"-- 'I'm leaving the world (you) behind,'


　I'm not going to be able to get it right, but I'm not a wizard, I'm a swordsman.
　The magic power in his body is not moving at all.

　However, the air around Rowen becomes distorted.
　It pulsates the world with a thumping motion, moving the surrounding crystals away from her as if they were spreading ripples.

　It's as if he's rewriting the laws of the world.
　As if we are committing a horrible sin.
　The sense of breaking the taboo is palpable.

　Thanks to "Sensation," we get a glimpse of what that feeling is.
　This is the 'chanting' that violates the source of the world.
　It is as if it is stealing the "reason" of the world, distorting the world itself.

　And the 'cost' of that 'chanting' - perhaps the life of Rowen itself.

' -- 'It was the world (you) that rejected it first' -- 'So I'll live with the sword (the vine)' --'

　Beyond the fight with Arti, I had a better understanding of 'chanting'.

　That's why I understand.
　I can understand.
　The technique that will be performed from now on is also the very life of Rowen.

　Perhaps this is the innermost part of the arête.
　The final technique of the swordsman Rowen.
　The realm that all swordsmen strive for and will reach their end.
　A single swing of a sword, wielded in the most ideal way.
　That's all there is to it.

　--The sword rushes.


...magic, a flash of the wraith.


　The moment I heard those words, the last sword was finished forming.

　The last thing my eyes caught was the moment when Rowen's right arm, which held the sword, disappeared.
　Exactly, as if gutting into another dimension, his flash disappeared from the world.

　That is to say, it became an unrecognizable flash that cannot be seen, not even a flash of light.

　I knew something similar to this phenomenon.
　Rowen's sword that disappeared into another dimension. It was just like when I got my hands on my 'possessions'. No, that's not accurate. 'Sensation' instinctively tells me the appropriate answer.

　Rowen used 'dimensional magic', albeit to a limited extent.
　She didn't even use magic, just her own physical skills.

　And being caught up in that magic, I recall 'unremembered memories'.

　--I'm not going to be able to get a good idea of what to expect when I see it. --because I'd seen it -- that the young man had come to the end of his training -- so I couldn't not invite him. -- even though he knew it would lead to the young man's destruction -- he had no choice but to corrupt the red-haired young man into 'the one who steals the reason of the earth' -- a mixture of resignation and sorrow. The end of a long-lasting emotion - a grazed, distant memory

　Memories flashed through my mind like a runner - but I quickly forgot them all.

　Because I am not the owner of that memory (・・・・・・・) (・・・・・・・・・).
　Hence, it fades away cleanly, as if it had never existed in the beginning.

　But the memory of that moment forces me to take the best defensive stance.
　The experience made my body move unconsciously.
　Before I knew it, my body moved, and before I knew it, it was all over.

　The inevitable sword flicked off my sword, and the 'Crescent Pectrazi's Straight Sword' was flying through the air.

　There was no opening for me.
　Even if it was only a billionth of a second, I didn't want to miss it, so I focused all my attention and prepared for the attack.
　However, Rowen's strike snatched the sword from my hand as if to mock my resolve.

''............!

　He couldn't even recognize what had happened.

　That would be the best way to surpass the swordsman Aikawa Uzumi.
　If he couldn't see it, he couldn't even learn it, because if he couldn't see it, he couldn't even learn it.

　The sword hovered in the air and pierced the ground, which was laden with crystals.
　That was the moment when the 'drop of a weapon' was the decisive moment in the battle between swordsmen.

　After a moment of silence as if time had stopped, the audience, realizing that my sword had been flicked, cheered.
　The MC, who was watching the match from outside the ward, shouts out.

''--Ke, is it settled!　Just when you think you're about to see the best of sword fighting, the arena unfolds in a world more fantastical than magic!　And at the end of the intersection of light and light, just when I thought there was a break for a breath, Kanami's sword was popped off!

　I was more surprised than anyone else.
　Rowen did indeed say 'magic'.

'I-I mean, that was--'
It's my magic. ...... I'm not saying you can't use your magic. I'm sure I don't like it.
'Now that's magic ......?　Really ......?

　The magic power was not being operated at all.
　There was no doubt about that.

　In other words, the operation of the body alone was enough to attract that result.
　That is impossible in the laws of this world - the 'reason' of the world.

I'm not going to be able to say that I'm not going to be able to do anything about it. I'm sorry to call this magic. But since the founder of magic said it was 'magic', I have no choice but to admit it.

　That was a completely different thing from the 'magic' I learned in this world.

　Even though this world ignores the physical laws of my world, it is certain that magic is built according to certain laws.
　Among them is the premise that 'magic is constructed using magic power'.

　This was the moment when that assumption was overturned.

　Rowen had paid a 'price' for 'chanting'.
　Could it be that as long as there is that 'price', there is no need for magic power?
　No, was magic power the substitute for the 'price'?

　It's in the middle of a game, and I'm pondering.
　And even though it's my opponent, I ask him honestly.

'How in the world can ......, without magic power?'
This is the skill of simply swinging the sword as the skill 'senses' and as the trained body indicates. This is the end of the swordsman's journey. --It is the end of the sword.

　Rowen explains proudly, dressed up and proudly.
　I just can't understand the words he's saying, but I can't understand what he's saying.

　Maybe Rowen herself doesn't understand exactly what magic is now. It's possible that, as the words say, he thinks it's just a matter of "I could have done it if I tried hard enough".

　I give up trying to hear it out and stare at it.

...... Rowen. You didn't tell me that in the labyrinth, did you?

　For now, I blame him as a friend for the fact that there were other techniques in the depths.

'No, I didn't teach you anything, it's just a fast sword swinging technique. I taught you the basic kata of Yokonagi, didn't I?　Anyone can do it if they want to. I wasn't hiding anything.
'Yes ....... But you were going to surprise me in the final, weren't you?
U......, that's not denied. ......

　Rowen's proud chest deflated and she looked away.

　As usual, she was needlessly sincere and childlike.
　In the first place, it's normal to at least hide the inner secrets of the school. A school's innermost secrets could be as much of a spirit as a single child, but Rowen is in a hurry.

''I was just kidding. But now it looks like I'm losing the sword competition: ....... It was a brilliant swordfight ....... Rowen won the battle .......

　Admitting defeat, I pretend to be disappointed and give up the title.

"...... It can't be helped. 'Sword Sage' is fine as Rowen's title.
Haha, you don't even want that title. Yeah, right.

　Rowen laughs at that.
　Then they praise each other for the end of the first run of the final.

　That's the end of the prep work for now.
　I scream as if I'm letting everything in my lungs out to reach the entire hall.

It's settled for now!　I will concede defeat in Arms Drop!　In a match of swords, Aikawa Uzumi is no match for Rowen Alais!　Rowen here is truly the greatest swordsman on the entire continent!

　The crowd was buzzing when they heard this.
　Most of the spectators came to see the moment when I, the "hero", surpassed Rowen to become the "Swordsman" and the "Strongest". And yet, they are not happy with the fact that he wants to let go of his title so easily.

　But since I am the one who approved it, no one can complain about it.

　Gradually, I began to be accepted, and little by little, people began to whisper that Rowen was the 'Sword Saint'.
　There are rumors that she is a monster, but I know that her sword skills are being recognized.

　Those who have nibbled on a sword praise Rowen as a swordsman. Those who explore the labyrinth for a living are excited to have Rowen in their party. Even the powers that be say that they have to admit that Rowen is the most powerful swordsman in the world.

　Little by little - really little by little - the word 'Rowen' is added to the cheers.

　And finally, the repeated shouting of 'Rowen' winds up coming from somewhere else. As if it was contagious, it spread throughout the entire auditorium, and gradually the entire arena united in praise of "Swordsman Rowen".

　The cheers that poured down.
　All the cheers poured down on Rowen.

　The final of the tournament.
　A mountain of applause is given to the "Swordsman" for eliminating the best challenger.

　The scene could only be called "glorious.
　Now, Rowen's wish had been fulfilled.

　Born into the House of Alais, she became the head of a noble family and fought her way through her days as fate would have it.
　The journey to a place that no one can reach, the journey to find what you deserve because you have become the strongest swordsman in the world.
　This is the moment when he arrived at the end of that journey.

　However, while receiving that 'glory' all over, Rowen was still the same as usual.
　She even seemed a little sad.

　Rowen laughs serenely, then evasively, and finally lets out a bitter laugh.

'--...... I knew it wasn't this one.
Oh, no. Rowen.

　I knew it.
　The truth that Rowen herself was on the verge of reaching.
　I pointed it out to her, and she admitted it.

　And there's no excuse for it now.
　Rowen didn't want the glory.
　The only person who wanted that was Rowen.
　It was never Rowen's own wish.

"Then what do I really want? Tell me, Kanami.

　Rowen asks me with a serious look on her face.
　That question is the essence of this battle.
　I answer with the same expression on my face as Rowen does.

"Let's continue. The answer lies ahead.

　I still can't put it into words.
　Hence, I urge them to continue fighting.

'Down the road or ....... All right, Kanami. Then let's continue. The next time is the real 'deathmatch'.

　Me and Rowen drown out the harmonious atmosphere and glare at each other in a flash.

''Sure, we're still no match for you in a sword competition ....... But the match isn't over yet. I'm still not defeated .......
Yeah, you're right. Take it easy, Kanami. Fight with everything you've got. That's why the fight will be so exciting, right?
I'll do my best. I'm not a swordsman or a hero. I will show you my true strength as Aikawa Uzumi, a labyrinth explorer.
'Then I will respond. As Rowen the Swordsman, I will do my best.

　Rowen regrips her sword and fills her body with sharpness.
　I don't even look at the flicked sword and focus all my attention on the magic of the body.

　The host, who saw the scene, announces to the audience.

''--Well, it seems that the match is continuing!　I did decide that the rule was 'deathmatch', so there's nothing wrong with that!　Kanami has admitted to losing the sword master-disciple match, but not the fight!　Kanami-san became famous as an 'Epic Seeker' guild master not because of his sword, but because of his freezing and sensing magic powers!　Which means he's not in his element yet!　Now, will 'Kanami the Hero' be able to surpass 'Sword Saint Rowen'!

　The audience gets more excited by the host's declaration.
　Our "heroes" have a long way to go, and it changes from Loewen Cole to Kanami Cole.

　I chuckle at the lack of moderation.
　I don't want this kind of glory either.
　I don't want to be their "hero" at all.

　So I give them an evil look that doesn't look like a knight or a swordsman, much less a 'hero'.

I'm not going to be able to get it right. It's my specialty--

　I build my magic with my hands in the air.
　I've pushed the audience's voice out of my thoughts.

　How do I beat Rowen in front of me?
　That's all I can think about.

"Magic Freeze--

　Then, the magic power of his body was converted into cold air.
　The cold air that leaks out crawls across the white stained ground and lowers the temperature in the arena.

　A visibly dense magical power swirls around me.
　My breath turns white, and the world gradually changes to winter.

　I take out a large cloak, not a sword, from my 'belongings'.
　I wrap myself in that stubby, dirty cloth.

　I'm no longer a swordsman for all intents and purposes.
　I "display" my status and make a final confirmation.


[Status]
　Name: Aikawa Uzumi HP293/293 MP632/751-100 Class: Searcher
　Level 17.
　Strength 9.72 Strength 10.91 Skill 13.09 Speed 16.72 Wisdom 14.45 Magic 38.17 Elemental 7.00
　State: confusion 7.22　
　Inherent Skill: Swordsmanship 3.12 Ice magic 2.56+1.10
　Acquired skills: body arts 1.55 Dimensional magic 5.23+0.10 Sensory perception 1.82 Parallel thinking 1.45 Knitting 1.07
　? : ??
　??? ?????


　A person with this status would never fight properly.
　A magical force is the quintessence of warfare.

　The ones here are the ones who hunt monsters by any means.
　They aim at the deepest part of the labyrinth.
　Aikawa Uzumi, the searcher.


''-- 'The world of winter will take everything from the wanderer.'


　I 'chant' to my heart's content.

　I freeze the distorted world.