, Snow's will wavered and her judgment was clouded by hesitation.

　All the while, my tightening up continues.
　Snow's hesitation gave me plenty of time to attack.

'Ugh, ugh. ......--'

　Snow's consciousness fades, and the strength leaves his body completely.
　Finally, I seem to have lost consciousness.

　I gently pick up Snow in my arms and declare, "Okay, you're going to win!

''Alright, Shou-ri!　It was a bit of a cowardly and empty victory, though!

　It wasn't a pleasant victory because we fought thoroughly and only with mental attacks.
　But it was something we had to do later on.

　Even if she lost her magic and her bones and organs were sore from the fresh blood magic, a defeated and desperate Snow could still attack her at night.
　However, even the hesitation generated by this mental attack would bind her actions a bit.

''Fuu. I guess the other problem is the guardian's (Guardian) game. If possible, I'd like you to have some leverage, but .......

　With Snow in my arms, I made my way to the MC who was taking shelter at the edge of the arena.
　He was broadcasting live from a distance, but I didn't hear him in the middle of the fight. He seemed to have been completely evacuated due to the violent and indiscriminate attack.

　I need to show the unconscious Snow to the MC and have my victory confirmed as soon as possible.
　I walked through the deserted arena and carried Snow through the deserted arena. On the way--

---- and ---- -----！！！！

　From the distance, from the south, I heard a strange sound.
　Further south of the excited audience.
　Perhaps it was the arena ship in the south area where the Guardian (Guardian) Rowen Alais was fighting.

'...... cheers?　No. Scream?

　Distant, but I can pick up the voice clearly.
　So much louder.

　It was Rowen's game and there were screams from the crowd.
　That made me anxious, and I sped up my steps even faster to finish the game.