Kanami laughed when I was sure my fist was going to hit.

　--and then her eyes changed color.

　Deep black eyes, similar to obsidian, mixed with a purple luminescence, making them a strange black-purple eye.

　I know what that color is.
　Purple is the color of magic.
　The purple magic power is crawling out of the 'bracelet' that Kanami wears. It enters Kanami from the back of her head and emits purple light from inside her body.

　That magical power turns Kanami's smile of relief into a smile of madness.

''-- 《Midwinter of the Overcrowded Dimension (Di Overwinter)》 aaaaaaaaah!

　And for a very small moment, really.
　Cold air and dimensional magic built up.

　Only to have it quickly fizzle out. Physically, there was no way she could use such advanced magic. However, even though blood spurts out of her mouth and nose, Kanami succeeds in building magic for a moment. --I let it.

　A winter magic built for a moment.
　With that, Kanami obtains spatial information about the current situation and also succeeds in slowing down my fist's speed.

　With a confident expression, Kanami thrust out her broken arm and received my fist. There is no strength in that arm. However, the impact to my face is lessened by the wall of flesh between us.

　Kanami is blown away along with the feeling of that arm being further crushed.

　The Kanami was badly damaged.
　However, the timing of the special kill was surpassed.
　I bite my teeth.

　Kanami slides on the ground as if scraping, and is coated in dust. And in the dust, a shimmering black shadow rises up in the dust.

　The dust clears and its eerie form is exposed.
　Its left arm is twisted and broken, dangling painfully. His face is pale, and dark circles have formed under his eyes. His entire body is covered in scrapes and his senses must have been dulled by countless bruises. His magic power is depleted and there should be nothing but water in his stomach and intestines. There is not a single thing that can be turned into energy.

　After more than three days of not sleeping and fighting for more than three days, your body is beyond human limits.
　The pain and nausea must have passed and the horrible taste of death must be rising from the back of your tongue.

　-- there is no way I can fight anymore.

　And yet, Kanami had stood up, sword in hand, and was walking towards me.

　Clearly, something is wrong.
　The "Pseudo-God's Eye" grasps the state of affairs.
　Compared to before the match, the 'recognition inhibition' had increased by an order of magnitude.

''Protect, or else ......--''

　Muttering, Kanami muttered and walked through the dust.
　Her gait is unreliable.
　But I don't feel like falling over.

''Yeah, I'll protect you, don't worry ....... Hahaha, Zeppo, I'll protect you ......--

　Black and purple eyes sparkling, Kanami smiles thinly and strokes the 'bracelet'.
　Even though she's on the verge of death, her expression is gentle and calm.

　It's already obvious that this is--.

Wow. ....... This is completely unconscious. And yet you're moving, which means it's either Palinkron's magic ....... --Dear, it seems to be a pattern of deepening mental contamination of Kanami!　As much as possible, use sacred magic to suppress the anomaly!

　I move on to another plan that I had decided in advance.

'All right, Rustyala!　--Strathfield!

　A sacred magical ward has been set up over the entire arena.
　It is a magic of light that dispels all darkness and calms the spirit.

　However, it did not reach Kanami.
　The purple magic power has become a protective membrane, preventing the light from reaching her.

　And reacting to the light, Kanami rushed over here.
　Faster than the first. Perhaps the 'bracelet' is making Kanami fight beyond her limits.

　In an instant, sword and sword made contact.
　It was a strange feeling.
　Even though they were in contact, there was little recoil. There was no strength in Kanami's sword at all.

　I thought it was just a lack of strength due to my physical condition, but I soon realized that was a mistake.
　With a soft movement, Kanami's sword closed in on my neck, as if my sword was transparent.

　I knew that move.
　Thanks to that, I was able to avoid it at the verge.

''--Now that's an Aleis technique!

　I know this because I used the power of 'Fenrir Arrais' just recently.
　Without a doubt, Kanami used a sword technique that was unmatched by the Sword Saint.

　Without answering my questions, Kanami swung her sword.
　I retreat, preventing it just in time.

''-- 《Fire Arrow, Scattered Flowers (Fall Flower)!

　Dia decides that I'm in a hurry and releases her magic.
　The rain of flames forces Kanami to choose to keep her distance.

　Some flames rain down on me as well. Since I released it in a hurry, my aim must have been appropriate. While preventing the flames with the sacred magic, I also keep my distance.

　In contrast to me, Kanami doesn't use any magic at all and uses only her physical ability to avoid it.
　She was attacked by countless flames, and while she was hit by some of them, she still busily moved her head and avoided (・・・・) the attacks that were falling on her by looking at them with her eyes. It was a rare sight.

　Perhaps Kanami is not using even the slightest sensing magic now.
　Perhaps she had decided that, due to her physical condition, she couldn't trust magic that could disappear at any moment.

　She is relying solely on her eyesight, moving her black and purple orbs in a giddy manner.

　I am relieved.
　There's no great threat to a magician (Kanami) who has no magic power.

　Kanami's tactics, which are based on dimensional magic, which is always aware of all space, are vicious. However, to put it another way, it can be said that he relies on it. If it weren't for that, Kanami would only be a slightly skilled swordsman.

　Even if that 'swordsmanship' is comparable to that of a swordsman, that much is still acceptable.
　I willfully attacked Kanami.

''--Fenrir Arraith, fresh blood magic!　Sacred magic!

　It consumes magic power and specializes in melee combat abilities.

　Then he attacked Kanami, who had completely avoided the rain of flames, without giving her a moment to catch her breath.
　In contrast, Kanami showed a strange movement.

　Her sword stance had become something else.
　With the tip of her sword on the ground, she was about to attack me.

　A unique stance that was familiar, lowering the sword and waiting for the opponent to move--

　-- the same 'swordsmanship' as Sera Raydiant behind me.

　The moment I get in between, Kanami slashes his sword up. I rotate my body to avoid it. Perhaps because I was familiar with that technique, it was easy to avoid.

　However, even if Kanami avoids it, she will take a second stance and repeat the slash up.
　It's exactly what Sera's 'swordsmanship' is, but ...... lacks any depth at all. I'm going to be the one who's going to be the one who's going to be the final blow, while I'm leisurely dodging.

　Kanami's left hand moves.
　The second sword was right in front of me.
　As soon as I could, I pulled my sword back and put it on defense. I jumped back with astonishment.

　Kanami's left arm should have been completely broken. And yet, she grabbed the sword and attacked me.

　--The way the void is thrusting now, just like Ragne .......

　I almost took my eyes away from him.
　I kept my distance, observed Kanami, and learned the identity of the second sword, which was not supposed to be there.

　Part of his left arm is frozen.
　Ice clings to the broken elbow and holds it in place. The same goes for the hand that gripped it. With this, I won't be able to drop my sword in pain.

　You can't bend your elbow, but you can perform the function of the sword at the very least.

'Don't be so pushy: ......

　And Kanami doesn't care if I'm surprised, she gives chase.
　This time she doesn't hide her frozen left arm.
　She fights with the two swords at will.

　--Now the twin swords ......!

　It is close to the Helvilleshain technique.
　Although it is less complete, it is reminiscent of the Hein Helvirshine of the past.

　I am baffled by his shapeshifting sword techniques.
　There is no doubt that the pace is being set.

　I pile on more magic to bring the pace back to this side.
　Although it's hard on my body, I can't say it.

''--Double deployment, fresh blood magic [Hein Helvirshine]!

　If you're confused by the twin swords, then and only then can you get advice from a twin sword expert.
　I would see through all of the twin swords and begin to take advantage of the battle.

　The difference was overwhelming.
　Immediately, Kanami's poor twin-sword technique breaks down, and the sword is flung away from her hand. And only the frozen sword on my left arm remained.

　I am convinced that this is an opportunity, and I go to grab Kanami's arm.
　As long as I can stay close, I can ignore the unbending frozen left arm.

　I grabbed Kanami's right arm with my free left hand and tried to master the joint as it was.
　But the next moment - after a strange floating sensation, my arm was grabbed in the opposite direction.

''----?''

　It was a soft and quick 'body technique'.
　The moment I grabbed it, I knew Kanami had somersaulted around in a circle. But I don't know how my grip is being released and reversed.

　--Is this strange 'body art' Glen Walker?　No, Snow?　Oh, I don't know what's going on here!

　Maybe it's because the 'body arts' of the Eltralieu Academy are also mixed in, but I don't know the source of the technique.
　No, the fact that my 'blood' doesn't know about it--maybe it's the 'body art' of another world that doesn't exist in the Confederation.

''-- 《Growth Extendent》!

　This distance and state of affairs, I don't know what to expect.
　I forcefully cast a spell to overturn the situation.
　With strength and speed beyond my limits, I shake off Kanami's arms, kick her in the stomach, and immediately step backwards.

　It was only a few seconds of magic, but the burden presses on his entire body.
　Since I used it in my fight with Snow yesterday, the recoil was tremendous. If possible, 《Growth Extendent》 is a hand that I don't want to cut even if I'm in perfect physical condition.

　The distance is separated and Dia's magic pours down again.
　And Kanami is stranded and unable to chase me.

　We made it back to our starting point again.
　Many techniques were exchanged, but in the end we were back to square one.

'--I'm mga, mamo, ru ....... Absolutely .......

　And at the start of it, Kanami muttered.

'I'll protect you--, ah-ha, -- haha, ah-hahahaha!

　He wobbles, laughing.
　I feel like I'm about to fall over.
　There's no doubt that I'm over the limit. I haven't even been able to concoct a good amount of magic.

　Even if you can use it, it will only trigger a simple elementary level of magic after the pain of vomiting blood.

　And yet, I can't win.

　Kanami doesn't use dimensional magic, which is her specialty.
　On the contrary, the current Kanami - it's possible that he's not thinking about anything.
　The only thing she thinks about is "protecting". Other than that, there is zero thought, everything is just a reflexive decision. She only uses the techniques she has learned from watching in this world, one after the other, at random. He doesn't think about anything trivial, he just uses them in the proper way--

　And yet, it's not weak.

''What is this ....... Could it be that Kanami, who doesn't rely on dimensional magic and doesn't think of anything else, is stronger ......?

　I break out in a cold sweat.

　Normally, when my ability to think is reduced, I become weak. It's normal. However, this abnormal boy is not normal.

　When Kanami has time to think, he thinks about unnecessary things. If he has a large amount of MP, he will waste it. He gives up his abilities for some reason or another. As a result, she wastes her kinetic vision and reflexes. Because of his gentle nature, he always cares about his enemies. His perfectionism gets in the way and he becomes negative at the slightest thing. And many, many more - and many, many more - and many more.

　Right now Kanami is in a state without all those vices.
　Just because she can't use magic doesn't seem to mean she can't think in terms of negative fixes.

'...... Dear, let's get serious. Shoot your magic with the intention of turning your limbs into charcoal.

　I instruct Dia in the rear.

'La, Rastiala ......, are you sure you're serious ......?'
It's too dangerous. Its power is as short as a knife, but it definitely has the power to kill us. Its sharpness cannot be compared to Snow's ....... We've lost our physical strength, magic, thinking, and judgment, but it's still bad enough ......!
...... quintessential 'Christ'. Okay, I'm going to crush a limb or two ......!
If you see an opportunity, do it for me.
"...... Copy that.

　Then I heard the wolf cries of criticism behind me. But I ignore it.
　If I insist on my safety here, what I can win will not be able to win.

　At worst, even if I'm half killed, as long as Dia is safe, I'll be cured.
　This battle must be won.
　Even if it cost me dearly--!

Let's go!　Kanami, Dia, Sera!

　He announced to all of them and ran off.

　At that moment, Kanami was holding the bow with the dexterity of her frozen hands.
　Then she nets her arrows quickly and gracefully and fires in rapid succession.

　It's just like me at the festival one day. Nostalgic.
　But that nostalgia also deepens my resolve.

　-- a determination to save Kanami alone, even if it costs me my life.

　The aim of the bow is accurate, but there's no such thing as an effect with that much flying gear now.
　As I run, I turn my body to avoid the arrow.
　The arrow passes by, and instead, Dia's 《Flame Arrow》 returns from my back.

　It was a heat ray (laser) with quite a bit of magical power, but Kanami, who had read that initial move, had already finished avoiding it. Passing past Kanami's back, the laser made a hole in the ward and also melted the wall behind it.

　A good amount of force. The strength of the warding is predicted and it is an effective 《Flame Arrow》 for Kanami while minimizing the damage to the surroundings. He didn't disciple the 'one who steals the reason for fire' Arti's disciples in Date.

　Avoiding the laser, Kanami discards his bow and takes out his love sword from the empty space.

　Once again, sword and sword cross each other.
　This touch is the 'swordsmanship' of the Alais family. The sophisticated swordsmanship is defended with the sophisticated swordsmanship technique as well. It's the same "swordsmanship", but the physical specs are higher than this one. And yet, for some reason I was losing the competition.

　Kanami's 'swordsmanship' was clearly superior to Swords Saint Fenrir.
　It's definitely the work of Guardian Rowen. That surpassed the modern swordsmiths in Yuu. The same is true for Kanami, who has seen it next to her.

　A monster-like sword flash repeatedly passes through a single piece of skin.
　My skin is already smeared with cuts.
　Earlier, my ears were almost scraped off.
　A dizzying few seconds pass, and Dia's support is released.

''-- 《Divine Arrow Shine Rain》!

　Arrows of light rained down from the sky.
　Even though it's called cover, the aim is close to indiscriminate.
　Kanami sees it with her eyes and tries to avoid it. The glowing arrows look difficult to see. I can see that Dia is also thinking a lot in the rear.

　Seeing that Kanami has gone on the defensive, I cast a spell.

　I need to decide the game as quickly as possible.
　So, in my mind, I swear to myself that I will.

　--I'm going to save Kanami. Never.

　If I don't (・・・・), Kanami will not be rewarded (・・・・・) for saving me (・・・・・・・・・).

　Kanami saved me from being such an idiot.
　But for saving me, Kanami got caught by Palinkron. Maria, too.
　Then, if I don't risk my life here to save him, I don't know what he saved me for.

　There will be no face to meet with Kanami, who has recovered his memory.
　So--!

Growth Extendent!

　Life is being whittled away by magical construction beyond its limits.
　Your body becomes hotter than the fire, and the last fibers of your muscles exert the last of their power.

　It's a sensation I haven't felt in a long time.
　In the past, the magic was invoked by the blessing to counteract the fear. But now, I'm activating it with determination and an oath. I'm happy about that.

　For Kanami, who changed me so, I will fight and win--!

　I finished building my full strength enhancement magic.
　Kanami looks away from it coldly.

　I guess she thinks it's another dumb power push.
　With a big smile on my face, I swing my fist with all my might - towards the ground.

　The man-made earth shatters.
　I had grasped the firmness of the ground in the match with Snow.
　If it were me now, I could make a hole in the ship with my bare hands.

　The scaffolding collapses, and rocks in a wide variety of shapes jump up against gravity.

　Arrows of light fell from above to below, and rocks fell from below to above.
　Even the quintessential Kanami would not be able to grasp it all - I thought.

　But here, Kanami's power increases even more.
　Even though I couldn't clearly see it, Kanami was meditating (・・・・・) and dodging it all. She didn't even snatch it while moving with her sixth sense.

　Seeing that movement, he decided again to settle it all in this one moment. Perhaps the longer it goes on, the more powerful Kanami will become. I have a feeling that it will.

　I'll put everything on the line in an instant - and I'll run--.

　They used the rocks in the air as a foothold and attacked Kanami.

　They were both in the air.
　If it's here, then the "swordsmanship" is meaningless. It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to find a foothold. You can't exert your power in the air.

　It's a good idea to have a good time with your friends.
　And I should have a huge advantage in physical ability alone.
　I was prepared to slash at Kanami with a desperate resolve.

　--A momentary battle begins in the air.

　We slash and slash at each other, and fresh blood dances. Still, I continued to slam my sword into Kanami.
　Finally, the sword in Kanami's right hand flips off. I smiled and tried to swing the sword in return, but I suddenly lost my stance.
　With her broken left hand, Kanami grabbed my long hair, which was spread out around her, and tugged at it. Apparently, that freeze was something that could be released at will. There was no sword glued to my hand.

　I felt a strange irritation. I'm not sure what it was. But I immediately decided that this was not the time to be obsessed with my hair, and used my own sword to cut off my hair from near the base. Now he won't be grabbed anymore.

　However, there were many gaps in that action in the offense and defense that couldn't allow for even a moment of carelessness.
　Kanami's kick hits my wrist, causing me to drop my sword.

　It doesn't matter.
　It's not the killing ability that matters.
　I stay close to Kanami, handless, and grab both of her shoulders.
　In contrast, Kanami grabs my neck with her right hand.

　Then Kanami and I fall out of the air.

　My throat is crushed by Kanami's grip. Instead, I earn the right to free Kanami's body.
　With all my strength, I slam Kanami to the ground.

''--Gggghhhh!

　I land on top of Kanami, who is splitting the ground and moaning in a large figure, and take up the mounting position.

　Immediately, I drop my fist on Kanami's face.
　There is no way to resist, and with a chattering sound, Kanami's face is transformed.

　However, Kanami was grabbing my 'bangles' with her right hand, even though she was covered in blood. It's probably an action that bets on a small chance of victory. I believe that if you destroy the bracelet, the game will be over. But that is my greatest opportunity to win.

　It doesn't matter to me what the bracelet is. It doesn't matter how the game is played.
　The goal is to destroy Kanami's bracelet. Even if it is broken, I have no intention of stopping. If you are able to destroy Kanami's bracelet in exchange for my bracelet, then I've won.

''Aaaaahhhhh--!

　Kanami roared.
　Then, she put all her strength into her right hand and grabbed my bracelet, breaking it even though her muscles were torn.
　At the same time, my final blow is also delivered to the bracelet on Kanami's left arm.

　There is a roaring sound as everything breaks and everything is settled.

　My bracelet is shattered by the phenomenal grip. Fragments danced and Kanami laughed. However, Kanami's bracelet is the same. The entire left arm was crushed, shattered and shattered.

　Kanami slowly turns her eyes to the broken arm - to the broken 'bangles'.
　Her triumphant laughter twitches and turns into an expression of despair.

''Ah, aaah......, aaah......!

　He lost what he was trying to protect.
　At that moment, Kanami's heart was completely broken.
　At the same time, the purple magic disappeared.

　My 'Pseudo-God's Eye' senses the disappearance of the magic that was binding Kanami.
　The mental anomaly remains, but it won't get any worse.

　Finally, I was able to destroy the source of all the plagues.

　Confirming this, I thrust my right hand up to the sky and shout with glee.

'Well!　I've won, palin-clonk!

　My throat was crushed and turned into an inarticulate roar.
　Yet I still claim victory.

　The 'Dance Competition' is nothing more than a stage.
　I don't care about the semifinals.
　Snow and the Guardian are out of my mind now.

　There is only one thing that occupies my mind: joy.

　Finally, I've won my battle.
　I have won the long, hard battle from the night of the Nativity until today.

　The moment I regained my 'hero' that was taken away from me at the Nativity.

　My story.
　I certainly felt the moment when that opening chapter ended and a chapter began.