*

　The moment Makoto was slammed from his back to the ground, Yuka's mind went blank.
　Her vision darkened and the clamor around her became distant.
　In such a situation, only her own breathing and the sound of her heart were noisy.
　That fall was not good.
　Yes, I had a gut feeling.
　I had to rush over and treat him with a potion.
　But even so, the only question that passed through my brain was.
　Mako - they had done well for themselves.
　They had reached the lowest level of the dungeon and hunted down Kuzuha.
　So why was Mako down?
　Why didn't it end without a hitch?
　That's all I need to know. I don't want anything more than that.
　It's also a good idea to have a good time with them.
　It's not a pleasant thing for Yuka.
　It's unpleasant, to be honest.
　I'm not sure what to say, but I don't like to be made to smell that kind of thing.
　I don't know how you can get carried away with such things.
　I even think there are more things to do, but that's Yuka's problem.
It's just that I don't like it emotionally.
　It should be important to Mako.
　So why, then, why did he cover for Fene's brother - Redd?
　You should have been thinking about your own happiness.
　No, I know.
　I must have covered for him on the spur of the moment.
　I'm a good-natured person in a strange way, Makoto is a good-natured person in a strange way.
　So this is inevitable.
　Even if it wasn't today, it would have happened someday.
　It just happened to be today.
　No. This is not the time to be thinking about this.
　These thoughts are useless. It's no better than spinning your wheels.
　Mako is falling.
　Blood is spurting out of the cross section of his arm to match his heartbeat.
　If you don't stop the bleeding quickly, he will die.
　That's right. It's a situation where every minute and every second counts.
　So what was he going to do with all this nonsense?
　The sheer inexcusable stupidity of it all. I feel nauseous.
　Why can't I get it right?
　I always fail just when I want to do well.
　Even when I came into this world.
　My thoughts are filled with doubt and self-loathing and regret.
　But my body moved. It moved.
　I ran to Makoto and leaned my body so that my right arm was up.
　Blood stains the sailor suit red.
　The dense smell of blood makes me feel nauseous, but I don't care, I tie my arm with my scarf to stop the bleeding.
　Mako!　Get a grip!　And spun the words.
　I intend to, but I'm not sure.
　I press a section of my arm with one hand and fish for the pouch with the other.
　Frustrated, he pulls out a water potion and sprinkles it on his arm.
　The water potion evaporates with a glow, and Mako's arm slowly heals.
　When his arm connects and he exhales in relief, it happens.
　The wounds began to return to their original state as if going back in time.
　What's going on!　And Yuka spat a swear and took out a new water potion.
　I pour the water potion on again.
　The wound slowly heals and returns to normal again.

'---- Aaaaah!

　Suddenly, the sound returned and Kuzuha's screams pierced her eardrums.
　When I looked up, Kuzuha was flying around like a lumberjack.
　It was like a bird hitting a birdcage.
　The only difference between him and the bird was that every time he hit it, rocks would fall down and a deafening sound would be heard.
　It's because Kuzuha is reassembling the parts that build up his body - like a piece of glass.
　Is he reassembling the parts for optimal form?
　Or is it stuck otherwise?
　Either way, it's still a grating sound.

"You're a b*tc* to me, aren't you?

　Yuka spat out and poured water pills on Makoto as he stood up.
　But the same thing as before was just repeated.
　It's as if - no, it's probably a curse.
　Then Yuka turned her attention to Fujica.
　Then Fujika shuddered.

'If you have time to cower, come here!
I get it!

　Fujica runs out, and somewhat later, the other four - Liv, Laura, Mary and Anne - run out.

'Head down, please!'
"-Oh!

　Fujica bows her head, and Laura flicks the falling stone away with her shield.

'You!　You!

　Kuzuha's screams echoed through the air.
　The sound of the parts being reassembled is deafening, as is the screaming.

''I'm waiting for you!

　Fujika knelt beside Makoto as she slipped in and folded her hands.

'Lord Periolis!　I'm asking for a miracle of healing!　Heal (heal)!

　He prays a winding prayer and holds out his hand to Mako.
　A soft light is emitted and the wound begins to close up.
　However, the result is the same this time as well.

''Ki, the wound--!
I thought I could handle your magic.

　Yuka frowned.

'Is there any way to break the curse?'
There's only one way to get to the church, and that's to break the spell.

　It was Liv who answered Yuka's question.

''I'm going to ask you in no uncertain terms, but what is the magic to break the spell?''
It's not working.

　Fujika said apologetically, and that's when--'

'See!　Hurry up and get over here!
But the kudzu leaves!

　I heard Fene and Redd's voices.
　When I looked at the direction the voices came from, I saw Fene dragging Redd towards me.
　Redo's words made me angry.
　Whose fault do you think it is that Mako is dying?
　A roar echoes and the dungeon shakes.
　Kuzuha slammed into the ceiling.
　He fell further to the ground and slumped like a madman.
　Suddenly, he stops moving.

''You-sama!

　Kuzuha screamed and chased after Fene and Redo.
　He opened his mouth wide in an attempt to swallow the two of them and closed in from behind at a furious speed.

''Cover me!''
Thunder!
Turn undead!

　Laura screams, Liv shoots lightning from the pole hammer, and Fujica releases her magic.
　But the lightning is emptily played, and I'm not sure if the ascension even had an effect.
　It seems to have slowed down for a moment - but it's not.
　Kuzuhaha was closing in right behind Fene and Redo.
　What would happen if they were swallowed up?
　Would his body be cut into pieces or would he be assimilated into Kuzuha?

''Miss~!
''- - Oh!　I know, I know!

　Fene screamed and Yuka stood up.
　I'm pissed off at Redd, but I don't want Fene to die, even for him.
　He's my friend - he is.

'Re-chant (repeat)!

　He readies his staff and releases his magic.
　The light swells up and turns into a conglomerate and heads towards Kuzuha.
　The conglomerate splits into nine pieces and stabs at Kuzuha, avoiding Fene and Redo.
　Several parts fall to the ground and shatter, but they don't appear to have been damaged.
　Is it unreasonable?
　The one I just used was a tracking bullet (homing bullet).
　Even though it's enhanced with skills, it's originally a magic for anti-personnel use.
　It's incompatible with the current Kuzuha, which is constructed of countless parts.
　He should do a surface attack or a ranged attack.
　But I don't have time to chant the spell.

''Recantation (repeat)--''
I'll buy you some time.

　Just as I was about to use the re-chanting (skill), Liv jumped out, carrying a pole hammer.

'I'm going to die!'
'I didn't mean to!　Get on with the spell!
"d*mn it--skill!　Magic Maximization, Parallel Activation (Multitasking) x 100

　Yuka uses the skill and starts chanting.

'Luno cesta agata!　O Periolis the Imperishable, pierce me like a gravelly stone.
Get your head down!

　Fane pushes Redd down, and Liv spins around to close the distance.

'Oh you guys!'
"Tornado Shot!

　Kuzuha shouted, and Liv swung the pole hammer with the spirit of a cleaver.
　There was a roar, and it stopped moving as if Kuzuha had slammed into an invisible wall.
　This is the first time I've seen this technique.
　I'm curious about what kind of principle it is, but now is not the time for that.

''Uraaah!
'Ahhhh!

　Sparks fly and the ribs are blown away.
　He slams into the ground from his back and coughs violently.
　There's a gap. I'm completely defenseless.
　If this is the case, I'll get hit.
　You'll be able to get a good deal more information on this.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find it.

The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that you have to be able to use it.

　The main stream of light engulfs Kuzuha and scrapes away at his body.
　Perhaps out of pain, Kuzuha slumps to escape the magic bullet.
　The light breaks off.
　Then, Kuzuha came towards Yuka.
　You're a light-headed woman with a light ass, even though you were shouting "you-sama".

''You-sama!
Recantation!　Recantation!　Recitation!

　I'm not your man!　I hold back the urge to scream and release my magic.
　The main stream of light blows Kuzuha away.

''Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

　A scream echoes through the air.
　This is exactly what it means to have your hair stand on end.
　The light was broken and Kuzuha's body collapsed.
　Yuka stared at the ground while holding up her staff.
　Literally, Kuzuha had fallen apart.
　Was he able to defeat it?
　I'd like to think I was able to defeat him, but he shouldn't be so naive as to be able to defeat him with this degree.

''Ouch!　d*mn, that's super painful.

　Liv gets up and walks over to Yuka.
　She frowns in pain, but holds up her pole hammer.

'Did you beat him?'
I don't know.
We must remain vigilant.

　Laura stands in front of Yuka, wondering when she had arrived.

'Redo, stand up quickly.'
....

　Fene drags Ledo to hide behind Yuka and the others.
　Redo is in a stunned state of mind.
　It's a good thing to say thank you.
　It's not a good idea to call out Kuzuha's name at this stage of the game, as I'm sure I'd punch him with all my might.
　I hope you don't want to be penalized for murder, but you'll feel better if you do.

''Heal!''

　Fujika's voice echoes from behind me.
　If I'm honest, I'd like to look back immediately--''

'After all, the wound won't close up!

　Fujika shouted, and a clattering sound was heard.
　The sound was emanating from the ground - parts of the kudzu leaf.
　First one, then two, then four - they began to emit sounds as if they were resonating.
　The parts emerged all at once, swirling and increasing in number.
　They recombine and take on the form of a fox.
　Gokuri, Yuka cleared her throat.
　It was because the kudzu leaf was bigger than it was earlier.
　Even now, the parts were splitting apart and continuing to ring loudly.
　If it continues to grow like this, will it get caught between the walls of the dungeon and die?
　That's the anxiety that arises.
　At that time--.

''Aaaaaaaaaaaaa!

　Kuzuha barked and flew straight up.
　There was a sound of shattering glass, but it wasn't Kuzuha that shattered.
　It was the dungeon.
　The moon was floating behind the shattered ceiling.
　My vision wobbled and tilted.
　I thought I was using too much magic, but that was not the case.
　The dungeon was shaking.
　The next moment when a thrusting shock pierced my entire body, the dungeon shattered.
　I closed my eyes involuntarily.



　When Yuka opened her eyes, it was on the ground.
　In front of her are Liv and Laura.
　She looks behind her over her shoulder.
Then, there were the other six - Makoto, Fene, Fujika, Mary, Anne and Ledo.
　When I let out a breath of relief--.

''Ahhhh!

　A scream rang out, and I reflexively looked up at the sky.
　Then, in the sky above, Kuzuha was flying in a figure eight.

''Heal, heal, heal--''

　I hear Fujika's muttering and turn around.
　Stop using your magic because they'll notice.
　Such words race up to my throat, but I barely swallow them.

'Yuka!　Relocation!
''- - Oh!　I know, I know!

　Fujika looked up and shouted, and Yuka shouted back.

'Luno Kesta Agata!　O Periolis the Imperishable, like a corridor joined together, be the path I walk!　Reveal!　Transfer (teleportation)!

　A magic circle unfolded, but it flickered violently and disappeared.

''Why?''
You're blocking the transition.

　Fujika let out a shrill scream and Yuka muttered softly.
　He looked up at the sky again.
　Kuzuha is still flying in the sky.
　She's a disgusting woman.
　I want to punch her in the face, but I can't.
　I still haven't learned the magic of flying, and that woman won't die just from punching her.
　Besides, I have to do something about Mako.
　So we should act cool.
　Yuka turned her gaze to Fene.

''Well Fene, do you know where the carriage is?''
I don't know. But someone's getting close.
Who's who?

　The next moment that Yuka asked back, there was a cracking sound.
　Liv and Laura held their weapons and Yuka looked at the direction of the sound.
　Then--.

I'm going to go and look to see what it is, it's you guys after all.

　It was Frank who appeared through the bushes.
　Frank looked at Mako and opened his eyes lightly.
　He knelt down and checked his wounds.

''Is it ... a curse?''
As you can see. I can't wait to get well.

　The question suddenly arises.
　Why did Frank know it was a curse just by looking at the wound?
　If you say it's because he's a veteran, that's all you need to know, but isn't he too calm?
　You might think he's being causal.
　And so we often fail.
　But it's better than doing nothing and regretting it.

''Well you know how to break the curse, don't you?
Why do you think that is?
I thought I was getting too comfortable.

　Well, Frank chuckled.

So, what's going on?
'I know. It's not how to break the curse, but how to break it.
Do it.
Okay.

　Surprisingly, I should say, Frank responded honestly.

'Is it really so strange?'
Yeah, because I knew you'd say no.
We don't have time for this kind of trouble.

　With that, Frank looked up at the moon.
　When he looked up, he saw the kudzu leaves had fallen.
　It's only a visual measurement - but.

''Falling here?''
It's all right. You're in charge of the defense.

　Frank smiled serenely and closed his eyes.
　His body was enveloped in a pale light.

'Oh God!　Let's do it!

　Yuka tossed her cape and readied her staff.

''Skill and magic maximization!　Burn, burn, burn like the Eternal Fire--

　He begins to chant the spell, but in the meantime, Kuzuha is getting closer.

'Blast, blast, blast, like a volcano, burn with my enemy!　Reveal!　A burning world!　Flame Burst!

　A magic circle unfolded and a red light extended from its center.
　The red light penetrated Kuzuha and flames swelled up.
　The flames dyed the night sky red and Yuka exhaled heavily.
　My head hurts. Nausea.
　Her body is lazy. Furiously sleepy.
　This feeling was familiar.
　It's what I experienced when I was trying to see how much magic I could do.
　I'm about to run out of magic.
　I feel like I'm going to slump into the spot, but I manage to hold on.
　From my experience, I can still push it.

''Please ... Finish it.

　Yuka stared at the flames as if in prayer.
　But her hopes were dashed.
　A kuzu leaf jumped out of the flames.
　It rolled on the ground and stopped about fifty meters away.
　His body was half melted, but he completed his rebuilding in a flash.

''Aaaa, Aaaa, Aaaa--''

　Kuzuha barked and ran out.

''Re-chant!''

　Yuka pointed her wand at Kuzuha and shouted.
　A magic circle unfolds and red light gushes out.
　Flames burst forth and the trees around them burst into flames.
　Kuzuha didn't slow down, even though half of her body was blown off.
　The parts that build up his body split apart and return to normal.
　Heartlessly, his body seems to be getting bigger.

''You're moving too fast!''
Once again, I'll hold you back!

　Yuka shouted, and Liv jumped out of the way.
　He raised his pole hammer and spun around to close in on Kuzuha.

''Tornado attack and revision!''

　Jet-black flames envelop the pole hammer and the rotation accelerates.
　The ribs that had turned into a tornado collided with Kuzuha.
　There was a roar, and Kuzuha flew through the air.
　However, towards Yuka and the others.
　The moment they collided, the parts were detached from each other.

''Recitation-sho--''
'Aaaaaaaaaaa!

　Yuka tried to release her magic, but she couldn't do it in time.
　Just when she was ready to glare at Kuzuha, Laura intervened between Yuka and Kuzuha.

''Impact Reversal (Reflection)!''
'Aaaaaaah!

　Laura caught Kuzuha with her shield, but she was unable to bounce back.
　On the contrary, she is about to be pushed away.

''Oh Aaaaaaaaaaah!''
"Unbreakable Defense!

　The moment Laura shouted, the movement stopped in a flash.
　His shoulders sank slightly--

"Shield bash!

　The next moment, Laura and Kuzuha were blown up like a pop.
　The Kuzuha flew through the air again.
　However, this time it wasn't of its own volition.

''Re-chanting!　Recantation!　Recitation!

　The magic continues to shoot into the air.
　Flames engulf Kuzuha and heat surges through him.
　It tingles and hurts my skin.
　Even with the distance, this is it.
　The kuzuha in the center of it should not be safe.
　At the very least, if it were a human being, it would be extinguished.
　It's that much heat, and yet--

''Aaaaaaaaaaa!

　Kuzuha jumped out of the flames while regenerating her body.

''Recomposition--''

　Her vision wobbled, and Yuka couldn't bear to bend her knees.
　I'm at my limit. The magic power is exhausted. But--.

''Re-chanting!''

　Yuka gathered her energy and released her magic.
　A pathetically small flame lit up.
　This time, it really is the limit.
　Kuzuha is closing in on us.
　For some reason, the aim seems to be Yuka.
　You slut, you glare at me.
　A moment later, the wind passed overhead.
　The wind pierced Kuzuha and exploded from within.
　The kudzu-leaf broke apart and returned to its original shape about fifty meters away.
　The sound of footsteps approaching from behind.
　The owner of the footsteps - Makoto passed by Yuka's side and stopped as if nothing had happened.
　He has an arm.
　I don't know in what way, but Frank has broken the curse.
　I feel like crying involuntarily.

'Wha--'
d*mn, you're a hero.
I should have gotten more sleep.

　As Yuka swore, Makoto blurted out.

'Look, it's your job from here on out. Good luck with your slacking off.''
All right.

　Mako let out a deep sigh and started to run.
　Then, Kuzuha also ran out.
　The distance between the two sides instantly shrunk--.

''Aaaaaaaaa!''
"Metamorphosis!

　Just before they collided, Mako turned into jet black fire.
　The jet-black flame explodes and contracts, becoming a dot of black light.
　Then the black knight appears.
　The black knight pierced through his body and Kuzuha was dismembered once again.

''Aaaaaaaaaaa!''

　With a grating voice, the parts of the kuzuha emerge into the air.
　They swirl around like a whirlwind and fly directly overhead in unison.
　Following it, the black knight flies.
　The wind rushes in with a slight delay.
　It's a strong wind, no, a blast, that you can barely stand.
　With the moon in the background, the black knight and Kuzuha begin to fight.
　They collide, separate, and collide again.
　It doesn't feel like reality.
　It's like a manga or an anime - like a myth.

''Well that's outrageous.''
Mr. Frank!　Mr. Frank!

　I turned at the sound of Fujica's voice and saw Frank lying on his back.
　Yuka walked over and knelt down with a bad feeling in her heart.
　Then, Frank opened his eyes in a billion-dollar manner.

''Well I've done my part.
How did you get down?
I gave it to you.
"-Oh!

　Yuka gasped.
　Now I understand Frank's true intentions.
　He said he would break the curse, not break it.
　I mean, that's--

'Never mind. I was just doing my part.
Are you going to die?
Well, hey. We're going to have to be lucky if we can open our eyes again.

　Frank closed his eyes with a manly smile.
　Hey?　I called out to her, but she didn't move.
　His chest is rising and falling, so he doesn't seem to be dead, but--

'I'm sorry. Preferably with water pills or healing...

　I looked up at the sound of an apologetic voice and saw Laura lying a short distance away.
　Her arms and legs were twisted and she looked pretty bad.

'Laura can use healing too, right?'
We've run out.
Speaking of which, what about the curse?
I seem to be doing okay.

　Yuka patted her chest.
　It wouldn't be fashionable if even Laura was cursed.

'Fuji--'
Back!

　Immediately after Fujica shouted, a blast of wind rushed in.
　The wind died down and he opened his eyes.
　Then, the ground had caved in like a crater.
　The Black Knight had collapsed in the center of it.

''Aaaaaaaaaaa!''

　A voice echoes and I look up.
　The black flame-clad Kuzuha is charging towards the black knight.
　I have to do something about it," he said, holding up his staff.
　The black knight thrust a finger into the center of his chest.
　The armor of the chest area shatters.
　But there was nothing underneath it.
　It was just darkness stirring.
　Suddenly, the darkness stops moving.
　The surroundings were quiet and still.
　You can't even hear Kuzuha's voice.
　Without warning, the darkness erupted.
　The darkness that erupted from the black knight swallowed Kuzuha and climbed even higher into the sky.
　Then, the sky shattered.
　Yuka looked up at the sky, stunned.
　Beyond the shattered sky was what looked like the moon and the wreckage of a structure.
　While she was stunned, the hole was closed up--.
　With a huff, I looked at the center of the crater and saw that Makoto had fallen with his arms and legs thrown out.