So... how are you feeling?　The Lady of the House of Surrey.

　Old Zamel's voice reached Odette's ears.
　This was the magic testing ground in the Magic Guild.
　In the center of the guild, the second activation experiment of the "Spiritual King's Rider" was about to take place.

''I want you to respond when you hear it. Is everything all right?
You'll be fine. Lady Zamel.

　Odette replied.

　The magic laboratory has a stone wall.
It is a precaution in case the 'Ancient Magic' or 'Ancient Artifacts' run amok.
　Behind them, old Zamel and the magicians of the "Zamel School" were looking at Odette.

　Old Zamel, dressed in white robes, pointed to the box on the side.

'As soon as you feel your magic power is insufficient, you must tell me. I've prepared a potion to replenish your magical power.
Thank you for your concern.

　Odette nodded.
　She had just worn the 'Spirit King Rider' not long ago.

　It was uncomfortable.
　As a sorceress, Odette had rarely worn armor.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most out of your time in the future.
　It's the first time I've ever worn metal armor that covered my entire body.
　It is uncomfortable. But I don't feel a burden.

It's not just a matter of time before you're ready to go. Her limbs don't reach the end of the armor's limbs.
　You will be able to find out what you can do with it.
　Just as Odette thought to 'grip' it, the armor clenched her fingers and opened.
　The armor that moves not with muscles but with magic power - that is the strongest ancient artifact, the royal horseman.



　Odette sighed.

　I participated in the experiment because I wanted to help Yuki - just by doing this, I am reminded of the difference between him and me.
　Right now, Odette is just standing there, somehow clad in the 'Spiritual King Rider'.
　I'm not sure I can fight.

　Still, I have no choice but to do it.
　I don't want to be left behind.
　I'm going to be able to stand on the same spot as Yuki and Iris, even if it's only for the time that I can be with them──that's why I want to...

Please instruct us. Mr. Zamel, what should we do now?
Yeah. Walk normally first.
I understand.

　As instructed by old Zamel, Odette slowly put her feet forward.
　In line with the movement and image, the 'Spirit King Rider' also begins to walk.
　Although his speed is fast due to his wide stride, his movements are stable.

''My vision is higher than usual and my stride is wider than usual, but.......no problem. I can walk normally.''
Yeah?

　I could see old Zamel wiping his sweat off his face.
　The sorcerers around him also had a pouty look on their faces.

　You will find a lot of people who have a lot of experience in this field.

The "Spirit King Rider" is stable.
　The shield used by "Armed Ogre" is attached to the left elbow (left elbow), but it does not disrupt the balance of the left and right sides.
　Odette nodded her head, probably due to a magical stabilizing mechanism.

''The next step will be to conduct a defensive test against 'Ancient Magic'.......is that alright?''
Yes, sir. No problem.
''In the last experiment, after this test, the sorcerer who was clad in the 'Spirit King Rider' lost his mental balance. You (you) should also tell me if you feel abnormal.
I understand.

　Odette nodded.

'For your information, if you don't mind me asking... what happened in the previous experiment?'
"The one who was clad in the 'Spirit King's Rider' was seized by the urge to fight back and destroy. She said that the other sorcerers and humans seemed to be trivial. Then she ran out of magic and couldn't move.
''Well that's ... you'll have to be very careful.
Yeah. You need to be very careful.
Yes, sir.
Then let's begin.

　At the old Zamel's signal, several sorcerers step forward.
　As he was explained to them, Odette extends the arm of the 'Spiritual King Rider'.
　Seeing this, the sorcerers begin to chant the Ancient Magic.

It's a good thing that you're able to have a good time.
　This is the first time I've ever seen it.

(──Calm down. Odette-Suray. (You are safe.)

　Odette takes a deep breath and says to herself.

(How many times have you seen Yuki and the others' 'King's Horseman (Lord)' nullify the magic?　(The only thing that can hurt this is the same 'Oki (Lord)' and──Yuki's Holy Sword!

　I'm ready.
　Odette opened her eyes and looked at the magic that was about to be activated right now.

''Activate 'Red Lotus Star Bullet (Burning Meteor)!''

　And then - the sorcerers invoked the 'Ancient Magic'.

　Three huge fire bullets are flying at Odette.
　And then...

I'm going to play!　'Ei'

　The first shot - the fist of the 'Spirit King Rider' bounces.

''I can use my shield too!

　The second shot──Odet brings the shield of the "Armed Ogre" forward.
　The moment it touches it, the fireball of the 'Red Lotus Star Bullet' disappears.

"The next one - it's a bit off course. I'll catch it!

　The third shot - the fireball that is unlikely to hit the "Spiritual King Horseman" is sidestepped and received by the shield.
　With a cloud of dust, the "Ling Wang Kai" moves horizontally.
　The shield on his left elbow is held up to catch the fireball that is coming towards him──and it is annihilated.

''Oooohhhhhh!''

　A cheer went up from the magicians.

''Unbelievable.......even C-level magician Demeter, who could barely move the 'Spiritual King Rider'.......he's handling it lightly!
After all, isn't the Lady of the House of Surrey different?
'I'm moving it as if it were my body. I can't believe it...

(Huh?)

　Odette nodded her head.
Apparently, mastering the 'Spiritual King's Horseman' is an amazing thing for them to do.
　However, Odette didn't feel particularly burdened by it.
　In fact, compared to Yuki, she even thinks that she can only move at this level.

(.........Can't the others do this?)
(...even though I'm a low-ranked mage who just joined the guild?)

　When I look, I see old Zamel and the others in front of the defensive wall, discussing Odette's current movements.

　There is no one who can move the 'Spirit King Rider' like this. Odette-Suray should be made the exclusive user. I need to analyze her movements more - and we are talking with our foreheads together. Looking at the surprise, it seems that Odette has done something really amazing.

　But Odette doesn't know why.
　She thinks about it. What's the difference between you and the other sorcerers ──?

　Odette's experience is far less than Odette's by far.
　The amount of magic power is also not particularly strong.
　It's not that he has a special bloodline.

　If I had to force myself to look for differences with others...

(I guess it's just that I was given Yuki's "magic blood" before...)

　Odette clapped her hands with a plop.

　I felt like I understood the cause of the problem.

　Odette had received "magic blood" from Yuki during the battle against the "Beast King Horseman".
　That's the reason why I was able to communicate with the bats.

　And this Spiritual Warrior was hacked by Yuki once.

　At that time, Yuki had taken control of the Spiritual King's Horseman to the depths.
　I'm sure that this is why the Ouija might have become a part of Yuki's magic.

　It's the one that Odette, who received his "magic blood", wore the "Spiritual Rider", so...

(This armor - does that mean I've become a part of it too?)

　Odette put her hand on her chest, still wearing her armor.

　A wish, might come true.
　Odette's purpose is to support Yuki, who can't use her abilities outwardly. It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get your hands on it.
　It's a dangerous - but kind - Yuki and Iris, who adores her with all her heart.
　The immortal Yuki and the immortal Iris can't stay with Odette forever.
　One day they will leave this kingdom and go to a place where they can't reach.

　So, until then, I will do my best to stay with them.
　I'm going to help you both live a normal life.
　I hope that the two of you who are living for a long time - may you remember Odette.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make this happen through the use of a phantom, then you won't have any doubts.

''─Do you mind if I continue the experiment?　The Lady of the House of Surrey.
'Yes!　Lord Zamel!

　So in response to old Zamel's question, Odette nodded.

　A few minutes later, five golems appeared at the magic experiment site.

''I want you to dodge the attacks of these golems. 'Of course, I don't mind if you defeat them.'
Yes, sir.
"...Are you sure you're okay?　You don't have to push yourself, you know.
No problem.

　Odette answered shortly.
　There is no problem.
　I am in control of this Spiritual King's Horse.
　What are they worried about? Those sorcerers(...)........

It's no problem!

　Odette drove her 'Spirit King Rider'.

''I can't be of any help to that man if I'm going to falter with this golem!

　Yes!

　Odette slams the fist of the Spiritual King's Horseman into the Stone Golem.
　The hand that has the ability to nullify the magic is directly buried in the body of the stone golem.

''Oh!''
Wow. What a speed.
This is the talent of the daughter of House Srey?

　Odette doesn't listen to the voices of the sorcerers.
　It's not worth listening to. The enemy is still there.
　She slams her shield against the second stone golem, nullifying the magic that makes up the golem. Destroy it.
　The third body - the sorcerers are making a lot of noise.

　The insignificant ones are screaming.　
　It's loud (........).
　What is the meaning of this noise? Shut up.

Shut up. What am I doing now?

　For a moment, Odette stopped moving at the thought that flashed through her mind.
　At that moment, the Stone Golem's foot kicked the 'Spiritual King Rider'.

''──Got!

The golem that touched the "Spiritual King's Horseman" immediately collapsed.
　But the impact was felt by Odette.
　The body was shaken and Odette involuntarily fell to her knees.

　I'm not sure I'll be able to find the right one.
　A mere human sorcerer can make you uncomfortable.
　I have to make him pay for it.



　It's not Odette's own.
　This is something that flows in from the 'Spirit King Horseman'.

''You're the daughter of the Slay family!　What's the matter with you!

　Old Zamel is shouting.
　It's loud.
　My head is cancerous from being shaken by the golem.
　I want to lash out. I want to fight back and beat up the one who attacked me.

　That feeling - she can't control it.

(Don't tell me - the "Spiritual King Rider" is out of control?!)

　Odette opened her mouth to call a halt to the experiment.
　But her voice didn't come out.

The "Spiritual King's Horseman" is familiar to Odette.
　That also means that Odette is familiar with the "Spiritual King Horseman".

(.........body.......not moving?)

There is a system in the "Spirit King Rider" that neither Odette nor the "Magic Guild" knows about.
　It instructs its wearer, Odette, to attack it.

(I do not have complete control over this armor. (I don't have complete control over this armor, but rather the armor is trying to control me. To use this Spiritual King's Horseman, I still need more than that.

　Odette's face turned blue.

　Eventually, the 'Spirit King Horseman' walks towards old Zamel in the audience.
　Odette desperately tries to stop the Reigning King's Horseman.
　However, the armor starts to move on its own.
　Red letters are floating inside the armor. I can somehow understand the meaning. Out of control. Lack of coordination.

　Odette's magic power is indeed familiar to the Spiritual King's Horseman.
　However, it doesn't completely dominate it.
　This Spiritual King Rider doesn't even recognize Odette as its master. And now I know that.

''──I'm sorry. Yuki.

　Odette bit her lip.

'I ... wanted to help you, but ...'

　When Odette closes her eyes and is about to give up everything - when...



'....how can I hear Odette's voice?



　In Odette's mind, Yuki's voice echoed in her mind.

''──Yuki!

　Odette shouts back involuntarily.

''──Yuki-Grossaria?　What's wrong with him?
What the hell is Odette-Slay talking about?
'I do not understand. I don't hear anyone but Odette-Slay.

(──Does Yuki's words only sound like they are coming from me?

　It's not the voice that I'm hearing.
　Yuki's words are echoing directly into Odette's head wearing the "Spiritual King's Rider".

''Yuki. Can you hear me?　It's Odette!

　Odette called out in her head, but not aloud.
　Then...

'I can hear it. But why is Odette's voice echoing in my "Black King (Lord of) Horsemen (Noir)"?
''I don't know. Maybe it's because I'm wearing the Spiritual King's Rider.
"...why?

　A hint of dismay.

'I'm sorry. I don't understand. Why is Odette using the 'Spirit King Rider'?''
"He volunteered to be part of the activation experiment. I wanted to help you all.
"Odette's in King's Landing, isn't she?
''Yes. I'm wearing the Spirit King's Trojan Horse at the Sorcerer's Experiment Station. When I call out to you in this state, this is what I'll be doing...
''I see. When your friends are wearing the 'Royal Horseman', you can talk to each other at a distance...''

　Yuki seemed to nod.

''Perhaps the reason we're able to talk is because the 'royal horsemen' are connected to each other by magic power. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work. We're probably in a state of magical connection right now.''
"...Yuki...

　I couldn't help but smile at Yuki's words as she began her explanation.
　It was strange.
　With just one word from Yuki, you feel as if everything has been resolved.
　But........now is not the time.

　I have to tell Yuki what I've done.
　He may be appalled, but this information should be useful to him.

''I'm sorry. I seem to have let the 'Spirit King Rider' run amok.'

　Odette said in a trembling voice.
　I'll explain briefly.

　That she and old Zamel had experimented with activating the 'Spirit King Rider'.
　She felt that she could use it well.
　But after the experiment of being attacked, something unusual happened.

''This wasn't something that I could control.

　Odette told Yuki that.

I've managed to stop moving now, but I can't even get out of my armor.
'....is that so?
"Yes. That's why I'm going to use up all my magic.

　That would be the only way to stop the 'Spiritual King Rider'.
　I will continue to use 'Ancient Magic' until my magic power is exhausted, and I will intentionally cause it to run out of magic power.
　If this armor is moving with magic power, it should stop then.

　The experiment failed.
　Odette would be disposed of, incurring the wrath of old Zamel.

(But it can't be helped.)

　Odette bites her lip. Anger rises up in her at her own cowardice.
　She can feel the blood flowing from her over-chewed lips.
　She is frustrated with her failure - her cowardice.

''I see. In other words, the 'Spiritual King Rider' has a self-defense mechanism. It looks like it's going out of control.''

　Suddenly, Yuki's answer came back.

The first time I heard of it, I had a system of internal magic that seemed to be for counterattacks when we "invaded (hacked)" before. I didn't have time to mess with it that much back then, but... you know what, Odette?'
"Yes, sir!
I think it's designed to protect its wearer by automatically fighting back against an attacker. In short, even if Odette is unconscious, she's supposed to take out the enemy anyway.
"...that's the way it is...

　When he was attacked by magic, anger flowed from the armor.
　That was apparently a function to make him fight back automatically.
　It was Yuki's guess that the reason Odette couldn't resist it was because she didn't yet have complete control over the 'Spiritual King Rider'.

''To disable the internal magic.......I wonder how to do that. Should I just register the user?''
Yuki.... do you understand?
I'm not so sure. Odette, can you get blood on the inside of your armor?
I can do it.

　I just cut my lip from biting too hard.
　As told, Odette puts her lips to the inside of the armor.

'The rest of the magic power should flow from there to the entire armor. Follow yourself, commanding it to follow you.''
...the entirety of the armor...

　Image.
　As Odette's magic power flows from the blood-drenched area to her entire body.

(Listen to me - the "Spirit King Rider". I am your master.

　I close my eyes and declare with magic power.

(I command you in the name of Odette-Slay. I command you to obey me.
(The legacy of an ancient magical civilization.) Your power is for the protection of others.
(Not to invade, not to fight each other, but to avoid another big fight.)
And to protect the people I care about in this time and age of reincarnation.

　Odette clenches her fists - she moves.
　Little by little, the control of the body and the "Spiritual King's Horseman" is returning.
　I don't know if it's because of the magic power, or whether it's because of my own blood that received the "magic blood" or the power of my will.
　But I'm sure of it.
　Odette is able to control this 'Royal Horseman'.

(I command you once again.) I command you to obey me now. Spiritual Riders.

　Strong - surprisingly strong, even to himself, Odette declares.


(I command it in the name of Odette-Suray, friend of Lord-Of-Nosferatu, protector of the ancient village. Together with the magical power given to me by that man - become my servant!　("Spirit King Rider"!)


　In a few seconds...


You have successfully completed the authentication process.

　I heard a voice.

The user's magic registration is complete.

Check your user registration.
Lord No. 04, Lord of Phantom.
The user's name is Odette Suley. Establish control.


I authorize the use of all the features of the Spirit King's Rider. Welcome, Odette-Slay.


　There's a sound, and your body feels light.
　I raise my arms - I move.
　I can lift my legs.
　Your body is able to move without problems. The anger that was swirling around until a moment ago has disappeared.
　My head is clear. There's no pressure.

　My body is lighter.
　Rather, I'm moving faster than before.
　The magic power spread throughout the armor - it was as if it became one with my body.

''Lady of the Slay family. Odette-Slay!　You've been quiet all this time, but are you okay?　Answer me, please!
'Excuse me, Herr Zamel!　It's okay!

　To the old Zamel's cries, Odette replies with a wave of her hand.
　Really, there's no problem.
　Not a single one. The 'Spiritual King's Horseman' is completely under Odette's control.

I see. I was wondering what's going on with you when you didn't answer. Are you in a stable state of mind?　Are you experiencing any magic loss?
No problem at all, sir. And I have plenty of magic.

　Odette checks the magic inside her. There's enough spare power.
　Rather than that, the magic power consumption is less than before.
　This 'Royal Horseman' has really become Odette's.

　I'm sure that this is no longer useful for anyone other than Odette....

''Yuki. What in the world did you do?!''
'What?　That's why that "Spirit King Rider" had a system that would automatically fight back against anything that attacked it, right?　In order to nullify it, Odette needed to have complete control over the 'Spirit King Rider'.''

　As if it was nothing, Yuki replied.

''That's why I tried to make Odette's magic power spread deep into the system. Counterattack system, didn't it stop?''
They've stopped.
So it's not a problem.
That's not the point.

　A voice in her head - Odette found herself smiling - and then she realized that she was laughing.

　A really, really troubled person.
　He can help you whether you're near or far away.
　That's why - you want to rely on them. I want to be by your side....

　It's really a troubled person - while thinking about it, Odette suddenly realizes and asks a question.

It's a good idea to have a good time. You are now where are you?
"A day's ride from King's Landing, in the meadow. A moment ago, I was rescuing an injured... messenger.
Rescuing a courier?
'This is the fast horse that Mr. Rosso-Burns sent out to King's Landing. He was attacked by the enemy.

　Yuki told her, quietly.
　The seriousness of the words was clear to Odette.

　A messenger soldier heading from the border to the royal capital had been attacked by the enemy.
　That meant that the enemy had already entered the country.

''Odette managed to give a reason and tell the 'Magic Guild'. The enemy is a dozen or so soldiers. Their boss is the 'King's Rider (Lord)' in the form of a knight.''