In the middle of the sandy field, two dragon men (Dragon Newt) clash their bare fists against each other. The guild members of "Epic Seeker" surround and watch the powerful "body arts" while shouting their support. Some of them had drinks in their hands.

　As we entered the training grounds, we were spotted by a guild member who was standing near the doorway.
　As soon as the girl sees my face, her eyes pop out of her head and she starts to shake with a wince.
　The first person I met was an old member and the first girl swordsman who fought me here, Seri. For some reason, she rushes at me, screaming.

''Ma, mama mama staaaaaaaah!　Not, I mean, our legendary founder of the Levantine religion!　But it doesn't seem to be, and did I have to call you Aikawakanami Christ Eurasian Waldhusiers von Walker-sama ahhhhh, I had to call you firmly these days!

　Both her body and her conversation have great momentum.
　Ceri is a girl who has come to respect me, the guild master, to a bizarre degree after she was defeated once.
　I hold onto both of her shoulders firmly with both hands and politely ask her for help.

''Ko, Guildmaster here, please.
'Yes!　It's been a long time, Masteraaaah!

　It's so loud. But I thought it would cheer me up. Dia next to me wasn't frowning and was rather happily nodding, so maybe these two were on the same page.

'So, Ceri. Right now Snow is ...... in a mock battle with Serdra?
'Yes, sir. Snow-san is going to train, and Seldora-san, the acting commander-in-chief, has agreed to be my opponent. It's a serious mock battle with the idea that if we win, we'll be able to join the 'primary attack team' even now. It's like all the guild members are watching the game together.
Okay. So, all this heat. You don't learn anything from watching them fight.
'No, it's not a learning experience. Obviously, Master Seldra feels like he's teaching us the power of the dragon man (Dragon Newt) race, so ......, it's completely meaningless to us!　I'm watching simply because it's powerful!　Guys!
Yeah.

　As if to show the correctness of Seri's words, the ground shook greatly.
　It wasn't an earthquake, just the impact of people colliding with each other that caused the training ground to move up and down.

　The source of the force was the two people in the center of the training grounds.
　Neither Snow nor Serdra used any weapons.
　However, both of them were engaged in high-speed combat with a limited amount of wings on their backs and a single arm that had been turned into a dragon.

　The clash of power and strength between the two men, who once held the title of 'strongest', was very sci-fi.
　At any rate, both of them are constantly using the "Dragon Wind" to keep floating (hover) slightly. The magical particles that fly around when they flap their wings are like a spaceship sprinkling propellant. It doesn't run just above the ground - it glides, flying around the field in all directions and swinging its fists. The sudden acceleration would cause an ordinary person to black out. However, the two dragonites (Dragon Newt) are different.

　Faster.
　Faster than their opponents.
　The air in the training grounds was raging and rushing like an explosion.
　Their inhumanly fleshy battles are driving the guild members wild.

''Snow!　Good luck!　There - gouge out my eyes!

　One of the loudest voices in the room was Teyri Rinker, the guild's submaster and sister of the wizard who doted on Snow.
　And then the mundane voices of the guild members followed that boisterous cheer.

''Good luck!　If Snow loses, we lose a lot of money!
Snow!　Stick with it!　If you persist, I'm sure the deputy deputy lord will take care of you!
We owe you all our food money!　I'm counting on you, eeeeeeeeee!

　In each hand were several sheets of paper clutched with the words "007th General Command Simulation Battle: Snow Victory Ticket: 14.2" written on them.
　You can tell that a grand bet is being made from the desk and materials that control the papers in the corner of the training grounds.

'No, you guys, ....... Don't give them that kind of support. There's pressure on both sides.

　You can also hear him calmly blaming the people around him.
　It's the guild's summation and father figure, Volzak-san, a warrior of the past, who played the role of his father.

　Obviously, much of the support from the training grounds was for Snow.
　But if you look closely, you can see that most of the newer guild members who have increased in the past year are calmly holding their 'Serdra Victory Ticket' and watching the game.

　It seems that the only people who are patronizing Snow are the older members of the guild.
　Perhaps, but the betting has been going on for a long time, with the old-timers continuing to lose (and slip) money while the newer members make all the money. I'd be happy to see the guild go from strength to strength as the fan members who are soft on Snow continue to weaken and cleanse the guild.

　And as I analyze the situation, the mock battle becomes more and more frustrating.
　And when the spectacular meatball battle is about to reach its climax, Seri next to me shouts loudly enough to match the roar of the battle.

''--Snow-saaaaaaaaaaaan!　Kanami-sama has come to support us!　I'll show you the best part!
Oh, that's--

　It would be a report from good intentions.
　But what happened after that was obvious, even if he couldn't see the future.

'What, Kanami?'

　In the midst of a mock battle that lasted a moment, Snow let out a voice and suddenly turned her gaze in the direction of Seri's voice.
　The figure of me next to her was also caught with sharp red dragon eyes.
　Seldora, who was facing me, couldn't help but tsk.

"--Oh, hey. I'm not going to be able to get to the bottom of it. It's really you.

　No one but me would have been able to hear the momentary conversation conducted in the midst of the storm.
　But without a doubt, Serdra sighed and mercilessly took advantage of Snow's gap and grabbed his wrist.

'Huh. ...... For now, just lose it.
Oh--!

　Distracted, Snow hurriedly turned his gaze back to the fight, but it was too late.
　The moment he met his eyes with Serdra, he gave a half-smile and said, "Now none, right?　'None, none,' he tried to indulge - but a relentless shake of the head was returned and Snow's body was swung around.

'Ah--, aaaaah, gee, geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

　A giant swing is performed in the air.
　At the same time, the hand that is in contact with it must be transmitting vibrating magic. The dragon wind that Snow was wearing is being ripped away.

　After depriving Snow of his equilibrium and the dragon wind, Seldora threw it away with a plop.
　The direction of the throw is the direction in which Snow looked at the afterthought.
　Thinking that somehow Seldora is spoiling his junior, I stopped Snow's body from flying like a bullet.

''Ah, ah, .......''

　In my arms, she turns her eyes. But with her species-like adaptability, she quickly regains her equilibrium.
　He reflects my face with his fixed eyes and shouts loudly, as if his eardrums are about to break.

'Ka, it's Kanami!

　He puts his arms around my neck and catches me stiffly.
　Seeing this, one guild member shouts out in the center of the training grounds, "Contact with people outside the field!

''Contact with someone outside the field!　Foul play!　And the winner is the Acting Commander-in-Chief, Lord Seldre!　Anyone who has a ticket needs to redeem it now!　I'll get a pear later!

　It seemed that he was the judge, and he declared the mock battle to be settled.
　At the same time, all of the surrounding spectators thrust their hands up to the heavens.
　The people who had been betting on Snow threw down the ten thousand dragon tickets, not ten thousand horse tickets, as it was, and caused a small-scale confetti storm.
　In contrast, the members of the group, who seemed to be newcomers, went to redeem their money with great joy.

　And the girl who had been the subject of their wagers began to speak without regard to herself.

'Kanami!　What? Why?　Cheering?　You've never been here before!
No, not today.

　I didn't know it was a betting game, but I was aware that he regularly dueled with Seldora.
　The reason I had never come to see him before was because I had heard the condition that if I could beat Seldora one-on-one, the members of the Fafner attack team would take over, and I didn't want to interfere with a serious fight.
　In fact, with my arrival now, Seldora has a clear advantage.

''Oh, Snow. I'm the one who brought you here.

　Deah answered for me.
　Then, Snow immediately jumped down from my arm and went to Dia next to me.

　She was still in her limited 'dragonization', so she's quite powerful. However, Deer, who can now handle close combat, received everything she had by making her magic limbs thicker and stronger.

''Mmm--''
'Oh, Dear sir, oh my God!　Dee, a, sah, maaaaah!　I love that part!　I love it!
Yeah, yeah, yeah. You know, it's all right. Come on, just get yourself well first. Your wrist is dangling off and on.
Heh.

　Dia goes through Snow's remarks and concentrates on recovering her injuries (damage). In conjunction with that, Snow released the 'Dragonization'.
　From the familiarity of the situation, I can tell that unlike me, Dia has come to check on her several times.

　However, in the middle of her recovery, Dia, who was being held by Snow (for some reason), looked at her wrist and got a blue streak.

'd*mn. It's not a dislocation ......, it's a broken bone. How hard you were gripped. Doesn't it hurt, Snow?
'Hmm?　It hurts, I think I'm getting used to it.　Besides, these days, Dia can fix you up: ......, ehehe.
It's a comminuted fracture. You saw me coming, and then you stopped taking it easy. That guy.
Oh, yeah. It's so good, and the magic is so warm.

　The two of them are chatting and recovering from the fracture.
　It hadn't been long since she was injured, so there was unlikely to be any lasting effects.
　And Snow, surrounded by Dia's fluffy, soft and warm magic, continues to extend her voice with a loose face that looks as if she's receiving a massage, "Ahhhh.

　I know that feeling Snow has because I've experienced it myself.
　The feeling of being surrounded by recovery magic varies greatly from one surgeon to another.
　For example, with me, the subject is said to feel inorganic. If it's a liner, it feels sharp, fast, and rushed.
　Compared to the recovery magic of such men, there is a faint cheerfulness in Dia.

''Ah-ha....... After all, if you're going to recover, it's Dia. I love Dia!

　However, the warmth of the house seems to have robbed him of his mental age and intelligence quite a bit.
　She stuck to Dia as if she was hugging a hot water bottle and wouldn't leave.

'I hear my recovery magic is different from others. So I had two apostles check it out a while ago, and they said that ...... addiction symptoms are in danger?
'What?　Chu, addiction!

　I had never heard of it either.
　But I'm not so shocked.
　It is customary that over-treatment is not good for the body, just as too much medicine can be a poison.

'Heehee ....... It's a great way to feel good about ....... But that's just it, I can't stop that easily!

　Even with that fact, Snow's mind remains the same.
　He is clearly recovering fully, but he continues to hold Dea tightly.

　She woke up in the early morning of winter and thought it was close to the phenomenon of not being able to get out of the bedclothes, though she had zero sleepiness anymore.
　Naturally, Deah tries to pull Snow off of her, scolding her like a mother.

'Yes, done!　I'm done, I'm done!　It's right after the injury, so full recovery with no lasting effects!　So back off, man!　Diprakra said it's the most dangerous thing to keep the recovery magic going when there's no abnormalities!
Oh, one minute!　Recovery magic, keep going!

　The overwhelming physical strength of the dragon man (Dragon Newt) surpassed Deere.
　Unable to watch, I grabbed Snow by the scruff of her neck and forcibly pulled her off, "Hey, Snow.

''Dear, you can take your time next time, but you can leave it to someone else. There are people in the guild who specialize in this field, and they'll be able to help you. I won't mind if you leave them alone.
Yeah, I will. I was a little too paranoid about being a family man. ...... Hey, Snow. If you want me to cast a spell on you, next time you'll line up at the cathedral!

　When the warmth is taken away, Snow grunts, "Gunnu ......," and stares at Dea greedily.

　But soon enough, Snow gives up and takes a breath.
　I can tell by the way she looks at me that she wasn't serious and that she was joking.
　She calms down and asks us what the purpose of our visit is.

''I guess. I don't want to be the one to keep Dia to myself. So what are you two doing here?　Simply watch the game?

　We are reassured by Snow's comfort and composure, and we tell him what we want.

'Snow, you've got a lot of knitting equipment, haven't you?　Hey, can I borrow it?
'Oh, you knit?　It's good, it's good. We've got some pretty serious ones beyond the hobby these days!

　He readily agreed to do so without any conditions. Furthermore, the way he spoke indicated that Snow enjoyed the hobby on a regular basis.

'Good!　Now we're all set!

　Dea made a clenched fist and got into the spirit of her upcoming knitting.
　Only to see her snorting, Snow stopped her.

'Huh?　Could it be that Deere is a knitter?　Not Kanami?
Yeah, I'll give it a shot. You got me this, and I'll give you something for it.

　Deer pointed to the scarf that half-hid her own face, with a little pride.

'Oh, I see. ...... No, no, but I think we should stop, don't we?　I'll stop the challenge, properly. I won't be able to stop it, but I'll keep the fact that I did stop it!
Why?　Not that knitting requires any skills or anything, right?
'That feeling of thinking anyone can do it is a sign of failure (flag). I'm not going to lie, Dia is on the clumsy side. It's ......, so maybe you can't do the beautiful one that Deere is envisioning right now?
I guess it's ....... That's okay. From the beginning, I didn't think I could make anything better than you and Kanami.

　Dia didn't misjudge her abilities and didn't have high hopes.
　Snow nodded at the way she seemed to be hoping that she could make one thing that was unique to her by making a series of mistakes.
　Unlike me, she doesn't just push back, but also seems to care about the results.

'Good!　Then you can borrow it. Dear-sama, you can make one of mine. It looks like it'll be a boon or something.

　After confirming that it's a low hurdle, he makes the same call as Dea and promises to do so.
　Snow then looks at the 'Clothes of the Otherworld' below the scarf with interest.

''So, since a while ago, I was really curious about ....... Those clothes are--''
It's called armor break.

　I'm a little surprised that it's faster to get her to wear the actual clothes than to talk about it, and I'm a little surprised that I'm able to fulfill my original purpose for Dear.

　In an instant, the magical change of clothes is successful, and Snow's clothes become entirely different.
　That 'otherworldly clothing' is a bit more mature compared to Dear. With a large double skirt and sweater as the mainstay, I chose an outfit similar to that of 'The One Who Steals the Reason of the Wind' Titi.

''Oh, oh?　Oh, ......!

　Snow was surprised by the garment and plucked up the hem of the garment.

''It's a souvenir from the 'original world'. It looks great on you.
"...... Heh. That's really nice. Thanks, Kanami.

　It wasn't a loud, boisterous thank you, but a very gentle thank you.
　The usual exaggerated way of being happy is because somewhere in Snow's mind there is a calculation that if she reacts like this, she will be spoiled. I think she's so happy now that she's able to get rid of all those calculations.

　Come to think of it, this might be the first time I've ever given her a proper gift.
　As I was feeling a bit sorry for giving her a log, something unworthy of a girl, a woman who knows a lot about my dark history approached me.

　Teri Rinker, the female wizard who was cheering for Snow more than anyone else until just a few minutes ago, has a strong image of 'seniority' to me.

''Huh. That's a good one, Snow. ...... It's been a long time since I've seen you, Kanami. You're much more tactful than you used to be," she said. I'm kind of happy for you, sister.

　He must be remembering me when I was a guildmaster here.
　Indeed, compared to that time, I've changed in many ways.

''And I heard about it! I heard that you're done with all your urgent work and you've had a solid day off. I hear you have a date with Snow for a whole day starting tomorrow!　Uh-huh!
'I'm just shopping for a holiday ....... But I guess a date might be a date.

　Teyri, as always, loved dramatic, colorful romance and was always looking for opportunities to develop Snow and I's relationship.
　With nostalgia, I talk to her.

'Heh. That Kanami-kun admits the word 'date' ......, that's a bit abrasive.
...... get killed and save the world after that. It rubs off on you in its own way.
Yes, Snow told me. It sounds like you had a very hard time. And now that I'm listening, I'm going to make a suggestion to you that was hard!　This Teri Rinker plan for a spa stay!
No, thanks. I'll pass. No need.
Can we at least hear it?　The more you scrape, the less respect you have for me!

　That's not true.
　Teyri is a really capable person who hasn't changed the way she treats me after hearing a lot of things.
　So I talk to her with even more respect than before. But that's not the same thing as this.

'I mean, there's a hot spring nearby. That's the first thing that surprises me.
What's so unusual about that?　However, unlike the hot springs on the 'mainland', the hot springs in the 'frontier' are a bit thick. If a low-level person soaks in them, he or she will get hot in no time.

　From this expression, it can be read that the hot spring water is slightly different from the hot springs of the "original world".
　Probably because the 'demon poison' underground leaked out and mixed with the hot water, the effect is thicker. Thinking about that, I suddenly became interested in the hot springs of another world and felt a bit tempted to take a bath.
　I've only had a few spacious baths in the "original world".

　The allure of the bath culture shakes me.
　Teri deftly exploits this opening.

It's your first time in a hot spring, isn't it? Hot springs are good for you. It's a great way to relax after a long day of battle. We sometimes go there in groups, so it's endorsed by us.
d*mn it ......!

　I'm prodded, my mind is shaken.
　I feel like I'm about to give in.

'I want you and Snow to go to the best spa in the world, stay in the same room, and spend the night. You don't need to hold back on anything!　Yes, you don't need to refrain from anything!
'No, we'll never do mixed bathing and ...... and you'll definitely have a separate room.

　However, Teri's poking around was getting a bit messy, and I managed to regain my shaken mind.

I've already booked a room with you. And I've already thought of the names for our two children. How about Will or something like that, to take over from my late brother?
'There's no such thing. And please stop bringing up heavy names for nothing.

　My son and daughter's names: .......

　If.
　If that opportunity comes along just one more time, I'm going to keep the name safe.
　I would never give myself an unusual name, even for a stage name like Uzumi.
　Probably because my parents thought about my future career as an entertainer and said, "Since it's your Aikawa family name, why don't you give me a watery name?　He will be remembered better by producers and viewers." "Yeah, it's me and your son. Yeah, it's going to be me and your son, he's going to be a very talented, mature guy who will be at the center of the turbulent entertainment industry. In anticipation of that, a name like no other would be good," they probably decided on "Uzumi" and "Yotaki" after consulting with each other.
　However, I would never decide on such an incompetent name as a far as I am concerned.

　The name of a child has an effect on its destiny. In the original world, such a rule exists clearly in this other world, if not in the original world.

　I know the importance of the act of naming it, which is why I shook my head.

'The name is ......, just kidding. But I'm not kidding about not needing to be reserved, okay?　There's no one as attractive and pretty as Snow, so no one would blame you or be surprised if you accidentally made it.

　It really doesn't change the way he treats me.
　Probably, Teri-san is still pushing me to marry Snow, after knowing about 'What happened to me and Rastiara'.

　It's probably because she seriously cares about my 'happiness' that she's recommending that I look forward to a new future sooner rather than later.
　He probably dares to say what everyone else finds it difficult to say, making himself in an exquisite position to be an 'unassuming and meddlesome bad guy'.

　I understand that, but I'm a bit troubled by it.
　I had no choice but to turn to Snow, who was in the middle of the conversation, for help.

"Hot springs, huh? Ehehehe......

　However, he and Snow did not look at each other.
　The hot spring accommodation plan itself didn't seem to be a complete surprise.

'Hot springs are great!　Come on in with me, Kanami!　I'm fine!
I'm not okay. The looks around me hurt like hell. I'm pretty used to it now, but what hurts hurts hurts.

　It's a reaction that shows that Snow is also greedy, though not as greedy as Kounell.
　However, she's not as calculating as the ruler of the Confederation, so this is how she repeats her gibberish.

　The guild members who were keeping their distance around her were beginning to buzz when they saw Snow's current appearance. The old-timers were cheering her on, "Hang in there, Snow," while the newcomers were confused, "Something is wrong with Snow-sama.
　Ignoring the reactions of those around him, Snow continued to talk.

'Then let's all get in!　And Dear, that's good!
Huh?

　After being abruptly dismissed from the conversation, Diah was next to me, her face red.
　Really, unlike Snow, Dia is pure. I really wish I had at least a tenth of this dragonite's desire and generosity.

'What, then? Snow, why did you think it would be okay if we were all together ......
'Mmmmmm ....... I can't convince Kanami to do it well ....... Okay, I'll ask Maria to help me later.

　I am a stranger without hesitation.
　Watching our exchange, Teyri laughs happily.

Hmph. ....... For now, think about the onsen as an option for tomorrow. If you cancel, we'll go on our own as appropriate.

　It's a suggestion, not an imposition.
　He emphasized that and made it easier to refuse, but I shook my head again.

'No. I'll probably go to the spa. But I don't think we'll be alone together.
...... Yeah. You can see that we're all going together (・・・・). I get it.

　I'm not using any magic at the moment, but Teri seemed to think that I used my "future vision" to see tomorrow's schedule.
　It's hard to prove that you didn't use the future vision, so I nodded my head without denying it.

　After finishing his proposal, Teyli-san keeps his distance and explains to the guild members who are buzzing around him.

''Newbies, don't make a fuss!　I've always told you that the Snow you see all the time is in work mode and that's what she is!　And that's our namesake guild master, Christ the Eurasian Waldhusiers von Walker!　...... Yeah, he's a walker too, Walker. This is a very important place, so don't make a mistake!　Why is that important, well, that's what it's all about!　You guys, don't mess with Snow and Kanami-kun!

　It's a bit arbitrary, and I feel like we're slowly filling in the outer edges of Snow's marriage.
　In the midst of this explanation, Serdra approaches.

'Geez, Seldra--'

　First, the nearby Snow gave me a disgusted look and hid behind me.

I'm sorry to say that this sounds like fun, but let me tell you something about being an instructor. It's also the job of succession training that the 'Senate' Quuner asked me to do,
Oh, I see.

　Understanding, I quickly stepped back to the side and faced Snow and Serdra.

'Snow, you haven't stepped in enough yet. Your body's role is to eat the enemy's attacks and attack (・・・・・・). If you are afraid of being injured, you will only be a treasure.
Yeah, because I don't want to be in pain. ......
You'll get used to it. I mean, you're starting to get used to it. Just be patient and take more hits.
I'm talking about getting used to it: ......!　I mean, I'm kind of scared to get used to the pain. ......
'You don't want to get used to it. ...... Yes, you're right. There are some things you should get used to and some things you shouldn't. There's no doubt about it.
Oh, whoa?　So that means--
'Get used to your body's pain. If you can recognize pain as a physical signal, it will come in handy in many ways.
Substitute ......, I'm afraid of the way you say it. ......
'Snow, the easiest way to live is as a shield for the weak. Instead of avoiding attacks, eat (...). Then you won't be feared by anyone.
Oh no!　Just avoid and fight back and get it over with quickly!　Big Sis Titty taught me how to attack with 'Sword Art' and!
''Haha ....... It's really hard to do due to the king's spoiling leftover indulgence. ......

　It would be Seldora's job to raise him as a respectable 'commander-in-chief', but it sounded like he was teaching him how to live 'happily' as a 'dragon man' (dragon newt).
　The people around him must have heard that too. That's why the guild members look at Seldra kindly and accept him as a friend.

I was told that if you could 'beat me' or be recognized by me at the end, you could accompany the 'primary attack team' ....... I don't see the need for it. I can do everything you can do by myself. Therefore, you're a stay-at-home guy.

　Then he finished ruthlessly telling her the test results.
　Hearing this, Snow snorted and glared at Seldra.


'If you show your frustration like that, someone would have spoiled you until now, but not me. You're giving up.
'It's not that I want to be spoiled, and I don't want to be ....... I'm just frustrated, and I'm just feeling sorry for myself ....... Also, like Kounell said, I just think Serdra is a jerk, and I'm .......
Look, I'm just saying it for your sake, okay? You have to understand.

　When Seldora heard Kounel's name, she felt a sense of urgency and hurriedly added the words.
　She had recently received a report from Kounel that, for some reason, he was facing Snow's adoptive father, but she could tell it wasn't a lie.
　He lives in the post-millennial world quite freely, but he doesn't want Snow to hate him.

"Snow, you won't be able to join the 'Primary Attack Force'. But your worried brother-in-law Glen, I promise you that I will get you to him safely. ...... It was clearly a mistake in my judgment to leave Glenn in the 'Blood Land'.

　He swears more oaths.
　But Snow didn't accept his words and continued to glare at him in frustration.

　Serdra had no choice but to continue to dawdle like a father dealing with his rebellious daughter.
　A guild member who had stepped back and watched between the two of them entered the room.
　It was the former slave gladiator submaster, Volzak-san.

''Snow, I know you're worried about Glenn. But I think you're right, Seldra, too. Mr. Serdra is safer and more reliable than you are going to be.
'Volsak ....... But your brother-in-law is waiting for my help .......
We've known each other a long time. So, I can assure you, he's not waiting for you. In fact, he'd rather not have his sister go into danger because of him. He's a Cisco to the core.

　That's what I think, too.
　And if Glenn Walker is waiting for me, he is--

　As if to indicate the waiting man, Mr. Volzak turned to me.
　It's been a long time since we've seen each other, but we talk as if nothing has happened.

'It's been a while. ...... Or rather, Volzak-san and Teyri-san aren't too worried about Glenn, are they?　Because you trust him?
'It's an eventuality when guild members take a request quest without permission and die. ...... But it's also true that we trust that guy. The 'strongest' seeker, Glenn, would win and survive in the end, no matter where and under what circumstances.

　That's an enviable line.
　I'd like to be told that once, too.
　Regrettably, even though I'm considered the 'strongest' these days, I'm still associated with the image of being easily defeated in any place and in any situation.

''I see. I've only seen Glenn-san working as an aristocrat ......, but Mr. Volzak, who has seen his working life, is different.
'Yeah, I've been watching that guy's back for a long time. Where the seeker Glenn is in a desperate situation ...... and still survives, many times.

　Honestly, to me, Glenn-san is a 'retired hero' and a kind older brother who always has a troubled look on his face.
　However, Volzak-san, who knows about Glenn's war record in the past, seems to have the opposite impression.

It's a good thing I don't care much for Glenn. ...... I'm not so much worried about Glenn as I am about Mr. Serdra. It's a dream come true to have a thousand-year-old hero training our snowflakes. I'm sure I'll be able to sit in on the mock battle and enjoy it.

　Seldra gazed at him as if he were a child who had met an artist or an athlete he admired, as he said that.
　That gaze is not only on him, but many guild members as well.

　'Epic Seeker' is a guild to find a hero.
　Seldra must be in perfect agreement with its hero's requirements.

　However, Serdra just coolly passes his gaze.
　He must be used to many things from his experience working as the Commander-in-Chief. The guild members seem to be in love with Seldora, including his relaxed behavior.

　However, when it comes to this, there is one problem.
　That's something every hero-loving child would think about at one time or another.
　As a representative of the guild, Volzak-san spills out a puff.

''-- Hey, I was just wondering. Who's stronger, Master or Acting Commander-in-Chief Seldra?

　Who is stronger, Hero A or Hero B?　It's a fun problem just to think about.

　The other guild members seemed to be curious about it, and the walls of the people around me become smaller and smaller as they listened.

　I ponder on how to answer the question.
　Me and Serdra have already fought once.
　So the answer to that question itself has already been given.
　However, it is very difficult to express the answer. When I am so troubled, Serdra answers first.

I'm not sure if it's a good idea," he said, "but we had a serious fight a while ago and I lost. A thousand years ago it would be me, but if it was Kanami today, I would lose a thousand times even if we fought a thousand times.
Oh, you've already been fighting. So the master is stronger than you. ...... As someone who's been watching Snow and Seldora-dono's mock battles lately, it's suddenly hard for me to believe that there's enough of a difference between them to lose all of them.

　I quickly interjected, as I was likely to draw a biased conclusion if I didn't.

'No, you didn't lose Serdra. Sure, he did give in, but that was just getting tiresome, wasn't it?
'Like, Kanami is humble, but ...... is seriously bad. It's no match.

　But soon enough, Seldra denies it.
　I braced myself as if he was trying to impose all sorts of trouble on me, but I could read from his expression that he wasn't.

'-- To be precise, Kanami won't fight me anymore (・・・・・・・). It's not a fight. In the end, I couldn't even visualize beating Kanami until the end, so ......, that was definitely a defeat. That feeling of defeat is proof that I lost.

　He laughed.
　The fact that he was defeated was probably fresh and happy.

'I think I'd prefer a draw, though: ......

　Me and Seldora are both equally good. I thought that was just the right place to drop it, but Serdra kept claiming that she was losing.

　In that slightly strange situation, Mr. Volzak pondered the situation and made a suggestion unique to this place.

'You two have a difference of opinion. If you could make it look as light as Snow just fought, in a mock battle, it would be clearer: ....... No?

　The expression on his face was excited and somewhat expectant.
　The people around him had the same look on their faces, nodding at the suggestion, "Well said.

''Mo, a mock battle?''
Me and Kanami at .......

　Serdra and I looked at each other.
　--absolutely not.
　We broke out in a cold sweat and dismissed the suggestion.

'It's hard to do because this place is going to break.'
''The training grounds are strong, and I'm going to put up warding-type magic like I did in the 'Dance Competition'.
My current power and Seldora's power are both effective against wards and such. I can usually get through them.

　While muttering that, I looked around me with stern eyes - the 'world'.

　Volzak-san doesn't take my words as a joke.
　Considering the just recent battle with the 'gentile' hitter, it seems that he imagined that the mock battle would really be at a 'level where the prototype of the country is not left behind', and while reluctantly, he agreed with me, "I see ......".

　However, a new question seems to have arisen in his mind, and a question is posed to him.

'Then where did you fight seriously once, ......, where did you (...)?'

　I had an answer for that, which I was prepared to give.

'It's a very far, very big place. It's a world just like this one, but a little different--
Oh, you mean like in that 'other world' thing?

　Easily, Volzak-san saw that the place was 'other world'.
　After the battle with 'Gentile' Hitaki, the existence of another dimension seems to have been upgraded from a fairy tale to a real one.

''Yes, it is. It's really big out there, so I looked for a place where no one else was around and fought in secret there.''
I'm sorry about ....... I guess I made a bit of a flirtatious suggestion. I guess the Master isn't on the level of fighting on the stage (stage) we all know and love anymore.

　With a somewhat sad look on his face, Volzak-san represents the hearts of the guild members.

　When I first arrived here, in the round robin tournament, Volzak was still able to compete with me. Every member of the guild was brave enough to believe that they could beat me, depending on how they fought.
　However, after that 'Dance Dance Tournament' final - and even more so after this 'Last Battle', I felt sad that their guild master was really far away - that they had gone to the 'Other World' I laughed.

　So there was no more "I want you to compete again" in my face.
　That made me a little sad, too, and I had to smile.

　As the mock fight proposal was dismissed, I looked around for my original companion.
　Before I knew it, Snow and Dea were facing each other at a slight distance, exchanging strange poses.

''-- How's it going?　Dear, what do you think of this?
Oh, yeah. Just like him. It's very similar to that thing in The One Who Stole the Wind.
'Ehehe ....... Oh, Dear is cute too. She looks like Sis. Maybe it's because she's growing her hair out a bit?
'No, it's not a compliment to say I look like that guy: ....... But thanks, man. I'm glad you did.

　I was enjoying the 'Clothes of the Otherworld' that I was given as much as I could.
　As I approached the two of them, Dia turned to me.

''Hm?　After all, you don't do mock battles, do you?
'If you do, you'll need to be more prepared. ...... And besides, today is the day I decided to spend time with Deere and the others, not the guys from 'Epic Seeker'.

　So, there was no way they could leave the two of them alone and have a mock battle.
　After speaking like that, Serdra summarizes the story.

'Well, that's what I think. It's a good thing that you're not the only one who's come to pick up Snow, so give her a good send off. The submasters and I are going to have a mock battle to make it worthwhile. It should be a good reference for a team boss fight.

　Mr. Volzak and Teyri are surprised by this new proposal.

'We're going to?'
Let's do ....... It'll be fun. Of course, Seldra will take it easy on you, won't she?
'Of course. I'm going to play the role of a boss that you can't beat in the nick of time, so you'll have to push the envelope and challenge me. Four to one is about right for a good number of people.

　When the guild members heard this story, they averted their eyes to us.
　It's partly because the new mock battle is interesting, but it's also because they wanted to leave us alone.

　The guild's elite line up in the center of the training grounds.
　For some reason, Alibers-san, the guild's resident blacksmith, was next to Seldora, as if he were a second.
　It seemed that he was asking Seldra to try on some equipment. If I looked closely, I could see that various armaments were prepared at the edge of the training grounds. Unlike me, Serdra is good with heavy equipment, so she must have a lot of things she wants to try out.
　My eyes meet with Alibers-san's, so we exchange a light greeting of eye contact, and then we start moving.

　Snow, who attempts to walk with Dia in her arms, asks me for some magic first.

'Well then, let's go to Maria's place. Kanami, bring out the [Connection] and bring it out.
'Yeah, you're going to Maria's?　Now?

　I thought I'd go get my knitting tools first.
　So I couldn't help but ask Snow, who kept getting paid off by Dea.

'What?　Because I want to see Maria's face when she's happy with her present and ....... Maybe you'll be at my house today ......, huh?
Oh, yeah. Oh, so they're in the same house. If you're going to go get your knitting gear, you're going to join Maria anyway.

　I was disappointed that Snow and Maria were living together, so the conversation seemed to have sulked a bit.

　Just like with Dia, in these two months, Snow must have followed the same path as 《Winters' Other World (Wintry Dimension)》, and they must be living together in the house on top of the hill that I bought in the past.
　We have the names "Walker" together, and we are like a family - like a family.

'You have a present for Maria, right?　Don't you have ......?　If you don't have one, I'm just saying this is it for me: ....... Maybe I'll ask you two to report that Maria is the only one without a present?　Heh.
No, I have it. It's there. It's okay. Just keep following me.
Oh, you scared the hell out of me!　Don't freak out that you're not the only one missing a present from Maria!　Maria's frustration is directly related to my life!

　I chuckle at the opinion, which is typical of two people living together.
　However, the surprise still remains.
　That Snow, very naturally, thought, "I can't wait to dress Maria in 'otherworldly clothes' as well, and I want to see her happy face.

　Snow seemed to be similar to Kounel, but in its essence - it was already completely different.
　That simply made me happy. It was a great relief.

'Maria's been reading a lot of difficult books lately. I'm sure she's at home. Let's go quickly, Kanami.
...... Yeah, let's go. --Let's go.

　Set your destination to the house on the hill and create another warp zone.
　Then, walk through the door.

　I pick up Snow at the training ground, then leap through the space to the living room of the house where Maria is next.
　The view has been painted from outdoors to indoors, and the scented air has been transformed.

　It was a very nostalgic floor plan, just like the office earlier.
　It was well-lit and the light shining through the windows was dazzling. Even though it was made of wood, there was a lot of carefully selected magical stone furniture, and convenience and security were outstanding. In the center of the living room, there is a large desk.

　A dark-haired girl with her cheekbones propped up on the desk was rolling up the pages of a book with one hand.
　The girl sees the 《Connection》 placed near the entrance of her home open and raises her gaze that dropped to the book.

''-- Eh, Kanami-san?''

　Maria's black twin eyes reflected back at me.