A small house, daringly small, was chosen by Seldra as his base of operations.
　It was hardly a sturdy or respectable house, and if anything, it was more like a hut.

　Most of the living implements hung from the walls, and the only furniture was a single bed for one person.
　It was cramped to fit five people, but it was just fine.
　Upon entering the hut, Kounel immediately increased his strength to create a larger 'safe zone' inside the hut. If he hadn't done so, the floor and walls were bloodstained, and as far as they were concerned, they weren't usable. The power of the higher-ranking demon is tremendous, and it even controls the blood that was sinking into the bed, driving it outdoors like a receding tide. Then, hastily blocking the doorway, sealing the gap with blood glue, and closing the window with the wooden lid, Kounel said, "Seal done! I declared.
　Kanami, who liked to be even cleaner, lightly cleaned up with wind magic and the group went to rest.

　Because of its small size, the 'safe zone' was completed in a short time.
　The bed is occupied by the Sith, Kounel lays on the ground, and the two men rest their backs against the wall and meditate with their eyes. I tried to rest my body from all the walking and try to get some sleep.
　I watched them as they stood in front of the doorway - and watched them.

　It was only a few minutes later.
　There was a knock on the wooden door.
　A thump, a short, small sound.

　Kanami and Serdra, who hadn't bothered to sleep soundly because of the guards, looked up first.
　Then Kounel, who had been prostrating himself, put his hands around the back of his head and took up a defensive position.
　As a bystander, I moved to a corner of the room to get out of the way.
　Sith continues to sleep soundly in his bed.

　Kanami gets up and opens the shed window slightly to see what's outside.
　But he quickly turned to us and, by shaking his head, told us that no one was there.

　Then what is the sound now ......?
　I thought I had heard it wrong, but since that Kanami had heard it too, it was unlikely.
　While I'm twisting my head, Kanami sits back down and leans her back against the wall again ...... and there's another thump, a short, small sound.

　Once again, Kanami is forced to check outside and is forced to shake her head. Then, convinced that this place called 'Blood Land' is 'that kind of place', she closes her eyes back on the wall.
　Serdra would begin to ignore the knocks as well.

　However, when no one checks, the sound of knocking grows rapidly louder and louder, which is a good thing. With a dong dong, at the point where the door might break down if it continues, Serdra casts a magic.

''-- 《Vibrations》''

　The sound stops with a snap.
　Any interference from the outside, including the impact of knocking, no longer reaches the room.

　Perhaps that's the magic ...... of muffling sound now, or is it 'witchcraft'?　
　I feel like it's not magic, but 'witchcraft'.
　Somewhere, I've seen this same thing--

What?

　If I've seen it, and not the knowledge I got from Kanami--that is, that the 《Vibrations》 or something like that was used in the "Seventh Magical Research Institute" a thousand years ago.

　Slowly, I turn my gaze to Seldra.
　As I stared at his face, which is engraved with old scars, I felt a strange sense of buoyancy.

　Noticing my gaze, Seldra quickly looks away and closes her eyelids again.
　She looks like she's concentrating on resting in a room where the noise is gone.

　It seems that the other members of the group are the same way, and everyone strives to get rid of the day's fatigue without disturbing the silence.

　-- but then there's the next round of people.

　Out of nowhere, one of a person's round eyeballs comes out of nowhere.
　It rolled across the ground of the hut and hit the side of Kounell, who was propped up in the center of the room.

　Kounel lay down and brought his hand to his bosom, pawed at the foreign object that had hit him ...... and let out a small scream when he realized it was an eyeball.
　However, the response from there was swift. He plucked the eyeball with his fingertips and opened the window slightly before saying, "Pop it," and throwing it away.
　Kounel wipes the cold sweat from his forehead and takes up a defensive position in the center of the room again, trying to fall asleep.

　--a few dozen seconds later.

　The intervals are getting shorter.
　With another colossal roll, an eyeball rolled in from somewhere and slammed into Kounell's waist.
　And that too, this time, three.
　When Kounell turned his eyes, those three moved in unison, gyrating.

　Their eyes met completely, and Kounel's face twitched.
　At last, he cut off his resting time and screamed and spoke in earnest.

'--Ne, I can't sleep!　Chairman, do something about it!

　Kanami moved reluctantly as she stood up.
　She gently scooped up the rolling eyeballs with both hands and threw them out the window.

　Then, this time, she took the time to look around the inside and outside of the house to determine the cause of the problem.
　No matter how much dimensional magic is banned, if he seriously uses his other skills, there is probably nothing he can't see through.

''...... hmmm. If you take your eyes off the ground, it seems to spring up from the ground in that gap. I think it's because they have plenty of blood on the ground.

　Unlike modern stone houses, this one is built a thousand years ago.
　The neatly trampled earth serves as the floor of the hut.
　Pointing at the damp ground, Kanami continues to explain.

I think I understand the rules of 'Blood Land' for a moment. It's not that a 'blood puppet' is suddenly born, but it first gushes out of an 'eye' or 'arm' or ...... or some other body part. If you look closely, you'll find an 'arm'-like object stuck outside the door.
'Bu, from the part ......?　Did that snaking arm of yours keep knocking?　Like the way your eyes were moving just now?
I get it. But the parts alone don't seem to do that much harm. There's going to be a lot of stuff coming up from the ground, like eyes and arms and organs and stuff, but let's not worry about it, let's just rest.
No, I can't take a break!　I care!　Guess what, I care a lot!

　From a Kanami point of view, he would say that there is nothing less frightening than a horror experience with a known cause. But that doesn't reassure Kounell at all, and more cries echo through the cabin. In response, the Sith in bed groaned, "Hmmm, hmm ......".

　Hurriedly, Kanami put a finger to her mouth to calm Kounel down.
　Then, to persuade its leader, Serdra put in some backup.

''Kounel Regia. At the moment, it's dozens of times better than Sera Raydiant's report, right?　Just close your eyes. That alone will give you a break.


　Kounel looks around. He found only a 'leg' in the corner of the room and shook its head in a small way before answering, "Impossible.

　Perhaps he imagined the situation after plenty of rest.
　When he woke up, he couldn't seem to bear the thought of human limbs scattered next to him.

　But that doesn't seem to be because he's scared, but more importantly because it's unsafe. Kounell turns serious and goes on to express his opinion on the situation to the party leader.

'Mr. Chairman ......, I sense from this situation the willingness of the 'Blood Stealer' Fafner to not let us rest. To be clear, the Atei have already been completely captured and attacked, this.

　It had to do with the ultimate goal of the 'Primary Attack Force': a peaceful resolution.
　Kanami couldn't immediately deny it, and instead Seldora answered, albeit vaguely.

'If they're trapped, wouldn't they be talking to you with magic or something?　Even the 'Blood Stealer' wouldn't be so all-powerful as to be able to monitor an entire continent at all hours of the day.
...... Either way, the fact that Fafner had already taken countermeasures against [Dimension] He had spent a long time letting Nosfi's 'dimensional attribute playing technique' sink into 'Blood Land', right?　This is already--
'You mean you're rejecting Kanami?　Since we don't know where the kanami will come in from, I'm sure they're spreading this kind of harassment-like rule throughout the entire 'Blood Land'.
'Please shut up for a moment, Seldra-sama. ...... Mr. Chairman, I think it's safe to say that you've already been antagonized, don't you?　Why don't you use dimensional magic all at once with a bang?　If you wanted to, you could forcefully push away the 'Dimensional Attribute Playing Technique' and infiltrate the 'Dimension' across the entire continent, right?

　Kounel, who was only a hired gun, asked the leader to cut off the operation early.
　Even though it's the same 'primary attack team', the intentions and objectives are not completely aligned. Kanami speaks to those members with low motivation.

''It's still too early to do that. If we forcefully invade the 'Blood Land', the discussion with Fafner will be far away ...... and we will definitely sulk (・・・・・・). As much as possible, I want this to end without conflict. As peacefully as possible.

　Kanami muttered as she stared at her right arm.
　I know what I'm aiming for. I'm not going to be able to say that I'm not going to be able to do anything about it.

　His expression is gentle and soft, but his will is strong.
　Realizing that the policy will not be broken without much trouble, Kounel can only shrug his shoulders.

'Huh. ....... How is it really possible to be quiet?　With a crazy person who is so concerned about where humanity is going that he is trying to exterminate the human race.

　The personality and purpose of "The One Who Steals the Truth of Blood" has been shared in advance.
　That is probably why Kounel feels incompatible with it as an enemy and is thus wary of it.

　Neither that information nor the vigilance would be in error.
　I have known Fafner for a thousand years, and I assure you that he has not changed.
　He has always been the same. Since a thousand years ago, his purpose has been--.

　-- to save as many of the 'unfortunate' people living in this world as possible.

　It's a noble goal. Except that the means of doing so has changed many times over the years.
　At first, Fafner, as a theologian, foolishly tried to save people by spreading his religion. However, when he learns that the religion he believed in was 'a tool to exploit the weak', he begins to become infatuated with an individual named Aikawa Kanami. Furthermore, a thousand years later. Understanding that the Kanami are not infallible, but rather die when they die, he decides that the most certain way to save the world is to exterminate the human race, both humans and demons.

　Even now, as the 'Blood Land' continues to spread, Fafner must still continue to aim for human extinction. That's what the Senate, which represents humanity, has determined.

　Kounel complains about the abnormality of that 'blood-stealing thing'.

'...... Fafner Helvirshine is a fool. I believe that even if we successfully destroy the human race, there will only be another similar creature. All he's doing is slaughtering people. It's just a nuisance to serious people.

　There was no sign of any more attempts to sleep.
　If she can't meditate, Kounel seems to have decided that if she can't meditate, she'll release her stress by talking.

　Kanami goes along with that little complaint.
　Just more seriously than necessary.

'I think Fafner knows that, too. It's ......, so if the possibility of a possible human replacement arose, it would have been an instant pick-me-up.
What?

　With a bit of whining, Kounell unexpectedly learns that Fafner's wish was more than human extinction (...).

After humanity's extinction, as the 'last man' he will continue to protect that peaceful world for thousands or tens of thousands of years. Even if there is interference from the 'other world', he will be able to single-handedly repel it all. ...... At least that's what Lord (Aruji) Ragne Kaikwola, who proposed human extinction to Fafner, was prepared to do.

　Kanami put her hand on her own chest as she determined what was on one girl's mind.
　Knowing Kanami's current situation, Kounel could only believe that it wasn't a lie.

''Well, if you're going to go that far, ......, it's worse than Yotaki-san's 《Wintory Dimension》. The world domination by that illusion was still understandable in some ways. But Fafner is blatantly the 'enemy of the world'. Chairman, you should say something like that in the 'Senate Council Room' first.
'I felt like Kounel would seriously run away if I told him this first, so ......, I kept quiet. There was also the risk that Diprakra-san, Feydert-san and the others would get ahead of the 'secondary strike force'.
"Yeah, yeah. ....... Yah, let's not do that. But let's not say that we can't run away in the middle of hostile territory before we say that ......

　Unexpectedly, the person she's about to meet turns out to be beyond the scope of understanding, and Kounel begs her to cling to him. But ruthlessly, Kanami piles on the chase.

'On top of that, I think if Fafner still wishes for the 'dream' of human extinction, I'd like to make it come true as best I can.
'Or make it happen!　So I said, let's not put out any new information here now!　Just as the Chairman predicted, I really want to go home!

　In addition, even the boss (leader) I'm talking to now doesn't understand, and finally Quuner cries out.

　Kanami and I hurriedly glanced at the Sith sleeping on the bed in our room.
　She didn't seem to be getting up. He seemed to be a deep sleeper, though he was probably tired from walking all day.
　Instead of Kanami, who is relieved, Serdra continues her conversation with Kounel.

'Don't worry, Kounel Legia. I will only prepare a world where you can make your "dream" come true, and I won't let you mess with the world we live in.
No, I'm just afraid of the fact that you're so quick to say, "I'm going to prepare the world for you.

　To that, I agree with you.
　Even I, who experienced various 'spells' in that research institute and learned knowledge from various researchers, the idea and power of these two 'reason-stealers' is out of bounds.

　However, the connection was made in the earlier 《Distance Mute》 and I understand a bit of it.
　In the near future, Kanami there will arrive at a position where "preparing the world" is no joke.
　He has reached the 'Lord of the World' that only appears in religion and mythology, and he is even looking ahead to 'beyond'.

　That's why he can afford to do this, and he's trying to save "the one who steals the reason for blood" with the same method of dealing with "blood puppets". --with that too broad, as far as possible.

But if that's the case, just like my 'unrequited love', will it be fulfilled only after Kanami becomes the 'Lord of the World'?　I'll find some 'other world' with a celestial body somewhere and let you control one of the stars at your disposal - and you'll make it happen?
Seldora is a real sci-fi fan. Even if you don't do that, Fafner will make sense of his life in the Winter's Other World (Wintry Dimension). That's why Yotaki has always kept Fafner away. I don't want him to accidentally disappear.
No, I want to see Fafner destroyed without any questions. I'll make a request on behalf of the general public.

　Each of them would talk about what they wanted to do with Fafner's path.
　And I watched them.
　As a bystander, I don't get involved in the world at all. I will not mingle.
　That's my way of life, which has been going on for a thousand years now - and that's why.

What do you think?　You were close to Fafner.

　But he wasn't allowed to live that way.
　Kanami was watching me.
　Her deep eyes peered into mine, trying not to let me escape.

'What do I think ......?'

　My mouth didn't move at the unexpected question.
　I think this is the first time I've been asked for my opinion ....... It was the first time, and rightfully so, since no one else knew I was sane but me.

　Everyone has tried to have a conversation with me and been cut off by a wall of words and given up.
　All the researchers from a thousand years ago said to me, "You're insane. You're crazy.
　That's why they said, "You don't have to worry about leaking information. I'm a useful kid,

　-- but Kanami gave me an accurate (...) 'past view' of my entire life.

　Kanami has convinced me that I am sane, just as I have convinced Kanami that I am sane.

'Fafner's ridiculous 'dream' would be better left as a 'dream'. Just let it go. He has no 'unresolved' and no need for salvation.'
............. Let it go, or .......

　So I did what I wanted, and I had my say in what Fafner was going to do.
　Hearing the answer, Kanami repeated as she chewed on it.
　Kounel, by contrast, approached me, looking very happy.

''Who?　Whoa, whoa, whoa!　That's an opinion that's very close to my expectations. Heh heh heh, I believed in you, Mr. Janitor. I'm with you, buddy!

　I leave Kounell stroking my red, bushy head and look down at him.

　Staring at the damp ground of the hut, I was digging up memories from a thousand years ago.
　The ground of the former 'Seventh Demonic Research Institute' was also drenched in blood like this.
　In particular, the lowest level of the 'God's Body Storage Room' could be described as the reddest place on earth.

　That place was the bottom of hell and the thickest place in the world for misery.
　However, there was not a single person in that room who wished they could be 'saved'.
　Both Helmina-sama and Fafner may have wished to 'save' someone, but never once said the opposite. --even me.

　That's right.
　Not even once.
　So there was no way Fafner needed help.

　Kanami, of all people, would know that better than anyone.
　I know that Kanami knows that.

　--What's important is that I want to be saved and I want to be saved.

　That girl you once saved at the Institute (...) stabbed your loved one in the stomach.
　That event must be stuck somewhere in your mind. I'm even checking the "blood puppet"'s "unfinished business" because it was a traumatic experience.
　Above all, the regret of not being able to realize the only sister's desire to be saved until the end. And now, as of now, the reality that you will never be matched with 'the one and only' again.
　No one understands Fafner's feelings as well as you do, and no one understands your feelings as well as I do. You know that. From now on, you're not going to go to fight, you're going to pick an ending (・・・・・・・・). The ideal of Fafner, who you play, the end of The Great Messiah (Magna Messiah) - the end of the story.

'Mmm!　Janitor, where do you see ......, again?
"...... again?

　--Counel's voice brought me back to myself.

　Before I knew it, there was an eyeball in the corner of my eye.
　This time there were five.
　They were lying solidly on the damp ground.
　Then, just like before, they started to gyrate.

　However, the destination that those eyes were looking at was not Kounel, but me, the 'blood doll'.
　We stare at each other for a few seconds.
　I noticed a fact.

　There was something familiar about him.
　I looked into eyes that couldn't possibly have any features, and I was about to remember who it was - and Kuunel, who was next to me, picked up the eyeball.

'Tardy, tardy, tardy. Let's just throw it outside. Let's get the inside of the hut as clean and uncluttered as possible--

　All five of them, I scooped them up with both hands.
　I tried to take them to the window in a light tone of voice, cutting off my stare and theirs.

　--that would be the start of the cutoff.

“--?　Kounel!　Throw it out now!

　Kanami, who sensed the enormous swelling of magical power, shouted before I did.
　Without regard to the fact that the Sith were asleep, a loud voice echoed inside the hut.

''--!

　In response to the leader's instructions, Kounel's movements were swift and precise.
　Without hesitation, he followed his words and collapsed his hands, which were in the form of a bowl.
　Naturally, the five eyeballs spilled out towards the ground - they were supposed to.

　Without falling, it stood still in midair.
　With a snap, they floated at about eye level and stopped.
　Then the eyeball begins to rapidly expand, both in magic power and volume. The size of the eye became non-human, and the color gradually became strange. The part that hits the white and black eyes turns red and mutates into something else that can no longer be called an eyeball.
　The next thing I saw was a slit in something round and large, and it split apart as if I had cut a blister. Five grew to ten, ten to twenty, and twenty to forty, just like the sight of grapes growing. The mellow fruit had a trunk, a body that could be called a trunk. Thin, elastic tubes, like the intestines, stretched out like the limbs of a person.

　The shape is similar to that of a 'blood doll'.
　However, there was a sense of misery that was instantly recognizable as a different kind of "blood something".

　When I saw it, my head turned bright red.
　Not in a bad way. I was filled with nostalgia and I was stunned.

　Now, I remembered.
　This is not 'something of blood'. It has a proper name.
　A thousand years ago, researchers called it a 'failure' or a 'monster', but I, who was in charge of its care, was not.
　I was very particular about their names because I felt like an animal owner.
　They weren't inorganic objects or monsters, they had a proper will. But communicating with them was just as difficult as doing it with wild animals, so--

　I took the liberty of calling it a "blood demon beast" because I thought it was close to keeping a beast.

　That 'blood demon beast' is what it is.
　Kuuner and Serdra had paled in comparison to its too deformed appearance.
　Not only could they not move their arms and legs, they couldn't even breathe.
　The same symptoms as those researchers in the past are seen in their stiffness and inability to move a single step.

　However, unlike those researchers, it was the distance that was fatal.
　Inside the small hut, the 'Blood Demon Beast' begins to move right under their noses.