Mr. Shanatrice looks into my left eye socket.

"I'm sorry, but that's one thing that healing techniques can't do.

　Apparently it is indeed impossible to regenerate a lost eye, even with a healing technique.
　There were many things that were not yet understood about this healing technique.
　The instructor also said in class that it is not necessarily a universal technique.

　The first thing Makina-san and the others who rushed over after defeating Beshgam was to check my condition and apply a healing jutsu.
　To be honest, the wear and tear was too much, and it was true that I was in need of rest.
　So I decided to undergo the healing ceremony in silence while waiting for my strength to recover for a while.

"If you wish, I can prepare a prosthetic eye for you, but in that case you'll have to visit the Louvere Argan once. And--

　A small, brown-skinned, well-defined face appears in front of me.
　Mr. Shanatrice now begins to examine my right eye.

'The third curse, you say?　I'd advise against using it for a while. Overuse of it could lead to blindness. I, for one, am one of those who have had their own special magic in their eyes for generations and I have known people who have lost their sight through excessive use.
I'll do my best to avoid it.

　I stood up with a look of dismay on my face, and Shanatrice looked down at me with her hands on her hips.

You look as if you would use it if you found a better enemy than Beshgam Angren. Your self-sacrifice is a bit unusual, isn't it?　Is that it?　Are you so enamored of the machina?

　Makina-san was now putting my head in her lap and applying a healing technique to my left eye.
　When I turned my face upward, I could see Makina-san's small face there.
　The pain in the left eye socket was easing, probably thanks to the healing ceremony.
　The other areas that were injured were being healed by two instructors who could use the healing technique.
　Also, at a somewhat distant location, Instructor Josef was receiving the healing technique.
　It was good news that Instructor Josef had not lost his life.
　Mia then headed to the medical room in the Holy Ruins Hall to secure bandages and other items.

''But it's a terrible thing, the forbidden curse.

　Shanatrice looks at the body of Beshgam.

'I think it was only because you gave me the spellbook for the third curse that I was able to beat that man. It helped.'

　Shanatrice shakes her head.

What do you mean? Your victory is the result of your desperate determination. No one here knows that you would not have won simply by acquiring the Third Curse. Nevertheless...

　Shanatrice bent over with her knees on the ground and unexpectedly scooped up a lock of hair on the side of my head.
　Eyes of different colors on both sides stare at me.

"You cut out your own eyeballs.....
Haha but it's a hell of a lot better than everyone else dying. It's not as bad as one of my eyes.

　Well, when I gutted it out, I was indeed a little scared.　

"Hmm. I should call it looking up at the loyalty. But I don't understand why Machina has fallen in love with you. It's a good thing that you're not the only one.

　Mr. Shanatrice had a feverish stare of some sort.

'A man with the power of a forbidden curse at his disposal, well that's really interesting.

　Shanatrice crawls a thin finger on my cheek.

'What do you think?　Are you sure you want to try to be mine?　I'll do my best to make any wish come true, as long as it's something I can achieve, but what do you think?
...Solicitation, sir?　Well, it's not hard to see why Shanatrice, as a researcher, is interested in the power of the forbidden spell.

　Shanatrice-san, who is on all fours, approaches your face with a bewitching smile on her face.

It's partly that, as a woman, I was numbed by the way your god of war fought just now, and partly that I found him attractive as a man. She's also very attractive as a man.

　And a badly theatrical cough interrupted Shanatrice's words.
　When I looked, I saw Makina giving me a jittery look.

'You're being a little too naughty, Shana.
I'm not kidding.　I'm serious. It's just, well...

　Shanatrice cowered with a smirk.

I don't have to worry about it, but I don't think Kurohiko is going to leave you. The man is quite mad at you. I don't know how long it's been since we met, but you're doing fine, Makina.
Is that a compliment?
No, I'm half jealous.

　Makina-san smiles neatly.

'Honesty is fine,'

　By the way, Shanatrice's healing techniques seemed to be her weakest area, so she didn't participate in the healing process.
　I lifted my chin as the conversation between the two of them slowed down.

''Um, Makina-san,''
Hmm?

　Ms. Machina lowers her face and smiles at me, stirring up her drooping hair.

'What?'

　I can't help but feel a jolt as my eyes meet the jewel-like crimson eyes.
　I wonder if it's because she is injured.
　I'm not sure if it's because I'm injured or not, but I feel strangely gentle, even more so than usual.

".........Is your body okay?

　Makina-san sighed in disgust.
　Her exhaled breath caresses my face.

'Really, dumbass.'
What?
'You have to worry about people?　I'm in a much better state of mind than you are, and I should be worried.
'I'm fine on my end. ........So you're okay?
I'll be fine.

　Machina-san's mouth twitches as if to say, "What's the matter with you?

''Really?''
Yeah, I'm a little tired, though.

　I hadn't missed the fact that Makina-san's complexion was not excellent from earlier.
　She has unleashed her indigenous technique 'Mist Lutin' four times.
　The same is true for Shanatrice-san.
　She was considerate of my eye, but there was also a thin trail of blood around the left eye of the person in question.
　It was obvious that both of them had received a great deal of stress on their bodies due to a series of inherent techniques.
　And I hear that the healing technique is quite exhausting.

''Healing technique, isn't it tough?''
I know it's tough, but let me try.

　I smiled, though.
　A glimpse of a strong intention to not back down could be seen in his expression and voice.

'Let me at least do this.'

　Makina-san returns to a straight face.

'And yet--'

　She looked at Beshgam as she continued with the healing ceremony.

''I didn't think you'd really be able to beat those four evil plagues...''
It's only thanks to Machina and the others that they had my back.

　In fact, it would have been dangerous if it wasn't for the halt caused by 'Mist Lutin' and 'Linpuerg' when he used the Third Forbidden Curse continuously within the body of Beshgam.

''I'm sorry, Kurohiko.''

　A sigh of relief, Makina-san spilled.

''What?''
The left eye.

　Yeah?

Why is Makina apologizing?
'I'm the one who got you involved in this, after all. I'm going to make it up to you. I mean.........for the rest of my life.
I don't want you to worry about that. I'm fine with that as long as Makina-san and Mia-san are safe. And you see, my right eye is still there. Right?
You've changed.

　I chuckled.

'Have you grown up a bit since we met?'
Yeah.

　I said it jokingly, but unexpectedly, the response sounded more sincere than I had expected.

I think I do.

　Makina-san held her hand up to the spot where my left eye had been, as if she was loving it.

'Really, you look different.'

　I looked away, embarrassed.

''Well, hi...''

　I feel somewhat embarrassed when I am told that from the front.
　I've been feeling embarrassed, Makina-san gently patted my head.

"I'm glad I didn't lose you.

　It had a somewhat monologue-like tone to it.

"I finally found my--

　Makina-san gasps.

'Oh ... uh ... well, I mean ...'
Your face is kind of red, are you okay?
Hey, how's the pain going?
"Huh?

　With a mending look on her face, Makina-san asked.

'Well, does it still hurt?'
I think I'm starting to withdraw a lot.

　I've regained some of my strength, though not all of it, but I've regained some of my strength.
　I look at my left hand, which is still changing.
　In addition to this resilience, the pain in the skin that was shaved off by Beshgam's teeth and the lost left eye is probably also eased thanks to this left arm - the eighth forbidden curse.
　Therefore, I can't break this forbidden curse yet.
　...............
　Above all, if I break this forbidden curse now--.

Kurohiko-sama!

　I turn my head in the direction of the voice.
　I saw Mia-san rushing towards me with what looked like a first aid kit in her hand.
　Then Mia-san knelt down beside me and hurriedly began to prepare first aid.
　She seemed to be very adept at it.
　Mia-san seems to have mastered these skills as well.

　Then I was given first aid by Mia-san.
　My left eye is now hidden by the bandage.
　My right arm, which is in much better condition than it was right after receiving the wound, is also bandaged.
　Even with the healing method, it seems impossible to close up that many wounds in such a short time.
　But even so, it's a lot better.

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

　I look at everyone's condition.
　Makina-san and the instructors all look exhausted.
　The healing techniques significantly deplete the user's physical strength.
　In addition, Makina-san and Shana-san have the burden of using the unique techniques.
　Although neither of them show their expressions, it can be seen that they are quite exhausted.
　However, thanks to the healing formula they gave us, the condition of the wound has improved considerably.
　Thanks to the fact that I rested for a while, I've regained some strength.
　.............
　Enough to stand up and release my fists.

　While cleaning up the bandages and other things that had been wrapped up, Mia dropped her gaze to the ground as she loosened her mouth with a bashful smile.

'Mia believed. That Kurohiko-sama would surely win,''
Haha....it was pretty close, though. Just--

　I thrust my hand into the ground and stood up.

'Kurohiko, sir?'

　Mia looks up at me in surprise as I stand up.

'Unfortunately, I'm not sure I've won yet.

　While touching the black deformed left arm, I look at the royal capital below the school and the Renoir Red Castle that can be seen beyond the long avenue.

So.........I, I have to go now.

　Beshgam told me that the target of the Four Deadly Disasters was Cecily Arkwright.
　I couldn't get the reason why he was targeting her, but I was certain that Cecily was in danger.

　In truth, I wanted to head to the city right away after I defeated Beshgam.
　But I needed to endure that and get the least amount of rest.
　Although Beshgam had talked about the other brothers as if they were weaker than him - the question was, how 'weak' were the other brothers compared to Beshgam?
　If you think of it in terms of Beshgam, as expected, you can't just walk out to the royal capital with barely able to walk.

''I'm sorry, Kurohiko-sama.

　Standing up, Mia stepped back and adjusted her posture.
　With a guilty look on her face, Mia-san clenched her fists in front of her chest with a squeak.

''Even though it has not been confirmed that Currier-sama and Cecily-sama are safe, well, you know, for speaking of winning so lightly.......''
''Haha........I'm not going to worry about that. I'm the one who didn't take Mia-san's words honestly, which came out of goodwill.......I'm sorry.

　I returned a wry smile and turned my gaze back to the streets of the royal capital.

''Um, Makina-san,''
What?
''Shouyoutei... is that the restaurant we ate at before, right?

　I asked Makina.
　Then she immediately got a look on her face as if she had figured something out.

'Could it be that Miss Cecily is there to-day?

　I nod.
　'Hmm,' says Makina-san, putting her fist to her small chin.

''From there, the evacuation district is closer than the school. Although if Gaiden-sama is with us I think there's a good chance we'll stop by the Arkwright family's mansion once and take Soel Arkwright out before heading to the evacuation district or castle.

　The Crystal Sheep Pavilion is located in the noble district.
　From there, the castle, the Holy Tree, and the refuge area are close.
　It's also possible that Currier-san is at Renowthred Castle.
　If the information about the Knights of the Holy Tree being defeated has been transmitted, then it seems unlikely that they headed to the north gate.
　If that information was conveyed, I feel that Currier-san would be more likely to try to join Cecily-san rather than head to the north gate.
　Then.

''I think I'll go through the Crystal Sheep Pavilion and go straight to the Arkwright family's mansion. Then I'm going to go around the castle and the evacuation area in order. If we run into any of the other Four Deadly Disasters along the way then I'm going to fight them, though.

　In the Dean's office, Makina-san had mentioned Cecily's grandfather Gaiden Arkwright's name as a potential asset against the Four Deadly Plagues.
　It would be reassuring to have such an amazing person with me.
　However, when the other party is the Four Deadly Disasters, we can't be reassured.
　Or perhaps I just can't relax if I don't check on Cecily's safety.

　It would be nice if there was some way to find out directly where Cecily is now.
　I am acutely aware of how easy it was for me to know the other person's location in the world I was in before.
　You could immediately know the location of the other party just by making a call using the mobile phone function.
　But there is no such convenient tool as a mobile phone in this world.
　...........
　No, not really?
　There are certainly no cell phones in this world, but.......before, after fighting the Blue Goblins in the Holy Ruins, Cecily and the others had a ring that was supposed to indicate each other's location.
　I have a feeling that if I had that ring, I could easily join them.
　However, that ring isn't in my hand right now.
　..............
　I still have no choice but to look for it with my feet, while keeping an eye on the place where Cecily-san is likely to be headed.

'Have you been able to ride your horse?

　I shook my head at Makina's question.

'Then you'll use the carriage?　If one of the instructors is willing to play the role of a coach, I think I can get it out.

　Try to put some pressure on your legs.
　The muscles rise.
　The power of the eighth forbidden curse still fills my body.

'No........I was thinking of going running by myself. Thanks to the power of the forbidden curse raising the bottom line in many ways, or perhaps, surprisingly, I feel faster when I run.

　Most importantly, if you carpooled to a carriage or other vehicle, you could involve the instructor who followed you when you encountered the other four disasters.

'Yes.'

　Makina-san, who gets down on her face in an apologetic manner.

''If it were true, I'd like to follow you, but--''

　I chuckle.

''Makina-san has a role as the head of the school in evacuating the students and instructors safely, you know. Don't worry about it.
''I'm sorry. At the very least, until we get the students safely out of King's Landing and into the Duke's Domain of Sigmsos I'm not likely to be able to help you.

　Shanatrice put her hand on Makina's shoulder.

'Besides, we'll be slowed down by our weary eagles, if we go with them.
"Shana.

　Makina-san turns her head behind her.

''Wouldn't it be more reassuring for Kurohiko if you took refuge in a safe place?

　After looking at my face, Makina-san lowers her eyelashes.

''Well yes. Well, maybe.''
Well, I doubt the Four Plagues will be appearing in the vicinity of our school for some time.

　Shanatrice darted her gaze to the forest where Beshgam appeared.

Since Beshgam Angren appeared alone at the school, it's reasonable to assume that the Four Deadly Disasters were dispersed after each of them decided on their respective positions. The way Beshgam talked, the other four evildoers didn't expect Beshgam Angren to be defeated in their dreams.

　I see.
　It certainly has a certain amount of convincing power.
　And if it's true, then I can leave the school without worrying about it.

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

　Suddenly, a flock of birds circling in the sky comes into view.
　Is it aiming for dead meat?
　...........
　It would be easier if I had wings and could search for them from the sky, I thought vaguely.
　Ha, anyway.
　I put my hand on my bandaged left eye.
　Yes.
　The pain has largely subsided.
　The injury to my body isn't complete, but I've recovered enough to fight.
　I took one deep breath and turned my body toward the main gate.
　I have to get to them as soon as possible.
　Please be safe - Curie-san, Cecily-san.

'Kurohiko-sama please take care of yourself.

　I nod vigorously to Mia, who crosses her arms as if in prayer.
　Then, after giving Makina-san a shout out to Shanatrice-san, I stepped toward the main gate--

...What?

　I saw a figure walking towards us from the direction of the main gate.
　The figure approached with his arms folded in a peaceful manner.

　It wasn't a student.
　Not an instructor.
　Nor is it a member of the Holy Tree Order.
　But - there's no way to mistake him for someone else.

''Hivi, gami...?''
Oh, yeah?

　The man - Hibigami - stops walking.
　His eyes catch my left arm.

'You've got quite an interesting arm, Sagara.

　While stroking his beard in an admiring manner, Hibigami observed me with his twin eyes narrowed.

I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this. And the other party--

　Dazed and muddy eyes catch the body of Beshgam.
　Hibigami lifted the corners of his mouth slightly.

'The Four Deadly Plagues.'
"...why are you here?　You promised you'd win in three years, right?

　As I say it, I naturally take a fighting stance.
　The whims of a strong man are always a part of his life.
　It's not impossible for them to easily renege on a promise made three years later and attack you here.

I'm happy for you, Sagara. I love that you're willing to stand up to the challenge and not whine about it. But...

　Hibigami looked at my whole body again.

'I'm not going to fight myself here and now.
"Well I'm sorry if that's the case, but I need to get through there. I'm in a hurry.
The Conjuring Book.

　I was about to cross, but the words held me back.
　Hibigami takes out a parchment tied in the middle with a string from his pocket.

I don't mean to stop you but why don't you just remember this guy?

　Hibigami holds out a cylindrical piece of parchment to me.

''Is this........real?''
'I told you.　He said he would go and get the spellbook that the Empire owns and take it away.
..........

　You're a man of your word.
　What a guy.

I came here today to give this to myself and I did not expect the Four Deadly Sins to attack us. Well, I'm glad to say that I was able to deal with the Four Deadly Wonders.

　Huh?
　That's what I'm talking about.

Did you do it with the Four Deadly Sins?
I was out of the running for the Four Deadly Sins with me, though. Let's hope they're not all that bad.
..........

　Now the way you talk.
　So, you mean you won.
　And intact.
　From the looks of it, he doesn't appear to be injured.
　..........
　As usual, he is a man with no depth of strength in sight.
　However, even though it was a fortuitous coincidence, the fact that the number of the Four Deadly Disasters has decreased is in itself good news.
　This meant that the threat to Cecily was one less thing to worry about.

''I mean, the fact that the Four Deadly Disasters were in the capital was unexpected--''

　I looked down once to the proffered spellbook, then looked up and asked.

'Did you bother to do this for this?'
Don't worry. They took other valuables at random during the robbery. So for now, the empire will think that the robbers who are looking for money took the forbidden spellbook as an 'incidental' part of the money thing. Well ... that's just a comforting thought. A thing is a thing. I can't say that they won't look at me with suspicion forever.

　A forbidden spellbook, huh?
　...........
　The third forbidden spell can't be fired randomly anymore.
　The same move as Beshgam is the last resort for me now.
　As expected, losing both eyes would be a major handicap in battle.
　And if the other four evildoers had a hardness of skin comparable to that of the Beshgam....
　If we can secure other means of attack as insurance, we should.
　There's no hesitation.
　I took the proffered spellbook.

"...survive.

　'Kaka,' says Hibigami with a low, satisfied smile.

'That's fine.'

　And.

Blackbeard?

　Makina-san and the others walked over to me, looking alarmed.

''That man, by any chance........''

　Maybe it was because of the way Hibigami looked and dressed at the time, Makina-san seemed to have an immediate idea who the man talking to me was.

As you can imagine. This man is the culprit in the case in question........Hibigami.
That man...
'But I don't think you need to be alarmed right now. It looks like we've already accomplished what we came here to do.
Yeah.

　Makina takes a glance at Hibigami.

'All right. I'll take your word for it. And right now, things are the way they are.

　That danger is what I've told her, but even Makina-san doesn't seem to have any intention of daring to do anything about Hibigami in this situation right now.
　Well, she said earlier 'I don't intend to do it here and now', so it's safe to assume there's no danger at the moment.
　And if he was going to do it, he would have started fighting when we met earlier.
　And then he noticed Hibigami running his gaze around him.

'What's wrong?'
You don't seem to have seen Currier but that woman has left King's Landing, has she?
''No........Currier-san is going to the castle today on an errand. In order to meet up with that Currier-san, I was going to leave the academy now.
Hmm, okay.

　Mr. Currier.

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

　I'm sure he'll be fine.

You're worried about Currier?
Yeah.

　'Kuk,' says Hibigami, emitting a contained laugh.

Well, I suppose there's no need to worry about it. I don't care who she is, I don't think she's going to die so quickly. Of course, that is if the enemy is that bad,

　Hibigami walks up to Beshgam's corpse while making a face that seems to go back in memory.
　And - the moment he looks down at what used to be Beshgam, Hibigami's air changes.
　After a few beats, Hibigami opens his mouth.

'Sagara.'
Hmm?
Did I win this?
Oh, yeah.

　After staring at Beshgam's corpse for a moment, Hibigami turned around.

'I failed to ask... but what's wrong with your left eye?'
Left eye?　Oh, this is--

　I told him briefly how I had defeated Beshgam.
　And when I finished listening to the story of the battle, Hibigami

"Ka ka ka!　Well, that's how you won!

　He shouted with pleasure.

It's a good thing that you're able to do this. I'm sure you were fighting for your life, but how could you be so calm when you were fighting for your life? I'm not sure if it's because I have a lot of guts or if it's just an aberration - either way, my eyes haven't been blinded by it. But...

　Hibigami looks down at the body of Beshgam again.

'Well there was a man like this in the Four Deadly Disasters.

　There was a hint of disappointment in the sound of his voice.

I'm sure you'd like to have a go at it, if you ever get the chance. It's just that--

　Hibigami looks at me with an expectant smile.

I'm looking forward to my 'completion' now. I'm sure you can give me what I really want, can't you?
I'll see you in three years.

　I responded as I unraveled the spellbook.
　I don't have time to indulge in pleasantries with Hibigami right now.
　We need to hurry and find Cecily-san.

''Well, there are ... two more people who might be left?

　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.
　I'm not going to be able to get a good idea of what I'm talking about.

"I invoke the forbidden curse...

　While reading out the letters, I get a little distance from Makina and the others.
　Depending on things, it could involve the people around me.

"I am the king of the wings, I am the king of the wings, the end result is that I am the two pairs of darkness in the prison, I am the life I live, I am the fifth curse, I am the release...

　And it was right after I had finished casting the spell.

''Gu, ugh........!

　A sudden sense of discomfort crawling up my back.
　Something is stirring around my shoulder blades...?
　As if two more dimensional ruptures ran on the ground, black feathers rapidly extended into the sky, folding over each other as if aiming for the heavens--''

''What, what...?　

　My back is hot.
　It's like something is trying to break through my back.
　And then--

'Guh, ah, ah, ah, ah........!

　I felt something grow out of my back.
　Continuing on, information about the fifth forbidden curse flowed into my head.

'Forbidden curse, huh?'

　It was the voice of Hibigami.

"Even I don't know what it is, but this is the power of the unhuman and it really does make me rise.