When Zephyr is shown the false headlines of Adolf's trickery by Shaon on the hill of Biyoment, he becomes enraged and decides to go to the Godland.

　He decides to leave the Khalifa behind in Biyoment, on the assumption that there is more than Kagethras lurking somewhere.

　But in case they were defeated by death and would never return, he used the Oblivion, one of Adams' forbidden arts, to freeze the memory of them in her mind.

　It was a few days later that the two of them left Biyoment and arrived in the Godland.

　At the same time, Adolf was visiting the wine capital of Rougegelt.
　He was there to meet up with someone.

　He was waiting for him in the lobby of the most prestigious hotel in the country when a short, strong man appeared to him.

"Sorry to keep you waiting,

No. You seem to be having a good time.

　It was Gordim, the master craftsman of sometime ago.
　Adolf handed him the black sword of example.

'You are a disciplined man,'

Didn't you see it that way?

　Goldim received the black sword from Adolf and put it in his pocket.

''Once I used it, it was broken.

Yeah. If you can use it many times in a row, that's a monster of a man.

What do you mean?

"Anti-magic is a concept originally intended to be used for defense and counteracting. But when you asked me to do this, I noticed something. I'm sure you'll be happy to know that this is the only weapon that can be used repeatedly. This is the only one I'll be able to make, and with it, I won't need any more magic. But by the time that happens, people will be dead. Well, that's just a hypothetical.

You say some terrible things.

I don't know if my husband can say that. But that's theoretically impossible.

What's the theory behind anti-magic?

Of course he's got it. You wanna know what it is?

Don't be such a pussy.

I'll tell you what it is. Anti-magic is, in other words, a reversal.

Inverted?

'Yes, inversion. It's the theory that you beat the notion of inversion to the object and make something into nothing.

"To the detriment of what? .....

Can't you imagine?　For example, you have a glass in here, right?　So this is state-wise, which means it's state-wise, but we're going to turn it upside down to nothing. This is anti-magic, you understand?

Yeah, I think I'm starting to get it. But why are you a monster?

It's very simple, sir. The reason is that if you can use such a trick over and over again, you're invincible. That's because he's immune to magic.

Doesn't it work?

'Yes, because magic is inevitably in a state of being. When it's reversed, it becomes nothing. But anti-magic has a weakness, too. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it. I'm not going to be able to get the same thing done. I think death is nothing.

For instance, does that work on me?

I'm sorry, but that's not possible.

It's a shame for sure.

'You can't teach me to yawn and hiccup, can you?　It's a congenital thing, and as long as he doesn't have a sense inside him, it's impossible.

Indeed.

'That's what anti-magic is all about. You could say that's my limit. I can't do it.

But you have a theory, why can't you tell me?

'It's more of a theory, this is my own theory. The fact that you can't use it in succession, well the yawns and hiccups don't break off all at once, do they?　But if this goes on without a gap, guess what happens?

Dying?

'Yes, I mean, it's close to that feeling. Anti-magic is, in other words, the imposition of nothingness.

Yeah.

What happened then?

...the subject's magic is gone and he is dead.

'Yes. So that means that nothingness is imposed on something that is in a state of existence and is established. But what happens if the nothingness that was given to it doesn't disappear?

Well, I don't know.

I don't have any more magic, and yet nothingness is still pushing me around. That's just the way it is, nothingness and nothingness are pushing each other. But that's not a good thing, because it's theoretically impossible to do. This is because it is theoretically impossible. It is impossible for things that don't exist to be forced on each other. In other words, what is happening at that moment is obviously impossible, do you understand?　It's a complete contradiction. They're all pushing each other around like there's something wrong with them.

What would happen if that were to happen?

It ain't gonna happen. It's impossible.

Hypothetical.

I don't see why the whole world is going to disappear, mister. I don't know, maybe the whole world would be gone.　It's like a squishy mess!

　Adolf sat up quietly.
　Then he popped his hand on Goldim's shoulder and told him softly.

''-- masterful.

　After saying that, Adolf left the lobby.

　Goldim, who was left alone in the lobby empty-handed, muttered--'

''What........''

　Adolf did not understand what he was saying.



*



　A few days passed just as Adolph returned to the God Country - just then.
　The two of them had arrived in the eccentric Godland.

"What the hell is going on...

This is....

　Not a single person.

　There is no sign of people in all the former shopping and tourist areas.
　All you can hear is the lonely sound of the wind passing through the city.

　The town that was once so bustling had turned into a ghost town in a few days.
　The two men entered the city, speechless.

　They arrived in front of the giant statue of Adams.
　But the view from there is still irreplaceable.
　Except that you can't see a person.

'Zephyr, what do you think of this?'

I don't know ... we don't have the information.

　For both of them it was strange.
　The information-gathering tool of the time - the Bannome News Agency - had clearly published a picture of the crucifixion of Kagetola.
　It should have been big news in the world, and it had only been a short time since it had become an article.
　And yet, there was no sign of anyone in the country.

　Without an answer, the two of them headed to the most iconic monastery in the Godland.

　When they eventually arrived in front of the monastery, they encountered Adolf, who must have returned to the divine country the same way they did.

'Adolf!'

"Zephyr! ...Shaoong!　Hey, where's the Khalifa?

"I left the Khalifa in the bayouement.

Yeah, what the...

　Adolph plays his feeble self.
　Zephyr is oblivious to his mind.

'So what happened?　You've both seen the article, haven't you?

Yeah, you're right. But we don't know.

But it's hard to believe that Kagetola was executed. You couldn't gather all the wizards on the continent to hold him in custody.

'Yeah, I know, there's no way they're going to kill Kagetra...'

　Adolph made a bitter smile the whole time.

'Let's go inside anyway. I have a bad feeling about something.

　They all entered the monastery.

　Then they opened the door of the largest and widest space in the monastery - the ritual hall, and when they saw what was inside, they couldn't believe their eyes at the strange scene.

''This is........''

　A couch of sorts, forced to the edge of the room.
　A white-haired woman lying in front of an altar and a nursechenka tending to her.
　And Guinevere stands beside them.

'Lord Guinevere, the two of you? .....

　Xiaon narrowed his eyes.

'Guinevere, what's this all about, where's Kagetra? .........What the hell is she.......

　The sheer amount of information confused Zephyr.
　In addition to the two Guinevere's, there was one stranger who had fallen.

　Of course, Zephyr was talking to Guinevere, not to Naaschenka, but to Guinevere.

'Who in the world could have done this...'

　That's when Xiong let the words slip out.

'It's him!'

　Naaschenka pointed to Adolf behind them.
　But it was too late.
　At that moment, Adolf's blade struck Zephyr--.

''Gah! --

　A sharp white protrusion pierced Zephyr's chest from behind.

''Zephyr!''

　Noticing, Xiaon drew his snake sword grasshopper.
　But right after that, Adolf's kick shattered his ribs.

''Geez!''

　Xiong was sent flying and crashed into the wall and fell.

''Adolf, you........''

　Zephyr was in pain.
　Something that had pierced her was already gone, and there was a huge windfall in it.

'Zephyr, she's not Guinevere, her name is Naaschenka. And this is the real Guinevere, her sister. Naaschenka, who fell in love with Kagetra, was actually supposed to be sacrificed as a sacrifice according to the customs of this country. So after her death, she took her sister's name in order to entrust her with Kagetra. What a touching story, don't you think?

The kageta...

　Zephyr withstood the pain and drew his half-wand from the dungeon's vortex.
　Then he cast a spell on the wound.

''-- Oblivion (Oblivion).

　Zephyr's wounds would not heal.
　But he stood unperturbed as he spat out blood.

'You forgot about the pain... hmph, you didn't know what pain was in the first place anyway.

What do you mean, Adolf where did you send the cagetra?

I killed him.

...What?

So I killed her.

　Shaoan rises from the rubble behind Zephyr's questioning rear.

'There is no way you can kill me, Lord. 'Because,'

That's why I did it, Shaoan!　Look!

　Adolf extended his hand towards the altar.
　Then the brand new body of the cagetra descended from the sky towards the altar platform.

'You see, I killed him!

........Kagetora!

　Zephyr called out.

'It's no use! ...I told you it's dead, that's what I said!

　Understanding the situation, Zephyr's expression gradually changed to one of anger and doubt at Adolf.

''Why are you........''

Are you surprised, Zephyr?　Well, yes, they killed my brother. No wonder.

"Geez....

My life!

　Halfway through - Maxwell feared for Zephyr's safety.
　But Zephyr was close to death.

'Great, strong ... still able to endure.

'It was surprisingly easy to kill him, though it took a lot of work. I used anti-magic.

Well that's what it is. That's why I'm going to get the Kagetra.

'Yeah, even I could have done it. Technically it was her there that killed him, though.

　Guinevere turns away.

''You used her....''

'You're so sweet Zephyr, you're so sweet. I wish you could have directed that kindness to me, your best friend...

Why did you kill Kagetora?

It's your fault you took everything away from me. How does it feel to lose Kagetora?

....

"You first took the Khalifa away from me.

What are you talking about?

"That day... the day before we left the bayouement, you told Khalifa how you felt. I had the misfortune to witness that moment and know that you were in love with each other.

....

'To me she was my first love but I could have forgiven that too if it was you. You've been my one and only best friend.

"Geez....

"But you betrayed me again. You took the Khalifa from me and then abandoned me for Shaoan.

What are you talking about?

It's your fault. You're a traitor to me!

　Adolf's cries echoed through the ritual hall.
　He was so enraged that he breathed on his shoulder.

'How did you feel about losing Kagetra?'

....

'Zephyr, that's the pain!　Pain is an emotion!　But you don't understand pain!　You're taking everything from me in favor of selfishness!　I don't even have a mother or father anymore!

So you're not...

'If you hadn't told me you were going on an adventure, everyone in the Beyonment would be safe now, my mom and dad would be safe. Or maybe I would have died with them all I wouldn't have had to go through all this pain.

You're the selfish one, Adolf.

　It was Shaoan.
　He pointed the tip of his snake sword and took a step closer to Adolf.

"You have no right to call Zephyr a traitor. You are the one who betrayed him.

Don't do it, Shaoan...

'He's being consumed by the abyss. It's too late for him...

　At Half Maxwell's words, Xionn narrowed his eyes and stared at Adolf.

'Swallowed?

A cluttered cane.

''I hate to admit it, but being swallowed by the abyss has given him a lot of power. Now he's even more powerful than I am.

"...I see. You were referring to Adolf at the time.

　This is what happened when I first met Maxwell in the dungeon.
　Maxwell didn't name names, but he pointed to someone who wasn't Zephyr and admonished him not to be swallowed up.
　It had been Adolf, Zephyr realized now.

'I cannot perceive his abyss in my own body.'

　That's why Zephyr couldn't recognize Adolf.

'Forgotten half Maxwell....'

　Adolf stared at Zephyr's wand and took out his own wand.

'And my, jealous half Levy I understood Levy, I understood myself, and I expressed the Envy Water. But Zephyr, you got nothing but oblivion. Do you know why?

What are you talking about?

'You don't even know that yet. The strongest desires become half-bodies and are born. They inform and remind us of our desires. They inform us of our greed and make us aware of it, and they create a unique power that is unique to the candidate. In my case it's the Water of Envy, and in yours it's the magic of Oblivion. But it is Adams' magic, not your Abyss. Why does the Abyss attribute this to your greed? It's because you want to forget the past.

....

'Because it's in your nature. The past is deceptive. But there is a magic that can bury it permanently, and when you found out about it, you made such a thing your strongest desire. It's become, you know, very apparent in half of your body since the abyss, right?　That's what I mean.　

No.

You know why. You know you shouldn't have gone on this adventure.

No!

It's the same!

　Their voices scattered in the air.

'It's not different, Zephyr ... because it's shaping this situation. It's all your fault. This is the end result of what you started.

...myself?

　Zephyr hears Maxwell's concerned voice, and he lifts his knees from the ground and stands up.

'Well I won't say I didn't regret it. I did.........many, many times. ....No matter how much reconstruction we continue to do, the beyoment we once had won't come back. Or maybe it would have been better if I didn't get too deep into the adventure and went back halfway through, I thought so too. But I also wished I hadn't gone on the adventure in the first place. Adolph, you're right....

　Adolf grinned at one side of his mouth.

'I got you into this...'

It's not me.

Not really.

He's reading your mind. He's reading your mind, using the deepest, darkest emotions inside of you. Everyone has regrets, problems that they don't need to worry about, everyone has them. That's what he can see.'

.... is that the power of the abyss?

It is the power of a fool swallowed by the abyss. I will know the feeling in time. But it's no good if they're fools. They've lost their minds, their personalities are so twisted, there's no room for them.

"Phew!

My life! --

It's a depressing cane.

　Zephyr's blood flows outward over time.
　Even if you erase the concept of pain, the body still functions, and you can't delay death.

'A fool?　You talk about me as if I'm a loser you're the one who loses, Zephyr. I've had enough of this time. I don't trust you enough to wait for you to die. I lost my parents and I lost my best friend in waiting. Goodbye, Zephyr....

　Adolph held out his hand to Zephyr.

'I've learned that you don't need a best friend,'

"....Adolf.

　Zephyr's consciousness is slowly slipping away.
　He glares at Adolf, trying to connect somehow.

'--Wait!

　At that moment, Naaschenka interrupted between them.



You're the one who's wrong!

　Naaschenka was undaunted.

'Naaschenka!'

　But Guinevere was worried about her sister who had acted recklessly.

'Lady Kagetora ... she didn't hold a grudge against you until the end.

....

I can see that.

I've been with him for a lot longer than you have. I've been with him a lot longer than you have. He died without knowing what he meant and with regret. That's the truth.

'No!　Master Kagetora ... died saying that he wanted to help Master Adolph...

　Naaschenka replies with tears in her eyes.

'....Heh, I see. Anyway, get out of my way, get out of my way.

'I won't move! ...I won't let you kill anyone else!

　For a moment, Nathchenka's figure seemed to Adolf to be dubbed Kagetra.
　He saw her conviction.
　It was what he had seen on Getra's back before he was born.

'Naaschenka, don't!

　Guinevere desperately preaches to her sister.
　But Naaschenka's feet would not budge.

　But Adolf's will could no longer be changed by anyone.

''Well Zephyr, you're going to make more mistakes again. You can erase them later with oblivion.

Wait, Adolf!

　Immediately after, Adolf's jealousy water pierced the heart of Naaschenka.