Blackbeard, you okay?

　Currier asked, not taking his gaze off Hibigami.

'Yes, I'm safe.'
Where's Cecily?

　Miss Cecily makes no answer.
　She pushes silent with her head hanging down.

'Miss Cecily....'

　Mr. Currier takes one look at Cecily.

'No need to tell me. What happened I could sort of swallow it.

　The sound of Currier's voice grew sharper as he spoke.
　Where that sharpness is headed is the figure of the sneering Hibigami.

''Currier. Where have you been and what have you been--nuh.

　Before Hibigami could finish, Currier delivered a series of thrusts.

'Kakah, I'm glad to see your arm hasn't slowed down, Currier!
Shut up.

　Hibigami avoided and dispatched the raging thrusts that were unleashed continuously.
　And once the two of them took a pause as they slipped roughly to the ground.

You're going to bring out that sword - the holy demon sword Revelgate, you're going to do it, right?　Good. Come on, use it. I'm holding the no-kill feature in my hand. I can gather the magic element now.
What?　You can use a sacred element?

　It was one of the guards who raised his voice here.

''I'm not sure, but it looks like we can use the holy element now!　Hey, back of the line, we need to do something...
Keep your mouths shut, you mud puppets.
"-- Ugh.

　The guards' faces rapidly turn pale as Hibigami gives them a cold, even breathless voice.

''Don't you need your lives that badly, yourselves? I've warned you. I warned you that if you behaved, I would let you live. It's not much trouble to kill us here, but I have no taste for killing people for nothing, nor do I care for the weak, but if you interfere with me, I'll be dead a second after I decide to do it!

　The guards all cowered up at Hibigami's blackmail.
　And then.
　The sword in Currier-san's hand - the crystal of the Holy Magic Sword Revelgate - begins to shine.

''Enough, you should rest. I'm not going to be able to get a good idea of what's going on, but I'm not going to be able to get a good idea of what's going on. I'll take care of the rest.

　Currier-san said that when I opened my mouth to chant the forbidden curse and was about to head for the holy sword that had fallen.

'Hibigami--I'll kill him.

　What is emitted from Currier-san is a sharply honed killing intent.
　The killing intent is on a different level than the one I caught a glimpse of during that mock fight.
　She really wants to kill Hibigami, she wants to kill him.

　Furthermore, the brilliance of the holy magic sword continues to increase.
　And Currier-san is surrounded by a dazzling light.
　I hold out my hand in too much light.
　What is it?

　And when the light subsided, there was--

　Currier-san, dressed in pure white armor, was standing there.

　Dress armor, or should I say dress armor?
　The armor part is unblemished pure white.
　The skirt and the hems of the arms are lined with gold.
　You can find a lot of people who have been in a position to make the most of their time in the world, but you can't do it because of the fact that you're not in a position to do it.
　The white luminescent blade that surrounds the blue blade is probably a blade made from holy elements.

　Eh?
　Change, body...?
　Everyone in sight seemed to have forgotten the intimidation of Hibigami earlier and lost their voices in a different way.

　Everyone must have thought.
　--Beautiful, I thought.
　And divine.

　A dignified nobility that could be called the realm of mythology, to the point that no matter how you looked at it, you would be dazzled.

You can't help but admire the way he or she looks in his or her magical costume. It's a sight to behold.

　Currier-san grips the holy magic sword with both hands and slowly swings it backwards.
　With that movement alone, glittering, particle-like holy elements dance around you.

''That I didn't pull out the 'Demon Eater'.......don't regret it?
"You're pulling the 'demon eater' out of here?　Silly, that's what you'll regret. If I pull it out, I can't f*ck the currier Versteen in that form.
"Hibigami.
Hmm?
This is the end.

　Currier-san swung her sword.
　Linn, a limpid tone that resembled the sound of a pleasant wind chime rang out.

　Eh?
　I was blindsided.
　The tip of my sword extended?

　The blade of the holy element extended until it reached the distance of Hibigami's body.
　Meanwhile, Hibigami bent down and dodged the attacking blade of light.

　Hmm?
　You didn't catch it with your sword, you dodged it.
　

　The blade of light extended further and tracked Hibigami.
　Hibigami tried to approach Currier-san while running away from the pursuing light blade.
　But this time, the blade of light flew around like a whip, forming a space that could be called a shield of swordsmanship.
　I'm not going to be able to get close to it, but I'm going to jump backwards.
　As if trying not to escape, Curie-san swings her sword in a single swing.
　A lump of holy elements detached from the sword forms a spear-like shape - attacking Hibigami!

'Nuh-uh?　This is a first for you!

　Hibigami quickly moves around and avoids the approaching spear.
　However, the spear of light also automatically tracks Hibigami.
　But that spear of light also automatically tracks Hibigami.

"Ka ka ka ka!　You've got a trick up your sleeve, Currier!　But-- I'm still good at what I do!　Unlike Cecily or some other sweet dog, she's out to kill me!　That's it, Currier!　That's what makes me feel good about myself!　I can always go back to being a 'bastard'!　I can strike down the sweetness in an instant!　Very well!　Then I'm going to have to--

　Then.
　Black veins appeared on Hibigami's face.
　White eyes turned to black.
　Black eyes turn to red.
　And on the back of his hand, a powerful black root appeared.

　Kakk," sneered Hibigami.

''Let's respond to ourselves - let's respond to ourselves.
Hm ... get the hell out of here, you battle freak.
"Kaka, don't hate me so much, Currier. Don't worry. Isn't it possible that the Sixth House will soon be at peace?
...What?

　A moment later, Hibigami's figure disappears.
　No - it did not disappear.
　It has moved at a speed that cannot be caught by the eye.
　The position of Hibigami is not completely inaccessible because the stone pavement that he stepped on when moving is cracked.
　Even so, its speed is abnormal.

　However, Currier-san seems to be able to see it.
　I'm not sure, but it seems that they are repeating their offensive and defensive actions while approaching and separating from each other.......
　It's almost invisible to me.
　The battle between the two of them is in such different dimensions.
　This is a battle between two people from the Sixth House........

　Everyone was stunned and unable to move.
　In the first place, how are we supposed to mix in with a battle like that?
　And.

All right, that's enough.

　Hibigami stopped moving and appeared.

The flames, which had nowhere to go, have subsided. Kakk, it looks like you're still growing in strength, which is good. Hmmm, you seem to be able to use your magical armor better than before.
That's awfully easy for you, Bibigami. What's that?　Are you a little rounder?
I'd love to hear you say that right back to yourself.
"Hun.

　Currier-san flings his sword back and re-positions it.

''You come to bother me by saying something incomprehensible like 'serving', and that vicious habit is still the same. But I'll ask you to stop messing with those in my vicinity.......unless you want to die.
Hmm?　Aside from Sagara, was that lapdog doll there also an acquaintance of yours?
..........

　Ahead of Hibigami's gaze.
　There's Cecily-san with her hands on the ground and her face down.

''Kakah, if your words just made you look even scarier, then.......I see, so that sweet dog is one of you too?

　Currier-san asked suspiciously.

''Don't tell me you........didn't know you were related to me and put your hands on me?''
I never thought I'd be around in the first place.
...What?
"I came to Christofias with information about a man from the Sixth Estate. But the man who came here and cut me off at first was an impostor, and the information I got didn't add up to anything. The information I got didn't lead me to Currier Verstein. That's why I couldn't identify "who" she is. ........I see. In other words, this is--

　Hibigami showed his teeth and a look of amusement on his face.

''In this royal capital........you mean there is 'someone' other than yourself?'''
..........
Oh, you think you're looking for "him"?
I don't know.
Well, all right. I'm not interested in that right now.
'Humph, it's a strange thing to happen. The Sixth House is 'out of bounds of interest'?　That's not a word that sounds like you, Hibigami. Or have you finally gotten tired of playing trivial sparring games?
Close.
?

　Hibigami grinned at me.

'I'd rather have that one than those guys in the sixth house.
What?

　Then, for the first time, there was a slight perturbation in Currier's voice.

'It's Sagara. 'Sagara, it's Kurohiko.'
Blackberry, you say?　What the hell is wrong with Kurohiko?
So, simply put...

　Hibigami pointed the tip of his sword at me.

'I'm in love,'
You're in love with--what?

　Currier-san is dismayed.

'Oh come on ... don't get me wrong?　I'm not talking about a love affair.
Well, there's no need for confusion.
'Kaka, what's up with that damsel-in-distress reaction?　Has the supposedly mangled "Silver Maiden" really become a maiden?　Kaka-kaka, this is a rare sight to see!
Oh, shut up!　What do you mean by that?　Why is Kurohiko--
Hey, it's Currier.

　Hibigami let out a deep breath.
　There was a resignation in that fallen sigh.

'I've been too strong.'

　It was the first time I heard a voice tinged with despair coming from Hibigami's mouth.

'Humph, I'm sorry, but those troubles are none of my business. Get the hell out of here.
Well, don't say that. You tell me that and I'll be out of your life today.

　Hibigami looks around.

'It's about time we got too many people here. I don't like crowds, to be honest.'

　Hibigami is convinced.
　At the same time, the color of her eyes returns and the black veins disappear.
　Seeing this, Currier-san's body was enveloped in light again - and when the outpouring of light disappeared, she returned to her original black dress.

''Currier.''

　Hibigami called out in a somewhat depressed tone.
　Currier-san breathed as if he had no choice.

'What?'
How many people in the world are worthy of my company right now?
I don't know. I don't know.
"The Black Sturgeon." "Sogut Sigismos?　Or is it Rose Claywall, the captain of the Ruvel Argan's "God's Punishment Squad"?　Well, it looks like there's a few minor ones in the Empire, but I don't know, it just doesn't feel right.

　Hibigami pointed to the heavens.

The only things we can expect are the Empress of the Apocalypse and the Four Deadly Disasters, but we have no idea where they are. If that's the case, we have no choice but to bet on the six houses of parliament, which have terrifying potential. Isn't it?
'Why don't you go and hide in the Holy Ruins?　If you go to the deepest part of that place, there will be plenty of demons to deal with. And don't ever come to the surface again.
"Kakkah the Holy Ruins refused to let me in. Did you think I wouldn't think of that?　I tried. But the holy remains didn't accept me. It seems that the rumor about the holy remains being 'alive' is true. So I'm stuck in a dead end.
..........
Or so I thought.

　Hibigami pointed his fingertips at me from the heavens.

'There you are. A genius who surpasses our six houses.
Is that what you call it, Blackie?

　Mr. Currier looked at me in surprise.

'Oh. At last, the light has come on.

　And then.

'Oh, the Eight Sacred Trees!

　It was probably a reflex, the onlookers shouted.
　I looked and saw a man and woman dressed in white with light green lines running across their horses coming towards us.
　Three of them.

　An elderly man with white hair.
　A dark-haired man with glasses.
　The other one was.... wings?　She was a blonde woman with blonde hair that had grown

　The three of them dismounted a few meters in front of Currier and Hibigami, who were facing each other.
　They stood in formation and put their hands on the hilt of their swords.
　The man with the glasses scooped up the vine.

'I see, so that little filthy man there is the murderer in question? That's enough. Let's ask him to be quiet.
So the Eight Sacred Trees have been reduced to a lower class of swords.

　Hibigami said.
　'What?'
　Falling down to the lowest level?
　What does that mean?

And to come out here all alone. That's hilarious.
'Hmm ... what do you mean by "lowly"?　Incidentally, I'm the Holy Tree Eight Swords, the seventh in the Holy Order--
Come on, you know better than that, you f*cking idiot.
!

　A low, dusky voice interrupted Hibigami's words.

''And I didn't expect you to arrive too late and in such numbers. That shows the extent of this country. And the fact that they don't even notice that we are in a hurry to die.　Even if it's called the Eight Sacred Trees and the Eight Swords, it's just a decoration for the state!
W--

　The bespectacled man shuddered in astonishment.

'Okay!　This is no longer our stage!　Shut up and watch!　Or else the Berg will rip off their wings and bleed to death!　That man smashes those nosy glasses and loses his life!　The old soldier, who first realized the danger I was in, will be killed by a single blow to save his life.　If you don't like it, don't ever open your mouth in front of me again!
Ggh.....

　To Hibigami's great blackmail, the man with glasses couldn't take over the second phrase.
　The other Sacred Tree Eight Swords also had their hands on their swords and were unable to pull them out.

''You guy........''

　Currier breathed with a dumbfounded look on his face.

''Kakk, I'm sorry. The eight swords of the Sacred Tree that I had been expecting to see, but after f*cking Sagara and myself, they looked so inferior. I'm a little frustrated. Well, forgive me.

　Hibigami scratched his chin with his thumb with a crunch.

'But well, speaking of lowly, Cecily Arkwright was a total disappointment. It could have been a lot worse without Sagara and myself.
Hey, you got a minute?

　I was the one who called out to him.

"Hmm?
I think you're a little confused.
"Hmm.
Hey, Kurohiko--
'Mr Currier, let me tell you something. There's something I really need to say to this guy. Please.
Okay, okay.

　Currier-san withdrew as if she had no choice.
　I'm sorry, Currier-san.
　But I just want to say this.

'So what do you want to say?'
Mr. Cecily, you know, she's a much better person than I am.
Oh.
You've said a lot of things to Cecily, but I like the things you've said about her. I found her swordplay to be genuinely beautiful, and I don't think she's weak. Then you say she's sweet, but that's her strength, her kindness. That kindness is the reason I'm here now.

　I cut off the words once and then I continued.

'And she's certainly beautiful,' I said, 'but she's not jiggling over her beauty. But she's not resting on her laurels, she's not resting on her laurels. She is aware of that, but she is working hard to go further. I admire Cecily for that.

　I glare at Hibigami.

'You have no idea what you're talking about, don't be so selfish.

　When he finished, Hibigami lifted the edge of his mouth with a curl of his mouth.
　As if to be sarcastic.

''You're in love with yourself, Cecily Arkwright?
That's right. I'm in love with this Cecily Arkwright guy. Maybe that's what you are. So I won't tolerate any more insults.
'I see. Okay, well, that's the nature of it, isn't it? I'm not interested. As long as the dummy is not dragging me down, I'm not going to tell him what to do. Do what you want.
And one more thing.

　I give the finger back.
　To Hibigami.

'Don't mess with Miss Currier, Cecily, or anyone else around me anymore.
I'm not obligated to make any promises but what's in it for me?
I'm stronger than you.
Oh?
I promise. So you're just gonna have to look at me and not the other way around.
..........

　Hibigami shook his shoulder.
　A sneaky smile began to escape from his mouth.

'You said it, Sagara. But I like your spirit, Sagara. I like your spirit!

　With a bang, Hibigami held up three fingers.

'Three years.
?
"Thirty-six moons and three years I'll wait.
What the hell do you--
'Currier. During those three years, if Sagara is in danger of dying, be sure to save her.

　He glared at Currier, who was about to interrupt him, as if the hibigami were stabbing him in the mouth.

'If Sagara is going to die--I will kill myself.
Hmph. I wouldn't have you killed if you hadn't asked me. In fact, I think it's time for you to go.
Hey, I gotta get out of here. There's too many people here.

　The crowd continued to grow.
　It was already on the scale of a bit of a festival.
　Some of them would have come without even knowing what was going on.
　Also, the three members of the Sacred Tree Eight Swords and the guards seemed to have already given up the act of fighting.
　They must have sensed the overwhelming difference in power.

''It's Sagara.''
What?
The source of your power, if you will, may be due to a forbidden curse.
What if I am?
I'll go get them.
What?

　When Hibigami turned his back to me, he pulled out his sword.
　In his hand, the 'Demon Eater'.
　The spectators who were suddenly standing in front of me all stepped aside at once.

''Then what you need is a forbidden spellbook.......I've heard that Guntarios has one or two, I believe. Fair enough. I just found a way to free myself. I'll go get it for you.
What did you say?
You need to be stronger than that.

　Hibigami turns around.

'Let me ask you one thing. Why are you in the country?
...to be strong, to rise up. So, for now I'm going to be a holy warrior.
''Kaka, you have that power and yet you're a learned scholar. You're either a great inclination or just a fool but I like your simple motive. Be strong and become. Is it many times better than those who can't move because of trivial ties?

　Once again, Hibigami turned his back.

''A forbidding spellcaster who appeared in the land of the Holy Tree, huh? It's a very interesting man in this country. I'm sure you'll be in charge of the whole continent. --I'll see you later, Sagara Kurohiko!

　Instantly, the figure of Hibigami disappeared from the place where he should have been.
　The citizens buzzed.

'Huh?　It's gone!
Is it a surgical procedure?
'What do we do, captain?　Do you want to follow them?
Geez... wha... I'll tell you what we...

　The guards look to the Eight Swords for instructions.
　And one of the eight swords - a difficult-looking, elderly man with a difficult face - scratched his head and said.

That's impossible. Leave it. It would be nice if they would leave us alone. It's a shameful thing, but the difference in power is too great.

　The first man looked at us.

'At any rate, it looks like those young people have turned him away... but who is that boy?　 That's the one that was rumored to be in the Order--

　And then I saw something flying towards us.
　Something from the sky--.

　I narrowed my eyes.
　What's that?
　Is it going to be ... raining?
　The "it" that flew over dropped in front of me.
　A stick-shaped "something" wrapped in cloth.

"Wait Kurohiko. I'll check it out.

　Mr. Currier bends down and undoes the cloth.

'Is this ... the flag of Renowthred?

　When I unfolded it, I saw that it was written in blood on the fabric.
　There it was.

"Take it, Sagara. I'll kill you if you're dead.

　The only thing it said was.
　This blood was probably Hibigami's own.
　Did he go out of his way to injure his own body and turn it into blood letters?

'To offer this to someone else........he's serious. Here.

　Mr. Currier offers 'it' to me.　

'Keep it,'

　I have a sword in my hand.
　It's the sword that was called 'demon eater' as I recall.

　I grabbed the sword I received and grasped it in my hand.
　This is a good opportunity.
　I'll be able to use it without hesitation.

I'm not going to let you go.

　Three more years.
　Three more years, and we'll surpass him.

　But then.
　I was on the verge of losing my position due to fatigue - but I stayed on my feet.
　When I looked, sure enough, Curie-san was in a position to support me.
　It's okay, I smiled at her.

　Yes.
　I had been supported by Currier and Cecily many times.

　I look at Cecily, who looks devastated.

　But this time, I have to be the one to support them.

　That's why I'm going to become even stronger.
　Stronger than ever, strong enough to support the people I love.

　--I will be strong.

　I will look up at the afternoon sky, high as it is.
　And.
　It was lush and clear.