The streets of the long-awaited "Final Festival" were alive with activity even in the morning.
　Laughter echoed here and there, and fireworks constantly shot off into the blue sky.

　Sera and I came out of an alleyway, changed out of our cloak hoods into animal masks, and joined the festivities.

　Then the owners of the stalls say, "Welcome! I was repeatedly greeted with the pleasant greeting, "I'm sorry, I don't know what to say.
　As we pass children wearing masks, we hear them sharing information in the way only children can: "Which stall's food was the best" and "Masks from the other country are cooler".
　Couples sitting on the couches provided were happily filling out their date plans for the day, asking "Where should we go to the next event?

　They should have been making a lot of noise all night.
　And yet, instead of knowing that the Allies were tired, they were getting more lively.

　Partly due to the influence of the 'magic stone line' (line) that faintly emitted light at my feet, my cheeks naturally broke into a smile.
　I had worked really hard to rebuild this far.
　It was a great sense of accomplishment to not only see the results, but to feel them with my ears and skin.

　It wasn't a reward for that, but I would stop by any available food stall and buy some. I shifted the masks that were supposed to be used for disguise upwards and threw them in my mouth as I walked.

　It's part of my strategy.
　We are now heading into the labyrinth, but we no longer have any foul 'possessions' for us.
　We can't safely hold our food, so we have to gobble it up to the limit.

　I talk to my companion while swallowing a mouthful of food.

''Ngg. ...... Sera, I'm going to ask you one last time, are you sure you want to do this?　If we wait like this, though, there's a good chance that only Rastiara will come back.

　Knight Sera Raydiant.
　Unlike me, Sera-san was firmly wearing a beast mask.
　When she heard that confirmation, she goes on to say back in a disheartening manner.

''I am a knight of Lady Rustyala. Therefore, I only think and act for the benefit of the Lady. ...... At all times, Kanami has been my enemy.

　However, as I know her face a few days ago, I can't take her words to heart. At any rate, for the past two months, Sera-san has been a person who only talks about her memories of the young lady and--and Kanami--every time I see her, so I blurted out.

''...... You were Kanami's favorite knight until just recently.
Oh, that's it!

　Sera, who had an idea of what she was getting from me, turned back to me, her voice hoarse on the road.
　When I thought she was going to take off her mask and shout at any moment, she patted down her teasing shoulder and nodded.

'Yes, ....... Indeed, I was going to live to die as a Kanami knight. However, that new Lord Kanami did not believe in me at all. He hid from me the true purpose of the "End of the Season Festival" and even lied to me proudly, saying "In this chest, Rastiara will be there". ...... absolutely unacceptable.

　While explaining, he let his quiet anger build up.
　With that anger, Sera continues to talk.

This case reminded me of the fact that Kanami was that kind of person from the moment we met. He absentmindedly kidnapped the young lady and hid her whereabouts, then pushed forward alone to ...... ruin himself on his own. He is really a troublesome man. How many times I would have cut you down if you were not a lover of the young lady.

　All lies.
　Unlike us, Sera doesn't have any "Kanami saved my life" or "changed my life" at all. She doesn't "get tricked by Kanami's face" or "get caught up in the air of heroism" that most people fall for, and she genuinely likes Kanami's personality only.

　So, stare.
　As I stare at her suspiciously, Sera-san rushes to continue.

''So, all I want is for 'Miss and Kanami to be together'. Or rather, from our side, Snow-sama is the one I'm worried about, if she betrays you in the process.
'What, me!　That's because I tried to monopolize Kanami at first, but ....... I'm not alone anymore. Doragonyu, I won't lie to you.
'I don't know. I know you well as a child in my work. I also know exactly how you have a habit of saying good things and then throwing them out at the end, don't I?
'That was when I was a kid!　Not now, no!

　We have many doubts about each other.
　But we also breathe well together.

　Until today, Sera-san and I have had a relationship with each other as 'best friends of best friends (Rustyala)'. But now, we have completely exceeded that framework.
　We were friends who trusted each other.

　And it wasn't just the girlfriend next to me who felt the bond of companionship.
　She turned back and looked up at the sky in the distance.

　Not only the world tree in the labyrinth, but also the cathedral on the hill behind us was luminescent.
　I can also feel a good breeze flowing over here.

　Having confirmed the existence of my reassuring companion (Dia), I increase my walking speed.

'Really, you've been through a lot, including as a child and a year ago, Sera. ...... That's why we have to really work hard today. Maria punched a hole in the labyrinth and Dia was the bait. Let's go get a good part of it ourselves.

　From now on, we are going to the "deepest part" of the labyrinth.
　I haven't explored the labyrinth of my own volition since I was a child.
　When I was a child, I was a self-confident person, and there were many times when I tried to hide and hide by myself - failing and failing and failing, in the true sense of the word, I was alone.

　But now I have Sera next to me. Dia is behind me, and Maria is ahead of me. What's more, that variously funny Rustyala would have read this story of ours with only persistence, even in death: .......
　That feeling seems to be the same for Sera next to me.

'Yes, let's go get it, Snow-sama. We will aim, conquer and reach the 'deepest' part of the labyrinth on our own. In order to weave a more wonderful story with you all--

　With some pretentious dialogue, we finish passing through the hustle and bustle of the festival.

　What awaited us at the end of the walk was a shining path that led to the labyrinth.
　It was the beginning of the labyrinth, the "path of righteousness", which was based on the "Magical Stone Line".

　When you get to this point, the number of buildings has decreased drastically, and there are facilities and heavy security lined up as only a labyrinth can in front of a labyrinth.
　However, it's not that there are no ordinary people at all.
　I could see a few tourists and couples touring the luminescent Great Tree here and there.

　Sera and I don't look up at that new specialty of the confederacy, but instead we walk forward, looking only at the entrance to the labyrinth.

　The movement was a bit noticeable, as it was against the flow of people. When it was only a few hundred meters to the labyrinth entrance, they were stopped by a guard knight who was looking around.

''...... What's up?　No one is allowed to enter beyond this point. If you want to see the big glowing tree, I recommend watching it from a high place. Let's see, ......, you can get in there for free.

　Then he looked in the direction we'd come from and pointed to a tall building that we could see from here.

　He's a nice guy.
　I want to fool around and go through with it somehow.
　However, the man who seemed to be a priestess who was following behind the knight makes his voice tremble.

''Oh, hey.''

　I put my hand on the shoulder of the knight who was pointing at me and tried to tell him.
　Apparently, he had been instructed to check the 'status' of all those approaching the labyrinth.

''That's the one we're searching for now, Sno--''

　The moment my name went out, Sera-san next to me had begun to silently 'beastify' her entire body.
　Her cloak (cloak) was still intact, but the clothes she was wearing were tearing off.
　I wordlessly jumped on her large back as she was being transformed.

　We had decided to prepare ourselves, and at the same time as the "beastification" was completed, we ran out.
　Naturally, the pair of knights and priests tried to stop that sprint, but

Lady Snow!
Hold on!

　Sera's huge body, which had turned into a wolf with beautiful fur, easily jumped over their heads.
　He also attached his feet to the 'right-of-way' prepared by the 'magic stone line' (line) and swiftly ran through the intervals of the tourists.

　At this point, he was no longer a prowler, but an outlaw.
　The knights who were patrolling around us noticed us and shouted one after another to get us to stop. But with the violence of their 'speed' status, they ignore all of that. Even if there were those who were able to react to that 'speed' and those who stood in the 'right path', that's--.

The Dragon's Wind.

　He released the wind from the palm of his hand, blowing it away and not letting it get any closer.
　After a few seconds, they crushed through the hundreds of meters and reached the crowd in front of the labyrinth entrance.

　It's the main camp of the knights guarding it.
　A blockade by a crowd of people is in place to defend the labyrinth entrance to the death.
　There are about fifty knights who are moving around busily, just by looking around lightly.
　However, I can see the disruption in the leadership of those fifty people because I was the acting commander-in-chief for a time.

　With the appearance of Dia in the cathedral, a realignment of forces is in the process of being reorganized.
　There is a change in morale. The unrest is spreading.
　I wouldn't say it's short-handed, but a definite gap has been created.

　We have no hesitation in exploiting that gap, and we are straight ahead.
　With a nice breeze that pushes us back, Sera's huge wolf body leaps over people's heads and scrambles.
　With its wide strides, one, two, three steps--

　Ahead of the gaze.
　The entrance to the cavernous labyrinth was intertwined with over a hundred chains, constructing a pseudo-iron wall.
　Furthermore, a man stood against that iron wall.

　One of the Seven Celestial Knights of Heaven, a white-haired, mature knight named Hopes Jokul.
　Already, Hopes has noticed us approaching.

''Geez ....... All hands, brace yourselves!

　He reacts fast.
　He has already finished drawing his sword.
　However, even the surrounding knights haven't been able to react.

　Sera and I both prepared to make contact with them at this rate.
　Hopes shouts while holding his sword at the upper level.

''d*mn it!　Why do you choose your uncle's place?　

　I know what you mean.
　There were other loosely guarded labyrinthine entrances that were in charge of a few matching newcomers.

　Nevertheless, there are many reasons why I chose this entrance to the Hoosier's Country.
　Among them, the most important reason is--.

'Uncle Hopes!　Rastiara told me to turn to you if I needed help!

　As I replied, I also held the great sword Brave Florite at the upper level with one hand.
　Instantly, Hopes' eyes widened.

''----?''

　And then the swords raised by each other were swung down, sharp and fast.
　At that moment, I had a fierce smile on my face.
　Hopes swears, surprised.

''Seriously? Seriously--'

　I repeated in a small way.
　It was an intermingling that didn't take a moment's notice, and yet he seemed to be very happy, even if he was swallowing.

　Did he not think that Rustyala trusted him that much? Or maybe he remembered Rustyala's face as a newborn in the cathedral four years ago.

　Whatever it was, Hopes was lost.
　His sword became loose, warm, and light - and then I shouted mercilessly.

'Thank you!　--Impulse!
Guh, uh--

　The moment the sword made contact with the sword, instead of smashing it, I shed a magical shock.
　I mercilessly paid Hopes, whose entire body was stiffened by the attributeless vibration, right beside me with the belly of the great sword.

　As if dispatched by a broom, Hopes flew into the crowd of knights.

　Good.
　I'd heard that he was a pro at stalling and deceiving, so I changed what was really "If you're in trouble, extort Hopes" to "If you're in trouble, turn to Hopes", and it seemed to have worked.
　He was pretty lax about it, and I was able to defeat him with just two blows.

　Now we can enter the labyrinth.
　This one remains completely unharmed.
　No wear and tear.

　One step closer to the point where everything seemed like it was the best time.
　So--.

「「「「「--《Invisible Ice Room》」」」」」

　A high, young but heavy, thick, layered voice sounded.
　Suddenly, a pale blue magic power spread out and filled my vision.

''--Kuch.''

　As soon as I recognized it, I was about to release the 'Dragon Wind' with all my strength.
　Sera-san also put all her strength into her legs, trying to penetrate the new pale blue magic power.

　But neither of us would be able to make it.
　We're almost there.
　One more step and we stop at the point where we are in the labyrinth.

　With a snap.
　The momentum so far.
　The sprint, the sword, the speed, everything.
　It was as if time had stopped, and I was made to stand still.

　The sudden stop sent a shock through my entire body. And the two of us, me and Sera, who look as if we are stopped in a running pretend (pantomime) - as if we are stopped.

　I only move my eyeballs and stare at the cause.
　To the right.
　Hidden in the shadows of the confused knights, a familiar group of 'Magic Stone Humans (Jewelculus)' was praying.
　Hiding their faces with special masks (visors) are the elites under the direct control of the Primordial Kanami, who must have been working in the lowest level of the cathedral.
　The girls chanted the magic name in a circle.

The Invisible Iceroom.
The Invisible Ice Room
The Invisible Iceroom

　It's not a magic I don't know about.
　I had heard from human biographies that there was such an interrogation magic.

　That magic is being looped and resonated.
　That's not all. Furthermore, that innately deep faith is the 'price' for that innate faith, and the amount of magical power each person has is extraordinary.
　A single person's prayer of dedicating his body and soul to God is comparable to a demon's return. All of them neatly overlap, fit together, and become the spirit of the tree.

「「「「「「「「「「--《Invisible Ice Room》」」」」」」」」」」

　Due to its immobilization magic, the entire space in front of the labyrinth entrance was solidified.

　Just as I would have seen it completely, an old man who stands out from the group of 'Magic Stone Humans (Jewelculus)' emerges from the group.
　I call out the name of the face with a heavy sigh while walking slowly.

'Apostle Diprakra ......!
Blast. I was surprised at how fast you went, but you managed to time it right.

　I identified one of my enemies and put my hands and feet to work.

　I can't move at all.
　But his body was as heavy as rusted iron and too slow.
　We contort our faces as we adjust our posture, as 'fast' as the old man who is now walking and approaching us.

　And then, further behind the diaphragm, we hear another voice say, "I couldn't even see a shadow of a guess.

'I didn't even see a shadow of a guess!　Di Prakra-sama, you're a class act!

　At the far end is the bloodsucking Kounel, the head of the Senate, as usual.
　She was riding on the back of Perciona Quager, the president of the Celestial Knights, whose lower body was transformed into a horse (centaur) by "Demonization," and she was shouting cheerfully in a completely safe zone.

　Three troublesome enemies.
　They were completely waiting for us to appear.

　Even Sera, below us, understood this, grunting and snarling and asking me for confirmation.
　I shake my head that we hadn't just been drinking and eating so far.

'I've been eavesdropping the whole time. Even at ......, it seems that those 'magic stone humans' (Jewelcrus) were the unaccounted for ambush soldiers to the knights here.

　With the application of my signature non-attribute magic, I was able to sense the vibrations throughout the Confederacy.
　However, that my eavesdropping was just as 'planned', the old man's apostle Diprakra answered.

The old man replies to the apostle, "Hmm, I knew you were listening in. I thought there was nothing I could do if they could detect the lurking heartbeat alone. ...... It's as expected of Kounel. I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about your allies' abilities on the premise that they will one day become enemies. No, what is brilliant here is our Lord's 'plan'?

　Diprakra smiles, confident of a future victory.

　Indeed, as far as we are concerned, we can't move as far as we are concerned and we will be easily captured.
　I feared so, but Diprakra approached the entrance to the labyrinth, not us. He reached out to the stone wall next to the entrance and poured out his enormous magical power.

''But don't let your guard down. You have the same inner workings as Serdra, the one who steals the truth of nothingness, don't you?　Then we will only use our maximum power to stun, capture, and seal you without harming you. ...... The magic formula that was once developed to seal the Gentiles is more than enough for the two of you.

　Diprakra told him what he was going to do.
　But Kounel, behind him, was quick to tease it out.

''Oh, I know that one. I know that 1,000 years ago you said a similar thing, and in the end the one who was sealed by the World Tree was Diprakra-sama himself.
'Oh, that's ......, the Sith guy was inspired by Yotaki to ......!　I won't make that mistake again!
Yes, I know. Don't repeat those stupid times again. Don't forget that, Apostle Diprakra.

　A nail-biting warning.

　Honestly, I thought I could successfully bring them into a close battle and capture them back if they were against Diprakra, who talked about not letting their guard down but let their guard down.
　To me, Kounel was a troublesome presence.

　After receiving advice, Diprakra increased his vigilance and continued to pour magic power into the wall while maintaining as much distance as possible.
　Then, a large tree that emitted light at the top of the labyrinth entrance began to creak and sound.

　I know that this large variety of tree is the world tree that Kounel spoke of.
　And it's easy to imagine that Diprakra, who has been one with the World Tree of the 'mainland' for a thousand years, could use this World Tree of the 'frontier'.

　Diprakra coughed and spoke the rest of the story.

''Gosh. ...... Descendants of Seldora, you have chosen the worst entrance of the five. This me is an apostle who has served only in defensive warfare for a thousand years. And the situation a thousand years ago was very similar to this one.

　What looked like tree roots grew out of the wall around the entrance to the labyrinth of Hoozeyards.
　It moved as if it were alive, building a further wall of wood in front of the wall of chains that had been sealed off.
　It's a barrier that you can tell at a glance that it's strong not only physically, but magically as well.

　Furthermore, tree roots grow and rise up from underneath Diprakra's feet as well.
　The roots of countless trees entwined with its old body and lifted it high.

　It appears to be the power of the tree man (Doriad).
　However, his experience in combat with the 'The One Who Steals the Reason of the Tree' id sees the difference.
　It would be magic, not a race trait, to have its body lifted up by a tree growing from its feet, rather than a tree growing from its limbs. This apostle is more likely to be good at pure wood-based magic than the power of a tree person (Doriade).

'The growing World Tree, including your own, reminds me of your long battle with Serdra. This is how I fought a thousand years ago, when I was in charge of defending Fuzzyards.

　As Diprakra's body lifts up and moves away into the blue sky, the world tree that shines in the upper part of the labyrinth also changes.
　Its branches and leaves snarled and grew rapidly, and everywhere roots grew and bunched together, constructing what looked like thick limbs into a terrifyingly huge human form.
　In a short amount of time, the wooden giants I had seen rose like gatekeepers of a labyrinth.

　It was similar to the 'Viaisia Castle' that Aide had shown in the duel, but smaller in size.
　No, was this imitated and sublimated by Id?
　At any rate, a giant of the same kind of tree was born. Moreover, a large palm that covers even the sun is approaching from above, as if it were falling.

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

　The shining giant's movements are as delicate and careful and relaxed as a woman who has dropped a small item, unlike the id.
　However, it's still too big to pick out the person crawling on the ground.
　Even though there are knights and 'Magic Stone Humans' (Jewelculus) around, the index finger and thumb of the giant's right hand are approaching regardless.

　Unable to bear it, a voice resounds from below his waist.

''-- 'Demonization'

　It was Sera.
　The reason she was able to speak human language was probably because she stopped the 'beastification' of becoming a wolf.

　The new transformation is instantaneous.
　The moment I thought my bottom stirred wide, my body tilted and floated.

　Holding me to one side like a piece of luggage, Sera-san ignored the restraints of the Invisible Ice Room and jumped backwards in a big way.

　I kept that new figure in my view, even though I couldn't move.
　The first thing that stole my eyes was the long hair that became even more beautiful.
　The hair, which should have only reached my chest, had grown to nearly the ankles.
　His long blue hair is similar to mine, but slightly different in color.
　It's not my sky blue, but a darker blue, almost indigo. And that beautiful shade of dark blue gemstone (blue sapphire) covered not only the hair, but most of the skin as well.
　The beast's body hair was particularly dense on both arms and legs, which were also obviously enlarged.

　Sera-san became a beautiful werewolf wearing only a cloak, and also performed a special addition called 'Demonization', which greatly increased her muscle strength and magic power, allowing her to act even within the enemy's 《Inviral Ice Room》.

　However, the destination of that forceful leap was close to the knights who were surrounding us.
　The knights started to move to catch us, but they must have known that it was dangerous to enter the Invisible Ice Room in the flesh.
　I stopped just ahead of them and took a look at Diprakra, who stayed above us, to check with my gaze.

　Diprakra replies without returning his gaze to the knights.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it happen. It's a good thing that you're not the only one who has been entrusted with stalling and reporting, or else you wouldn't have counted it. There are many others who are suitable for the job.

　Diprakra stopped moving the wooden giant and then continued to look at the wooden wall that was the doorway to the labyrinth.
　Then, a large amount of blood poured out of the cracks in that wall, as if groundwater was seeping out of it.
　Like an embankment that has exceeded its capacity due to heavy rainfall, the same phenomenon is occurring not only from the labyrinth, but also from the 'magic stone line' (line) of the nearby road.

　Flooding - or is it bleeding?
　Quunel, who had refrained from being in a safe zone all along, happily bit into his own arm at the unusual phenomenon. He called out someone's name while letting blood flow from the self-inflicted wound and dropping it into the shallow waters of blood generated at his feet.

'Quite a janitor-not Neysha-sama! Nice timing to cover you, hehehe.

　The moment Kounel's blood mingled with it, the place began to bob and bubble as if it was boiling. Furthermore, with a movement as if to crawl up from the surface of the water, a blood-soaked doll (human figure) was born in front of the labyrinth.

　The figure is also deformed.
　Even though it is a doll, it has no eyes, nose, mouth or skin.
　I've seen this bright red monster before.
　I realize that it's a 'blood doll' that was once summoned by 'The One Who Steals Blood's Reason', and Sera-san, who's holding me, speaks out.

''This is the 'Blood Riku'!
'Yes!　The fact that our 'primary attackers', not the 'secondary attackers', have conquered 'Blood Land' means this. We've become so close to each other that we can ask for reinforcements whenever we want by forming an alliance through 'discussion', right?

　That quunnel's mouth sounded light and false.
　Thus, the fact that the Blood Shoal was unfolding freely in front of the labyrinth, it could only mean that they had seized the opponent's territory with overwhelming force.
　In other words, the 'Blood Demon Beast', the biggest and most difficult enemy of the 'Blood Land', could also appear in this city at any time.

　Sera-san, who must have thought of it as well, shouted boldly as if to blow away her fears.

''But!　I'm used to dealing with this, if I was defending against it in 'Blood Land'!

　Even within the 《Invisible Ice Room》, Sera-san punched the 'blood dolls' that moved and approached even within the 《Invisible Ice Room》 away from them with her free right arm.

''As expected of the beast knight Sera Raydiant-sama, who is rumored to be the best of all time. Ah, brave. It is said that you defeated that Rainer Helvillestein in a duel.　I'll prepare the senior members of the past Seven Celestial Knights for your opponent. To be honest, it's easy for me to call them because I know them. As long as you are indebted to our 'Ingrid Trading Company', the souls will respond to you as far back as you can go, as far back as you can go.

　Just as his words, a few individuals who could be called 'blood knights' holding red swords are born from in front of the eyes of President Persiona, who is riding on Kounel, just like the 'blood puppets'.
　Those special 'blood knights' with a thick magical power run out without even bothering to deal with the 'Invisible Ice Room'.

''Kook, this is--!

　There might even be a 'blood knight' with familiar movements.
　Sera-san waved her 'demonized' arm while breaking out in a cold sweat towards the approaching enemies. It collided with the red sword of the nearest 'blood knight', and the blood shallows at the feet of both of them made a huge splash as if they had thrown a huge stone.

　Right now, Sera's arm was a deadly weapon that exceeded even a blade. However, it seems that he can't easily defeat the 'blood knight' like the 'blood doll'.

　However, Kounel, who is in a safe zone, is merciless and mumbles, "You owed money to the Chamber of Commerce during the famine around 720, didn't you? I've been chanting like a collection of "I don't know what to do" and continuing to build more magic.

　There are four "blood knights" that I've been able to confirm right now, but there will be more to come.
　I'm not going to be the only one who has the ability to do this.

　...... Is it tidal time?
　There will be a lot of restrictions on the other "blood knights".
　But the restrictions are also on Sera.

　Basically, 'Beastification' comes with a time limit.
　Sera's 'Beastification' that we're doing now is an enhanced version of it, even shorter and more dangerous.
　The more you push it, the greater the aftereffects and the gap between the two when you release it.

　Presumably, the hand of the wooden giant waiting above is aiming for that disarming gap.
　It's already confirmed that the situation won't improve even if we fight at leisure here.
　The diversionary tactic failed when the decoy called Dia was ignored and the real mission called us was struck.

　While mocking myself for that usual me, along with various thoughts, I say thank you.

''Thank you, Sera-san,''

　It didn't work.
　But the degree of failure was no longer a reason to give up.
　The Kanami and Rustyala I admired were always looking forward, no matter how much they failed and failed and failed.
　They would show their backs in front of me and then go on and on and on.

　-- from here on out, this Snow Walker has to go.

　That strong determination must have been conveyed through the skin I touched.
　Sera-san, who has heard about my serious 'demonization' beforehand, tries to stop me in a hurry.

''Su, Snow-sama!　It's still early!　With an enemy of this magnitude, I can get through on my own!　Your 'beastification' and 'demonization' is not what we're talking about!　Trust me while you're on earth and watch!

　I think it's possible to break through, too.
　However, it also means that I can take Sera's 'demon return' even further.

　I no longer want to let anyone go ahead by themselves.
　If I want to move on, I'll be next to you.
　That's because we are friends, and supporting each other is what a partner is all about.

　That's why I'm going to make my arms grow in size, just like Sera-san.
　First of all, 'dragonization'.
　Blood vessels float out of my rapidly growing arm and blood smoke begins to blow out like steam.

'I believe in you, and I want you to be more active elsewhere, Sera. ...... And it's never too early to get serious. There have been plenty of times when it's been too late, though.

　There was even room for self-deprecating redundancy.

　I'm welcome to be lazy.
　But I forced my way out of Sera's holding me with my partially 'dragonized' arms.
　Falling away from my protector, I'm left alone and reach my hands and feet in the shallow waters of the oozing blood.

　In front of me, the blood is spreading.
　Clutching that bright red blood, I remember my life to this day.

　I've always been afraid of blood.
　It reminds me of death.
　誰かが死ぬのが怖かった。
　故人を連想するからだ。
　でも、何よりも怖かったのは、私自身。

　――『竜人（ドラゴニュート）』の本気。

　『竜人（わたし）』が本気になったせいで誰かが死ぬのは、心底トラウマだ。
　特に『理を盗むもの』が敵にいる戦場では、本能的に『逃避（にげ）』たくて堪らない。
　だから、私は声を震わせる。


「――『ずっと本気になるのが、私は怖かった』――」


　震えるのではなく、自らの意思で強く震わせて。
　みんなに聞いて欲しくて、周囲のみんなに――特に《インビラブル・アイスルーム》の維持で呻く『魔石人間（ジュエルクルス）』や決して蚊帳の外ではない騎士たちに向かって、呟きながら立ち上がっていく。

　無詠唱だが、私の声は血の浅瀬を伝搬していた。
　いくつもの魔法の波紋が、次々と広がっていく。

　まだ《インビラブル・アイスルーム》の影響は濃い。
　私の膝と腰は曲がり、肩と腕は撫で落ちている。
　髪は直線を描き、顔は伏せたまま。
　とても不安定で、力の入りそうにない姿勢だ。

　私の『竜化』はセラさんと対照的に、練度が異常に低く、時間がかかる。
　さらに、その次の領域となると猶更だ。

　だから、徐々に『竜の咆哮』に近づかせながら、ゆっくりと話し始める。
　音の波紋を、さざなみに変えて。