"--Seldra Queenfillion went with the flow.

"Therefore, nothing more will happen.
　From the 'mainland' port city of Cork to the 'frontier' of Gliard, the United Kingdom.

　In an orderly fashion, the great fleet conquered the sea.

　Even at sea, the festival continued to be held day and night.
　The party was well prepared.
　Passing through the territorial waters of various countries, the fleet shakes off all ties, even more so than by land.
　Even the harsh knights of the south and the north forgot their fates and interacted with each other for this one time.

　The further they went, the more the great fleet swelled in every sense of the word.
　They increased in number as they called at the coastal cities, and increased in rank as they loaded up with new guests and royalty.
　The atmosphere of the festival also swelled, propagating not only to the continent, but also to the islands of the great sea.

　And the end of that voyage is the Allied nations.

　-- in the brilliant sunshine of the day, the great fleet reached the largest port in Gliard.

　The Allied welcome was as grand as the cities on the 'mainland'.

　The ships lined up in a row, filling the nearshore waters, sounding their celebratory guns.
　The fleets of standing forces, in turn, let loose in a rhythmic manner as if playing music.
　Then cheers rang out from the city in the back, and fireworks shot off from all four sides of the city except Gliard.
　They weren't centered around gunpowder, but rather a special kind of magical fireworks.
　A thousand twinkling stars in a thousand colors decorated the blue sky. Rather than flowers blooming in the sky, it looked as if the contents of a jewelry box had been scattered on a blue canvas.

　Immediately afterwards, a snow of magical power (Tear-Ray) began to fall.
　The scattered jewels fall just out of reach. Everyone is fascinated by the fantastic scene as if to say whether this was the real deal. It's probably a phenomenon unique to fireworks festivals in other worlds that use more magic power than gunpowder.

　In the midst of that not-so-magical blizzard, the passengers of the large fleet set foot on the land of the Allied nations.
　Although the snow of magic power (Tear Ray) falling in a flurry adheres to their skin, it is not cold.
　Unlike Yangtaki's [Winter's Other World (Wintry Dimension)], it doesn't even pile up.
　This is really the 'Winter's Other World' as the word suggests--

　I thought, and then slammed it down.
　Instead of flipping through the pages, I closed the book.

'...... Huh.'

　I cut the 'purple thread' that I was holding together and sighed.
　I had been feeling the festivities through Seldra's point of view up to this point, but that was no longer necessary.

　Serdra left everything to me, to me.
　All these days, I've been using remote magic to propagate not only the fervor of the festival, but also convenient gossip, but no one has appeared to try to stop it. No one will be able to stop the flow (...) that has grown so bloated to this point.

　I match the 'purple thread' and put an end to all magic for once.
　Then I look around to feel the story with my own eyes and ears.

　That's the rest of the book.
　The port city of Gliard, the Allied Gliard, where the snow of magic (Tearray) falls, was spread out.
　Of course, it was completely different from the figure I knew.
　Fleets of ships were crammed into the sea, and sailors and priests were busily running around on land. The travelers are buoyant and are disembarking, happily talking about the festive events taking place in the confederacy.

　It's an ideal scene for the "End of Tan Festival".
　Nobles, commoners, travelers, beastmen, jewelers, knights, and priests - it doesn't matter what position, nationality or race they hold, they all come together to enjoy the Festival of the Endgame to the fullest.

　By the way, the carriages we've been riding in are also disembarking.
　However, in this crowded harbor, it seems to take some time to re-construct a new convoy.

　That's why we, the main eventers of the triumphant return, are now taking a break in the shadow of a warehouse in a corner of the harbor.
　It seemed to be a place where only concerned people could enter, and there were many guild administrators and priests around, but no ordinary people.

　There, Seldra and Kounel were discussing something with each other.
　It wasn't far away, so I listened in, and when the older Kounel made a verbally selfish suggestion in a detailed arrangement about this time's triumphal return, Seldra retorted that she wouldn't be able to keep pace with him.
　Seeing the two of them on such good terms, my relief deepens.

'A lot has happened, but I think we're going to make it: ......

　Neil and Glen's plan was thrown off.
　However, I've just finished making the adjustments for that gap. I've been planning to make the adjustments as I am accustomed to losing, to be precise.

　The next adjustment is scheduled to come soon after finishing one adjustment as planned.
　From the shadows of a further corner of the harbor town, the priests of the Hoosiers emerge in groups from the shadows of a further corner of the port city.
　The representative who walks in the center of the group is Feydert, who is in charge of the majority of this 'End of Tan Festival'.
　This reliable adult who has helped me many times during the rebuilding of the Confederacy is helping me again.

"We've been expecting you, Kanami-san. We will report back to you soon. Our search for Noir and Shea Legacy, but we were unable to find them. I am sorry.

　The request I had asked before leaving "Blood Land" is fulfilled.
　I shake my head at Feydert-san who bows deeply.

''Just like I said when I asked you, I just wanted to make sure you couldn't find it, so don't worry about it. More importantly, what happened to Sera-san?
''This one, too, is just as Kanami-sama predicted. Only Sera Raydant has not responded to the summons to the Celestial Knights in the Endgame. Apparently, she's been missing ever since she left the defense line of Blood Land. At the same time, Lady Dear, Lady Snow and Lady Maria also disappeared from the Confederation. The investigation report is here.

　After receiving the report from Feydert-san, I spread the Dimension to the Allies.
　But I only confirmed that it didn't catch the liners.

　--I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

　I'm sure you'll find that magic is a useful power.
　Seldora and the others are so much more than just the power of an omniscient, omnipotent god.

　However, it's not absolute.
　Even if that Yangtaki is utilizing it, 'White Thread' was completely attacked by Tiara.
　If that's the case, I believe that my powers such as Dimension, Future Vision, Past Vision, and Purple Thread will also be broken at the most important time. In fact, Sera and her friends have managed to escape the Dimension.

　You don't have to rely on your own magic.
　I believe in the information that my colleague Feldeldeld has gathered through his diligent research, and I thank him for his help.

Thank you very much, Mr. Feddert. For doing me a favor.
"It's all for the Fuzzy Yards. If Kanami-sama's 'future vision' allowed me to see that these women would interfere with the 'End of Season Festival', I would have wanted to capture them ahead of time somehow. ......

　With an undisturbed patriotism, Mr. Feydert replied regretfully.

　I hurriedly look at Mr. Feydert's report with my book under my arm. Perhaps noticing the seriousness of my expression, Seldre and the others, who must have been a little far away, gather around.

'Hey, Kanami. You just confirmed it: ....... Even you can't find Snow and the others?
It's all right, Serdra. I've gathered my people for this occasion. ...... It's about time the last of my friends got here, too.

　After laughing back that there's nothing to worry about, I turn my gaze again to the shadows where Mr. Feydert came out earlier.

　The old apostle appears at a trot.
　The moment his eyes catch me, he shouts out with a joyful tone.

''Ooh, it's Kanami!　I knew you were here!

　Mr. Di Prakula.
　Unlike Mr. Feydert, he didn't have a single escort.
　He must have run through on his own.
　The reason for this is quickly told from his own mouth.

''I've already heard reports of the success of 'Operation Fafner Helmina'!　The Endgame Festival started right on schedule!　But what do you mean by the rumor that you will reach the 'deepest part' at the end of this festival!　Some people look to you to be the 'Lord of the World'!　I'm not listening to anything!

　He was amazed and excited, and he was crowded in.
　Thus, I couldn't let Mr. Diprakra know because it's so clearly on his face: .......　

　It's hard for me to say, so I leave the explanation to the other Apostle Sith behind me.

'You're here, Diprakraaaaaa!　A-hahahaha!　Oh, I just found out!　Hmmm, yeah!　Actually, Kanami and I have been working on a 'plan' behind the scenes all along!　And it's not just a shift, either, it's a 'plan' to become a more perfect, higher-level 'Lord of the World'!
Yo, higher than that: ......!
Of course!　Simply going to the 'deepest' and replacing the 'Lord of the World' will not be the true salvation of Our Lord!　We need Kanami to get to the root of the inadequacy of the star's circulatory system!　For example, I could be the vessel to contain all the 'demonic poisons' myself!
That's the end of the original 'Steal the Reason' plan, isn't it ......!
'Yes!　Thus, the true function of an apostle is to cut off even the gloom after the changeover!　I'm sure I'll get the most compliments when I see my Lord now!　Ah-ha!

　The Sith smiled high and made a buoyant sign with a big smile, and then won so.
　Compared to a thousand years ago, the gesture was quite influenced by Tiara and Dia.

''Tsumari, Diprakra!　The game is mine to win!　I'm the number one apostle!　I am an apostle of justice!　Do you have an offer to make!
"...... Ummmmm. You're right. You win. And I've lost. You've done well, Sith.

　Mr. Diprakra nodded and agreed.
　Even though he hadn't played any games, there was definitely a look of regret on his face as an apostle.

　But the joy was probably even greater than that. More than nodding in agreement, he nodded again and again, chewing on the achievement of his long-cherished dream for many years.

'At any rate, this is finally the end of it. ...... The story of the Gentiles and the Apostles that has been going on for a thousand years is ...... Mm-hmm, mm-hmm!　Sith, you've really done it!　As a fellow apostle, I am proud of you!
Right?　......, but that's something. It's a little different than I first thought. Is it because I've changed?

　Sith was embarrassed as she flicked her buoyant fingers together and snapped them together, making a buoy sign.
　Her plan was probably to make a grounded Diprakra look foolish to the limit. However, she seemed confused by her own unwillingness to do so at all.

　Leaving the Sith with that unusual expression, Diprakra-san again pressed up against me.
　This time it was quietly and solemnly, a calmness worthy of the apostle's name.

Kanami, you've done a good job. You didn't abandon us that day when you finished that last battle.
'I'm sorry to make you uncomfortable. I really had to keep it a secret from Mr. DiPlakula for a reason.
Yes, I know. "Yes, I know. As long as the world is saved, all else is well. Don't worry about me.

　He had tears in his eyes, a thin layer of tears.
　It seemed to be an emotion that surprised even my colleague Sis.

'Di, Di Prakula ......'

　Immediately, the Sith tightened his face again.
　Recognizing Diprakra as a true companion, he went on to talk about 'The Plan'.

'Diprakra, I'll tell you about the new 'price' early. First of all, once this 'End-Tan Festival' is over, Kanami will be 'never'. The past and the future will be gone forever. She will pay for her existence in order to become the Lord of the World, which is of a higher dimension. This neatly fulfills the two "compensation" for summoning the Aikawa brothers and sisters, "World Eternity" and "World Salvation". Can you feel the gaze (...) now?
...... Hmm. Certainly, your dealings with the world seem to be going well.
'Honestly, up to this point we apostles have been going through a really twisted path ....... But all of that is put together, and this 'End of Tan Festival' is going to fix it. Because as I've been saying all along, Kanami will be the sacrifice to save the world. She told me that she would gladly be the cornerstone. So this trend will never stop. I won't let it.
Now, at last, the contamination by the Demon's Poison will end. We, the apostles, have a role to play in all of this: ......
'Yes. We apostles need not be troubled anymore. Our Lord will be freed from that hell, too. But instead, the 'Gentiles' (Kanami) we have summoned will now ...... continue to watch over all souls, alone in that place, ...... and... .........

　The Sith hesitated to continue with the words.
　However, he interjected that his sense of responsibility was wrong.

'Sith, I'm not going to become the 'Lord of the World' because someone told me to. This is a process (path) to become 'happy' with Rastiara, so I'm going to proceed. ...... Thank you so much for summoning me to another world. Thanks to you, I met 'the one and only' Rustyala.
............!

　When I told him that, the Sith lowered his eyes.
　Then, without making eye contact with me, she points her fingertips in a certain direction.

'Even after saving the world, never stop and keep going wherever you go. You will reach the end that my Lord never reached and you will be 'happy' with Rustyala Hoozeyers. ...... You must. If it doesn't happen, I won't forgive you.

　I turn my eyes in the direction of the Sith's fingertips.
　It's blocked by a building, a warehouse, but I can tell that there's a labyrinth beyond.

Oh, I'll be happy. I'll be 'happy' for sure. ...... Mr. Di Prakula, soon I will be in the labyrinth. As it is, I'm going to reach the 'deepest part' and place the 'connection'. I'll call everyone to come and protect me while I conclude this changeover ritual.
Protect ....... In other words, there will be saboteurs. It's often the case that unexpected people come to interfere with your "never happened". That's right, I can see the future.
Yes, I'll show up. It's the only big opening I can make now.

　In fact, the ritual involves not only the changing of the 'Lord of the World', but also the subsequent 'Magic Kanami'.
　It's a ritual that Noi and I have meticulously decided on, but it's a 'covenant' that cannot be communicated to the apostles.

'While I'm in the labyrinth, I'll have the Sith, Seldora and the others to continue their triumphant return.

　All the time my body has been pointing in the direction of the labyrinth.
　However, I pointed my finger at the others to head for the carriage that was now being prepared.

I've heard that triumphalism is also an important part of the ceremony. I see that you are ready as well, Feidert.
Of course, Mr. Diprakra. We have had no delays so far.

　Almost everything has been 'planned' in advance.
　And it's going according to the plan.
　So there is really not much that Mr. Diprakra can do for me from now on.

It's best to leave the festivities of the Confederacy to Feydert. It seems to me that the Sith's 'True History' of Revanism is no longer more necessary than my 'Reformed' party. ...... Kanami, should I follow you into the labyrinth when my hands are free?
''Diprakra-san, please stay on the ground and help me with my triumphant return. To be honest, the monsters at the end of the labyrinth are strong and troublesome. Since it's me now, it's dangerous enough to finally get there, that place.

　Even though the 'Apostle' was strong, he only had an abundance of magical power and was an amateur in battle.
　If they are surrounded by monsters of nearly ninety layers, there is a chance that they won't be able to defend themselves.
　When Diprakra-san nodded her head in agreement with that, the companions who were waiting behind her started to make their point.

''Yes, yes, yes, yes!　I'll have my hands free, but I won't go in the labyrinth!　Don't go to a place with such a high mortality risk until you die!
'I know. That's why you gave the magic stone to the cleaning crew, right?　I hope Kounell will stay with Rouge as planned. As the face of the 'Confederacy,' he must be in a lot of trouble.
Yes, sir!　Yay! My guess is right on schedule!　After all, I like being around Rouge the best!　Wait, my sweet little puppet rouge girl!

　With that as a parting shot, Kounell hurriedly ran off towards the carriage line.
　Seldora tried to follow behind him, leaving him to say.

'I'm going to go with the flow and enjoy this triumph. ...... but as soon as the triumph is over and the Connection is connected, call me. I have decided that I will do everything in my power to help you.
'I'm counting on you. It's important to take it easy and have fun, even at ....... Because little by little, I want you to fulfill the longing of your hometown Seldora.
'Yeah, and that I'll definitely enjoy it. Otherwise, there's no point in Kanami paying the 'price' so far: ......!

　Seldra left with a grim look on her face, even though I told her to make herself comfortable.
　The two apostles lightly said, "In the 'deepest' part of the city," and followed further behind.
　Finally, Feydert bowed and then left with the group of priests.

　I followed the backs of their companions with my eyes.
　Just in time, I saw a convoy of vehicles in the distance, all in place.
　The companions all climbed into the largest ceremonial carriage among them.

　At last all the disembarkation work is done, and the triumphal return seems to be resumed.
　The people gathered in the harbor, anticipating the resumption of the festivities, become colorful - and that's when I break my gaze.

　A corner of the harbor where there is no cheering.
　In the shadow of a warehouse building, I call out to the girl who stayed behind with me.

'Well, let's go then, cleaner.
"............

　Behind the triumph, they head to the labyrinth together.
　He beckons her to the masked girl, but she doesn't start to move.

I'm sure that one day Neil will come to me. That's why it's better to stay by my side the whole time. ...... And the place you're headed is the same 'lowest level' as your home. I'm sure you'll be more at home in the labyrinth than on the ground.
"............

　Taking advantage of the coincidence of interests, she gave me a small nod when I made the invitation.
　Although her 'stenosis' numbers are different, she, like me, seems to be the only one who can see anymore.

　While hiding from the eyes of others, we walked through the shadows and started to walk towards the labyrinth.
　But the shadows are filled with people everywhere, and there are few places that are completely unpopular.

　Even though I am very good at escaping the gaze of others, the foul item, Tida's mask, is currently being equipped by the cleaning staff.
　On the way, there were a few people who looked at me, whose faces were too small to hide.
　However, no one noticed that I was Aikawa Kanami. But I'm sure there were people who thought that I might be. But now the main part of the festival, the heroes' triumphal return, is underway. No one bothered to call out to them to check.

　In other words, that's what I mean.
　As long as I can stand in for them properly, they can do without me.

　After reaffirming that, we - we're going to reach the entrance to the labyrinth.

　Looking back, this is the first time I've entered the labyrinth from the Gliard Country side.
　But it's not so different from the entrance to the Valt Country and the Huskyards Country.
　There is a 'magic stone line' (line) running through the cavernous hole, and there are a few knights guarding it. The entrance was tightly sealed off with something like a chain strung up like an off-limits tape.

　It would be impossible for a civilian to enter.
　But we're not civilians.
　It was easy to sneak in under the eyes of the knights by using dimensional magic. Lightly distorting the space, making the knight feel dizzy, and then closing the distance itself.

　Walking normally, me and the janitor go through the off-limits tape and enter.

　--And then the labyrinth.

　The dank stone corridor is dimly lit and very musty.
　The interior is no different from when you entered at the other entrance.

　It's a nostalgic maze to explore.
　I follow the path of the "Magical Stone Line" and head straight for the back.
　The cleaning staff is walking behind me, looking around with interest.

''This is the purification facility of the 'Demon Poison' after a thousand years ....... Does it resemble the Research Institute of Fania?''
I wanted you to come because it's very similar. There are probably some improvements that only you can see, so please take a closer look. ...... I could actually shortcut a lot of things with the Connection, but it all disappeared when I fought my sister, so I'm sorry about that.

　In the past two months, the Connection has been passed through various parts of the continent.
　However, all of them were for reconstruction and none of them were installed in the deepest parts of the labyrinth.

　Today, it was necessary to attack them normally.
　From one layer to a hundred layers, he recalled the memory of running up from the sixty-sixth layer to the ground in one go.
　Without a doubt, it's hard work and takes a lot of time.

　However, the schedule for the 'End of the Tan Festival' was flexible with a long schedule, with plenty of time to spare so that this final exploration could take several days.

　As I walk along, thinking that it's easier than the 'Blood Land' that I was in earlier, I see a monster in sight a short distance away from the 'Orthodoxy'.

''That's .......''

　It was a beastly monster.
　It was about two meters in size.
　The color of its fur was bright green, and it was a wolf with ferocious fangs.

　I've seen it.
　I've even fought it.
　It's a giant wolf, the first boss monster I've encountered in the labyrinth.
　A monster that could have almost killed the creator of the labyrinth and is one of the causes of this burn mark on my left cheek.

'I miss it,'

　I couldn't help but utter my thoughts.

　The truth is, there are ways to cut both the monsters and the road if you spend a large amount of magic power.
　It's a good idea to have a companion, a scavenger, with you right now, but ...... that's not the case.

　--I'm going to be the last of my labyrinth explorations.

　So, I 'gazed' at the monster with nostalgia.


[Monster] Emerald Fang: rank 7


　Somehow, I was tempted to try maximum damage at the end of the situation.
　However, the gaze of the cleaner behind me was painful, so I discouraged myself.

'............'

　Her spirit of animal rights is strong. She doesn't like the idea of laying a hand on a monster that isn't approached by the Path of Truth.

'Let's move on. We have a long way to go.

　Avoiding the unnecessary drain on physical and magical power.

　-- after deciding to do so, the time drain was minimal.

　Without taking much time, we reach the second level.
　Since we're following the 'positive path', we rarely encounter monsters.
　All we have to do is keep walking on the dark corridor of the "righteous path" with just a hint of light, and we'll be on our way.
　Thanks to the two-month blockade of the entrance, there are no peers.

　I was the one who made sure nothing happened, but it's been a really quiet search.
　Up to this point, I'm completely cut off from the bustling hustle and bustle of the "End of Tan Festival" on earth.

　Then, I continued to walk nostalgically and went to the third level.
　On the way to the fourth and fifth layers--

Haha. ......

　I took a big breath.
　I wasn't tired.
　In between the triumphs up to this point, he had slept and rested well.
　He maintained the 'Purple Thread' for a long period of time, and even went on a rampage of remote magic, but now his HPMP was full.

　That's why I let out a deep sigh of relief overlaid with relief.
　Now that I'm quietly and loosely exploring the labyrinth with the cleaners, I'm finally realizing a few things.

　The flow of "The Plan" (...) is near the top of the envisioned future.
　I missed two people, "Fafner Helvirshine" and "Glenn Walker" unplanned, but I'm thankful for the extent of that in reverse.

　I know I'm skewed, but the fact that it's off is a relief.
　I want things to go well, but I'm afraid of things going too well.
　I want things to go well, but I can't believe things are going too well.

　Just, of course.
　There was an unplanned negative, as well as an unplanned positive.
　It's the cleaning lady behind me right now.

　She and I have made a 'connection' once, and we have that heart-to-heart.
　As far as I'm concerned, as long as I'm attached to Fafner, she's one of my friends with whom I have a pseudo 'contract' because our interests are aligned.

　The cleaner's abilities are better suited to the 'Lord of the Labyrinth' than anyone else's.
　Like Serdra, Kounel and the others, she is one of the living legends who continued to study with that Helmina Neisha.

　From now on, I'll be concentrating on building magic in the 'deepest part' and won't be able to devote myself to anything else.
　In the meantime, I wanted to leave the management of the labyrinth to her.
　The manipulation of blood - no, the manipulation of genes is good for manipulating, playing with, and placing the monsters in the labyrinth.

　The cleaner's own special communication skills are also powerful.
　It's not simply that he's good at monster breeding. She was able to communicate with even those who had lost their minds, even if they had lost their sanity, which is why she continued to be so useful in the Seventh Demonic Research Institute.

　She would be more relentless than the progenitor Kanami of a thousand years ago, and would improve upon the great dungeons. It would be royal to have different colored, enhanced monsters in the dungeon after the story was over. And that's what we're all--.

They'll take it. We'll work with Maria and Snow to break through one layer at a time. Don't you think that's interesting, Lastiara?　I'm having a lot of fun. Ha-ha. It's fun, Rustyala--
"Hey, Oyasama. ......?

　I push my way through the darkness of the labyrinth.
　I flipped through the book at hand and laughed as I read the 'plan' written in it.

　After all, the addition of a new companion is always a pleasure.
　To be honest, even with just 'The One Who Steals the Reason of Nothingness' Seldora alone, the defense of the labyrinth was rock solid.
　However, starting with the former 'The One that Steals the Reason of Dimension' Noi, its apostles Sith and Diprakra-san, even Kounel and Feydert-san, who are good at operating the country, are cooperating with the 'plan'.

　If you add the cleaners, there are seven of them.
　Seven reliable friends to protect me.

　The path is dark, but I'm not worried.
　The only light source of light at this point is the faint glow of the surrounding stones - but since I can't even see that anymore, it's not a problem.
　Ever since I fought Seldora, my vision has been distorted and misaligned, not just underwater, but like coffee mixed with a variety of paints.

　However, the figure of "Rustyala" has always been visible, as if a transparent photo of the memory was placed on top of that distorted vision.

　--You can see "Lastiara, the one and only person of destiny".

　As long as that is the case, I'll be fine.
　All you have to do is keep going towards it.
　Even if it's dark, as long as you keep going forward and forward, that's where Rastiara will be waiting for you.
　No matter how hard and painful it is, the future with Rustyala will be waiting for you someday.

''Haha.''

　So, it's going well, or it's going 'as planned' or it's going well.

　-- really (...), I don't care (・・・・・・).

　Either way, I just have to keep going.
　It doesn't matter, because that's all I'm going to get to one day.
　It may be a 'contradiction', but there is no 'contradiction'.
　I just go down and down and down and down. As long as I keep moving towards Rastiara, I will be able to feel Rastiara. It doesn't matter if it's the "protagonist" or the "antagonist" for her, it doesn't matter. I just want to feel "Rustyala". I just want to reach it. I just want the two of us to be together, just to be 'happy' together.

I'm sure you'll be able to see that Oyasama's symptoms worsened when there were no more eyes of others ...... No, the worsening was when there were eyes of others? ...... the same as me. You can't calm down unless you are at the bottom of this dark labyrinth.'
"Ha-ha-ha-ha--

　How simple the answer is.
　I want to show the despairing me of a few months ago the me of now.
　If it's me now, I can say it out loud.

　If I have a little bit of courage, "the one and only man of destiny" is just within my reach.
　If only I could leave everything behind, the dead Rastiara would come back to me...
　I want to tell you that.

　I can't see anything anymore because of the "curse".
　I can't see anything anymore because of the "price" that is imposed on me, and my body is heavy.
　It is sad and painful, but the rest of the story is fun, it feels good, and my body is light.
　I keep repeating that it's okay and keep moving forward. I will reach the "deepest part" and become the new "Lord of the World" and keep saving this world. I want to save and save and save and save, and beyond that - I want to meet with Rastiara. Oh, I want to meet her. I really want to meet her. I want to meet Rastiara one day, and then...


What?


　In the face of the abnormality, I stiffened and closed the book in hand.

　The reason is that the abnormality that forced even me to stop in my tracks appeared before my eyes.
　Even with my distorted vision, I can certainly see it.

　My current position is on the ninth level of the labyrinth.
　In front of the stairs at the end of it.

　The anomaly was the heat - rising from the hole leading to the tenth level - (・・・・・).
　Something was burning ahead of us, and there was an unusual amount of heat in the air.
　The magical power associated with that hot air is playing off all kinds of magical interference.

　Obviously, this was not something that was planned for the 'plan'.
　But it won't change what I do. I can't change it anymore.
　Without thinking about it, I walk down the stairs.

　A buzzing hot wind curls up from below, causing my bangs to bounce and nearly knocking my body off balance.
　It's not enough to stop me.
　Without a care in the world, I pushed my way down.

　--and ten layers.

　Burning flames as far as the eye could see.
　It was dazzling and dazzling.

　It was so bright that it seemed to mock me for repeating that it was dark and gloomy a moment ago.
　I even felt as if I was standing on the sun.

　And there was a huge pillar of fire rising in the middle of the hierarchy.
　It crackled and crackled, like a campfire.
　In front of the burning fire, a girl was sitting down with her back to the ground.

　She must have sensed that we had entered the tenth layer.
　The girl stood up and turned around.
　While shaking her black hair, she turned her face, whose eyes were hidden by that 'spell cloth', to me and moved her mouth.

''--Kanami-san (・・・・・)

　Maria (・・・・) has been waiting for me (・・・・・・・).

　She must have been waiting here for quite a long time.
　Maybe she had been taking a nap just a few minutes ago.
　After a small missive, she smiles.

　--It's funny.

　There shouldn't have been anything in the 10th layer. The guardian (Guardian), 'The One Who Steals the Reason of Fire' Arti, should have disappeared, and it should have been a cold, wide stone room.
　However, it was pulsating with life, as if the Lord had returned.

　The inside of my head, which had been dark for a long time, was being forced to become blank.
　A clear voice passes through that blank mind.

'What do you say in these situations?　I've been reading a lot of magical history books lately, and I can't get the words to come out well. Unlike everyone else, I'm not a fan of entertaining books: ......

　He laughed and stared at me while removing that 'spell cloth'.
　Our gazes met.
　Magical eyes that were condensed with fire were burning under my eyelids.
　With 'eyes' that are no longer empty, they are looking at me.

　Thump.
　I heard a loud heartbeat.

　Not my chest.
　I am no longer thinking or feeling anything. There's no bouncing.

　The beating was from Maria.
　She felt someone else as well as I did, as she put her hand on her chest.
　She spun the rest of the words with a 'soul' that would never be faked anymore.


'--Welcome, Kanami-san. This is (...), these ten layers are the (・・・・・・・) hundred and ten layers (...). It's the hierarchy of "The One Who Steals the Reason of Fire" Maria. You can think of this place as a hundred and ten layers, not hastily or without permission, but you can think of it as a hundred and ten layers. And I would like Kanami-san to undergo the 'Hundred and Tenth Test' before anyone else.


　Maria curtsied ostentatiously.
　The gesture reminded her of a guardian (guardian) from sometime ago.

''Hiya (...), a hundred (..) ......, ten (.) ......?''

　A lot of questions have been raised.
　But the strangest thing is the number.
　As the creator of the labyrinth, I couldn't help but shake at the selfishness of the numbers.