'--Good morning. Brother.

　I wake up as one milestone ends.

　The usual cold sensation and the usual gentle voice of Yotaki had brought me back in a thousand years.

　My eyes widen and I raise myself from the bed at the example inn. In front of me, Yotaki, who had been shaking my shoulder, is staring into my eyes.
　Even though a thousand years have passed, we siblings still exchange the same greetings to each other.

"Ah, good morning ....... Yotaki.

　She smiles at Yotaki.
　My sister confirms it and smiles back, too, and leaves the bed to stand by the window.

　On the other side of the window, it's the same as always.
　The pale morning sun is filling the air, and snow is falling steadily.

　As I look at the snow, I reaffirm my state of mind at the same time.
　Right now I'm in the middle of a happy life with Yotaki in the United Kingdom.
　But my memories of that life are vague, and I can't even remember yesterday clearly.

　Soon I'm digging up my memories as best I can tell.

'As I recall ......, yesterday I went to the labyrinth with Dia and ....... I met Flanlure at Alais's mansion and ....... So .......

　I found many living remnants of Saint Tiara in this confederacy, and I was forced to 'see past' her life.
　That's why until a few minutes ago I was dreaming of a scene from her departure a thousand years ago.

　Confirming that Tiara was interacting with us 'gentiles' and acknowledging the inevitability of this post-millennium (now) confederacy. In that way, I was summoned and I got on a roll and spoke of the values and game knowledge of the original world, and that's why we have the Allied Nations today.
　In the Confederation, there are labyrinths, 'levels', and 'status', and no one thinks it's strange. It has taken root as a single culture. It's all because of "Gentiles (me)".

　However, to be honest, it is not so important.

　What I should have paid attention to in my current recollections is not me, Tiara, or the Apostle Sith, but - Yotaki (...).

　A thousand years ago, Yotaki had been summoned before me.
　The disease had improved without my seeing it, and I, a fool, believed it without a doubt.
　Under Yotaki's watchful eye, I developed a "spellcasting technique" and I, being an idiot, thought it was my talent.

　And it was Yotaki who recommended that Tiara accompany me on my first journey.
　All of this has greatly influenced the end of the thousand years ago. Without a doubt.

　I maintain a smile and ponder in front of Yotaki's eyes.
　Yotaki also keeps a smile on his face and answers my earlier soliloquy.

''...... Hah, brother. You are sleepwalking. It wasn't yesterday that you went to the labyrinth.

　He denies my last memory and I ask back.

'What, not yesterday ......?'
That was days ago.

　With that being said, I continue the process of digging back into my memory.

　Soon, my sister's words were proven.
　That day, I returned to my room and performed the magic "Dimension Graduate, Prequel (Recall)" - but dimensional magic that interferes with time drains an enormous amount of magical power, so after an hour or so, I immediately was released. And I had a memory of being invited by Yotaki, having dinner and going to sleep - I had a memory of being invited to sleep.

　The next day, I also remembered that I went up to the Alais family's mansion and went to teach Dia, Flanlure, and the others "Sword Art". Mr. Fenrir and his grandchildren and disciples were also there, and as the winner of the Dancing Competition, I told everyone what I had learned from Rowen, the one who stole the reason for the earth.

　Naturally, the people of the Alais family were curious about the skills and ideas of the Alais family head, Rowen, a thousand years ago. ...... In the end, they had to go for days to ....... The search for the labyrinth, which was not that high of a priority, was greatly delayed and ....... So I went to ......--

'That's right ....... That's right ....... It's like I was so sleep-deprived that my memory was lost.
'There's nothing to apologize for. I'm well aware of your brother's weakness for mornings.
Yeah. I can't help it, I'm getting out of bed. ...... Maybe it's because I have low blood pressure?　Ha ha.
Hmm. Brother, rumor has it that blood pressure has nothing to do with it.

　Laughing and admitting that Yotaki was right, I get up and calmly go about getting ready for the day.

　Before I know it, days have gone by, but it's not enough to get me too upset.
　My sense of time is wrong - it's possible that I'm really skipping time, but that's okay. There's something else that's important.

　After calmly answering that and getting ready, Yotaki walks out of the room.

''Well then, let's go.''
Yeah, let's go.

　I follow behind them and leave the inn.

　I walk down the white street and head towards the big tree in the middle of the confederacy - not the end side.
　I question that direction.

'Hey, aren't we going to the labyrinth ......?'

　There is no more teaching 'swordplay' in the Alais family.
　That's why I thought today was the day I would return to exploring the labyrinth, but apparently that wasn't the case.

''You're still sleepwalking. That's this afternoon. We're going to see Dia off today, right?''

　Forget it.
　We understand the meaning of that word when we walk to the edge of the Confederacy.

　There is no defensive wall in the Confederation to protect it from the outside world. The borders of the country are defined by drawing a large 'magic stone line' (line).
　In other words, when you come to the edge of the Confederation, what spreads out is a frontier plain. But now, due to the weather, it had been turned into a snowfield.

　In the midst of this snowfield, only the trade routes leading to other countries have been cleared of snow.
　A thick light brown line was drawn on the white ground.
　There were several carriages lined up there that seemed to be for nobility. And Fenrir-san and the followers of the Alais family, who seemed to be the representatives of this group, were also lined up, and mixed in with them, Dia was also standing there.

　Dia's shoulder-length golden hair was fluttering in the wind, and she was wearing a beautiful silk outfit that I had seen somewhere before. She no longer looks like a completely noblewoman. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

I'm not going to be able to get it right. And this carriage .......

　When he reached his destination, his eyes met with Dia's and he let his voice trail off.
　Then, seeing her sullenness, he realized everything.

'-- Kanami, it's goodbye for once.

　Dia leaves the Confederacy.

　The reason for this is told by Dia's own mouth.

'I've already got everything Diablo Sith wanted here: ....... I've got to go now: .......

　Dia looks not at me in front of her, but at the Allies behind her with distant eyes.
　She is probably remembering the time when she first came to the Confederation. The time when I came here as a level 1, with no hope, and on the run.

''At first, I came to the Confederation to get power and money. I thought it was the only way to shake off this position of being the reincarnation of an apostle.

　As Aikawa Uzumi, I knew I should say something.
　I was just thirsty, stuck up and unable to interrupt the conversation.

'But I think it was ...... an excuse to get away from the real problem. I'm sure that what I really wanted was someone to acknowledge that (...) 'me'.

　Now Dia is trying to settle her own story.

　Unlike some dumb children, it's a happy ending, that's for sure.
　Dia knows the meaning of her birth and has arrived at a meaningful ending.
　That's something we should rejoice and celebrate as friends.

'I've always wanted someone who would listen to the end of my stupid story and stand next to me, who would recognize my way of life - that's what I've always wanted. It's been a long, long time coming. ......

　Long ago ......?
　Just hearing those words sent a bad feeling down my back.

'And I got to meet Kanami. I was able to say goodbye to the root of me - and to the Apostle Sith (・・・・・・) (・・・・・). From now on, I'm free.
Sys......

　Dia speaks with a smile that combines release and contentment.
　I watch her with a smile.

I've made a lot of friends that I trust. It's just that I'm embarrassed to say this in front of Maria's guy.

　Her cheeks turn red and she scratches the tip of her nose in embarrassment.
　Then he turns his gaze to his surroundings and spreads his hands out as if to introduce me.

'I've made some friends, properly. That's Fran and the whole Alais family.

　Flanlure was already sitting in the carriage, waving to us.
　He seemed to understand that this time was important to Dia, and he seemed to be taking care of us and keeping his distance.

'I can finally go home ....... In a real sense, I can pick up the 'me' I left back home. I can face my parents and my brother, this time .......

　The words were similar to the wills of the guardians (guardians) they had seen off until now.
　They were words that indicated that Dia had already completed the final chapter and had entered the epilogue.

　And now, the last page of the book is turning over.

　Dia takes my hand in both of hers and tells me - "I'll see you later!

'See you later!　Kanami: ......!

　At that word, I stand my ground.

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

　I can't find the words to say as his hand remains tightly gripped.

　Unable to see, Yotaki breaks the stillness.

''Brother ....... What is it, don't you have anything?

　He urged me to return the goodbye.
　To which I hesitated, pondered and chose.

'Oh, ah, ......'

　To be honest, I don't want to leave Dia. But I knew with my rational mind that I should keep away from her under the current too worst circumstances (・・・・・・・・・).

　I couldn't say a word to stop him or say goodbye, so I was quick to say--.

' -- 'Lost to Aeka' and 'Past time, nostalgic man, sorrow. 'All for the blessing of new beginnings' --

　I composed those words.
　It's a 'chant' that I got from 'Past Vision' just a few minutes ago.

　Hearing that, Dia rolled her eyes, but smiled happily.

''Chanting'' ......?　Haha, Kanami is so Kanami until the end.

　I don't think I've ever heard of Dia.
　Which means that indeed Diah has parted ways with the Sith.

'A blessing for a new beginning, or ....... That's a good one. I've lost a lot of things, and I've made mistakes, but I'm ready to keep trying. Thank you, Kanami ......!

　Deere interprets the meaning of the word 'chanting' in its own way.
　It's not wrong.
　It is right, and we receive it.

'-- "-- 'Lost to Aeka', 'Past, time, nostalgic man, sorrow. 'All for the blessing of new beginnings' --

　Dia 'chanted' and inflated his body's magic power slightly.
　It is true that a 'deal with the world', a 'spell' was made.
　However, knowing the details of that transaction, I have mixed feelings.

　In other words, the Sith are already here--.

　I squeezed Dia's hand back, not the Sith's, and returned the goodbye.

'Take care ....... Dear .......
'Oh!　Don't worry about that!　I'm stronger now!　And I'm not even a level one anymore!

　Dia hates the damp air and speaks with a pleasant effort.

　After shaking my hand wildly in a buzzing motion, she lets go of my hands and retreats, looking at me.

'--Then I'm off!

　With that, Dia walked into the carriage with Flanlure.
　I wave to her and wave her off. Then, Fenrir-san calls out to me. Along with my oath as a knight.

''Ancestor. In the name of my ancestors, Lady Dear will protect you.
Thank you ....... Deere is definitely strong, but it's comforting to have an adult like you to protect her: ......
I promise. Then....

　With a deep bow, Fenrir-san also entered the carriage.
　After everyone finished boarding, the carriage slowly started to drive.

　It drives down the trade route and away from the confederacy.
　Dia is leaving.

　My face must have been anxious as I watched it.
　Yotaki, who is next to me, holds my hand instead of Dia's.

''Brother. You don't have to look like that, I'll be back soon. Yes, soon--''

　He encourages me with a smile that hasn't changed at all throughout the day.

　But his hands are frighteningly cold.

　It's a cold air that can't be explained by the weather alone, the snow.
　When I'm convinced that magical cold air is definitely leaking from Yotaki's hands, I'm struck with vertigo.

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

　My vision and body wobbled and I prodded my knees.
　Even though we were outdoors, I felt like I was going to fall asleep on the snow. The dizziness was that deep, sudden, and relentless.

　I endured.
　I poke my other hand, the one that wasn't in Yotaki's, into the ground to support myself.

　I kept my awareness of moving away, trying not to fall into the dream.
　As a result, I'm trapped between reality and dreams.

　I'm trapped, dangling in limbo, stuck in a limbo - and I'm seeing a daydream.

　The vision I'm seeing now is overlapped by another vision.

　For me, a dimensional wizard, this is not the first time I've experienced this.
　There were several times when I could recognize two worlds in different dimensions at the same time.

　So it turned out to be not a dream, but an alternate reality (somewhere).
　In that other world, she was screaming.

　On the edge of this confederacy, not me or Yotaki, she (Dia) was screaming.
　With a face like she was about to cry, with all her strength.

''--Kanami!　

　Same location.
　Outside the Confederacy. The plains of pioneer land.
　But the scene and circumstances are completely different.

　The biggest difference is the weather. The quality and quantity of snow.
　Instead of snow that was falling softly, a blizzard was blowing in, closing off the view to white. In the midst of this, Dear was floating with a warm luminescence, trying not to be painted white.

　The figure of Dia was the exact opposite of the one she had seen off earlier.
　It's a good idea to keep your hair cut short and wear a thick jacket that was designed to protect you from the cold and the blade, and wear a rugged long sword on your hip for practical purposes. Wings of light that melt heavy snowfall erupt from his back, forming a huge sword of light to replace his lost right arm and left leg. Countless scrapes were carved into his remaining limbs, and blood dripped down his cheeks.

　He doesn't wear anything nifty like a prosthetic hand or a prosthetic leg.
　In her true form, Dia was fighting with all her might.

　That opponent--

'--Diablo Sith. I commend you for getting out of my freezing magic. But this is as far as it goes. No one can beat me. And of course, my brother.

　It was Youtaki and I that Dia was fighting with.
　Yotaki was standing gracefully in the heavy snowfall, and next to him I was lying face down with my knees and hands on the ground.

　I can see it from the perspective of the sky.
　The daydreams continue to deepen and the two worlds continue to move in my field of vision, both clearly visible through the sense of dimensional magic 《Dimension》.

　In this (...) world, everything and anything was completely frozen.

　It's not at the level of a thick layer of snow. It is truly an ice age. The ground was covered with thick ice instead of soil, and plants and trees were frozen to the core. The same is true for the Allied nations in the distance. Starting with the "magic stone line" that serves as a boundary, buildings, roads and residents - everything is frozen, frozen and immobile.

　The only thing moving is the heavy snowfall that falls from the icy sky to the land of the ice lump itself.

　The only exception to this is those who are fighting in this world where the heart is also frozen --

　Deere shouts from the sky while releasing a ray of light that looks like 《Flame Arrow》 from the sky without a chant.

''Shut up, Hitaki!　Who says I can't beat you?　That's for us to decide!
'No, the world will decide. All the inhabitants of this other world, without exception, are a stepping stone for us 'gentiles'. To put it bluntly, they are our nourishment.

　The Flame Arrow, which melts everything when touched, but everything is deflected before it reaches the Yangtaki.

　Obviously, the space is distorted. And the person doing it is Aikawa Uzumi (me), who is lying on his back right now. I'm a dimensional wizard, I'm distorting Dia's magic by making full use of the "default".

　It's not just a matter of time before you get to the point where you can get a new job.
　Unlike Dia, who concentrates on a single point and unleashes her magic, Yotaki's attacks have a wide range.
　Attacks on the entire space, not just the enemy alone. It's easy to say, but when it comes to freezing magic that works for Dia as well, it's not enough for an ordinary amount of magical power.

　--Yotaki is strong. In every sense of the word, the dimensions (levels) are different.

　Dia must understand that.
　That's why she bites her teeth and roars.

''Kook--, this oh-oh-oh-oh-oh!

　Flatteringly, Deere's character is not very good at tactics.
　If this is the case, Dia will be inept and suicide attack. Just when you think that, a boy's voice echoes in the heavy snow.

''--Oi, just retreat!　I woke you up, and now you're going to do it again here!

　He was engulfed by heavy snowfall, and even the Dimension couldn't catch him.

　However, he was indeed on the battlefield. Unlike Dia, he stood on the icy ground and managed to survive with the magic of the wind. Dia shouted the boy's name.

''Ryner!　But there's Kanami!　There you are!　And that woman!　I'll never forgive that woman!　Absolutely!
Yeah, I know it's revenge!　That's why I'm asking if we can afford to lose the same way again!　Think about it!　Fool!
-What?

　Ryner continues to tell them to retreat.
　Hearing this, Dia gritted her teeth to the limit, then slowly lowered her hand to release her magic.　

''Kanami--!　I'll be back for sure!　I'll be back, just wait for me!　This my lost hand, reaching out to Kanami all the way!　He's been grabbing Kanami all along!　Just don't forget that--!
'Are you finished?　There's not much time left!　Let's hurry up and go!

　With a discarded line, the two move away from Yotaki and disappear into the heavy snow.
　Yotaki doesn't chase after them, but looks away with a gentle smile.

''He escaped ....... But you haven't moved away. Is this direction ...... the entrance to the labyrinth?

　Naturally, Yotaki had a magical grasp on the world of heavy snowfall.
　He knew what the two who escaped were doing and laughed at the futility of it.

''I'm sorry, but the entrances are all iced over. I'm not going to allow you to level up on your own anymore ....... Everything in there belongs to us siblings .......

　Yangtaki must have carefully iced the labyrinth in the confederacy, especially the labyrinth. With the certainty that that ice cannot be broken through, he does not choose to pursue it.

'But the movement is too predictable ....... Reiner Helvirshine is not like an irregular ...... even though he is an irregular. Let's just increase our vigilance.

　There is no carelessness or pride in Yotaki.
　After sufficiently regaining his or her attention, he or she took hold of my hands, which were lying on the ground.

''Brother, you've interrupted me ....... Let's regain our composure and go to the labyrinth. It's still not enough, so let's accumulate more and more of the world's 'sources' - no, let's accumulate more and more 'experience'. Hmph, don't worry. The monotonous and boring leveling process will be done by me, your sister, for you. ...... Yes, I'll raise your level for you, brother. ......

　Caught up in it, I stood up like a sleepwalker.
　Just like Yotaki not long ago.
　I'm in a state of unconsciousness, but only my body is moving on instinct.

　Youtaki takes me by the hand and slowly leads me there.
　To the labyrinth that Yotaki will now have a monopoly on...


"--to the point where this other world (game) becomes boring. To the very limit, you know.


　Looking at Yotaki's twisted smile, I'm convinced.

　I will become strong again. I've become too strong, I've sucked up the world's "demon poison" and will be forced to reach the next realm. --I'll be forced to go to the next realm.

'Brother, the time for you to get lost in the game is over. ...... From here on out, let's get real: ....... The reality of our world -- hmmm, hmmm ......

　In the heavy snow, I continue to walk behind Yotaki, who is laughing.
　Just like in the past, I kept walking along the path Yotaki had chosen for me.

　I'm not looking forward, not a single word, I'm just following my sister, like an idiot, without looking down and not a single complaint, towards the direction of the voice, stopping my thoughts and just following her.

　I watched that scene and--


◆◆◆◆◆


Oh, ......--

　Returning to the quiet city where it was snowing steadily.

　And before I knew it, I was walking with Yotaki on the street.

　It's bright.
　If you look up at the sky, light shines through the clouds, falling snowflakes shimmer, and children's voices can be heard playing from all directions. The world of the glacier that I had just witnessed had vanished as if it were a lie.

　In that gentle winter world, I'm following behind Yotaki, who is walking ahead of me.
　When I came to my senses and stopped, Yotaki noticed it and turned around.

''Brother?　What's wrong?

　His expression remains the same.
　A gentle smile.

　.............
　Does she know what I just saw?
　I'm sure she knows. You're going to be able to find out more about it.

　You're going to be able to find out what I'm going to do when I see this scene now. Since he is an older brother of his own making, he must understand me better than I do. In other words, to put it simply, Yotaki can afford it.
　I'm already convinced that it's useless no matter how anyone resists.

　So I decide that there's no point in being impatient and answer calmly.

'No, it's nothing. ...... Surely this was good for Dia.
...... Right. Finally, Dear has begun to find happiness as a person, not an apostle. The right kind of happiness, spun between people--

　Deere would no longer be in the Confederacy.
　It would have been driven away (・・・・・・) from both sides.

　I'll be relieved.
　I'm thankful that Dear has evacuated to a safe zone.
　To be honest, I had a feeling right now that I wanted to do this alone.

However, if Dia-san isn't here, I'm going to miss exploring the labyrinth a bit from now on .......
'Yes. ...... but this is what I started. Even if everyone else is gone, I'll still be exploring the maze.

　I'm the first to utter and accept Yotaki's unspoken request.

'You and me,'
...... Yes, let's continue. Just me and you.

　Once we had confirmed our intentions to each other, I increased my walking speed a little.
　Yotaki walks next to me with a smile and invites me into the labyrinth.

''Then, as planned, today is the labyrinth--''

　I don't disobey it, and I 'display' my status.


[Status]
　Name: Aikawa Uzumi HP--/-- MP3567/3567 Class.
　Level 63.
　Strength 36.89 Strength 44.16 Skill 52.45 Speed 70.01 Wisdom 63.56 Magic 213.55 Element 10.21


　Unbeknownst to me, I'm getting stronger again.

　Although I can't make a definitive statement yet, it seems that Yotaki's objective now is to get me to level 99 and take me to the 'deepest part'.

　The goals and methods that I once set for the cure of Aikawa Yotaki's illness a thousand years ago, she is doing it not to herself but to Aikawa Uzumi.

　In the not-too-distant future, it will come true.
　If Yotaki decides to do it, it's an absolute.
　I know this from experience.
　I don't think I'm going to reject it.

　But what I'm wondering about is - what comes after that.

　What does Yotaki want to do at the end of that?

　I still don't know what she is looking for.

　All of the world's 'sources' are exclusive to ......?　
　I want a real, strong, dependable brother ......?　
　Healthy and Peaceful Otherworldly Life ......?　

　I don't know what the right answer is, even though I've been a big brother to him all along.
　It's no wonder I never intended to know. There's no way I could know.

............

　Surely from now on I will try to kill Yotaki in the same way as I was killed. That's why, just like ■■■, I wanted to hear the depths of Yotaki's heart before that.
　I can understand now how she felt when she was talking to me on that roof back then.

　If I don't understand her, no one will ever understand Youtaki.

　So, I'm sorry for Dia and the others, but just a little more .......
　I want you to wait a little longer .......
　There's still 36 more to go to get to 99 .......

　Maybe this will be the last time my siblings will be able to get to .......
　It's really the last thing you'll ever do: ....... So let me know everything at the end and then let me fight ......--

'Hmm?　Brother, you're shaking.　...... I don't have a choice. I, my sister, will warm you up.
'Oh ....... My hands are biting ....... I think the cold might have gotten to me a bit ......

　-- On the way, Yotaki and I held hands.

　My brother and sister and I get along well with each other as we walk towards the labyrinth.
　We were the only two people in the city of the glacier, where only monsters could survive, while watching the hallucination of the city where snow was falling steadily.