In the lowest level of the Hoozeyer's Castle, Fafner and I face each other.
　The 『Gazing』 definitely shows that he is the one who steals the reason for blood.


[Seventy Guardian] The one who steals the reason for blood.


　The World Tree towers over Fafner's back, and Ragne stands hidden behind me. In addition, the Knights of the Fooziers surround us, standing in a circle and in the distance, watching. It's a little crowded, but I'm going to talk to them as if they're not here.

'--Good to meet you, Fafner. I know I'm missing a lot of memories, but I think we'll get along again.

　I called out the name "Fafner" in a friendly way, expecting a relationship with "The One Who Steals the Reason of the Earth (Rowen)" and "The One Who Steals the Reason of the Wind (Titty)".

'Oh, we'll be good friends again. That's for sure. Yeah, that's for sure. Ah ......--!

　Fafner was pleased with my friendly reply, his body trembling.

　However, although he had a smile on his face, just like me, his eyebrows were bent into a C shape. Then he turned his face down to hide that gradually crumbling smile. The body didn't stop trembling and bounced its shoulders repeatedly to endure the sobs - and finally a drop of water fell from the face that was turned down.

''What, huh ......?　Could it be that you're crying ......?

　I can't help but ask at that excessive and unexpected reaction.

''--Well, sorry. I'm a little impressed. But don't worry about it. It's the usual. You have more questions for me than that, don't you?　I'm having a major memory lapse. Don't be shy, you can ask me as much as you want. Haha.

　Immediately, Fafner looked up and wiped the tears spilling from his red eyes.
　He managed to smile and try to move on with his story.

　I don't know, but maybe it was an emotional reunion worthy of a sob.
　But I'm going to stop regretting what has passed and take Fafner at his word. I will never be able to empathize with his feelings now.

...... Yeah, I get it. ...... So, first of all, can you tell me what you mean by "agent"?　I'd heard that Fafner Helvirshine was 'the one who steals the reason for blood': ......
Oh, I see. Then I guess we should talk to them. ...... Yeah, it's a pain in the ass. It's a real pain in the ass, but it's ......, but that's it.

　A teary-eyed Fafner laughs innocently, like a child.
　He looks really happy to see me. So much so that I can't help but feel sorry for him for not being able to share that joy.

'I said I'm an agent earlier, but there's no problem in thinking that this Fafner Helvishine is the 'one who steals the reason for blood' itself. The fact that he was summoned with my entire body by Nosfi's summoning must mean that. It shouldn't be any different than the other ones.

　Fafner doesn't try to tell me much.
　But he doesn't seem to be hiding anything, and he seems to be making it easy for me to talk about it so that my lack of memory won't confuse me.
　I can sense enough kindness from Fafner to think so.

　I temporarily forget about the agency and decide to expand the conversation on another piece of information. The fact that the enemy at hand has beaten me to the search for the labyrinth.

'I knew Nosfi had called Fafner from the labyrinth: ......
'Yeah, he's really handy, you know. He messed around with the seventy layers with magic and forced me to call out the boss, even though he's on the boss' side. On our side, I'm sure ...... and then you can do the same thing around Ayd and Serdra, right?　I mean, right now, the acclaimed Serdra is in the labyrinth and challenging you.

　I knew when I fought Titi that Nosfi would be playing with the mechanics of the labyrinth.
　Rather, the other names that popped up surprised me.

'Serdra in the labyrinth ......?　As I recall, a man named Serdra was a general under the Lord who ruled for a thousand years ago--
Yeah, that's the one. "The thief of nothingness. Serdra's like me, he's out there because Nosfy called him. But unlike me, he didn't lose to Nosfi, so he does what he wants. Impatient, he just said he was going to wake up Noi, the last remaining person in the labyrinth, and then he disappeared. ...... so I'm sure it's going to be all the rest of them now, right?　Zero-layered Vortex Wave, Sixty-layered Nosfi, Seventy-layered Me, Eighty-layered Serdra, Ninety-layered Noi, and Hundred-layered Yangtaki. They're all here.

　More unfamiliar names pop up.
　However, no matter how much I dig up my memory, I can't remember the name 'Noi'. I've also remembered the lore I've heard from Rastiara and Dea, but it didn't hit the search in my head at all.
　I'm sure you'll be able to see the troubled expression on my face and Fafner will be able to guess.

...... Oh, you don't understand Noi. Okay, I'll explain it to you.

　And Fafner doesn't leave anything out at all.
　I thought he was too light-mouthed compared to the other 'stealers of reason', but now I'm grateful for his lightness of speech.

'Noi El Rebel rules are the 'stealers of dimensional reason',' he said. Yeah, not the Vortex Wave thing, but the predecessor (・・・・・・). That's the one to put it more plainly. That's what the apostles call Our Lord. I heard he actually lives in the deepest part of the city, but you can call him from the ninetyth layer. No, I don't know how it happened, but a thousand years ago Utsuwa made it that way. Maybe there's some 'reason' why you wanted to meet with Noi before Yotaki, right?
...... The name of the Lord of the Apostles is Noi.

　Unexpectedly, I recognize the name. And it seems that its master is the same as me, 'the one who steals the reason for the dimension'.
　I'm not going to be able to say that it's only because I'm good at magic, but it's definitely not just that.
　I'm not going to be able to say that I'm not the only one.

'In person, Serdra will bring Noi to me. Maybe it's forced. Even ...... Noi shouldn't be able to beat Serdra.

　Fafner seems to think that Serdra is stronger than Noi, the Lord of the Apostles.

　Naturally, I thought that the existence waiting in the deepest part of the world was the 'strongest', but it seems not so. When I, a thousand years ago, can drag the Lord of the Apostles from the deepest part of the world to the ninety layers, there is something wrong with the power relationship.

　Whatever the case, I just knew that we had to hurry up with the story.
　Even just because of Nosfi, the situation in the Great Holy City is complicated, but if Serdra and Noi show up there, it would be more than troublesome.

　The story I heard from Apostle Sith - the story of 'saving the world' is likely to be interrupted.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to get rid of the 'demon poison' that is spreading, but for me, waking up my sister is more important than the method of eliminating the 'demon poison' that is spreading.

...... Hey, hey, Uzumi. Can I have a word?

　As I was examining the information I got on my own, Fafner tends to ask me hesitantly.
　I've been the only one listening for a long time, but it seems that the other side had something they wanted to ask too.

　It's only natural. Now the world is a thousand years later. Many things have changed. Feeling bad for just asking, I nodded back "of course" and urged Fafner to ask a question.

　Then, Fafner seems really apologetic - as if his attitude from earlier as if he were a casual best friend is a lie - and asks very weakly.

"...... Well, you know. ...... Don't you like being called 'Lord' by me again this time?　I guess it wouldn't be a bad idea to call it 'The Great Messiah (Magna Messiah)' like when we met: ......
What?　Messiah: ......?

　The difference in demeanor bothered me, but more than that, the grandiose language surprised me.
　It's safe to say that I was taken aback.
　Just when I didn't want to talk about 'saving the world' in my head right now, I'm about to be called the 'Messiah'. Naturally, I can't nod my head to that.

'Well, sorry ....... Would a more friend-like relationship be better for me?　I've heard you've been a squire before, but this time I'm asking you to be casual.
...... Oh, yeah. That's right. ...... Yeah. We're 'friends'. Fafner Helvirshine is 'friends' with Vortex Wave. ......

　Fafner was visibly disappointed, almost to the point of breaking his knees at any moment.

　His overly clear expression of emotion gives us a glimpse of his inner thoughts.
　At the same time, the questions are never-ending.

　If you ask those questions, the Fafner in front of you will surely answer them. But I also feel that it's not something you can ask casually. It's because Fafner will answer anything to me that I feel it's dangerous to ask him anything.

''Ha, ha!　Okay, let's stop wasting time and get down to business!　It says in some scripture. --Deuteronomy 12:2, 'Keep the time that is limited. Your laziness will harm all people'. Time is precious, you know.

　Hating the damp air, Fafner forced another smile to brighten his face.
　And he even called his earlier request useless.

　I don't over-stimulate him too much, and I continue to talk, thinking it's better to accomplish my objective as soon as possible.

I'm not going to be able to tell you what the purpose of ...... is for coming to 'The World Tree' quickly. I came to see Apostle Diprakra to help Yotaki. Somehow, I would like to lend his knowledge.
Of course. But he's got me standing in the way of his manipulation. ...... Now what do we do?
'He wants to free you from Nosfi's magic first. I don't want to play into any of Nosfy's ideas.
"...... It's not going to be easy, is it?　My rules (traumas) were uncovered thanks to Maria, but none of them are too much trouble.
'I'm ready. I haven't met a single 'reason-stealing thing' I've met to date that was easy for me. ......
'...... Oh, right. Until today, Uzumi is ...... with those guys. So, it's finally my turn .......

　Of course, Fafner, who is 'the one who steals the truth of blood', also has 'unfinished business'.
　It's always there. And it's a complicated and difficult question just like everyone else's.

　When I think back to the "battles" of the "reason-stealers" as I spoke, Fafner seems to have sensed the hardships we've gone through until today.
　He smiled and nodded with a sullen look.

　Now, a thousand years later, it's safe to say that Fafner's remorse will finally disappear.
　I thought that the meaning of that smile that emerged was that he was happy that the time had come for his wish to be fulfilled - or so I thought. But it was as if he was misguided.

''--Kukkuk!　Huh, hahahaha!　Difficult (・・・・), vortex waves (...)!

　Fafner couldn't hold back his laughter and called my name very happily.
　At this point in time, he shouted my name (Kanami) and not his (Fafner).
　It's easy to see that he doesn't care about his own 'unresolved issues' and is only thinking about me.

'Kuhaha!　Good hardship, as always!　Hardship is good, it makes people grow!　When we get through this hardship, we'll be strong again!　Another step closer!　Oh, that's really good!
Fah, Fafner: ......?

　Fafner's voice volume suddenly jumped up.
　I was puzzled by the sudden increase in tension.

　However, there was an omen from earlier.
　Even though Fafner called it a hassle with his mouth, he was somewhat pleased with this situation. Like a believer who is grateful for the trials imposed by God, he is truly happy about all the troublesome things.

''Vortex waves!　I'll show you how to unlock Nosfi's magic now!　It's very clear what its weaknesses are!　Surely I'm trapped in a messy trauma (rule) because of Nosfi!　If you try to disarm the spell, I will definitely fight back on my own!　But don't worry!　One hit of Uzumi's signature magic, Distance Mute, and you're done!　That's all it takes to free me and liberate Diprakra!　It's like a mock battle!　Let's take it easy!

　And with that tension, his whole body was filled with the will to fight.
　As Maria had told me, he easily told me his weaknesses, but it wasn't planned for Fafner to be motivated like this.

　Fortunately, perhaps thanks to the rule of 'Don't leave the World Tree', he doesn't come close to us.

　However, even now, he is starting to prepare to fight. Fafner lightly rotates his shoulders as he calls out to Ragne and the knights behind me.

''Everyone around you can move away for a moment, ......?　Haha, maybe it's the crowd around me, but I'm motivated!　Come on, Vortex Wave!　I can't wait to show you.　The power we had a thousand years ago!
'Well, wait, Fafner: ......!　You're going to do it now: ......!
'Vortex wave, there's nothing to worry about. You don't have to worry about anything, Uzumi. I value Uzumi's body more than anyone else, and I won't let him get injured. In other words, you can attack me as much as you like while I'm defending myself!　That's enough trouble, though!　Hahaha!

　As he spoke, Fafner's full of battle spirit was being transformed into magical power.
　A fresh mixture of red and black magic fills the underground space, swirling around like milk dripped into coffee.

　Magic power is released endlessly from the vessel called "the one that steals the truth of blood".
　Along with that, the color of Fafner's body - fades (...).

　The black hair, red eyes, and white skin all fall away (...) and become transparent.
　Not only the legs, but the whole body becomes transparent like a ghost, and you can completely see the other side of the body.

　Fafner, who is turning into a ghost, happily talks about his power.

''- I am the guardian of the seventy layers (guardians). In other words, there are almost no restrictions on my powers. This is the heyday of the combat-specific 'Stealers of Reason', which is different from auxiliary specialization like Nosfi's. Above all, the 'blood' that has been flowing on the continent for the past thousand years has strengthened me again. -- Even though it's a vortex wave, please be lightly careful.

　With a snap, Fafner stomped on the ground. Then, a bright red liquid gushed out of the ground under his feet in a slurry.

　Seeing the liquid climbing with the force of a fountain, I intuitively knew that Fafner was 'pumping blood from the earth'.

　His transparent body catches that blood. Fafner, who had lost his color, turns bright red for a moment and becomes a different person, as if he had redone the coloring book.

　The hair that was black becomes dark brown, the eyes that were red become azure, and the skin that was white becomes brown - the race has completely changed, and it seems as if the person's appearance has also changed without thinking.

''--Fresh blood magic, "Two Hundred and Fourteen Years (Valt Front) South (...) West Liberation Front (Seek Second).
　Come on, Vortex Wave. Let's overcome this hardship together with me. ......!

　Then he was told the name of his too unique magic, and before he knew it, he had armor in both hands.
　In his right hand, a short-handed sword with a short handle. In his left hand, a small shield of the type attached to the back of his hand. Both were composed of bright red blood.
　Furthermore, the undulating red magic power had taken the form of light armor. Combined with the old scars carved on its cheeks, it now finally looked like a knight of the past.

　The fully armed Fafner looks ready to go, and continues to beckon to me from a little distance, "Come on, come on, come on". Naturally, I don't want to go near it.

"...... Sorry, Fafner. It's just reconnaissance today, so ...... another time?

　I felt guilty as if I had to take a long look at the art on the street and not give a twist. Sorry to be shown quite a bit of direction, but I try to politely decline.

'Hmm, hmm ......?　Just reconnaissance today: ......, eh?

　Fafner rolls his eyes in a big way. Then he understands the meaning of my words and raises his voice.

''You said you came to see Diprakra earlier!
'The objective is yes, but ......, I'm in no hurry to get to ....... As long as I don't get close to the World Tree, you can't do anything over there, right?　So, do you think we should just gather information carefully?

　I tell the premature Fafner my policy this time.
　The idea was unexpected, and he tries to hold me back, looking terribly flustered. But because of the 'don't leave the World Tree' rule, I haven't moved an inch.

No, no, no, no!　You're going to leave today like this!　Wait for me!　Just a little bit!　I won't let you get hurt!　I've been waiting a long time for this!　I wish Whirlpool Wave would come to my rescue!　I've been waiting for this for a long time!
If we're going to fight, I think we should all surround ourselves with people to fight (and) ......
'Does everyone mean you can cross Maria and the others too ......?　You can't do that!　If that happens, I'm under orders to 'keep the World Tree sealed' and I'm going to take the appropriate steps!　It's best for Uzumi to fight me alone here!　Me and Uzumi's--just the two of us!

　Fafner is desperate to make the case that fighting here and now is the best solution.

　He doesn't seem to be telling a lie.
　Even Maria, who has the ability to see into the nature of people, said that Fafner would tell me everything honestly. Really, it would be the right thing for me and Fafner to fight one on one without anyone else in the room.

'...... Hey, hey, not many trials are this good, huh?　You want to save that waterfall, right?　You're my brother, and you decided to help instead!　Do you really think that's going to help?　If it's a little dangerous, you can't just go the long way!　There's more and more awful hardship ahead!　There's nothing you can get unless you're brave enough to try!　What are you going to do when you shy away from this place!　If you break through me now, you'll be reunited with that know-it-all apostle!　Well, then, we've got to do it here and now, don't we!　

　The words were like a breeze compared to Nosfi's agitation. I was going to silently take in all of Fafner's words and then gently decline them. I didn't want to disrupt my original plan and tell my companions waiting in the underground mansion what I'd heard today.

　But before I do, I look.

'...... huh?'
'Hey, hey, Uzumami ....... Please ......!　Or else I'd be!　I'm ......!!!

　Fafner had tears in the corners of his eyes again.
　He looks like a child who has been rejected by a friend and is now begging to cry, like a child who has been rejected by a friend. My heart was not going to budge no matter what kind of agitation I received, but it was greatly shaken.

'I've been waiting for this all along!　In a place like this we both keep waiting and waiting and waiting ......!　But that guy couldn't make it!　It's just me and those guys alone here anymore: ......!　So I went to ......--

　The next thing you know, what Fafner is saying becomes more and more incoherent.
　If you look closely, you can see that his tear-filled eyes are unfocused. He is mumbling and muttering, his gaze darting back and forth between the air and the ground as if he is chasing something.

　It's abnormal.
　I know I'm shocked and confused. ...... I can understand, but this abomination is too unusual for me to pretend to leave for a moment.

　I'm not sure if I've stepped on his taboo without realizing it.
　This is too abrupt. The unsteadiness of his mind makes me gasp and I lose the words to reply.

'Kanami's brother!　Underfoot!

　At that moment, Ragne's voice flew from behind me.

　I, who had been staring at Fafner's face, lower my gaze as I was told.
　I see that the ground, which had been ochre, has turned a pale shade of red. When I take a step back, I hear a sound as if I had stepped on a puddle of water with a tinkle.

　Blood is oozing from the ground. And, little by little, the water level of that blood was rising. A shallow pool of blood that spread out across the ground, bubbling as if it was boiling, was swelling up.

　Leaving the magical control of the "Stealer of Blood's Reason (Fafner)", the blood that had been pooling at the lowest level is running out of control. ......?

　Immediately I anticipate the worst and speak behind me while pulling out the 'Treasure Sword of the Alais Family Lowen' from my 'belongings'.

''...... Lagne-chan. If anything happens to me, do your best to let everyone know.
'What ......?　Are you going to keep up with this thing?　Oh, no. Can we stop?　Like Kanami's brother said, there's no need to be in a hurry, is there ......?

　I show my will to return fire with my sword, but Ragne disagrees, saying it's not the plan. Rather, she appears to be terrified of Fafner, who is busily going back and forth between emotions.

'No, ...... honestly, I have reasons to be impatient. If possible, I'd like to end Fafner's de-magicalization while there are no other 'reason-stealers' around.

　Now Nosfi is being held back by Maria.
　Serdra and Noi and the like are also in the labyrinth.
　I have a feeling that this might not be the last time I can talk to Fafner alone without being interrupted by anyone.
　As Fafner stirred up earlier, I don't want to take a detour because it's a bit dangerous - and I don't want to get into more danger.

　There's still a reason.
　Honestly, this one is the real deal.

"And I can't leave without Fafner, who I just met and who said ...... that I was his friend. Now Fafner is no stranger to (・・・・・・・・・) (・・・・・・・). I'll try to calm him down somehow: ......!

　Fafner seems to be in more pain than Maria and Nosfi had told me. Most importantly, Fafner now reminds me of me being manipulated in the semi-finals of the Dancing Tournament sometime ago.
　This is the state of 'someone playing with your mind' that I hate the most.

'Ugh, wow. ....... It's out again. That kind of thing about Kanami's brother stinks to me. ......

　However, it seems to be an unconvincing reason from Lagune-chan's point of view. She accuses me of prioritizing compassion with a look of dismay.

''Anyway, I just need a little bit. A mock fight and Fafner says so too, right?
...... The way it looks, you're used to this kind of thing, aren't you? It's a good thing you're not the only one. But I'm a civilian, so I'll be watching from a great distance. I will never help you.

　After a reminder, Ragne took a big step backwards and got on the stairs that came down. She dropped really far back compared to the knights who were still patiently surrounding her.

　The conversation was settled.
　However, even while I was talking to Ragne, the blood level continued to rise.
　Pushing through the pool of blood that had pooled up to a few centimeters high, I called out to her quite strongly.

''Okay, Fafner!　We're going to have a mock battle!　Let's keep it light!

　Fafner, who was staring at nothing and muttering, notices me approaching instead of going back up. The light of sanity returns to my eyes for a bit.

'Ka, Vortex Wave ......?'

　Knowing that I'm going to challenge him, Fafner regains the casualness of being a friend again.

'...... Oh, right!　The quintessential vortex wave!　I knew you'd understand!　Can you accept this hardship!　Haha!

　The flippant knight comes back to answer my questions smoothly as if there was no such thing as an abomination just now. However, the range of fluctuation between when I'm losing my mind and when I'm not is too great, so I don't feel safe at all.

　Fafner's body magic swells up as he watches carelessly.

'Then let's get started now!　Oh, let's both take on The One Who Stole the Reason for Blood!　Naturally, I'll do everything I can to resist!　Let's prove that our passionate bond is as strong as Nosfy's magic!　--Blood Field!

　Fafner deployed magic that filled a wide area, overriding the wards that inhibited the dimensional attribute magic that had been applied to this lowest level.

　Probably, the field was advantageous to blood-attribute magic users. But at the same time, this lifted the ban on my dimensional magic. Fafner guessed that he wanted me to use 《Distance Mute》, so I immediately concocted my dimensional attribute magic and went to fight.

I'm not going to be able to get it done right now. --Distance Mute.
Come on, Vortex Wave!　Like a thousand years ago!

　Fafner spreads his arms, exposing his unprotected body.
　In contrast, I maintain the Distance Mute in my left hand and hold the Treasured Sword of the House of Aleis, Rowen, in my right hand as I sprint over the pool of blood.

　I have one goal.
　Trust Fafner, and only direct hits from the "Distance Mute".

　I run the shortest distance and go to insert my left hand into his heart.
　But just before I do - Fafner swings his red sword down sharply.

　Twisting myself to avoid the blade, I take a closer look at Fafner's condition.
　Now Fafner was planning to take my blow. He never intended to counterattack. No doubt about it. However, his body must have moved against his will.

　It was as if he thought, 'If I lose here, the most important thing in the world will be lost.
　I know that obsession very well. I was in a similar situation when I was brainwashed by the Palinkulon who had obtained the power of the "Stealer of the Darkness".

　At that time, the important thing was the Bracelet, but this time it is the World Tree.
　Because I know that obsession better than anyone else, I won't retreat.

　I'm going to lightly brush off my feet while avoiding the red sword.
　The subfluidic technique is avoided by Fafner with ease, while he comes to hit me in the head with the surface of his small shield.

　The flow of attack from evasion to attack is not stagnant.
　You can see Fafner's rich sense and long practice.

　I find it difficult to ignore the enemy's attack and insert my big move, Distance Mute, and switch my target to the enemy's arm.

''-- Magic, Dimension Decisive Operation (Gradient).

　He activates the lifted Dimension with a momentary strength. Then, he aimed at the gap between Fafner's sword and a series of small shield blows and went to slash the tendon of the enemy's right arm.

　The flash was wielded without a hint of madness.
　It didn't miss the target by an inch - but the blade didn't pass.
　When he slashed at Fafner's brown skin, what came back to his arm felt as if he had struck iron - no, it was even harder than that.

'The skin isn't human ......!

　I was surprised at the hardness of the skin, which wasn't human, and took a wide berth.
　Fafner did not chase me as I retreated. Instead of chasing him, he goes on to explain his own abilities.

''Ah, let me explain. This is the power of my fresh blood magic. By containing the deaths of one war in this body, it has the density of ten thousand people lightly. In addition, I can borrow skills from dead swordsmen, even though I can't use a sword under normal circumstances. ...... hahaha. It's a pretty cumbersome ability, isn't it?　But it has many weaknesses. The basic premise is that this technique is a papier-mâché. It's only borrowed, so you can't use all the techniques (skills) of the dead. It will never be truly impenetrable.

　It even exposes the weaknesses of its abilities one by one.

'This is a magic that can only be used when it is in contact with the ground. I'm activating the magic by listening to the 'voice of the souls that have dissipated into regret' that has sunk into the continent. So if I can somehow get my feet off the ground, the effect of this enhancement magic will be drastically reduced. ...... or even something magical in between, okay?

　As long as I don't approach it, it won't attack me from Fafner.
　I take my time and continue to listen silently to the revelation of that weakness.

'And basically, blood-attribute wizards are vulnerable to light and dark magic. It's a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you're doing. To put it bluntly, it's easy to receive mental interference. That's why I can never beat Tida and Nosfi. It's called chemistry. On the other hand, I'm pretty good at dealing with Arti types. They say their attribute is blood, but they're quite watery.

　Fafner says that it is also his domain to play the pool of blood underfoot with his feet and manipulate the water.

　He talked about his strengths and weaknesses, he also talked about how to utilize his weaknesses, and he also talked about his strategies.
　Exactly like Maria said, it's everything. Right now, Fafner is telling us everything about The One Who Steals the Truth of Blood. Perhaps, believing in the 'Aikawa Uzumi (me)' of a thousand years ago--

'The straightforward method is to weaken them with mental interference and aim for their only kryptonite, the heart. ...... There's another way to attack 'The One Who Steals Blood's Reason'. Now I'm a guardian (Guardian). I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work. By the way, my "task" is to watch Aikawa Uzumi grow up to the end - or is it more accurately "helping Aikawa Uzumi grow up"?　Anyway, I really want to watch your life up close and personal. If I meet those conditions, I'm going to get weaker and weaker, you know?　Haha.

　In the end, he also revealed his own 'unconsciousness'.
　I heard that the 'one who steals the truth of blood' will be weakened if I show my growth, and I think about the truth of that.

　Since I've been obsessed with 'hardship' and 'growth' from earlier, I don't think that 'unconsciousness' is far off. There is a section where Fafner is forcing me to grow, not just himself, but even me.
　Of course, I don't think that's a real 'untried' thing to do, but .......

'My growth in ......--'

　Maybe Fafner wants to see the difference between me and the man I was a thousand years ago.
　If I'm not good enough, that could even be the real deal, rather than getting out of Nosfy's magic.

　I think of the image of the progenitor Kanami from a thousand years ago in my memory.
　A dimensional wizard who hides his face with a mask, his neglected black hair is shaggy and long, and he wears only a single ragged edge. The biggest difference between the current me and the Founder is--

　I release the unfolding dimensional magic.

"Then--!

　And as a swordsman and not a magician, I rely only on 'Swordsmanship' and 'Sensitivity' to sprint again.

　I don't even have a "Distance Mute" for my arm anymore.
　Fafner is surprised by this uncharacteristic move of mine, but he tries to intercept the enemy that tries to approach the world tree.

　I'm guided by the "sword technique" of the Alais style, lowering my body and approaching.
　Then I parry the enemy's red sword and shield attack with the belly of my treasured sword - and get in close.

　At a distance where it's difficult to even swing the sword out, I gently press the sword against Fafner's neck.

　I know that the enemy is hard. But in the 'swordsmanship' of the Alais style, 'techniques to cut enemies harder than iron' are a given. Originally, the swords of Alais are meant for fighting peculiar enemies like Fafner.

　I press the blade of the treasure sword with my free left hand.
　Even if the skin of my palm is lightly torn, it won't be cut off if I don't pull the sword vigorously. Using the strength of both hands to push the sword, I forcefully try to break Fafner's stance.

　Of course, Fafner moves to escape from the sword. However, the difference in skill in "Sword Art" reads all of his every move and controls him ahead of time.

　Fafner's body is pushed down without any recourse, and the treasured sword falls to the ground like a guillotine.

　The treasured sword compresses Fafner's throat and strikes the back of his head at the same time.

'Ggh, ahhh--!　This is--!

　With a moan, I peeled my eyes away with a mild concussion.
　Taking advantage of the opportunity, I activated 《Distance Mute》 and tried to stab him.

''--Bu, 《Blood》!

　But it's a beat too late.
　Inevitably, it takes time to build the big move, Distance Mute.
　In the meantime, Fafner came to himself and used his fast-acting basic magic to manipulate and slide the blood on the ground, shifting his own body slightly to the side to dodge.

　After removing the 《Distance Mute》, I take a distance from the World Tree to redo the partition.

''It's close--!

　I take a breath a little farther away and start thinking about a new strategy.
　It's really nice to be able to take a break like this while fighting the guardians (guardians).

　Slowly, Fafner stands up as he watches me breathe. Then he predicts the source of my movements, which wasn't the case a thousand years ago.

'Yea, now the catching and beating is ...... Lowen Alais?　I know because he's done it a few times. Now that's definitely a technique for me by that guy ....... Why, why is the vortex wave ...... the Aleiss technique?　Maybe ......
'Yeah, Rowen told me about it a while ago. They fought for the sword and I won.

　I don't hide it, but I tell him that I possess the world's best 'swordsmanship' of 'The One Who Steals the Reason of the Earth'.

　Upon hearing this, Fafner's doubts are put to rest.

...... Oh, I knew it was Aleiss!　Ah, aleis!　Aleis Aleis Aleis--!

　Forgetting the fight, he begins to rejoice.
　After repeating Rowen's last name over and over, he finally sticks his red sword into the ground and begins to pray to the heavens with his free hands.

　Of course, when I look up, all I see is a dark hollow. The way he prayed to the darkness with the bright red world tree behind him, it gave me a little nasty goosebumps to watch.

'I knew it. ....... Yeah, I knew how you felt. I believed in you. I trusted you, and that's why I've been giving you a hard time. Haha, now you've been proven right, Areis. ...... A thousand years from now, after your death ......, you'll finally have ......!　Hahaha!

　Along with my prayers, I speak to Rowen, who is not here. I realize that they had a friendship and that Fafner was causing hardship not only to me, but to Rowen as well.

'Oh. Uzumi, I'm sorry. At a time like this, I'm moved to tears by the emotion. ......

　Tears start to spill out of both eyes as he continues to speak to me, perhaps overcome with emotion.
　The tears are not just a light amount that spills down. The amount of tears that could be called a big sobbing fit a waterfall as a metaphor.

　Without wiping those tears, Fafner looks at me with a big smile on his face.
　His eyes are slightly out of focus again. I look at Fafner, who is spilling tears from his empty eyes, but continues to rejoice - I decide that I'm sure of it now.

　I've only met him for a few minutes, but I'm going to make a determination.
　The one who steals the reason for blood, Fafner Helvirshain, is somewhat insane.
　It's not about Nosfi's magic, but Fafner's uncommon madness from the beginning.
　Without a doubt, he is more severely ill than Nosfi in the mansion. I feel the same level of insanity as the early Titi - or even more.
　Perhaps more than any of the 'Stealers of Reason' that I've encountered until now--.

"-- Yeah, you don't have to tell me (・・・・・・), I know. I salute the life of Aleis the Swordsman. And let us pray. It's in some scripture. 5:11, 'If you do not honor every soul, you cannot rest your own soul either.' ......

　Fafner made a motion of flipping through some book, even though he didn't have anything in his hand.

　That's where you feel a strong sense of discomfort.
　The movement is too natural. It's not as if he's moving through a hallucination, but as if the book is really there. When I think about it, when I was looking up in the air earlier, it was as natural as if I was following something with my eyes.

　Like I was seeing something I couldn't see: ....... Or, like I'm hearing something I can't hear ....... There is a lot of movement that makes me think that, from earlier on.

　As I 'watch' sceptically, Fafner stops praying and gives me a determined look.

''Haha, this is no longer ...... a time to say that you want to lose after you get rid of your 'unfinished business' if possible. ...... That Alais gave up her own sword to someone else, ......?　I've got to show you that I'm worthy of Alais' sword, too: ......

　Then he erases the red armor in his hands.
　It has become an empty handed fist and the color of its body appears to have faded a bit.
　However, he has not lost his will to fight. Rather, it is swollen and its magic power is dancing furiously.

''Fafner, what are you saying ......?''
I wasn't ready for this. -- the resolve to disappear without resolving the 'unresolved'. The weaknesses I mentioned earlier aren't my biggest weaknesses to be honest. I'm sorry, Uzuruami. It's a good thing that I don't have any memories, but I've been holding back. There was a spoilage somewhere: ....... I'm not done yet, you know, I'm a guy .......

　It was normal to hide one's worst weaknesses. It wasn't a bad thing, and yet Fafner looked terribly regretful and ashamed.

'I'll show you what the soul of Aleis deserves - now, my true weakness, I'll show you...'

　Fafner stared at the 'Aleis Family's Treasure Sword Lowen' in my right hand and abruptly thrust his right hand into his chest. It goes through my body like my 《Distance Mute》.

　And then I take out what's inside of it.

　It's not a magic stone.
　What was in his hand was a heart that had been torn off.

　I don't know if it's controlling 'blood' or not, fresh fresh blood isn't gushing out. However, there is no doubt that a living heart was taken out of the body. The pulsing, bright red heart is in Fafner's hands.

　As soon as that heart was removed, Fafner's color was completely drained from his body.
　His body, his clothes, his magic power, everything became transparent - he became a ghost.
　The presence of the ghost is so weak that even if you look hard enough, you can't be sure that Fafner is there. It's a weakness that is typical of guardians.

　But I have a hunch that this is the real Fafner.

　This colorless ghost is the essence of Fafner, and the black hair and red eyes I saw when I met him are more like someone else (...)

"-- 'This heart I have dedicated to my Lord, and I have made her heart my tombstone.'

　The moment he feels a presence separate from Fafner, he hears chanting.
　At the same time, the magic power floating in the underground space - not Fafner's colorless magic power, but bright red magic power - gathers in his transparent body.

''--Fresh blood magic [Helmina Neisha]

　A magic name is announced.
　The magic name sounds like someone's (...) name.
　I recall that Rastiala once called fresh blood magic "magic that makes you someone else

　--I now know its true meaning.

　With the gathering of magical power like a blood mist, the figure of a girl begins to appear vaguely behind the transparent Fafner.
　Long black curly hair. Eyes as red as blood. Skin as white as snow. The girl had all the features of the first Fafner. She was a year or so younger than me, and seemed to be smiling serenely with her eyes closed.

　The girl wearing the white clothes that matched Fafner's is now overlapping with Fafner.

　And I can tell.
　It's transmitted.
　I'm struck by the thought.

　Her name is Helmina Neisha.
　Probably the owner of the heart that is now in Fafner's right hand.
　We are forced to understand that she is the real 'one who steals the truth of blood'.

' - " -- 'With my claws in the sky, I scraped through the world (you)' --

　More chanting continues while the girl's figure is transfixed.

　As a dimensional wizard, I realize the 'cost' associated with the chanting.
　Fafner is continuously trying to use unusual magic. Together, we are about to reach the identity of that magic.

　Here, this is ......!
　No way. ......!

"'Look up and be blinding. I will rain blood from the sky that has just split your flesh.'"--

　Now Fafner is composing a life story.
　Perhaps the life of the girl I just saw--

　This is the true "magic" of the guardian.
　The "magic (...)" that embodies life itself is about to be activated by Fafner on behalf of Helmina.

　The pool of blood underfoot begins to surge and a cloud of blood begins to rise in the underground space.
　The world is trembling with the magic that is about to be activated. The magic swells too much, and a screeching sound is heard.

　The seriousness is also too serious.
　This isn't just a mock battle, it's a battle for your life.

''Suddenly ......!　Wait, wait--
Hells Vilmillion Hells

　Before I could stop it, the magic was complete.

　The heart falls from Fafner's palm.
　The heart is transformed by the magic of "The One Who Steals the Reason for Blood" as it falls. To be precise, the blood spreading on the ground rises and coats (coats) the heart as if it were absorbed by the heart.

　Then the heart turned into a cross.
　One bright red, thin cross, over-carved and thin - erected in a pool of blood.
　Facing the cross, which looks like a tombstone, Fafner replies.

The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that you have to be careful about what you say," said Fafner. "Magic (...) is there to make everyone happy. We (...) will never threaten Uzuruha's life. I'm the only one who'll risk my life. This is the core of me, the monster in Ghost - my core. When I shatter it, I'm done. I can end it whenever I want: ......

　He told me that this was his true weakness.
　That now vanishing, transparent face twisted into a contorted look, as if she were about to cry again - but somewhat happily.