The remains of the Heavenly Clan...?
Yes, they are. This ruin is a fortress made by us, the Celestials.

　The word "fortress" stuck with me.

　The word "fortress" means strong walls and gates, and there are traps and intricate internal structures that prevent the enemy from entering.
　Furthermore, there are traps to prevent the enemy from entering, and intricate internal structures...and so on.
　I suppose it has these characteristics, but this place has nothing like that.
　And yet, the fact that they call it a fortress.......is there something hidden here that I don't know about?

　No ... wait?

　Just because I am not aware of it, this fortress may already be showing its full function.
　And that function is.........

If this is a fortress, it has to have some sort of function, right?
Yeah, I suppose so.
What would those features be... magical seals and ability limitations?
Hmph, will you get to the answer soon? You're very good, Master Lane.

　Iris smiles, as if to say, "Correct.

''We can block the intruder's magic and further suppress their physical abilities to a great extent. That's the kind of wards that are being developed.
What a nasty...
Oh, there's no point in trying to destroy the warding. This ruin itself is a warding mechanism. Unless, of course, you want to destroy the ruins and bury yourself in the rubble yourself.
'I'm not suicidal like that. I mean, if you put a feature like that on Iris... no... maybe it doesn't apply to Iris?
You're really perceptive, aren't you...

　He hadn't expected this question and Iris rolled her eyes, looking genuinely surprised.

'Yeah, yeah. That's right. This is a fortress built by our Heavenly Clan. Therefore, its effects will never extend to the Heavenly Clan.
''We can shut down the opponent's power and show our true potential...I see. It's a fortress as good as any other.
I think that means we're safe here. Though ... my injuries have already healed and I will use them to kick the noisy winged insects away.

　This is not good.
　If we rush a strike force into a place like this, we're going to have to get wiped out.
　And since it's Iris, she's not going to let even one of them escape...

　I'm not going to let them take down Iris, but that doesn't mean it's okay for the defeating party to be wiped out.
　I want to get this across somehow, but...

No, Miss Lane.

　Iris snapped her fingers and....
　As if in response, the entrance to the room closed.

'You mustn't tell me.
Well, that's what happens.

　How could you let me off the hook so easily?

Now, shall I tell you a story?

　Iris walked over to us and closed the distance between us, unprotected.
　It's probably because he has the overwhelming advantage of being able to wield 100% of his power, that he is able to act like that.

''What brought you here, Rain-sama?　Apparently, they're separated from the people outside but either way, you're sure you have business with me, right?
Well I guess I'll just be honest with you when it comes to this.

　Let's take a shot at him and shatter him.

I'm here to seal Iris.
Yeah.

　Iris's face turns into a cold smile.

　She says she likes me.
　Maybe it's true.
　It's not that I'm going to go easy on him, but he didn't strike me with direct hostility.

　But it's a different story when you're in danger yourself.
　You can't just do the same thing as before.
　Iris shoots me a cold eye.

''Is that true?　Not bluffing like you used to?
'It's true. You can't just tell the same lie again, can you?
So you're going to tell me how you intend to seal me up?
''It's the same as last time. Sora and Luna we'll use the power of the spirit race to seal Iris with the help of a legendary grade item as a vessel.
....
I've mastered the magic and I've prepared the items to serve as vessels. I'm ready to go.
I'm so sorry.

　Iris distances herself from me.
　With her back to us, I can't see her expression.
　However, judging from the tone of her voice, I had a feeling that she looked lonely.

''I'll repeat, I liked Rain-sama, right?　I'm human, but there's something about being human that I can't hate, and I enjoy being with them...
'I feel the same way. Iris did a lot of things, but I couldn't hate her. Maybe I was just feeling sorry for her, but I wanted to help her.
And you would seal me out of it?
It's because I can't hate Iris.

　Because if we don't, there is no future for Iris because it will be lost.
　So, for now, we have to do what we can: seal him.

By sealing Iris off, I can help her. That's the answer I've come up with.
...I see.

　Iris looks back at me.
　Her face was........expressionless.
　I can't see any emotion at all.
　It's somewhat doll-like and frightening.

"I understand how you feel, Rain-sama. But ... I don't want that to happen. If you can't blow up the flames of this burning hatred, then you don't deserve to be alive.
Iris you don't have to...
And if you interfere with that, I'll have no qualms about it, even if it's Master Lane.

　There was a killing intent in Iris' eyes.
　The mere fact that he stared at me with them made me feel like my body was going to sag.

　I touched on Iris's hatred when we fought last time, but....
　That was only the tip of the iceberg.
　Today, for the first time, I feel like I've been exposed to the essence of the darkness that Iris is carrying around.

　I didn't think she was carrying this much....
　I almost feel deflated, but I can't lose.
　If I retreat here, I will never be able to stand in front of Iris again.
　I will not be eligible for that.

　So.
　You know what I'm going to do?
　I have a decision to make.

My final words of advice. Will you stop thinking about this nonsense and just walk away?　I'll let you off the hook now.
'I'm sorry, but I've already made up my mind. I can't do that.
....
I'm going to seal Iris off. And I won't let the people out there get to him. This is the path I have chosen.
I understand.

　Iris says ruefully.

　But he only shows such a look for a moment.
　It quickly switches to something cold as ice.

''Then........it can't be helped. Even if you are Rain-sama, I won't show any mercy if you interfere with me. Will you die?
I'll say no to that. I've got to help Iris, you know.
You're supposed to seal me away.
Otherwise, it won't stop, will it?
Yes. Of course I am. I have no intention of stopping. I have sworn to avenge my death with my body, my soul, and everything I have.
I don't know what kind of creature thinks of nothing but revenge.

　The words seemed to irritate her, and Iris's face was twisted.


So what do you do?
I'll kill you for that.
Let's do it.

　I pulled out my camouflage and set it up.
　Iris held her hands out to the left and right, ready.

"I'm going to end it right here.
No. I'm not going to let it end for me or Iris the only thing that will end is Iris' revenge.

　And then we collided.