The night is white.
　The twinkling stars are white, the snow of magic (Tear Ray) is white, and the "lights" of the city are white.
　And even whiter than all of them, the moon shines brighter.
　The various lights spread out to the horizon, pushing away the dark nighttime darkness.

　It's a strange night sky that only a festival can produce.
　Underneath it, a lighthearted festival music rang out all the way down, and it never stopped.
　The heat of the city blew through, the good smell of burnt meat and sweets wafting through the air, and saliva pooled in my mouth.

　The temptation reaches firmly to the heights overlooking the confederacy.
　An instinctive elation tickles the depths of my body relentlessly.
　I want to run right out and dive into the pale light below me and mingle.
　It seems so unreal, so false, so illusory - so unreal, so phantom-like.

　--The End of the Tale continues, and no one will ever wake up from the fever.

　Right now, looking down on that "End-Tan Festival" is me, stationed in the tallest bell tower of the Fouzeyards Cathedral. It was the Kounel Chronicle, Shulus Regia Ingrid.

　As per the original 'plan', the biggest festival in the history of the continent is being held below me - or rather, the 'Great Ceremony, the culmination of a thousand years of humanity,' masquerading as a great festival, is being performed deceptively.

　It's a lively, merry, good-humored festival.
　The same buzz as today's noon triumphal parade still fills the land at night.

　The time is the time, so there is no more celebratory gunfire.
　However, the special magic fireworks that don't make a sound continue to be shot off, and the magical snow (tierrei) continues to pour down like a field of flowers, as an example.

　The management's concern for bedtime is perfect.
　However, all the attention to the laborious silent fireworks was ruined as the participants continued to celebrate with great fanfare.

　But the ruin must be fun, comfortable, and feel good.
　All these months, everyone in the Confederacy had been working together to rebuild the continent. I can see, hear, and feel the resentment of that temperance and abstinence now exploding in the entire nation.

　It's going to be a celebration that never sleeps.
　I spill out, because I am truly envious of it and can't stand it.

'I wish I could have been part of the festival. I didn't think about it, I was tricked, and I was stupid enough to go to .......

　I continue to envy the festival, elaborating on the "Vampire Seed's Magic Eye" that was unsealed by the new "Lord of the World" and continue to envy the festival.

　It's the first time I've ever experienced a festival of this scale, even for me who has lived for a thousand years.
　The Allied countries hold events such as the 'Dance Dance Competition' every year, so they must have accumulated festive know-how. In the midst of the highest security guaranteed in history, various events imported from all over the world will be held in an orderly fashion.

　On a theatre ship in Lauravian countries, there is a great circus with a famous travelling troupe.
　In the marketplace of Valt, explorers hold a huge auction.
　In the ports of Gliard, the most important noblemen of the continent gather for a grand ballroom.
　In the Academy of Etralieu, students are invited to a tournament.
　In the cathedral of the Fuseyards - we'll check this out later.

　Everywhere you look, it's a huge, successful extravaganza.
　Children in the city are rubbing their sleepy eyes and running around in great excitement, looking for something interesting to do.
　Even the adults, who say that the End of the Season Festival is the only rude thing about it, welcome those children to stay up late.

　It's so bright, dazzling, beautiful, and so pleasantly breezy that it makes my eyes flicker.
　But it's not the natural wind.
　Nor is it the heat of the people.
　That doesn't mean it's not a magical wind.
　It's not a magic wind, but an ambiguous wind that you can clearly feel when you are in this high place.

　And I already know what that ambiguous wind is.
　This is the 'thread'.
　An invisible "thread" that ordinary people can't catch, has been caressing my cheek for a long time.
　The color of the thread is purple, and its attribute is dimensional. The purple thread stretches out in countless numbers, and when it is shaken by this hot wind, it wraps itself gently around the bodies of all the people.

　Therefore, everyone in the city below us is saying, "To the heroes of the Confederacy! And sound off.
　He also treats the vague story of "everyone in the world will be 'happy' with the miracle of the labyrinth" as if it were a real schedule with specifics.
　We are still waiting for the last main event, "the moment when Kanami reaches the magic itself".

　Everything is guided by the magic of the new 'Lord of the World', Kanami Aikawa.
　I suddenly remember the Chairman's appearance at the time of our parting.

"The deepest part was a really bad place. I don't want to go there again.

　I murmured to myself as I thought of the black sea rippling silently.

　From the "Lord of the World" changeover ceremony, the seven of us immediately moved to our posts according to the "Plan".
　The four who returned to the ground through the Connection on the 99th level were me, Sith, Diprakra, and Feydert.
　Serdra, Scavenger-chan, and Noi-sama are the three of us in the labyrinth detention group.

　After returning to the ground, the four of us immediately used our respective powers to move the people, priests and knights of this confederacy and re-fix the security network in various places.
　When they had just finished confirming their work at the bell tower, a voice called out from behind them.

''Our preparations are all set, Master Kounell.

　The bell tower was large and not meant for one person.
　When I turned around at the sound of their voices, I saw an ill-eyed priest and an old man with a soft face standing there.

　They are Feydert Charthowas and Apostle Diprakra, who both swore allegiance to the same Lord in The Deepest.
　Both of them looked on the verge of war, waiting for instructions from me, who had been appointed by the chairman as the chief security officer.

　The Chief Executive ....... I think to myself that I'm doing something I'm not suited to do.
　In truth, I want to join the party at some nobleman's mansion and enjoy the festivities as much as I can.

　But I accept that I have no choice.
　After all, it's just me now.

　That's why the chairman asked for me.
　I responded to his request, and we made a contract like that.
　Recalling the events in the "other world" "Fudokoto", I loosen my mouth and answer the question.

It's a good thing that you're a good friend of mine. It's really helpful that you don't have to work so hard on your guesses. Heh heh heh.
'No, compared to Master Kounell, my skills, etc. ....... But it is already nighttime. Indeed, will the enemies come?

　It has already been half a day since they witnessed the "Lord of the World" changeover ceremony.

　Feydert, who has been in a state of tension for a long time, asks a question about the Lord's "plan" for the festivities that are passing in this peaceful time.
　Hence, the question is answered by the pious Diprakra.

The Lord's plan is absolute, O Feydert. Fafner, the ex-Blood Stealer, and Glenn, the former Greatest Explorer, both of whom escaped during the Bloodbath, will surely appear in this Confederation and try to break into the labyrinth. The two are experts in the labyrinths of a thousand years ago and today (・・・・・). Do not allow them to break in! The labyrinth is now an austere place, a temple of our Lord.

　It will come.
　And it's not just the two of us who are enemies.
　We will share that information with you again.

That's right. Maybe, but will they team up with the currently missing Ryner and his friends to launch a simultaneous attack?　Even if they don't attack at the same time, they should be able to get in the way of the master of the temple with a good wave attack!

　Diprakra and I were both on alert for the enemy.
　Nevertheless, Feydert continues to disagree.

''However, even if the labyrinth is invaded, that Seldra-sama is still standing on the 99th layer. Furthermore, the 'Blood Puppet' who calls himself 'The One Who Steals Blood's Reason', and the previous 'Lord of the World'. If someone were to enter that basement, it's unlikely that they would be able to reach the Lord's place: ......
I'm not that worried about the defense of the underground. That's why the defense of the ground is more important. We must not only continue with the End of the Season, but we must not destroy this atmosphere. Through the prayers of this festival, Our Lord becomes magic. ...... The mechanics of the ritual are clear to you, who went to the 'deepest' together?
...... Yes. The 'deepest' of the world was connected to all things, swirling and drawn to the Lord.
Yes. We must not relax for a moment in order to keep that tide going.

　So cautiously replied Diprakra, looking around from the bell tower.
　However, he squinted and then stared at me as if he had given up.
　Even though he is a legendary apostle-sama, his eyesight doesn't seem to be that good.

　Instead of Diprakra, I look around from the bell tower and nod back, reaffirming that there's nothing unusual at all.

　However, neither I nor Diprakra can be reassured.
　We don't know where the enemies who are coming to break us down are lurking.
　Some of them are mixed in with girls who are so powerful that they can single-handedly bring down a country.

You really can't relax for a moment! You should know better than that, don't you, Mr. Feydert?　I've known Lady Dear, Lady Maria and Lady Snow longer than I've known my Aunt Adachi.
...... Surely, I am familiar with those three people. But by the Lord's hand, the most dangerous Mary has already been captured. From the point of view of the whole 'plan', it's as if half of the obstacles have already disappeared.

　Apparently, the reason why Feydert continues to give his opinion is because of the capture of Maria, which was not in the 'plan'.
　He suggests that the margin (margin) created by her capture should be turned elsewhere, in the interests of the Allies, even though it is most subordinate to their position.

　But Diprakra and I will never relent because of our misgivings.

The 'plan' has been brought forward, but it is certain that Maria Walker has given us a clear signal of wolfsbane. There is a high probability that they will realize our abnormality and align with the enemies lurking on the ground.
The fireworks were a surprise to our friends. Since we hadn't planned to emit that kind of light, we had to gather quickly in the Senate Chamber and wait for word.

　It was noon today.
　At the moment the triumphal parade was over, the great tree rising above the labyrinth shone brightly.

　That one was planted a thousand years ago, the same variety as the World Tree on the 'mainland'.
　I'm not going to be the only one who has been in a position to do that.

It's a good thing," he said. I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this.　Even now, Daiki-chan, you're a little bit shiny.
''From what I just heard around, the reaction of the people in the city has been positive. The fact that the great tree emitted light is something that has never happened in a thousand years of history, but the End of the World Festival itself is a festival that has never happened in a thousand years of history. Many people see it as a miraculous light that signals the arrival of the 'deepest' part of the world, and they see it as a good omen.
That's good to hear. You're right, it's only a good thing when it's that beautiful.

　He turned his gaze to the labyrinth in the center of the confederacy.

　The branches and leaves of the great tree that rises above the labyrinth glittered with just the right amount of light, shining like stars.
　It's just like the Kurimusutsuri tree in the other world, and to be honest, I'd like to start working on making it a tourist resource right now.

Hmmm. I've heard good things about all of them. I've been running around for the past few hours, but there was no confusion. ...... It seems that there really isn't anything more we can do now.
It seems. It's not efficient for the three of us to stay here and keep an eye on things. Shall we move to the base of operations? While we do a final security check.

　I invite them to head to the stairs leading down.
　As we leave the bell tower, we share information about the security Feydert has arranged for us.

''Now, the security of the city: ....... Basically, they are arranged around the knights of the cathedral. I had the knights, who are particularly capable, head towards the five gates of the sealed off labyrinth entrance. At the entrance on the Fouzeyards side, the reinstated Persiona Quager is given command. The Seven Celestial Knights of Heaven (Celestial Knights) are also stationed at the other entrances, one by one. However, the missing Serah Raydiant has yet to be found ......, and to be clear, the hole she left out is large. However, we have obtained the cooperation of the heads of the four major noble families, so we can contact the "Magic Stone Line" while maintaining the chain of command. Furthermore, if we include the volunteer followers, the total number of guards--

　While listening to the report, I nodded, "Hmmm," and walked down the stairs.

　What's more important than our defensive capabilities would be the rapid transmission of information.
　The "Connection" directly leading to the "Deepest" at the lowest level of the cathedral has been erased, so the enemy will definitely be forced to choose one of the guard-filled labyrinth entrances.

　And while checking the contents of the guards, we reach the first floor.
　We found ourselves in the corner of the temple at the far end of the Huzjars Cathedral.
　There, the temple was crammed with believers, kneeling in prayer.

「「「「「--'Our God in heaven' and 'Grant us divine magic'--」」」」」

　Even though it was the time of the Festival of the Endangered Species, they were devout believers who did not forget to pray.
　Among them, there are also the Jewelculus.

　Right now, there was a huge gathering (mass) going on in the Hooziyaz country.
　And at the end of the prayers of the believers, there is one celebrity who is essential to the event.

'The Sith are doing well. You are in the hall.

　On the platform, Apostle Sis also prayed with him.
　His colleague, Diprakula, praised his work from the bottom of his heart.
　I agreed with him.

That was a true vocation, wasn't it? Haha, everything is just as 'planned'. Seriously, Lord, you're not half bad at all!

　The prayers around the Sis were so admirable that the three of us stopped and watched the assembly (Mass).

　However, not everyone here was praying in earnest, following the Sith.
　Some of them are simply praying for the 《Level Up》 only, while beastmen who are afraid of the 《Majin Turn Back》 are undergoing 《Magic Power Purification (Level Down》, or are trying the new 《Magic Style》 《Blood Vein Dilution (Changelock》).

　Around the entrance and exit of the temple, a beginner's corner was set up to welcome new believers. It seems that they are also propagating the newborn Levantine religion as part of the "Level Up" process.


''--That's why this 'Lord of the World' was the true God of our Revan--''

　The teachings of a certain priest reached my ears.　
　It is the so-called "New Testament" teaching of Revan.
　People are told a false legend that is the key to the ritual.

At the end of this 'End of the Tale', the god who has completed the ritual in the 'deepest' part of the labyrinth will sit down...

　No, it's a false legend.
　Just a few moments ago, the three of us here watched the ceremony.

　This is the false truth.
　Whether you believe in it or not is up to you.
　It was really a dubious religious invitation, but the believers listened intently to the teachings without question.

'Lord Kanami, who was the founder?　No, but he was also a saint, and that's what we're talking about: ......
''Heh. The hero-sama of the Confederacy is going to be a god from now on?
'You're like the pitch-black ghost who fixed the city!　Savior!

　Adults and children alike will give their impressions.
　The priest seems to take that as a good feeling and continues his new preaching.

'Yes. That One was a hero, a founder, a saint, a savior - and a god. God has many aspects, but perhaps the most important one here is that He was also a 'Gentile'. That One came from a different place than the world we live in.

　The priest smiles, and the truth is a lie that is revealed in a majestic way.
　It's a really disgusting teaching because they're all slightly true.

'Now, open the Levantine Book of Piety, chapter 71, verse 1. So the thousand-year-old founder described here is an incarnation of God who came down from another dimension. He lost his memory for a time due to a bad apostle named Apostle Legacy: ....... Originally, He was the One whose name was too awe-inspiring to utter.

　People continue to listen intently while opening their big mouths.

　This wouldn't happen in a mere new religion.
　It's because there is a ground called Revanism, and there is a 'present-day god' such as Rastiara, and until recently, the 'Winter's Other World (Wintry Dimension)' attacked us, and miracles were flying around close to us during reconstruction.

'That's why, a thousand years ago, the saintly Lady Tiara, whom we know so well, shouldered the names and offices held by God. ...... God is God and the very laws of this world. Any other name or office is inherently superfluous.

　And then the lies are mixed in little by little like poison.

'Er, er, ....... Does that mean that it's very rude to call Cana--Hero-sama a god by his floating name during his amnesia?
'Rather than being rude, the Lord is 'the one who wasn't supposed to be there. He was just called as a temporary human form to save this world. He was once called 'The Great Saviour (Magna Messiah)' in the old language: ....... That, too, is not accurate. For God is God Himself and does not need a name.
............?

　The questioner twists his head at the too abstract response.
　But was he swept away by the atmosphere of this sacred place?
　After a few moments, the flow (...) causes him to nod his head and say, "Oh, I see.

As you know, God has descended to the crisis in our world. But when he finishes his role, he is gone. Because he truly wants us humans to grow, he will also erase his name and make his own existence 'never happened'.

　The word 'never happened' finally comes out.
　I can't help but laugh at what the chairman is really trying to do anymore.

'At the end of this 'end-tan festival', God will leave the body of man and cease to exist in this world, beyond all dimensions. But it will only return to its original place. Let us only celebrate that God, who has returned to the 'deepest', will move on to the dimensions beyond--

　-- the preaching continues.
　However, there are many times when the voice is raised because of the quicksilver, and I can't get out of listening to the clearing in the middle.

'Hmm?　It's hard.
I don't know what you're talking about: ......
What do I end up praying to?

　There are a lot of children's voices.
　It would be difficult for the 'purple thread' to work unless it was someone who could read the atmosphere and the flow of the conversation and pretend to understand it.
　However, that countermeasure is already in place.

''Hmph, it's fine. That's why you are here, Apostle. If you don't feel close to God, please pray to the Apostle. If you are seriously injured or sick, I'm sure the Apostle will be able to give you a friendly counsel. Even if you don't know what you are praying for or what your name is, if you go through the Apostle, that will be enough for you.　

　Ahead of time, the Apostle Sith was prepared.
　And the moment the name Sith was mentioned, the children's faces lit up.

'I love Sith-sama!'
You're always so serious about listening to my problems.
You stuck your father's bones to me the other day!

　This would be too popular for the chairman and us to copy.
　And it's a really disgusting mechanism.
　Immediately, even if I prayed through the Apostle Sith, it would be incorporated into the ritual.

　When I see that the newborn Levantine religion is spinning, as planned, I nod and start to move.

'...... yeah. Let's go.
Leave it to the Sith to take care of things.
I'm afraid so.

　Diprakra and Feydert seemed to have the same impression as I did.

　Together, the three of us walk past the people praying and exit the temple.
　We repeat a series of social greetings to the people we pass and reach the stairs that lead to the basement.

　After reaching this point, no more general visitors can step in, and more and more of the 'Jewelcrus' working in the cathedral will be seen.

　At the halfway point, down to the "Governmental Affairs Room and Connection Storage", the Jewelcrus human in charge of intelligence reported the security situation of the confederation in detail.
　Information from outside the Confederation is also included, and it can be confirmed that the cooperation with Rouge-chan, the representative of the "North-South Alliance", is going well.

　In line with that smooth confirmation process, we descended further down the stairs to reach our goal, the 'Senate Council Room'.
　It is a simple room with only a minimal table and chairs, but this is a room that promises the world's best counter-intelligence, where all the 'threads' are out of reach.

　It was very quiet.
　Even though we are in the middle of the biggest festival in history, this is the only room that seems to be isolated from the outside world and does not lift my spirits at all.

　But that's what the organizers are all about, isn't it?
　With a sigh, I release the tension.

''Phew. ....... Now all we have to do is wait for the report in this safe zone...

　Perhaps it's because of too much preparation beforehand, the word 'spare' is about to change to 'leisure' here, but Feydert suggests without caution.

''Master Kounel, you must be tired, right?　Since I'm awake, why don't you take a nap?

　I can read from his face that he's not selling flattery to his guardians, but rather he's sincerely telling them not to waste their time.

　On the ground, his subordinates continue to move on a brilliant shift schedule, and the transmission of information through the 'magic stone line (line)' is only a moment away.
　It's not that I think there's anything wrong with the three of them sleeping together here ...... but it seems that Feydert can't be that brazen.

　Feydert, as one of the people in charge, had a look on his face that he would not sleep until all of the "End of Season Festival" was completed. So I arranged the three chairs that were provided on a nearby table and turned them into a simple bed.

''Well then, I'll take your word for it...?　If anything happens, hit me and wake me up.

　I close my eyes as the millennial years allow me to sleep instantly everywhere.
　In addition, I immediately try to reduce my thoughts to nothing - which was difficult, just for today.

　I'm proud of my ability to fall asleep fast as I can, but for the first time in a thousand years, I can't fall asleep well because of all the things that have happened to me.
　When I close my eyes, they come to the back of my eyelids, even if I don't want to.
　You could say it's burned into me.

　The pitch-black 'deepest part'.
　A throne floating in a black sea.
　A boy with black hair and dark eyes sat down.
　The face. The expression on his face. The expression on his face.
　It is too fleeting. Too stupid. Too angry.
　It stuck, and I couldn't get it off.

　I try to paint over not the scene of the 'deepest', but rather the gentle smile of the chairman in the more ancient days, and I manage to paint over it.
　For example, recently, the smile I had on the date he took me on a week ago.

　That day was fun.
　For the first time in a long time, I can say out loud that it was truly fun.
　Because I had been recklessly pushed around by the chairman for so long, I got to hear a lot of selfishness from him.
　He took me to the "other world" that I had longed for, let me eat something sweet at a restaurant, gave me a ride on his first "train car" and bought me a lot of cute clothes at the "Shoppin' mall". After that, I was allowed to play some unique games over there, and in "Fudokoro-to

　I got a 'real reward'.

　.............
　It was fun.

　But I also think I've been given too much.

　And that new (...) "contract" is stuck behind my eyelids, and I can't get it off--


　◆◆◆◆◆


　It wasn't long ago that I received my "real reward".

　In the countryside of the "Otherworld" country of "Japan".
　In the countryside of the country of "Nihon-world", in the midst of the gorgeous and different colored city streets, rises "Shoppin' Mole".
　The Chairman and I were facing each other across the table after finishing our date at the 'Fudokoto' upstairs.

　And while we were staring at the 'break' that signaled the time limit--

Kounel. Let's make a 'deal' with me just one more time.

　Brought to you.
　A new 'contract'.

'After touring the 'original world' with you today, I'm convinced. I'm sure that Kounel's adaptive abilities are second to none, even to Seldora. -- so, 'Kounel Chronicle Shulus Legia Ingrid'. I want you, who are more scared of death and living than anyone else, to be the representative of the new world. I can see a future where you will be a true guardian (shugosha).
'What, the real guardian ......?　A guess?

　What awaited us at the end of our easy-going date was far too unexpected.

　Aren't the Guardians supposed to be the Guardians?
　I don't understand. And yet, I can almost understand the meaning of the words.
　The chairman must be using his special skills to talk to me. The sensation of not understanding the meaning of the words, but somehow making sense of them was very unpleasant.

''I have something for you, that I want to give you. This is the 'real reward' to Kounel for all his hard work to date.
But I've had enough and it's time to go to ......
The 'real reward' is that I'm gone.

　It is handed to me in a bewilderment, and it is passed to me without mercy.

'Oh ......, oh ......'

　And I would think about it.
　My body trembles as I imagine my life after I get that 'real reward'.

I will be gone, taking with me all the 'reason-stealers'. To be precise, I will be the only one who 'never existed'. When that happens, the earth will be completely yours. ...... You've been thinking about this for a while, haven't you?　And if only I wasn't there, it would all be mine. That's what's going to happen, Kounell.
No, no, I didn't go to ...... for that, I didn't want to ......

　I don't want to.
　I stammered, trying to cover my mind with that.

　I was under the illusion of looking in the mirror.
　I felt like all the poker faces and mind-reading techniques I'd acquired over the millennia had been broken through and I could see through it all.

　My throat was thirsty, taut, frozen and refusing to move.
　Instead of me, the chairman speaks my wishes like a mirror.

''I'll leave everything to Kounel to do after I'm gone. How will I stabilize the Confederacy and the 'North-South Alliance' from now on? How will you deal with this 'original world' with its advanced science? That's for Kounell to decide.
Mr. Chairman!　You can check it out at ......!　Aha!

　I couldn't lose, I forced my voice to shake.

　This is a battle.
　It's also the battlefield I'm best at.
　The other side has deliberately chosen a battle of negotiation and bargaining for me.
　That's why we can never lose.

"The world without me belongs to Kounell. But instead, I need you to help me go to the 'deepest'.
It's ....... Or, Mr. Chairman, you can go to .......

　I couldn't lose, but I couldn't get the words out.
　Like a child who doesn't know anything about politics or anything else, I just call his name.

　Is this a skill 'fraud'? Or is it 'bargaining' and 'scheming'?　A weakness I fell in love with a thousand years ago, so 'scheming' and 'training'?　'Incitement' and 'provocation' could also be considered. But it would be useless to think about it anymore. This is the issue before that.

　The Chairman's eyes are now looking not only at the 'present' but also at the 'past' and 'future'.
　The eyes are so frightening that I had no choice but to let out my true feelings.

The chairman ......, all I wanted was to have a rest. I'm more afraid of dying than most people because of my long life ....... I want to keep the dangerous things away and I want to get rid of the things that are in my way ...... at all costs. That's how I've managed to survive for a thousand years, at least for a thousand years!　But that doesn't mean we want the Chairman to be gone!　Never, ever!　--Lady Kanami (・・・・)!

　I didn't want to just be your enemy, so I just screamed without bargaining.
　I exposed my hidden heart and used the call that I had been hiding for so long.
　I remained anxious and defensive as best I could until I made a confession over the millennia.

'Kanami-sama ......, I loved you. Believe me. I've liked you ever since you saved me that day. So, I will never resent or alienate that Kanami-sama or anything like that. Please believe me!　Never!　I just want to feel safe!　I wanted a future where I could have peace of mind!　I wanted it, I wanted it, I wanted it, I wanted it, "I know (・・・・・). I just know that the future where I can have that peace of mind is 'a world without me' and I know that I have no other intentions for Kounell. I know exactly what I'm doing, so don't worry about it.

　Kanami-sama smiled at me as she hurriedly revealed her love for me.

　It was really, as usual.
　It always passes, and I can't stop laughing.

'............. Heh, heh. I see. You know what I mean? Then it's okay. ....... Heh-heh-heh.

　Do you understand?　
　Since when is that ......?
　Where am I going with this ......?

　I can tell that Kanami-sama is making an effort to keep it afloat.

　But the conversation was really jumpy.
　There was no more human-like confusion or hesitation at all.
　I couldn't help but laugh at the response, as if I was negotiating with God without exaggeration.

　There's no way to do this kind of negotiation or bargaining fight. ......
　Because right now, Kanami-sama isn't looking at me .......

　I start pretending to open the book in my hand, reading something I can't see.
　My gaze wanders through the air, making eye contact with something I can't see.

　It's crazy.
　Or so I thought.
　But I don't mean "crazy" in the sense of "broken hearted".
　I and Kanami-sama are no longer in a different dimension of life. So it's 'crazy' in the sense of 'far out of phase'.

　This is the end of the completed 'the one who steals the reason for the dimension'.
　Everything is out of phase and no one can match (・・・・・・・) up.

　That crazy Kanami-sama invites me to join him.

'Kounel, let's aim together. A future without me.
'Oh, oh, oh ....... Ahhhh, ahhhh, .......

　Really, I'm sick of all the lousy pick-up lines.
　However, I guess I liked Kanami-sama like that.
　A thousand years ago I fell in love with a boy who tried desperately to live in spite of being an a**h*le, and I fell in love with him.
　Strictly speaking, "made me fall in love with her at first sight because of her tiara" is correct, but I don't want to think about that woman now.

　The dark-haired, dark-eyed 'gentile' was just like me from the first time I met her.
　From the time she saved me a thousand years ago and I fell in love with Kanami-sama, who told me that I could live desperately, even if I was weak, I had already lost all of my bargaining and bargaining, and perhaps it was impossible to resist anymore.

　As that favorite said, I imagine a 'world without a favorite' as if I were reading a book.

"--Counel Chronicle, Shulus Regia Ingrid, is melancholy.

"A world that has endured a thousand years and is still filled with pathology.
　A world that has been further distorted by magic spread under the guise of medicine.
　Most of all, a world that is easily destroyed depending on the mood of those who 'steal the truth'.
　I've been worried about the fragility of the world I live in for a long time.
　Being shown another 'other world' has deepened that feeling.

"The power of the 'Stealers of Reason' can crush a country that tens of thousands of people have worked so hard to build with just one person, in a single night.
　All of their true 'magic' can lightly lead the world to an end if they make one mistake in using it.
　--and the rule is that its heinous power is always held by the mentally weak.
　It was the worst.
　It was the devil's rule, I thought.
　It made me feel stupid to live an honest life. It's a never-ending nightmare itself.
　Just living in this fragile world makes me anxious, unbearable and painful.
　--But now, 1,000 years later, in a "different world".
　I'm not going to be able to get a good deal more than a few hours of sleep.
　I'm going to admit that Kanami-sama is right about everything in front of that new rule.
　I've always thought that as long as the thieves don't exist, the rest will be fine.
　The dream of making the world mine was an accidental one.
　They told me I could continue that greedy dream.
　He told me that the nightmare that I would never wake up from was over.

"I was told that the 'world without people I love' is a world where I don't have to worry about anything anymore, so I--

　It was the moment I was given the right to 'feel safe'.
　I can't resist that saving grace and nod my head.

'Yes ....... I want to be 'relieved'. So please disappear from this world, Kanami-sama .......
Yeah. I'll be gone. So, we'll go to the Deepest Place together, Kounell.

　I put my hand on Kanami-sama's saving hand.
　And I've also made a 'contract'.

　However, was it really my intention?
　Was I just pulled and guided by the flow (...)?
　Knowing the expression on my face at this time, I would no longer try to know.

　Because I wasn't beautiful or young enough to look straight at myself reflected in Kanami-sama's black eyes.
　Just to get "peace of mind" was too much for me, who was too old for that, so--


　◆◆◆◆◆


'Master Kounell!　Wake up!

　I was only going to remember Kanami-sama's smile. But just as I dreamed to the point of making a firm 'contract', a loud voice pounded my eardrums.
　Hastily, I protested as I gathered myself up.

'Nuh-uh!　...... na, what the hell!

　My eyes widen and I look around the basement, which has only one desk and a row of chairs.
　Apparently, I was woken up by Feydert shouting in my ear.

　I had the sense that it had been quite some time.
　Perhaps it was no longer night, but morning.
　I didn't seem to be able to sleep well, but I seemed to be sleeping well.

　But instead, not just behind my eyelids, but even in my head, I was filled with Kanami-sama.
　The sensation of being watched from 'the slit' (somewhere) is even stronger.
　The dream now was so vivid that I could hear the auditory hallucination from the back of my mind, "Kounel, I'm begging you.

'Master Kounell!　Lady Dear!　Lady Dear, a priestess of the Apostle Sith-sama, has appeared!

　When I hear that name, my nerves rise.
　Completely dazed, I ask calmly.

'Where?'　With whom and how?
Now we are on ....... Alone, alone, I have appeared in the Cathedral of the Fouzeyards with aplomb.

　I came.

　He shifts his body up and gets off the bed of the lined up chairs.
　We'll be on our way to captivity soon.
　If the place is a cathedral, we can have a blockade of priests.
　With the knights, we can force a war of attrition.

　I quickly stop thinking about it.
　Still in my sleep, I rethink the idea.

　She's in the rear guard, alone and unapologetically?
　Why this time of day in the first place?
　If it's morning, does that mean you're going to make a morning speech to the worshippers?
　If you're addressing the people, you have a correct understanding of how to break down the rituals.
　But it is too straightforward, and I must say that it is anticlimactic.
　If the true purpose is separate, then it is the Apostle Sith in charge of the cathedral?
　Is it a decision that he has a deep relationship with the priestess Dia, and can be successfully disengaged from her?
　Or is it a simple diversion?　If you're ready to round up the places that lured us out ...... oh, no. I'm still measuring it by common sense. The enemy is that Kanami-sama's people.

　I've known the girl, Dear Aleis, since Diablo Sith.
　I've been gathering that information since she was born - a thousand years ago, to be exact.

　This is also the age of a thousand years.
　Beyond being able to see a person's personality just by looking at their face, I would be able to read the information alone.
　Perhaps the girl called Dia now--.

　Simply because it was late last night, I slept normally.
　Then, after a pleasant morning, I started to act with zero sleepiness in my body.
　Today, we're going to attack the labyrinth to the 'deepest part'.
　But before that, let's crush the entire strength of the Allies.
　After that, it would be safest to head out slowly.
　For now, let's go from the cathedral where the Sith are.
　Let's think about what we'll do there after we get there.

　-- and I'm thinking without thinking.
　Slowly, I take a deep breath, "Fu, haha," and then tell my men.

"Diprakra, Feydert, don't worry. "Diprakra, Feidert, don't worry, we won't be betrayed as long as our men are in charge. As long as I am at the helm, there is no danger of misjudgment, even if it is the footsteps of an unpredictable child. That's why Atei was able to complete the 'Senate' all by himself, and Kanami-sama was entrusted with the chief executive role.

　Maybe it's because I've read more of the girl named Dia's thoughts than I thought I would, or maybe it's because I've read more of the girl's thoughts than I thought I would, but it gives me the bullish tone of the days (and times) when I was playing princess by myself.

　I can tell myself that I'm upset.
　Maybe the girl named Dia is a bit like me in the past.
　I'm sure she loves Kanami-sama and doesn't want her to disappear.
　I like Kanami-sama too, and I know because I went down the same path a thousand years ago.

　But as a pioneer, I want to warn you.
　We'll find out soon enough.
　People you love in your life are just a distraction.
　Among them is a guy named Kanami-sama, who should never be around.
　He's always making people feel insecure and sad.
　Soon you'll wish he was gone because you love him.

"I want you two to take your orders from my Lord and move swiftly.
...... Mm. I have faith in you, Kounell.
"Ha, Master Kounell.

　Immediately, the three of us walked up the stairs to the 'end of the story festival' on the ground.
　I walked at the head of them, my mouth tightening.

　--Counel Chronicle Shulus Regia Ingrid is gloomy.

　I actually wished there was another true guardian.
　A thousand years ago, the woman who had the potential to do so was Tiara Hoozeyers.
　In the present day, the man who had the potential to do so was Palinclone Legacy.
　Both have abdicated their responsibilities in favor of self-interest.
　So they went around and passed the torch to me, the elder.

　If you really believe that I am the representative of the people I represent, then I'm sorry to say that I have to erase it.
　We don't need flawed people who are swayed by forces they don't deserve.

　I don't need them, so they are gone.
　Every last one of them is gone from my world.