Kaito stopped at the sight of Erina being blown away and the rain of light that followed, but he started running towards the cemetery so as not to waste the thoughts of Erina and the others.
　It's probably because the giant dragon's gaze is out of sight right now, and that's what he thought. However, as soon as Kaito approached the cemetery, the giant dragon immediately moved its head and changed its aim towards Kaito.
　Yes, the giant dragon didn't move with complicated thoughts. It attacked those that tried to approach the cemetery with the highest priority. Hence, it didn't pay attention to Erina's changes, and started attacking Kaijin, who is now closest to the cemetery.

　Although Kaijin is also running hard, the difference in size is obvious... if the giant dragon takes a few steps, it will quickly reach under Kaijin. And the giant dragon quickly tried to get around in front of Kaito.
　

''Huh?''

　Kaito, who was watching the scene from the side, can't help but stop. Because it was very similar to the power of magic exercised by the existence that Kaito knew well.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're going to do with it. On one hand, a blonde woman holding a large sword, and on the other, a red-haired woman holding a twin sword.

''........Lilia-san?　Mr. Zeke?　No ... no ... no.

　Yes, the ones who appeared were Kaito's seniors in this virtual world, Butika and Liddy, and not Lilia and Sieglinde, his former world lovers.
　But it was no wonder that Kaito couldn't help but mutter. The weapons in their hands and their backs........they were too similar. Even its strength.........

　The giant dragon that had both of its legs torn off was about to lose its stance, but it immediately spread its huge wings and tried to escape to the heavens.

''What in the world........what--?

　You can find a number of different types of shoes in the marketplace. It's a good idea to be able to have a good time with a good friend.

　It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get a good deal more than you think.
　Then the huge body, which could be several hundred meters tall, was launched high into the sky.

　And when the five people who had been separated again became light and were sucked into Erina's body... Erina wore a rainbow-colored light and held a handgun aimed at the giant dragon dancing in the sky.
　









　I wasn't clear on what happened, but the only thing I knew was.......Erina had defeated the dragon.
　After burying the dragon in the blink of an eye, Erina came back in front of me...............and then we were split up into six people each again.

''No~ The real me is a hell of a lot. I borrowed just a small part of my power, but I'm that strong.''

　With Arisa's words, I finally understood what had just happened. That light that shone down........Kuro and the others must have helped Erina and the others.
　I'm really, really grateful....how can I say it, I feel like I'm about to cry right now. It's really nice to have someone who is thinking about you and trying to help you.

　I was feeling warm and fuzzy thinking about that, but soon afterwards I noticed something strange.

''.........everyone.......that......light.......''

　Fine light particles were coming out of the six people's bodies as if they were rising up, and at the same time, the six people's bodies seemed to be fading a bit.

''........It seems that our role is over here. From here on out, it's your fight, Kaito-kun.
Well that's the way it goes... thank you, guys.

　They are residents of the virtual world and, according to Arisa, helpful characters. The role of these women is over, which means.....there is no more existence to hinder me from reaching the cemetery.
　And that means we have to say goodbye to them.....

'........Kaito-kun. When you return to your world, tell the real me.......thank you, you helped me protect something important.
Erina.

　Smiling gently, she tells me that in this world, she was like a neighbor and sister to me........Erina Kurosu.

...be good to each other.
Mr. Iris.

　The one who tells me with a fleeting smile is my international student and close classmate...........Iris Learfeed.

''Do me a favor. It's not something I could have said, but I'm not going to get lazy in moderation~
Mr. Wind.

　Even at a time like this, it's Murakumo Kaze, a friend of mine and Arisa's best friend since high school, who tells me lazily in a loose tone of voice.........

''Please say this to the real me. Don't just be shy, you need to be proactive in your approach once in a while.
...Butei-senpai.

　With a wry smile, Rinka Saigyoji tells us that she is kind and dependable, yet somehow lacking in some aspects of her seniority.......

It's a good idea to have a good time with them.
"...Liddy, my senior.

　With a compassionate smile, he tells me that the senior who was all housekeeping and always cared for me.......Liddy Quanet.

''Well then, I'm the last one.
"Arisa?

　Following the other five, Arisa was about to utter a message to her former world self, but in the middle of it, large tears spilled out of her eyes.

I've been holding back all this time, but........
....
After all, I was all set to lose my heart from the very beginning, wasn't I?

　I couldn't interrupt her as she told me with tears in her eyes. No, I felt that I shouldn't interrupt him now.
　That's why I waited for the next words. To make sure he didn't miss Arisa's words, word for word.

　Arisa's face fell down for a few moments, then she looked up and smiled while spilling her tears.

''.........Kaito-san......Ever since high school, I've always been 'in love with you'......maybe this thought was made up. It may be a false image that deserves to disappear. But even so........the person who fell in love with you did exist.
I'll never forget you.

　I found myself hugging Arisa's body tightly. I've made a strong vow in my heart to never forget the woman who is right here and right now, and I'll never forget her.

Thank you.........Thank you. Although it was only for a short time, I was able to spend time with Kaito-san.......I was happy.
Huh?

　With those words, Arisa's body turned into particles of light and disappeared....and the feeling disappeared from her arms that she was holding. It's as if the other five people disappeared at the same time.......there is no one around anymore.
　I spill my tears along with the sensation of heat surging through my body.

　One ... or two ... tears fell to the ground, and I felt like crying out loud. But I can't do that. I can't stop here, not yet.
　I wiped the tears away with the sleeve of my clothes and started walking slowly towards the cemetery.

　A lot of people have helped me... from here on out - it's my own battle.